spring has sprung!

We're FINALLY getting some nice weather here in southern minnesota, and I think it's more than a tease this time, I think spring is really here! It seems like it's been the longest winter ever, and just when we thought it was coming to a close and the sun would show up,we'd be hit with a surprise snow storm. (grrrrr Minnesota) But, alas, spring is here (fingers crossed, knock on wood, salt over the shoulder, etc. etc. etc.)

So, a little update...I've been a good little eater (or non-eater) and exerciser, and have dropped some weight. There's still plenty more to lose, but I'm pretty proud of what I've done so far. I'm at 23 pounds down--woohoo!!! Ideally, I'd still like to lose another 50, but then again I don't like to put a number on it--I just want to be healthy and feel good (okay, and look good, I admit it!)

Since Spring is here, I can finally break my bike out, and run outside! As some of you know, I have less than a graceful sense of balance--and for some reason I can't walk in a straight line (god help me if I'm ever given a sobriety test!) so running on the treadmill can be dangerous for me...I can't go above 3.2 miles an hour without holding on! And then once I get off, I look like a drunken sailor, not sure if the ground is moving or I am. So needless to say, I'm happy to be able to run on the sidewalk/street/trail/anything wider than 24 inches and moving below me!

Well, that's my much needed update! As Tigger would say, "TTFN!!" (ta-ta for now!)

Lock and Load

So, I bought the "Oprah" bra.....well, it's not hers but she's endorsed it. The Enell bra ROCKS! Now, it's not pretty.....and no woman in her right mind would be seen wearing it on it's own...it's definitely something you were UNDER a shirt. (which is fine, because I don't have one of those "look at my cute sport's bra!" bodies anyway)....it looks like something between a medieval torture device and a 1920's swim top....but it's the real deal as far as holding the girls in place. I highly recommend it to any gal who's breastacular like me.

That being said, I'm locked and loaded in my new bra, and I'm about ready to go running with Kate. Before I do, a quick update: Courtney is doing GRRRREAT! (tony the tiger style) She was at my house with her family on Friday, and it was amazing to see hair starting to grow on her head and a beautiful set of eye brows and eye lashes---I forgot how beautiful her eye brows are...and it's good to see them again. She's starting to walk very well again, and even got into a run down my hall way! She's in kindergarten everyday now and is a spectacular student...of course! Her platelets have been quite low, but after a bone marrow check, it shows that it's just a matter of time before they start lifting on their own, so no bone marrow issues--and also in that check there were still NO leukemia cells, so that's FReAKING AwESOME!!

My camera should be back Andy from the shop, and I'll do a little photo shoot with her and her sister when it is. :) In the meantime, here's a few shots from the hayride party a couple weeks ago.

and we have a winner...............

Yesterday, on Courtney's day pass home, I talked to her about raising money while training for the Chicago Marathon next year. I gave her about 5 different charity options, and explained what each of them are. After looking on-line at the charities, Courtney decided that the camp for kids with cancer is the best idea. I think she's right. The "One step at a time" programs operated by Children's Oncology Services, has camps for children coping with and surviving after cancer.

Last year, team runners made it possible for 80 children to go to camp. Money that I'll raise during training will have a direct and tangible impact within the organization and a sick child.

I think Courtney made a great choice. I'll be posting a link for donations, once I have it set up with them. (I think everyone is still getting things taken care of from the race 2 weeks ago)

Homecoming

Giving everyone an update with some GREAT news! Courtney is leaving the hospital today!!!!!!

She was allowed to go home yesterdays for 6 hours. I went to the Chase house to see the whole family--it was so great to see them together again! And even better to see Courtney's smiling face! She even showed me how she could take a few steps. Matt put all sorts of pizza ingredients in little bowls for the girls, and Courtney and Larissa got to make their own pizza--it was nice to watch them creating their culinary masterpiece. If only they ate it as well as designing it! It's important that Matt and Becca encourage Courtney to eat, and it was so smart of them to do so with the pizza.

Apparently yesterday went so well, (and she's getting better) that the doctors thought today would be a good day to finally send her home for good. I couldn't be happier for her and the Chase family. It's been a long month for them. Courtney should be able to resume her chemo treatment soon, and get back on track. Not only that, but it should only be a matter of days before she can go back to kindergarten!

I'm so proud of Courtney--she's a fighter, that's for sure.

the 2007 chicago walkathon

despite the heat, my brother finished yesterday's marathon in just over 3 1/2 hours, which makes him a rockstar in my book. He crossed the finish line before officials decided to cancel the race due to heat. So, good job Stephen! (I'll post a couple pictures as soon as my Dad sends them...hint! hint)

On another note, OW! So my muscles did not appreciate me using them in the heat yesterday, and they're telling me today. Because it's an "off day" in my training today I didn't have to run (THANK THE EXERCISE GODS!) so I just did a relaxing 2 mile walk with the dog tonight. It's a nice cool night, so he only complained that last 1/2 mile.

The girls are holding me back

The girls, the sisters, the twins, Laverne and Shirley, Thelma and Louise, Wilma and Betty......whatever your twosome of choice; my boobs are an issue. Sure you say, "I'd love to be that well endowed," but you know not the pain in the ass...well, chest they are. I need a traditional bra and two sports bras to keep them in check while exercising, otherwise I'm at risk of whiplash, or putting an eye out....without containment they could be considered WMD's. Nonetheless, I still feel pain in my chest when I run. Of course, some of that pain is my clogged arteries screaming for help, but the majority of it is the girls.
Any suggestions anyone? I know I may lose some of it as I lose weight, but even when I was thinner, I had the chest of a plus size supermodel, so there's no hope of suddenly becoming a dainty cup size.
On another note, I'm following a couple training programs, one of which is the "cool running, Couch to 5k in 9 weeks"....it does a lot of intervals-increasing the amount of run over walk over time. I was really happy to come across a great podcast by someone who also followed the program. He was nice enough to time it out to music, telling you when to walk and run, etc for each workout, so no need for a stop watch. I highly recommend it. Don't get me wrong, I still think running sucks and it's hard, but having the podcast along with me while I run is nice.

movin on up!

To the 8th floor! Courtney gets to move out of the ICU today!!! woo-hoo you go girl!
She's been in the ICU for nearly 3 weeks and we're excited to see her improving. She's down to just her fixed port in her chest, her bladder catheter and a feeding tube (which runs through her nose and down her throat) That's a considerable amount less of "accessories" (as her parents have come to call all the tubes and wires) than she's had over the last couple weeks.

Keep your prayers coming for Courtney and her family....they're definitely helping!