5 years ago
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
As if on cue...
There is an article posted on the RunTex website about some of the members of the Olympic Track & Field team training in the heat in Houston. You can find it here. It completely echoes my sentiments of the psychological benefits of training in sucky hot conditions. Tara Goucher puts it best - "I can handle rough conditions," she said. "The worse the better for me, because that kind of stuff doesn't freak me out."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Breakfast for Dinner
Chad and I were at a loss for what to prepare for dinner. So, we go to our old standby...waffles! Typically we shortcut and make the Bisquick kind (not vegan), but tonight I was in luck and we didn't have enough Bisquick to make a batch. I got my creative cooking juices flowing and came up with a breakfast-for-dinner that included fruits and vegetables galore. Enjoy...
Step 1 - Green smoothie - yeah, it's purple. Despite the fruits and vegetables in it, I don't think it is too 'green'. If you can't stand the taste of a beet, you might have a little trouble, but it is amazing how good fresh beets taste when applied in the right recipes (and I mean in smoothies, salads, or otherwise on the dinner plate).
This was inspired by the Green Sunset smoothie at the Daily Juice. My smoothie recipe included freshly extracted beet and apple juices, kale, frozen pineapple, and spirulina. Here's how to do it - Chop up your kale (if you are new to green smoothies, try one or two large leaves and cut out the hard middle stem) and put the kale in the bottom of the blender. Top the kale with some frozen pineapple. On top of that add your beet and apple juice. I have an awesome juicer that my dad is letting me babysit for as long as I want, so I took advantage. Add spirulina to taste. Blend on high with a strong blender (mine is pictured and it works just fine. It is not as smooth as the Daily Juice, but there are certainly no pieces of kale to be discovered in the smoothies that I make with this blender model.
Here is the finished product (my half of the recipe). Chad drank his down and didn't gag, so that should tell you that it is okay. I'm proud of him for trying such a bold drink!!!
Step 2 - Banana, Blueberry-Nut Waffles
Chad's plate is pictured below with eggs and his additional orange juice. Doesn't it look great?
I followed the recipe (but halved it) in Veganomicon for the Banana-Nut Waffles and added the rest of the blueberries that we had in the fridge (probably about 1/3-1/2 cup). That's all. They came out delicious! Thanks, Holly, for reminding me this week about how good Veganomicon is! This recipe is a winner, and I am actually looking forward to trying it again without the blueberries. By halving the recipe, it makes about 3 large belgian-style waffles (2 for Chad and 1 for me), so it probably would feed a hungry couple well.
On a related note - I have been cheating on my veganism a little. I don't think that makes me bad. There are phases that vegetarians go through and sometimes we are more strict than others. This time I have cheated with some dairy. I have started to incorporate Stonyfield Farm brand organic Oikos greek yogurt into my morning snack. I like the taste of the vanilla and the blueberry flavors, and it is hard to pass up the nutrition of 110-120 calories, no fat, and 13-15 grams of protein depending on flavor. Also, I know that Stonyfield farm cares about how their animals are treated, so it makes it a little easier to incorporate some selected dairy into my diet. I also have been eating a few other things from time to time that are not vegan, but am not making habits of them (they are desserts).
Step 1 - Green smoothie - yeah, it's purple. Despite the fruits and vegetables in it, I don't think it is too 'green'. If you can't stand the taste of a beet, you might have a little trouble, but it is amazing how good fresh beets taste when applied in the right recipes (and I mean in smoothies, salads, or otherwise on the dinner plate).
This was inspired by the Green Sunset smoothie at the Daily Juice. My smoothie recipe included freshly extracted beet and apple juices, kale, frozen pineapple, and spirulina. Here's how to do it - Chop up your kale (if you are new to green smoothies, try one or two large leaves and cut out the hard middle stem) and put the kale in the bottom of the blender. Top the kale with some frozen pineapple. On top of that add your beet and apple juice. I have an awesome juicer that my dad is letting me babysit for as long as I want, so I took advantage. Add spirulina to taste. Blend on high with a strong blender (mine is pictured and it works just fine. It is not as smooth as the Daily Juice, but there are certainly no pieces of kale to be discovered in the smoothies that I make with this blender model.
Here is the finished product (my half of the recipe). Chad drank his down and didn't gag, so that should tell you that it is okay. I'm proud of him for trying such a bold drink!!!
Step 2 - Banana, Blueberry-Nut Waffles
Chad's plate is pictured below with eggs and his additional orange juice. Doesn't it look great?
I followed the recipe (but halved it) in Veganomicon for the Banana-Nut Waffles and added the rest of the blueberries that we had in the fridge (probably about 1/3-1/2 cup). That's all. They came out delicious! Thanks, Holly, for reminding me this week about how good Veganomicon is! This recipe is a winner, and I am actually looking forward to trying it again without the blueberries. By halving the recipe, it makes about 3 large belgian-style waffles (2 for Chad and 1 for me), so it probably would feed a hungry couple well.
On a related note - I have been cheating on my veganism a little. I don't think that makes me bad. There are phases that vegetarians go through and sometimes we are more strict than others. This time I have cheated with some dairy. I have started to incorporate Stonyfield Farm brand organic Oikos greek yogurt into my morning snack. I like the taste of the vanilla and the blueberry flavors, and it is hard to pass up the nutrition of 110-120 calories, no fat, and 13-15 grams of protein depending on flavor. Also, I know that Stonyfield farm cares about how their animals are treated, so it makes it a little easier to incorporate some selected dairy into my diet. I also have been eating a few other things from time to time that are not vegan, but am not making habits of them (they are desserts).
Running in the Heat
I've been thinking a lot about summer running in Austin. This may be stating the obvious, but it is much easier to run when it is cooler. Easier.
I don't want to make it easier on my body. I don't want to run when it is cooler in the day. I want my body to work harder. I want my body to adapt to the heat. I want my body to learn how to cool more efficiently. I want my body to know what it feels like to be hot and know what to do to preserve effort. If I can push my body to run a certain pace in the heat, it is going to be so much easier to run that pace in cooler weather.
St.George is just less than 10 weeks away. The weather there will likely be in the range of 32-55 degrees of dry desert morning air. I will have run 35+ runs in 95-105 degree weather by then. My body will love me for it.
It's all part of the mental game. I will have put in the miles. I will have eaten the right foods. I will have rested, hydrated, gooed, bodyglided, put on a fresher pair of shoes. What I will also have is the extra edge of knowing that even if the temperature goes up on race day, I'm gonna be okay. There are no questions of 'what if?' that are going to be at the back of my mind. My mental game will be spot on. I will only have one thing to worry about...kicking some butt!
I don't want to make it easier on my body. I don't want to run when it is cooler in the day. I want my body to work harder. I want my body to adapt to the heat. I want my body to learn how to cool more efficiently. I want my body to know what it feels like to be hot and know what to do to preserve effort. If I can push my body to run a certain pace in the heat, it is going to be so much easier to run that pace in cooler weather.
St.George is just less than 10 weeks away. The weather there will likely be in the range of 32-55 degrees of dry desert morning air. I will have run 35+ runs in 95-105 degree weather by then. My body will love me for it.
It's all part of the mental game. I will have put in the miles. I will have eaten the right foods. I will have rested, hydrated, gooed, bodyglided, put on a fresher pair of shoes. What I will also have is the extra edge of knowing that even if the temperature goes up on race day, I'm gonna be okay. There are no questions of 'what if?' that are going to be at the back of my mind. My mental game will be spot on. I will only have one thing to worry about...kicking some butt!
Girls Weekend
I had 2 dates this weekend. Neither of them were with my husband.
Date #1 - Friday night was the Kathy Griffin show at the Long Center. Chad requested the moment I mentioned the show a couple of months ago that he would like to be spared from going. He finds her annoying, so it would be torture for him to go and listen to her. I went with Tara, and we made it a girls night. We went to the Woodland on South Congress for dinner before the show. It was very tasty, as always. If you have never been there, you need to make time to go. Also, make sure that you get some kind of dessert there. Kathy Griffin was hilarious as expected. We got there just in time to be seated and to admire the interior of the Long Center before her act started. If you didn't know, her act is all about making fun of celebrities. She spares no one. I figured out that what I really like about her is that you can tell that she genuinely likes/respects some of the people that she pokes fun at. She freely takes stabs at some celebrities (like Pam Anderson), but in many cases is able to still preserve some of their good side for the audience. It was a fun evening!
Date #2 - My friend Diana is 39-40 weeks pregnant right now and her husband is out of town in the process of giving their dog away to a relative. She really wanted to go to a friend's wedding in Waco this weekend, but the option of driving all the way to Waco with her 2 1/2 year old daughter and her expanded belly for the evening seemed like too daunting of a task. Add in the fact that she has been having contractions for the past few weeks on and off (a couple of times sending them to the hospital), and the idea of going into labor 100 miles from home with her husband out of town did not seem like the best option. I had sincerely offered to do anything she and her husband needed to help out with the baby, so she took a chance and asked me if I would accompany her to the wedding this weekend. Inside, I was a little nervous about her going into labor while we were on the trip, but I knew it probably wouldn't happen.
The wedding was beautiful and very personal for the couple. After being a bride this year, I noticed details about the ceremony and reception that I might not have before my own wedding. We enjoyed the reception and Diana got to spend time with her friends that she might not see again for a very long time. During the evening, her contractions began again and it became evident that she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I drove home from Waco on the way back, and there was a stretch of time where we timed the contractions...8 min, 6 min, 8 min, 7 min, 5 min, 6 min...regular, but no cause for alarm. At least she wasn't worried about it.
It was a fun evening, and I am so glad that I got to be a good friend to her during her pregnancy. It's kind of funny to me that I am unique amongst her friends right now. For one of the first times in my life, I feel like the 'late bloomer'. She has a ton of friends from her church group who are all at the stage in life where they have a small child and some are pregnant with child #2...they can all share in the childrearing stories and offer each other advice and consolation. I can't really be that kind of friend for her, yet, but I can definitely play a good substitute wedding date/driver for an evening!!
(Oh, and I did use one of my mad skills that I picked up as a teacher...Diana had told her daughter, Brynna, that she wasn't going to be able to talk during the wedding. We both know that 2 year olds talk constantly. Brynna is extremely well-behaved and sat quietly on the bench looking through the hymnals and asking questions (quietly of course because she listened well to her mom). People were being seated and the ceremony had not yet begun. I put my handy teacher skill to use. I leaned over to Brynna and said in a whisper, 'I can talk really soft. How soft can you talk? (pause) Can you talk like me?' She instantly responded in a whisper! Yay! She was so good! Brynna was so cute whispering her little questions so as to try to be quiet. --- Some of my fondest memories from when I was a teacher were the days where I was completely hoarse and couldn't talk. You would think that teaching without being able to talk is torture, but really they can be some of the best days ever. Kids have a natural instinct to be quiet when you are quiet. If you have to talk in a whisper, their immediate response is to whisper back at you. Being hoarse in a classroom almost guarantees that your day will be quieter than normal.)
Date #1 - Friday night was the Kathy Griffin show at the Long Center. Chad requested the moment I mentioned the show a couple of months ago that he would like to be spared from going. He finds her annoying, so it would be torture for him to go and listen to her. I went with Tara, and we made it a girls night. We went to the Woodland on South Congress for dinner before the show. It was very tasty, as always. If you have never been there, you need to make time to go. Also, make sure that you get some kind of dessert there. Kathy Griffin was hilarious as expected. We got there just in time to be seated and to admire the interior of the Long Center before her act started. If you didn't know, her act is all about making fun of celebrities. She spares no one. I figured out that what I really like about her is that you can tell that she genuinely likes/respects some of the people that she pokes fun at. She freely takes stabs at some celebrities (like Pam Anderson), but in many cases is able to still preserve some of their good side for the audience. It was a fun evening!
Date #2 - My friend Diana is 39-40 weeks pregnant right now and her husband is out of town in the process of giving their dog away to a relative. She really wanted to go to a friend's wedding in Waco this weekend, but the option of driving all the way to Waco with her 2 1/2 year old daughter and her expanded belly for the evening seemed like too daunting of a task. Add in the fact that she has been having contractions for the past few weeks on and off (a couple of times sending them to the hospital), and the idea of going into labor 100 miles from home with her husband out of town did not seem like the best option. I had sincerely offered to do anything she and her husband needed to help out with the baby, so she took a chance and asked me if I would accompany her to the wedding this weekend. Inside, I was a little nervous about her going into labor while we were on the trip, but I knew it probably wouldn't happen.
The wedding was beautiful and very personal for the couple. After being a bride this year, I noticed details about the ceremony and reception that I might not have before my own wedding. We enjoyed the reception and Diana got to spend time with her friends that she might not see again for a very long time. During the evening, her contractions began again and it became evident that she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I drove home from Waco on the way back, and there was a stretch of time where we timed the contractions...8 min, 6 min, 8 min, 7 min, 5 min, 6 min...regular, but no cause for alarm. At least she wasn't worried about it.
It was a fun evening, and I am so glad that I got to be a good friend to her during her pregnancy. It's kind of funny to me that I am unique amongst her friends right now. For one of the first times in my life, I feel like the 'late bloomer'. She has a ton of friends from her church group who are all at the stage in life where they have a small child and some are pregnant with child #2...they can all share in the childrearing stories and offer each other advice and consolation. I can't really be that kind of friend for her, yet, but I can definitely play a good substitute wedding date/driver for an evening!!
(Oh, and I did use one of my mad skills that I picked up as a teacher...Diana had told her daughter, Brynna, that she wasn't going to be able to talk during the wedding. We both know that 2 year olds talk constantly. Brynna is extremely well-behaved and sat quietly on the bench looking through the hymnals and asking questions (quietly of course because she listened well to her mom). People were being seated and the ceremony had not yet begun. I put my handy teacher skill to use. I leaned over to Brynna and said in a whisper, 'I can talk really soft. How soft can you talk? (pause) Can you talk like me?' She instantly responded in a whisper! Yay! She was so good! Brynna was so cute whispering her little questions so as to try to be quiet. --- Some of my fondest memories from when I was a teacher were the days where I was completely hoarse and couldn't talk. You would think that teaching without being able to talk is torture, but really they can be some of the best days ever. Kids have a natural instinct to be quiet when you are quiet. If you have to talk in a whisper, their immediate response is to whisper back at you. Being hoarse in a classroom almost guarantees that your day will be quieter than normal.)
Friday, July 25, 2008
I think I need a journal...
Other than this blog, I think I need a private journal. This afternoon involved talking on the phone with folks who are awesome for listening to me. It really helped me work through some things I was thinking about. It is good to have an outlet to speak your mind to who will listen and not pass judgement (or at least not tell you they are) and/or who will laugh and cry with you when you need it. However, it is one thing to say things out loud in confidence to a friend/family member, yet another thing to write it for all to see. I really like to blog, but I don't know if everything is worth blogging about.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
New Balance Trial
I'm going to be trying some New Balance shoes in the upcoming weeks to see how I like them and to compare them to the shoes that I am used to. I have blogged about shoes a bunch this summer (Nike Haywards, Mizuno Wave Riders, and now I even have some Mizuno Wave Precisions for some of our speed workouts). I have a neutral, flexible foot, with really high arches. I don't really like shoes that have tons of arch support, and I don't wear (or like) insoles that provide any extra support.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Quad Pain gone - Marathon Workouts begin
After babying my legs last week, I thought I would need still another week to nurse the minor quad strain. Nope. Last night we transitioned to a marathon prep workout instead of the 5k/10k workouts we've been doing. I didn't even think about my quad until I was well into the workout, and it wasn't because it was hurting...My legs weren't hurting at all.
Here's the breakdown -
2.5 mile easy warmup from the Austin High Track to the 0 mile marker at Auditorium Shores.water, stretch, bathroom stop
2.5 miles mgp (goal 7:45-8:00 minute miles)
1 mile on the track at 10k pace (aimed for 7:20 pace, but only could manage 7:31)
1 mile cooldown
I suffered during the last 600 meters of the 10k mile. At the point of cooldown, I realized that I was extremely dehydrated and felt like crap. Lesson learned. Drink more water during the day, or suffer at the end of workouts. Even though my body is like a camel's (I am extremely talented at retaining water), I think I might have started with an empty tank yesterday.
Here's the breakdown -
2.5 mile easy warmup from the Austin High Track to the 0 mile marker at Auditorium Shores.water, stretch, bathroom stop
2.5 miles mgp (goal 7:45-8:00 minute miles)
- mile 1 - 7:51 (maybe a little fast to start)
- mile 2 - 7:56 (settled in - started to breathe a little too hard for MGP)
- mile 2.5 - 3:56 (7:52 pace - was breathing too hard, but it was damn hot yesterday)
1 mile on the track at 10k pace (aimed for 7:20 pace, but only could manage 7:31)
1 mile cooldown
I suffered during the last 600 meters of the 10k mile. At the point of cooldown, I realized that I was extremely dehydrated and felt like crap. Lesson learned. Drink more water during the day, or suffer at the end of workouts. Even though my body is like a camel's (I am extremely talented at retaining water), I think I might have started with an empty tank yesterday.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Recovery week and ramping up
This week is recovery. Thank goodness. We've been running pretty hard, and after last week's quad issues, I'm looking forward to some relaxed workouts to get completely healed.
We also got an updated long run schedule from Mac yesterday, and it looks like the majority of weekends from here until October will involve 18-24 mile runs. Yay!!! It's time to ramp it up!
We also got an updated long run schedule from Mac yesterday, and it looks like the majority of weekends from here until October will involve 18-24 mile runs. Yay!!! It's time to ramp it up!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Lunch with Erin
Today Erin and I went to lunch at Jo's on 2nd street. I haven't been to either Jo's (gasp!), so it was exciting to try something new. I chose the vegetarian bbq sandwich (honestly didn't care if it was vegan or not today) and it was delicious. I think they must use White Mountain vegetarian bbq or have modeled a recipe after it. I highly suggest it to you veggie friends out there. One bummer is that if you don't want chips or fries, they still charge you full price for a side of fruit.
Erin and I always have a good laugh and are able to share new stories each time we have lunch. Someday we may not have anything new to talk about, but it won't matter. Yay for going to lunch during the week!
Erin and I always have a good laugh and are able to share new stories each time we have lunch. Someday we may not have anything new to talk about, but it won't matter. Yay for going to lunch during the week!
Limbo
I've been in a funk lately. I have been crabby, bitchy, whiny, whatever you want to call it, and my poor husband is having to put up with me. He says my bad mood is 'not hot' (a la Paris Hilton, and it completely made me laugh when he put it to me that way).
I figured out a part of why I am in a bad mood...I'm in limbo with too many things. We're right in the middle of several things in our lives, and while I'm generally happy with the things that we are doing right now, being stuck in the middle has left me a little grumpy. The best parts of what we are going through are in our future, and I am tired of going through the process to get there. I don't need immediate gratification for a lot of things, but right now it is hard to be patient and stay satisfied with where I am.
I figured out a part of why I am in a bad mood...I'm in limbo with too many things. We're right in the middle of several things in our lives, and while I'm generally happy with the things that we are doing right now, being stuck in the middle has left me a little grumpy. The best parts of what we are going through are in our future, and I am tired of going through the process to get there. I don't need immediate gratification for a lot of things, but right now it is hard to be patient and stay satisfied with where I am.
- Our housing situation (in limbo) - I'm very happy we have a house on the market. When it sells, we will be able to move into our more permanent housing situation. Right now, we are living in my condo, which is a little bit too small. On a related note - at my condo, we have our two recliners. The couch is at Chad's house. I really would like to be able to cuddle with my husband on the couch while we watch TV. Sitting in two separate recliners as a newly married couple kind of sucks.
- Running (in limbo) - Were smack dab in the middle of marathon training. I am ready for the weekly mileage to go up, but we only get the schedule a week at a time. I really would like to know the long term plan (macrocycle) so that I can prepare mentally for the training ahead. I feel like I have high expectations every week for what the schedule will say, but then end up disappointed when the workouts are posted. I'd rather have the whole schedule (of at least the long runs and weekly mileage) up front.
- Medical issues (in limbo) - My doctor (OB/GYM) ran a bunch of lab work in May/June, and it took a month for them to officially tell me that all my lab work looked normal and that the recommended plan of action is to go back on birth control pills. Arrgggh! I have been on so many different birth control pills over the last 8 years, and none of them fixed my symptoms. I had made this very clear to the doctor, and am frustrated that it is the only solution that is being offered at this point. Also, in the past 3 years, my TSH levels have been 4.59 and 3.1. I have a family history of thyroid problems. The lab says that the 'normal range' is 0.3-5.1, however the AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) indicates that 'the target TSH level should be between 0.3 and 3.0'. I am looking to see an endocrinologist to explore my hormone levels more closely. If you have been to an endocrinologist in Austin and had a good experience, can you please let me know who your doctor was? I'm not interested in seeing the doctor that I was referred to by my OB/GYN.
So, I'm trying not to be in a bad mood. I really am a happy person. Maybe it's the hormones to blame. Maybe I need some resolution to my limbo.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Dark Knight - don't worry, no spoilers
We had tickets for the 7:05 Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar show (we bought them Tues or Wed).
Wow. I was expecting it to be good based on everything that I had read. It completely surpassed my expectations. So dark. So disturbing at times. Wow.
Wow. I was expecting it to be good based on everything that I had read. It completely surpassed my expectations. So dark. So disturbing at times. Wow.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Compression Bandage and Traumeel
My apparent quad strain is for real. I went to workout last night prepared to do an easy warmup and prepared to attempt the workout at a conservative pace. At any moment, I was prepared to call it quits because of the pain felt in my quads on Tuesday night. Everything that I have read about quad strains recommends RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). If the pain is relatively minor, it is recommended to continue exercising, but with a light effort. Also, anti-inflammatories are suggested.
Last night at workout, I made it through the easy 1.5 mile warmup with no twitches. When we began the drills, I found that the 'butt kick' drills started to aggravate my quads a touch. By the time we got to our strides, the increased effort brought back the strain in my quads. GRRRR!!! I decided to follow protocol and abandon the high-effort part of the workout. Instead, I ran the mileage at an easy pace and did not have pain.
I also began the recommended anti-inflammatory/compression bandage treatment last night and will hopefully start to see increased relief soon. I am using Traumeel ointment combined with a compression bandage (worn for 4-6 hours then removed at regular intervals). I plan to continue running easy mileage for a week and then test it again with a workout on July 29th.
Last night at workout, I made it through the easy 1.5 mile warmup with no twitches. When we began the drills, I found that the 'butt kick' drills started to aggravate my quads a touch. By the time we got to our strides, the increased effort brought back the strain in my quads. GRRRR!!! I decided to follow protocol and abandon the high-effort part of the workout. Instead, I ran the mileage at an easy pace and did not have pain.
I also began the recommended anti-inflammatory/compression bandage treatment last night and will hopefully start to see increased relief soon. I am using Traumeel ointment combined with a compression bandage (worn for 4-6 hours then removed at regular intervals). I plan to continue running easy mileage for a week and then test it again with a workout on July 29th.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lab work received
That was fast. With all of the fax trouble yesterday, I'm really surprised. I sent my fax in just before 5:00pm yesterday. They sent me my lab results from a few years ago at 10:00am today.
Quad cramp/strain
My second real 'tweak' of the summer - my left quad muscle seized up last night during workout. I don't think it was a true cramp caused by dehydration. I've had sore quads since last week. I think it is really the beginning of a strained quad, so I stopped running immediately.
The plan of action? Rest/crosstrain today. Drink lots of water. Elevate my legs as much as possible. If I had an ace bandage, I would wrap the muscle as suggested on some websites. No hard running for me until I can run successfully without feeling the muscle.
I hate babying my legs. I want to run strong.
The plan of action? Rest/crosstrain today. Drink lots of water. Elevate my legs as much as possible. If I had an ace bandage, I would wrap the muscle as suggested on some websites. No hard running for me until I can run successfully without feeling the muscle.
I hate babying my legs. I want to run strong.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Fax Machine Hell
I call a dr office to try to get them to release some of my lab results from a few years ago...
You'll need to fill out our patient release form, sign it, and fax it to us.
Okay no problem. I have a fax machine.
Fax try number 1 - no answer
Fax try number 2 - no answer
I call the dr office and politely tell the receptionist that their fax machine is not picking up. She tells me to hold while she checks it...I love being on hold, by the way. The receptionist tells me that it is working, because they just sent a fax to someone. She says I can try it again today or, if that doesn't work, try again tomorrow.
Seriously? Aren't fax machines supposed to give you instant gratification? I should be able to dial the number and send it immediately. If I wanted my paperwork to get there tomorrow, I would hop in my car, drive the form to the post office, and mail it before 5pm today.
Fax try number 3 - no answer
At this point, I scan the document and send it as an attachment to the information email address on their website. Just in case their freaking fax machine doesn't ever decide to work, at least I tried to get them the form outside of putting a stamp on it.
Fax try number 4 - Connects (finally!), but there is an error, specifically error 358*
*A communication error occurred during the fax transmission. (No shit!) If you're sending, try again and/or call to make sure the recipient's fax machine is ready to receive faxes. (Um, I thought I just did that. There is no way I'm talking to the receptionist again today.)
Fax try number 5 - no answer
Fax try number 6 - success
Now let's see how long it takes them to give me my lab results. My guess is Friday.
You'll need to fill out our patient release form, sign it, and fax it to us.
Okay no problem. I have a fax machine.
Fax try number 1 - no answer
Fax try number 2 - no answer
I call the dr office and politely tell the receptionist that their fax machine is not picking up. She tells me to hold while she checks it...I love being on hold, by the way. The receptionist tells me that it is working, because they just sent a fax to someone. She says I can try it again today or, if that doesn't work, try again tomorrow.
Seriously? Aren't fax machines supposed to give you instant gratification? I should be able to dial the number and send it immediately. If I wanted my paperwork to get there tomorrow, I would hop in my car, drive the form to the post office, and mail it before 5pm today.
Fax try number 3 - no answer
At this point, I scan the document and send it as an attachment to the information email address on their website. Just in case their freaking fax machine doesn't ever decide to work, at least I tried to get them the form outside of putting a stamp on it.
Fax try number 4 - Connects (finally!), but there is an error, specifically error 358*
*A communication error occurred during the fax transmission. (No shit!) If you're sending, try again and/or call to make sure the recipient's fax machine is ready to receive faxes. (Um, I thought I just did that. There is no way I'm talking to the receptionist again today.)
Fax try number 5 - no answer
Fax try number 6 - success
Now let's see how long it takes them to give me my lab results. My guess is Friday.
You know you love them...
For all of you cat lovers out there, the girls and I had an impromptu photo session at lunch today.
Miko checking out the lens.
Miko relaxing on the windowsill.
Flucie looking fluffy and cute.
Miko checking out the lens.
Miko relaxing on the windowsill.
Flucie looking fluffy and cute.
Six with Tara
We've been running from Town Lake so much now that it is getting old. Tara and I ran together last Monday afternoon and ended up doing 6 miles through Rosedale and Bryker Woods. This week we decided to mix it up again and run through Hyde Park. The weather was just perfect last night, and neither of us realized that we had forgotten to bring money for emergency water/gatorade until we were already 30 minutes away from the house. Nevermind the water...the weather was so cool that we made it the entire hour without water no problem.
I think I prefer the Rosedale-Bryker route better (less traffic), but this was still a great change of pace from the trail.
6 miles from Tara's - Hyde Park
I think I prefer the Rosedale-Bryker route better (less traffic), but this was still a great change of pace from the trail.
6 miles from Tara's - Hyde Park
Monday, July 14, 2008
Forcing the bond
I did something kind of bad today. heehee.
I am tired of the way our cats Beans and Felicia hiss at each other all the time. Beans does not bully Felicia. Felicia does not bully Beans. They both take swats at each other all the time, and it is kind of annoying.
When Beans was first introduced to our other cat, Miko, last year, the day that solidified their initial bond was their first ride together in the carrier to the vet office. After the first few hisses of them in the carrier together, they really seemed to relax and get over their initial anxiety. This followed into our home life. They are now fast kitty friends.
Earlier this year I paired Miko and Felicia in the same carrier to the vet, and they got along really well. Felicia and Miko have even begun to play together a little in the house.
Today, I put Felicia and Beans in the carrier and took them on a drive. I have to tell you that it was not as friendly as either try with Miko. Both Felicia and Beans swatted and hissed at each other at first. After getting them in the car, they did settle down and relax a little into the ride. I caught Felicia trying to climb over Beans to get a better view in the front. At least she is willing to touch him and he is willing to be touched. The hissing did not stop at all during the ride, but I think there has been some progress made.
They are both exhausted and lying on the rug right now.
I am tired of the way our cats Beans and Felicia hiss at each other all the time. Beans does not bully Felicia. Felicia does not bully Beans. They both take swats at each other all the time, and it is kind of annoying.
When Beans was first introduced to our other cat, Miko, last year, the day that solidified their initial bond was their first ride together in the carrier to the vet office. After the first few hisses of them in the carrier together, they really seemed to relax and get over their initial anxiety. This followed into our home life. They are now fast kitty friends.
Earlier this year I paired Miko and Felicia in the same carrier to the vet, and they got along really well. Felicia and Miko have even begun to play together a little in the house.
Today, I put Felicia and Beans in the carrier and took them on a drive. I have to tell you that it was not as friendly as either try with Miko. Both Felicia and Beans swatted and hissed at each other at first. After getting them in the car, they did settle down and relax a little into the ride. I caught Felicia trying to climb over Beans to get a better view in the front. At least she is willing to touch him and he is willing to be touched. The hissing did not stop at all during the ride, but I think there has been some progress made.
They are both exhausted and lying on the rug right now.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Afghanistan
Chad and I found out that his second cousin is being shipped to a remote area of Afghanistan. This is the first time that I have actually received detailed information about where someone is being shipped to, the region where he is stationed, and what it might be like for him there as a part of the armed forces. We got word by email that our family is organizing some shipments of care packages for Chad's cousin, Zach, so we went shopping for a few items last night.
We also found out that there are boxes that the USPS has specifically for shipping to APO/FPO addresses, and they are flat rate boxes, so it doesn't matter how much weight you put in them. I ordered a bundle of boxes (which are free to order) and we have started gathering items to send to Zach.
Here's a blog entry describing how the packages get to this remote area of Afghanistan. It also has some specific items described that they have asked to receive. What is amazing is how simple the items are...tuna, toothbrushes, tylenol, etc.
If you have ever thought about sending a care package to the troops, send me an email at sadiebarrs at austin dot rr dot com and I will send you the address for Zach's company.
We also found out that there are boxes that the USPS has specifically for shipping to APO/FPO addresses, and they are flat rate boxes, so it doesn't matter how much weight you put in them. I ordered a bundle of boxes (which are free to order) and we have started gathering items to send to Zach.
Here's a blog entry describing how the packages get to this remote area of Afghanistan. It also has some specific items described that they have asked to receive. What is amazing is how simple the items are...tuna, toothbrushes, tylenol, etc.
If you have ever thought about sending a care package to the troops, send me an email at sadiebarrs at austin dot rr dot com and I will send you the address for Zach's company.
Saturday Quality workout
Sometimes Mac mixes in a long quality workout in instead of a traditional 'long run' where we run our easy pace. Here's how today went -
- Stratford Loop (hills) from the rock - finish at Austin High track (4.29 miles, 41:50.62, 9:45 pace)
- On the track - 1 mile at 10k pace - 7:13.49, felt very strong and had very even 200 splits
- Counter clockwise on the Pfluger bridge loop easy (3.14 miles, 28:38.23, 9:07 pace)
- On the track again - 4x400 at 5k pace with a full 400 easy jog recovery between
1:45.59 (7:02 pace)
1:44.60 (6:58 pace)
1:43.65 (6:54 pace)
1:42.04 (6:48 pace)
- Then we were supposed to run back to the rock to make it an 11 mile run, but Tara and I wanted to run extra, so we did the Pfluger loop clockwise back to the rock to get in some extra miles (2.77 according to gmaps). 26:11.26, 9:27 pace
Friday, July 11, 2008
Happy Friday!
Yay! The weekend can begin!
Today I got a massage from Lisa (Chad's massage therapist). I thought she would inflict more pain than she did, but apparently my legs are in pretty good shape. The only painful areas were in her words 'perfectly normal' and 'in a good spot', so I don't have to worry much about any horrible tendon inflammation or bad muscle damage. I was thrilled to get such a good report after six straight days of running and a hard workout last night.
Today is also day 10 of the suture on my shoulder. The SteriStrips still had not come off (the doc said 7-10 days), so I peeled them off myself. I think the scar looks pretty good, but when I looked at the one stitch that needed to be cut, it looked to be buried a bit under the healing skin. I was having difficulty finding the place to cut, and I didn't want to subject Chad to having to dig through my skin to find the stitch. After a call in to the dermatologist, I had to rush over after my massage appointment and make it to the office by 3:00. I arrived at 3:02, but they took me in anyway. The assistant said that my scar looked really good (yay!), and said that it was obvious that I had taken good care of it. I told him about my running, and he was as impressed as I was that the SteriStrips had stayed on so long. He snipped the snitch with a little bit of pain and applied another set of SteriStrips to help the scar stay together for a few more days. When the strips come off, I will start the silicone scar sheets.
Today I got a massage from Lisa (Chad's massage therapist). I thought she would inflict more pain than she did, but apparently my legs are in pretty good shape. The only painful areas were in her words 'perfectly normal' and 'in a good spot', so I don't have to worry much about any horrible tendon inflammation or bad muscle damage. I was thrilled to get such a good report after six straight days of running and a hard workout last night.
Today is also day 10 of the suture on my shoulder. The SteriStrips still had not come off (the doc said 7-10 days), so I peeled them off myself. I think the scar looks pretty good, but when I looked at the one stitch that needed to be cut, it looked to be buried a bit under the healing skin. I was having difficulty finding the place to cut, and I didn't want to subject Chad to having to dig through my skin to find the stitch. After a call in to the dermatologist, I had to rush over after my massage appointment and make it to the office by 3:00. I arrived at 3:02, but they took me in anyway. The assistant said that my scar looked really good (yay!), and said that it was obvious that I had taken good care of it. I told him about my running, and he was as impressed as I was that the SteriStrips had stayed on so long. He snipped the snitch with a little bit of pain and applied another set of SteriStrips to help the scar stay together for a few more days. When the strips come off, I will start the silicone scar sheets.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
6 days in a row
I made it through 6 days in a row of running with no off day. Yay! Tonight's workout was kind of fun, and I felt fast.
1.5 mi warmup to Johnson Creek Bike Path
6x200 uphill at 5k pace with 200 easy downhill recovery between.
:56.25 (7:30 pace)
:52.57 (7:01 pace)
:52.79 (7:02 pace)
:51.58 (6:53 pace)
:52.05 (6:56 pace)
:51.68 (6:53 pace)
1.5 mi easy run to Austin High Track
6x200 on track at 5k pace with 200 easy recovery jog between.
:50.36 (6:43 pace)
:49.75 (6:38 pace)
:49.44 (6:36 pace)
:48.11 (6:25 pace)
:48.47 (6:28 pace)
:48.19 (6:26 pace)
cooldown 1 mile
I know that I cannot run a 5k at those paces on the track, but the effort felt pretty good and I am really proud of how consistent I ran (or how I got faster throughout the workout).
1.5 mi warmup to Johnson Creek Bike Path
6x200 uphill at 5k pace with 200 easy downhill recovery between.
:56.25 (7:30 pace)
:52.57 (7:01 pace)
:52.79 (7:02 pace)
:51.58 (6:53 pace)
:52.05 (6:56 pace)
:51.68 (6:53 pace)
1.5 mi easy run to Austin High Track
6x200 on track at 5k pace with 200 easy recovery jog between.
:50.36 (6:43 pace)
:49.75 (6:38 pace)
:49.44 (6:36 pace)
:48.11 (6:25 pace)
:48.47 (6:28 pace)
:48.19 (6:26 pace)
cooldown 1 mile
I know that I cannot run a 5k at those paces on the track, but the effort felt pretty good and I am really proud of how consistent I ran (or how I got faster throughout the workout).
Blues on the Green - Los Lonely Boys
Wednesday night is Blues on the Green night throughout many weeks of the Austin summer. This week was Los Lonely Boys week, so Chad and I decided to go. We needed to run 5 miles, so we went down early and parked our car on Veterans Drive to get a decent parking space and an easy getaway spot. We did our 5 miles at about 5:45 and grabbed a bite to eat at the Daily Juice and Thundercloud Subs. This also allowed us to cool down and use the Thundercloud restrooms to sponge bath with wipes and put on some dry clothes. My hair was still drenched with sweat, so I had to put on a hat for the rest of the evening.
Anyhow, we got down to Zilker with our chairs and a blanket and found a shady spot to the back of the crowd. We enjoyed the people watching and the music (and the dogs). I don't know if the Los Lonely Boys played as well as I expected them to, but it was a nice way to spend the evening.
Here I am in the shade. I made Chad take my picture several times so that my face wouldn't look like the biggest thing in the picture. I think this picture makes me look small...I've definitely lost some weight.
Our signature photo...taken by Chad
The crowd and the stage
Anyhow, we got down to Zilker with our chairs and a blanket and found a shady spot to the back of the crowd. We enjoyed the people watching and the music (and the dogs). I don't know if the Los Lonely Boys played as well as I expected them to, but it was a nice way to spend the evening.
Here I am in the shade. I made Chad take my picture several times so that my face wouldn't look like the biggest thing in the picture. I think this picture makes me look small...I've definitely lost some weight.
Our signature photo...taken by Chad
The crowd and the stage
Birthday Cake
Today I had lunch with my mom, and it reminded me that I had not posted pictures of Chad enjoying the birthday cake that she made him. So, here he is... 
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Stomach, Humidity, Sun - 14 x 400
The last time we did this workout it was 102 degrees and we only had to do 12 x 400. In my previous post, the workout was a success and I was proud of how I hung in there to maintain pace.
It seems like there is always going to be an obstacle for me to overcome during this workout. Yesterday it was the poops, stomach gas, humidity and sun. (Yeah, I know TMI) I had a rumbling stomach all afternoon and I had already had the 'runners trots' without taking a step. Driving to workout after the rain passed through the area, I only hoped that it would be cool for the workout.
Not so much. Just in time to start the workout, the sun came out and turned the track into a sauna. It could have been worse, but I was definitely sweating more than normal during an evening workout. Really, if I wanted to run in the humidity, I would workout in the morning.
So, I attempted the workout, despite stomach cramps and vomit burps. I hate belching and tasting stomach gas, but since I didn't have the urge to go to the bathroom and hadn't actually vomited yet, I thought I'd give it a try. I figured as soon as I vomited, it would be excuse enough to stop running. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't actually poop or vomit during the workout, but I had to scale back my efforts after I started to crash. See below.
Instead of 12, we did 14 x 400 with 100 easy jog between. There was no stopping during the workout. Mac put out a 'water station' that we could jog past and grab water during our recovery 100.
1:46.19 (7:05 pace)
1:45.54 (7:02 pace)
1:45.69 (7:03 pace)
1:46.87 (7:07 pace)
1:49.53 (felt like crap) (7:18 pace)
1:57.97 (really felt like crap) (7:52 pace) I sucked it up at this point and just held on to finish.
1:52.28 (7:29 pace)
1:52.43 (7:30 pace)
1:52.23 (7:29 pace)
1:51.84 (7:27 pace)
1:50.91 (7:24 pace)
1:53.12 (7:32 pace)
1:50.19 (7:21 pace)
1:51.80 (7:27 pace)
The good news is that I was faster than the 102 degree workout, even with a sour stomach and running through a humidity swamp. More good news is that I feel better today.
It seems like there is always going to be an obstacle for me to overcome during this workout. Yesterday it was the poops, stomach gas, humidity and sun. (Yeah, I know TMI) I had a rumbling stomach all afternoon and I had already had the 'runners trots' without taking a step. Driving to workout after the rain passed through the area, I only hoped that it would be cool for the workout.
Not so much. Just in time to start the workout, the sun came out and turned the track into a sauna. It could have been worse, but I was definitely sweating more than normal during an evening workout. Really, if I wanted to run in the humidity, I would workout in the morning.
So, I attempted the workout, despite stomach cramps and vomit burps. I hate belching and tasting stomach gas, but since I didn't have the urge to go to the bathroom and hadn't actually vomited yet, I thought I'd give it a try. I figured as soon as I vomited, it would be excuse enough to stop running. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't actually poop or vomit during the workout, but I had to scale back my efforts after I started to crash. See below.
Instead of 12, we did 14 x 400 with 100 easy jog between. There was no stopping during the workout. Mac put out a 'water station' that we could jog past and grab water during our recovery 100.
1:46.19 (7:05 pace)
1:45.54 (7:02 pace)
1:45.69 (7:03 pace)
1:46.87 (7:07 pace)
1:49.53 (felt like crap) (7:18 pace)
1:57.97 (really felt like crap) (7:52 pace) I sucked it up at this point and just held on to finish.
1:52.28 (7:29 pace)
1:52.43 (7:30 pace)
1:52.23 (7:29 pace)
1:51.84 (7:27 pace)
1:50.91 (7:24 pace)
1:53.12 (7:32 pace)
1:50.19 (7:21 pace)
1:51.80 (7:27 pace)
The good news is that I was faster than the 102 degree workout, even with a sour stomach and running through a humidity swamp. More good news is that I feel better today.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Shoulder Update
It has been a week since the minor surgery to remove the dermatofibroma from my shoulder area. I blogged about the suture site being painful for a few days on Wednesday and Thursday. By Saturday, I was able to start running my normal runs, and am proud to say that I ran 14, 7, and 6 for the past 3 days in a row.
I have been extra careful with the suture area, covering the area during runs and during showers and baths. I think this has helped keep the Steri-strips on. The doctor's instructions said the strips would stay on 7-10 days, but I never expected them to make it past day 5 (based on previous experience). They are pretty well stuck on my suture right now, and I have not even had to trim the edges.
The suture area is a little itchy, which I have heard is normal when your body is making new skin. So, we're all good!
I have been extra careful with the suture area, covering the area during runs and during showers and baths. I think this has helped keep the Steri-strips on. The doctor's instructions said the strips would stay on 7-10 days, but I never expected them to make it past day 5 (based on previous experience). They are pretty well stuck on my suture right now, and I have not even had to trim the edges.
The suture area is a little itchy, which I have heard is normal when your body is making new skin. So, we're all good!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Running Inspired
This weekend, I had the pleasure of using inspiration to get me through my runs.
Jordan Hasay - I was so excited to see the semifinals of the Women's 1500 on Friday night where Jordan Hasay (the high-schooler with the long blonde ponytail) ran a fantastic race to set a new high school national record and qualify for the Trials finals. She looked like she ran a comfortable race and finished with a strong kick to pass the other women to get into 5th place in her heat. What a wonderful performance!
During my 14 mile run the next morning, I kept picturing myself as Jordan...steady pace and with a long blonde ponytail. If I started to tire, I imagined myself with a long blonde ponytail and good running form. I used her inspirational run to finish strong on Saturday.
Donnell - There is this man that walks and runs on the trail. He is a very tall (6'4"?) black man who must have weighed over 300 pounds at one time. I noticed him several months ago walking with his much smaller friend, and at the time thought that it was great that someone of his stature was out on the trail working out. I have seen him many times during my runs, and it is quite obvious that he is putting in time on the trail to get in shape.
In the past few weeks, his appearance has changed. The weight that he has dropped is visibly missing from his body. I remarked to Chad a few weeks ago that he looked to be much smaller. He is one of those guys that is inspiring to see day after day. At first, I would only see him walking, but the past few times I have seen him, he has been jogging.
Anyhow, I took a moment during my run on Sunday to introduce myself and run with him for a few yards. He was very nice and introduced himself as Donnell. I let him know that I had noticed his hard work and how awesome I thought it was to see the obvious change in his size. I think he really liked my compliments and seemed to be very excited that I noticed him. When I asked, he said that he had lost 50 pounds. Wow! So, I take inspiration from Donnell. If he has the energy and drive to get out on the trail and work his body, then I can do it, too.
Jordan Hasay - I was so excited to see the semifinals of the Women's 1500 on Friday night where Jordan Hasay (the high-schooler with the long blonde ponytail) ran a fantastic race to set a new high school national record and qualify for the Trials finals. She looked like she ran a comfortable race and finished with a strong kick to pass the other women to get into 5th place in her heat. What a wonderful performance!
During my 14 mile run the next morning, I kept picturing myself as Jordan...steady pace and with a long blonde ponytail. If I started to tire, I imagined myself with a long blonde ponytail and good running form. I used her inspirational run to finish strong on Saturday.
Donnell - There is this man that walks and runs on the trail. He is a very tall (6'4"?) black man who must have weighed over 300 pounds at one time. I noticed him several months ago walking with his much smaller friend, and at the time thought that it was great that someone of his stature was out on the trail working out. I have seen him many times during my runs, and it is quite obvious that he is putting in time on the trail to get in shape.
In the past few weeks, his appearance has changed. The weight that he has dropped is visibly missing from his body. I remarked to Chad a few weeks ago that he looked to be much smaller. He is one of those guys that is inspiring to see day after day. At first, I would only see him walking, but the past few times I have seen him, he has been jogging.
Anyhow, I took a moment during my run on Sunday to introduce myself and run with him for a few yards. He was very nice and introduced himself as Donnell. I let him know that I had noticed his hard work and how awesome I thought it was to see the obvious change in his size. I think he really liked my compliments and seemed to be very excited that I noticed him. When I asked, he said that he had lost 50 pounds. Wow! So, I take inspiration from Donnell. If he has the energy and drive to get out on the trail and work his body, then I can do it, too.
Getting Caught Up - Sunday
July 6th - What did we do?
- We slept in until 9:00am.
- We watched the Tour de France and the Olympic Trials.
- I met up with Holly to look at an option for the bridal shower in August.
- We cleaned house for a few hours.
- We ran.
- We watched Olympic Trials.
Getting Caught Up - Saturday
July 5th - What did we do?
- We ran 14 miles and felt pretty good.
- We ate at Wahoo's for lunch.
- We went out to the winery.
- We went out to dinner at the Badu House in Llano.
- We watched the Olympic Trials.
Getting Caught Up - Friday
July 4th - What did we do?
- We slept late until 10:00am (hurray!).
- We puttered around the house until about 2:00 doing nothing.
- We wanted to go to Wahoo's, but they were closed and had a couple of police officers guarding the door. We went to Hula Hut instead (yay margarita!).
- We went to REI, looking at houses, Whole Foods, and ended up at the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse to see Get Smart. It was pretty funny, and both Chad and I were glad that we picked it. We also discovered the best chocolate chip cookies in the city are here. Next time you go to Alamo Drafthouse, order the Hot Chocolate Chip cookies. You won't regret it.
- When our movie let out, it was 9:30, so we walked out into the parking lot just in time to see the fireworks begin.
- We watched the Olympic Trials.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
3 miles - Sore Shoulder
I braved 3 miles this morning. Like I predicted, it was extremely difficult getting on and off my sports bra to run. Running itself was less painful than I thought, though going downhill seemed to make me feel like something was ripping at the incision more than going uphill or flat.
I'm gonna try to run a little tomorrow morning and see if I can do 4 flat miles on the TLT.
I'm gonna try to run a little tomorrow morning and see if I can do 4 flat miles on the TLT.
Happy Birthday Darling!
Today is Chad's 35th birthday. He has detailed on his blog the events for today and this weekend. It sure must be nice having a guaranteed day off the day after your birthday!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Nix Today's Run, Too. The Bandage Comes Off
You know you wanted to see it. The outer compression bandage came off this afternoon. My mom and I pulled it off. What I wasn't prepared for was the size of the incision below. Damn, that is much bigger and bloodier than I was expecting. No wonder I have been so sore.
The doctor only took a 4-5mm round piece of skin off and then sewed me up so that the scar would be minimal. As you can tell by the picture with my hand in it, it looks to be about an inch long. You can also see that it is positioned in a place on my body that is involved with a lot of movement. It actually hurts me to turn my head to the right because of the muscle movement underneath the incision.
Anyhow, I'm gonna skip running tonight, too. I really don't feel like moving my arm at all, and I don't even thing I can handle going to the gym. The only thing I might be able to do is the recumbent bike at the gym, and it is just not worth it today.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Wedding Slide Show
I guess I never posted this...
Here is a slide show of some of the wedding photos. This is definitely a short version of the total number of shots, but it is a long show. Enjoy
Here is a slide show of some of the wedding photos. This is definitely a short version of the total number of shots, but it is a long show. Enjoy
Dermatofibroma - Gone
The last time I went to the dermatologist, I blogged about it. I mentioned at one time in the past that I had a spot on my upper right shoulder that felt like a hard bump underneath the skin. I knew it was nothing to worry about, but since it had grown over the last six months, I made an appointment for it to be taken off. It is called a dermatofibroma. I've had one removed before...the last was on my lower back at my waistband.
Because dermatofibromas require a deeper cut to be removed, I now have a couple of layers of stitches under the skin. The sutures should dissolve over the next month, but for now, I have a big bandage over my skin, some suture tape over the scar, and then one stitch on the outside to reinforce the sutures on the inside. The numbing shots have begun to wear off this afternoon, and it feels like someone has stabbed the back of my right shoulder. I don't want to move it!
When you have 'surgery' (yes, that is what it is) like this, they tell you not to do any exercise for at least a week. When I mentioned that I had 'forgotten' about that requirement, the doctor and I discussed whether or not I could refrain from running for a week. Um...no? She asked me when I needed to run again, so I lied and said Saturday. She seemed shocked that I needed to run so soon, while I unknowingly made plans in my head to start back tomorrow.
Here are the instructions I received
If the wound becomes red, swollen, increasingly painful, or begins to drain excessive amounts of pus/blood, PLEASE CALL US. Some discomfort the first two days after your procedure is normal, but this should start declining thereafter. You may take Tylenol or Advil for the pain. (So since this is only 8 hours after my procedure, I shouldn't whine?)
After Steri-strips have fallen off and/or sutures have been removed, we recommend the use of silicone scar sheets. You can buy them at a pharmacy or grocery store. Remove the sheet when bathing, but otherwise keep the sheet on 24 hours a day for 2-4 weeks to help with wound healing.
So, it looks like I'm going to be healing for quite a while. I'm gonna run and heal as best as I can. I want to follow the Doctor's instructions at least for the first 24-48 hours, and then we'll see how well I can run without stressing out the area.
Seriously, getting on and off my sports bra without damaging the area will be more of a challenge than actually running.
Because dermatofibromas require a deeper cut to be removed, I now have a couple of layers of stitches under the skin. The sutures should dissolve over the next month, but for now, I have a big bandage over my skin, some suture tape over the scar, and then one stitch on the outside to reinforce the sutures on the inside. The numbing shots have begun to wear off this afternoon, and it feels like someone has stabbed the back of my right shoulder. I don't want to move it!
When you have 'surgery' (yes, that is what it is) like this, they tell you not to do any exercise for at least a week. When I mentioned that I had 'forgotten' about that requirement, the doctor and I discussed whether or not I could refrain from running for a week. Um...no? She asked me when I needed to run again, so I lied and said Saturday. She seemed shocked that I needed to run so soon, while I unknowingly made plans in my head to start back tomorrow.
Here are the instructions I received
- Remove your pressure dressing (bulky gauze and tape) after 24-48 hours. (Running Wednesday evening for 5 miles will be at 30 hours.)
- Avoid strenuous activities that may pull or damage the wound. Ummm...so no running. I'm also worried about sleeping on my side, as the sutures are on the side that I like to sleep on automatically.
- Smoking interferes with wound healing. Try to reduce or avoid it during the healing phase. (Note to self - don't start up a nicotine habit this week)
For Patients with SteriStrips - - When your pressure dressing is removed, you will see small yellow tape strips. They are applied with an adhesive. DO NOT REMOVE or clean them. Instead, do your best to keep them dry. (I will have to run at the gym for a couple of miles at a time so as not to break a terrible sweat and soak my bandage.) If they do get wet, pat them dry. They will generally remain in place for 7-10 days. (Umm, anyone wanna bet that they come off before 7 days?)
- If the strips peel off on the corners, you can trim the edges or -(if it comes off of the wound) apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly or Polysporin on the wound immediately after cleansing. Lubrication is very important. Do not let a dry scab form, as this will slow down healing.
If the wound becomes red, swollen, increasingly painful, or begins to drain excessive amounts of pus/blood, PLEASE CALL US. Some discomfort the first two days after your procedure is normal, but this should start declining thereafter. You may take Tylenol or Advil for the pain. (So since this is only 8 hours after my procedure, I shouldn't whine?)
After Steri-strips have fallen off and/or sutures have been removed, we recommend the use of silicone scar sheets. You can buy them at a pharmacy or grocery store. Remove the sheet when bathing, but otherwise keep the sheet on 24 hours a day for 2-4 weeks to help with wound healing.
So, it looks like I'm going to be healing for quite a while. I'm gonna run and heal as best as I can. I want to follow the Doctor's instructions at least for the first 24-48 hours, and then we'll see how well I can run without stressing out the area.
Seriously, getting on and off my sports bra without damaging the area will be more of a challenge than actually running.
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