First 5K behind me

Well it is official. I have ran my first race. See the photos here.

Shelley Miller (aka Coach) and I ran the Youth Villages 5K in Memphis yesterday morning. It was my first time to run a race, to run in the morning and to run with poor weather.

I did it in 38.16 minutes. It was great, and miserable at the same time. I will be doing another.

The pity parties over Jacks cancer diagnosis is about gone. We will get a surgery date next week. We are ready to tackle this with the love and support of our church family and Our GOD!

I have the final weigh in for the Feeling Fine in 2009- I hope to lose 15 pounds - better would be 18- which would be 10%.

A long week- running and cancer?

Well. where to start. Running is really taking off. I have been running hills and pushing myself. I think (hope) I will be ready for my first race this weekend.

Last weekend was Easter- the rising of my Lord- full filling prophecy. My GOD LIVES!

Saturday was Nick's 13th birthday... he was shocked with his getting a black powder muzzle loader gun. He was pumped. we were camping and it was a great weekend for it.

The cancer... Jack got results last Thursday of the prostate biopsy... stage 1 adnocarcinoma. He was shocked. I had a bad vibe and thought this was coming. well... he has been real emotional about it and moods are up and down. I feel so awful for him - there were 2 options for treatment- radical prostectomy or radiation. surgery= approx 100% cure versus radiation with about 80% cure. NO doubt of the answer... surgery.

we will be planning that in about 8 weeks or so...

so much going on... so much for one family... but GOD can help us do anything and make it through anything. AMEN!

Friday's Run on the river

well, it has been 2 days since a major accomplishment and I felt jiggy- so I went back to the river and brought on another tough run.

I ran 2.8 miles straight- only stopping for water once. It felt great.

Shelley and I signed up for my first 5K in 2 weeks in Memphis- the youth villages race. I am pumped-- the main concern for me now is I have only been running on flat lands, literally.. and the race will be hilly... so I am feeling that I can do the run part- but the hills will be a hindrance... so that is my next challenge.

I am progressing along great and feel wonderful. i am slowly losing weight and my clothes are fitting well.

God is good to me.

Almost a 5k?????

Well on weds following a very busy week with revival and going to the Chris Tomlin concert- I finally got a run in.

I went to the river to run after work before church. I walked for 5 minutes and then started running... about a mile on the grass area by the river- but the terrain being so uneven was making my left knee hurt, so I walked for another 5 minutes or so and then got up to the sidewalk- ran the entire length... 1.5 miles... so 2.5 miles total of running and 3 miles total.

Feels great. I am so pumped.

Today it poured and I was barely sore- mainly just stiff from sleeping over night. anyway- plan to run Friday and Saturday and get to the point of adding strength training since everything I am reading says to.

Got a doc appt. Monday for BP check and swelling legs and then jack will get his biopsy results next Thursday and i will be off work that day and the Friday for Good Friday. Nick's b-day is that weekend... he is growing up so fast.

More will continue- as Shelley and I are choosing my first 5k to run.

sunday is good!

Sunday has been good.. a good day of activity- beginning of revival at church and then cleaning out the closet and cabinets and then running... 1 mile...loving it more and more every day--- I may not have a runners body but I do have a runners heart.

yesterday was Noah's 8th birthday.. my baby is growing up. he is still a momma's boy though.. thankfully.

spring break is finally over and the kids are at their own homes... check out the spring break photos on facebook or our family photo website of www.forrestcitypickards.shutterfly.com

Check you later... I have to go back to work this week.. blah blah!

Biopsy Day!

Today is the day I take Jack for his prostate biopsy. I have to admit, I don't like doing this stuff--even if I am a nurse.

I have been slacking on the posting here I know, but with IView go live last week, working close to 50 hours last week, having a mother daughter retreat at church Friday night, having off Saturday only and then working Sunday and Monday for 12 hours each-- I am worn out...

But all in all, my activity is going well. I am running about 3/4 to one mile at a time and then run/walking another 2 miles. I am finding more places to do the running to keep it fresh and interesting.

Just checking in and wanting to say-- I get to run today and I want to-- I love this running thing!

Thursday following IView go live

What a week so far... here are the down and dirty high-lights...

1. Monday: my brother in law (Rick) 55th birthday-- HAPPY BIRTHDAY
2. Monday: ran a FULL MILE on the river in Memphis... SO HAPPY
3. Tuesday: IView go live - no deaths or dismemberment's -- some little kid pinched me b/c I forgot to wear green for st Patty's day too....
4. Weds: day 2 of go-live.. smooth sailing... scary really.
5. Weds: ran 3/4 mile on the river... beautiful day... perfectly made by God
6. Weds: my sissy b-day HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM
7. Thurs: today.... early meeting, day 3 of go live...
8. Friday: be a fill in mom for the mother daughter weekend at church... as you know- not good at these girlie things.
9. Sat: come home from the mother daughter thing, shop for the week, pay bills, run and be at home with the kids....
10. Sunday; work 12 hours in the PICU for iview....

need I say more... what a week... I will be strong and survive ;-)

bittersweet weekend

I went out to run on Saturday and was PISSED when I was not able to run hardly at all. I had had such a great run on Thursday I just knew I was cresting a hill. My sis (aka Cheerleader) told me to expect days like that. Could be nutrition, or being tired or anything. She keeps telling me a lot of it is MENTAL.... so i was willing to sulk in my pain and misery. It was SO wrong. I was barely able to do 2 legs and that is only about 1/4 a mile.

so Sunday after church, I was determined to get out there and try again. I am still irritated about no success of any type on Saturday -- can you tell?

So I went out around 2pm. I was there for 46 minutes, walked/run 2.5 miles total and ran a little bit less than 1/2 of that just guessing. I did not focus on the time or amount/length... I just ran until I could not run anymore. There were times my legs were dying, so I would walk, then there were times I could not breath... so I would walk. My lymph nodes are still swollen and tender, but not near as much as last Friday.,..

in other things. Mom has lost 24 pounds on the program... sounds great. Bailey (Shelley's daughter) had her tonsils out Friday and she is not drinking well... concern there. Jack will have a prostate biopsy in the next couple of weeks...

did someone say FRIDAY?

I think so. It is truly one of my favorite days. weds was a hard one around here. Jack went to the urologist about an elevated PSA- a biopsy is being planned -- which means stopping the coumadin, starting shots again. Noah fell in the tub and "bent his back backwards"- what ever that meant.. but the crying was long and painful. Nick spent the day with me at work doing his homeschooling. And then Thursday morning I woke up with some swollen lymph nodes along my jaw line.... hummm.

I was supposed to go skating at a dear friends birthday party last night- but due to all of the commotion around the Pickard house, I decided it was best to come on home for the evening. Since I was not able to skate for exercise and it was a beautiful 70 degree day- I took the kids to the ball park and I ran.

I was able to run for the very first time without leg pain at all. I was so pumped. I stopped at half a mile due to being winded, but no leg pain... I may be moving up.

after the run, nick and I went to the store to get some choc. milk for the Noah-Bear-- check out the picture of nick at the grocery store...

Plan some aerobics today so I can stay fit and run again tomorrow...

running on tuesday

this day has been a great one. My attitude stunk yesterday and as you could tell by the early post this morning I was ready to face the day.

I went to work, made a nun's habit and presented it to Shanna Bowers... OMG- she is such a saint :

Anyhow... I then went to the dentist and got my every 6 month teeth cleaning.. i love that... NOT.

then to Outdoor outlet and got 2 pairs of horny toad pants, a the north face running shirt and a pair of reef flip flops... all for $52.18... yep... am I a shopper or what?

Then I got home and I went to run. (after grading the home schooled child's tests-- he is AWESOME TODAY... {for the first time})--- back to the run--- well, it stunk. It has been 5 days since I have run... so I was really dragging and my calves hurt a lot. I ran about 1/2 mile and walked about the same and then called it quits. I came home and did some work on the bow-flex and then cleaned up.

not to shabby for a 39 year old.

tuesday and the cold weather can leave at any time

As most of you are feeling, the crummy cold weather is cutting into my training time.

I ran for 10 minutes Saturday - until the 33 degree temp almost killed me, it was even colder Sunday and the snow and ice kept me from risking ankle and knee. Yesterday - Monday - I wanted to run, but it never got above 37 degrees and I was cold all day.

so here we are today... I am pleased with my progress, lost 8 pounds total for 4 weeks when I weighed in yesterday morning. Did about 25 minutes of aerobics yesterday morning too. today I want to run... i really want to. it is supposed to be about 45-47 and I am going to RUN.

pray for warmth!

oh btw--- here are some great photos of Amy. She is my sister-in-laws baby that was born on my birthday.. she is CUTE!

Saturday and snow...

well it is really snowing here- I mean really snowing.

Yesterday- the kids and I did about 25 minutes of aerobics and today is my day to run-- but the weather went south before I got out there. I am still thinking about going though.

My parents came by- dad is still having issues with his sugar- being almost 200 in the morning even after taking 40u of insulin at night -- not so good... he is going back to the doctor.

anyhow,... got to do the school lessons, pay the bills (already been to the wal-mart) and then I can go run.

Thursday Feb 26th

Good morning.

Things are already starting out better today than yesterday. I had to be the mommy and teach Nick a thing or two. He knew he was in trouble because when I got home- he had cleaned his room and the living room... hummm...

Last night, we both did some activity on the bow-flex- we took turns- but we worked our arms and legs and I was trying to help him realize how using your abd muscles to stabilize yourself would help him.

Plans today are to run after work and involve him. It should be a good day to run- will ran later tonight. I did a mid-week weigh in- lost a couple of ounds... BUT!!! I have not changed clothes size... what is up with that?

Glad things are looking better. :-0

weds. what a week

well is is weds and it has been a great week so far. Things are getting easier every day... except being a mother. I woke up this morning at 0430 to find the 12 year old up and playing video games. He had not been to bed yet.... I am upset to say the least.

aside from that lovely morning gift.... Monday I ran again - another 1/2 mile straight -- I walked one half mile to warm up, ran a half mile and then ran/walked the final half mile. It was getting dark, so I felt I needed to go on home. I need to try to get there earlier... esp in the winter until the days get longer.

Tuesday morning I did about 20-25 minutes of aerobics... my legs were so heavy- they felt like concrete. But I did as much as I could. Today I plan to do some strength training on the new Bow-Flex I got at a deal this weekend.

well... off to wake up, have some coffee and exercise some more.

Thanks for all your support

1/2 mile run straight- Believe it

I did it, 1/2 mile run solid. I was so pumped. It was great running weather and I felt good. I was so proud of myself. I was starting to run another lap (1/2 mile) when Noah fell off his bike and got hurt. So I had to be mommy.

The ballpark is now my best place to run. It is flat and long and has little to worry me about- at least right now while ball season is not in place. The kids played at the playground while I ran.

God has been so good to me this week... My Anniversary of 14 years was Tuesday, my 39th Birthday was Friday (my family was all together--- it was perfect), and also on my b-day, my sister in law delivered her first baby-AMY! Then today I was able to run like this... GOD IS GOOD!

Resting tomorrow and will start back up next week... YEAH!

running on the river

Monday the 17th was my 14th anniversary! Jack and I played it low key with the funniest annv. gift of all... a Brita water filter system. HA HA. well, we both drink water- he needs to drink more. better for the old enviroment too.

After work, Shelley and I went to Ashley's apt to run on the river together. It was in the 40's and WINDY! we made it though. I was still not able to do the 3 minutes rounds. But they both were supportive and encouraging. I think what I will do is what Shelley did- find a path-route-routine, and start walking it first, add in the running when my muscles are warm and then keep adding more until I am doing the whole thing.

I liked running at Harbor town- it was a great place- if not for the gale force winds and freezing temps last night. But I think I will run there again.

TTFN... keeping you posted.

sunday -hurting

well Saturday was a great day of training for me. I went to the ballpark and was able to complete the 2 minutes run/4 minutes walk I needed to do. The kids were not there and life was grand.

So Sunday Nick wanted to go there to ride his bike. I was stiff, but thought I had stretched enough.. not so much I guess. I was able to run 3 minutes and walk 3 minutes, stretch some more and then had to STOP b/c my legs were screaming- and I mean screaming.

got home, took some Advil and put on an icy-hot patch.

well I guess i am not ready to train 2 days in a row yet. That will be after more work I guess. I so want to be doing more than I am... oh well..

weighed this morning. down 5.2 pounds in 2 weeks. I am on my way to a healthier lifestyle slowly but surely---- and don't call me Shirley!!!!!

Sharon

Running again

Been running again today- it does get easier and easier each time. 1.5 miles today and ran about half of that. It was great weather and sunny at the same time.

Hope everyone has had a great valentines day!

Legs are dying over here

Tuesday I was so excited about my success.. I was so pumped. I have had sore legs ever since... but today is training and when I went out to run, my hamstrings are so stiff I could hardly walk. So I started running and made it 2 cycles (2 min run/4 min walk) and had to stop because I was about to cry and fall to the ground since I could not lift my legs up off the ground.

I came home - barely able to get there- and took 600mg of advil and put some stinky ointment on there. 1 hour later I was finally walking like a normal person again... it was finally easing up.

WOW.. Jack says I need to rest and take it easy - while I think I am needing to push through and do better stretching.

I am also concerned for a friend of mine who has had lymphoma twice in her life (she is younger than me) and now has another spot... she is so strong and has such faith in God. I am not sure I could be as wonderful about it as she has been.

I will try to train again tomorrow- at least do some exercises in the morning so I will not be as stiff. Tomorrow night is a valentines banquet at church and Nick will be helping out... so we will be there...

Keep you posted!

Success has been achieved

Tuesday was the day. Last night (Tuesday the 10th) I was able to achieve what I have not been able to so far. I was able to actually run the 2 minutes and walk 4 minutes for 4 complete cycles- now let me tell you- I was pushing that last little bit of running, but I DID IT!

I was so proud of myself, I had to look like Rocky - I was walking with hands in the air and smiling! My calves were screaming afterwards. I had to take some Advil as soon as I got home. I stopped half way through the activity and stretched my calves good and that helped A LOT!

I just wanted to share in my victory!

Monday - monday -sing with me

Well today is monday. I can hear the momma's and papa's singing it now.

Today will be a busy on at work. I think I have at least 4 meetings if not more. Running around the hospital today.

Well here is how I have done in my first full week of dieting/exercise/lifestyle change. -4pounds! Yippee for me. How exciting.

My shins hurt today and I still plan to do some aerobics this morning. Rain is in the forcast for the next few days... yuck, but God gave us this rain for a reason.

Jack is realizing he can not eat all of the normal things since this gallbladder removal.. I have tried to tell him that. But he is ready to eat again. Noah was up with belly aches last night and Nick was cranky b/c he did not want to do his homework-- SHOCKING.

God continues to bless us, much better than we deserve! Ain't God good?

Sunday- start another week

Today starts another week. How are things with you?

Things are well here, I am still coughing, but less than yesterday. I have a dry throat but it is not hot anymore.

I have gotten out in the beautiful weather today that God blessed us with. I was able to run 2 minutes/ walk 4 minutes twice and then run 1.5 minutes. I was winded again. I guess I will have to build up my lung compliance to get the running action I want.

I was at my sisters last night, it was great. She and Sheri offered me lots of support and encouragement. As all of my friends and co-workers have. I am so blessed with people God has put in my life.

The kids are loving my activity since I usually include them. Today I put my new Ipod into use. it is smaller than the MP3 player- I got the shuffle - it clamps to my shirt-- so it is out of my way.

Church was awesome today! I love the music. K-LOVE is another great radio station I have been loving lately.

saturday morning blues

well this morning it has been made official... I am sick. I have been up most of the night coughing and sniffling and whining in general about my lungs hurting and my scratchy throat.

I will do not "exercise" activity today, I will be cleaning the house and grocery shopping. But as far as having a beautiful Saturday with wonderful temps... I will be missing out.

I have showered to help break up the glue in my lungs. I am so glad I do not smoke anymore!

Well, it has been a beautiful day and I sooo wanted to run. I got home from work at a decent time (4:30) and changed my clothes and got the kids ready and we were off... after 1 minute of running, I was wheezing really bad- I could not only feel it, I could hear it, so could the kids. So we walked for about 15 minutes instead. I guess this cold is really going to do me in.

I will lay off tomorrow, maybe some strength training around the house and then see how I feel sunday. I have already realized I will have to re-do this week of training over as far as the running thing. I am cool with that.

Anyhow... keep you posted.

Friday is my favorite day!

Well today is friday and it is my favorite day- meaning no more work for a couple of days. This week has been so stressful for me, busy and stressful. I feel I have fallen months behind.

Nonetheless, I have still managed to workout all but one day this week. I am so proud of my self. The temps outside were not wanted to cooperate at the middle of the week, so that made it harder.

Last night, I got the kids and we went out to run. Nick did not even try, but he did walk- he has been sick the last 3 days. My throat started getting scratchy at work yesterday, but I still wanted to run. Noah tried to run, he got side stitches after about the 1st minute, even though I was telling him to not run as fast as he wanted to.

I was able to run 2 minutes and walk 4 minutes x3 (goal was 4) but I was wheezing so badly from the sore throat and 44 degree weather I had to stop. I was able to run the 2 miuntes easier than last times.

I am so excited today is Friday and it is supposed to be 62 degrees today, that will allow me to run today too, altough my throat and cough may hinder- so I have decided to run this same routine for an extra week since this one has not been the best. I am cool with that.

Will plan some fun activities outside this weekend too. The kids need that as much as I do. My team-mates for the "Faithful Fatbusters" are already losing weight and making strides like I am .. I am so proud of us all.

Mom is on another team. I will support and encourage her- but I have found my best cheerleader- my sister KIM! She is awesome.

Keep praying for me and my team and everyone in the city who is trying to get fit. There were 39 teams (4 per team) who registered this week. That is GREAT!

Love to all.

Tuesday - driving ALL day

Today was spent driving- almost 4 hours total- to work!! I taught PEPP class in Fayette County at the EMS service- my lectures- Emergency Delivery of the Newborn. I am soo NOT qulalified to teach it, but I love it and it is FUN to teach.

Tonight I was supposed to run according to my training schedule. By the time I got home it was 5:30 and before 6pm my parents were at the house to pick me and the kids up to take them clothes shopping.

Anyhow- 4 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shoes, a belt and pack of boxer briefs later, I am back home and it is too cold and Dark to run. It was 25 degrees when I got home. So I will skip today and do it tomorrow. I will run tomorrow at LB after my last meeting of the day (around 3:30).

My day tomorrow will be spent running from one meeting to another and it starts at 7am- it is a great one- Harvey Team committee meeting- we have a great time- sorta makes up for the 0700 start time.

well- did well today on food- as did yesterday too. Proud of myself so far...

got GREAT words of encouragement from my sister today - she made me smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Talk to you tomorrow...

Weigh in Complete

The official weigh in has been done.

Remember all the bragging in this mornings blog post about not being sore-- well after the running yesterday and the aerobics this morning... SORE is the word!

While weighing in tonight, I got my glucose checked (106) and my BP-- 144/104. WHAT is the deal? The only time it was higher than that was while I was pregnant.

I guess I will be calling the doc about it... not good.

#1 son is at a youth rally with church and #2 son is in the floor behind me playing legos and listening to Spongebob! I will be traveling to Fayette County tomorrow to teach Emergency Delivery of the newborn!

Keep you posted about the "running"-- supposed to tomorrow.. same routine, 2 minutes run, 4 minutes walk and repeat 4 times. ... lets see if I can really do it this time.

Talk to you later!

Feb 2nd, 2009- Feeling Fine in 2009

Well, it is official, it is time to get in shape. As a matter of fact - yesterday was the first activity - physical that is- I have had in years. I started a running routine. I have been preparing to run for about 2 months now. I have bought and read 2 books on womens running, and bought many things I would need to be successful.

Yesterday- Nick and I went out to run. We were supposed to run for 2 minutes, walk for 4 minutes and repeat 4 times. DID NOT make it. The first 2 minute run was easy- the second was 1000 times harder, and the third-- made it 1 minute and 38 seconds. It was not the running.. it was the breathing that was hard... really hard. What is even sadder than that was that Nick was not able to make it 2 minutes anytime- even the first one.

Today I will do some aerobics and tonight is weigh in for the City Wide- weight loss contest- "Feeling Fine in 2009". My team is ready- we are the "Faithful Fatbusters- it is me, Brad Justice (my pastor), Tara Thomason, and Doug Poteat. There are at least 3 other teams from our church. Mom is on one called the Ridgewood Baptist Lean Machines...

My legs do not hurt today, I am not sore. That is good, I will get active and get healthy- some of it is losing weight, some of it is just to be able to NOT get winded walking through the hospital anymore.

Pray I am suceessful and just in case I have not already shared with you, My GOAL for 2009 is to run in a race. My dearest friends have been supportive and encouraging, I even have some who have promised to be at the finish line cheering me on. THANK YOU... I need your support.

Love to all!