Stats

Per the doc's orders I'm keeping track of my heart rate data when I run. We're trying to establish any sort of pattern or constants among my symptoms.

Ran: 4.36 miles

Time: 9:45 a.m.

Location: Mountain Brook Parkway (mostly flat terrain)

Temperature at Start: 82 degrees, shaded; 89 degrees at end

Total Time: 52:24 min.

Average Pace: 12:01 per mile

Maximum Pace: 7:08 per mile

Average Heart Rate: 193

Maximum Heart Rate: 204

Heart Rate Notes: Pre-run at 104, up to 179 after 5 minutes running; up to 200 at 1.25 miles; consistently hovered at 195-200 from mile 1.5 on; began walking when it hit 200--took 30 seconds for it to fall back to 185 when I would start running again; took 15 seconds to get back to 195; walked last quarter mile to get it below 180 before stopping

Symptoms: chest tightness at 200, very uncomfortable at 204 (only got above 200 on the small hills) with muscle weakness and "flip-flopping" sensation

Mile 1: 10:02 min.; 7:38 max speed (no walking)

Mile 2: 11:15 min.; 7:08 max speed (no walking)

Mile 3: 13:01 min.; 7:54 max speed (some walking to bring down hr)

Mile 4: 12:35 min.; 8:55 max speed (some walking to bring down hr)

Mile .36: 15:23 min.; 8:38 max speed (almost all walking to bring down hr)

Overall Notes:

Felt difficult but I can't tell how much of the difficulty level has to do with having to take the past few weeks off of running. Will see as the training stays consistent how the average heart rate changes.

I was well hydrated for this run--drank 12 oz. of water an hour before the run and hydrated well yesterday. Did drink coffee this morning and ate a granola bar 1 hour before the run.

I finished the run and didn't feel "tired" at all--just wound up if that makes sense. My muscles are fine. It just feels like my heart can't support them adequately or is having to work overtime to keep up.

Things to Try:

I think I'll try cutting out caffeine and sugar to see if it helps keep my heart rate lower. I'll also give the salt and magnesium tablets a try--as well as trying to run earlier at cooler temperatures

Heart Rate Now (11:25 a.m.): 89

Distracted Procrastination

I've never done well without immediate deadlines--but at the same time I'm such a planner that I love the luxury of time to really nail down details of a project before I jump into it. Whether that's transferring my running schedule to my calendar and seeing where it is going to conflict with vacations or pondering the best way to go about cleaning the garage out before I actually get started, I always find a way to spend more time planning than actually DOING most anything.

Today marks the beginning of my "no-longer-at-the-library,-should-be-getting-ready-to-instruct-more-than-180-9th-and-10th-graders-come-August-12th" period. I have approximately 6 weeks until I need to have the entire year mapped out, the lessons planned, the materials secured, the accommodations/modifications thought through, the tests developed, the content mastered (yes, it has been awhile since I've read a couple of the pieces and studied predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives). I feel prepared to take on the task but overwhelmed at the same time--incredibly excited but also stumped as to where I should even start.

So far I've printed off two blank calendars (one for each grade) to try and estimate how the units/lit studies will fall across the 9-week quarters. I've bought another planner and transferred my running schedule to it along with the most important school dates (ya know, teacher workdays, testing dates, CHRISTMAS and SUMMER break, etc.). Doing so only made me slightly panic at the lack of sheer class time I actually have with these kids to accomplish everything included in the curriculum guide and standards.

For the first time since November I'm looking at a calendar again and wondering--how are we going to fit all of this in!? The enormity of the task makes me want to set it down and look around my house at all that needs to be done . . . the things that would be nice to have done BEFORE August 12.

Repaint the trim and doors where the dogs have eaten the paint
Finish painting the basement (a project we started 2 years ago)
Clean out the garage, our closets, kitchen, and so on . . .
Plant a few flowers
Pick a few weeds before planting those flowers
Bushes need to be trimmed
Hmmm, the dogs do need a bath--and they really need to be groomed.
Hang the awesome Obama portrait I got for my birthday a month ago
Paint the bookcase downstairs so I can move the stacks and stacks of books on the bedroom floor
There is a mound of ironing to be done . . . and the laundry needs to be folded.
Stacks of bills/paperwork that need to be filed--somewhere--find a place to store paperwork
Massive school project I've been delaying
House really needs a deep cleaning session

And then there is the distraction of actually having options with my time . . .

It sure is pretty outside--I could just blow it all off for just today and go to the pool with friends.
I could go to the movies with Olivia and Meg.
I could take the dogs on a walk. A long one.
I haven't caught up on everyone's blogs yet.
I'd like to finish reading Obama's first book which I started 3 weeks ago.
I'd really like to read the Harry Potter books and then meet with Olivia to chat about them.
It's been too long since I've made sourdough bread . . .

And about those runs . . .

It's HOT down here. It's finally down to low 90's today and tomorrow but the heat index has been over 100. That makes running very difficult (and dangerous for me) unless I get up before 6 am. I'll add that to my list of things I need to start doing too.

Guess the beauty of it all is that I at least have the option to pick where I'd like to start today. Better get that run in before it gets hot. And Beasley, Stella, and Rudi sorely need a bath . . . and J. will definitely need an ironed shirt for tomorrow. I'll brush up on Romeo and Juliet tonight. Carpe Diem, right?!

Life is Good...Michael Jackson

I had a work event tonight and did not have access to my cell phone. As I am just now picking it up I have three missed calls from Wess and text messages from Katie and Meg. They all say the same thing.

Michael Jackson has passed away.

When I was a child there wasn't any bigger Michael Jackson fans than Wess and me. He was the most talented performer I have ever see. Before he was weird, reclusive, and bankrupt, he was the King of Pop.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are dancing with my brother for hours to his music. I was probably 8-9 and he was 3-4. We played the "Thriller" and "Bad" albums thousands of times. The "Moomwalker" VHS did not leave the VCR.

These memories will always be cherished and I am saddened by today's news.

JG

Wordless Wednesday . . . Almost

So I mentioned in this post that I would try to find the video of J. imitating Michael Jackson. Liv, my little sis, was over eating dinner with us and decided to show us her dance recital routine. J. couldn't resist joining in. So, to make you smile, here is how J. used to get exercise:



I think we're all glad he's found another outlet to channel his boundless energy ;o). Although I know Liv misses her dance partner. Thank you for your joyous spirit, J. You can always make us smile and we love you for that and so much more!

Life is good...If this is as good as it gets

As I reflect on last weekend, I'm thankful.

It was a special time. Everything slowed down. There was a triathlon It rained and nobody cared. We ate great food. There was a lot of laughter. The mood was light.

We spent Friday night and all day Saturday, until it was almost Sunday morning, with friends.

As I continue down this road I continue to ask myself the same question. How did I get here?

How did I find Katie?, who seems to continue to enjoy my company and sometimes obsessive compulsive behavior? Every morning when I awake and look at her still sleeping, I am thrilled that she is there. Just like I was when we were in college, I remain smitten.

How did I find all of these friends Two years ago I didn't know any of them. Now they enrich my life in so many ways. They've taught me so much. Hopefully they've benefited from knowing me as well.

How did I get in this good of shape? It feels good to feel capable. It feels good to feel good.

I don't know the answer to any of these questions and never dreamed I'd be here. But if this is a good as it gets, I'll die a happy soul.

JG

Some more pics courtesy Nelle . . .

Buster Britton 2009 Pics

Race Report to come later.

We had an absolute blast today!! JG got 2nd in his age group and my relay team (the PowerSpouses) kicked butt and placed first in our division.

Click the link below to go to the album:

Buster Britton 2009

More later . . . in the meantime, have a great weekend!

Where, Oh Where Have We Been?

Here . . . just all over the place--library, school, doctor. A lot going on these days. I promise to be more focused next week.

But I had to post before Buster Britton to wish all of you out there racing good luck!! I'm so excited about being on a relay team this year (so that I'm only responsible for the swim). It's like getting ready for a grown-up game of tag.

Here's a little funny inspiration for all of you BIG KIDS:





Good luck to all of you! Race fast, race safe, but most of all have FUN!