There She Runs

Cancer Sucks...again!

2012-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Dr. B. and his amazing wife!

It is a sad, sad day today. The world has truly lost a great soul and an amazing surgeon! The surgeon I have assisted the past 5.5 years passed away this morning from pancreatic cancer. He has put up such a strong battle and never gave up. Everything is still raw and hurts a lot. The silver lining is he is finally out of pain! This is the most painful cancer to die from; and for that I am grateful! If you think about it, please send up a prayer for his wonderful wife and grown children! They are an amazing family and I know they will come through this!

Registered for Hell Run 2012

2012-02-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Since I did Hell Run last year, I had the opportunity to register early this year with a lower rate and guaranteed spot. Of course being the thrifty one that I am :o) I just had to register! And the best part...the hubs registered, too! Yay! This is the first official race he has ever registered for and I am sooo excited! I am, however, hoping to get him to do a couple other 5k's between now and then just because! :o) Let me know if you want to do the Seattle Hell Run on 09.15.12 and I will get you my code. Early registration is open through tomorrow, then it is open to the general public! Come join us in the 10AM wave! :o) It is an awesome time!

Here is Kim and I over the fire last year :o)

Come to think of it, I am not sure I even got around to a race recap for the race last year, so here's a short and sweet recap (from what I remember ha ha)! We got all pumped up at the start line with some great music and then we were off! First up was a steep climb up an embankment. Then we went through a corn field and came to the first mud pit! People were slipping and sliding all around! Then was the first 20 foot wall. Then up another embankment and a fairly decent path for another run. Then we came to the water. We did not just cross the river as previously stated. We walked UP the river in chest high freezing water (last year it was in October) for what seemed like forever! Then we had another stretch of just running. We passed a water station (they need a couple more of these in my opinion) and went up and over a hill to an obstacle of pulling yourself over a 4 foot wall and then ducking under barbed wire three times in a row. Then we ran through the forest, went through another sand/mud pit, and went over some boulders. Then we had some back country running, a tunnel to crawl through, and another very gooey mud pit. More running. Then another 20 foot wall. A fantastic jump over fire and the final mud pit covered in barbed wire! We had sooo much fun! I can't wait to do it again! And being in the first heat will be much better as most of the course won't be torn up as bad (we were in the last heat last year). So come out and join us for a good, muddy time!

Last Day..

2012-02-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday was my last day at work. It was very bittersweet. As soon as I came in I noticed these wonderful "UW Huskies" inspired roses! :o) Then the tears started! I spent the rest of the day feeling very loved. I was then asked to meet one of the girls in the conference room for help with a computer problem (Yea, I used to do that, too) and when I walked in a bunch of my co-workers yelled "Surprise" and they had a full on Azteca spread! I love me some queso! :o) We had a fantastic lunch together as a group and I just sat, ate, and visited with everyone as they came through. Then it was back to my patients for the afternoon. I took many pictures throughout the day and to not extend my blog for pages, I made a collage of all the pics! I am sad that I missed some of my co-workers. :o( I am dragging my feet on cleaning the house today, but I will get to it as soon as I am done blogging...hmmm...what other things have I wanted to blog about??? ;o)

Late Night Musings...

2012-02-07T23:13:00.000-08:00

Here I sit on the eve of my LAST day at my current workplace. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings flowing through my head. So much so that I am not in bed yet. Not that I would be able to sleep even if I was in bed. There are so many memories flowing through my head. I will miss many good people there and this part makes me very sad. When you spend 40+ hours a week with a group of people for over 5 years, you start to get attached to some. You see them more than you see your own family. Some of these ladies have become big parts of my life. Of course, I know those that I am truly connected with will remain apart of my life. However, I have been dealing with the negative side of things around there for much longer than I needed to and for this, I am grateful I am finally able to walk away. I truly AM excited for my next adventure and am looking forward to the opportunities that await me. :o) Just some late night musings from a tired runner.

Virtual Run for Sherry - Join Me

2012-02-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

So this Saturday is the Virtual Run For Sherry Arnold. This is being put on by her cousin over at Shut up and Run! This is something anybody can do, wherever they are! I think this is an amazing opportunity for people to show their support for a fellow runner. And what a great way to show her family support. I think this is one of the best ways to show a family that their loved one will never be forgotten. That we all believe it was a tragedy and that we are with them. I don't know this family, aside from being an avid reader of her cousin's blog, but I do know loss and how much it means just to know your family member/friend made an impact in someone's life. Sherry did nothing wrong to be negligent in her safety and yet this happened. It's always good to re-evaluate your surroundings and your routes and make sure people know where you are (as she did, thus they knew right away she was missing). Be safe out there and come join me in the Virtual Run!

Click HERE to download and print your race bib. The date is 02.11.12. Run at the time and the distance you want! Be sure and take a few pics and post them! :o)

There She...Works?

2012-02-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

In the words of Tall Mom, I've been busy doing my "Big Girl Job". As I only have one day left at this clinic, I am busy wrapping everything up! Plus being sure to return and have returned anything I have borrowed or lent out over the past 5.5 years! :o)

Looking back there are a lot of memories and things I am going to miss about that place. But I am also extremely happy to be moving on. It's a very bittersweet change, but all in all for the better!

So anyhow, that is why the blog has been so quiet! Not only have I not had time to blog, my exercises have been lagging as well. That will change starting tomorrow. :o)

And The Winner Is...

2012-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, so of course I had to complicate things by having people post of 3 blogs (never again people LOL) So I used random.org and went through all 3 blog postings by date! (Luckily, as you can see, I didn't have to go through too many!)

And the winner is...

MELANIE from Marathon Mel!!!

Congratulations!!!

And you should all go check out her blog! Very down-to-earth and fun to read. I feel as if I have known her for some time and not just through her blog! :o)

You have won your very own tech tee from Amanda at Running for Him!

Please contact me via email @ theresheruns@gmail.com and I will get you connected with Amanda! I, myself, am waiting on mine and Al's shirts to arrive (of course I did just order Sunday!)

Thank you to all who participated! Another Giveaway is on the horizon, so stay tuned!

Blessings

2012-01-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

I have good news. No...amazing news! :o)

After 5.5 years in the world of orthopaedics, I have decided to move on. The physician I assist has retired and a great opportunity pretty much fell into my lap.

I am excited to announce I will be entering the world of neurosurgery in just a couple short weeks! Of course this means a few changes in our lives and my commute will be extended to 45 minutes, but overall this is an amazing opportunity for me.

It is a bittersweet transition, as I have pretty much seen the same people day after day for the last 5.5 years and there are some I will miss dearly. And of course, I am also excited to start this new chapter in my life :o)

On another happy note, the hubs passed his Boards on Friday!!! I am so stinkin proud of him! I had no doubt about his abilities, but it still nice to be over this bump in the road! :o)

And...don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY... ;o)

Balancing Act

2012-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Life is a balancing act these days. Running vs Basketball. I am spending a lot of time on the court coaching Al's bball team and working with her at the Y on her skills. This does not always leave me time to get my running in. I am however looking to set aside some "me" Y time on Sundays where no bball is involved :o) Of course, our games are on Saturdays, so that puts my races on the back burner for now, unless I find some on Sundays.

On a good note, I am keeping active :o)! And the girls played an amazing game today! I am so proud of my Lady Titans! They are an amazing group of girls!!!

And don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY...only a few days left!!!

TSR Giveaway!

2012-01-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

It's time for another fun giveaway! I truly LOVE doing these and it is so much fun getting to know others and being able to see their happiness when they win! I love it! So on with the show!

This giveaway has been graciously provided to me by the Amazing Amanda at Fat Waz Here! She started this amazing mission to spread the love of Christ through "Running for Him" and now we are both here to share the love with you and others around you! Here is her story below:

"In the summer of 2008 I began a journey to lose weight and take responsability for my poor health. Later that year I felt the strong urge to start running. This was so odd to me because I had severe asthma and weighed 240lbs, how could a person like me run? None the less, the feeling would not leave me. It tugged at me day and night until I decided to get out and just try it. I took maybe 10 steps and quit. It hurt. I resolved to try again when I was below 200lbs, maybe then my knees wouldn't scream so loudly.

God had something else in mind and he led me to the couch to 5k program. My weight loss wasn't going as fast as I thought it would so I gave up waiting until I was 200lbs and went out and tried again. This time I got the shock of my life when I realized I wasn't having an asthma attack nor were my knees hurting. I was running! I was healed!! I was so grateful to God and his mercy and I knew I was doing exactly what he wanted me to do.

Ultimately the desire to restore my health, led me to crave the restoration of my faith and relationship with Jesus. So I rededicated my life to Him, I gave him everything. I asked God to use my life, to give it meaning again, and I surrendered everything I had. Except my running.

I desired to go fast, to run far, to impress people with the things I could do. Soon I found out that keeping it all to myself made it pretty meaningless and difficult. As I was running one morning, it was cloudy and overcast, but off in the distance was seperation in the clouds and rays of light streaming down. I began to pray, "Lord, running is great and I love it, but how can I make it about you?" I would compare what happened next as instantanious as when Saul became Paul, it was literally like God flashed the idea into my head like a lightening bolt. All of a sudden it was there.

Running For Him.

Imprint a shirt with Isaiah 40:31

I could see the logo

The Lord instructed me to put aside my ambition to win or place or go fast and instead focus on reaching others. Reaching out and loving them. Being the light and going where it was dark.

How many times have you been inspired just by reading a shirt while at a race? How broken do we feel on the course when we're struggling. Something changes in people when they are participating in an endurance event, they are searching. Searching for something big to happen, searching for acceptance, to have someone cheer for them, looking for something meaningful. We have the answer to all of those needs.

Jesus.

The one who will always love you just as you are.

By wearing the shirt you can be a beacon of light for those who are seeking. A resource. Someone may be inspired by the verse and take time to talk to you about it. The shirt will create moments for ministry and if you're ready to put aside your own ambitions and minister to those in need I ask you to contact me about getting a shirt. Through you and the use of your hands and feet we can share with people the promise of a life that will surpass any runners high here on earth. Through the website, www.runningforhim.com, and our facebook page you will be able to meet with other Christian runners and recieve meaningful support from our blog.

I know God will move, he's already amazed me with how many people have stepped up and said, "I will wear the shirt and run for Him." Will you join me for a run?"

So now onto the details of the Giveaway!!! It is for ONE "Running for Him" Tech Tee and ONE $25 gift card to your choice of Starbucks OR Road Runner Sports!

They are available in both unisex or ladies cut!

Ways to Enter:

1) Become a follower of this blog :o)

2) Like "There She Runs" on Facebook

3) Like "Running for Him" on Facebook

4) Post about this Giveaway on your blog/facebook/twitter (1 entry for each)

5) Comment on THIS post and/or THIS post (1 entry for each)

6) Comment with your favorite bible verse (3 entries)

7) Tell me what inspires you (1 entry)

please leave a separate comment for each entry...

Contest will run until Monday, January 30th, 2012 @ 11:59PM (PST). The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012.

The "I'm skipping the usual Monday workout update since last week was a joke due to the snow" post :o)

2012-01-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

It's been quiet...I know! But that's what happens when snowmaggedon happens and the power flickers about! And yes, I have blogger on my phone, but boy I do not have enough patience for a decent sized blog on there ;o) I have tried and by the time auto-correct was done with me I had quite the blog (maybe it would be more entertaining LOL)

- I am so excited to show you all the shoe charms I received from Shelley at Running for Christ! She is so amazingly sweet and is doing such a wonderful job at sharing the love of Christ. And her only fee...pay it forward in the name of Jesus! I love it! And so does Al and all the girls on her basketball team (I am getting all of them ones for their shoes, too!).

- I am gearing up for an amazing giveaway and I am so incredibly excited! Life is good! I am excited to pass some of that goodness on! Stayed tuned as details will be revealed TOMORROW! ;o) Leave a comment on today's post for an extra entry and you can also leave a comment HERE!!

- Also still toying with my whole ".com" thing. Trying to come up with a ".com" address that isn't a million miles long is hard (since theresheruns.com is already taken...boo). Any help in this area would be appreciated. If you come up with a good one, or help me pick one, there may be a special prize in it for ya! So here are some of my ideas, like em, hate em, or make up your own...
           - theresherunswithfaith
           - theresherunsforchrist
           - runkates
           - katesruns
           - therekatesruns
   - katesforchrist
   !!!HELP!!!

- Basketball is going really well and the girls showed great improvement over the last week :o) I am so incredibly proud of them! They make my heart smile!!!

S.N.O.W.

2012-01-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

Notice the Brooks knit hat... ;o)

Happy Snow Day to Washington! Now I grew up in Eastern Washington, so I know snow and I love snow! And I miss snow! So I get very excited when it really snows here in Western Washington! And of course where we live, when it snows, it really snows! And we get stuck! We live out in the boonies (for Western WA) and at a higher elevation, and our driveway is up and down. But today we seemed to have been stuck at home like everyone else! :o) So of course that meant no trips to the "Y" and no run. Well, no technical run. I did Run in my snowboots all over the property. Luckily, no twisted ankles or falls, so it was a success! And I know I burned a few calories in the process!

Oh, and just in case you were on the edge of your seat with anticipation (or even remembered)...we did go ahead and have bball practice last night. Only 3 of the 7 girls were able to make it, but we had a great practice all the same. It was nice to be able to get a little more one-on-one time with the girls.

But then my night went downhill. My keys were gone. As in, long gone. :o( I so wanted to cry! I am always so careful with my keys and such and this really frustrates me. And of course, the hubs couldn't bring me my spare keys as I could see them sitting on the console of my car! Been telling myself for days that I needed to take those in. :o( So one call to a locksmith, 30 minutes standing out in the cold in a hoodie, 5 minutes of work, and $85!!! later, we were in the car and on our way home. Still bummed about my keys! I am hoping a child picked them up by accident and will be turning them in! The silver lining in this situation is the only key on the set was my car key and "y" cards. *sigh*

Lady Titans - Game 1

2012-01-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday was our very first basketball game of the season! I am so proud of my girls! They did an amazing job! The first game is also the most unique as you get to see how things are going to play out and find a groove. And of course, we have a new list of things to work on in practice.

And of course I am super proud of Al! It was her very first basketball game EVER! And she did so well, considering she was a bit lost at some points. :o) I took her to the Y on Sunday night for a little extra practice and I think it helped a lot.

Really hoping I don't have to cancel practice tonight, but as it stands our school district is closed ad our roads are not looking good. We shall see what the day brings!

On a brighter note, I am off on Tuesdays and so I get to spend the day with Al! :o)

Week 2 Recap

2012-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Okay so here are the stats for week 2 of the being FIT:

Given 1500 calories daily to eat. - Food/+ Exercise = spare calories
Monday: -1318/+0 = 182
Tuesday: -2150/+430 = -220 BBall Coaching
Wednesday: -2221/+0 = -721
Thursday: -1730/+0 = -230
Friday: -2301/+0 = -801
Saturday: -1180/+430 = 750 BBall Coaching
Sunday: -1697/+323 = 126 BBall Coaching

Wow! There are way too many red numbers up there! Geesh! Sad that it is only the 2nd week of the year. Good thing I don't make New Year's Resolutions ;-) And luckily this week is already going better! Plus, I got Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred and am excited to get started!

Rut...or Not

2012-01-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

Funny how things happen. I was all prepared (in my head) this morning with this post about being in a rut. (I even started to write it before church.) You all know what a rut is and how it feels to be in said rut. You can't get footing right and you slow down for fear of an ankle injury or falling. And I do still feel this way about running right now. I am not being very motivated to get out there and run. I am working out plenty and enjoying all the healthy food choices (although this week was harder than the last)! I think I need a race on the books (sooner than March) to help me get out of this slump. Between the Y and coaching Al's bball, I am just not finding pavement time. *sigh* I know, excuses, excuses.

So what's the funny part? I had an amazing time in church this morning, that's what! No, it had nothing to do with running (actually we talked very in depth about prayer (Matthew, ch 6)), but I was wholly reminded that life is good. I am very blessed. Things will be fine, even if my running is not up to par this week (or last). And that's okay! It's okay to not be stellar in all areas on my life right now. I am doing what needs to be done and I am at peace with that!

Yep! You read that right! I am gearing up for another fun giveaway coming this week, so stay tuned! It's sure to lift your spirits and inspire those around you!

Quiet

2012-01-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Things have been quiet on here. This I know. I have a lot to say. Unfortunately, I just cannot say it yet. I thought I would be able to share today, but alas things are not yet settled.

On a better note, I am looking forward to Al's first bball game of the season tomorrow. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking when I took this on, but so far its been fun and I have a great group of girls! Wish us luck!

The Road to Peace

2012-01-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Week 1 Recap

2012-01-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

Okay so here are the stats for week 1 of the being FIT:

Given 1500 calories daily to eat. - Food/+ Exercise = spare calories
Monday: -1958/+501 = 43 YMCA
Tuesday: -1879/+430 = 51 BBall Coaching
Wednesday: -1870/+0 = -370
Thursday: -1290/+0 = 210
Friday: -1470/+0 = 30
Saturday: -1705/+1032 = 827 Just Dance on Wii
Sunday: -1894/+0 = -394

Okay, so not bad for my first week. And at least I was able to shed a few pounds. Wednesday was an "emotional" day for me and I just didn't care. And I am okay with that. Sunday we went out to eat and I was not prepared for the consequences, nor did I get my butt out the door for a run, so there you have it. Still felling good. I will say it is interesting when you change your eating habits and start adding in more good stuff. My tummy was not a happy camper at first, but now I am doing better and feeling better!

R.e.f.o.c.u.s.e.d.

2012-01-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am refocusing a lot this year. Some still must remain a secret for now (although I will share as soon as I possibly can) and some you already know.

Of course I am re-focused on my health and weight. So far, so good! I am really proud of myself. I am already feeling a difference in the way clothes are fitting me. But that update will come tomorrow.
I am also re-focusing on my happiness and personal well-being. So far, so good. Working on letting the things I really don't give a rip about go. And busy making molehills out of the mountains in my life (backwards I know, but you get it).
I am settling back into a better routine working on my relationship with God. I am remembering to ask what I should really be doing instead of trampling around on my own. This did include a new church for us (long story) and things are going well.
Along with this last one, has been a new reason to run. Or maybe "new" is not the correct term, but a re-focused (getting a lot of use out of my made-up word) reason. I spend lots of hours on the pavement and I often find myself conversing with Him. So maybe I should be dedicating my runs to spending time with Him AlWaYs! Hmmm...what a concept! :o)

As you remember, awhile back I was considering running for charity. I would still like to do this, but the person I was dealing with just became too difficult (as in too flaky) Which is sad because it was a great charity, but some things cannot be helped. So I have been doing some soul searching. I have recently started a Christians women's group on Fb called "Soul Sisters" and am currently in the works of developing a website. So as I have been refocusing on supporting others in their walk with Christ while strengthening my own, a light bulb came on. I have been following another blogger (and on FB) with an amazing purpose to use her running to inspire others in their faith. Duh! I can do this, too! How amazing would this be?!? Okay, so I realize some of you out there might not be seeing the joy in this as I am, but bear with me! This is going to be an amazing year!!! And I hope you will all stick with me and see what amazing things are about to happen!

And just to see who's paying attention, comment on this post and you will get an extra entry into the upcoming giveaway... ;o)

Just Dance...

2012-01-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

I felt bad. I felt really bad! The hubs actually suggested we go to the Y today and somehow it didn't fit into the day. I like to take advantage of times when he actually wants to go and I let this opportunity slip through my hands! So after we dropped Al off for her sleepover and made an amazing 524 calorie dinner, we broke out the Wii. In two hours we did Just Dance, Just Dance 2, and Just Dance Summer party! We sweated a ton and had some fun! We may not have made it to the Y, but I am glad we had the opportunity to get a workout of sorts in!

What fun off-the-wall workout did you do today?

Time...is it on your side?

2012-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

How important is your "time" to you? I mean your finish time. I am right there with you when it comes to achieving a PR or improving, but how much does time affect you? I have a different situation going then most other runners I know. My running buddy is a 9-year-old. I really can only go as fast as she does. Do I have times when I want to sprint ahead? Sure! Or lag behind? Of course! :) Unless it's a half mary, you can count on seeing Al by my side at the start...and finish... of the race. I have been thinking about this lately as I have evaluated past races and looked at times. Sad times for someone of my age and stride length (ha ha), but not bad for someone of Al's size. Of course I want to do better and be faster. Of course I want to plaster PR's all along my blog. But I would never trade race "time" for the quality "time" I get to spend with my daughter. We talk about all sorts of things and rely on each other through the hills and the rain. We laugh together and we cry together. And I know that she may not be all that fast yet, but she will be ;o) And that is the most important "time" for me!

3.1 for Thursday

2012-01-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

#1 - Be sure at "Like" There She Runs on Facebook! Come by and share the day-to-day journey with me!

#2 - Come be my pal on My Fitness Pal! This has been the easiest way for me to keep track of what I eat and when I work out! I have the app on my phone and/or you can go online. And the best part is that it is FREE! My username is "theresheruns". I would love all the support and most of all to be able to support you in your goals as well! Just leave a comment with your username, so I know who is trying to add me! :)

(myfitnesspal.com has not contacted me in any way to endorse their product. The love of this program is strictly from my own use!)

#3 - As always, you can still connect with me on DailyMile! I love this site as well for keeping track of all my miles and races!

#3.1 - Because I always have a ".1"...my blog...which you are currently reading, so I am going off the assumption you don't need a link for it... :) but go ahead and become a 'follower' anyhow!!!

Peace

2012-01-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

So this is it. 10 years. 10 long, grueling years since that evil, evil cancer monster took my dad away. Wow! I look back and see that as tough as it was, life did go on. And I have done well. I have created a good life that I know he would be proud of. I know this because my mom reminds me often of how proud she is, so I must be doing something right. :) I was in a very different place last year. You can read about the "9-year-anniversary" HERE. I honestly think I have been better since that post. Sounds strange, but I think finally putting "words to paper" and seeing my emotions in "black and white" has helped me. This year it still hurts, but I think I have finally been able to find some sort of peace about it. I never could have found this peace without the prayers of friends and family and the constant support of my brothers and my mom.

One a much cheerier note...I need to get some races on the schedule! Last year the race I id in January was all the way up in Mount Vernon, which is quite the jaunt for me, so I decided to skip it this year. Plus it was really small (no timing chips, no photos, no clock) and so I am hesitant to spend that kind of money again on it. No not hesitant; I didn't! :)

I would like to get back on the "at least one race a month" plan I had last year before all the health problems. I don't think I will plan another half this year, though. I really want to focus on being healthier all around and getting this weight under control. I love all my running buddies, but I am tired of being the "fat one"! So no more! No, this is NOT a New Year's Resolution. I don't do those and no one ever keeps them. I have been working on this since the HBBC started and am just amping it up! So no halfs as I DO NOT lose weight when I am training for a half because I eat everything in sight! :) Gotta love how the body works! So I need some good 5k/10ks to do with Al. She has all this running gear now and she is really starting to like it, so I'd better put it to good use while she still likes me (the teenage years are just around the corner...)!

So please let me know of any 5k/10ks you recommend!

There She Runs is now on FB...

2012-01-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have finally jumped on the bandwagon that most of my running bloggy buddies were smart enough to do awhile ago! :o) Please go and "Like" my page on Facebook HERE!!! Thanks guys! See you on the pavement!

Geesh...I have been bloggy busy today...this is what working out does to me!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

I am happy to say we have started out the year doing a family workout. I was actually able to persuade the hubs to go to the Y with me! I am still holding out for the 5k he promised to do with me... :o) It was a mad house today! Now don't get me wrong, I am all for everyone getting healthy and working out (those of you that know me, know that is true! I convinced 23 co-workers into doing a 10k last year!), but it always sets me off a tad when my usual routine is changed due to the "resolutioners". I really honestly do hope they stay, it just takes me a couple days to adjust my routine. Anyhow, today we went in the middle of the day (instead of the usual 5:30AM) and it was a buzz with new memberships. I got Al set up in the pool (I love that she can go without me since she is over the age of 8 and honestly the lifeguards are going to be more help than I would be) and the hubs and I set off upstairs to find two machines together. Since this was his first trip to the Y, we walked a lap around the track so I could show him all of the goodies and also to make sure Al was doing well in the pool. I love that there are machines you can use that overlook the pool and also part of the track has windows over the pool. Al was actually swimming with a couple of boys (gasp!) that she used to go to school with, so on we went. We found two machines (not sure their technical names...they are similar to the elliptical, but take way more coordination) and we were off, or rather on... We had a nice 20 minute workout (didn't want to irritate the hubs' knee again) and then did a mile on the track. It felt so good to be back at it and was really fun to be there with the hubs. We grabbed a nice "healthy" subway for lunch and headed home. Hoping to do this a couple times a month (since it's not cost effective for a membership for the hubs, but is still $10 every visit...).

How have all of your New Year workouts gone???

Photos of Victoria, BC

2012-01-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

The hubs and I took a wonderful trip to Victoria, BC for our 10 year wedding anniversary. I know, 10 years! Whew! Ha Ha Another 100 to go, right?!? I am extremely proud of us and our accomplishment. I am so happy to be going through this life with my hubs! He is an amazing person and I love him more and more each day! So instead of boring everyone with little tidbits of the stuff we did, I am instead doing a photo story of our trip...much better for all concerned :o)

On the ferry to Victoria

The Parliament Building

Inner Harbour

Rainbow over Fisherman's Wharf

Better weather

On our balcony

The Resort

Pier at Fisherman's Wharf

Harbour Seals

Needed coffee :)

View from the bed...

BC Ride

Butchart Gardens

Obviously...

Butchart Gardens

NYE Dinner

MV Coho...our ferry

Leaving...

The Resort

On our way

We took a TON of photos, so I really narrowed it down for your viewing ~~pleasure~~ duites... :o)

10 Amazing Years!!!

2012-01-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

The hubs and I at our wedding - 12.28.01

This has been an amazing 10 years!!! We have come from two very young (yet in love) adults and matured into responsible parents and contributors to society (still in love)! :o) We are so blessed to have the life we do and cannot wait for the next 10 years!!! It may not always be easy, but it's always worth it!!!

The hubs and I on our trip for our 10 year anniversary

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:1-21

The Birth of Jesus

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register. ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Santa Run Official Photos

2011-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

Team Will Run For Ice Cream

Al crossing the finish line...alone

All grown up...need to work on keeping her head up ;o)

What is that in my face? Sunshine? No way!

Done. :o)

Crazy Day

2011-12-20T22:53:00.000-08:00

Is it over yet?!? Okay, so no, of course I do not want the holiday season to be over yet, but I would like the stress and such to be over. Also to be on the verge of 9 days off makes the week that much longer! Although, I will admit I was quite productive today. :o) No run involved, but I have pretty much resigned that until after the holiday (unless I am able to make it to the Y in the mornings).

So my day consisted on getting up with the hubs and getting him off to work, then getting Al up and off to school. Then I hit Target bright and early and made a killing on clearance items. Then it was off to my appointment with my esthetician and empty my trunk at Goodwill. I met up with my cousin at the mall and hit up Macy's for some awesome boots for her Christmas Eve outfit. We love boots! Then it was to Barnes and Noble for coffee. Then Gap, Buckle, and back to Macy's for a new Christmas Eve outfit for me. Let me put it this way; I am going to "sparkle"! Then it was off to hunt down some silver flats. Geesh! We finally stopped for lunch about 1:30 and we were worn out! After lunch I headed up to work to pick up some packages that had arrived today. Two of them being the hubs' presents! I am soooo excited for his presents! I wish I could share them and the presentation, but this would be the one blog post ever that he would read ha ha ha! Ran home, headed to the post office (don't get me started) and got home in time to get Al off the bus.

I may not have run today, but I did work hard and sweat LOL

AND...I am loving all the cards I am getting from the various card swaps! They make me smile! :o)

Ormie The Pig

2011-12-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

It has been quite the Monday and frankly, I needed a laugh! ;o)

Santa Run 2011

2011-12-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

Al, Me, Tiffany, Karla, Kim, Mel, Zoe, Kerrie, and Alma

Whew! That was fun! No, I am not being sarcastic. No, my time was nothing stellar. But it was FUN!

My friend, Vawna, and her nephew, Judson, came with Al and I to this year's Santa Run. I was so excited! This was their very first race and I got to be apart of it! That is such a special feeling! Of course, I am still on strict running guidelines from the doc, but it worked out since Vawna was, too! So we were able to "mostly" walk and not feel bad about holding the other back.

Al, Me, Judson, and Vawna - their first 5k!!!

Luckily, I was able to get our race packets Friday night, so Saturday went a bit smoother. We met up in Gig Harbor and carpooled into Tacoma. We quickly found the rest of my team and made our way to the start line. This years race is also having a satellite race in Kabul, Afghanistan, so while we were having our group pictures taken we also made a video in which we sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and sent our "Thank you's". It was a lot of fun and pretty neat to be apart of something like that.

I love doing these with Al!

As you can see Team Will Run For Ice Cream adorned the Candy Cane look for the race! It got so many compliments on my sparkle skirt! I love 'em!

As the race was setting up to start, Vawna and I headed toward the back of the pack. Although, as soon as the signal went we were off and running with everyone else! It's too contagious! You have to! Especially UP the HILL right out of the gate! Makes for a nice downhill to the finish though! Vawna and I held our stride for a ways and then backed off before either one of us could get in trouble with our docs! The weather was chilly, but not too bad and it was DRY, which is always a plus! We kept up a good walking clip on to the halfway point (with some running in between...shhh). After the turnaround and a quick hello to Mr. Snowman, we headed back toward the finish. We both felt pretty great and pushed it a little more. We did, however, give ourselves a break up the last hill. But we cruised down the other side to the finish line! It was by no means a stellar finish (56:10), BUT it was a FINISH! And that's really all that matters! I am thinking I now have Vawna hooked on these races! Yay! Running is contagious!

Special shout-out to Alma and Tall Mom - Mel for their 3rd place in their Age Groups! And also to Kim for 1st place on her Age Group! Way to go, ladies!!!

The Excitment is Building...

2011-12-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know it's "only a 5k", but I am super excited for the Santa Run this weekend! I get to meet up with all my girls (who I don't get to see as often as I am on the other side of Puget Sound) and we get to race through Tacoma in our adorable, matchy-matchy outifts! It just trills with a good time! My Pulmonologist is letting me run it as long as I don't do anything this week. Which of course is hard and sucks since I don't like run "cold". I like to have a few days before with a few mile on my shoes. But I will do what I have to do to keep running. Although, he said nothing about the eliptical at the Y.... ;o)

Accomplished!

2011-12-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

So, I just want all of my wonderful readers to know that I, yes I, actually finished all of my Christmas Card Swap cards (yup me) and have them all ready to be mailed tomorrow!! And that is a feat since I am apart of two "running" card swaps (5 people each) and my own card swap on Fb with my group Soul Sisters...come check us out! (5 more people), and my secret santa on dailymile! :o) So yes, I feel accomplished!!!

And a big, warm welcome to all my new readers!!!

A Little Blue Love

2011-12-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today was Jess' ~~service~~ Memorial Bonfire. It was very nicely done. The type of thing where you totally expected her to come walking around the corner. But she didn't...

There were so many people there whom she had touched their lives. She was so amazing. She had such a great spirit. She had love and patience for everyone. She didn't hold grudges. She took the world for what it was a made it a better place.

Jess was quite the collector of duckies. A couple days after she passed I went over to her house with her mom and a couple other friends. We each got to pick our own duckie to take home. As crazy as it sounds, my duckie picked me. :o) And I'll treasure it forever. Now I have something that was hers and that she loved. Somehow I know that will make this time of healing easier.

I also had my blue highlights put in. The very last time I saw Jess, she was talking about how she was going to dye her hair blue. We talked out the logistics of the project since she was super sensitive to any smells at that point. But she did it and she sent me pics the next day. So this is my way on honoring her. I know she'd like it.

3.1 for Thursday

2011-12-08T07:08:00.001-08:00

This must be the "odd/random" edition!

This is NOT me ;o)

#1 - Saturday morning I am getting my dark blue highlights in my hair in honor of my friend Jessica who just passed away less than 2 weeks ago.

#2 - Also on Saturday is her Memorial Bonfire. I am looking forward to this to see all the people who loved Jess and to have some sort of closure on the whole thing. Not that it will ever be closed. I am still in tears almost daily.

#3 - Sunday is the installation of our new stove! I am so excited! It is white like the rest of the appliances! No more avocado green! To give it some credit, my current stove is original to my 1970's house, so it definitely has earned it's way to retirement.

#3.1 - Nothing about running, you say? Nope, not this week. My pulomonologist wants me to wait until after the weekend. Which is good that I will be cleared to do the Santa Run, as he knows me well enough to know I won't not run in it :o). Race fees are expensive and I don't wanna waste em ;o)

On the Mend?

2011-12-06T22:28:00.001-08:00

Here's to hoping I am on the mend! I was successful at coaching Al's basketball team this evening without a coughing fit or dizzy spell, so I am hopeful! I usually am not put out this much by a cold. Although, this is my first chest cold since the whole diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension. So this is new ground for me. Luckily, it looks like I will be well enough for the Santa Run on the 17th, just don't expect any PR's. :o) Hope everyone else is fairing better this "cold" season!

Happy Birthday, Jeff!!!

2011-12-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

Jeff, Myself, and the hubs Feb. 2010

Happy Birthday to the best Brother-in-law anyone could ever have! Funny story, but Jeff and I were friends before the hubs and I were friends. We started hanging out and he had this brilliant idea "hey, you need to date my brother"...and the story goes on. I'll explain our "love story" in more detail later this month for our anniversary. :o) But Jeff and I have been great friends (more like brother and sister) for the last 12+ years! Love you, Bro!

Christmas? Already? Yep!

2011-12-05T21:13:00.001-08:00

Jac, Myself, and Jeff

Matthew, Myself, Ginger, Al, Jac, Nicholas, and Jeff

My brothers and I made the "executive decision" a few years back to always have Christmas not on Christmas so no one would get stuck trying to decide where to go for Christmas. Make sense? Yea, didn't think so, but it does to us! So this weekend was our family Christmas! We drove over to North Bend on Saturday (stopped and had a nice breakfast with my mom and grandparents) morning. It has been a bit since we've all gotten together, so it was great to be able to see each other this weekend. And of course, I forced them to stand still for pics as well, which my nephews aren't too keen on anymore ha ha. And although I may not be able to get smiles out of them, they at least didn't have their hands in front of their faces. :o) Al had a blast torturing her cousins! She's 9 and they are 16 and 18, so you can imagine the interaction. They act all irritated by her and she just adores them! All in all it was a great weekend and we got to pick up our new stove on the way home!
;o)

3.1 for Thursday

2011-12-01T21:52:00.001-08:00

#1 - We got our first Christmas Card in the mail today! Whoopee! It's ON! I so love this time of year and catching up with friends and family. Of course this time of year is hard as well, as the 10th(!) anniversary of my Dad's death is approaching, but I am able to mostly focus on all the blessings!

#2 - Secret Santa started to day at work! I love, love, love participating in this! I love being able to ~~stalk~~ get to know my co-workers better (even though we've worked together forever!). I love surprising them with their little gifts and seeing their reactions! Eek!! (Dork, I know)

#3 - Christmas is THIS WEEKEND! Ahhh! At least it is with my brothers. We always plan it either way before or after actual Christmas so no one has to choose where to be on Christmas. It has worked out well for us for the last umpteen years, so we keep the tradition going. Personally, I like it when it is afterward since the gifts are cheaper (LOL), but with my nephews being 16 and 18 now, all they want is money anyhow.

#3.1 - I still have this dreaded chest cold :o( Boo! Which of course makes running nearly impossible :o( Makes for a very sad Kates!

Gimme a Break!

2011-11-28T21:04:00.001-08:00

Seriously! Can a girl get a break? I just wanna run! That's it! Nothing fancy, just to run. But oh no, chest cold you have me stuck. You make it hard for me to breathe just walking upstairs. Of course all this fun with my Pulmonary Hypertension is NOT helping. It makes my chest congestion even worse! Ugh! Okay, I am done whining for now...maybe ;o)

I Will Miss You Forever!

2011-11-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

I lost a beautiful friend last night to the ugly cancer monster! I will miss her forever! She changed my life for the better just by being in it! She is an amazing inspiration!

Jess and I in June 2007. Shortly after she broke her neck.

Jessica Mari Masters of Seabeck, AKA "Bug" and "Halo", was born and raised in Kitsap County but traveled all 50 states. Born Ground Hog's Day - February 2, 1983. Died November 26, 2011 - two months shy of her 29th birthday.

She is survived by parents Karl Masters, Robert and Carole "Mickey" (Hnatovic) Centeno; brothers Casey and Ben Masters; Grandparents: Ray & Nancy Goforth (Oma/Opa), Les Leaf (Grampie), and Ron & Lori Hnatovic (Nana/Papa). Aunts and uncles: Kevin Masters, Jacki Barto, Kathy (Damon) Fish, Kimberly (Charlie) Demming, Karey Masters, Frank (Anh) Hnatovic, Kirk Hnatovic, Kelly Matthews, Judy Vanderford. Cousins: Griff & Jordan Masters, Tony & Amy Fish, Anya Mattioda, Nicholas Demming; Amanda, Galen, Daniel, and Nicholas Hnatovic. God-parents Chris and Michael Wholey. She also leaves a menagerie of animals.

Jessica was home-schooled along with attending schools in north and central Kitsap. She was in the first public school Montessori class at Jackson Park under the direction of Nanci Andvik. She transferred to CKHS to be 4th generation to graduate there, following her great grandmother Josephine (Kunz) Cameron, grandmother Nancy (Cameron) Goforth, and father Karl Masters. She participated in T-ball, baton, Girl Scouts, Missionettes and 4-H.

An avid horsewoman, Jess first rode at 6 months old, and started giving neighbor children riding lessons at 7 years old. Jess even rode to elementary school on horseback! She spent her childhood riding in 4-H and Silver Spurs - participating in many parades, shows, games, cow events, trail rides and competing as royalty. She polished her riding skills by apprenticing with nationally renowned LuAnn LeMon. Continuing in 4-H as a youth leader, Jess thoroughly enjoyed helping others learn to ride and handle horses safely. Later co-founding "Leg Up Lessons" with her mom, Jess taught many aspiring equestrians. Besides her passion for anything equestrian, Jessica also enthusiastically participated in off-roading, hiking, camping, geo-caching and fishing. She tried her hand at many crafts including wood-burning, stenciling and painting, and was known to always have a knife handy in her pocket. Jess was knowledgeable about car repairs and spent many a weekend rummaging in the wrecking yards for parts. Like her great grandmother, she had an uncanny ability to spot 4-leaf clovers and astounded many by stopping in the middle of running, to reach down and pluck one! Jess was passionate about ducks - raising, breeding and collecting them. In her mind - what is not to love about a duck - they waddle, wiggle, are shaped funny and sound funny! Jess surrounded herself with animals and many were named for natural disasters!

In 2007, Jessica suffered a broken neck in a roll over on black ice while driving a co-worker home. She bravely wore her halo with dignity and humor, allowing her Nana's bowling team to decorate it each week. After a long recovery fraught with complications, she headed to Alaska to work on the trains. Jess especially enjoyed working in food services, excelling as a barista and caterer. A catering manager's position awaited her when she received her cancer diagnosis in late 2010. Jess returned home for treatment and family support.

After receiving the news that 6 months remained at best, Jessica took the news courageously, stating she at least had the summer. We held a huge bonfire 'Party of Life' for Jess, in order to show her our love and caring. Friends came from all over Puget Sound, and one from Florida! The sheriff was called - oh! what a celebration it was! With kind and generous help from Harrison Maintenance staff and the 446 Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Jess was able to accomplish her Wish List and more. A helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, snorkeling and swimming in Hawaii (the last state she had yet to visit), horse camping trips on the beach with friends, a charter boat fishing trip (where she caught her first salmon!), and finally a visit to Louisiana friends, where she met her beloved David.

Cherished by many, she was best loved by David. He met her with her bald head, knew her prognosis, and chose to love her fearlessly and without reservation for the time they had remaining. She eagerly awaited his graduation from the police academy, biding her time with frequent phone calls and texts.

Learning she had cancer so soon after surviving her neck injury, Jess decided her life must be meant to inspire others. Facing each day with cheer and laughter, Jessica made a point of making others laugh and smile through stories, jokes and in general her infectious enthusiasm. She never complained about what life had given her. Facing squarely every procedure or diagnostic, she accepted everything with dignity and grace, thanking others for caring for her. Circling her in love,
she was accompanied to every appointment or hospital stay by family and often friends. She wanted everyone to know she passed the 6 month mark by 2 weeks!

Jess donated her body for cancer research. Per Jessica's request, there will be no funeral proper, but a memorial bonfire will be held at her parent's home in Seabeck. Jessica wanted people to gather as they did in life, around a bonfire with food on a plate, laughing and sharing stories.

Written by her Mom...

Apple Cup 2011 - Go Dawgs!!!

2011-11-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

Al and I headed out to the Apple Cup this evening! That should totally count as some exercise points! We walked on the ferry and then walked from the ferry to the stadium (about a mile) and then up 8 million gazillion stairs! Okay, so maybe it was only a couple of flights, but with this chest congestion I was dizzy by the time we reached our seats. :o( Oh well, the game totally made up with it! It was a great game with some good plays on both sides! Of course having the Dawgs win made it that much more enjoyable! This was Al's first football game (she went in place of the hubs as he was home nursing a sore knee) and she had a absolute blast! She was so excited to be at ~~Qwest~~ Century Link Field and she can't wait to go back again! I love being able to share these really special times with her! She is already planning next year!

HBBC Kick-Off

2011-11-20T11:25:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the kick-off for the 4th Annual Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge! And what did I do? Nothing. Well, actually "nothing" is a strong word. I worked on the house; a lot! But I didn't actually make it out for a workout. But I am determined to do that today. I even have the hubs convinced to go, too! Although, I do believe he will spend his time in the pool with Al. Or rather, he'll be in the steam room trying to get some relief from his head cold. :o) I'll let everyone know how it goes after we get back! Because this year is going to be so much better than last year!

All's Quiet on the Blog Front

2011-11-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yea, I know. I have been MIA. But I have a really good excuse...THE HUBS IS HOME!!! After being on the other side of the country (literally) for the last 6 months he is home! We have been sooo busy just hanging out and doing family things on the weekends that I haven't been blogging, or running, much. Just been spending time together!

Although, I have still been hitting up the Y in the mornings. Which is harder said than done. Some mornings I just don't wanna get up!

How do you get yourself outta bed on those days?

Hell Run Photos

2011-10-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

So from over a month ago...here are the photos from Hell Run...recap coming soon...promise!

Another lesson in faces not to make...

Shoe Deal of the Day

2011-10-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Since I trashed my last pair of work shoes in the mud this weekend (they were needing to be replaced anyhow, this just made me have to do it), I went out and found my new pair of work shoes. Being on my feet all day long I like to treat my feet as well as I do when I am running. So I headed into Big 5 Sporting Goods and went on the hunt for shoes. Now usually I end up settling for a pair of men's that are unisex enough to pass. I have bigger feet and most of the stores are usually sold out of the one pair in my size. I decided to give the women's section a chance and low-and-behold, they had a pair in my size. And better yet, they were marked down from $99 to $49! And you know me, I love a good deal on running shoes! These are the Saucony ProGrid C2 Glide. Perfectly comfortable all day from the very first day. Love Sauconys for work and everyday wear.

Have you had any killer deals on shoes or running gear lately?

Sunday Soul Day - Be Warned...this may cause some drama

2011-10-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Awesome!!!

2011-10-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hell Run was awesome!!! I leave you with this one muddy photo for the evening! I am exhausted and can't possibly muster up a full race recap at the moment :o), you understand right??? More tomorrow...but it was AWESOME!!!

Need Creative Help

2011-09-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been doing some thinking...scary, right?!? :o) I am toying with the idea of becoming a "charity runner" as I call it. More on that later. Anyhow, I need help coming up with a website address. I am sorta stuck on .com, but someone else already has theresheruns.com. :o( Sad, I know. There is always .net, etc. I am open to changing the address though and leaving the name There She Runs. Confused yet? So if you have any ideas about a blahblah.com address for me, please leave your ideas below. If I pick yours, you will receive a special gift! Thanks for your help!

Freedom 5k Recap

2011-09-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

There is one amazing word to describe this 5k...HILLY! Well, HOT and HILLY! ;o) I am not a huge fan of races that start much past 8AM, but for some reason this 10AM start worked for me. Probably because of the drive and the fact that I was so tired. This 5k was a charity run for Scarlet Roads whose main goal is to stop child slavery and educate the public on a very big problem. They had guest speakers that were very moving. Before the race started one of the local PT guys went on stage and we all did a big warm-up workout. At first I was nervous I would look like a dork, but nearly everyone joined in (even those not running). In a really odd way it was as if he broke the ice between all of us and we all relaxed. We really were all in it together. This was a small race, so no timing chips. Had to rely on Leo. Luckily, I actually remembered to turn it off at the finish line this time. We started out on a gradual uphill and then a fast, short downhill. There was a bit of a flat and then we were on a trail between houses and the water. Back on the road for another slight incline. Then we turned a corner and climbed the "hill of doom" as Al named it. She even thought it was worse than the big uphill at the YGG. I don't know if it was worse, but it was definitely longer. And it was Hot our, so I guess it was worse. Ha Ha We had another miles of rolling hills and then a nice downhill back to the finish line. Leo time: 52:54. Horrid. Absolutely horrible. But it was hot, I've been off my game, and I did have one section where it was hard to breathe (my heartbeat was too fast thus throwing me into sinus arrhythmia) and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish. So the fact that I made it to the finish on my own accord was good enough for me!

You Go Girl 10k Recap...Finally

2011-09-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Is it sad that I feel good about finally finding time to sit down and do this recap? Yea, yea I know! I will start out by saying this wasn't a stellar race by any means, but it is my first race since "the incident" and that was a feat in itself! Al and I were up early Sunday morning after getting in late Saturday night from driving home from Eastern WA. It was pouring rain at our house that morning and I was hoping it would ease up for the race. Thankfully, it did. We got out of the door a little later than expected and traffic was unpredictably heavy, but we eventually made our way into Tacoma. I managed to score the same parking garage we did last year and then we hiked up the block to meet the team at Tully's. Of course everyone else was already there (bad me, I am always the punctual one) so we quickly donned our shirts and got together for a team photo op! Al was quiet most of the morning and I was a bit worried about her, but I had butterflies of my own. All the way up until the starting gun, I was contemplating just calling it a wash and heading home. I was nervous about how I would do and if I would make it or pass out or something. Luckily my wonderful teammates were there to keep me casually chatting before the start. Once the gun went off, we were committed. Al and I took it pretty easy and I tried to keep my heart rate in check. I do have sinus arrythmia so when my pulse quickens it becomes irregular. This coupled with the pulmonary hypertension (and sheer anxiety) was a fun combo. :o) But obviously I survived. Anyway, the first 2 miles is a slight uphill, downhill. Then we hit mile 3 which is pretty much straight uphill. It certainly was not any easier than last year, I just kept reminding myself of the awesome downhill (which is like a mile long) afterward. We spent a mile running around a dirt/mud trail around the park and then headed down the awesome downhill, which was slightly tricky due to the rain we had sprinkling down on us. We made it down the hill safely and headed down the last stretch to the finish. I think being able to see the finish for such a long time is just mean :o) It reminds me of Vegas and how it seemed so close, but was so far! Okay, here's my gripe for the race...etiquette! Al and I were cruising along the chute to the finish line when we came upon two ladies walking side by side. Now as you know, if you are walking two abreast, there really isn't much room to pass. So Al and I had to pretty much stop our momentum to keep from running over them. Even with a couple "Excuse me's", they ladies failed to move over. So needless to say, Al and I didn't get the stunning finish, or photos, we wanted. I am still a bit irked though since they wouldn't move. Chip Time: 1:52:00. As soon as we finished we had to stop and have our timing chips removed. I hate this park. I hate to just stop. I need to walk around and cool off and lower my heart rate. Luckily it didn't take long and we were on our way to stand in the longest line ever for food /water. After some nourishment, we walked around for a few minutes. Then Al gave me this look and said "Mommy, can we go home? I don't feel good." We've all had our fair share of GI issues and this was Al's first post-run dose of issues. Poor girl. So unfortunately the rest of the team was not in sight, so Al and I just headed out. Luckily this year they had two buses running the shuttles back up to the Y, so we were back to the car in no time. We had to make one stop along the way (don't worry, it was an actual restroom). After some rest and good food, she was feeling much better later in the afternoon. This race took a lot out of both of us, but I am glad we did it again this year!

Already?!?...Crap!

2011-09-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

So Al and I totally have another race tomorrow and I have been super lazy and not even posted my You Go Girl Race Recap! Although, I HAVE written and re-written it about 15 times in my head...in the end it still comes out the same...with me being totally peeved at the ladies blocking the finish line...but that will have to wait until I can actually sit my happy butt down and blog a real recap. This week has been INSANELY busy at work, and heck I just haven't felt like sitting down and typing out my recap! It is coming though! Alright, I am off for now...need some sleep! Al and I have the FREEDOM 5k tomorrow morning...did I mention how much I DISLIKE a 10AM start??? ;o) Happy Trails!

You Go Girl Expo

2011-09-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! Yesterday was insane! I got off work later than I had anticipated so I had to run home, which was not easy as there was an accident on the freeway which put traffic at a standstill. So I attempted the usual back road...no go (everyone else had that idea). So I tried another route and the traffic was at least moving and I made it around the accident. Once home, I realized I didn't grab my house keys. No biggie, I can use the hide-a-key (isn't that what it's there for?). So I go and look for it...it's gone. I call my mother-in-law to find she had it in her car. Talk about timing! Our cousin happened to be up visiting her, so he came and brought me the key. I then had ten minutes to throw together an overnight bag for Al and I, pick up my mother-in-law and cousin, and head to Eastern WA. We stopped in Tacoma on the way (yay, since the traffic on I-5 was insane as well). I remembered from last year where the expo was, so I parked on the opposite site of the building. Last year we parked on the other side and ended up walking through the hotel and downstairs to the expo. So I thought I'd be smart. I parked on the other side, right across the street. Only to find out we had to walk through the hotel and upstairs to where the expo was being held this year! Who knew?! :o) The expo was much bigger this year! They had the usual stuff and lots of running clothes and shoes. Al and I bought sparkly headbands for our run. We got the usual stuff in the swag bag and I love the shirts this year! I am not a big fan of the light pink from last year, so I was happy for the darker pink...although it won't compare to our "Will Run For Ice Cream" team shirts! Kerrie has done such a great job on them! And if you haven't gone to the expo , don't forget to put your name in the drawing for a free Running Skirt! We did hit up the Old Spaghetti Factory after the expo and I thought all about my running buddies and the bloggy meet-up I am missing! Hope all you ladies have a great time tonight! Wow that was a very long round about way of talking slightly about the expo...kinda misleading with the title! Thanks for sticking through this post ha ha!

3.1 for Thursday - Weekend Edition

2011-09-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

1 - Saturday we are headed to Eastern WA to celebrate my nephew's 7th birthday! It should be fun for all the kids to get together! Not thrilled about the 3.5 hour drive (never am), but they are family and they are worth it! I am mostly just not excited because I have to drive back the next day. Makes for a lot of time in the car. The party will be at a gymnastics/kids castle and I know the kiddos are going to sleep great on the way home!

2 - Sunday is the You Go Girl 10k. I am so excited to be doing it again this year with Al. This was her very first 10k (ever) last year and so I am excited to do this with her again. Like I mentioned before, I am hoping this can be an annual event for us. And we are both sooo excited to be on Team Will Run For Ice Cream! Can't wait to see our shirts!

3 - Monday is the annual family trip to the Puyallup Fair. It's a day of good (bad for you) food, dizzying rides, and miles of walking. Bring it on! :o) Our family looks forward to this trip every year. And yes, I am the bad parent that takes her child out of school to go to the fair. And I don't care what anyone thinks. Perfect attendance we are not! But I absolutely refuse to go to the fair on the weekend. It is crazy enough on a weekday; weekends are just too much!

3.1 - Tuesday is a day of doctor appointments. Another trip to the Pulmonologist. Hoping my 10k on Sunday sits well with my lungs.

And the Winner is...

2011-09-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

...Tressa over at Track Coach and Adorable Wife! Congrats Tressa you have won your very own copy of Run Like A Mother! And thanks to everyone for entering my giveaway! Stay tuned...I have another one in the works!

*Tressa - email me your mailing address at theresheruns@gmail.com :o)

Don't forget the Giveaway

2011-09-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome new followers and running buddies! :o) Thanks for joining and following along on this journey! And a reminder for the rest of you to enter my GIVEAWAY!!! hint hint hint

Have a great week everyone!

Sunday Soul Day

2011-09-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

New Kicks...and a GIVEAWAY

2011-09-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

So they're not mine, they're Al's new running kicks, but she was excited to show them off! We scored the Nike Air Torch at an okay price (read: cheaper than mine at normal price). She did need a new pair and we do have a slew of fall races coming up, so it was only fair. This running habit is going to turn spendy if I am supporting two females (Al and I) and all our running gear! :o) Poor hubs....or maybe it will be poor hubs ha ha

Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY...

Let's have a Giveaway!

2011-09-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

So for MY birthday, I am hosting a GIVEAWAY. :o) Because I love you all and I think you'd all enjoy it! Plus, it's about time I have another one!

But first, you're all going to have read through this post to the end (or skip to the end, but that's just mean ha ha). So Tuesday was my birthday. I am 29-glorious-years-young now. Although, I have decided to stay 28. Everyone says they're 29 again, but I am going to be 28 again...and again...and again... ;o) Anywho, I saw a recent photo of myself and I was instantly sick to my stomach. This whole not being able to run for several months did not help me at all in my weight loss endeavors. Plus now that I am back to running, I am SLOW and I don't like that. So for my birthday I decided to make some changes for me. I signed up for Weight Watchers (online since I certainly do not have time in my schedule for another scheduled meeting). This has worked well for me in the past and I need to re-implement the plan. And I am upping my training at the Y. I am doing this for me. Because I want to and I need to. I want to get back into my running form and and better. I have a 10k in a week and I know I will not be blowing any PR's out of the water, but it feels amazing to have races on the calendar again. :o) SO wish me luck and I am counting on you guys to help keep me accountable!

So onto what you've all been waiting for...the GIVEAWAY ;o)

A copy of "Run Like A Mother: How To Get Moving - And Not Lose Your Family, Job, Or Sanity"

I LOVE this book! It's so real (if that makes sense)! So if you would like your very own copy follow the steps below:

Mandatory
- Must be a follower of this blog ;o)
Optional
- Post this Giveaway on your blog/facebook/twitter
- Tell me your favorite Running related quote/joke
- Tell me about a good running book you have read

Giveaway will run until Sunday, September 11th @ 12midnight. The winner will be randomly selected on Monday, September 12th.

READY! SET! GO!

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages. People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay. Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it.

Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when a watershed moment in American labor history brought workers’ rights squarely into the public’s view. On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. On June 26, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers. In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

More than a century later, the true founder of Labor Day has yet to be identified. Many credit Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others have suggested that Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, first proposed the holiday.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

Sunday Soul Day

2011-09-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Giveaway...

2011-09-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

...Now do I have your attention? ;o) That's right...there is a giveaway right around the corner! I am now back to the blogging world and ready to roll! So get ready...it's one of my favorites! And I know all my running buddies will love it, too! I have a very special blog planned to kick off the giveaway, so stay tuned!

~Keep on Runnin'

You Go Girl 2011

2011-09-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sooo excited for this year's You Go Girl 10k! It is the 2nd year of the event and this was Al's very first 10k! I want to do this every year as it is something we did together! I am excited to see her improvement this year and see the excitement on her face when she finishes again. This year will be on Team Will Run For Ice Cream and I am excited! Some of my bloggy friends created the team last year, but I was captain of another team, so I was unable to join. But Divas Run Wild did an AmAzInG job last year and I am proud of our whole team. This is a new year and I am stoked for the new team and the new adventure!

Officially Official

2011-08-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's official...it's facebook official...and now it is Bloggy Official (which of course is the only official that matters)...I am doing Hell Run! Am I crazy? Yea, Probably! But it looks like sooo much fun! I even coerced 6 of my friends to join me in this massive adventure! I am happy and sad at the same time that Al is not able to do this one. I LOVE doing races with her, but sometimes I just like to be able to go and do my own thing. Does that make me a bad mom? No, of course not, but I do still feel guilty. This one was not an option as you have to be 14 to participate. Ahh...the internal struggles of being a mom...

So how does one train for this? My Y certainly does not have any mudpits in sight...not even in the parking lot! There is still time to register if you are interested.... ;o)

Freedom 5K...Please join me!

2011-08-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

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Those of you who are facebook friends have already seen this post, but for the rest of you...

I would love it if you would join me in this Freedom 5k! One of my co-workers is organizing this and it is a very important issue in ALL of our communities even though you don't see it!

This run is on my side of the water up on Bainbridge Island, but for such a good cause that it is worth the drive! There will be tons of food and fun!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 2011

...See you there...

To Hell Run or Not to Hell Run?

2011-08-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am on the fence debating whether or not to do Hell Run...I really want to do it, but this is not something I want to do alone. I am hoping to be able to talk the hubs and a few other friends into doing it with me. What are your thoughts? Have you done anything like this before? Tell me your experience. It looks awesome!

Reunion Weekend

2011-08-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend was my 10-year high school reunion! Oh my word! It's one of those things you think about, but really don't ever think it's going to happen! After a very long drive over to eastern Washington we arrived at my mom's with enough time to get changed and relax for a few minutes. Then Nicole and I headed out to Pounder's for the meet and greet. We visited and chit-chatted until 12am and then headed out on the town. After visiting with a few friends, we headed to a 24-hour restaurant for some much needed food! It was yummy and we had a great time chatting it up!

Saturday afternoon was a fun family picnic at one of the parks. It was so great to see everyone's little kiddos! Reality really sets in then that we have all grown up when we see each other's kiddos running around! We had a really good time and all the kids got along really well!

Saturday evening was the big dinner out at the Party Barn. The Party Barn is absolutely beautiful! I haven't been there in years and it is just as great as I remember it. We had a fantastic dinner of prime rib/chicken, salad, fruit (you know how I love fruit), beans, bread, and baked potatoes! There was also a yummy strawberry dessert thingy (love my fancy words LOL). One of the classmates put together a slide show and it was fun to watch us change from high schoolers to adults.

I was hesitant to go to the reunion since I found out that the hubs was not going to be in town for it. I really, really didn't want to go without him. Sometimes it is hard to have an "invisible" husband, but I know that his job is very important and that he is doing all of this for our family. It was still hard, though! But overall I am glad I went and I will not let him get out of going to anymore reunions :o) Thankfully I had my amazing friends with me and my bestest friend since 7th grade to be my dinner date! See you in another 10!!! (Hopefully, I will see some of you sooner than that!)

East Coast: Atlantic Ocean

2011-07-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today the hubs drove Al and I around and showed us around Virginia. We ended up at Virginia Beach in 104 degrees. It was fantastic! This was our first trip to the East Coast and so of course it was the first time in the Atlantic Ocean. It was so much fun! We got to the beach, made our way to the water, and set up our spot. Then we hit the water. It felt so good! Al's beach ball was short lived as she spent more time chasing it across the water than actually playing with it. Especially on my poor feet! I hadn't realized how hot the sand was going to be and I ended up blistering the bottoms of my feet :o( This was no fun! We played for quite awhile and did some body surfing. Then we headed back to the apartment for a nice, relaxing evening. Well, if you consider scrubbing your blistered feet to get out all the sand and grit relaxing ha ha!

East Coast: Friday Fly Day

2011-07-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

Leaving Seattle

Can you say "early"? Don't ever fly with me if you want to keep your sanity! ;o) I like to get my traveling done early in the day so I can have as much time at my destination as possible. That being said, our flight from Seattle was scheduled to depart at 6am. This breaks down to being at the airport at 4am, so leaving the house at 3am and getting up at 2am. And when bedtime isn't until 10pm...well you get the drift LOL. I really did try to get to bed earlier, but it was just not happening! The first flight was 4 hours and fairly uneventful. Most of the passengers slept (although I wish I had been able to). I was able to doze off and on for a few minutes here and there, but no major sleep...ugh. By the time we landed in Chicago, we

Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams

were both hungry and cranky and rethinking this whole flying across the country thing. Al was such a trooper for being so tired. We had an hour and a half layover in Chicago (our plane was delayed due to weather) so we had time to attempt to find something to eat and gulp down the world's worst cocoa...yuck! Our 2 hour flight from Chicago to Norfolk seemed to take FoReVeR! I am thinking that was due to two reasons...#1 we were so excited to see the hubs (Did I forget to mention we haven't seen him since APRIL) and #2 we were so over flying! We landed in Norfolk only 30 minutes late (it amazes me how they can make up time in the air...but then why can't we always travel that fast?) and were thrilled to see the hubs waiting for us just outside of security! Al and I practically bowled him over with our hugs! We headed for baggage claim, then food, then the apartment. We were so exhausted we just lounged around for awhile and unpacked and enjoyed being a family once again! These past few months have been really hard, but this was definitely worth all the "fun" traveling across the country!

Sunday Soul Day

2011-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

3.1 for Thursday - Vacation Edition

2011-07-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

#1 - 8 more days until vacation! I am sooo excited to see Hubs! And so is Al! We miss him sooo much and are thrilled to make this trip!!!

#2 - So Al's longest flight has been 3 hours...not sure how to keep an almost 9 year old occupied for 7 hours of flying! Luckily we have to switch planes in Chicago, so that will break the trip up a bit. Any suggestions out there to help keep her entertained?

#3 - Al and I will have to entertain ourselves during the weekdays while the hubs is at work, so if you know anything fun to do in the Norfolk/Portsmouth/Virginia Beach area...please let me know! ;o)

#3.1 - Did I mention I was going on vacation in 8 days to see my hubs??? ;o)

Y? Y NOT?

2011-07-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I did it. Al and I went with a friend to the brand new YMCA in our area this morning. This place is massive! Two giant pools tons of machines and workout rooms, over 85,500 square feet. And oh so many classes! We spent our late morning in the pool, including the lazy river and slide. We had an absolute blast! So we signed up for the membership. I am really looking forward to getting Al in some classes so I can use the machines while she is there. I am not much of a class person myself, but I do envision the ellipticals, treadmills, and indoor track in my future! Time to get back on track, no pun intended, with my workouts and running schedule.

Do you belong to a YMCA? Why or why not?

Sunday Soul Day

2011-07-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Anyone in Virginia?

2011-07-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Are any of my bloggy buddies from Virginia? I am going to be there for two weeks (Norfolk) and would like to know if there are any good places to run. I am not looking forward to having to hit up the dreadmill in my husband's apartment building, so anything outside would be fantastic! :o)

Congrats to all the racers this weekend!

Combining Blogs...

2011-07-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

...so I will be spending the next couple of days combining my "family" blog with my "running" blog. I find that I am spending a lot of time double posting and such, so this will make life easier. Of course, that means my running buddies out there will get a bit more "real-life" blogs and not just strictly "running" blogs. Hold on tight! Things are about to get interesting!

White House Tour...APPROVED!!!

2011-07-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

Eeek!! I am so excited! More importantly, Allison so super excited! We got the email today that we were approved for a tour of The White House! Allison has wanted to see it for a couple of years now and I am so happy that we are able to get it in on this trip! This is the icing on the cake for our upcoming trip to the East Coast!

We are also so very excited to see Tommy! Two weeks from today! Woohoo! This has been a long run of phone calls, texts, emails, and video chats! Luckily, we are almost halfway there!

Happy Birthday, Thomas!!!

2011-07-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the most AmAzInG Husband I could ever ask for! That is 11 of your wonderful birthdays we have celebrated! The time has flown by, but I cherish every minute I get to spend with you! I am sad that we didn't get to actually spend the day with you, but we will celebrate in two short weeks!

We Love you!!

Happy Independence Day!!!

2011-07-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day to all of you! And THANK YOU to all of those who put their lives on the line for us to keep our FREEDOM!

This year truly was not the same without Thomas. As you read before, this is HIS holiday. I know his Dad, Al, and I must have looked insane at the fireworks stand! Thankfully we had a really nice gentleman helping us who knew A LOT about fireworks and was able to tell what we wanted by Al's description LOL!

We had a fantastic BBQ dinner (after I dropped a metal table on my foot...found out later I have a bone bruise and have to wear a special shoe, but thankfully it is not broken!) of kabobs, corn on the cob, salad, and garlic bread. Then we let off all the daylight fireworks. I kept the smoke balls going and Al chased parachutes all over the back 40. Then it was time for dessert and to wait for the sky to darken.

We started setting off the nighttime fireworks around 9:30. Two hours later, we were finally coming to the end of the line. I was dog tired and knew I had to get up early for work the next day, so the grand finale was everyone's favorite as it meant we got to go to bed! :o)

Unfortunately, my camera was being a pill and I wasn't able to get any fireworks shots, so use your best imagination :o)

A lil update

2011-07-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

So here we are yet again celebrating another holiday without Thomas. I can get over Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, but I really feel for this one. The 4th of July is Thomas' absolute favorite holiday! Not only is he not here to spend it with us and set off an amazing display of pretty firepower, but he can't even set any off where he is! Poor guy! He lives for this holiday and usually makes a minimum of 3 trips to the fireworks stand. :o)

Al and I have been doing alright here on our own. We have fallen into our own comfortable routine and have actually not butted heads too many times ;o) It can be hard when your mediator is out of the picture for awhile, but we are conquering just fine!

Thomas is doing well in school. The studies are quit difficult right now, but he is still pulling A's on his tests and such. One more test and then a final and they will be done with this portion of school. He is looking forward to that part very much! The next phase is hands-on type stuff and he does much better with that!

Relay for Life 2011

2011-06-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

What an amazing experience it is to be involved in an American Cancer Society - Relay for Life! As you know, this is something very near and dear to my heart! This year we had an amazing team and I am so proud of us! We were able to have people on the track for the whole 24 hours and we had a blast! Thanks to everyone and their generosity, we were able to raise over $2600!!!

And as a wonderful side note, I was able to get in over 9 miles (of walking) and I know all my running helped me push through those hours!

I have done a few relays in my time, but I have to say that the luminary ceremony at this relay was the best ever! They had a sailor from the Nimitz and a bell that he rang after every name announced! It was soo moving and brought tears to my eyes!

I may have missed the Seattle RnR, but I know in my heart that this is exactly where I needed to be!

Relay for Life

2011-06-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

I was sad and disappointed that I was missing all the Seattle RnR fun, BUT we had a great weekend doing the 24 hour Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society! I will post a "re-cap" of sorts tomorrow!

CONGRATS

2011-06-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

CONGRATS TO ALL OF THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE SEATTLE ROCK N ROLL MARATHON AND 1/2!!! CAN'T WAIT TO READ ALL OF YOUR RECAPS!!!

Father's Day

2011-06-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is a day to appreciate the ones you have, and remember the ones you've lost. My father has been gone 5 1/2 years now. I would love to say it gets better and starts to hurt less, but it just doesn't. At least not for me. I do miss him so much. He never got to meet Allison, never got to hold his only granddaughter or play with her. He would have been great. He knew I was pregnant when he passed, but it's still not the same. I can only pray that he is able to look down from heaven and watch over her. I hope he would be proud of me and how my life is turning out. I hope he would be proud of how we are raising our daughter and the values we are teaching her. But I know in my heart he is. He loved us so much. No matter what, he was always there.

On a happier note, we were able to spend this holiday celebrating three wonderful fathers in my life. First, there is of course Thomas. Such a wonderful man. He's a great husband and a wonderful dad. He is able to play with Allison like no one else can. He has such great patience with her and is so willing to let her help with his projects. He even wore the "superdad" shirt she picked out just for him. Although, that's not really his style, he did it because she was proud and it made her feel good. Secondly, there is my wonderful father-in-law. He is such an amazing man and leader of this family. I have built a very close relationship with him (and my mother-in-law) over these past seven years. He is the person you can talk to about anything. He'll give you his opinion and then what you do with it is your choice. He's done an amazing job raising Jeff and Thomas to be real gentlemen and have manners and how to treat others. Thirdly, there is Steve, my popa. He's been there for me for the last six years. And although him and my mom have gone there separate ways, he has stayed a close part of our family. He always treated my dad with respect and even helped to care for him in the days leading up to his death. He never tried to take the place of my father and that has meant the world to me. He is such a wonderful man with a heart as big as you'll ever find. He "inherited" me during the tail end of my teen years and I'm sure was starting to rethink this decision. But over time we've built a great "Popa-daughter" relationship. I know my dad would be glad that I still have someone like Steve to celebrate on this holiday.

I hope you all have a great father's day and take the time to celebrate those wonderful fathers around you, even if it's only a phone call to let them know you care. Have a wonderful day!

Wild Horse Wind Farm

2011-06-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

What's a vacation without education? I suppose a vacation just the same! But when you have two girls, 7 and 8, in your presence you take every opportunity to educate their little brains. About 10 miles outside of Kittitas (and 3 miles up a hill) PSE has set up Visitor's Center of sorts for those interested in learning about all of the wind farms. It was quite the experience and I can honestly say we learned a lot about how the wind turbines were built, how they work, and how they provide for the community and surrounding land as a whole. The girls, including Nicole, all had a great time! The sky cleared up for us and you could see for miles! It was fantastic!

There are a lot more pictures here than I have words to type, so enjoy!

Memorial Weekend 2011

2011-06-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Allison, her friend Madison, and I headed over to Ellensburg to spend the holiday weekend at my Mom's. We decided not to sit in traffic (we all know how badly it gets backed up on this particular weekend) and left here about 7pm. Even with a rest stop and a short shopping stop in North Bend, we still made it to my mom's by 10pm. Traffic was great! And of course as I pull up, I see Nicole already has her tent set-up and is ready to get the party started! After sitting in the car all that time, the girls and I were restless, so we set-up our tent and changed into jammies. Then we set out to play wiffle ball at 2300. It was hilarious and definitely got us all ready for bed!

We woke up Saturday morning and after 5 showers, headed to town. We stopped for breakfast, went by the grandparents' house to get tables, and then headed to do the grocery shopping. We headed back to the house and started preparing for our friends.

Around 4pm everyone started showing up. First were my grandparents. I was so happy that they were able to make it. Sometimes they aren't always feeling up to big outings, but they were up for it that day!

Travis and Stephanie and their beautiful 2-year-old, Amelia, were also in attendance. It was so great to see them! I have not seen them in about 6 years and time has changed a lot for us! I am so excited that they are expecting another bundle of joy this fall!

Marc and Sharrie were also able to make it with their boys Carter and Brendan! And Sharrie's parents tagged along, which was great! We don't get to see Marc and Sharrie all too often, so we are always happy when we can get together with them. They are such cherished friends and their boys are so entertaining! There is never a dull moment with them around!

Jay and Laura were also able to make it with their two boys Josiah and Kaleb (I am seeing a theme...)! It has also been quite awhile since we have been able to see these guys and we had a great visit! The boys played and played and I am sure they slept great!

Once the weather turned colder and windy, we moved the party into the shop and kept the s'mores going! It was a fantastic evening and I was so happy to see everyone. I am just sad that Tommy wasn't here to enjoy it with us. He was truly missed!

The whole weekend was quite refreshing and something I needed. I was quite rejuvenated and am feeling much better! It was the perfect mini vacation for me!

On Sunday, we took the girls on a sight-seeing tour down memory lane and to the Wild Horse Wind Farm, but I will save that for a separate post. After which, we headed to Nicole's dad's for another BBQ. It was great to get to hang out with her family like old times! And the girls loved playing with the horses, which was a big plus!

Need Advice

2011-05-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

Anyone of my local runners know of some 5k/10k runs coming up? I am two races behind for the year and I am tired of waiting on the doctors, so I am releasing myself to do some easy runs. If I can Zumba, I can run LOL. So please let me know if you know of any races!

Update: Titration Sleep Study

2011-05-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

So last night I was back at the Sleep Lab for another sleep study. This time it was to find out how much pressure is needed in a CPAP machine for me to be able to breathe all night and not have my O2 sats drop down to 87%. Anywho, I ended up in the same sleep suite (meaning the wrong side of the bed again, ugh). And yes, they did indeed have to hook up all the electrodes again. Grr! As you can tell this one didn't go as well as the first. I had the hardest time falling asleep this time. My brain would not shut off. So much so they even came in to check on me. LOL I finally rolled on my side and was able to fall asleep. This made the tech come back in to wake me and have me roll back onto my back. Seriously people?!? I need my sleep and this is how I do it. :o) Anyhow, I am pretty sure it was one of the longest nights ever and Starbucks was my very first stop after I left. The rest of the day drug on and I am now ready to pass out again. Fingers crossed for the results!

Zumba

2011-05-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Can't run, so what do I do? I join the craze and Zumba! I got Zumba for the Wii after hearing a few of the girls talk about the classes and how much fun it is and how much of a workout it is. So here's a weird tidbit...I can run a half-marathon in front of literally thousands of people and sometimes tv cameras, no problem! But you want me to be in a room with 30 other people and wall of mirrors and dance around? Not a chance! :o) I have to say...I Love this workout! When I first did it, I thought "Yea, right". I didn't really think dancing around was going to do much for me except maybe give me a cardio workout which would help me when released back to running (man has it been FoReVeR). But this morning, I woke up with sore thighs, sore abs, and sore arms. Guess it really was doing something for me! And Al loves it too, which is very helpful! Although, she makes me look good! She is totally off in her own routine, but she's getting a workout and we are doing it together.

What crazy new workout have you tried recently?

Update: General

2011-05-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

So my sleep study came back positive. I am actually happy about this, as it is an "easy" fix. And I am hoping the Cardiologist is right and this will relieve some of the pressure in my lungs at night, so my adrenaline will shut off at night and my BP will lower. This is the general plan anyhow. Now I have to do a Titration Study (another sleep study with the CPAP machine) to figure out how much pressure I need. I am hoping we can skip half the electrodes and testing! Fingers crossed!

Update: Sleep Study

2011-05-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

So THAT was a joyful experience! Actually, I can think of worse things to do with my time, but this wasn't a favorite. Now, don't get me wrong...the staff and the facilities were amazing, it was just the whole idea of the study. And seriously...you expect me to sleep??? ;o)

So I arrived at my scheduled arrival of 8PM. I had to ring the bell and be let in to the locked facility. Security is always good. Then I checked in, had my picture taken for my chart and was taken back to my suite. And these really are suites. They are like very nice hotel rooms (I should have gotten a pic, I know!) with nice golds and browns (very calming) and the bathroom was amazing. It was huge and beautiful! I started to unpack my things and hang up my scrubs for the next day, etc. The tech came in, had me sign a few more papers, and took my vitals. Of course my BP was terrific 150/110...not! LOL Then she had to fit me for a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine in case I needed it for my test. So I sat, and breathed, while watching The Big Bang Theory. At first the mask was a little claustrophobic and you can't really talk with the constant air pressure, but after a few minutes it got better. After that test I was left on my own to get ready for bed and read or watch tv. About 10PM the tech came and got me and took me to another room. She started placing electrodes EVERYWHERE. Two on each leg. Four on my chest. One on each arm. On on my throat. FOURTEEN on my head (held in place with a wonderful goo). Two cannula sets up my nose. Ugh! I was a walking wire factory. Then we headed back to my suite to test all 8 million leads. They turned the lights off in the room (and it was dark. Like dark dark. Like, I don't sleep with it that dark, dark). Then they gave me instructions from another room: look up and down 5 fives; breathe in and out 5 times; point your toes; make snoring noises, etc. It seemed like it took forever. And then they said "Have a good night!" Huh? I watch a movie or read until I fall asleep (especially with the hubs gone, it seems to be the only way I can fall asleep). Hmmm... I think it took me an hour to fall asleep. And then I was up about 4 times. Then they woke me up early (before 6AM). And then I had to do all the tests again before I could move! And then was the process of removing all the electrodes. My bladder was soooo full by the time this was over! I almost ran over the tech to get to the bathroom! ;o) It took my 3 shampoos to get all the goo out of my hair. Then I headed straight to starbucks, cuz I needed it this morning!!!

Update: General

2011-04-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

The results are back on my Renal Ultrasound and it is good news! Everything is negative! WooHoo! Of course, we thought it would be, but it's still good to have that confirmation. With this being such a weird disease and me having it so young, nothing about it surprises me anymore! Now we just wait for the sleep study and see where that lends us. Thanks all for sticking around and for all of your support! More soon! I am hoping to be able to hit the pavement again soon!

Update on our Family

2011-04-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

Life moves by at warp speed! And I am truly hoping and praying that the next 6 months fly by in the blink of an eye! Al and I dropped Tommy off at the airport yesterday morning (4:30am to be exact) to catch his flight to Virginia. So now, Al and I are living at "Point A" and he is living at "Point B". I never really planned to live my life as a single parent, but life happens. Gracefully the Lord has provided this wonderful job for Tommy and as hard as we may think the next 6 months will be with him gone for schooling, the bigger picture will be amazing! This is an amazing opportunity for him and for our family. We just need to get through the next 6 months first. I know we will make it and then life will be much sweeter to be back together as a family.

As you can see from the previous posts, I am going through some health challenges right now. We are still dealing with things, but trying to approach it all with a good outlook. This, we will also get through!

Al is doing amazing! She is such a great little girl! I wonder how much longer I will be able to get away with calling her a little girl :o) She is "almost" 9 for heaven's sake LOL She has her testing next weekend for the Quest Program at her school (highly gifted), so we'll see how that goes. She is highly intelligent, but not always an outside the box thinker :o)

There is a bit of an update for you! I am off to bed for the evening. Our niece Haley (who is almost 2) is over for the night and I know she will be up early :o)

Blessings!

Update: Renal Ultrasound

2011-04-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

This morning was my renal ultrasound. The Cardiologist wanted to have this done to rule-out any blocked arteries that may be causing my Pulmonary Hypertension. I checked in for my appointment and was taken back to a room to change into another flattering gown. :o) (Oh how I hate those things!). I had to fast the night before, so I was thankful for an early appointment. I had to lie on my left side first, then my right, as the tech scanned my kidney and then tracked the artery from the kidney back to the aorta. There were several times where I had to hold my breath or blow it out completely. It took about an hour and fifteen minutes. I was a bit sore this afternoon in some places where the tech had to push a little harder, but other than that it was a fairly easy procedure.

3.1 for Thursday

2011-04-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

#1 Hello Faithful followers!!! I feel horrible that I have pretty much abandoned you for the past couple weeks! I am doing so much better and thoroughly look forward to returning to running! I have another test tomorrow morning and then I have a small break before the next test. I had a "check-in" appointment with my Primary doc today, and that went well.

#2 In other news, the hubs flew out today. I am so very sad. :o( I was not sure it was possible to miss him this much!!! 16 hours down, 161 days to go!!! Grrr!!! Today is not a good day to blog about this, so I'll save the details!

#3 We added a new addition to our family today in the absence of the hubs. Mad Max is our new kitty! He's adorable! Of course, Sami June (our 7-year-old kitty) is not so thrilled yet!

#3.1 - I need a 5k to get read for...any ideas???

Pulmonary Hypertension

2011-04-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

I "borrowed" this information from the Mayo Clinic on Pulmonary Hypertension:

DEFINITION

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects only the arteries in the lungs and the right side of your heart.

Pulmonary hypertension begins when tiny arteries in your lungs, called pulmonary arteries, and capillaries become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your lungs, which raises pressure within the arteries in your lungs. As the pressure builds, your heart's lower right chamber (right ventricle) must work harder to pump blood through your lungs, eventually causing your heart muscle to weaken and eventually fail completely.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious illness that becomes progressively worse and is sometimes fatal. Although pulmonary hypertension isn't curable, treatments are available that can help lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension in its early stages may not be noticeable for months or even years. As the disease progresses, symptoms become worse.
Pulmonary hypertension symptoms include:

Shortness of breath (dyspnea), initially while exercising and eventually while at rest
Fatigue
Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
Chest pressure or pain
Swelling (edema) in your ankles, legs and eventually in your abdomen (ascites)
Bluish color to your lips and skin (cyanosis)
Racing pulse or heart palpitations

CAUSES
Your heart has two upper and two lower chambers. Each time blood passes through your heart, the lower right chamber (right ventricle) pumps blood to your lungs through a large blood vessel (pulmonary artery). In your lungs, the blood releases carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood then flows through blood vessels in your lungs (pulmonary arteries, capillaries and veins) to the left side of your heart.
Ordinarily, the blood flows easily through the vessels in your lungs, so blood pressure is usually much lower in your lungs. With pulmonary hypertension, the rise in blood pressure is caused by changes in the cells that line your pulmonary arteries. These changes cause extra tissue to form, eventually narrowing or completely blocking the blood vessels, making the arteries stiff and narrow. This makes it harder for blood to flow, raising the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension
When an underlying cause for high blood pressure in the lungs can't be found, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPH).

Some people with IPH may have a gene that's a risk factor for developing pulmonary hypertension. But in most people with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, there is no recognized cause of their pulmonary hypertension.

Secondary pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension that's caused by another medical problem is called secondary pulmonary hypertension. This type of pulmonary hypertension is more common than idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension include:

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as emphysema
Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma or lupus
Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
Congenital heart disease
Sickle cell anemia
Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis)
AIDS
Lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring in the tissue between the lungs' air sacs (interstitium)
Left-sided heart failure
Living at altitudes higher than 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)
Climbing or hiking to altitudes higher than 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) without acclimating first
Use of certain stimulant drugs, such as cocaine

RISK FACTORS
Although anyone can develop either type of pulmonary hypertension, older adults are more likely to have secondary pulmonary hypertension, and young people are more likely to have idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is also more common in women than it is in men.
Another risk factor for pulmonary hypertension is a family history of the disease. Some genes could be linked to idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. These genes might cause an overgrowth of cells in the small arteries of your lungs, making them narrower.

If one of your family members develops idiopathic pulmonary hypertension and tests positive for a gene mutation that can cause pulmonary hypertension, your doctor or genetic counselor may recommend that you or your family members be tested for the mutation.

COMPLICATIONS
Pulmonary hypertension can lead to a number of complications, including:

Right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale). In cor pulmonale, your heart's right ventricle becomes enlarged and has to pump harder than usual to move blood through narrowed or blocked pulmonary arteries. At first, the heart tries to compensate by thickening its walls and expanding the chamber of the right ventricle to increase the amount of blood it can hold. But this thickening and enlarging works only temporarily, and eventually the right ventricle fails from the extra strain.
Blood clots. Clots help stop bleeding after you've been injured. But sometimes clots form where they're not needed. A number of small clots or just a few large ones dislodge from these veins and travel to the lungs, leading to a form of pulmonary hypertension that is reversible with time and treatment. Having pulmonary hypertension makes it more likely you'll develop clots in the small arteries in your lungs, which is dangerous if you already have narrowed or blocked blood vessels.
Arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) from the upper or lower chambers of the heart are complications of pulmonary hypertension. These can lead to palpitations, dizziness or fainting and can be fatal.
Bleeding. Pulmonary hypertension can lead to bleeding into the lungs and coughing up blood (hemoptysis). This is another potentially fatal complication.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Pulmonary hypertension is hard to diagnose early because it's not often detected in a routine physical exam. Even when the disease is more advanced, its signs and symptoms are similar to those of other heart and lung conditions. Your doctor may do one or more tests to rule out other possible reasons for your condition. The first tests you'll have to diagnose pulmonary hypertension include:

Chest X-ray. This test may be able to check for pulmonary hypertension if your pulmonary arteries or the right ventricle of your heart is enlarged. The X-ray will appear normal in about one-third of people who have pulmonary hypertension.
Echocardiogram. Your doctor may first suspect you have pulmonary hypertension based on the results of this test. This noninvasive test uses harmless sound waves that allow your doctor to see your heart without making an incision. During the procedure, a small, plastic instrument called a transducer is placed on your chest. It collects reflected sound waves (echoes) from your heart and transmits them to a machine that uses the sound wave patterns to compose images of your beating heart on a monitor.
These images show how well your heart is functioning, and recorded pictures allow your doctor to measure the size and thickness of your heart muscle. Sometimes your doctor will recommend an exercise echocardiogram to help determine how well your heart works under stress. In that case, you'll have an echocardiogram before exercising on a stationary bike or treadmill and another test immediately afterward.
Transesophageal echocardiogram. If it's difficult to get a clear picture of your heart and lungs with a standard echocardiogram, your doctor may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram. In this procedure, a flexible tube containing a transducer is guided down your throat and into your esophagus using only a numbing spray in the back of your throat. From here, the transducer can get detailed images of your heart.
Right heart catheterization. After you've had an echocardiogram, if your doctor thinks you have pulmonary hypertension, you'll likely have a right heart catheterization. This test is often the most reliable way of diagnosing pulmonary hypertension. During the procedure, a cardiologist places a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a vein in your neck or groin. The catheter is then threaded into your right ventricle and pulmonary artery. Right heart catheterization allows your doctor to directly measure the pressure in the main pulmonary arteries and right ventricle. It's also used to see what effect different medications may have on your pulmonary hypertension.
Right heart catheterization is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation in a hospital setting, but you often can go home soon after the procedure. You'll need someone to drive you home after the test.

Your doctor may order additional tests to check the condition of your lungs and pulmonary arteries, including:

Pulmonary function test. This noninvasive test measures how much air your lungs can hold, and the airflow in and out of your lungs. During the test, you'll blow into a simple instrument called a spirometer.
Perfusion lung scan. This test uses small amounts of radioactive substances (radioisotopes) to study blood flow (perfusion) in your lungs. The radioisotopes are injected into a vein in your arm. Immediately afterward, a special camera (gamma camera) takes pictures of blood flow in your lungs' blood vessels. A lung scan is then used to determine whether blood clots are causing symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.
A perfusion lung scan is usually performed with another test, known as a ventilation scan. In this test, you inhale a small amount of radioactive substance while a gamma camera records the movement of air into your lungs. The two-test combination is known as a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan allows your doctor to see your organs in two-dimensional "slices." In this test, you'll lie in a machine that takes images of your lungs so that your doctors can see a cross-section of them. You might also be given a medication that makes the images of your lungs show up more clearly.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test, which uses no X-rays, is sometimes used to get images of the blood vessels in your lungs. A computer creates tissue "slices" from data generated by a powerful magnetic field and radio waves. An MRI can't, however, measure artery pressure — a procedure that's necessary to check the effectiveness of any medications you're taking to control IPH.
Open-lung biopsy. In rare situations your doctor may recommend an open-lung biopsy. An open-lung biopsy is a type of surgery in which a small sample of tissue is removed from your lungs under general anesthesia to check for a possible secondary cause of pulmonary hypertension. It would be done only to see if certain treatments might be effective for you, or to allow you to discontinue some medications.

Genetic tests
If a family member has had pulmonary hypertension, your doctor may screen you for genes that are linked with pulmonary hypertension. If you test positive, your doctor may recommend that other family members be screened for the same genetic mutation.

Pulmonary hypertension classifications
Once you've been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, your doctor may classify the disease using guidelines developed by the New York Heart Association.

Class I. Although you've been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, you have no symptoms.
Class II. You don't have symptoms at rest, but you experience fatigue, shortness of breath or chest pain with normal activity.
Class III. You're comfortable at rest but have symptoms when you're physically active.
Class IV. You have symptoms even at rest.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

It often takes some time to find the best treatment for pulmonary hypertension. The treatments are often complex and require extensive follow-up care. Your doctor may also need to change your treatment if it's no longer effective. When pulmonary hypertension is caused by another condition, your doctor will treat the underlying cause whenever possible.

Medications

Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators). Vasodilators open narrowed blood vessels. One of the most commonly prescribed vasodilators for pulmonary hypertension is epoprostenol (Flolan). The drawback to epoprostenol is that its effects last only a few minutes. This drug is continuously injected through an intravenous (IV) catheter via a small pump that you wear in a pack on your belt or shoulder. This means that you'll learn to prepare your own medication mixture, operate the pump and care for the IV catheter. You'll need comprehensive follow-up care. Potential side effects of epoprostenol include jaw pain, nausea, diarrhea, leg cramps, as well as pain and infection at the IV site.
Another form of the drug, iloprost (Ventavis), avoids many of these problems. Iloprost can be inhaled every three hours through a nebulizer, a machine that vaporizes your medication, making it far more convenient and less painful to use. And because it's inhaled, it goes directly to the lungs. Side effects associated with iloprost include chest pain — often accompanied by headache and nausea — and breathlessness.
Endothelin receptor antagonists. These medications reverse the effect of endothelin, a substance in the walls of blood vessels that causes them to narrow. One of these medications, bosentan (Tracleer), may improve your energy level and symptoms. The drug isn't for pregnant women. If you take bosentan, you'll need monthly liver monitoring, because the drug can damage your liver.
Sildenafil. Revatio (sildenafil) is sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension. It works by opening the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow through more easily. Side effects include dizziness and vision problems.
High-dose calcium channel blockers. These drugs help relax the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels. They include medications such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac) and nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia). Although calcium channel blockers can be effective, only a small number of people with pulmonary hypertension respond to them.
Ambrisentan. Ambrisentan (Letairis) is another medication that stops the narrowing of your blood vessels. This drug can cause serious liver damage if not taken appropriately, and it shouldn't be taken by pregnant women. Before taking the drug, tell your doctor about any liver condition you have.
Anticoagulants. Your doctor is likely to prescribe the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin) to help prevent the formation of blood clots within the small pulmonary arteries. Because anticoagulants prevent normal blood coagulation, they increase your risk of bleeding complications. Take warfarin exactly as prescribed, because warfarin can cause severe side effects if taken incorrectly. If you're taking warfarin, your doctor will ask you to have periodic blood tests to check how well the drug is working. Many other drugs, herbal supplements and foods can interact with warfarin, so be sure your doctor knows all of the medications you're taking.
Diuretics. Commonly known as water pills, these medications help eliminate excess fluid from your body. This reduces the amount of work your heart has to do. They also may be used to limit fluid buildup in your lungs.
Oxygen. Your doctor may suggest that you sometimes breathe pure oxygen, a treatment known as oxygen therapy, to help treat pulmonary hypertension, especially if you live at a high altitude or have sleep apnea. Some people with pulmonary hypertension eventually require constant oxygen therapy.

Surgeries

Atrial septostomy. If medications don't control your pulmonary hypertension, this open-heart surgery may be an option. In an atrial septostomy, a surgeon will create an opening between the left and right chambers of your heart to relieve the pressure on the right side of your heart. Atrial septostomy can have serious complications, including heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).

Transplantation. In some cases, a lung or heart-lung transplant may be an option, especially for younger people who have idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Major risks of any type of transplantation include rejection of the transplanted organ and serious infection, and you must take immunosuppressant drugs for life to help reduce the chance of rejection.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Although medical treatment can't cure pulmonary hypertension, it can lessen symptoms. Lifestyle changes can also help improve your condition. You should:

Get plenty of rest. Resting can reduce the fatigue that may come from having pulmonary hypertension.
Stay as active as possible. Even the mildest forms of activity may be too exhausting for some people with pulmonary hypertension. For others, moderate exercise such as walking may be beneficial, and using oxygen during exercise may be especially helpful.But first, talk to your doctor about specific exercise restrictions. In most cases, it's recommended that you not lift more than 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms). Your doctor can help you plan an appropriate exercise program.
Don't smoke. If you smoke, the most important thing you can do for your heart and lung health is to stop. If you can't stop smoking by yourself, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment plan to help you quit. Also, avoid secondhand smoke if possible.
Avoid becoming pregnant or using birth control pills. If you're a woman of childbearing age, avoid becoming pregnant. Pregnancy can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. Also avoid using birth control pills, which can increase your risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about alternative forms of birth control.
Avoid traveling to or living at high altitudes. High altitudes can worsen the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. If you live at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) or higher, your doctor may recommend that you move to a lower elevation.
Avoid situations that can excessively lower blood pressure. These include sitting in a hot tub or sauna or taking long hot baths or showers. These activities lower your blood pressure and cause fainting or even death. You should also avoid activities that cause prolonged straining, such as lifting heavy objects or weights.
Find ways to reduce stress. These can range from yoga, meditation and biofeedback to warm baths, music or a good book. Try to allow at least 30 minutes a day for an activity you find relaxing. Many people with pulmonary hypertension find that simply reducing stress can greatly improve the quality of their lives.
Follow a nutritious diet and stay at a healthy weight. It's likely your doctor will recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet to minimize swelling of your body's tissues (edema). Most experts agree that you should eat no more than 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams of salt a day. Keep in mind that processed foods often are high in salt, so it's important to check labels carefully.

SOUNDS FUN, RIGHT?!? ;o)

Update: Cardiologist

2011-04-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All! Thanks for your patience! As you know, I had my cardiology appointment on Friday. There was good news, and bad news. I took a few days to try and wrap my head around things before sitting down to write this.

The good news is that is is NOT my HEART! Praise the Lord!!! This made me very happy! The bad news is I have Pulmonary Hypertension. This is not good. It means there is too much pressure in my lungs. It means some of the blood vessels in my lungs are shutting down, this causing more pressure in my arteries. This also means over time the right ventricle of my heart will become thicker as it tries harder to push the blood through, and eventually fail. Lovely outlook, right? :o)

Let me back up a bit. I arrived at my appointment Friday morning and was taken back to a room (after a small stop at the scale...yikes!). The nurse checked me in and took my BP. The magic numbers that day were 150/110. FANtastic! NOT! So then we waited, She had said Dr. PK was doing a pacemaker insertion, but should be done and on his way back from the OR. Okay, no big deal. 50 minutes later, he arrived. I, of course, was fine with this. I mean, I work in ortho and emergencies and such come up with our patients all the time. He was very apologetic, but I assured him it was fine. (Besides, if I was that patient, I'd want him to stay with me). Anyhow, over the course of the next 45 minutes I learned a few things:

1. I am technically too young for Pulmonary Hypertension. It is very rare for someone my age to have this.

2. I have a few tests I need to do to try and find the cause. Hopefully by finding the cause we can treat it and it will lessen the pressure in my lungs.

3. There is no cure for Pulmonary Hypertension. We can only treat the symptoms and try to lessen the pressure.

4. My syncope episode at work is unrelated. That was just some sort of vasovegal response. This is a complete fluke that I was actually sent to the cardiologist. And a complete fluke that they had me do an echo, which revealed my Pulmonary Hypertension. I never would have known otherwise. The life expectancy of untreated Pulmonary Hypertension is only about 3 years. I FEEL SO BLESSED to have found out, so we can try and do something about it. :o)

So far I am scheduled for a Renal Ultrasound. They want to make sure there are no blockages in the arteries in the kidneys, although Dr. PK does not believe this is the cause. I am also scheduled for a Sleep Study. Never thought I would say this, but I hope I have Sleep Apnea. This would be something that we could easily treat. Dr. PK thinks my adrenaline is running all night long, thus causing the higher pressure in my lungs during the day while I am trying to function.

So, the hubs and I spent a couple hours at the grocery store yesterday reading labels on everything! I have to pretty much cut sodium out of my life. Forever. No motivation quite like possible death LOL! We were amazed at some of the things we found, but were successful in many areas!

And the bestest news: I CAN RUN!!! Woohoo!!! Although, I did have to back out of my back-to-back races this weekend (I haven't run in two weeks) I am excited to be cleared. I am certainly going to have to start off slow again, but its worth it to get back out there! Sorry this became so long!!! Thanks again for all your support!!!

Update: Echocardiogram

2011-04-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Life has been...interesting. I have been sleeping A LOT. I am so very tired lately. I believe it is due to the stress of the whole situation, but who knows. Just been trying to keep quiet and rest. Still no running...big fat Boo on that one! How else am I to think and blow off some steam?

I had my echocardiogram this morning. On the good side, the tech didn't run screaming from the room for a doctor, so I guess I'll be around a few more days. On the bad note, I really won't have any new info until Friday with I meet with Dr. P. the Cardiologist. But I have been constantly learning more and more, and thus they are believing my little "ordeal" was caused by something to do with my heart. So now we wait...and pray...and wait and pray some more.

I had a really nice tech and the whole procedure only took about 20 minutes (which was a lot better than the hour I thought it was going to be). When I got there I had some initial new patient paperwork to fill out...in which I had to cross things out and re-write them. I was a nervous wreck. My hand was shaking so bad I am almost positive no one will be able to read my handwriting. Then the tech called me back and gave me a gorgeous gown to wear...opening in the front and all! ;o) When she came back in, she had me lie on my left side (not my favorite position) and then she got to work. Thankfully the gel was warm, but I am still a tad sore in a few places that she had to push a little harder. She worked over my ribs and *cough* are on the left. The on my left side. Then on my abdomen under my ribs and then in the neck to see the top of my heart. I tried to watch it on the screen, but there is something odd about watching your own heart. It was pretty neat when they had the red and blue to show the electrical impulses, but I could only stand that for a short amount of time. After the exam, I removed more electrodes and jelly...yuck! So now we wait...and pray...

Thank you all for your amazing support, whether it be here, on facebook, or via email! I appreciate you all and hope to be back to blogging regularly again soon!

Matters of the Heart

2011-03-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, you are all so sad without your Sunday Soul Day post :o), but life has happened and it has thrown things a bit off track...

Let me back up a bit to this last Thursday...I have been fighting a chest cold all week. So when I woke up at 4:30 on Thursday morning in a coughing fit, I figured that was going to be my day to stay home. I was able to prop myself up on the couch well enough to get a couple more hours of sleep. When I awoke again, I felt much better, so I went about my routine of getting myself and Al ready for work/school. So I dropped Al off at the bus and made the 30 minute drive to work. I parked in the garage and jumped in the elevator. I felt a little dizzy when I stepped off the elevator, but tried to just shake it off. I managed to get into the office and to where we clock in. (The next part is info from multiple sources, as I don't remember much). I apparently announced that I was dizzy, then I proceeded to pass out. Luckily, I had enough co-workers around that they were able to catch me so my head didn't hit the ground. They got me down on the ground on my right side. One of our docs came running in and began assessing me, while another co-worker called 911. Things are still foggy, but I remember being tingly everywhere (hyperventilating) and my BP was really high. The paramedics showed up, hooked me up to some machines, and then tried to sit me up. Let's just say that didn't go too well. The next thing I know, I am on the gurney and we are moving. They transported me to the ER and I was hooked up to even more machines while I was there; heart monitor, Pulse Ox, EKG, etc. I spent 4 hours in the ER and boy did that time creep by! My best BP was 149/103 and that was right before I left. Yikes! So it seems the verdict so far is my heart. :-( Not 100% sure yet, but I have more testing to be done. It appears that I may have heart arrhythmia (which is fancy for "irregular heartbeat"), which seems to have caused my syncope (fainting). So I have an echo-cardiogram scheduled and then a consult with the cardiologist. So my running is put on hold until further notice...which of course sucks since it is my stress reliever...

So I apologize that I have not been on here more, and things may be slow here for awhile. I will try and keep everyone up to date :-) Prayers are appreciated!

1st Anniversary!!!

2011-03-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yep, Yep! It has officially been one year that I have come to know and love the sport of running. Scratch that...I did run track in school, but that was 100meter sprints and the occasional hurdle. Nothing like this whole long distance thing I have going on now! So it was officially one year ago (yesterday, but we all know how my day went LOL) that I went out on that first training run with Coach. It was 4 miles and I know for a fact he thought this was never going to work. And I was truly doubting myself. But I worked hard and I got better week by week. I proved myself (although maybe not fast, but consistent) and eventually prevailed in my work. Looking back, I still cannot believe all I accomplished. I have done things I never thought I was capable of. And by doing those, it increased my self-confidence all around! I am definitely a different person than I was a year ago...for the better! I have met some amazing running buddies and have wonderful blog followers! Here's to another year of triumphs!!!