At 5:23 this morning I got the phone call the school was closed for the day. So I turned off my alarm, rolled over, and went back to sleep. I got up with Chris and made coffee and watched the dogs high-step through the snow in the yard. After having breakfast and working on a few projects, I decided to head out and hit the road.
Weather.com said it was about 27 degrees in our neighborhood. Of course, as I was getting ready, the wind picked up and was blowing snow everywhere. I put on Smart Wool toe socks, my Merrells, pants, a fleece skirt, a long sleeve shirt, two jackets, a beanie style hat, my Buff face wrap, Brooks gloves with my homemade fleece mittens on top, and sunglasses.
I made sure my watch found the gps BEFORE leaving the house since it was so cold. I walked for about a half mile then I started running. I had to be very careful since parts of the road were shady and there were some ice patches. I live on a tertiary road and run on secondary roads...some had been plowed and there was sand in areas, but VDOT can't get every bit of it up.
My lungs have still not quite recovered, so running was hard today. When it was hard to breathe--which the cold air makes it almost impossible to breathe--I just walked. But I was so glad to at least get out there and move.
After a week of not running, I finally got out there today. I spent the last week trying to keep from getting sicker. I thought a did a great job beginning antibiotics when I knew there was an infection starting, taking over the counter meds, using my Neti Pot, sleeping more, drinking plenty of fluids, and everything else. The only thing I didn't do (and I know better) was starting to use my nebulizer when my lungs became affected. I probably should have started using it a week ago, but only started using it 2 days ago. I'll continue to get better!
But I did get out to run. I knew it was going to continue to get colder today since a cold front is headed our way. I walked for the first 1/2 mile and then started running. I ran for about 3 more miles, then walked a couple of tenths of miles and then finished the rest of the way running. It felt so great to get out in the air and run. I struggled with my breathing for the first mile, but then it got better. About mile 3 I realized that I hadn't taken my inhaler before leaving the house! :-0 But I decided that I had made it that far and I would continue to run all the way home.
At least I have headed back out. It felt horrible not being able to run and get outside. Now, if I can make sure I don't get sick anymore, especially in the next month. On February 24, 2013, I will run my very first Half Marathon joining thousands of other runners at the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I can't wait!
I picked up red, yellow, and white material yesterday at JoAnn's Fabrics to create my costume. Megan gave me a blue technical shirt for Christmas to be my top and I will sew a yellow skirt out of satin, yellow spandex shorts, and a white collar and red cape. I'll put photos and my directions on this blog when I get started on it.
I haven't run in almost a week! I obviously didn't get rid of whatever illness I kept trying to get before my last long run. Luckily, my doctor gives me antibiotics to begin taking when I know I need them. The fuzziness in my head and dizziness last week were the beginnings of a sinus infection. I began taking the antibiotics a few days ago, and have finally started to feel better. I even had to leave work on Thursday due to the horrible feeling in my head. I slept most of the day and took over the counter meds to help the mucus start flowing and getting out. (Mucinex and Alka-Seltzer cold medicine) I've also been using my inhaler at least once a day to help my breathing and breathing moist hot air in the shower daily. If my nose was somewhat clear, I also used my Netti Pot.
Luckily, I think I've caught this in time--if I don't, the yucky stuff drops to my lungs and I just get worse. I didn't want to stop running, but my husband reminded me that sometimes our bodies just need to heal and get well. I'm glad he is on my side and can convince me that sometimes it is ok to quit. Of course, I know the first day back is going to be a little bit of a struggle. I hope to run tomorrow or Monday close to home. That way, if it is too soon to run, I can just walk myself back home.
Here's to modern medicine!
Today was Sunday and Chris & I planned on running a nice long run. On Friday, I almost left work since my head was spinning and I felt horrible, but I didn't. If you are in education and teach, then you know how hard it is to just leave when you feel ill. I could have gone to check if a sub was available, but I was worried that none would be plus they don't like hiring subs half day, so I didn't. I really should have gone home.
How does this relate to today's run? Well, I tried to sleep extra on Saturday and Sunday to help me get over whatever it is bugging me (pun intended). On Sunday, we drove to Harris Hollow road, parked the car, and headed out together. Chris was actually ahead of me for the first mile or so, and I just couldn't catch up with him. That should have clued me in that something was wrong. I was just tired and couldn't seem to get in a rhythm and breathe correctly. I basically walked a good deal more than I usually do and made it 4 miles out on the road. Of course, then I had to turn around and go the 4 miles back to the car. Which I finally did. Slowly and painfully. I probably shouldn't have run at all, but I am looking at running the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in about a month, and I want to continue my mileage.
Once I made it back to the car, I tried to stretch and cool down, but gave up and just plopped in the car. Chris started driving home while I drank my Accelerade. As we got closer and closer to home, I began to get colder and colder--mind you, it was over 50 degrees outside. I got so cold I had to turn on the seat heater and cover up with a towel. When we made it home, I dropped all my running things, and curled up on the couch with a thick blanket. My teeth were chattering I was so cold! My husband said I didn't move for almost an hour--which is amazing since I really had to go to the bathroom on the drive home! :-o
Once I got warm, I soaked in a hot shower and felt much better. I basically was exhausted and didn't do much of anything the rest of the day. So much for exercise giving you energy. But, I must have been fighting something, and hopefully the long run RAN it out of me. At least I hope so!
So, notes to self: Don't run when you have a headache. Don't run when you aren't breathing well. Don't run when you don't feel well! Or at least just run less!
After working all day, I had to run to the dump to turn in some recycling from work, then the post office, then home. It was cloudy most of the afternoon, so I knew I would have to worry about how much daylight I would have on my run. I quickly got ready to run, took my inhaler and antihistamine, and debated taking something for my slight headache. I decided to try to just run through it. I really dislike taking medication (really ironic since I have to take meds every day for asthma) and had a headache most of the day. That should have been a big clue for me. Take something for a headache, don't expect it to disappear on its own!
As I ran down the road, my husband passed me on his way home. I had hoped he would be able to join me, but he commutes 1.5-2 hours each way to work so sometimes he just can't get here in time. I only got in 3.5 miles today and struggled with my breathing most of the run. I am not sure if it was because I was pushing myself, or because my head hurt, or because it was just a bad day for my breathing. I didn't have an inhaler with me, so I walked more as my breathing became labored. I made it home by the time it became dark and drank my Accelerade drink, and took a long hot shower. The steam in the shower always helps my breathing and makes me feel better. I hope to log a much longer run this weekend when the temperatures will be in the 60s. Hard to believe, January in Virginia and it will be 60-something degrees! Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about my bum getting cold on the run! :-)
I should have run today, but instead I decided to save 3 lives. After work and a meeting, I headed to the Washington Fire Hall for their blood drive. Luckily the line wasn't long and I got right in. I have to work on warming up my finger for the hemoglobin check since I am sometimes borderline. Luckily I had a score of 14 today! I had a younger phlebotomist today and she had to do a little moving of the needle a few times to keep my blood flowing. Usually I can fill my bag in about 5-6 minutes, but not today! But, I donated!
Go to redcrossblood.org to locate a blood drive near you. It takes about an hour, hurts only a little, and saves lives. One day someone special to you may need blood. Be a hero--donate today!
Today was one of my last days off for the holidays, so after doing many small jobs around the house, I decided to hit the road. I pulled on my VFFs and took my ihaler and antihistamine and headed outside. I was able to run 4.1 miles today, but my average pace was a little slower than on New Years' Day. I think the hills here really slow me down, or the excitement of a race really speeds me up! I felt good running today and didn't have to worry about how light or dark it was since I ran earlier in the day. Another good running day!
Today is Ephiphany, the day where some religions celebrate the Wise Men's visit to the Christ child. Our family has always celebrated this day with a small gift to each family member under the tree. It also signifies the 12th day of Christmas and time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations. So, much of my day was spent trying to do just that. It is always so much more fun to decorate than to un-decorate! Plus, both Megan and Sarah have returned to college, meaning I have two less helpers!
Once I found time to run, I had almost waited too long. It is still getting dark close to 5:30, so I have to remember to start my runs with enough time to finish before dark. Luckily, Megan gave me lights for my hat and a nighttime running vest to help keep me safe. I needed these today since it was late afternoon when I headed out.
I was able to log 7.55 miles today, but really wanted to do 8 or 9. I decided that today would be a slower run, trying to just log more miles and work on my endurance. I didn't feel fabulous, but I didn't feel horrible either. Just an okay running day. About 4/10s from home, it was almost dark and I was running by an embankment next to a field. All of a sudden I heard a huge noise and rustling leaves--it was a cow that had been right next to the fence that I had startled. He startled me too! I jumped and exclaimed, "You scared me to death!" and continued running. Luckily no one is around when I run, because people might really get a kick out of the things that I say and do as I move along.
My calves have really been tight lately, so I realized that I needed to do more stretches to help lengthen them. My daughter Megan sent me a link about yoga stretches that help runners since running tends to tighten certain muscles. After doing a few of the stretches, I definitely felt better. Now to continue to do the stretches every day.
My husband, daughter, and I decided to try something new for New Years' Day. We drove to Fairfax, VA and joined hundreds other runners for the inaugural Commitment Day Run in Washington, DC. I love going to runs/races because it is a great motivator for me and the spirit and energy of all of the runners is contagious and uplifting. We got there early because we weren't sure how difficult it would be get parking, especially since we didn't have any idea how many people would be there. We picked up our numbers, a T-shirt, and a free journal. Then we stayed in the car to keep warm until time to head to the race.
After taking my inhaler and all of us getting suited up, we walked to the race starting point. My daughter joined other dancers in a line dance, while my husband and I had our picture taken. We then grabbed our daughter and got a few pictures with all three of us. We wandered around taking in all the runners and excitement. The most interesting person had to be the young gentleman who was dressed in a suit, tie, and dress shoes with a number pinned to his shirt. As he sipped his Starbucks coffee, we asked him if he was really going to run like that, and he said yes. Wow!
We placed ourselves in the middle of the crowd, talked with a few nice people in the area and then headed out at the start signal. The run was a 3.1 course that went on the roads around the Fairfax Corner shopping center. Luckily it wasn't too hilly, and not as crowded as other runs I have been in. I actually set a brand new best time for myself! Woohoo! My daughter found the suit man and asked him if he ran the whole way and if he had any blisters from his shoes. He laughed and said yes he ran, and yes he had blisters. Funny.
The whole point of Commitment Day is to help people commit to being healthier. I think that this was the perfect way to ring in 2013.
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