Tagged AGAIN!!!

It's just an epidemic!!
I must name 5 things that are mainly unknown about me......hmmmmmmm

1) I am an absolute PEN freak!! Never, and I mean NEVER leave me alone with your pens for you shall never find them again!!

2) I HATE shopping for clothes. When I absolutely must, I will go and buy an entire wardrobe so that I can avoid it again for years. (running stores are totally excluded from this hatred, I'm out of control when I get into one.)

3) I do believe I was one of the first to be on match.com back in the day.....where I was given horrible looks from neighbors and friends when word got out.

4) I hired the same P.I. that checked out O.J. during his famous trial, to check out a man I was dating. (Did I forget to mention that I have THE MOST wildest dating stories from after my divorce??!!) I met this P.I. at a Denny's where he actually showed up in a trenchcoat!! His work was shoddy and I yelled at him and refused to pay him in full (No wonder O.J. got off!!)

5) When pushed I can argue like the wildest lawyer you know (I look very innocent don't I??--many confuse me with a librarian), in home care I was known for putting in catheters before you knew what hit you (or entered you as the case may be), I suck at drawing blood, I can curse and pull out my Brooklyn drawl in the thick of any ghetto situation, AND I am one wild disco dancer--raised during the 70's when the glistening ball in the middle of the ceiliing was all the rage!! Do the hustle....dododododododo!

You all didn't think I would only give you five now did you?? After all, I'm tawkin about ME here! :)

I won't tag anyone cause it goes against my religion..the eleventh commandment that Moses dropped stated....Tho shalt never pass on infections to the innocents.

........so the fun stops here!

are we having fun yet????

Red Nails is correct....tho the actual name of the color is FISHNET STOCKINGS........

Sorry....just wanted to have some fun!! ;)

Tricking My Mind

I'm going to try a trick with my mind. I'm going to say to myself, over and over, "Hey ultrarunner girl--what's going on? How do you run so fast and keep yourself looking so fantastic???" If I think I'm already there, maybe I'll get there faster!

After lots of reading up on what plan to use to prepare for my first ultra, Ice Age 50K on May 12th, I've decided to concoct my own plan. Well, sort of. I'll use the mileage of Pfitz's 55-mile a week, but go by my body's signs to see about the speedwork. Speedwork is pretty new to me, I play around with it by myself (run as fast as you can to the next tree), but nothing on a schedule. So far, no injuries in the three years I've been seriously running.

I do get a weekly massage (remember Beast Woman??) and I've been doing a series rolfing sessions which leaves me bruised (of which I've received lots of comments and concerns) and I'm sure those have helped my body stay looser. I also stretch during each run after my first two easy miles. I plan on continuing all that (tho I'll stop the rolfing after the 10 sessions--and I will make her ease up when she hits "7" in pain, not "11"---she's shocked how much pain I can take without much facial expressions, but then she says, "Oh yeah, you run marathons"--see what "they" think of us!!?)

So this week starts the training. Unfortunately, I've contracted quite the respiratory bug (I think from all the "infections" you guys gave me on here!) so I've been holding back a bit until I can fully breathe, but I'm rearing to go.

Oh---and, I accepted the new job. Starts next Monday. I've been saying goodbye to all my patients this past week, and I'm not liking that at all. I will miss many of them terribly, it was my most cherished part of the job. No more hands on care--but I'm going out on top--kinda like Michael Jordan huh? (hey....don't mess with my fantasies!)

p.s. I got my first manicure in years to prepare for the management job. Just guess the color!! :)

And another one...

I keep getting infected!! So here's the next one.....

1) Find nearest book
2) Name book and author
3) Turn to page 123
4) Go to 5th sentence and copy the next three to blog
5) tag 3 others

Here's the two books on my bedside table:

Tales Of A Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman
pp 123.....5th sentence:
Indonesians do not understand overt rudeness: whatever the circumstances, the impression of civility must always be maintained. I walk over and sit down. "Dr Galdikas, " I say, "I admire your work very much."

A Step Beyond: A Definitive Guide to Ultrarunning edited by Don Allison
pp123.....5th sentence
Swimming. This is one tough sport! More than in any other endurance sport, proper form and mechanics are paramount in swimming.

By the way, I would recommend both books highly.

p.s. I'm taking extra Vit C to avoid all other infections. :)

Tagged!

A-Available or Single? With a wonderful man who makes me believe again.
B-Best Friend? Haight and My Mom.
C-Cake or Pie? Decadent Cake (tho a hot apple pie with vanila ice cream comes close 2nd)
D-Drink of choice? Water
E- Essential Item? PENS!!
F-Favorite color? Red for passion!
G-Gummi Bears or worms? gummi bears (can I add white and dark chocolate??)
H-Hometown? Brooklyn, NY
I-Indulgence? weekly massage, BlackJack phone
J-January or February? January-I think Feb should be crossed off the calendar!
K-Kids & names? David & Stephanie
L-Life is incomplete without? a few loved ones
M-Marriage Date? Not sure I could do it again!
N-Number of siblings? 2--older sis, younger bro--I'm the stable middle child!! :)
O-Oranges or Apples? clementine oranges
P-Phobias/Fears? Losing my Mom
Q-Favorite Quote? "You tawkin to me?"
R-Reason to smile? cause I've been blessed
S-Season? Spring--flowers blooming are amazing to me
T-Tag three people
U-Unknown fact about me I used to be known for my speeches/fundraising skills
V-Veggie? I love them all---just hate the time to cut them all up.
W-Worst Habit? perfectionist
X-X-rays you've had? teeth, chest....blah, blah, blah
Y-Your favorite food? seafood (especially ones with tentacles--mmm)
Z-Zodiac? Sagittarius

Back to Basics

Had a great 12 mile run on the trails last Saturday. With my ipod, the time just flows. I didn't pay attention to my speed, just listened to my body....ran fast when I was stoked, walked if I needed to (not much!), and enjoyed being out alone on the trail.

I've enjoyed the relaxation of the runs of the last few weeks. I really only did what I wanted to do based on how my body was feeling, but I kept my mileage at 25 miles/week. Now it's time to get back to a training schedule.

I have my first 50K coming up in May, and it's time to decide on which plan I wish to use. I've definitely decided to hit the maximum mileage at 50 per week. I'm hoping my body will serve me well through it. I'm not doing well with weight training at the club, so I will need to get back to using my home hand held weights.

My mind goes back and forth so much regarding getting real buff for a runner, going faster or just enjoying this whole process without the competitive pressure. Both avenues attract me so I guess I'll see what develops.

Lots will be changing as far as my schedule goes. Seems the new job wants me....the hours are a concern though. I run in the morning and this job will require me to be there at 7:30, with about a 40-minute drive. A good hour run in the morning will see me waking up around 4ish. I know I can do that, but I will be in bed by 7:30 at night!! I'm boring enough hitting the sack by 8:30 nowadays. I'm not crazy about the thought of running after work, but I will have to try it out and see how it goes.

I got a new cell phone and number to prepare for this job as my current phone is thru my present job. Treated myself to a blackjack!! Oh boy---talk about toys!!! This will just blow you away!! Now I just hope I will have time to play with it!!

Time, also to pull in my diet habits. This past week my legs felt dead on my runs. That hasn't happened in months now. So I'm back to guzzling down water all day and getting the veggies in.

Here's to watching all our goals develop through the new year!!

Happy New Year

A bit blurry (sorry) but still contains the very best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

The purse, the first hung pic and stuff....

Isn't she beautiful?? It's like buttah! Yep, that's the ordered purse from the Showtime show, Weeds. I love her!! Bayley does too!

Hung our first picture bought on our trip to Seattle in the summer of 2005 by a street vendor. We have wonderful memories of that trip and I fell in love with the amazing trails that I ran there. Hopefully, one day I'll be back!

A birthday passed by. I got a terrific gift from sweet Haight! I mentioned this juicer while we were watching a bio on Jack La Lanne's life (he still wears those tight jumpsuits). Yes, the man listens closely to me!

I'm reading up on fasting and detoxing plans. I think I'm going to try one and see how it goes. I've emeshed myself in this book, Amazon.com: How to Get Well: Dr. Airola's Handbook of Natural Healing: Books: Paavo Airola. When I was in nursing school, during my nutrition course, I was committed to eat more nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables based on what I was learning. Raising kids made that very difficult, but now its my turn to do for me.....so I'm back to what I truly believe in.

Having met lots of foreign caregivers of my patients, I've been learning their ways of healing skin problems, digestive problems and healthier eating. I've used what they've taught me as I care for other patients, steering away from medicines and expensive lotions with great success. One from Belize stated that her grandmother used to go into the backyard, pick an herb, either grind it up or boil it and use it to heal whatever ailed family members. We've gotten too far from that....all towards filling the pockets of drug companies. It's time we relearned all that doncha think?

TGIF

Been a long week. Back to work and very busy. On my first day back, an ex-coworker called with a position available at a hospital that sounds perfect for me. I have an interview next week to see how well it could fit into my life. I kept saying let me just finish the move and then I'll check out other jobs...this fell into my lap the first day back. In yiddish we call this "beschert"----"meant to be". Let's just see if it is.

Still at 25 miles of running for the week, with one day of weight training and one day of biking. I'm glad I didn't lose any steam with my running due to my move. But the weight training has been disappointing. I'm bringing over my hand weights and stability ball from my house so that I could return to that routine when I'm really scrunched for time. I enjoyed the weight machines at the club, but even though it's right in the building, I still had trouble dedicating a straight thru 45 minutes for it a second time this week.

Tomorrow I plan on running long on the trails up north. I've missed running outside, especially on trails, so I'm very much looking forward to revitalizing my soul out there. I couldn't find anyone to run with me, and that could be a blessing in disguise. This trail is busy enough on the weekends for me not to be afraid of my safety and the weather is looking good--so it's all coming together.

I've continued to see Ximena, the deep tissue body work gal, every other week. She gets soooo deep into my body that I have bruises a week after seeing her. She has gotten rid of some very long-standing tightness in my body. She's also been a terrific resource for alternative medicine....an area I want to include more in my life. This week she was talking about detoxing and gave me sites to check out, so I'll share: www.herbdoc.com and this one: Welcome to Karyn's.

Reminder to self: charge up the ipod and the garmin tonight!!

All Coming together...

....at the new homestead. I'm really loving being a citygirl again. I can walk everywhere to do my chores. I think the city is where I most fit in, though a little country retreat every now and then would be nice. I do miss running on the trails.

I've been running on the treadmill down at the club all week since the frigid temps have continued throughout the week. They are just breaking today, so, hopefully, I'll get outside again. I'll have to figure out my routes to take here. I'm kind of leery as I run while it's still dark out, so I'm thinking I'll be on the treadmill a bit longer....at least until the sun rises around 5 am (what is that....like April???...oh crap).

I haven't gotten to a yoga class yet. But I did do a full body workout on the weight machines and with free weights. I printed out a program from www.leannesslifestyle.com They have a muscle professor program that you can pick from. Then you plug in the weights you used after you're done and they increase it for you the next time around. So I walked around the club with my little paper and pen trying to find what machines fit these descriptions. I'll probably be tweaking it as time goes on, but at least I got that going. I'm still shooting for weight training 3x week.

One of the trainers at the club is from my other club and my daughter worked out with him there. So he snagged her for a free workout and is now trying to get her (or me rather) to sign her up for a whole set of personal training. Hmmm.....she's 19 years old...when I was 19 I worked my butt off, went to college and paid for all my extracurricular activities. And my purses, I was (still am) BIG on a new purse every year. So...she's cut off. She doesnt like this idea too much--oh well...life sucks sometimes!

Speaking of purses....(weaving away from running....so the men can be excused) my daughter had me watch a new show on Showtime, Weeds....she says the mom on it reminds her of me (geesh..the mom sells weed in a beigy, boring, upscale community---well not that part she says, but the way that mom is so cool ) anyways I digress.....I was watching it and fell in love with her purse. We women are nuts, ya know?? So I went online, and low and behold (do people say that crappy saying anymore?) they had a website devoted to the clothing and such from the show. How crazy is that??? And how much more crazy is that I ORDERED THE FREAKING PURSE??? ok...that's my crazy woman confession for the month. I'm glad I got that out. I'll be back to running next time. (and I'll take a pic of the purse when it comes in) :)

2nd week off

ahhhh......all is working out well. I moved, I unpacked and I got reconnected to the internet after SIX days of no connection!! How did we live before we had the computer??? Before TV?? Well, I had those days to remind myself. Remember Little House on the Prairie---where they sat around and TALKED to each other all night long???? Yep...lots of talking, reading, quiet time!! Who knew?????

The first two days after my move, the weather was beautiful. 50 degrees. I ran along Lake Michigan and into the Northwestern University campus. Oh it was amazing. (My ex husband actually proposed to me on the rocks of the University, so it was with warm thoughts when I passed that spot).

Then the storm hit!! I think we got 6 inches of snow by me. Thankfully, I didn't have to work. And double thankfully I have a beautiful new health club in my condo building. So off I trotted in my shorts and tank to the elevators connecting to the club. It was great.....except now I have to readjust to the temperature. I was sweating bullets.

The second day I went, I took a SUCCEED tab before I started and that helped a lot. I'm not happy being forced back on the treadmill, but I won't complain due to the convenience. They have some yoga classes that I'll be going to this week. I have NEVER taken a yoga class. I'm waaaay overdue!

She's mine, all mine...

I broke down!! I had to have her! My son let me borrow his fancier ipod for my 10 mile run on Saturday. He has a special playlist on it just for me, but he will be moving to his own place next week. So I just had to get my own.....and it comes in RED!!!! Even the armband is red! My most favorite color in the world!! It's all about passion, isn't it??

Running with music is such a treat for me. And as I may be running alone on my long runs for awhile to come, I'm really excited to have "company".

I'm building up mileage. I've stopped running to my favorite ravine because the hill workout there is too much with the increased mileage. I'll increase on flatland, then worry about speedwork. Meanwhile, I continue doing my weight training. I"m devoting 2007 all for the Ultras I hope to be able to do. I've been reading lots at www.ultrunr.com So much to learn, I love it!!! I'm maintaining my weight loss, which is my goal thru the new year.

I move to my new condo on Tuesday. I have two weeks off to get everything organized. Lots going on, but it's all good.

Boot Camp--checked off!!! :)

I survived and conquered!! And I believe I found the Fountain of Youth in the meantime. Who knew it was all about strength training, aerobics and good foods? A wonderful support system keeps the smile there, tho. And I include my blogger pals in that group!!

A very Happy & Hearty Thanksgiving to you all!!
I think I smell the pies baking already!

Settling Down...

I'm home from NJ. It was a fast in and out....left Friday nite with the kids, straight from work and returned very early Monday morning and went right to a patient. But it was wonderful! The ceremony at my Dad's gravesite was very "hamish"--a yiddish word meaning "full of warmth and love". My brother said some beautiful words and the survivors stood together with our arms around each other. The older Grandkids wore my Dads hats for fun just before we left (I wanted them to wear it to the cemetery, but Mom nixed that!) That's my son and daughter on the left and my oldest nephew on the right. Of course, we all returned to Mom's house for some food--it ain't a Jewish get together without food!! Eat Mamala Eat!!

I did pretty good with my eating over the weekend. I did indulge some--Mom had frozen chocolate twists in the freezer--OMG!! And the kids bought me a bag of tootsie rolls to make me feel good--so how could I not! No guilt, trust me! It was worth every bite.

I ran 9 miles around Mom's retirement community on Saturday. The elderly neighbors were out doing their morning walk and cheered me on as I passed them. My brother and Mom went out walking while I was running, so I had some wonderful company on my walking breaks.

I ran during the same hours as the JFK 50-miler, so I pretended I was running with
Run with Me and Relentless Runner, spurring them on to the finish. I pretended Mom's house was one of the pitstops along the way, and I named it The "Mamala/Tatala-you-should-stop-and-eat-before-you-fade-away-to-nothing" PitStop. I ate 1/4 of a bagel & cream cheese there at 4.5 miles, went to the bathroom, stretched and continued on, just like in a real ultra, huh? I know....I have quite the imagination! Ya gotta dream!!!!

Yikes!

I have one week left of the Boot Camp I signed up for with www.leannesslifestyle.com I am supposed to be 4 lbs less by next week! I have maintained the last few weeks, but not lost, because I didn't tighten up my eating habits. My exercising is never a problem for me as I love to run and I've gotten the weight training in 3x week (of which I am really proud).

So I've accomplished a lot in this Boot Camp but not what the Coach expected of me. Therefore, as of today I'm kicking it in HIGH GEAR and I'm going to get there by next week! This will be most rough when I get to NJ for the weekend as Mom LOVES enticing me with chocolate, my all-time weakness! So here's my pat answer for her, "NO MOM....I can't.....I will lose money if I eat that!" Think it will work???? Lord give me strength!!!

Girls Best Friend

Nothing like a 5 mile sunrise walk with one's pup to soothe one's soul.

I've had a rough week--planning a trip to NJ next weekend for Dad's cemetary plot unveiling and having to discuss Hospice with a patient's family just took so much out of me. I'm quietly soothing myself, with the wonderful help of those closest to me (and wonderful blogger pals who have made soothing comments) so I'm slowly coming back to myself.

My running is going real well, and I'm looking forward to Saturdays morning run--or rather the breakfast afterwards to hear the NYC Marathon stories.

and so it goes.......

just for today.....

i want my daddy back.

Pfitzy Lora

This week will have me up to 20 miles. Three weeks post-marathon and I'm feeling good. I will slowly build up to 30 miles/week. By the second week in January I will attempt my first Pfitz plan--up to 55 miles/week as I head towards my first 50K.

Lotsa firsts happening here for me--let's just hope this body holds out.

Lifestyle Changes

Some of you have asked me how I did it. I've done many changes to how I live my life eating wise, but I will say the biggest impact has been this book... www.thepaleodiet.com Start there!

Changes I've made....

1. 3-4 cups fresh veggies daily
2. 8 cups water daily
3. equal protein and carbs in a meal
4. at least 540 minutes of exercise per week
5. Small meals, 4-6 per day
6. Resistance training 3x week (part of 540 mins)
7. Daily Multi-Vitamin (Centrum)
8. Daily Fish Oil Pill
9. Daily Calcium/Magnesium (my pms is cured!!)

Do not forget that veggies and fruits are CARBS! This is where carb loading happens...not the pasta and rice we've all been told to do. I gained 10 lbs my first year of training due to this--it is WAY TOO EASY to overeat pasta. Can you only eat a portion size?? 1/2 cup?? I doubt it!

more thoughts to come.....

Why We Do This Crazy Sport

Be Inspired!!

Land of the Gods: The Legend of the Marathon