This is the passage from Jeremiah 29:11. It is in a beautiful frame, courtesy of our friend John Marcheschi, on Dori's chest of drawers.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
If you like good news ...
... then this blog post is for you.
First, Chuck Hendry, who also has AML and bonded with Dori while at Vanderbilt Hospital, is now home! Chuck is a great guy, also with a young family like us. We're very happy for him.
Check out all the good things that happened today. First, Dori went to Radnor Lake for a walk/run again, her fifth visit since Friday. She feels terrific (she updated CaringBridge tonight, so check it out).
While I was at work, I spoke to our Virginia lobbyist, Julia Ciarlo Hammond. She's new to NFIB, and I like her a lot. She and her sister, Christine Ciarlo, select a charity every year to support. Before Julia even knew me, the sisters selected the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (y'all remember I don't believe in coincidences). Julia received her fundraising packet from Christine the same day I sent the news about Dori to my co-workers. Julia told me today that Christine, who I don't even know, is running a marathon in Maine in October, and has selected Dori as her honoree. The Ciarlo sisters have already raised $8,000, so the group effort now has us well above $21,000 for LLS.
I've been back at work two days now, and work is going well. I got my bearings a little better today. At lunch, I went to the Donelson YMCA for the first time since mid-June and saw Suzanne, a staff member who has helped me train and get my BMI lower. Well, she was in shock when I told her about Dori and really empathized. Midway through my workout on an eliptical machine, she comes to tell me the Donelson Y plans to hold a fundraising car wash for LLS in honor of Dori, probably Sept. 29. There are angels all around us, folks. Do you think God was speaking to me today?
I forgot to tell you all that last week, when Dori was worrying about a possible transplant, I reminded her about some helpful scripture (Jeremiah 29:11) friend John Marcheschi shared with us. Dori nodded I'm hearing you. A few minutes later, she turns on the TV and this man on Channel 15 starts quoting the SAME SCRIPTURE. Yes, Lord, we will open our ears.
More good news ... family members and friends of Dori and a lymphoma patient, Candy Rucker, who we heard about through good friend Marian Kohl, are organizing a blood and bone marrow donor drive. I'm helping with press and working to loop in the blood collection agency and VUMC and the Ingram Cancer Center. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 28, from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. More than 55 are already on the list, which is a great start. Details to follow, so stay tuned! You can help save a life!
I haven't run this week, not because I don't want to. My left calf is bothering me after Saturday's 11-miler. So I lifted and did stomach work last night and did 40 minutes hard on the eliptical today, burning 900 calories and climbing 2.1 miles. It felt good. I will not run until I feel 100% because I've rushed back before with a calf strain, which is not a good idea. I'm stretching, hydrating, carbing up and giving massages to the affected area. I hope to be full speed very soon.
Jim
First, Chuck Hendry, who also has AML and bonded with Dori while at Vanderbilt Hospital, is now home! Chuck is a great guy, also with a young family like us. We're very happy for him.
Check out all the good things that happened today. First, Dori went to Radnor Lake for a walk/run again, her fifth visit since Friday. She feels terrific (she updated CaringBridge tonight, so check it out).
While I was at work, I spoke to our Virginia lobbyist, Julia Ciarlo Hammond. She's new to NFIB, and I like her a lot. She and her sister, Christine Ciarlo, select a charity every year to support. Before Julia even knew me, the sisters selected the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (y'all remember I don't believe in coincidences). Julia received her fundraising packet from Christine the same day I sent the news about Dori to my co-workers. Julia told me today that Christine, who I don't even know, is running a marathon in Maine in October, and has selected Dori as her honoree. The Ciarlo sisters have already raised $8,000, so the group effort now has us well above $21,000 for LLS.
I've been back at work two days now, and work is going well. I got my bearings a little better today. At lunch, I went to the Donelson YMCA for the first time since mid-June and saw Suzanne, a staff member who has helped me train and get my BMI lower. Well, she was in shock when I told her about Dori and really empathized. Midway through my workout on an eliptical machine, she comes to tell me the Donelson Y plans to hold a fundraising car wash for LLS in honor of Dori, probably Sept. 29. There are angels all around us, folks. Do you think God was speaking to me today?
I forgot to tell you all that last week, when Dori was worrying about a possible transplant, I reminded her about some helpful scripture (Jeremiah 29:11) friend John Marcheschi shared with us. Dori nodded I'm hearing you. A few minutes later, she turns on the TV and this man on Channel 15 starts quoting the SAME SCRIPTURE. Yes, Lord, we will open our ears.
More good news ... family members and friends of Dori and a lymphoma patient, Candy Rucker, who we heard about through good friend Marian Kohl, are organizing a blood and bone marrow donor drive. I'm helping with press and working to loop in the blood collection agency and VUMC and the Ingram Cancer Center. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 28, from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. More than 55 are already on the list, which is a great start. Details to follow, so stay tuned! You can help save a life!
I haven't run this week, not because I don't want to. My left calf is bothering me after Saturday's 11-miler. So I lifted and did stomach work last night and did 40 minutes hard on the eliptical today, burning 900 calories and climbing 2.1 miles. It felt good. I will not run until I feel 100% because I've rushed back before with a calf strain, which is not a good idea. I'm stretching, hydrating, carbing up and giving massages to the affected area. I hope to be full speed very soon.
Jim
Sunday, August 12, 2007
VU Fan Day photos
Like many Vanderbilt football fans, I'm pretty excited about our prospects this year. Long the doormat of the SEC, this year looks promising. We have talent, depth, experience and confidence. In years past, I've been susceptible to drinking the Commodore Kool Aid, but this year it tastes real.
Will and I headed to Dore Jam, or Fan Day, this afternoon to meet the players. Despite extreme heat and Will staying up until 1 a.m. at a buddy's house last night, we had a blast. We saw many friends who asked about Dori, and Coach Bobby Johnson signed a poster with a note to Dori to keep doing well. I took many photos, two of which I've posted here: Will with All-SEC receiver Earl Bennett and receiver George Smith and Will with Coach Johnson.
It's time for a little Swami Sez. I like the Dores going 7-5. Best case, I see 8-4; worst case, 5-7. Most people I know are saying 6-6. Here's how I see the year transpiring.
VU starts the year with a 38-10 thumping of Richmond, which is a respectable Division I-AA team. They beat Duke last year 13-0. Yes, it's Duke, but Duke is I-A. Next, a huge game at home against Alabama coached by a man of his word, Nick Saban. I used to like the Tide. Still do, just not their new coach. He's a mercenary, and Bama sold out by stuffing $4 million a year in his back pocket. Amateur sports? We will beat the Tide, not because Saban is a jackass, but because we're better this year than they are and due to beat them. 23-17 Dores.
Next up, Ole Miss. Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty, I see a blowout. 34-16, Dores. Sadly, this will be the beginning of the end for the Ed Orgeron era in Oxford. He is SOOO entertaining. After a week off, we beat Eastern Michigan. Pick your score, they are a lower echelon MAC team. After that, it gets tricky. I see Auburn as vulnerable this year. We may even upset them. But I can't pick it. 23-20, Tigers. Georgia will come to Nashville the following week for a key match-up. We beat the Dawgs last year. I still think they are down and beatable. 27-19 Dores, who are now 5-1.
The following week, with media attention at a frenzy, we go to Columbia to play the Gamecocks. We never play them well and they out-physical us. This year, we stay with them but fall short, 31-20. After a breeze win against Miami of Ohio, we go to Florida, to whom we have lost by a combined 13 points the last two years. The National Champs are better than us, and will win if they bring their A game. If they don't, we have an outside chance. 30-20, Gators. Dores are now 6-3.
Next up is a HUGE game against Kentucky. The Cats are improved, but so are we. I like us this year because I trust Bruce Fowler, our defensive coordinator, Coach Johnson and Special Teams Coach Belin will find a way to reverse the embarrassment of our performance in Lexington last year. Dores triumph, 41-26. Much as I'd like to, I can't pick the Dores over the Vawls the next week in Knoxville. We play well, but lose late, 23-20, on a field goal. The final game against Wake Forest should be a classic. If we win, we go to a big bowl; if we lose, it's off to Shreveport. This one is a toss-up. I'll temper my enthusiasm and predict a 28-27 loss at home.
Now that the mood has been struck, what's your two cents? Am I nuts? I don't think so. We have too much talent and momentum. I hope to see a lot of you at Dudley Field, as we have eight home games this year. Our kids graduate and stay out of trouble. We have a program of which to be proud. GO DORES!!!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
I'll take it
This morning, I ran 11 miles in 1:44:00, or a 9:27 pace. Though the plan was to go 13.1, I'm not disappointed in the training run.
Ann and I set out, reaching the 2.75 turnaround on Belle Meade Blvd. in 24:30, or an 8:54 pace. I felt fine. When we got back to Percy Warner Park at 49:30, exactly a 9:00 pace, I refueled and told Ann I needed to drop the pace. The temp when we started was 72 degrees, with humidity at 60% and that creepy dew point at 66 degrees. It really zaps you the longer you go. I was a mass of sweat, just sucking down gatorade and GU to stay energized.
We made the 8.25 turnaround in 1:16:30. We were now at a 9:16 pace and I was fading. Ann assumed the lead now, and I could not keep up with her. She stopped at 10 miles, and said, "I think we need to do 11." No arguments here, especially after my left calf started feeling tight, like a cramp was coming on, at 10.5 miles.
When we finished, it was 78 degrees and several degrees higher wherever the sun was shining. I'm certainly not down after this run, nor am I up. For one, the total climb on this run is 452 feet, while elevation change is 924 feet. Virginia Beach will be flat. Also, the conditions right now aren't easy. Virginia Beach is normally warm, but I don't expect things will be much worse than they are now. Also, I expect adrenaline will fuel me home pretty good Sept. 2. I also didn't see anyone else on the boulevard running personal bests this morning. I saw lots of slow pacing, except for one skinny dude.
This week, I ran 34.5 miles, an all-time best. I have never run that far, even in the cooler weather I prefer. I promised Will I would run with him tomorrow, so I will exceed 35 miles. I have one more week of hard training, then I will taper. BTW, the PowerGel protein/carb recovery shakes are awesome. I had the Creamy Chocolate this morning. Tasty. If I get near a Sonic, I'm going to hammer the Powerade slushee that Donna Clements also enjoys.
I'm going back to work Monday. For how long, I'm not sure but it looks like at least a few weeks. Dori has another biopsy Thursday, the day the kids start school, and we have a consultation with Dr. Greer. We're reading up on bone marrow transplants, which may be in the mix. If we go that route, this process will be long and drawn out. I don't care how long it takes ... I just want Dori cured and enjoying the wonderful life she has.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jim
Ann and I set out, reaching the 2.75 turnaround on Belle Meade Blvd. in 24:30, or an 8:54 pace. I felt fine. When we got back to Percy Warner Park at 49:30, exactly a 9:00 pace, I refueled and told Ann I needed to drop the pace. The temp when we started was 72 degrees, with humidity at 60% and that creepy dew point at 66 degrees. It really zaps you the longer you go. I was a mass of sweat, just sucking down gatorade and GU to stay energized.
We made the 8.25 turnaround in 1:16:30. We were now at a 9:16 pace and I was fading. Ann assumed the lead now, and I could not keep up with her. She stopped at 10 miles, and said, "I think we need to do 11." No arguments here, especially after my left calf started feeling tight, like a cramp was coming on, at 10.5 miles.
When we finished, it was 78 degrees and several degrees higher wherever the sun was shining. I'm certainly not down after this run, nor am I up. For one, the total climb on this run is 452 feet, while elevation change is 924 feet. Virginia Beach will be flat. Also, the conditions right now aren't easy. Virginia Beach is normally warm, but I don't expect things will be much worse than they are now. Also, I expect adrenaline will fuel me home pretty good Sept. 2. I also didn't see anyone else on the boulevard running personal bests this morning. I saw lots of slow pacing, except for one skinny dude.
This week, I ran 34.5 miles, an all-time best. I have never run that far, even in the cooler weather I prefer. I promised Will I would run with him tomorrow, so I will exceed 35 miles. I have one more week of hard training, then I will taper. BTW, the PowerGel protein/carb recovery shakes are awesome. I had the Creamy Chocolate this morning. Tasty. If I get near a Sonic, I'm going to hammer the Powerade slushee that Donna Clements also enjoys.
I'm going back to work Monday. For how long, I'm not sure but it looks like at least a few weeks. Dori has another biopsy Thursday, the day the kids start school, and we have a consultation with Dr. Greer. We're reading up on bone marrow transplants, which may be in the mix. If we go that route, this process will be long and drawn out. I don't care how long it takes ... I just want Dori cured and enjoying the wonderful life she has.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jim
Friday, August 10, 2007
Raceday simulation
Tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I wiil attempt to simulate the Virginia Beach Half Marathon.
I've mapped out a course that is more challenging than the VBHM. The plan is to go slow early at 9:15 for the first mile, then drop to a 9:00, then 8:45s after mile 2. This would have me at 1:37:00 at mile 11, or an 8:49 pace. With an 8:30 pace the last 2.1 miles, I will get under 1:55:00, 1:54:51 to be exact.
I ran 5 miles this morning at the Y simulating the first 5 tomorrow. I felt as good as I have in awhile. Time: 44:09. Total mileage to date this week: 23.5 miles. Lunch today was organic peanut butter and blackberry preserves on whole wheat bread, red grapes and watermelon, and water. Dinner tonight is a lasagna from friends Courtney and Greg Stevens. I'll snack on bananas and nuts and hydrate.
I won't be a talkative running partner, if Ann D. joins me, since I have put together a raceday mix on my iPod. Twenty-five minutes before the race, I'll stretch and warm up to Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, conducted by Leonard Bernstein and played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and The Natural by The City of Prague Philharmonic. I will visualize overcoming pain.
My racing music lineup, which is below, is designed to keep me from going too fast early, find a rhythm, and avoid accelerating until late. I've learned my lesson about saving energy. I've mixed in some tunes from Dori's iTunes mix, including my favorite, Right Down the Line by Gerry Rafferty. I'm open to suggestions to any tunes that fit in the genre (but not hyped-up tunes like for a 5K). Basically, anything smooth, strong and reassuring ... Let's hear what you got!
The Long Road - Mark Knopfler
Moving On - Dream Academy
Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
Follow You, Follow Me - Genesis
Big Log - Robert Plant
Nobody Does It Better - Carly Simon
I Believe - Chilliwack
You're the Only Woman - Ambrosia (lay off, guys; at least it's not Air Supply or Eric Carmen)
Electrical Storm - U2
This is the Day - The The
Sowing the Seeds of Love - Tears for Fears
Brothers and Sisters - Coldplay
Policy of Truth - Depeche Mode
West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys
Night Fever - Bee Gees
Red Skies - The Fixx
What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) - Information Society
What Have I Done to Deserve This - Pet Shop Boys
One World - The Police
Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Right Down the Line - Gerry Rafferty
Four short NFL Films tunes from The Power and the Glory
Three fight songs (my favorites): VU, USC and LSU (don't like LSU, just "Hey, Fightin' Tiger")
Home By the Sea - Genesis (the race finishes on the Boardwalk)
I've mapped out a course that is more challenging than the VBHM. The plan is to go slow early at 9:15 for the first mile, then drop to a 9:00, then 8:45s after mile 2. This would have me at 1:37:00 at mile 11, or an 8:49 pace. With an 8:30 pace the last 2.1 miles, I will get under 1:55:00, 1:54:51 to be exact.
I ran 5 miles this morning at the Y simulating the first 5 tomorrow. I felt as good as I have in awhile. Time: 44:09. Total mileage to date this week: 23.5 miles. Lunch today was organic peanut butter and blackberry preserves on whole wheat bread, red grapes and watermelon, and water. Dinner tonight is a lasagna from friends Courtney and Greg Stevens. I'll snack on bananas and nuts and hydrate.
I won't be a talkative running partner, if Ann D. joins me, since I have put together a raceday mix on my iPod. Twenty-five minutes before the race, I'll stretch and warm up to Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, conducted by Leonard Bernstein and played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and The Natural by The City of Prague Philharmonic. I will visualize overcoming pain.
My racing music lineup, which is below, is designed to keep me from going too fast early, find a rhythm, and avoid accelerating until late. I've learned my lesson about saving energy. I've mixed in some tunes from Dori's iTunes mix, including my favorite, Right Down the Line by Gerry Rafferty. I'm open to suggestions to any tunes that fit in the genre (but not hyped-up tunes like for a 5K). Basically, anything smooth, strong and reassuring ... Let's hear what you got!
The Long Road - Mark Knopfler
Moving On - Dream Academy
Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
Follow You, Follow Me - Genesis
Big Log - Robert Plant
Nobody Does It Better - Carly Simon
I Believe - Chilliwack
You're the Only Woman - Ambrosia (lay off, guys; at least it's not Air Supply or Eric Carmen)
Electrical Storm - U2
This is the Day - The The
Sowing the Seeds of Love - Tears for Fears
Brothers and Sisters - Coldplay
Policy of Truth - Depeche Mode
West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys
Night Fever - Bee Gees
Red Skies - The Fixx
What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) - Information Society
What Have I Done to Deserve This - Pet Shop Boys
One World - The Police
Boys of Summer - Don Henley
Right Down the Line - Gerry Rafferty
Four short NFL Films tunes from The Power and the Glory
Three fight songs (my favorites): VU, USC and LSU (don't like LSU, just "Hey, Fightin' Tiger")
Home By the Sea - Genesis (the race finishes on the Boardwalk)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Dori is home
Having Dori home has been wonderful.
After eight hours of being in awe, she started to settle in. The kids and I put a sign up on the door, signed by each of us and filled with hearts. She loved it. She remarked how wonderful the house looked and just took it all in, really.
Dori said it's even nice to hear the kids argue and do the dishes and laundry (I'm still doing these chores, but she's beating me to it usually). She has spent a good amount of time napping, catching up from sleep deprivation and frequent interruptions. I think last night, which she spent on a "sleepover" with the kids, was the first time in two months she slept without waking up or being woken up.
I have to share what happened as we left 11 North at VUMC. The nurses, care partners and staff lined up at the exit and gave Dori a standing ovation. By the time we got to the elevator, Dori and I were in tears. I won't name all the wonderful team members - there are so many and they were all so dedicated - but I will encourage you to read the post on CaringBridge by Alia Nunn, Dori's nurse when Dori checked in and checked out. She summed up beautifully how the staff feels about Dori. We feel the same about them.
Dori's grace and strength were invigorating to many people. Unfortunately, I saw some patients and family members take out their frustrations on the staff, which kinda hacked me off. That's not what they are there for. They're human, as are the doctors, and we didn't have a perfect stay. You can't if you're there 54 days. But we valued them as the pros they are, and they stayed true to the mission - getting Dori well and home. Hats off to them all ... we should have applauded them!
Training has been a little better this week. After Monday's fiery 10-miler, I took off Tuesday to enjoy the whole day with Dori. Yesterday, I ran 3.5 miles in the heat. It was 95 degrees, 40% humidity and 66 on the dew point. I ran shirtless and just poured out sweat. Man, it was scorching hot. I am not keeping time on super-hot runs ... what's the point? Still sore from Monday, I probably ran a 9:30 pace.
Today, I ran five miles at the Y and for good reason. It was 110 degrees in the Y parking lot. What is this, Arizona? I started out to do a brisk 10K, but felt mild foot pain and brought it down after 3.6 miles (I was at 29:30 or so and on a 7:53 pace). I actually was thinking about a sub-49 minute 10K. I felt the foot twinge again at 5.0, so I said, "Be smart ... No injuries this late in training." I still had a lot of energy, so I lifted, worked on the stomach and stretched a lot. All in all, I was doing something good for more than 90 minutes.
I'm at 18.5 miles for the week. Maybe I'll do a short run tomorrow before a long run early Saturday with Ann, who is back in town from vacation and ready to help me again. Since Ann won't be joining us Sept. 2, it looks like the Virginia Beach Half Marathon crew will be me, Navy buddy and fellow participant Dave Baum, Vanderbilt buddy Dan Flagler and my sister, Anne. All four of us know how to navigate a bar. Should be fun racing and celebrating.
Jim
After eight hours of being in awe, she started to settle in. The kids and I put a sign up on the door, signed by each of us and filled with hearts. She loved it. She remarked how wonderful the house looked and just took it all in, really.
Dori said it's even nice to hear the kids argue and do the dishes and laundry (I'm still doing these chores, but she's beating me to it usually). She has spent a good amount of time napping, catching up from sleep deprivation and frequent interruptions. I think last night, which she spent on a "sleepover" with the kids, was the first time in two months she slept without waking up or being woken up.
I have to share what happened as we left 11 North at VUMC. The nurses, care partners and staff lined up at the exit and gave Dori a standing ovation. By the time we got to the elevator, Dori and I were in tears. I won't name all the wonderful team members - there are so many and they were all so dedicated - but I will encourage you to read the post on CaringBridge by Alia Nunn, Dori's nurse when Dori checked in and checked out. She summed up beautifully how the staff feels about Dori. We feel the same about them.
Dori's grace and strength were invigorating to many people. Unfortunately, I saw some patients and family members take out their frustrations on the staff, which kinda hacked me off. That's not what they are there for. They're human, as are the doctors, and we didn't have a perfect stay. You can't if you're there 54 days. But we valued them as the pros they are, and they stayed true to the mission - getting Dori well and home. Hats off to them all ... we should have applauded them!
Training has been a little better this week. After Monday's fiery 10-miler, I took off Tuesday to enjoy the whole day with Dori. Yesterday, I ran 3.5 miles in the heat. It was 95 degrees, 40% humidity and 66 on the dew point. I ran shirtless and just poured out sweat. Man, it was scorching hot. I am not keeping time on super-hot runs ... what's the point? Still sore from Monday, I probably ran a 9:30 pace.
Today, I ran five miles at the Y and for good reason. It was 110 degrees in the Y parking lot. What is this, Arizona? I started out to do a brisk 10K, but felt mild foot pain and brought it down after 3.6 miles (I was at 29:30 or so and on a 7:53 pace). I actually was thinking about a sub-49 minute 10K. I felt the foot twinge again at 5.0, so I said, "Be smart ... No injuries this late in training." I still had a lot of energy, so I lifted, worked on the stomach and stretched a lot. All in all, I was doing something good for more than 90 minutes.
I'm at 18.5 miles for the week. Maybe I'll do a short run tomorrow before a long run early Saturday with Ann, who is back in town from vacation and ready to help me again. Since Ann won't be joining us Sept. 2, it looks like the Virginia Beach Half Marathon crew will be me, Navy buddy and fellow participant Dave Baum, Vanderbilt buddy Dan Flagler and my sister, Anne. All four of us know how to navigate a bar. Should be fun racing and celebrating.
Jim
Monday, August 6, 2007
A much better day
Indeed, today was a better day than yesterday.
It started with a call from Dori at 6 a.m. "Sweetie, I'm sorry if I'm waking you, but I have great news. My counts went way up." "No problem," I gurgled. "Tell me more." The long and short, as most of you already know, Dori will be home tomorrow!
The kids and I packed up most of her stuff, loaded our van, came home, field-dayed the house and did tons of laundry (I'm still doing some now at 9:30 p.m.). The red carpet is out at Belmont Park Terrace. Dori will be happy. The plants are still alive, the flowers she planted in May are fine and the house looks snazzy. The driveway has been resurfaced, too. We've had some help from our new cleaning lady, which some of Dori's friends were kind to recommend and fund for a few months. I think that's a perk we'll be keeping.
So what have I learned the last two months? A helluva lot. I know Dori is a rock and a warrior, more than I ever knew before. I know I am a mediocre Mom. I know I have not appreciated Dori in the past nearly as much as I should have. I know I am incomplete without her.
Yes, I have been a good soldier for Dori, but she made it this far, with dignity intact and her spirit stronger than ever, on her own. I feel I have helped some, but this is her own personal journey with cancer. I am a teammate and a soulmate. I have listened better than ever before, and I can still deal with tremendous amounts of stress, just like the Navy and parenting taught me. I have refrained from being judgmental, a common fault of mine. Until recently, I did well shepherding the children. The last week or so have been tougher for me, however. I have not been as patient recently with them. A lot of raw emotion has surfaced for all three of us in recent days. All of that will improve in the coming days.
I really can't wait to see how Dori acclimates to home life the first day or two. I talked with my Navy buddy, Dave Baum, today about a trip we made one time from Germany around the Cape up the Pacific to the Panama Canal. We didn't see land for 56 days, as I recall. This 53-day journey was many, many times more difficult than that mission.
Thanks so much for the nice e-mails and posts regarding my shoddy training run Sunday. They were very encouraging. Today, I went to the Y while my Mom and sister took Will to shop for clothes and Kathryn visited Dori. I had a huge chip on my shoulder and something to prove.
I planned to go hard for 10 miles. I settled in to an 8:41 pace after half a mile, then dropped to some 8:34s for awhile. I felt good, so I dropped down to 8:27s around mile 5 or so. With two miles to go, I went to 8:20. Final time: 1:25:20, or an 8:32 pace. That's my best 10 miler since a 1:16 when I was 26 and 30 pounds lighter. My HR was 164 at the end, above 90% for my age, so I was close to maxing. I think I had another mile in me, and perhaps another 3.1 with another gel. If I had maintained my pace, that's a 1:50:20 half marathon. I feel great right now. What a difference a day makes!
My takeaway is the conditions outside this week are brutal for long distance, so don't sweat Sunday's flop. My plans is to get in some long runs in the heat the next few weeks, and just see how conditions are on race day. My two speed days last week were productive. They were certainly painful. I will definitely keep up the speed work (I will do more Wednesday).
Until we blog again ... Jim
It started with a call from Dori at 6 a.m. "Sweetie, I'm sorry if I'm waking you, but I have great news. My counts went way up." "No problem," I gurgled. "Tell me more." The long and short, as most of you already know, Dori will be home tomorrow!
The kids and I packed up most of her stuff, loaded our van, came home, field-dayed the house and did tons of laundry (I'm still doing some now at 9:30 p.m.). The red carpet is out at Belmont Park Terrace. Dori will be happy. The plants are still alive, the flowers she planted in May are fine and the house looks snazzy. The driveway has been resurfaced, too. We've had some help from our new cleaning lady, which some of Dori's friends were kind to recommend and fund for a few months. I think that's a perk we'll be keeping.
So what have I learned the last two months? A helluva lot. I know Dori is a rock and a warrior, more than I ever knew before. I know I am a mediocre Mom. I know I have not appreciated Dori in the past nearly as much as I should have. I know I am incomplete without her.
Yes, I have been a good soldier for Dori, but she made it this far, with dignity intact and her spirit stronger than ever, on her own. I feel I have helped some, but this is her own personal journey with cancer. I am a teammate and a soulmate. I have listened better than ever before, and I can still deal with tremendous amounts of stress, just like the Navy and parenting taught me. I have refrained from being judgmental, a common fault of mine. Until recently, I did well shepherding the children. The last week or so have been tougher for me, however. I have not been as patient recently with them. A lot of raw emotion has surfaced for all three of us in recent days. All of that will improve in the coming days.
I really can't wait to see how Dori acclimates to home life the first day or two. I talked with my Navy buddy, Dave Baum, today about a trip we made one time from Germany around the Cape up the Pacific to the Panama Canal. We didn't see land for 56 days, as I recall. This 53-day journey was many, many times more difficult than that mission.
Thanks so much for the nice e-mails and posts regarding my shoddy training run Sunday. They were very encouraging. Today, I went to the Y while my Mom and sister took Will to shop for clothes and Kathryn visited Dori. I had a huge chip on my shoulder and something to prove.
I planned to go hard for 10 miles. I settled in to an 8:41 pace after half a mile, then dropped to some 8:34s for awhile. I felt good, so I dropped down to 8:27s around mile 5 or so. With two miles to go, I went to 8:20. Final time: 1:25:20, or an 8:32 pace. That's my best 10 miler since a 1:16 when I was 26 and 30 pounds lighter. My HR was 164 at the end, above 90% for my age, so I was close to maxing. I think I had another mile in me, and perhaps another 3.1 with another gel. If I had maintained my pace, that's a 1:50:20 half marathon. I feel great right now. What a difference a day makes!
My takeaway is the conditions outside this week are brutal for long distance, so don't sweat Sunday's flop. My plans is to get in some long runs in the heat the next few weeks, and just see how conditions are on race day. My two speed days last week were productive. They were certainly painful. I will definitely keep up the speed work (I will do more Wednesday).
Until we blog again ... Jim
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Bad run
This morning's run was embarrassing. I didn't sleep a lick last night and "woke up" at 3:55 a.m. to eat a bagel and banana. I was running on Belle Meade Blvd. by 4:50. Temp was 75 degrees and 75% humidity. It was soupy.
I saw a doe and her fawn the first half mile. Maybe 15 feet from each other, we exchanged looks in the dark. That was the highlight of the run. I struggled the first 2.75 miles, arriving at Harding Road in 25:40. I felt lethargic. When I got back to Percy Warner Park, I said, "That's it. This isn't working. Stop. Don't ruin your day or next week's training. Go home, go to church and refocus."
When I got home, I was angry.
"You quit."
"No, you didn't, you didn't sleep last night and this was one of the hottest mornings of the year. Take it easy, big boy."
I decided to administer some punishment. I headed down to my street and ran eight very hard 200-yard dashes.
"How dare you stop while your wife just went through chemo TWICE! Aren't you reading Lance Armstrong's book, weak boy?"
I almost threw up on the seventh sprint. I felt like a powder puff on No. 8. Good, I thought. You deserve to feel like that. I'm just glad I didn't go "Herb Brooks" on myself after the U.S. Hockey's Team's effort in Norway (only makes sense if you saw the movie, Miracle).
So I missed some goals this week. I didn't run 32 miles. I had a terrible long run. Part of me is still angry and frustrated. It's the first bad week I've had in awhile. There are positives. I ran the equivalent of a marathon this week. I ran three runs in extreme heat and humidity. I did two speed sessions. I am not injured. I've had a wake-up call. More work is needed.
Weekly training recap
Tuesday - 5.0 miles, 40:58, treadmill, cooldown mile
Wednesday - Speedwork, 4.0 miles total, 88 degrees and humid/high dew point, moderate terrain
Thursday - 4.65 miles, 43:10, 91 degrees and humid/high dew point, moderate terrain, cooldown mile
Friday - 5.0 miles, 46:08, treadmill
Sunday - 5.5 miles, 52:33, 75 degrees and 75% humidity, moderate terrain; 1.0 miles of 200-yard sprints
Total miles: 26 miles or thereabouts
I saw a doe and her fawn the first half mile. Maybe 15 feet from each other, we exchanged looks in the dark. That was the highlight of the run. I struggled the first 2.75 miles, arriving at Harding Road in 25:40. I felt lethargic. When I got back to Percy Warner Park, I said, "That's it. This isn't working. Stop. Don't ruin your day or next week's training. Go home, go to church and refocus."
When I got home, I was angry.
"You quit."
"No, you didn't, you didn't sleep last night and this was one of the hottest mornings of the year. Take it easy, big boy."
I decided to administer some punishment. I headed down to my street and ran eight very hard 200-yard dashes.
"How dare you stop while your wife just went through chemo TWICE! Aren't you reading Lance Armstrong's book, weak boy?"
I almost threw up on the seventh sprint. I felt like a powder puff on No. 8. Good, I thought. You deserve to feel like that. I'm just glad I didn't go "Herb Brooks" on myself after the U.S. Hockey's Team's effort in Norway (only makes sense if you saw the movie, Miracle).
So I missed some goals this week. I didn't run 32 miles. I had a terrible long run. Part of me is still angry and frustrated. It's the first bad week I've had in awhile. There are positives. I ran the equivalent of a marathon this week. I ran three runs in extreme heat and humidity. I did two speed sessions. I am not injured. I've had a wake-up call. More work is needed.
Weekly training recap
Tuesday - 5.0 miles, 40:58, treadmill, cooldown mile
Wednesday - Speedwork, 4.0 miles total, 88 degrees and humid/high dew point, moderate terrain
Thursday - 4.65 miles, 43:10, 91 degrees and humid/high dew point, moderate terrain, cooldown mile
Friday - 5.0 miles, 46:08, treadmill
Sunday - 5.5 miles, 52:33, 75 degrees and 75% humidity, moderate terrain; 1.0 miles of 200-yard sprints
Total miles: 26 miles or thereabouts
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Break day
I am doing absolutely nothing right now and absolutely loving it. I can't remember the last day where I had nothing planned. My Mom is taking Kathryn shopping this morning and Will is going to friend William Antony's house. What to do, what to do ... Ferris is going to enjoy his day off! I can hear Yello's "Oh, Yeah" playing in my mind on a loop.
I will see Dori around lunchtime, bearing something nutritious and delicious. The kids have seen Dori 30 times in 51 days, according to the 11th floor check-in book. I estimate I have averaged two visits a day averaging five hours total. Some days, I've been at VUMC as much as 10 hours, when my Mom has had the kids. I've spent the night three times. I haven't wanted to smother Dori, but rather be supportive. Today, I'll probably only be there a few hours.
Yesterday, I ran five methodical miles on the Y treadmill. Time: 46:08, or a 9:13 pace. I ran the last mile in 8:34 just to alleviate boredom. You know the run is easy when you are listening to The Dream Academy (that is one of the great sleeper bands of the 80s, along with Haircut 100). I almost didn't feel like I was running, except for some soreness. I had visions of lifting today, but that's just not going to happen. Today, I will devour carbs, piddle around the house and watch baseball.
Speaking of sore, I am still quite achy from Wednesday's speed work, though feeling better than yesterday. My arches and some tendons in my legs took a pounding on St. B's track. It's not a great track for that type of running (gravel, uneven in spots), but I had no options that day with my schedule.
I'm aiming for 12 miles tomorrow morning but am not putting any times goals out there. The heat, dew point (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_point) and humidity are stifling. As a big boy, I have found through trial and error that I need more gels for energy than the average person. I have found two GU gel flavors that I don't find revolting - strawberry banana and orange burst - that I'll be using. Four should do the trick (right before and miles 4, 7 and 10), along with some recovery food I'll experiment with tomorrow. Knock on wood, I have not been experiencing soreness or pain after long runs of late.
I'm interested to hear what fellow runners and workout-aholics are eating for energy. Some of my favorites include staples like bananas, prunes, raisins (with granola and yogurt or just as a snack), apples, wheat bread, organic peanut butter, grilled chicken, gatorade, a variety of nuts, and a new one, wasabi peas (yum). What are you all eating for fuel? Lena? Paige? Michael? Meredith? Ann D.? Donna? Chime in, folks.
Jim
I will see Dori around lunchtime, bearing something nutritious and delicious. The kids have seen Dori 30 times in 51 days, according to the 11th floor check-in book. I estimate I have averaged two visits a day averaging five hours total. Some days, I've been at VUMC as much as 10 hours, when my Mom has had the kids. I've spent the night three times. I haven't wanted to smother Dori, but rather be supportive. Today, I'll probably only be there a few hours.
Yesterday, I ran five methodical miles on the Y treadmill. Time: 46:08, or a 9:13 pace. I ran the last mile in 8:34 just to alleviate boredom. You know the run is easy when you are listening to The Dream Academy (that is one of the great sleeper bands of the 80s, along with Haircut 100). I almost didn't feel like I was running, except for some soreness. I had visions of lifting today, but that's just not going to happen. Today, I will devour carbs, piddle around the house and watch baseball.
Speaking of sore, I am still quite achy from Wednesday's speed work, though feeling better than yesterday. My arches and some tendons in my legs took a pounding on St. B's track. It's not a great track for that type of running (gravel, uneven in spots), but I had no options that day with my schedule.
I'm aiming for 12 miles tomorrow morning but am not putting any times goals out there. The heat, dew point (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_point) and humidity are stifling. As a big boy, I have found through trial and error that I need more gels for energy than the average person. I have found two GU gel flavors that I don't find revolting - strawberry banana and orange burst - that I'll be using. Four should do the trick (right before and miles 4, 7 and 10), along with some recovery food I'll experiment with tomorrow. Knock on wood, I have not been experiencing soreness or pain after long runs of late.
I'm interested to hear what fellow runners and workout-aholics are eating for energy. Some of my favorites include staples like bananas, prunes, raisins (with granola and yogurt or just as a snack), apples, wheat bread, organic peanut butter, grilled chicken, gatorade, a variety of nuts, and a new one, wasabi peas (yum). What are you all eating for fuel? Lena? Paige? Michael? Meredith? Ann D.? Donna? Chime in, folks.
Jim
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Yes, it's hot
The last two days of training have been intense. I shunned the comfort of the YMCA treadmill and did both sessions outside in the heat of the day. I did so to get myself better acclimated for more hot August training and the Virginia Beach Half Marathon, which is a notoriously warm race, even at 7 a.m.
Yesterday at 4:30 p.m., I did some speedwork at St. Bartholomew's Church, while Will practiced soccer on the church soccer field. Last year, members of that congregation built a 0.3 mile trail track, which has some deceptive elevation changes. It was probably 88 degrees and humid, but not sunny. I ran the following as hard as I could: five 0.3 miles, three 0.15 miles, and 10 75-yard dashes on the soccer field. Between the running and cooldowns, I ran about four miles. I saw our good friend Meredith Libbey on the track. She says Dori's courage and my training have inspired her to push harder this summer. Meredith, you look terrific.
Today at 11 a.m. before going to VUMC to see Dori, I ran 4.65 miles in sunny, very hot conditions. The terrain was moderate with several good hills. I ran a 43:10, or a 9:18 pace. The temperature was 91 degrees at the end of the run, probably another five-six degrees hotter on the pavement. My feet were burning a bit during the run. I actually shut down the run, which was a planned 5.3 miler, a little early because I didn't want to be a hero. I had never run this far in extreme heat and have other obligations these days, as most folks know. If it were a race, I would have cranked out the last bit. Today's run was much harder than the recent 11-milers, especially after yesterday's speedwork.
I tried out some running sunglasses today that I bought at Athlete's House on Belmont Blvd. I will likely wear these on race day because the salesperson, who has run the Virginia Beach Half three times, said she paid for not wearing protection in her first race there. Apparently, the sun and seaspray can cause havoc with your eyes.
I'm at 16 miles for the week. I plan on getting in some junk miles tomorrow and a lift session done Saturday. I might reverse those depending on how I feel tomorrow morning. Sunday's predicted low is 77, so my Sunday morning run looks like it will be a doozy. Carbs and fluids, look out below ... belly beware.
Thanks to a wonderful contribution from a family member maybe to be named later and a match from that person's company, we're at $13,000 raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I will soon remind everyone who has contributed to check with their employer to see if they will do a match gift. This should boost our effort a good bit and get us closer to wiping our leukemia once and for all.
By the way, Dori did 50 minutes on the bike today ... two 25-minute sessions. She's one tough chick.
Jim
Yesterday at 4:30 p.m., I did some speedwork at St. Bartholomew's Church, while Will practiced soccer on the church soccer field. Last year, members of that congregation built a 0.3 mile trail track, which has some deceptive elevation changes. It was probably 88 degrees and humid, but not sunny. I ran the following as hard as I could: five 0.3 miles, three 0.15 miles, and 10 75-yard dashes on the soccer field. Between the running and cooldowns, I ran about four miles. I saw our good friend Meredith Libbey on the track. She says Dori's courage and my training have inspired her to push harder this summer. Meredith, you look terrific.
Today at 11 a.m. before going to VUMC to see Dori, I ran 4.65 miles in sunny, very hot conditions. The terrain was moderate with several good hills. I ran a 43:10, or a 9:18 pace. The temperature was 91 degrees at the end of the run, probably another five-six degrees hotter on the pavement. My feet were burning a bit during the run. I actually shut down the run, which was a planned 5.3 miler, a little early because I didn't want to be a hero. I had never run this far in extreme heat and have other obligations these days, as most folks know. If it were a race, I would have cranked out the last bit. Today's run was much harder than the recent 11-milers, especially after yesterday's speedwork.
I tried out some running sunglasses today that I bought at Athlete's House on Belmont Blvd. I will likely wear these on race day because the salesperson, who has run the Virginia Beach Half three times, said she paid for not wearing protection in her first race there. Apparently, the sun and seaspray can cause havoc with your eyes.
I'm at 16 miles for the week. I plan on getting in some junk miles tomorrow and a lift session done Saturday. I might reverse those depending on how I feel tomorrow morning. Sunday's predicted low is 77, so my Sunday morning run looks like it will be a doozy. Carbs and fluids, look out below ... belly beware.
Thanks to a wonderful contribution from a family member maybe to be named later and a match from that person's company, we're at $13,000 raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I will soon remind everyone who has contributed to check with their employer to see if they will do a match gift. This should boost our effort a good bit and get us closer to wiping our leukemia once and for all.
By the way, Dori did 50 minutes on the bike today ... two 25-minute sessions. She's one tough chick.
Jim
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