Big K...

Tonight marked the launch of "Big K Designs."

Not so good TGIF...

Yesterday was not a good Friday. I was bummed that my shoes haven't come in, I was disappointed that we aren't going to Dallas this weekend, I was tired because I couldn't fall asleep until after 1am the night before, and I'm sure there's more...

I needed to get my BP checked again to determine whether or not I could continue taking the pill this weekend, so I went back to the doc after work. My BP was through the roof - it was the highest result that I've had. They wanted to wait and check it again in 10 minutes, possibly with me lying down to see if the position made a difference. However, I had pretty much decided at that point regardless of whether I had a lower reading the 2nd time that I wasn't going to continue taking the pill - it's not worth taking that chance. 2nd result was high as well. So, the nurse gave me some info on another type of birth control pill (progestin only) and the Depo shot. She left me to wait in a room reading the info sheets by myself until she could talk to me further. I did not like what I saw and walked out of the room, not ready to commit to something else so quickly. I wanted to talk to K. She ushered me back into the room and encouraged me to listen to her go over things. She seemed convinced that the progestin only pill would be a good alternative for me to try since it doesn't have estrogen, which is the hormone that is contraindicated for high-blood pressure. We briefly discussed the Depo shot, but one of the side effects of that is bone thinning, which probably isn't the best for running. She also indicated that she hesitates to prescribe that for women in their 30's because it takes 6-9 months after stopping it to become pregnant. Not that K and I are ready for that now or in the immediate future, but it was a concern. So, we opted for the alternate form of the pill, with continued monitoring of my BP to see if it drops, which we obviously hope it will. I thought it was funny when she asked if I have been going through a particularly stressful time lately, considering that might be the culprit for the sudden increase in BP recently. Um, yes, you could say that I have.

So, I left feeling overwhelmed and concerned. I tried calling K repeatedly before I had an emotional meltdown, but he wasn't answering his phone. I had previously told him that I was considering going to get my nails done after I got my BP checked if I got the all clear. However, I realized that I really should have said the opposite since I needed something to make me feel better at the moment. And, let me tell you that was the best $7.00 that I have ever spent! I have always been fortunate to have nice long nails, and I always paint them myself. My nails are actually a good indication of my stress level since I don't seem to have time or energy to do them when I am super busy or stressed. I have a difficult time justifying paying someone to do my nails when I can easily do a pretty good job by myself, especially when money is one of my stressors lately. But, yesterday, I needed someone to do something for me at that moment, so I stopped and got a french manicure on my way home. It was just what I needed.

We had sushi for dinner at Umi with K's old roommate and his girlfriend who was visiting from Singapore. It was pretty good. I still think Maiko is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in the area though. I was pretty exhausted from the day and the week (as usual, as K would say), so
I pretty much crashed immediately after we got home. I needed the good night's sleep that I got.

I got up a little before 8 this morning, but decided not to run. I wanted to watch the web broadcast of the Men's Olympic Trials in Central Park, and I'm glad I did because it was inspiring. Ryan Hall made it look so effortless all the way into the finish. He had a really amazing performance.

So, today is college football Saturday, K's day. I'm going to try to not be around.

The shoe saga continues...

I just called Betty Sport and my shoes won't be in until the middle of next week.

Poopie.

ART, Session 13...

When I walked into the doctor's office this afternoon, my doc was at the receptionist's desk and asked me how I was. "Okay," I replied. Better, but not gone. He jokingly said that I just like coming in. I laughed and said he was right. Then, seriously, I told him I wish that I could say it's 100% better. Supportively, he said he knew.

I started out using the TP equipment as usual. The doc was pretty much ready for me when I got there, so we quickly got started with the ART. Interestingly, I didn't have much pain in the inside lower part of my legs where I usually do. As he moved his way down "following the pain," he ended up working more on the area near my tendons. Now, *that* I felt. So, after we worked on that area from the front, I flipped over and he worked on that area on the back of my legs as well. I also did the anodyne treatment on that area of my legs, but for half the time that I usually do since there is less tissue there. I am hopeful that working on this area will really help. I seemed to notice a difference afterwards just walking around. So, fingers are crossed.

I'm hoping that my shoes will come in tomorrow so that I can go for a run in them tomorrow evening and/or Saturday morning.

Oh, and, we're not going to Dallas this weekend after all.

What was I thinking?

I just offered to host a holiday party for my staff at our house next month.

That means we have to clean, decorate, do something with our yard and flower beds, cook, buy stuff, etc.

I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is typically one of my favorite holidays. And, this year I was especially looking forward to passing out candy to the trick-o-treaters with K. It seemed like a particularly domestic thing to do.

So, I went for a short run immediately after work so that I could get home and shower prior to sunset. I ran the 3.5 mile Congress loop from the house again, this time in an old pair of Mizuno's. It wasn't pain-free, but the pain was only relatively mild this time. The negative thoughts turned out to be the biggest obstacle (coupled with the hills) during today's run. "It's not supposed to be this hard."

The first trick-o-treaters came by while we were eating around 6:30. K said, "We have trick-o-treaters. What do I do?" It was cute. We had an enjoyable evening passing out candy to the kids while trying to also watch television. One particular funny moment occurred when K commented on a young boy's costume and asked him if he had scared any of the young girls yet. As he was walking away, the boy said, "I'm just a little kid dressed up." It was precious. We ran out of candy around 8:30, so had to turn out the porch light then.

It was our 1st Halloween living together in a house.

Doc...

I always find it interesting how others address me at work - some refer to me by my first name, others use my title, and some just say "Hey, Doc" (actually that is also how K greets me when he calls me at work).

I also think it is interesting how this might vary from how they address other professionals - does it vary by gender, by age? As a relatively young female, I think that comes into play when others view me, regardless of my credentials and experience.

Update...

I haven't posted much since Saturday because I've been in a pretty crappy mood for a variety of reasons. I know there is a hormonal element to the moodiness this week, but there are still very real stressors that I am dealing with. And, when my primary support system (K) is on the fritz, then things get even harder for me to deal with.

After the abbreviated painful run on Sunday, I wasn't in the best of moods. But, we went to the Rogue Halloween festivities to meet friends and support a good cause. Apparently they did too good a job transforming the Annex into a Haunted House and traumatized a few children in the process. If I was still in private practice, I could have started handing out business cards to the parents as the kids came out of the Haunted House! :)

We went to dinner at Homeslice with Holly and Chris afterwards. I always enjoy spending time with Holly, so this was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Yesterday was another frustrating and stressful day at work. Coupled with the bad weekend runs, I wasn't in the best mood when I went to the doc for ART yesterday. I started out using the TP equipment as usual while the doc finished up with another patient. While I was doing that, an "assistant" came over to check on me and see how things were going - um, not good. Then, I felt like he started to overstep his bounds by asking me a ton of questions to get the lowdown on my injury and running history, etc. Um, I've been through all this already. I really didn't appreciate him butting in offering advice when (a) I already knew much of what he was telling me, and (b) my doc knows my treatment and what we've been working on. He was trying to get me to do some excercise for my glutes - hello, the problem is my lower legs not my glutes, buddy. I didn't buy into it and refused to do it. I guess you could say I was being a difficult patient yesterday. My doc was eyeing us the whole time that the other guy was talking to me - like what the heck is he doing with my patient? So, when my doc finally came over to rescue me, he was just as disappointed and frustrated as I was about the reemergence of the pain over the weekend. I explained about the shoe issues (new style of neutral shoes on Saturday and old worn-out Mizuno's on Sunday). Same treatment regimen - ART followed by anodyne on both legs. Next session is on Thursday.

Hopeful, I went for a short run when I got home from the doctor yesterday. I ran the 3.5 mile Congress loop from the house. I gave the new Saucony's another shot, but I don't think they are the miracle shoe that I am hoping for. I had to stop and stretch about a mile in - K happened to come running by shortly after I stopped. I continued on and stopped to stretch 1 or 2 more times after that. The pain was mild to moderate, and it seemed to get better toward the end of the run again (similar to Saturday's run). I'm eager for my Wave Creations to come in at BettySport - they will be the new version (VIII), which I haven't run in yet. At some point, I'd rather dance with the devil I know, I guess.

I didn't run tonight. I figured I'd take the day off and try again tomorrow with fresh legs. If it's pain-free, then there is a half-marathon in Dallas that we may go up for this weekend. Stay tuned.

I finally went back to get my BP checked today. Still significantly higher than it was a year ago, but slightly less than when I originally had it checked last month. I'm going to go back in to have it checked again either Thursday or Friday - if it's comparable to today, then I will be able to continue taking the pill. I have mixed feelings about that.

I wanted comfort food for dinner tonight, so we went to Threadgill's. Mac and cheese, yum. I finally broke down and opened the Halloween candy that has been staring at us for weeks now. I'm proud that I held out for this long! It's chocolate after all!

So frustrating...

I set out to run the 7 mile loop on the trail, but had to cut it short at Congress because I was hurting again. I wanted to cry. I still do.

Just another Saturday...

We didn't get up early to run this morning. Sleep just felt too good. And, with the arrival of the cooler weather, it's not as critical to get a run in during the morning anymore since the temps in the afternoon are just as nice (at least that is how I rationalized it this morning).

We did get up about 8:30 though to go to Sadie's birthday breakfast, which it turned out that the birthday girl wasn't even able to go to because she was sick. Happy birthday, Sadie! And, feel better soon. (You were right, the muffins were terrific!). We were able to catch up with some of our runner friends though and hear stories of their recent marathons and training.

After breakfast, we went over to BettySport so that I could exchange my shoes. It turned out to be more difficult than I had hoped. I had 2 salesgirls help me, tried on many different shoes, and left with a neutral Saucony shoe (similar to my Wave Creations). The plan is to run in these for a few days and then go back in to compare them to the new Wave Creations that they ordered for me when they arrive. The service that I received there was exceptional.

The afternoon was pretty uneventful. It is college football Saturday after all...

I finally went for a short run early this evening. I ran the 3.5 mile Congress loop from the house. And, my friend was back...shin splints during the first 2 miles. I had to stop and stretch a couple of times, but the pain seemed to diminish somewhat toward the end of the run. There's so many variables that it is hard to figure out what is going on. I haven't ran since last Sunday. I haven't had ART since Monday. It could be the shoes. I don't know! It's so frustrating though. I think I'm going to try to do a 7 or 10 mile run (in my old Mizuno's) tomorrow morning.

I went to pick up burgers from Hut's for dinner after we ran. YUM.

Ohio State is playing tonight. So, that's our Saturday night entertainment.

Gotta love Saturdays in the fall!

That crazy running thing we do...

I really wasn't kidding when I said I tore up my foot with the new shoes on Sunday. I told K earlier that it looks like a burn - it's now a medium size distinctly red patch on the inside of my left foot. Pus or some kind of fluid has oozed out occasionally, and it seems like there's still a little more fluid in there.

I was really looking forward to doing a short, easy run today in this cooler weather, especially when I found out that Sadie, who has been dealing with her own injury issues over the past couple of months, was up for a run today as well. I met Sadie for the first time when I joined the Performance Project with Mac last fall. I had just ran Chicago and immediately jumped into training for Austin...not the best idea after training intensely for over a year. I was initially intimidated about joining the "fast club" as I call it (with K as president), but Sadie really welcomed me into the group and I have enjoyed getting to know her and run with her since then. So, I was excited about the chance to run with her again today.

But, a run wasn't in the cards for me today. I was able to get my OLD running shoes on, but it hurt too much when I tried to run for a few steps. So, no run today. Hopefully, I can try again in a day or two when it has healed more.

We had the privilege of hearing Dick Beardsley speak tonight, thanks to Team Spiridon and Conley Sports. He shared stories from a couple of his first few marathons, including his 1981 win at Grandma's. It was a unique opportunity to hear one of the best U.S. marathoners speak about running and his life.
As usual, I've been thinking a lot about what's next in terms of my running. The reality of marathon training seems more realistic now that my lower leg pain has been, dare I say, eliminated. With November right around the corner, I feel like it's too late to play catch up with training for Austin in February. I know I can run the half there if I want, but running another half isn't my goal. So, I think we are now looking at running a late Spring marathon, possibly Big Sur in CA at the end of April. It's described as a "moderately difficult" course due to some hills, but I'm not trying to BQ there. It seems like a beautiful course along the Pacific. Rogue training begins on Nov. 10.

I've been hesitant to announce this publicly because of my failure to follow through with my previous goal of doing the DC (and running the Austin marathon). But, goal-setting is an ongoing process that evolves. I'm not quitting on my goal to run another marathon (or eventually to BQ), but I am also taking a realistic appraisal of where I am right now. And, this is where I am today...

ART, Session 11...

The doctor-patient relationship is an interesting one. It is unique, powerful, and special in so many different ways. In my relationship with my ART doc, I think I am starting to glimpse what my clients may feel like with me sometimes. You come in for the first time hurting...physically, emotionally, or both. You are hopeful that something will make you feel better, but skeptical and perhaps mistrustful initially. You cling to the positive that you are given, but don't always abide by the doctor's orders. But, you persist...you do the work with the doc. You spend time together and get to know each other. And, the tide begins to turn...you see the possibility of change and real improvement. You are grateful.

I had my 1st session of ART a month and a half ago. I've gone twice a week, with a couple of exceptions when I only went once. I am so grateful for the decrease in my symptoms. The doc was excited to hear about my great 13.1 mile run over the weekend. He joked that I'm going to be his testimonial on their website. I would happily do it.

So, today was the usual ART on my lower legs followed by andoyne. He initially said that I could skip the anodyne today (it takes 25 minutes or so), but I said nope. I reminded him that we didn't do it last Monday and then I started hurting again during my runs last week, so I didn't want to take any chances. He laughed.

I told him about my shoe problems on Sunday and showed him the results. He's like K and wanted to touch the area - um, NO, it hurts. Interestingly, the ART hurt much more on my left leg than it has in weeks. Since that is the leg that I was primarily having the foot problems with during the run, he suggested that I was probably trying to compensate by running more on the outside of the foot since the sensitive area was on the inside of the foot. So, he didn't seem too concerned about the re-emergence of the pain there. I gotta get "the right" pair of shoes!

Next session is on Monday.

Frustrated and tired...

People frustrate me. A lot.

I am way too responsible for my own good. I arrived at work at 8:30am this morning. This after getting delayed in Houston for hours last night on our way back from Columbus and not getting into bed until a little before 2am. AND, my "foot issues" from wearing the new shoes at the race on Sunday got progressively worse yesterday. It hurt to put a stocking on over the sore while I was getting dressed this morning and I went through several pairs of shoes to find the one that hurt the least. So, not only am I exhausted, but I am also hobbling around. But, I'm here at work, dammit. Just like a good employee and supervisor. And, I'm having to run around behind everyone to clean up their messes (K knows how much I hate that).

So, I'm not having a good day.

Columbus...

Finally, free internet access. I go a little nutty when I can't check email, update my blog, check on everyone else via email and blogs, and have the internet at my fingertips. I feel calmer now that I am connected. It's been a couple of days since I posted, so this will probably be long...

I'll stick to the Columbus trip so far. We had a 5:40am flight yesterday, so we were up at 4am. It's probably best for our relationship if K and I don't talk to each other until at least 7am. We arrived at the gate as the flight was boarding and headed to Houston for our connecting flight to Columbus. We had a very tight connection, which we barely made. So, we arrived right on time in Columbus around 11am yesterday. Starving, we stopped to grab a quick bite to eat after we left the airport. We met K's parents and sister, who had also just arrived, at the hotel. Then, they dropped me off at the Expo while they headed off to the OSU pre-game festivities. I love a good Expo, so I enjoyed being able to take my time and view all of the booths. I picked up a few goodies for me and K, then headed back to the hotel to settle in for a long afternoon nap. K finally made it back from the game a little after 8 then we went to eat dinner at the hotel restaurant since all of the other local restaurants were busy. I had pasta...K had ribs. I had a hard time falling asleep because of my nap earlier in the day. I also had to finally tell K at 11:30pm to turn off the football.

So, here's all of the things that I did wrong on the day before and day of running a half-marathon:

I did not get much sleep on Friday or Saturday night.
I did not hydrate.
I spent 1+ hours at the Expo.
I walked 3/4 of a mile back to the hotel from the Expo (as well as a lot of walking at the airport).
I did not eat dinner until 9pm.
I wore new shoes on race day.

Thankfully, our hotel was a block or so from the start line, so we got to sleep in this morning. I didn't get out of bed until 7:20am. The race started at 8am. My whole approach to it though was that it was just an easy weekend long run. So, that's how I handled it.

K and I drove the course when we were here back in May because I was planning on running the full marathon at that time, so I was vaguely familiar with the course. Flat, flat, flat (except for the awesome downhill finish)...just the way I like it.

The weather was just about perfect for distance running this morning. It was in the 50's at the start, so I ditched my long-sleeve pullover and gloves at the clothing drop-off as soon as I got to the start area. I only had to wait 5-10 minutes before the gun went off. My game-plan for the day was to run an easy 9:30 pace and to walk the water stops (30 seconds or so). I was not going to be stupid and try to race this...that would have been a recipe for disaster. I knew within the first half-mile that my legs were going to cooperate today, and thankfully, I did not have any pain at all during the run. I didn't even have to stop and stretch during the run! Who would have thought this was even possible just a few short weeks ago when I could barely run 3 miles?!?!?

I stuck to my plan, and I had a fantastic run today. I couldn't have asked for much better (well, actually I had some foot issues with the new shoes). My legs felt great throughout the race, no shin or calf pain, and relatively good cardio. My need to address hydration/nutrition issues was further reinforced today. I alternated water and gatorade at every water stop, and I had a side stitch a little over halfway in. I had to take a bathroom break at mile 8. I took a gel at mile 9. I was a little worried that it was going to upset my stomach, but it didn't. I think it might have even helped with the fluids that I was taking in.

So, I finished in 2:16, which means that I averaged 10 minute miles (9:30 pace running though with the 30 seconds to walk through each water stop) + a 5 minute bathroom break. It's about 30 minutes off my half-marathon PR, but that is not what today was about at all. I am ecstatic (a) that I had a pain-free run!, and (b) that I comfortably ran a distance farther than I have run in months. I'm damn proud of that medal.

K had a relatively good run too, considering our lack of training lately. He placed 31st in his age group. Not bad at all. He was there at the finish to cheer me in. I heard him yell "Go, Mel! You did it!" as I went flying by toward the finish chute. Yes, I did.

After we rested for a little bit back at the hotel, K and I went to lunch with his mom. As usual, I wanted a big, yummy cheeseburger for my post-long run meal. I suggested going somewhere near the OSU campus, so we went to Eddie George's Grille 27. I had no idea it was a sports bar though until we got there. K assumed that I knew who Eddie George was when he suggested it. Um, no. I thought he was a chef or something (he's a former OSU and Tennessee Titans running back)! I was unimpressed with the place though and not happy with my cold cheeseburger that was brought to me without cheese.

After lunch, we walked over to the Wexner Center for the Arts on campus to see William Wegman's exhibit, "Funney/Strange." I loved all of his photos of his Weimaraners. I laughed out loud at some of them. Then, we went to the Topiary Garden to see Seurat's "A Sunday on the Island of La Grande Jatte", in topiary. Very unique and cool.
Now, we're going to dinner in the German Village tonight.

Columbus seems like a pretty cool city.