Tough Day and It's Only Noon

I really shouldn't complain because I know that 'things' can always be worse.  They have been worse.  But this morning was tough.  I woke up way too early when I heard the hubby's alarm go off.  I was able to doze for a bit before my alarm went off.  I ventured out for my five mile run which was going to make everything better; my run is usually one of my favorite times of the day.  I walked outside at 7:30am and the heat was sweltering. Ugh.  I typically love running in the morning because I can plan out my day.  Well, during this morning's run, I realized that I had too many things on my to-do list and they all needed to be done in a short span of time.  In any case, I decided not to cut my run short.  Of all the items on my to-do list for the day, my run was the only thing that was truly for me (unless you count a doctor's appointment but I'll get to that in a bit).  So I got through my 5 miles but they weren't leisurely and they weren't restorative.

After I cleaned up from my run, I headed to my check up with the oncologist.  For the last couple of years, I experience an overwhelming sense of survivor's guilt when I visit the office.  One of the staff members told me today that I was one of the patients that have been with the practice the longest. This is a huge practice and I know it's not because everyone has changed practices or moved :(  At this point, I visit Dr. B. every six months.  They draw blood and she does a physical check up.  That's it.  This morning the phlebotomist couldn't find a vein.  I've been through this too many times before.  So two sticks, three phlebotomists, some bandaids and lots of gauze later, they got the minimum amount of blood they needed.  Physical examination was fine - nothing unusual.  I usually get blood test results, which include tumor marker results, in a couple of days.  In the meantime, Dr. B. scheduled me for a bone density test.  I've never had one before and because I've suffered two stress fractures in a short period of time and the chemo that I had has been known to diminish bone density, we thought it would be a good idea to get a baseline at this point.

So really I shouldn't complain because I can't complain.  And vice versa.  Life is good.  Here's to a better rest of the day.

Getting Back into the Routine

What a great couple of weeks of training!  I am feeling really good about what I'm doing - mentally and physically.  Saturday's long run (a total of 9.25 miles) went very well.  I ran the first half with the DetermiNation half-marathon training team and then came home and ran/walked the rest on my own.  I've been training with the half-marathon team up until now just so I don't push myself through this recovery period.  Thankfully, I was released from physical therapy care a little over a week ago.  My plan is to train with the half-marathon group again this coming Saturday.  If all goes well, I will train with the marathon group the following week.  I am running all the marathon training miles; I'm just doing some on my own so that I don't push myself too hard by trying to keep up with the group.  I'm very nervous about getting injured again.

My hubby has been my rock - as always.  He's been running a good amount of miles with me!  Last Thursday, he and I took part in an Adventure Race at a local running store.  The DetermiNation team told me about the event, and it was great fun.  It was set up like a scavenger hunt.  You had to run to certain businesses or street corners to collect tickets that you put into a drawing for some really great prizes.  It was a blast.  We hardly noticed that we ran 4.25 miles.  Of course, we didn't win anything; we never win anything.  But it was such a super-fun experience, we already signed up for next month!

Returning to a training routine affects other aspects of my life.  I'm definitely more motivated to get house work and paid work done.  The more quickly I can get them done, the sooner I can get back to stretching, or go for a run, or ride my bike.  My diet has been better since I've been following my training calendar.  I am working hard at getting back into juicing.  I never felt better than when I was working out regularly and juicing 5-6 times per week.  My main problem has been that I'm too lazy to get up and juice each morning.  I'm working on it and I know that I'll get there.  Green juice is the best way for me to start my day and it fuels my body such that I feel like I can do anything.  It's not for everyone; I understand that.  But it works for me.  I have to remember this when I'm dragging my butt up early to peel and juice my veggies before heading off for the day with the girls.

Thank you so much to those of you who have made donations to the American Cancer Society.  I am blown away by your generosity and the supportive and inspirational notes that you shared.  I am so fortunate to be walking through this amazing life with you all.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Hugs,
c.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/cguerra

From Injury to Marathon? Yes!

It's been a great couple of weeks training-wise and personal-wise in our household.  Life IS good!

I've been released from the care of the orthopedist.  I'm still working through physical therapy including a run-walk program which has all been going fabulously.  All this positive energy makes me more confident to share my most exciting news.  I am going to train for and run my first marathon!!  I signed up for the marathon prior to this injury but then got nervous that I wouldn't be able to get to race day.  However, now I am on track to get to race day according to a very detailed training schedule that I officially began yesterday.  I'm not quite at the point that I can run all of my training sessions, but I can run/walk them which is terrific.

This October I will celebrate a major milestone:  I will be cancer-free for five years!  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than in Washington, D.C. with my friends and family upon completion of my first marathon, the Marine Corp Marathon.  To maximize the experience, I have decided to train for my race with the American Cancer Society DetermiNation team.  I've started an 16 week training program with a great group of folks who will help me get to race day.  For the last four years, I have raised money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer branch of the American Cancer Society.  My family will complete the MSABC walk this October as we have done for the past few years; however, our fundraising efforts will be toward the DetermiNation branch of ACS.   I  have had so many generous supporters since I've taken up this cause; I hope some, if not all, will continue to help me in my quest to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  You can support my efforts by visiting my personal page and making a donation of whatever amount you can.  (Please copy and paste the following link into your browser.)

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY12SA?px=7974218&pg=personal&fr_id=47551




My goal is to raise $2,800 for DetermiNation and the American Cancer Society, as well as to finish the race.  Over 75% of every dollar I raise will directly fund the mission of ACS, eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.  Donations are tax deductible, and if you donate $100 or more I’ll dedicate a mile in Washington D.C. to you!   Please make donations by October 1st, my personal fundraising deadline.  Thank you for your generosity and support!

**You can follow my training here on my blog by becoming a 'follower' of my blog and/or a friend of "Quest 4 Good Health" on Facebook.**