OK - it's official!
The winner of the concert drawing is Mary Wilson Huebner! An all acoustic concert is prepped and ready to go!
Thank you again for all your support of these kids!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Josiah's Story
Josiah (mysonx3 on Nike+) is still recovering from his meningitis. It started with a headache. After twenty-four hours, I took him to the Urgent Care clinic. They checked him out and told me to keep him hydrated. After forty-eight hours, he had a fever of 103, despite the Motrin he was taking, a terrible headache, and had slept for the entire day. Before I went to bed I checked on him one more time. I couldn’t get him to wake up. He would start to wake up but was delirious. He went to the emergency room by ambulance and was moved to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit within an hour. They gave him strong antibiotics immediately, which saved his live. Each hour saw some improvement. By the time I went to sleep about 4am, he nodded slightly when the nurse asked if he knew that I was there. Eight hours earlier when they asked who I was, he had no idea.
On Easter, Josiah started having problems with his eyes, he couldn’t control them. His fever went up and his headaches were getting worse again. They did surgery to clear his sphenoid sinuses, right in the middle of his head, which were badly infected and had caused his meningitis. We saw immediate improvement. He went home a few days later with a PICC line (like an IV that goes straight to his heart). I got a crash course on nursing and have been giving him his antibiotics through his PICC line every six hours for the last two weeks. He is doing very well, but still faces a long recovery. He is tired, gets headaches easily, is a little clumsy but is expected to fully recover. We hope that he will have his PICC line removed today and will be off all antibiotics then. He will start back at school for just a few hours this week, and we will lengthen his time there a little more very week. I write this partly because I asked you to pray, and partly so that you understand our Run with Maggie B Day.
God saved Josiah. The doctors keep telling me what a lucky boy Josiah is. He is not lucky…he is loved by the one who created him and who still has purposes for him on this side of heaven. He is appropriately named. Josiah means “the Lord heals”.
Our Journey Here
God has used your music in incredible ways in my life. I could write my biography using only your songs. (I guess YOU would write my biography then...) I was just a little older than Josiah when I got your first tape. I wore it out. It has been your words that have run through my head at all the pinnacle moments of my life. You are two steps ahead of me in everything, it seems. So when what you write gets to me, it is just what I needed. This run is no different. Last fall, with my mother as my inspiration, I decided to get off my rear and start to run. I wanted to do a half marathon. I found the Tacoma City Half Marathon on May 3rd and picked that as my goal. I had my iPod…full of all things Maggie B, with a few others, my Nike+ (I HAVE to know how long, how far, how fast….I’m crazy that way) and registered for my first half marathon. I wrote my Jeff Galloway program on the calendar, rejoined Weight Watchers and determined to finish my first half marathon. I had read on your blog that you were running some. It wasn’t but a month or two later that you opened your event and website. Once again…you were a few steps ahead of me. My half marathon was just one week after yours. I was very excited to join you. Feeding hungry children in the world has long been a passion of mine, but that is an entirely different story. So to run (virtually) with my lifelong mentor/coach/conscience…and help feed kids was a no-brainer for me. Josiah has been my running/shuffling partner for a few months. He got everything he needed to run for his birthday in February and was excited to join me in Running with Maggie B. His meningitis slowed us both down quite a bit. Josiah is not able to run at all right now. And I pretty much quit training for the last few weeks. (There will be more time to train later…when Josiah does not need me so much.) But we wanted to do something still for Run with Maggie B Day.
Josiah’s Creative Course
To honor Josiah, the “girls” in his life ran a marathon for him. My mom got up early and did the largest part, and almost ran the battery out on his iPod. We decided we had to load it to Nike+ before it died and we lost that run, hence Josiah’s “winning” 15+ miles. After it had charged a bit, we continued. His grandmother, myself and his sisters (ages 7 and 4) strapped on his Nike+ and iPod and ran about twenty five and half miles for him. Josiah finished by himself. We never got his Nike + adjusted right on his shoes before this time, so there were no real previous workouts on the Nike website for him. It now says that he has completed 26.2 miles. He is very proud and honored. His “girls” just ran in our local neighborhood. Josiah’s creative course was more interesting. Josiah started his part of his marathon at the hospital were he had been just a few weeks ago. He carried his bag full of pumps and medications and went back and visited the places that he had been. He went through the emergency room, to the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care) and to the cafeteria (where he never went, but WE spent a lot of time). There are pictures of these things. From the hospital, he drove a few blocks to 4US headquarters. I will explain that in a minute. It has to do with our workout wear. Then Josiah finished walking up our street to his home, where his sisters and our neighbor friend had made him a welcome home banner. He was pretty exhausted by this “1k” workout, but he finished his marathon by himself. It was very symbolic for us. He was able to participate in Run with Maggie B, he was home, he will be off his pumps soon, and it was actually World Meningitis Day on April 25th!
Our Race Outfits
My mom, Josiah and I decided to wear our 4us shirts and hats. Josiah and I thought long and hard about what kind of costumes we could wear for this. We kept coming back to 4us. It is not that crazy or anything, but it is very important to us. 4us is a charity that was started 4 years ago. Its purpose is to buy new ultrasound machines for local crisis pregnancy centers. 97% of women experiencing a crisis pregnancy in our county who see an ultrasound of their unborn baby will choose to carry it to term. Yet nationally, only about 5%, or 100 centers, have ultrasound capabilities and many of those are older machines. In the last 4 years, 4us has put on a multi-distance bike ride (57/30/5 miles), a 10k/5k/3k walk/run, a motorcycle ride, and a family fun event in September that has raised money to purchase new ultrasound machines for our local pregnancy centers. Participants in the events do fundraising, of which 100% of the money raised will go to purchase the ultrasound machines. Seven new machines have been purchased so far. I became involved as part of the key staff of this all-volunteer charity a little over a year ago. It is near and dear to our family. Every training run that I do, I sport 4us gear, in hopes that someone will see it and ask (which they have). I just couldn’t change this, not even for Run with Maggie B Day! What if someone who needed to see my shirt happened to be running today also! In addition, we have live music every year at the 4us events in September on a small stage and hope that if either of us were to win the “grand prize”, that you might be able to come and sing at this event. We would do almost anything to help this charity and we would love to have you there. So our outfits are to spread the word and representative of our goal in this race with you. As part of Josiah’s creative course, he went from the hospital to 4us headquarters. He may not have been able to run in your race, but he will be back in time for 4us. (The charity’s website is www.4us.org if you are interested in reading more).
Non-Human Companion
Josiah is allergic to pet dander. As such, we are not able to have any furry friends at home. We do have a goldfish, but she was quite grateful that we did not take her running, or we may not have had a goldfish any longer. Josiah’s non-human companion was “Medi”, his nickname for the two IV pumps that he has been carrying around for the last few weeks. (He was quick to point out that you only said “non-human” companion, not “breathing” companion. (Might want to be clearer in the future, my son will take everything quite literally.) He carries “Medi” in a blue fanny pack that he refuses to wear on his fanny (can’t say I blame him!).
My Course
I ran some for Josiah, with his iPod, but I am too competitive (or something) to not put some miles on mine also. I did not do a full half, as I am dutifully following Jeff Galloway’s plan and he said to do 5 miles the week before the half-marathon. So I did my 5 miles and walked with my girls as they ran for Josiah. I ended up with 7.3 miles in 1:52:18. I tried to think of something creative for my run…loved your ideas! But running through the candles at Target or to my favorite coffee places (both of which I love to do!) just didn’t seem like as enjoyable as running through our local neighborhood. Something about the trees, the Puget Sound, the flowers, and the beautiful Northwest with good music in my ears just makes me smile. So I took some pictures along my route.
Fundraising
Every year our family works hard to raise money for two reasons. The first is to buy ultrasound machines with 4us, and the second is at Christmas. Our family buys the ingredients and puts together cookie mix in jars to sell to raise money to feed hungry kids in Haiti. (I took a missions trip to visit a child I sponsored in Haiti as a teenager…I have never forgotten.) We have done pretty well with this, earning enough to feed a family for a year each Christmas. I think we have tapped out our resources right now and so didn’t raise any funds.
The End
Thank you! Thank you for Run with Maggie B. I have enjoyed the challenges, the camaraderie (though it has been a rough couple of months for us and I have not been able to participate as I would have liked), the time with my son, and most of all your influence in my life and now the lives of my family. (LOVE hearing my 7 and 4 year old girls singing about being a much better old woman than they are a young! Makes me smile!) When I need encouragement, a boost, or just a kick in the pants, you have been there. And thanks for getting me off my rear…I was tempted to just forget about my half marathon once Josiah got sick. But I will finish, I will walk far more than I hoped to, but I will finish. And I will register at this ½ for my next, the first week of August, and then I hope to do it better! God bless you for the work that you do!
-Becki Rutledge (mommyrkr)
On Easter, Josiah started having problems with his eyes, he couldn’t control them. His fever went up and his headaches were getting worse again. They did surgery to clear his sphenoid sinuses, right in the middle of his head, which were badly infected and had caused his meningitis. We saw immediate improvement. He went home a few days later with a PICC line (like an IV that goes straight to his heart). I got a crash course on nursing and have been giving him his antibiotics through his PICC line every six hours for the last two weeks. He is doing very well, but still faces a long recovery. He is tired, gets headaches easily, is a little clumsy but is expected to fully recover. We hope that he will have his PICC line removed today and will be off all antibiotics then. He will start back at school for just a few hours this week, and we will lengthen his time there a little more very week. I write this partly because I asked you to pray, and partly so that you understand our Run with Maggie B Day.
God saved Josiah. The doctors keep telling me what a lucky boy Josiah is. He is not lucky…he is loved by the one who created him and who still has purposes for him on this side of heaven. He is appropriately named. Josiah means “the Lord heals”.
Our Journey Here
God has used your music in incredible ways in my life. I could write my biography using only your songs. (I guess YOU would write my biography then...) I was just a little older than Josiah when I got your first tape. I wore it out. It has been your words that have run through my head at all the pinnacle moments of my life. You are two steps ahead of me in everything, it seems. So when what you write gets to me, it is just what I needed. This run is no different. Last fall, with my mother as my inspiration, I decided to get off my rear and start to run. I wanted to do a half marathon. I found the Tacoma City Half Marathon on May 3rd and picked that as my goal. I had my iPod…full of all things Maggie B, with a few others, my Nike+ (I HAVE to know how long, how far, how fast….I’m crazy that way) and registered for my first half marathon. I wrote my Jeff Galloway program on the calendar, rejoined Weight Watchers and determined to finish my first half marathon. I had read on your blog that you were running some. It wasn’t but a month or two later that you opened your event and website. Once again…you were a few steps ahead of me. My half marathon was just one week after yours. I was very excited to join you. Feeding hungry children in the world has long been a passion of mine, but that is an entirely different story. So to run (virtually) with my lifelong mentor/coach/conscience…and help feed kids was a no-brainer for me. Josiah has been my running/shuffling partner for a few months. He got everything he needed to run for his birthday in February and was excited to join me in Running with Maggie B. His meningitis slowed us both down quite a bit. Josiah is not able to run at all right now. And I pretty much quit training for the last few weeks. (There will be more time to train later…when Josiah does not need me so much.) But we wanted to do something still for Run with Maggie B Day.
Josiah’s Creative Course
To honor Josiah, the “girls” in his life ran a marathon for him. My mom got up early and did the largest part, and almost ran the battery out on his iPod. We decided we had to load it to Nike+ before it died and we lost that run, hence Josiah’s “winning” 15+ miles. After it had charged a bit, we continued. His grandmother, myself and his sisters (ages 7 and 4) strapped on his Nike+ and iPod and ran about twenty five and half miles for him. Josiah finished by himself. We never got his Nike + adjusted right on his shoes before this time, so there were no real previous workouts on the Nike website for him. It now says that he has completed 26.2 miles. He is very proud and honored. His “girls” just ran in our local neighborhood. Josiah’s creative course was more interesting. Josiah started his part of his marathon at the hospital were he had been just a few weeks ago. He carried his bag full of pumps and medications and went back and visited the places that he had been. He went through the emergency room, to the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care) and to the cafeteria (where he never went, but WE spent a lot of time). There are pictures of these things. From the hospital, he drove a few blocks to 4US headquarters. I will explain that in a minute. It has to do with our workout wear. Then Josiah finished walking up our street to his home, where his sisters and our neighbor friend had made him a welcome home banner. He was pretty exhausted by this “1k” workout, but he finished his marathon by himself. It was very symbolic for us. He was able to participate in Run with Maggie B, he was home, he will be off his pumps soon, and it was actually World Meningitis Day on April 25th!
Our Race Outfits
My mom, Josiah and I decided to wear our 4us shirts and hats. Josiah and I thought long and hard about what kind of costumes we could wear for this. We kept coming back to 4us. It is not that crazy or anything, but it is very important to us. 4us is a charity that was started 4 years ago. Its purpose is to buy new ultrasound machines for local crisis pregnancy centers. 97% of women experiencing a crisis pregnancy in our county who see an ultrasound of their unborn baby will choose to carry it to term. Yet nationally, only about 5%, or 100 centers, have ultrasound capabilities and many of those are older machines. In the last 4 years, 4us has put on a multi-distance bike ride (57/30/5 miles), a 10k/5k/3k walk/run, a motorcycle ride, and a family fun event in September that has raised money to purchase new ultrasound machines for our local pregnancy centers. Participants in the events do fundraising, of which 100% of the money raised will go to purchase the ultrasound machines. Seven new machines have been purchased so far. I became involved as part of the key staff of this all-volunteer charity a little over a year ago. It is near and dear to our family. Every training run that I do, I sport 4us gear, in hopes that someone will see it and ask (which they have). I just couldn’t change this, not even for Run with Maggie B Day! What if someone who needed to see my shirt happened to be running today also! In addition, we have live music every year at the 4us events in September on a small stage and hope that if either of us were to win the “grand prize”, that you might be able to come and sing at this event. We would do almost anything to help this charity and we would love to have you there. So our outfits are to spread the word and representative of our goal in this race with you. As part of Josiah’s creative course, he went from the hospital to 4us headquarters. He may not have been able to run in your race, but he will be back in time for 4us. (The charity’s website is www.4us.org if you are interested in reading more).
Non-Human Companion
Josiah is allergic to pet dander. As such, we are not able to have any furry friends at home. We do have a goldfish, but she was quite grateful that we did not take her running, or we may not have had a goldfish any longer. Josiah’s non-human companion was “Medi”, his nickname for the two IV pumps that he has been carrying around for the last few weeks. (He was quick to point out that you only said “non-human” companion, not “breathing” companion. (Might want to be clearer in the future, my son will take everything quite literally.) He carries “Medi” in a blue fanny pack that he refuses to wear on his fanny (can’t say I blame him!).
My Course
I ran some for Josiah, with his iPod, but I am too competitive (or something) to not put some miles on mine also. I did not do a full half, as I am dutifully following Jeff Galloway’s plan and he said to do 5 miles the week before the half-marathon. So I did my 5 miles and walked with my girls as they ran for Josiah. I ended up with 7.3 miles in 1:52:18. I tried to think of something creative for my run…loved your ideas! But running through the candles at Target or to my favorite coffee places (both of which I love to do!) just didn’t seem like as enjoyable as running through our local neighborhood. Something about the trees, the Puget Sound, the flowers, and the beautiful Northwest with good music in my ears just makes me smile. So I took some pictures along my route.
Fundraising
Every year our family works hard to raise money for two reasons. The first is to buy ultrasound machines with 4us, and the second is at Christmas. Our family buys the ingredients and puts together cookie mix in jars to sell to raise money to feed hungry kids in Haiti. (I took a missions trip to visit a child I sponsored in Haiti as a teenager…I have never forgotten.) We have done pretty well with this, earning enough to feed a family for a year each Christmas. I think we have tapped out our resources right now and so didn’t raise any funds.
The End
Thank you! Thank you for Run with Maggie B. I have enjoyed the challenges, the camaraderie (though it has been a rough couple of months for us and I have not been able to participate as I would have liked), the time with my son, and most of all your influence in my life and now the lives of my family. (LOVE hearing my 7 and 4 year old girls singing about being a much better old woman than they are a young! Makes me smile!) When I need encouragement, a boost, or just a kick in the pants, you have been there. And thanks for getting me off my rear…I was tempted to just forget about my half marathon once Josiah got sick. But I will finish, I will walk far more than I hoped to, but I will finish. And I will register at this ½ for my next, the first week of August, and then I hope to do it better! God bless you for the work that you do!
-Becki Rutledge (mommyrkr)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
RECAP: Run With Maggie B.
Wooooo whooooooo!!!! You did it!!!!
OK-you guys all did amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am still feeling it over here. Why do I have a craving for pancakes?
First-off, the challenge didn’t display all our great distances because it set up as a “first one to reach” a goal, and by now you know the first person to upload results was MYSONX3-who did a whopping 15.77 miles! This was fitting because that is the screen name of one of our winners, better known to us as Josiah Rutledge of Washington.
Josiah won the best Race Outfit, because he had to run with his Medi-pak. This is the intel I have on that:
“Josiah is allergic to pet dander. As such, we are not able to have any furry friends at home. We do have a goldfish, but she was quite grateful that we did not take her running, or we may not have had a goldfish any longer. Josiah’s non-human companion was “Medi”, his nickname for the two IV pumps that he has been carrying around for the last few weeks. (He was quick to point out that you only said “non-human” companion, not “breathing” companion. (Might want to be clearer in the future, my son will take everything quite literally.) He carries “Medi” in a blue fanny pack that he refuses to wear on his fanny (can’t say I blame him!)”
The most creative course goes to Mommykr, who is Becki Rutledge. She had the best view of all of us as far as I am concerned, complete with the very attractive hand-designed finish-line banner. If that weren’t enough, she, recruited her mom and her young daughters to pitch in for Josiahs race. Te see more of their journey, go to the photo page, and see their uploads. Remember, the password is moveit. I am also asking her if I can post the story she wrote about their journey on the blog.
Most money raised goes to Gayle Yarick who is LAupnorth. I think she bugged everyone she ever encountered for donations, from the grocery clerk to her 3rd grade teacher. There might have been some blackmail involved as well--who can know these things?
And finally, the best race companion goes to Mary Baker, who dragged her pup Sada, all over town, exhausting the poor thing to the point of couch lounging, as evidenced by the pictures in the picture section.
All of you have blessed these kids by doing this race. I can’t tell you how amazing you have all been. I will send you final tally’s as they are available from the total amount raised.
To the people who didn’t run, but still gave-thank you so much. Every bit helps!
I am hoping some of you might want to keep training together beyond this to. It was so much fun calling on Dr Laura,( who put in some serious miles I might add) and the rest of you guys!
I have been blessed. Thank you so much!
--Maggie B
OK-you guys all did amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am still feeling it over here. Why do I have a craving for pancakes?
First-off, the challenge didn’t display all our great distances because it set up as a “first one to reach” a goal, and by now you know the first person to upload results was MYSONX3-who did a whopping 15.77 miles! This was fitting because that is the screen name of one of our winners, better known to us as Josiah Rutledge of Washington.
Josiah won the best Race Outfit, because he had to run with his Medi-pak. This is the intel I have on that:
“Josiah is allergic to pet dander. As such, we are not able to have any furry friends at home. We do have a goldfish, but she was quite grateful that we did not take her running, or we may not have had a goldfish any longer. Josiah’s non-human companion was “Medi”, his nickname for the two IV pumps that he has been carrying around for the last few weeks. (He was quick to point out that you only said “non-human” companion, not “breathing” companion. (Might want to be clearer in the future, my son will take everything quite literally.) He carries “Medi” in a blue fanny pack that he refuses to wear on his fanny (can’t say I blame him!)”
The most creative course goes to Mommykr, who is Becki Rutledge. She had the best view of all of us as far as I am concerned, complete with the very attractive hand-designed finish-line banner. If that weren’t enough, she, recruited her mom and her young daughters to pitch in for Josiahs race. Te see more of their journey, go to the photo page, and see their uploads. Remember, the password is moveit. I am also asking her if I can post the story she wrote about their journey on the blog.
Most money raised goes to Gayle Yarick who is LAupnorth. I think she bugged everyone she ever encountered for donations, from the grocery clerk to her 3rd grade teacher. There might have been some blackmail involved as well--who can know these things?
And finally, the best race companion goes to Mary Baker, who dragged her pup Sada, all over town, exhausting the poor thing to the point of couch lounging, as evidenced by the pictures in the picture section.
All of you have blessed these kids by doing this race. I can’t tell you how amazing you have all been. I will send you final tally’s as they are available from the total amount raised.
To the people who didn’t run, but still gave-thank you so much. Every bit helps!
I am hoping some of you might want to keep training together beyond this to. It was so much fun calling on Dr Laura,( who put in some serious miles I might add) and the rest of you guys!
I have been blessed. Thank you so much!
--Maggie B
Saturday, April 18, 2009
8 Days & Counting
Can I say “OWWEEEEEEE?” Physical therapy is like trying to open a Vlasic pickle jar for the first time with one hand. It has the feel of impossible. But I have been faithful to my exercises. Yancy, my 5’1” 90 pound P.T. specialist, has been hurting me good for someone I could sit on and crush. We’ve had some spicy conversations too, about faith and the conundrum of the sweetness of Jesus verses the callousness of his people . . . so the twice-weekly trips are not a total loss.
Still, it is discouraging. You get on a good productive track, and you remain faithful to it. You are so excited when you start seeing good results, and then something interrupts. A tumble down the stairs, a bad head cold, and a time-eating emergency; all of a sudden you are losing gains and trying to stay motivated. UGGGGHHHHH!
I’ve read somewhere that lasting change must be a slow, forgiving process. You can’t do it all at once, and you can’t expect perfection. As far as I’m concerned, the head truth and the practice truth of that statement are miles apart. I’ve known these facts for years, but it is just in my recent history, the past 5 years, that I have learned their true expression in my every day. The way it plays out for me is so simple, I’m sure some people would say, “Yea, and . . .?!?” But authentic simplicity is harder than it looks, especially when it comes to our own flat-sides and camouflage.
Every day I get up and plan when I will walk, because that is about all I can do right now, (against the Dr.’s wishes.) I do what I can and keep my mind in the set of, “I will not stay in one place.” Every week, I go to the very lo-tech Weight Watchers meeting with my peeps and step on that wretched scale, the one that is hidden behind the high ‘check-in’ desk. I think there is a very good reason we can’t see it. There are some weeks that I want to cuss it out and choke its little neck when I’ve done it all correctly only to GAIN .6 pounds or some other hideous number. (But I’m not bitter-can’t you tell??) (And what is it by the way, about gaining anything that makes me want to go home and eat a vat of Caroline’s Coco Krispies at 10 at night?!?) (Not that I’ve done that mind you--er . . )
Point is, I get up and do it all again the next day. Walk, eat right, and bring my unwilling self into “subjection,” for me, because I must, because I’m the boss of me.
So I am going to try to walk my upcoming half-marathon. It will probably take me a little over 4 hours. I won’t walk away with anything earth shattering, at least as far as others would recognize it, but I will walk away from inertia. I will keep walking toward something, something that will be good ultimately.
This week when I was frustrated with the whole process I arrived at the end of my bitter thoughts and found myself smack dab at the beginning of the thought trail again with this question, “What will you do then if not this? To stop trying is to stop growing.” I knew yet again, in the small and big things, the only way forward is forward, and just like in vivid night dreams when I am trying to run but my legs won’t move, I must keep attempting. The desire to move forward does not go away when we give up.
8 days and counting.
Still, it is discouraging. You get on a good productive track, and you remain faithful to it. You are so excited when you start seeing good results, and then something interrupts. A tumble down the stairs, a bad head cold, and a time-eating emergency; all of a sudden you are losing gains and trying to stay motivated. UGGGGHHHHH!
I’ve read somewhere that lasting change must be a slow, forgiving process. You can’t do it all at once, and you can’t expect perfection. As far as I’m concerned, the head truth and the practice truth of that statement are miles apart. I’ve known these facts for years, but it is just in my recent history, the past 5 years, that I have learned their true expression in my every day. The way it plays out for me is so simple, I’m sure some people would say, “Yea, and . . .?!?” But authentic simplicity is harder than it looks, especially when it comes to our own flat-sides and camouflage.
Every day I get up and plan when I will walk, because that is about all I can do right now, (against the Dr.’s wishes.) I do what I can and keep my mind in the set of, “I will not stay in one place.” Every week, I go to the very lo-tech Weight Watchers meeting with my peeps and step on that wretched scale, the one that is hidden behind the high ‘check-in’ desk. I think there is a very good reason we can’t see it. There are some weeks that I want to cuss it out and choke its little neck when I’ve done it all correctly only to GAIN .6 pounds or some other hideous number. (But I’m not bitter-can’t you tell??) (And what is it by the way, about gaining anything that makes me want to go home and eat a vat of Caroline’s Coco Krispies at 10 at night?!?) (Not that I’ve done that mind you--er . . )
Point is, I get up and do it all again the next day. Walk, eat right, and bring my unwilling self into “subjection,” for me, because I must, because I’m the boss of me.
So I am going to try to walk my upcoming half-marathon. It will probably take me a little over 4 hours. I won’t walk away with anything earth shattering, at least as far as others would recognize it, but I will walk away from inertia. I will keep walking toward something, something that will be good ultimately.
This week when I was frustrated with the whole process I arrived at the end of my bitter thoughts and found myself smack dab at the beginning of the thought trail again with this question, “What will you do then if not this? To stop trying is to stop growing.” I knew yet again, in the small and big things, the only way forward is forward, and just like in vivid night dreams when I am trying to run but my legs won’t move, I must keep attempting. The desire to move forward does not go away when we give up.
8 days and counting.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Shoulders and Advil
So I'm well on my way into the world of Physical therapy for my shoulder. YEOW! It hurts! The worst thing about it so far is that I cannot run in the half marathon. No running for 6 weeks. But I am walking, without moving my shoulder on one side, kind of like a Zombie.
This is where it would be easy to lay off and just wait for all to be well before I start moving again, but I know if I do that, I will lose all the great results and gains I got from training. Sooooo I am pressing on. I am still doing as much as I can on April 25th-still pushing it to the limit until then.
I am so impressed with all of you and all the miles you are putting in on the challenges.
You guys are awesome!
This is where it would be easy to lay off and just wait for all to be well before I start moving again, but I know if I do that, I will lose all the great results and gains I got from training. Sooooo I am pressing on. I am still doing as much as I can on April 25th-still pushing it to the limit until then.
I am so impressed with all of you and all the miles you are putting in on the challenges.
You guys are awesome!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tailbones, Bradford Pear Trees and Nike+
So my back still hurts, and to add insult to injury, my shoulder is showing signs of wear and tear too! It's like I am fighting body maintenance issues!
I'm still going to walk today though. I can't quite shuffle yet. Trying to get an appointment with the Dr. I'm a late-goer when the Dr is involved. My deductible is too high and I never feel like they actually do what I want them to do.
I can tell you that on days I walk, I feel better about life and myself. Just getting out and listening to good music, a great podcast or book makes me feel like I have lavished myself with indulgence.
I wrote to Gloria Santos of Ray of Hope. I told her about what you all are doing for her work. I'll let you know what she says when I hear back from her. The last time I was there she was still on dial up. That coupled with the truth that she spends weeks at a time on a boat in the remote areas of the Amazon, with no internet service, makes her responses sometimes slow in coming.
Thank you for coming with me on this journey. Now I've got to walk, (which right this week, makes me look like a lob-sided cowgirl)
I'm still going to walk today though. I can't quite shuffle yet. Trying to get an appointment with the Dr. I'm a late-goer when the Dr is involved. My deductible is too high and I never feel like they actually do what I want them to do.
I can tell you that on days I walk, I feel better about life and myself. Just getting out and listening to good music, a great podcast or book makes me feel like I have lavished myself with indulgence.
I wrote to Gloria Santos of Ray of Hope. I told her about what you all are doing for her work. I'll let you know what she says when I hear back from her. The last time I was there she was still on dial up. That coupled with the truth that she spends weeks at a time on a boat in the remote areas of the Amazon, with no internet service, makes her responses sometimes slow in coming.
Thank you for coming with me on this journey. Now I've got to walk, (which right this week, makes me look like a lob-sided cowgirl)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Slow Starts and good results
After my gig in Arkansas, I had the rare opportunity to actually get home on a Saturday night. It felt so good, it almost seemed like I was cheating. Exhausted, I fell into bed at 10, and slept until 8:30 the next morning. Max, my dog, was not very happy about this. He started pushing the imaginary "button" on the side of my bed at about 7 am. I kept putting the "snooze" on him.
"Not yet Max. Settle."
He laid down for increments of 10 minutes at the most. When he could take it no more, and I saw the time-I felt like a cruel Mom. As I leaned up on the bed, he rushed downstairs and padded back and forth at the back door, tail wagging furiously.
"I'm coming sweet boy. Sorry your moma . . ." That's all I got out as my feet slipped out from under me on the way down the stairs. Bam, whack, snap, thud. Rear-end, tailbone, middle-back, and head, just in that order, hit the wood. This to him, was a game. He rushed back to the stairwell, whimpering. I was whimpering too.
"Wait a second. Wait Mister," I grunted and groaned as I tried to straighten up.
"Owwwwwwwwwwwww. Ugh!" I wondered if I should tell someone, just in case I fainted or had some late-blooming concussion or something. I didn't. Out we went to play ball. Everything hurt.
I still walked that day, and today too. I couldn't run. My tailbone hurt too much.
Why would I do that? Because I am on a good track. Between simple things like walking, and my 'oh-so-dry' Weight Watchers program, I am actually losing weight. I am up to 8 pounds now, and that might as well be 50 to a twenty-year-old.
Move more, eat less. If I can do it, you can do it. Misery loves company and all.
Come on if you are hesitating. This really does work. No magic pill. No fake expectations. Just good old fashioned work and slow old fashioned real results.
Do it!
"Not yet Max. Settle."
He laid down for increments of 10 minutes at the most. When he could take it no more, and I saw the time-I felt like a cruel Mom. As I leaned up on the bed, he rushed downstairs and padded back and forth at the back door, tail wagging furiously.
"I'm coming sweet boy. Sorry your moma . . ." That's all I got out as my feet slipped out from under me on the way down the stairs. Bam, whack, snap, thud. Rear-end, tailbone, middle-back, and head, just in that order, hit the wood. This to him, was a game. He rushed back to the stairwell, whimpering. I was whimpering too.
"Wait a second. Wait Mister," I grunted and groaned as I tried to straighten up.
"Owwwwwwwwwwwww. Ugh!" I wondered if I should tell someone, just in case I fainted or had some late-blooming concussion or something. I didn't. Out we went to play ball. Everything hurt.
I still walked that day, and today too. I couldn't run. My tailbone hurt too much.
Why would I do that? Because I am on a good track. Between simple things like walking, and my 'oh-so-dry' Weight Watchers program, I am actually losing weight. I am up to 8 pounds now, and that might as well be 50 to a twenty-year-old.
Move more, eat less. If I can do it, you can do it. Misery loves company and all.
Come on if you are hesitating. This really does work. No magic pill. No fake expectations. Just good old fashioned work and slow old fashioned real results.
Do it!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mind Games
It's slightly over a year now of commanding my legs to walk up to my bedroom, stuffing them into Ace Bandage like shorts, and marching out the door with intent, Nike+ sensor in place. I am proud of me. It takes alot to stand up to yourself-to keep "under your body and bring it into subjection." (I still love King James. It's like reading poetry) In this war of the wills, there are two culprits: chocolate and boredom.
Chocolate: need I explain? If it is within 50 feet, I will not rest until it is completely eradicated, via my mouth. If it is especially delicious, I will hang my head in silence, drawing out every last molecule. I proclaim myself a Vegetarian, but in truth, I am a Choclotarian. I want all chocolate-all the time.
Boredom: I need constant fresh inventory of music, talk radio or audio books. Itunes is great for this. audible.com, and theaudiobookstore.com are both slightly cheaper for books.
Do you have a favorite imix for walking or running? A good audiobook recommendation? Tell us about it. I will compile a user list and post it on itunes. (Books don't post as an imix, but we will see them here)
Enough procrastinating now-you get out there and strut your stuff.
Chocolate: need I explain? If it is within 50 feet, I will not rest until it is completely eradicated, via my mouth. If it is especially delicious, I will hang my head in silence, drawing out every last molecule. I proclaim myself a Vegetarian, but in truth, I am a Choclotarian. I want all chocolate-all the time.
Boredom: I need constant fresh inventory of music, talk radio or audio books. Itunes is great for this. audible.com, and theaudiobookstore.com are both slightly cheaper for books.
Do you have a favorite imix for walking or running? A good audiobook recommendation? Tell us about it. I will compile a user list and post it on itunes. (Books don't post as an imix, but we will see them here)
Enough procrastinating now-you get out there and strut your stuff.
Monday, February 23, 2009
You BraveKindhearted Souls!!!
So I see some of you brave ones are coming along with me. Good for you. There are so many good things about doing this. Of course, the first is the best one, the fact that children all over the world will have a better life, or put even more bluntly-will have a life because you decided to be kind and generous.
Next on the list is entirely selfish: I won't be suffering alone :-)
And since we are all friends here, another great thing about this is since I started doing this in January, I've lost 5 stubborn middle-aged pounds. Those of you who are there know how stinkin' hard that is to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Did I give you enough exclamation points?)
There are so many great free resources out there for 'newbie/don't want to break a hip' runners out there. By following a training plan on the Runnersworld.com site, I got my direction and motivation. That and my new weekly Weight Watchers meeting, (another blog entirely) have made me feel alot better. There are links to both things on runwithmaggieb.com for those who want to declare war on their bodies. (And if you join WW through the RWMB link, more money goes to the kids)
I am not fast. I am not elegant. I am just moving.
On Saturday I walk/shuffled 7 miles. In my wildest dreams, I never-ever thought I would do that. Yet, by following the book, (or at least applying some of the advice in it,) 'Half-Marathon You Can Do It,' (also in our Amazon store and also causing more money to go to the kids if you get it there) I did.
All of this is my small victory. And you lending me your eyes right now and giving me your extra pound as we move together-(PLEEEEASE NO! GOT ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH!!)-well-it's just major.
While I am writing this, I am procrastinating the 4 miles I have to put in today. But in just a minute, I will get up, get into a series of tourniquets, and go down into my musty basement for my walk/run. That is my small victory for today. Tell me about some of yours.
Next on the list is entirely selfish: I won't be suffering alone :-)
And since we are all friends here, another great thing about this is since I started doing this in January, I've lost 5 stubborn middle-aged pounds. Those of you who are there know how stinkin' hard that is to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Did I give you enough exclamation points?)
There are so many great free resources out there for 'newbie/don't want to break a hip' runners out there. By following a training plan on the Runnersworld.com site, I got my direction and motivation. That and my new weekly Weight Watchers meeting, (another blog entirely) have made me feel alot better. There are links to both things on runwithmaggieb.com for those who want to declare war on their bodies. (And if you join WW through the RWMB link, more money goes to the kids)
I am not fast. I am not elegant. I am just moving.
On Saturday I walk/shuffled 7 miles. In my wildest dreams, I never-ever thought I would do that. Yet, by following the book, (or at least applying some of the advice in it,) 'Half-Marathon You Can Do It,' (also in our Amazon store and also causing more money to go to the kids if you get it there) I did.
All of this is my small victory. And you lending me your eyes right now and giving me your extra pound as we move together-(PLEEEEASE NO! GOT ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH!!)-well-it's just major.
While I am writing this, I am procrastinating the 4 miles I have to put in today. But in just a minute, I will get up, get into a series of tourniquets, and go down into my musty basement for my walk/run. That is my small victory for today. Tell me about some of yours.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Why Do I Run?
to be the boss of me
to hold back the spread
to watch my Nike+ person make me proud
to accomplish something hard
to listen to great books
relieve stress
to build confidence.
Because I can
I don’t “run” per se--at least not in the high-school/college way, but rather, I walk fast, shuffle, sprint and pant--in that ‘over 40’ way. Still, I get where I am going—eventually.
Life comes at me in a series of realizations. As a child, I realized all things were possible for me. As a young adult, I learned that is not true. As a maturing adult, I started to live around that truth. Now, I’m believing more for myself again, making a concerted effort to beat back my own self-imposed limitations. My shuffle-run is part of that process.
A great runner told me “You don’t have to look good running. In fact, being conscious of that actually impedes the experience.”
Shuffle like an old man. Take deep breaths like you don’t care who is looking at you from the side. Strap down everything that moves too much, and go. Go slow. Go fast. Go without music. Go with music. Be selfish; feed yourself with effort, your personal pacing--and go.
What has happened to me since I joined Nike+ and started to reclaim a few hours in the week with walk/running? I’ve found new friends on-line who have become new friends in person. I’ve become more assertive in areas I wouldn’t even try before. I’ve lost a little weight. (I like chocolate too much for “a lot” of weight.) I sleep better. My mind is clearer. I don’t eat as bad. I’ve gone through several pairs of running shoes. I’ve given some to Soles4Souls. I’ve earned two medals. (Not because I won against anyone—rather because I “showed up.”)
Does it feel great? Not until I am done. Do I find a thousand reasons not to put my shoes on and go? All the time. Everytime. But it doesn’t matter. When I can decide to do something that is hard for me, and actually do it—that is a victory. That is worth celebrating.
But even better than all that, is the spirit of this event. Lose something of yourself, and pass it on to people who need it. Run with me, and feed children who will literally die if someone doesn’t run to them, run for them. Meet a selfish goal for an unselfish end. It’s so simple.
Come, try with me to change the world, or even more difficult, to change yourself.
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