The Baltimore Half Marathon

Friday, October 10 I was finally starting to feel the energy for my upcoming race the next morning. I was going to run in my second race ever, the Baltimore Half Marathon. In reality I would have had to run 10 miles that day anyway as part of a training run for Disney in January, so what's another 3.1? 

The week leading up wasn't exactly the best. I had the dreaded stomach virus that had been hitting a lot of people in the US. I hadn't eaten Monday-Wednesday and managed to lose 8 pounds. On top of all that, there was no way I was going to exercise/run/walk/get my ass off the couch - because hey, when you're feeling "shitty" (no pun intended...) you should be able to sit still and just watch daytime TV. That is the perfect remedy. So, Friday came and Tracey and I had plans to go out for a pasta dinner. I was going to go for an easy 2 mile jog after work, but in reality, what was that going to do for me? It was going to possibly set me up to trip and hurt myself, and we all know I have done that before... so I decided against it. I met her at Mama Lucia's in Elkridge (by the new Costco) at 7pm. I ordered something simple, just because with my luck, something new would make me sick. We had a great dinner, then it was off to Wal-Mart to buy some throw away sweats for the morning.

I woke up at 6:30, ready to go. I had laid everything out I needed the night before in the same way I've laid everything out for the last 9 months. Why should I change routine now? I made a cup of coffee, gobbled down some oatmeal and was out the door.  Tracey and I met at the light rail in Linthicum Heights a little before 8am on race day. The Half wasn't scheduled to start until 9:45. That was a little later then we had liked, but, it was what it was. We hit the streets of Baltimore around 8:30 or so and stopped by the Sheraton for a bathroom break. After all, that seemed much more appealing then the lovely set ups they had for the bulk of the crowd. We proceeded to the sky walk to watch the Kenyan (I'm not joking...) in the lead for the marathon come running under us. I was starting to feel excited - but we still had 45 minutes to wait for the start. By now, it was warming up. The sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. 

We walked to the other side where Tracey made one last bathroom stop. We made our way to the "Wave #3" holding area and all that was left to do was wait. We found a group from Howard County TNT and chatted with them. Out of 17,000 people, who pops up?! Jeff! Jeff and I ran together during the spring while I trained for Alaska and he trained for Frederick. On one of the longer runs we came to realize we live a street away from each other! We said hello and wished each other good luck. (Jeff had had an injury back in May. He had taken a break from running in order to train for the Seagull Century.) 

                             

 9:45 came and the first wave was off. Unfortunately we had to wait 5 minutes before wave 2 started and another 5 before we were allowed to. We didn't start until 10am... regardless, I was now running. Tracey was next to me for the first few miles. The way the course was set up, the first 3 miles of the half were run on a different course, then we joined up with the full, for us it was mile 3 for the full, 16.  Our two courses merged together and as I was running I happened to notice - I missed the first water stop! Rats... Oh well, I knew I'd be ready for water by the time I hit the next one. Not only that, but I'd also be ready for a gel. The course was hilly, but I had been warned. I had also been told I'd be OK, because training in Howard County is perfect for that. By mile 6 I was wondering when the hills would stop. I was now approaching Clifton Park. This was a side of town that I had never seen before, but there's something to be said for the Baltimore native that looks at you, grunts and says "now THAT's what I'm talking about" as you run by- blond hair, blowing in the wind. 

This is where I finally had to stop and walk, but I was happy - I had run the first 6 miles without stopping and it was mostly uphill. I owed myself a break. I walked through Clifton Park and it was onto Lake Montebello.  As I began to run again (mile 6.5) I noticed someone up ahead standing in the middle of the road. From behind, it looked as though he could hardly stand up. As I got closer I realized it was someone I knew! Lee, who also runs with the Saturday morning group, was struggling with a leg cramp. I ran right up to him, pulled out my ear phones and offered help to get him to the side. We got to the side and started walking. He was in need of a water stop, badly. Luckily there was one about half a mile away. We spotted a photographer, broke into a small jog for the photograph, then I continued on.  I  made it around Lake Montebello and up 33rd street. Yes, UP 33rd street. You guessed it, this road was basically UP HILL. I had to walk this as well. For the first time, I was experiencing cramping in my left thigh. That was an issue I have never had before. I was at a point, my first ever "maybe I should just give up" point. This is also something I've never had before, but considering the factors - heat, sickly week, poor hydration, time of day - it really seemed like something worth doing. 

As I dropped my head, what did I hear ?? "Hey stranger!" I looked to the right and saw Jeff! What timing... He ran along side me while I picked up the pace again. We started chatting about the TNT group and my parents trip to China. That I needed.... and for the next mile or so we hung together. As I approached mile 11, it was hard to believe I was almost finished. I felt like I was at mile 24 in Alaska. I couldn't believe my body felt this poor in such a short amount of time. Jeff and I were still running, however he was a little up ahead. I had to drop back to a walk again, but I was OK with that. It looked like I was going to finish. As mile 12 approached, I found myself next to a woman maybe a few years older then me. I looked at her and said "man, I feel like shit" she looked at me and said "I will never run this half again, my ankles hurt like hell" I looked up and said, "well... we've got one mile left to go... should we run it in? Let's do it!" and the two of us started into a slow hobble. There's definitely something to be said about the feeling of a finish line that is part of a race filled with 17,000 people. 

As we ran through Lexington Market, you could hear the cheers from the other side of Camden Yards. We ran through Camden Yards and I began to pick up speed. I was flying. Knowing the end was near, hearing the cheers from the finish line and knowing Scott was there waiting - I just had to blow through. I happened to notice that I wasn't too far behind Jeff. As I crossed over the mat and came to a stop, I looked up and noticed he was doubling back to give me a high five. We had made it. It was over. My legs hurt like hell, my back was sore and I wasn't feeling hot at all. 

  

Finish time according to the Garmin: 2:48. 

Chip Time: 2:50:17. 

I received my  medal and found Scott, ready to collapse and add another race to the list.  

All in all I have to say I was pretty proud of myself, all things considered, I made it. I finished the race and have another accomplishment to add to the list. Scott also reminded me that I had kinda, sorta skimped on training for this race. I had never run more then 8 miles while training, and that was on a treadmill. More the reason to feel accomplished! But also, more the reason to learn and not make that mistake again. 

Tired of being sick

Well, that just about says it all. Saturday I ran the best 6 miles so far. I couldn't believe it went so well, I ran the entire time for the first time as well as in the shortest time possible. Talk about excitement! Then my family and I went to the Michael Phelps parade in Towson. That night, I went out for Sushi when halfway through the meal, I began to get a stomach ache. I thought it was something a few tums would take care of, so after dinner I did just that. Took the tums, and the pain went away. 

The same thing happened again Sunday afternoon. While watching the games at Dimitri's in Catonsville, I began to get the same pain. I had hoped it wouldn't stick around for long, because I love to eat and so far, I had been associating this pain with food. All was good until 4:30am Monday morning. That's when it began, the constant, intense stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea. What in the world could it be? I had a fever by Monday afternoon and it didn't seem to want to stop.  I thought back to the food I had eaten and was almost convinced it was some sort of food poisoning. I had to call out of work on Tuesday for all of the same symptoms, except for the vomiting. That had stopped Monday afternoon. 

Around 1pm on Tuesday I realized that if this was due to food, it should be done by now. Usually, your body vomits up everything it's got until the bad food is "all out". Well, I hadn't stopped getting rid of "bad food" so I called the doctor. She immediately said "Welcome to the club hon, we're all getting that..." Just by hearing that, I felt some relief. They called in two prescriptions for me one for nausea and vomiting and the other for cramps and diarrhea. I popped a few of those was was on my way. Until a few hours later when one of the drugs made me SUPER dizzy, loopy and tired. I crashed around 7:30 and didn't really wake up until 9:30 this morning. Which also means, I called out of work again. 

I finally ate a meal today, which now when I think back on it, makes me want to throw up again. I know I have to make myself eat something, I've lost 7 pounds since Sunday and I'm supposed to run the Baltimore Half Marathon on Saturday. I'm a little nervous and beginning to think maybe I should pull out, but I'll wait and see how I feel tomorrow.  My mouth is super dry and I know dehydration will be an issue. So far though, that's the only sign. Urine is the right color and my skin hasn't gotten all wrinkly yet! My parents leave for China tomorrow, well actually San Francisco first, then off to China over the weekend and I'm a little nervous. I know everything will be fine, but it's a long time without them around as well as a long time to keep watch over my grandmother. They will be gone for about 3 weeks touring the entire area. I guess if you're going to do a vacation like that, you might as well be gone for awhile.... and we all know somehow I'll manage to make the best of it. 

It's back to my daytime television, I think I'm really going to miss Bonnie Hunt, Ellen and Oprah when I have to go back to work tomorrow! 

It's all uphill

Many of you know that I've taken to the sport of cycling. Thankfully, after dropping a ton of $$$ on a really nice bike, I have found that I l-o-v-e it! Before I bought this super, awesome, amazing bike, I went through a series of test rides from all different stores. I hadn't been on a bike for well over 10 years. The thrill of an "adult" bike that is almost weightless is awesome. You can fly anywhere. After trying several different types, I finally settled on one I fell in love with. It took me awhile to track it down, but my efforts paid off. Since I've brought home this beautiful baby in August, I've been out at least every Wednesday. I think I picked Wednesdays because I thought it would help break up the monotony of running M-Th.  I thought out a route in my mind that would have minor hills, avoid red lights (clip shoes are really fun to learn... I only hope I get to witness someone else almost falling off their bike like I did the first time) but be a good workout. I did just that. 

The first time I rode, my Garmin said it was about 7.5 miles. That was a good first ride! Basically, over time I just started riding the same route multiple times for longer rides. Yesterday it hit me. I'm bored of that route. (I hope you all don't wonder why...)  I suppose it was today I decided it was time to experience the "other" side of Route 40. So, avoiding the major red light, I drove to the Seventh-Day Adventist on St. Johns Lane. I parked my car, hopped out and really looked like a pro. (If you know me, you know I have the complete outfit. Although I may fail, I must try and make sweating look cute) I started out on St. Johns Lane in the direction of Route 99. Uh oh. My first red light! (I also found some videos on youtube that helped me understand a little more on how to approach a red light and proper turning rules - smart, huh? Youtube has everything!) So, I unclip my left and put it down. That feels more natural for me and I get a better start using my right leg. The light turns green and  - I made it! I head down Route 99 in the direction of that awesome snowball stand and think, this is pretty good. 

I hit another red light - and pass that one too. I'm feeling pretty good about this ride. (This is where I don't notice it is slightly downhill, with small uphills) I get to the snowball stand and take a left on Woodstock Road. This road is pretty neat too. Until you come to the more wooded area (this is because you are entering part of the State Park), the road takes a major drop into the depths of nowhere. Dramatic? That's how it felt. I got halfway down and couldn't see where it ended, it just kept going d-o-w-n toward the railroad tracks. Why doesn't it feel like this in your car?  I had to stop and turn around. I already knew I was screwed. Do bikers that really know what they're doing actually ever GET OFF AND WALK THEIR BIKES UP A HILL??!?!?! I don't know... I can't say I've ever seen it and I'm half embarrassed to ask. 

So, I get my start up this steep hill, not even at the bottom but halfway up it. I drop down into a pretty low gear and try and gun it. Mistake. I am struggling. The only way I was going to make it up this hill was if I decided to get off and walk. Realization would hit: this is during commutes home, driver-by's would see this and potentially someone I know, could I actually give in like that? Nope. I made it to the top, huffing and puffing my ass off, but I knew that if I made it up a hill like that, it opened up many different options on places to ride. Once I hit the top, I had to stop and settle my breathing down. What really matters, is that I made it. Needless to say,  it was mostly uphill on the way back. I hit St. Johns Lane and although I did low milage tonight, I still had an intense workout. Not to mention, I had accomplished something new. 

Oh... it's been awhile... but don't worry, I haven't gained weight!

Well, yes, it has been awhile since I've managed to be able to sit down and blog. I started with that title for my blog because often times, people who blog about their diets or workout habits often stop writing when they've either hit a wall, or started gaining again. No need to worry, I'm maintaing my weight and happier then ever with my workout routine. I have also been smoke free for 4 months now. I've managed to replace my nasty habit with feeling great about myself with working out. 

With summer ending and getting back into the full swing at work and with grad school, I just haven't had the time. Plus, the kids at school manage to find the craziest stuff on the internet, so blogspot.com is blocked. I'd have to say it looks as though this school year will be a good one. Nothing too exciting has happened so far. I lost two kids off my caseload from last year, but gained another. It's been a challenge getting used to the new one I've gained, but once he learns our school is so much different from the one he came from, things will hopefully change. He's not a behavior issue, more of a - my way or no way type. He also views himself as the "master compromiser". Kids like this drive me nuts. 

Grad school seems to be well on it's way. I haven't started a count down to graduation yet, but I think someone said it is May 22nd, 2009. I am SO excited! I do have to make it through these last 4 classes first. The one class will be interesting, however, it's so medical I will actually have to read the text so I can follow along. At least the text is interesting, currently I'm on the chapter of Newborns/Premies and birth defects. The other class will be a little slower. The book is not nearly exciting, and that also goes for the teacher. This one is on teaching communication and social skills. I think I may actually know a few adults who would benefit from this too! ; )  

While I've still managed to maintain my weekly running, I haven't been out with the group too much. I've been trying to come up with a new routine for the week. Wednesday's (at least until it gets dark) I have been heading out for a 15-20 mile ride. That has given my legs a different workout and actually makes me feel stronger on Thursdays when I do my usual 3-4 miles. I often wish I could do more, but time only permits so much. Today I made it back out to meet some of the new runners for the Winter Season. I am mentoring for this season, so this should be fun. I've always like to help people, and sharing everything I learned or tried from last season is a nice way to help. I didn't meet everyone I'm working with season, but I did meet a few of them. It was hot today, so everyone who ran must get some sort of credit. I'm already feeling drained and I still have a ton of work to do for the week, today. Thankfully on Monday's my planning period is first period, so I have that time to play a little catch-up! My weekend was nice, but I'm always a little sad when Sunday comes..... 

My newest adventure

After completing Team in Training and learning about different endurance events, I'm now interested and ready to train for a Century ride. Susan (my sister) did the ride a few years ago in Lake Tahoe through TNT. I want to do the same next year (get your wallets ready guys!).  

I spent most of last week learning about and testing lots of different road bikes. I drove from place to place to see brands, I tried out expensive ones and I tried cheaper ones. I found one that I was especially fond of (Trek Madone 4.5), but couldn't seem to locate it anywhere in the size I needed. No one was able to order it anymore, but after one last effort I found it. I decided to call The Bike Doctor of Waldorf. 

Trudy (who I met in Alaska) spoke very highly of the Bike Doctor. I called, and they did in deed have the bike I was looking for. They had it in my size, and it was still in the box! That day, they built it and I drove down and went for a test ride. For my first bike, I knew this was the one I wanted. It was comfortable, I was happy with all of the components and most of all, the color worked. I put a downpayment on it the next day, and went to pick it up on Monday. Today I took it out for it's first spin in Howard County. Only 7.70 miles, but hey - it was my first time on a ride bike in quite some time. It was awesome!

                                   

Stitches.... around my teeth!

Today was the day I have been dreading for a few years now. When I used to go to the dentist more regularly, she would mention I had slight gum recession behind my lower front teeth.  She also said not to worry about it and if it got dangerously low, she'd tell me. Well, I changed jobs every year and didn't really have the chance to get to the dentist. Back in June, I finally went. The moment I had dreaded came. "You need to see a periodontist." Then, came the estimated payment on my end. Which was s-h-o-c-k-i-n-g. 

I came home and told my parents, to which my dad replies "Oh, they call them 'gum gardeners" GROSS. After putting if off for a few weeks, I decided now would be the best time to have the procedure done. I made the appointment and had it all worked on today. The needles for numbing were the worst part. After that, I didn't feel a thing. I have four small stitches that weave in and around my bottom two, front teeth. The gum was peeled back for deep cleaning within the bone.  Cadaver bone was intertwined within the existing, and new gum stitched in on top. I was given 3 prescriptions and had them filled. All in all, recovery for me should be easy. I have an antibiotic and 800 mg of Motrin to take every 6 hours and serious pain killers should the pain get severe. For those of you that know me, I will push a pain killer away because I can't sit in the house all day. Plus, the pain isn't even all that bad right now.  Go me!!! 

So, check out my grill piece:

                                      

BP, HR and Cholesterol

After five years of avoiding the doctor for a physical, I felt it was necessary. I'll admit, I was scared. First because it had been five years since my last one. Second, I had waited awhile to go to the dentist, and what do I need now? Yes, Oral surgery for receding gum line with bone showing.  So, I can only imagine something has gone drastically wrong with my normal feeling self. 

I had chosen a new doctor, one everyone seemed to know.  Everyone I said his name to responded with a, "oh he's popular!" I thought I would give it a shot. A week ago I went and had my blood tests completed. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and had a really great visit. It was different going to a new doctor, but I really didn't like my other one. For some reason, after I stopped going to a Pediatrician I really didn't connect with any other doctors. My last doctor used to give me this face, that immediately made me feel like a hypochondriac. She always made me feel like I was making it up, but three days later - I would be sick. I knew my own body. 

I showed up at my new doctor and was slightly nervous. He came in, and made friendly conversation. (The male factor also worried me...I am used to female doctors except for my other "dad" my allergist - another story for another day) We chatted and I admitted I hadn't had a tetanus shot in a very long time. He felt that with my line of work, I should get one every 5-7 years. I knew I finally needed to give in and get one that day. After he checked me over, we went into his office and he took down a health history.  I only take meds for allergies now, which he commented on. To be honest, I don't even know if I even need those meds anymore. After my tonsil removal when I was 22, and the elimination a lot of other meds from my life - everything changed. Then, I lost the weight, which I'm sure added to improved health. Most of you know, I have fallen in love with running, which has also caused me to lower my heart rate (I used to have a mild tachycardia where my resting heart rate would often by around 94 bpm). I confessed that I wasn't sure I even needed them anymore - I had taken myself off of allergy shots four years ago and bascally stopped getting sick at the same time. 

This led into my story of my diagnosis of CFS and how sickly I was as a child, which led into the 40+ lbs weight loss, which led into my smoking - which I don't do anymore. Each time I brought something up, he looked more and more surprised. At the end he said, "Looking at you when you first walked in the door, I NEVER would have imagined all of this. Are there any  more weird surprises?!?" I laughed... that was it for now. 

Overall, he told me I looked good. My BP was 118/64. My resting heart rate has dropped from low 90's to mid 50's. My cholesterol is 188 and I am happy about that for now. That night I went to get that tetanus shot and felt really good about myself. Now, my arm has been killing me for two days and hopefully it'll feel better tomorrow. I think something exciting is also happening tomorrow.....!