Rehab HQ minus Amy Winehouse!

I had the absolute best workout today! Dumbells, 45 minutes (12 miles) on Madonna with the wind trainer, and 3 miles on the treadmill at a 9min 20sec split. I am very pleased with the way that went. Not only my body but the accomplishment. I really wanted to end the year strongly. Also, my blood sugar started at 136. I had a handful of sweetarts before hand and half a sports bean packet before the bike and run (thanks for the stocking stuffer mom and dad!). I finished at a blood sugar of 80. Good day all around. I had about 2 liters of water before during and after. Don't forget to hydrate!
Sports is trying to find her groove at pt. The pain is slowly subsiding with intermittent flare ups. You can see by the pic how happy she is to not be running. She'll get there...Cabo is now rehabbing. We had some rear claws removed and he is wearing one of those big collars! I think I heard Stoli and Pinot laughing at him.
See you 2008 and hello 2009. It's really just a turn of the calendar. Keep all your efforts rolling. Start new ones if you haven't started yet. Just make them better and stronger. Be safe while celebrating! See you all on the trail.

Visions of mothers' holiday food tables dance in my head

This week is truly the mark of something special. It is the season for eating non stop! I've been dreaming of the food to come today and tomorrow. That is why I added the dumbells to my routine. Lift, wind trainer, and treadmill is my Tri without a pool. My arms ached this morning but when I heard the moans of post op pain coming from the hall I felt the need to lift through my minor aches. Thanks for the motivation, Wiggles. My blood sugar started at 180 prior to the double and stayed even for the rest of the night in range. My goal will be 60 minutes with a stationary Madonna and 30 minutes of treadmill running. I have a few hours to either take a nap or get in a mid week workout. I will choose the exercise. I will feel better and my body will thank me. I am going to be ready for the Tri. Go big tone!
Happy Christmas to everyone. Celebrate with all the friends and family that you can.

Clement C Moore or less

I got this from my Type I blogger buddy, Pete from Canada. Enjoy.

The Night Before Christmas - American Soldier Style
T'was the night before Christmas,He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house,Made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney,With presents to give,
And to see just who,In this home did live.
I looked all about,A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle,Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures,Of far distant lands.
With medals and badges,Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought,Came through my mind.
For this house was different,It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,Once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor,In this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured,An American soldier.
Was this the hero,Of whom I'd just read?,
Curled up on a poncho,The floor for a bed?
I realized the families,That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers,Who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world,The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate,A bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom,Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,Like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder,How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve,In a land far from home.
The very thought broughtA tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees,And started to cry.
The soldier awakened,And I heard a rough voice,
'Santa, don't cry.This life is my choice.
I fight for freedom,I don't ask for more,
My life is my God,My country, my corps
.'The soldier rolled over,And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours,So silent and still,
And we both shivered,From the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave,On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor,So willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over,With a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on Santa,It's Christmas Day, all is secure.'
One look at my watch,And I knew he was right,
'Merry Christmas my friend,And to all a good night.'

Act Your Age!

Although the Shiver was a great day, I have a bit of effect from the 5K. I have this slight muscle spasm in my back that has kept me off the pavement this week so far. I have learned from that knee pain that a few days off works wonders for the aches and pains. I would rather work harder after the rest than risk further injury. Also, running outside yesterday would have sent me surely to the ER. That snow and ice can be tricky.

Our Sports had her in and out ligament repair today. She was in good spirits before. Her experience tells her it will be ok. The post op climb up the stairs to her room was tortuous for her. I don't know if she remembers the first time but I did. That helped me, although I wasn't really the one that needed help! So she will rest then rehab. The sun will surely rise in the east tomorrow...

**special note***the "old Don" complained of the photo used on race day so I found this one to keep him happy! Don is in blue and I am in all black. Missy says I look thinner that way!!

And Then the Old Don said he had an offer I wouldn't refuse

A crisp 38 degrees but sunny and a clear morning. The first Shiver by the River was stunning. Early cookie baking at my parents with all of us present. Wiggles was even there. She arrived late Saturday. Right in time for us not to spoil the surprise of an early Christmas present. We are going to Monday Night Football to see the Eagles play the Browns. I, of course, lent my expertise to all the cookie recipes. I am much better than Aimee at helping in the kitchen! I kept hydrating and tried to fuel myself for the 5K. I cautiously called my good friend, Don, to see if he might be participating. He said he was in! I was thrilled but didn't want to make too big of a deal, just in case he didn't feel too good about the run. The crowd seemed larger than normal and I was quite excited. I really kind of like to run in the cold. Don and I started out in the back, right next to the couples with the twin strollers! We figured we could possibly pace ahead of them! I told Don our goal was to not finish last and not get lapped by the winner of the 10K. As we started, we both agreed that we peed too soon. Perfect start and easy up the hill. We caught some friends I used to run with regularly. I was happy we could keep pace with them. At around the half way point, the crowd went wild! Actually, we came to the first corner where all our fans were. Missy, Wiggles, Bean, Jackie, Brad, Kevin, Ryan, and all the dogs. I smiled, too, when I caught a glimpse of Mom and Dad. I didn't know if they would make it!! I think Don appreciated the cheers, too. We made the loop and started down a hill that lead to the last mile along the river which is flat. We passed by our fans again (Missy handed me cash for a Shiver T shirt and Don veered off route to give Ry Guy a high five. Everyone thought he was bailing. Oh, the lack of faith!! Ha ha). We finished strong. Two good friends in tandem. One motivated by his daughter's force and one swept up in the idea of good health. I felt a certain satisifaction this morning. Not only for my own 5K completion but also to share it with everyone, including Don. For years I have been asking him to join me. And, so it is. Don completed his first 5K but not his last. For the record, we came in a full two minutes before the winner of the 10K!!! And, my blood sugar was pretty close to being in check. I needed a little insulin but hardly any. Better a little high than going low on the run. Rememeber, Go Big Tone (and Don, as long as he's on the Shiver course!).

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

A couple of runs this week to prepare for the Shiver on Sunday. I'm not feeling very confident about my time. I keep trying to tell myself that it really doesn't matter, but I would feel really bad if my times started to go backwards. I met a guy last night that just ran his first half marathon. He said it was a great experience. He got me a little pumped to run the Distance Run in Philadelphia in May. Missy, of course, was right there encouraging me to do that. Plus, I can then run the Tea Party run on Memorial Day weekend (Yes, Bean. I wouldn't take away your annual trip to the Jones resort!). I guess with that in mind, my Shivers by the River will have to bump up to doing the 5K loop twice. I always wanted to do that but now I feel I can because of all of you. I'll plan on running the 5K in Dec and Jan and get ready to do the 10 for Feb and Mar. That way it'll be sure to be super cold when I'm trying to finish 6.2 miles! Ha ha
The holiday party circuit is upon us. That only means extra calories. Although I didn't fill out the Santa suit, I am trying to be aware of my "days of binge". Exercise can really help combat those additional party meals. I am becoming quite comfortable with my pod, Ralph. The incredible convenience and mobility of the tool keeps me more focused. Is everyone out there doing the extra laps to cover your celebrations? Let me know...

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!!!

Running is no fun only hours after a dang-quesadilla! I tried to go even though I felt a bit queasy. Well, I bundled up, set out in a new very bright colored fleece (I know my mom likes to hear that) and made it about a mile before the Mexicans re-invaded, if you know what I'm saying!! Not a good feeling. Any runners who read this, I have a question for you. Do you ever go out on a loop you always run and just not be able to do it? I find that depending on what I eat, or how much rest I've given myself, or the weather, or stuff on my mind, or a million other things can really affect my run. Let me know with a comment if this ever happens to you.

As for the picture, on weekends when I'm not working out, I am spreading holiday cheer!! Ha ha ha. Or should I say Ho Ho Ho. That is Missy in the picture helping with the cheer and *J* is the recipient of the cheer. Go Big Tone!

Can you make a difference?

I had some knee pain that Missy diagnosed as a slight twisting while running on the trail with Cabo. I took a few days off and I am pain free. I am very aware of injuries. I don't want to turn an ankle running off a curb, slip on ice or leaves, or go out unprepared for the weather. I do try to prepare each time I run. Mostly that means stretching and not pushing too hard. I know I am not going to break any land speed records anyway! Back out this week with some good runs and swims. I may have to re-evaluate my swim venue as of January 1. A slight job change will have me farther from home for the rec schedules. Oh well, I'll figure it out.
As we enter December, I have a challenge for everyone. Not only is there the continual challenge of finding time for some kind of exercise but a challenge of giving. There are so many of us that are so lucky in our life. I don't mean lucky like having millions of dollars or being really good at a board game. I'm talking about the fact that most, if not all, of the people who read this site have places to go around the holidays. We are all surrounded by people who love them and care about whether their holidays are fun and loving. We all have the means to spread that type of cheer. There are so many ways to do that. Angel trees, adopting a family for some gifts, or donating some food to the food bank or a shelter. Buy someone a coffee who's behind you in line at Wawa or Dunkin Donuts. Do it with a smile and without any grandeur. Trust me, our lives may not be perfect, but they are way more richer, healthier, and full of love than a lot of folks out there. Good luck and Go Big Tone.