Biggest Loser (Well Gainer, for me that is)

At work starting about 3 weeks ago a bunch of the ladies decided to start a "Biggest Loser" challenge. I gave it some thought and decided to join in this challenge. The catch is, I'm working hard on being the "Biggest Gainer." That's right, thank you CF, I am working my butt off trying to pack on the pounds. Are my co-workers thrilled? Nah, haha, just kidding they are VERY supportive. However I can't help but feel those evil looks being shot my way when I load up a plate of whatever with a stick of butter ;)

So far so good, I've gained 5 lbs!!! Very exciting stuff. I weigh in tomorrow so hopefully I've gained even more!

As for exercise, I was pretty bad last week about blogging about it, but I did post in my accoutability group. I ran a little over 6 miles last week. Last week was one of those busy weeks (especially at work) where you feel like you're head is spinning.

It's been only 10 days since my last post, but a buys busy busy 10 days. We celebrated a birthday party at a brewery, did an Annapolis ghost tour, boated on the Chesapeake, celebrated 4th of July, also suffered a tragedy as someone had a boating accident at our beach and died. We had dinner dates, birthdays, and even went away for the weekend to Ocean City. Shew, I'm tired just rehashing it all, and I know I left things out.

That's about it for now...I'm back to work tomorrow after having a lovely day off. Which also means, back to the gym after a 3 day break! :)

The Guilt and Happiness of a 5K

This morning I ran a 5K for "New Balance Women's Health." I was very happy with my time and more importantly how I felt. As I was running I thought to myself, wow, the only thing really bothering me right now are my knees. How lucky am I? I kept focusing on my lungs and thinking to myself how they weren't bothering me at all. Are they just used to exercise and my running? I kept reflecting (yes, still) on February and the flu and how bad things were. As I was running I kept thinking to myself how lucky I am that my lungs recovered the way they did and how much I depend on running to feel this way.

Insert the guilt part...Sometimes I do feel guilty for how I am able to run. Sometimes I feel guilty recording my exercise on this blog and my accoutability group. I fear people are going to look down on me or think negative thoughts. CF is and can be mega b*tch and I know sometimes others aren't able to run or exercise like this. That makes me ache sometimes. But on the flip side it motivates me. I push myself for the others with CF who I consider to be my friends who can't run. I push myself and run that extra mile not just for me, but for us. This is not meant to be a blah post at all, but It's honestly how I feel sometimes.

I push myself to the limit and know I have a different mindset about things. It's just how I am. I reflect and realize that 4 months ago my life flashed before my eyes and that fear pushes me every single day. So here I am running my heart out and pumping those lungs, making them give me all they've got. I do think we make a great trio If I say so myself ;)

Brain Surgery and stress

What a stressful weekend. It was nice in that it was Father's Day and my Dad is certainly someone to celebrate. I had a nice time with him on his day. Otherwise it was such a busy non stop weekend that by Sunday night my body was physically exhausted at every level. I even started to get chills, that's my sign of enough is enough.

I helped my parents this weekend by cleaning and preparing their house for a cookout. As happy as I was to help, it was a lot of work and it consumed most of the weekend. Top that with lack of sleep (big time) and worrying about my nephew's upcoming brain surgery and that about sums up the weekend. Tiring.

On a happy and more positive note my nephew had brain surgery today for repair of Chiari Malformation. He did wonderfully and is making great progress just hours post-op. That's a huge weight off for everyone. Hopefully he keeps up his resiliance and will be home in a few days.

Today I went back to the gym for a good run. They were closed a few days last week for renovations but the doors were open today! The place looks great, and they have a ton of brand new cardio equipment. I broke in a brand new treamill with a 2.2 mile run! I have to say it felt pretty good to run off some stress ;)

"Take a break Today" well, yesterday actually.

I called Hopkins yesterday since I don't feel like we're making much progress with the Levaquin/Prednisone combo. My lungs have been super tight and we can't figure out if it's a bug, or Cayston caused inflammation this time? Anyway, we decided that after double checking my last culture I'd probably respond better to Bactrim. With all this going on yesterday my CF Nurse advised me not to exercise for the day. Definitely not something I'm used to hearing, but listened to her advice.

I ended up getting in 2 doses of Bactrim yesterday and already see an improvement! Very very happy about this. I also decided to go to the gym today to see how I did. I'm SO happy that I decided to go. I coughed up a lot of stuff that's been lurking in there and feel great. I did 2 miles total on my lunch break today.

Let's hope we continue on the "Up and Up"

Clinic Visit = :)

I had my quarterly clinic visit at Hopkins on Tuesday. Overall it went very well and I was very pleased with the appointment. This was my first big appointment since the flu fiasco in Feb-March that attacked my lungs so badly. I was told back then I may have suffered permanent lung damage due to that virus. That terrified me as I've said many times before.

However, I knew (THANKFULLY) that I hadn't suffered permanent damage due to my trusty old home FEV1 monitor. I've been tracking my lung function for a long time now and knew I was back at baseline, again THANKFULLY!

I am back at baseline and even a little better. This made me ecstatic of course for many reasons, but also because my Asthma is flared up right now as well. So despite all that I was able to get the wind bags to show what they're made of ;)

I go back for my routine follow up in August. That works for me!

As for exercise this week I went to the gym 3 days and ran at home 1 day. My total mileage for the week is 8 miles. I may jump on the bike this weekend and ride around the neighborhood and down to our beach. Well, that is if the humidity stays away that is.

Happy Weekend!

Memorial Day Run (definitely different)

Yesterday was a fun filled day celebrating my best friends birthday. I made it to the gym in the morning and did 2.2 miles on the treadmill. Afterwards was a day of birthday celebrating, hence I didn't make it to the gym early this morning as planned.

I debated running outside but then quickly realized how awful the air quality (code red) and humidity is here and chose differently. Instead I did something I've never done before. I made a course at home in the basement and garage and got my run in that way. I jogged in place for a bit, then started to run around the garage and basement enjoying the lovely air conditioning. I put my Cardio Trainer app on my phone so I could track everything.

In the end I ran for 24 minutes and completed my 2 miles. According to my FEV1 meter, my lungs really enjoyed the run too ;)

What I am no longer...The Boss!

This week marks the 1 year anniversary of me saying yes to a job that I didn't truly want. It also will now mark when the new boss started and I was purely a Registered Nurse again! I am thrilled at the decision I have made and have zero regrets. I began training our new boss yesterday and we immediately had big issues on our hands. The beauty of it is, I no longer have to take it home with me, have huge worry, and feel like garbage because of my stress level. It was such a relief to drive home yesterday and think to myself that I just get to go home and be normal again :)

I'm so happy to think about the stress level decrease! I think I actually feel a tad bit lighter not carrying around such stress and burdons. (Insert sigh of relief here)

In other news I did a lot of good running this week despite some obsticles. I started on Levaquin on Thursday due to my sinuses being nothing short of insane. I feel like I have a faucet running down the back of my throat and have been waking up congested. No bueno.

Exercise wise I went to the gym this week and ran a total of 7.2 miles. My legs needed a mini break at the beginning of the week due to last weekends running. I'm hoping to get to the gym tomorrow and Monday (Memorial Day) to get some morning running in.

Weekend of Racing

This weekend sure was a busy one, but a great one! Especially since I challenged myself to running in a race on Saturday and on Sunday. Granted, my legs pretty much don't want anything to do with me right now but that's ok with me! ;) Overall this weekend I completed 4.1 miles :)

After the 1 mile Special Olympics benefit race

After the 5K with my shadow, my Greyhound Hooper :)

Where do I even begin????

Ok so I've officially crowned myself as the worst blogger in history. I don't know what my deal is here lately. Perhaps I'm just feeling a little bit boring? I'm not sure. So, yes I'm doing the generic gigantic update in 1 post. I haven't been posting my exercise here, sorry. I promise I just slapped my own hand. However I log my daily activity on Facebook in a group started by one of my Cysters. It's so convenient, and motivating too! Ok ok, as for me lately...

VEST-After having the same Vest since 1999, I got myself a sweet upgrade ;) It's rather small, and doesn't weight 800 million pounds. I'm pretty excited about it, especially since I'm so far behind the times Vest wise.

ZENPEP- I started the new enzymes since Ultrase is no longer available. So far so good I have to say. I still have some adjusting and figuring things out but overall I like them. What I like even more is the Z-points program. It's pretty awesome getting HTS, Vitamins, etc. Loving that.

WORK-I made the decision to step down from my current position as Nurse Manager. It's just so not my style at all. I do not have the personality that a manager has to have. The biggest part of my decision to step down was that I miss being a Nurse SO BADLY!!! Being the manager means I am a "paper pusher" and I'm so not a fan at all. I miss my patients. So as of May 24th I am no longer Nurse Manager and indeed, RN again!!! YAHOO!! I can't wait for that level of stress in my life to be gone.

RUNNING-I've been running at least 4 times a week at the gym still. I decided to restart the Couch to 5K plan a few weeks ago. I completed the program and am running a 5K tomorrow in Baltimore. I did a 1 mile race this morning in Annapolis to support special olympics. It was really touching. A young boy with Downs Syndrome slapped me a big high five after the race and told me good job. My heart melted slightly. I signed up for another 5K in June. Keep em' coming :)

GRADUATION!!-This is by far the most important and biggest news on this blog. My wonderful husband graduated college for the, ahem 2nd time!!! I'm so proud of him. He now has another degree in the Computer field. I am SO SO SO SO SO proud of him! He has worked so hard and had a lot of obstacles this semester (mainly with my health scare in February). I think he is amazing!!!

HEALTH-I can't express at all how fortunate I am for how I've been feeling. I think about that flu I had in February every.single.day. I mean it, not a single day goes by where I don't stop and count my blessings. There were so many things I was uncertain of and afraid of. It hit me hard, but gave me the most amazing perspective I've ever had in my life. I will remind myself daily of how rough and scary that was. It pushes me harder and harder to go after everything I want in life. My only gripe right now is Mr. Prednisone. He's visiting me right now because of my insane allergies. As much as I love him, I sort of hate him too. You guys who've been on it understand!

Well that's it for now. I am certain I forgot to mention big stuff, but that's ok. I'm just happy I dusted off this dusty blog and showed it some love again!

Outrun CF!

I Outran CF on Sunday at the gym. I chose to do a 5K for my race. Overall I'm very happy with myself considering a few weeks ago I wasn't sure when I'd be able to run. It felt wonderful, and was great kick CF's rear by pounding that treadmill ;)

Getting ready to RUN!

Making my way to 3.1 miles!

The Treadmill and I reunite!

Today was a big day for me. It was the first time in nearly 5 weeks that I got to go running!!! I actually couldn't wait to get to the gym after work today and was watching the clock like a hawk. I was somewhat nervous since It's been a little while, but was just happy to be there and be able.

I knew my tolerance would be lower, and it was, but surprisingly not by much. I was very happy about that. There's not much more to say other than It felt great and I can't wait to go back tomorrow! Today's accomplishment was 35 minutes, totalling 2 miles.

It's so nice to feel like me again :)

Pain and Loss

It has not been a good few weeks in the CF community. We've lost 3 people who I truly cared about and was friends with all in the matter of just over 2 weeks. This weekend brought such sad and tragic news as we lost 2 CF'ers who were actually best friends, just 2 days apart. The shock, and sheer hysterics doesn't even begin to cover these feelings felt lately.

I hate this. I hate this so much. I don't know any other word to use to attempt to describe it. Infinite tears have been shed, and I know It's not the end of them either. It's just not fair. I won't ask "Why" but I can't help but wonder....WHY!?

I've contemplated taking a break from the CF forums, and even from Facebook. But then I wonder, am I running away from this? I don't know. I love, and I really mean this when I say it...I love the relationships and the friendships that I've made over the years with my fellow CF'ers. It's times like these though, when I feel like I can't do this, I can't watch this sadness around me. I can't watch people lose their lives with the disease that I have. I can't stand to feel helpless and just watch this sorrow. This is a dark place.

Last night I just couldn't shake the feeling of just not wanting to be alone and scared. Scott is back to school, but I just could not sit in this house alone. So I turned a lot of negatives into positives. I went up to the gym last night with my best friend and stayed on the treadmill for 50 minutes. Infact, I did a 5K. Take that CF!

Please, whatever your faith or belief is...If you could please take a moment out of your day to remember those who have lost their battle lately. Remember their families, children, life, and friends they've left behind.

Missing Geneva, Tom, and Tina.

Great run, but embarrassing.

Today was a great running day for me. I'm not sure what It was, but I just felt great running today. Perhaps It helped tremendously that my back/rib pain was so much better!? Whatever It was, It sure was welcomed.

Today's run according to my plan was for 30 minutes. I ended up running 2.5 miles today!! I was really pushing to get to that 3rd mile, but my feet were hurting so bad. Side note-I'm over due for getting new running shoes. Must get new ones, like now :)

Here's the embarrassing part. I have my IPOD on shuffle and was rocking out to, well, rock. During shuffle "A-Ha's" song "Take on Me" comes on and I got pumped. Yes yes I'm a HUGE 80's music lover! Anyway I was so digging the song I didn't realize I was singing it outload on the treadmill. Yup! I was THAT person today. Let's just say that I was happy to be done my workout at that point ;)

Overall It was a great run and I felt awesome afterwards. Maybe It was the fact that It was snowing outside and I felt super excited, like a little kid?

Dear rotten sinuses of mine,

This post is dedicated to my (misbehaving) sinuses.

Dear Sinuses,

What was your deal today at the gym anyway? Really? I can't believe how you behaved once we walked in the door. Did you think it was appropriate to throw a tantrum like that and cause a stir? Why did you wait to start draining and make me cough my head off for 25 minutes during my run?! If you would have acted up earlier in the day I could have calmed you down much easier. You really put me in a predicament today just so you know. What, were you just jealous because I was running so you wanted to run as well!? How dare you try to cut my run short today. I hope you realized that you WILL NOT cut my run short, and I will win this! Bwah ha ha!

I want answers! ;) Ok ok, fine, be like that. Try as you may little rotten sinuses of mine to interfere with my exercise and running. Go ahead, you will see who will win every time. What, was today not proof enough!? Go ahead try me again and see what happens! You're going down!

First Run of the Year...check!

There were a ton of new faces at the gym today. I'm thinking a lot of people made resolutions to start exercising, I sure I hope they stick with It. I made a promise to myself a long time ago to not give up on running, I haven't, and I won't.

Today I started a new running plan to really challenge myself. To me It's intimidating, but I won't give up. It's a pretty great 1/2 marathon plan that actually looked doable and not completely scary, haha. I'm ready for it!!

Here's to the completion of day 1 which required 30 minutes (Run 1 min/walk 1 min) which for me was 2 miles. Feeling great and looking forward to the challenge!

Mini Vacation!

Hooray for being off work until Monday! You can't see me, but I'm dancing in my chair as I type this ;) I'm so ready to have some down time and enjoy the last few days of my most favorite time of year. On the agenda is girl time and dinner tonight with a close friend and gift exchange with her girls. One of which is my Goddaughter, so I'm super excited to give them their presents. We have a New Years Eve party, Christmas with some friends, and then Christmas with my best friend on Sunday. Very busy, but very grateful for this lovely time of year.

As soon as the work day was over I ran out of the door (ok not literally) but close. I headed up to the gym and did a 2 mile run. My legs are feeling it for sure. I'm happy to report that according to my FEV1 meter, my #'s were awesome!

Here's to 4 days off work!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas 2010

It has been such a busy holiday season but I wouldn't change a thing. This is my most favorite time of year and it truly has been wonderful. We had a great Christmas and are so very fortunate for all that we have. Santa also treated us very very well this year ;)

Truth be told, I'm so sad that it is already over. I really try to absorb every single day, but alas the time still flies by. I can't believe we're already talking about New Year's Eve. Yikes! Umm 2010, where did you go exactly?

I've been running but have been a mega slacker documenting it. So yesterday I did 2 miles, and today I had to cut my workout short due to work but still managed 1.5 miles. Happy lungs= Happy Me!

Giving Colistin another try...

This morning I got up early and decided that yes I may be off work today, but I can't take a break from running. Instead of going to the gym I ran around my neighborhood. It was the perfect weather for it too, cool crispy fall-like in the low 70's, ahhhh. I did 2 miles in 28 minutes. I have to say I really feel a difference when running outside. I suppose it's all the hills that I don't have on the treadmill. I'm excited since I only have 5 more days until my 5K!

I'm giving Colistin another go. It has caused me some bronchospasms in the past, but I decided to see how I did this month. So far so good I must say. I think I have to realize that It does make my lungs tighter, but it's killing the bugs. My FEV1 meter shows a decline when I'm on it, but in the big picture the PA is having it's butt kicked so I should be happy. It's VERY easy for me to obsess over that little monitor. Heck if It's not preventing me from running It can't be that bad right? ;)

Moving on Up

Poor Scott was plagued by a horrible cold/virus on Friday. It was so bad that we actually had to pass on going to the Ravens game Saturday night. Ahem, to miss a football is a big deal you ask?! Oh yes it is in this house!! Poor guy had fevers, congestion, you name it, he had it. The whole weekend was spent resting and fighting this infection. Me, I spent it avoiding Scott like the plague unfortunately.

So far so good (Knock on wood!) I went to the gym today after taking a few days off last week due to my bowel obstruction I had last Monday. My body needed some rest, plus I'm not sure the pain I felt would've even let me attempt to run. Anyway feeling great and moving on.... I had a hard run and loved every bit of the 30 minutes it lasted. I realized today that my 5K is only 2 weeks away!!!

Today's Totals:

Ran 30 minutes

Total 2.1 miles

Pulse 165 max

Weight training: bicep routines

My FEV1 monitor is showing numbers that I REALLY like too! I gave Colistin another 'whirl' after stopping due to some side effects. I have to say, so far so great! Here's to more running, feeling good, and positive things this week!

New Nebulizer + 2 more miles

I am officially the proud owner of a brand spankin' new Vios Nebulizer! Woo! Who'd have thought I'd ever be so excited to own a new nebulizer? Well after trying to troubleshoot mine, take it apart with no answers, and treatments taking double the time...ME!

I literally talked to someone around noon, and by 7pm I had one delivered to my house. Yay! It feels so good to do my treatments at the regular length of time, and to actually have my treatments be effective! That makes for happy lungs and a happy me :)

Today at the gym I ran another 2 miles. I could feel it was harder today for my lungs than normal. I'm guessing that's due to a few days of treatments not really getting into my lungs properly due to the failing nebulizer. However It didn't stop me at all, and I pushed through it.

Today's totals:

3 minute warm up

2 miles @ 14 minutes each

total mileage of 2.12

Pulse 155