I did not run in the Mercedes Marathon last weekend. And yes, I’m just now writing about it, a week later. Just now getting to writing it is a large part of why I didn’t run. The late part, that is.

So where do I start…

I had been training for the Mercedes Marathon for quite a few months, starting back in June or so and going on til the race month of February. And like everyone else, I

I spent two long years without a summer break working on my master’s degree. Now, it is time for my last few exams and I am shocked about the way that the professors are giving our last exams. Maybe they are doing this to be nice since we worked so hard and relentlessly over the years. They announced that each of the exams was going to be a take home exam that we could do from our personal computers at home. Of course, we will all need to log in at the same time and there are time limits, but I am really excited. I think doing my test from the comfort of my kitchen using my laptop and clear internet connection is going to be a great testing environment. I will be able to get up and use the restroom and get a drink whenever I want to. I wish that they had let us take all of our tests like this, I’m sure I would have been doing a lot better in school!

I’ve also had some issues with skin discoloration, probably due to a hormonal imbalance from my pregnancies, so I’ve been told. I really don’t know what could be causing that issue, but I know that it does annoy me to no end. Why? Well, number one, it just doesn’t look good! I’ve had pretty easy to care for skin my whole life so this change in skin conditions is not so good to me.

In searching for some answers to my plight, I’ve looked at a few over-the-counter products since prescription cosmetic products or dermatological visits can be pricey. I’ve also Googled this facial condition, and it looks like the name of what I have is called “Hypopigmentation.” I’ve tried using the ginger spice remedy, adding extra facial moisturizer to my regimen, and then finally, I thought it was best to just wear makeup…when I exercise…ok, who does that???

Another runner friend told me that she had also suffered with those annoying dark spots too after her third child was born. She said it seemed to exacerbate her condition as well. She recommended the Luminaze product and said that it helped to lighten her dark spots. Well, the great thing about the product was that I could buy it over the counter or online and I could get to it quicker than I would if I had to go to a dermatologist or physician.

I’m attaching a picture of the area under my eyes where this discoloration is a problem. It’s under both eyes, so it’s pretty visible and obvious. I don’t know if you can really see it as clear, but it looks kind of like freckles, maybe? Using the Luminaze product can clear up these freckley spots because it contains natural ingredients in it. There are no harsh acids or chemicals, and since I’m using it under my eyes, I definitely want to be careful with that area. I’m expecting the entire area to be positively affected by this stuff without it looking like I’ve done some drastic skin lightening and also so as not to promote this blotchiness in that area.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Until then, I’m glad to be able to get back out there, sweat and work out as hard as I’d like to without worrying too much about my skin.

Last year, I did the Ross Bridge 8k, you know, where the ultimate high-end spa services are located too?! The 8k is roughly a little over 5 miles, so it was a great way for me to get in a good run that day AND feel good about doing something healthy for my body. Turning 44 that day didn’t feel so bad after all!

Something else that I liked after the run were the booths that the organizers had set up for runners. They had places set up where we could get health information and access to things like blood pressure and cholesterol checks, samples of newly-released energy drinks and samples of that new Body by Vi whey protein shake (my friend sells these too). It was all really good stuff!

Another thing that was peculiar, but not really, was that my blood pressure was a bit elevated that day. Yes, it was after the run, and yes, I ran it in under an hour, so that’s why I’m not tooo surprised. The top number was something like 143-44, and the RN helping me wasn’t worried or concerned and did explain that it was due to the obvious circumstances. She also told me that the medical records software that they use for events like the 8k run is not as sophisticated and/or detailed like the electronic medical records software that your doctor’s office would use. So, no worries there. It was just a simple, generic test.

I filled out the appropriate paperwork for consent and release of liability, but they also offered to have my information digitally sent to me or my doctor in case I wanted to pursue any aspect of the test. I thought that was a great idea, especially since the circumstances were under extreme conditions (endurance running). At first I was a little hesitant about doing this “medical” test in such an atmosphere: outside, under a tent, with medical professionals who I didn’t know and who didn’t know me. All of this kind of had me a little leery, but I pretty much determined there wouldn’t be any harm in getting a simple test done like a blood pressure check. After all, you can walk into any local pharmacy and do that too, right?

There wasn’t any harm in having the test done, and I’m glad I did. Since convenience and flexibility is so important to many individuals, physician offices use electronic health records to expedite assessments and diagnoses for their patients. And also, since my husband’s employer has changed health insurance carriers, we have to now sign and consent to a lot of medical procedures on both us and the kids before anything is done, and the insurance carrier has put our information online for us to view. That means that I can quickly access those electronic medical records for myself or the kids whenever I want.

This year for my big birthday, the big “4-5,” I’m doing the Virginia Beach Half Marathon. Another year, one year older, and I plan to take my health assessments just as seriously then as I did for a shorter race. It’s very, VERY important to take care of your health, right?

Yes, I’ve tried the closest thing to Barefoot Running…in my Vibrams, and my feet, shins and knees all hated me for it. Not to mention the Turf Toe that I got too as a result. Not. A. Fan.

This video though is hil-a-r-ious as it pokes a little fun at the Barefoot Running Concept. Enjoy!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPdb7ZDJKS4[/youtube]

Some of my non-runner friends often ask me if I ever get bored or what my next goal may be. I really don’t know the answer to that because I just kind of like to wing it as I go along. I’ve toyed with the idea of doing a triathlon maybe in a year or two, but haven’t really decided. Seeing as that I’ll need swimming lessons (!), I think it’s best to get that under my belt before I go any further. Not to mention all that’s involved in doing those tri’s: hair issues, what to wear (swimsuits, wetsuits or regular running clothes?), where and when the event is held (weather temperatures do matter) and how much exertion will be involved. I need to be in optimal training condition. With all of these factors, I think I’ll just take my time and see what happens.

The cycling portion of the event is another consideration since those bikes can be incredibly expensive! I’m no Lance Armstrong and neither am I Mrs. Armstrong so that’s another consideration for my budget. And not to mention the outfit issue again: can you or should you wear the same wetsuit to bike in that you will use for the swim portion??

There are so many considerations to keep in mind and making quick decisions is something I try to steer clear of. If any of you have done your first bi- or tri-, I’d love to hear about it. Do share because maybe your story will help me decide what to do. We’ll see.

I try my best to not run or do anything outside when it’s dark, both for safety and security issues. I like to concentrate on my running and listen to my music, so adding in another layer of worry with “trying to be seen” just puts too much on the brain. But, there are times when I can’t help it (like my small group’s long runs on Saturday mornings) and I need something that can help me “be seen.”

I’ve tried the flashing light, which is WAY cool, but by it being a clip, sometimes it’s hard for it to stay on my clothes. This cool armband however looks like it will go on and stay on and I won’t have to worry about slippage. Maybe I’ll give it a shot. If you do decide to try it out, come back to this post and let me know how you like it. And, be careful out there!

My health goals for 2012? Well, see, I really don’t know. I know what I have in mind to accomplish weight wise and fitness wise, but whether or not these will be “goals,” I really can’t say. I just hope to be able to see some changes in my body that I’ve been aiming for and to keep these changes for once and for all. No stress. No pressure. I just want to do it and have it stick. Forever.

Having said that, I’m planning on setting some short incremental goals for the new year. Like a 3-month muscle-building plan to get some toned look going and also to burn off some of the holiday fat and overindulgence that I’ve partaken in.

What are your goals for the new year, or have you planned any? What new routines are you going to embark on? Which kind of new regimen are you going to give a shot at trying?

I’m going to keep you all abreast of my new programs and I’d like to take a peek at yours as well. I’ve got some new things that I’m also going to share about nutrition, alternative medicine and some other great articles and information about natural hair care, beauty tips and fashion. Why is this? Because after I turned 40, I started paying much more attention to my beauty regimen and it made me curious about the changes that were taking place in my face and on my frame. Stay tuned and I’ll share with you the things I’ve found out.

Take care and I’ll see you soon!

Here’s to you and your happiness for the next 365 days!!