Weak in the Knees

This week was a bit crazy. My bad knee (I had surgery on my right knee twice) has been flaring up all week and I didn't have high hopes for my long run yesterday. I had a tough time deciding whether or not to run this week, but I ended up deciding it playing it safe and not running.

I got up yesterday and drank my usual my tea and an Uncrustable and immediately felt nauseous. As I drove to Umstead, my stomach starting hurting. I was a little nervous because Umstead doesn't have any bathrooms. Miles 1-3 were tough between my knee and my stomach, but as I continued on my stomach felt better but I was still nauseous. My knee was very painful from 6-9 and I even had to stop at 6.89 miles and rest. I was planning on running the last mile again like last week, but I was in a lot of pain and decided not to push it. My goal time was two hours, and I finished in 2:03:14. Not bad with "broken knees".

On Thursday, we dropped Jager off for his cataract surgery. I was on pins and needles all day waiting for an update on him and finally I got a call staying everything went well. Jager was able to see well immediately according to the surgeon. He was pretty excited.  His vision will get better in the next five to seven days. He is already going up and down the stairs better, catching treats and wagging his tail more. We are so happy for him.

My cousin, Julia, who is also running the Manchester Marathon half, wrote an amazing blog that you should check out. She tackles eating disorders and her honesty is refreshing and is all too familiar with me. I have mentioned in previous blogs that I would one day write about my experience, but I'm still not ready. It is going to be tough, but I will one day. The courage that Julia has displayed in her blog, makes me think I can share my story too.

I forgot to mention in last week's blog that I got my cholesterol rechecked and it dropped twenty points and my triglycerides dropped firty seven points in three months! I'm pretty proud of that.

Wednesday's interview is with Kasie Wallace Enman. I went to Manchester Central High School with Kasie where she was part of the cross country team. Since high school, she has been busy. Not only has she been raising a family, but she is also a two time Olympic Trials Women's Marathon Qualifier (2008 and 2012). She is running the NYC marathon on November 2nd and will be running with Med Keflezighi, Wilson Kipsang, Kara Goucher, Desi Linden and many others. So, make sure you check it out on Wednesday!

Only five weeks until the Manchester Marathon half! Time is flying!

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Weekend Update

My weekend was pretty nice and relaxing. I've been really tired all week and eating all weird, so I decided to get my thyroid checked. I have been feeling great the past few months, especially since I've stayed on track with my Raleigh Triple Crown training.The past two weeks or so, I've been so tired, eating more and I have a taste for Cheez Its and McDonalds double dipped cones. No, I'm NOT pregnant, I think with my increased training my thyroid might be off.  

Our run on Saturday didn't go real well. Rachel tweaked her foot earlier in the week and it was really bothering her, so we slowed way down and only did nine miles. We have a tricky month ahead bc we have two half marathons that are two weeks apart. We have to make sure we keep up our endurance, but rest our legs enough.

The rest of our weekend consisted of going to get flowers and veggies for Matt's garden at Home Depot and watching playoff hockey. I LOVE playoff hockey and having one of my teams in it always makes it better. My major complaint is PIERRE MCGUIRE. He truly ruins every game for me. I LOVE Doc and Eddie, but Pierre is truly annoying. I wish there was a mute button for him......and that someone would punch him in the face.

This week Jager had to be dropped off at the vet for another sugar check and the vet told us that she was worried that he isn't responding to the insulin and wanted to run some blood work to make sure he didn't have a thyroid issue or pancreatitis. We were worried but thankfully, the blood work came back fine and was put on a animal insulin called Vetsulin. He started Saturday morning, and I don't see much change in him. He is still sleepy, mopey, and drinking a lot. I just hope my pup feels better soon.

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1 Week Left!

I can't believe the first race of the Raleigh Triple Crown is on Sunday! Insane! These eight weeks have flown by!

First, off..... Guinness's path came back fine! We are super happy!

After taking a week off from running, I was a little nervous bc I thought I'd feel leg heavy, but I didn't. I think the week did me a whole of good and I did really well, I even got my fastest time on two miles so far! 

Rachel and I did our last long run at Shelley Lake. We did 8 miles and I felt pretty good. My heel is still flaring up but not too horrible. 

So, race #1, Run Raleigh, is on Sunday at Cameron Village and I think we are ready! Thanks for the support! 

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New Orleans!

What a great weekend! My friend Alia, who I have been friends with since 3rd grade, and I headed out to New Orleans for a girls weekend. It was fantastic!

First off, Aaron Ward and his family were on my flight and I really wanted to say something without bothering his family time and without sounding crazy. I introduced myself to him and got to see his Stanley Cup ring.

Anyway, we got to New Orleans and stayed in the Omni Hotel. Thursday night headed out to dinner and tried alligator, catfish, oysters, and bourbon. Everything was great and then we walked around Bourbon Street.

We woke up the next morning to tea and coffee and headed out on a bus tour. It was a great tour and we saw and learned a lot. We saw some guy get busted by the cops and a crazy car with a head on the antenna. We also went to dinner at Brennan's and we had banana's foster, which was amazing. I dressed up in a my new top and Ahl took a picture and it looks like I'm wearing arm braces or like R2D2. After dinner we headed out and fun people watching and watching the bible thumpers yell at all us sinners-haha.

On Saturday, we slept in and enjoyed a relaxing day. We started at brunch at The Court of Two Sisters and it was great. We enjoyed the jazz music while we tried some local New Orleans food. After brunch, we relaxed in the sun for a bit and then headed out to Cafe Du Monde and had delicious beignets. Then, we went on a haunted ghost tour and it was cool. Our tour guide was great and told us all the spooky stories. Ahl and I really want to stay at the Andrew Jackson Hotel bc it is the most haunted. 

We had such a great time and learned a lot about New Orleans!

In other news, Guinness had to be sedated and have his teeth cleaned. They found this nasty thing that has to be removed. It is being sent to pathology because it looks pretty concerning, so keep your fingers crossed!

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