Brown Socks

Air Running

Air Running
Originally uploaded by chili powder

Marcel at the pool....

Still Running...

It's been a while since I posted...I wasn't feeling blogging at all for a long time. Not sure if I am now...but I thought I would post to my sad, lonely blog.

I'm still running- but in moderation.  In the past year I found out I had asthma, dealt with the unpleasant Ischemia (and the subsequent yucky tests) last October, and had a miscarriage in March... A bit much for me.  I'm not sure if I was burned out, overwhelmed, bummed...but it has taken a while for me to get back in the swing of things.  I've run a race here and there and run around the neighborhood and at the greenbelt, but it seemed after all  of my health issues that I needed to examine my priorities and spend more time with my family.  Instead of getting up at the crack of dawn every day on the weekend,  I have been sleeping in and taking runs around the neighborhood in the late morning, and luckily this summer has been a mild one in comparison. I haven't touch the Camelbak in months and haven't run far enough to carry gels.  It's been all good, but I'm ready for a change.

It feels like I am now ready to get back "into" running.  Not that I have stopped, because I haven't- I run 3-4 times a week.  But I run without a goal, many times without a watch, and that is the difference... I am ready to get back into running with a goal. No big goals- no marathon or ultra this year as I am still wanting to have another baby and hopefully at some point soon- but a goal to focus on.  Zack ran a relay race on Friday night and I really missed being a part of that, and sitting there cheering for the runners I realized that it was time for me to get back into it again.  Nothing big- a 10K, a 10 miler...I just need to keep working to find a way to balance it all!

On the life side of things- busy, busy, busy- but who's not?  School's back in session for Mar, I'm  about to do some more traveling, I've got classes to take, ACL fest, jewelery orders to fill, a trip home for the wedding of a childhood friend, and running---trying to schedule in the running, of course.

Photo of the Day 6/23/07

PJ man
Originally uploaded by chili powder

Marcel had his first sleepover at our house last night. The kids ran around in their PJs trying to be zombies.

My new hobby....

My new etsy shop:

No running to report

Taking it easy at the gym- running here and there but nothing over 3 miles at the gym. The funny thing is- I've down almost 2 sizes since I'm not eating to "fuel" anymore.

Surprisingly, I don't miss running. At least not right now. Probably when Spring comes along and the days are longer- I'll miss running at the Greenbelt. I guess it is just one of those phases that I'm in right now though.  I'm enjoying the extra time with Zack, Marcel, and friends and haven't woken up early to run in months. Ahhh....this is a nice break.

To fill up my time I've started to make jewelry, totes, and stuffed plush monsters.  I'm hoping to "open" up an etsy shop once I gather a collection of things.

Also, I've joined the modern world and joined myspace. Check me out there since I probably wont be posting much here for a while...

Keep in touch y'all!

Jennifer

Changes

Normally I get behind on posting to the blog because I've been running too much... This time that is not the case. I'm actually not running right now.

Where to begin...?

So I did a 20 miler a few weeks ago on a Saturday, followed by a 10 miler on Sunday. I was feeling great during both runs. I took a day off on Monday, ran 4 miles on Tuesday, took a day off on Wednesday because my parents came into town,  and then headed out for a 6-7 mile run on Thursday afternoon. Got about 4 miles into the run when I experienced a terrible pain in my lower abdomen- a pain so sharp that I couldn't stand up straight. I had been experienced a milder abdominal pain on and off during runs in previous weeks, but nothing as painful as that.  I had to make my way back to the house, walking and jogging when I could. By the time I got back to the house I could barely think.  The pain stayed for the next week or so- not as bad as it was initially- but dull and persistent every day. I went to my doctor, who then sent me to a specialist. They believe I have Ischemia, a result of lowered blood supply to my "gut" while running. It appears to occur with long distance runners, and usually repairs itself. Mine seems to be taking longer to heal. Yeah, not pleasant.  We won't know for sure until we do more tests, but they have pretty much ruled out anything serious.

So plans change, and I haven't been able to run at all. Though the pain is mostly gone, running brings it back.

Instead,   I have been spending time with my family- wonderful time that I miss when I am running half of the day on a Saturday and Sunday. Though I am disappointed that I had put so much time already training for Sunmart, the alternative is great. I have a lot more time to dedicate to reading with Marcel, making time for myself, and baking(!) lots of yummy holiday treats.

I'm looking forward to getting back on the trails, but for now my exercise will be at the gym or around the block with the dogs.  I doubt I will be keeping up this blog, at least not for now. Instead I have been posting a "Photo of the Day" on the other blog. 

Take care y'all!

Big Bend

Big Bend
Originally uploaded by chili powder.

We got to hike a little bit in Big Bend, the day before the race. It was beautiful and surreal...

Happy (and tired) Marathon Finsher

Marathon Finish
Originally uploaded by chili powder.

Marathon to Marathon finish

marathon finish
Originally uploaded by chili powder.

Marcel got to remove Zack's timing chip, and give him his finisher's medal.

Marcel working the Marathon to Marathon finish line

Marcel working the marathon finish
Originally uploaded by chili powder.

Waiting for Dad to come down the road to give him his finishers medal!