PT, My Heart, Marathons, Etc

Over the past couple of weeks, I have talked with many people about completing my first marathon. Some people knew I was running it and asked me about it, for others it just came up in conversation. What I found most interesting about these conversations was how many people have no idea about how long a marathon actually is. Even before I ever dreamed of running one, I knew what the distance was. Let me give you an example, I was getting my hair cut, and after the typical "How's your day?", "Where do you work?", etc, the hair dresser/cutter (or whatever) and I began talking about fitness and the topic of running and my marathon came up. "Where did you run it?", etc, and then "Oh, do you do any around here, like the Turkey Trot." For those of you in the area the Turkey Trot is an 8K race on Thanksgiving. I guess I should be impressed that she could name any race, but I wasn't. I think I learned about marathon lengths in middle school, maybe even in phys. ed. Am I becoming a running snob? Anyway...she wasn't the only one, I think I had to explain the distance at least 4 times. Maybe I just shouldn't talk about it with anyone.

The week after the marathon, I had my physical. I have a family history of heart issues, so I got a EKG, which, of course, came out abnormal. Next a stress test and echo cardiogram. Apparently, I have a enlarged ventricle something or other, so I have to go back for a follow up. The doctor says its probably just a result of my increased exercise, but better safe than sorry.

I also started PT for my nagging hip injury. The therapist that worked with me was great! Basically, he thinks it a hip strength issue and gave me some strengthening exercises. Hopefully, that's all it is.

Oh, yeah...this week's workouts...

Monday
Mileage: 4.00
Time/Pace: 37:00/9:15
Avg HR: 148
Strength, Core

Tuesday:
30min Bike, 30min Aqua Jog
Core

Today:
Mileage: 3.00 (treadmill)
Time/Pace: 27:40/9:13

Has it Been A Week Already?

I'm sure my faithful readers have noticed by now that I didn't post this past week. The simple explanation is that I didn't run. WHAT (!!), you say. Yeah, I know, I was a bit of a slacker, but I have good reasons. Here's my top ten list of how I convinced myself not to run...

10) My shins hurt! Waaahhh.

9) Work was very hectic this week.

8) It was cold.

7) I only packed one glove. (Please refrain from the Michael Jackson cracks.)

6) I was saving my energy for bowling.

5) When it's burrito vs. running, the burrito will win every time.

4) I didn't get much sleep and therefore couldn't find the energy to run.

3) I'm saving myself for the Turkey Trot.

2) I'm sick, sniff sniff, more waaahhhh....

and the #1 reason....

Hey, I'm a fat guy....I don't want to get skinny too fast...

Oh well, I have promised myself not to be a slacker this week. We shall see....

When Work Gets in the Way

This week has been tough, work has been crazy and I seem to spend more time in the car than on my feet. Oh well, it's good to be working...


Tuesday: 4 miles and 500yds of swimming
Wednesday & Thursday: No running :(
Friday: 3 Miles and 500yds swimming

Where am I?!?

So, I've been relocated for my job. It isn't too far away, only about 3.5 hours, but far enough that I have to spend time away from home. It already sucks being away from home, away from my wife, the puppies and kitties, my bed, etc, but it is important to make a living and so I can't complain too much.

I am looking forward to exploring some new trails and new sites while I run. I'll keep you posted as to what I discover.

Back on the Roof

Another weekend on the roof; sacrificing my weekend runs so far. I wasn't able to get in the five I had scheduled. However, I'm sure that I burning a truck load of calories anyway. My body aches everywhere. Tomorrow is another roof day and a scheduled 7 miles. Hopefully, I can get it in, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Up on the Roof

My wife and I own a piece of "prime" real estate on the West Side (I'm flashing my gang sign now). A hole developed in the roof, so I have spent the weekend on it. With the help and guidance of my roofing crew (PB, MAS), we did a tear off and replaced the roof. Needless to say no running today. I am so sore and ache in place I didn't even know I had muscles. Hopefully, I can put in a few miles tomorrow. I did get my cross training in yesterday (65 minutes on the bike.)

Everyone Picks Their Nose....

WARNING...THE FOLLOWING BLOG MAY BE OFFENSIVE (BUT IT REALLY SHOULDN'T BE, IF YOU READ THIS, YOU HOPEFULLY WILL UNDERSTAND)...CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK...

I was on my way to the golf course this morning and I noticed that my left nostril was experiencing some blockage. Not wanting to hamper my game with an oxygen flow issue, I did a clean swipe with my index finger and gave a little flick out of the window. Then I got to thinking if someone was driving by me and saw me do that they might have been disgusted. After pondering that imaginary scenario for a bit, I began to think about other "socially unacceptable" behaviors; burping, farting, talking about poop (what a funny word), etc.

What's the big deal about these things. WE ALL DO IT! Come on now! If you are shaking your head you are in DENIAL! I burp. I FART! I POOP!! And YES I PICK MY NOSE!!!

So, all of you in denial or just purely disgusted, embrace your farts! Let that burp ring free. If you drop a spectacular "hot one", don't be afraid to tell someone about it, and don't leave out those dirty details! Turn these "unacceptable behaviors" into what they really are, natural, everyday, important parts of all of our lives. I won't be upset if you drive by and that booger you just flicked out the window, lands on my windshield. I will celebrate your independence by gleefully streaking it across my windshield with the wipers. Embrace humanity for the burping, farting, pooping, booger flicking people that we really are!!

Oh by the way, I did about an hour on the elliptical today instead of running. A was drenched in sweat by the end, so I suppose that'll have to do for today's workout. Still craving that run, but am holding off, per advice.

You Know Are Getting Old When...

On Thursday, I thought, "Hey, I'll do some laundry. Won't the wife be pleased with that!". I tossed the load in and came back an hour later. I reached in to throw the clothes in the dryer, when TWEAK, just a little bit in the lower back. Oh no! This has happened before and wasn't good. Didn't get much worse over the rest of the day. Friday was okay in the morning, but by mid-afternoon I was practically an invalid. This morning feels a bit better, but still not right. Frustrating because of all of the progress I've been making and it's all the washing machine's fault!!

I know they say it's all downhill after 30, but geez, I didn't think I be rendered virtually useless from the intense stress of doing a load of laundry. I know I'm out of shape, but didn't think I was that bad off. I'm done complaining now.