It's a boy!!

My sister Heather and Rich just found out yesterday that they are expecting a boucing baby BOY!! Ultrasound technology is amazing!! Truth be told though, Heather told me "It's a boy" about 2 weeks before her Untrasound confirmation... "Motherhood Senses" freak me out a little!

His name is going to be Rowen Joeseph (with two "E"s) and he spent his time yesterday hiding his sweet face from the ultra sound but flashing his little "bits" about .... He already has a great sense of humor! Got to love that in a guy!

I'm looking forward to meeting him in September ... We all are!

Rest and grow strong Baby Rowen! Aunt Holly is already on the lookout for your first bike!

A Motivating Surprise in the Mail!

I got home late last night and had a nice surprise in the form of junk mail from Marathonfoto.com. It seems that there were photographers at the finish line of the Cherry Blossom 5K and they got a picture of me as I passed Blond Ponytail, Similar Body Type Lady!


It's a small image (because Marathonphoto wants you to PAY PAY PAY for a big picture) but I am looking strong!

This picture makes me want to go and run some more! Looks like I have some good inspiration for tonight's TEMPO run!

Have a great day folks!

Gettting back on track...

First of all CONGRATUALTIONS to IRON BENNY who finished his first IRONMAN last night in 12:53.09 just before 8PM last night !!

Last week my focus was on getting back to a regular workout schedule in preparation for my first triathlon in over a year. (Marium Lathlum Homegrown Triathlon) Since I have not been very consistent with workouts since my knee problems in January, I had no idea what to expect from this week in terms of energy and endurance.

My week looked something like this:

Tues - 20 minute RUN/WALK (TEMPO PACE 12:00 min miles - 2/1 intervals) - 500 yards in the pool (14:09)

Wed - 10 mile BIKE (inside)

Thurs - 700 yards in pool (with Drills)

Fri - 25 minute RUN/WALK (2:1 intervals)

Sat - OFF - RAINY DAY (missed a 60 minute LONG RUN)

Sun - 20 mile BIKE - OUTSIDE - 1:50 minutes

I was able to complete 6 of the 7 planned workouts. My workouts averaged around 30 minutes a day during the week with a longer bike ride of 2 hours on Sunday. The missed workout happened on a "rainy day" on Saturday but truth be told ... I was going to miss a work out this weekend anyways ... that is how much I underestimated my FATIGUE levels on Interferon.

The FATIGUE from my Inteferon therapy is definately progressive. My workouts on Tuesday and Wed felt like good hard efforts. Thursday swim was hard and by my workout on Friday, I felt like I had nothing to give. It was a lousy run but I was able to finish it. Some workouts are like that. Based on Friday's workout, I was happy that the forcast said "RAIN ALL DAY" on Saturday.

I realized on Sunday that 30 miles wasn't in the cards because I was pretty tired after 10 miles on flat roads so I settled for 20 miles knowing that I would be close to the 2 hour mark; which is where I expect my first race of the season to be (around 2 hours to finish).

Last night I had a hard time sleeping and awoke this morning feeling a little extra lousy but since today is an official "RECOVERY DAY" - I'm not too concerned. I figure that I will re-eavaluate my weekend "long" workouts a little to see if I can find a better balance that lets me get in the workouts I need without leaving me as "tired and cranky" ....


I know there is a happy medium in here somewhere between my fatigue and working out, I simply need to mix things up a little to find it .... and with only 7 weeks to go with the Interferon, I am not going to let a little "FATIGUE" get in my way!

It's Monday! Live STRONG!

Go Benny Go!

Benny is less than 10 miles from being an IRONMAN! Outstanding job Benny and thanks to his lovely wife Nytro for posting throughout the day!

GO BENNY GO!!! You are truly an inspiration!

Motivation Central ...

This bumper sticker is on my fridge.

I bought it at the Myrtle Beach Marathon Expo along with a few others. If you come to our place, you will also find two 2006 Bike mileage charts (one for Holly and one for Jim), various magnets that only mean something to Jim and I, a photo of me crossing the finish line at the Timberman Half Ironman in August 2004 and a poem that a fellow TRI_DRS member sent me last year entitled "What will it take?"

The fridge door seems to have become Motivation Central.

Last night I spent some time working on a 5 Week training plan to get me ready for the Homegrown Triathlon on May 7th. So it was no surprise that I wanted to put my 5 week SPRINT TRI workout schedule on the fridge. It is up there and it is a good plan that will get me to Race Day feeling fitter and ready for the distance.

Seeing all that stuff on my fridge made me wonder where other people keep their motivation?

Leave a comment, PLEASE: Where is your MOTIVATION CENTRAL?

Keeping On and Living STRONG!

Waiting with baited breath ...

Cherry Blossom race report coming soon

BUT MORE IMPORATANT !!!

These are the two litters that my Bengal kittens are going to come
from!!!!!!! We are getting one silver and one brown spotted!




We are planning to meet the breeder and see the kittens at the end of the month ...

I am SO EXCITED!

Cherry Blossom 5K Race Report

I am keeping this report simple because it was a simple race for me. I had originally signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler back in November but lack of consistent training and some knee issues force me to reconsider the distance. 5K (3.1 miles) would be far enough and I would have to be "OK" with that.

On Saturday, I met up with my friend Keri to pick up our race bibs and tshirts! We both chose to update our shirts to the "tech-T-shirt" and it is a beautiful shirt! I am glad I upgraded!

Sunday started a little later for me than the rest of the folks running the 10 miler. I was out of bed and on the Metro around 7AM and got to the start line at 8AM just as the 10 milers started their day. With 45 minutes to the start of the 5K, I had time to cheer on the kids 1K and do a little stretching. Those KIDS are so much fun to watch ... I could have stood there and cheered them all day long!

Having just come off of physical therapy for my knee and a 24 mile bike ride two days prior, I had no idea what to expect so my plan was to start the race strong, run for as long as I could and then settle into run/walk intervals and enjoy the day! No time goals, no worries, just a fun race.

The gun went off and I ran for about 3 minutes before I had to start my walk breaks. I set my watch for 4/1 minute RUN/Walk intervals and just started slowly moving through the back of the pack. I never had any pain and I had fun keeping track of the people around me. Having run this particular course for many different races, I knew what to expect in terms of terrain (FLAT AND WIND) so I put myself on "Interval Autopilot".

There was one woman who was in my sights the entire race. She had a blond ponytail, similar body type and was running around my pace. She and I passed each other constantly over the course of the race -she ran the entire race and I did my RUN/ walk intervals. With less than 100 yards to the finish line, I found her in front of me by less than 10 feet.

I made up my mind that she was NOT passing me at the finish line and picked up the pace a little and passed right by.

My competitive spirit is alive and well.

Post Race I found myself a spot along the finish line of the 10 Miler and cheered the finishers on until I saw Keri, Nancy and The Other Jeanne finish! The four of us hung out together for a bit and then Nancy gave Keri and I a ride to the Metro!!

Nancy, Keri, Holly & Jeanne - post race
-----
My Final gun time was: 40:55 with an average pace of 13:11

That is right around my pace for the Marine Corps Marathon back in October. I'm satisfied that my fitness levels have not dropped too dramatically in the last few months in spite of my lack of workouts.

AND more importantly I am very inspired to get back on track! I have my first Triathlon of the season in 5 weeks and I am going to write out my training plan tonight!

BRING ON THE SPRING! I'm living STRONG!

The rest of the story ....

It was 3:30 and I left my office for what should have been a 1 hour leasurely bike ride home.

HA!

After winding my way past hundreds of people at the Tidal Basin (the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and it is the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler weekend), I crossed the 14th Street Bridge and jumped on the bike trail towards home. As I past under the railroad bridge, I heard a funny sound ...

WOOOOSSHHHH!!

Hmmm.. somebody just got a flat. Oh man, that somebody is me!

No problem for me! I can change a flat and it is the front tire - EASY!!

5 minutes and I had the old tube out (bent stem valve) and the new tube in and I am just pumping away with my trusty frame pump when suddently the pump flys out of my hands and I find myself holding my tire... with NO STEM VAVLE IN SITE!!!!!!!!!

HUH???

Seams that I snapped the stem valve in half! This is not an easy thing to do and now I had no spare tubes. Naturally I pulled out my cell phone and called Jim.

Message One: Hi! It's me and I got a flat. Somehow while fixing it, I managed to snap the stem valve on my spare tire tube. Can you come and get me? I am at Gravely Point and it is nice out so I will just hang out here. Love you!

I sat and watched other people ride and run by on the bike path for about 20 minutes... really just enjoying the afternoon and my unexpected break. I got bored though and worried that maybe Jim was on a bike ride himself which meant he wouldn't get my message for another hour and a half and I could walk home by then....so I pulled out the original tube and futzed around with it.

It seems that the tube would hold air even though it was bent and so I took a chance and put the tube back in the tire and SLOWLY pumped it up. It was far from full but holding air and the ride home was pretty flat until the last mile...It was worth a shot.

Message Two: Hi! I mangaged to get my old tube to hold air. I'm gonna try to ride home. I'll call you with updates .. Call me when you get this and check on me please! Love you!

Message Three: Hi! I made it to Old Towne .. I am half way home. Boy does it suck riding on a low tire, my bike feels 10 pounds heavier. I'm still on my way home.

Message Four: Hi! You are still not home so I am guessing you are out riding too! I am at Bell Haven now and only 2 miles from the house. I am planning to walk the hill so I'll see you in 20 minutes.

I definately walked the Bell Haven Drive hill. Heck I swear I am going to walk it on days when my tires are pumped up perfectly .. It is that kind of hill. The last two miles were a challenge but I was happy to be home. It took me 2 hours to go 14 miles .... HAHAHAHA!!! That just slays me!!

As I turned onto our street, my cell phone rang:

ME: Hi Honey!
JIM: Where are you?
ME: Pulling into the driveway!!
JIM: Okay, then I will turn off the car.. I was getting ready to come get you.

My first commute of the season was an adventure!! What a way to start the weekend!

Live STRONG!

BIKE LOVE!

This morning I commuted 14 miles into the office. The weather was perfect (50 and sunny, clear skies), the path that I follow takes me down the Potomac river along Old Towne Alexandria passed the National Airport , across the 14th Street Bridge and right into the Tidal Basin where the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom!

I pass by Gravely Point and this was my view this morning .. I kid you not, the planes are on approach and right on top of you...

How can you not love this? (Even if the darn trees to STINK to high heaven!)

Towards the end of my commute I was passed by about 12 cyclists, a local team called Squadra Coppi, riding a double line on their ways into work from the looks of the commuter bags on their backs. I held my line and they swooped on by me pretty quickly. I was proud to have held my line while they passed and the view wasn't too bad either!! *WINK*

While I might be a little saddle sore tonight on my return trip, I am happy as can be.

I LOVE RIDING MY BIKE!! And I missed it more than I could imagine ....

I have 14 miles under my belt and it is not even 9AM! AND it is FRIDAY!!

LIFE IS GOOD! Don't believe me? Just go get out on you bike!

Live STRONG!

Single-Digit Midget!

With just 9 weeks left on my year of immunotherapy, Jim has taken to calling me his "single-digit midget." That is just fine with me! I am ready to be done with treatment and to keep moving on!


Does anybody else watch "HOUSE"? It is one of our favorite TV programs and this week Dr. House said "Give him INTERFERON!" ... and then they show the bag and it says "20 MIU (million units)".

No kidding, at the same time Jim and I said "20 MIU??? That is nothing!!" and then I told the TV (even though I know that nobody can here me) ... "Try 40 million a day for 4 weeks and then come and talk to me!"

Speaking of Inteferon: My latest side effect: The RASH continues ... but as my Uncle Kevin says "It's better to ITCH than to B*TCH" and he is right. Benadryl, Oatmeal Baths and Sarda lotion have become my new friends. The combination makes the "itchyness" tolerable.


Today is my last day of Physical therapy!!!! Yeah! My knee has fully healed, I am not having pain or swelling and it is time for me to move on! They are going to give me a list of exercises to keep doing to help continue to strengthen my quads. Just in time for the wonderful weather that is headed our way this weekend and the Cherry Blossom 5K on Sunday!

That's enough of an update for now! Keep Living STRONG Everybody!

Weekend In Review

It was a WONDERFUL weekend, just as I had planned. Saturday started with some serious SLEEPING IN until 9AM (very late for me!) - I guess I needed it. Then I did some chores and I RAN/Walked 5K on Saturday afternoon (2/1 Intervals) and it took about 42 minutes. While the workout may have been slow, from some points of view, it was fantastic because the end result was no pain or swelling in my right knee!!!!!!

Sunday turned into a day of laundry, Book Club with some close girlfriends and a wonderful chat with my sister. I never did get out on the bike but I don't feel too badly because we have a beautiful week coming up in terms of weather and I plan to take advantage of the longer daylight hours.

The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler is this coming weekend and it looks to be the best weather yet! Keri and Nancy (my marathon pace pals) are both running the full distance. I have decided to drop to the 5K race distance since I am still coming back. It will be fun to run and get to watch folks finish the race !!

SPRING IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER! Live STRONG!

Before and After - Our Guest Bathroom

One of my ongoing projects - the redecoration of the guest bathroom - is finally finished. I agonized over adding color to the wall but I am thrilled with the results and glad that I took a risk!! All the color inspiration for this bathroom started with the shower curtain.

ENJOY!

BEFORE - "Land of White" Guest Bathroom

This shower curtain was the "inspiration"

AFTER - "A SPLASH of Color!"

Some extra touches make all the difference!

"Live the life you have imagined!"

Some LUCKY Bamboo!

Power of Positive Thinking

I am going to have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Why?

Because I want to have a wonderful weekend!! I have all these awesome people in my life who keep sending me tons and tons of good vibes. Why would anybody refuse to take advantage of all that positive energy coming their way?

So I may "itch" but I can just lather on more lotion ...Crazy unexpected things may happen this weekend but I will just take them one event at a time and remember that I have planned to have a "WONDERFUL weekend!!"

I'll be on my bike and on the running trails with weekend, coaxing "SPRING" out of hybernation and sending postive vibes out to all of you!!!

Live STRONG ... The WEEKEND is here!

I-HATE-THIS!!!

I HATE SIDE EFFECTS!!

I HATE that every time something new comes up I have to call the Doctor ...

I HATE going to the Doctor this frequently...

I FEEL LIKE I AM TURNING INTO A HYPOCHONDRIAC!!!!!

I HATE going to the Doctor for these side effects and being asked "Did you take (_________)?"
(Insert endless variety of over-the-counter drugs in here)

I HATE telling Jim and all my other friends and family "WHAT SEEMS WRONG NOW" even though I know that they understand and care....

FREAKING RASH!!!!!!

--------------------
10 WEEKS and counting ......

It's in the air...

SPRING is in the air! Even Nancy says so!

Eary spring in Northern VA ...STINKS! It's those beautiful Pear trees and some of the Cherry Blossom trees. They smell like garbage on a hot day. At least that is my take on the smell ...PHEW!!

Even with the stinky trees, I confess that I love this time of year. Everything is blooming and the days are longer and warmer.

YEAH!!

Yesterday I ventured on a run/walk session to evaluate how Physical Therepy is working on my knee...I am thrilled to report that I covered 24 minutes of run/walking (1 minute intervals) and I was completely pain free!!!!! Add in the fact that it was a sunny afternoon and in the 50s - my ideal running conditions - and you have a nearly perfect day!

Even though I am making great progress in getting my knee to heal, it is not soon enough for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in two weeks. I have considered switching to the 5K race distance but only time will tell so for now, I am going to spectate and cheer on Nancy and Keri and keep my focus on slowly increasing my workouts in prep for the Marilyn Lathom HomeGrown Triathlon on May 7th. The race is a sprint distance (1000 yd Swim - 12 mile Bike - 5K Run) and well within my capabilities in spite of the reduced training levels.

The way I look at it ... I am starting over again. No need to try to run a Marathon on Day One. 5K will be a good start!

Live STRONG!!

A Love Letter - Body & Soul

Dear Body:

Thank you for everything you have endured over the last 41 weeks. I know you are tired and if it makes you feel any better, so am I. We only have 11 more weeks left and then I promise you that you can start over.

I wanted to address a few of you individually for a moment:

SKIN & LYMPH NODES - Thank you for not showing any evidence of Melanoma since last March. I tried to help you as quickly as I could and I'm as hopeful as you are that we got all those nasty Melanoma Cells. We are ending the Interferon in 11 weeks but I am confident that I can take care of you without it now.

I bought you some new sunscreen! Summer is coming, I promise to keep you safe!

BLOOD - Hang in there!! I know this was a bad week and you are running out of white and red cells. You canÂ’t go any lower - I don't want
"“Sepsis" any more than you do. I promise to rest up and drink plenty of water this week. In return can you work on coming back up to more normal levels? Dr. Butler has cut us back to 5 MIU of Interferon for the remainder of the 11 weeks - – that should help ease things a bit but I need you to come back up, PLEASE!

RIGHT KNEE- – WAHOOO! You are doing so great and responding well to the Physical Therapy. I promise that I will keep strengthening my quads, abductors and adductors for you even after PT is over. What do you say we do a few races this summer?

PORT in CHEST-– You okay? I know we swam a lot this weekend but you are making me a little paranoid with this pain. I'’ll give you 24 hours and then I am calling the Dr. on you...…

THYROID - I am sure you are fine but you are making me a little worried with all this sudden weight gain in the last week so I am having you tested. Do me a favor and show normal results. Even if I am not happy with the extra weight, it would be nice to know that resuming my normal exercise levels after treatment will take the weight right off.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM -– You have been through a lot over the last 2 months, I get it - – BUT YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY SYSTEM I AM DEALING WITH RIGHT NOW. I took you off the hormones after multiple years and what do you give me? PAIN? W-T-F!!! Drop the attitude, would ya? Your not getting extra hormones any more so get used to it.

BRAIN - You and I need to get together and work on this "“post cancer"” definition of what it means for Holly to "“Live STRONG"” so start mulling it over...

Yours truly,
Holly (Soul)

Coming Soon ...

(COMPLETELY NOT MELANOMA RELATED!!)

Sometime in July, if not sooner, Jim and I will be adding to our household. We have decided that we are going to open our home to two Bengal Kittens.



The Bengal Cat is a medium to large domestic cat that originated from crossing the Asian Leopard Cat to the domestic cat in an attempt to create a companion with the "exotic" look of the wild with a domestic cat temperament.





A domestic Bengal (four or more generations away from the Asian Leopard Cat) has been selectively bred for an active, loving and resolute disposition. Some Bengals are extremely interactive and insist on being an active member of the family. Many Bengals have a natural love for water and for interactive playing with adults, children and other pet members of the family.



Please don't lecture me about adopting some shelter kittens. Jim and I thought long and hard about what kind of pets we wanted and have determined that this special breed of cat has everything that we want in pets. Of course we both love Cats and have both grown up in multiple pet households and we decided that if we were going to commit ourselves to two cats then we wanted cats with specific personality traits.

My only question is ... IS IT JULY YET?

Break in Service

There is alot going on this week so I am taking a little "Blogger Vacation".
I'll be back next week!

Live STRONG and have a GREAT WEEK!!!

Happy Birthday HEATHER!

This little girl turned 24 yesterday ... God I am feeling old! :)

Hope you had a wonderful Birthday little sister!!! I LOVE YOU!

In the dark ...

My white count is up and ironically, that seems to mean that I have a cold, a virus or an infection. Hmmph ... I thought boosting my immune system meant a year without additional illness.

Nobody at the Oncoogy office seems to think this is "Interferon"-related pain. So until the rest of the blood work and the urine culture come back, I am in the dark as to what is causing so much pain and discomfort. I am hoping it is something easily remedied with drugs like a classic UTI (urinary tract infection) because that means a cure and eventually pain free days ahead.

Here is somebody else who is in the dark ... but he/she is MUCH CUTER!!

Presenting ....

Baby GT .... my niece/nephew ... Chilling out in my sister Heather....Even in Utero, they are so cute!

Blah....

Where are my "Happy Pills"?

interferon-wise, I am struggling. I have been having new and more intense symptoms. I wonder if it is toxicity from the increase in dosage or simply "toxicity" over time. Probably a combination of both.

Last week, post 1/2 Marathon, I experienced some high levels of fatigue, a killer headache and upper back pain which made sleeping difficult. Some Aleive helped resolved the back pain which slowly fade away as the week progressed along with the headache. This weekend I started feeling "full" and salad does not seem to be helping, if you catch my drift.

So this morning, the raging headache, back pain and upset stomach led me to believe that last night's shot was not well received. The scale definitely showed some "dehydration" and I have been having nausea and "vurps" all day long. Keeping up with the water doesn't seem to be helping the upset stomach but it did take an edge off the headache...

I'm no doctor but I suspect if my blood counts are still low this week that my days of 10 MIU doses are numbered. For that matter my days of Interferon might be numbered as well. The thought of lowering my dosage doesn't bother me too much. If my body can't handle this level - I have to accept that.

The thought of ending treatment all together makes me anxious. While I am ready to feel "normal" again ... I am a scared of the idea of "doing nothing" and not sure that I am ready for that moment yet.

I don't know that I would be any more ready for it in 13 weeks but at least I can "see it coming"... I am all about "following the plan" and maintaining an illusion of "control"...

Tomorrow's Weekly bloodwork should give me some clues as to what is going on...

Live STRONG!

Dec 2005 Photo Essay - How to build a "Calvin-n-Hobbs" Snowman

(Authors Note: This is what we did on Christmas Eve Day.

All participants were over the age of 21. Who says kids have all the fun?

All photography by Jim except the one where Jim is sledding...)

STEP 1: Start Rolling ...

STEP 2: Realize How HEAVY snow is ...

STEP 3: Take a Break cause snow is heavy ...

STEP 4: Begin Fabrication ...

STEP 5: Discover alternate uses for Gatorate ...

STEP 6: Laugh histerically at how shocked your Mom
will be when she comes home to this snowman in her yard
on Christmas Eve ...

STEP 7: Celebrate by playing in snow ...