I'm offiicially in training for the Chicago Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon on August 1. That means 4 runs during the week, 1 long Saturday run, and 2 days off (before and after the long run, so on Friday and Sunday). I was doing this before my kidney stone surgery in preparation for some spring 1/2 marathons, and it was working well for me. In fact, I was probably in the best running shape I'd been in...at least for the past couple of years. It's about time I get back to a more structured running plan.
Bill and I went on a 5 mile run today. I chose the route--poorly. It was 90 degrees, and I decided we should run into Waterloo through an area of the bike trail that offered zero shade. Good idea, Elaine. Actually, it probably wouldn't be that bad, but I don't think we're quite acclimated to the heat yet. You could tell by the times. None of the miles were less than 10 minutes, but that's okay. That's where my training times are supposed to be on easy days anyway.
I was sore today as well because I taught aerobics last night in addition to running. I don't teach too many fitness classes anymore, and when I do, the lunges and squats kill me since I'm not used to them.
Tomorrow is a tempo run. So a warm-up mile, a cool-down mile, and 3 quicker miles in the middle. I am thinking about 9 minute miles for the quick miles, although my training plan suggests they should be slower--closer to 9:20, I think.
I asked my mother-in-law, Denell, if she wanted to walk the Park to Park 1/2 Marathon in Cedar Falls on Sept. 11. I am thinking I will run it. If not, I will walk it with her. I haven't decided yet. They also have a 5k and 10k. This is the 1st year they've had a 10k. Bill will be in Denver by then, so he won't be with us (unless he should happen to head home that weekend, of course.)
My friend Leslie is back in town. She is currently attending University of Alabama at Birmingham. Last night, she came over and I blew all of my Weight Watchers points on pizza and wine. Great to see her though. Never seen Murphy and Gus-Gus so excited. Side note: Gus-Gus was a holy terror at the vet today. This serves as a public apology to Dr. Den Herder.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Kickin it for Cambodia
Looks like I am running a 5k tomorrow out at George Wyth State Park--Kickin' it for Cambodia. Hopefully this will be more fruitful than my attempt to run Lincoln to Lincoln last week. The weather should be nice. It is supposed to be windy, but hopefully that won't start until afternoon. We are supposed to have a warm weekend. Close to 90 on Sunday--but windy and humid. Bill won't do the race with me tomorrow. He's got ju jitsu.
On a side note, I think running races might be counter productive to my weight loss efforts. Let me predict what will happen tomorrow: I will run 3.1 miles, burning about 310 calories. Then I will eat at least 600 calories (at the very least) worth of post race refreshments.
The little dogs (Gus and Murphy) are at daycare today. Karl is home--he is too old, big, and lazy for daycare. I've worked on my online course that I am teaching, Psych of Aging, this morning, and I've done some "chores" around here. Might take a nap this afternoon! I am trying to only go into my office a couple of days a week right now. In a few weeks, summer orientation will start, and that will have me on campus most days, so I am enjoying the flexibility I have for the rest of May. It seems like I have a long list of work tasks to tackle, but some days I have lots of motivation while others days I have virtually no motivation. Thus is life, I guess.
After Psych of Aging is over, I will start teaching an online courses called Families, Alzheimer's, & Related Dementias. I am still in the process of prepping for this course. It's a new course--the only one of its kind in Iowa of which I am aware. I am excited about this class. Students will have to watch parts of an HBO documentary series called the Alzheimer's Project--which is incredibly interesting and well-done.
Oh, and after almost a month on Weight Watchers, I think I've lost about 1-2 pounds. I am eating healthier though, so I'm proud of that. If I could lose 10 pounds, I'd be thrilled, but if not, that's okay, too.
On a side note, I think running races might be counter productive to my weight loss efforts. Let me predict what will happen tomorrow: I will run 3.1 miles, burning about 310 calories. Then I will eat at least 600 calories (at the very least) worth of post race refreshments.
The little dogs (Gus and Murphy) are at daycare today. Karl is home--he is too old, big, and lazy for daycare. I've worked on my online course that I am teaching, Psych of Aging, this morning, and I've done some "chores" around here. Might take a nap this afternoon! I am trying to only go into my office a couple of days a week right now. In a few weeks, summer orientation will start, and that will have me on campus most days, so I am enjoying the flexibility I have for the rest of May. It seems like I have a long list of work tasks to tackle, but some days I have lots of motivation while others days I have virtually no motivation. Thus is life, I guess.
After Psych of Aging is over, I will start teaching an online courses called Families, Alzheimer's, & Related Dementias. I am still in the process of prepping for this course. It's a new course--the only one of its kind in Iowa of which I am aware. I am excited about this class. Students will have to watch parts of an HBO documentary series called the Alzheimer's Project--which is incredibly interesting and well-done.
Oh, and after almost a month on Weight Watchers, I think I've lost about 1-2 pounds. I am eating healthier though, so I'm proud of that. If I could lose 10 pounds, I'd be thrilled, but if not, that's okay, too.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saturday's Non-Existent Race
The race I tried to run on Saturday was canceled due to flooding. I didn't realize this until I arrived at the race...and was the only one there. It was actually pretty funny. Poor Bill got up at 6 a.m. to drive me--I felt bad! I went home and ran 9 miles by myself. Actually, it was a pretty good run. The race is rescheduled for the end of August. There is a 5k at George Wyth this Saturday that I might run.
Congratulations to Bill for getting his blue belt in BJJ this weekend. Big accomplishment and he's worked really hard.
Congratulations to Bill for getting his blue belt in BJJ this weekend. Big accomplishment and he's worked really hard.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Race today
I am off to run an 8 mile race from Lincoln School in Cedar Falls to Lincoln School in Waterloo. It is to raise money for their PE programs. I haven't run a full 8 miles since I got out of the hospital. I have done 7 quite a few times, so it should be fine. I am thinking I am meant to do this race because I woke up before my alarm went off this morning and I think the weather is perfect. And it's only $20. It would have been $15 had I registered earlier, but it's rained constantly lately and I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be running in the rain before I committed.
Bill is testing for his BJJ blue belt today, so he won't be with me, but he is getting up super early to do transport for me. He has to take me to plant my car at the finish line and then drive me to the start line. Then he'll take my purse back to the finish line because I will have needed it to pay at the start line. If that makes any sense....but I appreciate his help.
Bill is testing for his BJJ blue belt today, so he won't be with me, but he is getting up super early to do transport for me. He has to take me to plant my car at the finish line and then drive me to the start line. Then he'll take my purse back to the finish line because I will have needed it to pay at the start line. If that makes any sense....but I appreciate his help.
Monday, May 3, 2010
One lousy and lonely pound
Guess what? A little over two weeks on Weight Watchers and one pound lost. Yes, one lousy and lonely pound. It's okay though. I am going to stick with it. I'm not even really discouraged. I think I've been eating healthier, and I've been feeling pretty decent energy-wise. I am learning how to stick to the "points" system.
I actually like the program. There is plenty of good stuff I can and do eat, and it does stop me from some of my bad habits--particularly some of the binge eating crap. It also keeps me eating a lot of fiber because fiber makes food worth fewer points. I've been eating a lot of popcorn, Nutri-grain waffles, garden burgers, and grilled veggie salads from Panchero's.
I ran six days out of the week last week. I did end up taking today off just because I got lazy--so today is my day off for this week. I usually do 4-6 miles a day. I haven't been running hard, just nice and easy. The weather has been nice, for the most part, so it's been enjoyable. Murphy has been out with me a few times. He's such a focused little runner. I love watching his stride while I run. He just gallops along effortlessly. If only I were that smooth.
This is finals week--and next week I start teaching summer classes already! That's good though. I need a little bit of structure or I start feeling blah. I got to work in the yard this weekend. I bought my hanging baskets. I planted flowers in my flower boxes. Bill sprayed the front yard for weeds--because the weeds have been taking over. It feels good to have created my "summer yard."
I actually like the program. There is plenty of good stuff I can and do eat, and it does stop me from some of my bad habits--particularly some of the binge eating crap. It also keeps me eating a lot of fiber because fiber makes food worth fewer points. I've been eating a lot of popcorn, Nutri-grain waffles, garden burgers, and grilled veggie salads from Panchero's.
I ran six days out of the week last week. I did end up taking today off just because I got lazy--so today is my day off for this week. I usually do 4-6 miles a day. I haven't been running hard, just nice and easy. The weather has been nice, for the most part, so it's been enjoyable. Murphy has been out with me a few times. He's such a focused little runner. I love watching his stride while I run. He just gallops along effortlessly. If only I were that smooth.
This is finals week--and next week I start teaching summer classes already! That's good though. I need a little bit of structure or I start feeling blah. I got to work in the yard this weekend. I bought my hanging baskets. I planted flowers in my flower boxes. Bill sprayed the front yard for weeds--because the weeds have been taking over. It feels good to have created my "summer yard."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Weight Watchers?
Well, I joined Weight Watchers online. I guess this makes me officially a middle aged woman. Actually, I really like it so far. I'm probably looking to lose about 12-15 pounds.
I've been running during the week and sometimes taking the weekends off. Usually, it's between 22 and 25 miles a week. I'm not running close to as fast as I was before the kidney stones, but (although I'm motivated to run) I'm not all that motivated to train hard. The weather has been great, and it's been fantastic to do some spring runs on the trails around here. I love my new Zune that Bill bought me, and I've got some fun music on it.
I should mention that Bill's grandpa passed away yesterday after battling Alzheimer's Disease for several years. The visitation is tomorrow night and the funeral is Friday. Bill has a lot going on this week; he also has his dissertation proposal defense tomorrow. His suit will get a lot of action. That doesn't happen very often because we both loathe dressing up.
I've been running during the week and sometimes taking the weekends off. Usually, it's between 22 and 25 miles a week. I'm not running close to as fast as I was before the kidney stones, but (although I'm motivated to run) I'm not all that motivated to train hard. The weather has been great, and it's been fantastic to do some spring runs on the trails around here. I love my new Zune that Bill bought me, and I've got some fun music on it.
I should mention that Bill's grandpa passed away yesterday after battling Alzheimer's Disease for several years. The visitation is tomorrow night and the funeral is Friday. Bill has a lot going on this week; he also has his dissertation proposal defense tomorrow. His suit will get a lot of action. That doesn't happen very often because we both loathe dressing up.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring!
Spring is here! It's about 50 degrees today, but it might as well be 80. I went running on campus when I got done teaching today. I only had to wear capri tights and a long sleeve technical t-shirt. It was fantastic! I think the rest of the week looks similar.
I got 5 miles in. It wasn't fast but it felt pretty good. The wind picked up at one point but I can't complain. It's the time of year where I pack my running bag in the morning and run from work in the afternoon. I like this routine. I look forward to running from my office, probably because it tends to be better than whatever else I would be doing if I stayed IN my office. It's a nice break. I usually come back after running, check my email, take care of a couple of things, and then head home.
I've been using my new Zune. Bill helped me to make a play list of songs I like, and that's pretty cool. It's bigger than the I-Pod shuffle, but that doesn't bother me. If anything, it will keep me from losing the thing. I know there's a lot that the Zune can do that I haven't figured out yet. I should probably learn more...
I got 5 miles in. It wasn't fast but it felt pretty good. The wind picked up at one point but I can't complain. It's the time of year where I pack my running bag in the morning and run from work in the afternoon. I like this routine. I look forward to running from my office, probably because it tends to be better than whatever else I would be doing if I stayed IN my office. It's a nice break. I usually come back after running, check my email, take care of a couple of things, and then head home.
I've been using my new Zune. Bill helped me to make a play list of songs I like, and that's pretty cool. It's bigger than the I-Pod shuffle, but that doesn't bother me. If anything, it will keep me from losing the thing. I know there's a lot that the Zune can do that I haven't figured out yet. I should probably learn more...
Saturday, March 13, 2010
My easy run is not easy anymore
I just did a short run (3 miles) on the treadmill. I could have really run outside today, but my problem was that I didn't get my butt in gear. By the time I got the motivation to run, it was dark outside. How pathetic is that? Could I have been more lazy? We set the clocks ahead tonight, so that should allow me to run outside a little later in the day. Losing an hour of sleep isn't my favorite thing, but it really is nice to get home from work when it's still light out.
I've been doing my little PT routine with the right knee several times daily. I was even up during the night from 1:30 to 4:30 last night, and I did it again. The knee held up okay during the run, although I have to say I was WINDED. My easy run is no longer my easy run, I guess. Thanks to the kidney stones, I'm out of shape.
I will admit that I did a poor job of staying hydrated today, so maybe that was part of the issue. I also may have messed up yesterday. I ran 5 miles on a fairly empty stomach and then didn't eat for 2-3 (at least) hours after. That's not like me at all, and I know better. I'm wondering if I didn't refuel and suffered a little tonight because of it. Nonetheless, I got in the the run.
I'm hoping to get Murphy out running with me again soon. Maybe even tomorrow? His energy is sometimes bordering on behavioral issues, and I know that more exercise will help. He needs a job, and his job is that he's my running buddy. Of course, this is seasonal work for him. He is very well-behaved and focused when he runs, unlike Gus-Gus who has a conniption when bikers go by or Karl who has the cardiac fitness of a dead man. (I have a special place in my heart for Big Karl but he's not the active dog. You'd think he wouldn't fit into our family but somehow he does.)
Murphy gets in the zone and won't quit for anything. Maybe I see what I want to see, but I really do think he loves to run. I sometimes wish I could find a 1/2 marathon or other race that people could run with their dogs around here. Of course, our time would be limited by MY fitness, not Murphy's. I'm sure he could run 5-6 minute miles if I could keep up. When I had to do a lot of stop and go running/walking due to knee problems before surgery, I could tell how frustrating it was to him. I couldn't blame him. I was cramping his style. Hopefully this summer will be different!
I've been doing my little PT routine with the right knee several times daily. I was even up during the night from 1:30 to 4:30 last night, and I did it again. The knee held up okay during the run, although I have to say I was WINDED. My easy run is no longer my easy run, I guess. Thanks to the kidney stones, I'm out of shape.
I will admit that I did a poor job of staying hydrated today, so maybe that was part of the issue. I also may have messed up yesterday. I ran 5 miles on a fairly empty stomach and then didn't eat for 2-3 (at least) hours after. That's not like me at all, and I know better. I'm wondering if I didn't refuel and suffered a little tonight because of it. Nonetheless, I got in the the run.
I'm hoping to get Murphy out running with me again soon. Maybe even tomorrow? His energy is sometimes bordering on behavioral issues, and I know that more exercise will help. He needs a job, and his job is that he's my running buddy. Of course, this is seasonal work for him. He is very well-behaved and focused when he runs, unlike Gus-Gus who has a conniption when bikers go by or Karl who has the cardiac fitness of a dead man. (I have a special place in my heart for Big Karl but he's not the active dog. You'd think he wouldn't fit into our family but somehow he does.)
Murphy gets in the zone and won't quit for anything. Maybe I see what I want to see, but I really do think he loves to run. I sometimes wish I could find a 1/2 marathon or other race that people could run with their dogs around here. Of course, our time would be limited by MY fitness, not Murphy's. I'm sure he could run 5-6 minute miles if I could keep up. When I had to do a lot of stop and go running/walking due to knee problems before surgery, I could tell how frustrating it was to him. I couldn't blame him. I was cramping his style. Hopefully this summer will be different!
Friday, March 12, 2010
I love Fridays!
I just ran 5 miles around campus. Not incredibly confident about the right knee. (Reminder: Surgery was on the left knee.) I had to stop and stretch quite a bit, and I had taken some Aleve before running. Even so, it was great to run around campus in the "warm" weather. (It is 43 degrees.) Students are scarce on this Friday afternoon, which is a nice change, not that I have anything against college students. It's really overcast but that didn't bother me. Just glad I didn't have to bundle up to be outside.
I'm icing the knee right now and hoping for the best. I didn't really have significant pain but some strange sensations, which make me nervous. Before the kidney stones, I was running lots of miles on the knees without major issues, so I know it can be done, even though I'm getting older and could stand to lose a couple of pounds. I have been wondering if losing some weight would help the knees out. I know it's not really realistic to expect to lose a lot, but....just a thought.
My new (replacement) Garmin is in action. I love the Garmin. It's such a fun toy. Kudos to the Garmin company for their customer service for getting me a refurbished one so quickly. I also have a new Zune that Bill got me for Valentine's Day. He loaded some music onto it already. I learned today that it appears he loaded on HIS music, but I can fix that. The gadget itself seems great. I need to learn to make some playlists on there for myself for running. I'm sure there's a way to do that.
I gotta go get the little boys (Gus-Gus and Murphy) from daycare. On Fridays they go to the K9 Playhouse in Waterloo. Our hope is that they come home tired and a little less annoying, especially Murphy, who has boundless beagle energy. At daycare, Murphy hangs out with his best friend Louie, who happens to be a therapy dog, and who Gus happens to despise. It's pretty funny (or maybe only funny to us, but that's okay, too).
I'm icing the knee right now and hoping for the best. I didn't really have significant pain but some strange sensations, which make me nervous. Before the kidney stones, I was running lots of miles on the knees without major issues, so I know it can be done, even though I'm getting older and could stand to lose a couple of pounds. I have been wondering if losing some weight would help the knees out. I know it's not really realistic to expect to lose a lot, but....just a thought.
My new (replacement) Garmin is in action. I love the Garmin. It's such a fun toy. Kudos to the Garmin company for their customer service for getting me a refurbished one so quickly. I also have a new Zune that Bill got me for Valentine's Day. He loaded some music onto it already. I learned today that it appears he loaded on HIS music, but I can fix that. The gadget itself seems great. I need to learn to make some playlists on there for myself for running. I'm sure there's a way to do that.
I gotta go get the little boys (Gus-Gus and Murphy) from daycare. On Fridays they go to the K9 Playhouse in Waterloo. Our hope is that they come home tired and a little less annoying, especially Murphy, who has boundless beagle energy. At daycare, Murphy hangs out with his best friend Louie, who happens to be a therapy dog, and who Gus happens to despise. It's pretty funny (or maybe only funny to us, but that's okay, too).
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Operation Back to Normal
After the whole kidney stone ordeal, I finally feel like things are getting back to normal. For one, I am running again. Yes, I've lost a lot of fitness after about 2 1/2 weeks off. A little discouraging. Last night I did 4 miles and tonight I did 3.25 with some speedwork. A ten minute mile seems a lot faster than it did 3 weeks ago, but I'll get back to where I was.
A little concerned about the IT bands. I'm actually more concerend about this than the loss of conditioning. I can train and get back that fitness, but not if my knee is hurt again. I've had some fairly significant pain on the outside of my right knee, so I'm trying to take it slow as I rebuild my speed. This means I may or may not do the Drake 1/2 Marathon in April. I'll probably make a decision within the next couple of weeks on that one. I didn't register for it yet, which is odd for me, so I'm at least not out any money if I opt out.
It sucks to lose my conditioning, but I'm just glad to be running again. I had been on a roll with my IT bands doing great before the kidney stones, so I do know it's possible for me to run relatively high mileage (like 25-30 miles a week) without significant problems. I went to see my wonderful no-nonsense chiropractor yesterday and she helped me out some. (Who ever thought I'd have positive things to say about a chiropractor? I should add that she's a runner as well.)
Another bright spot...it's getting warmer and the snow is melting. I am looking forward to some nice spring runs. I may start packing my clothes in the morning and running on campus in the afternoons. I'm also looking forward to next week, when I go see the urologist to find out what the kidney stones were made of. It's a little strange how excited I am about that.
A little concerned about the IT bands. I'm actually more concerend about this than the loss of conditioning. I can train and get back that fitness, but not if my knee is hurt again. I've had some fairly significant pain on the outside of my right knee, so I'm trying to take it slow as I rebuild my speed. This means I may or may not do the Drake 1/2 Marathon in April. I'll probably make a decision within the next couple of weeks on that one. I didn't register for it yet, which is odd for me, so I'm at least not out any money if I opt out.
It sucks to lose my conditioning, but I'm just glad to be running again. I had been on a roll with my IT bands doing great before the kidney stones, so I do know it's possible for me to run relatively high mileage (like 25-30 miles a week) without significant problems. I went to see my wonderful no-nonsense chiropractor yesterday and she helped me out some. (Who ever thought I'd have positive things to say about a chiropractor? I should add that she's a runner as well.)
Another bright spot...it's getting warmer and the snow is melting. I am looking forward to some nice spring runs. I may start packing my clothes in the morning and running on campus in the afternoons. I'm also looking forward to next week, when I go see the urologist to find out what the kidney stones were made of. It's a little strange how excited I am about that.
Monday, March 1, 2010
A rough week
I am recovering from being hospitalized and having surgery to remove three kidney stones. Running is on hold, which is disappointing because I had been doing really well, but now I am just focusing on getting healthy. The pain from the stones is worse that anything I've felt before, and I guess that's typical of kidney stones. I've heard there's not much out there that's more painful. (I see lots of people online are debating whether trying to pass a kidney stone or hard labor is more painful.) At one point, just the pain was causing vomiting. That's when we headed back to the hospital.
So, after two trips to the ER (once to Sartori and once to Covenant), they admitted me to the hospital at about 11:30 pm last Monday. The urologist took a look at the CAT scan Tuesday morning, saw the stones, and scheduled me for surgery Tuesday night. He easily pulled one stone out but the other two crumbled, and then were tiny enough to pass in the next couple of days. I think the surgery took less than an hour. I'm sure the urologist has done hundreds of them.
I go back to the doc in a few weeks to see what the composition of my stones was. I'm interested in this--what were the stones made of? This will tell me a lot, hopefully, about how to prevent kidney stones in the future. Apparently, there is an 80% chance I will have kidney stones again, and a 50% chance I will have them in the next 5-10 years. If I can prevent this by changing my diet, I will. Many people get kidney stones due to dehydration, but I really am conscious of fluid intake.
The doctor is concerned because for some reason my ureter is very narrow at some point. He mentioned it could be because of scar tissue, but I don't know why I'd have scar tissue. I may be in for another procedure but will know more when I see the urologist again on March 19. I like the urologist, Dr. Mong of Waterloo, Iowa. He's got a good sense of humor. If they do want to do something to correct that narrowing, I hope it doesn't involve a stent (more later on the stent). I didn't ask the doctor a lot of questions about this narrowing deal because I was too concerned about the immediate pain of the stones, but I am anxious to learn more now. My kidney stones were about 2mm each (there were 3 of them) which is small enough for people to typically pass, but mine would not have passed without surgery due to the narrowing.
One of the worst parts of all of this was the stent that was inserted during surgery to hold my ureter open so stuff (including crumbled kidney stone pieces) could drain. I thought the stent was maybe 2-4 inches long, but when they pulled it out a few days later, it was actually over 2 feet long. It made sense that it was so painful and irritating when I saw the damn thing. I also had a little bit of an infection/fever due to the stent, but the doctor expected it to subside when the stent came out, and it did (although not fast enough for me).
I hope to run again in the next few days but I'm not sure how realistic that is. Today I walked from the parking lot to my office because I worked a couple of hours. I was exhausted. I'm still not walking "upright" and I move pretty slowly. Today is a lot better than yesterday though. I am still relying on pain meds but getting by on just a few Motrin. I'm also on antibioitics and some meds to make sure urination doesn't sting/burn too badly. Without getting too gory, there is still blood in my pee, but much less.
So I am on the road to recovery and just trying to be patient. The pain I have now is just an aching in my left kidney--which is where all of this started. The kidney itself has been a little swollen, and I think that should be resolved pretty soon. I've also slept much better the last couple of nights, which helps a lot. That's been with the assistance of Tylenol PM. I barely slept at all in the hospital. Averaged maybe 2 hours a night.
Here are some pics of different types of kidney stones. I found this interesting. Like a rock collection.
http://www.herringlab.com/photos/
So, after two trips to the ER (once to Sartori and once to Covenant), they admitted me to the hospital at about 11:30 pm last Monday. The urologist took a look at the CAT scan Tuesday morning, saw the stones, and scheduled me for surgery Tuesday night. He easily pulled one stone out but the other two crumbled, and then were tiny enough to pass in the next couple of days. I think the surgery took less than an hour. I'm sure the urologist has done hundreds of them.
I go back to the doc in a few weeks to see what the composition of my stones was. I'm interested in this--what were the stones made of? This will tell me a lot, hopefully, about how to prevent kidney stones in the future. Apparently, there is an 80% chance I will have kidney stones again, and a 50% chance I will have them in the next 5-10 years. If I can prevent this by changing my diet, I will. Many people get kidney stones due to dehydration, but I really am conscious of fluid intake.
The doctor is concerned because for some reason my ureter is very narrow at some point. He mentioned it could be because of scar tissue, but I don't know why I'd have scar tissue. I may be in for another procedure but will know more when I see the urologist again on March 19. I like the urologist, Dr. Mong of Waterloo, Iowa. He's got a good sense of humor. If they do want to do something to correct that narrowing, I hope it doesn't involve a stent (more later on the stent). I didn't ask the doctor a lot of questions about this narrowing deal because I was too concerned about the immediate pain of the stones, but I am anxious to learn more now. My kidney stones were about 2mm each (there were 3 of them) which is small enough for people to typically pass, but mine would not have passed without surgery due to the narrowing.
One of the worst parts of all of this was the stent that was inserted during surgery to hold my ureter open so stuff (including crumbled kidney stone pieces) could drain. I thought the stent was maybe 2-4 inches long, but when they pulled it out a few days later, it was actually over 2 feet long. It made sense that it was so painful and irritating when I saw the damn thing. I also had a little bit of an infection/fever due to the stent, but the doctor expected it to subside when the stent came out, and it did (although not fast enough for me).
I hope to run again in the next few days but I'm not sure how realistic that is. Today I walked from the parking lot to my office because I worked a couple of hours. I was exhausted. I'm still not walking "upright" and I move pretty slowly. Today is a lot better than yesterday though. I am still relying on pain meds but getting by on just a few Motrin. I'm also on antibioitics and some meds to make sure urination doesn't sting/burn too badly. Without getting too gory, there is still blood in my pee, but much less.
So I am on the road to recovery and just trying to be patient. The pain I have now is just an aching in my left kidney--which is where all of this started. The kidney itself has been a little swollen, and I think that should be resolved pretty soon. I've also slept much better the last couple of nights, which helps a lot. That's been with the assistance of Tylenol PM. I barely slept at all in the hospital. Averaged maybe 2 hours a night.
Here are some pics of different types of kidney stones. I found this interesting. Like a rock collection.
http://www.herringlab.com/photos/
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Half of Running is 90% Mental
I just read a book that Bill bought me: The Non-Runner's Guide to Running a Marathon by Whitsett and Dolgener. The writers are actually professors at UNI, which is sort of cool. (One, maybe both of them, are retired now.) I'm not, at this point, training to run a full marathon, but I got some stuff from the book--mostly about mental training and flow.
I've been using some the techniques to get through longer runs on the treadmill. Hopefully I'll need them less running outside, but it's nice to have them in my repetoire. The books teaches you to make up and play mental games, most of which seem ridiculous, but they work to keep you focused and get you into what I call "the zone." They call it "flow." A colleague of mine does research on flow and I thought it was completely uninteresting until I realized I could relate it to running.
The book also focuses on positive thinking in life and in running. It discusses internal locus of control, which is related closely to one of my professional research interests (mastery). Overall, a pretty good read. I'm glad I took the time to read it. If you looking for something on biomechanics and technical running, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a way to get through and even enjoy marathon training, read this book.
Running is going really well. I hate to be overly optimistic, but the IT bands are doing great. I stretch, I ice, I massage, and so far that's kept the pain at bay. I need to thank Bill for helping me out with that. I'm not doing great with getting out of bed to run before work. I'm a little disappointed in myself about that, but I should give myself a break. I get my runs in after work--without fail--and a run at 6 p.m. is as good as a run at 6 a.m., although for some reason I want to be a 6 a.m. runner. Maybe simply because it's difficult for me. I've never claimed to be a morning person.
I haven't missed a run since I started my training plan about a month ago. I've followed it to a T. The only exception is that I modify the tempo runs and speedwork a little, but I feel good about how I am running. Of course, I'm still a tortoise, but I'm a damn consistent tortoise.
On another note, my stepdad, Dennis, was in a little bit of a freak accident this week, but it looks like he's going to be just fine. I'm grateful for that. I know he's in pretty intense pain right now. Hopefully that passes quickly.
I've been using some the techniques to get through longer runs on the treadmill. Hopefully I'll need them less running outside, but it's nice to have them in my repetoire. The books teaches you to make up and play mental games, most of which seem ridiculous, but they work to keep you focused and get you into what I call "the zone." They call it "flow." A colleague of mine does research on flow and I thought it was completely uninteresting until I realized I could relate it to running.
The book also focuses on positive thinking in life and in running. It discusses internal locus of control, which is related closely to one of my professional research interests (mastery). Overall, a pretty good read. I'm glad I took the time to read it. If you looking for something on biomechanics and technical running, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a way to get through and even enjoy marathon training, read this book.
Running is going really well. I hate to be overly optimistic, but the IT bands are doing great. I stretch, I ice, I massage, and so far that's kept the pain at bay. I need to thank Bill for helping me out with that. I'm not doing great with getting out of bed to run before work. I'm a little disappointed in myself about that, but I should give myself a break. I get my runs in after work--without fail--and a run at 6 p.m. is as good as a run at 6 a.m., although for some reason I want to be a 6 a.m. runner. Maybe simply because it's difficult for me. I've never claimed to be a morning person.
I haven't missed a run since I started my training plan about a month ago. I've followed it to a T. The only exception is that I modify the tempo runs and speedwork a little, but I feel good about how I am running. Of course, I'm still a tortoise, but I'm a damn consistent tortoise.
On another note, my stepdad, Dennis, was in a little bit of a freak accident this week, but it looks like he's going to be just fine. I'm grateful for that. I know he's in pretty intense pain right now. Hopefully that passes quickly.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
After the cabinet fell on me....
I have to admit I've been off of my game a little bit in the last week. It all started when the cabinet fell on my head...I've gotten all of my runs in, but haven't been good about getting them done in the morning. I've had early meetings and somedays I have no excuse--I just haven't gotten out of bed. So more and more of my runs have been after work, which I guess isn't the end of the world, as long as I'm getting the miles in.
Tonight I did a 6 mile tempo run, and I noticed I am actually getting a little faster. Paces that seemed really quick a few weeks ago don't seem quite as quick. I've done 9 miles two straight Saturdays, and that's what I have this Saturday as well. Then I have a week where my mileage is cut a little--an easy week for recovery.
I should add that the cabinet falling on my head has led to a few hours of paperwork. Seriously?
Tonight I did a 6 mile tempo run, and I noticed I am actually getting a little faster. Paces that seemed really quick a few weeks ago don't seem quite as quick. I've done 9 miles two straight Saturdays, and that's what I have this Saturday as well. Then I have a week where my mileage is cut a little--an easy week for recovery.
I should add that the cabinet falling on my head has led to a few hours of paperwork. Seriously?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Elaine's No Good, Very Bad Day
Today could have gone better. I didn't sleep well last night because Murphy whined all night...we are trying to transition him out of the bedroom and he's not liking it. He and Gus-Gus go into the computer room when we go to bed. Bill and I moved to the bed upstairs so his whining wouldn't keep us up but I could still hear him. I planned to run in the early morning, but when the alarm went off I just couldn't do it. I took the extra hour of sleep instead.
When I got to work, things didn't get better. I had only been here about 5 minutes...I got into my cabinet/book shelf to grab something and the whole thing started falling on. The top shelf came out and hit me in the head. Some cans of soup (clam chowder) also nailed me in the forehead. I'm not even sure how it happened. I'm fine--a part of my head is a little tender--but I had to fill out an incident report (which, of course, I made a mockery of) on the insistence of my secretary and department head. I had to teach right after, but luckily we were watching a video part of the class so I could sit down for a while. I also managed to somehow spill a whole 32 ounce water bottle of pink Crystal Light all over my office this afternoon. I am trying to get a grip on cleaning that up before the janitor sees it. The good news is that I did avoid the computer.
So now I am debating on whether or not I should run this afternoon. I should be home about 3:30 or so, and I'd have plenty of time, but I may opt out, which makes me feel like a lazy sack of crap. After the bookshelf fell on me, I'm not sure I want to test my luck.
I did get in my 5 miles yesterday. It was an easy day but I pushed the pace just a little. IT bands are still tight but no real pain. Tomorrow or today I need to get in a tempo run or speedwork.
When I got to work, things didn't get better. I had only been here about 5 minutes...I got into my cabinet/book shelf to grab something and the whole thing started falling on. The top shelf came out and hit me in the head. Some cans of soup (clam chowder) also nailed me in the forehead. I'm not even sure how it happened. I'm fine--a part of my head is a little tender--but I had to fill out an incident report (which, of course, I made a mockery of) on the insistence of my secretary and department head. I had to teach right after, but luckily we were watching a video part of the class so I could sit down for a while. I also managed to somehow spill a whole 32 ounce water bottle of pink Crystal Light all over my office this afternoon. I am trying to get a grip on cleaning that up before the janitor sees it. The good news is that I did avoid the computer.
So now I am debating on whether or not I should run this afternoon. I should be home about 3:30 or so, and I'd have plenty of time, but I may opt out, which makes me feel like a lazy sack of crap. After the bookshelf fell on me, I'm not sure I want to test my luck.
I did get in my 5 miles yesterday. It was an easy day but I pushed the pace just a little. IT bands are still tight but no real pain. Tomorrow or today I need to get in a tempo run or speedwork.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)