Time does fly!

I can't believe how time just has a way of getting away. The week has flown by and I don't feel like I've done very much. It took a few days to recover from my trip to Raleigh to stay with Colleen's dogs. Between not being able to sleep and my allergies to the dogs and cat, I was a mess. Hopefully all will be normal soon. Last week we had the Olympics and this week the Convention. We get so hooked on the hoopla so I guess the media has done it's job. I'll be in Cleveland next week so I'm not sure how much of the Republican Convention I'll get to see. I'm curious to see how the media coverage will compare. Oh well, the election will come and go before we know it.
I went to see the Rolfer yesterday and am still very happy with what it's doing for me. I can't wait to go again when I get back from Ohio. Every visit I feel looser and looser! (is that a word?)
We have a busy weekend again. Saturday I'm going to Ellerbe to meet Chris to run 10 miles (the Boogie course) and then we're going to bike 25. That should be quite the workout. Sunday I'll be meeting the club at the reservoir and we're starting a beginners running group. It'll be fun to coach them along to help them meet their goals. On Sunday afternoon Colleen and Erin will be down for a cookout so that will be fun. I can't wait to see how Ella is doing. Monday we're doing a 50 mile bike ride which will be the furthest I've biked in several years. Hope I can do it. It's pretty hilly from what I hear. Tuesday I leave for Ohio to meet Miss Zella. Can't wait to meet her. Better get to bed. I've got a busy next few days!

What a beautiful family!

Here's a couple more pictures of Zella and her new family. Looks like my little Miss Adalyn will be a great helper. Can't wait to meet her!

Here's Zella!

Here's a pic of Zella and Ada and Tate and also Julie with a sleeping Zella. She was born yesterday, 8/19/08 weighing in at 7lbs 14oz. Can't wait to see her in a couple of weeks.

Weekend Update!

It was a pretty busy but fun weekend. Saturday we got up early and went to a bike ride in Carthage that benefited Special Forces. Our SF friend, Col Lt Fred Dummer and his wife Susan (better known as Mr and Mrs. Doom) were there as well as my new friend Susan that I met at the reservoir. After the ride and a couple of hours of hanging out with everyone, we came home and watched the Olympics which was a little frustrating as our DVR Cable Box keeps rebooting. We got through most of the major events without missing too much. This morniing (Sunday) we got up early again to meet the Striders at 7:00 for a run. Frank ended up running with the group and it sounds like he had a good time. He's turning into a real chatty Cathy! I ran with my new friend Susan (the one mentioned above) and it was great. She's really easy to run with and didn't seem to mind my continual run/walk routine. We did okay all things considered and ran about 9 1/2 miles in 2 hours. It's the farthest I've run in awhile so I was pleased. No pain except that after I was done, my glutes felt a little tight but that is to be expected. It started to rain while we were out there so when we got home it was nice to drink a coffee, eat breakfast and watch more Olympics! Later we went over to the gym. Frank wanted to lift weights and I decided to swim. Michael Phelps is so inspiring. After that we came home and yes watched more Olympics!
We did sign up for the New River 50K that is scheduled for Oct 11 so that's a good goal race to work towards. We're still up in the air about Triple Lakes the week before New River. They have a 1/2 marathon this year as well as the marathon and 40 miler so if we do it I may sign up for just the 1/2 marathon as it'll only be one week after Hinson Lake and I hope to do at least 50 there and one week before New River! I sure hope my body holds up and continues to cooperate with all my goals!
I am also thinking very seriously about running the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February. Several of the Mangum Track Club as well as Striders do that race every year and love it. We haven't done a road marathon for several years but it might be fun so I think I'll set my sights on that one. I'd love to qualify for Boston but I don't really see that happening but never say never. I need a 4:15 although my stretch goal at this point will be to come in under 4:30 but in all probability it'll be more like a 5 hour marathon???? There's a bike ride the following day which I think would be really cool (literally), and I am hoping to do that as well. Think I'm geting ahead of myself? I love planning and scheduling. It's the actually doing these things that I often fall short of but a girl can dream! I'm thinking about doing the 30 mile bike ride??? Anyway, that's the thought of the day. That's what happens when you sit around for a couple of hours after a bike ride with running friends and talk about all the races and events that you'd like to do. Anyway, the door is open for thought!
My "massage interview" has been postponed for a few days as the owner has some medical issues. Hopefully it'll happen next week if it doesn't work out for this week as we're leaving for Colleen's on Wednesday. I'm really excited to start work on the new salon as I think it will be a great opportunity. I had another call from a Strider for a massage so if this keeps up I'll be able to bring some clients to the new place. (unless they prefer coming to the house) It's nice to have them come to the house but I do have to put all my weights and workout stuff away which is a pain but not a big deal. When they come here I don't have to pay the salon a percentage so financially it's a better deal as well.
I volunteered to be the President Elect of the Striders running group. Yes, I did it again!!!! I said I'd never do that again and here I go, both feet in pretty deep. I'm actually very excited about assuming this role as I'd love to see the club expand to a club for all levels. It's mostly consisted of young fast runners with a few others who try to hang on and everyone else that wanted to join them, just got discouraged and didn't come back. I'm on a mission to really attract all levels, especially new runners. I've already approached a couple of women that were walking at the reservoir to ask if they'd like to join a beginner running group and they were very excited. It seems that by stretching out a little bit, I'm finally meeting more people that are more like me. I was concerned at times as it seemed that most of the people we met we either too old or too young for us to have much in common with. I'm really getting to know quite a few people around here and it's going to be great. I think we'll be able to really feel like a part of a community now. It seems that we see someone that we know or at least have met, whenever we go anywhere. I guess that's part of the allure of living in such a small community. I'm starting to really love it here. I was beginning to think that I wouldn't really enjoy living here until I was about 65 or so (the median age) but now I'm finding there are active middle age adults as well and I can ever keep up with some of the younger ones as well. Life is good! Now it's time to go watch more Olympics! See ya!

Sleeping Beauties

 

Looks like the boys are pretty comfy and have left no room for me!

Another job interview?

Yes, I interviewed for yet another massage therapy position. Since the initial calls I had after the advertising for the Salon in Pinehurst, I haven't had any additional calls and I have not attempted to advertise further as the room is less than ideal. It is very small, and noisy and a little messy as well. I really wasn't comfortable there but wanted to give it a try. I will still continue to be available to work there if requested by one of the salon's clients but will not attempt to build my base there. The couple of clients that I did meet there are now coming to the house for their massages as they live in the same development as we do. That works out great for them as well as me. Frank and Chico don't seem to mind too much being relocated to the den. I decided to contact a spa/salon that currently offers massage to see if they might be looking for a part-time therapist. Another Bingo on my first call! The salon is called Donna Lane and is in Southern Pines and they are looking for a part-time massage therapist. One of the therapists that works there just went on maternity leave and the other one only works one day a week so at this time, Monday through Thursday are available until the other therapist returns so I'll be able to work pretty much as much as I want. Once the other therapist returns, we will work out days and hours available. The place is beautiful and very soothing and quiet. I met with the owner today and really liked her. I can work on commission as an independent contractor which is what I prefer so that is great. I'm going to give her a massage on Monday to make sure she likes my massage and then we'll work out the details. The salon is located in downtown Southern Pines in an area called The Courtyard and is very cute. It's a great location and I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work there. I hope it works out but I know it will.
Now an update on my recovery and running efforts. I went to the Rolfer again yesterday and must admit, I think I'm addicted to the sessions! I feel so loose and light and energetic after a session that I want more. Yesterday he worked my feet, ankles, shins, calves, quads, hamstrings and abdominal area. Wow! It was a "little" uncomfortable in several areas, but that is temporary and certainly worth it. I wanted to try out my new legs and feet today so I went to the reservoir to run in spite of the fact that it was raining cats and dogs. The weather is very unusual for this area as it has been raining all day and very cool (in the 70s!) I had to get out in the cooler temperatures, rain or not. Frank went as well and we ran for 2 hours. I felt the best that I've felt in a long time and am very encouraged about that. I do feel that the worst is behind me and soon will be a distant memory. My legs felt light like they wanted to fly. (although my flying days are over) I will probably not run tomorrow after doing 8 today but will bike and then run again on Friday and then the organized bike ride is on Saturday and then hopefully a long run on Sunday. (2 to 3 hours!)
Time to hit the weights as I've been slacking off all week. Off to the dumbbells!

Volunteering at the Jimmy V Golf Classic

 
Here we are at the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Tournament. We were volunteering as course marshalls and it was pretty cool although not too many celebs that we recognized but all in all it was fun. The fun continues tonight as we're being bused to Raleigh to attend a volunteer party. Volunteering has a lot of perks for sure!
I did get a little run in this morning and felt okay, certainly better than on Saturday. I ended up running around the house on the roads and it was nice. I realize that we really need to get out on the bikes and bike around here and really check out the area. I got turned around (no surprise there) and had to ask someone for the best way back. Turns out the women I asked is a friend of a client that is coming for a massage today! Small world.

There are good days and there are bad days!

Yes, it's true, and today was one of the bad days at least related to my morning run. I was very excited to get out and run on the trails but realized once I got there, that I was really fatigued and decided to cut the "run" that was now mostly a walk, short. I'm not sure if it was caused by getting a deep leg massage yesterday, doing my resistance training for my legs (tons of squats and lunges) or all the candy that I ate last night at the pre-Jimmy V golf tournament get together. Probably a little of all of the above. I did notice this morning that I felt kind of "drugged" (that was the sugar I'm sure) and my heart rate was elevated which was a real good sign of my tired state but I ignored all those signs and headed out for my run. Live and learn. It wasn't' all bad though, as at least NOTHING hurt! I know I'm not quite 100% yet but I am finally getting there. I won't be able to run again until Monday as we're working at the golf tournament tomorrow and that will be all day. Hopefully by Monday, My leg muscles will have recovered and I'll have a good run. I did get a 7 mile run on the treadmill the other day and that was great so I know it's possible. I'll let the weather decide if I run inside or outside.
I think I'll go take a nap. I'm tired!

So far so good

So far it does seem that the Rolfing work has already helped. I ran 7 miles yesterday morning on the treadmill, pretty much painfree although my low back was killing me after I stopped, and then I swam for 1 mile non-stop which I haven't done for years. (maybe over a decade if ever) I think I was able to do it because I'm able to breathe better, it almost seems effortless. Needless to say I'm very excited about this whole Rolfing thing and am looking forward to future sessions. I go again next Tuesday and can't wait. Thanks Mary, should have listened to you sooner!
I am going to Southern Pines today for my massage and then I have to give a massage here later this afternoon. Hopefully my clients will continue to grow although it does take time. Word of mouth is the best and slowly it is happening.
Better get ready for my massage. Don't want to be late for that!

Rolfing session

I had my first Rolfing session today and I must say that so far I'm very impressed. I wasn't sure what to expect and was a little disappointed that he wanted to start with my lungs/rib area instead of just going for the butt/hamstring issue but he's the expert. The theory is that you start with the ribs/lung to allow better breathing and breath is life. In my case, with having had lung surgery it was even more important to get in there and release the fascia in the area. I was amazed with the results he was able to achieve. I can actually breathe without feeling like someone is squeezing on my chest. Can't wait to run. I bet it'll be a lot easier with more air!!!! He worked on my ribs/lungs/ back and hips and I must admit I feel really great. My low back was really killing me when I got there and the pain was released once he got to my low back. I'm very excited to continue with the sessions and really think that they will help a lot and I will be back to running and just being much more comfortable with movement in general. Yay!!!!

It's so hot here today that I don't even want to venture out. Hopefully it will cool down before the Celebrity Golf Tournament this weekend. We're working hole 17 on Pinehurst #2 and will be there all day. We're really looking forward to seeing some celebs being star watchers although I'm not sure who we'll see golfing out there but it will probably be mostly sports celebs, not so much fun for me. They treat the volunteers really great so we'll be getting lots of goodies and food. They are having pre and post tournament parties so it will be a lot of fun. We got shirts, and visors (had to pay for those but they're really nice) and will be treated like celebs ourselves. It'll be interesting to see another extreme sport in action. I'm sure it will be as opposite to ultra running as you can get but fun none the less and it does after all benefit, a great cause, Cancer.

Since I've been injured I've started reading quite a bit. I've never been much to read novels but after reading a non-fiction book by Nicholas Sparks, called Three Weeks with My Brother that Erin loaned me, I've read a couple of his novels and then other novels. Now I'm enjoying reading novels and have read 5 in 3 months, probably more than I've read in the past 5 years! I think I'll add a book review to my blog list. Kind of fun! Right now I'm reading another Spark novel called Dear John. A review to follow soon!

Gotta Run!

Run a little, swim a little!

I went to the club this morning and ran 5 miles on the treadmill. I've decided that running on the treadmill is probably best for me to get my endurane back as I'm able to run at an even pace and heartrate and spend much less time walking. I think I really need to work on not walking so much. I felt pretty good although my low back did start to hurt towards the end of the workout. (hence the end of the workout! funny how that works) Anyway, I then went to the pool and did laps for about 45 minutes. That felt great although I could really feel my back tightening up. I sat in the hot tub after and I think that helped a little although it's still tender. After I got home I decided to do my upper body weights as I have a client tomorrow morning and that way my arms won't be tired from working out right before she gets here and she'll get a better massage. It's a new client that one of my "regulars" referred. I will do my lower body tomorrow though as I really need to get that strengthened if I'm ever going to get back to running the trails. I go to see the Rolfer this week and I really think that will help. It's about the only thing I haven't tried yet but the fact that this issue has probably been in the works for some time, it makes sense to try to undo some of the wear and tear that's happened over the years.
Frank is on his way home from the Cactoctin 50K. (the party's over!) I think I'm glad I didn't make it there. It sounds almost as much fun as the Promise Land 50K. Yikes, one of those was enough. At least I think it is actually a 50K and not a 50K ++! Hilly, Hot and Humid plus LONG! Sounds like fun?
I hope to get some biking in this week. I'll certainly do some spinning at the club if I don't get outside but I am hoping to get outside. I'll be doing a 40 mile bike ride the following weekend. I have to admit that biking a 50K sure is a lot easier than running a 50K. Who knows, maybe this whole injury thing will turn out to be a blessing in disguise as it's gotten me back on the bike and swimming which I hadn't done for years as well as starting my weight lifting program. The jury is still out as to which method will help me be more fit. I do think I'll continue with cross-training even after I'm back to running ultras. I'll just need to make time to fit everything in. Good thing I don't have a real job!
Better run!

Another bike rider!

 
Here's Ada on her birthday bike. She is such a beautiful little girl and is certainly growing up way too fast. Ride on Ada!

Adalyn all grown up!

 
Here's a picture of Adalyn in her new outfit that we bought her for summer fun! Isn't she just too cute. Be sure to check out her shoes. It just amazes me how fast they grow up. Soon she'll be a big sister. I'll be going out to visit them shortly after the birth of the new baby and can't wait to see everyone! Ada will be a great big sister!

If you can't run, ride!

 
I just got back from a 40K bike ride and it was a lot of fun. That's two weeks in a row that I've been biking and I'm really enjoying it. I forgot how much I loved biking as we've been concentrating on running for so long. I guess that's a positive outcome of being injured and not being able to run very much. I met Chris a year ago at a trail run and we've been talking about biking together since then and we are finally doing it. Now that I'm getting more comfortable on my bike, I'll be doing more of it. I met Susan at the reservoir a couple of weeks ago and we seem to have a lot in common, including biking and running. It was fun getting to know both of them better and it felt like we were old friends getting together for a bike ride.

I went to the Physical Therapist yesterday and he thinks that my "issue" is really coming from my low back. He made a couple of adjustments and it really did the relieve the pressure and my back felt better and the weakness in my hamstring seemed to go away as well. Now I just have to work on keeping it that way. He gave me some exercises to strenghten that whole area so hopefully all will be well soon. The biking doesn't seem to affect it at all so I'm very happy about that.

Frank is in MD this weekend to run the Catoctin 50K. I'm a little jealous that I wasn't able to run it but considering how hot, humid and hilly it is there, it's probably just as well. Another good thing about biking is that it doesn't feel as hot as running cause you always get a breeze! I do miss being to able to just go out and run and not think about injuries or how much it hurts and hopefully I"ll be back there soon. I am going to go to a Rolfer next week and I think that will help as well. It seems as if I've tried everything and although it is better, I know that I would not be able to get back to running ultra distances without doing something to correct my muscle inbalances. Stay tuned for those updates!

I've been taking a class on organizing digital photos so I think I'll spend some time doing my homework on that. I really need to get them under control and organized in a way that I can use them more effectively. It's really hot out today and staying inside does seem like a good idea although this weekend is tax free weekend so I may have to go out and do a little shopping later! I did get out and bought a few things yesterday but I may just have to take advantage of this great once a year event!