HI. Dr is referring me to a rheumatologist. He also prescribed a steroid for my feet and the swelling. Blech. I am trying very hard to not let pain stop me from doing the things I love to do. It is taking its toll though...... I did get in a 3ish mile run this morning. It was good but then, I tried to stay off my feet for the rest of the day. I made solar screens for the boat windows and lounged in the sun. Tough day:)

hi! Doris- that is all very rough. hope you and mom find answers. Nera- hives from work is not good... as you know. hugs! it is cool today- like long pants, tshirt and running jacket kind of cool. :( i did Ttapp dvd this morning to rest my hip flexors... Nancy advised a week off after no more pain so the week begins today. hope i can obey...

So sorry Cstream health issue stink. I hope you get some relief and your mom gets some answers.

I kind of had an ephinay at work today. If dealing with a customer on the phone causes you to break out in hives from anxiety you might be in the wrong job. Lots of reasons to stay but that really opened my eyes and there is less than zero chance it will change and I will be taken off phones. I was actually complimented in my last review about how well I handle the phones. Maybe all that swearing I do in my head has to be done out loud. LOL!!!!

Hi team. It has been a long, tough day. My feet hurt, my fingers hurt and my brain hurts. My Mom is in the hospital, waiting for the test results. She has some internal bleeding, no one can figure out where its coming from. Argh!!

"Thank you, thank you very much!" I always talk about ridding myself of poundage when I was of "maximum density!" I continue to say that if you're living a healthy lifestyle, you've nailed the #1 secret of success! I'm up early as I have a fairly full day. I'm going to breakfast on my way to Orlando this morning. Close friends of ours have a daughter doing Freshman Summer School at UCF. She's breaking between sessions so she will stay with us for a week. I'm going to pick up some of her things before finals preceding her visiting us starting Thursday night. I'll get home in time to do my training run with my ARC/Sea Dog running group this evening! No excuses!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Woo hoo Monty!! Great job on your tri:) We had a big family party this weekend and one of my cousins said something that struck a cord with me. She said people who lose weight generally find where they lost it. If you just let the weight go, not lost, just gone, it creates a different perspective. We do look for the things we lost. I don't want to find any more weight that I already lost! I will just let it go forever.

Thanks for the kind words, Bobby D! In fact, I had already signed up for yesterday's Top Gun AND the Courage to Tri on Aug 24. I was also given a free entry to the Tarpon Springs Tri on Sept 7 but I already have a 5K in the AM & a 10K in the PM scheduled for that day! As the post-race time goes, I become a bit more emotional about my achievement! I believe it's the biggest high since I realized I had ridden myself of 100 pounds. !'m compiling all the Top Gun Tri pics as I took a few before the race but D took a majority during. I also had other friends take a shot or two of me. I know there were a lot of pro pics taken. Reflection will be sweet! Today is simply a total recovery day of relaxation. Tomorrow, I see strength training and a bike ride in order!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Whether it's a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or a Duathlon, I always love the challenge. Today, I'm especially happy as I've completed my first Triathlon. There's so much to talk about so I'll save it for my race report this week. Right now, I can simply say I'm a Triathlete!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Well my son just got a job with Shopko back in the town where he goes to college. We will be moving him back next week probably. Hasn't been settled when he starts. But they said until school starts he should get 20-25 hours and during school 15 hours. Pays just a smidge more than minumum wage but beats the big fat zero he is earning now. Hubby didn't get the job he interviewed for so back to square one there. Me still working OT and eating too much. My moment of enlightenment that I had in Redwing lasted about as long as it took me to get the bad taste out of my mouth. Oh well keep moving forward. Graduation party today. Bit of freak weather here as it is only about 65 degrees out. So the swimming part of the party is probably cancelled. Brrr!!! LOL!!!

Today is a total chill day. I pushed it when I ran around shopping this morning after breakfast! This afternoon, I'm Sparkin' then I'm doin' one last carb dinner before the Tri tomorrow. 3:00am comes really fast!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

HI!!! Doris- nice on the running and swim and lounging. ;) Nera-good deal on those shoes! I got some bargains at a rummage sale yesterday! some tshirts for boys and Daddy, some for moi(of course) and a couple pairs of shorts(may or may not fit me this year but for under a $1... couldn't leave them there) and a mini trampoline for some exercise! $6 !!!! Just finished a 3 mile walk with Liam in the wrap and ran 3 miles yesterday. My younger brother is coming into town tonight and my parents tomorrow( niece is getting married). Busy weekend! Have a great weekend, Team!!!

Just went shopping to get the hubby new dress shoes for his interview tomorrow. Found a nice pair on sale for only $25. Looked for a new pair of walking shoes but didn't find any I liked at a price I wanted to pay.

Nera- that stinks about son....hugs to you. Doris- ouchy feet? ugh! hope u can find some relief. i think i may have it starting in a finger... gee whiz. doing well here- just finished my oats and thinking run or TF25?? Liam and thunderstorms will help me decide.... Today is Jacob's 11th bday and I need to make cake and buy his dinner groceries(nachos). Have a great day!!!

Really can't believe how life likes to give my family a swift kick. My son was called and told they had a temp job for him. Every one is happy much planning taking place on schedules and such. Then after supper receives a call that the temp job has been cancelled. At least we were happy for a few hours/ Sigh!!!!

Doris, I have arthritis in my big toe on the left foot, and I agree that it hurts all the time. It is better to stay active though, so that's a good excuse to keep moving before it all seizes up.

Good to read everyone's posts. I've had a busy July, including my trip to Alaska. It is so beautiful up there. I kept saying, "I'd love to come up and work here for a summer". Working a few days, and then leaving again for family stuff (which includes another family wedding WOOHOO)! Not sure when time will slow down - it seems to go faster and faster all the time.

Hey everyone! OMYGOSH it has been a while since I have posted here. Joshy, Missy are having a BLAST in California! We have done 2 days at Disney, figured out how to do it right...then a day of shopping - monkey looks awesome in his new clothes. Today we hung out with Maria and Leah (sp peops), did some shopping for Missy, then off to see the Hollywood sign and take pics...dinner following. It was a really great day, my kids got to meet some of my running friends that they have heard about,but not actually gotten to know. Josh couldn't stop talking, it was awesome:):) LOVE those two ladies, nothing but a happy heart right now:):)

Hugs, Trish

If all you get is all you give, then you should only give all you''ve got.

The good side is that I don't have to commit every year to Space Coast due to their new medal series. I do have alternatives. I have to swim in the positive waves of it all!. D & I had an interesting evening with Gianna last night. Today, the three of us just chilled around Downtown Main Street Dunedin, came home, hit the pool, had a great dinner at one of our beach cafes close to us, and spent a quiet evening at home. (I did get to start organizing my Tyr Elite Transition Bag for next Saturday's Tri!)

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Well, I'm not a happy boy at the moment. Space Coast was 80% full on Monday...Thursday they hit the 3000 limit. Had hotel reservations but not race registered yet! C'est la vie! I have more than enough options in the Women's Half in St Pete or the TriRock Clearwater Tri. We'll see. Last night, I tried running a 5K with no socks for my Tri next week. . Man, those ASICS Kayanos are comfy. My tootsies feel good today! I also booked a great time. The starnge thing is...I drank H2O after. Wasn't in the mood for a pint!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

PT today. The therapist and I had a talk about my feet. Unfortunately, arthritis really has no "cure" so I will just continue to run until I no longer can. My feet just hurt all the time:( Mostly due to arthritis. Blech. While getting older kinda sucks, it does beat the alternative!

G'Morning, Team! It's a great day in Paradise! A few thunder storms passed through around 4:00pm yesterday. It cooled everything down for a great evening group run last night.. I got a lil' speed training in and replenished carbs with a great Wild Blueberry Draught! We also talked about our trek to the Space Coast Half at Cocoa Village in Nov. It looks like we have a great team contingency representing this year! Sweeet!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

i did 90 second run / 90 second walks. i gotta say i have not felt this good, pain free, strong, in like - forever !!! i never got winded and i felt something that i have not felt in over 2 years..... you know that feeling you get on great runs where you feel so light on you feet and cruise at no effort that was today (and the .67 i did last week). ran each at negative splits with the last being around 8:45, with NO effort. i had pretty much forgot that feeling. i know i have only been out twice but i remember why i used to like to run, hope this stays and no more injuries. sorry to ramble but gotta continue the swim, bike, and run seems to work

Bobby D - Ellwood City, PA

"If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, the triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise." ~P.Z. Pearce

"A lot of people run a race to see who's the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts." -Pre

I do it because i can, I can because I want to, I want to because you said I couldn't.

Yuck! Horribly hot and humid here. I can't possibly run outside AFTER work! My health issues do not allow that much heat. So I ran yesterday on the treadmill and then went to the pool and swam laps..slowly...still learning. Today after work I ran on the treadmill again and then did strength training. Phew! I am tired! Tomorrow (my normal run day but did it today) Bobby and I are getting massages after work. Yay! Sounds like others are getting the same weather (minus Rich). Hi Anne! Hi little Liam! Have a great day all!

HI!!!! it's me- I don't get on here much but I do think of ya'll! Hi, nera and Doris!!! I'm doing well-not a whole lot of running but I have been getting in 2-3 mile runs about 2x per week and walking with Liam in the wrap other days. Even got in a bike ride last week. I told myself that I would exercise (ANY KIND) for at least 15 min. 5 days per week(or more) so I did that last week and am on track for another. Like ya'll are having (except dear Rich in wintery Australia), we have HOT and HUMID weather right now. not sure of the humidity but it's 92 in the shade... phewee! I took Liam out for a walk earlier. Thankfully, someone made me a light weight wrap that is SO much better for this weather. He has been napping for over 2 hrs now in this thing. I got LOTS of things accomplished and he is catching up on much needed rest. don't know why, but these past 2 babies do.not.nap. But , they sleep great at night so I don't complain too loudly. ;) Stay cool and hydrated and enjoy what ever exercise you can get!

Hot and humid here. Quite a thunderstorm this morning. I had to drive in it to get to work. I am pretty much working every saturday now. Hubby informed me on monday that next week is the last week of his unemployement. No job in sight. Hopefully the temp agency he signed up will find him something.

Did a bike spill yesterday afternoon! Came out of it with a road rash knee and a sore hip! No worries! A fellow local friend & runner said it right!. "Wear it like a badge of honor!" I'm back on my bike today!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Hi all! Beautiful day for a 7 mile run this morning! Now to get this disaster house cleaned up! Anyone notice that when we all started exercising that you don't have time to clean? Seems that's what I use my time for now is exercise and then don't feel like cleaning. *sigh* I guess it is healthier. I get the basics done but can't seem to do the extras like cleaning out the closets and cleaning off my desk. I WILL accomplish something extra today!

Got up early this morning, made it to my committee meeting in Dunedin, promptly nominated & voted in as new Chair, projected the shape of things to come, had a healthy breakfast with the City's Director of Communications, came home, worked out with a mop in our Spa Bath, chillin' for lunch, and anticipating a nice run this evening with my hometown run group! Just another boring day in Paradise!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Carrie, I hope the interview went well. We have construction right outside our windows too. The problem, they work 6am to midnight every day.......the company replacing the bridge will start to accrue fines for not having it completed in the next 5 days. It will be close, I think!:) So, I came to the conclusion that I am not able to work 11 hour shifts and be happy the next day. It just makes my feet swell and hurt. Not my ankles but my feet. They don't look swollen but I can't put on my shoes as they are too tight!

It's a beautiful day! Had a great speed session last night. My pace has become stronger and faster. Post-race, I once again drew info from my Triathlete friends. They invited me to train this Saturday at next month's Courage to Tri race site! I'm so excited. I think I see my future.

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

I did my run walk again tonight, so that is twice this week. I did the same total distance and three run intervals. I made the run intervals longer but not by a lot just a driveway or mailbox further. LOL!!! I cut 5 minutes off my time from monday. Glad I am keeping the streak alive. More baby jogging steps. Now if my hubby and son could get a job I would really be happy. LOL!!!

Good Morning, Everyone! Hope all is well and you are embracing your run! I cannot emphasize the power of positivity enough!

Doris, I saw my Dad overcome RA but it would have been a lot easier had he been in better shape. I encourage you to stay strong on the journey, stay positive, and champion the situation.

Occasionally, I look back at my journey over the last 32 months and remind myself of what I did to attain my goals. That replay recharges me and I insure that I'm still fueling the fire to be the healthiest I can be. Seize the day!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Doris sorry to hear that. I hope you can get some answers from the specialist. As for me---- I did it, I did it!!!!!!! I put my shoes on this morning and actually went outside to walk. I did procrasinate a bit and started later than I planned but I got out there. And I even ran and the body didn't fall apart. I only ran three short run intervals of about a block each but it still counts. Really humid here today so very warm when I finished especially since I didn't have water with me. My old running belt doesn't fit around my larger tummy and I don't want to buy a bigger one. Another motivation to lose some weight. LOL!!! I am pretty stoked. Baby steps indeed but some of them were jogging baby steps. LOL!!!

doris- kinda suck but way to stay with it. check with CNTRYGAL (maryanne) she deals with it and continues to run also, maybe she will have some words of wisdom rich- glad your back at it, good news trish- have fun at disney 23 miles on the bike today, time to start thinking about running again....

Bobby D - Ellwood City, PA

"If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, the triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise." ~P.Z. Pearce

"A lot of people run a race to see who's the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts." -Pre

I do it because i can, I can because I want to, I want to because you said I couldn't.

Distressing news this week. I was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I plan to still run, even though my feet and knees hurt. Well, other parts hurt too. I am seeing a specialist later to discuss a treatment plan. Blech. No wonder my feet and hands ache all the time!

Hi all! Worked in the landscaping for hours after work today. Hot hot hot! But know that we burned tons of calories. It was a major weeding. It has gotten so bad we used shovels and rakes to de-weed! Now tomorrow we need to get new mulch and trim up a few things. But AFTER my run! Go Heather...you tell that doc!

My work out tonight was to spend 45 minutes mowing the lawn. I wanted to work out but I didn't want to walk or bike or anything else. It is getting a bit humid so I was pretty sweaty when I got done. My calfs really ache from my up hill climb yesterday. It was good to work them out a bit today.

I accomplished two major challenges this morning: 1. I went for a run while camping (new places make me shy and unsure) and 2. I got back on the horse, so to speak, after a doctor (who doesn't know me--not my doc) told me "unless you lose a ton of weight first, you should stick to walking briskly". It was a huge undertaking to shake that off and get my head back in the game but I knew with all my heart that he is wrong and I am going about running with the utmost care and respect for my body. So here I am and I only took two days off to let my ribs settle back in where they are supposed to be. So suck it douchebag! And thanks for the pep talk!

Heather

"No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch."

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect. - Alan Cohen -

I started the day so well with a good balanced breakfast. Then well things went awry. LOL!!! If you want the full gory(and they are gory) details check out my latest blog. I hope everyong is having a great holiday. Too bad I have to work tomorrow. At least the weather is really nice here lately.

Ran a great Dunedin Midnight Run with a new PB for the race last night! We met our house guests at the run site, tore up the run then had a celebratory Boddington's & appetizer at Cricketers British Pub, also at the run site! Finally crashed around 3:00am! Too much fun! This morning it was Eggs Benedict & Bloody Marys in Downtown Main Street Dunedin! We also ran into SparkFriend TIAGAYEPFA & her husband at the cafe! They had also done the Midnight Run! It was a nice surprise! It was a blast to share our home with runners we had met at our Leprechaun Challenge in March! We'll probably run up to Clermont, FL for a race or Tri and crash with them! I love the runners community!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Had a great training session with my run group last night. Doing the post-run pint at Seas Dog after, four of us discussed the upcoming Top Gun Triathlon we were doing. I got so much good info from past Triathletes that will benefit. I love that our community shares and supports each other! These are the people I want to party with! Today, I'm doing some light cleaning for out of town guests joining us on the Dunedin Midnight Run tonight. Just gonna chill and relax, eat light and healthy, then bust a move tonight for a new race personal best! Rock on!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Boy was my run grand. Not a hint of the nasty pain I had been having. Got these little inserts for my shoes with a little domey thing that sits just behind the metatarsal heads. Worked a treat. Turns out I have been putting most of my force through the second and third meta-tarsals rather than the first. This has resulted in inter-digital nerve pressure which has caused the pain.

So good to at last know what the go is and where to from here and all that stuff. Now is the task of building back up.

Half Marathon PB 1:43:12 Marathon PB 3:55:33

Dream Large, try hard, take care of the details, but do not lose sight of the prize! Marathon Maniac #6717

Still great weather here. Still hiding in my basement. On my positive note my son and hubby are working together to try to help a friend get a house rebuilt. It has been two days and no blood shed. LOL!!!! Exercise still eludes me. With all of my good intentions I have paved at least a couple of miles of road to you know where. I did however use every commercial break last night to run upstairs and do chores so that is something.

I am goiing to go for a run today. First one in three weeks. My medical team says its all good to go for a run and give it a go. I am super duper excited and super duper anxious about how it will go. I have been so slack and lazy and done basically no cross training at all unless you count a couple of walks to the train station lol.

Thankfully fitness is something that returns to us quickly as well as running and hiding at the moment you get lazy.

Half Marathon PB 1:43:12 Marathon PB 3:55:33

Dream Large, try hard, take care of the details, but do not lose sight of the prize! Marathon Maniac #6717

Man, time is racing! I've been on this journey since Oct 2010 and I still can't get over where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going! I do believe one can achieve any goal they set, as long as they set their mind & body to it! "Stay Healthy, My Friends!" Monty

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

I've been really struggling lately. The job rejection is really taking a toll on my self-esteem. Hubs is trying really hard to keep me positive, but it's been difficult. I think I've been holding it in when I just need to reach out for support.

Since it's a new month, I think it's a perfect time to get re-focused on my goals (personal and professional) and be extra-thankful for the good things I have. I think I've lost perspective...

Ending on a good note: my blessing for today is that my clover is growing like crazy and the little white flowers are just beautiful!

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

I'm still living in the past, too. At the moment I'm reating, icing & elevating my leg. I ran after Roo and I heard a "ping" in my calf muscle. It's all good until I wiggle my toes then all yech breaks loose.

Oh and hi y'all!! I've been busy being an outlaw in the BLC but I'm trying to be a better rookie runner.

***Penny*** Calgary, AB, Canada

Running never takes more than it gives back. Believe in the run. - Nike

"A runners creed: I will win; if I cannot win, I shall be second; if I cannot be second, I shall be third; if I cannot place at all, I shall still do my best."

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