I looked on my TNT page and woa, I've got $2000 more that I had last time I looked.
Turns out that we've been trying to track down the corporate matching check that got lost in the mail back in June and somehow that turned into $2000 being credited to me from the "money with no owner" fund.
I will be fixing this as soon as the Lone Star chapter has it's offices back up. At the most, $1000 should have come to my account, which means the other $1000 should have gone to someone else. Either way, the money goes to LLS and that's what I'm here for.
But, holy cow, that sure was an eye opener when I saw my little money thermometer shooting through the top!
Just another thanks to everyone for helping me get there!
Amy
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sad News
Life is slowly returning to normal after Ike.
With a little bit of bribing, the kids have helped everyday and cleanup is almost done.
The sad news is that the two baby birds we rescued didn't make it. We, my son and I, tried our best. It has hit him hardest because he totally committed to taking care of them..giving them water out of a dropper, digging worms to fee them, making sure bedding was clean an that they were warm. We'll never know why they didn't make it. They were doing so well and then one day they were both just too weak to eat. My son has learned that valuable life lesson that even when you try your best, things don't always work out.
My training group will give it a try tomorrow morning. I'm not sure I'll go up because of curfews, but I will get out there to run somewhere. Other than lots of yard work, my training has been weak.
I wore my "Out For Blood" shirt today. This shirt is a fund raiser for Tammy Law, another TNT runner. I highly recommend getting one if you like that raw, don't mess with me look.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/txg/houston09/tlaw
With a little bit of bribing, the kids have helped everyday and cleanup is almost done.
The sad news is that the two baby birds we rescued didn't make it. We, my son and I, tried our best. It has hit him hardest because he totally committed to taking care of them..giving them water out of a dropper, digging worms to fee them, making sure bedding was clean an that they were warm. We'll never know why they didn't make it. They were doing so well and then one day they were both just too weak to eat. My son has learned that valuable life lesson that even when you try your best, things don't always work out.
My training group will give it a try tomorrow morning. I'm not sure I'll go up because of curfews, but I will get out there to run somewhere. Other than lots of yard work, my training has been weak.
I wore my "Out For Blood" shirt today. This shirt is a fund raiser for Tammy Law, another TNT runner. I highly recommend getting one if you like that raw, don't mess with me look.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/txg/houston09/tlaw
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Delay In Training....courtesy of Ike
Been a few weeks so I wanted to catch up while I can.
On Sept.6 our group had a 14 mile run but I didn't want to push it so I did 10 miles. And it wasn't so bad. I still mostly walked the last 3 miles, but knee is doing awesome and foot is hanging in there. It's time to buckle down and really work on conditioning so that I won't be a puddle of mush when I finish that marathon.
Worked out during the week and then the hurricane is heading our way. Kids got Friday off from school and work was closed. The kids and I grabbed anything that wasn't tied down and put it in the garage or barn, filled the bathtub and the coolers, made ice and got everything ready for the storm. We even ventured out to the chaos on Friday of Target to get some extra supplies and a new movie to watch. Power was lost Sat. at 1am.
The storm came and went on Sat. (i.e. no training run) and then another band of heavy rain followed Sunday. All in all, we came out very lucky. No trees down, no broken windows. A few shingles off the roof, many branches and about a thousand pine cones on the ground. The yard was flooded, but it drained quickly. We basically camped out, using the Coleman stove for cooking food and coffee (gotta have that). We have a battery powered TV (3in) that was good enough to get local updates. Played some games with the kids and after a long session of yard work, hopped in the pool to wash off the sweat. Power came back on Sunday evening. For many of my friends and coworkers, it may be 2 weeks or more.
In all of this, I forgot about running until yesterday. The kids are out of school until Thursday, so I could have gotten up early and run, but having these few extra days to sleep late (7am) has been heaven. Once school is back in session, we'll be up at 5:30 again. I'll be getting a run in later today, lots of stretching, and start swimming again once the YMCA is open. Very few stores, eating places, or businesses are open. As power is restored, more will open, cleanup the damage and get back to the grind. For now, long lines as people hunt for food, gas, hardware, wood and supplies to just keep going.
Some of the good news I heard on all the reports is that downtown Houston and the Medical Center area continued to have power through and after the storm. For all those patients in the hospitals there, this was tremendously fortunate.
On a side note, we found two baby birds that had blown out of a tree. We took them in because there are many stray cats around. My son and I have been digging worms every day to feed them. Unfortunately, one of them died today. Just goes to show no matter how much you do try, some things are not meant to be. Cross your fingers for the other baby bird. My son and I will continue to do our best.
Take care.
Amy
On Sept.6 our group had a 14 mile run but I didn't want to push it so I did 10 miles. And it wasn't so bad. I still mostly walked the last 3 miles, but knee is doing awesome and foot is hanging in there. It's time to buckle down and really work on conditioning so that I won't be a puddle of mush when I finish that marathon.
Worked out during the week and then the hurricane is heading our way. Kids got Friday off from school and work was closed. The kids and I grabbed anything that wasn't tied down and put it in the garage or barn, filled the bathtub and the coolers, made ice and got everything ready for the storm. We even ventured out to the chaos on Friday of Target to get some extra supplies and a new movie to watch. Power was lost Sat. at 1am.
The storm came and went on Sat. (i.e. no training run) and then another band of heavy rain followed Sunday. All in all, we came out very lucky. No trees down, no broken windows. A few shingles off the roof, many branches and about a thousand pine cones on the ground. The yard was flooded, but it drained quickly. We basically camped out, using the Coleman stove for cooking food and coffee (gotta have that). We have a battery powered TV (3in) that was good enough to get local updates. Played some games with the kids and after a long session of yard work, hopped in the pool to wash off the sweat. Power came back on Sunday evening. For many of my friends and coworkers, it may be 2 weeks or more.
In all of this, I forgot about running until yesterday. The kids are out of school until Thursday, so I could have gotten up early and run, but having these few extra days to sleep late (7am) has been heaven. Once school is back in session, we'll be up at 5:30 again. I'll be getting a run in later today, lots of stretching, and start swimming again once the YMCA is open. Very few stores, eating places, or businesses are open. As power is restored, more will open, cleanup the damage and get back to the grind. For now, long lines as people hunt for food, gas, hardware, wood and supplies to just keep going.
Some of the good news I heard on all the reports is that downtown Houston and the Medical Center area continued to have power through and after the storm. For all those patients in the hospitals there, this was tremendously fortunate.
On a side note, we found two baby birds that had blown out of a tree. We took them in because there are many stray cats around. My son and I have been digging worms every day to feed them. Unfortunately, one of them died today. Just goes to show no matter how much you do try, some things are not meant to be. Cross your fingers for the other baby bird. My son and I will continue to do our best.
Take care.
Amy
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Getting Back On Track
Wow, way too long since I've posted.
Yes, I did the 10 miles.
Yes, it was very painful (foot more than knee).
Yes, with the advice from my coaches, I decided to take 2 weeks off to let things heal.
And no, I did not cross train as much as I should have but I have been stretching like crazy.
So, here we are, first week of September and I'm ready to dive back in.
Here's the really cool news, I've been working with my knee constantly and now have more flexibility that I've had in years (woohoo!). I'm stoked!
Other good news, my friend Marcia is doing wonderful now. She almost died from encephilitus that she got during the complications of her last chemo, but she's recovering now and will hopefully be home soon.
Other good news, I've signed my "commitment" forms for actually doing this marathon. This is due to YOU and the encouragement (and funds) that you guys have contributed.
My buddy Christina Bouwens is coming from Orlando to do the run with me (we did our first half marathon together). If she can slow down to pace with me, I'm sure we'll talk the entire 26.2 miles :-). She's a veteran of 2 marathons now and the San Antonio is a "warm-up" for the Goofy Marathon and a Half that she will be doing at Disney in January. You go girl!!!
And last, my daughter Sam will be coming too to volunteer with the LLS crew and cheer people on. Way to go kiddo! Of course, I haven't told her how early we need to get up on marathon day yet ;-)
Yes, I did the 10 miles.
Yes, it was very painful (foot more than knee).
Yes, with the advice from my coaches, I decided to take 2 weeks off to let things heal.
And no, I did not cross train as much as I should have but I have been stretching like crazy.
So, here we are, first week of September and I'm ready to dive back in.
Here's the really cool news, I've been working with my knee constantly and now have more flexibility that I've had in years (woohoo!). I'm stoked!
Other good news, my friend Marcia is doing wonderful now. She almost died from encephilitus that she got during the complications of her last chemo, but she's recovering now and will hopefully be home soon.
Other good news, I've signed my "commitment" forms for actually doing this marathon. This is due to YOU and the encouragement (and funds) that you guys have contributed.
My buddy Christina Bouwens is coming from Orlando to do the run with me (we did our first half marathon together). If she can slow down to pace with me, I'm sure we'll talk the entire 26.2 miles :-). She's a veteran of 2 marathons now and the San Antonio is a "warm-up" for the Goofy Marathon and a Half that she will be doing at Disney in January. You go girl!!!
And last, my daughter Sam will be coming too to volunteer with the LLS crew and cheer people on. Way to go kiddo! Of course, I haven't told her how early we need to get up on marathon day yet ;-)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Recouping
Ever have one of those weeks where you just want to go cocoon somewhere until things get better?
That happened to me last week. I guess I hit a point where my tolerance for the aches and pains had reached it's limit so I took the week off to give the body parts a chance to rest.
In a moment of enlightenment, I realized that folks who are fighting diseases like cancer can't do this, so I truely treasured my hibernation time as a gift.
That said, the aches and pains are reduced and I'm ready to tackle the training run tomorrow...10 miles. Later!
That happened to me last week. I guess I hit a point where my tolerance for the aches and pains had reached it's limit so I took the week off to give the body parts a chance to rest.
In a moment of enlightenment, I realized that folks who are fighting diseases like cancer can't do this, so I truely treasured my hibernation time as a gift.
That said, the aches and pains are reduced and I'm ready to tackle the training run tomorrow...10 miles. Later!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
3 steps forward, 2 steps back
Another week and training is still plodding along.
First thing, I learned from last week and started hydrating on Thursday, with some extra electralytes in my water. Dehydration was not the problem this week :-)
We had a 10 miler on Sat. but I got in 7.5 before I just HAD to find a bathroom.
I know this sounds crazy, but when you have to go before you start the run, and the bathrooms aren't open, and you bounce up and down as you jog...well you get my drift.
Needless to say, I walked more than I wanted to, which slowed me down and then I needed to get out of there to coach my daughter's last volleyball game for the summer.
Good news is that the knee is holding up, but the injury to my hamstring and my foot from softball seem to be the more painful problems. When only one thing hurts, not so bad, but when 3 things hurt, it starts to wear me down. I guess this will be a big test of my determiniation.
Went Monday to see the Doc again and he did more grinding (it's definitely not as tight as before) and taped my foot when I told him about it. Played softball on Monday night and the tape helped, though it didn't stop the sharp pain completely. I'm supposed to call the Doc and report back. Of course, now my knee is complaining about all sprinting. Thank God for Tylenol!!
A big thanks to all of you who continue to support my participation in this event. Believe it or not, that helps keep me going knowing that I'm running for you because you believe in this cause with me.
May you all have a wonderful week and I challenge you to do a random act of kindness or just hug someone you care about for no reason at all. See if you can make someone smile.
Amy
First thing, I learned from last week and started hydrating on Thursday, with some extra electralytes in my water. Dehydration was not the problem this week :-)
We had a 10 miler on Sat. but I got in 7.5 before I just HAD to find a bathroom.
I know this sounds crazy, but when you have to go before you start the run, and the bathrooms aren't open, and you bounce up and down as you jog...well you get my drift.
Needless to say, I walked more than I wanted to, which slowed me down and then I needed to get out of there to coach my daughter's last volleyball game for the summer.
Good news is that the knee is holding up, but the injury to my hamstring and my foot from softball seem to be the more painful problems. When only one thing hurts, not so bad, but when 3 things hurt, it starts to wear me down. I guess this will be a big test of my determiniation.
Went Monday to see the Doc again and he did more grinding (it's definitely not as tight as before) and taped my foot when I told him about it. Played softball on Monday night and the tape helped, though it didn't stop the sharp pain completely. I'm supposed to call the Doc and report back. Of course, now my knee is complaining about all sprinting. Thank God for Tylenol!!
A big thanks to all of you who continue to support my participation in this event. Believe it or not, that helps keep me going knowing that I'm running for you because you believe in this cause with me.
May you all have a wonderful week and I challenge you to do a random act of kindness or just hug someone you care about for no reason at all. See if you can make someone smile.
Amy
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Need...water...
Let's just say that Saturday was a tough day and the 10 miler could have been better.
Here's how the day went:
Friday night went to local play (Les Miserables) and got home at 11:00.
Up at 4:45am so I can leave by 5:15 to get there by 6. Run starts around 6:20. Did good until around 6 miles and then my back started cramping. Thought I was just out of shape. Then I stopped to stretch my calves, and they started cramping. I swear I remember drinking enough of both gatoraide and water, but I guess not. So I had to walk the last 3.5 miles and stop and stretch my back. Won't let this happen again.
Got home by 10:30am. Got shower, did chores.
Volleyball game at 12:30. After volleyball game, went to bike shop to help out with the registration for the Katy Flatland, an annual bike ride that the NorthWest Cycling Club puts on. Bought electrolyte additive at the shop for next weeks run (no more stinkin' cramping for me!)
Left at 4:30 pm to go home, round up family, headed to Joes Crab Shack for supper and then to Mountasia to play mini-golf, go-carts and games. Home at midnight.
Can you say tired?
Then up at 4am to go to bike ride and work registrations until 8am. I was going to ride the 33 mile route, but I was so pooped, I went back home and slept for a couple of hours.
A busy weekend!
I put a bag of ice on my knee after the run while driving home and it really helped, so I'll be doing that again. Also massaged the knee on the foam roller. Looks like I will be babying the knee for as long as I want to run distance. I can do this!
Now softball on Monday was a different story. Repulled the glute/upper hamstring so I babyed that on Monday and Tuesday. I can handle one pain, but when I have multiples, I get real wimpy. So I'm trying to be easy about the training during the week so that these things can heal.
Last good news, I've lost about 7 lbs! Woohoo!
Here's how the day went:
Friday night went to local play (Les Miserables) and got home at 11:00.
Up at 4:45am so I can leave by 5:15 to get there by 6. Run starts around 6:20. Did good until around 6 miles and then my back started cramping. Thought I was just out of shape. Then I stopped to stretch my calves, and they started cramping. I swear I remember drinking enough of both gatoraide and water, but I guess not. So I had to walk the last 3.5 miles and stop and stretch my back. Won't let this happen again.
Got home by 10:30am. Got shower, did chores.
Volleyball game at 12:30. After volleyball game, went to bike shop to help out with the registration for the Katy Flatland, an annual bike ride that the NorthWest Cycling Club puts on. Bought electrolyte additive at the shop for next weeks run (no more stinkin' cramping for me!)
Left at 4:30 pm to go home, round up family, headed to Joes Crab Shack for supper and then to Mountasia to play mini-golf, go-carts and games. Home at midnight.
Can you say tired?
Then up at 4am to go to bike ride and work registrations until 8am. I was going to ride the 33 mile route, but I was so pooped, I went back home and slept for a couple of hours.
A busy weekend!
I put a bag of ice on my knee after the run while driving home and it really helped, so I'll be doing that again. Also massaged the knee on the foam roller. Looks like I will be babying the knee for as long as I want to run distance. I can do this!
Now softball on Monday was a different story. Repulled the glute/upper hamstring so I babyed that on Monday and Tuesday. I can handle one pain, but when I have multiples, I get real wimpy. So I'm trying to be easy about the training during the week so that these things can heal.
Last good news, I've lost about 7 lbs! Woohoo!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Slow but steady
Sorry I haven't posted in a bit. Things have been busy in the Hodge household.
Did 4 mile run on Sat with the Champions Fit group. Met my weighloss buddy Kathy who joined their half marathon program. Kathy and I became buddies via Jillian Michaels weight-loss web-site, where we are both using her program to lose weight, but we both seem to have a "love food too much" issue. Hopefully we can motivate each other to eat better while getting workouts in.
I did a 10 mile bike ride on Sunday just to see how the knee would take it. Not bad, but still some pain on the outside of the leg. Went to the knee Doc. on Monday and he did more deep massage (pain was almost as bad as childbirth). Bruises have since shown up on my leg, but it's working. My knee is so much more flexible. I had 2 softball games on Monday night (had to still baby the pulled glute), an easy jog on Wednesday and ran intervals on Thursday. In all this, the knee is staying flexible and the pain is not as great. With the help of some Tylenol, recovery is pretty quick. In other words, it's getting there.
I've had a lot of generous people contribute to my TNT funraising that should put me almost at the minimum I need to do the race. I've had word that my friend Marcia got worse (encephilitis) but has, in the last week, improved greatly to the point where she wants one of Frank Jackson's wife's cakes ...the best...which was being taken to her today. I hope to go see her soon, if not next week, then the week after.
You hang it there Marcia!
We're in the heat of the summer here in Houston (heat index is 97 right now). Not the worst yet, but it makes a challenge for working out at lunchtime.
Whereever you are, stay cool!
Amy
Did 4 mile run on Sat with the Champions Fit group. Met my weighloss buddy Kathy who joined their half marathon program. Kathy and I became buddies via Jillian Michaels weight-loss web-site, where we are both using her program to lose weight, but we both seem to have a "love food too much" issue. Hopefully we can motivate each other to eat better while getting workouts in.
I did a 10 mile bike ride on Sunday just to see how the knee would take it. Not bad, but still some pain on the outside of the leg. Went to the knee Doc. on Monday and he did more deep massage (pain was almost as bad as childbirth). Bruises have since shown up on my leg, but it's working. My knee is so much more flexible. I had 2 softball games on Monday night (had to still baby the pulled glute), an easy jog on Wednesday and ran intervals on Thursday. In all this, the knee is staying flexible and the pain is not as great. With the help of some Tylenol, recovery is pretty quick. In other words, it's getting there.
I've had a lot of generous people contribute to my TNT funraising that should put me almost at the minimum I need to do the race. I've had word that my friend Marcia got worse (encephilitis) but has, in the last week, improved greatly to the point where she wants one of Frank Jackson's wife's cakes ...the best...which was being taken to her today. I hope to go see her soon, if not next week, then the week after.
You hang it there Marcia!
We're in the heat of the summer here in Houston (heat index is 97 right now). Not the worst yet, but it makes a challenge for working out at lunchtime.
Whereever you are, stay cool!
Amy
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Ouch!
I finally went to the sports medicine Doc on July 3rd and he did some major grinding on some tight muscles that I have in my quad which he suspects is causing my kneecap to move incorrectly. Then he put this funky tape on my knee which is supposed to help support the correct movement. I did the half-marathon distance on Sat morning (5miles) and things were stiff afterwards, but no worse. Then I helped my husband redo our kids closets the rest of the weekend. Ah, the life.
I went back to the Doc. on Monday, he ground some different muscles, put more tape on. Did I mention that I chose BLUE tape...got lots of questions from people. I did do an exercise video early in the morning and the knees were ok. But, playing our first two games of softball that evening was rough. Sprinting, when I haven't done it in awhile, ugh!!. And even though I stretched, I pulled a glute, i.e. butt, muscle. Ouch! I never knew I used that muscle so much until it was hurt. So today is a rest day and then I'll get back to training and the Doc tomorrow. I have a feeling that the key is going to be stregthen up the quads., plus losing a few pounds. The more I think about doing a marathon, with these walls and setbacks, motivates me to do it even more. Guess I just love a challenge. As a friend once said, I'm one sick puppy...hah!
I went back to the Doc. on Monday, he ground some different muscles, put more tape on. Did I mention that I chose BLUE tape...got lots of questions from people. I did do an exercise video early in the morning and the knees were ok. But, playing our first two games of softball that evening was rough. Sprinting, when I haven't done it in awhile, ugh!!. And even though I stretched, I pulled a glute, i.e. butt, muscle. Ouch! I never knew I used that muscle so much until it was hurt. So today is a rest day and then I'll get back to training and the Doc tomorrow. I have a feeling that the key is going to be stregthen up the quads., plus losing a few pounds. The more I think about doing a marathon, with these walls and setbacks, motivates me to do it even more. Guess I just love a challenge. As a friend once said, I'm one sick puppy...hah!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Taking it easy
I did something this week that has made my knee worse to the point where I didn't do my training run on Sat. No more putting it off, I'll be calling the sports medicine doc this week to get checked out.
On a side note, I agreed to join a co-ed softball team on Monday nights. It was formed by a girl I work with's (Rhonda) husband (Rick) and the other parents of a t-ball team. Turns out that Rick is a myloma survivor. When I told Rhonda I was doing the TNT, she told me she had been a mentor for the spring group of the Woodlands team. Once again just proves what a small world it is :-)
On a side note, I agreed to join a co-ed softball team on Monday nights. It was formed by a girl I work with's (Rhonda) husband (Rick) and the other parents of a t-ball team. Turns out that Rick is a myloma survivor. When I told Rhonda I was doing the TNT, she told me she had been a mentor for the spring group of the Woodlands team. Once again just proves what a small world it is :-)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Hey...I got a blog!
This seemed to be the best way to communicate to those who are interested in my quest to complete a marathon (am I insane or what!!!).
Yesterday we finished a 6 mile run. Ok, with the heat and humidity, it was more of a walk for me, but I did finish. Can you say sweat? Oh yea, I had plenty of that.
Of course not running for a week because of vacation (4 days in the car and 2 days visiting family) or the stomach bug I had all last week didn't help. But, I'm on track now. I've got some issues with my knee that I will be getting checked out...can't let that stop me. And, I'm starting a more rounded exercise program and diet to help get these pounds off (and help my knees in the long run.) I'll keep you guys updated on how it goes for me.
I continue to get notes and support from friends that I've sent letters to. Thank you guys SO MUCH!!! I had no idea that so many people have been affected by the blood cancers. The list of names to put on my running shirt for the marathon is growing. I was told by Steve, our TNT mentor, that the night before the marathon there is a shirt decorating party just for that purpose. I've got some time to figure out the right way to creatively honor all of these people, and the many friends of mine who have died, are fighting, or are survivors from various types of cancer. I know I can't help all these cancer organizations, so I've picked one that has an impact on many lives, particularly for two friends who are fighting blood cancer as I write.
That's all for now. Gotta go scrub the house since we found out one of the new puppies has contagious mange. Ah, typical day in the life at Hodge Acres.
Yesterday we finished a 6 mile run. Ok, with the heat and humidity, it was more of a walk for me, but I did finish. Can you say sweat? Oh yea, I had plenty of that.
Of course not running for a week because of vacation (4 days in the car and 2 days visiting family) or the stomach bug I had all last week didn't help. But, I'm on track now. I've got some issues with my knee that I will be getting checked out...can't let that stop me. And, I'm starting a more rounded exercise program and diet to help get these pounds off (and help my knees in the long run.) I'll keep you guys updated on how it goes for me.
I continue to get notes and support from friends that I've sent letters to. Thank you guys SO MUCH!!! I had no idea that so many people have been affected by the blood cancers. The list of names to put on my running shirt for the marathon is growing. I was told by Steve, our TNT mentor, that the night before the marathon there is a shirt decorating party just for that purpose. I've got some time to figure out the right way to creatively honor all of these people, and the many friends of mine who have died, are fighting, or are survivors from various types of cancer. I know I can't help all these cancer organizations, so I've picked one that has an impact on many lives, particularly for two friends who are fighting blood cancer as I write.
That's all for now. Gotta go scrub the house since we found out one of the new puppies has contagious mange. Ah, typical day in the life at Hodge Acres.
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