Another day, another scan

Welp, it's that time again. Time for another round of CT scans. It really isn't a big deal, but it is simply time consuming, boring, and physically and mentally taxing.

Already (I'm typing this as I wait), I've been here for almost 1.5 hours. Originally, this would be a good thing - being that I have to drink 44 ounces of spiked water over the course of an hour to work its way through my system. Instead, my order was never transferred to my local hospital, and I had to wait for a fax to go through.  Fortunately, between the local newspaper and free wifi, I've remained occupied. And now that the drink is gone, the paper is read, and my sites are all caught up, I play the waiting game to break up the monotony of the waiting room.

To my dismay, boredom won so you are blessed with another blog post (two this week!).

Thinking of what to type about, I did some self reflection and realized how draining this whole process is.

From a physical standpoint, I'm not supposed to eat or drink anything before my scans. The good news, being that the scans are in the afternoon, I cheated and ate a bagel with cream cheese. The bad news, I usually eat a large breakfast and snack throughout the morning. Besides the no eating, I also won't run today. So now I have to switch up my training for the week.

Mentally, I couldn't sleep last night which carried over to today. My morning consisted of watching "The Soprano's" and napping for almost 3 hours. Waking up, I had the panicking adrenaline rush of thought that I missed my appointment. As if this anxiety wasn't enough, I also hate needles and I think of the worst case scenarios upto and during the procedure itself.

I realize this reads more like a diary, but so be it. Until next time - peace out, home cheese.

What I've Heard This Week While Running

Continuing the trend (and because I received a few positive comments on the 1st one) here is the 2nd installment of "What I've Heard This Week While Running."

Unfortunately, this week was slightly poor. I ran most of my runs either in the morning or at times when there simply weren't that many people out and about. Regardless, the shoutouts (not the good ones like on Twitter or InstaGram - which by the way, you should follow those) were still around. Here is a quick break down of what I heard this week while running.

• "Hey, sexxay!" I couldn't see the person who shouted this one, but the chorus of giggles after I waved makes me think that the comment was in fact direct towards me
• "Can you smell that?" This phrase was uttered by a man with a chainsaw as he was cutting down a small sapling in his yard. Yes, I can smell the gas from your chainsaw. Thank you for reminding me as I try to conquer this hill that I am on.
• "Run, Forest, run!" No comment, but it was quickly followed by...
• "Do work, son!" from the same guy in a boat, floating down the river that follows a walking path.

Sorry there wasn't more this time around. I'm sure there will be more in the near future though! Positive praise will keep me coming back with more. 

On a side note, a few other interesting things happened this week while I was running.

• I stopped traffic to prevent a dog getting hit that was chasing me. 
• I spoke to an MMA guy in a black fleece while running in 85+ degree weather with a mouthpiece in.
• I was able to run with THE Mike Falcone for 4 miles the day after a phenomenal Nationals Baseball game.
• I was asked about my RunningDad.com t-shirt and also briefly discussed The Lucas Fund.

What I've Heard This Week While Running

I'm sure we've all been there - cranking out a solid run, sweaty, breathing heavy, and on the verge of exhaustion. When out of nowhere you hear, "Run, Forest, run!"

If I had a dollar for every time I heard this phrase, I wouldn't be working. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. I have, however, matured and use it as motivation instead of getting ticked off.

In my early years, I would take great offense to the "RFR" shouters. My name isn't Forest, and at least I am out here bettering myself instead of driving in a 1998 Ford Tempo GL (my apologies if you drive this car) while assumingly drinking a beer and smoking a cigarette.

Now, I enjoy getting the RFR treatment. Why? well for a two reasons. 1) They see me. Not all the time do people notice runners. It is a huge hazard, but when people talk to you, they see you. And 2) It's motivational. Like I said before, the old me would get mad and think that all people bantering runners were lazy, unhealthy individuals. Yet, now I find it extremely motivational. I don't know what it is, but my pace usually picks up and a smile is slapped onto my face. No matter what the phrase, I get a little boost.

So, without further ado, here a few things that have been shouted at me when running:

• "Run, Forest, run"
• "Heeeeeeeey!" (from a guy in a feminine, flirtatious voice)
• "Hi!" (x2 from people hanging out of their car windows)
• "Nice tattoo"
• *giggles and whispering* Girl 1 - "Hi!" Girl 2 - "Enjoy your run!" (this was when I ran by a group of girls, roughly 12-16 years old at a soccer camp)

I wish this list was for the entirety of last month, or even last week! But for what it's worth, this all happened just today on a 5 mile run. But with so much of it going on, I figured it would make for a fun weekly blog post. Check back next Monday for a new list.

Here's to many more shoutings! And remember, "if you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!"