Notes of a Non-Runner

A few days after surgery

2009-03-25T17:02:00.004-05:00

Hey Everyone!! Thanks for checking in on me. It's been fun keeping up with people on Facebook but I've decided to do a post since I've been away so long.

My surgery was scheduled for March 6th but was delayed by 1 week due to the surgeon working on a trauma patient all night. It was an ugly phone call that morning as I had a lot of things ready to go (my mind being one of them) but I quickly decided whoever it was needed him more than I did (after a couple tears and some help from the Hub).

So I had arthroscopic surgery on my hip to repair the labral tear on the 13th. As it was explained to me, repairing this is a bit odd in that I am not a young athelete, but the surgeon wanted to do the repair to give me some stability for the Freakishly Flexible Joints. The repair is generally not done because there is little blood flow and it is difficult to heal. I'm finding that out.

if you follow the crescent that is the socket all the way out to the tip, you can see a white space that looks like the tip is cracked. that is the tear in the labrum.

I have a restrictive brace (6 wks) and crutches (3wks). I am about 12 days into that. I've had more pain than I expected or at least for longer. It is still bothersome to sit very long so I hang out a lot in bed with everything I need around me!! (books, mags, laptop, tv, phone, remote, movies, knitting, tray for food and drink, newspapers, purse for on-line purchasing - hee hee) (if anyone has fun websites to check out I'd love to get recommendations - nothing nasty please!) :D Actually nothing is very comfortable with the brace on all the time, but I am trying not to get too worked up about it. At least I can shower now!! I had to wait about 10 days until I got the stitches out. I just cleaned up and washed my hair in the sink. Weird, but I made it through that.

the brace. this will be the only time you will ever be granted a close up of my hips with no lipstick to bring your eye upward. the boobage will have to do. interestingly, that is my lair in the background. i can't for the life of me figure out how my crutches are clear over there. i haven't been cheating I must have slid to the egde of the bed and hopped into place but i don't remember doing it.

this is a picture of me showering...

what you can't see it? hee hee. jk.

I have never been so rested. Wow, 12 days mostly in bed. But, it has been the most comfy place so far and I have lots of stuff around me to do. I am reading 992 page novel, Pillars of the Earth. I never get time to read so this has been good! We did have poker last Friday and I made it down the steps and won the first game!!! (9 people, thankyouverymuch) We've had some dinners but mostly I hang out in the bedroom. One of the poker players nicknamed me Cyborg for all the metal. :D

That's about all for now. I still have a little trouble with blogs. Every time I see a run or read a race report all I can think to comment is Lucky You or I'm jealous or something preachy like ENJOY IT, at least you are running. I figure people would get tired of that so I am trying not to do that too much. I guess I have a ways to go on dealing with the not running but I'll get there. I did meet the Tri coach at our gym and she gave me her masters swim work outs so maybe I will get excited about that when it is time to get in the pool. I don't think I even start any rehab until 6 weeks.

I have knitted 4 scarves - they are an Easter Egg colors one with Fun Fur, a snow white fuzzy one, a ribbon one that is light and more for clothes accent than coat, and a big variegated brown and cream one for my mom. She picked out the colors. I didn't like it but it is what she ordered. My MIL thinks it looks like a stole (translation: dead animal). eeuuww.

The ribbon scarf up close. I haven't quite mastered good pictures of these like Running Knitter.

My boys tonight at bedtime. They've been great little helpers.

Freakishly Flexible 5k (FFFK) !!

2009-02-11T12:06:00.004-06:00

Imagine my shock upon finding this!!!

I gasped, I laughed, I cried... you guys are so cool. USJogger set this up: a race in my honor!! I really don't know what to say. Thank you so much. I so wish I could run it with you. Go to his site for more details. I'm still cracking up that he used that picture and made a logo.

I am hanging in there. My surgery is March 6th. Thank you all so much for your prayers and kind words. All the support is really helping me.

I can't wait to see the outcome of FFFK.

There's Good News and Bad News

2009-02-03T19:08:00.002-06:00

Alternate titles for this post that I considered:

I Never Should Have Chosen That Damn Name - Nonrunner Nancy
Trust Me, Freakishly Flexible is so NOT a Good Thing
I'm Mourning 13 Minute Miles
I'm a Freak
Only Read This if You Need to Feel Better About Your Situation Otherwise It's Too Much of a Downer and Way Too Long

Well, now, I really have some answers. I never wanted to be one of those people that posted every ache and pain and complaint and that is why I have disappeared somewhat. I wanted to be fun and funny, creative, motivational (if not fast). But the answers are none of those things.

I DO have a torn labrum (the cartilage in my hip) and it probably CAN be fixed. However the sit-i-ation is more complicated. This injury likely WAS caused from running, somewhere around the 6 mile point. I am so damn freakishly flexible that my bones rattle around in the joints and just bang the $hit out of each other. To the point of injury. This injury is usually caused by tackling or falling down, but some people that are really flexible can get it from repetitive motion.

I have choices, clean up the broken stuff and just get it out of there (3 weeks on crutches, back to normal activity) or try to repair it (6 weeks of crutches and brace, more extensive healing, then back to normal activity). The doc says he never usually repairs anyone over 25 years old because healing capacity declines. However, he suggests repair in my case just to try to give my joint a little more stability. Freakishly flexible, people. I'm a freak. I feel old.

The reality is I really am a Nonrunner. My body was never made for running. I have too much flexibility, not enough control and my bones are beating up on each other simply from running. (do you have a picture in your mind of me flailing about? well I never thought it was that bad but apparently it is bad enough) It explains why my feet would just literally blow up at 8 miles and be so sore I could barely hobble. I am so sad right now, I can't even tell you. I sucked at running but it was mine. I made so much progress, I shocked even me, I loved the creative posts, the awesome, funny, sweet, ever-supportive bloggers, the time alone, the time with friends, the saying, "yeah, I ran a half" and meaning a half marathon, the beautiful days, the rainy days, the cold days. When I ran a half, I remembered to marvel at my strength even from the back of the pack. Now it seems like the holy grail.

I'm so sorry for the drama, I just needed to write. I really am mourning the loss of running. If I get all fixed, I will need to be a lot more careful and that probably won't involve much running at all. This isn't gut it out and make progress, this is gut it out and risk inury, go too far and need another surgery. I'm mourning the 12 miles I did with Amy and Art and the fantastic tailwind, the day we ran in an absolute snow storm, the day Cavey Girl ran a record pace and God smiled down on her chipped tooth and all, the day I ran my one and only famous Dam to Dam 20k and so many other runs that I captured on my blog. I'm mourning the lessons of being so bad and having to remain positive and everything it taught me. I'm mourning the tris I wanted to eventually do. I'm mourning the virtual races and all of you.

I know life will go on. This isn't loss of a loved one or loss of a limb or something equally as crappy. But I am going to have to find a new holy grail. I am a swimmer and I can certainly do that. But you don't meet your friends at the pool and have a great swim with chat, laughter, tears, hugs, etc. I have to find something that keeps me energized like running did. And, I have to find the creative outlet that it gave me, as well.

I have read that many people live just fine with the freakish flexibility but a chosen few have it so bad they get injured. Their best bet is to be freakishly thin and freakishly in shape. Geez. Can we rub it in any more? Those are two things I'm clearly not. And, if I were those two things, how much faster could I run?

Well, I have to move on and try to be thankful for all the stuff that remains.
I can be fixed.
I have all those sweet, strong, beautiful runs captured on the blog and can read about them any time I want
I have met some lovely people.
I AM a runner, I did a half marathon and a 20k. I rocked. I have medals.
I learned how to be positive and keep going even when I kind of suck.
I learned how to run my own race, something so valuable in every day life.
I still have lipstick.
I still have my club.
Of course, I am blessed beyond belief with husband and kids who will support whatever the new holy grail becomes.

I will still be around. I have to figure out what to do with this blog. Maybe I will continue to be Nonrunner Nancy but swimmer or cyclist extraordinaire. I have a little road in front of me with surgery, rehab, and figuring out how to be freakishly thin and freakishly in shape as well as a lot of creative energy that needs to go into something. But I do want to thank all of you for your inspiration, support, laughs, friendship. You all and running have meant so much to me. Please go easy on yourselves, be thankful every day that your body allows you to run, no matter how slow, marvel at your strength and remember to enjoy all the details.

Here's the Dealio

2009-01-19T12:01:00.003-06:00

Hey Everybody I Miss Like Crazy -

I finally have some news to share. Here is what I know...

I've mostly been trying to keep the hip and back quiet by not aggravating them much.

My hip pain doesn't really change but the back was flaring some in Nov/Dec so I was just going to PT to survive it.

I continued to pursue care with an orthopedic guy. We tried ultrasound with drug, full course of anti-inflammatories, core work, etc.

Finally, when these weren't working at all, we moved on to the MRI's.

My back MRI shows 2 degenerative discs but no real complications.

If I can keep them in check with core work and knowing my limits, I can exercise!

My hip MRI shows a real injury, a labral tear, but no real complications.

I have had this pain in my hip since around August of 07!!

The good news is that this is an injury that can be repaired, not some condition or disease that I have to live with for the rest of my life. I'M NOT CRAZY EITHER! It really was NOT RIGHT. I kept saying it doesn't hurt THAT bad, but something in there is NOT RIGHT. I'm so glad I continued to pursue and my doc was willing to continue to pursue until we had some answers.

I suppose this is a new and unique excuse for my eternal slowness. :D

The bad news is that it will require surgery to fix, crutches, rehab, etc.

I am meeting with a surgeon on Feb 2.

Also, I can't really make the tear worse so I am free to exercise until surgery!

I went yesterday and did 20 min elliptical, planks, pushups, situps and jogged 1 mile.

Yes, I jogged one mile!! YEAH.

I think I was the biggest girl there. :P Everyone looked just amazing. Geez, I am so jealous of everyone and how little I can do and how pathetic I looked.

Despite this really mild sounding work out, I was light-headed and spent. So sad. I have so far to go. I was going to swim too, but didn't think it would be a good idea with already being light-headed.

I'm going to try to put some really meaningful exercise in until I get this surgery going.

I am trying to remember how fast it can come back with some diligence.

Appreciate your cheers, prayers, words of wisdom, etc, whatever your inclination, as I may need some major support through surgery and trying to make a comeback to some running.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-23T14:30:00.002-06:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE !!

the picture is from the Old Course Grill, overlooking St. Andrews and the 17th and 18th holes, from our trip in June.

Thanks for all your support this year. Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully some running and training in moderation.

This Just In

2008-12-04T22:48:00.002-06:00

Guy Who Does A Lot of Hips (also known as Ortho Guy) is completely perplexed. He cannot put a label on it or give me much of a plan.

On to an MRI tomorrow morning. Wish me luck and think very still thoughts. 45 minutes is a long time.

May be some answers soon??!!

No Real News Yet

2008-11-25T00:02:00.003-06:00

Here's the latest on me. Thanks, everyone, for checking in on me and for your concern and caring.

I've been to an ortho who thinks I have an inflammed TFL. (that's the muscle that the ITB turns into at the insertion point) All I need is a little ultrasound, some stretching and a 4 week stint on anti-inflammatories. Ah, not so much. I'm not better by any stretch of the imagination. Pt Guy is sending me back and recommending an MRI. My next appt is Dec 4th. It has been a huge challenge trying to figure out if hip and back are related or separate and just what is going on.

Meanwhile, I have been doing very little, only a few swims. I'm afraid to run for fear it could actually get worse. I read an occasional blog but it is a little depressing. I'm wondering if I could still run a mile or two? I put running shorts on the other day for my treatment and they actually felt strange. Oh, that made me sad.

Don't worry, I'm not really sitting around moping. Too much to do, too little time. We celebrated 6 years of the oldest boy and 4 of the youngest. Parties galore, the piece d' resistance was 31 kids at Pump It Up. What chaos and what fun. There was only a small amount of blood shed and luckily everyone signs a waiver. hee hee.

The kids are growing before my eyes so I am making a conscious effort to be with them and enjoy, not always rushing them here and there and drill sargenting them around. We've now made pretzels and cookies in the new Easy Bake oven! (yes, they are both boys and they love it). First conference was interesting, the oldest is doing really well but I never expected the word "womanizer" to be used. What a kid. :D

Work has been really busy and we are awaiting another reorg. I try not to even think about it anymore. Although VIV brought me crashing back to what life behind the counter was like. :D Thanks for that. I love my job so I'm hoping for the best. We are also keeping busy with college basketball, 4 year old soccer, swimming lessons, and a few symphony and musicals. And December brings a bit of travel and whole lot of shopping. I'll try not to stay away so long.

Thanks for checking in on me. I am currently solidly in the nonrunner status but hopeful we will find some answers soon. Send good vibes...

XOXO

Too Funny Not to Share

2008-10-24T13:06:00.003-05:00

Tired of the campaign rhetoric, the commercials, the call in shows, the newspapers, the debates, the phone calls, the signs....

So you turn to Dancing With The Stars for a little mindless relaxation and what do you find?

Back and hip still hurting, sans running
Appt with ortho in less than a week
A little nervous there will be no answers but there's no sense in worrying about it
Really don't want to bore anyone with my whining
Swimming 3 - 4x per week.
I hate counting laps but I think 30 minutes is around a mile.
Last night I did 32 minutes of continuous swimming.
I get a foot cramp at 25 minutes every single time I swim. What up?
I attempted a couple flip turns - they quickly reminded me of the decade or two that have passed since being competitive. hee hee
I bought some flip flops for keeping at the gym. Somehow I thought I bought 8's and got home with 11's :S
Rough start to the Viv Weight Loss Challenge but I think I've righted the ship.
I'm thinking of dressing as a scary Cavewoman for Halloween and suprising the kids. I could use a little club right now.
Took my little one to the ISU game last weekend on a date.
We lost but I had the time of my life dancing and cheering with a 3 year old.

The Plan in Bullets

2008-10-14T03:10:00.003-05:00

hMy doc and I have agreed that I will see an ortho guy who does a lot of hips (here to for referred to as He Who Does Hips, only because I couldn't think of a cool symbol). :D @ this maybe?
+I don't see him until the 30th.
xIn the meantime, I am not running
(I'm sure you don't want to read my daily pain scale reports so I probably will not post very much.
IWe did join a gym with a pool right up the street so I am over the moon about that.
'I did 1250 tonight, kinda PO'd it wasn't 1600 but what do I know? I really haven't swam much in years.
JIt could easily have been 1600, I'm horrible at counting and didn't time it.
sI think it was around 35 minutes of swimming??
"My racing suit is still from another decade. eek
NNo amount of lipstick can really overcome my thighs in a decade old suit ;D

YOne minute they are crying and fighting, the next they are reading books and telling me about the Eiffel Tower.

Speed Round

2008-10-03T01:44:00.003-05:00

I'm here, I'm just swamped
I'm also hurting and haven't felt like blogging
I miss you all
My corneal ulcer is now just a scar, but only after being "debrided". UGH.
I've worn my contacts for a total of 4 hours. :D
NYC was fun although I wasn't able to garner a blogger meet-up :(
I could hole up at the Alex hotel for a month in Manhattan and be happy as a clam
I'd love to do a "secondment" ( I had to look it up ) and at least be there a little.
I also went to Chicago for a couple days for meetings
My colleagues are so dang smart and it's usually a little daunting
I haven't run in over a week
I finally faced facts that my hip and back hurt almost all the time
Apparently limping for the first 4 or 5 steps you take after any sitting isn't normal
It's worse after sex
This has been going on for a year
I know, I know, I don't like to talk about it (one of the few things)
I am saddened by my loss of mileage and endurance but I think I have to figure out what is wrong
An MRI is probably next
The words spina bifida were used about one part of one of my vertebrae in an xray overread- the guy said not remarkable, but STILL!!
Muscular versus skeletal? Can't seem to make the call.
It's hard to read marathon reports when I suck, but I still do read them. You guys really rock and I am so proud of you. And Tri people just rock times three :D
We might join a gym that has a pool. I'm.so.excited.
My baby finds out if his broken arm is healed tomorrow
I am starting to realize what life is going to be like with two sports-minded little kids
I wish the Cubs would win a game
That's about it for now
Thanks for friends who inquire if I am okay. :D I'm okay.

I'd Rather Be Running

2008-09-16T23:07:00.002-05:00

My running pals had to meet without me as I made a semi-urgent visit to the eye surgeons. Holy crap. Surgeons?

Yep, it's a corneal ulcer. Something I should have never googled. Glasses and looking like a dork until Friday is nothing if this thing will heal. I don't like some of the alternatives.

I will definitely keep you all posted.

That eye doctor took forever to see me.

By the way, totally off the subject but.....

Is anyone using iGoogle yet? OMG. I.LOVE.IT.ALMOST.AS.MUCH.AS.TIVO.

DOathlon for Life

2008-09-15T19:29:00.008-05:00

DOathlon for Life sponsered by the local Osteopathic Society.

Amy had the duathlon on the schedule and got her husband to agree to do it with her. She was asking me to also, but I really am not properly bike equipped. In the end, I agreed to do one of the legs for her Hub and we became Team Underdog. Note the resemblance :D

It was a good thing to get my feet wet with one leg only. I am not really duathlon material either. We had quite the laugh checking out all the zero body fat hardcores and trying to find any one who even looked normal or.... like us. HA HA. None of them even wear lipstick. Can you imagine? I wish we had a picture of the bikes, the seats were the tiniest little slivers, I do not understand it!

Anyway, Amy and I did the first 5k and it was pretty respectable for me. I think we were in the 32:45 neighborhood. I'll take it.

I don't know how she did it, but Amy went on to the horrible head winds and hills of the bike leg and came back with an even quicker 5k. My hero!! Jim did a great job on the hills and the last 5k also and as Amy noted on her blog, NONE OF US WERE LAST !! After my leg, the DO students gave me quite the work over and I became their teaching case. Oh, look at her flexibility. Are there any tendons in there? Can you say hyperextension? How many times have sprained this ankle? Are you always that tentative when you roll over? Can you balance on one leg? Does this hurt? Anything in the name of science. :D

Last night I got a corneal abrasion, so PT and running are on hold for today. Nothing serious, I should be fine in a day or two. Tomorrow, an official meeting of the EWF running club!! Can't wait.

Mental Notes of a NonRunner

2008-09-09T12:10:00.006-05:00

Caught up on a very few blogs last night.
Raring to go
I miss running
54 gorgeous degrees
I need my favorite nike 50 degree outfit
Where is my favorite nike outfit
Oh my god, i've lost my favorite outfit
There are like 5 pairs of gross shorts in this drawer I never wear
Goodwill calling
This cute white running skirt is just slightly too big and doesn't look right
I wonder if anyone would want it (it's a white skirt with pink piping from Target, XL) Vanilla? anyone? Bueller?
Okay, I'll wear lime green but I'm not happy
I love that nike outfit
The landscapers are here to do the rock wall
I'm so excited

It is gorgeous out!
How far can I go
Which way should I go
I never plan a route any more since garmie
It's usually sort of dangerous, I end up dying miles from home
I should be able to do 4 without dying since it is cooler
I'm going to do the clover, in reverse
I feel great
I love running over the interstate
I've really missed everyone
I can't believe the miles everyone is putting in
I'm not crazy busy like I can't stand it
Life is really good busy right now
Someone is adding an entire story to their house
Ouchie twinge in my left foot

Why did I think I was all hot and have to wear those heels all day

Why did I do this run backwards

I had a reason for doing it the other way

I guess I could turn around and make it 2.5 miles

Do I have to forget practically everything I know and keep re-learning it?

Don't I always say, if you learned something it's not a bad run?

The clover is cool (run plotted around an interstate clover) but that bridge up and over looks like a freaking mountain

Jess looked cool in her bowling shirt

I told her I'd like to be that tiny for a day but I'd probably be unbearable

I'd be all like, I'm so hot

I'm too sexy for my shirt

I'm too sexy for my car

I'm too sexy for my love

I'm too sexy for this run

shut up, it got me up the mountain

hey, I still have energy

oh yeah, I ate some, um, extra carbs around midnight

no wonder I have so much freaking get up and go

4 miles and still running, uncharted territory at least for the last couple weeks

I wonder if anyone is doing that 101 day challenge
My hip is hurting
It feels like a vice around it
I really gotta get those xrays to PT guy and get back
Pain into my left quad
Hey, at least I have a quad
4.5 and a couple block walk
Sad that I'm a little gimpy
The rock wall looks fabulous
I'm too sexy for the landscapers
The dogs go wild
Powerade Zero rocks

I wonder what Brendan James will be like tonight.

4.5 miles ~ 57:17 ~ 12:43 pace
Random thoughts, courtesy of busy half assed runner data geek pharmacist girl soccer mom.
Yes, I wore lipstick Y

And tomorrow, it's EWF and maybe a couple newbies...

Still Struggling to be a Runner

2008-09-08T11:19:00.003-05:00

I'm here, and I'm missing all of you, life is just winning out right now.

The Kindergartner broke his arm about a week ago but it hasn't been as bad as we thought. No cast, just a brace and no restrictions. The Hub and I were seriously excited as he started soccer and football and is such a sports hound. We understood how much it was going to suck way more than he did. Thankfully, just the brace...

About a week ago, I also tried to "go long" well, longer than 5 anyway. Amy had told me she did 9 and I was all like, "damn, girl, I've got to get out there." Well, it was pretty much a disaster very similar to Nitmos' Mirage post where he fell in love with the water at the laundro mat. I went out in the heat of the day and did great for 3.5 and then fell apart. I was about 2 miles from home and seriously delusional. Hee hee. I thought about drinking water from hoses, knocking on the old babysitter's door who I haven't seen in about a year, and even considered dousing my head in the scary gas station bathroom. In the end, I death marched it home and decided I better stick to some 3's and 4's for now. .

Amy and I then met for 3 last week and did an amazing clip (for us). I was esctatic at the company and the pace.

We had quite a fun weekend with ISU tickets and friends here and the 1 mile challenge. Our kids are members of the little clone club so we got to go out on the field with them and make a tunnel for the players. It was their first big football game experience. They were quite impressed with the "tailgating" which we had to explain and the smoke the players emerged from. Looking forward to lots more fun with them as they discover sports. As I said to a friend, "it's all sports, all the time around here." The Kindergartner also got to go see our friend's son play in a Grandview College Soccer game. It's amazing the things these kids get to do at 5, eh? (The picture is the soccer player and my son after the soccer game.) (Razz, do you remember Curtis Craig? That's his son!! His mom is my good friend and now their son is going to college in Des Moines)

Also this weekend, I really wanted to support Reid in his 5 minute mile challenge. I was going to shoot for a 10 minute mile which should be totally do-able. First I went out with the little one and he was driving his John Deere Gator around our circle - 4 laps would be a mile. It was his big thing since the older one got to go to the soccer game.... Thing is, he's a little herky jerky and I had my knees clipped a few times as he stopped abruptly in front of me. Three year old drivers, go figure. We did go around 4 times, but it was an unacceptable "race." Although I did consider that Reid would totally approve of a family event no matter the time.

We parked the gator and headed up to Valley High School Track about a mile from my house to have another go at it. This time we brought the Harley big wheel, my garmin and a parachute launcher (to celebrate afterwards!). I decided to run fast but not kill myself. I really have no idea how to pace it to go right up to the edge but have enough for a whole mile.

The track was nice and the little one did about a quarter of the track to each of my laps. We chatted and encouraged every time I passed him, not sure who was prouder. Unfortunately I did have a mishap, I was lollygagging at a car going by and stepped too close to the edge of the track. Down I went. Well, Reid got bit by a dog in one of my races so I guess I will provide the drama this time.

Got back up and kept moving but I knew I wasn't quite going to make a 10 minute mile. I ended at 10:07, slightly disappointed. I know this isn't my best as I have run faster miles in a 5k but that is where I was at yesterday and it was pretty fun to have the little harley rider there. He made it all the way around and was SO proud. We launched the parachute guy out of the tube a few times and watched him float back to the ground as we sat in the middle of the track. Good stuff.

I think I might do this 1 mile challenge a little more often. I know I have a 9 something in me.

What a weekend!! Thanks everyone for wondering about me. And BIG CONGRATs TO REID who did make his 5 minute mile!!!!

"Crazy Day" Jay

2008-08-29T12:26:00.003-05:00

Blue hair (and a Cubs hat somewhere)

Swim goggles

Backwards soccer shirt of big brother

Green football sweatband

Purple basketball sweatband

Packer football pants

One soccer shin guard

Mismatched socks

Mismatched tennis shoes

That's my boy!!!

Introducing EWF

2008-08-27T16:58:00.006-05:00

A recent Runner's World article discussed the virtues of running with friends and said no group is too small to have your own little club. They talked about two guys who have been meeting for years to do 7 at 7 and how they keep each other going.

It got me thinking about how much fun I have with Art and Amy. We don't get together very often, we all have careers, spouses, kids, but when we do, we seem to have a ball. We will run in blizzards if it is the time we planned to be together. And, we will like it. Alot!

Amy and I find time to meet occasionally outside of running but I'm not sure either of us has seen Art yet in anything but running clothes. That's okay. We all have busy lives. But, we seem to share this running thing in common. And you know what? It really is Easier With Friends. (creative Miss Amy came up with the name). I did my first tri with Amy and had a ball and cussed my way through my first 10k with Art. :D We also did an awesome 12 miler together that is one of my favorite runs...

So, here's to good running pals!!!

EWF met for 3 miles last night. We went out fast (well for the three of us) and many items were discussed. It's probably the fastest 3 miles I've run in quite a while!! Looking forward to another run soon.

Virtual Race Alert

2008-08-26T09:36:00.005-05:00

Fellow blogger and runner extraordinaire, Reid, has come up with a fun idea over at Life Strides. He's on a quest to run a 5 minute mile and he needs our help!

Reid is supa fast and has even done Boston yet he is supportive to even the slowest runner (yep, the one who gets last in her own virtual races.) Reid is especially tenacious as he endured a dog bite in an early virtual race but has continued to join us. He also is known for his awesome pictures in our virtual races and recently won a coveted Olympic pin from Beijing for his efforts.

So, Reid is holding a 1 Mile Virtual Race. He's thinking that if he gets all the momentum and support from us all running it together, just maybe he can break that elusive 5 minute barrier. After all, everything is EWF* (easier with friends)!! He's apparently taken a lesson in flexibility:

You can actually run as fast or as slow as you want, just run with us, any time between Sept 1 and Sept 7.

So stop on over to Reid's and let him know you're in. I don't know that I've ever gone full out for a mile. This should be interesting. I told Reid, if he goes for 5, I'll try to go for 10. :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Because I love a good Nitmos-ish footnote:

*EWF - more on that to come

For those of you wondering, the Chinese character on my shirt means to RUN !! How appropriate.

Two Kinds of Characters

2008-08-22T12:13:00.006-05:00

Little GQ Kindergarten man had a great first day. Mom, Dad and little Brother did just fine, too. (although I was a little disturbed to find out that he apparently lunched with the 6th graders!!?? and two kids "licked each others tongues" on the bus) oy vey.

He found out that he is #1 in the alphabet and this is quite cool as he sometimes gets referred to as #1, 1st in line, and his backpack hook is #1. Competitive little character...

He also decided that the awesome backpack that I bought him at the actual Olympics wasn't cool because it only has one strap and is too small for full sized papers. What was I thinking?

We celebrated his first day with drinks at Rock Bottom and then ribs with Grandma and Grandpa. Might as well teach them right. :D

I did make it out for a run today over lunch. Only 2.5 miles. I look like I ran 25. yikes. Oh well, it's sumfin. I have to get back in shape if I am going to hang with the big kids (Art and Amy want to run next week - yippeeeeeee).

In very exciting news, I have received some really nice cards and thank yous from the last virtual race. I also got a package today that contained this awesome t-shirt. A certain speedy Mama sent it to me. What a doll. So thoughtful... You all know I was just in Beijing and the whole point of the virtual race was the Olympics, etc., and the prizes were from there. What you don't know is I was totally getting into the intricacy of the characters...

So, the shirt has this cool Chinese character!!! How cool is that? Can you guess what my shirt says?

(thank you, Kristina, YOU ROCK!) And when you other losers start to learn the art of bribery, you'll go a long way. :D um, did I just say that out loud? oops. Kidding.

sigh

2008-08-19T16:47:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who participated and/or commented regarding our latest virtual race. Hopefully the prizes have been received by now. I've been getting a few questions/suggestions...nothing set for the next one but always open for suggestions. They do take a chunk of time so I space them out a bit.

I haven't been running or blogging much at all. I'm sorry I haven't been around much. My mileage took a dive while I was in New York in meetings that seemed to suck the life out of me after I was in Mpls for a week in meetings that seemed to suck the life out of me. sigh. I did 3 over the weekend then came down with a nasty head cold. I am SO not where I want to be. I'm going to have to re-build. again. double sigh. At least I can run 3, but it was extremely slow. I don't even feel like I can call my running buddies, they'd be so bored of my slowness... If anyone has any advice, I'm all ears. The weight is still down, so at least I have that, especially after all the travel.

Convo in our house while watching women's olympic sprinters:
Husband (being funny): Mommy is faster than those girls.

5 year old: She is not. She'd be there if she was faster than them. Mommy would get last if she ran with those girls!

I guess he gets the concept of the Olympics. sigh. He starts kindergarten tomorrow. double sigh.

I was thinking, well maybe I could have run further than Deena, the poor thing. She actually had a broken foot. However, she was about 4 or 5 miles in before she stopped. I tried to run in the Beijing heat+humidity=pure hell. I think I only did 2.5 while I was there. sigh. She evens beats me with a broken foot. I meant to post some pics from that run. I should do that.

Two of my favorite female bloggers (read that girl crushes) independently last week started talking about their girl crushes and I was not the object of either of their adoration. I was actually sad. HA HA. But then I thought, it's probably better that those crushes are one-sided, right? I mean it might be sort of weird (and maybe called something else) if those crushes were actually returned. hee hee. ( I wasn't sure where to put the sigh ??) :D

All for now. Hopefully the head cold will high tail it outta here and I can hit the road. Hope you are all having some good runs for me.

8 on the 8th Virtual Olympics Race Results

2008-08-10T22:13:00.012-05:00

The results are in for the newest Olympic event, 8 virtual miles with running bloggers.

You all are such great sports to run at my whim. :D ( I think someone called me sadistic?? You didn't think I'd see that comment, huh?)

You guys know these started out to keep me training but turns out I love the creative stuff and connecting with all of you. How could we pass up 8 on 08/08/08?? I know lots of people were already going long but for several of us, this forced the issue a bit and got us going. Mission accomplished. I was also pretty pumped about the Olympics after my trip to Beijing where I had the brilliant idea to pick up some actual prizes from the Olympic store for this race.

So you know how I'm always saying everyone's a winner? (Well, that is mostly because I'm so slow, and mostly cuz there aren't prizes. hee hee.) No really, Everyone really is a winner just for being out there. We rock. (but only a select few get actual prizes from Beijing). :D But anyway, how appropriate is the Olympic motto:

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

Great big thanks to everyone who got out there and then posted about your run with us. You are true Olympians in my book. Also, One World, One Dream fits the virtual racing concept pretty well, don't you think? All out there in spirit, united, running together??? Okay, Okay, I'll stop now.

There was some great creativity going on and some pics posted. I've included a few for your viewing pleasure. And as always, I've provided links to race reports so you can read up on other Olympians who participated.

Olympians with a medal (&) by their name will receive official olympic t-shirts for fastest man and fastest woman. Additionally, I picked up a few Olympic pins and these will go to clever race report authors ( % )who got in the spirit. One in particular, I urge you not to miss -- you might just see yourself!

53:49 &%Nitmos - Do not even try to understand this mind
54:26 Laminator - So much for marathon recovery
59:13 Byflynn - No dog run
1:02:39 Shore Turtle - PR and synchronized events planned for later
1:03:00 Slow Sam - Personal victory
1:03:32 % Reid - Everone gets medals…Please, you HAVE TO SEE THIS ONE if you go to no other race reports. Very cool.
1:05:16 RazzDoodle - Two-fer

1:05:39 David H - Great virtual race questions
1:06:48 &%Kristina - Tao enhancing at its finest
1:08:09 Bob - 8 of 12 for us!
1:08:18 Peter - Searching for a pitstop
1:09:27 Ovens2Betsy - Channeling her inner Deena
1:09:45 Marci - Always count on her for a Brit pic
1:10:24 sRod - 18 in…. Philly?
1:12:46 Kent - Olympians don't stop for a little blood
1:14:21 Jennifer - Funny pics
1:15:25 Marlene - Representing the Canadians in her first virtual event
1:16:15 Amanda - Be like water
1:17:07 Marci - Lame a$$ report - her words, not mine!
1:17:23 Andrew - Didn't mind lack of drink and spectators
1:17:42 thebets - Running in the zone
1:18:00 Tiger - 8 with us and 9 more
1:18:00 Flyers26 - 2 cool segments in NJ
1:18:57 Greg - cute cat!

1:19:21 Miss Alleycat - Crap, did I say 18?
1:20:00 Lily - Life's fun if you don't weaken
1:20:28 Christie - Nice spectator comment
1:21:07 Jess - iPod woes
1:21:27 Makita - Patriotic kids
1:24:28 RoadBunner - Shinbuster :(
1:22:52 Kristin Really did 8.88
1:23:00 Kathyrn - Hindered by pink eye
1:23:14 MCM Mama - Numbers geek doing penalty miles
1:23:05 Karen - Torch goes thru the UK
1:24:42 Wes - Tales of Hills with names
1:24:53 John - High fives all around
1:25:03 %Topher - Fantastic report in Chinese complete with bribery :D
1:25:11 %Runnin' Ragged - Interview with an Olympic non-hopeful
1:25:30 %Kirsten - Channeling Olympians and cool pics
1:25:33 Coffee Betsy - Challenges back home
1:26:36 US Jogger - 9 miles in a class of your own!
1:28:00 Michelle J - Multi-part event. Way to get it done.
1:28:53 Amy - Report by tv show
1:30:12 AKA Alice - Ode to the running partner and pictures
1:30:16 Xenia - Play-by-play multi-event fun
1:32:03 Merry Mishaps - One of many first timers! Welcome all!!
1:32:22 RunnerMom - Overachieving with 9 on the 9th!
1:36:53 %Lisa - Slow and Steady - Part of the torch relay - very clever!
1:37:30 Linden - Post-run entrant, no problem. :D
1:39:20 %Audgepodge - Pics in Beijing!!
1:45:56 Megan - We inspired her to do more!
1:47:01 k80k - Crossed the finish line
1:47:14 Nat - Did this very early just to be with us!
1:50:00 Em - great pics!
1:51:09 Running Knitter - 2 parter in monsoon season
1:56:16 AnnaBanana - not blogging at the moment but thanks for running!
1:57:00 Non-runner Nancy - Seriously? I just got last in my own damn race? Suckage.

Honorable Mention:

Sunshine - Plenty of trail miles…and turkeys!
Laura - 6+miles, injury, DNF non-report
1:11:20 Michelle - 5.6 gorgeous trail miles
42:57 Vava - 8k with us and the longest distance evah! YEAH.
Yasmin - Trail race and part of tri to make 8 with us!
Kate - Cycled with us and made us a great banner
Gina - Can't run but she rode her bike with us!
Spartan7 - Did 8+ with us, a couple times!

Thanks, Everyone!! Please let me know if I have missed anything. I can always update. If you won, please send me an email with your address to nonrunner at gmail dot com

8 on 08-08-08 Virtual Olympics Race Report

2008-08-09T18:50:00.008-05:00

I never thought in a million years that I could make it to the Olympics but here I am doing a brand new event: the virtual 8 miler for running bloggers. WOO HOO. I hear there are quite a few entrants and it doesn't really matter how fast you are. Am I dreaming?? Someone pinch me....

Well the new event is going off with a bang. Did you see that opening ceremony?

In case you didn't catch it, I thought I'd include a few pictures. I had no idea they'd let some of us participate. Aside from all that communism business, those Chinese are so dang nice.

Why does the Caucasian woman get the good lipstick?

Why did that be-otch get the colorful outfit?

So I haven't been doing a whole lot of running with the extra travel (I actually did go to China last month) and probably the most I've run is about 4 miles a couple times a week. It is definitely for me that I schedule these races. :D Oh yeah, and for you guys too. But, they really get me going. I was out the door at the ungodly hour of 6 am. I ran this puppy slower'n slow, like so-slow-you-might-be-able-to-walk-faster slow. I started off as slow as I could possibly go and still be running to try to conserve for the full 8. Turns out, that was a good strategy. I never had to walk except once to drink some G2 (still my fav) and it was a lovely couple of hours to myself on a beautiful morning. That's why I rock. That's why I'm an Olympian. (hee hee, just teasin, I was actually really embarrassed at my slowness.) 1:57 Maybe there is a medal for Slow and Deliberate?

Apparently I'm not so much Olympic navigation material, my 8 finished about 1 mile from home. zoinks. I walked and ran it in. 9 miles in the books, people!!

One more thing, I looked at my watch at the 8 mile mark of course. Would you believe it was exactly 8am? I swear. I was going to take a picture of it for you when I got home because after 8 miles I am not so smart.... yeah, the clock doesn't stop on your Garmin just because you hit stop. Hee hee.

I can't wait to read all the other reports. I will be reading, logging and providing a Race Results post in the next couple days. Thanks so much for joining me to celebrate the start of the Olympics.

Do you have Olympic fever now? :D

8 on the 8th Olympics Style

2008-08-01T11:09:00.004-05:00

It's going to be 08/08/08

and the start of the Olympics!!

Let's celebrate running blogger style.

Join us for this virtual race.

Yep, lame, but got the idea from this guy and I'm on extremely limited time:

Virtual Race Directions -

1. Run 8 miles sometime around the 8th. I'm easy, any time between now and the 10th is fine. I'm also easy in the event that you need to do two-4 milers. Just join us!!
2. Post a race report on your blog.
3. Extra points for olympic-type flair (but absolutely no pressure to do so!) - I brought back some official Olympic stuff from Beijing for prizes!!
4. Notify me when your race report is up
5. Check back here for the full report

Pfour Days in Minne

2008-08-01T05:45:00.000-05:00

In Minne(apolis) for a pharmacoecomonimics seminar and other training. WOOO HOOO! :D

We had a Pfour k Pfun run. Yeah. don't ask.

I ran.

I sweated like a pig.

I finished ... somewhere between most of the runners and the walkers.

but mostly neck and neck with the interval run/walkers.

whatever that means.

some of them said it kept them going to see me not ever stopping.

So, I'm slow but inspiring?

whatev.

I forgot garmin but it was 2.5 and felt a little fast (that's a relative term).

Had no idea at the Millenium Hotel that we were so close to the sculpture garden. I came here once with the hub. It was our first trip "away". Good memories. Here's some pics if you've never had the pleasure. Our "pfun run" went to the sculputure garden, around it and back to the hotel.

Later tonight, we went to a dueling piano bar. What talent. What fun. Good friends. Good time.

Randomness

2008-07-30T16:35:00.003-05:00

A few things I need to get off my chest:

I've been all over the net (trying to catch up and) telling people, don't be too hard on yourself, you're just coming back.
I recently told one of my favoritest, most persistent and in my eyes, most successful RBF's that chaotic, even traumatic personal times can be helped if you keep the running up. I'm trying to take my own advice. I have had an amazing summer of travel and my own chaos and trauma, but I won't make apologies. But, running has taken a further back seat than I am comfortable with. Truth is, I've averaged just 4.2 miles per week for the last 6 or 7. It won't be easy coming back, but that is what I intend to do.

Saturday - 2.35 miles
Sunday - 2.75 miles
Wednesday - 2.81 miles
Some of the slowest miles evah but I'm out there. Also some of the hottest miles evah, holy cow.

There are TONS of MEN in the neighborhood in the morning. Roofing, mowing, blowing, trimming, picking up garbage, fed exing, fixing asphalt, riding bikes, etc. Quite the array from 12 years old helping dad to way too country club for this job but my parents are making me do hard labor for the summer to lifers. Very interesting... I saw two women, one was a faster runner (that's pretty much any woman that runs!) and one almost hit me as she ran a red light.

My weight has mercifully stayed down since taking 3rd (I think it was 3rd) in the famous Vivalicious challenge. I must keep going. 150 is great, but 140 would be greater. :D SLB has just the ticket.

My baby told me in very big boy terms yesterday that he no longer needs rocked and he would like the rocking chair removed from his room. WHAAAAAA!

The oldest is reading and ready for kindergarten. Thank God we got him plain underwear so he isn't worried about kids making fun of him. Crap. When did he grow up? He's 5 and he's reading the box scores.

Did I mention I have some official Olympic stuff for our virtual race??? Nothing big, but I thought it would be fun. I've got to get a logo up soon. Put 8 on the 8th on your calendars!!!

China in Review - The Empress Has Returned

2008-07-22T06:34:00.011-05:00

Thursday:

Arrived and decided to JUMP.RIGHT.IN.

We walked along the backroads and alleys of the hutongs. I was already pumped as I was hoping we would see these very old little communities that are old Beijing. Grabbed some beers out of this alley shop (cooler behind us, for the US equivalent of 25 cents) and tried to teach some Chinese guys how to take our picture. I start to realize just how damn hot it is going to be here... and then went to Dali Courtyard for a traditional chinese dinner (within a hutong). Then off to Houhai for drinks and a fruity icy dessert (a lake area filled with bars and restaurants that was quite busy and bopping).

Friday:

Hopped on the subway to Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven) -- where there were a bunch of performers singing peking opera, playing instruments, paddling balls, playing hacky sack. Many senior citizens hang out here and we enjoyed watching them. Lunch at a Yunnan restaurant (big bowls of soup noodles). On to the Llama Temple with lots of incense and a really really big 5 story buddah. I decide make up is pretty much a lost cause as it is so incredibly hot! Cold drink at another hutong restaurant, The Vineyard Cafe. Then went to Rumi Grill (persian food) for dinner with friends. Out for a drink at Face Bar (cool asian decorated place where I tested my newly acquired scotch drinking). Foot massages followed somewhere around 11:30pm!! (the very relaxed photo!)

Saturday:

The smog cleared to a beautiful day and we headed to the Great Wall (mutianyu portion). It was spectacular!!! Can't say enough about this unbelievable feat at the top of mountains. Pics with some sort of Chinese warrior. Also some funny Chinese guys were posing all over the wall. One time they gave us the Olympic rings - very cute! Late lunch at the School House outdoors. You can sketch on the placemats, I tried to sketch the view above the roof of the Wall. Nails done later at Yashow - great 6 story shopping center where bargaining is expected. Sushi at Hatsune for dinner--YUM! Then to a friend's house for rooftop drinks.

Sunday:

Panjiayuan (the outdoor dirt market) for shopping and bargains. Drove by the olympic venues (Bird's Nest (national stadium for opening ceremonies and track), water cube for swimming, saw the marathon route, soccer stadium, etc), and went to the Summer Palace. Then we went to Yashow again to shop. Korean BBQ for dinner--cook your own meat on a grill in the middle of the table.

The Big Shorts

Monday:

Flew from Beijing to Shanghai for brunch at M on the Bund (took in the skyline). We were quite the hit with several Chinese men who wanted their picture with foreigners -- this happened quite a bit actually! Hopped on an afternoon flight to Hong Kong via Shenzhen. Went to an Italian dinner around central/soho on Hong Kong Island. We grabbed some late night drinks at Lan Kwai Fong and rode out a thunderstorm.

Tuesday:

Ate delicious bolobaos (pineapple buns) for breakfast from a local bakery. Walked around the outdoor market of meat, fish, veggies and fruit. Took the tram up to Victoria Peak and spectacular views of Hong Kong Island. We had a dim sum lunch (small portions in baskets--like tapas) and gelato while on the peak. We decided to do a last minute trip via ferry to Macau - an island off Hong Kong that is the Vegas of the Orient. Saw the remains of St. Paul's Cathedral and the fort next door called Forataleza do Monte. We had to have a McDonald's cheeseburger to see if tasted like home - yep! Walked around the Venetian -- looks just like Vegas! Headed back to HK island where we went to Peak Cafe for drinks and snacks.

Wednesday:

Waited for a fresh batch of bolobaos from our favorite little bakery. Went to Stanley Market to shop/lunch with our host's Auntie Elizabeth at the Stonehouse and enjoyed the beach side of town. Auntie is an absolute doll. Caught our flight back to Beijing and headed straight to another midnight massage! free snacks and drinks :) And yes, they are tres cheap. (mani/pedi was around $18; 1.5hr foot/leg massage around $12; 2hr deep tissue full body around $17; facial with massage around $12 - although these are from memory...)

Thursday:

Big white girl causing a scene while she ran and took pictures!! Brunch at Alameda in the hutongs (some sort of fusion). Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and then Jinshan Park (which overlooks the entire city). Took the empress photos here :D. Went to the acrobatic show...then facials for 1.5 hours that somehow involve your entire body...then dim sum somewhere around midnight!!

Friday:

Peking duck for lunch. Went down Wangujing (pedestrian street) where the flagship Olympics store is (ginormous)...and food street. Michele and Derek ate a scorpion or two, Nancy could not bring herself to the task. Last minute shopping then dinner at Serve The People --thai food. Then we decided to give it one last hurrah and do a pub crawl--Cocomo (the rooftop bar where the table next to us offered us cake), Black Sun Bar, Block 8 (very fancy mirror hallway, tres upscale - I felt totally ancient!).

Saturday:

Ate at Xiao Wang's (chinese food) in Ritan Park. Off to the airport and back to the real world!

Notes of a Non-Runner

A few days after surgery

Freakishly Flexible 5k (FFFK) !!

There's Good News and Bad News

Here's the Dealio

Happy Holidays

This Just In

No Real News Yet

Too Funny Not to Share

The Plan in Bullets

Speed Round

I'd Rather Be Running

DOathlon for Life

Mental Notes of a NonRunner

Still Struggling to be a Runner

"Crazy Day" Jay

Introducing EWF

Virtual Race Alert

Two Kinds of Characters

*sigh*

8 on the 8th Virtual Olympics Race Results

8 on 08-08-08 Virtual Olympics Race Report

8 on the 8th Olympics Style

Pfour Days in Minne

Randomness

China in Review - The Empress Has Returned

sigh