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!"

8 Tips for Safe Running

This weekend, my wife had a pretty gnarly fall during her morning run. To make matters worse, she had our daughter in the jogging stroller with her. Fortunately, she had her phone and was able to call me right away while another family helped treat their wounds at the local 7-Eleven (Oh thank heaven!) 

Besides a few cuts and bumps, they are both safe. After a good dowsing of hydrogen peroxide and a nice coating of bacitracin, they should heal nicely, too!

But that got me thinking - many people, including myself, could use a refresher on how to run safely outside. Especially with nicer weather in our forecasts.

The Basics:

1) Face traffic – This was the first rule that I was taught back in 9^th grade by my cross country coach. By facing traffic you can see what’s coming. This will help you get out of the way quickly if needed and gives you a better sense at how crazy some drivers actually are. If you run with traffic, it might be too late to hear them coming. 

2) No headphones – Speaking of hearing, I hate the new trend of people who cannot run without music or an app constantly telling them how they are doing. If you need them stay on the treadmill, track, or closed course. My previous comment about crazy drivers goes for runners, as well. If you are on the streets with headphones on, you are completely disconnected from your surroundings - cars, fire trucks, loose dogs, other humans, nature, and yourself. I could break down each one, but that would take entirely too long… especially the last two.

3) Clothing – Ideally everyone has lightweight, moisture wicking materials for summer and ventilating, warm clothes for the winter. Throw in reflective and light-up outfits for dawn and dusk and your good to go. Unfortunately, that can get expensive and there are many brands fighting for your hard earned dollars. Look around and do some research before buying some clothes and look for sales. Also, check out your local running store and give them support! Finally, remember that fashion is nice, but you really want something that will grab the attention of others (safety, not ego) and protects you from the elements.

4) Hydrate - It's summertime. It is hot outside. Your body sweats to cool you down. The harder you work, the more you sweat. It's really pretty basic. Drink water throughout the day and when you come back from (or during) your run. Flirt with alternatives like gatorade, powerade, or electrolyte tabs, too. Find out what works best for you. Remember, many foods are rich in water, too!

Not so basics:

5) Tell someone – If you are going out for a run, give somebody a heads up. Let them know where you are going and how long it should take. That way, if something happens they can drive the route and look for you. In lieu of this, a cell phone is handy as well. Just remember, accidents happen and you might not always be able to call someone when in need.

6) Check your equipment – Do a double take over your outfit. Are your shoes tied? How are the soles? Did you check the tires on your jogging stroller? Is the strap around your waist secured tightly? Do you need sunglasses? All of these things can cause potential hazards. Additionally, they can all be fixed in a cheap and quick way.

7) Be identified – Carry a card or ID that establishes at least your name. If you can get your address and an emergency contact on there, that would be even better!

8) Be cautious – Be cautious, but not paranoid. Not every car is going to have a neglectful driver. Not every person is a serial killer/rapist. Not every street is horribly paved. Not all dogs are rabid maniacs. However, be aware. Having a plan of action could save your life. Develop one before you run and as you run. Think about how if things go south, what you could do to survive. Again, I’m not saying to be paranoid, just be cautious… I swear I am usually a half-full kind of guy!

I hope you found these tips to be helpful! I’m sure there are more, so I’ll leave that to you! Feel free to share/comment below so that we can all enjoy the beautiful weather safely! 

44 Ounces and Running

As I sit in the x ray department slowly sipping my 44 ounces of water mixed with 50 ml of omni, I thought "Oi! I haven't posted a blog in a long time!" And, with 2 hours to kill, I figured I could get some decent stuff on my phone to share with you all.

I could bore you with my experiences while waiting, but to me (complaining about) running is more interesting than talking about how the hospital wanted me to pay for my entire bill upfront (3 separate CT scans) or how the man next to me has ZERO volume control. I could also reference the adorable baby across from me, who occasionally babbles and smiles my way, but I'll save you those details. I do not fault any of you if you stop reading now.

Anyways, Running! Man, I need to run more...
I feel as if I am not living up to one of my favorite quotes of all time:
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine.

Though I try my best when in the moment, I need to consider planning and training. I can usually roll with the punches pretty well, but if I truly gave my best I'm sure I could do some great things.

Case in point: this past weekend was the Apple Blossom 10k. Earlier in the year I wanted to run a sub 40. Admirable but attainable. With some training over the winter and track practice with my kids I crushed this goal with a 38:45 finish! Kudos to Jeremy who pushed me the second half of the race and helped with an EPIC kick at the end.

"What's wrong with that?", you might ask. Well, the thing is I basically took 2 weeks off, didn't really push myself with training, and I didn't take things too seriously. I might have been able to get sub 38! Alas, the race is in the past and I'm left with "What if's?"
[Cue sentimental music and blurry flashbacks]

But then again, maybe it was the "taper" or easy miles that enabled me to do so well. With less stress I was able to fully recover and prep my body to do the best it could. Ah hypocrisy.

How does this finish? Well I guess I should go back to Pre. I need to start utilizing my gifts and talents. I have to do my best. I need rest days, easy days, and speed workouts. Hills will become my friends, and fartleks will become more frequent. I guess I should also throw in stretching and striders (I guess most runners call then strides), too!

Basically, I'm going to start training regularly, I will accomplish my goals, and I will give nothing but my best!

Side note: Have you ever consumed 44 ounces of fluid really fast? If so, you understand my urge to locate a bathroom!

Group Running. Sure, why not?

For the first time in a long time, I joined a small group of guys to run with. I’ve run races with them before, but never a “training” run. To make things more interesting, the decided distance was 10 miles. Because of this, I was extremely nervous. My mile count has been very low, and the last time I did 10 or more miles was 2 weeks ago. I even treated the morning just like my race days. Same routine, same diet.

Fortunately, as I strolled up to meet the rest of the guys, I was glad to hear another runner sharing similar emotions. And then, we decided on the pace. Everyone was happy when the numbers being tossed around were between 8:00 and 9:00.

As for the run itself, the miles flew bye. A lot of chatter was about previous and upcoming races, shoes, and some friendly jesting. Pacing wasn’t much of an issue. We floated around the 8:10 mark for the majority of the miles, which were ran on a bike path and a few secondary roads. Minimal traffic made the run even more enjoyable, with the exception of having to stop a few times at a busy intersection.

Post run, we all were blessed with some Gatorade and more small chat as we gathered on the back porch. We all decided that this run was a good experience, and we started to make quasi-plans to do it again soon.

Running with a group made the 10 miles seem effortless. I know the pace was slower, but I think I needed that. Whenever I go out solo, I’m always at the edge or out of my comfort zone. I tend to forget that miles are miles, no matter how fast (with the exception of tempo or speed works days). Moreover, running with a group forces me to be accountable. If I tell someone I’ll run with them, I will. If I am sitting at home, thinking I should run – sometimes that is as far as I get.

Am I going to make it a habit? Hopefully. Will it replace me running solo? Absolutely not. I still need my “me” time. However, I do think that a group speed-work session will boost my training and make me a better runner. But for now, I’ll enjoy the company as we cruise through miles on the macadam. 

"How's everything going with you?"

It’s been roughly 2 months now since my diagnosis. Overall, I think things are going well! I ran 20 miles yesterday, I’ve been setting 5k PRs, and I feel “normal” (whatever that means).

To be honest, without the steady flow of medical bills coming, it’s like nothing is wrong...

Mentally – I feel tough as nails. The clarity that I have had is great. Not quite Zen-like, nor is it YOLO! Rather, I think I just see things for what they are.  I attribute most of this to upping my training and competing in races. This has also led to new friendships.

As great as this seems, it is almost a burden. Yes, it does help me with “mental endurance” for long runs or grading papers for an hour straight; however, if there are dishes in the sink, why not save the water and wait until the next day? (My wife hates this, by the way).

Physically – I’m running on all cylinders. Between my own training, leisure family runs and coaching I’m in great shape. Some highlights: I took 1^st place for my age group in an 8 series race, 7^th overall out of nearly 200 athletes, a PR similar to when I was in high school, and running 20 miles with relative ease until the last 5 or so miles (I averaged a 7:53 pace).

What does all this mean?
I. Don’t. Know.

Seriously. It seems weird. But I guess that’s why I’m typing this. I was back to my normal groove and almost blocked out the diagnosis from my head. But then, the question:

“How’s everything going with you?” A normal questions, but with the tone and look – the speaker wanted something more.

“Um, I’m doing alright.” Then, like a sack of bricks it hit me. It wasn’t small talk…

My response was genuine. I discussed how things haven’t changed and that all is well. No symptoms, no hardships. Just same ol’ me.

I guess this kind of got me back to thinking about that day. The day my life did a 180.  

Anger? No. Sadness? Not really. Just confusion.

To this day it is the same. However, now instead of “How and why?” it’s more like “Are you sure I have cancer?”