Saturday, March 27, 2010

Azalea Trail Run

Today was the Azalea Trail Run in Mobile, Alabama. I have heard about this run since I moved here in 2007. So this year I signed up to be a runner. However, with my knee pain during this month I was just hoping that I could walk the entire 6.2 miles. Well I accomplished my goal and made a new friend in the process. Her name is Melissa and she completed the Nike Women's Marathon last October in San Francisco. I want to participate in that one too. I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO!!!

Anyway, she walked the entire marathon. So there is hope if my knee will not allow me to run...I can walk my marathon. My main objective is finish the entire marathon. I am a runner not a racer, so time is not a factor. When I participated in the 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe, my goal was to finish. I finished...12 hours later...but I rode my bike 100 miles and finished strong!

So I am still optimistic about San Diego and I will get to test my strength in a few weeks at the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Azaleas In Bloom



The azaleas are in bloom, just in time for the Azalea Trail Run. Today I helped out in the Team In Training booth at the Expo.



The bunny ears were to help promote the Bunny Chase 5K and Family Fun Fest that will be held next Saturday at Cottage Hill Park.



This year's t-shirt design!

Physical Therapy



This week marked the start of my physical therapy. I was put through the ringer yesterday, performing exercises and stretching for almost an hour.



My favorite part of therapy is the ultrasound treatment.



It always puts a smile on my face!



After the ultrasound, I iced my knee for twenty minutes!

Back again on Monday!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Not Quite Healed


My knee has prevented me from running. My last run was the McGuire's 5K on March 13th. Last week I saw the physical therapist that helps our student athletes at Murphy. He was able to schedule an appointment with on orthopedic surgeon on Friday. The diagnosis: patellar tendinitis.

I have been pain free since last Thursday. Stretching, icing, and resting have been key elements to my recovery. My doctor advised me to rest for 1-2 weeks.

Tonight I decided to test my knee, so I meet my TEAM at USA for track practice. My plan was to walk two miles around the track. I completed 5 laps before the pain set in. My final lap marked 1.5 miles. I'm not sure now if I will be able to finish the Azalea Trail Run (ATR) this weekend. It is a 10K (6.2 miles). My TEAM is planning on running 10 miles prior to the ATR. I am so frustrated and feel so alone. This endeavor has been one of the hardest challenges I have faced in recent years. I continue to think positively because I am doing something good for others. For people who need my help.

So tomorrow I begin physical therapy. I am optimistic that this will get me back on track for my marathon. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Lastest Fundraisers

This week featured the conclusion of the Leprechaun For A Day fundraiser and Cheeburger Cheeburger fundraiser. Enjoy the slideshows from each event.



Tuesday, March 16, 2010

McGuire's St. Patrick's Day 5K

What a beautiful day for a run!
My sister and I started this tradition last year, but this year we wanted more flare during our run. Hence the costumes. We did have the best costumes and countless people stopped us to share their compliments. My sister almost did not wear her costume! What fun!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Isaac's Ice Cream Birthday Party

Tuesday night we all, the TEAM, got together at Cammie's Old Dutch for an ice cream party to celebrate Isaac's 9th birthday. Enjoy the slideshow below which features some highlights from the party!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Burnt Toast!

My day started with burnt toast and missing running shoes, thus I was late to practice. I arrived prior to the Mission Moment and continued my flexibility drills while everyone else began their 8 mile run. A Mission Moment is when we share with the TEAM a personal experience about someone we know who is battling cancer or whose battle ended unfortunately. Then we dedicate our run to that person or people.

After incorporating more stretching and strength training during the previous seven days, I began my run optimistic that I would complete all 8 miles. However, after the first mile I knew that running would not be an option. So I walked the remaining seven miles. The final mile was painful but I am happy to say I completed all 8 miles.


I still have a smile on my face after completing 5 miles.

When I finished my run, Coach Paul said he sent the others ahead to reserve a table for breakfast. That was music to my ears; I was so hungry, having completed 8 miles in 2 1/2 hours.



Chocolate Milk: The Best Recovery Drink
We ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. YUMMY!!

After breakfast I drove to Target to pick up some meds, food, and ICE!!
I experienced my first ice bath.



I am hooked. I see more ice baths in my future.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Happy Birthday Isaac!

Today is Isaac's 9th birthday! He is such an amazing boy and so full of energy. I will see him next Tuesday as we celebrate his birthday with an ice cream party. I can't wait. Isaac's smile is so addicting and I just love ICE CREAM!!!