Another Drop In The Bucket

Thoughts On My First Trail Race & Fibromyalgia

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:10:00 +0000

***This post was written in November 2014. I just found it in my queue upon returning to revive my blog and decided it was worth publishing even though it is almost a year old. I am preparing to run this race again this year.***

Approximately six weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This diagnosis came after chasing doctors for almost 3 years trying to figure out why my body just decided to hate me after having such a great, healthy year in 2011. Chronic nausea, dizziness, hair loss, pain, food sensitivities, migraines, and more that can all be attributed to fibromyalgia. After listening to my story, about how it all went downhill a year after having a marathon PR and completing my first 70.3 triathlon, the doctor told me that I would not likely be running any more marathons and I could maybe set a new goal to walk a 5K. Uh, what???? Walking 5Ks? Obviously they are not used to working with athletic types in the fibromyalgia clinic.

So did I settle for walking 5Ks? Most definitely not. Just 3 weeks after diagnosis, I walked the half-marathon at the Mankato Marathon. I love this course, and this was the fourth year in a row for me. This was the first time walking the distance, and I have to say I'm not eager to do it again. 4 hours is a long time to walk! Funny to say that, because I have run (and hiked) longer than that, but for some reason it is just different.

My walking-partner-in-crime then convinced me to try my first ever trail race two weeks later. And did I mention that race was also a half-marathon? And I'd never run more than 3 miles on trails and only a handful of times? Oh, and I was headed straight into a fibro-flare starting a few days prior?

The day before the race, I could hardly move. All-over body pain and fatigue relegated me to the couch most of the afternoon and evening. Luckily, this doesn't usually hit me until mid-afternoon, and the race was in the morning, so I was counting on any race-day pain to hold off until I was done. Was there a chance the effort to throw my flare into full-blown status? Absolutely, but I really have wanted to run these particular trails for several years now, and I had a willing cohort. I was willing to take the chance.

I went into this race, knowing full well that my first DNF (did not finish) was a real possibility. I wasn't in shape to run that far on the roads, let alone on a trail. And a persistent case of plantar fasciitis in my left foot also had the potential to cause real problems. I was really just happy to be running. The course was two loops in a figure eight pattern, taking us through the start-finish-aid station area every 3-ish miles. I knew I would make the first 3mile loop, and I was pretty sure I could make the second. I planned to reevaluate at that point and see how I felt. One nice thing about having a drop-out point every three miles is you can make the choice to continue knowing you'll have another opportunity to drop in just another 3 miles if you truly need it. I have to feel pretty awful to believe that I can't make it another 3 miles.

On the way to the venue on race morning, my willing cohort called to let me know she wouldn't make it. This race had just become a true battle against myself....

I arrived, picked up my number, chatted briefly with a couple people and then started to mentally prepare for the race. I just sat by myself and went over the plan... go as far as you can, but drop if you need to.

The race started and I was quickly left behind. My legs always want to try to follow, but I knew, especially for this race, that I needed to keep my own pace and not give a lick about how anyone else was running. The race started out flat and gave me a good chance to see how my legs were feeling before hitting the hills. The course was well marked, but I still managed to miss a turn while inside my head talking myself through. (I realized it quickly when the trail suddenly became more technical than had been described!) In general, I walked the uphills and ran the downhills and flats. But I did need a few more walking breaks than the hills provided as some of the hills were strenuous to walk up! The double figure-8 course worked out great for getting water, dumping my jacket when it got too hot, and to get some encouragement from the (few) spectators and volunteers.

I would be lying if I said I didn't think about quitting. In fact, I probably thought about it while walking up just about every hill ;) Good thing most of the hills were at the farthest points from the aid station/drop point. Every time I stopped at the aid station to refill my bottle, I just said to myself, "Just another 3, then see how you feel." Breaking it down that way made it manageable.

One of the best parts about this race? Running in to finish, dead last, with a bunch of people I didn't even know cheering for me by name. This wasn't one of those races with your name on the bib, they actually had to make the effort to find out. Something simple that meant a lot.

I finished.

Holy cow was I sore and tired! But I FINISHED.

After cooling down and getting something to eat, I returned to my car and thought about that for a while. And there were tears. Tears because I was happy I had finished. Tears because I was mad about my fibro diagnosis. Tears because I had just proved that doctor wrong. Tears because I was so damn proud of myself for sticking it out.

(And did I mention I was sore?)

As I hobbled around the next couple days, I was happy for the discomfort. Why? Because it wasn't just random fibro pain.

This pain meant I was strong.

This pain meant that I had persevered.

This pain meant that fibromyalgia is not going to take my life from me...

Mankato Marathon Half 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:42:00 +0000

I've tried to sit down and write this several times. Problem is, I'm in the middle of a flare with whatever my (yet undetermined) health issues are. When I'm flaring, I have huge problems with brain fog, and the words just don't flow or even make sense in my head. So, three weeks later, here is my race report...

Up until the day before the race, I wasn't sure I was going to run. But I went and picked up my packet, figuring if I really felt terrible in the morning, I could still back out. The projected forecast wasn't making me want to tough it out either... 35 degrees and raining... sounded like a miserable almost 3 hours to me. (Neither the weather or my time were that bad, but more on that later.)

I slept fitfully, as is the norm for me the night before a race. When I got up at 5:30, the weather was looking a little more promising... it had already rained and it looked like any more would hold off at least until the final miles. It was still cold, but I was prepared for cold with the throwaway clothes I had purchased at Goodwill the day before. I got dressed, had my coffee, a Hammer bar, and some Skratch hydration drink. I also made sure I prepped a garbage bag with head and arm holes to put in my jersey in case it decided to rain during the race.

We all piled into the car, and my friend's mom drove us to the race start. This is a point-to-point race and in previous years I have parked at the finish and taken the shuttle. Having a driver that is not running (Sharon had run the 5K the night before), is a huge bonus as she took us right to the start and we got to sit in the warm car until just before the start!

Given my lack of training, my plan for this race was to Galloway my way to the finish. I planned to run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute, and make my walk breaks longer at the end as needed.
I have a bad habit of making a race plan and then not sticking to it... feeling good at the beginning and going too hard, then crashing. I knew that if I was going to make it through this race, I NEEDED to stick to my plan. I predicted I would finish between 2:45 and 2:50, with worst case being at 3 hours.

I missed the first walk break... just wasn't paying attention to my watch and suddenly the mile marker was ahead... too quickly. I did get one walk break in just before that first mile marker, but I reached the first mile in 10:44. Way too fast considering what I had been able to run in training. With walk breaks, I should have been closer to 12 minutes per mile. I worried that if I didn't slow down, I would bonk early.

But I have a hard time slowing down once my body has set its pace. And I didn't slow down significantly until mile 11. (The slower miles in the beginning are due to water stops not being at my scheduled walk break or because 3 scheduled walk breaks fell within the mile.)
Mile 2: 10:51
Mile 3: 12:06
Mile 4: 11:12
Mile 5: 11:05
Mile 6: 10:51
Mile 7: 11:55
Mile 8: 11:22
Mile 9: 11:56
Mile 10: 11:12
Miles 11 & 12: 24:23
Last 1.1 miles: 13:18
Finishing time: 2:30:20

I really worried those first few miles that I wouldn't be able to sustain it, that I would get to X-miles and crash and burn. It's happened before and it's happened at this race... But I just kept going, sticking to the plan. I didn't skip any more walk breaks. I did run a little longer interval if it would benefit me (i.e., there's a hill one minute ahead so I ran 5 minutes instead of four so I could walk up the hill) but I did get all of my walking time in.

I was surprised at every mile that I was doing as well as I was and still feeling ok. Don't get me wrong, this was one of my slowest half-marathons, and had I been trained, I would have been disgusted that I was going so slow and walking so much. But I wasn't in good shape, I wasn't properly trained, I've had a ton of health challenges the past couple years, yet my body was performing beyond my expectations. I was thrilled!

I realized at about 10 miles that I had a real shot at breaking 2:30. I concentrated on this for the last few miles, gambled by taking my last full walk break. Arguing with myself in my head... did I really need that last walk break? Hard to say... a walk break can be incredibly rejuvenating and I was able to finish strong. I expressed discouragement at having finished just over 2:30, for which my husband shot me a dirty look. I told him he hasn't been running long enough, he just doesn't understand ;) Really I was thrilled to have finished 15 minutes faster than I had realistically expected!

I also tried out new fuel for this race. I know, don't try anything new in a race, but I hadn't been able to do any long training runs that would allow me to try it out. Besides, I knew I wasn't going for a PR, this race was simply about survival.

About 2 years ago, I started having fueling issues, my stomach just shutting down somewhere between 8 and 10 miles. Anything ingested after that, even just plain water, would just sit in my stomach and I would be bloated and miserable, not to mention that I wasn't absorbing any of my carbs for fuel.

I've been carrying a handheld since my race GI issues started, allowing me to get a sip of fuel every mile for a more constant stream of energy instead of having to wait until water stops to suck down a gel. I've experimented with all sorts of products in my bottle, and this time I finally found one that worked. I used Skratch Labs Hydration Mix in my bottle and ate Sharkies energy chews. I carried extra pouches of the drink mix in the pocket of my handheld, mixing more at a water station when I ran out. (I used 2.5 servings for this race.) I've been using Sharkies before a long swim for a while, but never tried them on the run as I have trouble chewing things during a race. I discovered quickly that chewing them wasn't going to work for me, so I started swallowing them instead. Again, a little bit every mile (1-2 sharks per mile starting at mile 5). I had also eaten most of a package just prior to the race. For the first time in 2 years, I had no GI issues in the race! But it was only one race, so I will be trying it out again before swearing that this regimen was the solution to my problem. (Also, of note: Skratch Labs has a hydration mix that is meant to be consumed hot: Apples and Cinnamon. It was a real treat to have a thermos of nice warm apple hydration drink waiting for me at the finish on a cold day!)

I was extremely glad I decided to run this race. It restored my faith in my body, reminded me that muscle memory is a wonderful thing, and gave me hope that I will be able to complete the next race I am registered for even if my health doesn't fully cooperate with my training: Sedona Marathon Half on February 1. Warm, sunny Arizona in the middle of the winter... anyone want to join me?

Half-Marathon This Weekend (...maybe)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 21:27:00 +0000

After my last post (On Not Giving Up), I had a week or so where I felt great! I was able to walk or run every day and was feeling hopeful for the Mankato Marathon Half.

I registered for this race waaay back in January when they had a discount. I was POSITIVE I would be back in running shape well before now. A couple weekends ago when I was feeling good, I pulled out a 6-mile run/walk without too much difficulty. My legs recovered quickly (LOVE my compression gear, and give it all the credit for this!) Based on that, I figured I could do one more long run/walk between then and the race, fill in with some short runs and walks, and be fine. Certainly not my best, but I'd be able to put in the miles. I really don't want to give up on this race.

Then last week, my symptoms started flaring again. Friday, I could hardly move and everything hurt. A back-to-my-new-reality kick in the pants. If I feel like I did Friday, there is no way I will be able to run.

The Mankato Marathon Half is in 6 days. I am still planning to run/walk IF I feel good. If I don't feel that great, I have a friend that is walking the race, I will drop back and walk with her. If I feel REALLY BAD, well, I'll have a decision to make and the rational me knows that the best decision in that situation would be to not do the event at all.

There will be a lot of finger-crossing between now and Sunday... I just want to run!!!

On Not Giving Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 21:41:00 +0000

I've been off the radar for a while in the land of endurance sports. I was ashamed to post my measly 3-mile runs that take far longer than I'd like and most days, feel like a death march. I've been ashamed to admit that, even more recently, some days I've been reduced to walking for exercise. I've been ashamed to say that there are days I feel barely capable of getting out of bed and feeding myself and my 3-yr old, let alone doing any form of exercise. Two years ago, I had earned a shiny new marathon PR and my first 70.3 finish. How can I admit to the world that I can hardly exercise these days? How can I possibly be a positive representative for endurance sport and a GOTRIbal Ambassador?

The answer hit me just the other day.... by not giving up. By not letting my health issues define me. By getting up and going out that door, even if it is just a walk, on the days I can. My message to others was always "do what you are capable of right now" yet here I was expecting myself to do far more. Being a GOTRIbal Ambassador and promoting the endurance sport life doesn't mean I have to run marathons or complete Ironman triathlons. Being a GOTRIbal Ambassador means leading by example and letting others know that it is okay to start where you are RIGHT NOW.

There are a lot of walks in my near future, a lot of easy yoga, and some very slow running. Yes, someday I hope to be back running marathons and maybe even training for an Ironman. But for now I will take my own advice... I will start where I am today.

Finally, a diagnosis... sort of.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 21:02:00 +0000

I don't share much of how I feel, physically, on the blog. The main reason I've not posted regularly in quite a while is because, frankly, I feel like crap most days and really, no one wants to hear me complain all the time. Training has been non-existent and when I feel I can do a little something, it takes me days to recover.

I've been seeing doctors since late fall 2012 and just finally am starting to get somewhere. In July, I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). That diagnosis was confirmed with a recent visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

It feels good to be getting somewhere, but my GI doc doesn't think the EoE is responsible for all my symptoms. I've been through a battery of screening tests, but everything else comes back negative so far. (Which is good, don't get me wrong, but I'd really like some answers!) Also, I think the meds may be making me feel worse (something I will be discussing with my doctor very soon!)

So that's where I am... I am beyond frustrated at how little training I feel I can do. I am angry that food has become my enemy, and that I may never find my personal triggers for this disease. I am sad that I now, at age 37, have a chronic disease that can only be managed, if I'm lucky, but never cured.

But, most days, I refuse to feel sorry for myself. I remind myself that it could always be worse. That I am lucky to have options and access to top-notch medical care. And I am determined to make the best of it, one day at a time.

The day that Tipsy died...

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 05:06:00 +0000

A day I never wanted to see. The day that I was without my kitty.

She was with me when it was just me and her. She was with me when I got married... twice. She was with me when I was pregnant, when Liam was a baby. When we moved (4 different houses). She was with me for 14 of her 16-1/2 years.

She was my best friend.

She always seemed to know when I needed her most.

And now she's gone.

It's been only a few hours. I still see her out of the corner of my eye. My brain is still sure that she is just in the other room somewhere.

But my heart knows different. It knows that she is gone and is not coming back. And it is broken.

She was and always will be the best kitty ever.

7lb kitty, 120lb 'Big Dog...notice who is in charge

I have never known another cat to be so loving, so happy to be with people. If she was within 3 feet of me, she was purring. Where I was, she was.

Even professed 'cat-haters' were caught petting Tipsy when they thought no one was looking. She was just that kind of cat.

We euthanized Tipsy today. She had oral cancer. An aggressive mass that went from nothing a couple months ago, to making it almost impossible for her to eat and drink and was starting to make her gag. She wouldn't let us look at it, it was uncomfortable for her. When she was asleep, I could catch a glimpse. After we put her to sleep, I could see it... I wondered how she had made it this long... the mass was huge.

We will have other cats, but Tipsy will never be replaced.

Rest in peace, my pretty girl...walk straight, or not, as you never seemed to know the difference... know that I loved you and always will.

Playing Catch-Up...Again

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:22:00 +0000

I know it's been a long time since I've updated this, but I just haven't felt like I've had much to talk about. I'm still not healthy so training has not been very consistent and I often feel more like grumbling about it than anything. And let's face it, no one wants to read my whining. Not even me. So taking a cue from my new coursework, here's what is new and good in my life...

-I have been able to continue some training. I participated in master swim again this winter and have continued to swim about once a week. I run intermittently and have managed to maintain some base fitness. I try hard to focus on what I CAN do rather than what I CAN'T. I did bail on the marathon I was hoping to run in a couple weeks. I just haven't been able to do the training. I am doing my first Olympic triathlon this weekend. Am I properly trained? No way. Can I finish? Absolutely! And since there were only 3 women in the Olympic distance last year (all in my age group), I even have a chance to place in my age group :)
***Last minute update!!! Being the self-proclaimed Queen of Procrastination, of course I took my bike out for the first time today - 2 days before my race. There is a reason the saying is "just like riding a bike"! Had a great little brick and even spent some time in aero. Depending on the wind conditions Saturday, this might be my first race in aero!***

All cleaned up and ready to race!

-I have been taking some online coursework. In February I started studying through ISSA toward my Personal Trainer certification. It's self-study and I am about a third of the way through the material. In March I started studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. At the end of this program, I will be a Certified Holistic Health Coach. What do these certifications mean for me? I'm not sure right now. My first client definitely needs to be myself and I am already working on that.

-GOTRIbal is launching their ActiveBudz app very soon! Stay tuned and I'll definitely let you know when it does!

-My little man is growing fast!!! He turned 3 several weeks ago. His biggest excitement lately was the Toddler Trot at a local race (he is still talking about the race he ran with all his "friends") and making a trip to the ER to have a couple stitches. He fell the other day while we were playing/running in the driveway and he busted his lip open. He was so very brave and I am extrememly proud of him. Not a tear at the ER, he answered when asked, and even told the doctor 'thank-you'.

Two stitches and one big fat lip.

-The garden is almost all in. All 5000sqft. of veggie garden plus the flower gardens. Almost... All the rain and cool weather has set us back considerably but we are hopeful for a good harvest.

Liam is a great help in the garden...when he's not stepping on the plants...oops.

- In early April, I discovered a large tumor in Tipsy's (my cat) mouth. Because of her age, her poor history with anesthesia, and the location of the tumor, there wasn't much we could do about it. It has been growing quickly and I count every day that she is still here as a blessing. She still eats, drinks, grooms and purrs. When that changes it may be time to reevaluate her time in this world, but for now, I am giving her tons of love and she is returning the favor.

My beloved Miss T catching some Z's.

All in all, life is good. We keep pushing the junk aside and celebrating the good in every day (the only way to stay sane when you have a 3-yr old that is prone to drama!) I hope to have more good updates on training and racing this summer, but time will tell. I'm not signing up for much in advance - I hate wasted entry fees. Either way, lots of fun will be had and I'll be back sometime to tell you all about it!

SBBC Week 5

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 02:32:00 +0000

This week was going to be hard anyway (hubby out of town, no sitter, and a kid that doesn't want to nap), but then I slipped on a pair of Liam's pajamas and fell, really racking my neck and shoulder. (It's still not right after a week.) I'm also still having GI issues that are really causing me a lot of pain and nausea.

I've also noticed that I have a really hard time getting 7 servings of veggies. 5 or 6, easy... but that 7th one is elusive. I often get to the end of the day one serving short. I could then eat one more, but I choose to avoid the extra snacking.

Mon: Traveling - no workout, got water, missed freggies
Tues: Tweaked neck & shoulder - 30 min VERY EASY walk with Liam, water, missed freggies
Weds: 30 minute EASY walk, neck still really sore, water, missed freggies
Thurs: 30min walk at home, 25 min leading C25K class, water, just missed freggies
Fri: Freggies (Yay!) & water. No workout.
Sat: Sick. Water only
Sun: Water, 45 minute walk

Liam and I are hanging out and laying low. He starts daycare again next week. I already have workouts entered in my calendar... can't wait to workout without having to struggle to sneak it in somewhere! And I'd better get cracking, my first race is May 4th... a 7-mile trail race, my first trail race. I'm also supposed to be running a marathon in June...

SBBC Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 01:53:00 +0000

This week started off good, but then fizzled out. Traveling always seems to mess me up. I don't eat the same, I don't sleep well (OK, so I don't sleep well at home either, but better.) I just never manage to get my workouts done when I travel. We came home today (Monday) and I'm hoping to get back on track again tomorrow.

Mon: 50 minutes (4mile run + walk to cooldown), water, didn't meet freggie goal
Tues: 60 minutes at master swim, water & freggies
Weds: no workout, got my water, just missed my freggies
Thurs: 40 min hike, 3 mile run (32min), water & freggies
Fri: 60 min walk, just missed freggies, got my water
Sat: didn't workout or get water/freggie goals
Sun: Didn't feel well today, 0 points

SBBC Weeks 2 & 3

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 04:45:00 +0000

Things went a little downhill this past week in terms of the challenge... some of it beyond my control (getting sick) and some of it within my control (misplacing my points list, choosing to work on other projects instead of work out).

But I am happy to report that my family is on the mend from the illnesses of the past couple weeks and this week WILL be better!

Here's the (very short!) rundown for weeks 2 & 3:
Week 2:
Mon: don't know, apparently forgot to write anything down
Tues: points for water & freggies (fruits & veggies), WOW - took 5 minutes
Weds: points for water & freggies, 1 hour swim
Thurs: points for water & freggies, 4 mile run (41:05 plus walked to 45 minute mark)
Fri: points for water & freggies
Sat/Sun: can't find where I wrote it down and can't remember if I hit my water and freggie goals, so no points. No workouts.
Week 3:
Mon: On the same paper as Sat/Sun. No workout.
Tues-Sat: SICK! Above the neck respiratory symptoms meant I could have worked out, but the low-grade fever kept me from attempting it. Freggie points for Sat. only. Water points each day as I was trying to hydrate the heck out of that cold!
Sun: Caught up on all the other things I had been neglecting while I was sick (laundry, housecleaning) Points for water & freggies.

A pretty sad showing for two weeks...Tomorrow is a new day...

GOTRIbal gets a new look!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:16:00 +0000

New GOTRIbal site launched TODAY!!! Go check it out...

Have something to brag about? Get a marathon PR? Finish your first Couch-to-5K workout? Make it through a workout when you just weren't feeling it? GOTRIbal is where ALL of those accomplishments will be appreciated and honored by like-minded women.

"GOTRIbal: Connecting 'normal women who do EXTRAORDINARY things" (LOVE it!)

SBBC Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:42:00 +0000

Sorry this is brief, but Liam has been keeping me running lately! I'll do a "catch-up on my life" post soon!

You may have noticed the Spring Booty Buster Challenge button on my sidebar... I'm supposed to be starting marathon training and I really need a kick in the pants. It didn't happen this week (sadly, I did a 10 mile run the day before this started so I don't get to count it!) Circumstances left me with no sitter and crappy weather so workouts just didn't get done. I even miss Master Swim on weeks like this (and I pay for that whether I go or not!) This week Dave is working nearby and is home every night so I'm hoping things will be better...

Monday: 25 minutes YogaKids with Liam, WOW (3 points)
Wednesday: 40 minutes shoveling snow (This counts, really!) (4 points)
Thursday: WOW (0.5 points)

Plus I made my freggie (fruit & veggie) goal and water goal 5 days each this week (10 points) and did the WOW (Workout of the Week) twice (2 points)

Total for the week= 19.5 points

Be back again soon... I promise!

2013 Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

2012 was a frustrating and hard year for me. I found I was gluten-intolerant (am still having some digestive issues), starting having exercise-induced dizziness, had a stress reaction in my femur, am still having residual pelvic floor and core issues from pregnancy (3yrs ago!), and I didn't attain any of my measurable goals.

This year, I am setting a different kind of goal. This year is not going to be about measuring miles or PRs. I'm not going to count the number of books I read or how many glasses of water I drink.

This year goals are going to be based on how I feel.

I am going to work on healing my digestive system and figuring out if I am sensitive to any other foods besides gluten.

I am going to meditate regularly. This may be a guided meditation or just spacing out for 5 minutes in my own head.

I am going to strengthen and heal my body and run/bike/swim as much or as little as feels right.

I am going to be grateful for at least one thing each day.

To sum it all up:

In 2013, I am going to work to improve my health: physical, mental & spiritual.

What are your goals for 2013?

2012 Recap: Focus On The Positive

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

While it is traditional to revisit your goals from the previous year and publicly announce what you accomplished and what you didn't... I will NOT be doing that on this blog this year! Why? Well, for one main reason... because of an injury, I was not even able to compete at my goal races for the year or run for much of the year.

So I'm not even looking at my goals from last year. I know I had a high mileage goal and a couple PR goals, but it's hard to meet those when you can't run or compete!

Instead, I am choosing to focus on what I DID do last year:

- I ran three half-marathons.
-One of the half-marathons was with my dad and sister, and though slow, was an amazing experience!
-We moved into the farmhouse that my grandpa and dad grew up in. We did a lot of remodeling & redecorating. I did much of the work myself.
-I PR'd at the 10K distance despite having to take a large amount of time off prior to the race for a stress reaction.
-We had a large garden this year with an amazing harvest!
-I took a masters swim course and greatly improved my swimming. I'm still not fast but it is easier and I am more comfortable in open water.

So just remember, if YOU didn't meet your goals, look for the positive. I'm sure you also did some GREAT things last year!

Five For Friday: 1-4-13

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:23:00 +0000

1. Mankato Marathon is offering HUGE early bird discounts for their full and half marathon race distances through Jan 10. We've run the half the past two years as a low-pressure end of the season race and had a blast! Great course, great people. We've signed up for the half again... join us! Register here: http://mankatomarathon.com/races/registration/

2. Remember when I backed Bia on Kickstarter (see those posts here, here, and here)? Well, now you can reserve your own! I have been excitedly following their progress and can't wait to get my Bia on my wrist later this year!

3. I had some digestive issues over the holidays. A good reminder that if you have sensitivites to KNOW the ingredients in the food you are eating instead of just assuming of guessing.

4. The strangest connections can happen on the internet. I recently reached out to someone regarding my health issues via email. She lives in California. Turns out she is originally from Minnesota and not only does she know where my small town is but she's been here more than once! Crazy!

5. 29 days to Sedona!

Ready or not...

Christmas On The Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:03:00 +0000

May you all have a happy and safe holiday! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Product Review: Instead Softcup

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:17:00 +0000

***Any guys reading this, especially any male relatives of mine... you may want to quit now. This review may venture into the land of TMI! ***


"Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed." Sources: Text- www.softcup.com; Photo- Instead Softcup Facebook Page

I first heard of Instead Softcup last year at a race expo. I even took home a sample and put in my bathroom closet. But when I checked out the website to get more info, they basically said "this can take some practice". And with my 2pk sample, I just never got brave enough to try it.

But the concept intrigued me. And every month, even though I wasn't quite brave enough, I looked at those Instead Softcup samples and said, "I wonder..."

So when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it. And this is what I learned:

1. You will likely not get it right on the first try. You might, but you very may not. I didn't. Wear a pad as extra protection on your first couple tries, just in case! And for goodness sake, remember that the "don't try anything new on race day" rule applies here... you do NOT want to be worried about whether or not you got it right in the middle of a race!

2. It doesn't take long to get it right. I will admit that after a couple days the first cycle, I gave up. But the next month, I tried again. And you know what happened? After a couple more days, it was just as easy as using tampons. There is a lot of help on the website and even an "Ask The Doctor" where you can ask questions that you can't find the answer to already.

3. For me, there was some leakage...but ONLY when I went to the bathroom. At first this alarmed me. I thought for sure it was because it didn't fit right or I had inserted Instead Softcup improperly. Not so. As long as this is the only time you are observing leakage, it is normal. (Website FAQ full answer here.)

Overall, I was very happy with the performance of the product. I really was able to go all day without worrying about having to run the bathroom every several hours to change a tampon. Working out with Instead Softcup was very comfortable - didn't even know it was there. This would be a GREAT product for race day. Especially longer races like a marathon or half-iron triathlon.

Now, despite all the good things about this product, I will likely not be using it as my regular period protection. Why? Plastic waste. I currently use tampons with no applicator so there is only a very small amount of garbage, especially plastic, being produced by my usage. That is not to say I won't use it. It may not become my everyday period protection, but Instead Softcup is definitely a product I will use again, but for those occasions like a long race or training day (marathon shopping?).

Want to know more about Instead Softcup?

I encourage you to check out

their website at www.softcup.com

their Facebook page.

I was compensated by Instead Softcup for this review, but all opinions expressed herein are entirely mine.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Things Are ALMOST Back To Normal

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

What do you mean not everybody gives their kid a bath in the laundry tub???

Getting Back In The Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 04:37:00 +0000

So I'm finally to a place where I am starting to get back into a more normal routine! The "new" house still isn't finished, some things are still in boxes, and there is still a lot of cleaning to be done at the old place. For the most part, however, the tasks that need to be done, cannot be done with the "help" of a two-year old so except for a couple days a week that he goes to a sitter, we are starting to get back to "normal".

I've been able to get some swimming in. Always, of course, followed by supper and conversation with my best tri-girlies!

I've started cooking again! Oh, how I've missed good food... Just a couple of the things I've made this past week:

Buckwheat Crackers

Lentil Vindaloo

I ran for the first time in over six weeks today! I FINALLY felt like I could take the time. I was nervous about running on the treadmill with Liam in the room because I wasn't sure he would be able to stay out of the way. But I was prepared to cut the workout short if need be. Armed with a bowl of crackers, coloring supplies, and the iPad, he did okay for about 15 minutes. I had only planned to go for about 20 minutes for his first experience and that seemed to be about his limit. He spent the last 5 minutes repeatedly asking if it was his turn yet!

The treadmill is much more fun when you have a view!

Oh, and I registered for this half-marathon in February. It's in 8 weeks so I figured I'd better start training. Also part of the reason I started back running today...

Finally, I'm starting to put together all the before/after pics from the new house so I can show off some of what I've been doing the past few months. Of course, there's nothing to show for the gazillion trips up and down the stairs with more boxes of stuff than I care to count, but I'm pretty proud of some of my projects. Here's a sneak peek of one that I think turned out great:

I hope to start updating with more frequency now that we're settled in to the farmhouse. Just wanted to let you know I'm still here!

GOTRIbal Contest!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:14:00 +0000

Head over to GOTRIBAL for a chance to win TWO entries to the Commitment Day 5K (held in 35 cities around the U.S, including Minneapolis!), PLUS some GOTRIbal goodies! Best of all, there really are no losers- All entries in the contest get $5 off the entry fee to the Commitment Day 5K on January 1, 2013!

Where the hell have I been?

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 02:40:00 +0000

I announcing a little hiatus. Not sure how long, but certainly until after the first of the year. I may post if I come up with something I really have to say, but for now I want to take the pressure off myself. I am so busy with the remodeling/moving that I just really don't feel like I have the time to update, but I feel bad when I don't.

Here's what I've been doing lately:

Workouts: Pack boxes at night while toddler is sleeping. Move them to stack by the door. In the morning, load them into Jeep/trailer. Drive to new house. Unload boxes. Unpack boxes. Move empty boxes back to Jeep. Drive home. Bring empty boxes back into house. Repeat. Occasional home improvements such as installing vinyl tile, ripping out shag carpet and old linoleum also completed as well as things like digging potatoes and hauling rather large pieces of furniture by myself. (My husband is impressed by the furniture moving. I tell him that anger and impatience are great motivators and sources of strength.)

I ran a 10K in September and PR'd.

I ran a half-marathon in October and did much better than I expected to, considering I have been doing absolutely no running.

Nutrition: Using up whatever I can from the cupboards in an effort to move as little as possible... when I feel up to cooking. working on the house/moving project and taking care of a toddler at the same time pretty much saps all my energy and time. I haven't been eating nearly as well as I should. And I'm ashamed to say that we have only harvested half of the potatoes and there are still probably 100lbs in the ground...

Mental Health: My mood has started to suffer in this whole process. I have been doing this almost daily for a little more than two months now. Our goal is to be moved in by the end of the month and have the old place cleaned out and ready for the new renters by December 31st.

We're going to be gone for a week coming up here. Although I could really use some time away from the whole project, it does not help my stress level any to be gone for any extended time this close to the deadlines.

Anyway, this is where I've been and where I will be for the next couple months. As I said, I might post if feel like it, but I'm taking the pressure off and likely will not post until after the New Year. In the meantime, I hope you all have wonderful holiday celebrations with family and friends! See you in the New Year!

Five for Friday: October 12

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

1. My husband, Dave, finished his first marathon last Sunday at the Twin Cities Marathon!!! Official time 4:58:47. So proud of him!

Dave, our son Liam, and Dave's dad Tom on the way to packet pickup.

2. At the marathon expo, I met the ladies behind chicked.com. I first heard of them through fellow GOTRIbal Ambassador and pro triathlete, Gillian Clayton.

Photo from chicked.com

My first thought after seeing their awesome shirts and cycling kit was, "I probably should get faster before I wear that..." But then I saw this...

Not me... picture from chicked.com

the Minne-skirt! Um, LOVE at first sight! Plus I find out that this is a Minnesota company? How could I not buy one of these?!?
So, of course, when at the expo, after meeting Jennifer and Gretchen ( and then walking around the expo, trying to convince my hubby why I just HAD to have one), I purchased my very own Minne-skirt.
This turned out to be a great decision when it was only 30 degrees on race morning! GREAT running weather, COLD spectating weather! My new skirt kept me nice and toasty warm!

3. A friend linked this recipe on Facebook earlier this week. These will be made in my house before the week is over. They look delicious!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Pancakes via Girl Cooks World (photo: Girl Cooks World)

4. Work on the "new" house is going well. Today I played with my new toy... a brand new shiny miter saw!

Ain't she purty???

I also picked this find up off the curb during Windom's "junk days" with the idea of turning it into an entertainment center. Painting is in progress. I will post "after" pictures when I get it done.

A fresh coat of paint and some cord holes in the back should make her good as new!

5. I am seriously considering taking a Facebook vacation until this election is over. Presidential election, gay marriage on the ballot in Minnesota... political comments abound in my news feed (making me wonder sometimes why some of my friends are my friends). I try not to use this blog or my Facebook page to discuss politics or religion, so this is the one thing I will say... It makes my heart cringe to hear or read comments of bigotry, intolerance and hatred and then have them justified by the person giving the opinion with "because I am a Christian".
I do not attend church regularly, and my belief may not be as strong as some, but I do know this:

Matthew 22:34-40

34But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together. 35And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him: 36Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? 37And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.

(Source: Bible, American Standard Version.)

There is no clause afterward that says, "except for homosexuals", except for (insert race or religion here)", "except for..." Well, there just are no exceptions. These commandments are given in Mark (12:28-31) and Luke (10:25-29) as well, so it seems to me that if you identify as a Christian, this would be a pretty important lesson.

And that's all I will say about politics and religion for now.

May you have a wonderful weekend free of political commercials!

Need a Swift Kick?

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:54:00 +0000

...in the ass?

Yep, GOTRIbal is doing it again... not only inspiring women to try endurance sports, but giving them the tools to do it!!!

GOTRIbal's new "Swift Kick" program is designed for those who want to try running. Already a runner? How about passing this info on to a friend, co-worker, sister, mom, etc... Maybe even commit to doing it with her or "gift" the program to her!

From the GOTRIbal website:

"In The Swift Kick [in the ass!] 8-week program, you will receive:

A formal training program, beginning Oct 29, that is designed to help you commit to doing something you’ve never done – Run/Walk 3 miles, or run the whole 5K! This program will get you there with our Expert Coach, Wendy Mader!

Access to a GOTRIbal Expert Coach to get your questions answered during the first week, middle week and last week of the program.

A 24/7 exclusive online Tribe where you can meet and communicate with other women in the program; including your Coach!

Weekly Tips and inspirational notes from elite athletes like ultra-runner Dean Karnazes, GOTRIbal Ambassadors, and women just like YOU.

Special surprise gear for you to wear during the 5K event on January 1!"

Instead of waiting until you make a New Year's Resolution (I mean, c'mon... those things never work for most people anyway!), get started NOW and reach your goal THIS YEAR!!! What are you waiting for???

Check out the GOTRIbal website for more details and to join this AMAZING program!

Now you may ask, aren't you a GOTRIbal Ambassador? Why, YES, I am!!! Does that mean I get compensated in any way for posting this? No!!! I am a GOTRIbal Ambassador because I believe in GOTRIbal and what we, as a community, can do when we connect and inspire each other through sport! Everything I do for GOTRIbal, I do for free.

Five For Friday: Oct. 5

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Short on time lately, thus the lack of posting. I've been busy, busy, busy working on the farmhouse so we can get moved in before the snow flies. Therefore, this week's FFF will be in pictures...

I tore out the shag carpet and found these tiles. Still not what I eventually want, but better than the shag and will do for now!

Tore up the floor in the dining room and kitchen and replaced with vinyl tile. This is the dining room floor before and after.

Why don't I update my blog at night? Because I'm busy doing things like refinishing furniture at 11PM.

My cousin's wedding: Don't worry, it was water. I know because I gave it to him :)

Me and the monkey man!

My hubby is running his first marathon this weekend at Twin Cities!!! Make sure to wish him luck, I know he'll appreciate it. Liam and I are looking forward to a great weekend of race spectating and cheering!

Posted with Blogsy

Five For Friday: Sept. 21

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 04:27:00 +0000

If I get this posted before midnight, it still counts as a Friday post, right?

1. River Valley Fitness - (I couldn't find a website or Facebook page - if anyone does, please let me know and I'll link it!)
This new fitness center just opened in Windom September 1st. I waited a long time for a real fitness center to come to town. Sure, there is the Hospital Wellness Center...but they have a lot of cardio and are short on real weight-lifting. Then there was Curves...ummmm, yeah, not for me. (The one saving grace for me in this town was Sky Blue Yoga- Kris is awesome!)
River Valley is a real gym with cardio, weights, classes, and available personal training. Too bad for the owner that since I waited so long I now own all my own equipment. But if you are local, definitely check it out!!!

2. Girls Night Out - A new campaign by the downtown businesses here in Windom. Every third Thursday of the month, from 4-8pm, there will be specials, refreshments, and giveaways. Now if only Dave didn't have a meeting that same day...

3. Windom Area Girls Fastpitch Association 5K/10K Yep, this is tomorrow morning. I'm late posting this. Sorry! But here's the info: This is Windom's second running event of two for the year. Especially in this inaugural year, PLEASE support it! We need more local running events and it supports women in sports. Really, a no-brainer.

4. Breast Health Walk If you ever want to hear an inspiring story about how regular people get things done, this is it. A local woman (my insurance agent) had an abnormal mammogram and was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. Frustrated with the wait time for follow-up mammograms (we previously had a truck from over an hour-and-a-half away come to perform mammograms in Windom every few weeks), she and her daughter started a fundraiser walk last year to raise funds to purchase mammography equipment for our local hospital. Less than 1 year later, our local hospital has their own equipment. This year's walk (and subsequent events) will promote their other goal- to help women struggling with breast health/cancer financially when needed.
If you don't know anyone who has been affected by breast cancer, count yourself lucky. If you do, please support this event, or others like it in your own community.

5. Dude, it's a small town... I'm lucky I can come up with four in one week! Let's hear from you... What exciting things are happening in your own community?