Mental note to self: It's no fun running when it's hot and humid, at least it's not when you're not used to it.
It wasn't very nice out today, with temperatures in the mid-80s and it was super sticky. I know I shouldn't complain since we only get warm weather for a few months a year. But really, does it have to feel like August when it isn't even June yet?
Even though it was humid, I decided to go for a run when I got home from work, because, hello, it's almost summer and I'm going to have to do it sooner or later. Not only was I still dealing with that whole lack of stamina thing, my legs kind of felt like lead today and the weather conditions were less than ideal. But I sucked it up and put one foot in front of the other for 2.1 miles. And then I got home and needed a towel since I was drenched in sweat.
My pace is still slower than what I was running pre-neck slicing, but I'm hoping within the next week or two to get back to where I was before in addition to finding my stamina again. My first test will be Saturday since I signed up for a local 5K (instead of ingesting the Lake Flies, I'll be running in the Lake Fly 5K). I should be able to finish without any major problems, but I'm sure my time will be slower than the Oshkosh 5K. But I'd be OK with that.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
The hiatus is over
19 days.
That's how long it's been since I laced up my sneakers and headed out for a run. Granted it was a little difficult since I was doing that whole painful recovery thing from The Great Neck Slicing of 2007. So it's not like I voluntarily chose to take a 19 day hiatus from running.
But it's over now.
My doctor had told me I could start running again 2 weeks after my surgery. Friday was the 2 week mark. Mom, well, she would have liked to see me wait another week, but I was getting antsy. And besides, I had signed up to do a 5K on June 2 and I didn't want my first run post Neck Slicing to be something where I absolutely had to run 3 miles.
So I decided on the happy medium, about 2 1/2 weeks. I was going to try running yesterday, but my neck felt kind of achy, so I decided against it. Today, I didn't feel too bad when I got up. So I threw on some shorts and an T-shirt, laced up my sneakers and headed out.
I ended up going 2.1 miles. And surprisingly, it didn't hurt too much while I was running. I was just completely out of gas by the time I got home though. And showering? That sucked the last remaining energy I had. It was one of those days where I took a shower and then sat and rested for a few minutes after I finished drying off. It's like I had to get ready in stages, just like I did the first week after my surgery.
Now, a few hours after the run, my neck feels a bit achy, but I've regained some energy. I feel kind of good knowing that it wasn't necessarily the distance I had problems with. I wasn't getting those nasty cramps and my legs didn't feel like large blocks of lead. It was the stamina that I had problems with. And I knew that was going to be my problem before I even took my first step. Hopefully within the next week or two, I'll get all of my energy back and I'll be able to run farther without being completely wiped out afterwards.
I don't have big plans for the rest of the day, just sitting around and reading while I do a few loads laundry. Then I'm heading up to my parents' house for the annual Memorial Day cookout. Mmmmmm, burgers and dogs on the grill.
That's how long it's been since I laced up my sneakers and headed out for a run. Granted it was a little difficult since I was doing that whole painful recovery thing from The Great Neck Slicing of 2007. So it's not like I voluntarily chose to take a 19 day hiatus from running.
But it's over now.
My doctor had told me I could start running again 2 weeks after my surgery. Friday was the 2 week mark. Mom, well, she would have liked to see me wait another week, but I was getting antsy. And besides, I had signed up to do a 5K on June 2 and I didn't want my first run post Neck Slicing to be something where I absolutely had to run 3 miles.
So I decided on the happy medium, about 2 1/2 weeks. I was going to try running yesterday, but my neck felt kind of achy, so I decided against it. Today, I didn't feel too bad when I got up. So I threw on some shorts and an T-shirt, laced up my sneakers and headed out.
I ended up going 2.1 miles. And surprisingly, it didn't hurt too much while I was running. I was just completely out of gas by the time I got home though. And showering? That sucked the last remaining energy I had. It was one of those days where I took a shower and then sat and rested for a few minutes after I finished drying off. It's like I had to get ready in stages, just like I did the first week after my surgery.
Now, a few hours after the run, my neck feels a bit achy, but I've regained some energy. I feel kind of good knowing that it wasn't necessarily the distance I had problems with. I wasn't getting those nasty cramps and my legs didn't feel like large blocks of lead. It was the stamina that I had problems with. And I knew that was going to be my problem before I even took my first step. Hopefully within the next week or two, I'll get all of my energy back and I'll be able to run farther without being completely wiped out afterwards.
I don't have big plans for the rest of the day, just sitting around and reading while I do a few loads laundry. Then I'm heading up to my parents' house for the annual Memorial Day cookout. Mmmmmm, burgers and dogs on the grill.
Friday, May 25, 2007
The strings have been cut
I've been living in The City on the Water since September and today, I cut the final tie I had to the 'burg.
Today, when I went to renew my cell phone contract, I ditched my number from the 'burg in favor of a local number. At first glance, the number may not seem all that different, after all, it's still the same area code. But no longer is it a phone number tied to the farm fields of Dodge County.
And of course I got a spiffy new phone. I took my time and browsed the selection, finally deciding on this. It's a similar style to the one I had and the Verizon folks tell me lots of folks are happy with it. So we'll see.
Today, when I went to renew my cell phone contract, I ditched my number from the 'burg in favor of a local number. At first glance, the number may not seem all that different, after all, it's still the same area code. But no longer is it a phone number tied to the farm fields of Dodge County.
And of course I got a spiffy new phone. I took my time and browsed the selection, finally deciding on this. It's a similar style to the one I had and the Verizon folks tell me lots of folks are happy with it. So we'll see.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Stadium memories I remember vividly
I bleed Badger red.
During college, if you were looking for me on a fall Saturday, chances are you could find me in the student section at Camp Randall Stadium, cheering on the Badgers as they battled against a Big Ten foe on the grid iron.
While the academics certainly played a large role my in decision to attend the University of Wisconsin, I have to admit, the allure of Big Ten sports was also a large factor. I love sports. I love watching them as much as playing them. Camp Randall and the Kohl Center became my home away from my dorm room as I'd spend lots of Fridays and Saturday watching the Cardinal and Red square off against opponents on the football field, hockey rink or basketball court.
Knowing my love for the Badgers, a co-worker of mine loaned me a book he thought I'd enjoy, "The 25 Greatest Moments in Camp Randall History" by Mike Lucas, a writer for the Capital Times in Madison and radio analyst for UW sports.
The moments did not disappoint. In fact, you could have found my in the stands at Camp Randall during three of the top 25 moments and parked in front of the television during three more. There were also a few moments from the early 1990s that I remember pretty vividly as well, I mean seriously, who could forget the Camp Randall Stampede in 1993.
Anyway, a recap of the six moments that I remember most vividly:
Moment 18: Wisconsin 49, Minnesota 31 (November 23, 2002)
It was the fall of 2002, when I working down in Indiana, so my eyes were glued to a television. It was the home finale for the Badgers as they faced off against our rivals, the Golden Gophers of Minnesota, and a trip to a post-season bowl game was on the line. Anthony Davis rushed for 301 yards and five touchdowns as the Badgers reclaimed Paul Bunyan's Axe with a 49-31 win.
Moment 15: Wisconsin 27, Oregon 23 (September 9, 2000)
It was the second game of the season and Wisconsin was dealing with the aftermath of the Shoe Box Scandal, which broke hours before the season opener and resulted in 26 players being suspended for getting extra benefits not available to athletes at a shoe store in Black Earth, Wis. Running back Michael Bennett lead the Badgers with 290 yards and Jamar Fletcher picked off Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington three times. Good stuff to watch from the student section.
Moment 11: Wisconsin 31, Purdue 24 (October 10, 1998)
I should have been in the stands for this one, the first night game at Camp Randall Stadium in since 1995. But my brother forgot to consult the football schedule when picking a wedding date. Since I was a bridesmaid, I was forced to watch this Homecoming gem from the bar during the reception. I missed being a part of the debut of a Camp Randall tradition, when the student section goes wild during House of Pain's "Jump Around" between the third and fourth quarters, causing the upper deck to shudder. I missed Drew Brees complete 55 of 83 passes during the marathon 3 hour, 37 minute game. I missed my first Homecoming in Madison. And of course I missed a 31-24 victory.
Moment 8: Wisconsin 17, Ohio State 10 (October 11, 2003)
It was the first game Ohio State was playing on the road since winning the National Championship in January with a double overtime win against Miami. Backup quarterback Matt Schabert leads the Badgers to a win after QB Jim Sorgi was knocked out of the game in the third quarter after a Buckeye applied a choke hold while tackling Sorgi. Schabert connects with Lee Evans for a 79-yard touchdown pass with 5:20 remaining in the game to give the Badgers a 17-10 win.
Moment 3: Wisconsin 24, Penn State 3 (November 21, 1998)
It wasn't a last minute play that made this game so fabulous, it was the smell of roses and fireworks after time expired that made this one memorable. With Ohio State beating Michigan and the Badgers pulling out a victory over the Nittany Lions, Wisconsin earned an invite to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the second in school history and their first trip since 1993. I enjoyed this one from high up in the stands in Section P.
Moment 1: Wisconsin 41, Iowa 3 (November 13, 1999)
Roooooooooon Daaayynne. I only got to enjoy watching Dayne break tackles for two years, but he was enjoyable to watch and the crowd at Camp Randall went wild anytime the public address announcer spoke his name. On this November day, we celebrated Dayne's achievements as he broke the NCAA rushing record with a 31-yard run late in the first half. There was no pre-planned speech from the announcer, just a "Roooooooooooon Daayynne" as a sellout crowd of 79,404 roared and held up commemorative towels printed with Dayne's number 33. What seemed like a million flashbulbs went off throughout the stadium and I could feel the hairs on my arms stand on end. I still get chills thinking of the moment.
Lucas picked out 25 great moments and I remember those six the best. Some I remember witnessing from the student section at Camp Randall, others from the comfort of my recliner. But all were great.
During college, if you were looking for me on a fall Saturday, chances are you could find me in the student section at Camp Randall Stadium, cheering on the Badgers as they battled against a Big Ten foe on the grid iron.
While the academics certainly played a large role my in decision to attend the University of Wisconsin, I have to admit, the allure of Big Ten sports was also a large factor. I love sports. I love watching them as much as playing them. Camp Randall and the Kohl Center became my home away from my dorm room as I'd spend lots of Fridays and Saturday watching the Cardinal and Red square off against opponents on the football field, hockey rink or basketball court.
Knowing my love for the Badgers, a co-worker of mine loaned me a book he thought I'd enjoy, "The 25 Greatest Moments in Camp Randall History" by Mike Lucas, a writer for the Capital Times in Madison and radio analyst for UW sports.
The moments did not disappoint. In fact, you could have found my in the stands at Camp Randall during three of the top 25 moments and parked in front of the television during three more. There were also a few moments from the early 1990s that I remember pretty vividly as well, I mean seriously, who could forget the Camp Randall Stampede in 1993.
Anyway, a recap of the six moments that I remember most vividly:
Moment 18: Wisconsin 49, Minnesota 31 (November 23, 2002)
It was the fall of 2002, when I working down in Indiana, so my eyes were glued to a television. It was the home finale for the Badgers as they faced off against our rivals, the Golden Gophers of Minnesota, and a trip to a post-season bowl game was on the line. Anthony Davis rushed for 301 yards and five touchdowns as the Badgers reclaimed Paul Bunyan's Axe with a 49-31 win.
Moment 15: Wisconsin 27, Oregon 23 (September 9, 2000)
It was the second game of the season and Wisconsin was dealing with the aftermath of the Shoe Box Scandal, which broke hours before the season opener and resulted in 26 players being suspended for getting extra benefits not available to athletes at a shoe store in Black Earth, Wis. Running back Michael Bennett lead the Badgers with 290 yards and Jamar Fletcher picked off Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington three times. Good stuff to watch from the student section.
Moment 11: Wisconsin 31, Purdue 24 (October 10, 1998)
I should have been in the stands for this one, the first night game at Camp Randall Stadium in since 1995. But my brother forgot to consult the football schedule when picking a wedding date. Since I was a bridesmaid, I was forced to watch this Homecoming gem from the bar during the reception. I missed being a part of the debut of a Camp Randall tradition, when the student section goes wild during House of Pain's "Jump Around" between the third and fourth quarters, causing the upper deck to shudder. I missed Drew Brees complete 55 of 83 passes during the marathon 3 hour, 37 minute game. I missed my first Homecoming in Madison. And of course I missed a 31-24 victory.
Moment 8: Wisconsin 17, Ohio State 10 (October 11, 2003)
It was the first game Ohio State was playing on the road since winning the National Championship in January with a double overtime win against Miami. Backup quarterback Matt Schabert leads the Badgers to a win after QB Jim Sorgi was knocked out of the game in the third quarter after a Buckeye applied a choke hold while tackling Sorgi. Schabert connects with Lee Evans for a 79-yard touchdown pass with 5:20 remaining in the game to give the Badgers a 17-10 win.
Moment 3: Wisconsin 24, Penn State 3 (November 21, 1998)
It wasn't a last minute play that made this game so fabulous, it was the smell of roses and fireworks after time expired that made this one memorable. With Ohio State beating Michigan and the Badgers pulling out a victory over the Nittany Lions, Wisconsin earned an invite to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the second in school history and their first trip since 1993. I enjoyed this one from high up in the stands in Section P.
Moment 1: Wisconsin 41, Iowa 3 (November 13, 1999)
Roooooooooon Daaayynne. I only got to enjoy watching Dayne break tackles for two years, but he was enjoyable to watch and the crowd at Camp Randall went wild anytime the public address announcer spoke his name. On this November day, we celebrated Dayne's achievements as he broke the NCAA rushing record with a 31-yard run late in the first half. There was no pre-planned speech from the announcer, just a "Roooooooooooon Daayynne" as a sellout crowd of 79,404 roared and held up commemorative towels printed with Dayne's number 33. What seemed like a million flashbulbs went off throughout the stadium and I could feel the hairs on my arms stand on end. I still get chills thinking of the moment.
Lucas picked out 25 great moments and I remember those six the best. Some I remember witnessing from the student section at Camp Randall, others from the comfort of my recliner. But all were great.
Water washed out my plans
Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching and summer's just around the corner. I can almost smell the burgers grilling. I admit, I'm antsy for the summer fun to begin.
And tonight, a summer staple here in The City on the Water began, Waterfest.
I was planning on heading down to enjoy the festivities, music and fun with friends. But it seems like Mother Nature had other plans. Mainly storms featuring sporadic downpours.
I could have braved the showers, because really, what's a little water, but I decided not to. Even thought it could have been a good time, I really didn't want to stand outside in the rain and risk getting sick, not when I'm still dealing with the aftermath of The Great Neck Slicing of 2007.
So instead of jamming to the tunes down by the river, I'll be chilling out here at my apartment. But I'll make sure to make it a point to show up for next week's Waterfest fun.
And tonight, a summer staple here in The City on the Water began, Waterfest.
I was planning on heading down to enjoy the festivities, music and fun with friends. But it seems like Mother Nature had other plans. Mainly storms featuring sporadic downpours.
I could have braved the showers, because really, what's a little water, but I decided not to. Even thought it could have been a good time, I really didn't want to stand outside in the rain and risk getting sick, not when I'm still dealing with the aftermath of The Great Neck Slicing of 2007.
So instead of jamming to the tunes down by the river, I'll be chilling out here at my apartment. But I'll make sure to make it a point to show up for next week's Waterfest fun.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The pages aren't turning
I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but it's almost the end of the month and I've only finished one book.
One.
Uno.
Five minus four.
This isn't good.
There are pages left for me to read in entertaining Michael Perry essays and I still have a few more great moments from Camp Randall Stadium to read about. And don't even get me started on Harry and his adventures at Hogwarts. I've finished three, but now the three longest years are sitting staring me in the face and according to the calendar, the release date for final book is creeping up way faster than I thought.
I'm going to blame my lack of reading on The Great Neck Slicing of 2007, because it's kind of pointless to read when your drugged up on morphine or Tylenol with codeine (good stuff) because inevitably, you read three or four pages, fall asleep and promptly forget everything you just read. At least that's what happened to me.
But the recovery? I'm well on my way to recovery and not taking any sleep inducing drugs. So falling asleep and forgetting what I just read shouldn't be a problem anymore. I can read again people! Last night I did a good chunk of reading. I've only got the four greatest moments left to read about. Hopefully I'll finish them soon, maybe even tonight. Then it's just another 100 or so pages of the Michael Perry essays, which I highly recommend by the way, and then I can give Harry some more undivided attention.
Now, it's off to read about moment 4.
One.
Uno.
Five minus four.
This isn't good.
There are pages left for me to read in entertaining Michael Perry essays and I still have a few more great moments from Camp Randall Stadium to read about. And don't even get me started on Harry and his adventures at Hogwarts. I've finished three, but now the three longest years are sitting staring me in the face and according to the calendar, the release date for final book is creeping up way faster than I thought.
I'm going to blame my lack of reading on The Great Neck Slicing of 2007, because it's kind of pointless to read when your drugged up on morphine or Tylenol with codeine (good stuff) because inevitably, you read three or four pages, fall asleep and promptly forget everything you just read. At least that's what happened to me.
But the recovery? I'm well on my way to recovery and not taking any sleep inducing drugs. So falling asleep and forgetting what I just read shouldn't be a problem anymore. I can read again people! Last night I did a good chunk of reading. I've only got the four greatest moments left to read about. Hopefully I'll finish them soon, maybe even tonight. Then it's just another 100 or so pages of the Michael Perry essays, which I highly recommend by the way, and then I can give Harry some more undivided attention.
Now, it's off to read about moment 4.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The shoes are calling my name
It was beautiful outside today. Sunny, temperatures in the low 80s, a nice breeze. And I got to leave the office before 5.
Sounds like a perfect day for a run.
Except I can't.
Remember, that whole neck slicing thing? I still have another 4 days before my doctor says I can lace up my sneakers and head out for a run.
But then I got home, sat outside and read a book for a while. And then it hit me. I knew it would happen, but I don't think I realized how much an 8 1/2 hour day of non-stop running between the courthouse and the office would drain me out, two days after I returned to work.
So it may have been beautiful outside and maybe I could hear my running shoes calling my name, but it's probably a good thing I couldn't run today. Otherwise I would have gone to bed tonight and never woken up.
Sounds like a perfect day for a run.
Except I can't.
Remember, that whole neck slicing thing? I still have another 4 days before my doctor says I can lace up my sneakers and head out for a run.
But then I got home, sat outside and read a book for a while. And then it hit me. I knew it would happen, but I don't think I realized how much an 8 1/2 hour day of non-stop running between the courthouse and the office would drain me out, two days after I returned to work.
So it may have been beautiful outside and maybe I could hear my running shoes calling my name, but it's probably a good thing I couldn't run today. Otherwise I would have gone to bed tonight and never woken up.
Monday, May 21, 2007
I was never a contestant, but I would have liked to "Come on Down!"
Remember last week, when I was recovering? And it seems like all I did was sleep and watch TV?
That recovery gave me the chance to catch up with an old TV friend, Bob Barker and "The Price is Right." I remember watching it on days when I was sick and stayed home from school. I always like Plinko - which seemed to take no skill whatsoever - and the mountain climber game - where you could lose immediately if you really had no clue how much that blender cost.
But I hadn't had the chance to watch "The Price is Right" for a few years. I turned it on last week though. The games were the same, maybe a little more snazzy looking, but still the same. And Bob looked the same and still reminded me to "have your pets spayed and neutered."
It felt like a journey to the past. Me, sacked out on the couch with my mom taking care of me. Only instead of the flu, I was nursing a gash on my neck and instead of being 8, I was 27. But it was a nice trip back to childhood.
The only bad thing about it, seeing Bob Barker reminded me that at the end of this season, Bob's calling it quits. And I for one can't imagine "The Price is Right" without Bob Barker. It's like peanut butter without jelly or Sonny without Cher. "The Price is Right" without Bob Barker is more like "The Price is Wrong."
Hank Stuever, a writer with the Washingtonpost.com, takes a good look at "The Price is Right" and Bob Barker. Take a few minutes to read it, Stuever obviously knows his Price is Right and I bet he wouldn't lose on his first attempt at the mountain climber game.
That recovery gave me the chance to catch up with an old TV friend, Bob Barker and "The Price is Right." I remember watching it on days when I was sick and stayed home from school. I always like Plinko - which seemed to take no skill whatsoever - and the mountain climber game - where you could lose immediately if you really had no clue how much that blender cost.
But I hadn't had the chance to watch "The Price is Right" for a few years. I turned it on last week though. The games were the same, maybe a little more snazzy looking, but still the same. And Bob looked the same and still reminded me to "have your pets spayed and neutered."
It felt like a journey to the past. Me, sacked out on the couch with my mom taking care of me. Only instead of the flu, I was nursing a gash on my neck and instead of being 8, I was 27. But it was a nice trip back to childhood.
The only bad thing about it, seeing Bob Barker reminded me that at the end of this season, Bob's calling it quits. And I for one can't imagine "The Price is Right" without Bob Barker. It's like peanut butter without jelly or Sonny without Cher. "The Price is Right" without Bob Barker is more like "The Price is Wrong."
Hank Stuever, a writer with the Washingtonpost.com, takes a good look at "The Price is Right" and Bob Barker. Take a few minutes to read it, Stuever obviously knows his Price is Right and I bet he wouldn't lose on his first attempt at the mountain climber game.
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