So You Think You Can Run...Week 1

Those of you that know me should be aware of 1 thing: I hate to run!
However, I do like to walk, alot. I also enjoy watching the little numbers on the scale go down and not up. So I've always wanted to like running.

Last weekend I participated in the 10 mile "Blessing of the Fleet" run in Narragansett, Rhode Island (the walking race, Steve and our friend Sam did the run). I did fairly well for someone who had never participated in an organized race, 129th out of 716 total walkers. 95th out 570 women. That's top 16% for those of you, like me, that don't do math. I averaged 13.33 minutes per mile. Well, all the hooplah got me just slightly more motivated to try running again.

I found 2 web-sites that laid out plans for beginning runners:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-261--9397-1-1X5-3,00.html

The week 1&2 routines didn't look so scary, so this morning I gave it a shot. Being slightly more fit than a "couch potato" and not being able to read the hands on my watch while I ran, I modified the day 1 routine a little bit. I ran 1/4 mile then walked 1/4 mile around the marked course at our local park. I completed 2 laps in this manner for a total of 2.66 miles in about 30 minutes. Not bad for day 1, we'll just have to see if this running stuff begins to win me over!

Dr. House are you listening?

It never fails, somewhere around minute 42, when the patient is about to die, before House has had the revelation that will lead to the diagnosis, one of the residents will yell out questioningly, "Sarcoidosis?"

This is never the accurate diagnosis mind you, one begins to wonder why they keep trying it, Dr. House never even acknowledges the guess.

So imagine my surprise when, after visiting my own doctor with my mystery ailment, I looked up her possible explanation (shingles) and was given the "related search" option of...SARCOIDOSIS!

So, Dr. House here are the symptoms:
6 days and counting
scratchy, burning skin
no rash
limited to the chest and back on the right side only

In addition:
itchy, burning, watery eyes
occasional blurry vision
poor memory (I just burned the fruit crisp!)

I will await your miraculous diagnosis, if you need to come check my home for contaminents please call first, this ailment makes it hard to wear a bra!

In the Middle of...Turning Back Time

Turning 50 is certainly a milestone, one that most people complain about. The truth of the matter is, 50 doesn't feel that much different to me than 30. I've been wondering then, why do we resent the numbers as they grow? I believe it may be that what we really resent is giving up the things that make our youth so exciting; taking risks, acting crazy, being irresponsible. It is true that as the years, jobs, marriages and children accumulate, we give up the spontaneity that we surrendered ourselves up to in our teens and twenties.

So this past weekend, I gave myself over to that spirit once again. I'll admit I was hesitant and almost talked myself out of it several times, but in the end I took the leap.

Several weeks ago I received a "friend" inquiry on my "Facebook" page (sometimes you need the kids to help keep you young at heart). A high school friend I had not seen or heard from in 32 years had come across my name. I was put on an e-mail list that included many names that I remembered fondly but had left in the past. This group was organizing a "Class of'77"- 50th birthday party and hoped I would attend.

My first reaction? "I haven't seen these people in over 30 years, I can't imagine I would have anything in common with them. Thanks, but no thanks." However, as I read the responses and thought about past friendships, I reconsidered and tentatively accepted.

The date drew closer, my objections continued to surface; 4 hour drive? camping out? feeling out of place? My internal debate continued up until the day before departure. That was when I agreed to pick up a fellow attendee at the airport in Philly on my way to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I was locked in.

The weekend was amazing, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I'm glad I let a little of that youthful spirit guide me!

The only downside is how much harder the ground seems when you are 50. The next adventure? A few of the AHS girls are hoping to visit me this fall and do a little NY sightseeing, I can't wait! (And we'll all have beds)