"Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Jake: Hit it. "
This is how I feel.
It's 40 days to the Oil Creek 100 Race. I weigh the most I have in the last five years, I've done little to almost no running in August, and I have no training plan.
Hit it!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Run with Mikey
Mikey came over from Columbus for a trail run on my loop around Hosak's cave. To my dismay, I found half the trail under construction-a bull dozer was making the single track much wider-but it still was okay footing, just soft dirt. Mike and I had a wonderful time-I think it did both of us alot of good to get some trail talking done.
Final mileage: 6.7 miles. Ooops. I told Mike it was something like 5 (I never can remember..) so he got more miles for the week. Thanks
Mike! I sent him the raw pics (no, not nude pics, just not edited..) so he should post those soon!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Game on
Ok, I am going to run The Oil City 100. The race director was pretty crafty, just ignoring my withdrawal from the race.
I don't feel I really have a chance of finishing the race, but I will give it my all while running. It will be a nice change of trails to run on and I can encourage other runners out there.
Perhaps I can look at my schedule and see if I can make it over there for a run before the race and check out the course.
Tom is suggesting I focus on hill work in the month here before the race, and that sounds like a good plan for now.
I don't feel I really have a chance of finishing the race, but I will give it my all while running. It will be a nice change of trails to run on and I can encourage other runners out there.
Perhaps I can look at my schedule and see if I can make it over there for a run before the race and check out the course.
Tom is suggesting I focus on hill work in the month here before the race, and that sounds like a good plan for now.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Juiced
We got a juicer yesterday. The above picture, although kind of ugly, was quite tasty. I juiced two celery stocks, some carrots, and two tomatoes. I could have done less with the celery. The fresh tomato juice was awesome! I look forward to playing with this juicer.
Workouts (yes, a plural!!!!)
I went to the Newcomerstown High School track to do my Maffetone five mile training test. To my dismay, the stadium was alive with activity. I enquired and found out the football team started a scrimmage at ten, but it was fine for me to use the track.
You know, it's very hard to keep your HR at a certain point. This was difficult. Many times I was going even slower than my normal slowpoke pace. I had to actually break into a walk to get the HR down. I'm sure it didn't help that it was a very hot and humid morning either.
My numbers:
Mile 1 12.28 Average HR 136
Mile 2 12.43 Average HR 139
Mile 3 13.47 Average HR 135
Mile 4 14.00 Average HR 132 <----where it's supposed to be
Mile 5 14.03 Average HR 128
So I had that recorded now.
Since I didn't feel like I got much of a workout in at all, luckily I remembered my P90x! Came home and did the shoulders/back workout. I think this is the most easy day of the workout. I guess that means for the next week I either need to push more reps or heavier weights!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Matching Shoes Today
One mile on the treadmill, using HR monitor, 12.00 minute. Then Pylometric workout from P90X-wooheee, good workout. Going to work to rest!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Today's Workout
Well, I am feeling much better today...
I got up this am, and grabbed a bunch of clothes, and headed off to Salt Fork State Park for a run. It was supposed to be a trail run, but then I looked at the shoes I had brought for the run:
I actually thought about wearing one trail shoe, and one road shoe, then noticed they were both right-foot shoes. Hmm. Good thing I had another pair of road shoes in the vehicle. So I decided on a road run. As I stopped to tie my shoe lace, I noticed in amusement THESE SHOES didn't match either!!!!!
I took this pic before the run. This is how I have been feeling lately. No secrets on my face!!
Now that I have gotten my heart monitor to work, I thought I would experiment with following the Maffetone method of training. Which is, you run slow to improve your pace over time. Anyways, something like that. I understand it much better than feeling like explaining it here, and heck, I already run slow. So my target HR should be 132 or below to stay in the fat burning zone. It was kind of hard to monitor-every time I glanced at my watch, it looked like I was around 130, but the Garmin says my average was 120, so I think I should have stepped up the pace a bit more.
Well, the run sucked for the first 1/2 mile. I really really really didn't want to be out there. Then I started the first hill climb/walk, and that distracted me. Then I took the first side road and went down it for a little bit. I was only planning on a four or five mile run.
By the time I found the picnic area, I was in a much better mood-and I knew I had a big down hill run back to my car.
I left this pic in because I hope not to be so FAT sometime here in the next year. Once I had defined arm muscles, I hope to get them back again.
Once home, I went directly to the basement and started Day One of the P90X workouts. I bought these in the spring, but that was just shortly before the Mohican, and never got into a routine with them. So I am now planning on getting through the P90X workouts, use the HR monitor with running, and see if I can increase my speed. Of course, eating right and drinking less will go along with this all. I don't have any monumental goals out there that are beyond my reach right now, so I feel like I can work on just getting the Trail Goddess into some improved physical health-which should lead to some improved mental health too!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Two Personal Accounts
A continuation of the dangers of DVT's in athletes. Two personal accounts below-and another person's story in the comments section from Sunday's blog.
Tom from Illinois:
Hi Kim. I am currently recovering from a DVT which also spread into both of my lungs (PE). Though I am a little older (age 56), I have been keeping myself very fit for the last five years. My first full year of running I ran 2237 miles, currently I am more around 1300 per year. After I run I stretch, and do exercises with my dumbbells, cable machine, and dip and chin-up station. I also had gone to yoga twice weekly over the last eleven months. And I am a UPS service provider with 32 years of service which is sort of an industrial athlete-like life.
Around ten days ago I awoke with significant pain in my right calf and a bad limp. I finished out the last two days of the work-week in this condition. Over the weekend, thinking that I had a bad calf strain, I used Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, but things continued to get worse.
Finally on 8/4/09 I went in for the duplex doppler on my right leg, they found a thrombosis which is around a foot long, and I went straight to the emergency room, and was later admitted to the hospital. I was released on Lovenox, and Coumadin on 8/6/09, and I know that I will be recuperating for weeks if not months. I am hoping that I recover enough to return to my job, and eventually to full fitness. If you or your friends want to say hi, I am Tom, Joliet, IL.
Rob's account:
I am lucky to be alive today and I mean that with all of my heart. Even though I was receiving recent medical care I had a blood clot not treated in my left calf. I think sharing my story; my signs and symptoms may educate you on this scary event and just may save your life.
As you know I have spent past 7 days in the hospital with DVT in my left leg and PE in both of my lungs and multiple clots at that. I do believe that when I completed the Pig May 3rd I failed to hydrate and keep stretching as I then drove home for 3 hours. I do carry 98 to 99 % O2 in my lungs even with the PE.
My DVT symptoms were pain in my left calf that it felt like a muscle pull. My PE symptoms was I had some limited shortness of breath when running but severe pain in my back to lower rib cage in the front. This pain felt like a muscle pull but came and went and hurt more when I breathed in. I also was coughing some blood.
As I lay in my hospital bed the past week I reflected over the past few months and trying to figure out what has been happening to my health.
At 38 years of age, I recently ran a 4:12 at the Green Jewel 50k and a 3:34 at the Cincinnati Pig Marathon all while maintaining 50-70 mile training week(s). The high mileage weeks were to train for my need complete the Mohican 100 Mile trail race. Not bad for a 190-195 lbs man.
In the period of time from my marathon in May to today I have been hospitalized for 9 days so far with two of those days the result of back surgery. The past week (7 days), I have been hospitalized for blood clots in my left leg and both lungs. I am sharing this with you now to try to get the word out about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
The cause of my blood clots is really not know for sure as of yet. I am receiving tests to help determine if I have a genetic predisposition to having blood clots or a medical condition. It is possible that it occurred as a result of my back surgery (June 4th). I think that you will draw the same conclusion that I did my signs and symptoms developed before my back surgery.(read my blog)
In fact I think it is likely I have had a blood clot (leg) since May the 6th and I received blood clots in my lungs in the last two weeks. I think that I received the blood clot in the leg after the Cincinnati marathon after not taking a break and then driving home while having limited stretching.
This is a very serious situation and I am lucky to be alive. Time will tell if I will ever be able to run again. I will need medication that will make me bleed like crazy and presents a new hazard. Of course the Drs found other things to poke and prod so go get a physical blood work chest x-ray etc.
Tom from Illinois:
Hi Kim. I am currently recovering from a DVT which also spread into both of my lungs (PE). Though I am a little older (age 56), I have been keeping myself very fit for the last five years. My first full year of running I ran 2237 miles, currently I am more around 1300 per year. After I run I stretch, and do exercises with my dumbbells, cable machine, and dip and chin-up station. I also had gone to yoga twice weekly over the last eleven months. And I am a UPS service provider with 32 years of service which is sort of an industrial athlete-like life.
Around ten days ago I awoke with significant pain in my right calf and a bad limp. I finished out the last two days of the work-week in this condition. Over the weekend, thinking that I had a bad calf strain, I used Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, but things continued to get worse.
Finally on 8/4/09 I went in for the duplex doppler on my right leg, they found a thrombosis which is around a foot long, and I went straight to the emergency room, and was later admitted to the hospital. I was released on Lovenox, and Coumadin on 8/6/09, and I know that I will be recuperating for weeks if not months. I am hoping that I recover enough to return to my job, and eventually to full fitness. If you or your friends want to say hi, I am Tom, Joliet, IL.
Rob's account:
I am lucky to be alive today and I mean that with all of my heart. Even though I was receiving recent medical care I had a blood clot not treated in my left calf. I think sharing my story; my signs and symptoms may educate you on this scary event and just may save your life.
As you know I have spent past 7 days in the hospital with DVT in my left leg and PE in both of my lungs and multiple clots at that. I do believe that when I completed the Pig May 3rd I failed to hydrate and keep stretching as I then drove home for 3 hours. I do carry 98 to 99 % O2 in my lungs even with the PE.
My DVT symptoms were pain in my left calf that it felt like a muscle pull. My PE symptoms was I had some limited shortness of breath when running but severe pain in my back to lower rib cage in the front. This pain felt like a muscle pull but came and went and hurt more when I breathed in. I also was coughing some blood.
As I lay in my hospital bed the past week I reflected over the past few months and trying to figure out what has been happening to my health.
At 38 years of age, I recently ran a 4:12 at the Green Jewel 50k and a 3:34 at the Cincinnati Pig Marathon all while maintaining 50-70 mile training week(s). The high mileage weeks were to train for my need complete the Mohican 100 Mile trail race. Not bad for a 190-195 lbs man.
In the period of time from my marathon in May to today I have been hospitalized for 9 days so far with two of those days the result of back surgery. The past week (7 days), I have been hospitalized for blood clots in my left leg and both lungs. I am sharing this with you now to try to get the word out about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
The cause of my blood clots is really not know for sure as of yet. I am receiving tests to help determine if I have a genetic predisposition to having blood clots or a medical condition. It is possible that it occurred as a result of my back surgery (June 4th). I think that you will draw the same conclusion that I did my signs and symptoms developed before my back surgery.(read my blog)
In fact I think it is likely I have had a blood clot (leg) since May the 6th and I received blood clots in my lungs in the last two weeks. I think that I received the blood clot in the leg after the Cincinnati marathon after not taking a break and then driving home while having limited stretching.
This is a very serious situation and I am lucky to be alive. Time will tell if I will ever be able to run again. I will need medication that will make me bleed like crazy and presents a new hazard. Of course the Drs found other things to poke and prod so go get a physical blood work chest x-ray etc.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Endurance Athletes and DVT's (blood clots)
Two of my running friends have developed DVT's in the past six months. Two healthy runners in their early 40's. This surprised me, as I always think of DVT's (blood clots) as something that happens to an older, more sedentary, less healthy population.
As I did some research, some very interesting information has come to light. If you are an endurance athlete, please read on. DVT's do not just happen to folks in hospital beds, if you are an endurance athlete, you need to be aware of this condition and a few facts!!
What it is: DVT- deep vein thrombosis. Layman's term: blood clot. Why this is bad: this blood clot can break off from where it's formed, travel through your bloodstream, block oxygen and blood to your brain, and KILL YOU. Or the blood clot can stay in your leg (or arm) and cause swelling, pain, even tissue necrosis in the area if left alone long enough.
SO why is this happening to an otherwise fit athlete? Atheletes tend to have a lower resting heart rate. This results in blood flowing slower through the body.
Dehydration-this plays a factor in your blood viscosity. More dehyrdation leads to thicker blood.
Trauma? Falls, bruises? Nah, this never happens in an ultra. (Non runners would call this "trauma") Ultra runners? Well, we took a face plant eight hours ago. No big deal, right? I got a little banged up. Due to this trauma, there may be a clot forming at the spot in the cell wal. This is your body functioning normally.
After the race is over, we get into our car, or onto an airplane, and travel hours back to where we came from. We spend hours in a cramped position. Meanwhile, the thickened blood is pooling.The body is still dehydrated. The body is forced into the worst position to get the blood pumping throughout the body again. This is where the start of a clot in the legs (in the deep veins) can begin.
According to a www.airhealth.org 85% of air travel thrombosis are atheletes.
What can you do to help minimize your risk of a DVT?
Keep hydrated or get hydrated after the event. Keep hydrated on the plane! Keep legs moving. Get up and move every 15 minutes. Do not stay seated for prolonged periouds of time. Stop the car every 1/2 hour and get out and walk. Move your legs and change position during the car ride. If you inured yourself or became dehydrated you are at a higher risk!
What are some symptoms of a clot forming?
If a clot forms, it usually feels like a cramp in the leg, sometimes causing significant pain and swelling. There may also be a bruising or swelling behind the knee. If your doctor says it's just a sprain ask for an ultrasound of the area.
If you have chest symptoms and you are being told you have a chest infection, anxiety attack, heart attack, or anything else other than PE (pulmonary embolism), ask for a blood oxygen measurement. They will attach a pulse ox to your finger. If the reading is less than 80, you should be checked for a PE.
What else can you do?
Hydration
Movement-as much as possible after a race
Compression Stockings-compression stockings (not support hose) work by being very tight around the ankles, and become looser up the leg. By being constrictive, they will force the increase of the velocity of the blood. The blood will move faster.
Being aware of your body. www.airhealth.org publishes a free leaflet http://www.airhealth.org/leaflet.html that you can use as a wallet card to help remind you of what else to do after that long run!
Oh, it won't happen to me.....
It happens to athletes. ALL THE TIME. I have 2 friends in 6 months. Some other names and their accounts:
Frey Maxim professional triathlete http://freybird.blogspot.com/2009/01/deep-vein-thrombosis-for-cyclist.html
Steve Lehman endurance biker http://www.tristatevelo.com/node/87
More articles:
http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/health/your-last-tri-race-clot-die-001509.php
http://www.airhealth.org/index.html
http://blog.garymoller.com/2008/01/how-to-prevent-deep-vein-thrombosis-in.html
And on a personal note, I am going to have my calf checked out. I've had a pain in my left calf for about 2-3 months now. The pain comes and goes. I've had a massage, which has not helped, and the pain is still there. I've been thinking it is just a knot, but with all the reading I have been doing, I think I would like to rule out a clot!
As I did some research, some very interesting information has come to light. If you are an endurance athlete, please read on. DVT's do not just happen to folks in hospital beds, if you are an endurance athlete, you need to be aware of this condition and a few facts!!
What it is: DVT- deep vein thrombosis. Layman's term: blood clot. Why this is bad: this blood clot can break off from where it's formed, travel through your bloodstream, block oxygen and blood to your brain, and KILL YOU. Or the blood clot can stay in your leg (or arm) and cause swelling, pain, even tissue necrosis in the area if left alone long enough.
SO why is this happening to an otherwise fit athlete? Atheletes tend to have a lower resting heart rate. This results in blood flowing slower through the body.
Dehydration-this plays a factor in your blood viscosity. More dehyrdation leads to thicker blood.
Trauma? Falls, bruises? Nah, this never happens in an ultra. (Non runners would call this "trauma") Ultra runners? Well, we took a face plant eight hours ago. No big deal, right? I got a little banged up. Due to this trauma, there may be a clot forming at the spot in the cell wal. This is your body functioning normally.
After the race is over, we get into our car, or onto an airplane, and travel hours back to where we came from. We spend hours in a cramped position. Meanwhile, the thickened blood is pooling.The body is still dehydrated. The body is forced into the worst position to get the blood pumping throughout the body again. This is where the start of a clot in the legs (in the deep veins) can begin.
According to a www.airhealth.org 85% of air travel thrombosis are atheletes.
What can you do to help minimize your risk of a DVT?
Keep hydrated or get hydrated after the event. Keep hydrated on the plane! Keep legs moving. Get up and move every 15 minutes. Do not stay seated for prolonged periouds of time. Stop the car every 1/2 hour and get out and walk. Move your legs and change position during the car ride. If you inured yourself or became dehydrated you are at a higher risk!
What are some symptoms of a clot forming?
If a clot forms, it usually feels like a cramp in the leg, sometimes causing significant pain and swelling. There may also be a bruising or swelling behind the knee. If your doctor says it's just a sprain ask for an ultrasound of the area.
If you have chest symptoms and you are being told you have a chest infection, anxiety attack, heart attack, or anything else other than PE (pulmonary embolism), ask for a blood oxygen measurement. They will attach a pulse ox to your finger. If the reading is less than 80, you should be checked for a PE.
What else can you do?
Hydration
Movement-as much as possible after a race
Compression Stockings-compression stockings (not support hose) work by being very tight around the ankles, and become looser up the leg. By being constrictive, they will force the increase of the velocity of the blood. The blood will move faster.
Being aware of your body. www.airhealth.org publishes a free leaflet http://www.airhealth.org/leaflet.html that you can use as a wallet card to help remind you of what else to do after that long run!
Oh, it won't happen to me.....
It happens to athletes. ALL THE TIME. I have 2 friends in 6 months. Some other names and their accounts:
Frey Maxim professional triathlete http://freybird.blogspot.com/2009/01/deep-vein-thrombosis-for-cyclist.html
Steve Lehman endurance biker http://www.tristatevelo.com/node/87
More articles:
http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/health/your-last-tri-race-clot-die-001509.php
http://www.airhealth.org/index.html
http://blog.garymoller.com/2008/01/how-to-prevent-deep-vein-thrombosis-in.html
And on a personal note, I am going to have my calf checked out. I've had a pain in my left calf for about 2-3 months now. The pain comes and goes. I've had a massage, which has not helped, and the pain is still there. I've been thinking it is just a knot, but with all the reading I have been doing, I think I would like to rule out a clot!
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Goalless
I am in the curious stage of having no goals. I don't have any target race to work toward; I withdrew from Tom Jennings Inaugural 100 Mile Oil City Race. I simply do not have the enthusiasm or motivation to enter another race that I cannot finish.
I thought about entering the Groundhog 50K, but I would have to leave late Friday night, probably sleep in my car, and then run a 50K by myself. Again, just not seeing the motivation or summoning up the energy for that. I can stay around here and run a 50K if I like.
About the only sure plans are a relay section of the Akron Marathon, and I am planning on running the Bobcat Marathon on Novemeber 8th.
I haven't even been for a run. And I really am not upset/worried/caring about it. (Well, actually I had Monday off work, then I worked my 4 10 hour shifts).
I just don't know what I feel like doing right now. I am kicking around the idea of a Laurel Highlands run, maybe in October. I do feel like exploring some new places, maybe doing some new things. But what new things, I don't have a clue about either.
I'm still alive and out here. Just kind of apathetic.
I thought about entering the Groundhog 50K, but I would have to leave late Friday night, probably sleep in my car, and then run a 50K by myself. Again, just not seeing the motivation or summoning up the energy for that. I can stay around here and run a 50K if I like.
About the only sure plans are a relay section of the Akron Marathon, and I am planning on running the Bobcat Marathon on Novemeber 8th.
I haven't even been for a run. And I really am not upset/worried/caring about it. (Well, actually I had Monday off work, then I worked my 4 10 hour shifts).
I just don't know what I feel like doing right now. I am kicking around the idea of a Laurel Highlands run, maybe in October. I do feel like exploring some new places, maybe doing some new things. But what new things, I don't have a clue about either.
I'm still alive and out here. Just kind of apathetic.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
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