About Those Runs...

Since I was in college (maybe even in high school, who knows), I've always wanted to run a marathon. Not quite sure where the idea came from, but specifically, I wanted to run the NYC Marathon, which is held in early November. Unfortunately, I never seriously acted on it. My 'long runs' always ended around 3-4 miles.

Fast forward about 10 years and my long runs have moved into the double digits. This marathon training is now getting serious! A few months ago I ran my first half marathon. I remember training for it, and freaking out that I would have to run 7, 8, or 9 miles.

The half marathon came and went with a smile on my face and a general high that I remember clearly every morning when I wake and see the medal hanging on the dresser mirror.

My friend has since signed me up for a full marathon. And I've since begun freaking out about running 14, 16, and 18 miles. Now it's time to freak out about running 20 miles (next week!).

On my last two long runs (16 & 18), I've hit a wall at mile 15. I started to walk, and even had to sit before finding the energy at mile 16 to start moving in a way that resembled jogging. It wasn't pretty. (plus I was 3 miles from home. and I just wanted to get home).

I wear a fuel belt and I gu. First gu is usually an hour into the run. After that it's about every 45 minutes. The day i attempted 16 I only had water in my belt. This past week I used watered down gatorade (and that left me feeling like a I had a bloated belly full of sugar).

A few suggestions were given to me at the running store, but I'm looking for more. How do I avoid the wall at 15? I don't want mile 15 to be some sort of a mental block after all this training!

RIBA

RIBA: "Robot for Interactive Body Assistance"

It's innovative for sure, but I wonder where this will be used? the robot is designed to move someone who is less than 135 lbs. I imagine this might be useful at a pediatric hospital, but certainly not a hospital in the states.

When I think about the patients I cared for (a total of 7 different people throughout the week), only one weighed less than 135 lbs.

Thank goodness for ceiling lifts.

Danger Zone

This week, at one point in time, I had two obese (or morbidly obese) patients.

Another patient is "demented" (MD's word, not mine). The patient is dubbed a complete patient as she/he can not turn her/himself, feed her/himself, etc. She/he can, however, punch. Patient is highly combative.

Yesterday I got a new patient who is a heroin user. Last time using was sometime on the 24th (per patient). Heroin withdrawal begins to occur 48-72 hours after last use. And while the patient slept most of my shift, I think she/he was in the early stages of the withdrawal at the end of my shift.

I don't regret going back to school, and I don't regret the career I have chosen. Here's hoping I can leave work today with a healthy back and without a black eye.

Negative

Splits that is! Check this out...

Mile 1: 11:20
Mile 2: 10:37
Mile 3: 10:00
Mile 4: 9:47
Mile 5: 9:45
Mile 6: 9:08

honest to goodness, wasn't even trying (although around mile 3 or 4 I realized I had found a happy pace). to bed late & woke up at the ungodly time of 5:30 (no thanks to the cats). Humidity now is 88%..not sure what it was earlier this morning. Breakfast & the NY Times now, plus the Sunday Morning News Show. Then Julie & Julia and hopefully a post about yesterday's shopping excursion.

14

I ran 14 miles for my first time yesterday. and I survived. Sure I felt a little loopy afterwards....(I missed out on an afternoon nap).

What I could have done in the time it took me to run 14 miles:

1. seen a movie

2. driven to Philly (and back)

3. driven to NY (as if I would want to drive back)

4. returned the $185 jeans that fit incredibly well (I did this AFTER the run. and am still somewhat depressed by the thought that they cost so much)

5. crossed off many many things on my mental 'to do' list

6. made love to my hubby. over and over again. That is, if he was home!

Ah, three more weeks and I'll be able to do number 6.

Wonder if the hubs would agree to a love in? thinking the answer would be a yes!

Catching Up...

Somehow, I forgot I had my own blog!

Best news: Husband is coming home soon :) It's about time...the cats are dying of loneliness and the yard is looking a little sad. Me? I'm missing talking and sleeping next to my best friend. Sure, I'm sleeping with the things I love (clothes and books have taken over your side of the bed hun), but things can't replace a living, breathing friend & lover.

Work has been...well, stressful I guess. I'm finally on my own, off orientation. For a while, I was gaining a reputation for all the RRTs I had. This week, I may have actually avoided an RRT. Hopefully some sort of nursing intuition is being to develop, although no doubt it will take a few more months to kick into gear. I'm still asking a ton of questions, probably to the annoyment of the other nurses. Not sure I've found my niche quite yet, but getting there. It's incredibly stressful and at times, a little scary.

Running....is getting HARDER. I'm going to try for 14 today. in fact, I better get moving or it'll be rained out! wish me luck...