Each Day Is a Gift

Karen was going to run 6 of her 12 miles with me.  It started to snow as I was getting ready; so I went out the back patio and deck to dust the snow off the furniture and turn on the garden hose to flush out the ice.  So I totally missed Karen as she ran by.  Anyhow, it was very windy, ran to Karen's house and then followed her route to the Jr. High, went inside to get a drink and ran back home...slow lonely windy miles!

27F cold and breezy.  Ran with Wendy down to Fox Hollow to pick up with Rebecca.  Then ran her west then east on MCT and back down via 900W to her house.  Wendy and I then ran back up 3200N. 

Busy day getting ready for tonight's mission reunion.  I sewed a casing on the sheet that was made into a banner by one of our sister missionaries a year ago when Larry was in the hospital in Sydney.  We hung it up on the wall in the hall/stairway so our missionaries can see it and also sign it with their handprings, names and favorite scriptures.

I made coconut curry chicken (10-12 lbs of boneless chicken breast, 12 potatoes, 12 carrots, 2 garlic bulbs, 3 large onions, 6 cans of coconut milk, 4 cans stew diced tomato and tomato sauce, 4 Tbs curry power, 6 Tbs sugar, canola oil) served with a 10 C pot of rice; 24 nan bread, Italian meat balls, chips and salsa, fresh pineapples, strawberries, grapes, assortment of cookies, macadamia nut chocolate kisses and of course Tim Tams. 

We had over 40 returned missionaires (mostly sisters since the elders are still serving) and friends.  Honored guests were Sister Levine (who was hit by a car in Canberra in Sep and is having miracles after miracles), Bro. & Sis. Taufa and their newly set-apart-missionary-daughter, Sis. Jasmin Taufa (entering the MTC to serve in Suva Fiji this coming Tue.)  It was SO good to see our missionaires.  They start arriving at 6 and the last ones didn't leave until 10.  What a fun evening!  We LOVE our missionaries! :)

Ran with Wendy 14 slow conversational miles on MCT to Cedar Hills on a beautiful morning under sunny blue sky with temp in the high 30s.  Lotsa runners and cyclists out on the trail.  We walked all the uphills.  :)

Had a rough night last night.  Hubby's restless legs syndrome was very bad!  We didn't sleep until past 1:30am.  No running today.  We spent the whole morning in the Intermountain Transplant Center at the IMC campus for orientation.  Lots to think about and to prepare.  Then we went to SLC to pick up Sireesha from her bro-in-law's house.  Took her to have dim-sum and then to home where we visited; then we went to Lindon to pick up Sudhakar (her hubby). 

It's Steven's 23rd birthday today.  We all went to Texas Road House for dinner.  After dinner, Larry didn't feel very well, so he went home with Steven, while I drove Sireesha and Sudhakar back to SLC.   When I got home at 8:30, hubby already started PD and in bed.  I then skyped and chatted with Lily till nearly midnight!   So good and loving of her to call and to listen.  Don't know what I'd do without loving family support! :)

Ran with Wendy to MCT where Karen was already out doing her speedwork.  We then ran to pick up Amanda.  With no school (thus no truffic) we ran in the neighborhood streets.

Leslie has not been running for the last couple months (due to pain from a pelvic fracture).  She has been swimming, lifting and elipticalling at Lifetime Fitness where she has membership.  Karen, Amanda and I were invited to join her this morning to workout in her gym.  That place is posh!  We did elliptical, then core/foam roll/stretch, then swam and hot-tub.  It was a perfect day to workout inside (although we did more visiting/chatting than working out) as it was snowing and raining and blowing all day! :)
 

Got up at 6am and went to Jeff and Jen's house to tend Skylar so they can go to the hospital for the delivery of her new baby brother.  Our 9th grandchild, Nolan Ji-Yan Lew was born at 1:27pm weighing 7lb 10oz and 20.5in long.  He looks just like Skylar but bigger/longer, cute as a button!  We are so very happy and love being grandparents! :)
 

42 partly sunny slight SSE breeze.  Solo run to MCT via Center to freeway and back. AP: 10:31.

Didn't get out until 9:45am. 55F sunny.  About 1.25 mile into the run going east on the MCT, I could hear quick bounding footsteps coming from behind, it was Lori.  She asked if she could run some with me.  I've seen her a few times on the trail, always going the opposite direction.  She's a faster runner than me.  So I abandoned my plan to run up to Alpine and instead continue east with her on the MCT down and up Dry Creek till her turn-around spot.  We ran back up Dry Creek by the tunnel where I would peel off on Highland Dr. to run up Suncrest Dr.  But instead we stood there and visited for over an hour catching up on her kids' lives and she wanted to know about Larry's health.  That standing around under sunny sky got me stiffened up and thirsty. 

I needed to get to the Alpine drinking fountain so I tried my best to not walk on the uphill but my breathing was too labored.  Needless to say, it was a miserable sluggish run.  Once I reached the fountain, I drank and drank and drank and ate one of Larry's protein bars (no energy gel anywhere in the house) and stretched then turned back home on the road which was the shortest distance.  Average moving pace was a pathetic 11:08. :( 

We went to one of our sister missionaries, Sis. Sorensen's homecoming!  It was so great to see Sis. Schwab bringing Michelle and her 3 yo son, Ainsley (they moved from Sydney recently) to meet Sis. Levine who found them on a train and taught them.  It was a miracle that they were found but Sis. Levine got transferred and subsequently was hit by a car in Sept and returned home (not released by neither of her stake presidents).  She has recovered from her massive brain injury (nothing was broken) and now doing outpatient rehab.  Well, Michelle and Ainsley moved to Sugar House where Sis. Levine has therapy 3x a week.  Now Michelle wants her to resume teaching them!  Love tender mercies and miracles.

Larry and I received a new calling to serve together as teachers of the temple prep. class.  Tonight was our first lesson.  We had 6 "students' came to our home.  It's so great to be able teach with Larry these young people!  :)

Karen and Amanda met me halfway from our homes and we ran 6 miles together accessing MCT on 800 E then west to 1200 W and turned back home.  AP: 10:30.  I can tell Karen was holding back to jogging pace and I was having a hard time keeping up.  I am getting fat and slow while she's getting skinny and fast! :)

I thought Karen was going to come get me after she did her speedwork.  I waited for her outside of Wendy's house (hoping she'd join us).  No sign of Karen, but we got to visit with our other neighbor.  I was just about ready to abandon my plan of running when Diane L. ran by so I decided to catch up to her and we ran together for 3 miles around the block.  AP: 10:50 

Karen ran to meet me and Wendy.  We were able to beat the snow storm.  AP: 10:25

VT the whole morning and middle of the afternoon. 
 

Clinic visit today with nephrologist, PD nurse, dietian and social worker.  Good lab results.

Shopped at Costco.  Some yard work. 

Ran with Wendy.  Wore shorts, l/s top, a bit cool but will be perfect for tomorrow.
 

By far the smallest marathon I've ever run (23 women, 29 men in the Full; 44 women, 21 men in the Half).  I was the oldest female running the Full! 

The race website description: 

"The West Mountain Marathon is our answer to $100 entry fees (got free entry, thanks to RAD), and crazy 4:00 a.m. wake up calls to catch a bus in the freezing dark to wait around for a couple of hours before you actually get to run.

Held at the scenic Genola Town Park near the shores of Utah Lake, the West Mountain Marathon is for runners. Our certified loop course which starts and finishes at the same location will feature rolling hills, one sturdy climb and a finish line party at the park with burgers, hot dogs and fun for everyone. Registration is limited to just 500 total runners for our first year as we seek to grow the event wisely."

Yep, it was just as described.  We received emails with race day info on Thurs. reminding us that this is a CUPLESS event.  We're to bring our own hydration device.  There were 8 aid stations spread every 3 miles apart, with water to fill up your own bottle, Gu, pretzels.   The course is very scenic, rolling hills, around the West Mountain with 715 ft of  elevation gain.

Karen picked me up at 6:30am for our drive to Genola (4 miles west of Santaquin).  Got there around 7:30 and Toby was ready to roll.  (The Full starts at 8am and Half starts at 9am.) We hopped on the truck with Dan who was driving out to mark the Half course.  He dropped us off at the Start which was about .75 mile from the finish.  Start temp was 43F, sunny blue sky.  The RD gave a brief instruction/direction of the course which basically runs counter-clock-wise around the mountain at the edge of Utah Lake.

I had done very little training the last 6 weeks since the Woodlands Marathon, with PF issue and lots going on in my life at this time.  I couldn't have done this if not for the patience, love and support of my cherished friends, Karen and Toby. 

The first couple miles were an uphill climb towards the mountain.  Then it's a gentle decline for the next few miles with the vast view of the snow capped mountains to the east and open farm lands of Utah County.  We ran through quiet orchards and farms with quaint houses/homes.  Around mile 10, hubby drove up...I was so happy to see him.  Mile 12 to 20 was along the lake shore dotted with occasional fishermen.  We encountered more cyclists than motorists. 

I bonked badly around mile 17, I was DONE, legs were cramping up, breathing was labored.  They ran out of Gu at that aid station.  Luckily, Tammy, a girl who has been leap-frogging with us, gave me one of her Gu.  We ran together the next 3 miles.  Turned out she's friend/neighbor to the Levine's.  Sis. Levine was one of our missionaries who was hit by a car and is now doing miraculously and remarkably well.  Somehow talking and listening to Tammy got my mind off the pain.  I also took couple of ibuprofen and salt caps.  We took a few walk breaks going up the hill at mile 19-20. 

The last two miles were painful.  Karen did her best to encourage me.  At one point I looked over and saw that she was walking while I was running...how pathetic!!!  My breathing was labored and my legs were dead.  That green finish arch seemed to keep moving away from me.  I kept telling Karen to go on ahead and run her pace numerous times over the entire race, but she would not leave me!  :)  I would've walked a lot and possibly take 6 hours to finish.  No matter how many marathons one runs, the last 5K is always the hardest, and, crossing the finish line is the greatest feeling ever. I am forever grateful for wonderful friends who so lovingly and patiently run with me.  They made it so fun!!!  :)  And what a blessing it was to have my hubby there today.  Marathon #55 done! 

Huge congratz to those who ran Boston!!!  You all did marvelously on such a cold, rainy, windy Patriot Day!  I'll see there next year! :)

Yard work.  Transplanted the 2nd Alberta spruce.
 

Yard work.  Cleaned, set up and decorated the spare bedroom (Larissa's room) as a guest room.  It's been used to store cases and cases of dialysate and PD supplies, but now already for Jia Fen when she comes! :)

Very slow recovery jog by myself.  Stopped to stretch after every mile.  AP: 11:40 (pathetic). 

Raked up two wheel barrels full of pine cones and needles that have been packed and embedded from the lawn for the last 2 or 3 years.  My arms and neck are SO sore!

Today is our 38th wedding anniversary.  Hubby asked me where I'd like to go for our anniversary dinner celebration.  I teased him and said:  "Legal Seafood."  He said:  "Hopefully next year, we'll be in Boston to celebrate our 39th and we could go to Legal Seafood."  He took me to Red Lobster.. it'll do for now! :)

Ran with Karen and Wendy nice conversational miles.  It got quite windy at the end.  AP: 10:19. 

Jia Fen arrived today! :)

Went to Sister Ashlynn Clegg's sealing and reception.  She is now Mrs. Rhodes!  Took Jia Fen with us, her first attendance to a temple sealing in English.  (The rain storm held off so lucky for picture taking).  After the sealing I took jer to Ocean Mart.  Then we attended the reception. 

Missionary Expo Fun Run ~ the BEST, FUNNEST 5K ever!!!  We picked up Wendy and her son, Eric, at 6:30 to drive to the start of the race at Cinemark by the University Mall.  Registration at 7am.  There were may be 30-40 runners!  All proceeds go to support missionary fund.  Sister Levine was the special guest.  Missionary Mommas designed special race shirt (in a bright pink) that has "Mommas hastening the work" in the front and "Divine Strides with Sister Levine" in the back.

While lining up to pick up our bibs, we saw Sister Sorensen and her brother, Matt. What a great former companion and eternal friend she is!  Was hoping more returned missionaries from our mission would come.  Then the Levines and their friends arrived.  The RD gave us brief description of the course which also included a 1K and 3K.   The race started on time at 7:30.  It was a bit cool with overcast sky, perfect running weather. 

All the "pink" T-shirt participants stayed at the back and walked.  I was dressed to run, so was a bit cold to walk.  Within the first 100 yards, Sis. Levine was hitting her brother (who was pushing her in the wheelchair) and he remarked that he'd give her to some strangers to push if she didn't stop hitting.  Her mother said:  "She would not hit Sis. Lew.  Plus she's so tiny she wouldn't need to bend over to push the wheelchair."  Yep, I was just the right height to push the wheelchair; so I took over and started running to catch up to the runners ahead.  Sis. Levine was on a basketball scholarship before her mission.  She was very athletic and competitive.  She told her mom that a 5K is a sporting event and she wanted some Nike shoes so I knew that being pushed by walkers would be considered non-athletic! :)

I had heaps of fun running and pushing Sister Levine back and forth through the other runners/walkers so we could cheer them on.  Sis. Levine was laughing so hard!  I had her do the Miss ASSM (don't forget the M) waves to the oncoming runners at some turn-around parts of the course!!!  :)

With 0.25 mile to go, I ran her back to her parents and brother, then we all walked together.  With about 50 yards to the finish line, I stopped, and Sister Levine's dad and brother assisted her out of the wheelchair and supported her while she and I walked and sang "Called to Serve" crossing the finish under the cheering of other participants and supporters!  She felt like a rockstar!!!  She is such an inspiration and a living miracle!!!  Just a short 7 months ago, she lied comatose in a hospital bed in Canberra, Australia with massive brain injury but not a single broken bone or scratch after being hit by a car going 40mph.  The Lord has a special mission for her.  Her parents are awesome example of unwavering faith, dedication, courage and abiding love!
 

In the afternoon we went to Sister Morgan Church's sealing in Ogden.  She is now Mrs. Scoresby.  The rain storm also held off for picture taken.  We went to the reception under torrestial rain!

Went to Sis. Lauren Bretzing's homecoming at her old home ward in N. Salt Lake.  Saw Elder Moyes, Sis. Sorensen, Sis. Harris there, all great ASSM missionaries!  Love them heaps!

Spent all day at the IMC Transplant Center for evaluation and testing.  We were interviewed by the nephrologist, surgeon, social worker, financial consultant, transplant coordinator.  The doctor ordered a panel of blood screenings which required 17 test-tubes of hubby's blood.  We'll find out in a couple of weeks if he'll be accepted as transplant candidate.  The evaluation went well, we felt confident that he'll be accepted and be put on the national registry. 

April 14 marked the one year anniversary of when we rushed him to the St. George Hospital in Kogarah, Sydney, Australia.  A year ago this time, he was critically ill.  It was one of the darkest time of our life.  It's been a tough year but he's made some remarkable recovery! :)

45F clear blue sunny sky, calm, beautiful running weather!  Ran up to MCT via Center St. and met Karen who was doing her speedwork.  After 1.5 mile warm up, I did 4X800s (with 800 recovery).  I'm so slow these days that my fast pace was Karen's recovery pace! sigh!  AP: 10:08 (11:04, 9:49, 9:29, 9:16, 10:17, 10:49, 10:13). 

Hubby and I went to see McFarland USA! We cried, laughed and cheered!  Good movie!