Today's Race Re-Cap

Today I finished my 113th race and my 15th race at the 10K distance. It's funny now that I have finished a couple of half marathons (okay 15 to be exact - 2 post CHF diagnosis) I think of a 10K and a 5K as a "just" race. It's "just a 5K" or today it was "just a 10K." Even with all my questions about how I'm going to feel it's like I know I will finish, period. I may be dragging my sorry, tired old butt across the finish line at midnight - but the question isn't "am I going to finish?"

Something that happened during the race today caught me off guard. I was running/walking about mile 4.5 or so and a group of teenage cheerleaders were trying to cheer everyone on. They said, "you can do it!" and I was like, "Of course I can do it. Why would I be out here if I didn't think I could do it." I was sort of surprised by my matter-of-factness. Of course I didn't say that out loud because I knew they were just trying to help us along and I probably looked pretty pathetic to them even though I felt pretty good for me.

Today's race was another win over congestive heart failure. It was not an easy run, and I didn't feel the greatest at all, but I finished and that's what matters. When I woke up this morning I had gained a few pounds. I'm supposed to weigh in every morning and if it's over 2 pounds I know I am overdoing the salt. Well, yesterday I had a little too much cheese which probably put me over my sodium limit. I know - I need to write it down and keep better track - later.

Anyway, let's just say I had gained quite a bit over the 2-3 pound mark just in a day. I knew this was a signal for me to really go easy and maybe even walk this one. Sure enough for the first mile I felt like I was swimming a hundred miles deep - it was horrible. I had some mild chest pain and so because it was also nearly 80 degrees at race start I took it really easy. I know what kind of chest pains mean I should stop and what kind mean I can go but I can't go out hard. These were mild and stopped when I would walk so I was not in danger -but I wanted to make sure and keep it that way.

About a mile and a half in though I caught a little bit of energy and I rode it as much as I could. I really walked a lot still but it was mostly because it was too hot to be running! Part of me was frustrated because I didn't have the wonderful feeling run like I did for the half marathon a couple weeks back - but part of me was just glad to be able to deal with the mild discomfort and keep moving.

This was a fun race for me even though I didn't set any new PRs. I chose to not listen to music and to listen to the race instead. There were several live bands around the course - almost like a half or a full. They made it really fun. I kidded with spectators, talked to other racers, laughed and cut-up all along the way. I listened to my own breathing and footsteps. It became more of an experience than just a run. I think I like that. And of course most importantly for me I kept thinking all along the way every step is a victory. With each step no matter how slow or how fast they came - I was winning over CHF. It's another win in the books for me today!

Hello - It's Been Awhile

I am sorry, I had to take a break and get myself focused. However, I haven't stopped, and I've been quite busy really. There's been a lot going on and honestly, I've been living out the every step's a victory mantra. There's been lots of struggles and tons of ups and downs. But I have to say each step toward a healthy, whole life is still victorious. As a matter of fact, revisiting that is why I decided to get the blog back up and going again. I did get a website set up, you can check it out if you'd like. I still have to get the blog up and going on the site It won't be like this one, it will have more general information about healthy eating, exercising and things that are not as much about my own journey, it'll be more educational. Check out the Every Step's A Victory site and let me know what you think so far. For me life continues to be a struggle, I think that may hold true for most people who deal with a chronic condition. It seem...

Cardiologist Update

So I guess I'm just going to have to get used to going to cardiologists and doctors. My primary care sent me to a cardiologist at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. I think I like this guy (as much as I can like docs). He was very kind, and looked me in the eye when he was talking with me and I liked that. Of course I gave them my standard "abnormal but not bad" EKG. I also explained about my meds and how the other doc wouldn't call me back. He told me not to trust a doctor who didn't call you back. (I was surprised.) He said it's an integrity issue and it sends the signal that they don't care when they don't call you back. I agreed. At the end of the appointment - he gave me a gentle hug and promised to take good care of me. That was nice I thought. (Even though I'm not too keen on "being taken care of.") My blood pressure was great- didn't even mention taking meds for that. I have to say that's a HUGE win. I believe the drastic ...

Cowtown Challenge Done!

This was one awesome weekend! I did finish the Cowtown Challenge by doing a 5K on Saturday and a half marathon on Saturday. In between I rode bikes around with one of my friends. I enjoyed the camaraderie of all the runners and the general atmosphere around the Cowtown is just awesome - Oh - and I met Jeff Galloway himself! He is so kind and encouraging - just like Mark Bravo. I really felt very under-trained for this particular event. I hadn't run much in the last two weeks and had only done one 9+ miler in the last month. I usually have a few 10 milers in, but not this time. But - it all worked out. One of the biggest struggles I have is simply not knowing what my body is going to do on any given day. I have to keep my attitude straight and just be "okay" with whatever I have to work with. Doing a race while traveling adds another struggle - trying to eat out without taking in too much salt. Hey- the struggle is real! One night we ate at Chili's and I asked fo...

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