Dedication

So why a 1/2 marathon? Well for one thing I don't think a 5k is enough of a challenge. I think I'd allow myself to slack off and do just enough. I can walk a 5k no problem. Walking a 1/2 marathon, let alone run it, is another story entirely. I also really, really, really would like to do a race at Disney World and the Princess 1/2 Marathon in 2015 seems like a justifiable goal.


I've never particularly liked running. I played soccer in my teens and I don't ever remember enjoying laps around the field. I did enjoy being dedication to something. I enjoyed practicing. I enjoyed being outside. I enjoyed being a part of something.


Here is the part I like about running. I don't have to go fast. I just have to finish. I'm not trying to become an Olympian. I'm not even trying to be a winner. I'd prefer to be better than last, but if I am, oh well! At least I started in the first place. That's way better than those who never start.


So I'm super impressed with my perseverance this week. Despite a car accident, and a run in with the treadmill (pun intended) I kept to my training schedule. I woke up this morning and my body craved the physical activity. I could have used my ankle injury as an excuse. I chose not too. And to reward myself I bought some new exercise gear. So every time I put on my new shirt that says, "My Mascara Runs Faster Than You" I'm going to be proud of my dedication.

Note to Self

Make sure: 1) the treadmill is set correctly 2) both feet are firmly on the sides when the machine starts moving 3) no one is looking when you wipe out and skin your knee, shin and ankle.

The year of the 1/2 Marathon

I spent 2013 attempting to make it the year of me. I spent a ton of time processing what I needed during a very difficult period of letting go of children I cared for and love. I decided a job change was required, and made that happen. I spent time connecting to those important to me as I realized that was missing. And I ended the year as a Mom to another set of four children. 

As January hit and I began 2014, I decided this year was going to be for me.  Like last year, there is a lot going on in my life that I have no control of. None. So I decided I needed to set a goal for myself that I had complete control of. Hence the year of the 1/2 was born.

Stay tuned as I blog about my journey to become a distance runner, even if its only for 2 races.

The year of the 1/2 Marathon

I spent 2013 attempting to make it the year of me. I spent a ton of time processing what I needed during a very difficult period of letting go of children I cared for and love. I decided a job change was required, and made that happen. I spent time connecting to those important to me as I realized that was missing. And I ended the year as a Mom to another set of four children. 

As January hit and I began 2014, I decided this year was going to be for me.  Like last year, there is a lot going on in my life that I have no control of. None. So I decided I needed to set a goal for myself that I had complete control of. Hence the year of the 1/2 was born.

Stay tuned as I blog about my journey to become a distance runner, even if its only for 2 races.

It's Back

So a few weeks ago I landed in the ER with chest pain. My heart is fine. My Sarcoidosis blood work- not so much. The doctor thinks its a combination of muscle pain/inflammation and acid reflux. 

I have a new primary care doctor. He of course wants me to be followed by a specialist and so begins the -oligist roller coaster. My rheumatologist is running a Sarcoidosis Clinic at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago. So I have an appointment scheduled with her and an appointment with the neurologist. 

I'm hoping that this bout will resolve without meds. I really, really don't want to get on that ride.

Annual Update?

I was surprised to see that I still have people popping by. I'm fairly active at my other blog and I've considered taking this one down. For now I will leave in place.

I still haven't been back to the neurologist so I probably need to do that. I've not had any obvious symptoms so I guess I haven't felt the need. I was a little busy with work, helping my foster kids testify against a foster family that abused them and returning them home to their biological mother.

Oh and I decided to find a new job. I start in August. Someone asked me how I managed to get my new job so quickly and my reply was simple. I deserved a win this year.

So after some pretty rocky road things are starting to smooth out.

I have no idea what will come next!

It has been a while...

The problem with a blog about illness is that when the illness isn't causing havoc there isn't much to write about.  The doctor never got to the bottom of the dizzy spells. Could be Sarcoid could be migraine. We ruled out something artery related and I haven't had any more spells since. My neurologist did leave the practice so I will be getting a new one. She referred me to the other doc in the practice that "loves unusal and hard to treat cases". I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks doc.

The stress of my life has increased but my blues seemed to have disappeared.  My new internal medicine doc had given me a script for an antidepressant but I never ended up taking it. Now I feel I don't need it.  Maybe I'm finding better ways to cope. Life as a Mom has certainly taught me to let go of the little things and this has helped me. Especially, since the kids I am Mom to have such bigger issues than my chronic illness. I can't really throw myself a pity party because my head hurts when my children have suffered years of trauma and abuse.

I'm going ot make an effort to get here and blog more often about me. Let me know if you are still out there reading. :) If you are I hope you are well.