Well, on Friday, my cough came back with a vengeance so my Dr. put me on antibiotics....yuk. The good news is that the cough is finally going away...yippee! Since I was told to take it slow, Lee and I went to the Stormville Flea Market and walked around for a couple of hours. So far the cough is doing OK today. Tomorrow, will be another walk around the neighborhood to check out the trash situation, and hopefully on Tuesday I try a brief walk/run. I've been very sad about falling so far behind in my training and I don't want to let anyone who has donated to LLS down. I wonder if it's possible to take it easy and push hard at the same time? I guess I'll find out.
While at the flea market we saw a t-shirt with an Italian flag and the words, IT'S NOT SAUCE, IT'S GRAVY. Let's get this straight. Sauce goes on pasta, eggplant parm, chicken parm, etc.. and gravy goes on turkey, roast beef and many other kinds of meat. In my opinion, IT'S NOT GRAVY, IT'S SAUCE!!!! And that is my thought for today.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sorry for my absence
I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but this cough has kicked my hiney. Good news is, I went to the Doctor today and my blood pressure is better. I will know more about my cholesterol once the blood work comes back and my weight has stayed the same. Crap! Here's my mantra, muscle weighs more than fat, muscle weighs more than fat, hopefully, I lost fat. The bad news is, I'm on an inhaler and I need to wait until the weekend to hit the road again and even then it needs to be done slowly. I have been trying to keep up with some strength training so I don't turn into a complete blob and have to start from the beginning again. I have been very frustrated and these are the times I get pissed about having been sick. BL (before leukemia) this would have been a fairly easy thing for me to do, but now I need to think of it as another challenge. I'm going to do it and that's all there is to it!
I had said in one of my earlier posts that I would explain my issue with the color pink. Well actually, I love the color pink, I just don't like being a female cancer survivor, who wears pink and it is assumed I had breast cancer. I can't tell you how many people came into my hospital room at Danbury Hospital, and asked me when my surgery was for breast cancer. Women get other cancers damn it!! I know that if I wore my survivor t-shirt and my pink army mom baseball cap, everyone would think I was a breast cancer survivor. Also, I'm a huge fan of Swarovski crystal jewelry and I saw a pink ribbon charm in one of the stores. I asked the sales person if I could order it in orange (the leukemia color) and she said "no we only make it in pink." GRRRRR! Of course you only make it in pink, that is the only color I can usually find awareness items in. Don't get me wrong, I'm a true believer in breast cancer awareness and I have a few friends who have battled the disease. I also wear a breast cancer bracelet during their awareness time, but damn, give the other cancers or illnesses a chance to raise awareness. All we want as survivors is an equal shot. I believe that the campaign for breast cancer awareness has been so successful that they have taken over everything and other awareness campaigns have suffered. Many other people feel this way also, I just have the nerve to say it. End of rant.
I had said in one of my earlier posts that I would explain my issue with the color pink. Well actually, I love the color pink, I just don't like being a female cancer survivor, who wears pink and it is assumed I had breast cancer. I can't tell you how many people came into my hospital room at Danbury Hospital, and asked me when my surgery was for breast cancer. Women get other cancers damn it!! I know that if I wore my survivor t-shirt and my pink army mom baseball cap, everyone would think I was a breast cancer survivor. Also, I'm a huge fan of Swarovski crystal jewelry and I saw a pink ribbon charm in one of the stores. I asked the sales person if I could order it in orange (the leukemia color) and she said "no we only make it in pink." GRRRRR! Of course you only make it in pink, that is the only color I can usually find awareness items in. Don't get me wrong, I'm a true believer in breast cancer awareness and I have a few friends who have battled the disease. I also wear a breast cancer bracelet during their awareness time, but damn, give the other cancers or illnesses a chance to raise awareness. All we want as survivors is an equal shot. I believe that the campaign for breast cancer awareness has been so successful that they have taken over everything and other awareness campaigns have suffered. Many other people feel this way also, I just have the nerve to say it. End of rant.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
I've been feeling icky
I know it's been a few days, but I haven't been feeling very well. I did have a good walk/run on Wednesday, 1.31 miles in 28:29 minutes. I think it's actually getting better and my new fancy sneakers felt good. Have you noticed that I always call them fancy sneakers? I took Marks advice and had a small Gatorade about an hour before hitting the streets and then a nice gulp just before I left and it helped with the cramping. Thank you Mark and Joe! I did let my ego get in the way a little bit on my last run though. I was doing my final 30/40 sec. spurt, when two cop cars were coming up the street toward me. Oh, I guess I need to tell you that my husband is a retired police officer and my son is military police and my step daughter and her husband are also police officers (not in my city), but still my life is surrounded by the cop attitude...........in a good way. Anyway, there was no way in hell that I was going to stop running with Danbury's finest looking at me. Maybe they weren't looking at me and maybe these police officers had no idea who I was, but just in case, I kept running until they were out of sight and it felt awesome! See I'm not just a stay at home bon bon inhaler, so ha. Hmmm, maybe they'll donate to our cause, I think I'll ask.
A couple hours after I finished my run, I started feeling yukky. Scratchy throat and a cough. I HATE coughs! In December, I had a bad cough that did something very painful to my ribs and then turned into pneumonia. It sucked, I almost missed Christmas. For those of you who don't know, when someone like me, who's had the big C, a cold and cough are never just a cold and cough. They require x-rays and sometimes even CAT scans and it's really friggin annoying. It's really friggin scary! So now you know why I've had to take some time off from the running circuit. The cold air and heavy breathing will only make me worse. Crapola!! I hope all my weeks of training aren't being lost. I do plan on getting back out there ASAP, plus I'm feeling like a load. I think this training stuff might be addictive. If my cough is better tomorrow, I think I'll try to head out for a little walk. I see the doctor on Wednesday, so please say a little prayer that my lungs are clear and this cough goes away quickly.
On to fundraising. I suck at fundraising! I did have one idea that may work. There is a restaurant/bar around the corner from where I live. As a matter of fact, it is the place that I had my 5 year bone marrow -aversary party. I was going to talk to the owner about selling alcohol enhanced cupcakes, that I make, at the bar. I could make Bailey's, white Russian, red wine, pina colada, and margarita cupcakes and they could sell them on weekend nights. What do you think? I also learned that you can make non-alcohol versions by using those flavored creamers you can get in the grocery store. I'm definitely having a hard time getting my friends and family to donate. Plying people with alcohol could do the trick. Honestly, most of the alcohol gets cooked off, but the perception could work.
A couple hours after I finished my run, I started feeling yukky. Scratchy throat and a cough. I HATE coughs! In December, I had a bad cough that did something very painful to my ribs and then turned into pneumonia. It sucked, I almost missed Christmas. For those of you who don't know, when someone like me, who's had the big C, a cold and cough are never just a cold and cough. They require x-rays and sometimes even CAT scans and it's really friggin annoying. It's really friggin scary! So now you know why I've had to take some time off from the running circuit. The cold air and heavy breathing will only make me worse. Crapola!! I hope all my weeks of training aren't being lost. I do plan on getting back out there ASAP, plus I'm feeling like a load. I think this training stuff might be addictive. If my cough is better tomorrow, I think I'll try to head out for a little walk. I see the doctor on Wednesday, so please say a little prayer that my lungs are clear and this cough goes away quickly.
On to fundraising. I suck at fundraising! I did have one idea that may work. There is a restaurant/bar around the corner from where I live. As a matter of fact, it is the place that I had my 5 year bone marrow -aversary party. I was going to talk to the owner about selling alcohol enhanced cupcakes, that I make, at the bar. I could make Bailey's, white Russian, red wine, pina colada, and margarita cupcakes and they could sell them on weekend nights. What do you think? I also learned that you can make non-alcohol versions by using those flavored creamers you can get in the grocery store. I'm definitely having a hard time getting my friends and family to donate. Plying people with alcohol could do the trick. Honestly, most of the alcohol gets cooked off, but the perception could work.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
My dopey knee
My knee is still bothering me a little so I've decided to take a couple days off from running. Yesterday, I did go for a walk with my husband and we decided to bring a garbage bag and a pooper scooper along for the ride. The pooper scooper wasn't for poop, it was for picking up all of the trash we saw along the way and FYI it worked great! OK, so here is the garbage count for yesterday. Ciroc bottle, cigarette packs, again with the red solo cups, random paper, someones take-out lunch plastic fork and all, Henessey bottle, many mini bottles of Jose Cuervo, a towel, two t-shirts, three socks, and the weirdest item of the day.....the sole of a mans dress shoe. We filled up a thirteen gallon trash bag and I worked out my upper body at the same time carrying such a heavy bag. I bet Dr. Seuss could have written an awesome book with those items. Why did we find two t-shirts in a one mile walk? Don't people notice their clothes missing or could it have been a part of the nasty condom sighting? I don't think I want to know. Yuk! So, because of our escapade yesterday, we are going to try to find a way to encourage people who go out for their walks, to bring a trash bag with them and keep our city streets clean. I hope this catches on. It was kind of fun and disgusting at the same time.
Today I went and visited Mark and the crew at Kilometers, because I was still having some issues with my feet bothering me. It sucks to get old, just saying. I was fitted for a new pair of fancy sneakers and I was told to hydrate more. I definitely agree that I am not handling the hydration issue correctly. I will be hiding Gatorade in my bedroom so my family doesn't drink it all on me. I wonder if I could possible hide it in my underwear drawer, because I know that's one place they won't go near. I really hope these things help my issues and I can continue walk/running. I don't know where couch potato Mary went, but I'm glad she's not around as often. There are times when I'm just very tired and that is all a part of having had the bone marrow transplant. The difference now is, I try to work through the tired. The other unusual thing I do is, stopping in the middle of the street to feel the wind on my face. Ever since I spent months in hospital rooms without any fresh air, I have this thing about the wind and I love the feeling on my face. So if you see a crazy lady in the middle of the street, looking up in the sky,enjoying a breeze, do not fear, it's only me.
Today I went and visited Mark and the crew at Kilometers, because I was still having some issues with my feet bothering me. It sucks to get old, just saying. I was fitted for a new pair of fancy sneakers and I was told to hydrate more. I definitely agree that I am not handling the hydration issue correctly. I will be hiding Gatorade in my bedroom so my family doesn't drink it all on me. I wonder if I could possible hide it in my underwear drawer, because I know that's one place they won't go near. I really hope these things help my issues and I can continue walk/running. I don't know where couch potato Mary went, but I'm glad she's not around as often. There are times when I'm just very tired and that is all a part of having had the bone marrow transplant. The difference now is, I try to work through the tired. The other unusual thing I do is, stopping in the middle of the street to feel the wind on my face. Ever since I spent months in hospital rooms without any fresh air, I have this thing about the wind and I love the feeling on my face. So if you see a crazy lady in the middle of the street, looking up in the sky,enjoying a breeze, do not fear, it's only me.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Do people with smaller legs walk further?
I was up and out by 8:30 this morning, hitting the streets in all my running glory. Amanda from LLS sent me a couple dri fit shirts with the Team in Training logo so I looked quite official today. The most amazing thing is that one of the shirts fit!!!! I was so excited and I knew I would do fairly well today. 1.49 miles in 30 min. and most of my jogging spurts were 40 sec. instead of 30 sec. and this time it wasn't because I was being flaky. I'm also beginning to think that I do more then people with long legs. Two of my steps can equal one of theirs and I may be working twice as hard. Any thoughts? I've been using a pedometer, and I'm wondering how off the mileage accuracy might be. Tuesday, I'm going to try to figure out the GPS on my phone and use that too.
My knee is still uncomfortable and my hip likes to cramp up on me, but hey, if I could go through lethal doses of chemo, this should be a cake walk. This morning was a little warmer then it has been and I became thirsty. Because of the bone marrow transplant, I have some minor problems with dry mouth and eyes. I use my eye drops before I run and I wear sunglasses to protect my eyes. I'm going to have to start carrying a bottle of water to help with the heat. My cheeks stay nice and rosy for quite a while and a few people have been commented about how relaxed I'm looking.
The Sunday morning debris count was very interesting. Lots of red solo cups and if you're a country music fan that will amuse you, and many McDonald's bags. Very interesting. Tomorrow is clean up debris day with my husband. I'll carry the garbage bag, but I'm not touching anything. We have one of those grabby things, that I will promptly disinfect as soon as we return home. I hope my neighbors don't think I'm a nut job for cleaning up random items along the street and maybe even on their lawns. Then again, I'm used to people thinking I'm a little bizarre. It's the joy of being me!
My knee is still uncomfortable and my hip likes to cramp up on me, but hey, if I could go through lethal doses of chemo, this should be a cake walk. This morning was a little warmer then it has been and I became thirsty. Because of the bone marrow transplant, I have some minor problems with dry mouth and eyes. I use my eye drops before I run and I wear sunglasses to protect my eyes. I'm going to have to start carrying a bottle of water to help with the heat. My cheeks stay nice and rosy for quite a while and a few people have been commented about how relaxed I'm looking.
The Sunday morning debris count was very interesting. Lots of red solo cups and if you're a country music fan that will amuse you, and many McDonald's bags. Very interesting. Tomorrow is clean up debris day with my husband. I'll carry the garbage bag, but I'm not touching anything. We have one of those grabby things, that I will promptly disinfect as soon as we return home. I hope my neighbors don't think I'm a nut job for cleaning up random items along the street and maybe even on their lawns. Then again, I'm used to people thinking I'm a little bizarre. It's the joy of being me!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
FYI
If anyone would like to read the short story I wrote about my journey with leukemia and my bone marrow transplant, leave me your email address and I'll send it to you. It's not long, only about 6 pages, but if it can help anyone or educate someone I will be thrilled to share it.
Here's my email again mteicholz@yahoo.com
Here's my email again mteicholz@yahoo.com
Muscle vs. Fat
Here is my question for today; How the hell did I gain 2lbs this week? Could it be that muscle weighs more than fat or am I still eating too much? I'm going to be honest and say that the exercise has made me a little hungrier, but 2 lbs, really? Maybe I just hadn't pooped enough before I got on the scale. Please remember, I'm just writing what I'm thinking and right now, I'm grasping at straws. I need to believe that it's muscle, so I can continue with only positive thoughts.
I did my exercise with the band for my hips and I did the standing on one leg at a time and my balance seems to be improving. Hopefully my core is getting stronger and...building more/some muscle. That could account for half a lb, right? My knee has been bothering me quite a bit the past 2 days, so this morning I prayed really hard that it gets better quickly. It's not swollen, just sore where I have my scar from my knee surgery. I'm not sure if that's bad or good. I don't know if anyone really realizes how much accomplishing this means to me. I'm not joking about the praying, so if anyone would like to send a few prayers my way, I would greatly appreciate it.
This whole thing hasn't been easy, and I am enjoying it more then I ever imagined I would. I remember joking and saying to my sister, "why would anyone ever want to run, yuk"? It kind of seemed stupid to me, but I get it now. I don't think I can put it into words. It's a sense of being a part of everything around you and yet there is a serenity to it all. I love being in my neighborhood and seeing people gardening or mowing their lawns. Saying hi to strangers who are also outside or watching the progression of a project on someones home. I also love when I'm almost home and I feel like I have a couple more streets in me to walk/run and I keep going, but not over doing it. There is so much more to this than meets the eye. I never in a million years thought I would shed a tear about my knee keeping me from running, but I did this morning. The transformation of my thoughts is incredible!
I did my exercise with the band for my hips and I did the standing on one leg at a time and my balance seems to be improving. Hopefully my core is getting stronger and...building more/some muscle. That could account for half a lb, right? My knee has been bothering me quite a bit the past 2 days, so this morning I prayed really hard that it gets better quickly. It's not swollen, just sore where I have my scar from my knee surgery. I'm not sure if that's bad or good. I don't know if anyone really realizes how much accomplishing this means to me. I'm not joking about the praying, so if anyone would like to send a few prayers my way, I would greatly appreciate it.
This whole thing hasn't been easy, and I am enjoying it more then I ever imagined I would. I remember joking and saying to my sister, "why would anyone ever want to run, yuk"? It kind of seemed stupid to me, but I get it now. I don't think I can put it into words. It's a sense of being a part of everything around you and yet there is a serenity to it all. I love being in my neighborhood and seeing people gardening or mowing their lawns. Saying hi to strangers who are also outside or watching the progression of a project on someones home. I also love when I'm almost home and I feel like I have a couple more streets in me to walk/run and I keep going, but not over doing it. There is so much more to this than meets the eye. I never in a million years thought I would shed a tear about my knee keeping me from running, but I did this morning. The transformation of my thoughts is incredible!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Not my best day
This morning, I woke up a little earlier then usual to get in a good walk/run before starting my day. Unfortunately, I had a slight issue with a friend and it was difficult to get my head in the game. I really thought I might feel better once I got going, but honestly, it gave me too much time to think. It was weird that my knee was hurting, my hip and side were cramping and I was just uncomfortable and icky. I think not being in the right state of mind affected my progression. I was able to do a little over a mile in 20 min. and my running "spurts" were for forty seconds instead of thirty. This wasn't done by choice, I was just being a flake. Anyone who knows me personally, knows that my flaking out was bound to happen eventually. I have to admit, if I had found one of those little bottles of Jim Beam on my run, I may have been tempted to take a guzzlet today. I'm kidding, I don't drink.
If anyone out there has any advice about the cramping and my knee, please leave me a comment or email me. Also, any dietary advice is desperately needed. Grilled chicken and salad are just not cutting it anymore. I may even be developing a strong dislike to chicken. Mmmm cheeseburgers....enough said. No one more thing, bacon cheeseburgers. I know you can't see me, but I'm shaking my head yes at the thought of a bacon cheeseburger. Damn cholesterol!
If anyone out there has any advice about the cramping and my knee, please leave me a comment or email me. Also, any dietary advice is desperately needed. Grilled chicken and salad are just not cutting it anymore. I may even be developing a strong dislike to chicken. Mmmm cheeseburgers....enough said. No one more thing, bacon cheeseburgers. I know you can't see me, but I'm shaking my head yes at the thought of a bacon cheeseburger. Damn cholesterol!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tuesday April 10th walk/run
Sorry I'm a little behind on blogging, but things have been very busy. I did do a walk/run on Tuesday and I did 1.32 miles in thirty minutes. I thought this was pretty good considering the week before it took me 35 min. to walk one mile. Also, a friend of mine taught me how to stretch out the front of my legs so they feel much better. I was surprised that my hip starting cramping on me while walking, but as soon as I started to run, it went away. When I got home from the walk/run, I stretched and made a protein shake with almond milk and 1/2 of a banana and I iced my knee. I think this might also be helping muscle recovery. By the way, I'm completely addicted to almond milk. I love it in cereal, oatmeal, baking and shakes. I just thought I would share that info.
Yesterday was a day off, but it was still very exciting. I had the opportunity to meet Governor Mitt Romney and sit right next to him during what is viewed as his campaign kick-off in Connecticut. Regardless of political affiliation, it is very cool to meet someone, who could potentially, be the next President of the United States. I wish I had started working out sooner. UGH! If one camera adds 10 lbs, how many lbs. do many, many cameras add? Holy guacamole this isn't good.
Unfortunately, today will also be a day off. Tonight is a meeting on the portion of the budget that I am the Chairperson for, so I can't be tired and rubbing my legs. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the streets again and I think I'll do the 1.32 miles again. It's funny that I keep telling people about what I'm doing and one friend started walking and another friend is going to start running again. We'll see if this snowballs.
One more thing, in case you didn't notice, there is a place on the blog to donate to LLS. Please consider giving a few bucks. After all, I am working my hiney off........or at least I hope I am.
Yesterday was a day off, but it was still very exciting. I had the opportunity to meet Governor Mitt Romney and sit right next to him during what is viewed as his campaign kick-off in Connecticut. Regardless of political affiliation, it is very cool to meet someone, who could potentially, be the next President of the United States. I wish I had started working out sooner. UGH! If one camera adds 10 lbs, how many lbs. do many, many cameras add? Holy guacamole this isn't good.
Unfortunately, today will also be a day off. Tonight is a meeting on the portion of the budget that I am the Chairperson for, so I can't be tired and rubbing my legs. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the streets again and I think I'll do the 1.32 miles again. It's funny that I keep telling people about what I'm doing and one friend started walking and another friend is going to start running again. We'll see if this snowballs.
One more thing, in case you didn't notice, there is a place on the blog to donate to LLS. Please consider giving a few bucks. After all, I am working my hiney off........or at least I hope I am.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Beautiful Easter morning walk/run
What better day could I choose to begin my running, then a clear, crisp Easter morning. I had gone out Saturday night to get an inexpensive sports watch to time the walking and running so I was all set to go. Coach Alan wants me to do 10-15 minutes of walking to warm up, 30 seconds of light jogging and then 2-3 mins of walking and so on, for 30 to 45 minutes. He wants me to do this at least 3 times this week and to take a day off in between the walk/run. Honestly, I would have no other choice then to take those days off, my legs ache like hell. I sound like a friggin old woman walking up stairs and trying to get out off of the couch making grunting and moaning sounds, but it feels great! I consider it the discomfort of accomplishing something. I was having a little trouble catching my breath a couple of times and I hope that isn't going to be an issue. I tried slowing down and taking a few deep breaths and that seemed to help regulate my breathing. My feet are still aching from my fancy sneakers, but my hip and knee are doing OK. Last night I thought my knee was a little tight and puffy, but no pain, so I iced it for 20 minutes and it's fine this morning. I did a 1.18 mile in about 30 minutes. I guess the time will eventually get better. I'm really enjoying this whole thing.
I know you are all curious about the debris count this weekend and it wasn't good. Many empty cigarette packs, vitamin water, a whole ashtray emptied on the side of the road, lots of broken bottles and 15 liquor bottles. I think there may have been many people who missed Easter mass because they were praying to the porcelain gods. Yikes! The big news is that the condom is gone. Probably stuck on someones tire. That would be a shocking surprise, to find a used condom on your garage floor. How do you explain that one?
One more important thing. My fundraising website will be going up today or tomorrow. The 5k that I'm training for is a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and my goal set by LLS is $500.00, my goal is....a shitload of money. Please start saving your change or skip coffee once a week and help me make lots of money for an incredible organization. They have changed my life.
I know you are all curious about the debris count this weekend and it wasn't good. Many empty cigarette packs, vitamin water, a whole ashtray emptied on the side of the road, lots of broken bottles and 15 liquor bottles. I think there may have been many people who missed Easter mass because they were praying to the porcelain gods. Yikes! The big news is that the condom is gone. Probably stuck on someones tire. That would be a shocking surprise, to find a used condom on your garage floor. How do you explain that one?
One more important thing. My fundraising website will be going up today or tomorrow. The 5k that I'm training for is a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and my goal set by LLS is $500.00, my goal is....a shitload of money. Please start saving your change or skip coffee once a week and help me make lots of money for an incredible organization. They have changed my life.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Strength training
Today is a day off from walking so I did some of the strength training Coach Alan taught me. This morning I took out my bands and worked on my hips and knees for a little while. I didn't over do it, because tomorrow is Easter and I needed energy to do marathon baking. Baking has to be another form of cross training considering I was on my feet all day and I kneaded two bread doughs by hand. Now I know why little, old, Italian women can pack such a powerful hand upside the head when you talk back. Not that I ever talked back, but I was a witness to such events. Okay, I know it first hand....get it , first hand. I just cracked myself up.
Since I don't have a lot to share work out wise, I'll tell you what I've cooked so far today. The first dough I made was for the Italian Easter pie that is filled with lots of cheese, eggs and ham. Then I made a rice Easter pie with rice, eggs and cheese. Then I baked the Easter bread with the eggs in the braiding. I only baked one cake so far today. Tomorrow after my walk/run, I will make chocolate mousse to fill the cake with and also a lemon-berry dessert that is diabetic and heart healthy. My sister is making lasagna and meatballs for the pasta course and ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus and carrots for the standard Easter dinner. For those of you not of Italian heritage, yes this is a fairly typical holiday dinner. The type of pasta and meat may change, but stretchy pants are a constant. Tomorrow may require two walks. Happy Easter!
Since I don't have a lot to share work out wise, I'll tell you what I've cooked so far today. The first dough I made was for the Italian Easter pie that is filled with lots of cheese, eggs and ham. Then I made a rice Easter pie with rice, eggs and cheese. Then I baked the Easter bread with the eggs in the braiding. I only baked one cake so far today. Tomorrow after my walk/run, I will make chocolate mousse to fill the cake with and also a lemon-berry dessert that is diabetic and heart healthy. My sister is making lasagna and meatballs for the pasta course and ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus and carrots for the standard Easter dinner. For those of you not of Italian heritage, yes this is a fairly typical holiday dinner. The type of pasta and meat may change, but stretchy pants are a constant. Tomorrow may require two walks. Happy Easter!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Some of my beginning difficulties
As everyone can see, I took yesterday off...or maybe I didn't. Is shopping considered a sport? I was on my feet for a long period of time, I did a lot of walking up and down isles and opening of the wallet. The bottom line is, I was off of the couch and on my feet! I'm considering it cross training.
I learned on my trip to Kilometers (a running store), that I need pronation support in my running shoes. Mark, the nice guy who sold me my sneakers, explained that my feet roll in and this running shoe will help correct the slight problem. So I was surprised when the outside of my foot was very achy after my first walk a couple days ago. I called Mark up as soon as I got home and he explained that it can take up to a week for everything to adjust to the proper way of walking and for things to get realigned. I have complete faith in him, because the cramping in my hip was 90% better. These sneakers are definitely different then anything I've ever worn before, because my legs were pretty tired that night. I'm honestly not a complete blob and I have done a ton of door knocking and campaigning where I have walked many miles, but for some reason this just isn't the same.
This morning I received my run/walk schedule for the next week or so from Coach Alan. I need to get a watch so I can time what I'm doing. I tried to use my cell phone, but it's impossible to see in the sun. I also could use something I can read without glasses on, the bolder the better. I refuse to blame my age for my eyesight, I choose to blame all the chemo I endured. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Today is day 3 of training and yes I am considering yesterday in my count. Again I headed out incognito, I think my husband walking with me may have given me away, and I tried a longer route. It's weird that I get a little out of breath early on and then it just goes away. My feet were achy on and off and I've learned that my hip doesn't cramp if I conscientiously relax my shoulders, back and hips. I'm trying to pay attention to what my body is telling me and it felt better today. I walked 1.13 mile in 25 minutes. At this rate, I'll do a 5k in 1 hour 15 minutes. I better ask my husband Lee to have lots of coffee and water at the finish line so people don't get bored waiting for me. I should check and see what board games we can bring to the race..... just in case.
Please send some words of encouragement my way. If anyone is having trouble commenting on the blog, here's my email address mteicholz@yahoo.com
I learned on my trip to Kilometers (a running store), that I need pronation support in my running shoes. Mark, the nice guy who sold me my sneakers, explained that my feet roll in and this running shoe will help correct the slight problem. So I was surprised when the outside of my foot was very achy after my first walk a couple days ago. I called Mark up as soon as I got home and he explained that it can take up to a week for everything to adjust to the proper way of walking and for things to get realigned. I have complete faith in him, because the cramping in my hip was 90% better. These sneakers are definitely different then anything I've ever worn before, because my legs were pretty tired that night. I'm honestly not a complete blob and I have done a ton of door knocking and campaigning where I have walked many miles, but for some reason this just isn't the same.
This morning I received my run/walk schedule for the next week or so from Coach Alan. I need to get a watch so I can time what I'm doing. I tried to use my cell phone, but it's impossible to see in the sun. I also could use something I can read without glasses on, the bolder the better. I refuse to blame my age for my eyesight, I choose to blame all the chemo I endured. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Today is day 3 of training and yes I am considering yesterday in my count. Again I headed out incognito, I think my husband walking with me may have given me away, and I tried a longer route. It's weird that I get a little out of breath early on and then it just goes away. My feet were achy on and off and I've learned that my hip doesn't cramp if I conscientiously relax my shoulders, back and hips. I'm trying to pay attention to what my body is telling me and it felt better today. I walked 1.13 mile in 25 minutes. At this rate, I'll do a 5k in 1 hour 15 minutes. I better ask my husband Lee to have lots of coffee and water at the finish line so people don't get bored waiting for me. I should check and see what board games we can bring to the race..... just in case.
Please send some words of encouragement my way. If anyone is having trouble commenting on the blog, here's my email address mteicholz@yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Day 1 of training
I just returned from my first day of walking for my training. I put on the infamous sports bra, jeans, my fancy sneakers with the appropriate socks and a LLS survivor t-shirt. I figured people wouldn't feel inclined to run me over if they saw the word survivor written on my back. Oh, I also put on my black adidas cap and sunglasses. I like to be incognito while I work out. If I wore my pink cap everyone would have thought I was a breast cancer survivor and that irks me. Women do get other cancers, but that rant is for another day.
I turned on my pedometer and off I went. I gave hello waves to cars as they passed me by and I stopped briefly to googoo and gaagaa at a baby in a stroller. What a beautiful day it is outside today! Then my mind began to wander back to my morning filled with aggravation and a person angry with me because they think their taxes are too high. To alleviate the stress, I decided to count the liquor bottles on the side of the road. Here's my count for today, 5 liquor bottles, 1 Mtn dew, 1 Arizona iced tea, 1 energy drink and 1 condom. If I wasn't such a germaphobe, I would have picked them up, all except the condom. That's just nasty! Maybe my husband will come for a walk with me over the weekend and we'll bring a garbage bag to get this mess cleaned up.
Anyway, thinking I had walked a good distance, I decided to head home. I thought for sure I had walked off the 2 cupcakes I ate for breakfast. I know, I know, I should have had oatmeal or oat bran and that's just another thing I need to work on to succeed. I walked into my kitchen and took off the pedometer, thinking that I had to have walked at least a mile and a half. The stupid thing said .68 miles. Are you freaking kidding me!! This thing must be broken or defective or something other than accurate. Now I need to figure out another route to add more mileage. Day one down and I need to be proud of myself for beginning this journey. Maybe I should celebrate with a cupcake! I'm only kidding, I'm having a protein shake.
I turned on my pedometer and off I went. I gave hello waves to cars as they passed me by and I stopped briefly to googoo and gaagaa at a baby in a stroller. What a beautiful day it is outside today! Then my mind began to wander back to my morning filled with aggravation and a person angry with me because they think their taxes are too high. To alleviate the stress, I decided to count the liquor bottles on the side of the road. Here's my count for today, 5 liquor bottles, 1 Mtn dew, 1 Arizona iced tea, 1 energy drink and 1 condom. If I wasn't such a germaphobe, I would have picked them up, all except the condom. That's just nasty! Maybe my husband will come for a walk with me over the weekend and we'll bring a garbage bag to get this mess cleaned up.
Anyway, thinking I had walked a good distance, I decided to head home. I thought for sure I had walked off the 2 cupcakes I ate for breakfast. I know, I know, I should have had oatmeal or oat bran and that's just another thing I need to work on to succeed. I walked into my kitchen and took off the pedometer, thinking that I had to have walked at least a mile and a half. The stupid thing said .68 miles. Are you freaking kidding me!! This thing must be broken or defective or something other than accurate. Now I need to figure out another route to add more mileage. Day one down and I need to be proud of myself for beginning this journey. Maybe I should celebrate with a cupcake! I'm only kidding, I'm having a protein shake.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Meeting Coach Alan
Today I met with Coach Alan and he reviewed a basic game plan for my training. We are starting out slowly, which honestly is the only way I can start, so it works for me. He's sending me a schedule to follow tonight and it will be a walk/run schedule. I just learned that that means you walk for an amount of time and then you run for an amount of time and so on. I'm a little concerned about timing myself and not turning my ankle on a pothole or a liquor bottle. People who drive through my neighborhood love to throw bottles out of their car windows. I guess no one taught them that they shouldn't throw anything out of their car window that a bird can't make its nest out of or at least that is what my uncle always said. Maybe he just liked to litter.
Anyway, I think I am going to wear my TNT (Team in Training) t-shirt while I'm training. Women's running shirts just don't fit over my ample bosoms and the men's shirts are crew neck. I have to say, most women over the age of 45, do NOT want to wear anything around their necks while working out. We are in a perpetual state of heat hitting us at any given moment. Do you hear me Nike, Adidas, Reebok etc..?
Enough about my train wreck of a body.
I'm very nervous and excited about this 5k. I want to succeed, not only for myself, but for anyone going through a crappy illness and for those of us who have survived. I just have to do this. I'm not even starting this venture from ground level, I'm more in the bargain basement. Holy crap! I must be out of my mind.
Anyway, I think I am going to wear my TNT (Team in Training) t-shirt while I'm training. Women's running shirts just don't fit over my ample bosoms and the men's shirts are crew neck. I have to say, most women over the age of 45, do NOT want to wear anything around their necks while working out. We are in a perpetual state of heat hitting us at any given moment. Do you hear me Nike, Adidas, Reebok etc..?
Enough about my train wreck of a body.
I'm very nervous and excited about this 5k. I want to succeed, not only for myself, but for anyone going through a crappy illness and for those of us who have survived. I just have to do this. I'm not even starting this venture from ground level, I'm more in the bargain basement. Holy crap! I must be out of my mind.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sports bras
Anyone out there who doesn't want to know anything about sports bras should just skip this post now.
I'm a well endowed girl, but I've learned that sports stores do not cater to voluptuous women. At one store, I met a very nice sales woman who pulled out a sports bra for me, and my comment was....."that will only fit one." Are you seeing where I'm going with this? The sports manufacturers don't cater to the peeps who should be working out, like myself. No, they feel the need to make items as small as possible and just mock those of us with some meat on our bones.
Sorry, back to the story and on to the next and most humiliating part of the day. My husband and I decided to try one more store and I found a couple of upper region garments to try on. I decided to try on the one that looked the largest to me first. This one happened to be a pull over your head type, not a back clasp one. Well, it made it over my head and my arms were through and..........that was it. So this stupid bra was stuck at the top of my chest. Not even remotely covering any part of my boobs and I just wanted this thing off. I tried to get myself out of this torture garment, but it wouldn't budge. Then my back starting cramping up from my attempts at being a contorstionist. I contemplated throwing my denim jacket over my bare chest, that was even larger due to the pressure from the stuck bra, to go get my husband to help me out of this thing. I had one more idea. If I could get one of my arms through, maybe I could pull it over my head from the side. It worked and I was free!!!! Braless, but free and bruised! That was enough shopping for me that day. I have to admit, I cried a little.
The next day I was off again to find this damn bra. I was on a mission. I found one that covered 95% of my breasts so I bought it. I really don't want to have to buy a bigger waist size on my pants because my boobs have drooped down so far that I need to tuck them in my pants. I want to look and feel better at the end of all this, so one bra down and many more to go. UGH!
I also have a message for Nike, Adidas, Reebok and any other major sporting gear brand. MAKE BIGGER SIZES TOO! Now, I can't find a running shirt to fit either. Will this ever end? Well endowed chicks want to look cute too.
I'm a well endowed girl, but I've learned that sports stores do not cater to voluptuous women. At one store, I met a very nice sales woman who pulled out a sports bra for me, and my comment was....."that will only fit one." Are you seeing where I'm going with this? The sports manufacturers don't cater to the peeps who should be working out, like myself. No, they feel the need to make items as small as possible and just mock those of us with some meat on our bones.
Sorry, back to the story and on to the next and most humiliating part of the day. My husband and I decided to try one more store and I found a couple of upper region garments to try on. I decided to try on the one that looked the largest to me first. This one happened to be a pull over your head type, not a back clasp one. Well, it made it over my head and my arms were through and..........that was it. So this stupid bra was stuck at the top of my chest. Not even remotely covering any part of my boobs and I just wanted this thing off. I tried to get myself out of this torture garment, but it wouldn't budge. Then my back starting cramping up from my attempts at being a contorstionist. I contemplated throwing my denim jacket over my bare chest, that was even larger due to the pressure from the stuck bra, to go get my husband to help me out of this thing. I had one more idea. If I could get one of my arms through, maybe I could pull it over my head from the side. It worked and I was free!!!! Braless, but free and bruised! That was enough shopping for me that day. I have to admit, I cried a little.
The next day I was off again to find this damn bra. I was on a mission. I found one that covered 95% of my breasts so I bought it. I really don't want to have to buy a bigger waist size on my pants because my boobs have drooped down so far that I need to tuck them in my pants. I want to look and feel better at the end of all this, so one bra down and many more to go. UGH!
I also have a message for Nike, Adidas, Reebok and any other major sporting gear brand. MAKE BIGGER SIZES TOO! Now, I can't find a running shirt to fit either. Will this ever end? Well endowed chicks want to look cute too.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Why I'm training for a 5K
I think the best place to start is at the beginning. Five years ago I was diagnosed with leukemia and I needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. March 1st was my 5 year anniversary, so what a better way to mark the occasion then to train for a 5K. I have been active with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(LLS) for about a year and they do a 5K in Fairfield, CT every year. It's called Team in Training and I'll refer to it as TNT from now on. I was the LLS Honored Hero for the half marathon last year and that is where this journey began. Many of the employees of LLS do the 5K and they have inspired me to join along with them. They are the most amazing group of people you could ever meet and they are setting me up for success.
I've spoken to Coach Alan on the phone, but we haven't met yet because I just got my sneakers on Friday. I guess I'm in the preparing my mind for all of this phase. Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that I'm going to be able to accomplish this run and be healthy along the way. As you can imagine, my health is my number one priority and I just pray that my knees, hips and breathing hold up through all the training. I'm very determined or some people may say stubborn, I'm not sure which, but it got me through some nasty cancer treatments so this, I hope, will be easier.
Tomorrow, when I have more time I will share the trials and tribulations of apparel shopping. It's not going to be pretty and I won't hold back so be prepared, this might be a bumpy ride.
I will post a "before" picture soon.
I've spoken to Coach Alan on the phone, but we haven't met yet because I just got my sneakers on Friday. I guess I'm in the preparing my mind for all of this phase. Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that I'm going to be able to accomplish this run and be healthy along the way. As you can imagine, my health is my number one priority and I just pray that my knees, hips and breathing hold up through all the training. I'm very determined or some people may say stubborn, I'm not sure which, but it got me through some nasty cancer treatments so this, I hope, will be easier.
Tomorrow, when I have more time I will share the trials and tribulations of apparel shopping. It's not going to be pretty and I won't hold back so be prepared, this might be a bumpy ride.
I will post a "before" picture soon.
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