Do You Want a Bloody Mary? No Thanks!

One of the great things about training with Team in Training is the fact that they not only help me with my training, but they provide clinics. There will be a clothing clinic, a hydration clinic, and others. Yesterday, I went to a shoe clinic. I learned all about pronation. Depending on how your foot lands when you run determines what type of shoe to wear for the marathon. I actually tried on at least 8 different pairs of shoes before I found the perfect fit for my “slightly over pronated gait.” I also learned that your shoe size should be a little big because your feet will swell on your longer runs. I usually wear a size 13 (don’t act like you’re not impressed), but saw that a size 14 fit me better for my run. However, different shoe companies shoes fit differently. A size 14 in a Brooks shoe was the exact same fit as a size 13 Asics. I just don’t want to lose more than 4 toenails during the marathon.
We also learned about clothing. I got to hear all about choosing the right bra because most of my team is women. Then the lady giving the clinic started talking about “bloody marys.” My interest peaked because I’ve always enjoyed a spicy, well-made bloody mary. She wasn’t talking about V8 and Grey Goose, however. Apparently, during the course of running longer miles your shirt rubs against your body. As it moves up and down it chaffs the skin. Specifically, men tend to get bleeding nipples (bloody marys in runners’ speak) during marathons. I knew about blistered feet, sore muscles, even leg rashes and swollen fingers, but bloody freakin’ nipples!?!? What have I signed up for? Not only do I have to run 26 miles, but I also have to watch out for my nipples? I know my legs will be sore, my body will be tired, my heart rate will be up, my breathing intense, but my nipples might bleed?!? Our trainer then told us not to worry, they carry a couple different things to combat bloody marys. No, not duct tape, although I’ve read that some people do that. Running stores carry “Nip Savers” and Body Glide. No kidding. Little rubber things that cover your nipples! Awesome! See, not only are you more informed, but you now have a Christmas gift idea for me! Maybe Santa will put a few Nip Savers in my stocking!

Kickoff to Training

On Saturday, the family and I went to the Team In Training kickoff event which kicks off the training season. I got to meet my marathon coach, Corrinne, who has run more than 10 marathons. I got to meet my “mentor” who was in the same boat I was 1 year ago…training to run her first marathon. I got to meet my team Rancho teammates who will be training with me over the next 5 months. I also got to meet my “honored teammate”, McKayla Wood.

McKayla is “6 and three-quarters” and has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). She is a regular little girl like the kids I see on a daily basis at school. She enjoys ballet, Disneyland, swimming, riding her bike, and Sponge Bob. The only difference is that she is living with leukemia. She is the reason, along with thousands of other children, that I decided to train for my marathon with Team In Training.
Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children. Every 10 minutes, someone dies as a result of these cancers. Team in Training raises money for research, patient and parental support, and public health official education. If I can make a small difference, I am willing to do my part. I will be asking my friends and family to help as well in the near future.
As far as the training goes, I am a bit ahead of schedule. Kyle and I ran 7 miles on Friday morning. Okay, it was only 6.6, but close enough. I actually felt pretty good afterwards except for some chafing. (Okay, I know…t.m.i.) My first official run with Team In Training will be next Saturday and will only be 2 miles. I think I can handle it. Thank you all for your support. I look forward to really get into this training. No, seriously, I do! Ask me if I still enjoy it when my “warm up” is 10 miles, however!

It's Official...I'm Going to Die, but I Have a Plan

Well, eventually I’m going to die. But, after a recent visit to my doctor’s office, I have decided to slow down my imminent death.
Dr. “Smart” gave me the full work up (excluding the prostate exam, phew!) and reviewed the findings with me. I have high cholesterol, high blood sugar, some weird disease involving excess bilirubin in my blood, and I am overweight. Granted, most Americans have the same prognosis. But I have decided to do something about it.
In June, the family and I took a trip down to San Diego. While there I volunteered to help out in the San Diego Marathon. I was fascinated by all the people who finished who were ordinary people like me. They were people who wanted to accomplish something in their lives and they put their minds and bodies to that end. I was amazed. I mean, running 1 mile was difficult for me in high school, how in the hell do these people finish over 26 miles!?!?
After seeing their accomplishments, hearing my doctor, and getting encouragement from friends and family, I have decided to run the L.A. Marathon on March 4th.

Wow! Now that I have written that and posted it, it is official. No turning back! I will use this blog to keep you posted as I train for this event. Kyle Smart and I will be training together over the next 5 months. (Always good to train with a doctor! Of course, I’m not sure what he gets in the deal other than a grumpy, sarcastic patient, but now that I have his name in here, he can’t re-neg.) Below are my vital statistics before I start training. When I am finished with the race, I have another appointment to see if better diet and more exercise will have increased my rate of survival. I would appreciate your support and prayers as I embark on this journey.
Vitals:
Total Cholesterol – 257 H (normal: < 200)
Bad Choleserol (LDL) – 186 H (normal < 130)
Glucose – 106 H (normal 65-99)
Height – 6’ 2”
Weight – 217 lbs.
My goal is to get my cholesterol and glucose within the normal range and drop my weight 27 pounds. I was around 190 for a while, but slowly let the weight creep back up after I injured my knee.
I will keep you all posted as to my progression and how you can help. (Yes, I will be soliciting donations, so start thinking of your excuses now!)