Because I Can…

There are those who say to me: You’re lucky because you get to work from home.

I’ll give you the fact that yes – I am lucky that I can work from home and wear my slippers and pj pants.

However, that being said – I am also one of those people who has trouble focusing when I work at home because – OH LOOK SOMETHING SPARKLY!!

Totally me. ALL. THE. TIME.

I’m working two shows right now – one I’m directing and another a favorite franchise where I’m reprising a role. It’s learning music/lines/choreography from scratch.  Three weeks until we open!

So, rather than waste this beautiful day sitting in a chair being distracted trying to keep music/lines/choreography in my head?  I thought I’d take it on the ON THE ROAD FOR 1.73 MILES before I came in for lunch.

I think better on my feet – it forces me to use both sides of my brain.

It was also a free preview for the neighborhood.

WHATEVER…

Conversations and Tears…

… I am so proud of my friends who ran/walked the PITTSBURGH GREAT RACE 2012. The commitment to train and complete a race is difficult physically, mentally and time-wise.

I won’t kid you, it was tough to stand at the Finish Line – not because I didn’t want to be supportive and cheer the runners on – but because I wasn’t out there doing what I’d promised. Plain and simple, I wanted to run and I was physically unable. However, I’ve discovered that I have a talent for giving good COWBELL!

When I handed over my racing bib to another racer, we discussed what ‘running’ has meant to each of us**.  [Neither of us having been runners in the past.] 

What I took away from the conversation was this:

It’s not the ACT of running itself, but rather doing something you NEVER BELIEVED that you could do.  Running will never be FUN or EASY, but the knowledge that you get up and try? Form, time, footwear – it all goes by the wayside.  It doesn’t take a special talent -- it’s about believing in yourself and doing it FOR YOU. 

That may sound selfish to some, but if running will help me to control my diabetes and extend my life – then hell yeah.

When I met with my orthopaedic surgeon on Oct. 3rd, he looked at me and said: I know this isn’t something you want to hear, because you’re a FIXER. He went on to tell me that my injury isn’t something that can be fixed. While the RUPTURED TENDON is healed as much as possible, the FAT PAD ON THE BOTTOM OF MY FOOT is atrophied due to my age, my weight and my diabetes.  But I’m wearing HEEL CUPS and have been fitted for CUSTOM ORTHOTIC INSERTS.

My first question to him was: CAN. I. RUN.

Ease into it, he said – and I’m glad he did. The two months I was off – I didn’t realize that the stamina would disappear so quickly.  My first runs out were more walks than runs simply because I couldn’t sustain any distance.  My form returned – muscle memory is a wonderful thing, but physically, I just couldn’t run the distance.

Which is why I’ve started back to the COUCH25K PROGRAM.  This morning, I ran 2.05 MILES ON WEEK 1 DAY 2, I’m enjoying it more.  Not because it’s easier – but I have an appreciation that I didn’t have the first time.

Also?

When I’m done with my run, I feel like such a badass…

**I’m looking at YOU and your Badass Self, Becki Toth.

Back Up And Punt…

… life happens. Some things we have choices about and others we don’t. Some things we’re willing to accept and some we won’t.

I decided the other day after LAST WEEK'S RUN AND 'ROUND OF SICKNESS that perhaps I should just scale everything back.  Forget where I was, but not be afraid to begin again.

Go right back to where I started -- THE COUCH TO 5K PROGRAM.  I don’t need to spend hours on the road pretending I’m the same athlete that RAN A 10K RACE.  I am an athlete recovering from an injury who needs to go back to the beginning and there is no shame in that at all.  If I did it once, I can do it again.

Today began WEEK ONE - DAY ONE 1.98 MILES on a beautiful Autumnal afternoon. 30 minutes, just me and my best intentions out there doing what I can, where I am.

When I saw my shadow – even for the brief 45 second interval, I remembered walking around Vegas with an orthopaedic boot…

I am thankful for those 45 seconds of running.

I’ve Had to Start…

… somewhere.

Doing is better than NOT doing, so I’ll take it for now.

1.59 MILES of walking and running.  I’d say it was about 50/50.  It was slow, but I really didn’t feel like it today.

I did it any way.

A quick stretch, Tylenol and ice down after.

It feels like I’ve got a L-O-N-G way to go to get back to where I was just two months ago. I’ve lost two months of work-outs.  I even had a bit of an asthma attack when I finished.  Probably a bit of seasonal allergies adds to the attack.

I’m not worried about running for distance now – I’m working my way back to endurance and conditioning.

As far as I’m concerned – that’s a great place to begin…

It’s gross…

… I know this is gross. Dead snake on the road.

I just happen to think it’s better OFF DEAD.

That doesn’t mean I’m still not gonna dream about it when I close my eyes tonight.

But here’s the good news…

I went out for a walk today.  And just a wee-bit of a run. [Not from the snake – but I thought about it!]

My body felt like it wanted to run a little bit. So I let it.

Now I ice down my foot and maybe a bit more stretch out later.

I can’t begin to explain how good that 1.34 MILES FELT with no orthopedic boot.

Cautious freedom…

Thank you…

… for your input and notes about my INJURY 'PATIENCE and HEALING'.  I appreciate them all.  I do.

But let’s turn our attentions to Vegas – shall we?

I don’t know when my love affair with Showgirls began.  Perhaps it seemed so glamorous to a little girl growing up in rural Western Pennsylvania.

As a tomboy who was usually barefoot, it was the lure of the stage that got me… even though my first piano recital is something I’ve spent years trying to forget.

So what is it? Sequins, feathers, makeup??

ALL OF IT.

When does a little girl outgrow those things?

In my case – apparently never.  I’m BLESSED to be okay with that…

Let’s be honest – where VEGAS is concerned – it’s either White or Black.  You either love it or loathe it.  I won’t judge you. It’s pretty obvious how I feel about it.  Every city has its ‘seedy underworld’ element, most places you don’t have to look very far to find it.

I think it’s also what you LOOK for when you’re looking at it.

Showgirls are entertainment, a pure extravagance – a beautiful distraction.  You rarely see the years of work that it takes to achieve and maintain ‘showgirl’ status.  Off stage and out of makeup, they’re your sisters, cousins and best friends who take the every day ordinary and make it extraordinary.

I don’t go to Vegas to gamble or drink.  [I’m not a gambler when it comes to money – it’s too hard earned!]  As far as drinking is concerned, I do just fine locally.

I like Vegas just like Showgirls: entertainment, extravagance – beautiful distraction. 

As a performer: THIS I UNDERSTAND.

Vegas is a shiny escape from my every day ordinary life that I choose to make extraordinary.

Injury

I have put off writing this entry for over two weeks.  Probably hoping that I’d never have to write it.  If I didn’t see it in print, it wouldn’t exist.

But it does.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around what it means. I’m not sure I’m ready to do that yet.

Here’s what I know and what I’ll share with you:

I don’t know what cause my rupture of the FLEXOR HALLUCIS BREVIS tendon. I only know that I had increasing heel pain [I’m not able to put full weight on the heel of my foot – when I do, it feels like I’m stepping on a rock] beginning around August 3-7 and I went to the Canonsburg ER for X-rays and a follow up visit to ADVANCED ORTHOPAEDICS who are my medical team.

An MRI of my left foot on August 14th showed the ruptured tendon and they prescribed 4 weeks of Physical Therapy.  I began the PT last week [August 22] and will continue the course of treatment until I return to see the SURGEON on October 3rd. [My guy is Welker.]

Will it actually require surgery?

I don’t know. We’ll cross that bridge after October 3rd.

In the meantime, I’ve been cleared to do upper body work and swim.  I did 2 MILES ON THE ARM BIKE this morning after PT.  I thought about swimming this week, but they’re doing yearly maintenance on the pools at the WELLNESS CENTER where I am a member.  [I’ll return when they’ve finished the maintenance and refilled the pools.]

The good news is, I’m still going to Vegas this weekend.  We’ll be there from September 1-6. While I’m not thrilled to travel/vacation with my foot in an ORTHOPEDIC WALKING BOOT, it really is nearly pain-free.  I manage quite well and if I wear a right shoe that has a bit of a heel, I’m no longer limping/wobbling.

Mentally is a completely different ball game.  This is primarily why I’ve put off writing this entry.  I don’t want to talk about what it means in terms of running or continuing to run in the future.  I’m not sure even where I am in terms of the 2012 GREAT RACE 5k.  I probably could WALK it in the boot. 

The question remains: should I?

I’m not ready to make that decision. 

What I can tell you is this:  I’m glad to have had the opportunity to run 2011 GREAT RACE 10k and enjoyed every step.  I no longer have anything to prove.  Every STEP is a precious, treasured memory.  If I never get the opportunity to participate in another race of any length, I’m not saying I will or won’t – I know that I have done my best in each one that I’ve had the joy of running!

In some way or shape or form, I will be waiting at the Finish Line for my Brother and Family/Friends who are walking/running the Pittsburgh Great Race on September 30th…

Milestones…

… are meant to be acknowledged.

And then broken.

Today – 17 months after I began my RUNNING JOURNEY on MARCH 7, 2011 with THE COUCH 2 5K PROGRAM [C25K], I logged my 600th mile.

Did you get that?

SIX HUNDRED MILES.

And this morning? I WALKED THE 1.84 MILES like a ROCK STAR.

After FRIDAY'S WALKING RUN – I had some issues over the weekend of other muscles reacting in my weak* left leg.  Different muscles – so I wanted to be sure this morning that I allowed plenty of time for them all to heal.

I figure this way – any walking/running/biking I do is better than none.

So it seemed only fitting that the 1.1 miles I needed to make the 600 mile mark came on a day when I was just getting out there to move.

Cause really – isn’t that what all this is about – just getting out there and LIVING IT…

*Due to nerve damage from surgeries, I have numbness/weakness in my left leg and toes.

Today Was One of Those…

… mornings when I had to force myself out of bed to get to the track.

I’ve been having some issues lately with very low blood sugar in the mornings.  I grabbed 1/2 a banana and headed out anyway.

Also, I noticed while I was watching the ‘lympic coverage yesterday afternoon from my big COMFY couch that the back of my left leg was bothering me.  It’s the same muscle that CRAMPED ON ME DURING MY 30 MILE BIKE RACE. 

Probably some residual soreness from my 10.59 BIKE RIDE on the trail earlier this week.

We left for the track with me wondering if I could run at all.  I stretched prior to my warm up walk just like I normally do – I mean – what’s the worst that could happen?

WALKING INSTEAD OF RUNNING AT THE TRACK?? 

Being out there moving is what it’s all about.

2.05 MILES OF RUN/WALKING later it was done.

Yes, I walked just as much as I ran – I did what I was able this morning.  The pain wasn’t debilitating – it didn’t get worse.  My pace was good – better than earlier in the week – even with all the walking.  Harry told me that I was limping pretty badly, but I stretched out good when I was finished and took a long, hot shower when we got home.

The key now is to let it recover this weekend and not tweak it more.  I’m not getting any younger.  Running is not going to get easier for me as my body ages.  However, running has taught me to listen to what my body tells me on a daily basis and to understand when defying it is a good idea.

Brain trumps Body every time…

It’s Not Only…

… the beginning of a NEW month – it’s the beginning of my BIRTH Month.

Hey – I’m celebrating all that’s possible.

I thought about a run this morning around the track, but opted out for a 10.59 MILE BIKE RIDE ON THE MONTOUR TRAIL.

And am I glad that I did – it was a beautiful day.  A bit on the warmish side, but I didn’t get out there until noon.  Hard for me to remember that 7 days ago I was RIDING ON THE ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK!!

While I’m thinking about it, I didn’t get my 30 miles in for July 2012. I only missed the goal by 11.7 miles.  When I thought about that – not too shabby.  [I basically made that mileage up today with my bike ride.]  Going to try to get in another 30 miles for August 2012.

I can’t believe I’m 3.1 miles [5k!!] away from completing 600 miles in less than 18 months!

I am SO Excited…

… I just registered Harry and I for the 5k distance of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH GREAT RACE!

Last year I ran the 10k DISTANCE OF THE GREAT RACE 2011 and loved every step.  It was very emotional.

To date – it’s the only 10k distance race I’ve run.  I thought about running it again this year, but then when Harry said that he wanted to participate in the 5k distance, well – I really thought that it would be great for us to do it together.

As I’ve already said WE'VE BEEN HEADING TO THE TRACK SEVERAL DAYS PER WEEK and I want to be there when Harry crosses the Finish Line.  He’s been there for me for every race but one [MOM WAS THERE FOR THE WHISKEY REBELLION 2011].

The 5k race begins at 8am and the 10k begins at 9:30am – so I’d miss his entire race!

Besides, there are moments that I don’t feel the need to recreate and that moment when my young cousin caught up to me on the 10k course? I can’t replicate it…

I’m happy to say that there are a number of folks who will be also running/walking both 5k and 10k distances of the race – we’re DEFINITELY having pancakes at the FINISH LINE!!

YESTERDAY'S 2.02 MILES AROUND THE TRACK shouldn’t go unheralded – although, while it wasn’t anything to write home about – it was consistent.

While we all strive to push ourselves out of our comfort zone, some times we need to take note of our consistency…

I’d *LIKE* To Tell You…

… my run on the ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK was a huge success.

I completely take responsibility because I’d WALKED [double the runkeeper total mileage] and BIKED So much THE DAY BEFORE that my body was exhausted.

I was miserable for NEARLY EVERY STEP OF TWO MILES that I was able to run.

I hadn’t run much since CHICAGO HAD BEEN IN REHEARSAL & THEN TWO WEEKS OF PRODUCTION.  But I’d like to think that my miserableness had more to do with the fact that the weather was horrid at 6:30am when I headed out the door of my hotel room.

I couldn’t tell you what the temp was, doesn’t matter – what did matter was the 112% humidity that was absolutely stifling.  The air was so heavy and cloud cover so thick the sun wasn’t able to breach the clouds.

There was also a strong head-wind and as I was running, noticed that they were changing the beach signs because there was a strong RIP CURRENT and they was no swimming allowed.

But – that aside, I enjoyed being out there with the other runners.  I was slow – oh so very slow.  I realized 3 tens of a mile into the run that I’d forgotten to eat my banana and when I’d taken my blood sugar, it was very low.

YEAH.  I had a LOT of factors that were immediately working against me.

But you know what?  Doesn’t matter.  I said I was going to do it and I did.

My favorite part of the run was coffee and a bagel afterwards.  I had a table right on the boardwalk, the sun had come out and I noticed a fellow at a table close to me wearing a throw-back CLEMENTE jersey.

Let’s just say, the day got better from there…

I Don’t Think…

…I could’ve asked for a nicer few days to get away to ATLANTIC CITY, NY.  I have worked hard over the past 6 months with rehearsals and 3 back-to-back productions.  My body knew that I needed some down time – but my brain needed something to look forward to with a bit of physical activity thrown in the mix.

I guess that’s PART OF THE REASON I chose Atlantic City.  The other part was completely sentimental.

Originally – I’d planned to bring my own bike, but that quickly got ‘nixed’ when I realized that I wouldn’t be able to bike the Gettysburg Battlefield this trip.  With bikes available to rent by the hour, I couldn’t justify dragging Mountain MAN 300+ miles across the state to ride less than 10 miles of Boardwalk.

There’s an AC Ordinance that allows bikes on the boardwalk from 6:30am to 10am.  On Wednesday, July 25th – I got up at 6am, dragged myself into my gear and out the door.  It was a short walk to the bike rental place – luckily, there’s two places [run by the same company] that are located on either end of the boardwalk and I was close to the southern rental location at the TROPICANA AC.

All the rental bikes were BEACH CRUISERS and looked to be well maintained.  I liked the fact that the rental agent gave me his cell number if there was a problem.  There were also stringent rules about where to ride [only on the boardwalk] and I had to sign a helmet waiver – even though I chose to wear my own helmet.

It was a gorgeous morning – clear blue sky with no clouds.  Temps in the mid 70’s with little or no humidity.  Which was a change from the day before.  It was tough riding into the sun, but it was the shortest distance and I figured I’d ride as quickly as I could into the sun, knowing that I had to ride back the same route with the sun at my back, I would be able to take in more of the surroundings.

I’m glad I chose to ride early, there were a few cyclists out – but as time went on, there were quite a few folks riding.  Some were sightseeing like me, but there were others who were out for SPEED. 

I’d walked a good deal the day before, but was glad that I was able to see a lot more when I was riding.  There’s just something so freeing about riding a bike.  I guess it reminds me so much of my childhood. 

I covered 6.41 MILES OF BOARDWALK in just under an hour.  The easiest part to ride was where the boardwalk was near the casinos and tourist attractions because it was the widest.  But as I rode South, the boardwalk became narrow and more residential.  While I enjoyed it for the peacefulness, there just wasn’t as much navigation room.

All in all, it was a wonderful early morning ride and I’d recommend it to anyone!

Opening Night Thoughts…

Someone recently asked me how I could play MAMA MORTON IN CHICAGO – she’s always portrayed as a large black woman.

I thought about it for a second before I replied:

Cinderella isn’t always blonde – nor does she need to be.  She’d still be CINDERELLA no matter her hair color.

I’m not Queen Latifah.  And I don’t NEED to be.  I don’t even need to be BIG.

Turns out the real MAMA WAS A LITTLE WHITE LADY. And supposedly SOHPIE TUCKER WAS CITED AS THE MAIN INFLUENCE FOR THE CHARACTER OF MAMA.

You don’t gots to be big or tall or white or black to be in charge.

But you do gots to have the pipes.

It’s Been a Week…

… since my last run.

Or at least an activity that wasn’t a rehearsal or climbing the stairs in our house. [Which I do about a bagillion times per day.  But believe me – it’s a whole hell-of-a-lot easier than it use to be!]

This morning’s 1.75 MILE RUN wasn’t anything exciting or out of the ordinary.  There wasn’t any fantastic scenery or anything special about it.

The most I can say [other than it was done] was that the weather was cooler. 

I find that when the runs aren’t spectacular or even record-breaking, that I can go inside and concentrate on clearing my brain.  Listening to the inner voice that talks whether we want it to or not.

It’s those cobweb-clearing runs that sometimes are the most refreshing…

Sometimes, the Crazy Thing…

… is the ability to stay focused on what you is in front of you.

I was watching the Olympic Trials yesterday and I am always amazed how focused the athletes remain regardless of who was watching.

Here’s the crazy part – as an actor/athlete who knows how to have that kind of ferocious focus – it’s imperative to remain intent on the task at hand.  But you know what you DO hear?  The celebration of a job well done – of a task performed to the best of one’s ability – the support of the crowd/audience.

I watched gymnast NASTIA LIUKIN slip off the uneven parallel bars and fall flat on her face to the mat.  There was a gasp from the crowd – even her father who was spotting her was surprised to find her suddenly face down on the mat.

She picked herself up and got on with her routine.

When she finished, the crowd went nuts!

Me too. 

I watched it first hand at a local HS Talent show last month. A young lady was playing/singing from memory and got ‘lost’ where she was in the song and couldn’t remember the chords.  She stopped cold and the audience could see the terror on her face – not knowing whether she could/should continue.

A voice from the crowd shouted: YOU GOT THIS – WE LOVE YOU!

The auditorium cheered for her to continue, she refocused and finished her song.

There’s nothing we want to see more than another human being take a risk, make a mistake, pick themselves up, stay focused on the task at hand and complete what they started.

It brings out the Olympian in all of us.

I Opted NOT to Run…

… this morning on the LOCAL HS TRACK. The humidity isn’t good to my asthma and I figured, why just aggravate it more?

You know – why not wait until NOON when the sun is at it’s peak and go for a bike ride?

SO THAT'S WHAT I DID FOR 9.04 MILES.

Okay, I admit – it wasn’t a high Noon.

It sure felt like it – but it reminded me how much I like riding and how it is a challenge every time I go out there.

I also found another path to the Montour Trail that heads out towards Library.  I’m going to ride out that way again I want to see where it leads!!

Here are the top 10 ways people give away their power:

1. Asking others what they should do.
2. Thinking God decides who gets what.
3. Worrying about how their dream will come true.
4. Thinking they have dues to pay.
5. Attaching to unimportant details and outcomes.
6. Believing in soul mates.
7. Thinking karma or spiritual contracts are absolute.
8. Fear of anything, especially falling in love.
9. Waiting for their ducks to line up before acting.
10. Choosing to be unhappy.

Understand the truth, little bird, and you will soar.

To be happy or not, is always a choice.

I’m Sure…

… that the work might be the same, but it certainly doesn’t always feel the same.

IT WAS A TOUGH MORNING RUN.

When I had to take a walk break within the first FIVE MINUTES – I knew there were two choices:

1. I could push through and try to find a rhythm for the next 20 minutes

2. I could walk.

I won’t kid you – I really thought about walking.  But I’d made up my mind that morning to run.  I’d dressed for running – let’s do it.

The last thing I want to be for ANY length of time is miserable.

I decided to put all that negative effort into putting one foot in front of the other. To going inside and feeling what hurt.  Recognize the hurt and appreciate the parts of my body that were working to move thorough the pain.

I wasn’t thinking about distance or time or racing. I was thinking of putting one foot in front of the other to make it around the track.

I had to break it down to minutiae.

It’s never easy.  It won’t ever get easier for me, but it teaches me a lesson every time.

That sometimes we have to walk/run through the difficult mornings to appreciate what we’ve got, where we’ve been and what we’ve done.

And I want to live my life knowing that I’ve done all that I can, to do what I say I’m going to do…

I Just Booked…

… my first trip to Atlantic City, NJ.  I’ll be staying at a LOW-BUDGET HOTEL A BLOCK OFF THE BOARDWALK.

When I was a child – very young – about 2-3, my grandparents/parents took me to Atlantic City. I still remember, it was the first time I saw the ocean.  I’m pretty sure it was such an impromptu trip that I didn’t have a bathing suit and just swam in my underwear.

I remember my Grandfather holding frantically to my hand as we walked in the surf.  And I remember vividly the steak we ate at a restaurant on the Boardwalk.

The last time I was there, probably early 2000’s and was just a day trip from Philly when I took my brother and cousins.  I don’t remember a lot about it – just the beach and finding a place to park was a pain.

This trip will happen after I close CHICAGO on Sunday, July 22nd.  It will be my third full production since April and I am beginning to get weary.

However, booking this today has given me something more immediate to look forward to – not just our impending return to VEGAS SEPTEMBER 1-6!

I’m excited to go back and RUN, BIKE AND WALK THE LENGTH OF THE BOARDWALK. I can’t think of a better way to see it through the eyes of an adult!

And now a moratorium on spending goes into FULL EFFECT!

I’m Not Going To Tell You…

… that it was fast or fun.

ONLY THAT IT'S DONE.

And that’s all that matters today…

It Would’ve Been…

… so easy this morning to roll back over to go to sleep.

In fact, I was awake before the alarm and thinking I’d just tell Harry that I was tired.  I didn’t feel like going to the track this morning.

Then I thought about it – well – I was awake.  Let’s see what it feels like after I go to the bathroom.

Okay – we’ll maybe if I get dressed, I’ll feel better.  And I stand there looking at my running gear…

Maybe I’ll just WALK this morning. [Dig out a different set of clothes.]  I mean – I am up.  Walking is good – it’s better than laying in bed for those 30 minutes.

We get to the track – I started walking, then the body, well, she’s got other ideas.

SO I RAN THE CORNERS and walked the straight-a-ways.

Sometimes we need to *listen* to our bodies and not our heads.  But the brain, she needs a LOT of convincing.

It never does get easier…

And That’s Exactly…

… what I did.

As I said, HARRY AND I HAVE BEEN HEADING OUT TO THE LOCAL HS TRACK on a Mon/Wed/Fri basis.

This week was no different. 

MONDAY I TOOK AN EASY 1.29 WALK after the 30 MILE BIKE RIDE I did this past weekend.  It was a good way to do a bit of a recovery from that – my body wasn’t too achy, which is a great feeling.

I actually ran about 100 feet down the back stretch towards the end of the walk.  My body just felt like it wanted to move a little faster.

This morning found my body a little more grumpy because it was so very humid already at 7:10 am.  But I managed 1.90 MILES OF RUN in 24 minutes.  That’s the furthest I’ve run since the PGH MARATHON 5k RACE on May 5th.  It felt good to be back in the running groove again.

I can walk and walk and walk – but there’s nothing like a productive run.

I gotta be honest, I don’t have any ‘urge’ to get near a bike this week…

I Didn’t Start Out the Morning…

… with the hint of a thought that I might actually ride 30 PLUS MILES.

In fact, because of my times restraints due to an EVENING PERFORMANCE, the agreement was that I would ride out an hour, turn around and ride back.

Let’s just say, that’s what I was thinking when I left the house – what really happened was a completely different story.

BIKE WITH BUD'S was an untimed, charity ride along the YOUGH RIVER TRAIL that’s part of the GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE.  We began at YOUGH RIVER PARK in Connellsville and rode toward Pittsburgh to WHITSETT, PA and then back.

I was up early, and I got out Mountain MAN to add some accessories I’d purchased and get him loaded on my car for the trip.  Once I had my water and protein bars, I was ready to leave. 

Somewhere on the way, I was thinking about 30 miles and I just knew that I was going to do it.  I figured that I could do 10 miles in a hour – that would be 20 miles total if I just did the hour out and back that I’d committed to do.

What’s another 10 miles?

You know how you just FEEL things?? Yeah.  Exactly like that…

It was a beautiful day – a bit on the warmish side, but we were next to the river and for the most part, shaded by the trees on the trail.  The 15 miles out was a breeze.  I didn’t feel the need to stop at all.  It was an easy ride and even though I’m not fast, I try to keep steady with the pedaling.

The turnaround was in Whitsett and there was a pavilion to get out of the sun.  We’d made it in just over an hour and 40 minutes.  I had some vitamin water, peanut butter crackers and a couple bites of protein bar.  I walked around a bit to stretch out my muscles and then we were ready to head back.

I’m not going to kid you – it felt like 15 miles out and 45 miles back.

About mile 22, I began to know that I needed more protein.  There was a campground on the trail and I thought it was about 10 miles out from where we started.  I’d planned to stop there and eat something more.  Except, every turn and there wasn’t any campground. [Turns out the campground was 3 miles FROM the START.]

I finally HIT THE WALL around mile 25.

I got out of the sun and was able to eat and drink.  I wasn’t afraid that I wasn’t going to finish – I just knew that I had to get protein into my system.  I want it to be clear: I never felt I was in uncontrolled physical distress.  I understood what was happening and did what I needed to handle the situation.

The last 5 miles were the toughest.  I really had to dig deep.  I didn’t talk much because I was using all my energy to maintain forward motion.  I got a cramp in my left leg – but was able to work it out while pedaling.  It was most difficult to find a comfortable position on the saddle.  I don’t care what kind of seat you purchase – NOTHING is comfortable after 25 miles.

NOTHING.

But you know what – I pushed through. 

I finished strong! 

30 miles. 

I believe I said something along the lines of: I did it – I don’t ever feel the need to ride 30 miles at one time again.

Harry said to me: So, you ready for the Half Century? [50 miles.]  I immediately shot him a look that would strike down a lesser man [he’s use to those looks from me], but after I thought about it, replied: Well, most of those are road races on asphalt and that’s always faster riding than trail riding. MAYBE.

Honestly – I probably would. 

But I gotta tell ya, when I look at the map and it tells me I rode 30 miles?

I still don’t believe I did it…

OH!

I also turned in a stellar evening performance after the 30 miles on my bike. 

Cause that’s what acting athletes do.

Apparently.

**Thank you Jeff John for a wonderful biking experience, encouraging me and keeping me motivated to do what ‘I can do’… XOOX

It Was a Beautiful…

… morning for a run.

Clear skies. No humidity.  Sunny.  Even a bit of chill in the air – compared to the nearly 90 degrees we had yesterday?

I’d agreed to wake up early [after a late rehearsal] to go with Harry to the local HS track.  He’s been walking before work and it would give ME a little more motivation to get out of bed and just do it.

He doesn’t have to leave for work until 10:30, I normally get up and have coffee/breakfast [okay – who are we kidding? COFFEE] with him, so why not just go move around the track?

Done deal.

1.29 MILES OF RUNNING around the track.

I’ll need a nap – but I’m okay with that…

Running…

… what is THAT?

Kidding.

I have been impossibly busy learning lines the past two weeks.  Too busy for running or biking??

Yes.

This is a complicated script – an ensemble piece. 98 pages and I am barely off stage.  Add an incredibly difficult Irish/English/Welsh accent and if you’ve spoken to me lately – you’ll notice the ‘lilt’ in my speech pattern.

It’s not an excuse.  It’s a choice I made to focus on giving this show the best performance I’m capable of – just like my running.

Trust me – I do plenty of running during the show.

But today, I decided to get off my behind and take my afternoon script foray out in the neighborhood.  Good thing I know where I live, because I was so focused on my lines that until I looked at runkeeper, I couldn’t tell you the 2.85 MILE ROUTE I did walk!

Now THAT’S the concentration it takes for me to do my lines…

It Was A Milestone…

…kind of day.

A friend sent me an invite to a FUNDRAISER BIKE RIDE that’ll be coming up on June 16th.

He’s a long-distance biker and even though it’s not a ‘race’ – they’re offering a 30 mile ride.

The longest I’ve ever ridden was 15.65 MILES ON OCTOBER 6, 2011. So yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve put up some ‘mileage’ on the bike.  Not more than 10-12 miles since then.

Today I rode 16.65 MILES and beat my previous record!

Which is great – but that’s just over half way to 30 miles.

Granted, I don’t have to ride the entire 30 miles.  I’ve got a performance that evening of AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG, so I want to be able to walk when I’m finished riding.

I took my time and stopped when I needed to – I found that I really enjoy the PANHANDLE TRAIL. I rode from McDonald to Walkers Mill and back – just to the Viaduct/Tressel where the Montour Trail crosses the Panhandle Trail.

What I was most pleased about was the elevation – it was a 1447 foot climb.  I’m not a mathematician or a land surveying engineer, but believe me, my legs are noodles and they’re telling me it was BIG.

I probably could’ve done 20 miles – I was tired and knew that I’d pushed my body enough for one day.

I’m okay with setting a new record and new goals.  Will I make the 30 miles by June 16th?

You’re better off asking my screaming knees…

There Wasn’t A Whole Lot…

… memorable about it.

I just went out and did what I needed to do and got on with my day.

1.51 MILES just around the neighborhood.

It wasn’t fast, but it was consistent.

What really amazes me is that while there are days I dread it – sometimes it’s easiest when I just get up and get it done.

It’s not fun – but I need to think on the positive side of how GOOD it is for me mentally and physically.

So yeah – that’s always GOOD to remember…

It Was One of Those Rare…

… mornings when things just fall into place.

I thought it might be too hot already at 10:30am.

But I ran anyway.

I thought I might be too tired from having some stomach issues yesterday.

But I ran anyway.

I chose to go a route that I knew was tough with several big hills and heavy traffic.

But I ran anyway.

1.56 MILES – just a short run by most running standards. 

I remembered to wear my ARMY STRONG ARMBAND OPERATION RUN for a HERO.  I thought about my uncle who is still in the VA Hospital being treated for the rarest form of A.D.E.M. unable to walk or eat on his own.

So I ran anyway.

Because I know he’d do the same for me…

What a Ride!

It was such a beautiful day – on the warmish side by the time I got out there on the MONTOUR TRAIL.

I had to install my new bike seat and water bottle holder before I loaded it on Bailey.

I rode 10.55 MILES and even though it was my first real ride on the open trail with Mountain MAN, I took my time and tried to get use to shifting gears.  I haven’t done that for a very long time on a bike – my two other bikes are cruisers. [No gears.]

I got on the trail at Southview via Galati Road Access – they’re still working on that section, but it’s open.  And I rode towards Imperial – I only rode out a little over 5 miles, because I knew I’d have to ride back making the trek 10 miles.

I stopped to eat a bit of lunch and just enjoy the quietness of the trail.  Actually, it wasn’t really quiet – the wildlife was buzzing like crazy!

It was an leisurely ride – I was passed both directions by bikers. No runners/walkers out on this section of the trail.  I’m sure as Summer heats up, I will find my way back to this trail because of the tree cover!!

I Haven’t Lost…

… my mojo for running.

I needed a good reason to get back out there after the Pgh Marathon 5k race on May 5, 2012.

Apparently, it took me a while to find that reason.

TODAY I MADE I HAPPEN FOR 1.26 MILES

Here’s the good news – I still love running.

I absolutely need to remember to do it more often.  I’m encouraged because it would be so VERY easy to let it go, like many other things in our lives.

Just when I think I might re-think the running, someone tells me what an inspiration I am or I think of you every time I begin my Couch to 2 5k programmed run.

I won’t kid you – that’s a lot of pressure to live up to…

Bring it.

I’d Decided…

… a few weeks ago that perhaps it was time that I invest in a mountain bike – or to put it bluntly – something with a few gears.

DASH is a wonderful friend and I’m not going to be getting rid of him anytime soon – but it was time to man up and find another bike.

I’ve been looking around on line – comparative shopping.

I actually went out on Saturday and found THE MOUNTAIN BIKE I was going to purchase.  But it was raining and I wasn’t feeling it.

What’s the point of buying a new bike that you can’t immediately take for a ride on the trail?

Exactly.

Besides, I knew Sunday was going to be 80 degrees and sunny.

After church and dinner with Mom, purchase I did.

3.35 MILES LATER – was a good maiden voyage on “Mountain MAN”.

Monday?

NEW. SEAT.

If I can walk from the car to the store…

I’m All For Choices…

… and sometimes it’s the easy ones I regret the most.

I wasn’t in the mood to run this morning. I woke up early – then I fell back asleep.

My body was tired because of the 10.27 MILES OF TRAIL RIDING I did yesterday.

But like I said the OTHER DAY, if I’m going to tell people that I’m a runner, I’ve got to RUN.

I tried to explain to a friend the other evening – I often talk about how much I love running.  Please don’t get me wrong – I do love it.  Mostly after I’ve finished running.  It’s not easy in the ‘middle’ of the run – a lot of times I’m miserable.  It’s still hard – most times, hardest of all to get out the door and do it.

What I’ve learned about myself during the times I’ve ‘soldiered’ on thru the run – translates to anything LIFE throws at me.  I’m not afraid of the ‘Valley of the Shadow of Death’ – because I know I’m never alone ‘Surely, Goodness and Mercy’ are my pacers.

I’ve committed to it, I’ve at least got to try.

Today was 2.04 MILES OF TRYING.

I’m okay with that…

I Don’t Think…

… there was a full moon this week – but there was ALL KINDS of craziness out on the WASHINGTON COUNTY PANHANDLE TRAIL section.

I rode 10.27 MILES in less than an hour.  For DASH and me – that’s pretty amazing.

It was such a beautiful day and after a cold start to the week – I knew I needed to take advantage of the weather.

Here’s the craziness – while I was riding, I came up behind a woman who looked like she was pushing a baby stroller, not unusual.  Turns out it was a kiddie stroller that was modified with a clothes basket to hold her dog.

Right?  That dog was lovin’ it!

I also saw a bunch of cars parked in a lot near CATANEY AIRPORT – turns out they were flying miniature model helicopters!!

Then, when I got back to McDonald Junction – I saw a guy who was walking his dog AND PLAYING HIS GUITAR.  He was serenading his dog while he walked on the trail.

Oh the joy of people watching!

I love riding the Panhandle Trail – just rustic enough that you forget you’re not far from civilization.

I Figure…

… if you’re going to tell your doctors that you’re a runner?

You’d better get out there and do some running.

Just sayin’.

After an absolutely MISERABLY SLOW RUN on Saturday, I figured it was time to put up AND shut up.

I also made a rash decision when I was setting my runkeeper app – to turn on the 5/1 [5 mins running – 1 min walking] training and see what happens.

Know what? [Of course you do, you’re the interwebz!]

I was able to run a faster pace running the intervals than I am running continuously.

So there you are: 1.82 MILES OF FAST-ER-NESS. 

I think you know that this means that I am going to abort my plan TO RUN THE ENTIRE 5K WITH NO WALKING.  I mean – why fix something that ain’t broke?

Exactly.

I’m Just Gonna Say…

…it wasn’t my BEST run – but it was a run.

WHICH IS BETTER THAN NO RUN AT ALL

And with two really good friends.

That’s all that mattered.

New Month…

... new motto.

This is Holy Week. Busiest of the year for church musicians.  Add in all the other things I need to do, car inspection, rehearsal for NOT ANOTHER NUN SHOW, learning lines and music for said show… blah blah blah.  Everyone gets it.

But, my goal is to stay on track for the PITTSBURGH MARATHON 5k on Saturday, May 5th. 

Thirty-Three days, babee!

I rocked out a solid 1.54 MILES WITH NO WALKING.

I’m happy to say, sub 13 minute mile.

Passed my target for March’s 30 mile challenge by 8.5 miles. Those bike rides really helped to kick that mileage up.

Here’s to another 30 miles in April!

No Slackin’…

After a Few Stellar…

… BIKE RIDES last week, I figured it was time to buckle down and really concentrate on running a 5k.

And I mean RUN.

Because I know that I am able – I need to put the 5/1 [running/walking] intervals aside and work at being able to go the 5k distance.

So I started this morning. JUST A LITTLE OVER A MILE [1.12], but it felt good. Just the kind of challenge I needed and to make things interesting, I was trying to beat the rain moving into the area.

I accomplished both. Go me.

You know what I love most about training for a 5k/10k?  I don’t have to spend eleven-ty bagillion* hours thinking about running and how I’m going to fit it into my schedule.

I got up, had breakfast with my family and immediately I knew that I was going to go change and run.  A mile.  Just a mile.

Fifteen minutes later I was back home and stretching out.  Now I feel energized and I hear thunder in the distance…

Good Spring Morning to YOU too!

*Is TOO a word.

Destination Run…

… cause you know – that’s what I do in my spare time.  Think of places that might be cool to run and make it happen!

FYI? That’s not exactly true at all.

I try to find safe places for me to run.  When I was on a training run last Summer before the WHISKEY REBELLION 5k, and while I was running on the sidewalk – nearly got run over by a car that was coming out of a blind alley.

Needless to say – it makes me think twice about where I run.

Late last Summer, I did a show at SOUTH PARK THEATRE and there’s a long paved running path that cuts directly through the park.  It’s 2 miles long, so it would be a good 4 miler.  Relatively flat.  Heavy foot and some light bike traffic. [Folks around is always a good thing.]

I don’t know what got into me – Spring Fever maybe – but I felt so good when I woke up that after I had my coffee and breakfast, it just popped into my head that this was going to be a glorious day weather-wise.  I knew I needed to get a run in – so? Why not??

I’m not joking when I say, it was a difficult run.  I probably shouldn’t have attempted it for a number of reasons – but I did FEEL fine when I left the car in the parking lot.

It was about 11 am and there is little or no shade cover [trees don’t have leaves yet – but they’re working on it].  It was already about 74 degrees, clear sky – just a glorious day.

However, I’m not sure if it was a combination of YESTERDAY'S BIKE RIDE and the antibiotics I’m on for another few days – but as soon as I got about .25 miles out, I wanted to turn back.

Now – let me just say right now – I warm up slow.  It takes me about a mile to get in my ‘groove’.  Knowing this, I try to push through and let my breathing catch up to the physical requirements I’m asking my body to perform.  This is normal for me every time I’m out there.

After 1.25 miles – I needed to add a little more walking.  I wasn’t able to run more than 3 minutes without needing to walk.  [My training is 5/1.]  I walked when I felt like I needed to and it seemed to help.  This worked for a while, and I was working hard to push through to 1.5 miles, knowing that I wasn’t going to make the full length of the Park – but that I felt I could manage the 1.5 miles back to the parking lot.

I played games with my body – looking a head to find objects to ‘run toward’.  “Just make it to the end of that guard rail and you can walk. Run to the Stoplight and you can walk.”  For the most part, the distractions worked.

I noticed that I was starting to feel CHILLED.  I looked down and the hair on my arms was standing straight up and I had goose bumps.

THAT WAS NOT NORMAL.  I’m sweating and running directly into the sun.  FULL SUN.

I HAD LESS THAN A .25 MILE TO GO and I walked most of it quickly.  I headed to the car to get my fitness drink and find a place out of the sun.  I didn’t want to stop walking – I wanted to walk slowly and cool down. 

Which is exactly what I did.  I don’t know if my current medication was giving me issues with severe dehydration or the beginnings of heat exhaustion.  I’m just thankful that I was close enough to my car* and that I turned around at 1.5 miles out.

Once I got fluid into me, I was fine.  I am fine.  But I tell ya – sweating profusely and having chills is one FREAKY feeling.

Tomorrow?

We rest…

*I was parked next to the police station – which if I hadn’t felt better after the fitness drink, I would’ve made my next stop before driving home.  I might’ve been born at night, but it wasn’t last night.

Happy Spring…

… from the MONTOUR TRAIL!

I decided since the weather was so beautiful today that it would be a wonderful day to get out the bike, throw it on the back of my VW and head to the trail.

I was looking forward to it and headed to Route 50 and Route 980 trail head to ride my favorite route – towards McDonald.

I got one mile down the trail and it was closed for construction. MAJOR CONSTRUCTION.  I just turned around and rode another 4.5 miles in the other direction.

Not a lot of folks on the trail during the middle of the afternoon – more bikers than runners.  But it was an amazing, 80 degree day and I found myself singing while riding along.

3.79 MILES OF SPRING AWESOME SAUCE.

It made me smile…

St. Paddy’s Day Run…

… began with me deciding to get my behind out of my warm bed and head to the North Shore at the PGH MARATHON HEAQUARTERS FOR THE TRAINING RUN.  I’m a wimp – I signed up for the 3 miler.

The first time I DID THIS KIND OF TRAINING RUN it was a quick 2 miler out on the North Shore section of the THREE RIVERS HERITAGE TRAIL.

Part of the reason I wanted to participate this morning was to actually being in Pittsburgh and possibly – if I was feeling up to it – attend the PITTSBURGH ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE.  I’ve never been and in the training run info, they said that we could park there and walk into the City.

It’s always busy on parade days in Pittsburgh.  When I checked in for the run, I was surprised to see maps on the table outlining the different mileage routes.  We weren’t going to be running on the trail – but actually IN the City!

I don’t know about other runners, but I wasn’t in my  ‘indomitable runner mode’ willing to navigate a route on City streets WITH crowds because THIS was PARADE DAY**. [Part of the route took us right up Liberty Avenue.]  Unlike the first training run I participated in, there weren’t going to be folks who were along the route telling us which way to go.

Still, I lined up with my 3 miler group.  We walked out to the road and they started to run.  FAST.  A faster pace than I knew I could maintain.  I realized I needed to make a split-second decision, I could either have a miserable run through the City trying to ‘find the route’, ‘fight the crowds’ and ‘keep up with my group’ or cut away and run the trail route alone.

That’s what I did – I crossed the street and hopped on the trail.  3.41 MILES OF TRAIL with plenty of folks out running and biking*.  I was able to take my time – enjoy the morning, the sun on the river and the view of the City.

It didn’t matter to me that I wasn’t able to keep up with my GROUP.  I don’t want that kind of pressure – when I looked around at the other runners at the Start for the training run, I know I’m the oldest and slowest.  Doesn’t matter to me.  I’m there.  That’s what matters.

I was really blessed this morning with a beautiful run along the river, watching the City I love come to life for a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

*I believe I saw STEELER JAMES HARRISON out for a bike ride on the trail – I passed him.  If it wasn’t him – no matter, it was my motivation for this morning’s run…

**Also, VP Biden was in town for the PARADE. Extra security, extra folks on the streets.

It’s Not How Fast You Run…

… it’s that you went.

I am still not feeling well. Nagging sinus drainage and sore throat.  I made an appointment to see my doc on Monday morning.

I’m tired of feeling good two weeks of the month and feeling lousy the next two.

This is the fourth month in a row – it’s obviously a pattern.

But we’ll get it sorted all out.

The good news is that no matter what – I got a 2.03 MILE RUN in this afternoon.

The weather was splendid – nearly too warm for the black gear that I was wearing.  Time to switch to lighter colours!

I’m also hoping to get a bike ride in this week and a 3 MILE TRAINING RUN this Saturday. But it’s St. Patrick’s day and I’ve never seen the Pittsburgh St. Paddy’s Day Parade… it’s just a walk across the bridge.

OH.

There’s green beer being served after the training run…

It’s Been over a Week…

… since I ran or even did more than a modest amount of exercise.

I’m not going to make excuses. It gets old.  But I am fighting a sinus thing again – sore throat.  That makes four months in a row…

However, I refused to ignore the beautiful weather today.  If I wasn’t going to commit to run, I was going to go out and at least walk.

2.27 MILES TO THE POST OFFICE with little stops along the way to take a few photos.

Oh the Spring FLOWERS in bloom!

Good news on the racing front – I’m meeting with someone tonight to sell my HALF MARATHON bib and I have registered for the PITTSBURGH MARATHON 5k.

I feel much better about it, but still a little disappointed that I won’t be training as hard as I was.

However, I did look and the GREAT RACE 2012 has opened their registration!  I really want to do the 10 K ROUTE again.  It’s always good to have something in the works to look forward to racing.  Believe me, the 10k is a challenging race, it will make me work over the Summer.

I admit it – I’m addicted.

365 Days of Running…

… well, not exactly.

Today marks a year since the beginning of my Running Career!  And what a year it has been.  FROM THE VERY FIRST time to THIS AFTERNOON'S QUICK TRACK RUN, they’ve all been special and I don’t want anyone to think that I regret a single step.

421 MILES OF STEPS!

I’m more fit [and fabulous] than ever in my life and that’s what’s most important at this stage in the game.

That being said, let me say this:

I'm NOT going to continue with the Half Marathon training.

I could give you a list of reasons, they all would make sense and you'd nod your head in agreement.  Believe me, I'd appreciate the affirmation.

What it boils down to is this for me -- I have got WAY BIGGER FISH to fry in the next few months.  I'm doing a TWO WOMAN SHOW OPENING THE SEASON FOR SOUTH PARK THEATRE.  It’s an expanded version of the ‘Afternoon Cabaret’ that Krista Kaley and I did in 2006.

I owe it to myself, Krista and the PAYING audience to choose one or the other. 

Could I do 11 shows [including a Matinee Performance the day of the Half Marathon]? Yes. 

Should I?? NO.

I've been sick for at least 10 days every month since the middle of December – of the past 90 days, 30 of that was spent on medication.

Do I BELIEVE that I can do 13.1 miles?  Yes – ABSOLUTELY.

I'll be honest here -- I don't like training outdoors in the Winter.  I prefer running outside -- but not below 45 degrees.  I have arthritis in my knees and in my back, including scar tissue build up from where I had my back surgery.  I can run through the stiffness, but why should I when I can run indoors on the elevated track?

I feel disappointed in myself – but the other side of it is – I really REALLY feel pressured.  It's not FUN right now because I don't feel 'right'.

Will I be disappointed if I never run a Half Marathon?  NO.  I have already done way MORE than I ever thought I'd do... and I'm proud of that.  Several of my friends said it best this week:  'Just getting off the couch and going out for a run is a victory'.

I am going to sell my bib for the HALF marathon OR if anyone knows of a Marathon RELAY team who needs an extra [slow] runner to do a short 2-4 mile leg, SHOW ME THE WAY.

The other option that I’m considering is doing the PGH MARATHON 5K* – which is Saturday, May 5th. It was my first race last year – I found out that they’re giving medals this year!! There’s something special about crossing the same Finish Line that the Marathon runners cross. 

I am by no means down and out. I am simply revising my current training schedule.  I’m still planning to run 3 days per week, continue cross-training and am always looking for opportunities to pick up a ‘destination’ run when possible.

It’s all about being healthy and saving my life…

*If anyone else wants to get in on the Pgh Marathon 5k with me – I’d love it!!