Okay, no turning back now. Despite terrible hip pain, I am going to try this marathon! I feel like I have entered into a new world. The excitement in the city is noticable and 42,000 marathon runners are on the streets! Slept in today until about 10am and went for a 2 mile jog with Carmen who has been my running partner throughout this training. I feel like I needed to test the leg and it did hurt but got a little bit better as we proceeded along our route. We jogged up to Central Park and back to the hotel hoping to see a glimpse of the finish area. It all seem daunting to me and I tried not to think about it!
When I sawJustin Whittiker today, I knew I was in another world when I entered the Hilton. This is the headquarter hotel for the marathon and it was full of short, sleek people! The bronze medal winner for the 10,000 meter walked into the room while Justin was working on my hip. She chatted away that she was not running the marathon but would be "studying it" which prompted me to ask why? She had as assignment to watch the Elite runners and how they performed in parts of the course.???? I guess they want to rate the course or something! Anyhow, as I was leaving I ran into Ryan Hall who is in contention to win the marathon. As a middle age stroke survivor I was actually beginning to see myself as part of this whole marathon experience! But first I needed to just be able to walk!
By mid afternoon, I had not eaten a decent meal so I met Matt on 5th Avenue and we had lunch at the Armani Cafe. David had told us it was casual but as we arrived on the 3rd floor to a swanky room of black and grey decor, I stood out like a sore thumb in my running attire. As Matt looked at me, he said "Well, at least you are wearing the right colors". Anyhow had my fill of rosotto and felt I had crossed one more task off the pre-race day of hydrate, eat, see doctor, etc! The next thing I knew it was time to meet my National Stroke Association team members at restaurant Sambuca.
It was exciting to connect with some other stroke survivors but it was not really the time or place to connect except for the marathon. We had a lovely dinner and chatted with a gentleman who had run some 25 plus marathons. Thus, we got some tips and he alleviated nagging fears of no water at stations, etc. It was the National Stroke Association inagural event at the marathon and I think it has potential to be quite a fundraiser for the organization in the future. I think our group raised nearly $100,000.00 which is impressive to me.
Now it is pre-race evening. Sorting through the clothing, fuel, phone and watch. Fumbled with the electronic tracking device for my shoe but discovered by going online for more information that the piece that I was missing was an optional piece that may or may not be included! The print instructions did not state that it was optional! Wondering if the old hip will hold up tomorrow. What happens when I hit 20 miles and have to go another 6.2! Will I hydrate well enough? What if I don't make it-how will I feel. Yeah, I know it is unbelievable to be here but my competitive side wants to finish too! I have worked so hard to get here. Although, I must admit that I never thought that I would feel so tired and well fed! But I know that I am stronger and I really do want to finish.
I think the stress of this situation and the anxiety of family members around me have not brought out the best in any of us. It will be good to be done and be home. It has been a long journey and now with it so close, I am ready!
Hoping for a good nights sleep. My brother and sister in law have arrived, Tom and Carmen Bittner are here to support and Share Van Dervort is here to support. I cannot thank them all enough! David and the kids have organized spots along the route for support but it is going to be hard to find them. Although, I am sure that by the end of the marathon that I will be easy to spot as the mob will have cleared away. Here is hoping for a dry morning!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
New York-2 days out to marathon
Wow, I am really here! Gotta race over to the Expo center to pick up a cheap rainsuit-forgot to get one yesterday! And rain is in the forcast!
Met Grete Waitz yesterday and got her autograph. Two months ago if you asked me who she was as an athlete I would have not even known of her! But now, as an official marathoner, I am in the know! The nice guy at the Asics booth let me into the last spot in the line. Actually, the line had closed but I just started talking to him about the free sports bar I had just picked up at another booth. I had no idea the line had closed until he told the next person. I thought to myself that this is a good omen for the marathon!
Had to walk about 45 minutes to the expo center and by the time I got home, my right hip was screaming! I thought a short workout would help but it just made it worse. Sleepless night with the pain and will seek our Justin Whittiker who is here working with the elite athletes. Family arrived in the middle of the night and need to balance time with them and getting ready for this marathon. Currently, just want to be able to walk pain free.
Read some blogs that water stations start folding up after the main group of runners come through the stations. Tried to talk the race organizers into an earlier start time but had no luck. The look on the race organizer staff's face was priceless when I explained that I had a stroke and need to assure that I have access to gatorade and water! I think he thought that I had just had a stroke since signing up for the race! He assured me that the neighborhood folks stay out and make sure everyone is supported. Thanks but not really what I wanted to hear. So, I will packing lots of gatorade with me!
After finishing the book "A Race Like no Other" on the flight to New York, I am very excited and scared to death. After reading it, I am so excited to meet the "neighbors", listen to the bands and likely create some friendships with other runners. I am trying to connect with a 6:00 hour informal pace group but they do start ahead of me so not sure how that will work.
The book has brought the reality of the difficult moments of the race. Especially, after leaving the Bronx and heading uphill back into Manhatten. And I know how deceptive Central Park can be to runners. It has lots of hills that have you going up and down. And an uphill at the finish...ughh! But I just hope I make it there to even try attempting a finish. I should have asked Gatorade for a sponsorship as I talk and dream about it non-stop! And Jay Harris at ESPN, I hope you are reading this. Remember you told me to contact you and I need that coverage for stroke prevention and women! Off to find a fabric marker for my shirt!
Gotta go...family up and moving at 2pm!
Katie
Met Grete Waitz yesterday and got her autograph. Two months ago if you asked me who she was as an athlete I would have not even known of her! But now, as an official marathoner, I am in the know! The nice guy at the Asics booth let me into the last spot in the line. Actually, the line had closed but I just started talking to him about the free sports bar I had just picked up at another booth. I had no idea the line had closed until he told the next person. I thought to myself that this is a good omen for the marathon!
Had to walk about 45 minutes to the expo center and by the time I got home, my right hip was screaming! I thought a short workout would help but it just made it worse. Sleepless night with the pain and will seek our Justin Whittiker who is here working with the elite athletes. Family arrived in the middle of the night and need to balance time with them and getting ready for this marathon. Currently, just want to be able to walk pain free.
Read some blogs that water stations start folding up after the main group of runners come through the stations. Tried to talk the race organizers into an earlier start time but had no luck. The look on the race organizer staff's face was priceless when I explained that I had a stroke and need to assure that I have access to gatorade and water! I think he thought that I had just had a stroke since signing up for the race! He assured me that the neighborhood folks stay out and make sure everyone is supported. Thanks but not really what I wanted to hear. So, I will packing lots of gatorade with me!
After finishing the book "A Race Like no Other" on the flight to New York, I am very excited and scared to death. After reading it, I am so excited to meet the "neighbors", listen to the bands and likely create some friendships with other runners. I am trying to connect with a 6:00 hour informal pace group but they do start ahead of me so not sure how that will work.
The book has brought the reality of the difficult moments of the race. Especially, after leaving the Bronx and heading uphill back into Manhatten. And I know how deceptive Central Park can be to runners. It has lots of hills that have you going up and down. And an uphill at the finish...ughh! But I just hope I make it there to even try attempting a finish. I should have asked Gatorade for a sponsorship as I talk and dream about it non-stop! And Jay Harris at ESPN, I hope you are reading this. Remember you told me to contact you and I need that coverage for stroke prevention and women! Off to find a fabric marker for my shirt!
Gotta go...family up and moving at 2pm!
Katie
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
So Close, So Far
Oh my gosh the big day is almost here! Packing my bag and checking it twice! My running gear outnumbers my other items 10-1! Cliff bars, Gu, rain poncho, old clothes for the cold wait at the start....wow, so much for simply packing the shoes, shorts and top! And my wonderful good luck socks sent from Barbara in Chicago. I hope they will give me her speed when I wear them!
Marathon week so far has been a whirlwind. Busy at work and obligations outside of work stirring up a lot of emotions and fueling my desire to assure time spent each day is on the right things. Monday night had me hosting a table at the National Kidney Foundation "Champions of Hope"award for Dr. George Porter, former Department Chair at OHSU. You see, George has a brain tumor and is battling for his life. He courageously has taken on this battle and his collegues and friends gathered to celebrate his life and provide continued support for his fight against cancer. Colleagues who I had not seen in 15 years greeted me and it was great to see old familiar faces. As we mingled, several collegues wished me well on my marathon endeavor. It was clear they think I am running it at some average time and it was not worth trying to explain that I am not doing this for pleasure but rather another step toward continued rehab from this life changing event called a stroke. I did have one glass of wine over the course of the evening but was monitoring my intake of all food and beverage as a marathoner does during the last week before the big race!
Carmen and I did take a 3.5 run around Fairmont loop in the pouring rain. I remarked to her that if it was not for the marathon, we would not be out in this horrble weather! We laughed and continued along our journey...it has be quite a long one and we were near the end!
Tuesday was another full day of activities after another restless night of sleep. So much to get done before leaving for New York . Running did make the list of tasks for the day. Official day off. Instead spent the day at work and handling last minutete fundraising activities. Delivered fundraising letters to neighboring businesses, set several emails and letters as a last minute pitch. Spoke to a reporter at the local paper about my experience with stroke and tried to explain my recovery, challenges and my hope for increased awareness, research and education about stroke. I know that I forgot so many things that we all face as stroke survivors. As an advocate and fortunate stroke survivor, I sometimes forget or perhaps mentally block the acute challenges in the first few months following stroke. It was the little things that became the big things. The inability to hug a child, shampoo your hair, button your clothes, tie a shoe...I wrestled last night thinking about how do you explain all these things!!! And the never ending fear that you may have a stroke at 2 -3 times a higher rate than others after your first stroke. And the isolation. As a younger stroke survivor you face different challenges than an older person. I had a job, childcare duties, caregive duties to an elderly mom, soccer, etc. that I wanted to be able to do. I desperately wished to connect with another mom facing these challenges. Either we are few (not according to the statistics) or we have re-entered the main stream of life without support from others like us. It may just be me that would benefit from this extended contact with other's facing similiar challenges but I don't think that is true. Let me know if you feel the same way if you find your way to this blog I look forward to connecting with the stroke survivors on the National Stroke Association team and I know we will find support in each other. Together we can make a difference and it is hope to form an army of other stroke survivors to tell others of the challenges and how our rehabilitaton and support services could improve for not only stroke survivors but their families too.
Off to my last Portland run! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate is my mantra today. On my way to the big Apple in a few hours too! Watch out world...here we come! Not the plodders just the stroke survivors!
Katie
Marathon week so far has been a whirlwind. Busy at work and obligations outside of work stirring up a lot of emotions and fueling my desire to assure time spent each day is on the right things. Monday night had me hosting a table at the National Kidney Foundation "Champions of Hope"award for Dr. George Porter, former Department Chair at OHSU. You see, George has a brain tumor and is battling for his life. He courageously has taken on this battle and his collegues and friends gathered to celebrate his life and provide continued support for his fight against cancer. Colleagues who I had not seen in 15 years greeted me and it was great to see old familiar faces. As we mingled, several collegues wished me well on my marathon endeavor. It was clear they think I am running it at some average time and it was not worth trying to explain that I am not doing this for pleasure but rather another step toward continued rehab from this life changing event called a stroke. I did have one glass of wine over the course of the evening but was monitoring my intake of all food and beverage as a marathoner does during the last week before the big race!
Carmen and I did take a 3.5 run around Fairmont loop in the pouring rain. I remarked to her that if it was not for the marathon, we would not be out in this horrble weather! We laughed and continued along our journey...it has be quite a long one and we were near the end!
Tuesday was another full day of activities after another restless night of sleep. So much to get done before leaving for New York . Running did make the list of tasks for the day. Official day off. Instead spent the day at work and handling last minutete fundraising activities. Delivered fundraising letters to neighboring businesses, set several emails and letters as a last minute pitch. Spoke to a reporter at the local paper about my experience with stroke and tried to explain my recovery, challenges and my hope for increased awareness, research and education about stroke. I know that I forgot so many things that we all face as stroke survivors. As an advocate and fortunate stroke survivor, I sometimes forget or perhaps mentally block the acute challenges in the first few months following stroke. It was the little things that became the big things. The inability to hug a child, shampoo your hair, button your clothes, tie a shoe...I wrestled last night thinking about how do you explain all these things!!! And the never ending fear that you may have a stroke at 2 -3 times a higher rate than others after your first stroke. And the isolation. As a younger stroke survivor you face different challenges than an older person. I had a job, childcare duties, caregive duties to an elderly mom, soccer, etc. that I wanted to be able to do. I desperately wished to connect with another mom facing these challenges. Either we are few (not according to the statistics) or we have re-entered the main stream of life without support from others like us. It may just be me that would benefit from this extended contact with other's facing similiar challenges but I don't think that is true. Let me know if you feel the same way if you find your way to this blog I look forward to connecting with the stroke survivors on the National Stroke Association team and I know we will find support in each other. Together we can make a difference and it is hope to form an army of other stroke survivors to tell others of the challenges and how our rehabilitaton and support services could improve for not only stroke survivors but their families too.
Off to my last Portland run! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate is my mantra today. On my way to the big Apple in a few hours too! Watch out world...here we come! Not the plodders just the stroke survivors!
Katie
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday October 25th-Weekend update
In less than a week, I may have completed the New York Marathon! The New York Times article of last Friday was a blow to us that are just trying to complete the marathon in whatever time it does take us. However, I feel it has energized me too. It was poor judgement on the part of then NY Times to run this article before the marathon and it has been interesting to read all the comments. I think the majority of readers did not like the tone of the article and believe whether you walk, jog or run the 26.2 miles that you are marathoner! I am no plodder!
Today started off with a 3.5 mile run. It rained so hard for the entire run that my clothes and shoes were just soaked. Luckily it was quite warm but the downpours in Portland today resulted in 12,000 flooding calls into the city. Leaves clogging drains created the major problems and we certainly encountered many flooded ditches and leaves in our path today. I hope we do not have rain during the NYC marathon.
Feeling exhausted between work, remodel, a National Kidney Foundation dinner and corraling two teenagers into bed! Thinking of postponing my early departure on Weds to NY and try and get some sleep. My son Matt is feeling sick and quite frankly, I don't feel great either! Oh no, I hope I am not getting sick so close to the marathon. Off to bed....goodnight!
Today started off with a 3.5 mile run. It rained so hard for the entire run that my clothes and shoes were just soaked. Luckily it was quite warm but the downpours in Portland today resulted in 12,000 flooding calls into the city. Leaves clogging drains created the major problems and we certainly encountered many flooded ditches and leaves in our path today. I hope we do not have rain during the NYC marathon.
Feeling exhausted between work, remodel, a National Kidney Foundation dinner and corraling two teenagers into bed! Thinking of postponing my early departure on Weds to NY and try and get some sleep. My son Matt is feeling sick and quite frankly, I don't feel great either! Oh no, I hope I am not getting sick so close to the marathon. Off to bed....goodnight!
Friday, October 23, 2009
8 Days, 19 Hours, 17 Min, 30 Seconds
Every time I go to the website, the countdown is at the top of the page informing me how much time is left until ING NY marathon! I am getting excited and worried(that is my nature) to the entire logistics of this upcoming task. Am I really ready for it? Three marathoner runners died last weekend; should I really be doing this as a stroke survivor? How will I really know that I am keeping my electrolytes in check? Oh , that ugly monster of fear has raised it's ugly head! Okay, I think "Time to calm down, stick to my training plan and be prepared." I watch the NY video of the marathon online and have competing thoughts. My right mind perceives the run as fun, carefree and my left mind wants details, details and more details not letting go until it has all the facts! I must find balance and peace to enjoy this journey.
I went for my 3.5 tapering run this am and was disappointed to walk. I just did not have the energy or desire to endure the nagging pain in my right hip. I decided to listen to my right side that is taking most of the wear and tear as it is the stronger side. But I could not let the moment pass without lecturing my left leg to get with the program! Needless to say, I kept this conversation to myself! At times I did stop and remember how far that I have come since the stroke and that I am running for those that can not run....what a privilege!! And as I think those thoughts and simple let myself be grateful to be alive, I become much more at peace. Needless to say, the road traveled becomes easier too!
I have made an appointment for late today to see Justin Whitaker to hopefully use his expert techniques to provide some relief to my right hip. I was disappointed as I was to see Andrea Serder at OHSU to plan out our next program for our repetitive task training which I will undertake after the marathon. It is hoped with some concentrated efforts and strength building that I will gain some better use of my left leg. It certainly was helpful for my hand and I believe it will help my gait improve. But for now and 26.2 miles in 8 days, I will work with what I have achieved to date and try to be grateful. I am so lucky and have so much gratitude for those in the world that have helped me along this every changing journey. I will have you all with me next weekend.
Katie
I went for my 3.5 tapering run this am and was disappointed to walk. I just did not have the energy or desire to endure the nagging pain in my right hip. I decided to listen to my right side that is taking most of the wear and tear as it is the stronger side. But I could not let the moment pass without lecturing my left leg to get with the program! Needless to say, I kept this conversation to myself! At times I did stop and remember how far that I have come since the stroke and that I am running for those that can not run....what a privilege!! And as I think those thoughts and simple let myself be grateful to be alive, I become much more at peace. Needless to say, the road traveled becomes easier too!
I have made an appointment for late today to see Justin Whitaker to hopefully use his expert techniques to provide some relief to my right hip. I was disappointed as I was to see Andrea Serder at OHSU to plan out our next program for our repetitive task training which I will undertake after the marathon. It is hoped with some concentrated efforts and strength building that I will gain some better use of my left leg. It certainly was helpful for my hand and I believe it will help my gait improve. But for now and 26.2 miles in 8 days, I will work with what I have achieved to date and try to be grateful. I am so lucky and have so much gratitude for those in the world that have helped me along this every changing journey. I will have you all with me next weekend.
Katie
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
11 days and counting
Just went for a 3.5 mile run with my dear friend Carmen. Carmen has been at my side since my first walks around the block after my stroke to these recent NY marathon http://ingnymarathon.com training runs. We walked about 1 minute for every 5-8 minutes we jogged tonight and it seemed fine. The relief of not having to think about a long run this weekend is so wonderful! But these mid week runs have been a struggle for me. Either I am not recovering fast enough or I just don't get mentally prepared for them. I am hoping this 3 week taper process works and I have the energy on marathon day!
I have logged onto NYRR and read all the race day tips. I may need a few more items but feel fairly prepared for this adventure and anxious to meet my National Stroke Association running mates. I am focusing on thinking about getting more sleep, eating for fuel and enjoying this moment. And I am confident that awareness will be raised about stroke, one step at a time! I am so lucky to be a part of it.
Cheers-
Katie
I have logged onto NYRR and read all the race day tips. I may need a few more items but feel fairly prepared for this adventure and anxious to meet my National Stroke Association running mates. I am focusing on thinking about getting more sleep, eating for fuel and enjoying this moment. And I am confident that awareness will be raised about stroke, one step at a time! I am so lucky to be a part of it.
Cheers-
Katie
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Green Wave for a farewell to a Green Top
Lucky me...I just got my NY Marathon registration form stating; Start time 10:40am (Last wave-right in front of the sweeper truck!), Corral #63(just like a cattle herd) and assigned to the Green wave(bottom deck of the bridge). Now, if you have been a neurotic obsessed first time marathoner like me than you know what all this means as you have read every blog, discussion board, etc. about this marathon. In case you don't, it means I got into the last wave start of the marathon which has the Elite runners starting at 9:40am. It also means I am on the lower deck where the possibility of someone urinating on me is nearly 100%! Yep, states on the NYRR discussion board that pee is a major issue on the lower deck. Seems those runners on the top deck just have to go and do so right over those of us on the lower deck! And if the wind is blowing, we are really in trouble as a mist could form across the lower deck! Okay, that is me exaggerating but I bet it is true! Most posts suggest wearing a garbage bag if you are on the lower deck and trying to huddle into the middle section to avoid being by a side. I can't wait!
I read that it can get quite chilly on the bridge too. The race instructions state you should try and discard any heavy clothing you don't want before going to the start so it can be given to charity. But between the cold and need to cover from my fellow urinating upper deck marathoners, I needed another plan! Last night I reached into my Goodwill bag I had ready for a donation and pulled out a bright green pullover. It had been an emotional parting with it a few days earlier as I tossed it to the Goodwill bin but I was ready. It was one of the first tops I bought post stroke. See, no one really warns you that you may have difficulty dressing when you get home from a stroke. They do tell you about this challenge but until you are alone trying to dress, you don't really get it. No longer could I button my tops work or zip my jeans! I distinctly remember going to the store with my husband and 11 year old daughter and splurging on new "stretch athletic wear" that I lived in for the next several months. It did give me independence at the time but it this green top had become such a reminder of those days. Anyhow, as I looked at it crumbled in the bag last night, I thought what a perfect send off for it as I embark on my marathon. Thus, it will travel with me to the NY Marathon and keep me warm while on the bridge and I will ceremoniously toss it to the wind as I set sail across the start of my 26.2 mile journey! While it won't go directly to charity, I think that it will land where someone will fine a good use for it.
I should mention my training run yesterday. Only 3.5 miles at a steady pace. As I reflect back several months it is quite astonishing training run as I could not go that far without stopping in June 2009! Time to toss the top and move on! Good luck training to all my fellow National Stroke Association team members. Look for me in the old green top in the Green wave running with the garbage bag around my body! Wishing you an orange or blue start time!
Kate
I read that it can get quite chilly on the bridge too. The race instructions state you should try and discard any heavy clothing you don't want before going to the start so it can be given to charity. But between the cold and need to cover from my fellow urinating upper deck marathoners, I needed another plan! Last night I reached into my Goodwill bag I had ready for a donation and pulled out a bright green pullover. It had been an emotional parting with it a few days earlier as I tossed it to the Goodwill bin but I was ready. It was one of the first tops I bought post stroke. See, no one really warns you that you may have difficulty dressing when you get home from a stroke. They do tell you about this challenge but until you are alone trying to dress, you don't really get it. No longer could I button my tops work or zip my jeans! I distinctly remember going to the store with my husband and 11 year old daughter and splurging on new "stretch athletic wear" that I lived in for the next several months. It did give me independence at the time but it this green top had become such a reminder of those days. Anyhow, as I looked at it crumbled in the bag last night, I thought what a perfect send off for it as I embark on my marathon. Thus, it will travel with me to the NY Marathon and keep me warm while on the bridge and I will ceremoniously toss it to the wind as I set sail across the start of my 26.2 mile journey! While it won't go directly to charity, I think that it will land where someone will fine a good use for it.
I should mention my training run yesterday. Only 3.5 miles at a steady pace. As I reflect back several months it is quite astonishing training run as I could not go that far without stopping in June 2009! Time to toss the top and move on! Good luck training to all my fellow National Stroke Association team members. Look for me in the old green top in the Green wave running with the garbage bag around my body! Wishing you an orange or blue start time!
Kate
Monday, October 19, 2009
Blink!
Wow, it is less than two weeks until the marathon! It is as if blinked and my training schedule has disappeared! My weekend run was squeezed into early Saturday morning before many actvities. I had 15 miles on my training schedule but completed 12.5 as time was an issue and everyone keeps telling me that "the hay is in the barn" and so I backed off! I actually felt pretty good and enjoyed the fact that I did not have to do this route ever again!!! I tried to concentrate on the beautiful Fall colors but I admit that my mind kept wandering to the thought "I just have 5 more miles to go.., 3 miles to go, etc !" It stayed dry for the most part of my outing and the sun shined for portions of the first 2 hours. However, the sky darkened when I was half way done with my last 3.5 mile loop and thunder and lightning hit. Since, I was in the middle of the loop it was the same distance back to the car either way. So I moved for shelter and tried to pick up some speed. I am not a big fan of lightening as I lost a relative when she was hit by a bolt and I know to get out of it as quickly as possible.
I was unscathed by the storm but my IPhone had not survived as well. My IPhone was frozen and I was unable to play songs or make a phone call. It was quite amazing how the adrenaline helped me pick up my speed in the last 2 miles and I finished that loop faster than my previous times. I know the power of mother nature and I was not comfortable playing this game. While it was good to see that I still had energy to run, it was not very enjoyable.
But the run was completed in a pace just a bit faster than the NY Marathon sweeper truck pace -thus I felt good! Then off to help clean a yard of a family that is struggling against cancer and needs some help. At these moments, I know that I am so lucky to be able to train for such an event. In a blink of a moment how life can change for all of us.
Katie
I was unscathed by the storm but my IPhone had not survived as well. My IPhone was frozen and I was unable to play songs or make a phone call. It was quite amazing how the adrenaline helped me pick up my speed in the last 2 miles and I finished that loop faster than my previous times. I know the power of mother nature and I was not comfortable playing this game. While it was good to see that I still had energy to run, it was not very enjoyable.
But the run was completed in a pace just a bit faster than the NY Marathon sweeper truck pace -thus I felt good! Then off to help clean a yard of a family that is struggling against cancer and needs some help. At these moments, I know that I am so lucky to be able to train for such an event. In a blink of a moment how life can change for all of us.
Katie
Friday, October 16, 2009
Zapped of Energy
It is Friday, October 16th and while it is my scheduled day off, I will be going for a short run as I missed yesterday. A 10 hour day at the office with a visit to mom after work kinda killed my energy to go out for a jog. Our household is fighting our round of the H1N1 virus, or at least that sounds cool! Quite frankly, we all have been hit with numerous bugs this Fall. Thus, the energy has been low lately.
Energy. It is such an important word in the life of an athlete but it becomes a monumental obstacle in the life of a stroke survivor. I recall at one of my first stroke support meetings that everyone seemed to be talking about their loss of energy-even many years later. One gentleman, a teacher explained that he had to quit his full time job teaching. Three years post - stroke he explained that he no longer tries to explain his fatigue to anyone as he looks normal and no one really understands. So he keeps his thoughts to himself only finding refuge in this safe environment to share with others who might understand. It is a common problem and while at first when I heard his comments even I did not think I would feel that way once I completed my rehabilitation. Then reality hit. Just ask my kids! I found myself taking naps late in the day to make it through the evening activities. I become angry and quite short with my temperament by the evening if I did not rest. If I was at work, all my energy was zapped from spending the day physically and mentally using my brain that was recovering. Now, three years post stroke, I can sympathize and relate to my school teacher friend. Granted, my family lives full days but I can not keep up without a cost anymore. And it is a loss. If I walk or jog to long, I have physical indicators to help remind me. But when you are thinking, processing, and just living a daily life, you sometimes forget how quickly you fatigue. I can no longer go for a 6am run -I must sleep longer. I can't wait to run at the end of the day as I just have no energy but sometimes I must and it becomes a struggle. This limitation of times to exercise does not work well with a work schedule so on the mornings that I run, I tend to work for an hour and then go out for my training before heading to the office. If I talk to much( yeah, hard to imagine for those that know me), my left side of my face begins to tire and I must concentrate on fully pronouncing words. I think it is this intense concentration as you compensate to push your body and mind that results in such exhaustion. It is a hidden disability in which many stroke survivors tend to blame themselves and wonder why they can not push through it. No one likes to whine about being tired especially when you look pretty normal(whatever normal is!). It is easier if you can accept it and I must say I do struggle with the notion of acceptance. But it clearly is a fight I can not win but I can push envelope by running a marathon for instance. When I do listen to my body and mind and respect how much I have recovered from stroke, I take deep breath and take a nap! So, don't be surprised if jump on the "sweeper truck" and take a break trying to complete 26.2 miles-it just may be the right thing to do! On the other hand, don't hesitate to reach out and help me along as I can do it and I really don't want that sweeper truck to pass me! I will be the slow one from Oregon with the slight limp but with a smile on my face as I bask in the glory of attemping this feat!
Weather is warm and cloudy here in PDX. Only 16 days until the Marathon! I must get some sleep......
Happy running!
Energy. It is such an important word in the life of an athlete but it becomes a monumental obstacle in the life of a stroke survivor. I recall at one of my first stroke support meetings that everyone seemed to be talking about their loss of energy-even many years later. One gentleman, a teacher explained that he had to quit his full time job teaching. Three years post - stroke he explained that he no longer tries to explain his fatigue to anyone as he looks normal and no one really understands. So he keeps his thoughts to himself only finding refuge in this safe environment to share with others who might understand. It is a common problem and while at first when I heard his comments even I did not think I would feel that way once I completed my rehabilitation. Then reality hit. Just ask my kids! I found myself taking naps late in the day to make it through the evening activities. I become angry and quite short with my temperament by the evening if I did not rest. If I was at work, all my energy was zapped from spending the day physically and mentally using my brain that was recovering. Now, three years post stroke, I can sympathize and relate to my school teacher friend. Granted, my family lives full days but I can not keep up without a cost anymore. And it is a loss. If I walk or jog to long, I have physical indicators to help remind me. But when you are thinking, processing, and just living a daily life, you sometimes forget how quickly you fatigue. I can no longer go for a 6am run -I must sleep longer. I can't wait to run at the end of the day as I just have no energy but sometimes I must and it becomes a struggle. This limitation of times to exercise does not work well with a work schedule so on the mornings that I run, I tend to work for an hour and then go out for my training before heading to the office. If I talk to much( yeah, hard to imagine for those that know me), my left side of my face begins to tire and I must concentrate on fully pronouncing words. I think it is this intense concentration as you compensate to push your body and mind that results in such exhaustion. It is a hidden disability in which many stroke survivors tend to blame themselves and wonder why they can not push through it. No one likes to whine about being tired especially when you look pretty normal(whatever normal is!). It is easier if you can accept it and I must say I do struggle with the notion of acceptance. But it clearly is a fight I can not win but I can push envelope by running a marathon for instance. When I do listen to my body and mind and respect how much I have recovered from stroke, I take deep breath and take a nap! So, don't be surprised if jump on the "sweeper truck" and take a break trying to complete 26.2 miles-it just may be the right thing to do! On the other hand, don't hesitate to reach out and help me along as I can do it and I really don't want that sweeper truck to pass me! I will be the slow one from Oregon with the slight limp but with a smile on my face as I bask in the glory of attemping this feat!
Weather is warm and cloudy here in PDX. Only 16 days until the Marathon! I must get some sleep......
Happy running!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tin Foil
Okay, I am starting to get nervous! Last night I got an email to wrap myself in tin foil to keep warm and wear lots of old clothes to throw away when standing on the bridge at the start line of the NY Marathon. The next email stated "Make sure you have on a garbage bag" if you are on the lower deck of the bridge as other runners urinate off the top deck.....is this New York or what? I laughed out loud reading these tips but then it sunk it that they are serious!
I have been placed in the last wave of the start. That means that I will not start until 10:20am which has me starting 40 minutes later than the Elite runners. Wonder if I can catch them...could be a good goal! My National Stroke Association team is starting to chat a bit through email and on Facebook as we share our start times and tips on the logistics of the marathon. I still trip over the word "run" as I don't really feel like I am running. Slogging is my term-slow jogging and some walking will be my method. I just don't want to pass out like a did a few weeks ago. Electrolytes is my focus! Banana's are a good investment as I am eating a ton along with milk! I can tolerate Gatorade and thus we have had many trips to Costco to load up on orange, yellow and red Gatorade's...they all taste the same to me anyhow! Did not try the Gu but used the Gu Chews and Powerbars.
Everyone tells me the thrill of the marathon and marathon day will be so much easier than these 20 mile runs. I am not sure I am convinced that is true. But I am counting on it so I hope you have told me the truth!!! I hear that over 100 bands will be playing and it is a big party. The most important goal is being there! As my brother in law stated "Who would have thunk it?"- I think I will put that on my shirt along with all the other good wishes from folks. Gotta go...must run 3.5 today. It is not raining so it should be a nice outing.
I have been placed in the last wave of the start. That means that I will not start until 10:20am which has me starting 40 minutes later than the Elite runners. Wonder if I can catch them...could be a good goal! My National Stroke Association team is starting to chat a bit through email and on Facebook as we share our start times and tips on the logistics of the marathon. I still trip over the word "run" as I don't really feel like I am running. Slogging is my term-slow jogging and some walking will be my method. I just don't want to pass out like a did a few weeks ago. Electrolytes is my focus! Banana's are a good investment as I am eating a ton along with milk! I can tolerate Gatorade and thus we have had many trips to Costco to load up on orange, yellow and red Gatorade's...they all taste the same to me anyhow! Did not try the Gu but used the Gu Chews and Powerbars.
Everyone tells me the thrill of the marathon and marathon day will be so much easier than these 20 mile runs. I am not sure I am convinced that is true. But I am counting on it so I hope you have told me the truth!!! I hear that over 100 bands will be playing and it is a big party. The most important goal is being there! As my brother in law stated "Who would have thunk it?"- I think I will put that on my shirt along with all the other good wishes from folks. Gotta go...must run 3.5 today. It is not raining so it should be a nice outing.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tapering!
Wow, I am finally to the tapering stage for the NY Marathon! Now, I only have 15 miles to look forward to this weekend! It has been a struggle to get here. No sugar coating the devotion it takes to participate in marathon training. I still do not feel ready. And I did not get that svelte body of my fellow friends who run marathons! I still have my "jelly belly" as my kids call it but I do have some mean looking calf's! In fact, they are so big I saved $120 on Hunter boots as I could not get them over my calf!
I am still the same ol' me...BUT I am much happier for it. I have discovered beautiful areas of Portland on my new walk/jogs and found an inner strength that despite my inability to move quickly that I can move slowly and still relish in the accomplishment. After my collapse of the last 20 mile outing, I quickly made a trip to the best bookstore in the world, Powell's and grabbed a used edition of one of the Galloway training books. I quickly jumped on board his method of running only 2 mid-week runs and adapted his method of incorporating walking into my long runs. I cautiously tested this method on my 12 mile run and completed my outing about 15 minutes faster. I still felt tired and beat to a pulp but it was better. Then the next weekend presented the last 20 mile outing. I decided to jog 5 minutes and walk 1 minute. To my pleasant surprise, I completed my training 20 minutes fast than the last time! In addition, I was still standing and really did not feel to bad until about 18 miles. The mid week outings are the tough times.
I am seeing a great therapist for my hip pain and gait. Dr. Justin Whittker is trained in Active Release Techniques and has very helped this 49 year old get through her training. I am sure I must bring some amusement to him as I listen to him tell me how he is helping at the NY Marathon and working with some of the top athletes. I listen to how some of the men athletes complete 13 miles in just one hour and how fast they hope to do the marathon. I figure they will be crossing the finish line as I am embarking on about my 6th mile! I hope they will circle back and join me to pace my next 20.2 miles! I just realized he must get to work in one of those warm tents they have for the elite athletes...hmmmm. As I hear, the worst part of the marathon is waiting at the start for 2-3 hours in the cold. I certainly hope we get blessed with some nice temperatures.
Got my shoes, socks, new insoles and checking in one more time with a foot specialist to see if we can eliminate some of the pressure on my right foot. It definitely is my gait and my right leg is just so much stronger than my left. At this point, with only 2.5 weeks to go, I think I will just go for it. I have raised over $4,000 to date and would obviously like to raise more. I wish I had more time to fund raise but I do have a job, kids and remodeling our house! I think my 86 year old mother is in need of her daughter back. Soon I keep telling everyone!
No run today....it just makes me so happy to know I don't have to go out! Happy training
I am still the same ol' me...BUT I am much happier for it. I have discovered beautiful areas of Portland on my new walk/jogs and found an inner strength that despite my inability to move quickly that I can move slowly and still relish in the accomplishment. After my collapse of the last 20 mile outing, I quickly made a trip to the best bookstore in the world, Powell's and grabbed a used edition of one of the Galloway training books. I quickly jumped on board his method of running only 2 mid-week runs and adapted his method of incorporating walking into my long runs. I cautiously tested this method on my 12 mile run and completed my outing about 15 minutes faster. I still felt tired and beat to a pulp but it was better. Then the next weekend presented the last 20 mile outing. I decided to jog 5 minutes and walk 1 minute. To my pleasant surprise, I completed my training 20 minutes fast than the last time! In addition, I was still standing and really did not feel to bad until about 18 miles. The mid week outings are the tough times.
I am seeing a great therapist for my hip pain and gait. Dr. Justin Whittker is trained in Active Release Techniques and has very helped this 49 year old get through her training. I am sure I must bring some amusement to him as I listen to him tell me how he is helping at the NY Marathon and working with some of the top athletes. I listen to how some of the men athletes complete 13 miles in just one hour and how fast they hope to do the marathon. I figure they will be crossing the finish line as I am embarking on about my 6th mile! I hope they will circle back and join me to pace my next 20.2 miles! I just realized he must get to work in one of those warm tents they have for the elite athletes...hmmmm. As I hear, the worst part of the marathon is waiting at the start for 2-3 hours in the cold. I certainly hope we get blessed with some nice temperatures.
Got my shoes, socks, new insoles and checking in one more time with a foot specialist to see if we can eliminate some of the pressure on my right foot. It definitely is my gait and my right leg is just so much stronger than my left. At this point, with only 2.5 weeks to go, I think I will just go for it. I have raised over $4,000 to date and would obviously like to raise more. I wish I had more time to fund raise but I do have a job, kids and remodeling our house! I think my 86 year old mother is in need of her daughter back. Soon I keep telling everyone!
No run today....it just makes me so happy to know I don't have to go out! Happy training
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