it's the Final Countdown

I just got the time for surgery. I check in at 9:30am. At least I won’t have to go too long without any food or water.
On my way there I will detour by the DMV to pick up my handicap pass. (It’s good for 3 months – too bad it’s not Christmas at the mall!)

I have my medicine filled and ready.
I bought some new toe nail polish.
I got the new People Style mag for my reading pleasure.
Mom is brining the Bride Wars DVD for post-op movie viewing.
David is coming to see me tomorrow afternoon.

I lifted weights and rode my bike last night.
Swam this morning.
A couple friends are coming over tonight for the “Last Chance Workout” – a short run in the ‘hood.

Here goes nothing.

P-I-C: Be Afraid

Partners - in - crime.
Now Partners - on - crutches.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Mainly because SQ and Favey will be on crutches, painkillers, are neighbors, and...like wine.
We once throught it was ironic that we both had older brothers...named Matt...that were doing Timberman 70.3 in 2008.
Then we bought condos less than a block from each other.
Now we have surgery pretty much together. Same bat place. Almost the same bat time.

so, yes, be afraid.

Surreal

Am I really having surgery in 3 days?

People have asked me if I am ready.
Is one ever ready to be sliced open and permanently scarred?
But I guess I am ready to accept that this is in my very near future.

I have gone to the grocery store, target, and run errands. (dammit I forgot air filters!)
I went for a long bike ride this weekend.
I spent sunday by the pool getting the last little bit of sun on my legs for awhile.
I went for an extra swim this morning.
I vacuumed the house. Up next: dusting and mopping.

I think I am about ready to spend a week with my feet kicked up...literally.

Counting Down

1 week from today is my fasciotomy.



A few ideas...

Bedazzling crutches

Making handle covers with all the fabric samples I have laying aorund my office (the beuty of being a designer)

7 days and counting...

Baby Showering?

I don't know about what water your friends are drinking, but if they are dipping in the same well as mine, then you also have Baby Fever running rampant!
However, I do love planning showers! (baby and wedding!)
I love searching and finding exciting new give-aways, decorations, and of course, my favorit e- the invitations.
I jsut found my absolute FAVORITE baby shower invitation website.
Because if you are anything like me - going to the fun invitation stores require time that you jsut don't have.
www.peekaboopumpkin.com
Instant proofs, variety of fonts, help with rhyming. The works!
Seriously - the BEST ever.
Happ Baby Showering!

Cobwebs

With Ironman Arizona on the horizon, it's going to be a long season.
I haven't raced since Timberman 70.3 last year and have had quite the easy off-season. It hink my training partners heard me say "But it's my off-season" more times than they would care to.
I was schedule to participate in Rockett's Landing - the first local Olympic distance and with a purse, it ws drawing quite the elite crowd. A perfect way to kick off the season and clean off the cobwebs.
Put on the brakes.
It will be 2 weeks post-op. Bummer! no can do anymore.
Fortunately, the RD is allowing me to do another one of their races.
So I have added I Love the Tavern Aquavelo to the list for the year.
I have never done an Aquavelo. But since it's only 7 weeks post-op I will not be running 3 miles yet. But I will be (hopefully) able to handle the swim and the bike.
So here's to clearing out the cobwebs - something lots of my friends are doing this weekend at Rumpass in Bumpass, including my IronGreg!
(I wanted to do this rae just for a t-shirt that said 'Rumpass in Bumpass')

Costco vs. BJ's

Okay - I am looking into the wholesale club membership.
Who likes which one and why?
Products?
Pizza?
Any and all feedback would be helpful, thanks!

Fasciotomy

Over the past 2 years of doing triathlons I have had little aches and pains.
Some haven driven me to see sports medicine doctors.
Some I am able to deal with.

First I had knee issues.
I saw Dr. Zaslav and Dr. Stadler over this.
Fortunately over the years as I have strengthened my quadricep, this has gotten SO much better. Sure from time to time it twinges, but it's not painful like it used to be.

The more recent injury has been the pain in my shin which last year was diagnosed as compartment syndrome. It's something I have always felt. I remember I used to hate speed walking with friends for exercise in college b/c it would make my shin hurt. Jogging actually felt better than walking!
As I have increased my training it has caused this pressure to build up enough to officially be diagnosed by Dr. Stadler. I spent some time in Physical Therapy with the great Jim Miller. This seemed to be working!

What is CECS?
Think of your muscle like a sausage. The meat being your muscle and the skin being your fascia. When everyone exercises your muscles require more oxygen and blood flow so they expand. Sometimes the fascia does not expand with your muscle cutting off blood flow and oxygen to that area. This is common in hands and legs.
I continued to take time off as I trained for Timerbman 70.3 - which during that race I had to walk up the hills because the shin was so swollen =(.
I took time off and slowly worked my way into marathon training. There were days I thought my leg was going to completely explode and there were days where it was manageable.
This winter I took it VERY easy. I haven't run much - enough to get me through. Unfortunately, the past month or so it has felt worse. My whole lower leg goes numb - it's so weird! I first started feeling it during my track workouts, but of course pretended it was my gait or something - which through this I think my gait is getting better although it still has a ways to go.
Then during the Monument 10k I had 2 issues - the stomach and the leg. I blamed everything on the stomach because I was too afraid of admitting how bad my leg hurt. I didn't tell anyone - not even IronGreg.
The following weekend I signed up to do the Ashland 10k. I wanted to work on nutrition and see how my stomach did. Well my stomach did a little better - still had issues, but not as bad. However, the leg was worse. And this time my friend Lizzy was running with me so there was no hiding my pain.
So on Monday after the race I called Dr. Zaslav to see if he knew anything else to help me out here. they asked me to come in right away when I was on the phone. Well, I work so I couldn't just get up and leave! So since I had Good Friday off I made my way in to go see him. We talked for a bit and he said that the reason at around mile 2 my foot was numb and by mile 4 my whole lower leg was because there was no blood or oxygen getting to that area - the furthest point away from the pressurized muscled first. he said I am a textbook case. And although Dr. Stadler and I have been doing everything right -it was obvious that the conservative methods of treating CECS (chronic exertional compartment syndrome) were just not working. And to make this go away once and for all - a fasciotomy.

So on April 28th I go in and have all my compartments tested, since only one has been tested so far. Afterwards I find out which compartments will be operated on and get all the pre-op informational meeting.
Then on April 30th I go in for the fasciotomy.

What is a fasciotomy?
Well - do not google it. I repeat do not google it. And if you do, beware it is not pretty pictures. Most pictures shown are emergency fasciotomies where it's just an ugly mess requiring grafting and all. That is not what is happening to me.
I will have 2 x 2" incisions on my shin where they go in and cut the fascia around my muscle. This will allow my muscle to expand when I exercise. It might look funny when it happens, but at least I will have blood and oxygen flowing to my leg!

He said I will have scars =(
I wonder if Costco sells Mederma!

What does this mean for Ironman Arizona training?
He wants to do the surgery right away to not get in the way of training too much. I will be on crutches at first. For the first 3 weeks I can't do anything. Although Coach G had a great point - that this is the time to clean out closets and such that I won't have time to do when training picks up!
After 10 days I get my stitches out.
After 3 weeks I can get back in the pool and on the stationary bike.
After 6 weeks I should be able to start running again. Albeit slowly.
So IMAZ is definitely still do-able. My training will focus on the swim and the bike and the run will be just to finish.

I am nervous because I have under had surgery, if you want to call it that, when getting my wisdom teeth out.
I am excited to be able to run again. The post run frustrations were really getting the best of me. I just want to be able to run. I was doing so well before all this.
I am not looking forward to the scars. =( But like IronGreg and my wonderful friends have said - they will be tough badass scars.
I will not be able to participate in the upcoming Rockett's Landing triathlon. But hopefully, I will be able to volunteer on teh run course with my other CZC volunteers!

So for the next 18 days I will be wearing skirts and heels as much as possible - I hope the weather cooperates with my fashion plan.
My first week back, my wonderful co-worker has agreed to take me to and from work everyday since it is my right leg so driving won't be possible at first. Many thanks to her in advance for that!
I will be accepting dog walkers - walking up and down 2 flights of stairs on crutches with a dog just doesn't sound fun, although I might win America's Funniest Home Videos!
And I have changed the date of my exam for post-op, so this will give me time when I can't train to focus on my LEED exam!

My fingers are tired of typing now.

Oh wait! I am drinking a hot chocolate now. Mmmmm Lent is over. Happy Easter!

Quote of the Day

"No one is listening until you fart." ~Author Unknown

Recessionista Strikes Again

My colleague recently took advantage of the real estate market and last week she closed on her first home!
The boxes are unpacked.
The rooms have been painted.
Next task: the yard.

As she begins to tell me what needs to be done, my "recessionista light bulb" lights up!

go get a cheap pair of heels and go for a walk around the yard - no need to pay someone to aerate the grass, when you can do it yourself with a pair of heels and some good wine!

Twister

Another mental image from Sunday's ride.

(thanks to JRo for this entertaining image along the ride)

On a seperate note...

does anyone else understand the goodness of Skippy Natural peanut butter.

It's like nectar of the gods.

Weekend

Saturday was the Monument Avenue 10k
I had some GI issues along the way causing em to walk to compose myself.
But I still finished with a PR (yes, it has been THAT long since I have done a 10k)
56:46.
I was hoping for a 8:40-8:50 pace, but did a 9:08.
I have decided to do the Ashland Railroad 10k this weekend to work on nutrition and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.


Yesterday I rode the course for the upcoming Rockett's Landing Triathlon.
This image sums up my feelings on that ride.
(Insert Princess instead of Toto)

Meet at the 'T'

This weekend is the annual Monument Ave 10k.
AKA monument mobfest.

A time when thousands of runners and walkers take over Monument Avenue.
Led by the Kenyons with veteran and new particpants throughout the field.
Spectators line the monument and tree-lined streets cheering while sipping coffee, bloodies, and mimosas.
Followed by parties, cookouts, and celebrations.

Highlights to look forward to.
One fo my BFF's, Neffaramous (the other Missy) is running this year - her first race ever!
I will NOT get sick before this year's race and ba able to participate.
IronGreg is sure to PR - he has been working awfully hard.
there will be LOTS of PINK out there!

See everyone at the 'T' afterwards.
I can't stay long, so run fast.

Here's to a week of hydrating and eating properly.

Change of Plans

First of all, if you are not wearing green i am sending you a virtual *pinch pinch*

I started out training with a goal...
To break 2 hours in a half marathon.
I have had some hurdles along the way with still having shin issues and adding in some foot issues.
But I know what I want, and I know wanting it is half the battle.

Unfortunately, my Grandma is not feeling well.
So this weekend, without any hesitation I am foregoing the Shamrock Half Marathon and am going to drive north to spend some time with my Grandma - I love that cute little Italian lady.
I can't wait to snuggle with her - nothing matters when Grandma holds you tight.

I wish my team mates the best of luck this weekend. I will be thinking of them along the way.
And request in my honor that 2 particular people break 2 hours in my honor since I cannot be there. (no pressure) Arriba! Arriba!

Camp Reflections

As many of you know I am involved with an organization that is very dear to me, Comfort Zone Camp (CZC). I have been helping at the camps for 4 years now and have spent the last 2.5 years also sitting on their Volunteer Council.

For those unfamilair, CZC is the nation's largest bereavement camp for children who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. It's a fun and safe place for grieving children. Free of charge to campers and volunteers, CZC is based out of Richmond, VA with a satellite camp in New Jersey. Serving kids allover the country, including Canada and England, CZC is now offering camps at new locations in California and Boston. At camp these kids get to meet other kids that are also hurting - they see that they are not alone. They learn that all their feelings are normal. It's okay to cry. It's okay to remember. It's okay to smile and have fun.

I just returned from camp and every time I go it's an amazing experience. The children have such stories. Some similar to mine - I lost my dad to cancer when I was 13, grandparents, uncles, and friends over the years - and some quite different from mine. Some experience multiple losses. No matter the loss, these kids show such strength and courage. They are stronger than they realize. They are truly inspriational. They have no idea the effect that their smile leaves on your soul.

Camp is a "reality check" in a way. sometimes we think our lives are so hard. We get mad at the computer for being slow. We get frustrated becuase our run times are slower than we would like. It's so easy to get caught up in the little things in life. so what the computer is being slow - at least we have one. So we aren't running our ideal pace - but at least we can run.

We have to keep in mind that everything we do we do it with our friends and fmaily at our sides. And that is what is important in life.
We need to remember to tell our friends that are our family.
We need to remember to tell our family that they are loved.
We are all so truly blessed in so many ways, even if we have experienced a loss. There is always a silver lining.

What made this camp have an extra special sparkle to it was the loss that the camp itself overcame. As we were all packing for camp Thursday night, someone broke into the camp offices and stole computers, money, etc. Fortunately, no personal information was taken. Although the camp staff walked in Friday morning to find police fingerprinting everything, they ran with what they had and made sure that camp this weekend went off just as normal regardless of the loss they were dealing with. Campers never knew this happened. And most of the volunteers had no idea either.

Like I said, there is always a silver lining.
Although the camp headquarters may have lost some computers and money. They were given attention by local news and radio spreading the word on this great organization which will hopefully get to another grieveing child in need.

Times like this , when someone acts so poorly, it brings out the good in others. As the camp staff got to the offices on Monday they were met by a local alarm system donating a FREE system and a YEAR'S worth of monthly monitoring fees. They have been blessed with donations. and in jsut a few weeks in their annual black tie fundraiser gala. The mission of Comfort Zone Camp continues to grow.

I'm Sorry, what did you say?

Monday 03/09
*AH-CHOO*
sniffle sniffle sniffle
I realize I slept with my window open. Allergies.

Tuesday 03/10
"my ear sure does hurt from all this sinus pressure.
I hope my Claritin-D kicks in soon. "

Wednesday 03/11
"wah wah wah. I would like some cheese with my whine"
*insert mass amount of snot*

Thursday 03/12
"Maybe if I sit here with my head sideways, gravity will release the pressure so I can hear again.
*insert honking sound of nose blowing*
I tell IronGreg that this has made me retain water.
He lets me know, that no I am not retaining water, but I am probably retaining snot!
Thanks, babe.

thursday night
Patient First straight from work.
ear infection. (I blame Baby David een though they are not contaqgious, but the cute doctor did say the underlying virus is)
sinus infection

Friday 03/13
Time for Comfort Zone Camp. mmm a weekend of being outside in the lovely rain and cold with no hearing and a snot faucet for a nose.
I pick up 2 boxes of Vicks scented tissues

One week later now I have crackling started in my right ear.
Hopefully the antibiotics will soon clear it away so I can hear and breathe, and stop disgusting those around me with the nose blowing (I think it sounds like the sweet sounds of an orchestra, but no one agrees with me for some reason)
So here's to wishing for the ability to hear and breathe normal again soon!!

Rain Rain Go Away
And take my ear and sinus infections with you!

St. Bridget's 5k

This morning was the St. Bridget's 5k.
Sometimes I get frustrated with neighborhood 5k's b/c of the chaos, but this one is a little different. Not only is it where I go to church, but it is also where my god friend's daughter goes to Kindergarten.

My friend Katharine and I jogged the 1.5 mi down to the church for a little warm-up. We met up with some friends and then it was time to get to the start line.

Ummmm where is the start line? And the mass chaos began. But today I was liek "eh. whatever". The sound the horn and we are off.
The start of the race was like letting a bunch of wild animals out of their cages. One little boy fell and skinned his knees, right at the start. I paused and saw someone comign to his rescue so I continued on. Poor little guy.

First mile feels good - downhill, oh yeah baby! The goal changed from running a solid pace, to not running over a kid. It was great seeing so many kids out there so excited to be active and participate in the event. You could over hear some of them talking about pacing and not going out too strong and asking if it was okay to walk, etc. Very sweet.
we have an out and back and I as I am coning back around I see parents instructing their kids to just go forward and avoid the out and back. For real?! Don't teach your children to cheat. If you don't want your child to do it because of their fitness level and not get injured I can undersand but one woman was clearly just lazy and that made my skin curl.
Then came the 2nd mile marker. I look at my watch
16:52
Holy Mother of God.
That's an 8:26 pace.
Heck yeah.
Wait for it.
Wait for it.
That would be losing it.
The last mile took me 10 minutes.
Yes, 10 minutes.
I finished in 27 minutes and change for roughly an 8:57 +/- pace.
Um, oops.
My shin was btohering me up the hill - rememebr me saying that we started downhill. yeah that means we finished uphill. Uphill and shins don't get along. I cold feel them tightening and so I walked up the hill. I have one angel on my shoulder telling me to suck it up. I had the other angel on my shoulder telling me it's not worth inflamming my leg for a neighborhood 5k. I know the second angel is the one to listen to, but it is swallowing a little pride to walk up a hill in a 5k. Damn that pride.
Damn my shins.
But I finished. And had good friends there with me.
So all in all - it was a good day.
Now off to do some speed work on the bike (who's a glutton for punishment?)
Then...target day, baby! woo-hoo!
Happy 70 degree weather weekend!

PS - Go Ironman Will!

Spring Fever

With the 9-12" of snow we received on Sunday/Monday, I take it as Mother Nature's final act, so to speak, of winter.
If seasons were a play, this snow would be the finale filled with song and dance.

Therefore, spring is right around the corner.

I am ready to ride my bike outside in the heat feeling the breeze I make through...my hair? Okay maybe not my hair, but through the vent holes in my helmet!

I am ready to run down the street and not avoiding ice and snow along the sidewalk like it's a trail.

I am ready to furnish my new balconies with patio furniure and host cook outs with fruity drinks. and lay out with a maragarita in hand. (hmmm is there a theme?)

I am ready to grow my little herb garden on the balcony off my kitchen.

I am ready to get a TAN!

Allow me to quote the character Mary Lennox from the movie A Secret Garden, "When will it be spring?"

Practice Pays Off

This morning I was forced to do a time 50 meter at the end of class.
After 5 million meters of kicking.
After 1 million meters of butterfly (which i actually don't mind even though half the pool water ends up in my sinuses)
umm, I'm tired.
Ok, ok.
Result - 0:44.

So I wonder - what have my previous timed 50's been?
Well last January they were in the mid 50's.

I guess getting my tired ass out of bed at the crack of dawn once a week for the last 6 months is paying off.

Now if only it didn't take me about 20 minutes to do a flip turn - slow motion for ya. slow motion for ya.

Spinderella Cut it up one time

I may or may not currently be singing Salt N Pepa in my head.

It's 7:30am on Monday and I am not getting ready for work.
Why, you may be asking.
Because I live in Richmond.
And it's SNOWING!

I have all my blinds open to look at it and just pulled out the ski clothes so I can go make a snow angel without getting wet. Hopefully IronGreg will get brave and get on the raods - he's from NJ this is nothing to him, right?!

Off to Princess out - have to keep her on a leash and maybe in a bright orange vest, too! She could get lost.

Well I'll be beack with pictures and to maybe blog about training. The little bit that I am doing.

Happy Snow Day!