February 2022 Monthly Running Challenge
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@shanaber so beautiful where you are!
I’ve had a couple of runs since last post. I’m starting to learn the feeling of a heart episode about to happen - this last time I stopped before it did the thing, which is a great improvement, but isn’t getting me any further towards being able to run without stopping!
Medical stuff below:Tues had the appointment with the cardio to go over all the testing they’ve done. Basically my heart seems perfectly fine mechanically and there’s no danger involved, it’s just what he called a “lifestyle thing” that it will go into tachycardia at random intervals whenever I exert myself, which means I can’t push myself running. I have agreed to try a tiny dose of beta blockers before runs and see if it helps. I’m reluctant because from what I understand about how the beta blockers work, they will just keep me from exerting myself in the first place, which I could do without medication. Also they cause weight gain and don’t play well with my other meds. But it’s worth a try. Failing that, the next step would be ablation, which I’m pretty confident I can’t afford, to cut the extra nerve bundle and prevent it from going the wrong direction.
Tuesday was absolutely glorious weather and we had hoped to get a run in, but the 2:30 appointment had me sitting in the waiting room until… 4:45. At which point I talked to the doctor for five whole minutes then waited another 15 for an appointment. And the trails close at sundown. So the run ended up being a two mile brisk walk behind the cardio office. Although I feel like I got plenty of exercise standing in an abandoned hallway for two and a half hours NOT IN THE CROWDED WAITING ROOM. I’m also a little put out that the phlebotomist was a big lying liar! I went back, and she said, Oh we need to get five vials of blood for tests, and I said really? They have seen me less than a month ago and this is just to discuss my echo results, what tests? And she said, oh, this doctor told me he likes to get blood work every time. Well, as a self pay patient I was slightly annoyed but said okay. One nasty bruise on my elbow and a short visit with the doctor later, his PA says, “Okay, we’re done, you don’t need any blood work since we have it from last time,” and I said, um…. And she said oops, since it’s close to five and the phlebotomists want to get out on time they preemptively take tons of blood from everyone! Yeah please don’t do that, I am not your pincushion!
So, got out Thursday finally and it was perfect weather for an easy trail run. Mid 60s in the sun, about ten degrees cooler in the shade. We went to the rough, mainly bike trails on the far side of the Wolf river in Germantown, which we haven’t done for more than a year. We stopped because the river was undermining the trails and we were honestly getting nervous about the trail giving way and falling twenty feet down a cliff into the river. But we ran the paved trails on the other side of the river the other day, and can see part of the natural trails from there, and noticed…. A new bridge! Across one of the deathly chasms! So we decided to check it out. They have done a lot of work over there, some of the dangerous bits have been shored up with concrete and others have sand dumped on them. One bridge still has some rotting boards but not bad, and there’s one place where the river is still undercutting the trail, but it feels… semi safe. We had to get off the trail for dirt bikes several times, since it’s true single foot, but it wasn’t that crowded. A bunch of trees down from the ice storm. Had to jump over some fallen trees and stopped and formed part of a team to clear brush which had made part of the trail impassible at one point. The trails back there are nicely challenging with a lot of gullies and ups and downs without being too hard, kind of like a roller coaster. Saw five big bucks in a group, one with a huge rack! And a great horned owl.
Got 8 miles total. We ran at least 5 solid miles and most of 10k which is more than I’ve done since the heart episode, and my hip flexors are screaming at me. I think I run much more over my feet on that terrain which makes my legs sore in a different way. No heart problem, yay! I don’t have my meds yet, hopefully will try them next run.7 -
"Keepin' it sleasy since 1952"
2-1 4k treadmill
2-2 7k easy
2-3 4k treadmill
2-4 4k treadmill
2-5 4k treadmill
2-6 7k slow
2-7 rest
2-8 7k sleasy
2-9 4k slow
February Total: 41k
February Goal: 140k
Mostly cloudy, mid 30s F, and a gusty wind from the south. I had absolutely no strength today, so I cut it to 4k. In addition to my usual birds, I heard a mourning dove and red winged blackbirds. The blackbirds are here 11 days earlier than they were last year.
@shanaber I don't normally gush over pictures but those are spectacular.
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"Keepin' it sleasy since 1952"
2-1 4k treadmill
2-2 7k easy
2-3 4k treadmill
2-4 4k treadmill
2-5 4k treadmill
2-6 7k slow
2-7 rest
2-8 7k sleasy
2-9 4k slow
2-10 rest
February Total: 41k
February Goal: 140k
Scheduled rest day today. And (of course) I feel good...4 -
2/1 – 7.04 miles
2/2 – 3.11 miles
2/5 – 3.15 miles + 9.2 miles
2/7 – 5.18 miles
2/8 – 5.12 miles
2/9 – 3.21 miles
Total – 36.33 miles
I did my workout this morning which happened to be cardio day. I was so hot and sweaty that I threw on a jacket and went out for a run afterwards. It was a nice 30F and felt great. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize until I was outside that I had not put my contact in (mostly improves my distant vision so sometimes in the house I forget about it) nor did I have my glasses. In addition, it was still dark outside and the battery died on my running light during yesterday’s run and I haven’t charged it yet. In any event, all was good. I did smell a skunk along my route. For all I knew, it could have been running along beside me.
@katharominc – I love that it is staying daylight longer now!
Great job moving up to a wog @AriannaBier
The pictures from Bryce Canyon are beautiful also @shanaber but I much prefer the ones without snow! Sound like a very chilly day out there.
Glad you got to talk to the doctor about your test results @rheddmobile. Even though you are getting to push your running as much as you want, kudos to you for staying active and finding a way to do what you can when you can. Do you know how many people in a similar position would be sitting on the couch saying I have heart problems, I can’t do anything?
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@shanaber loving your pictures as well. I would love to get to Zion and Bryce. I was checking out Valley of Fire in Nevada because of a possible Las Vegas trip but I think that is no longer in the works. But I would love to see some of those amazing red rocks and canyons. Funny about your longest walk ever - I was skimming it and trying to figure out how you managed a 50+ mile walk but I was ready to believe you
@rheddmobile I'm glad you had your appointment about your heart. I hope the beta blockers might be helpful to you and not cause other problems. Your trail run sounds like an adventure. Love that "semi safe" description. Now that's a fun run! Glad you could get out there and enjoy and didn't have any heart issues.
Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
02/01/22 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
02/02/22 :::: 3.1 :::: 3.1
02/03/22 :::: 2.4 :::: 5.5
02/04/22 :::: 0.0 :::: 5.5
02/05/22 :::: 0.0 :::: 5.5
02/06/22 :::: 4.0 :::: 9.5
02/07/22 :::: 1.8 :::: 11.3
02/08/22 :::: 3.0 :::: 14.3
02/09/22 :::: 3.1 :::: 17.3
02/10/22 :::: 2.0 :::: 19.4
Just trudging along through the week here. Another early morning treadmill warm-up and strength training. You know those days when you are getting out of bed and already just can't wait until you can get back in at the end of the day...
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AriannaBier wrote: »@martaindale, that sounds lovely! Do you have a lot of nature where you’re from?
Primarily I am in an exurb of Houston that probably wouldn't be this green if it were built today. The neighborhoods were mostly built preserving a lot of the old native trees with greenways and there are a lot of little ponds and lakes around so even though I am mostly on concrete sidewalks, I get to run in pretty nature-y areas.
My other place is in the TX hill country and it's fairly rural, so mostly road running on 2 lane quiet roads and some pretty cool views! Both are lovely in their own way.
@shanaber Those pics are amazing! It is so gorgeous!
@rheddmobile Good news on the cardiac front. I hope you can find a way to get to run the way you want. FWIW, my husband has been on beta blockers for a few years and has not has any issues with weight gain, so while it's a possibility, it's certainly not a given.2 -
2/1 – 7.04 miles
2/2 – 3.11 miles
2/5 – 3.15 miles + 9.2 miles
2/7 – 5.18 miles
2/8 – 5.12 miles
2/9 – 3.21 miles + 3.19 miles
Total – 39.52 miles
Second 5k at lunch today.
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katharmonic wrote: »@shanaber loving your pictures as well. I would love to get to Zion and Bryce. I was checking out Valley of Fire in Nevada because of a possible Las Vegas trip but I think that is no longer in the works. But I would love to see some of those amazing red rocks and canyons. Funny about your longest walk ever - I was skimming it and trying to figure out how you managed a 50+ mile walk but I was ready to believe you
Come with me and my girls in October! Trip capacity is 5-6 people and there are only 3 of us! Plenty of room!3 -
2/1 - 6.23
2/3 - 6.05
2/5 - 8.03
2/6 - 6.04
2/8 - 6.04
2/9 - 6.05
2/10 - 6.05
44.49 of 160 miles
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Awesome pictures @shanaber1
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Just checking in. Not doing much, still tired. I stupidly didn't adjust the weights on the machine yesterday though (knew hubby had used it but didn't realize it was that heavy) and my shoulder is messed up today. Did a test run Wednesday and decided that if it wasn't for the race on Saturday, I'd probably get back to training normally because I tend to have energy in the morning, and it might help get me out of this pit of despair.
Goal Saturday is just to complete the 13k/+-800m in the 3-hour time limit. Not as easy as it sounds. In addition to required gear, they're highly recommending poles and crampons ("in our packs, don't destroy the sidewalks in the start area"). Sounds like there's a bit of snow. But hopefully I won't get lost like when I previewed the course. I'm packed, and got a room for tomorrow night, close to the start. I honestly don't know if I can do this, but I'm stubbornly determined to try my best.
Great pictures @shanaber !
Sounds like good news @rheddmobile. More info is good, and I hope you can find something that helps, meds or otherwise. Great job listening to your body and stopping before the thing happened!4 -
Great running everyone.
Love the pictures @shanaber! So pretty with the snow! What was your max walking speed? Bet that was a PR too. I've had that happen, but since I manually enter everything, I just take care of it when I post.
@rheddmobile I hope the small dose of beta blocker works for you and it sounds like you had a great run - getting back out on the trail you used to run. I agree with @Teresa502 Most people will be sitting on the couch with the excuse of a heart condition. You are amazing.
@Teresa502 Had to laugh about the skunk maybe running beside you and you'd never know. I'm glad all was well with your "blind" dark run.
@katharmonic I feel you. I hope you feel better soon.
@polskagirl01 I hope you enjoy your race on Saturday. I know it is going to be hard from your preview run, but you can do it.
I have gotten in a mile run each of the last couple of days. I had intended to run today, but I didn't get much sleep last night, worked today, so was tired when I got home. Plus, I agreed to open in one of the rooms at daycare tomorrow, which means getting there a little before 6:30 am. When I do this shift, I set the alarm for 4 am so I can be sure to get up by 4:30, eat, and have a couple cups of wake up coffee before getting ready to leave at 6:00. Anyway, I am doing my best to get to bed early tonight (rarely do), so didn't take the time to get in a run. I'm only working until 9:45, then going to play tennis from 10-12, then I have a meeting with the bank about a possible load to purchase some land that is being sold adjacent to mine, and my doctor's appointment at 2. A full day.3 -
5 easy miles this evening. Wanted to get a few easy miles in since I will be running my 'long run tomorrow morning. Going down to Houston tomorrow to move my daughter. Doubt I will be 'allowed' to run while I am down there (but taking my gear just in case) 😁
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February Goal: 30 Miles
2/6: 2.26 miles
2/8: 3.32 miles
2/9: 3.20 miles
2/10: 3.20 miles
11.98/30 miles completed for February
I did not want to get up this morning. But I finally did and got out and ran another 5K this morning. It was pretty much the same run as yesterday, but I didn't see the fox today. When I got home I kind of felt like I could have run a little further, so I feel like that is progress. I felt pretty good during the run, but I do think that taking it easy is still a good idea.
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@polskagirl01 - I hope you get back to feeling like running again and that the race this weekend is 'fun' an 'adventure' maybe?
@katharmonic - you really should go with @Teresa502! Also if you do get to Vegas Zion is only about 2 hours away. We were pretty shocked how close it was to us.
@teresa502 - maybe it is better to run in the dark without your contact or light. That way you don't know that the skunk is running along with you 😁
@rheddmobile - glad you got to talk to the cardiologist after that long wait and blood donation! I hope they don't charge you for it. I have no experience with beta blockers and don't know anyone who is on them so I have no advice there other than I hope it allows you to push yourself the way you likee to when you run. I do know first hand how difficult it is to limit yourself when you want to be doing more. While I won't be running His again, I find it very difficult to keep my runs to 3 miles and mostly never do.
@Scott6255 - Definitely take your running gear with you. I think you should just schedule a run into your stay in Houston. Other things can be fit around it.
Today was our last full day here in the Zion area and dh didn't want to go anywhere so we just enjoyed the views from the hotel. Dh and I took Hobbes for a little walk around the pond outside our hotel (should say Hobbes and I took Dh 😁) to see the beaver's work. When we got here on Sunday there was just one tree down and now there are 3! I am not sure where the beavers are but I have a suspicion. After the walk Hobbes and I took off for another little run/hike in the same area we did on Tuesday. There are so many trails that I got a little confused at what went where so we double backed a few times but it was all good. My legs were a bit tired and sore from the hills on Tuesday so I didn't try running up the hill and only ran parts coming down. Pretty sure my quads hate me.When we got back dh and I sat out on the deck with Hobbes and just enjoyed the view and the quiet. It was so lovely.
A final shot - I happened to look out as the sun was setting and saw the reflection on the pond. For anyone contemplating going to Zion and Bryce Canyon a bit of enticement! The Bryce Canyon HM It is unfortunately in July at the height of tourist season but hey, could be fun with a heck of a scenic route!
Finally is anyone else following the Olympics? I am so impressed with the Halfpipe snowboard athletes - they are absolutely fearless! I can't believe the moves they are making - wow! Of course Shaun White is amazing!
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If anyone is bored tomorrow (Saturday) and cares to watch a bunch of crazy people reaching the top of the hardest part of our run tomorrow, the lift has a live camera at the top!http://kolej-szyndzielnia.pl/kamera/My shoulder has passed the "move wrong and feel like your muscles are going to tear apart" stage, and has entered a phase that feels more healing, so that's good news.
Scroll down to "Kamera" and click on the Play button.
2- and 3-loop racers start at 9am (Warsaw/Central European Time GMT +01:00 - Eastern Standard time in the US is 6 hours behind us, so many of you will be sleeping) and the fast ones should start arriving here within an hour of that. I'm doing one loop, hope to be at this spot around 11/11:30ish (no idea, really). I'll be wearing a bright sea-green-ish jacket, dark blue tights, with poles and probably a grey hat. Black gloves with neon pink accents. Pack will be under the jacket so not visible. Don't wait around for me as I have no idea when I'll come through, but there should be crazy people to watch for several hours!8 -
katharmonic wrote: »@shanaber loving your pictures as well. I would love to get to Zion and Bryce. I was checking out Valley of Fire in Nevada because of a possible Las Vegas trip but I think that is no longer in the works. But I would love to see some of those amazing red rocks and canyons. Funny about your longest walk ever - I was skimming it and trying to figure out how you managed a 50+ mile walk but I was ready to believe you
Come with me and my girls in October! Trip capacity is 5-6 people and there are only 3 of us! Plenty of room!
That sounds amazing and fun @teresa502. If it involves camping though I'm probably not your girl2 -
polskagirl01 wrote: »If anyone is bored tomorrow (Saturday) and cares to watch a bunch of crazy people reaching the top of the hardest part of our run tomorrow, the lift has a live camera at the top!http://kolej-szyndzielnia.pl/kamera/My shoulder has passed the "move wrong and feel like your muscles are going to tear apart" stage, and has entered a phase that feels more healing, so that's good news.
Scroll down to "Kamera" and click on the Play button.
2- and 3-loop racers start at 9am (Warsaw/Central European Time GMT +01:00 - Eastern Standard time in the US is 6 hours behind us, so many of you will be sleeping) and the fast ones should start arriving here within an hour of that. I'm doing one loop, hope to be at this spot around 11/11:30ish (no idea, really). I'll be wearing a bright sea-green-ish jacket, dark blue tights, with poles and probably a grey hat. Black gloves with neon pink accents. Pack will be under the jacket so not visible. Don't wait around for me as I have no idea when I'll come through, but there should be crazy people to watch for several hours!
Good luck @polskagirl01!!! So excited for you and your crazy adventure. You'll do great. I will probably miss it with the time zone but will try to remember to check out the camera tomorrow morning. If anyone spots her on camera take a screen shot Rooting for you - be safe and have fun!5 -
@shanaber Even more amazing pics! I have been watching some olympics and the tricks the snowboarders and skiers throw are just insane to me. I watched some skeleton racing last night. I really like the skeleton and luge events.
@polskagirl01 Good luck tomorrow!! I will probably miss you but I will check on the camera when I wake up just to see some crazy people!4 -
"Keepin' it sleasy since 1952"
2-1 4k treadmill
2-2 7k easy
2-3 4k treadmill
2-4 4k treadmill
2-5 4k treadmill
2-6 7k slow
2-7 rest
2-8 7k sleasy
2-9 4k slow
2-10 rest
2-11 7k sleasy
February Total: 48k
February Goal: 140k
Mostly cloudy, low 30s F, and a gusty wind from the south. Didn't hear the red winged blackbirds today...
@polskagkirl01 You'll be fine. Treat it as the adventure it is and have fun!!!5