tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37899556588794802452024-02-20T23:33:46.906-08:00Ballotable RecordsOf cancer and trail dreamsEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-30650571511762721402013-04-12T18:37:00.000-07:002013-04-19T13:52:41.857-07:00"Marathon Curious" / One Year OutIt's funny to me that it literally took a "court order" to get me to blog again. <em>So what</em> if it was just a court appointed Jury Duty date.<br />
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I will admit that I have missed blogging. I have NOT, however, missed CANCER or any of the treatment.<br />
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I guess I'm writing now because I've been in a pensive phase. I've been doing some thinking (yikes), and I generally do that best when I write the shit down and let everyone who will listen, know about it.<br />
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It just occurred to me that TODAY is the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of my <strong>Bilateral DIEP Breast Reconstruction Surgery.</strong> I KNEW something had me thinkin'!!! One year ago today I went under the knife for what turned out to be the MOST physically challenging of all the Cancer treatments. Don't get me wrong, the surgery itself went very well and the end result is actually quite impressive, if I do say so myself, but I must tell you that this surgery brought me down physically to a level that I had not been at any other time during, or before, cancer treatment. Not just the surgery itself, which completely trashed the minimal core I had worked up to since my 2 C-Sections, but also the 1 month of mostly sitting in a "puffy chair" and then 2 more months of absolutely no exercise, or work. Due to my Vicoden induced decision to join the November NYC marathon, and my excitement to get back to life and to running, I was able to jump back in fairly quickly, even if at an extremely slow running pace. I had a very rough summer of running but then starting feeling a bit better in the fall. As you know the NYC marathon was cancelled, but I did get to run a marathon in Central Park, which was actually probably a great thing because I did not have a timing chip on so there was very little stress. After NYC, I decided to go ahead and sign up for another Trail 50 K race in March. This was the same race that I did last year when I had raced the 50 mile. (Nueces). When I signed up for the 50K I was very excited because it sounded so short compared to the 50 miler. I was happy also to have made a very sound decision in that I knew that wasn't going to be prepared for 50 miles again this time around!<br />
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I had some pretty decent winter running, and some really great times with my old trail running buddies: <br />
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And a few really Horrible runs:<br />
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But the resultant 50K was Great!<br />
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This was a 50K PR for me and a super fun weekend!<br />
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I have to admit that even during my 50 K training, and then after, a certain "itch", or curiosity kept bugging me. I'll explain...<br />
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As you may know, I do at least one day a week of road running and I have been doing that "speed" work with Team Rogue. I've been running with a new coach there named Jeff Knight. He's a really cool person and he seems to really know what he's doing. My thoughts about that were confirmed when, the other day, I met with him to discuss my "Marathon Plan", and he mentioned that I'd come a long way since he met me in September/October. He mentioned also that, <em>at that time, </em>he'd wondered if I ought not even be there. (Post surgery and all, and that I was SUPER SLOW). I have to admit that he was probably right, but also chuckled inside when he said it as I remembered that I looked <em>good</em> at that time compared to when I was bald and in chemo and was still attending every Tuesday, 2 years ago. I thought it very cool that he went with it, despite his doubts and let me keep coming for reason's he may not have even understood at the time. Not only did he let me keep coming, but he showed interest in me and continued to progress my workouts. I'll never forget the day that I was having my first good run at a decent pace, and he was driving in the car next to me for what seemed like a mile. I felt like ROCKY. It was very inspiring. But let me back up....<br />
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When I first met Jeff, I explained to him that "I'm just the trail runner girl who shows up on Tuesdays." "I run trail the other days." It was kinda strange and cool for me that he did not know anything about me or that I'd been doing this Tuesday road run for several years even before and through cancer. I explained that my "A" race for the year was Nueces 50K in March. I then explained that this 50K trail race was sort of like "a really, really, long, slow, hilly, rocky marathon", in order to get it inside his wheelhouse. After this description, he hardly paused for a breath, and then asked me what MARATHON I was going to do?. Hmm... I asked..."What's the next one after March?" He said.."Eugene". I said.."I'd like to go to Eugene." Which I absolutely meant (for vacation purposes, etc) . I've never been to the great Northwest. So, for the months of October through March, Jeff trained me for this trip to Eugene that sounded absolutely wonderful. At some point in January or February I realized that I was, in at least in someones mind (Jeff's), actually going to do this Eugene Marathon. At that point I had a little talk with my husband and explained that depending on how Nueces goes, I MIGHT sorta have to do this marathon. After Nueces I showed up on Tuesday morning at 5:30 as I normally do and began discussion with Jeff regarding my future running plans. I was pretty tired that day (having just raced 31 hilly, rocky, miles only 3 days before) so I mentioned to him that maybe I should run Eugene NEXT year. He had a few words regarding my statement that allowed me to buy one more week of introspection. <br />
After a week of fun during SXSW including several days without the kids, I was feeling GREAT, and realized that I still wanted a few more months to try to continue to progress my fitness. Just before Nueces, I had realized that I did not feel that I was going to actually be peaking for that race. I felt that if I'd just have a couple more months, then I would possibly be peaking, and I'd be closer to one year out from my surgery. Nueces ended up being a better day than I had expected, producing a 50K Personal Record for me (including pre-cancer races), but I still just felt I wanted more. The difficult thing was going to be explaining to Richie this seemingly ridiculous desire. I wanted a SECOND "A" RACE within 2 months of the other one, and this one requiring plane tickets to OREGON. Oh yeah, and I want to take my 5 year old son with me who has never been on a plane. Richie was hesitant but agreed. Luckily by the time he realized the price of the plane tickets and began to question why I didn't just run a marathon in Austin, it was too late :). <br />
<strike></strike> <br />
So, here I am now in my "taper" phase trying to figure out my "purpose" for this marathon. Why did I decide I wanted to do this? What <strong>is it</strong> that is going to keep me running, or even better, keep me running as fast as I'd like to, when things get tough. Since toughness alone is no longer an option, due to the fact that I had previously vowed against it (in order for bad things that require toughness to get through to stop happening to me), I must find a true "purpose". I explained to my coach that prior to Cancer I was very competitive. I was the girl that would always try to catch the person in front of me and never let the person behind have an inch. Since Cancer I've been much more <em>content</em> to just <em>be</em> wherever I was. So then, why am I, a self-professed trail runner, now signed up for yet another marathon? And why do I have a certain marathon time goal? Especially since I really don't know what that means any more and I have only an inkling of the pace that I'm capable of. In trail running we don't even pay attention to the pace per mile. In fact, for the better part of this training season I didn't even have a Garmin. When I signed up for Eugene, I literally had no idea what pace I should be running. So, since I signed up for this marathon I've had about 4 weeks with a new Garmin and an eye on what might be possible. So, what is my motive? The only things I can really come up with are that 1.) I just feel like doing it, as I mentioned above about just wanting more time to progress, and 2.) I'm curious. Curious about how I will run. Curious what I can do literally one year out from my surgery, having started from what I consider zero. My lowest point in cancer treatment. In a way I think that I feel it's kind of like a final exam for my comeback. I used to love taking tests in school. I always wanted to see what the best score I could get could be. Have I studied well enough? Will I get lucky? Do I already know the material? Have I done the work? This is a game that the pre-cancer me might have played. Like I explained to Coach Jeff, I've changed in many ways since cancer. Mostly for the better. <strong>But</strong>, there are some parts of the old me that I have begun to miss. It feels kind of good to feel like that person again, at least in some ways. <br />
<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-26304829204627898732012-11-21T18:18:00.000-08:002012-11-24T06:23:07.804-08:00Run AnywayAs most of you have undoubtedly heard by now (becasue it's been almost 3 weeks), the NYC marathon was cancelled. I'm gonna go ahead and tell you my story, because that's what I'm inclined to do.<br />
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On Monday, October 29th, I was made aware of the Hurricane Sandy by my good friend Amy who had been planning on meeting me in NYC to cheer me on at the marathon. Her sister, Lyndsay, who is also my friend, and a runner, lives near the City in Jersey, so Amy was following the storm and had some concerns. On Monday night I emailed Lyndsay who was (without my knowing, initially), at that very moment, being hit by the storm. <br />
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Exerpts from our emails: <br />
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<strong>Monday, October 29, 7:57 pm</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Me</strong>: <br />
"Hey, how is it ? Is it bad? Are you safe there? <br />
What do you think the odds are of the race going on?<br />
If it does go on would u want or be able to run any of it with me? I didn't know if that was allowed at NYC Marathon?<br />
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<strong>Lyndsay:</strong> <br />
It's bad.<br />
I'm scared shitless<br />
Should have evacuated my bldg but I didn't when they told us to<br />
Race is in question based on airports and power outages<br />
It's really hard to jump in bc they have bariers everywhere but i will def try!!<br />
Will keep u updated<br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> <br />
Oh no. Be safe!<br />
Yes Keep me posted. I hope Sandy passes through tonight!<br />
There's that word again. Hope.<br />
Emily<br />
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<strong>Lyndsay</strong>:<br />
Just lost power<br />
Shutting down now to conserve<br />
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<strong>Tuesday, October 30, 2012 2:08 PM</strong></div>
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<strong>Lyndsay:</strong></div>
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Long night<br />
No power yet<br />
No updates on marathon<br />
Things are crazy messed up here<br />
All subways flooded<br />
No trains or buses yet<br />
Went for a run along the water and there are trees down and debris everywhere<br />
Will take a while to clean up<br />
Most people in know in the city don't have power yet either<br />
Not sure about airports if they are open<br />
Don't have access to the news so you probably know more than me<br />
Keep me updated if u hear anything about the marathon and I will do the same<br />
Today is a big clean up day and I suspect more news will happen tomorrow<br />
Shutting down now to conserve battery<br />
Sent from my iPad</div>
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<strong>Me (in my mind)</strong>: Oehw, That does not sound good. It's totally cool that she went for a run. I love Lyndsay for that. I imagined what her run might have been like. </div>
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Throughout Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, friends and family were asking me if I was still planning on going to New York. My responses were...."If it's ON, I'm IN, basically". Or, "Have you met me?" Wednesday afternoon after Mayor Bloomberg stated that the Marathon was definately ON, I had no question. I even thought that holding the marathon could, in some ways, help the city get back on it's feet. So, Thursday I commenced my packing, and Friday morning got on the plane with Richie and several other runners from Austin. We travelled most of the day, figured out the ONE subway that was running from near the airport (JFK- it was open) to midtown, where our hotel was, and made it into the city. Once there, we get off the subway train, I put on my puffy jacket, get tangled in the turnstyle, drag my huge suitcase up the 20 some steps, and stumble out onto the street with eyes wide open and a smile on my face. ...typically one of my very favorite moments about arriving in a big city like NYC or San Francisco.....How the city basically opens up and washes over you. How you instantaneously transition from one existence to another. It's kind of like being re-born. Or, punching a giant re-set button, if you will. SHPOW! Then, almost as if it were planned...(? Mayor B?)..... Tri-Tone sound....Text message received..."<strong>Marathon Cancelled</strong>." Then, within seconds of the text, my phone rings and I know immediately that the text was not a mistake. <br />
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Standing there on the corner of 57th and 5th, with my suitcase and my husband at my side (with no kids :)) with this new information, you can imagine my mixed thoughts and emotions. No marathon.<strong> :(</strong> No Marathon <strong>:)?</strong> It took me about 30 seconds to realize that this was potentially not so bad. This was our first trip without the kids since before Ace was born. I decided pretty immediately that this could be OK, and even, potentially, MORE fun. Plus, It's what I had to do. <br />
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We made it to the hotel, which was a flurry of folks from all over the world, our hotel being one of the marathon host hotels. There were glances of understanding being shared between runners of all languages. No one was angry. Mostly in shock, I figured. We went to our room, got freshened up, and went out to eat....<br />
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We walked around times square and exchanged a knowing smile with "Snoop Dog".<br />
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There was no loss of electricity in Midtown, but just down the way, around 30th street, huge blocks were black as night. Very spooky with a comic book "gothom" type of feeling.<br />
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On Saturday morning, we got up and made plans to work our way toward the Marathon Expo which was still being held. Then we just started walking like Richie and I tend to do when we travel. We ducked into an awesome Diner for breakfast and then kept walking toward the Marathon Expo which was a few miles away. The place was packed! There were (road) runners everywhere! (Not a scruffy looking one in the bunch!) All of the 2012 NYC Marathon Gear was on sale for half price. I picked out several very cool items and then I saw the check out line. I realized immediately that while I may be an endurance athlete, I'd never make it to the end of that line, and we bowed out without my souvenirs. We caught a bus back to the hotel and this is where things started getting really fun. I had decided that I really wanted to run in Central Park since I WAS there and this was my chance. I had tried to spark some inerest in Fred's Team to support a run there on Sunday, but there was no response, likely due to their being busy with figuring out what to do about the cancelled marathon, themselves. So, I decided that I would go ahead and do it this afternoon before Richie and I went out to see a band that night, and not risk being too tired on Sunday. I got dressed and ready for my run. We took a cab down to central park where the Fred Lebow Statue USUALLY stands around 90th St., in order for me to take some photos by the statue and then I'd start my run.<br />
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Unfortunately....Fred had already been moved to the "Finish Line" of the "Marathon" which was a few miles away at the other end of the park. I wasn't going to be able to carry all of my things, make it to the other side for the photo with Richie <em>and</em> still have light for my run, so I gave my things to Richie and started running. A few loops around the lake in the park, then down the streets of Manhattan back to my hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAJmHDPah4Xq11L8Dw1NK7N7bxKiTocYE02ysq3JRNGdLM3XG0wBlsv408f18_xzQm8oAbKvExx7U3PfO8kTkvZ0JmbbB-r3WwaBhbybGaQXccE_N2ZxxkLj1SU2z79z6AoBqJwhQGGY6/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAJmHDPah4Xq11L8Dw1NK7N7bxKiTocYE02ysq3JRNGdLM3XG0wBlsv408f18_xzQm8oAbKvExx7U3PfO8kTkvZ0JmbbB-r3WwaBhbybGaQXccE_N2ZxxkLj1SU2z79z6AoBqJwhQGGY6/s320/IMG_3573.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I, of course, thought this giant Apple symbol in the sky was a "sign".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My run was a thrill! I was well rested, it was very cool out, and I was in NYC!! I ran about 7.5 miles and I ran quickly due to the weather and the excitement. I made it back to the hotel and we got ready to go out to eat and to go see the band Jon Spencer Blues Explosion that we wanted to see play that night. We were unable to get the tickets online, but we decided to take our chances and show up at the Bowery Ballroom because, for gosh sakes it was the Blues Explosion! We actually made it into the show!! And it Rocked!<br />
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Just before the show, Richie was reading CNN on his phone and there was one small line that mentioned how some people were meeting in Central Park the next day to do a run. After the rock show, around midnight, I noticed a twitter message from my friend Chuck linking me to a twitter site "@RunanywayNYC12". There were some details on people meeting to run a marathon on Sunday morning in Central Park and raising money for Sandy relief. I knew <strong>then</strong> that I had to go there and be ready to run a marathon. <br />
<br />
The next morning I got up and showered, body-glided my eyes (turns out it makes a great make-up remover), got dressed in my Fred's team garb, weaved through the throng of international runners doing group stretches in the hotel lobby who were obviously gearing up for something like a marathon, chose one of the 3 Starbuck's' on the corners near my hotel for breakfast, and made my way to Central Park. I got out of the cab and walked toward the outer loop where the run was happening. By the time I got there, thousands of people were already running. (I read various esstsimates of 15-20,000 runners). It's hard to describe the excitement and emotion that was swirling around that 6.1 mile loop of Central Park. Most people were running counter clockwise, with a small fraction of folks running clockwise on the innermost part of the road. It was amazing. There were thousands of others like myself who had raised money for causes in order to run NYC, and who had trained and dedicated their runs to specific people and organizations. Just like myself, they wanted, and needed to run to honor those people and follow through with commitments they had made to donors. On top of this, people were wanting to raise money for Sandy relief and victims.<br />
<br />
I made my way closer, dropped my clothes then found myself working my way into the flow like a Salmon. I don't think Salmon think much. I think it is mostly part of their instinct to "run" with the group. I was still pretty much in shock, and sort of out of it when I began running. I was worn out from my busy day the day before and it took me a little while to completely realize what was happening. I was trying to take it all in. I began noting the hundreds of people who had, not their own names, but names of loved ones, causes, and their beloved countries marked on their shirts. People were running free. It was not a race, but something that people just needed to do. There was, at the same time, an undeniable presence of the respect that people had for those who had suffered losses due to the hurricane Sandy. <br />
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By the time I made it to my mile 6, which was where the anticipated "NYC Official Marathon Finish" <strong>was</strong> to be, there was a huge clog of people paying their respects to the finish line banner, which we were not allowed to cross under, and also to the statue of Fred Lebow. <br />
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There you are Fred!! At this point I felt very emotional and elated at the same time. <br />
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I ran a couple more laps on this high and then I got a text from Richie! "I'm here. Where are you?"<br />
Wow! this was so exciting for me. I had left the hotel with no plans for him to meet me here. I had gone with no idea what I was getting myself into, or what was actually going to happen,so I had just headed over there on my own and told him I'd see him in about 5 hours. When I called him back, he was only about a mile away from me and I ran with excitement toward him. His showing up, and knowing he'd be there when I finished is what got me through the rest of my run! What a beautiful day and an amazing example of a grass roots effort. This marathon was absolutely self supported. There was no city support or any official support that I could see other than the various groups that were taking donations for Sandy, and random citizens who had just come out to support the runners! Random people were pooring water out of gallon jugs and giving away pretzels and gummy bears. I am very happy that this once in a lifetime event went on, not in spite of a trajedy, but with respect for those who have incurred loss from not only the hurricane, but also from those more common causes that continue to affect millions. I was so happy to be able to complete my run to honor my dedications and my commitments to myself and my Fred's Team donors. And, after my run I was able to donate money to a specific family who had lost their home in the storm.<br />
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What a day!<br />
<br />
Now back to trail!<br />
Bandera 25K January<br />
Nueces 50K MarchEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-88712124416661647792012-10-31T13:53:00.001-07:002013-04-15T18:39:58.266-07:00New York City Marathon. Mile Dedications<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6AOicgm5eJwBd06mQkfpc81_IjQIYV4ISzisdTwOZmaO1hUWn-tku0HIB0nq6lrMmH0vJnXxCO500Y5QDEcb1lo9WWWJbQrkRfTJjvIAUqqzQnIsgxr1gJqQDX3ZjrKHEl9pv26XMXV0/s1600/my+Back+without+cancer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6AOicgm5eJwBd06mQkfpc81_IjQIYV4ISzisdTwOZmaO1hUWn-tku0HIB0nq6lrMmH0vJnXxCO500Y5QDEcb1lo9WWWJbQrkRfTJjvIAUqqzQnIsgxr1gJqQDX3ZjrKHEl9pv26XMXV0/s320/my+Back+without+cancer.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On April 12, 2012 I went under the
knife for Bilateral, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deep Inferior
Epigastric Perferator (DIEP</b>) Breast Reconstruction Surgery after treatment
for right sided <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">breast cancer,</b> and
for preventative measures on the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On May 1<sup>st</sup> (my 42<sup>nd</sup> Birthday), under the influence
of Vicoden, and from the comfort of my “puffy chair”, I decided to join <u>Fred’s
Team</u> in order to allow myself entry to run the New York City Marathon being
held on November 4<sup>th</sup> 2012, thereby, committing myself to raising $3,500
for Cancer Research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah, and
RUNNING a MARATHON within 6 months starting from the lowest point I’d been
physically in 10 years! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About one month later, I woke from
my haze, stood mostly upright, looked at my gaping abdominal wound in the
mirror and I realized what I had done. I had to come up with a way to raise
money, to heal this wound, and to get into shape again. I remembered a time not long before I was diagnosed with
breast cancer my old coach Steve Sisson told me that it’s good to do something
that scares you. Well Steve, cancer scares me, and I’ve done that, so, I guess
now I’ll try fundraising! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the help of Fred’s Team, I
built this Event Personal Page for an easy way to receive donations online.
Please visit the site for details on donors list or further donations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A list
of donation benefits from the page are summarized here:</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Donation Benefits</span></strong><span style="color: #333333;">:</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">$50.00</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> -
I will highlight a person of your choice in my blog with a note by you (if
desired).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">$100.00</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> -
I will dedicate a mile of the NYC marathon up to (26.2 miles) to a person of
your choosing and I will carry their name with me along the route. + Blog
Highlight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">$250.00</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> -
I will take a photograph of myself with the name of the person of your choosing
next to the Fred Lebow Statue and provide you with this photo, plus dedication
of mile (up to 26.2), plus blog Highlight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over the next several months, my
wound healed, and family members, friends, and strangers made their way to my donation
site and made thoughtful and generous donations. All while I’m working my way slowly and
painfully back to some semblance of fitness…recumbent bike, elliptical machine,
slow jogging, some pick ups then slow distance.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am now very proud to announce that
I have completed my whirlwind marathon training, I have raised over $3500 for
Cancer Research, and that I am ready to run the 26.2 miles of the New York City
Marathon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I run I will be dedicating
the miles to the following people on behalf of my donors and myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Mile Dedications</u>:</strong></span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#1</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Me</b> -I’m going
to go ahead and run this one for myself because it will represent </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">an exciting fresh start for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#2</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jennifer Benson</b>-
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a new friend of mine who has recently undergone<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
survived treatment for Breast Cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her mother passed about 1 year ago <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>due to Breast Cancer, and her Father is currently
fighting Skin Cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer is one of
the nicest people I’ve met recently and I’m gonna run this one for her because
it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will likely be the easiest mile for me,
and frankly I think Jennifer could use <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>something easy! It will be an awesome
view and on the downside of the <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Varrazano-Narrows Bridge!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#3</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cindy Movold</b> (On
behalf of the VanBrunt family)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br clear="all" />
<em> by Amy Van Brunt:</em><br />
The Van Brunt Family would like to dedicate this donation to Cynthia Ann Movold
who passed on April 27th, 2003 at the age of 43. We would like her story to be
told by her 3 wonderful daughters (My cousins): Jessica, Jennifer, &
Ashley.<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> By Jessica Movold</i>:<br />
Cynthia Ann Movold. a wife and a mother. a role model and a friend. a shoulder to
lean. an extended hand to hold. a warm smile and comforting gaze. an unfailing
love. an unspeakable presence.<br />
To find words that adequately express the grace, elegance and beauty that is
and was my mother, is a challenge that has the ability to leave some at a loss.
Her joyful soul with a giving heart was something made unmistakably
recognizable to family, friends, even strangers. My mother's compassion for
others and selflessness for herself were visible each and every day through not
just kind words, but also by consistent acts of love to everyone in her life,
even those simply just crossing her path. To speak about my mother, even the
highest most praise, can still only provide simply a keyhole view of the
remarkable woman that she was. Rather than looking behind us, as a family we
choose to look forward with gratitude and thankfulness for the abundance of
blessings we have in our lives because Cynthia Movold was our mom, wife, role
model. I have best friends in the sisters that I am blessed with and a father
that consistently showers us with his never-ending love and support. We lost
our mom to cancer but she has left us with her legacy. That legacy, her legacy,
will live on forever.<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Jennifer Movold</i>:<br />
Being the youngest of three girls, I always felt as though my mother and myself
had a special bond, with our own unique relationship. I hold the memories I
have with her very near to my heart. She had such a positive influence on my
life and helped mold me into the caring young woman I am today. My mother was
known for her compassion and lived by the philosophy of helping others. It is a
goal of mine to carry on her legacy by living by the same philosophy. Which is
why I have chosen nursing as my future profession. When others see me, I want
them to also see the same caring traits they saw in my mother so she can live
on through me.<br />
<br />
<em>Blog By Ashley Movold Varian</em>
<br />
</span><a href="http://racheljenae.com/journal/dailies/ashleys-legacy/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">http://racheljenae.com/journal/dailies/ashleys-legacy/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#4</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Polly Blackwood</b>
(on Behalf of Lisa Blackwood)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> by Lisa Blackwood</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
mother was 45 when she adopted me as a 3 day old baby and I was 14 when she was
diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983 at age 59. She had a full mastectomy and
lymph node removal, and at that time, was only recommended to have radiation.
She knew she had something wrong with her breast for 2-3 years before she ever
went to the doctor but delayed because she was terrified of the reality. She
reluctantly went when her nipple became inverted and the surrounding area
black/blue like a large bruise. Once she learned the truth, she fought to get
back to normal as quickly as possible. She refused to have reconstruction as
she didn’t think she needed it at her age and still donned a bathing suit in
the summer with a prosthetic in the bra and proudly showed how a softball could
fit in her armpit from the removal. Life was normal for several years and as
her 5 year anniversary approached, we all believed she was cancer free. What we
thought was an arthritis problem in her back turned out to be a tumor around
her spine. She had surgery to remove it and found that she had cancer in her
lungs, bones and it was moving to her brain. She lived another six months,
where her health declined and ability move around diminished. She died shortly
after her 65th birthday. As a woman who didn’t finish high school, she
instilled in me a strong desire to excel in academics and get a college degree.
She taught me to be strong and be sincere all the time, and to have the
confidence to make my own way, and to depend on myself in my career and in
life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#5</strong> Dedicated to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kathleen
Johnston</b> (on behalf of Dennis Jameson)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathleen is a dear friend that is a breast
cancer survivor but continues to battle<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recurrences of the disease.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">#</span>6</strong> Dedicated to<strong> Linda Wilson</strong> - “Grandma Linda” who is one of the nicest
ladies I <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> k</span>now. She has fought and beat breast cancer.
Linda is the mother of Adaline’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wonderful caregiver and our family friend,
Jennifer Stark.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#7</strong> Dedicated to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lance
Armstrong</b> for being a figure that has given myself and</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>millions of
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> others hope for recovery from cancer and return to a fruitful and even <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>successful life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a fan of Lance’s before cancer. I read
his books during </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> my treatment and his story provided me with hope for recovery and
inspiration to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> continue my running no matter how weak I felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I half-jokingly asked my </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Oncologist for
blood booster and/or EPO to help my low blood counts before my 50 mile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> trail
race he said NO. Then he stated that Lance won the Tour with a Hemoglobin count </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of
10 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(I doubt this is accurate, though). Mine was</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.7 at the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Lance, y</span>ou
could </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">have done it without the EPO or hormones, too..<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#8</strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mary Crawford</b> (on behalf of Lisa
Blackwood) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Lisa Blackwood</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have known Mary Crawford all my
life. I grew up with her son in the same church in Dallas and now my husband
and I are on a deer lease with her. She has two grown children and five
grandchildren. She sings, plays the piano, deer hunts and rides ATVs on our
deer lease and is a basically the "matriarch" of our group of 11
families that have hunted together for over 40 yrs. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The
following was written <em>by Mary Crawford</em> herself: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
am not a writer, but family, friends, of lot of prayer with hope and faith got
me through the difficult times. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 2 years ago
from my mammogram. Stage 1 Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 7 1/2 weeks of
radiation followed by a tamoxifen taken each day for 5 years (2 years and
counting) Praise God it was contained in the duct and no chemo was needed.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Breast surgery and Breast reconstruction. I am now
Cancer free. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God
has been my anchor, but Bob, my husband of 54 years, kept me on good solid
ground when the words came from the doctors, "Cancer". He has taken
care of me, drove me each day for radiation and he has continued to be at my
side for all the doctor appointments. I remember feeling as if I was caught up
in a whirlwind, and could not let go or I may fall off the cliff. The unknown
is scary. I went into surgery not knowing for sure what the outcome would be. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have met so many people along the way who did not have the support that I had
and their case of cancer was bad. I thought how lucky I really was, I had
received the best of care, from all of my doctors. In the 7 1/2 weeks of
radiation that I took every day, there were always someone to share your experience
with and you were always encouraged by them that you were not alone in this
fight for a cancer cure. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Life
is more precious to me now and I stop and smell the roses along the way. I have
lived in a fast paced world before this sickness came my way, but I am doing
well and I am a survivor and glad to be alive!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#9</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Terry Stark</b> - the father of a longtime
friend of mine. Terry underwent and <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>survived lung
cancer and it’s treatment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><strong>#10</strong> Dedicated to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Barbara Carl</b>
(on behalf of Doug Feick and Trisha Carl).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#11</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sandie Shepherd - </b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sandie was diagnosed with Lymphoma
and bone cancer in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> September of 2011. She finished her last chemo in January of
2012. Sandie is doing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> well. Sandie has been a follower of Ballotable Records
and she always had wonderful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and encouraging comments. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#12</strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stori
Hughes</b>, is the daughter of Sandie Shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stori had breast cancer in 2000, double mastectomy, reconstruction, and
then got a staph infection and had to have both removed again. She chose not to
do more reconstruction. More recently she has been battling a blood cancer.
They were hoping to get her healthy enough to do a donor transplant, were
unable. She is currently on comfort care after 84 days in Duke University
Medical Center Hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#13</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Derek Pocock</b>- I’m going to dedicate this one to my Step Father
Derek who is a </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Lymphoma survivor, an awesome person, husband and grandfather.
Derek once</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> trained for a half marathon to come and participate with me and
support me when I ran</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> my first marathon after only ONE phone call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Derek has been one of my biggest
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> supporters during the past two years. I truly appreciate Derek and all of his
kind words, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> love, and support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#14</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Susan Selby</b>-
I’m dedicating this one to my Mother who has been there for me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND my step
father Derek throughout the full courses of all of our treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May she never have
to enter another chemo room!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong> </strong></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong># 15</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mr. Bill</b>- our neighbor across the street who is a survivor of
bladder cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wife was a survivor of uterine cancer
and then eventually lost her life to lung <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and brain
cancer. Mr. Bill has been an outstanding neighbor and he is currently<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fighting
medical issues. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#16</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Charles Scott Senior</b> (on behalf of Charlie and Mary Scott)- <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by Charles Scott Jr</i>.:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
Dad, Charles H. Scott, Sr., grew up in Frisco, Texas and lived most of<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his adult life in the Dallas area,
working in the semiconductor industry<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at Texas Instruments. He was a survivor
of lymphoma, after being<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>diagnosed and beating it in the late
80s. In 1994 he was diagnosed with<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>small-cell carcinoma and, after a tough
fight, passed away in March 1996.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is remembered as being kind, caring,
funny, and good humored. When he<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was sick, I never remember him
complaining and he was always more<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>concerned with how my brother, Jack, and
I were doing than himself.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#17</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sandy Kennedy</b> was diagnosed in 2003
with Acute myeloid MP3 leukemia. She was hospitalized for 6 weeks, received
several rounds of chemo and a blood transfusion every other month for a couple
of years. She then received oral chemo. Sandy is doing very well now and has
passed the 5 year mark and counting! Sandy was an inspiration for me during my
treatment because I had remembered meeting her when she was going through
chemotherapy and I knew that she was a survivor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#18</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nita Gay Rogers</b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and cancer
of the peritoneal lining in 1996.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nita
Gay underwent and survived Chemotherapy and Surgery and is doing very well
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nita is a friend of my Mother’s who
had never met me but followed my blog and once wrote me a wonderful heartfelt
letter of support. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#19</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joyce Selby</b> – My father’s mother, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Grandma Joyce</b>, was in my eyes a strong and independent woman who
could fish with the best of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
died of lung cancer and I wish I’d known her better.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#20</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <strong>commonly known as “The Wall</strong>”: I will dedicate to my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">family</b>. I will think of my husband <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Richie</b> who has always been there with
tough love when I needed it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you
for being my “gristle”, and for giving me so many reasons to press on. I will
also think of my daughter <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adaline</b> and
my son <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ace</b> who challenge me, and provide
me with love, and inspiration daily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#
21 Julian Atkins</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. “Pappa”.
My husbands grandfather who survived prostate cancer for a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> few years and passed
due to metastases. He was a smart and funny person and he </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> loved politics,
Scotch, and playing golf. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#22</strong> <strong>Judy Selby</strong>- My Aunt who is a wonderful artist and mother
of 2. Judy was diagnosed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> with breast cancer and has undergone lumpectomy and radiation. She is doing very</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> well. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong> </strong></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#23</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Orby “Woody” Wood</b>.
The original “Granddaddy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my eyes
one of the nicest </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">men</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wonderful
cook. A loving husband, father, and grandfather. This man </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> made art out of fresh
water fishing. Granddaddy survived skin cancer with aggressive</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> treatment and
then later passed at the age of 91 due to metastases. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#24 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lori Miller</strong> - a
close friend to one of my closest friends Chuck D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lori passed due
to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">By
Chuck Duvall</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <br />
Lori was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She went to both high school and
college there. She was from an Italian family. An infectious laugh.<br />
Fantastic with people, social and a person who many gather around. <br />
I knew her at the Portland Spirit where we both worked. She was very successful
there and went on to become the Director of Sales.<br />
Everybody loved Lori.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>#25</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heather A.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Online friend and <a href="http://carnations.blogspot.com/">writer of Some Girls Prefer Carnations Blog</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Badass
scientist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Knits stuff</span>, and mother of 2
beautiful young girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heather is a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Survivor</b> of Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
She provided camaraderie, information and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> inspiration to me, throughout my
treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>#26 and 26.2 - Angelica Torres</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to run
this for a friend of mine who touched my</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> life. A<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ngelica Torres</b> was diagnosed with
ovarian cancer in March and passed </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> away with beauty and grace in June 2012.
Angelica was a chemotherapy nurse who </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> nursed hundreds back to health, a runner,
a dancer, and a great friend to many.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I want to thank each and every
person who has followed my blog, supported me during the past two years, and
who has donated to this cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all
are the icing on my cake! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-21377768265214269642012-10-31T13:34:00.001-07:002012-11-01T05:20:35.428-07:00Power down. Power uP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
I've had a sort of stressful past couple of days. Work, kids, preparing for a trip, and wondering if I'll get to follow through with this marathon that I have asked for, and received, over $3,500 for cancer research, promised dedications to fund donors, trained through the Texas summer heat, put off other vacations in order to afford, and scheduled child care. I realize mine is likely a low stress relative to many of the people experiencing the side effects of the Hurricane Sandy. I've been following the internet as able with my busy schedule to see what I could find about about NYC and the fate of the city and the 2012 NYC Marathon! Through Twitter, my primary source of social information and news, I've just been informed directly from Katie Couric that Mayor Bloomberg has announced that the Marathon will go on! I am very excited about this. I understand that many people will be concerned that the help of volunteers and city employees could better be utilized elsewhere, but I think that the city having a big goal like keeping the marathon running could help many people along the way as the improvements are being made. <br />
<br />
I am excited that at this point it is looking more like I will be able to run the marathon and complete this project that I had set forth to do in May. I will be able to honor my promises to donors and to myself. As my friend Linda E. mentioned, it is a good thing I have experience with triathlon, and trail running because I may have to swim to the start and hurdle obstacles on the route. Other than possibly being a bit cold, that shall be no problem! Also, I've got experience with running marathons in less than perfect situations. See photo above from Boston Marathon 2007, the year of the great Nor'Easter. I am excited to get to run this marathon because, I'm thinking of it as that giant post cancer re-set button in sky. To quote my friend Cindy R., and to use iPhone lingo, I'm in need of a Hard Power Down. It is ironic in a way that much of the city of New York has been experiencing a hard power down of their own, but will work toward powering back up for the Marathon! This is just one more reason to Love NYC and to love running! Thank you to everyone who will make this power UP possible!<br />
<br />
Power Howell<br />
@BallotableTWTSEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-22239076353312492172012-10-24T11:45:00.001-07:002013-01-05T17:31:31.063-08:00Finished ProductI know we all have secrets. I understand that I'm slightly less good at keeping mine to myself than many people are. What I've found is that it seems that people are actually less inerested or excited about your secrets if you come out with them. Lance.<br />
<div class="ii gt adP adO" id=":8w">
<div id=":8v">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emily-cousins/a-cancer-survivors-reacti_b_1989377.html" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/<wbr></wbr>emily-cousins/a-cancer-<wbr></wbr>survivors-reacti_b_1989377.<wbr></wbr>html</a></div>
</div>
<br />
With that said, while I have basically plastered the details of the last two years of my life over the internet, I still find myself walking around with a bit of a smirk, as if I've got a secret. A feeling that I've been given information that many others have not been given. An awareness of tough times that may not be apparent upon first meeting. I also often wonder what secrets other people are holding. What experiences have made them who they are. What you cannot tell just by looking at a person. <br />
<br />
Two weeks ago Thursday, I completed the breast reconstruction process. The "stamps" of completion, if you will. After such an emotional and trying 2 years, this day came and went, almost unnoticed. I got up, got the kids off to school, went by Central Market to buy some flowers and some muffins to thank my Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Ned Snyder, and his office for their compassion and professionalism, and then I headed over there to get the areola tattoos that would complete the breast reconstruction process and provide the final touch in the building of my giant imaginary "re-set button" in the sky. I really hadn't had much time to think about the whole deal. I was planning on not feeling any pain, or anthing at all for that matter, and returning to work that afternoon. Silly me. Good news and bad news. The good news is that it turns out I have quite a bit of feeling on the left side and <i>some</i> feeling on the right, which is confusing. The left breast was built with skin sparing technique so it is basically the same old skin with fat from my belly stuffed into it. The right side was built with a skin graft <strong>and</strong> fat from my belly so the sensation is less. It hurt. I'm sure not as bad as a person with normal sensation would have hurt, but it hurt. I didn't cry, which I'm sure was a relief for the tattoo artist Arnoldo Carillo of "Shades of Gray" tatoo of East Sixth street here in Austin. His shop was named many years before the book by the way, but I thought it was hilarious that I was getting nipple tattoos from the REAL "Shades of Gray" guy! Can't get much more S and M that that. So just before they began the tattooing, they proceeded to give me instructions on the care of a tattoo. I had no idea there was going to be any CARE involved! The only experience I've had with tattoos was when my highschool boyfriend came and visited me in college with a brand new tattoo of my name on his arm and I punched him in it. It was still bleeding, even before i punched it. I'm pretty sure there was not a lot of CARE involved with that tatoo, but maybe I was just naive and unaware. Anyway, the instructions were something like: don't get it very wet at all for about 3 weeks. DO NOT SOAK it. <br />
<br />
OK well, I'm gonna be running 18 miles in 2 days in 78 degrees with 90% humidity. I'm pretty sure it's gonna get soaked. <br />
<br />
<span id="goog_788088840"></span><span id="goog_788088841"></span><br />
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<br />
After about 12 miles of my run, in which it also rained for 30 minutes I looked down into my shirt and saw this. So, I ended up running the last 6 miles with a random bra that i had in my car and an old shirt, and worrying the whole time if there was going to be any ink left. Oh well, I'd made my choice. Now, a week and a half later, I think they still look pretty good, even if possibly a "shade" lighter than they would have been.<br />
<br />
So, in the morning I get poked thousands of times by a needle in my breasts and prance around topless in between sessions for viewing/angle puposes for about 2 and a half hours, get gauzed up and then head off to work just like any other day. <br />
<br />
But, I'm saving my big hoorah, the punching of the giant re-set button, for New York City, and the NYC Marthon Finish Line!<br />
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<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-86192988692282019862012-09-28T08:14:00.001-07:002012-10-14T13:16:37.266-07:00Double Setback, Double Recovery, Double Fun?As I sit here with my second sore throat in 3 weeks, I'm almost laughing at myself about how much I've changed in the past 2 years, just as the Oncologist said I would. Since my last post, things have been pretty "Ballotable", if you will. UPs and Downs to say the least, as is par for my course. First of all, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend 4 relaxing, food and fun filled days on the beach with my best friend from high school. What a fun time, if not optimal for marathon training. <br />
I did run some, so it wasn't necessarily a setback. Then, when I got back and was just "about to get into shape" I came down with the STREP THROAT! I had to miss my 15 mile long run and pretty much stayed in bed all weekend. I missed 4 days of running overall, and the first few runs back were pretty horrible. The good thing was that this Strep throat bedrest happened to coincide with my utter inability to jog or walk due to having smashed my second to little toe on the left by kicking my suitcase that I had yet to unpack and put away, on the very same night that I came down with the strep. I think the toe was potentially slightly broken but ended up opting out of the x-ray at the emergency clinic office due to confusion from the fever. It was funny though when I was asking the nurse if someone could look at this toe thing after they completed the strep test and the nurse said..."the purple one?" Uh, Yes. <br />
<br />
After the doc came back in and told me I had the strep, he also said it didn't really matter if the toe was broken or not, because all there is to do is tape it to the next one and call it a day. As far as running.....don't run if it hurts. I began to explain to him how that was not always applicable, but let it be in my weakened state. <br />
<br />
So, I took the antibiotics (most of them....remind me not to do that again) and taped the toes and was back to jogging after 4 days. Ran 5 days in a row, had some awesome T-Ball moments and now I find myself back here with a sore throat. No fever though so I'm <em>hoping</em> it's allergies. <br />
<br />
37 days until the NYC Marathon. My plan is to run 16-17 miles this weekend. We'll see. Hopefully I won't be back in the bed laid up again.<br />
<br />
While all of this sounds pretty typical for me, what's changed is how I am reacting to these setbacks. I kinda feel like I'm just rolling with the punches. Adjusting schedules, modifying goals, and enjoying the little things. I'm looking forward to a nice jog through New York City in the name of Cancer Research, and a vacation with my hubby. <br />
<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-52814414047066328172012-08-29T12:28:00.001-07:002012-08-31T16:41:08.881-07:00Party's Over? or Just Begun?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boob DeBub <br />
Hey, at least mine are New?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Everyone who helped make the last 2 years doable, and to those who made THIS PARTY GREAT!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP2yLXrrNVf0DqlvRI9_8A8BvTpOGFDHHrT9qprFoQvRGBc6G0PY4cUctDEt9gLRkoakvL4vBVj9yhNfViea1vLO0TrqhY141pP1it0UQ84uexsjjv6dmtHEtwqGSgjhzUh6kEdxHdVt_/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP2yLXrrNVf0DqlvRI9_8A8BvTpOGFDHHrT9qprFoQvRGBc6G0PY4cUctDEt9gLRkoakvL4vBVj9yhNfViea1vLO0TrqhY141pP1it0UQ84uexsjjv6dmtHEtwqGSgjhzUh6kEdxHdVt_/s400/IMG_3263.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny Richie won that one!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just</span> as I duct taped my old journals closed after Richie and I got back together for the last time, I plan for this to be the last I acknowledge boobs past. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Only10 long-run Saturdays left until I run the NYC Marathon with Fred's Team in support of Cancer Research!</span> <br />
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It's time to get Serious about <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Running</strong>!</span> <br />
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Here are a few things I've been doing to prepare: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8C5F5buzqvMzj84dTGImcXniFvbHM0iMTvRCPkzzfGAFSXt6EwninpkXGCab-NSb7PjtRTnogzHA3ZkIUGbKNasHg64gV_59ZQJL97TgH2ZmnY4LfTao_vLx29nc4wSNfiCjwTGYLoWr/s1600/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8C5F5buzqvMzj84dTGImcXniFvbHM0iMTvRCPkzzfGAFSXt6EwninpkXGCab-NSb7PjtRTnogzHA3ZkIUGbKNasHg64gV_59ZQJL97TgH2ZmnY4LfTao_vLx29nc4wSNfiCjwTGYLoWr/s640/IMG_3242.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camelback Mountain<br />
(Hot Guy in upper lefthand corner.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEHTOKT_UNYW_p6QSZS-oUJfsOqJOMgM6DgvtBBvbNzudm83JM4mM9EqR3JZubjc_l4WqBQf9Zuwo85g1ID1b4PKYKcdf6feHSIaqexcj0icE6yogNJKssjNcjMOq-JYCJWrdZfN2FudW/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEHTOKT_UNYW_p6QSZS-oUJfsOqJOMgM6DgvtBBvbNzudm83JM4mM9EqR3JZubjc_l4WqBQf9Zuwo85g1ID1b4PKYKcdf6feHSIaqexcj0icE6yogNJKssjNcjMOq-JYCJWrdZfN2FudW/s400/IMG_3222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration Point, McDowell Mountain<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQmPY88MUAdLm5_m8w-9veBJC3LVUTuWsSKowQVYYYFEuBdNxAiaojtDP7YAY-B3-i4eYt24hRZMx64xkVwIHv0EZAxvxlLo33mkUFSiqTx5U-pRBGSO38Noqx1Ymr0da5SNjoCT_KR4/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQmPY88MUAdLm5_m8w-9veBJC3LVUTuWsSKowQVYYYFEuBdNxAiaojtDP7YAY-B3-i4eYt24hRZMx64xkVwIHv0EZAxvxlLo33mkUFSiqTx5U-pRBGSO38Noqx1Ymr0da5SNjoCT_KR4/s320/IMG_3223.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chasing my friend Diane up these mountains!</td></tr>
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No photos of my 12 mile solo road long run, 'cause who'd want to take a photo of that? Oh yeah, my last blog had a few....Anyway, according to the Fred's Team long run schedule I'm only "running" 4 miles behind schedule. Luckily I'm used to making some significant mileage jumps from trail running, so I'm still hopeful that I'll be fine. My primary barriers (PT lingo) to achieving successful long runs have been my less that preferable running nutrition (see cupcake example above), my shortage of running buddies...(HEY! Either get back to running, or get LESS FAST so you can run with me...or C'mon....just run with me....You know who you are!), (Thanks to Cindy S and John, and Diane for hangin' with me!) and my recent emphasis on enjoying life as a priority. <br />
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The school year has officially started back up and this fact opens up a whole (familiar) world of schedules and consistency which may at times seem mundane, but are comfortable for me, and are super helpful for running schedules, progression, and planning. I think this is going to help. This, and hopefully some cooler weather in October? <br />
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Please send me bios/info on the folks I'll be highlighting in this blog soon, if you haven't already. I hope to begin that in the the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to it!<br />
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There is still time to support my run and cancer research at Memorial Sloan Ketterling Cancer Center with your donation. <br />
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<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</a><br />
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EmilyEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-48991216961846731572012-08-15T18:46:00.000-07:002012-08-29T11:26:17.992-07:00The Long Run Or...From Hills to Vale and Back Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK..... I'm in it....For It. <br />
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If I can endure 1 year, or 7.5 miles of the flattest of the flat, the straightest of the straight, I can do (runwalk) anything!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqxmj11_LJdK-MkMeJOUBHeBGlsAsI7vRuVtcWKCgggF2nCru-YPjP9azlJ2lDABwLALXB3NzB8WAsvf_PWoO1EDTvbdpv18J2UIBNt9uEv9Z8oqvR_5gf73eU1enGzNK2oZK9lzeTqDz/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqxmj11_LJdK-MkMeJOUBHeBGlsAsI7vRuVtcWKCgggF2nCru-YPjP9azlJ2lDABwLALXB3NzB8WAsvf_PWoO1EDTvbdpv18J2UIBNt9uEv9Z8oqvR_5gf73eU1enGzNK2oZK9lzeTqDz/s320/IMG_3183.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminds me of my first Mastectomy.<br />
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Remember....I was used to this: <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me before mastectomy</td></tr>
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This week I made it over a "<em>couple </em>of humps". Sunday, I ran that FLAT terrain while on vacation the day after a "full" day at the beach (with my breast friends). Then, on Tuesday, I made it over the 10 mile long run milestone. It was an interesting phe<em>no</em><strong>men</strong><em>on</em>. On Monday I was having some shin/leg pains and I was saying to my Ultra Trail Running Training Partner, Jack: "Jack, I'm just not sure if I'm "cut out" for this running business." He replied with, of course, a quote from Ultrarunner extraordinaire, Scott Jurek, "Not all pain is significant". Hmm. (Damn you psychologists!) (Hey, there's a cant in significant, weird).<br />
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Well, on Tuesday my friends and I "set" out for a 9-10 mile long run and I'll admit I felt pretty horrible for most of the run. (Hey, It's hot here, and I'm fat... wah). I considered the Jurek quote several times during the run. We ended up completing the 10, extremely slow, miles. I felt happy to be done. Where the phenomenon came in was later in the day when my leg pains had resolved, and I felt better than I have since before my breast reconstruction surgery. It gave me an extra "boost" when my co-workers asked me how far I had run that morning and I "beamed" as I said 10 miles! I realize I still have a long way to go with my training, but at least I've "built" a bit of a base, and I'm ready to PUSH it UP from here. Any and all training TIPS are welcomed!<br />
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As you can see, I'm spending "equal parts" of my time preparing for the NYC marathon, and my Boob Debub Celebration. (Trust me, I'm not "padding" the stats here.)<br />
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I hope many of you will be able to <strong>part</strong>icipate!<br />
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Be Superfluous.<br />
Follow me on Twitter:<br />
@BallotableTWTs<br />
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<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-9150927537995605742012-07-18T20:22:00.001-07:002012-07-18T20:31:56.602-07:00NYC Here I Come!I feel so out of touch! My computer has been broken down and I'm just not comfortable with that! I was finally able to sit down and get it fixed today over the phone by a very helpful Indian guy named Jaz. Yay! I'm so Jazzed. <br />
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It's so hard to believe that it has been almost a month since I have posted an update. Since my last post I have indeed made some, great and exciting, and other, slightly upsetting, GAINS. Most importantly, each and every one of my "Ouwees" have healed up completely. It really was almost like a miracle how both of the small lingering open areas literally "slammed shut" as we drove to the coast for our 4th of July vacation. This made me SO happy because that meant that I could swim in the water without a greater fear than the next gal of the uncommon "flesh eating bacteria" that has been found rarely in the waters there in Matagorda bay. It was so fun to be immersed in water and to swim again. I really missed that over the 12 weeks prior. It was also very fun and exciting to be back in a bathing suite and to be balanced again without the fuss and muss of my Spongeboob. <br />
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We all had a great time. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not an effect of Bacteria. They are so cute like this.</td></tr>
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Secondly, I have been able to start running again! It has been slow and quite horrible, but that's ok. It still feels good to be at it again. I'm now up to 6 miles as my long run. I've been able to do some distance biking as well, which I feel will eventually pay off for my running endurance once my muscles and joints are able to tolerate running again. It has been interesting that my leg muscles and joints are actually feeling each additional mile like they once did years ago when I first began training for my first half marathon. At approximately 12 weeks, this has been by far the longest break I've taken from running in at least 8 years, maybe even longer. Even through chemo, radiation, and the first mastectomy, I was not off from running for more than 3 weeks (radiation surprisingly enough). Thinking this out does help put my discomfort into more perspective. Outside of the mild joint and muscle issues, there is the more significant discomfort of the severely TIGHT abdomen. <br />
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It is so much better that it was, but still very difficult to stand up completely erect, and even more difficult to hold that erect posture, that is recommended for running, while running. Please do not get me wrong, I am actually not complaining. I am truly thrilled that the wounds are healed and that I am able to start stretching and running and living life again!<br />
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The final, slightly upsetting gain that I have made since my last post is the 4 lbs that, did, literally, "sneak up from behind" after my vacation! I want to mention this because it is an interesting phenomenon or side effect of the DIEP procedure. You might be asking "what's so interesting about 4 lbs of deep fried back fat?" Well I'll tell ya....<br />
About 1 year ago I was warned by another breast cancer and DIEP flap reconstruction survivor that this could happen. (You can see the sides of it if you look closely above)...Anyway, because the plastic surgeon literally cut off all of the fat from the front side of my body (abs), when I gain weight it will no longer go THERE. After 42 years of using my abdominal rolls as an indicator of weight gain I am going to have to rely on another method. I've been feeling so 'thin' lately that I have not stepped on the scale in WEEKS. The other day, I accidentally got a view of my back side in the mirror, and just as the woman that I mentioned earlier had described to me a year ago, I FOUND my 4 extra pounds!<br />
It was shocking, but at the same time I got a laugh out of it because I remember this woman, and her words of warning, so clearly. <br />
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15.5 Weeks until the NYC Marathon! I'm cutting it close, but I can do it! I know I can because thanks to you all, my awesome friends and family members, and Fred's Team, my fundraising goal has been achieved (One donation not showing on the page yet). I wasn't sure how I was going to raise that money, but it happened, and this training is going to happen the same way! <br />
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PS if you have a person you would like highlighted in this blog, please send me their information/write up if you have not done so already. Thank You!<br />
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EmilyEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-12853492556664261892012-06-20T13:51:00.002-07:002012-08-29T17:30:51.778-07:00"Tit Party"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm calling this post<strong> "Tit Party"</strong> in honor of my situation, my desire to party, and my favorite tweet during this time period from <strong>@robdelaney</strong>: <strong> "Don't judge a book by its cover. Unless it's cover says 'Tit Party', because that's probably an awesome book". </strong><br />
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<strong>(</strong>Thank you @robdelaney, @jewerstein,@juliusharp, @JennyJohnsonHi5, @iamenidcoleslaw, and many other comedy writers, at least half of which were women, for keeping me entertained during my recovery.)<br />
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This 10 week "Tit Party" since my Bilateral DIEP Breast reconstruction surgery on April 12th, has been interesting, and mostly cool, yet, possibly not as fun as the <strong>tit</strong>le suggests. There has not been a whole lot of partying, but there HAS been quite a lot of required dressing changes. (Not the cool kind like in a play, or when you are getting ready to go out). Mostly wounds and nipple sponges. There's been extreme abdominal tightness and difficulty finding comfortable sleeping positions. There's been patience required by everyone involved: On my part with being unable to run or exercise like I'd like, unable to hold Adaline, and unable to swim or submerge in water, on Ace's part for having to go "Soft" on Mommy for so long, and on Richie and Adaline's parts with my being unable to lift or dress Adaline for the better part of 10 weeks, or do many of the normal "Mommy" duties. There have also been some interesting changes, or improvements. Most obviously, I am no longer lopsided! My new breasts, while not completely finished (areolas to be tattooed in August) already look better in most ways than the ones I had before. (Not the 21 year old ones....the 42 year old ones :). My abs, while ridiculously weak, are certainly flat!. My hair has grown, and I can now push it behind my ears. We have all learned some patience and gratitude, and we've made strides in our relationships in our family. During my "hibernation" I've developed in other ways too. I've had the chance to learn and understand what Twitter is all about, and now I "know stuff". Go ahead, lay a timeline joke on me and just see if I don't get it! Also, Richie's band Downtube Shifter's EP <a href="http://downtubeshifter.bandcamp.com/">Accelerando!</a> is now available in downloadable format online on <a href="http://downtubeshifter.bandcamp.com/">Band Camp</a> or through their new website <a href="http://www.downtubeshiftertheband.com/">www.downtubeshiftertheband.com</a> (Ya'll are welcome. Seriously, it's fun building websites for other people for free. JK, LOL, It's not really.).<br />
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But, with all of that mostly behind me now, I can see the sparkling lights shining from the disco ball! All of the stitches were removed from the abdominal incision and the breasts on Monday....except for the cotton stitches that are actually IN the nipples in order to help create more scar tissue (to give the nipples more attitude, if you will). I am now allowed to lift Adaline, and I am physically able to do so using good body mechanics. My abs are severely weak, but that is just a matter of time (and ab crunches...formerly squish-ups). I am returning to work TOMORROW!-Yikes! I am planning on attempting a short jog maybe this weekend, or early next week. I will be reentering the world of.... reality? Gone will be the days of sitting on my couch and staring into space, or wondering what my 38...39 "Tweeps" are up to. In my case...accounts that I FOLLOW. I'm gonna miss them, but I'll be glad to see my old real life friends again. (Real life friends, ya'll might need to communicate with me in 140 character joke format with me for awhile while I transition). <br />
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I have approximately 17 weeks until the ING NY Marathon. 1 week to base train :) 16 weeks to train....let's see if I can pull this off? That's 4 months. I was able to prepare for almost twice that distance (50 miler), in 7 months starting at zero after Chemo, Mastectomy and Radiation! I think I can do it!! All I need to do is raise at least $1,050.00 more! I'm more that 2/3 the way to my fundraising minimum of 3,500.00 in order to run with @FredsTeam. Please understand that I am even more passionate about raising this money for research since the recent passing of a friend of mine who had ovarian cancer. Nine weeks ago, the doctor's thought she would be fine. If you are considering supporting cancer research, and my dream to run the NYC marathon with a donation, please do so here: <br />
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<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</a><br />
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I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing everyone again. <br />
Emily<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, look forward to "Boob deBub" party announcement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"All boobies are a trap." @JewyJewerstein</span></div>
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Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-58854627303548867112012-06-05T14:09:00.000-07:002012-08-29T17:34:27.040-07:00Looking Forward. With Headlights On.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Darn, I wish I would have worn make-up. Well, I guess it goes with my Ultrarunner Image :).</td></tr>
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Tomorrow morning I'm scheduled for my revision surgery. The plastic surgeon will be doing a simple Left Breast Lift, first. This is necessary because during the reconstruction, it was most important that they were able to build a right breast basically from nothing, or nothing that had been radiated. Also, it's a bit complicated, but in order to monitor the tissue that was added to the left, they had to use a larger flap and put more tissue in the breast due to the size of the monitor?? I think maybe that is what the surgeon told me just in case I wanted to go "larger" on the right later, but....anyway, it is lower and it needs to come up :). </div>
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They will also be surgically revising the abdominal scar...cutting out the part that is not healed on the abdominal incision and glueing it back together again. Then, there's the last minute addition to the surgery, which is the attachment of nipples. Initially, they had told me that I would need to wait for that procedure, but now, it seems we are going forward with that too. (Hopefully, in the SAME direction, if you know what I mean). I have, of course, had some second thoughts about this addition, since going bra-less lately has been a benefit I have little experience with. But, I decided to go ahead and do it because it will be interesting to see how real they can make these things look, <em>and</em> I read somewhere ( @JennyJohnsonHi5 ) that you get more followers on twitter if you have nipples. I have 10 followers now, so we'll see. </div>
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As far as the surgery, I guess I'm pretty ready. I've got mixed feelings, as is usual and customary for me. On one hand I am very ready to look forward. On the other hand, I still feel pain for those who are facing new challenges, and I still have fears for myself regarding the potential of the return of Cancer. I have read and heard that this fear is commmon, and obviously not unrealistic. I want to look forward, but not with blinders. I want to be able to fully and without hesitation, jump back to life with all the thrills and difficulties it may bring. I want to return to living <em><strong>in</strong></em> the moment without distraction, while at the same time, seeing completely all that surrounds me. </div>
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Since my last blog I've attempted running 3 times. Alone, because it is NOT pretty. I'm up to 3 miles :). The legs feel fine. The abdomen is No good. This first attempt at jogging was born out of necessity (we were out of town and there was no bike available), <em>and</em> somwhat of a "what the hell" attitude on my part ever since they said they were going to surgically repair the abdomen. It felt good to test the legs and see that they can still do it. I'll be back to 2 weeks off running starting tomorrow, so the nipples don't jiggle off, then hopefully I'll be back at it and preparing for the NYC MARATHON!</div>
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Fundraising for my participation in the NYC Marathon with Fred's Team which supports cancer research at Memorial Sloan Ketterling is going VERY WELL! I'm over HALF WAY! Thank you ALL who have donated. For those who want to support and have the means, please don't be shy! Any amount is Appreciated! Here is the link to my donation site:</div>
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<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</a></div>
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Oh Yes, If you want a sneek peek of the "finished product", prior to the Boob deBub party planned in late August, I'll be at the next <strong>Downtube Shifter</strong> Rock show which is <strong>Thursday June 14th at 5:30pm-7:00 pm Happy Hour show at the Carousel Lounge off 52nd St.! </strong><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.downtubeshiftertheband.com/">www.downtubeshiftertheband.com</a></strong><br />
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Emily or Pow Howell @BallotableTWTs if yer interested :). </div>
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Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-84635356232199033072012-05-29T12:48:00.001-07:002012-05-29T12:53:45.430-07:00SelfishDoes having 2 breasts make a person selfish? Quite possibly. However, it has now been proven that having a wound on one's abdomen can create some pretty extreme selfishness. I have to admit that since this surgery, I've been living pretty much in my own little world. Just me and the 29 accounts (mostly comedic writers) that I follow on Twitter (outside of my beautiful immediate family). I haven't been much in the mood for getting together with others, or even blogging, for that matter. For me, socialization is so extrememly linked to running, that not running can make it difficult. And, as it turns out, NO ONE really wants to go to the gym and ride a recumbent bike!! Anyway, cleaning this abdominal incision site wound twice a day and trying to keep my sanity (what little there may be) while watching it heal SO slowly without running/running socialization have turned my focus inward.<br />
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I've recently had 2 personally upsetting wake-up calls that I am going to share with you now because I feel that they are important and relative. <br />
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The first one happened a few weeks ago, when I was complaining to my husband over a nice dinner out, about some abdominal annoyance, or something and he (very rudely in my opinion at the time) said in response...."don't you ever see the positive"? "How about how great it is that you don't have Cancer"!" Wow. If you have any experience with my relationship with my husband you probably know that I've likened him to gristle. He's tough and can sometimes appear insensitive. He's never been one to go easy on me, that's for sure. I am used to this, and I usually appreciate it in the long run, it's true. However, while out on this dinner date I initially thought this response was a bit harsh, no matter how true it was. Until.. later.... when I said something else possibly not very pleasant, and he said that he was sick of me! Yikes!! Now that hurts!! It hurts especially when you realize that he's not the only one. I realized that even I have become sick of myself. Sick and tired of being self-absorbed. So, since that day, I've been consciously attempting to work my way out of this selfish snowball. I've attempted to prove my love to my husband with the extrememe sacrifice of building a website for his band. Check it out if you want: <a href="http://www.downtubeshiftertheband.com/">www.downtubeshiftertheband.com</a> It is still a work in progress. But, I will announce, that their 5 song EP CD Accelerando! is now available. For now, you can just email the band at <a href="mailto:dtshifta@yahoo.com">dtshifta@yahoo.com</a> if you'd like one. I think they are $5.00 plus any shipping. It's a good CD and a pretty good sample of their music. I'm still in the process of helping them get it out on CD baby, Band Camp, etc.<br />
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Now, today, I have regret. I regret being so self absorbed that I haven't recently followed up with my friend who had surgery for removal of ovarian cancer on the same day that I had my reconstruction surgery. She has recently received some bad news and I was informed of it today from another friend. This was not the verbal tap on the cheek that my husband gave me a few weeks ago. This is the harsh reality of Cancer. It affects all of us. <br />
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My fundraising with Fred's Team for cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Ketterling is going well. I've raised 1,550.00 of the $3,500.00 that I have commited to in order to be allowed entry into the NYC Marathon. That's over 1/3 the way! Thank you to everyone who has dontated and who has sent write-ups of people they would like to have highlighted in this blog and have miles dedicated to. I have appreciated and enjoyed reading these stories. If you are considering donating, please do not hesitate. Any amount is helpful and appreciated!<br />
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Here is the link to the donation site:<br />
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<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</a><br />
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This week marks the end of the schoool year. I'm putting this photo in because I'm so proud of this girl, and she's the cutest girl in the world. <br />
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Next Wednesday I go back into surgery for the revision of the left breast and for surgical closure of this wound if it is not healed by then. I am looking forward to that, and to getting back to running in order to train for the NYC Marathon!<br />
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<br /></div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-32944728549207156002012-05-11T13:15:00.000-07:002012-05-12T14:19:50.117-07:00Patience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The past 2 weeks have proven quite a test for my patience. I've not been blogging about it for 2 reasons.<br />
Firstly, in order for this literal "watching the grass grow" (wound healing) period to pass somewhat unnoticed by <strong>me,</strong> and secondly, because I've been "cheating" on my blog with that "Twitter" croud. It's a fantasy world out there, I tell you, and that suits me just fine for now. I think, for me, facing this open wound on my abdomen 3 times a day is a bit much for my psychee and I've sought out an alter reality. (I suppose I had to do something when I decided to go off the Vicodin cold turkey a few weeks ago.) I don't mean to be a wuss, but, despite having done wound care as a PT tech and a clinician, and not minding wounds on other people, it just freaks me out to have a wound on my own body, not to mention that it is a reminder that I still have a ways to go before this phase is over. This is going to require more patience. The open wound that I'm referring to is primarily in the center area of the abdominal incision. Basically what happened is that the Plastic Surgeon folded me over, cut my abdominal roll off, and glued me back together. Problem was, there wasn't that much to take, so they had to glue me back super tight! Needless to say, the center area sort of made it's way back open due to trying to stand up, and/or lie flat. Everyone at the plastic surgeon's office has assured me that this happening is "very common amongst the 'thinner' patients." Well, If you know me, you know that I'll take a skinny compliment any way I can get it, and that that was probably the ONLY thing that they could have said to me to make this at all acceptable, but, it still did not negate my anxiety and my desire for this thing to be closed and done with. On the good news side of things, the wound is "healthy and will heal in time".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveVys8Op_NbYCzcK4Ociajv6vy01RLAnQLr1R5R8A7yIRrz2Lc4VWbGygUIxBqeSdOAThBJPRPxqSYAp58sPp2v2CKSx_hjLsof0gW9xp_Rn8OJGtU0wUrvdzOdRN5vfckGiqwWioS99C/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveVys8Op_NbYCzcK4Ociajv6vy01RLAnQLr1R5R8A7yIRrz2Lc4VWbGygUIxBqeSdOAThBJPRPxqSYAp58sPp2v2CKSx_hjLsof0gW9xp_Rn8OJGtU0wUrvdzOdRN5vfckGiqwWioS99C/s320/IMG_2917.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I am scheduled to return the first week of June for the revision to the left breast. The "Lift and Tuck", or "Alignment", if you will. This procedure supposedly requires a 4 day recovery time, but I really do not believe that. I think that is all relative. Yes, I guess I'd believe 4 days to get back to sitting on the couch and watching Oprah, but what about dependent lifting a spastic 8 year old, a 275 pound stroke patient, or running the Hill of Life? Somehow I doubt it. This procedure might also include "fat injections" to round out some of the areas. Apparentely, they can take a syringe and suck out some fat from somewhere on my body and inject it into my breasts. When I heard this, I immediately asked myself why don't all flatter chested people not have this done instead of implants, but I forgot to ask the doctor. I promise I will ask next time and let you all know! The only problem is where to get the fat. Yes, it does have to be from me, sorry. I was initially liking the idea of taking it off the back of my arms, but then realized that this would just leave loose skin flapping there. Possibly less attractive than flabby skin flapping. So, my next preferred area will be what I call my "tube", or "back fat" (back fat being a bit of a misnomer because it is really more on the sides). Hopefully they can use that without making more divots in the area :). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On to more exciting news!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm officially signed up for the 2012 ING NYCMarathon to run with Fred's Team, a charity which supports cancer research at Memorial Sloan Ketterling.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've already raised $1,300,00 toward my goal of $3,500.00 for Cancer Research!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you everyone who has donated!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are considering helping support this goal and Cancer Research, please click here to donate:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's EASY!</span><br />
<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730"><span style="font-size: large;">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Thank YOU!</span><br />
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For more practice in patience click here: <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c1dGd033C8&sns=em">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c1dGd033C8&sns=em</a><br />
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For more Dancing Ace Entertainment click here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lesm_Xdp7co&sns=em">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lesm_Xdp7co&sns=em</a><br />
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Emily<br />
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<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-80134348536438900942012-05-01T12:10:00.000-07:002012-05-03T16:13:12.342-07:00Happy Birthday to Me "Running the marathon is the best wasy I know to fight this disease." <br />
Fred Lebow, co-founder, NYCmarathon.<br />
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I don't know if it was the Vicodin induced confusion, a deep seeded inability to completely "let go" of the road running, or my innate insanity, but I've decided to run the ING New York City Marathon on November 4th, 2012 (yes that IS in 6 months) in order to celebrate the completion of a challenging 2 years of cancer treatment, and to raise money for Cancer Research. <br />
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Please follow the Link below to my personal Donation site, read my story, and Donate. <br />
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<a href="http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730">http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2099537&pg=personal&fr_id=1730</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9iGWmFoJ_wgVV4nF-7LCnzYZ298cuyDMVaGvHgIIUPWsIZlJmZPhQzczu0dUE5BUPaMLX3xClGcEVjKDwnb8i_6G1gdn4dYXZJbsWB3wRkGLLoWzMF_H-TK_CHSMABtVS4uCMQ59kjEU/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9iGWmFoJ_wgVV4nF-7LCnzYZ298cuyDMVaGvHgIIUPWsIZlJmZPhQzczu0dUE5BUPaMLX3xClGcEVjKDwnb8i_6G1gdn4dYXZJbsWB3wRkGLLoWzMF_H-TK_CHSMABtVS4uCMQ59kjEU/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred Lebow Memorial Statue Central Park New York</td></tr>
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Also, PLEASE forward the above link to my donation site or the link to ballotable records to anyone, including Facebook Friends. Thank you very much !<br />
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Emily <br />
<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-33656818829808976112012-04-26T08:28:00.000-07:002012-04-26T11:04:25.527-07:00Buyer's Remorse, or 2% Rule<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmky3kUVJ3-VMx7M4AltOWUZq5UbFqAxDRmrImivlfPoX8CLsBLEF_ZTu6Hkr8m6B_l9adQItAy4J5DRjQ-teAYkO7oscdcKeeM9lm81_Rjx3Ve5ndHS4_xC-T7XLsygZ2bde_5F2LLB2/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmky3kUVJ3-VMx7M4AltOWUZq5UbFqAxDRmrImivlfPoX8CLsBLEF_ZTu6Hkr8m6B_l9adQItAy4J5DRjQ-teAYkO7oscdcKeeM9lm81_Rjx3Ve5ndHS4_xC-T7XLsygZ2bde_5F2LLB2/s640/IMG_2832.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Cindy R.</td></tr>
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This is a photo of the beautiful Spring Flowers that were naturally on display at the Hell's Hill's Trail Run at Rocky Hill Ranch on Saturday, April 7th. Funny how that seems SO long ago now, despite it being less than 3 weeks passing. I was fortunate enough to be able to squeeze in this one last trail race in before my Reconstruction Surgery. I had a great day overall. It was a beautiful day, as you can see, less humid than expected, which is great for me, and what a great time I had with my friend Cindy who took me out there and ran her FIRST trail race ever!! Yay Cindy!! We both ran the 25k race. I took out easy, then picked it up about mile 3. I was flying from mile 3 until about mile 6 when I fell <em>down</em> FAST and HARD. It was quite a jolt that banged both my knees up pretty good. It took me a few minutes to that get back on my feet and moving. I did get moving again, but never re-gained the previous "high" I had been feeling. Oh well, it was a beautiful day and I was actually enjoying a trail I had previously disliked. I ended up 13th female of 79, and would have been 1st in my age group of 40-45 had this race had that as category. I was happy with this outcome overall. I was later inspired by finding out that my running friend, Jeanette, from my trail group (Tejas Trails) who is 47 years old and who fought and beat colon cancer with 2 years with Chemo and Multiple surgeries, had re-gained the running "speed" that she had professed to have lossed due to cancer treatment, and beat me for the 12th place finish!! (1st in her age category, as well 45-50). I couldn't be more proud, or more inspired, to have been beaten by anyone else! You know this gives me hope for full recovery and continued gains in running with age, and despite Cancer.<br />
Thanks Jeanette for being so Awesome and such and inspiration!<br />
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After the race, I had 4 days to prepare for surgery. The days blew by. I got in one last 8 mile Tuesday Morning run and coffee with some good friends, then a day of mental and household preparation for being in the hospital for 4 days and being basically out of comission for 2-3 weeks. <br />
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Then, suddenly, it was Thursday, April 12th and my alarm was ringing at 4:30.<br />
Richie drove me to the hospital. There was a small amount of surgical prep, then I was being wheeled down the hall on a stretcher. Even though I was actually more afraid of fatal mistakes during this surgery than with either of my C-sections, or my last Mastectomy, I was comparatively calm. Usually in situations such as these, my body begins to involuntarily shake. This time there was an unexpected calm. Possibly a denial, even. Then the next thing I knew I was struggling to wake up. With one eye open, I could see that I was in the recovery room, and yes, I asked what time it was. 4:40 pm. Wow, pretty much the time they had told me I would be out. When I woke up a bit more, I was in the Intermediate Care room in a bed and looked up and saw my mother. She had driven down that day, so I was glad to see that she had made it. I saw Richie and was glad to see him too. I also took note at that point that I WAS alive, and I felt good about that. I remember looking down at my chest, and seeing 2 breasts. I kept forgetting that I had looked, thinking it was a dream, and kept re-checking. I remember making note that one seemed a bit larger than the other. That night basically went downhill for me from there. I remember asking the new nurse at the shift change if she had ever cared for someone with my diagnosis and she said she had not. OMG. Not a good answer for me. The anxiety rose, as did my confusion with the pain meds and anesthesia on board. I felt very stiff all over, and my left arm hurt all over. Even now, days later, there is severe bruising on the anterior and lateral wrist and knots in the superior medial aspect of the cubital fossa, (the bend of my left elbow.) What they explained to me at the time was that they had tried multiple times to place an <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arterial_catheter">Arterial Line</a> on my left wrist and failed. (There are still 8 visible holes in one area and 2 in another). Obviously no expert available. Have You seen the veins/arteries in my arms? It seems that one could not miss. Anyway, no arterial line. This arterial line was supposed to be intended to take blood pressure measurements throughout the suregery without having to use a blood pressure cuff. They did however manage to place 2 IVs. One on the back side of my left hand and one in the lateral side of my left cubital fossa. There existed an obvious IV botch attempt on my medial elbow that was painful and knotted up. So then the rest of the night they were taking my blood pressure on this painful left arm, initially evere 15 minutes, then every 30 minutes. The cuff was being left on my arm and it felt too tight, so I began to remove it. This caused a problem with my nurse who kept explaining that the BP was on an automatic machine and it needed to remain in place. Well, in my mind, she was not the one who would have to deal with a life of Upper Extremety <a href="http://m.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphedema/how_happens.jsp">Lymphedema</a> due to repeatedly restricting flow in an arm that was battered and had just had a mastectomy which included one lymph node removal (this was not planned....apparently it was too closely involved with the breast tissue to leave it.) Needless to say, I was not getting along well with this nurse. Then after the blood pressure cuff argument, she came in and drew blood from this same poor left arm....you might be asking why the poor left arm again...? well, it's because my right arm is not supposed to be pricked or squeezed due to having had 2/3 of my lymph nodes removed in the last surgery (R mastectomy with Stage II lymph node removal). This blood draw which included a tight rubber band around my upper arm was extremely painful... About 30 minutes later the nurse came back in and informed me that "I know you are not going to like this, but, I am going to have to do another blood draw because your Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels are in the 'Critical' range at 5.2. A blood count this low could indicate internal bleeding." She encouraged me not to get too worried because the test was probably thrown off due to taking blood from the left arm which was currently getting Saline. She turned off the saline IV and said she'd re-take the blood in 2 minutes. This freaked me out. I could not understand why we would re-take the blood from the same arm that had potentially just diluted the last lab. So we got in another sort of spat when I asked her to take the blood from my foot. She said she'd rather do the arm because the foot is often painful. Really? I'd been complaining all night about how much pain my left arm was in, so that argument did not make sense. Anyway, she ended up taking the blood from the foot, and it was relatively not painful. The labs came back at 8.9. Low, but not critical. Indicative of having just had a surgery like the one I'd had. During these "horrific" overnight hours, I do remember thinking that <strong>this is the stupidest thing I've ever done</strong>. Why would I have subject myself to something this dangerous, potentially life threatening, and this painful. Why would I put my family out, and put my life on "hold" for 2-3 months?<br />
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The morning finally came and with it a bit less confusion, and my buddy Ned. ( <a href="http://www.snyderma.com/">Plastic Surgeon </a>). I told Ned about my night and he agreed that we could have taken BPs from my leg. I mentioned my doubts and we discussed what his P.A, Jenn, had earlier termed my "Buyer's Remorse". He agreed that this was a very common feeling, and that I will likely feel differently in 3 months. He said that my abdomen would be extremely tight, and I would have difficulty standing up straight because they basically had to fold me in half in order to get enought skin and fat to build the breast. (He wasn't kidding). Here is a link to some post op photos of a Bilateral DIEP procedure. Please <strong>do not link to it if you have ANY psychological issues at all, or if there are children present.</strong> And if you do look, please understand that this is not the finished product. There are 3 small steps left. <br />
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<a href="http://powerhowellphotos.shutterfly.com/">DIEP: Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap</a><br />
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That first day I had a good appetite and was eating well. The second night was not that great physically, with one medication error on my part leading to some severe pain, mostly in the abdomen. It was Extremely Tight and painful. I remember at one point Richie saying that I needed to "Power" through this, which did help because, this, as you might expect, is one of my favorite sayings. With the 3rd night came the Nausea and Vomiting. Pain is bad. Nausea might very well be worse. The next day, was followed by more nausea and severe fatigue. I had a few good hours in the morning when they reminded me to use the Dilauded pump, and got to take a shower. Then, the pump was Discharged, and within a few hours I was back to nausea and vomiting. The rest of that day, I was basically gorked out with Richie sitting there petting my leg. After a few hours of that, I remember him shoving a Schlotsky's Turkey Original no Mayo, no Onion, Sandwich into my mouth, and I chewed and chewed, and then felt slightly better! Yay Richie!<br />
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I mostly slept thru the third night and most of Monday morning. I remember the nurses being concerned that I might not be able to go home due to how tired I looked. I told them I could make it home in the afternoon, but just needed to rest in the morning. <br />
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I made it home on Monday around 1:00 and took 2 naps in my rental recliner :) (Thanks Mom and Derek). By the time Ace got home from school, I was able to rally and sit outside with him and the neighbor kids. What a beautiful day! <br />
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Since I've been home, I've been doing a LOT of resting. Managing my recovery, working on getting things moving....<br />
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It has been absolutely beautiful here. Unseasonably cool and dry and Sunny!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEhQ3gUpYWo0KEne4RcT4QVKiE2x2YCSenGssajfDrx34GKuAyHN2Cu9c5eZL8cXuzt62QD1H9tjxcXBEy6NEdVirNBKTPpXk0E496FZJB6myPlsAii7FaJe7ZCFIKPBXHfNGcTcad3e9/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEhQ3gUpYWo0KEne4RcT4QVKiE2x2YCSenGssajfDrx34GKuAyHN2Cu9c5eZL8cXuzt62QD1H9tjxcXBEy6NEdVirNBKTPpXk0E496FZJB6myPlsAii7FaJe7ZCFIKPBXHfNGcTcad3e9/s320/IMG_2864.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Jenn for an awesome morning!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Adaline</td></tr>
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Things are going well overall. I had my follow up appointment with the Plastic Surgeon this Monday, and I got all 4 drains taken out. (There was one on each Breast and one on each hip near the ends of the huge abdominal incision). This was a huge relief, and was then able to wear some more normal clothing. <br />
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Since I've been home I've corresponded with a friend of mine who was having a hysterectomy with ovarian removal for Ovarian Cancer on the SAME day as my surgery. She told a mutual friend of ours that her doctor said that she should expect to feel 2% recovery each day. WOW 2%! For some reason that just sounded really funny to me. So, in 50 days, I should feel 100%. Well, Maybe that is right. Or maybe, 50 days, then 4 months of <strong>Marathon Training</strong>! Yes, I said it....More to come on that!<br />
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<strong>Thank You</strong> to: Richie (even if it was included in...for sickness and in health) Mom and Derek, Jenn, and my neighbors (specifically Edy) for helping with the kids to allow me rest and recovery time. And...Thank You to all of my friends and family for well wishes, visits, flowers, dusters to last a lifetime, food/coffe deliveries, and more! <br />
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Emily<br />
<br />Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-40563283397048959212012-04-13T14:06:00.000-07:002012-04-26T10:11:55.858-07:00Grand Finale'No Post Today. (Regarding DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery).<br />
<br />
What is it we call the part at the end of a fireworks show ?<br />
Anyway, this is a lot like that.<br />
All the anticipation.<br />
All the spectacle,<br />
And even teh stray roman candle in the abdomen.<br />
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Surgery went well. I'm doing well. Maybe I'll try to blog tomorrow, or once I can keep both eyes open.<br />
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EmilyEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-61664893625240326632012-04-03T16:55:00.001-07:002012-04-19T07:53:45.303-07:00DIEP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmoW13mVXMCQshAuRoM3Iia5FlRCbiXIDNaWypEuyhbpHMUlSpIj1AZNKKgIEcVhEHjE5n5sX2u8BfWMNblSDyLxyLFKT8UJ8NULnAGpRbLLVFD9UXNk-fUYoHnVXJHol-CWQzuBK-FJs/s1600/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmoW13mVXMCQshAuRoM3Iia5FlRCbiXIDNaWypEuyhbpHMUlSpIj1AZNKKgIEcVhEHjE5n5sX2u8BfWMNblSDyLxyLFKT8UJ8NULnAGpRbLLVFD9UXNk-fUYoHnVXJHol-CWQzuBK-FJs/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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I'm gonna have to warn you I really just don't feel like being clever today. Even to the extent that as I was sitting in the waiting room of the general suregeons office thinking about what I would blog about and all i could come up with was that I just don't feel like being clever today.<br />
Then I came across this quote from Hemmingway that I had found some months back that made me feel O.K. about not feeling particularly clever:<br />
<em>"There are events which are so great that if a writer has participated in them his obligation is to write truly rather than assume the presumption of altering them with invention."</em><br />
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I'll start here.<br />
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Have you ever had one of those pimples INSIDE your nose that REALLY hurts? I have one of those that has been there for one week and is making me look a bit like i could lead Santa's Sleigh. It is on the inside of the tissue the end of my nose. There is nothing I can do about it outside of possibly a professional facial, which is ironic for 2 reasons. Firstly, I had an anxiety attack the last time I had a facial, and secondly that I ended up turning down a free one just this very day when the plastic surgeon's office, which is also a dermatology office, offered me one in order to help me "relax" after the potentially anxiety provoking snafu that happened in the scheduling of my little surgery. (Left mastectomy and Bilateral Reconstruction with DIEP flap).<br />
How did they know about this pimple? How embarassing.<br />
<br />
The surgery that I'm speaking of is the little surgery that I have deliberated over for more than 8 months and hat I had seemingly scheduled with both the general surgeon and the plastic surgeon over a month ago. The little surgery that I've organized basically my whole (post 50 miler...and even some pre-50 miler) life around. Work, family, help with kids, abdominal fat gaining food consumption, weight training, etc. It took only about 20 seconds for the general surgeon to explain to me that she was sorry for the "Confusion" in the schedule, but she will not be able to do the surgery on the scheduled day of April 16 because she will be in Toronto learning how to do some new procedure. (This is reminding of a Seinfeld episode....That's the whole thing about a schedule, right? It's like "a reservation". )<br />
That sounds very nice...Toronto...<br />
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She the surgeon offered me a ridiculous date MUCH later in the future which would obviously not do for me. (In her defense, she was just meeting me today). I actually liked this general surgeon on our visit. She seemed very competent. I was just meeting her today because I have had to change general surgeons due to the fact that my original general surgeon does not have priveledges at the hospital that the plastic surgeon now prefers. So, anyway, once she got me to like her, she broke the news and then offered up that one of her colleagues might be able to do it on the originally "scheduled" date. I was very proud of how calmly I stated that this was a bit upsetting to me, but that I would like to keep her as the general surgeon if I could get it all arranged with work and family, etc. That gave me time to speak with the guy that I really want to keep happy (Richie?).....the Plastic Surgeon. I asked him what he thought I should do regarding the general surgeon and he basically stated it would be best if I could stick with this surgeon if I was able to arrange it. He said that he would be happy to continue on either date that worked for me, however. I thought that this was nice. And, becasue decision making in overwhelming situations is not really my forte' and that it's been customary for me to defer to the opinion of the Plastic's guy for some reason, I chose, once again, to go with his recommendation. Fortunately, Richie, my Mother, Jenn, and my Job were very flexible with this change. This helped keep my anxiety to a minimum.<br />
So, <strong>Thursday April 12th it is.</strong> <br />
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Here is a sketch of the plan:<br />
<br />
Arrive 5:30.<br />
Surgery starts at 7:30. Left Mastectomy should take about an hour.<br />
Port Removal.<br />
Then bilateral reconstruction 6-8 hours. Should get out of surgery around 5:00 pm.<br />
Suregeon is currently working on deciding on which way he will flap the skin. There are 3 options that he showed me in the pictures. The 3rd option was the least attractive to my eyes, but potentially the angle of choice. He will decide how the radiated skin "opens up" during the surgery.<br />
Recovery room for one hour then into the Intermediate care unit where i will have a private room but will have Intensive care for 18 hours then actual intemediate care which is a step down from intensive care. <br />
They will start me on Dilaudid after anesthesia because I mentioned how morphine made me jittery after the last surgery. I will also have a ball filled with lidocaine called an ONQ that will be attached to my abdomen that is somehow programmed to provide a dosage.<br />
I will have 1-2 drains for each breast and 2 drains for the abdomen.<br />
I will likely stay for 4 nights then return home. <br />
They've recommended that I obtain a recliner chair for my initial recovery time because I will not be able to straighten up for " a while" <br />
I can start riding the bike trainer..."when i feel like it" Really?....<br />
No jogging 6 weeks. <br />
No heavy lifting 8 weeks.<br />
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Here is a sample of what a DIEP flap looks like:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a left reconstruction only. The right was augmented. </div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-55801317013679861552012-03-07T09:00:00.001-08:002012-03-07T09:12:28.555-08:00Cancer. Competetive Edge. Catharsis. Climax. Contentment.Those of you who've followed this blog with any consistency probably remember me blogging about my first race back into running since before: "you have cancer". That race was back on December 10th 2011. At that point I remember feeling the "Greyhound in the Gate" feeling that some runners might feel before a big race. Ready to run, ready to kick ass. <strong>So</strong> ready to get back to running, feeling good, and living life. That race was was supposed to be a training run that I was just going out to do to see the land and to run a supported long run. As you may remember, I ended up mostly racing, and doing pretty well overall. 10th female and 2nd age group which is difficult to do especially for a 25 K which usually brings more runners and faster runners. Then there was the Bandera 50K. AGAIN, SUPPOSEDLY a training run, which I had not tapered for. I had run 26 miles the weekend before, and this was NOT my "A" Race. Yet, again, I found myself mostly "racing" the whole thing and doing pretty well overall. I believe 12th female. Oh, yes, then merely weeks after that, I found myself ACTUALLY attempting to race the 3M half mararathon despite the fact that I had not been training to run fast, or at any type of even tempo. In my own mind, and likely within the mind of any coach, this erratic racing and training behaviour would not be recommended if one wanted to do well at their "A" Race. Even my Step Father who has been a marathoner in his past had sent me an email basically trying to remind me to be careful and keep my eye on the prize...the 50 miler....My "A" Race.....this thing I'd been mentally focused on, and blogging about, for oh, maybe about a year....Very good advice, and I agreed, yet continued these silly, out of control, acts. None of these acts were really like me, or my former self. It was just that I was somehow compelled to do it all. Make up for lost time, etcetera. I can't even say with certainty that I regret any of it. I've had a great season. I'm really only re-hashing all of this for a few reasons. Firstly to bring you up to just before the 50 mile race and secondly to help you, and myself, better understand my mental state before and during the race. <br />
I mentioned in my past few posts how my left leg was bothering me and I wasn't really running. I didn't really run much for the better part of the last 3 weeks. 2 short runs and 2 attempts at running that ended in calf spasms and foot pains not to mention feeling of weakness, and burning sensations down the back of my butt and thigh. I opted for aquajogging which really just felt good. I saw 2 doctors. The first doctor thought it might be my iliopsoas muscle squeezing my sciatic nerve. I had a psoas release which did seem to help a bit. Then my back did start bothering me a bit, so I went and saw another doctor who has more experience with multiple medical situations. He felt that we should probably rule out something in my spine...including...Cancer. Oh God. My mother has back pain and some spinal stenosis, so I was thinking we should rule that out too? During this time of visiting with doctors and aquajogging I had extra time unplanned/unexpected time to think, and had a few cathartic moments as I mentioned in my last post. I had not planned on making any decisions regarding my reconstruction surgery until after the 50 miler. I was planning on having visions regarding what I should do DURING the race. Again, erratic, unplanned behavior and a resultant Pre-Mature Climax. Several days before the race, I had decided on my reconstruction plans, and had even scheduled the surgery for April 16th. I decided to save the scheduling of the MRI until after the race. At some point I had to begin to focus on making sure that I was standing there on the starting line, and that I would be able to complete what it was that I had started out to do.<br />
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Problem was....I had already finished. <br />
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I found myself standing there on the starting line, having already achieved my primary goals: Return to life, get healthy, and make some hard decisions. I still had one more thing to do though, and that was to complete this 50 miler.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm-2msK3MYQHqxF8lW5ZBgKh8HuI7mgnIHG9XKtqr2QcH-XpKAKwzydeYQRxCzph2d1Nv5OkcQqs2BB1-10DLy6bJpy5LfTBp1CMOqzbztKazzxbuUUdAQe8Zu5EaGyK_Yu480fTKN1VV/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm-2msK3MYQHqxF8lW5ZBgKh8HuI7mgnIHG9XKtqr2QcH-XpKAKwzydeYQRxCzph2d1Nv5OkcQqs2BB1-10DLy6bJpy5LfTBp1CMOqzbztKazzxbuUUdAQe8Zu5EaGyK_Yu480fTKN1VV/s320/IMG_2718.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
After the first lap of this 3 laps x 16.7 miles race, I realized that I would indeed make it to the finish line. My leg and primarily my foot were bothering me, but nothing that a few bloody, then stubbed, toenails didn't end up masking. I stayed with my friend Lisa for about 30 miles. <br />
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I felt OK. Not great. Then the unexpected happened again. The Competetive Spirit Did NOT arrive this time. Only a feeling of contentment. (Peppered with severe pain due to repeatedly stubbing my currently bloody, previously Taxol....Toenail).<br />
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I felt happy. I was alone in the woods on a beautiful day.<br />
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I was thinking about my beautiful family and my wonderful life.<br />
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It just didn't seem important to me to kick anyone's ass at that point which is something very different for me, and even a bit "off the shelf", if you will. Like trying on a new pair of shoes. You "might" like it. Somewhere around mile 38 I remember beginning to think... "This is not really my thing". "I like Yoga". I also remember thinking that I should keep running so that I could get back to the finish line sooner rather than later, to see my husband and friends who would be waiting there for me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflIqxiEjp1lZnf3HS2a5DXzK4vtmx0UaNtaMVqX5lyBEEHkuFo2O-NyMGbmdWN-YFnSh5xlUBUyTafhu_EJjYOktKHkuO93fwDuhJeSsvMeiAOw0Z1p4aY6LezeWXTGiIcMG05pCiM7fB/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflIqxiEjp1lZnf3HS2a5DXzK4vtmx0UaNtaMVqX5lyBEEHkuFo2O-NyMGbmdWN-YFnSh5xlUBUyTafhu_EJjYOktKHkuO93fwDuhJeSsvMeiAOw0Z1p4aY6LezeWXTGiIcMG05pCiM7fB/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QgNAtCDMqteC_PTYRtsblYMEIAQnRqW2W9wgjcQc1hqJPWEtVhIr1l36tT7MtdN4TqjNTuMXYILEH04DB1IZM_Z3q9r_WCDBxpbFmT8-6j0GdekHC8aPmlRwPlle0SOzS_U3aXK2u5gp/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QgNAtCDMqteC_PTYRtsblYMEIAQnRqW2W9wgjcQc1hqJPWEtVhIr1l36tT7MtdN4TqjNTuMXYILEH04DB1IZM_Z3q9r_WCDBxpbFmT8-6j0GdekHC8aPmlRwPlle0SOzS_U3aXK2u5gp/s320/IMG_2691.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tejas Trails Coach Joe Prusaitis</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwezGW8Xrmt7vCBlhCXBdCkqKHbIObXPEQoj8Kg7efKMhlk74iVkuVt3UDPXoN6f_pEEDrQqHKLWIOfS9K8FwmcJCoNLOljjqNKKvZNuJ9LWPcWAKxNx0ayrl2TYt6x8cGFeUIny2eBHta/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwezGW8Xrmt7vCBlhCXBdCkqKHbIObXPEQoj8Kg7efKMhlk74iVkuVt3UDPXoN6f_pEEDrQqHKLWIOfS9K8FwmcJCoNLOljjqNKKvZNuJ9LWPcWAKxNx0ayrl2TYt6x8cGFeUIny2eBHta/s320/IMG_2693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Richie told me the day after the race that it was even slightly awkward for him when I crossed the finish line with people standing there cheering for a cancer survivor (me) who had just completed a 50 mile race and I was speaking very loudly..."This is not really my thing!" I just don't have the competetive spirit today!" <br />
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Funny the things one will say after running 50 miles. <br />
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Thank You to everyone who played a part in making this amazing weekend happen for me. (Jenn).<br />
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"One can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegrtion if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways." --Lemony Snicket, The Penultimate PerilEmily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-40421564927893603222012-02-29T12:27:00.004-08:002012-02-29T13:17:04.888-08:00More Than a Woman58 hours. Or, approximately 2.5 days until I'll be standing at the starting line of of this race that has consumed me, or filled in any spare mental space, for the better part of the past 7 months. Hopefully, I'll be standing there well rested and feeling good. Hopefully my recent setback of left leg problems will not interfere. Hopefully.<br />
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The past 2 weeks has been an interesting and somewhat insightful time for me. Taper madness is a common thing amongst athletes who have been intensly training and then back off in order to rest for their race. This has defintely entered my situation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4GWWQAUHg_Bsd0wlQMaDinFaW6JLc-V3fsZ6Qwuksdyrert2Cs_Bc0tJVOLDJl9c1nfgLyfaNtHAPMXWX3lxUO9WgMnrhDHaVebSnwjeRHrF8bJtKE2aUO_4HI6YCJeQvk-GAKhedQ9y/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4GWWQAUHg_Bsd0wlQMaDinFaW6JLc-V3fsZ6Qwuksdyrert2Cs_Bc0tJVOLDJl9c1nfgLyfaNtHAPMXWX3lxUO9WgMnrhDHaVebSnwjeRHrF8bJtKE2aUO_4HI6YCJeQvk-GAKhedQ9y/s320/IMG_2579.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check out this crazy tape job. yes that is my leg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I think, also, that since I've done an EXTREME taper, I've had even extra time to think about things, and relax a bit, and it's been a good thing. I've had a bit of time to sort of do a little travel down memory lane. This trip started with a visit to my old gym near our old pink house on the East Side. We lived there for 10 years and moved out when Ace was 1 and a half. I loved that house and the location, but we moved out for more space, more yard, better schools, and quieter night sleep. That house was right next to The University. I was at the gym in order to attempt some exercise on Sunday, the day after my last post where I was sitting on my couch, opting out of my 15 mile run. I realized I was still not ready to attempt running, and the only thing I could think of was to attempt aquajogging. Well, once I AquaFlogged around for about 25 minutes while some creepy old guy was standing in the hot tub staring at my one boob, I decided I'd had enough of that. This reminded me how I really hated aquajogging. This experience proved to be the opposite of trail running. It also reminded me in no uncertain terms, that have one breast, and I <em>do not like that,</em> either. Especially in a bathing suite. I followed my "work out" with a visit to my old neighborhood coffee shop that I used to love. I had spent many an hour pushing either Adaline, or Ace, or both in a jogging stroller to visit this place... Cherrywood Coffee House. I had just enough time to get my coffee and read the latest post on <a href="http://carnations.blogspot.com/">Some Girls Prefer Carnations</a> Blog. Heather, the author, mentioned that she had recently completed reading a book called "<u>No Less a Woman</u>" which discussed topics of Breast Reconstruction and why or why not women would want to have it done. I was seconds away from ordering the book online when it occurred to me that this book might not apply to me because I never really thought of myself as a woman before cancer. Really. So how could the fact that having one breast be threatening my <em>woman</em>hood? The answer is, it's not. I realized immediately that, if anything, I am definately Much MORE of a WOMAN now than I ever was before. I'd like to think maybe even ... "<strong>More <em>Than</em> a Woman</strong>", as was so eloquently sung by the Bee Gees back in the late 70's for the album and movie Saturday Night Fever. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wK67GCIPaF4" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
Since we're going down memory lane. <br />
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Please do not take me wrong. I am not making fun of this book, and I am still interested in reading it. And, just the mention of the book itself has already been helpful to me. <br />
Next stop was an attempt at trail jogging on Tuesday morning. I skipped my Tuesday Rogue Run for the first time in?? maybe 6 months, so it got me thinking about that, and what an impact that has made in my life over the past year and a half.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jDHobnxU3xGEqzQXvrQu8_vCUWuJhrWOOOkF9sy8cHWyODAhAUhZW9X70ViNCaoCHTd7CcEOW0tQoBeDrHXqR0eYu6H19jr5RaV_tNxs_DpbV5juwLZrRHYsG1x5Gjon_kC_e5wCxYDb/s1600/3.1.11+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jDHobnxU3xGEqzQXvrQu8_vCUWuJhrWOOOkF9sy8cHWyODAhAUhZW9X70ViNCaoCHTd7CcEOW0tQoBeDrHXqR0eYu6H19jr5RaV_tNxs_DpbV5juwLZrRHYsG1x5Gjon_kC_e5wCxYDb/s320/3.1.11+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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My attempt at trail running did not go so well. It turned into a walk jog, but it was a very nice morning. It had been raining here and the Barton Creek had water down to the 360 entrance and beyond for the first time in over a year. This reminded me of my training 2 years ago when the creek was full the whole training season. It also gave me time to remember my return to attempting to walk jog after my surgery. <br />
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My next stop was a visit to the YMCA for more aquajogging. This time with my training partner and friend Lisa who is also struggling with a leg irritation herself. (Otherwise why in the Hell would she be aquajogging?) This stop helped me realize once again, how much friendship plays a role in a person's ability to complete difficult tasks, and difficult life situations, and even make them enjoyable. 60 minute aquajog completed :) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEXhxsU6P1Q2gvQXJ2I_eKuE1MaV6yqeFd-gCjKE71wdAGBfwL1jrXV0gpk-SvxPYKNrZb0jvOsTc33_EIMgdDt7aJ_gJVEQYG7zplrF68VeC1892m3g8pTiGvLhixiKp0_-58NCecppg/s1600/Lisa+and+SXSW+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEXhxsU6P1Q2gvQXJ2I_eKuE1MaV6yqeFd-gCjKE71wdAGBfwL1jrXV0gpk-SvxPYKNrZb0jvOsTc33_EIMgdDt7aJ_gJVEQYG7zplrF68VeC1892m3g8pTiGvLhixiKp0_-58NCecppg/s320/Lisa+and+SXSW+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa and me outside Hill of Life after surgery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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My Saturday attempt at a long run of 8 miles went O.K. regarding the leg. Some foot issues, but not really much worse. More importantly, I enjoyed every minute of the time out on the trail. I started later than usual (Than EVER really) due to the fact that i had gone out the night before to see Downtube Shifter ROCK the Carousel lounge. I also got to run with my friend Cindy again. This run really brought things full circle for me. Cindy had been there with me at the start. As I was scraping my way back to the trail during chemotherapy. And again after surgery and radiation. <br />
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I was weak and bald, and it was oh so dry and hot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinncrDh3NplG5IYgjCNlvgqv9L254vCuNFgJEIRZ53fwNhVaDjNwGlGGFCS9qWLpAsMH50Fi6QQgSxGwSqgR2kuUAw97mzqayk0zyhk928PUq86q_0S4GAoNWAgZZSzi_wXWdygkt4jQhY/s1600/kids%252C+movie%252C+cindy%252C+chuck+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinncrDh3NplG5IYgjCNlvgqv9L254vCuNFgJEIRZ53fwNhVaDjNwGlGGFCS9qWLpAsMH50Fi6QQgSxGwSqgR2kuUAw97mzqayk0zyhk928PUq86q_0S4GAoNWAgZZSzi_wXWdygkt4jQhY/s320/kids%252C+movie%252C+cindy%252C+chuck+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Cindy during Chemo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And again after surgery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz1KMyW84csbijDXvbtlN5be5f-8dtjAk57713ztoIeQvMtn2Se0SLJyvxPUx5r_Mig4zDemZxKt7O2Ht3zcHGMQlNnGlIZKPfo46AbgHft_URdDrH18yPNX3dod16ztak-Z3nxcBW8Nu/s1600/kids%252C+movie%252C+cindy%252C+chuck+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz1KMyW84csbijDXvbtlN5be5f-8dtjAk57713ztoIeQvMtn2Se0SLJyvxPUx5r_Mig4zDemZxKt7O2Ht3zcHGMQlNnGlIZKPfo46AbgHft_URdDrH18yPNX3dod16ztak-Z3nxcBW8Nu/s320/kids%252C+movie%252C+cindy%252C+chuck+025.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Hill of Life After Surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Now, my hair is out of control and the water was in the creek in places she'd never seen it. It was like we were kids out exploring an area for the first time, despite the fact that i've logged literally hundreds of miles there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMToOOhIvPYMmqgV_svF8_REsacM8LKJ49IIfYsVN_km_6DG2JrTxvgQvKThan91_LsVX3uKfjg0mgOWXkq3XEvv65mGwQTSZKA2sIwzgPSGCfKEdArMJdzi1PCwZpl0M4lG8gDflv834K/s1600/IMG_2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMToOOhIvPYMmqgV_svF8_REsacM8LKJ49IIfYsVN_km_6DG2JrTxvgQvKThan91_LsVX3uKfjg0mgOWXkq3XEvv65mGwQTSZKA2sIwzgPSGCfKEdArMJdzi1PCwZpl0M4lG8gDflv834K/s320/IMG_2596.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me last this past weekend at Barton Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
During our run we ran into Lisa and Jack, the two people I've done the bulk of this training season with. This was the perfect place for us all to reunite, discuss the race a bit and have some laughs about our own selves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKDNUQg4HvQfhP46CpjfmllSFj35rHJO85EoXc5OqC7ir8XlGyuBd2pdpP1Hxic2HVRiGyfIlg4-pqkAY05_wDiNpdqD9pqk90qrfHG2e-lTdT0VzAhHu4diF1PN0CiKCZtQCuvxHz6jX/s1600/IMG_2601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKDNUQg4HvQfhP46CpjfmllSFj35rHJO85EoXc5OqC7ir8XlGyuBd2pdpP1Hxic2HVRiGyfIlg4-pqkAY05_wDiNpdqD9pqk90qrfHG2e-lTdT0VzAhHu4diF1PN0CiKCZtQCuvxHz6jX/s320/IMG_2601.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Jack, Lisa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
"This Fanny Pack is SaWeet!" Only a trail runner would say <em>that</em>, Jack!<br />
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The next week I found myself back in another one of my old neighborhoods, and now aquajogging at the crack of dawn outside at this outdoor pool that I used to walk across the street to go swimming in. <br />
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I found myself actually "enjoying" this aquajog. <br />
This new affinity for aquajogging, and this.. "sign"...,<br />
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I've taken as proof that people, and things, can change, or improve in a matter of days. <br />
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Spring is now in the air here. Richie's band Downtube Shifter just secured a show during the South By Southwest Music Festival on Saturday night at 6:00. You know me....This reminded me of last year's SXSW show and how all my friends came out wearing Tube Tops to support DownTube Shifter and to support me on the eve of my first Mastectomy. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2jRdwCQl5-cvMI69eXmFlT0b42BPpg4-4Mo0V5bzCsV8yNppTNZN5Mo68-CVdsUpYO1vTimtmHRT4tLVO6S11IX5KJ_fvXkhhOGrm58vBKTo_lsA-wMfOTS8geTEax17dol3YojjIII3/s1600/Hospital+and+Gus+Fruth+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2jRdwCQl5-cvMI69eXmFlT0b42BPpg4-4Mo0V5bzCsV8yNppTNZN5Mo68-CVdsUpYO1vTimtmHRT4tLVO6S11IX5KJ_fvXkhhOGrm58vBKTo_lsA-wMfOTS8geTEax17dol3YojjIII3/s320/Hospital+and+Gus+Fruth+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SXSW 2010 TubeTop Extravaganza</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYArgPdHK6WJWy6dnZiLV0UJQtdYmbMbGFJCXlES6bNdZ_AnnRboB7CwLOnCUBD0902Fj68M14I3urL74E00W-HYnQdw8Wo7zJnlItjwmE3oysPSdeifrM5zpi3pD3ByOET33drwq0aye/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYArgPdHK6WJWy6dnZiLV0UJQtdYmbMbGFJCXlES6bNdZ_AnnRboB7CwLOnCUBD0902Fj68M14I3urL74E00W-HYnQdw8Wo7zJnlItjwmE3oysPSdeifrM5zpi3pD3ByOET33drwq0aye/s320/IMG_2580.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richie March 2012<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you are good at puzzles, you've probably already figured out where I'm going with all this. I've just gotten off of the phone with the nurse for the plastic surgeon. She is working on scheduling my left mastectomy and bilateral reconstruction. This surgery will be planned for sometime in the first half of April, on a date that both the regular surgeon, and the plastic surgeon can get together at a hospital that we can all agree on. It has already been scheduled once, with my old surgeon, who I actually do like very much. He wouldn't, or couldn't go to the more preferred hospital, so now i'm choosing to change surgeons and have the surgery performed at a different hospital. <br />
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I'll end with the fact that this taper has also given me the opportunity to spend some more fun time with the family. I know I've mentioned it before, but I have super cute kids:<br />
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I don't know where he gets it. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would say wish me Luck, but it is clear that I already have it. :)</div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-68389800310525646962012-02-18T06:41:00.000-08:002012-02-18T06:51:19.678-08:00Recovery WeekRecovery has new meaning. <br />
<br />
Time is such an interesting thing really. 16 months of Cancer Treatment and Recovery, then suddenly I'm living life again, running, and having to recover from that. Let me re-type<strong>...Getting</strong>.... to recover from that! Running is something that I originally took up pretty much after Adaline was born as a stress reliever and a social outlet that could happen early in the morning. (Adaline woke up at 5:50 a.m. without fail for about 3 years in a row so we were already conditioned for that.) After she was born, my exercise outlet/addiction started with Cycling. Ironically, I switched over to running because it was LESS time consuming! :).<br />
<br />
Well, here I am now, in a recovery week of my choice. I had 2 high mileage weeks in a row including one 40 mile trail run, with little physical issue....UNTIL...the end of that 2 weeks. No specific cause other than the cumulation of miles and of hill work. I think that my body just reached it's maximum physical tolerance with what I currently have to work with, and it decided to rebel. So here I am in recovery week, actuallly having to recover from a setback. It started with a little ache in my foot then some (different) nerve tingling in my foot. Now it is a variety of muscle spasms, cramps, and pains throughout the left leg and foot and some in my left hamstrings and piriformis. I, of course completed my 20 mile run last Saturday knowing that the initial ache in the foot existed. Some folks might say, well why would you go ahead and run the 20 miler and here's what i'll tell you....Some of it IS indeed due to the fact that there is a certain amount of obsessivity that goes along with being in an ultrarunning situation. There is also a very strong focus on an end goal and a plan that gets you there. The OTHER thing that some might realize about me is that like many older people and probably many other athletes, I am actually constantly managing pains and spasms. My feet and legs could be compared to a circus in many ways. Managing the muscle spasms due to Multiple Sclerosis is like balancing on a high wire, and juggling balls at the same time. A very careful balance of hydration, healthy fat intake, exercise, and stress and anxiety management (which unfortuntely must also be managed while minimizing alcohol intake). Believe it or not, sometimes the hardest of hill work outs actually relaxes the muscles at night allowing the best sleep. An example of these spasms? OK. At night mostly, when I do finally sit down on the couch at around 8:00 with the family for snuggle time, I am mostly uncomfortable the whole time because my legs will not sit still. They are jumping and cramping. It is a bit like Restless Leg Syndrome, I imagine. I have to posture myself in ways in order to keep them as settled as possible. I often have to contort them and put pressure on them in specific areas so that they will not kick or jump. This is often difficult to do when there is a 3 year old climbing on your head, but that is a different issue. It is not comfortable. Sometimes these spasms can actually cause a slightly strained muscle. If there is an actual muscle strain due to injury present...the spasms are all the much worse. All of the muscles around the injury go into hyper mode. I believe this is a normal proctecive mechanism that our bodies perform, however mine are in hyperdrive, or uncontrolled. <br />
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This all going on prior to cancer. Enter chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiation and the 3rd ring of the circus is added. Additional numbness in toes and fingers and a severely tight right upper quadrant are a bit like managing the constant threat of the tiger. One can never let the gaurd down on that or the tightness of the "beef jerky" muscles take on a life of their own.<br />
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The point of all this being that, in my defense, I'm so very accustomed to managing this kind of thing on a daily basis that it at makes it difficult for me to know when the full on cascade of pain spasm pain spasm.... will begin. This is one of those times. So here I am...blogging instead of running the 15 miles on my schedule....sitting on my couch for the first time on a Saturday morning that I can remember since? at least sometime during radiation. <br />
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The good thing about this recovery week is that, while it does cause me some anxiety about the possible difficuly it could cause me during my "A" race, I still feel pretty happy. It is currently 55 degrees out and raining. A perfect day to NOT be out running. And I'm getting to spend some quality time with the family....<br />
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And I'm having a few extra moments to think about what happens next.<br />
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I've decided NOT to remove the PORT until after the race. <br />
Funny things happen when one of your training partners happens to be a psychologist!<br />
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Was it meant to be that when I sat on the toilet this morning I looked down and saw the Lululemon Bag that that is covered in quotes (that my friend had given me a gift in) and I noticed the quote...<br />
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"Life is full of Setbacks. Success is determined on how you handle setbacks. "<br />
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Hmm. <br />
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I will rest today and watch the rain. I will feel good tomorrow :)<br />
14 days until 50 miler.Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-33299851303053842592012-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:002012-02-16T05:35:14.601-08:00Snowball's Chance in Hell<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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A Snowball's chance in Hell is what I was endearingly calling my chances of achieving my somewhat unrealistic...or possibly more accurately, UNTIMELY goal of 1:44:00 at the 3M half. Untimely not only in that 7:54 pace is very fast for me, but untimely in that this "last chance" opportunity landed right smack dab in the middle of my distance training. I wanted to have my Cake and Eat it too. I wanted to continue my training for the 50 mile trail race and go ahead and try to race 13.1 miles on the road 7 days after running 35 miles. Oh yes, this race also falling the week after my highest total mileage week of my life. In my heart of hearts I knew my odds were similar to the snowball above, however, I still had hope....I felt that if the snowball was packed tight enough it might just have a chance. Funny, huh? I remember once a year ago someone at work on the business end of things made the statement...Hope is not a strategy. I remember at the time standing there with my bald head thinking that that was kind of rude to say that in my presence. Anyway, it is clear to me now that since surviving Cancer and Cancer Treatment, that I believe it is. <br />
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Needless to say, I was not rested for the race, and indeed did not <em>feel</em> rested during the race. <br />
This is pretty much how I felt for the most part of the race:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNwwzmpbgDQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNwwzmpbgDQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player</a>. <br />
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My friend Lisa who was attempting to keep me on pace was sort of like the rope. <br />
I ended up with a time of exactly 1:47:00. Exactly 3 minutes slower than the time I needed to qualify for the New York Marathon. Despite being significantly off of the qualifying time I was still happy I did the race. This time was still my fastest half marathon, and I do think it was a good work out. I'm mean hey, I ran 13 miles without stopping, walking, or eating a sandwich!<br />
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With the half marathon over, it was then time to move on and return focus on bringing the miles back up for the next week and completing my 40 mile run which would be my longest training run for this training. On my last blog I began to elude to some of the issues that being an ultrarunner can cause in a persons life and family. I attached a utube video called "I'm an Ultrarunner". Turns out very few people looked at the video which i thought was hilarioius. At that time I did not mention that when I showed the video to my husband, he actually thought I wrote the thing. I did not write that one, but it got me thinking. On the video "I'm an ultrarunner", the problem that the main character is having, is finding time to have breakfast with a girlfriend. My friend and training buddy Lisa and began laughing at some of the even more ridiculous intimate problems that doing all this running <em><strong>and</strong> at the same time</em> <strong><em>having a family</em></strong> can cause....and out of that I ended up making this video. Please do not feel sorry for anyone. This is funny.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LWpTgBghGGo">http://www.youtube.com/embed/LWpTgBghGGo</a>" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://m.youtube.com/?client=mv-google&rdm=20#/profile?user=powerhowell&v=LWpTgBghGGo&view=videos">http://m.youtube.com/?client=mv-google&rdm=20#/profile?user=powerhowell&v=LWpTgBghGGo&view=videos</a><br />
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Apologies for the lack of true links or embedding. As you can see, i'm having to find all sorts of ways to trim time at this point. <br />
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This past week was back up to the big mileage. I completed my 40 mile run. My 2 training partners were there the whole time as they have been. We lucked out greatly with the weather. It was supposed to be storming during the first half of the run, but instead the big storm ended just before we started at 4:30 a.m. and the temperatures were in the 50s-60s. I had no major issues, other that feeling pretty tired starting aroung mile 17.5, and getting somewhat emotional....near tears twice. The first time when I started thinking about my friend Cindy who was taking my kids off my hands so I could rest after the run, and the second time when we jogged past a man hiking on the greenbelt with his special needs child. I made it home before 2:00 and thank goodness I had planned for the kids to be off having fun with some friends. Thanks Again CINDY R.!! How will I ever re-pay you for all you've done for me and my family over the past 2 years!! <br />
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This plan allowed me to actually take a nap and rejuvenate in order to have fun with my family later that evening.....AND to prepare for our annual Super Bowl Party the next day! Am i Crazy? Well, i think that's been pretty clearly described. <br />
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Superbowl Party was great. I'm not sure if UT won or not but we had some really Great Food and some really great company!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Football and Football helmet Cake Balls!! Yes, I said it...., Vanilla Beat Chocolate!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my 2 Cindys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adriane: Cakeballer Extraordinaire, and Jenn: Beetballer!<br />
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<div align="left">Now i cannot get this text off of Caption, so i'm gonna wrap this up. I've not made a decision regarding my port. I will decide by the end of today. The doc said i would really only have to not run for two days. I forgot to ask him how long it would take for the incision to heal so now that's my hold up. 25 days until Nueces 50 miler. </div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-62083005929614195692012-01-20T13:16:00.000-08:002012-02-01T11:17:43.610-08:00I am an UltrarunnerWell, I completed the Bandera 50K on Sat. Jan 7th. My second official "Ultra" (short for UltraMarathon...that means it's longer than 26.2 miles). Two years ago, almost exactly, i completed the exact same race. Then i got cancer, did treatment, trained, then ran it again. Last time I did the race it was my "A" race...which means that was my focus, i worked up to it and i tapered, or rested for it. <br />
Last time i ran a 6:09. A good solid race effort. The weather was perfect for me (very cold...12-44 degrees). Everything went very well. I Placed 7th female and 2nd in my age. <br />
This time around, i decided about 10 days before the race that I would do it. I did not taper. I ran 26 miles 7 days before the race on Saturday. The weather was beautiful for a picnic, but not exactly perfect for an ultra trail run. (55-75 degrees).<br />
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This year i ran a time of 6:19. I felt very happy with that time. This year the race was also much larger. I placed 12th female and 4th in my age group.<br />
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Both years I started and finished the race with my good friend Lisa. A funny thing, though, because last time we trained very much together and we ran the whole race together. This time, we've trained differently and were apart for much of the race, and still finished together. I felt there was something symbolic about that...of course :).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No the shirts were actually NOT planned! :)</td></tr>
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I remember when i first admitted that i was a "marathon runner." It was after i'd run my second marathon and had qualified for Boston. Always before that i would tell people i was not really a runner...just a person who ran sometimes. This past week at work, it started to become common knowledge that i run A LOT. People began asking and began to explain that i ran 31 miles the past weekend, and that i'm planning to run 35miles tomorrow. One person asked.....31 miles? what is that??Called. "It's an Ultramarathon". (Even if, a "<strong>mini-ultra</strong>" in comparison to many other ultra events). Then i found myself speaking aloud..."I'm an Ultrarunner. Yikes! I've never said that before!<br />
A few days later i was having a discussion with Lisa about the issues that being an ultra runner can cause... and she mentioned these UTube videos. This is funny! You Simply must watch!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tO2T2ydKII&feature=youtube_gdata_player">I am an Ultrarunner</a><br />
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If you like that, you must also check out on UTube "Training for an Ultramarathon", and "...I am a Marathon Runner. I am injured."<br />
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I've officially signed up for the Nueces 50 Miler on March 3rd. <br />
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35 this Saturday<br />
3M half marathon next weekend<br />
40 miles the Saturday after...<br />
Then begin to taper<br />
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With all that said, i've had a few strange things going on. Hormonal Mostly. The HOT Flashes have been horrible. Possibly worse since i depleted my energy at the Bandera race, but not sure exactly.<br />
I've been a bit panicked by this port, since #1 i wore the wrong bra without a band aid over it and literally rubbed holes in my chest, and then i read on the Carnations Blog that the thing was supposed to be flushed now and then, and of course my Oncologist had not mentioned that...In his defense, he just said get it taken out. I've delayed makin the appointment to take it out because it is unclear how many days i cannot run after the procedure. It was 10 days after they put it in.<br />
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So...now i have an appointment with the surgeon on Monday to discuss taking out the port. <br />
I suppose we will also talk about the plans for my second surgery. Left mastectomy and reconstruction. I've still made no absolute decisions, but have had some productive discussions with my husband that have helped.Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-12712810975696184412012-01-04T13:27:00.000-08:002012-01-04T17:28:44.332-08:00In the Thick of It<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well I've now gone and done 2 things that were not exactly in my 50 mile training plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Two</span> things that I am willing to mention, anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, I signed up for the 3M 1/2 marathon which I will run on 1/29/12 for that last chance effort toward a NY marathon qualifier. And, speaking of “Last Chance”, now, I am also signed up for my beloved <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Bandera.html">Bandera 50K </a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> trail race which is this weekend. (Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Last Chance” is the name of the last rest stop at the end of the 50k race, 1/2 mile from the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would simply be silly for a person running the 50K to stop there, but I believe the history has to do with the 100k racers taking a shot of liquor, or something, there... silly trail runners </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">). <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past weekend on New Year’s Eve morning, I ran 26 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran the 26 miles out at a park called <a href="http://www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/mckinney_roughs.html">McKinney Roughs</a> with some good friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful day and couldn't have been a better way to wrap up this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8nUvg37MzZJgEJIqgShx7IWIeAbjCZGJ2ICljfonanT_Vh-B5AqlEq_9hDxTbPtNWGa_caB5ieTTBMaVFbS6SqKA47lclZa3PQeZPFllja1TC7pJ_tjJ793mCeUIaS-2OrmVp-X7iKDr/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8nUvg37MzZJgEJIqgShx7IWIeAbjCZGJ2ICljfonanT_Vh-B5AqlEq_9hDxTbPtNWGa_caB5ieTTBMaVFbS6SqKA47lclZa3PQeZPFllja1TC7pJ_tjJ793mCeUIaS-2OrmVp-X7iKDr/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Newest Running Buddy Jack, and myself, checking out the Map. But... check out the MOP. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOgaKihuXbqt4tVgzcqRWpDYKOD0UB2OTFW3svuFHLE2lt4zhMnNB_C8_US1ublj86PeCbgnOJTmBuePks93ZAF2u5yBUMFJ4eBJ4VNOwmHW9tXNhDDvKr-XgY_ZWsEXdnXaxijk9PgVC/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOgaKihuXbqt4tVgzcqRWpDYKOD0UB2OTFW3svuFHLE2lt4zhMnNB_C8_US1ublj86PeCbgnOJTmBuePks93ZAF2u5yBUMFJ4eBJ4VNOwmHW9tXNhDDvKr-XgY_ZWsEXdnXaxijk9PgVC/s320/IMG_2464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good friend Lisa on the Colorado River Bank with Steam.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow, have I come a long way this year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I would say that I'm truly "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in the thick</b>" of my running/training. This past week I ran my 26 mile long run, and a total of 54 for the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One year </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ago at this exact time, I was in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the thick of the chemotherapy</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bald, weak and tired. Now I've got this huge alien sort of <strong>thick</strong> mop on my head and i'm getting physically pretty strong again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdcCCtkK34iphJZhZBtOSv8CTWUVKA5ZJcouoL7XZcRZDULTYoXPA4vF_fMGHTkNL8FzJ5hCRMsnrd5mIYHevpTE40u_OpGenKhNhycJp8Z4_X7cNJfmkslAEq1GKahvrBQVq4sduwdfn/s1600/IMG_2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdcCCtkK34iphJZhZBtOSv8CTWUVKA5ZJcouoL7XZcRZDULTYoXPA4vF_fMGHTkNL8FzJ5hCRMsnrd5mIYHevpTE40u_OpGenKhNhycJp8Z4_X7cNJfmkslAEq1GKahvrBQVq4sduwdfn/s320/IMG_2466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m running some long miles, and I’m physically able to have fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember last year taking a family trip to the coast around this time and I was actually afraid to go. I was afraid that I might drop Adaline while carrying her up or down the 16 steps to the house. I also knew that on days as full as a day at the coast could be with our 2 kids, I would get so worn out, that I would just feel like crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We just got back from a 3 day trip to the coast. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-vjMzxq4EBB282yokqqZewB0qoE59P8pTbTho4sr9c1b9BHbFpCoFX6JAX7JtDLW-KESTVlgNZhEds7Dg-2fZW-JKLgg-NAqHaglb2NY-6i6LUsBhw7y2H5syheWSEoqlx2RYIjT5LXm/s1600/IMG_2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-vjMzxq4EBB282yokqqZewB0qoE59P8pTbTho4sr9c1b9BHbFpCoFX6JAX7JtDLW-KESTVlgNZhEds7Dg-2fZW-JKLgg-NAqHaglb2NY-6i6LUsBhw7y2H5syheWSEoqlx2RYIjT5LXm/s320/IMG_2462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this view was very cool because when i jogged up to it i literally could not tell where the ocean ended and the sky began. (Like in Forrest Gump).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I must have carried Adaline, who is at least 5 pounds heavier, up and down those 16 steps at least 5 times, lifted her on and off the boat, the bed, the chair, the car seat, and the floor, oh… 20 or so times and only once felt physically tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when I was idiotically attempting an 8 mile (+ 30 minutes of 2/1 fartlek) run, following a diet of fried fish and fried cream cheese jalapeños.) I did have one episode related to <em>emotional fatigue</em> when I over puréed one of Adaline’s meals to an indelible runny consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>probably only someone who purees and feeds and cleans up puréed food containers 2-3 times a day for several years in a row, could really understand the upset that this could cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (Jenn). </span>Anyway, the point was that I felt great and had a great time, even if I do look sort of silly with the mop thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny that this trip is when I truly noticed the difference in my strength and energy levels, in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this weekends race, I am, once again, shooting for a good solid "race prep" run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Race Prep for my “A” race, which is the <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Nueces.html">Nueces 50 Miler</a> on March 3rd. This weekend, at the 50K, I will try out some new race/running strategies and reassess some of the old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hoping to have fun and feel good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also hoping to be able to complete some sort of run on Sunday, and then slip seamlessly back into training, as usual on Tuesday, in order to continue my progression of fitness for the next 8 weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For Your Entertainment... Introducing... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqvObV6zZgI">"Dancing Ace"....doing the "Bust and Freeze" to SAIL.</a></span><br />
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</div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-63635946936437238952011-12-22T13:45:00.000-08:002011-12-22T13:51:09.452-08:00The Anticlimax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a strange week. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspfVhRhwzOso3UGlfg5zXocPY5S4FPGYs27Bv2ztpeAoSvpmtOpZ_5JR-kFs3j6-E6tsTVv_y5UsaL_F95_zoQDuYO3YpPifD28XAtq4X7pS2dM9W0ekNGyffNbfsWkKMJ4zH1ja2OEpm/s1600/IMG_2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspfVhRhwzOso3UGlfg5zXocPY5S4FPGYs27Bv2ztpeAoSvpmtOpZ_5JR-kFs3j6-E6tsTVv_y5UsaL_F95_zoQDuYO3YpPifD28XAtq4X7pS2dM9W0ekNGyffNbfsWkKMJ4zH1ja2OEpm/s200/IMG_2420.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I blew off my last echocardiogram because I figured what's the point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, my friend the Nurse Practitioner at the Oncology clinic said that I didn’t really have to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only had one more Herceptin treatment left, and we were going to go ahead and do it anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of me wanted to see if my echo was actually any BETTER due to all the running I’ve been doing, but the larger part of me really just wanted to skip an appointment. I felt like I needed to make some kind of point or something. Feel rebellious, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I didn’t go. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did my last (let’s hope anyway) Chemo (Herceptin) on Wednesday last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, like on the last day of my Radiation, I was sort of hoping that there would be confetti, or someone would ring that bell for me, or something. But, Alas, no one there seemed to know that it was my last treatment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing Happened. No Celebration. No Congratulations. Nothing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got poked, I got infused, and I did my usual best to ignore everything else going on in that room. I was on the phone and the computer, and I hardly even noticed the F------ harp player, but it WAS helpful that I was one row further away from her this time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked out, it was sort of like <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>l <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>o <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>w <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>motion as I passed that big brass bell on my left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a shy person, and had I really felt deep down that the whole thing was over, I would have reached up and just RANG the () thing myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But…I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if it was the fact that I knew I had to go back there the very next day to have the actual appointment with the oncologist, or the fact that I’ve still made no final decisions regarding the longevity of my left breast, made no plans for reconstruction, or the fact that I still have this port-a-cath imbedded in my left subclavian veins. But I just didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just couldn’t, in full consciousness, ring that bell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would have been cool if someone else would have rung it, but, I just couldn’t do it myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I made it past the bell, I did, however, shed 2 tears as I walked out toward the stairwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not really clear on where the tears were coming from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I cried was July of this year (the last time I had a menstrual period) if you’re not counting the tears I shed 2 weeks ago as I got into my car to drive away from the trail race I did that weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were tears of joy, though. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears of rejuvenation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, the kind where you are sort of laughing and crying at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I really wasn’t counting that as crying. While one my think these tears I shed while walking out of the chemo room would have been of joy, or relief, they really didn’t feel that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, during this slow motion scenario as I was walking out, I was experiencing a flashback of the last 16 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The infusions, the waiting, and the faces of the other patients. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess it was mixed emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THAT, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i></b> as it turned out, a mere 2 days after the end of my Herceptin, I started my period again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW! I thought that was over with!! I’ve been through hard core Menapause two times now and it is no fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In retrospect, I had noticed that my hot flashes were getting easier and farther apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not really even waking me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sort of thought that might be due to the fact that it’s been colder her, so I thought maybe I just wasn’t minding, or noticing them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I guess I’ll have to inform the doctor of this, but I’m thinking maybe it’s all part of the menopause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After meeting with the Oncologist for my “wrap up” appointment I really didn’t feel that much more resolve than I had prior to the appointment. A summary of how that went: Wait in waiting room one hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just about to get up to leave and the nurse came out to get me and said…”I was hoping you hadn’t left….the doctor is just getting back from vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(At least the nurse knows me, I guess).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the doctor came in he began to dictate in front of me as he commonly does and he was saying something about how I’m continuing Herceptin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said NO, it was done yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We argued about it a bit, then he confirmed that yes, I was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me a long spiel about Hi Tech vs. Low tech and Fatality rates with Breast Cancer in order to try to convince me for the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> time that I DO NOT need any PET scans or further MRIs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe a chest x-ray, now and then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that the patient ususally catches metastasis before the scans do, or "nearly" as soon :(.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>let’s just hope I’m ON my CANCER game a bit better than I was last time when I went in for the first time with a 7 centimeter tumor in my right breast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that I can go get this Port out anytime, and that he would see me in four months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t speak at all about the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’m not fully an optimist, but, I AM starting to think Conspiracy here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conspiracy between the Oncologist and the General Surgeon for me to keep this thing on the left despite initial recommendations to have it taken off too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call the surgeon to make and appointment to discuss the port and the following surgery and reconstruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason I write this is in case anyone is reading this who has had breast cancer like mine where they initially recommend Bilateral Mastectomy due to aggressiveness of the cancer and due to young age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do NOT fall for the argument that you can remove the other breast during the reconstruction surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you have larger breasts, IT is really not cool to have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t go into the details again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I would have preferred to just have them both taken initially, as i thought was going to happen. Remember, the general surgeon informed me only days before the surgery that we would wait to do the other side until the reconstruction happens. I was not reconstructed at that time due to radiation. </span>I have, however, interviewed several of my therapy clients recently who have had single mastectomy with NO reconstruction and asked them how they have liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all say, it’s horrible to have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND, a side note is that I’ve noted that many of them have moderate to severe scoliosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it is a coincidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My chest, back and underarm are so tight it is affecting my right hip and groin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be mostly due to the radiation though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my dermatologist said….As she was cutting a hole in my right thigh to rule out skin cancer…..Radiation makes the muscles “like beef jerky”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I suppose I cannot blame all the tightness on the surgery alone. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enough about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve decided to attempt a medical free holiday and not make any appointments until after the New Year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It is great. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week was my highest mileage week so far this time around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>47 miles and full of HILLS, HILLS, HILLs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long run was 21 miles trail with lots of HILLs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week is recovery week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll do my best not to gain much weight with Holiday Foods Galore.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEjRkp_h8iIxTqfbwqmT1cBcbyNgYiuhoHnyF_qqaZpXgyzaX9x5Z1RzZX6UEsib1_Y_GNM0ldRy4UDIDDmYaRb8cWhz9cOcDyqQbx7YeMO-rOakPppyD4Y4y5vIwTwJlBUVR3d9J_COF/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEjRkp_h8iIxTqfbwqmT1cBcbyNgYiuhoHnyF_qqaZpXgyzaX9x5Z1RzZX6UEsib1_Y_GNM0ldRy4UDIDDmYaRb8cWhz9cOcDyqQbx7YeMO-rOakPppyD4Y4y5vIwTwJlBUVR3d9J_COF/s320/IMG_2433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the hairdo that happens when one is trying to hold down the wacky hair that does whatever it wants.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next week 25 miles long trail run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wish everyone the Happiest and Healthiest of Holidays!</span></div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789955658879480245.post-76780294626121999802011-12-11T17:23:00.000-08:002011-12-21T06:42:12.476-08:00Lessons in Patience<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing that I was pretty sure that cancer would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> take from me was my patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clicking off weeks and months of treatment and months and months of appointments, surgery and recovery, I often thought how this practice could help me become more patient as a person, and a more patient distance runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes patience to train for, and to run, long distances. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prior to cancer I was not really a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fast</i> runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My strengths as a runner were primarily that I was very patient, and very controlled, and “kind of strong” in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some called it toughness. Whether it was physical or mental I'm not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the queen of the perfect repeat, or of the negative split in workouts and many races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many times relaxed and watched as competitors have run past me at mile 18 in order to pass them again at 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been able to control my pace to almost exact times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could follow a race plan to a “T”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once, I ran a marathon within 6 seconds of my goal time. Also, the average pace of the last 6 miles (of <em>that</em> marathon) was 1 minute faster than the first 20. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A negative split.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was how I wanted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Partly because that's how I trained, and partly because when I had asked the head coach of my running group that time, Steve Sisson of Rogue, if a negative split marathon was possible and he said.. It's very difficult to do... but possible... it was then that I knew that negative splitting the marathon was what I needed to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During my cancer treatment I often tried to parallel treatment to distance/trail training in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was something that gave me comfort due to the familiarity and the small feeling of control that it gave me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, I could “pace” myself through it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also felt that if I couldn't train by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">running</b>, at least I was going to be tuning and strengthening the important skills of patience and control. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, after over a year of this practice and 4 months of being back to running, I’m wondering… “Is it possible that, instead of tuning and strengthening my patience and control, I have used them up or let them go?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regarding control…I do know that this cancer treatment required me to “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">give in</i></b> to THE METHOD” on more occasions than I was comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did indeed require patience to continue for the 16 months I have endured, however, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">now</i> I’m finding myself impatient and eager. I began to realize this about 6-8 weeks ago when I first started having some good runs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my warm up, or even before I was warm, I would find myself beginning to pick up the pace much earlier in the workout than I ever would have before. If I was doing repeats of something, like mile repeats, the 3rd or 4th repeat might be the fastest instead of the more desired last one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This goes against everything that's always worked for me before in training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually even used to lightly mock people like me who would run this way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've known it was happening and I've just let it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have NOT controlled myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have given in to the temptation to run out of control. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This Saturday I ran a 25K trail race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weekend’s race was yet another lesson for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This race was supposed to be a training run for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was my <u>RACE PLAN:</u> Run the first 5 miles easy and then the last 10.5 miles at race pace and achieving a negative split overall. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Here’s how it went:<o:p></o:p></u></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mile 1: Too Fast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*Fastest mile of My race,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but…. I’ll let that slide… everyone was fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mile 2: Too fast again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to calm down. Try to follow plan…<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mile 3: Try to Pace….Try to be OK with letting these stupid Bitches pass me up this hill. They will pay later. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mile 4: Running Balls Out! on the downhills!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not patient! Not controlled…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But SO FUN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I killed everyone near me for that next mile or two, that's for sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, I think that trying to keep up with me for those couple miles must have hurt some folks because I think only 1 guy passed me after that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did go on to pass maybe 9-10 people the rest of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This all sounds kinda good, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but</b>, I kinda killed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">myself</b> too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND I did not follow my plan...! I didn’t maintain control. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around mile 6 I took some time to ease up and try to regroup and it helped some. It prevented a full on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BONK</b>, but some of the damage had been done. It was not going to be the negative split training run I had planned. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pace and manage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't know where this came from, but this was my mantra from mile 7-14.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At mile 14 I came up behind a woman who I had raced against, and beat, at the 20 miler that I won back in March 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Heyday </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tired, but I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> to catch and pass this person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point this was a good thing for me. It gave me some focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I passed her, I was able to see the finish line and one person between me and the finish that looked like she could have been in my age group. There was about .5 miles to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure if I had enough time to catch her, but I knew I would be angry at myself if she was in my category and I did not try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I pretended that I heard my friends cheering for me, and I answered, for myself, a question that I had recently heard asked…Do you have something more to give?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I passed her within 20 yards of the finish line. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbeOoViiQzfH20ODo6JbaU94t9LQiMxifm177d7bV7QLx8jZ61TiUYk4_-Siy-32iBj2W7XXirgq_l2sKTvofQs6PB28ONfQq9L2I6TTz5WYGQUTpw_uLbwA-CDOGBLzWtWcB7lfUJIeC/s1600/2011ElSendero_-215+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbeOoViiQzfH20ODo6JbaU94t9LQiMxifm177d7bV7QLx8jZ61TiUYk4_-Siy-32iBj2W7XXirgq_l2sKTvofQs6PB28ONfQq9L2I6TTz5WYGQUTpw_uLbwA-CDOGBLzWtWcB7lfUJIeC/s400/2011ElSendero_-215+%25282%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that I think about it, it’s likely that this woman was just finishing her first loop of the 50K race that had started 30 minutes before my race….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In the running world, this is probably pretty pathetic that I was trying to beat a girl in the race of twice the distance I was running. But hey, I didn’t know…and I could not take that chance anyway </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">). That last mile was my second fastest of my race. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here I am holding my <strong>2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> place in age group</strong> award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxSlC6wj1PcASKhXRIrXopU6PQ-NTPNAXnF2Z7aFXsaNL3KZtSIeKizd-FeH715Tox2Qat-LayYUmgiyKYKbpqL_UuJqGskKB52wS-Ue4nwL4ZeMpM2ce6YSmO4znaZ6O0BXsaSEsdsRG/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxSlC6wj1PcASKhXRIrXopU6PQ-NTPNAXnF2Z7aFXsaNL3KZtSIeKizd-FeH715Tox2Qat-LayYUmgiyKYKbpqL_UuJqGskKB52wS-Ue4nwL4ZeMpM2ce6YSmO4znaZ6O0BXsaSEsdsRG/s320/IMG_2404.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 1</span>0<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> female overall</strong> out of 36.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Despite my disappointment that i did not follow my race plan, </span>I AM very happy with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place is very similar to something I might have done just before cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of fact, the last race that was put on by this group (Rogue) that I ran back in May 2010, I got 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> in my age group and 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know now that my body just wanted to see what it could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in a fight with my mind and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this time</i> I let it win. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Emily "Powerhouse" Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914035524885011212noreply@blogger.com3