Each Day Is a Gift

Ran with hubby and Wendy east to Smith, west on Timp Hwy Trail, south onto 600W home for an easy 5 mile loop.  Wore HR monitor average 140.  AP: 11:34.

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Went to see Dr. Eric Carter, the cardiologist.  He took a thorough history of my running, the tachycardia episodes, etc. and listened to my heart, carotid and femoral arteries which are all within normal range.  He said he wish he could've captured the episode with an EKG.  Based on the history he is pretty certain that it is atrial in nature.  There are two possibilities, cardiac fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF).  He said that endurance athletes often put so much stress to their hearts that they develop AF.  He wants me to take some diagnostic tests:  cardiac MRI, treadmill stress test, EEG, and last option cardiac holter monitor (not practical based on the infrequency of the arrhythmia episodes that happen mostly while running).  These diagnostic tests will then determine what treatments I will need.  He mentioned surgery and ablation.  We scheduled the cardiac MRI 3 weeks from today, still need to schedule the other tests.  Our insurance does not cover any diagnostic tests...such a bummer!

When he asked if we have any questions....hubby immediately asked about curtailing my running.  Thankfully the doctor said because I did not experience syncope, I could "party on".  :)   However on the way home, hubby said I'm just too stubborn and would not limit my marathons to "normal" amount.  He said he wants me around and to watch our grandkids grow up.  I sat in silence and felt "heart broken" on the way home.  I am going to "sleep" on this.  I have registered for PCM, TOU, SGM and a Dec marathon...I really would like to finish these marathons. 

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Some articles on AF in endurance athletes:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090621143221.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19654095

http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/masters/atrial-fibrillation-running-performance

http://europace.oxfordjournals.org/content/6/3/222.full

Ran to Mt. Ridge Jr High with Wendy via SR92.  We stopped at the park to refill my water bottle.  Walked the uphill and stopped running once we reached 8 miles.  AP: 11:28  AHR: 145.  We started at 6:30am and it got pretty warm quickly.

It was so good to pour my heart out to my best friend.  She understands how much I love running and feels my anguish over the past year with my struggle with asthma, 2 stress fractures and now the tachycardia issue.  I so appreciate her listening ears and she is always there when I need her.  She is so Christlike.  I am so grateful to have her as my neighbor and best friend.  I am a better person because of her goodness and love!  :)

Need to go shopping as company is coming tonight and I will be at Girls Camp this afternoon and evening.  So no running tomorrow morning.  It'll be good to save my body for Saturday's 18 miler, longest run since April 28, 14 weeks ago...hope I can do it.  I have come to appreciate all that God has given me.  I am treasuring and enjoying each run as a gift.  I ask myself this question almost daily:  what can I offer, how can I love more sincerely and deeply and what ways can I serve God better?!!! 

Slept in 'till 7.  Had a wonderful day/evening at Girls Camp yesterday.  Got home around 10pm to watch the Women's Individual Gymnastics with Jeff, Jenn,  and our house guests.  I already knew the Olympic results...tried hard not to spoil it for Jenn.  I think it's more exciting to watch it without knowing the results before hand.  That cute little Gabby reminds me so much of Livvy, not enough face for those big eyes and huge smile! :) :) :)  Was so happy for Phelps too!

As a result of the late night "Olympic Party",  I slept in this morning 'till 7.  Hubby went for a quick run while I made a scrumptious breakfast of omlet, pancake, mini crescant, Greek yogurt topped with strawberries, raspberries and blue berries for our guests.

Went to the temple with hubby....thought a lot about a friend, her husband and their five children...actually it has occupied my mind over the last 7 months! 

Plan was to meet my running buddies at 6:30.  John and Wendy slept thru their alarm. :) Karen was punctual even though she was up late from going to "Wicket".  Anyhow, it was almost 7 by the time we got going. 

Karen and I ran up to Alpine.  About 3.5 miles into the run, saw a cute happy smiling girl running westbound on the other side of the road.   I yelled at her back after she's already over 100m away:  "Is that you Carina?"  Always make me happy to have a Carina-sighting!  :) 

At the Alpine park while Karen used the restroom, I drank from the ever-flowing fountain and ate some gel-chews.  Then we head south to North County Rd and turned east on SR92 to the mouth of AF Canyon where we jumped on the golf course trail west to Lone Peak HS to Van Dyke Park (refill water bottle and ate remaining of the chews) south to 700 N to 200 E AF.  Thought about Toby and her special day of her triplets' baptism.  Then we continued westward back to Lehi via Cedar Hollow.  We walked the steepest parts of Center St. (mile 17).  I commented that this is what Deer Valley loop (also mile 17) is going to feel like in two weeks.  Karen replied:  "The thought of running Park City right now sounds awful to me!"  Yep, it is going to be a death march for me.  Once we reached 2600N.  I was done running, but we weren't done talking; so we walked to Karen's where I got some ice water.  It was so hot that Karen refused to let me walk home so she drove me back in her daughter's convertible that she just got done washing/cleaning! :)

I would not have been able to finish this 19 miler without Karen.  (We ran thru 5 cities: Lehi, Alpine, Cedar Hills, Highland, American Fork).  I talked her ears off.  It was a slow painful run with an embarrassingly AP of 11:26 for 18 miles (turned off the Garmin during the last walking mile).  Good thing Karen didn't have her Garmin or she'd be aghast at how slow we were.  Average heart rate 158 with the last 3 miles reaching above 160.   I must've been a bit dehydrated...did not go to the bathroom until 3pm and the color was pretty dark.   There was noticeable salt residue on my shirt.  Left quad and lower legs very sore.  Right foot achy but not painful. 

Nice easy conversational run with Karen who did all the talking today! :)  We were heading east and within the first mile, crossed path with a group of girls running west, one of whom hollered: "Smooth!"  It was Carina!!! :) :) :) :) :)  I would've missed her if she didn't call out!  Made my morning, day and week to see her!  She always looks so pretty!!!! 

AP: 10:33  HR: 146

All summer, I kept putting off calling Sam (daughter of my hubby's executive secretary) who is willing to give me swimming lessons.  Tonight she asked her dad to get my number from hubby and texted me.  I am such a chicken!  Anyway, I agreed to meet her at her home/pool at 9am for my first lesson tomorrow.  I'm so nervous!  :-?

Ran with Wendy west to meet Karen, then north to Bull River, hopped on Canal Trail at the 1200W tunnel, then south on Center, east to Wendy's.  She had to cut her run short.   Karen and I continued east to Smith, and onto SR92 Trail to top of hill and turn back west, south on 1200E and 3200N.  AP: 10:37  HR: 149

First swimming lesson of my life, very pathetic.  Flutter kick with kick board.  Float on back lasted about 10 seconds.  It is going to take me a L-O-N-G time to overcome the fear of drowning!  I may never learn how to swim!  Sigh!  Poor Sam...I may be her first student to flunk swimming.

My wise, smart and very kind son called tonight to talk about my tachycardia episodes and running.  He tried really hard to talk some sense in me about curtailing my marathons. Deep down I know he is right...that I am putting a lot of stress on my body/cardiovascular system by running so much.  Trying to run one marathon a month while I am not 100% healthy is too risky.  Sigh!

Laz around in bed and just enjoyed the sunrise.  Ran around the block with hubby sans watch.  I love our leisure run until he started to repeat what Eric told me last night!  I know they love and care about me....but I'm so hard headed! Sigh!

Swim lesson #2.  I kept telling myself:  "People don't drown in swimming lessons.  If dogs can swim, so can I!"  It helps half the time.  However, I flunked floating 101 majorly!!!!  SO pathetic!!!  I swallowed at least a gallon of water...yuck.  I was able to flutter kick w/ a kick board 20 ft across on the deep end with face down and not panic or gasp for air.  But across 40 ft had my heart going wild and breathing crazy! 

Barely made it home, quickly showered, went to babysit Olga's children, age 7, 5, 2.  We had so much fun playing ball, dance dance dance, hide-n-seek, space ranger... I need a nap now! :) :) :)

Very very smokey and hazy out there!  Opted to run indoor instead.  Karen ran to my house and did elliptical while I jogged on the treadmill.  Wore a new Elixir 6 in sz 7 which felt nice while running but the foot got a tad achy later. 

Core.

Temple.

Watched the Olympic women's soccer final with my running buddies and their daughters.  So proud of Team USA!!! :)

Stayed up late last night to watch the DVR of the Olympics.  I replayed over and over the historic Men's 800m!  WOW!!!  David Rudisha's 1:40.91 world record lead the rest of the field to their PBs.   What a phenomenal race...so inspiring to watch these Olympians performed their best!!! :) :) :)

My BFF, Wendy's son is getting married tomorrow so we did our long run this morning.  Toby drove to my house dark and early and ran 4 miles before hand.  She was stretching on the sidewalk when I came out.  Such a dedicated girl! :)

We went over to collect Wendy and John, then ran west to meet Karen.  I think the temp at 6am was hovering at 70 with overcast sky.  Heading east always feels very pleasant with the canyon breeze.  The eastern sky was aglow with pink, pale orange, a beautiful backdrop to the majestic mountains.  What a gorgeous morning

We ran up to Alpine via Highland Blvd (Suncrest) and saw Carina flying down with her beautiful happy smile!  What a lucky week to have 3 sightings of Carina! :) :) :)  My HR was inching upward into the 160s on the uphills.  I kept a steady effort while Toby and Karen lead the pack with a growing gap.  Wendy needed to stop at the top to "put up" her feet (because of her neuroma).  I kept walking for fear that my heart would kick into a funny rhythm.  Mile 1-7 with HR in ( ).  10:10 (155), 9:51 (159), 10:32 (172 oops), 11:02 (walked back, 168), 9:57 (170), 10:32 (163), 10:12 (163)

We stopped at the Alpine Park at mile 7ish to gu and refill our bottles.  The miles just flew by with such wonderful company and great chat.  Mile 8-13:  9:48 (160), 10:15 (164), 10:23 (slight uphill 165), 9:30 (downhill, 168), 9:44 (slight downhill 166), 9:35 (flat, 174 oops).   

13.25 in 2:14:01  AP: 10:07  AHR: 165.  I am hoping that I can finish PCM next week under 5 hrs.  Taking into account the elevation gain, higher altitude, I will do a lot more walking to keep my HR under 170.  Really hoping for cooler temp as well. 

I feel so so so very blessed and lucky to have such wonderful friends to run with me!  THANK YOU Toby, Karen, John and Wendy!!!!  Each run is a gift to me and you are the givers today! :) :) :) :)

6 easy mi with hubby, Wendy and Karen, down 3rd west, up on rail trail, Bull River to home.  Hubby peeled off at 2600N.  Cloudy sky, pleasant temp.  Was disheartened to feel so sluggish even after two days of rest.  AP: 11:16  AHR: 147.  I'm going to be SO SO SO S-L-O-W at PC.  Sigh!  On a positive note, Karen registered for PC!  Yay! :)

Swim lesson #3.  Got better at floating.  Remembered what Mark (Fly on the wall) said about taking a deep breath to fill up the lungs.  Learned basic arm stroke so no more kick board.  Did ok swimming to shallow end but tensed up swimming to the deep end.  I really need to overcome that fear.  Only swallowed about 1/2 gallon water today! :)

Core.

Hooray for 7 hours of sleep!!! :)  Ran 1st mile with hubby to meet Karen, then east to Smith and turned around.  Legs felt better once warmed up, may be it's the old Elixir shoes.  Chatted the whole way about the Oly Men's Marathon.  AP: 10:23 AHR: 152

Swim lesson #4: Wore swim cap for the first time b/c I had to take a super quick shower/dress afterward, no time to shampoo. 

1)  Learned to roll from front float onto back float, did it perfectly on the third try. :) 

2)  Flutter kick with kick board in the middle of the pool face down and didn't panic! :) 

3)  Freestyle along side of pool, need to work on breathing.  I didn't know you're supposed to breathe out thru your nose when in the water.  I've been either holding my breath or breathe out thru the mouth causing lots of water to go up my nose!  Silly me! :) Also need to have a good rhythm/pace so that I can take my time while breathing in and not swallow water...cough cough cough! :(

4)  Back stroke!  VERY tricky!  I had no idea the arms don't just go in circles like a windmill.  They actually do two semi-circles going clockwise and counterclockwise and there's "pulling" of water going on beneath the surface!  Plus you have to rotate your shoulders while keeping your head and hips straight.  Much harder than it looks.  I totally failed and discovered how uncoordinated I am!  :(    Why is it so natural for so many people and difficult for me?!!!

Ate a pb&j sandwich, yogurt on the drive down to Provo for the BYU Ed. Week.  Elder Tad R. Callister of the Presidency of the Seventy was the devotional speaker.  He spoke on our divine nature.  I love the simple analogy when telling a very young child a baby chic would grow up to become a dog that he/she would correct you immediately.  So just as a child knows that only a puppy is capable of growing up to be a dog, we likewise have all the attributes within us to become God. 

My next class was "The Spirit:  Your Personal Guide" and the topic was "allowing the Spirit to Shepherd Our Desires".  I learned how Satan attempts to control our appetites, desires and passions; and how I can let the Spirit shepherds my desires.  Bro. Barrett was funny and he used lots of good examples from scriptural stories i.e. the gathering of quails by the children of Israel in the Old Testament how it can be a blessing and a curse.  :)

Second class was Sister Boyack's class, "Seven Steps to Becoming More like the Savior".  In learning about God's attributes, we can turn to the scriptures and pay attention to how He acts and reacts, to His relationships, to how he first teaches then commands, how He lived.   I need to recognize what virtues/goodness that are already within me and assess what impurities that need removing.  I need to focus on "being/becoming" more than "doing".  I learn that the Savior went to quiet place to pray often; he enjoyed singing, walking, being with friends.  He's punctual, clean (not messy), happy, forgiving, patient, full of love and grace, loves little children.  His concerns are for people and righteous cause, submissive to His Father's will.  :)

While hubby went to a class on "More money than you'll ever need - Discover the Happiest Income in America!  Living an Abundant Life while Developing the Tools of Eternal Prosperity"; I went to "Organise Your Home:  Tips for Downsizing, Decluttering and sorting your belongings."  Some practical stuff to help me dejunk.  :) :)

Easy run with Wendy, Karen (Sky).  

Swim lesson: 

1.  Kick board breaststroke leg kick and flutter kick with kickboard 3 laps each.

2. Worked on breaststroke leg kick.  Need to keep legs/hips above water and knees close together.  At one point I was drawing huge circles with feet and not going anywhere.  Hope Sam's mom wasn't watching from the kitchen window or she'd be rolling on the floor laughing her guts out! :)

3.  Backstroke.  Still couldn't keep water off my face.  Once I realized my legs need to kick twice as fast as the arm stroke I was able to keep the body more horizontal and higher in the water.  The neat thing is I could breathe above water.  The not-so-neat thing is I could not keep a straight line...I swam diagonally across the pool.  In fact, on my first lap I hit my right arm (triceps) at the edge of the pool and got a nice size hematoma.  The swim cap made it so I couldn't hear Sam yelled "Stop!"  Waaaaa! :-0

4.  Freestyle.  First lap forgot to breathe out and my heart rate went wild and had to stop to catch my breath.  By 3rd lap I was able to get a good breathing rhythm going but still need to work on head turn position so I don't choke on water.  I was getting really tired by 5th lap. 

Ed Week 1st class:  "Clothed with Power and Authority" - Preaching the Gospel in the Spirit World.  2nd class:  Change Common Love into Charity.  3rd class:  Multimillion Dollar Choices - Turning Major Personal Expenses through Great Personal Choices into Dramatic Future Financial Reserves.

Went to see baby Skylar.  At exactly 24 hrs old, she was tracking our voices with her eyes.  She is a perfect little angel.  I just love holding her! :)

No running today.  Busy day.  To minimize walking in the afternoon heat, we stayed in the de Jong Concert Hall for all 3 Ed Week Classes.  Brent L. Top's great lecture on "A preparation for life - knowledge about DYING teaches us about LIVING."  Ask ourselves the "So what?" test.  "What we do hereafter will determine where we are in the hereafter.  What we do with the knowledge we have will determine where we are in the hereafter."  "Let the solemnity of eternity rest upon your minds." D&C43:34.  St. Jerome: "Begins to be now what you will be hereafter."  Epicetus: :Let death be daily before your eyes, and you will never entertain any abject thought nor too eagerly covet anything."

Some guiding principles of Living to die:

1.  Things won't change that much.  Who/what you are now, will not change much.  Alma 34:33-34: "Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end....for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this world what same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world." 

2.  What goes around comes around.  "We will have a bright recollection of our righteousness being clothed in immortality."  Alma 12:12-14 "We will be seen for what we really are, what we really love.  We will be spiritually transparent.  It is about allowing the Savior to change us, we become new creatures in Christ.  We receive through His atonement a new spirit.  Every thought, every action will be imprinted on our spirits.  Those things that we are repented of will be remembered no more.  God the Omnipotent knows all and remembers all, but it matters not because He will see the NEW you for who and what your are.

3.  Sweat the Small Stuff.  (in a positive good sense)  The little things IS the big thing, e.g. being kind, how I treat others.  "Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."  D&C 64:33.  The small stuff (deeds) will yield what you are really like.

4.  Don't chase after the shadow.  Pres Hinckley:  "Do not follow after a priority or a practice that will bring you later regret...you may find that you have lost the substance while grasping at the shadow.  Seek for the real thing, not the artificial.  Seek for the eternal things of God, not for that which is 'here today and gone tomorrow'."  What do we spend our time, money, hearts and devotion on?  What are the substances:  our relationship with god, with others.  Angels seen and unseen mentioned by Joseph F. Smith in D&C 138 are our families, they are the substance.  William Shakespeare:  "Be still prepared for death, and death or life shall thereby be sweeter."  The veil is just that, it is not a wall.  Our departed loved ones are not far from us....they are pulling for us in the spirit world just as they were pulling for us here.  

The next 2 classes were Janice Kapp Perry and Vanessa Joy both accompanied by Marvin Goldstein.  Great uplifting comments with inspiring music.  Standing ovations and tears! 

We've been eating out at fast food this week.  My tummy must've caught a bug.  So carb-loading was not successful...but I kept a good hydration plan.

Got home from Ed Week around 7pm.  Did laundry.  Ate one baked potato.  Took a Tylenol PM at 8:30.  Went to bed at 11pm.  Tomorrow's LONG RUN is going to be FUN! :)

Woke up once at 1am.  When the cell alarm went off at 4am, I was very groggy.  Karen picked me up at 4:45am.  Ate breakfast of banana and yogurt on the drive.  So glad Karen was driving 'cause I was still very sleepy!  :)

Got to Field House packet pick up...same 'ole purple bag...same gigantic race shirt...that's it!!!  NO freebies, NO coupons, NO gu, lame! :)  Saw Catherine, got a quick hug.  Met RAD at the hotel lobby where we also saw Wendy & Matt Clark,  Emily & Brian Hansen, SueM, DonnaP (Karen's cousin), Fly on the Wall AND Maynard who looks AWESOME, ripped and ready for a GREAT race! :) :) :)  Looked around and didn't see Teena nor Kelli. :( Walked to the start where we saw Bill Mandler.  Then I looked over to the sideline and saw Teena.  Our whole group rushed over there to get a hug from my SSF! :) :) :)  Then it was time to start the race, NO National Anthem nor count down...nothing...lame! :)

It was cold...good sign.  I was sleepy...bad sign.  People were passing me left and right...no hurry! :) :) :)  Catherine ran by and RAD went with her.  Donna ran by, Karen and I visited with her.  Found out Donna's birthday is 2 days after mine.  Her son is leaving for Rome, Italy on a mission next Wed.  She is Karen's "long lost" cousin, so lots of catching up and fun chats.  Matt ran by and started taking our pictures while running backward.  He's such a good guy.  I sure miss him and Wendy and their cute little family.  Then a guy in green GrandSlam shirt  ran by and I hollered: "Is that you, Zimmerman?"  He said: "Oh, didn't recognize you from behind."  I introduced him, Brent, to my running partners.

RAD waited for us at the turn off up the first neighborhood!  :)   What a GREAT friend to stop and wait!  :)  The four of us stayed together like peas in a pod and chatted away the miles, enjoying the sunrise, the wild purple flowers (that match RAD's outfit), the hot air balloons, the beautiful mountain scenery around us.   Met a girl, an organ transplant co-ordinator and talked to her about Easten, a 4 yo boy who recently received a new liver. 

On the Rail Trail, hubby's first cheering spot, Karen and I gave him our jackets.

We stopped and loitered around at every buffet table...pretzels, gummy bear, M&Ms, banana, Gu products!  Girl in print skirt is running to celebrate Easten's new liver.

Smooth, RAD, Karen & Donna drinking and not running! :)

An almost Smooth Sandwitch! :)  BrentZ in the green shirt.

Didn't notice Brent was behind us.  Chatted with him a bit.,,wondering why he'd slowed down so much!  We walked the inclines.  Then he peeled off to use the park bathroom and we never saw him again! :( 

We pointed out the "shoes tree" to the 1st-PCM-timers.  When they asked why the shoes tree, we just made up stories!  :)  Saw Scott and Maynard just before the turnaround tunnel as they were flying down.  It was so fun to high-5 them.  Met shirtless tatooed guy from South Carolina.  He told us he has a stress fracture in his femur.  I was so proud of him running in this high altitude with a sf.  RAD said we better not let him beat us. :) 

Met 19 yo BYU student, Sydney Chartrand, from California, majoring in Public Health.  Very fun to learn about her college life...wish I could line her up with my Bryan. :)  She was running with a friend who's running PCM on a whim...fun kids!

Here's cute Sydney on the Deer Valley loop. 

Just before mile 18 marker, at the open mall sky bridge.  RAD sat down to humor us.  It was getting warm.  Told hubby:  "forget being a paparazzi, BRING the ICE!" :)

I never looked at the Garmin except couple of times, on the uphill to check my heart rate to make sure it stays low and when Karen asked about the time (around 3:59) because she was running Garminless.  We shamelessly walked the 8th St. up to Empire while RAD, the QUEEN (in this case Empress) of Hill sprinted up that thing!  What a hoot! :)

Told Lowell I'd call him when we reach Lowell Ave (mile 18.5).  So I did! :)  He was running the Hobble Creek Half missing out on all our fun!  Told RAD that Toby should be finished her Half by now so she texted her.  I can talk while running but NOT texting! :) :) :)  Super excited to find out Toby ran a 2+min PR!  WaHooo!!!! :)

Got caught by the Paparazzi while exiting the PoP (2nd one of the day).  Why is it when you run slowly you need "to go" more often?...blame it on the buffet tables. :)

A pop/buffet stop is not complete without another pose for an "almost Smooth sandwitch"!  Notice RAD grabbed all the buffet necessities for me.  That girl can carry so much that she ought to be a juggler in the circus.  We then filled our bras and skirts with ice that hubby brought.  When we started running, RAD's ice "pooped" out of her skirts...the funniest sight ever...we were laughing our heads off! :)  Mile 19 split took 15+ minutes!  Holly FUN!!!! :)  Donna left us at this buffet. 

Met Larry Macon who has run like a million marathons.  RAD invited him to run in her birthday marathon 2014 at Myrtle Beach! :) Running through the golf course neighborhood was SO FUN this year.  It was always torturous on this winding rolling part of the course.  (Most runners felt the effects of the previous undulating 18 miles of uphill and then a steep half mile of downhill to this point).  I remember vividly that I cramped up bad here in 2008 and sadly watched my competitors passed by.  Not this time, we checked out the garage sale, RAD yelled "FOUR!" to the golfers who turned and looked...silly RAD! 

Tatooed guy leapfrogged with us.   We finally passed him for good...determined not to let a guy with a sf beat us! 

We also passed Sydney and an Asian girl who started with us.   We gave encouragement to fellow runners who are either battling with ITBs or it's their first marathons.  We even saw one girl resting on a patch of shady grass thinking she had finished her half but she was DNFing her Full.  We understand their pain and anguish as well as the "dig deep" feelings.  When you run at a 5 hr marathon pace, you get to meet and cross paths with many people with inspiring stories. 

RAD and Karen stopped to use the PoP at the soccer field buffet station.  I stopped to eat and asked for ice cream or popsicle.  The two EMT guys whom we've met earlier on the Rail Trail (where RAD forewarned them about my tachycardia) saw me and asked: "still no tachycardia?"  I told them I had my own personal crew who know CPR... :)

I jogged along thanking the EMTs and soon heard fast steps coming from behind, Karen and RAD caught up.  My legs felt pretty fresh at mile 24 when my sister-in-law called.  She had no idea I was in the middle of running a marathon.  Then RAD and Karen spotted hubby with about a mile to go.  At the last cheering spot, he said he'd see us at the finish and I pleaded for him to run us in.  He wasn't dressed in running clothes.  It was getting really warm.  He had thought that we'd be trotting along at 13mm pace in the last mile.  Well, RAD had a different idea...that girl had me "sprinting"! :)  Soon after the mile 26 marker, hubby had to let us go (dang, would've been sweet to finish the run with him by my side...but he couldn't keep up...that mile was the fastest one with the last 0.2 at 9:18).  We joined hands with Karen's daughters crossing the finish with our arms raised in joy!  I was extra elated to see that we finished under 5 hours.  :) :) :)   My shins started to cramp when I stopped.  No flowers for the ladies this year, another lame!

RAD made sure we got our last fill of the buffet! :)  THANKS a million, Rachel!  I couldn't have finished this without you!  You made it SO FUN and got us to sub-5 to boot!  You spread so much JOY and LOVE through this journey!  I LOVE every second of this day with you! :)

Super super happy to see Teena who ran an AWESOME Half and then waited around for SO LONG to watch us finish our run!  THANKS SSF!  It means SO MUCH!!! :)

 ****************

A few thoughts 3 days later:  (I know I'm slow...but I've been super busy with family stuff).

I've been lovingly advised to either not run or be super careful if I do run this marathon.  I figure a difficult uphill marathon course actually makes for a better training run than say a fast downhill half for me.  What can be more safe to run in a marathon with support, not to mention great friends such as RAD and Karen to share the journey with, than to run a 20 miler alone?  My plan was to take it easy and never let my heart rate climbs above 160 (my average heart rate was 154 with the max at 171 in mile 26).  I had a lot of fun, it strengthened our friendships while we made memories along this journey.  We made new friends.  To me, each run is a gift, each marathon has a risk.  I don't know when/what/how my tachycardia will show up and if it is causing myo-fibrosis or leads to persistent a-fib.  I am just so so so so grateful for the ability to run and treasure each and every friendship and the memories we make...that's the reason I run!!!  I am SO SO SO SO BLESSED to have such WONDERFUL running friends! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Legs are a bit stiff, normal post marathon soreness. 

Holding a family fast for my 7 yo grandson who is having neurosurgery to correct Type 1 Chiari Malformation.  It was by accident that he was diagnosed with CM.  While being cared for in the ER after a fall from a playground a few weeks ago, the CM was suspected from the CTScan.  He was referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon at Texas Children Hospital.  An MRI not only confirmed the CM but showed that the cyst has grown making it an urgent matter to have the brain surgery for decompression.  Many Type 1 Chiari Malformation cases go undiagnosed because it is asymptomatic until the child reaches adolescent of young adulthood with unexplained headaches, ringing in the ears and developmental delay.  So, in a way, it is a blessing in disguise that he had the head injury from the fall.  

30 min recumbent bike

30 min elliptical

foam roll and stretch

Myrtle

Core Stability Exercise

Legs felt better and can go downstairs normally. 

No pain at the former metatarsal sf sites.

Went to cardiologist office for hubby's INR testing.  Postpone my cardiac MRI which was scheduled for Wed.  My insurance has a high deductible thus the MRI and all the doctors' fees will come out of our own pocket.  I feel okay with a wait it out and watch approach. 

Lots of texting and phone calls with families. 

Lex's neurosurgery went well.  He'll be in the ICU for at least 24 hours.  

6 easy recovery with Karen and Wendy.  Hubby ran 1st mile with us.  Nice to see the JrH kids lining up for bus on their first day of school.  Very pleasant weather.  Legs felt fine after couple miles.  Wendy and I talked about preparation for her son's wedding reception this Sat. that will be held in a neighbor's backyard.  I tried to talk Karen into running Pokey with me.

Registered for Pokey and booked a hotel room.

Easy run with Karen east to Highland border and back.

Foam.  Stretch.  Myrtle.  Core.  Stretch.

Another busy day with family stuff.  Baby Skylar is the cutest one week old baby ever.  7 y.o. Lex continues to recover from his neurosurgery.  They finally removed the "turban" and the incision looks good.  Still has pain and not moving his head. 

Ran with Karen and Wendy down 3rd West, up on rail trail, did 3x100m strides on canal trail.   Hip abductor was tugging yesterday after standing (saying goodbye to Karen) and resumed to run but wasn't able to so walked the 0.3 mile home.  The same thing happened today.  At the end of our run, we stopped at Kassidy's house to visit with her and invite her to the Stake 5K this Sat.  After standing there talking for 10-15min. my hip abductor protested when I tried to jog home so I walked the 0.25 mile.  I need to pay attention to these niggles... I'm no spring chicken anymore!  :)

Super easy 4 miler with Karen (Sky) all over the neighborhoods to avoid major school traffics on the roads.  

Busy day helping with the Ward Adult fish fry party.  I ate WAY TOO MUCH halibut and dessert! :)

Last night I poke in a Nephi R.S. ward night meeting at the Hob Creek Hideout to about 40 sisters.  We got sprinkled on a little just before dinner (they made fried scones in dutch ovens for Navajo tacos) but then it was a calm cool beautiful evening.  Having the mountains around and a moon-lit sky as backdrop added to the spirit.  I felt such a kinship and sisterhood among them. :) :) :)

"Of all the creations of the Almighty there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth."  Gordon B. Hinckley

Jogged with hubby (0.5 mile) to the Stake Center for our Stake 5K fun run and Health Fair.  I think the 5K organizers either direct or have connection to the AF Canyon Half.  They have a real finish/start balloon arch.  The course map was professionally done and the route clearly marked.  It's an out-n-back looped course (that shape like the state of TX) around the block of the Stake Center, run the loop twice to make 5K.

The parking lot was filled with families, runners, walkers, young and old, babies and toddlers in strollers, children on bikes.  Temp was surprisingly cool at 8ish.  It was fun to visit and talk running with fellow friends and neighbors.  Soon the "RD" had us (about 300) gather at the start, after a word of prayer and explanation of the course 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, sounding of horn, we're off.  The HS xcountry boys bolted out.  Hubby and I stayed at the back walking out to the road.  I jogged with him on the sidewalk until the first turn where he got on the road and I lost him.  I caught up to Bro. Greenwood (a 3 hr marathoner) running with his 13 yo daughter, Kimberly, who was in my Primary class last year.  We chatted about a-fib that his brother has had.  He has 10 other brothers, along with their dad, they ran SG Marathon one year together.  At about the one mile mark, Kimberly slowed down, Bro. Greenwood tells me to go on ahead.  Mile 1 was 9:08 (171).  

I heard the RD announcing time for those peeling off after the 1st lap (13:xx at 1.5 mi),  I stopped to get a drink from the aid station and encouraged those going for the 2nd lap.   Garrin Larsen (an avid runner and dentist) caught up to me while his little boy race along on the bike.  It was so cute and fun to exchange words with them!!!  I started to pass a few YMs and YWs.  The YWs wouldn't take my challenge to keep up whereas the YMs would pick it up when they saw me coming...very funny!!! :)  Mile 2 was 8:54 (162).

It feels good to be running a little faster passing and dodging walkers some of them made teasing remarks about me lapping them, leaving my better half/running partner in the dust! :)  Last 1.1 mile was 8:09 (176).

My slowest 5K ever in 26:12 AP: 8:44 which is not quite my half marathon race pace.  Granted I didn't race this but treated it like a tempo run.  However what is discouraging is that my average heart rate was 170.  There is no way I could sustain that pace with that kinda heart rate.  I am getting old, slow and out of shape.  Sad but it's reality!

Grabbed couple cups of water, walked/jogged back on the course to find hubby, cheering others along the way, SO FUN!!!  Ran the last 0.25 mile in with hubby to the finish.  His time was 34ish.  Not bad for a double heart valves replacement newbie! :) :) :)  So proud of him!!!  We hang around to "do" the health booths and visit with the families.

Went to WRC and watched Teena perform her awesome KT taping skills and PT talents!!!  She is SO SO SO SO GREAT at this!!!  She had run 17 miles at the crack of dawn BEFORE and then did 5 solid hours of taping and teaching.  That girl has SO MUCH energy!!!! :)  You can tell everyone just loves her and the wonderful service she renders.  After a quick lunch, she worked on my legs and taped my hip flexor, arch and foot.  I was in seven heaven!!! :) :) :)  THANK YOU SSF!!!!

The rest of the afternoon, evening and night was spent preparing food and helping with Wendy's son's wedding reception.  It was a GREAT day! :)

Why is Monday so sluggish?!!  Ran with hubby (2 miles), Wendy and Karen.  We ran west to the new canal trail to Highland.  It was fun chatting about the wedding and Karen's weekend down to NV and AZ!

My poor little daughter-in-law was back in the hospital with mastitis.  Took lunch to them and got to hold baby Skylar.  She is such a beautiful baby. 

My VT sister had kidney surgery this morning, just 6 weeks after gall bladder surgery.  She is an amazing mother, grandmother with a heart of gold. 

Got out a little early, good thing as it was already getting warm.  Easy run with Karen and Wendy.  AP: 10:16,  AHR: 145.  I think I'll keep my HR in the 150s at Pokey so hopefully keep the pace around 10:30ish.

Myrtle.

Kagals w/ supine bridge as taught by Teena. :) :) :)

CSE.

Another nice morning, a bit cooler than yesterday, beautiful sunrise.  Wendy and I ran to meet Karen at her house, then east thru Ivory Ridge and onto Canal Trail and back on 3200N, south on 600 E to home.  Ran progressively faster, breathing and heart rate under control.  (10:33, 10:23, 10:13, 9:25, 8:57) AP 10:00  AHR: 153

14.5 weeks since the 2nd stress fracture,  I feel that I still have a long way to go or much work cut out to get back to a 9mm mp.  Sigh!  But I'm okay with that for as long as I can finish the marathons the rest of the year without injury.  Quads were a bit tight.  The Pro KT tape still staying on 4 days later (other than couple spots along the edge and some filaments of thread protruding thru).  :)

My friends said "you're a girl with all As":  Annoying Arthritis, Aggravating Asthma, Asymptomatic A-fib and an A+ Attitude, not to mention a crazy Addiction to running!!!! Hahaha! :) :) :) :) :) :)

Ran with hubby, Karen (Sky) and her new neighbor, Lisa whose daughter is an awesome competitive swimmer, double amputee (below the knees) and an amazing girl.  :)

Temple.  Shins bugging.  KT tapes finally came off. 

Thinking about signing up a March marathon.

Packed.  Out the door by 8am for our drive to Pocatello with a stop at Brigham City where we went to the Brigham City Temple Open House.  What a BEAUTIFUL temple!!!  So glad we took the tour! :)

Checked in the hotel around 12:30pm.  Went to lunch at Perkins.  I had grilled tilapia with baked potato, fresh garden vegetables and dinner roll.   Went to packet pick up.  Went to Lowell's house to give him his box of legal doc. and visited a bit with Susie, Sam and Marilyn (from Wichita, Kansas).  Went back to the hotel to rest a bit and freshen up.

Dinner at the Jensen's.  It was so great to meet TJ's family, all their kids and grandkids even the newest great-grandkid, some of whom traveled from Washington, South Carolina.  We had a little fun spoof for Marilyn just before dinner!  :)  TJ will be running the full marathon with his son Troy and Troy's daughter, Jill (so three generations running together).  Also Jill's sister, Kailee and her husband of one year will be running the half. 

Ate spaghetti, Mexican style salad, fresh fruits (water melon, pineapple, cantaloup, honeydew, strawberry, raspberry, blue berry), cheese bread. whole wheat bread, lemonade and cherry cheesecake.  SO YUMMY!!!!  Ate WAY too much!!! :)

At the dinner table, we talked about everyone's time goal for tomorrow's race.  Lowell wants to BQ with a 10 min cushion, 4:15.  He'll run with Sam and Marci.  TJ and his son and granddaughter want to finish under 5 hrs.  I really have no time goal, just to finish and take it easy to keep heart rate under 160ish. 

Back to the hotel to make last min prep. for the race.  Trying to decide between sleeveless/skirt or short sleeve/shorts.  Took a Tylenol PM at 8pm and turned out the light at 9:30ish.  Lowell called to change plan, instead of being driven to the start, he decided to follow the rule and ride the bus.  He'll pick me up at 5:20 to get on the last bus at 5:30.  Race starts 6:15am. 

Legs still a bit achy as I dozed off and was awaken by lightning/thunder/rain! :)