Monday, January 31, 2011

My Mom

How does one handle knowing a loved one only has days to live? I just received a phone call from my family in Ohio. My Mom has been in the hospital since Dec 18, 2010, due to a MRSA infection. This infection eroded her pacemaker and defibulator, then spread into her bloodstream. The doctors believed they had been able to kill off the infection. The pacemaker and defibulator had been replaced, however, Mom's health wasn't getting any better. She pretty much went into a comatose state and had dillerium. I went back to Ohio and spent almost two weeks there. Mom never really came out of this other than one time where she told each of us that she loved us. Other than that, she was in considerable pain. She would fall asleep for a couple minutes, then wake up screaming in pain. The doctors conferred and came to the conclusion that a medically induced coma might be the answer. They tried this for a few days and then tried to bring Mom out of it. As she was coming out of it, the pain seemed to be worse. According to the doctors, her kidneys have failed, her liver is enlarged, her gall bladder has failed, and her body is no longer taking in nourishment.

So, they are currently meeting with my Dad and Sister to discuss hospice. I've been told, minus a miracle, Mom's expectancy is at most a week. So, I ask again, how does one handle that? I'm proud to be a Momma's Boy. Buckeye football season was always cool because everytime the Bucks would score, it was a race to see who could call and yell Touchdown Buckeyes first. No matter what was going on in our lives, Mom always made certain we were in contact. She did whatever she could for her family. She was one of my best friends. I'm going to miss that very much.

I love you Mom. We will see you again.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Long Run Day

This heat wave has got to stop. :) I want to enjoy my runs in cooler weather. Started today's run at about 61 degrees and humid. Deb ran with me for the first 3-miles. She's helping me loosen up over the first couple miles so I can turn it on a little better during my runs. Not to mention, help avoid cramping in my calves. Once we hit the 3-mile mark, Deb peeled off and I continued on, running through Mucka Alley and the neighborhood. Coming down Lemons, about 7-miles into it, I came across fellow Mucka, Brandon. He was about 6.5-miles into his run. Told him I had another 13 to go and asked if he wanted to join the fun. He said he would but not for the whole 13. We made another lap through Mucka Alley and then headed out to Highway 64. The thing about Highway 64 is it seems like it is uphill no matter which way you attack it. But, with Little Rock just over a month away, I need to make sure I'm ready for those hills. Brandon peeled off at about 11-miles and I continuned on with the hills. Just about the time I crested the first hill, I started thinking, "Was this really a good idea?" Well, now that it is over, I'm glad I did it. I didn't set any land speed records on this run but, I did accomplish my long run, 20-miles, completed my long week, 50-miles, and got some hill training to boot. I'd say it was a positive outcome. Really glad I have Deb helping me get my routine down.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Nice Easy Recovery

News Flash: Wynne, Arkansas is under a heat wave!! It was 61 degrees, sunny and no clouds during our run today. Big change from the 20s and 30s I've been running in lately. Deb and I set off for what I was expecting to be a nice easy recovery run. I think she had other plans. We hit our first mile at a pace of 9:09. Then, she decided to step it up a bit. We were running at about an 8:45 pace. Her excuse, "I do what feels good at the time." I'm going to have to dig deeper before we run together again. LOL! Well, the run felt good no matter. She peeled off at the 3-mile mark. From there, I took a left on Rabbit Road and took on some hills. Kid Rock's "Born Free" came on my iPod and gave me some more motivation to blow through these hills. Coming down Killough had me at a pace of 7:45. Like Deb, I ran how I felt on that last mile. She really motivates me at the times I need it the most. Now, if I can just get her to run with me on tomorrow's 20-miler. Hmmmmmm!! :)

Friday, January 28, 2011

Latest

Ok, while running my 10-miler on Wednesday, my Sister called and said the doctors were going to start bringing Mom out of her coma. Great news, right. So I thought. Within 24-hours, my Dad called and said Mom was doing nothing but screaming in pain. The doctors decided to place her back in the induced coma. The doctors told my Dad that Mom's body is shutting down on her. Not what you want to hear when your Mom is fighting for her life. Mom is a fighter. Always has been, and always will be! She's beaten the odds before. Praying she wins again. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. They are greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Little Rock

38 days out from Little Rock and I just knocked out a 10-miler after work. Normally I don't like to run after work but, I needed a few extra hours of sleep this morning. Took a couple miles to loosen up again but, once I did, it felt good. Thanks to my SORT brothers for being my latest sponsors for my fundraising efforts. I'm trying to raise $500 for the American Heart Association during the Little Rock Marathon. Their donation brought me within $188 of my goal. I can always count on those guys. :)

Really getting motivated for this run. And, got the news that the doctors are going to start bringing Mom out of her induced coma. That is great!! I'm running this marathon for her!

http://www.littlerockmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=6723&CID=290

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Home

I've had three runs since returning home last Friday. My first run didn't go so well. I ran 6-miles and struggled through it. My legs had issues. Couldn't get loose at all. Finished it and just wasn't pleased at all. Then, on Sunday, I set out with Deb and Sherry. We ran together for 3-miles. This was what I needed. They kept me at a steady pace that allowed me to loosen up just right. After they peeled off, at the 3-mile mark, I set out to finish my 12-miles total. I ran many hills during this run. One thing for sure, the Little Rock Marathon is known for the largest finishers medal in the US. It is also known for some big a$$ hills. Funny thing is, when I ran the hills, my legs felt better. I blew through most of the hills with no problems. That gave me a boost of confidence. :)

This morning I was on the road bright and early. Started out with a light drizzle going on. This turned into a sprinkle about 2-miles in. At the 3.75 mile mark, it turned to rain. And, at 39 degrees, this was cold rain. Made it home before I got to wet. Nice run to get my day started. However, coming out of the shower and seeing Deb still nice and cozy in our warm bed really had me wanting to climb back in. However, work was calling and I've been gone from work long enough.

I saw a quote on the Marine Corps Marathon website that I really like and completely believe in. It said, "It's not whether you have the strength to win the race but, whether you have the courage to start."

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Back Home

I'm back in Arkansas , after spending a week and a half in Columbus, Ohio. Mom is still not doing well. She was not getting any rest at all, and as everyone knows, if you don't rest your body and health start to deteriorate. After speaking with the neurology doctor, we agreed to allow them to place Mom in a medically induced coma, in hopes that she will get the rest she needs and recovers just fine. Mom is in a very fragile state and the risks are high in this kind of procedure. However, I think we are at the stage where we are out of options. I pray this is the right decision.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Columbus Runs





I was in Columbus, Ohio for about a week and a half. During this time, I was only able to manage three different runs. All were on a great trail by the Olentangy River. It was paved, away from traffic, and best of all, it was a place to try and clear my mind of the things that are going on with Mom. Not to mention, get away from the drama among my family. Oh well, as promised, here are some photos from the trail. Hope you enjoy.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Momma Wise

Here's a carepage on my Mom. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
http://www.carepages.com/
LOVE4MWISE

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Olentangy River Trail

Got another run in on the paved trail in Worthington, Ohio. It was 35 degrees and raining out but, I still got it in. Was only supposed to be a 5-miler but, my Garmin started acting up on me and I went out a little further than needed so, I got in a 6-miler. My Garmin went from my pace and mileage to date and time to compass and then froze. Not sure if it was the rain causing it but, it was frustrating. Once I finally got it back to my pace and mileage, I was happy. :) Well, like I said, it was raining today. I thought I would be the only nut running in this weather. Fortunately, there were a couple other nuts out there as well. That way I knew I was semi-normal. Now, when I was coming back, a guy came out of the woods kind of quick. And he wasn't dressed for a run. Kept me looking over my shoulder as I continued my run. He almost had that Charlie Manson look about him. All I know is he would be in for one hell of a fight had he got squirrely!! And speaking of squrrels, there were several out there. And that made me the most nervous as they were looking for nuts. And dammit, I'm not going down without a fight!! :)

Well, Mom is still in the hospital. She has been through a lot. She had a surgery today to put some lines in for her dialysis and antibiotics. She's sleeping right now. FINALLY!!! She has not been able to get any sleep for a while now. She sleeps for a minute, then wakes up in pain and screaming. Talk about feeling helpless. Hoping things will start to get better soon. Thanks to all my friends and family for the prayers.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Columbus Run

I really needed this run today. This has been one hell of a week. Found a paved trail, in Worthington, next to the Olentangy River. Parked at the high school, next to some BMWs and SUVs. The Monster Mazda will not be intimidated!!! Temps were in the low 30s with some wind. Running with snow around was pretty cool. Hoping to get more runs in while I'm here. I'll add pics another date.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

In Columbus

Currently in Columbus, Ohio. Mom is still in the hospital and not looking good at all. The doctors want to have a meeting with the family tomorrow, to discuss Mom's "quality of life". Never a good conversation you want to have with your Mom's doctor. This is not good and not a decision I want to make.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Running with a purpose


I've mentioned it in past postings on here but, I want to say it again. There are many runners throughout the world. Everyone runs for their own reasons. Some run for fitness, some run to lose weight, some run because it is a requirement for their job, and some are just addicted to it. :) I first started getting serious about running because of where I work and the fact I needed to lose weight. Then, friends inroduced me to running various races. Running 5Ks and 10Ks were the extent of my distance running. When we moved to Texas, I took it to the next level and took on my first half marathon at the Cowtown race in Ft Worth, TX. Then, of course, I went even further and took on an ultramarathon. Thinking back, maybe I should have tried a regular marthon before going for the ultra. Oh well, it was a great experience and I'm glad I did it. Now, I am addicted to running marathons. Even though, during each race, I continue to tell myself this will be the last time I run a marathon. :) Once I finish, I'm ready to get through my recovery time and move on to the next race. My last marathon was the St Jude marathon, back in Dec. I am Jonesing for my next race. However, this race has a whole new meaning to it. After seeing how much runners help with fund raising for various causes (St Jude's, Team In Training, etc), I have decided to dedicate my running to helping raise money for worthy causes. And right now, I have chose the American Heart Association. It may be for selfish reasons due to the fact my Mother is going through such hard times with her heart condition but, I want to help make a difference. Mom is fighting hard to stay alive right now. She has been in the Ohio State University Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio since Dec 18th, 2010. She has endured to surgeries around her heart during this time and is touch and go. I thank God that she is still with us and thank the staff at OSU for taking such great care of my Mom. So, not only do I run for my own health but, I run for my Mom, and all others who suffer from heart disease.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Morning Run


Woke up just before my alarm went off at 4:00 am. Tried not to wake Deb up as I got dressed for my run. Of course, I'm not the quietest person. I may have said it before but, I'd like to say it again, I do not like running after work. I tried to get a 9-miler in last night and it just wasn't happening. After 6-miles, I had to call it quits. So, I am determined to get up and run before work. Hence the 4:00 am alarm. It was 40 degrees outside when I started. Little to no wind initially. Set out wearing my shorts and bright orange Saucony long sleeve shirt. Oh yeah, had my BUCKEYE beanie on as well.


And speaking of the Buckeyes, that was one hell of a Sugar Bowl. No disrespect to the Razorbacks but, it was a long time coming. And with me living in Arkansas right now, I bit my tongue quit a bit leading up to this game. I watched it from the opening kickoff to the final taking of the knee. It was one of those games where you couldn't miss a second of it because you never knew which way it was going to go. Great game Buckeyes!!!

Ok, back to my run. My goal was to be under a 9-minute pace. My legs felt tired but, I had plenty in me to get it all done. As I was running through one neighborhood, I think I startled two guys standing outside, waiting for a ride. Must have been construction workers because I don't know to many other trades that involve that early of a start to their work day. As I completed my first loop around the area, I was going back up the incline on Killough when I saw someone running right at me. Here I thought I was the only nut out running that early in the morning. We passed each other. I said "Hi" but, not so sure they heard me. About another half mile into the run, I saw someone with a turn signal flashing on their butt. It was another runner. Don't know if that person realized I was behind them because I think I startled them when I passed by. :) Well, finished up my run at an 8:23 pace, which was good for me considering the bad run I had the night before. Going to stick with these early morning runs. :)

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Tired

Not sure why I'm so tired all the time. Deb says it is becuase of working all day and running so much. I don't know but, she's my wife so I have to listen. Ha Ha! Going to knock out a 9-miler after work. Hoping that gets my energy levels up. Gotta be ready for Little Rock, which is just about 8 1/2 weeks away. And, checking my fund raising log, I am up to $161.20 towards my goal of $500. Getting there. I'm thankful to all those who have contributed as well. Gotta love friends and family who want to help you reach a goal for a good cause. :)

Hope everyone is sticking to their New Year's resolutions of staying fit.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Donut Run


Would you run a race that required you to run 2-miles, eat a dozen donuts, then run another 2-miles? I actually read an article, in Runner's World, that was all about this kind of race. I can't imagine how someone even came up with the idea. Not only that, did they test the theory before they invited others to do it? Or did they just have a sadistic moment and decided to have others do it for their enjoyment? That's just crazy. Actually, kind of humurous but, I don't think I will be trying it anytime soon. However, if you are interested in it, go to www.krispykremechallenge.com to find out more about it. And, please, let me know how it works out for you. :)