Winter Wonderland-Oklahoma Style

It's been really icy here the last  few days.  I opted for life over the gym.  

Good news though! It's melting!!!!   Back to training hard in the morning!

April 19th...day of truth!

BALTO 5k

I didn't run the 5k today. I took the advice of my mother, father, boyfriend and friends and did not run due to my health. 

I hate giving in. 

I feel like a wimp. My mom tells me all the time that I should "listen to my body", but I don't really know what that means.  Does it mean I should not run when I feel bad? I cough all the time.  Nothing great was ever accomplished without pain.  The point is, somewhere between wussy and self-endangerment there is a line you're supposed to follow.  Apparently however, this concept is completely foreign to me.  In my mind, I've either won by completing my task regardless of complications, or I've let my disease dictate my life and therefore lost.  I lost today, and not because I couldn't fight, but because I chose not to.   My family and friends don't see it that way, and I suppose I shouldn't but since when are humans ever logical?  

On a brighter note, my medicines came in.  I'm officially medicated.  I won't back down again. 

Because "people are beginning to ask"

According to Jessica, "people" are wondering where I am.  Even though I highly doubt that anyone read my blog consistently enough to worry about my extended leave of absence, I'm choosing to humor my friend  by updating "everyone". 

 

Last month's 5k went relatively well, all things considered. I finished the race in about 30mins, and proceeded to cough up a lung all over the curb.  It was sexy baby! Jessica did extremely well.  She accomplished her main goal (not walking) and one other time goal that I can't remember.  I was so proud of her!  She finished well, and recovered well...which was something I didn't quite manage.  It took me an hour to have enough air to speak! To sum it up, the weekend was a blast.

 

The past month has been a bit of an adventure to say the least. Let me start  by talking about my next challenge.  Jessica and I are signed up to run in the BALTO 5k this weekend in my hometown, Edmond.  BALTO stands for Bring A Light To Others.  It is the annual fundraiser my high school puts on.  Each year, a different person or organization receives 100% of the donations. This year, the recipient is Diana Caporale.  Diana has been diagnosed with auto-immune hepatitis which has caused cirrhosis of the liver. There is no cure, and eventually, she will need a liver transplant.  Diana graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School, and her family and mine have known each other for years.  Aside from the fact that I know this year's recipient, the Edmond High Schools fundraisers (all three benefit the same recipient)  are an amazing way to get high school kids involved in the lives of others.  My Dad, sister, Jessica, and I are all running together next Saturday, so naturally, I'm pumped. 

 

On a personal note, the past month has been one of the more frustrating months I've experienced lately.  I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that because of an ungodly and unnecessary amount of red tape, I am still without the medicines that my doctors call my "lifeline".   I personally despise calling any drug my "lifeline" however, having been without them for 4 months (I'm supposed to have them every day) I can safely say that I am miserable. I really hope I get them soon.  My training will be extremely difficult without them. 

 

Ok, time for a happier paragraph.  Jessica and I have chosen our tri!  We are competing in the King Tut sprint triathlon in McKinny, Texas on April 19th.  I am so excited! We finally have a date, and when I talked to my mom, she said she'd buy me a wetsuit for my birthday! Woo hoo! I also talked to Tim, and not only is he going to come to the triathlon, he said he might run a 5k with me on Valentine's Day! Granted, he only said maybe, and only because I said that was the only thing I wanted for Valentine's...but maybe, just maybe he'll like it enough to work out and then we can fulfill my workout couple dream.  =)  As far as events go, I want to do some kind of race every month.  So far, I've got the BALTO run this month, 3 events (33 mile bike race, memorial half marathon, and triathlon) in April, and hopefully an Olympic tri and marathon (?!?!) later this year.  Jessica said she's interested in doing an event every month or so also.  It'll be good to have someone to keep me honest throughout the year. 

 

And now, my "people" , this post is entirely too long.  Yes, there is much more to say, and yes I know I have starved you the past 6 weeks,  but never fear! I shall post again!...maybe...  =)