Yesterday EXHAUSTED ME because it was chock-full o' drama.
I was working an hour away in Mandeville and decided to leave early and go out of my way to Covington to my parents' house. I had an extra gym bag to drop off for one of the brothers to use. You have to share in big families. To get to Mandeville and Covington you have to cross Lake Pontchartrain on a 26 mile bridge. As I neared the other side, traffic started slowing to a stop. Emergency vehicles started passing me and I realized there were helicopters overhead and police boats in the water. Traffic began piling up behind a row of police cars and I spent about 20 minutes just sitting. While I sat there one of the firemen in the firetruck next to me rolled his window down - he recognized me from the Crescent City Classic! We had finished near each other and had chatted. We finally inched forward and I saw a car on the side of the road and a woman just crying her eyes out. I heard the story later - it turns out that a couple was having an argument in their vehicle and to make a point the guy got out and jumped off the bridge! But the car behind him, who witnessed it, stopped and saw that the jumper was struggling in the water and really could not swim. So the driver actually jumped in and rescued him, keeping him afloat until emergency workers could lower baskets into the water. Some people are CRAZY!
The driver who rescued him was pretty brave...makes me think maybe I should learn to SWIM!
So I didn't have enough time to visit the fam - I just stopped by Abe's work and picked up a free coffee :)
Work was busy, as usually, and complicated by two more major pieces of news: A manager in our company was demoted (more drama) and, distressingly, the dean of my former college of pharmacy committed suicide. I did not know him very well, but he was a close mentor to many of my co-workers/classmates. I had the impression that his personality was not 100% stable but his death was a shock to many.
I think processing all this insane news made me tired. I was so sleepy when I got home I could barely eat my red beans and go to bed - all this drama is wearing me out!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Gulf Coast Classic 10k
Yesterday was a beautiful day for a run! The weather was incredible - '70's and sunny - and the course was so pretty. The race started at the War Memorial Park in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Part of the course was on Scenic Drive, a road overlooking the beach and lined with huge Southern homes. Since Scenic Drive is elevated, these historic Confederate era mansions survived Katrina.
The race was small - only about 300 people ran the 10k - which was a nice change from the 20,000 or more a few weeks ago at the Crescent City Classic. David and I ran the 10k and my too-cute sister in law Liz walked the 2 mile. That was kind of fun because she was finished first and could cheer for me at the finish - I never have people at the finish line; I always finish before David and my brother Abe is so fast he's usually home before I get there, haha! Here we are looking all cute and sweaty.
Funny thing about this race: we were running IN TRAFFIC. There were signs up to "watch for runners" but literally we were running in 2-way traffic for part of the course! I think that we were on a road that was an only outlet perhaps? Luckily I didn't get run over. Hehe. Despite that, I had a great race. This was easily the prettiest 10k course I've run, especially in yesterday's gorgeous weather. I was taking it easy, chatting with runners, stopping to read some signs up on the mansions (fascinating; I know little about Confederate history), and actually added time to my last 10k. But I still finished 3rd in my age group! (Don't you love small races?). I was the 6th female and somewhere in the 30's overall. I didn't expect to place so we left soon after David finished, and I didn't find out how I did until I got home. Darn, my living room decor just isn't complete without a sparkly royal blue and gold trophy, you know?
A cute story from this race: A man with 2 kids in a jogging stroller won the 2-mile in under 13 minutes. Before the race started, one of the kids was BALLING his head off. I mean, screaming! Everyone could hear this kid wailing as we were lining up. But as soon as the gun went off that kid shut up and enjoyed the ride! I think he was mad that he wasn't moving - he probably expected to sit in that stroller and take off. Too funny.
Runner readers, I need advice. I used to suffer a lot from nausea while running, and would often throw-up when running. Last year I thought I had gotten the situation under control, but mainly that was thanks to slowing down. Lately the problem is returning. Yesterday I actually stopped to throw up, although I got the urge under control. It happens more in hot weather and is NOT correlated to effort - I can be doing fine and feel sick. It occurs more often in a crowded park or during a race (could it be motion sickness from watching bobbing heads around me?) and it is worse if I'm running under 8 min/miles. I've stopped eating at all before I run, but I still have coffee. Any advice? This is really slowing me down.
The race was small - only about 300 people ran the 10k - which was a nice change from the 20,000 or more a few weeks ago at the Crescent City Classic. David and I ran the 10k and my too-cute sister in law Liz walked the 2 mile. That was kind of fun because she was finished first and could cheer for me at the finish - I never have people at the finish line; I always finish before David and my brother Abe is so fast he's usually home before I get there, haha! Here we are looking all cute and sweaty.
Funny thing about this race: we were running IN TRAFFIC. There were signs up to "watch for runners" but literally we were running in 2-way traffic for part of the course! I think that we were on a road that was an only outlet perhaps? Luckily I didn't get run over. Hehe. Despite that, I had a great race. This was easily the prettiest 10k course I've run, especially in yesterday's gorgeous weather. I was taking it easy, chatting with runners, stopping to read some signs up on the mansions (fascinating; I know little about Confederate history), and actually added time to my last 10k. But I still finished 3rd in my age group! (Don't you love small races?). I was the 6th female and somewhere in the 30's overall. I didn't expect to place so we left soon after David finished, and I didn't find out how I did until I got home. Darn, my living room decor just isn't complete without a sparkly royal blue and gold trophy, you know?
A cute story from this race: A man with 2 kids in a jogging stroller won the 2-mile in under 13 minutes. Before the race started, one of the kids was BALLING his head off. I mean, screaming! Everyone could hear this kid wailing as we were lining up. But as soon as the gun went off that kid shut up and enjoyed the ride! I think he was mad that he wasn't moving - he probably expected to sit in that stroller and take off. Too funny.
Runner readers, I need advice. I used to suffer a lot from nausea while running, and would often throw-up when running. Last year I thought I had gotten the situation under control, but mainly that was thanks to slowing down. Lately the problem is returning. Yesterday I actually stopped to throw up, although I got the urge under control. It happens more in hot weather and is NOT correlated to effort - I can be doing fine and feel sick. It occurs more often in a crowded park or during a race (could it be motion sickness from watching bobbing heads around me?) and it is worse if I'm running under 8 min/miles. I've stopped eating at all before I run, but I still have coffee. Any advice? This is really slowing me down.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Another busy weekend
Yesterday (while I should have been preparing for a lecture) I discovered a 10k race on the beach in Pass Christian, Mississippi tomorrow. So I told the hubby we were doing the race. You know what a good sport he is? He just said, "Ok." Mind you, David hates exercise. But I think I'm slowly converting him. You see, I gave him the option of doing the 2-mile fun run instead, and he actually opted for the 10k. Looks like my brainwashing is working!
I actually have a packed weekend. I'm off work today and I already did a kickboxing class (fun way to cross-train!) and some groceries. I also stopped at a fruit stand and loaded up on inexpensive, fresh produce. Avocados were 6/$5: who could pass that up?
Now I'm reviewing for my presentation at the Tulane residents conference this afternoon, and I also have to squeeze in work on a presentation I'm writing for the company, plus start a CE course I'm required to do as follow-up to the HIV symposium I recently attended. I also need to pack some clothes, because after my presentation we're going to Bay St Louis to spend the night before the race (my in-laws' house is about 10 minutes from the start). The race is along the beach and should be breezy and beautiful!
We're leaving Bay St Louis soon after and heading back to NOLA for a christening - then I have work the next day!
So...just a little busy today. I have to give those slides a once-over now, so happy Friday to you and see you Monday!
I actually have a packed weekend. I'm off work today and I already did a kickboxing class (fun way to cross-train!) and some groceries. I also stopped at a fruit stand and loaded up on inexpensive, fresh produce. Avocados were 6/$5: who could pass that up?
Now I'm reviewing for my presentation at the Tulane residents conference this afternoon, and I also have to squeeze in work on a presentation I'm writing for the company, plus start a CE course I'm required to do as follow-up to the HIV symposium I recently attended. I also need to pack some clothes, because after my presentation we're going to Bay St Louis to spend the night before the race (my in-laws' house is about 10 minutes from the start). The race is along the beach and should be breezy and beautiful!
We're leaving Bay St Louis soon after and heading back to NOLA for a christening - then I have work the next day!
So...just a little busy today. I have to give those slides a once-over now, so happy Friday to you and see you Monday!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Brand New Shoes!
Last night I bought new running shoes totally on a whim and without trying them on. Crazy! But I'm so excited. Take a look:
They're Karhus, a brand of Finnish shoes with an adorable history (seriously, they sold their three stripes pattern symbol to Adidas back in like the '40's - couldn't Adidas have thought of another, more original symbol?). I bought the speed shoes, which I guess are their racing flats.
There's a two-fold reason that I bought them.
1. I love my pronation. Yep. Love it. I pronate a slightly to moderately but it is very obvious when I run because I have extremely high arches. You can actually watch the arch dip and roll in. (It fascinates people who sell shoes.) Naturally, everyone who sells me shoes tries to correct this, and with disastrous results. There is a direct correlation between stability shoes and knee pain - the more stable/motion controlling the shoe is, the more severe knee pain I develop. Right now I'm wearing neutral/mild stability Nikes with 300 or 400 miles on them. Because they're Nikes (BOO!), they're basically totally worn out already. Support is gone. They're like dirty rubber socks. And that means they're finally comfortable on my knees! I can't promise this will work for everyone, but I need to allow my body to correct itself when I run. I've been walking and running on these same feet for 27 years and my body has adapted. Trying to "fix" my gate with shoes = poor patella tracking and pain. The Karhu concept actually encourages a little pronation and works with it to promote a fast transition to the front-foot. I saw Karhus at a booth at the Marathon expo and it piqued my interest.
2. The real reason I bought them, though, is that I can't pass up a good deal. I was Googling "Karhu" and what do you think popped up? A huge sale at Sierra Trading Post. The flats are on sale from $114 to $39! WHAT!!!! Furthermore, I used a coupon code to get an additional 20% off - so even with shipping, my total was under $40. If you're interested, the coupon code is 2ADVENTURE and can be used on any order - I think it expires 4/19 but not sure.
My plan is - if these shoes work out, I basically guessed at the size - to work these shoes in for fast runs and speedwork - and wear them and my Nikes (BOO again!) at the same time. I mean not exactly the same time. You know what I mean.
Has anyone else tried Karhus, besides this runner? Thoughts on the technology (or lack thereof) in this shoe?
They're Karhus, a brand of Finnish shoes with an adorable history (seriously, they sold their three stripes pattern symbol to Adidas back in like the '40's - couldn't Adidas have thought of another, more original symbol?). I bought the speed shoes, which I guess are their racing flats.
There's a two-fold reason that I bought them.
1. I love my pronation. Yep. Love it. I pronate a slightly to moderately but it is very obvious when I run because I have extremely high arches. You can actually watch the arch dip and roll in. (It fascinates people who sell shoes.) Naturally, everyone who sells me shoes tries to correct this, and with disastrous results. There is a direct correlation between stability shoes and knee pain - the more stable/motion controlling the shoe is, the more severe knee pain I develop. Right now I'm wearing neutral/mild stability Nikes with 300 or 400 miles on them. Because they're Nikes (BOO!), they're basically totally worn out already. Support is gone. They're like dirty rubber socks. And that means they're finally comfortable on my knees! I can't promise this will work for everyone, but I need to allow my body to correct itself when I run. I've been walking and running on these same feet for 27 years and my body has adapted. Trying to "fix" my gate with shoes = poor patella tracking and pain. The Karhu concept actually encourages a little pronation and works with it to promote a fast transition to the front-foot. I saw Karhus at a booth at the Marathon expo and it piqued my interest.
2. The real reason I bought them, though, is that I can't pass up a good deal. I was Googling "Karhu" and what do you think popped up? A huge sale at Sierra Trading Post. The flats are on sale from $114 to $39! WHAT!!!! Furthermore, I used a coupon code to get an additional 20% off - so even with shipping, my total was under $40. If you're interested, the coupon code is 2ADVENTURE and can be used on any order - I think it expires 4/19 but not sure.
My plan is - if these shoes work out, I basically guessed at the size - to work these shoes in for fast runs and speedwork - and wear them and my Nikes (BOO again!) at the same time. I mean not exactly the same time. You know what I mean.
Has anyone else tried Karhus, besides this runner? Thoughts on the technology (or lack thereof) in this shoe?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I want to do this marathon!
I stumbled upon the Freedom's Run marathon and I really want to run it! The race centers on historic Civil War sites in the panhandle of West Virginia and into Maryland.
Not only is it a scenic run packed with history...it's packed with MY history. I lived in West Virginia for about 4 years and we frequented these areas at least once a week. Actually we generally went to the Potomac Tow-path/C&O canal once a week for walks that my dad helpfully termed "death marches" and explored Antietam probably once a week as well. Harper's Ferry was a more rare treat. In historic Harper's Ferry there was a shop that sold hard candy in a stick for ten cents, and choosing which flavor to buy is a stand-out childhood memory. I'd love to revisit some of these places!
A few problems: The course is a lot of dirt roads (Trust me. I know this from multiple "death marches"), which are hard to run on, and very hilly (it's the Mountain State, after all!). Plus the race is early October, which puts training smack in the middle of a New Orleans summer.
What do you think - should I go for it?
Check it out here!
Not only is it a scenic run packed with history...it's packed with MY history. I lived in West Virginia for about 4 years and we frequented these areas at least once a week. Actually we generally went to the Potomac Tow-path/C&O canal once a week for walks that my dad helpfully termed "death marches" and explored Antietam probably once a week as well. Harper's Ferry was a more rare treat. In historic Harper's Ferry there was a shop that sold hard candy in a stick for ten cents, and choosing which flavor to buy is a stand-out childhood memory. I'd love to revisit some of these places!
A few problems: The course is a lot of dirt roads (Trust me. I know this from multiple "death marches"), which are hard to run on, and very hilly (it's the Mountain State, after all!). Plus the race is early October, which puts training smack in the middle of a New Orleans summer.
What do you think - should I go for it?
Check it out here!
Monday, April 12, 2010
While I was away...
...my hubby bought a car.
Yes. While I was on a business trip my husband bought a car. You read that right. But he has my blessing. The poor man was driving a 12 year old Civic that has been in an accident and flooded and was literally falling apart. Oil gushed out of it. The windows wouldn't roll down anymore. The CD player (in the trunk, folks) broke. It made so much noise driving that we couldn't talk on the phone in the car. Parts occasionally fell off. The brakes had the effectiveness of sticking a Popsicle stick into bicycle spokes. Chunks of foam sprayed out of the vents when you used the A/C (which still works! Anyone want to buy a 12 year old Civic with the proverbial "cold A/C"?). The worst thing about the car was that it refused to actually die. If it would just croak, we would just replace it!
Well, while I was away my husband saw an ad for a 2008 Subaru Impreza hatchback. This is actually the car we had picked out when the Civic flooded (that was before USAA elected to repair it instead - and stuck us with a flooded 12 year old car). In fact, it was even the color we liked, and it is still under warranty and has under 20k miles on it. The owner was moving to England...TODAY. So the hubby took it for a test drive and did a mechanics once-over, offered her UNDER THE TRADE IN VALUE (and well below Bluebook!) and she took the offer!
The car is basically pristine and was a great deal. So I understand why he couldn't pass it up!
Now I have allowed the hubby to go on a guys trip to Vegas without me and buy a car while I was out of town, so I think I am officially the best wife ever.
Yes. While I was on a business trip my husband bought a car. You read that right. But he has my blessing. The poor man was driving a 12 year old Civic that has been in an accident and flooded and was literally falling apart. Oil gushed out of it. The windows wouldn't roll down anymore. The CD player (in the trunk, folks) broke. It made so much noise driving that we couldn't talk on the phone in the car. Parts occasionally fell off. The brakes had the effectiveness of sticking a Popsicle stick into bicycle spokes. Chunks of foam sprayed out of the vents when you used the A/C (which still works! Anyone want to buy a 12 year old Civic with the proverbial "cold A/C"?). The worst thing about the car was that it refused to actually die. If it would just croak, we would just replace it!
Well, while I was away my husband saw an ad for a 2008 Subaru Impreza hatchback. This is actually the car we had picked out when the Civic flooded (that was before USAA elected to repair it instead - and stuck us with a flooded 12 year old car). In fact, it was even the color we liked, and it is still under warranty and has under 20k miles on it. The owner was moving to England...TODAY. So the hubby took it for a test drive and did a mechanics once-over, offered her UNDER THE TRADE IN VALUE (and well below Bluebook!) and she took the offer!
The car is basically pristine and was a great deal. So I understand why he couldn't pass it up!
Now I have allowed the hubby to go on a guys trip to Vegas without me and buy a car while I was out of town, so I think I am officially the best wife ever.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A post on conferences and dry air
Here I sit at my desk enjoying some late afternoon breezes, an orange, and some peanuts (I'm having a mid-workout snack. I finished a run and needed a bite before heading to the fitness center to see what they have to offer). My conference is over, and my head is spinning with new information and plans. I think the company - or my district, anyway - has a lot of work to do in order to profitably serve the HIV population. I enjoyed meeting other clinically-minded pharmacists from around the nation. Thirty of us were invited to attend and we all have different backgrounds: some have established HIV practices; others (like myself!) come from a district with no HIV program in place at all. I got a chance to pick the brains of several experienced pharmacists and took some good notes. So that's a great thing about these conferences. However, there is a downside. You get to see the yucky, stupid side of your co-workers. Yes, I am talking to you, D-bag pharmacist who got drunk and would not stop hitting on me and insulting women all in the same breath. This is a company event. Sober up and please shut up!
Other than, you know, some jerks, I'm enjoying my time. I just got back from a 45 minute run in the neighborhood around the hotel during which I barely leaked a drop of sweat (it's 87 degrees) but I did have two nosebleeds! I am so obviously not used to this dry climate. I bled all down my arm and showed back up at the hotel looking like an accident victim (I couldn't find any faucet outside to wash up since I was unfamiliar with the area).
As I was just typing this I realized that I definitely DID sweat - it just rapidly evaporated. I'm figuring this out because as I type white powder is poofing off my hands and arms - it's salt! In NOLA sweat just stays on you until you wash it off!
I'm off to check the gym out, then a group of us who are staying until tomorrow are going to meet for dinner. Wish me luck with these lonely youngsters. I don't want to have to beat anyone up.
PS -Sorry about the no pictures. I took some pictures, but I didn't bring the cable for the camera and my laptop doesn't have a card port.
Other than, you know, some jerks, I'm enjoying my time. I just got back from a 45 minute run in the neighborhood around the hotel during which I barely leaked a drop of sweat (it's 87 degrees) but I did have two nosebleeds! I am so obviously not used to this dry climate. I bled all down my arm and showed back up at the hotel looking like an accident victim (I couldn't find any faucet outside to wash up since I was unfamiliar with the area).
As I was just typing this I realized that I definitely DID sweat - it just rapidly evaporated. I'm figuring this out because as I type white powder is poofing off my hands and arms - it's salt! In NOLA sweat just stays on you until you wash it off!
I'm off to check the gym out, then a group of us who are staying until tomorrow are going to meet for dinner. Wish me luck with these lonely youngsters. I don't want to have to beat anyone up.
PS -Sorry about the no pictures. I took some pictures, but I didn't bring the cable for the camera and my laptop doesn't have a card port.
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