track fan

2:45:33 (8:16AP).  I was running running at about 9 min/mile, or even slower, the first 8-9 miles (headwind, my legs are dead, I had a rough night sleep-wise).  I did not have mile markers for all of my miles, but my last 2 with mile markers (about 2 miles from the turn-around, were 8:55 pace).  Then, after 12 miles I picked it up, had a mile marker 6 miles out (14:56 for two miles, 7:28 pace -- no wonder it felt hard!), then the next 4 were 7:35, 7:34, 7:32, 7:16.  It was 81F when I finished -- and 2PM!!!  Talk about carbo depletion ;-). 

So, we went out to dinner with some friends last night -- it was great fun, and we were home by 8:30!  We watched a movie and were in bed by 10:30 (yes, we are old fogies).  Then, around midnight the fireworks started and one of our dogs Jake freaked out.  He can open doors and opened our bedroom door!!  He is just a baby, he is a hound dog (we got him in Tennessee -- he showed up on our door one day) and we have always thought that his old owners kicked him out because he is such a horrible hunting dog (afraid of fireworks, likely guns as well).  Well, I tried to get him to calm down in the living room, but he kept coming into the bedroom, so finally at about 1:30AM we just let him stay in the bedroom.  But, it was a comedy of errors with me blindly trying to get him out into the living room only to have him slink back up the hall, I stepped on a broken dog bone and cut my foot, tried to catch the cat as she also ran into the bedroom ;-) ... so, after all that, I did not get back to sleep until nearly 2-3 AM.   I was tired this morning -- plus, my sinus infection is hanging on for dear life and I swear, the last 8 miles of this run I had snot pouring down my face (I did not care ;-) ).  

Oh well, last 20 miler done ... now I just have to stay healthy ;-) ... and make it to the line.

I am a little freaked out, not just about the race (though there is that too), but I am actually having to make a business trip the Monday/Tuesday before the race -- a trans-continential flight from Tucson to Philadelphia -- very little sleep those two days, the first day of the semester is the Wednesday after the trip (early class) -- also my last workout -- and then a flight out to Houston on Friday ... oh boy there it is going to take a lot of vitamin C not to get sick that week ;-).

Well, the New Year has begun.  I hope you are all enjoying it!  Happy 2012!!!! 

AM: (9 miles, 1:17:40).  28:56wu/29:04cd.  10 x 1`w/1` recovery.  Usually Greg doesn't give me a pace for these -- he just says do a fartek for X mins with Y recovery in between.  Today he specifically said to keep it at slightly faster than 5K pace.  We talked last week about training, and about the race, and he definitely wants me to take it pretty easy the next few days.  I have no choice really, since I am producing twice my body weight in snot every day (TMI, I know).  

PM: easy 4.

Went and saw John Ball yesterday -- saw Lauren Fleshman and Claudia Becque ... Claudia is getting ready for the trials (in 11 days!).   I am doing pretty well (except for my sinuses) -- at least my legs/back and foot are doing better than I could have hoped.  I still feel like I need about 40 hours of sleep ... ;-) ... instead, I have to work many hours this week, to get caught up and get ready for the new semester.  Where does the time go?

I hope you are all doing well ... just a little more on the trials here ... what an exceptional group of guys! And they train year after year in Minnesota winters.  Andrew Carlson was a runner for McMillan Elite/Team USA Arizona for a while, he is a very funny guy. 

41:25 ... I was glad to see 40` on the schedule, I am still sick.  I think I needed a few more days of antibiotics.  Ever since I finished my 10 days I have been getting sicker.  I am going back in to the doctors today to see what they say.  YIKES.  I am a little bummed, I am hoping beyond hope that it doesn't spread to my chest.  And, I am hoping that my two 8 hour travel days (5-6 hours of flying) in row doesn't make it worse (damn work interfering with my training!).

The one thing I forgot to tell you about from my run  yesterday, I almost got hit by a huge buck deer!!  He came FLYING, I mean flying from out of the wash and missed literally hitting me by about 10 ft!!  it was amazing.  I never did see what/who he was running from (it is hunting season here -- bow only, and usually a little further from major trailheads.  I saw a cute little fawn in my yard this morning, it was a little odd because I almost always see them in herds of at least 3 - 4.  

Happy Wednesday bloggers!! 

Update: I am in tears.  The doctors visit was not good, at all.  There is a chance that I can beat this thing, but chances are small.  She basically thinks it is a viral infection (especially since it is on the heels of a 10 day course of antibiotics) that is going around.  If it is the same thing that she has seen (tons of, btw) it will go to the lungs, and I WILL be out of commission for a while.  I did get some more antibiotics -- she said if it doesn't feel much better in two days stop taking them -- and I am trying EVERYTHING else under the sun, but her exact words when I said, "I am running a marathon in 11 days" was, "I am so sorry ..."

I won't cuss because this is a family friendly blog, but there are many words that are on the tip of my tongue that are most definitely not "family friendly".   I am still not giving up yet (without a fight -- an immune fight that is), but I am not sure I am going to waste my time running *in* a marathon if I am sick (though I will still go and watch the trials).  I am sick to my stomach now - just thinking about not running.  

I think I am going to go home and eat worms. 

another 40 min day.  

Greg just nixed my marathon on January 15th.  I am pretty depressed about it right now, maybe by tomorrow I can make up my mind for sure about deferring, changing to the 1/2, and whether to go to Houston at all -- versus use the money, plane tickets, etc. for Napa in March (if I can still get in).

More later.  I hope you all are well. 

48:10.  

I am feeling a little better, both physically and emotionally.  I know it is the right decision not to race in Houston, but it is not an easy one.  I have a coach because I trust his opinions.  He basically said that if this was a 24hr stomach virus or something that was a short duration thing then yes, it might be possible to pull it off.  But, this is something that has been going on for over a month now (since before my 1/2 marathon in Phoenix) .. and it is not a 10K or even a 1/2 marathon -- it is a marathon, and the probability of running a good race at less than 100% is quite small.  Plus, I don't run professionally, I am not running the Saturday race, so it does not carry the same necessity.  I am in the best shape of my life and I really don't want to waste it running a sub-par race just to participate (which maybe I would do if it were Boston or something).  

So ... Napa was already closed, butI have signed up for a new race: The Woodlands Marathon on March 3rd.  I have been in contact with the race director because I was 29 secs off of the time to get elite status for a masters female (based on my 1/2 marathon time) -- unfortunately, he can't make an exception for me because he turned down other people who were off of the qualifying time -- although I am only 6 months off of being in the "senior" category (50+) - and I am a lot faster that time.  So, at the end of the day, he was not able to pay for lodging or waive my entry fee, but he is going to get me an elite start!  I have his cell phone number and I a supposed to call him when I get into town and he will hook me up.  I thought that was pretty nice of him.  This should be a very fast course, it is a two loop 13.1 mile course -- which I think will be good for me, I like loop courses, and train on them all the time, so mentally it is something I actually like.  It is a smaller race, and they have prize money ... If I have a good day, I might be able to get a piece of the masters prize ... depends a lot on who shows up ;-).

So, the biggest challenge now (besides kicking this damn thing) is that Greg wants me to "get a little out of shape" - so I don't peak too early.  So I really really need to take it slow and trust him, even though I am itching to keep up with my training (well, I don't feel well now so it is a bit easier to take it slow).   And, I am the perfect race weight right now, so I also have to figure out a way to eat well enough to help myself heal, and not gain any weight ...  

AM: (little more than 5 miles, 46:25).

PM: easy 4

Well, I am feeling better!  But, I am still feeling it.  I have two mantra's (actually stuck to my bathroom mirror):

Patience today for the greater reward tomorrow

I did not train for Houston, I trained for PR in the marathon -- I will get it in 5 short weeks

I hope all of you preparing for races are getting itchy for a great run!!  Stay focused, stay strong!!

2:02:41.  Easy run around the hood (which means in the mountains, which means very hilly ;-) ).  Felt pretty good today.  I ran especially easy because I am feeling better, but I have a pretty stressful couple of days coming up.  I am leaving for Philadelphia tomorrow morning, have a very long day of grant reviews on Tuesday, then a long trip home very late Tuesday night ... culminating in a very early first day of classes on Wednesday.  The class I teach in the spring is a little easier, in terms of material, but much larger (~50 or more students) and much more variable in their comfort level with mathematics.  It is a tricky class, since there is no way to make everyone happy (e.g., if I teach it too easily the people who need to learn it feel cheated, if I make it too hard then the people who are taking it to fulfill their requirements are overwhelmed).  I am hoping that come next fall I can teach another higher level course, which would make me, and the students, much happier ;-).

Anyway -- I may or may not be blogging over the next few days, I will be continuing to run very easy -- with next Thursday being my first day "back" to retraining for my new marathon target.

Happy Sunday bloggers, have a wonderful week!!! 

61 mins or so ...

up and away to the big blue yonder. 

Happy Monday! 

54:13.   Had to get up pretty early, Tucson time (3:30), although it was late (5:30) Philly time ;-).  

Had a really nice run down to the Schulylkill River Trail, I had to run about 1.5 miles through the city (I am staying smack-dab downtown) -- but only about 1/2 mile of it was super dangerous - wrt cars.   It was pretty awesome.  For a little while I missed living in "the city" ... but then I remembered how easy it is to find dirt roads and trails from my house (and how nice it is to have a yard) and I realized it is maybe better to just travel to large cities than to live in them ;-).

Happy Day bloggers, I must get back to my reviews! 

AM: (7.5 miles, 1:06:53).  Oh man, what a beautiful day, perfect -- cloudy, 45F, my legs were rested and feel oh so good.  I SOOOO wanted to do a workout.  But, Greg said no.  He said I am still down this week ... he wants me a to get a little "out-of-shape" so I don't peak early ... so I am trying to be good.  Even so, I was about 30 seconds/mile faster than my usual "easy" pace.  That is the good thing about running by effort, I don't always know how far I run, but I know what easy effort is ;-).  

PM: easy 4.

I slept really well last night, probably to make up for 2 nights of very little sleep and over 16 hours of flying in 48 hours.  On the way home from Philadelphia I traveled with about 40 UofA students -- everyone was coming back from Christmas break (yesterday was the first day of classes).  It was pretty funny being part of a very very young "cool" crowd that comes back to school on the midnight flight ;-).  It was not that enjoyable yesterday morning though -- when I had to get up after 4 hours of sleep and teach.  Despite all that though, I am feeling oh so much better ... I am still congested, but every day seems to get better ... I can't wait to see if my workouts will improve now that I am not sick!!

I hope you are doing well bloggers!! 

1:02:20 ... another beautiful day.  I ran major hills today - I love living in the Tucson mountains (not to be confused with "mountains in Tucson" ;-) ).  There are 3 major mountain ranges in Tucson, the Tucson mountains are the lowest in elevation, but closest to downtown (a mere 15 mins -- but much less congested than the other foothills).  Saguaro forests, lots of hills, lots of dirt roads/trails, and lots of javelina, bobcats, deer and coyotes (well, and snakes, scorpions and mountain lions ;-) ).    

 Thanks to allie, I couldn't resist having celery and almond butter for breakfast ... hopefully I can make up the calories at lunch or dinner ;-).

I am so excited about the trials tomorrow -- I think Abdi is going to make the team as the "long shot"!  Don't forget to  make  your predictions -- today is the last day, and there is a fastrunningblog team.

Happy Friday bloggers. 

AM: 8 miles, easy pace -- I seem to have misplaced my watch.  I know that I went through my first landmark about 50 secs faster than usual.  Yikes.  I had to remind myself to take it very easy.  It was hard, my legs feel so fresh -- and, of course, I was inspired by watching the trials (well virtually watching, it is not on TV yet).

PM: Easy 4.

 I KNEW Abdi was going to make the team.  I just had no idea that Meb would kill it like that!  And, I am torn because I was so rooting for Ritz, but am seriously happy for Abdi.  Shalane was, as usual, amazing.  

I am also super stoked to see that the McMillan Elite had 2 guys in the top 10 ... seriously awesome for a group that has only been around for 5 years!! SOOO happy for them.  Haven't yet heard what happened to Stephanie.    

Happy Saturday bloggers! 

1:20:48 (40:47/40:01) - it is super uphill on coming back part.  

I have to say, I almost cried when Greg told me to run 80` easy today.  It is so nice out, I am SO sick of eating tiny portions of food ... and, I am getting tired of my legs not being tired all the time ;-).  But, hey, after all his success yesterday, I have to trust he knows what he is doing.

I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! 

AM: (7.5 miles, 1:05:31).  Nice day today ... it was a rough start, but felt good by the end.  It was a tough start because I was in bed most of yesterday not able to eat ... I got some sort of food poisoning or stomach virus or something.  I felt pretty horrid.  I had a slim fast at about 3PM, and then 2 scrambled eggs at about 8PM, and that is it for the day.  Unfortunately, I couldn't drink either, even water did not stay down (TMI).   I did not sleep well last night, but felt a little better this morning (albeit a little weak).  

PM: easy 4.

I am getting ready for class tomorrow, and then I am off to San Francisco for the GI ASCO (Gastrointestinal section  - American Society for Cancer Oncology)  tomorrow.  I am presenting a poster (hopefully, I haven't actually seen the poster in real life yet!).  Should be a nice little trip, not nearly as stressful as my own professional organization (ASA - American Statistical Association) meetings - since I am not on any committees for this society, and I am really only there to present my poster and meet up with some of my colleagues from Vanderbilt ... I am sure I will be able to run, and no early morning meetings! yea!

Have a great week bloggers! 

time??? who knows, it was so long ago now ;-).  Taught in the morning, caught a flight to San Francisco in the evening ...

The temps are actually colder in Tucson, but it feels colder here!!  My stomach is still upset and I could not really eat dinner ... 

AM: (9 miles, 1:19:34).  30wu/30cd 10 x 1` w/1` recovery.  I wanted to do more, but I just did not have the "umppph".

PM: 4 easy 

So, first of all, did not sleep at all last night, seriously, not a wink.  On top of not being able to eat I felt super bad this morning when the alarm went off.  I got up and got dressed to run, felt like I was going to pass out, so I ate a power bar, drank some water, and promptly went back to bed. Got up 2 hours later and felt much better -- I should be at talks at the conference, but I am not - I looked up the weather on my phone and it said 60F, it looked hazy out so I put on some capri's and a short sleeve shirt.  Can anyone say Brrrrr... the 60F must have been Tucson, because it was not any warmer than 45 out there, and the wind was super cold.  After being out in it for 80 mins it took me 2 hours to warm my hands back up.  Tomorrow, I wear gloves!!

I hope you are all doing well. 

1:03:32.  Busy day ... conferencing everywhere.  I must have been sick yesterday.  I felt better in the afternoon, so I went to Chipolte for a little dinner, and for the first time all week ate a whole meal without wanting to throw up.  But, I was tired.  By the time I got back to my hotel room, I had to call Dean and tell him I was going to bed ... he said, "it is only 8:30 there", I said, "I know, I feel horrible".   I couldn't even talk to him.  The best news?  I slept most of the night, and when I woke up this morning I was STARVING -- yea!  I had a nice easy run ... it rained the whole time, but it was warmer than yesterday. 

I hope you are all doing well! 

1:14:23.  I am 0 for 3 in the "picking the right clothes for running in SF".   Monday, I was in short sleeves and no gloves and I froze, yesterday, I wore long sleeves and a rain vest and although I was wet and cold by the end, I spent most of the run a little warm.  Today, I opted for thin long sleeves, gloves, and an ear band, and I was hot ... mainly because the SUN CAME OUT!  For 60 glorious minutes!  Yippee.  It was windy though, I mean knock you off your feet windy.  Yikes.  Luckily, it was perfect, it was a headwind on the "out" portion of the run, and a nice tailwind on the "back" portion.  Traveling tonight, a late night flight home.  I get to spend 12 hours with Dean (most of them sleeping), before he heads out to a conference tomorrow.   Two ships passing in the night ;-).  Tomorrow I get to do my first long run in 2 weeks!! yea!

Hope you are doing well. 

2:38:53.  Yippee!  It was awesome today.  I deliberated between driving to my hilly looped dirt road or my flat trails.   I decided on flat trails, mainly just because they are closer to  my house.  It was so nice not to be pounding concrete.  I don't mind traveling to San Francisco because at least there are places to run in the city ... but lots of concrete -- not asphalt mind you, but serious hard stuff.  So, being the delicate flower that I am, I much prefer nice soft dirt.  I felt awesome.  Since I had not run longer than 2 hours in two weeks (and much less than that last week) I wasn't sure how I would feel .... but, now that I have gotten rid of the two (or one??) nasty bugs that I have been carrying around for 6 weeks I feel fantastic.  And, my legs were fresh - which they usually aren't for my long run.  

I am excited to get back to work -- training that is ;-).  

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!! 

So, for my running geek friends.  I was so disappointed (and worried for Greg - thankfully no one has made stupid accusations about him) about Martin Fagan taking EPO.  Martin had been training with the McMillan Elite group for about 3 years, and been coached by Greg, until he left last year.   He was the guy that "set the pace" -- all the other guys counted on Martin to push them through workouts.  I am sure it hit all of them pretty hard, on the one hand, cheaters are cheaters and they are blight on the sport.  On the other hand, I am sure many of the other athletes who have made significant sacrifices to be a professional runner (putting careers on hold while live hand-to-mouth in houses with 5-6 other athletes) can understand the pressure that Martin felt - and he was (is?) their friend.  So, there was a very nice article written about these conflicting feelings. 

AM: (10.5 miles, 1:31:56). ~47 out and 45 and some change back.  

PM: 4 miles easy

Beautiful morning ... had to rush through the run because I had an early morning meeting in the lab on the other side of town.  Then I had a doctors appointment ... and another meeting this afternoon ... yikes what a day.

I hope you are all doing well, running fast and enjoying the winter ;-). 

1:04:59.  A balmy 37F today, a perfect temperature for a run!  Dean comes home tonight!  The animals and I have missed him a lot!

Happy Hump Day bloggers! 

By the way, I know my blog is boring right now ... did you get me confused with Burt?  There are reasons for the boredom ... in time all will be revealed. 

AM:(9 miles, 1:31:24).  26:57wu/28:00cd.  6 x 800 w/equal recoveries.  

3:19, 3:21, 3:22, 3:21, 3:21, 3:23

Yes, I know they are slow, and I also know that my schedule called for 6-8 and I only did 6.  So, I guess I have to explain my reluctance to expound on my runs of late. Things are not going well, health-wise.  I don't know exactly what is wrong, but I am being poked and prodded a lot this week.  About 10 days ago now I got sick.  I thought it was food poisoning or a stomach virus.  I spent Martin Luther King day in bed.  I felt a little better the next day, but I still couldn't eat.  Well, it has been 10 days now and I have only been able to eat for the last day - and that is because I am taking anti-nausea meds.  I did feel good on Sunday, but then on Tuesday I realized that part of the reason I have felt good on runs is that I am about 15-20 sec/mile slower than usual (this is what happens when you run only by feel and don't have a garmin -- you don't know you are running super slow until you hit a "known" run and can gauge how fast you are relative to other times you have run that route).    I don't know if I felt like crap today because of nutrition issues (I have lost about 6 pounds over the past 10 days) or because of whatever is wrong ... but blood tests are in the works and ultrasounds are scheduled for next week.  I can't tell you how frustrating this all is.  And no, it is impossible that I am pregnant.

PM: easy 4.

I hope you are all warm, dry, and running well!!  Sorry for the depressing paragraph, I am pretty frustrated, did I say that already? 

Did not wear a watch.  Ran very very very very (very) slow.  Felt like crap (again).  Almost didn't run, but I felt like if I am going to feel horrible anyway I might as well run.

Have meetings this afternoon, otherwise I would likely try to work from home.  

I hope you are all feeling well -- and if you have ESPN2 at your house there will be some awesome indoor track on Sunday.  I would summarize the Dubai marathon, but JakeK beat me to it ;-) -- highlights: it was FAST!!!!

AM: (8 miles, 1:11:26).  easy 8 ... ran by Big Boy and CoCo, gave them some carrots (CoCo was especially "lovey" today, she kept rubbing against me, I think because she was soaking wet from her "bath").  Man, horses are BIG.  Dover (the draft horse) weights 1600 lbs!  Big Boy is probably in the 900 lb range, and CoCo, probably about 200 less.  

PM: easy 4.  

Excited about watching the track meet tomorrow on TV -- it used to be "The Millrose Games", now it is called "Madison Square Garden US Open" (lame!).  Mo Farah just opened up his indoor season with a 3:39 1500 in Glascow (about equivalent to a 3:36 outdoor -- not great for a miler, but pretty good for a 5 -10K guy!). 

Wanted to run 18-22 ... couldn't do it.  Felt awful ... was happy to get in 10.

Track and Field tonight on TV -- was awesome!!  Next weekend -- THE ARMORY!  

Had CT scans yesterday -- more tests today.  Did not go well.  Have more tests set up for next week.  They still aren't sure what is wrong ... I think a couple of things.  Most pressing right now is gastric ulcer. 

AM: 8 miles -- was just happy to be able to run .... even if it was slow.

PM: trying to stay on "schedule" with an easy 4. 

AM: (8 miles, easy, 1:12:20).  Beautiful day ... seriously, beautiful.

PM: easy 4. 

Felt a lot better yesterday, but was super sick today.  I had to get out for a little run, but I spent most of the day in bed.

2:00:09.  Doesn't look like much, but it was the longest I have been able to run in 3 weeks, and I as long as I don't run too hard, it is quite tolerable.  It was very hilly - and 13 mins faster than I ran this same route 15 months ago ... so all and all I am happy with it.

I will be missing a couple runs this week because of some more tests.  So, I have two things going on - the one that is affecting my running is the stomach issue -- the medicine is helping, it just will take a little while and I am a little tired.   

TMI alert.  I don't like to talk about personal issues on the running blog, but you will remember that I wrote up a little "cautionary tale" about my basal and squamous cell carcinomas a couple of years ago - to remind you all to wear sunscreen ;-).  Well, especially for my 45+ year old running friends, todays tale is about getting your mammograms.The other issue is that I have had an abnormal mammogram - and I have to have two types of biopsies.  The abnormalities are of "intermediate" concern.  There are two different abnormal things they found, each of them separately would be of "concern" and likely to require a biopsy, but both of them together doubles the risk of cancer (and one area is in a bad place for them to get to so they might have to do surgery) - therefore, it is requiring more invasive biopsies than usual.  It is likely that I will miss one or days of running this coming week, and then depending on how that goes I might miss a few more days the following week.  All of this is just to remind you that if you are over 40, don't put off your yearly mammograms - and if you are closer to 50 -- even a bigger reason not to put it off.

Today we are watching the Amory Indoor track meet! there were some incredible races (I already know the results, but still I am excited to watch).  Last week Anna Pierce had a tough 1500m race -- but this week, she ran a super 800 meters.  And my favorite Ethopian runner - Tirunesh Debaba is BACK!!  Whoohoo!

1:16:43 (ok a little longer than 8.5, but not quite 9).  I was a little late this morning getting started so I had to cut my run a little short. 

So, biopsy was both worse than I thought it was going to be and not as bad as I thought it would be ;-).  So, bad news is, this will either be positive for cancer - or it will be negative and the doctor will make me have a different type of biopsy (because she doesn't think she was able to get to one of the areas she was concerned about).  Yucky.  

On a very very positive note, it is beautiful here right now!!

Happy Tuesday bloggers. 

AM: (8.5, 1:12:08).  I wanted to run 10, but I was pretty achy after 20 mins, so I decided not to push too much today.  As you can see, I am trying to remain positive and I am preblogging 4 miles for tonight.  I will modify if the pain that I am feeling right now either gets worse or doesn't abate.  Compared to the nausea, this pain is a piece of cake ;-).  The stomach issues are getting a little better every day ... I don't want to, but I guess I will have to follow through with the tests they are running next week, but I am very optimistic that the tummy issues (actually, based on the tests so far it is my bile duct -- but it is near the tummy ;-) ) are on the mend.

PM: 4 miles.

I hope you are all doing well -- another good weekend this weekend - track and field on ESPN2 on Sunday, the USATF classic is on at 12PM EST.  Galen Rupp will be making an American Record attempt in the 2 mile (indoor) - so it should be a great meet!!!

A good read about an up-and-coming track standout here ... 

1:02:24.  Beautiful day, fed Dover carrots.

Despite not really "goofing off" this morning, I still barely made it on time to my first meeting ARG!   Somehow I need to get caught up on all my work.  This all-day-tuesday-at-the-doctors-and-having-tests-biopsies-and-other-unpleasantness is seriously affecting my work even more than feel like crap does ;-).

Happy Friday bloggers 

AM: (8 miles, 1:11:20).  Yes, that is what I am talking about!  Still not 100%, but at least 50% better than last week - still hurts when I run, but the nausea is not nearly as bad, and the pain is in the tolerable range (as long as I don't run fast).  Still have a couple more tests next week for the tummy thing - but it looks like it is a dilated bile duct -- which means more bile acid in my esophagus and stomach -- which means inflammation of both of these organs/sites.  Tests are to see if there will need to be some sort of treatment for what is causing the dilation (maybe a stone, maybe some other sort of inflammation) -- but the medicine should continue to help heal the current tissue (just takes a little time) -- they might give me a different type on Tuesday, which may work a little faster even.  YEA.  This week was the first week that I did not have spend one full day in bed - so it is most definite progress.

PM: easy 4.

Tomorrow is going be some AWESOME track and field!! We are part of the Neilson  ratings - so hopefully track and field will get a little love during sweeps week ;-)

2:02:34.  Very nice run -- very hilly run.  I still am having to take it really easy, but I am happy just be able to run at all!  

So great track and field this weekend.  Lot's of indoor American records fell on Saturday!

Millrose summary (New York): 

Indoor 5K: passed from Rupp (13:11.44) to Lagat (13:07.44)  **** SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS 

Both Lawi Lalang and Stephan Sambu (of University of Arizona!!) took down  Rupp's collegiate record of 13:18 with 13:08.28 and 13:13.74, respectively.  By the way, Lalang's mark also took down Henry Rono's 34 year OUTDOOR collegiate record of 13:08.4!!!   *** THIS IS HUGE!!

 Finally, Edward Cheserk got a HS record, in the same 5K, with a 13:54.04 (the old record was 14:06.78 set by Luke Verzbicas. 

Jenny Simpson got a win in the mile and Morgan Uceny got the win in the 800m -- yea! 

USATF Classic summary (Arkansas):

Indoor 2 mile: passed on from Lagat (8:10.07) to Rupp (8:09.72) !! Loved that Bumbi (from Nashville) took 2nd!

Mile race: ALL 8 runners ran sub-4.  It was a wickedly fast race -- especially for indoors 

easy 4, making up for missing my morning run tomorrow because of tests.  I am hoping the drugs will wear off so I can run a few miles in the evening, but I won't push it too much.

Still waiting on biopsy results.  Supposedly my doctor wants to talk to the radiologist before talking to me ... 

I am pre-blogging -- in hopes that I can run in a few hours.  Had my endoscopy today - just as we thought, pretty severe gastritis ... had to take some tissue to try to find out what is causing it.  But, got some "better" medication - and since it is sort of getting better on its own anyway - or at least I can eat again (I can think of much better ways to lose 10 lbs, especially since my clothes don't fit now) and can run.  Can't run right now because I am still loopy from the drugs.  I also have a huge bruise on my hand from where the nurse couldn't get my IV started properly -- ended up that the vein collapsed and she had to go to the other side.  So, I got to relive it twice ;-), good times.

Anyway, once I don't feel as groggy, I hope to jog in the freezing rain ... and I will LOVE it.

For your reading pleasure ... 

By the way, funniest thing, it is is 38F here today - snowing just a ways up the road.  Well, I am on my way to DC tomorrow for a meeting - it is 54F there!   

1:04:23. Nice morning for a run. Fed Dover some carrots ... got my run in before class and then ran off to the airport.  I am DC now ... it is warmer here than it has been in Tucson for the last couple of days ... but luckily it is going to rain ;-)

AM: (10 miles, 1:27:19 45:49/42:08).  Beautiful run on the Mt. Vernon trail.  Only downside was the windy, freezing rain, headwind after the turnaround -- I had no idea that I such a good tailwind on the way out.   I ran from Alexandria to just on the VA side of the Potomic - right across from the Lincoln Memorial/Smithsonian, etc.  Pretty morning really despite the cold rain.

So, two tidbits/stories.  About a 1/2 mile from the trail (I am staying at a different hotel than I usually stay at when I come here -- I am here for a meeting at the American Statistical Association which is up the street).   I am near the part of the trail that goes around a huge power plant, it is a nice section right next to the water -- well, today that segment of the trail was closed (it is ok, there is an alternate trail that avoids that section) - there were workers at both ends of that section of trail -- because, apparently two sawhorses with huge signs that designated the trail as "CLOSED" - along with yellow "police line" tape and 5 red cones - is not sufficient to stop runners/walkers and bikers from using the trail ;-).  Second, it takes 25 mins to take a cab to/from National from my hotel ... it took me 33 mins to run there - hmmm, interesting -- ok, maybe my luggage and laptop might add an extra 15 mins of travel time, but I am sorely tempted to try my hand at running to airport Friday night

;-)

PM: easy 4 - hopefully not on the treadmill. 

Happy Thursday bloggers! 

1:02:54.  Beautiful morning -- dark and foggy when I started, and dawn and foggy at the end ;-).  I ran by a dock with a lot of boats and seeing them in the shadows and fog before the sun came up was pretty artistic and lovely.  

It was early though -- 5:30AM eastern time, which was 3:30AM my time.  I did feel better all day knowing that I had done my run (although my hamstring was sore sitting in the meeting all day).  My flight was delayed out of DC so I missed my connection into Tucson, so I did not get in until midnight last night - a very long day.  I went through security with the Georgetown basketball team - they were tall!! and, I just have to tell you, they were so polite, clean-cut, and just very very well behaved, it was impressive.   

Stomach issues are getting better, much more slowly than I would hope, but at least some progress with the new medication.  A little worse for wear today because of the 8 hours of travel yesterday -- nothing healthy to eat at airports, so I generally don't eat much - a tub of $10 fruit and some almonds ;-), yum.  

The biopsy of the mass is benign (yea!), however, the sample did not include the other area that the radiologist was worried about (it is too hard to get to using needle biopsy).  So she and my PCP sent my stuff over to a surgeon to see what he thought - and he wants to do a surgical biopsy (of course he does).  I am so tired of this - and the worst part?  It will mean 3-5 days of not running ... and cross-training is out too - since I can't do anything that involves "jostling" and you can't swim with the stitches.  Anyway ... I might try to at least walk a little, and maybe I will heal faster than they expect.  I have heard that some people can run after just 1-2 days.   

AM: (8 miles, 1:09:32).  So so so so grateful to be running today.  Not only can I run a little more this week, I was able to pick it up a little.  And, most importantly right now, I am able to enjoy the most beautiful time of the year here in Arizona.  Lovely, sunny, 50F ... it is green because of the winter rain and I am one of the luckiest people on earth!

PM: easy 4.

Happy Saturday Bloggers! 

2:01:23.  Nice run, beautiful day!  I was going to drive down to a trail, but I am swamped with work and decided that the hilly run from home is good training - and saves me about 40 mins travel time.  The first 7 miles are pretty rollers much like allie's sunnyside up route (though only at 2500 ft instead of 4500ft, which makes a huge difference).  Then the next 7 are longer grades of hills, but not as steep, the last 2 miles are a pretty huge climb back up into the mountains.  Very good Lydiard training.

Fast indoor racing in Birmingham, England this weekend! 

Next weekend are huge for NCAA -- the fastest races will likely be at Seattle - because they have a ~300meter indoor track (instead of the standard 200m) - which is where U of A will be ... everyone will be shooting for NCAA Championship qualifiers so it will be a really good weekend of college racing! 

AM: (8.5 miles, 1:14:39).  Nice early morning run (beautiful 48F day, again).  

PM: easy 4 

56 mins or so ...

 Very busy day! 

AM: (9 miles, 1:18:39).  Nice day, I went over to visit CoCo and Big Boy, fed them their carrots and took a leisurely jog home.

PM: easy 4.

I expected not to be able run this afternoon and tomorrow, so much so that I scheduled some very very early morning conference calls tomorrow!  But, I met my new breast surgeon and he wants to wait 3 weeks before the next set of biopsies.  He talked trash about my radiologist (kind of kidding here, but not really) - he doesn't think the biopsy that she took got any of the "right" tissue, and he says there are three areas that he wants to get to.  However, the previous biopsy (3 weeks ago) caused some tissue damage, and he wants to wait until some of the inflammation goes down before he goes "back in".   His way will use a larger bore needle and cover a larger area -- meaning be more invasive -- but he is hoping to avoid a surgical biopsy if possible.  Good-news-bad-news - the story of my life these days.  I am glad I avoided a biopsy today (good news) - but I had to reschedule for 3 weeks (bad news) - and this next one will be a doozy (I won't go into details, but there was "binding", "stitches", and "major bruising" discussed).  

He also said, "take it easy on the running - I need this tissue to heal" - yea right buddy!  it is the only thing keeping me sane these days ;-).

Happy Thursday bloggers. 

1:02:34.  Beautiful morning (45F and sunny) -- I went by to see Dover (the horse) and brought him some carrots, but not many.  As I was backing away from the fence he bit my finger -- ouch.  I know he did not mean to, but it did hurt.  Luckily I was wearing some lightweight gloves that protected me from some of it.  I will wear my bleeding knuckle like a badge of honor ;-)

Happy Friday bloggers! 

AM: (8 miles, 1:11:03).  Nice day!  Visited Big Boy and CoCo -- they love me too much to bite me (good thing too, since my finger is still swollen - and bloody - from Dover ;-) ).  Good think too, these horses are big enough to take your arm off! But I really like them.  CoCo "snuggles" me and Big Boy licks my arm (weird, but I think it means he likes me, but not "likes me enough to eat me").

PM: 4 miles easy.

Felt better than I have in 5 weeks today!  One of the admin people at work yesterday said I look much better ... I have color and am not a pasty ghost any more!

BIG track weekend bloggers -- don't forget to watch the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships tomorrow on ESPN2! 

2:24:08.  Sort of the same run as last week, but instead of a 4-5 gradual down/up hill grade in the middle I added on 4-5 miles of very steep rolling hills instead (most of them shorter than a mile uphill but very steep grades).  The last 20 mins is a pretty steep grind, and I am happy to say I felt great and kept up a very solid pace (not fast, just solid).  It was 77F and sunny -- I know many of you think that sounds good compared to the cold -- but actually I prefer the cold, especially on long runs (and when I am not really acclimated). That said, although it felt really warm, it wasn't bad, and for long runs at a slow pace it isn't that bad (not as bad as 100F that is for sure ;-)).

So, a good friend of mine from Nashville ran the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race last year, and won the masters race (it is a 18, 22, 20 mile race over 3 days)  and wants me to run it with her this year - in June.  Normally, I would tell her, "I am too young to start ultrarunning" -- but, since I am hoping to run a competitive 50K for my birthday, it might be a fun way to get used to difficult trail runs ... so, I am actually thinking about this year.  My motivation for todays very hilly run was .... I could run this pace for a long time, lets practice that ;-).  My main concern about changing gears - from short(er)/faster races is that I am still actually getting faster and I don't want to lose that edge while I am so close to running a 3:20 or faster marathon ... but on the other hand, if I can stay healthy, I still might be able to run a pretty solid marathon next spring even after doing these two races (the 60 mile stage race and then a 50K).  So, I am mulling it over ... and it sounds kind of fun.

Lot's of really good track this weekend, the USATF indoor championships (getting ready for the World Championships) and NCAA regional championships - where collegiate athletes qualify for the NCAA indoor champs in a couple weeks.  Good to see Arizona get 2nd in the Mountain Pacific ... Lawi Lalang won the 3K and Arizona for a new meet record by 7 seconds!  Julie Labonte (also of U of A) got a new shot put meet record.  It was a great meet!

I hope you all have a great rest of the weekend! 

AM: (8+ miles, 1:06:39).   23:38wu/22:59cd + 10 x 1` w/1` recovery.  Ahhhh ... found a great, hilly, dirt road.  Good to be running hard(er) again!  

PM: easy 4.

Had to rush to work today, it was my day to give lab meeting and I regaled them with my "new" talk: "Incorporating Biomarkers into Clinical Trials".   This is my second "test case" for this talk - which is an evolutionary process - the first were the biostatistics grad students, and now a bunch of cancer biologists/cellular and molecular biologists/biochemists.   Except for the lab director (who slept through most of it) - I could tell they were enthralled (not ;-)).

I hope you are all doing well!!  Happy trails! 

1:06:47.   Nice run in the early morning -- not the 4AM kind of morning, but more the 7AM kind ;-).

Went up to see John to get some laser treatment on my foot ... ouch.  Feel much better though.  He assigned me some back exercises.  He also reminded me that I am getting old, and told me he is worried about bone loss.  Yea, get in line buddy, everyone is worried about some or another body part these days.  I tell you bloggers, my 40s were a breeze, this 50s is not so easy ;-).  Was very excited to run into Alicia Shay (nee Craig) at John's I am so excited -- I think she may be healthy enough to run in the trials in June!!  She is such an amazing athlete it would be really cool to see her competing again!

Happy Leap Day! 

AM: (9 miles, 1:17:44).  Interesting.  I ran about 6.5 miles easy and then ran the last 20` at MP.  I ran this same "workout" last September, and the last 20` this time was near 15 secs slower (bummer), BUT, the overall run was faster by over a minute.  So, I guess I am happy ;-).  

I am still working on getting my eating back up to speed.  I kind of like that I have lost weight (I am still down about 8 lbs) - but I am still trying to get my nutrition worked out.  One of the things my doctor said was *don't skip meals* - and I try hard not to, but somehow two times this week I was not able to eat lunch until 3PM - which meant, of course, that I did not really eat dinner.  It is not really my fault, both days I quite literally had meetings for 6 hours straight and it just wasn't feasible to eat.  I think I just need to try to schedule things a little better.  Anyway - I am just happy to be feeling better!!  I am eliminating wheat gluten from my diet for the next couple of weeks, to see if this helps.  Alicia Shay and I were talking yesterday and she said that true blue celiac disease runs in her family, along with gluten sensitivity, and many of her family had similar problems to mine.   The problem, for me, is that being a vegetarian makes it difficult to ensure that I get enough protein and other things that are often in foods with high wheat gluten content.  The "gluten-free" stuff in stores is really not always that healthy, so I really believe that natural (not processed) alternatives are "best".  The problem is that we are so busy that planning meals (and, obviously finding time to eat them ;-) ) is not really that easy.  

PM: easy 4.

Happy March, bloggers!! 

somewhere between 7 and 7.5 ... I just enjoyed the day.  1:04:02.  My hips hurt like a sommagun.  Not from running, but from the side planks and "superman" back exercises that John has me doing.  Can feel it in my obliques, and hips -- but I guess in a 'good' way!  I have been doing quite a few ab exercises for a few months now, so planks are pretty easy (though they are not the exercise I have been doing) -- but whooeee is my back weak.

Happy Friday bloggers, have two projects I have to finish today - I am really hoping to be able to take a whole day off this weekend (both days would be too much to ask, but one day?? I certainly hope so!). 

AM: (8 miles, 1:13:13).  Easy run, nice and warm.  Brought carrots for Big Boy and CoCo.

PM: 4 easy.

Busy day -- but can't concentrate for lack of hearing about allie's race!  I was so depressed this morning, both because I was not able to race and because I was not able to spend time with allie.  BUT, I know she knows that I was with her in spirit!  Now I wish I knew how she did!!!

Happy Saturday bloggers, run far, run fun. 

2:24:29.  Two ~8 mile loops in the desert (1:13:25/1:11:04).  ~82F and sunny.  A little too warm for March ... it has been such a warm winter that I had to be on the lookout for snakes already.  So far I haven't seen one, but if it really does get up in the 90s tomorrow like it is forecast it won't be long before they come out from hibernation.  This is bad, because it is almost 2 months early!  Not boding well for the summer, given that last "summer" lasted almost into November.

Happy Sunday bloggers!! 

big fat goose-egg.  Dean has validated (meaning the lab diagnosed it and now he is a department of health statistic) H1N1 flu.  We are both on anti-viral meds - our doctor said that the full course of H1N1 is 8-10 days, but with these meds maybe 4-5!  modern medicine.  Dean is very sick - it is horrible, fever, chills, cough, the whole 9 yards.  I am not yet full-blown and hoping with all my heart I can fight this off.  So, I did not run.  I really can't afford to miss work this week, besides class I have two major presentations to make to external advisors who are here to evaluate our cancer research program.  

I am bummed beyond bummed.  Especially since I already knew I won't be able to run for a few days next week after my biopsy.  Did I mention, "I am bummed".  If Dean weren't so miserable I would be mad. 

easy 45' to make sure I did not die ;-).  I am still a little sick, but I think that the Tamiflu is working!!! yea!  Dean is still sick as a .... well, as sick as someone with the flu.

AM: (8 miles, 1:19:43).  Yes!! it was cool, I am sort of healthy, and it felt good.  Dropped by to see BigBoy and CoCo -- brought carrots.  Big Boy was super super upset ... running around, neighing, and kicking his back feet in the air.  Apparently CoCo was out riding, and BigBoy did not like her being gone one little bit.  He ate the carrots, but still was distracted and freaked out.  I actually got out of the corral because I was just the tiniest bit afraid of being kicked (especially with my luck lately ;-) ).  He is so big that even if he did not mean to, he could do some real damage.  Poor thing.  

PM: easy 4.

Hope all is well bloggers!! 

Hilly, windy -- gusts up to 27mph -- but happy to be out and running.  Dean and I attended an early morning breakfast meeting (7AM), with a talk by the president of Ventana, a local biotech company (part of Roche).  It was pretty far from our house ... but I asked Dean to drop me back off at home afterward so I could run (~10AM).  It was beautiful (other than the wind) -- but chilly.

 Happy Friday bloggers, very happy that there is no class next week!!  I can get caught up on my work, AND, I don't have to prepare lectures this weekend!  Track and Field, all weekend long!

AM: (8 miles, 1:11:59).  On the cool side (60F) -- opposed to hot, not opposed to cold -- and sunny.  CoCo was with Big Boy today, so he was not nearly as stressed out as he was on Thursday.  

PM: easy 4.

Trying to keep up with all the Track&Field results - both NCAAs and World Indoor Champs.  So far, the big news is that Lawi Lalang is the NCAA indoor champion for the 5K (yea Arizona!!), with Chris Derrick (Stanford) in 2nd and Stephan Sambu (Arizona, again!!!) in third.

The USA has taken golds at Worlds in the shot put (Ryan Whiting -- 22.00), in the 400m (Sanya Richards-Ross -- 50.79), in the 60m (Justin Gatlin -- 6.46) and HUGE props to Ashton Eaton in the heptathlon (new World Record with 6,645 pts!!!).

2:22:59 (1:14:02/1:08:56).  Pretty funny, same route as last week where I ran 1:13:25/1:11:04.  Felt  a whole lot easier this week.  I did push it a little on the second loop, but still in the "comfortable" range (e.g., my "poor mans HR monitor -- when I can breath with my mouth closed").  Such a nice day ... perfect really, it just doesn't get better than 72F and partly cloudy.  Feel oh so lucky!!  

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!   

AM: (7.5, 1:05:48).  Very hilly, yet easy, run.  I had an early morning meeting, so I decided to run longer tomorrow ... since there are no classes and I won't be as pushed for time tomorrow.

PM: easy 4.

Even though this week is "spring break" -- it is messed up for me, as I have a whole bunch of deadlines and projects due, and Thursday afternoon is my follow-up biopsy with the breast surgeon.  Ick.  

The good news is that it is beautiful here right now!!  83F and sunny today -- who could ask for anything more??   

Well, 9 "bonnie miles" -- borrowed from the great Badger Cross-Country team, where you run by time and estimate miles based on some estimate of minute-per-miles pace.   They are much faster so they estimate they are running 7 min pace, I estimate I am running 9 min pace.  So, I ran a very hilly 41:00 out and 40:42 back.  Some days I am pretty sure I run faster than 9 min pace, but other days, who knows, maybe I run slower.  Goal is training ... saving timed stuff for the track, and most importantly, the race!!

I am so busy.  I have a talk tomorrow morning - and then off to the doctors.  I then get to wait at least 4 days for results.  I will get valium for the procedure, but I think I need valium for the waiting game afterward more!!  I keep thinking (as a statistician does) 50% chance it is benign -- those aren't horrible odds.

Happiest of Humpdays bloggers. 

Nice run ... very early in the morning (for me).  6AM.  Was the coolest run I have had in about a month -- 45F.  I had to run to work to give a talk to a bunch of biologist-types (they are nice, but statistics seems to bore most of them), then I snuck a valium about an hour before my doctors appointment ;-).  

The surgeon is pretty darn good.  It was  not pleasant, especially when I broke the first core needle (I am not joking! it was weird -- I told him that the tissue was very dense ;-)).  He was incredibly calm, so I did not freak out - externally anyway.  It took a longer time than I would have liked, but it was not that bad (the valium helped I think).  Last night, and today, is much worse than the last one .... he had told me yesterday, "you will be pretty sore".  I am surprised he did not laugh in my face when I asked him when I could run again.  I *might* be able to jog very slowly tomorrow .... but I am really not sure, he was extremely aggressive.  He did freak me a out a little ... he threatened that if this is negative he will go in surgically, apparently he seems to think it is something serious.  He seems pretty darn stubborn is what I think.  Now I get to wait a week for results ... almost worse than the procedure.  I just hope I can run soon.  Oh, and I hope I can get all this work that has piled up finished!!  Two grants, one paper, one book review, and a week of course notes and a quiz!!  what happened to my spring break????

Happy Friday bloggers.   

1:19:45.  I don't know how far this was, but I don't think it was quite 9, so I will call it 8.5  -- ran very very slowly.  Ran hills, to keep in shape, but had to go super super easy down the hills, as not to "bounce".  Sore, but not as bad as yesterday, and not enough to keep me from running ;-).  I know my surgeon would be unhappy, but hey, whose life is this anyway?  I will compromise with him in absentia and only run once today ;-).  Mainly I am going to do this so I can run longer tomorrow (but don't tell him that!). 

I hope you are all doing well, can't wait to see the race reports come rolling in!  Run on bloggers!! 

2:04:12.  Hilly run, ran pretty easy - I had to because last night I was pretty darn sore from yesterdays run.  I tried really hard to run easy peasy today.  It was raining and 43F, snow in the mountains.  Actually, my friend Merry was supposed to race this morning and they cancelled the race because of lightening.  Bummer, as I am sure it was going to be a fast race.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

AM: (8 miles, 1:14:32).  Nice and hilly, 33.5F can you believe it??  awesome!

PM: easy 4.

Have to go to  lab meeting, write a quiz, and give a review session!!

Life is not dull here in Tucson! 

1:02:43.  Beautiful run.  43F, perfect running weather.  I love where I live. Because there are not as many houses, and it is more "rural" people (ok, mostly older people) always wave and say hi.  Today, one of the older (probably mid-to-late 70s) guys who rides his bike stopped near my house to talk.  It was so sweet.  He wanted to say that he sees me all the time, "sometimes in the early morning, sometimes at 11AM!! and then, sometimes even in the afternoon!!!" :-).   I expected him to say "heavens to betsy!".  Anyway, it was really cute.  He was a chemist - well, I guess he still is, although I am pretty sure he is retired.  I am a lucky person.

So, since I started sharing the saga with you about my health, I guess I should finish it as well. Tomorrow I have a follow-up appointment with my breast surgeon.  Today, when I got back from my run, I had messages on all three phones (home, cell and work) saying he (the surgeon) wanted to talk to me.   I will admit I was freaked out.  Why couldn't he wait until tomorrow?  Well, don't freak out, but we finally talked and my biopsy results came back positive for early stage breast cancer.  It is NOT a super big deal.  Prognosis is excellent -- more than excellent actually.  Some people don't even count this as cancer (it is called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ - DCIS, it is malignant cells that are confined to ducts).  I will be meeting with him tomorrow morning to discuss treatment options, but I am pretty sure he will recommend surgery followed by radiation.  There is a very small possibility that when he does the surgery he will find "other" types of cancer that might be worse, but that  is a very slim possibility.  The main problem about this kind is that it does recur and it puts me at a much higher risk for the "worst" kinds in the future -- but that is not now ... right now, of all the bad news, this is the best news.  Well, except for my running.  I probably won't be racing any time soon, I will likely not run during radiation, and I don't know how long I will need to recover after surgery ... so, no running/training plans for a while.  BUT - I am fine, I will be fine, and it is not so bad. I will admit it is a little weird though.  And, a little scary.  

More later, don't worry.  

Run well bloggers. 

AM: (9 miles, 1:20:34).  Nice run ... I was a little emotional.  

PM: easy 4.  

Processing.  Surgery is not scheduled yet, waiting on some more genetic testing to see if a simple (breast conserving) or more complicated (e.g., both breasts go) surgery is required.   The initial genetics of the tissue is of high risk.  But, in the meantime I get to meet my radiation oncologist.  I have a TEAM (e.g., medical team) we don't have t-shirts, or a name yet, but ... hey, I have a team!! ;-).

1:03:23.

Had a mini-breakdown on my run, thankfully, I was running, and it was good therapy.  I am a type A person, I don't like not having a "plan" - I don't like waiting around for 2 weeks to begin to implement my plan.  And, I don't like to obsess about things that I can't change - but I am ...

And, it makes it hard to concentrate on the work that is piling up around me.  

Thankfully, I am a runner, and I can run.  So I will ;-).

Happy Friday bloggers. 

AM: (8 miles, 1:13:23).  Nice and warm, Dean just said, "it is a nice summer day today ... too bad it is March" ;-).  It is 84F, and sunny, but I won't complain at all .... I ran, I saw Big Boy and CoCo (by the way, Dover bit me again yesterday -- he just doesn't know how to control those big teeth of his!) and ran some hills.

PM: 4 miles.

Although I am going to try to spend a whole 24 hours not obsessing about my disease, I do need to figure out how to get my appetite back.  Although there is a little part (ok maybe a bigger than little part) of me that enjoys being my new 13 lbs underweight, I am being told that I have to put on some weight in the next few weeks (so I can lose it again during treatment).  SOOOO ... I need to go and buy some stuff that really makes me hungry.  Maybe a little slim-fast and ice cream anyone? ;-)

Happy Saturday bloggers!! 

My watch said 2:30:49, 1:17:39/1:13:10 -- but I don't think the 1:17:39 was right.  There was a snake on the trail, and I had to stop running, see what kind, and then give adequate birth to get around.  Since it was not a rattlesnake, I did not have to go too far off the trail to get around, but sometimes it is good to get out of their way even if they don't have rattlesnake characteristics.  Anyway, this probably took a couple of mins, and I might not have turn off my watch.  Regardless ... I was running slow, but it did not feel "that" slow on the first lap.  It was sort of a tough run though, the first lap I felt drained, a little unmotivated, and like I did not have enough blood sugar or something.  But, as soon as I started on the second lap I got into my "running zone" and just powered through.  

It is 84F and sunny!  Dean said yesterday, "it is a beautiful summer day, too bad it is in March".  he he.

Happy Sunday bloggers.  Thank you all so much for your support.   Even when I am not "running" during whatever treatment course is taken - I will still try to stay a part of the blog, because I consider you all to be my friends ;-) 

AM: (8 miles, 1:11:34).  10 x 1` w/1` recovery.  Up and down hills on a dirt road.  My piriformis (or some other bum muscle) hurts like crazy -- I had to sit on a lacrosse ball all through lab meeting this morning - yikes.  

PM: easy 4.

 SO busy.  I am leaving for DC on Wednesday, and besides the "usual" stuff (teaching, meetings, etc) I am working on two grants that are due in the next 2 weeks.  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed ... but, good to see that life goes on here in the holding pattern of "hurry up and wait"  ;-).  I am going to hate the 3 hour time change - early morning meetings made earlier by a disconnect between body clock and clock-clock ;-).

Happy Tuesday bloggers!! 

pre-blogging, I am assuming it will take me my usual 62 mins or so ... very busy day today, teach, seminar, rush to airport .... get in at midnight!

Happy humpday! 

Beautiful day here in DC.  Ran on the Mt. Vernon trail -- the cherry blossoms are almost gone (way too warm here this spring) - but there were a few blossoms left.  I then traveled out to my where I had done my post-doc (National Centers for Health Statistics) met up with one of my best friends.  I went with her as she took her son to a doctors appointment at the Naval Hospital -- which was recently merged with Walter Reed.   It was very sobering experience being at the Hospital. Not only are all the active duty Army and Navy personnel in fatigues (a reminder that we are still at war), but level and number of severely (missing limbs) injured soldiers was more than I had anticipated.  Very sad, and, like I said, very sobering.

My alarm did not go off this morning!  I woke up at 2:30 ET (11 PM "my time"), I did end up getting back to sleep and then woke up again, and saw that it was 30mins later than I was supposed to get up!!  Yikes.  All was well, I just did not get as much time as I usually need to stretch ... so the first couple miles were much much slower than usual.   Since I won't be racing any time soon, I do have to say I am much more relaxed about keeping my running body as healthy as I usually do.  I am just lucky to be running!!

Happy Friday bloggers ... long meeting day for me! 

Dark, early, cool, but not cold ... so, karma might come back to me after this morning.  I am just past the turn-around (~35 min) and this guy comes up from an alternate path and passes me, well, he really wasn't that fast, and he had a really awkward gait, and I thought, "no way is *that* guy going to get away from me".  So, I was really running pretty easy, so I just picked it up so I kept right on him.  It was sort of mean of me, because I deliberately did not pass him (because I wasn't really running that fast, I was just running faster than 'easy' pace) - but just kept the pressure on, after about a mile he was making all kinds of grunting noises ... but he kept trying to pick it up ... I guess he was as competitive as me ;-).   We "ran together" for about 3 miles, and then he ran one direction and I ran the other when we came to a fork in the road.  It was sort of mean of me, but it was exhilarating, and it was his "fault" for thinking that I could be easily passed ;-).  

Another day of sitting on my butt all day in the meeting ... we vote alot, so at least I get to raise my hands every once-in-a-while ;-).

Happy weekend bloggers!

2:14:17 ... I am estimating it was 15.5, as it wasn't the 14 I had planned, nor was it the 16 that I would have preferred ;-).   I planned on 14 because I am jet-lagged and tired from my business trip.  But, I saw one of my colleagues running ahead of me and I chased her down -- first, is it  me, or is there some sort trend in my current behavior lately? - second, she is an ironman triathlete, and a little slower in the run bit, but tougher overall ;-).  So, the cool thing about going out of my way (route-wise -- since it took me about a mile to catch  her, and she was heading in a different direction than I had originally planned) was that I found a REALLY cool new route on about 3-4 miles of hilly dirt road -- SWEET!!!

Plus, and this is very very cool, it was beautiful today -- perfect weather -- 70, sunny, with hint of wind on the last 2 miles uphill (ok that wasn't perfect, but the rest of the run was!).  So, so, lucky.

Plus, it was April Fool's Day on LetsRun -- who could ask for a better day???

Happy April 1st bloggers! 

AM: (9 miles - maybe a little longer than 9, 1:22:22).  I picked it up the last 20 mins ... around MP.

PM: easy 4.

 Beautiful morning -- 50F and sunny!  I sort of ran near my "new" route from Sunday, I couldn't actually find the turn-off that my colleague showed me ... I will need to get her address later so I can find the trail again.  I have a horrible sense of direction.

I hope you are all doing well!  I am busy at work, which is good, because this week I find out how my breast cancer will be treated.  Fingers crossed that the genetic test comes back negative and I get to stick with the surgery + radiation option (and get to keep my girl parts).

Don't remember the time ... just remember I was late!!!

Busy busy busy! 

AM: (7+ miles, 66 mins).  Again, I was late and in a hurry.  So, I tried to make the best of a short run and ran hard over very hilly terrain.  Great run.  I am in a very very good mood!  

PM: easy 4.

BLOGGERS!!  There is a plan!! In about 3 months I will be cancer free!!

My genetic tests came back negative, so I get to keep most of my "girl-parts"! Yea.  Met with all of my "team" today ...

So, I have my first (hopefully only) surgery on April 20th.  If margins come back good then I will start radiation on May 14th, or so, and be finished by the first part of July!! Yea.  My personal goal (not sure my team agrees with me) is that I will be training full-on by September for my birthday 50K in October (may have to be later in the month rather than right on my birthday, but that is ok).   

I still have a ton of tests and procedures before the surgery -- but it is OK, I am just glad, I HAVE  PLAN ... I have dates, I have goals, I see a hopeful end in sight.  Freaking breast cancer is NOT going to mess with my running goals!

In the meantime, I have to get through the semester, finish these grant proposals, and get the hoards of collaborators off my back ;-) 

63 mins or so ... fed Dover some carrots - no biting today ;-).

Busy so busy.  

Tomorrow we are going up to Phoenix to the Sun Angel track meet -- poor Dean needs some time away from home and the constant travails of a worried Bonnie ... so, we are going to try to take a day break from everything.  I will, however, have to try to work in the car on the way up there ... so we will see how that goes ;-).

 Happy weekend bloggers! 

1:15:xx

In a hurry -- what else is new?  I am not going to be able to do my second run today because we will be at the track meet ... but, I am not stressing about it.  

I hope you are all having a wonderful Easter eve (or Easter Vigil for you Catholics).

Hello bloggers!  It is late, but I ran 2:10:32 on Sunday.  I ran on near Tempe Town Lake area and then to Papago park and back.   It was really hot (like in the 90s) by the time I finished, but I felt pretty darn good anyway.  It is waaay too hot here for April ... I just want my last couple weeks of "regular running" to be comfortable ... but, I will take what I can get, and try to like it!

We went to the track meet (Sun Angel Meet) on Saturday night, got up super early and drove the 35 mins to John's house by 7AM to get some ART.  I am bruised like crazy, but my leg feels better than it has in weeks.  Literally weeks, even with the low mileage!

I will need to summarize the track meet later, because it is very late and I am tired.  But the highlights were:  W 1500 with Kenia Sinclair, Beverly Ramos (Puerto Rican steeple champion), and  Lisa Aguilera  - with McMillan athletes Stephanie Rothstein, Kellyn Johnson and Amy Van Alstine.  Good race!  In the M 1500 Nate Brannen just dominated the last 200 and ran a respectable start of the track season.  I can't wait for the Trials!!! (it won't hold a candle to the Wedding Bells 5K -- but it will run a close 2nd ;-).

I am so crazy busy right now I can't tell you ... but I just did.  so there!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.   

AM: (8 miles, 1:09:45).  I wanted to run longer, but I am so busy right now.  I had a 8AM deadline that I got up super early for, and then I had to get out for my run and drive up to my Tuesday morning lab meeting (far from campus) where it was my turn to give the talk (I gave the talk about the project that one of my students just finished for his MS in statistics, wasn't really my project ... but advisor's prerogative ;-))

PM: easy 4.

Happy Tuesday bloggers. 

True to form for the week, overwhelmed at work, and not enough time to run as I would like.  I can't wait until the semester is over!  I would say, I can't wait until my surgery because I will get some down-time then, but, I don't think I am actually looking forward to that so never mind ;-)

Happy Hump-Day bloggers! 

AM: (9 miles, 1:19:54).  So nice to have a relaxing run for a change -- I was in a hurry, but not like usual.  And, it was so much cooler today, 60s baby!!  

PM: 4 miles easy.

Tomorrow is going to be tough.  Up by 4, long drive up to Phoenix, hours at the imaging center ... I am sort of depressed today so it all just seems so ... well, so much.

But, I have this huge grant due, so I can't really get too depressed, although I would like nothing better than to put my head under the covers and dream it all away.

I hope you are all having a good Thursday bloggers ... tell me about it and make me laugh. 

You are all so wonderful.

I hope you had a wonderful day.  I am a little too depressed to write now ... nothing life-threatening, but more of a wrinkle, and  more "waiting"to hear whether or not current "plan" will work or we will need to revise the plan.  There is a plan, I will live, but cancer is complicated -- as I am finding out.

More later.  Don't worry. 

AM: (8 miles, 1:11:45).  It was COLD today bloggers (45F, cloudy, and windy).  I was warm once I started running, but when I first started out I was freezing -- what  a desert wimp I have become ...

PM: easy 4.

So, yesterday was hard, and I was pretty depressed.  I did talk to my surgeon today though, and we decided to go with surgery next week as planned.  The problem is that the "area of concern" is much larger than originally thought (4.5 cm).  There are a lot of 'unknowns' (e.g., is it all DCIS or could part of it be invasive -- or even benign) and it just isn't clear how much tissue will need to be removed.  There is a strong case to be made for mastectomy and just get it done with, but I am just not ready to go through that if there is any chance that I don't have to.  My surgeon couldn't really tell me what to do, he just gave me the pro's and con's to any choice I made.  I have decided that I am going to try for a lumpectomy first, and if the margins don't come back clear, or they find worse things then I will have the mastectomy.  It means I might have more than one surgery in the next weeks ... but it also means I might have a chance to save my breast.  It is worth the chance to me.  It really was quite a shock to me (and my surgeon I think) to have this end up being so big of an area -- but none of the radiographic technologies are perfect (MRI/mammogram/sonogram) so until we do the surgery we just really aren't going to know ... sigh.

Happy Saturday bloggers!!  Can't wait until Monday.  Interesting that Boston decided to defer entries for next year  because of the forecast ... be careful out there bloggers, adjust for the elements.

2:10:39.  Hilly, beautiful.  Wonderful day for a run!!  I am lucky!

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday.

I am busy trying to get a grant finished - and all my other work, but I just want to say a HUGE congratulations to all the FRB runners who had amazing running under horrid conditions (Jeff Shadly, TeenaMarie, Mike Davis, Dan,  Rachelle, JakeK, Runningafterbabies) -- you all ROCK!!!! 

AM: (8.5 miles, 1:12:45).  It is springtime here today -- 90F, but the flowers are blooming and at least I wasn't running 26.2 miles ;-).

PM: easy 4.

Crazy busy.  It is good though, keeps my mind off of surgery that is this Friday already!  I am trying not to be depressed that I won't be able to run for a while and was thinking today about how hard it was going to be to reaclimate to the heat and hills when I am able to run again ... but, I will cross that bridge when I get to it!!  Day to day is all we can do!

Happy Tuesday bloggers!! 

I was late, I have a 6:30 conference call and had to get to work to get my quizzes copied for class today -- I was late to class, but I got my run in ... I guess it will be worth it even if I can dinged on my course review ;-).

I hope you all have a wonderful middle-of-the-week-day! 

AM: (9.5, 1:24:56). What an awesome route I found today -- at least 5-6 miles on hilly dirt road ... just me and the lizards (and I am sure some snakes that I, thankfully, did not see).  I am not sure when I will be able to run this particular route again, it is already warm here (hitting 91F today and 100F by Sunday), and there is definitely no water along the way ... But, you can bet I will be back in the Fall!! 

I stopped by to get a little horse-love from BigBoy and Coco.  I really wanted to run longer, but I just don't have time ... the grant is due today and I have to grade 50 analysis papers by 10AM tomorrow (I told the students I would be done by then).

PM: 4 miles easy.

Well, I will try to check-in with everyone over the weekend ... but maybe not until next week.

Happy trails bloggers!!!  Hugs and love to you all (sniff sniff, I really like you guys).

Hello Bloggers!

Planned, but unfortunate, goose-egg today.  So, surgery yesterday was ok.  Not what I would consider to be fun, but the  last 3 miles of a marathon aren't exactly "fun" either ;-).  This does hurt a little more, I will admit.

Now I get to wait, some more, to see which of the following 3 scenario's plays out: 1) I recover and start radiation, 2) I have another surgery within the next 2 weeks to get clean margins, and then wait 3 weeks to start radiation, 3) I find out that I also have invasive cancer, in which case I get to get chemo before starting radiation.   At this point, there really is no telling that either of the 3 scenario's are any more likely ... although I am hoping for #1 (duh).  

I will tell you that I am using up to the max of pain pills, it does hurt like the dickens.

And, getting the whole post back to running, since this is the fastrunningblog ... I asked my surgeon (before the surgery) when I can run again.  He does always "smirk" a little when that is always my first question (not, "what is the likelihood that this is bad stuff").  He said, "I really don't want you to do anything for 2 days, then you can do whatever you can tolerate without pain.  Believe me, if you aren't supposed to do it, it is going to hurt a lot".   Now that I am in day two, I completely understand what he meant. Yowser, I won't be sneaking on any runs right away ;-). For you medical geeks, he basically had to take out a pretty big hunk of tissue right against my chest wall (probably facia) - I am pretty sure that that is where most of the pain is coming from right now,  and what may cause me the most problems getting back to running.   BUT, it could be worse, and this too shall pass (and I have pain meds).

Anyway -- thank you all so much for your hugs, prayers and well-wishes.

AND:  GO allie!!!!!! 

Walked 55:45 mins today ~ 4 miles.  Wasn't "comfortable", but so far it doesn't hurt badly ... My goal is try to run 20-45mins on Thursday.  Probably won't run tomorrow (my first day back to work), but if I can get out of work before dark I will try to walk again.  

I hope you are all doing well!!

I was very very sick yesterday.  I had to work, but I really felt bad (no pain, just weak and really sick).  I feel better today.  It is 75 outside, and after the 95-100F of the past week I just have to get outside.  I don't think I can run yet (based on my set-back yesterday), but I will hold out for maybe Saturday and today I will try to walk for a while.  Not running is horrible.  Although, yesterday was super duper bad, so it does make me nervous to run.

So, after starting off to do a walk, I just decided if I am going to feel like heck anyway, it might as well be because of "running"  -- so I jogged (slowly, 40:53).  Even if I "pay" for it later, I just wanted to RUN.  And, I was happy to say, it felt good to be running.   Dumb, probably, but happy, most definitely ;-) 

I hope you are all having beautiful running weather that only the Spring can bring!!

Thanks for the comments friends ... see you in JUNE!!! 

46:02.  Warmer today -- but I ran longer anyway ;-).  No pain side-effects from yesterday, so I decided to push the envelop again today!  Yea.  

Still haven't heard about the path results.  A true "hero" friend/colleague (another statistician, we were one of 70 PhDs in statistics/biostatistics in 2000)  of mine was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer 3 years ago (he is my age with middle/high school age children) - he beat it after a year long battle and then 6 months ago recurred.  Anyway, he has beat it *again*!!   We were talking about the stress involved with the waiting between tests and procedures.  Apparently, there is a name for it: "scanxiety" ;-)  I thought it was pretty funny.

So, I have been listening to a "new" radio station here, 'hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s' -- love it.  They had an ad on yesterday that really cracked me up.  The announcer said, "WYYY, we are your DeLorean  time machine"   ha ha ha ha ... you have to really appreciate the hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s to truly even appreciate that ad!!

Have a wonderful Friday bloggers!!! 

Warm and hilly, but so grateful to be feeling good!!!

1:11:14.  I am calling this 7.5, but it could be less, I was running much much slower than usual, both before, and now after, surgery.  I don't know why, but it was just slow (and a little hard).  I might have pushed the envelop a little.

GOOD NEWS  GOOD NEWS  GOOD NEWS  GOOD NEWS  GOOD NEWS

So, it is not "official" yet (still waiting on some extra tests) - but, it looks like the margins were SUPER clean!!!   Additionally, the "problem area" near the chest wall looks really really really good.  What does this mean you ask??  Well, it means that I might be able to forgo radiation!!  YIPEE!!   Why is this awesome you ask?  Well, besides the numerous other side effects of radiation, one of the big ones that I had not told you about (because I was scared of it) was lung function ... it was very likely that if I had to radiation (especially so close to the chest wall) that I was never really going to be able to run "fast" again.  So, I am not yet 100% sure, but I am about 95% sure, that I will be holding off on radiation and taking a more "conservative" approach of very close monitoring instead!  Yippee, have I mentioned Yippee!!??!?!

OTHER GOOD NEWS OTHER GOOD NEWS OTHER GOOD NEWS

Today, starting at 4:15 PT, you can watch the Peyton Jordon Invitational live (and free) from your computer on Flotrack!  

Have a wonderful Sunday bloggers!! 

1:04:34.  Ran to see Dover (and bring him carrots!).  Wanted to run more, but Dean convinced me to lay a little low this week -- and I agreed when I explained that if I did I would try to run for 90 mins on Sunday (my reward for taking it easy for a few more days!).

Busy grading -- finals this week, so one more big session of grading after this one and then "schools out for summer!!" YEA! 

Nice hilly run this morning!  It is almost summer here ... so I am relishing my 80F runs -- by 12 noon it is in the mid-90s.  

Last day of classes today - I have been really busy trying to finish up the last quiz and analysis paper grading (50 students - the quizzes took me about 5 hours and the papers took me about 12 hours!!).  Luckily, no grants due this week!

1:18:13 ... maybe a little longer than 8.5.  Today was the first day I have actually run a honest pace.  I double sport-bra'd and let it go.  It felt pretty good!

So ... I have not updated you on my final surgical results because things are pretty complicated.  My surgeon asked for a closer look at my pathology because he wasn't sure that the original results were consistent with the biopsy, MRI, ultrasound and mammogram results.  In the meantime, I also called a friend and colleague from Vanderbilt University (where Dean I were before we were at U of Utah) - she is a breast pathologist and agreed to do a second opinion on the pathology.  The lab here called yesterday and said they sent the biopsy slides from March but couldn't send the surgical slides because they had already sent them out the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion.  Apparently there were some sections on the margin that showed atypical cells, but they weren't sure they were cancer, or just pre-cancer.  That means that even within the same darn lab they can't get consistent results!!! My pathologist friend said that it means they probably did not take a sufficient enough number of sections from the final lump of tissue they took out (5.8cm x 4cm x 1.3cm -- obviously they can't look at 1,000s of slices, so there is quite a bit of possible variation in which parts they look at under the microscope).  I don't think I will need a second surgery at this time -- meaning that I don't think the margins are "dirty" - but this is not completely clear.

I have my follow-up appointment with my radiation oncologist this coming Tuesday, pretty sure she is going to recommend radiation ... I am about 90% I am not going to do it.  It means I will have 20% chance of recurrence over the next 10 years (1:5) -- but I have done a lot of research and, to me, it is a risk I think I can live with.  But, I will listen to what she has to say. Unfortunately, there really is no evidence that original tumor size has anything to do with recurrence risk ... they haven't yet found the definitive marker for which people are more likely to recur -- although, statistically, because I am young, I have (hopefully) many more years of follow-up which (of course) increases the chance of more ... 

This whole thing is exhausting. But, I am lucky, it could be much worse.

I miss you guys, I miss running.

I am healing really well.  If you stared at my chest enough you could tell that I have had surgery -- but, I am pretty good at "faking" it anyway (since I am pretty small ;-) ).  All and all I am pretty happy with the results.   I have a pretty gnarly scar (about 2.5 inches long) - the stitches are all on the inside, and the outside was super-glued with some heavy plastic covering that is sort-of coming off.  The funniest thing about the visit with the surgeon was he looked at the scar and then said, "you know, you can put neosporin on that".    HMMMM?  I thought, "what do you mean, do I need to put neosporin on it?"  is it infected?  Surgeons are pretty funny.  He then said, ok, see you in 3 months.  I guess he doesn't really have anything else to say about treatment -- his work is to cut, and then follow-up after my mammograms.  I have a mammogram in July (???) and then an MRI in October.  Sounds like whether I have radiation or not, I can't get away from these doctors ;-)

On another note ... you know how I talk about the River Trail?  Well, here is some interesting history that is potentially interesting to some of you on the blog, apparently, one of the earliest settlement communities along the river were LDS ... I will think reverently about this the next time I run by!!

Happy Thursday bloggers! 

Nice and easy.  My 8.5 miles yesterday, along with my first 60 hour workweek post surgery, has made my muscles and mind tired ;-)  

Happiest of 28th birthdays to Jake K!!  

Tough run ... not sure why.  I guess 45 miles + first week back to work + allergies/cold = dragging Bonnie.

Good news.   The first weekend I have not had to work (not including 2 weeks ago when I was zonked out on pain meds) in 5 months -- yippee.  I think I will take a nap, in honor of Andrea and Jake and their amazingly fast runs ;-).

Happy Saturday bloggers! 

1:39:45.  Met up with some friends this morning at the Cinco de Mayo 10K and 2 mile run.  It is a very tough course, basically 3.1 miles uphill (2450 to 2660) and then downhill.   Ran 4 miles with them and then headed out on my own.  Ran up Tumamoc Hill (about the same level of difficulty as City Creek Canyon - but at 2400 ft) for a while and then ran over to the trails near Pima Community College -- very nice trails there, and safe(r) from the snakes as the trails are wide and there are no ledges to get stuck on ;-).

Very happy to have been able to run so long today -- next weekend?  Back to normal!! 

AM: (8 + miles, 1:08:44).  I was so happy to see some ~8:30 pace miles in there this morning!

PM: easy 4

bad news.  I start radiation on the 21st.  My second opinion came in, worse than the first pathology.  In a couple of days I will tell you more details, but apparently, I was the only one who thought that skipping radiation was an option, apparently, my radiation oncologist never thought I was a candidate.  Yesterday I went in for my post-op check-up with her, armed with my papers and justification for my decision to skip radiation.  I left with tattoos that will help line up the machine, a ct scan that they use to figure out how to direct the radiation, and a "cubby" with my name on it, where I will be storing my clothes every day for 5 weeks.  Sort of depressed right now ... so I won't talk about it any more.

GOOD NEWS:  Dean and I are going up to Flagstaff next week for Greg McMillans running camp!  Greg invited us because we had attended other camps that Greg had 5-6 years ago!! It will be FUN!  and a much deserved break for poor Dean.  It has been very stressful for him the past few months.

OTHER GOOD NEWS: We got our Track and Field News yesterday!  This is an exciting issue: "Entire line-up for NCAAs"  -- some good reading tonight! Yea!!!

Beautiful morning -- 79F and overcast!

1:33:45.  Ran over to the trails near Pima College (aka the awesome track).  I really wanted some trails - but the snakes have taken over the "real" trails.  The trails by Pima are wider - with no rocky ledges for one to fall off when surprising a snake - or the snake surprising you ;-).

Such good therapy -- it was awesome!  It felt great!  It helped that it was a beautiful 80F!!  Very content today!!

Skipping the second run because I have a late meeting today.  

PM: easy 4.  I got out of my meeting earlier than I had expected - and decided more therapy was in order ;-) 

Even though I feel like I am just as busy as before the end of the semester, I am not, I have been getting into work late.  I feel like I used up all my "emotional sprinting" to get to the last day of classes and now I am depressed and lazy ;-).  That will change tomorrow when I have 50 finals to grade!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!! 

Nice hilly run.

One of my students graduated today with a MS in biostatistics!  I took him, and his family, out to lunch.  It was fun.  His Dad is a retired academic (in something), and his Mom is a programmer who works for IBM.  They were very interesting -- and from NY, so there was no silence ;-).

Funniest thing was that Josh (my student) got a phone number (of our server) - after she flirted with him more than once, and yet, I had to point out that she wanted him to ask her out?  for a 26 year old, he was pretty clueless about women ;-).

Tonight we are going out to dinner with some people from the lab I work with ... this is more socializing than I have done in months, and all in one day.  

I hope you are all doing well!! 

AM: (8 miles, 1:04:32). Yes, it was slow, but it was my first 90F run of the summer ... plus, I want to run for 2 hours tomorrow - on my famously hilly mountain run - so I wanted to take it easy. Plus, truth be told, I stayed out too late and drank a couple glasses of wine last night, so ... I was a bit tired ;-).

PM: easy 4.

NCAA regionals this weekend!! Arizona (Go CATS) has 4-5 people who have a shot at winning nationals (in the 5 and 10K men - Lawi Lalang and Steven Sambu, and the 10K women - Jen Bergsma) -- so it is exciting -- though not as exciting as last year when I got to watch them live here!!  

Happy weekend!  I have to go in and start grading my final exams, and clean my office! 

2:09:43.  Wow, somehow I ran this much faster than the last time I ran it, and it was 95.2F when I finished the run (and sunny).  I guess I am "in training" for running camp ;-).

Happy Mother's Day to you all.

It is a sad week for me, as it is the first Mother's day without my Mom, and it was just about a year ago this coming week when she was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.  It is a part of the life cycle, but knowing that doesn't really make it any easier.   But, I am thankful for my run, thankful for my health (such that it is right now ;-) ), and for my family and friends.

AM: (9 miles, 1:21:07, 41:21/39:46).  Doesn't look like much, but I was very pleased.  I ran to the trails again, it was a very hilly run, but more importantly, the last 2.5 miles are uphill ... so it is obvious I was feeling good!!  Oh yes, it is also in the 90s -- we hit 100 yesterday.  Phoenix is supposed to be in the 108 or so range today - and it is MAY!!

PM: easy 4.

So, after two years the thing than many runners fear happened, my daily running show was "upgraded" -- oh no!!!  Well, I am happy to say my luck must be turning -- the DS Trainer 17 is a pretty nice shoe, I dare say I might even like it more than the 16!! yippee.

I had my radiation simulation yesterday -- it was pretty weird.  Basically they use these laser lights and this huge machine and line up the tattoos to measure the field that they are going to radiate (it is a much larger area than I thought)  I can see how they can't help but hit the lungs with such a large area -- and it goes all the way to the side (one of the areas that is likely to feel uncomfortable by week 2-3).  Now a "dosimetrician" calculates the appropriate dose for the field and body composition (a polite way to discuss both breast  and body size).  When I go in it will take about 5 minutes to position me, and then they push a button and leave me alone while the huge machine moves around and shoots me from a bunch of angles.  I should be in and out every day in about 25 mins. So the drive will be longer than the treatment!

Off to grade papers, and then tomorrow -- off to camp!! yea!! 

Today was a hard run - especially for an easy run ... maybe the heat, maybe just tired.

BUT -- today we leave for Flagstaff and running camp - yipee!

Have a good week, I will tell you ALL about it either this weekend or next week! 

AM: (~7 miles, 60 mins).  Ran on the Flagstaff Urban Trail by myself, at about 9AM.  I kind of wanted to run more, but since it my first day at 7000ft, and I had to run a hilly run at Buffalo Park in the PM with the running camp group, I decided to take it easy.  About 3 miles into it I saw three familiar forms running toward me -- it was Greg (McMillan), Stephanie Rothstein, and Megan Herrick (nee Dunwell) of McMillan Elite!  Greg said, "Sneak training??" -- I laughed and said, "you bet"!

PM: (4 miles) met all of the "running camp" folks!  I ended running with Greg and a woman named Mary, from Toronto ... Greg ran one loop with us (2 miles) and then it was Mary and I and another guy, Doug (from LA).  Happily, we were the second group (Dean, Ben Rosario -- formerly of the Hansons/Brooks team and now marketing director for McMillan Running, and woman named Becky were in the first group) -- I relaxed then, knowing I wouldn't be running the rest of the week all by myself ... despite the hills and altitude we ran ~ 8:30 pace the whole time.

In the evening we went to dinner and then Greg gave a talk that described three different types of runners:  speedsters, combo runners, and endurance monsters.  The McMillan running calculator is going to be updated soon (June?) with these groups in mind, to allow for a little more range and sensitivity -- and there will be a book coming out soon (also June?) that will describe them.   It was cool!

AM: met up and did a group run on the Urban Trail - basically the same run I had done myself the day before - albeit I ran it ~ 1 min faster, because I had company ;-).  I ran with a woman from Tucson, I knew who she was from race results, but we had never actually met (or raced together - I am/have been slightly faster than her in the past, but in a couple of months we will be in different age groups as I move up to the 50-54 year olds and she stays in the 45-49).  It was nice.

Ben Rosario talked to us about running smart and also about shoes/footwear.  Greg walked us through the use of his calculator (I had seen this talk before, but was still interesting). 

In the evening Dean and I went out to dinner, I was feeling pretty tired and really did not feel like a big night out.  The weather had been AMAZING!  after the 103F days that we left, the 75F felt like heaven! 

AM:  Met up at 7AM at the Northern Arizona University track.  We did a mile warm-up, and then learned some cool drills (some A-skips, side skips, etc.) - Andrew Lemmoncello (2008 olympian in the steeple for Great Britain and coached by Greg) showed us how to do these - ha, I looked nothing like him.  At one point, we were doing these sideways things with some arm movement and Andrew said, "yikes Bonnie" (I really have some shoulder issues right now ;-) ).  Then we did some quicker strides, and then did 8 straights-and-curves (sprint the straights, jog the curves).  These were a little different though because Greg and Ben were filming our stride.  They shot us front, back and side in sprint, and then also side view running easy... so we had to go in groups of 2 or 3, and sometimes we ended stopping and lining up while the group in front finished.   Then, Ben Rosario, Becky (woman from Houston who runs faster than me in training, but our races are pretty equivalent, I think my 1/2 marathon PR is faster than her) ran another couple of miles.

We went back to the hotel and we analyzed our form -- it was pretty cool.  My right shoulder is much higher than my left and it is throwing off my stride  - this is because of the surgery, I have had severe shoulder/neck/scapular pain since the surgery (it is very common after breast surgery) and it is apparent I am favoring that side; good news is it is easily treated -- by doing some simple stretches and yoga/pilates moves.  It is obvious that my orthotics are working because I am not shuffling, it was really surprising.

Dean has spectacular form, as did Mary (my new friend from Toronto).  

Dean and I met up with Stephanie R. for lunch -- talked about her soon to be husband (Ben Bruce) who is hoping to make the Steeple final at the Olympic Trials, her wedding, and saw pictures of their house that is being built.  So good to see her, and see how happy she is! 

In the afternoon Greg talked to us about making a training plan.  All of the information is on his website, so I already knew this stuff, but it was interesting hearing him describe it in person -- plus, he has some new information that he is including in his book. 

 PM: Ben, Becky and I went for an easy 4 mile run. 

Dean and I went over to Greg and Tracy's house for dinner - it was super nice.  We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful Flagstaff evening. 

1:31:02.   Relatively (in Flagstaff terms) flatish run up A1 mountain -- it is pretty gradual uphill out (about Jeremy Ranch Road level, maybe a tiny bit more steep in places) and then a nice downhill back.  

I ran with Greg, Dean, and Becky for a while - and then I had to make a little 'stop' and then ran to catch up with some other runners, David (just finished his first 100 miler a couple months ago), and Ann (from near Lake Superior in Michigan), and Mary.

Most  people turned around after 30 mins or so, only David, Doug, and I, ran 10.  It was a blast talking to David about ultrarunning.  He told me not to slow down for him, but I really really didn't mind.  Today was all about being in the beautiful mountains, being cool ;-), and enjoying the run.

We all went to brunch afterward, shared emails, phone numbers and took pictures together, with Greg, Ben and Andrew and just had an awesome day.  SOOOO Lucky!