The good, or bad thing about working in a fairly small county is the ability to work in several area hospitals, getting to know various clientele, and them getting to know you.
Well, sometimes it’s more of a bad thing for some unlucky patients. Let me recount the saga of a gentleman who tried to play me for a Dumb Nurse! BAD move!
Let’s call my patient, *Jon Dough. Now Jonny Boy looks like any “normal” citizen walking around our community. I got to know him very well at Hospital #1 as I had triaged him many times and had been called to deal with him several times as the Charge Nurse. His story was always the *same: “I work at Loss Prevention at Such-n-Such Company and I hurt my hand while I was apprehending this guy and I broke it in three places. It just ain’t healing right and I’m in a lot of pain!”
He wanted his customary shot of narcotics and his prescription for narcotic medications. Sure, no problem, Mr. Dough, I just ask that you provide me with the whites of your ride home eyes and I will gladly carry out whatever the doctor orders for you.
The first time he provided me with a bogus ride in which he asked some “pretty” girl in the lobby and asked her to pose as his ride home. We didn’t doubt him until another patient who heard our interaction pointed out that he flat out lied to us ’cause the pretty girl was still there in the lobby.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Wasn’t gonna happen again, not to me anyway. Nope. I was ready for my next encounter with Mr. Dough. He came back a couple weeks later just as predicted, same sob story, same story for a ride home. Yep. So I said that I would happily escort them both out to their car after all was said and done. She got in his car, drove around the block and got out. I was ready. I smiled as she saw me while she got out of his car. I was on the phone immediately to our Local Police Department with the make, model, and license plate of his car reporting him for driving under the influence. You know, because I can do that. He was flagged in our hospital and every nurse and doctor knew his story.
Enter me at Hospital #2. It’s my very first day and I’m being oriented. I look at my patient assignment list and whose name did I see? My FAVORITE patient was my first patient! I got report from the off-going nurse and wouldn’t you know, same sob story, blah, blah, blah. I laughed and told her that I was very familiar with him. I was sooooo looking forward to this!
I walk into his room with a huge smile on my face. I didn’t have a chance to say a word to him, he looked up, saw me, and all I heard was screaming, “Oh my effing gawd, you work HERE, too?!?”
Yeah, I work here, too. Let me just say that that was several years ago, and I have never seen him again!
Just goes to show you that it’s a small world, and an even smaller community. In my profession, we all pretty much know each other as we have either gone to school with each other, worked with one another, or have worked at several of the area’s hospitals. And chances are we know most of the hospital shoppers … You know who you are …
*Names and complaints have been changed to protect the idiotic!
So … Here we are in week 2. So far so good … How many weeks left? 22? Crud … Just kidding. Just kidding … I have nothing to complain about. I got up and got the work that needed to be done … DONE!
Sunday – I wanted to start my week off on Sunday. I tried. I called Cory, but she headed off to beautiful Southern Cali. Who could blame her? I’d go to. So … Instead I just hung around the house and took care of things that needed to be taken care of there.
Monday – Not a bad day. I got my cross-training in with a kick a$$ workout at AMAA. Dang … I got my a$$ whopped by Meana … err .. I mean Nina! I love Nina! She really worked my entire body, and I left there dripping with sweat! I got home, and I headed out for the three mile run that I owed my schedule. I had a really great run surprisingly. My calves still ached from my Stadium run last Thursday, but all in all it was a good run. I know it was just a short run today, but I dedicated it to my friend Rosie’s son, Jesse, because I had gone to his funeral earlier that day, and spent a few minutes with Rosie. I thought of him and prayed for Rosie and him during my short run. RIP, Jesse.
This is the overpass that Judy & I run in Lathrop.
Tuesday – I was going to run the Stadium again with Joe and Becky, however, since I’m running a half on Saturday, and I was still kinda aching from the last time I ran the Stadium … I opted for something that was just a run. I had asked Joe if he wanted to go, but hadn’t heard, so I called Judy and she’s always willing to run our crazy hill workout with me. So off we went at 0630 in the morning. It was a nice and cool morning! However, for some reason I was “off” and Judy could tell. She said that my workouts are usually near vomit so for me to be so “blah,” was weird. She didn’t care though. We were still out there and we got a good 6 mile run in out there in our small “hill” run … the Lathrop Overpass. We all have our days, I guess. It didn’t help that I stayed up until 0300 or so … Nope. I know better. That was just stupid!
Wednesday – Kinda took it easy. I hopped on the spin bike in the morning and got a great ride in. One hour, easy – just to keep the legs loose and moving. 18 miles, then a three mile run. Nice brick workout. Yep … that’s how I roll. I’m a Brick House … I’m Mighty Mighty … Okay … I’m Mini but MIGHTY. Never underestimate the power of a very small woman, okay! LOL. I know … I’m crazy!
Thursday – Rest day. I’ve learned that it’s getting harder and harder for me to workout after I work all night. (I work the night shift, in case you were wondering.) I wonder how other runners who work night shift do it? I need to ask this question on Twitter.
Friday – Another rest day. Yeah, well, rest is training also, so deal with it.
Mac, Me, Judy, & Cory Pre Race!
Saturday – Here we go … Davis Moo-nlight *Almost* Half Marathon. OMG! This race was something else! For one, it started at 7 p.m. which is fine, except it was still 80 degrees and sunny out. Row doesn’t fare well in heat. And … And … AND it was one mile short, therefore, I have dubbed it the *almost* half marathon. It’s all good though. I had a great time with Cory and Judy, and Cory’s hubby, Sam. I got to see my girl Mac, and also Mellie Mel (or Big Burt, as Grace calls her). I remember from February’s Davis Half Marathon that I HATED Davis’ crazy tunnels! Yeah, well, I *still* hate them. Not sure if I’ll run that one again, or if I’ll ever run in Davis again.
So … That’s Week 2 in a nutshell. What I’ve learned is that I don’t fare well with little sleep … Um … DUH, Row.! Where have I been? Seriously, it’s just harder for me to recover when I work a full weekend – 12 hour night shifts x 3 days … I know that rest is an important aspect of training.
I pulled out my new Saucony Triumph 8s to start training in them this week. They’re my work horse shoes … and I have found that they are NOT very nice to my ankles. I ran the half in them and could hardly walk afterwards! I was walking with a lot of pain to my left ankle, and my gait was severely off. No plantar fascitis pain to my feet, thankfully! I spent 1.5 hours with the H-wave on my ankles and feet, then wore my compression stockings to help recover. I wonder if you can O.D. on too much electrical stimulation? Oh well, let me tell you, it worked like a charm! No pain. I’m not sure what to do about my shoes though. I may just train in my Triumph 8s and run in my Kinvaras. I need to figure it out retro STAT!
Next week, I need to see my favorite Chiropractor on Monday and get adjusted. I plan to focus on core get some resistance training in there along with all the cardio that I’ve been doing. May be a *little* bit of a challenge since I’m on VACATION!!! We’ve got 2 birthdays to celebrate: my son’s 21st birthday, and my hubby’s initiation into a new decade! LOL! Happy *almost* Birthdays to my guys!
I know that my exterior is “hard,” but really there’s a real live, caring person underneath. I’m just not one to let my guard down and show much emotion. I’m always asked what I think about when I run? Honestly, it’s my church. I think a lot, and I spend a lot of time reflecting and in prayer. I talk to God a lot. Not just asking Him to help me get through this run or that run either. Although a lot of is is wondering about all that, I had more pressing matters at hand. This was a week filled with emotions, and I had a slightly heavy heart as I prayed for my friend. You see, I DO believe in God, and I know that there’s always a reason, but sometimes … sometimes the reasons are difficult to accept.
Have a great week, everyone! Remember that life is good. Hug your loved ones a little tighter, and remind them that you love them because you just don’t know. I’m thankful to my hubby who puts up with my insanity and OCD, and to my kiddos who hold my heart in their hands. And I’m thankful to my friends who run with me and accept me as I am. =)
It’s been a rough week for me, add on the start of my marathon training and it kind of compounded it … but … but … but … I was able to chuck most of the excuses and get the required work DONE!!!
I like the schedule that I devised because it offers me a lot of leeway. I’m basically following Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 Training Plan, but I added my own Row. Flair into it. You know what that means … It means prepare to suffer, Sucka!
So … Week One went down like this …
Cory & Row. Day 1. DONE!
Sunday – My buddy, Cory, wanted to start our training off right. So … she suggested that we run early in the morning … at 0630 on Sunday. What?!? She wants to kill me even before we “really” get started. Seriously? 0630? She had things to do earlier that day, and here in Stockton it gets HOT earlier and earlier. So … okay. I get up and meet her at 0630. As much as I wanted to sleep in, as much as I am so NOT a morning person … I wake up and meet Cory at 0630 and off we go. 5 nice, easy miles … DONE! We did a nice out and back in her neighborhood of Spanos Park – down Whistler, up on the levee, and back up Whistler … Perfect.
Monday– The schedule calls for 3 miles. I’ve got the FireCracker 4 Miler planned that Fleet Feet puts on every year.
Mama & Grace! Fireworks! Boom!
Perfect. So I drag my family out to Grupe Park and I get my daughter, Grace, to run the kids run. She has a blast! Me, I take off for the 4 miler shortly after. Whoa, it was HOT and it was only 0800! It slowed my time down, but it was about time on my feet, so I took it for what it was, and was happy with my performance.
Tuesday – Was supposed to run 3 to get the beginning of the week done, instead I did core and skipped the run. I know, I sound as if I’m making excuses, but I was tired.
Wednesday – I have a lot of cross training mixed in my plan. Today would be no exception. I went to Krav Maga. I love Krav Maga. I’ve been doing it since 2001 … I’ve been a member of Chris Ost American Martial Arts/Central Valley Krav Maga since then. I’ve taught Cardio Kickboxing, and I have a Black Belt in Krav Maga. This workout is like no other. Seriously, it’s the BEST cross-training workout EVER and I love it there!
60 up ... 60 down!
Thursday – Joe Rodhe and Becky plan to run the Stadium Stairs. But then they don’t, then they do … so we plan on 0630. Another early day, but I’ll do it because Joe and Becky have graciously agreed to help me, to push me, to encourage me. Ugh, but 0630? Really?! Really! I find an opening in the fence and crawl through, and it’s on … 60 up, 60 down. 60 up, 60 down! Joe started earlier than me, so while he waited for me, he does lunges as I die at the top. I refuse to give up, I finish all of them! 1.9 miles of stairs, and a little bit of a slow run to cool down to make it a little over 2 miles. I get home in time to plan and make dinner, have breakfast, then head off to Spinning with Rodger at InShape. 21 miles on the spin bike! Yee Haw!! Check! Check! Check! =)
Friday – Rest Day. Should’ve ran my long run here, but my partner bailed (it’s okay, Cor), so I opted to rest and run in the morning …
Saturday – Long run … 8 miles on the schedule. I worked a long 12 hour night shift, and I was tired, but I got it done with a one mile walking cool down to my car. I busted it out and did what I needed to do. DONE!
There you have it. My week in a nutshell! Big thanks go out to my running partner, Cory, and to my two a$$ kickers err … motivators, Joe and Becky. They are kind enough to keep me on track and kick my butt when need be!
This week, my good friend, Rosa, lost her young son, Jesse, in a tragic motor vehicle accident. If I thought that my week was rough, my Rosie has had a much rougher week. I could not imagine her pain and suffering, I can only believe it to be an unbearable kind of pain. Rosa has been my friend for a long time. She has been my Muddy Buddy partner for 2 years now, has done Krav Maga with me, and she has trained with me on numerous occasions. I love my Rosie, and I pray for her and her family that God will be with her and ease her pain. My “rough” week pales in comparison, I will not complain. I will run without complaint, and hug my children a little tighter than usual. Thank you, God, for blessing me with Rosie’s friendship. I pray for the health and safety for my children, for all children, please watch over them as I know that I know that I cannot bubble wrap them, just please keep them safe as I love them so. Thank you, Lord. And, Rosie, if you’re reading this, know that I love you dearly … always have … always will.
Today starts another week, but we’ll start tomorrow. I’ve got another wild week planned out. I’m ready for Week 2 … are you?
I’m not great when it comes to confrontation. Hell, I’m not even remotely good at it. I am one of “those” individuals who, like and ostrich, prefers to bury my head in the sand all the while thinking that, “if I can’t see it, then it can’t see me.”
I know. I know. I can’t do this. I can’t live like this. Truth be told, I don’t … I eventually come around and confront what ever it is that I need to face and deal with, it just takes me a minute or two to gather my bearings and muster up the courage that I need. I know that pretending that something isn’t really there doesn’t make it so … I know that it’s there and that if I don’t deal with whatever it is head on that it can, and will rear it’s ugly head and deal with me – forcing me into action.
You would think that I, ER Nurse Extrordinaire, mixed martial artist, black belt, and mother of four, could not possibly be one of “those” people. Row.? An ostrich? A freakin’ scardey cat? No freakin’ way! Way … but like I said … only to an extent.
I’m human, okay? I want to live in a “perfect” world. I want things to go smoothly and don’t want anyone to suffer. I don’t like being told bad news, or having to confront issues. I don’t like the feeling that I get when my body is thrown into the “Fight or Flight” mode. I function well once over the initial shock and trauma, it just takes me a second, or two. That flood of adrenaline needs to cycle its way out of my system; my heart needs to stop racing so I can take a deep breath and I’m okay. But sometimes … sometimes I’m not okay. Sometimes … I don’t function well at all.
FEAR:False Evidence Appearing Real.
I fear the unknown, even though I am intelligent enough to know that fear is nothing but a state of mind. I have a tendency to make things out to be bigger than they really are. I understand that fear can be paralyzing, causing one to stand still. Although I do stand still for that split second, it’s, like I said, to gather my bearings and courage, and to take a much needed deep breath so that I can cautiously move forward to deal with the fear/issue/problem that I need to deal with. Fear stands still, and can be paralyzing. Caution moves forward, albeit slowly, but you move forward to deal with whatever it is that you, need face. Fear keeps your head buried in the sand. Caution allows you to face your fear and start taking action to fix whatever needs to be fixed, or to get over it. Take action, yes, but this is not the same as reacting. That knee jerk reaction is not the way to deal with all issues – that sometimes exacerbates the problem. However, over-analyzing is not the answer either. I’m an over-analyzer, and I am known to have paralysis from over-analysis. My husband says that I think too much. I know that I do, but I can’t help it, always expecting the worst, or making things out to be worse than what they are even before I know what I’m facing. I let my thoughts get the best of me sometimes … what can I say.
I’m not always like this. When I really need to take action immediately, I can do it. It’s the other stuff … the crazy, mundane stuff that I let fester and grow in my head – only getting bigger by the thoughts that I feed it. And I know that things could be much worse, that there are people out there dealing with bigger, far worse things.
So … I will feel the fear … I will feel it some more … then I will start to move … I will do what I need to do. I promise to not stand still for too long. I promise to look fear in the eye and take care of what needs to be done. But you promise me … you promise me … that if you see me falter … that if you see me stand still for a little too long … that you will stand beside me, grab my hand and help me face that fear and not let me go it alone. Promise me that you will grab me by the hair if you see me attempting to bury my head in the sand. Just let me know that I am not alone; that I don’t have to do it by myself, and I, in turn, will do the same for you …
This Is MY Strong from Saucony by Row. I LOVE THIS!!!
It’s hard to believe – kind of – that marathon training started again for me today. I still can’t believe that I was dumb enough to sign up to run another marathon, especially when openly stated at the last one I ran that, “I am NEVER running one of these effing things ever again!!!” Okay, never mind that I said that 2 times before also. But seriously, what the heck was I thinking? I wasn’t thinking. When I signed up for CIM (the California International Marathon), I remember that I got kind of to the end of the registration and I thought it would ask me, “Are you sure? Are you really sure?” It didn’t. The next page just said, “Congratulations, you are registered!” Wait! Whaaaaat? Dang. I’m not one of those girls who’ll let their hard earned dollars go down the drain so … There’s NO backing out now.
This is a *small* pile of my running reading ...
Five months. I’m giving myself FIVE L O N G months to get my legs, my body, my mind into top condition to get this done. I’m taking my time. It’s going to be a little bit different this year. This year I’m training without a coach. Last year was the only year that I trained with a coach. My training in previous years were haphazard as I had absolutely NO clue what I was doing, and I thought that just running would be enough. This year, I know a little bit. I read a few books, looked up a few plans, then grabbed my calendars and I put together a crazy little plan of attack for me. Then I set some goals, and decided I’m going for it. I’m going to do the best that I can, and along the way I am going to illicit the help of several people – although they don’t quite know it yet.
My feet getting H-Wave Therapy! Can you hear them sighing relief?
This year I’m gonna make sure my body is taken care of. That means seeing my favorite Chiropractor, Dr. Brian Crawford, every month or more if needed. I’ve also lined up a masseuse – kind of. I bought a whole bunch of Groupons to various massage therapists, and I have a few that were given to me as gifts. I’m going to make sure that my feet are WELL taken care of – that means H-Wave therapy, foot massages, A.R.T., orthotics, ice, training in the “right” shoes which for me are Saucony Triumphs and Saucony Kinvaras, and getting physical therapy. I’m going to eat right 75 – 80% of the time. I know that I can’t be 100% and I’m not going to lie. I love my occasional pastry – this is part of taking care of my body, right? NOT everyday, just enough to satisfy the cravings when I have them. I’m going to cross train – with my favorite Krav Maga, spinning with Rodger, resistance train – with P90X, or at the gym. I’m gonna work my core until it’s just about shredded!!! I got my Twitter posse – so many to name, and my Local Girls – Mac, Mel, Cory, and Judy – who are all running CIM with me – to hold me accountable. And I’m going to read, write, talk running to whoever will listen …
Am I ready? I’m ready to start training. As far as the marathon goes … I’ve got time. But we all know that time just flies when we’re having so much FUN!!! I’m going to do this. You know me … Once decided, I will find a way, any way, to get it DONE!
Cory and I - Day 1. 5 miles. DONE!
Anyone care to join me on this crazy adventure? I can assure you that it will be a wild and fun-filled ride … Com’mon … Who wants to put in some serious mileage? Let’s goooooo … !!!
We all want it to some degree … some MORE than others. Some just dream about it, while others are out there working hard to get it. Some try and take shortcuts believing that this gadget, or this new diet fad is gonna work for them this time. Let me tell you though, that it’s NOT. The only thing that’s gonna get you that body that you desire is pure HARD WORK. Eighty percent is eating “right,” and the other twenty percent is working out hard. I don’t just mean a leisurely stroll, nor do I mean working out until you puke your guts out. I just mean, getting a good sweat on. Cardio and resistance training. Find something that you love, that you enjoy, that makes YOU happy! Hate running? What about riding a bike or dancing? Don’t like lifting weights? Try resistance bands or TRX! Just move!
I’m tired of watching people around me slack. They talk about “wanting to lose weight and getting into shape.” They talk A LOT. But talk is cheap. Talking only works your jaw and tongue muscles. All I can do is encourage, and try to guide in the right direction … but they have to want it more than to just talk about it. They have to put forth the effort or else I’m just wasting my breath. They have to want it for themselves.
I’m not “perfect,” but I work hard at maintaining and improving what I have. I’m in that gym or hittin’ that pavement 5-6 days of the week. Some call me OCD, but I know that if I didn’t … I’d be “soft” and my heart and entire body would suffer. I’m over 40 and I function and look so much BETTER than some, okay, most who are younger than I am.
There is no magic get skinny pill. There is no magic diet. There is no magic exercise gadget. Sorry, but there’s not. There is only YOU. You and your decision to make your life better. It’s not going to be easy. There will be days of frustration. You will hurt in places you didn’t think you had muscles. But think of that end result … A better, healthier, stronger, fitter YOU.
I know and understand that I am supposed to be encouraging and motivating. Do it, or don’t. That decision is all YOURS. I’m not going to force you. I’ll ask you to come run with me. I’ll invite you to come to the gym with me. But if I keep hearing your excuses, trust me … I won’t ask or invite anymore. I’ll just wait until you’re my patient … no, I’m kidding, I won’t. I’ll keep encouraging (I may roll my eyes a little), I’ll just know to not waste too much of my breath and to save it for someone who actually cares. I know, I’m hardcore. I know, I can be “mean” and sound somewhat “demeaning,” but trust me … I don’t mean to sound like that, it’s said with love and respect. It just comes out sounding more like a Drill Sargent, than all “lovey dovey.” That’s just how I roll.
So … What’s it gonna be? You in? Or do you keep doing what you’re doing which isn’t exactly working for you? The choice is YOURS and yours alone. But whatever you decide, be happy with what you choose. If you keep doing what you’ve always been doing, you will ALWAYS get what you’ve always gotten. In order for changes to happen, you have to step out of your comfort zone and be willing to do the work. It WON’T be easy, but trust me … it WILL be worth it. The only thing standing in your way is YOU.
With that … I’m done and I’ll get off my soapbox now. I’ll leave you with one of my FAVORITE videos inspiring motivation … Enjoy. Make good choices, and have a great day!!!
Update: I realize that this blog may seem a little harsh. I should be kinder to those individuals that want to do better, but yet do nothing, right? My husband says that I’m somewhat demeaning. Well, all I can say is that I know that I’m not exactly the nicest person. I know that I can be brash, harsh, hard … BUT … I am also hardest on myself when it comes to stuff like this. I am the best person at kickin’ my own ass and beating myself up. Being nice only gets you so far. I’m an ER Nurse, for gosh sake. I am one of the FIRST persons that sees first hand what all this nonsense does to people who make excuses. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes … I’ve seen my share of “stuff,” and believe me, it is NOT pretty and I will admit that I don’t like to touch fat!!! Our society is a society of wanting quick fixes and easy way outs. There aren’t any! NONE! So … what you do with your body is your choice. I’m just saying that it’s easier to put in the 30 mins to an hour 5 times a week, than it is to have a hospital stay that may render you bed bound for a LONG period of time. Okay … I’ll get off my soap box again.
If you look at me, you wouldn’t necessarily believe me to be one of “those” people who are prone to sunburns. I’m Filipino, and I’m brown as heck naturally. Yeah, well, don’t ever believe a Filipino who tells you that “Filipinos don’t sunburn.” That is a bold faced lie. Most Filipinos don’t sunburn because they avoid the sun like the plague – covering every part of their bodies, then using a large hat and then staying under a sunshade. I know that’s not true of all Filipinos, just some, but most do avoid the sun, preferring the coolness of the shade instead.
I am one of “those” Filipinos. I don’t care to be out in the sun as the heat makes me cranky, and I tan WAY too easily without even trying. Seriously – I can go from stark white to dark brown in the span of less than 10 minutes of being exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I am an athlete. I am a runner. I am a runner who does not always care to do her running on a hamster whizzle. That means, I take my runs outside … in the sun …
In the past, burning was not an issue … just a nice, deep, dark tan. However, add to the mix that I am a “little” older, and my training runs are “slightly” longer, therefore exposing me to the harmful effects of the sun for longer periods of time, and have, on occasion, “forgotten” that much needed sunblock (because I never used it until a few years ago) … well, yeah … I’ve gotten a few nasty burns. I try to remember to lather on that thick, sticky goop, but most times I believe that I’ll only be out for a few minutes so I don’t need it. Oh the lies that I tell myself …
Enter my Twitter and FaceBook friend, Kassy, aka @runaholickassy … Mind you, Kassy knows nothing of my “issues” with the sun, she just happened to contact me one morning and said that she had something for me and would I please DM her my address. Hmmm … skeptical at first, but I didn’t believe that she would stalk me all the way from the Philippines, I gave it to her. She told me to look for “the gift” in a few weeks. Okay.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I continue to do my own thing, my everyday living, etc., which one day included me going to my boys baseball game. I did bring my sunblock – I put it in my bag, and my husband brought a large sun umbrella. No need for me to slather on the sunblock or bust out the sunbrella, I thought, there was a large sunshade covering the bleachers that we sat on. I believed that I was “protected” enough from that sunshade. Not smart on my part. 2+ hours later … I was quite sunburnt, not bad, just enough … Yeah, no bueno! I know better!!!
UnBurn by Water Jel Technologies
To my surprise, my package, my surprise gift was found in my mailbox that very day! UnBurn by Water Jel Technologies … arrived just in the time of Nick! What did I have to lose by trying it, right? Instead, I learned that I had much to gain … like INSTANT, IMMEDIATE cooling relief! With vitamin E, aloe, and 2.5% Lidocaine in a water based formula … yeah, killed that sunburn pain right there! A couple more applications here and there throughout the remainder of the day and that sunburn was gone.
I am thankful that my little surprise came when it did. Like I said, perfect timing – “emergency” sunburn care literally as noted on it’s packaging! I found it to be easy to use, and very soothing upon contact. No goopy mess. It’s non-staining so staining of clothes would not be an issue. As an RN, I am aware of medications and the treatment of various issues requiring basic first aid. I found nothing that would steer me away from this product. At about $10.00 for a 4 ounce bottle, the price paid would be well worth the relief that it provides. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone especially now that summer is in full force! I would, though, first recommend that EVERYONE, Filipinos included, use sunblock!!! The devastating effects of skin cancer from wreckless sunbathing are so NOT worth it!
Many thanks again to Kassy and to KPR-NYC for providing me with the hook up!!!
Have a wonderful summer, everyone. Stay safe, keep cool, and wear sunscreen!!!
I’m not going to lie. I’m spoiled. Very spoiled. Some say so spoiled that I stink.
I wasn’t always this way, seriously. I was and still am a very independent woman. I work hard. I am smart. I do a lot of things for myself. I just happen to be fortunate enough to have a husband who loves and cherishes me . . . A LOT.
Let’s define spolied. Checking www.dictionary.com it says that spoiled is a verb. In one definition, it says that to spoil is “to become bad, or unfit for use, as food or other perishable substances; become tainted or putrid: Milk spoils if not refrigerated.” Um … yeah … that’s not the right kind of spoiled. In another definition, to spoil is “to damage severely or to harm (something), especially with reference to its excellence, value, usefulness, etc.: The water stain spoiled the painiting. Drought spoiled the corn crop.” Or better yet … definition number three … “to impair, damage, or harm the character or nature of (someone) by unwise treatment, excessive indulgence, etc.: to spoil a child by pampering him.” Hmmmm … definition number three would be the most likely be the one to define the type of spoiled that I am, except, really, “to impair, damage, or harm the character or nature of someone?” Hahaha! I’m by far NOT impaired, damaged, nor is my character or nature harmed because of the treatment that I receive. Or am I?
I don’t believe that I’m so spoiled that my functioning is hampered. I do believe and will admit that I am spoiled to an extent. But … BUT … I blame my husband for that. Seriously, if you ask him, he will tell you that he does it out of love. All I have to do is ask or mention it and I will find it done or given to me. I’m serious when I say that on the days that I have to work, all I have to do is wake up. My kids are cared for, dinner is made, whatever I need is done. He knows what I need, can complete my thoughts and sentences. Some say that he’s whipped … whatever. If I had to do something, I could. My husband will tell you that he enjoys doing things for me, and I believe him.
Many people ask me how I am able to do the things that I do … workout excessively, work the hours that I do, run different races, etc., etc. Well, for one, my husband is my biggest supporter. You can find him at all of my events and doing whatever it takes to help me succeed. Secondly, my kids are not “little,” they may be young, but not little. Even if they were, even when they were, it really made no difference they came to the events or we found someone to watch them while we were away. Let it be known that my husband was the one who tricked talked me into running my very first full marathon. He is not only my biggest supporter, he is my biggest fan, loudest cheerleader, the best S.A.G. person. He will ride his bike beside me as I run for miles and miles. All this WITHOUT whining complaints. Oh … and if you’re sarcastic enough, you will find a car in your driveway for your birthday, complete with a BIG red bow! Well, maybe you won’t, but I did … =)
He never gets enough credit. He deserves much more props than he gets. So … to my husband, Chris, THANK YOU! Thank you for allowing me to do what I need to do. Thank you for letting me go to the gym – for knowing that I need to get there or I’d go nuts. Thank you for taking such great care of all of us, especially the kiddos. You are a great father and husband. Thank you for driving the “Party Bus” in which you graciously pick up my friends and take us to our various runs. Thank you for running when I sign you up for crazy races. Thank you for always looking out for us – finding events, taking the kids to their various practices and games. Thank you for being our biggest fan, our greatest source of support. Thank you for taking time off of work. I could never thank you enough for all that you do for us. For your unselfishness, your undying devotion, your true love for us … There are not enough words, not enough thank yous, to express how grateful I am to have you in my life. You all have to know how much this man does not just for me, but for all of us – Me, Sam, Nate, Noah, Grace, his mom, and even his friends (the ones that he cares about anyway).
Call me spoiled. I really don’t care. It’s something that I am proud to be. I am very blessed to be in the position that I am. My life is better because of Chris.
Chris ... The Culprit. Ultimate Husband & Father. Spoiler.
I heard her talking about me. She was telling Jeanne, one of the owners of AMAA/Stockton Karate, “I didn’t know who she was, but she was right next to me and she was so encouraging.” She was a new student at AMAA and Jeanne told her that my name was Row. Hearing that made my spirits soar high. She was working out right beside me, and I saw the look of, “Are you freakin’ kidding me?!” written all over her face more than once during our 45 minute workout. All I told her was that she was doing a great job, to just keep moving, and that she could do it. Easy. Nothing to it, just a few words of encouragement. She had heard me, so my words were not of wasted breath. Whew!
You CAN, and You WILL ...
I’m one of “those” people … you know one of those obnoxious people who yell in a group exercise class. It’s even worse if I know your name because I will call you out! Why? Because I know how it feels to need encouragement. I know how it feels to be dead tired, but then to hear someone tell you that you can do it, it allows you to put forth that much more effort to get the work done. So, yes … If I see you “struggling” in class, I will let you know that you CAN do it, that you only have so many more minutes left. If I see you in a race, regardless if I know you or not, I will tell you that you’re doing a great job, because you ARE.
Seriously … just by you being in class or running in a race, you ARE doing a fabulous job because you could very well be doing absolutely nothing. You have won half the battle by choosing to get out and move, and I will commend you for it and help you any way that I can.
Honestly though, I encourage others because it helps me. I hear myself tell others that they can do it … If I’m telling you
Hear me?
that you can, and I don’t, then it makes me look like an ass a hypocrite, right? I can’t look like that. I refuse to look like that. When I hear myself give others encouragement and motivation, then I believe it myself and it allows my mind to cancel out what my body is telling it to do which most times is, “Shut the eff up and stop already!” You see, I believe that your body will do whatever your mind tells it to do even if it’s tired. I know because I have tricked my body countless times. I have learned that I can do so much more than what I believe that I can. It seriously is all in your head …
Others have done it for me … given me encouragement and motivation when I have needed it most. Some have never met me, others have been spectators with great signs on a marathon course, and some have been my friends training with me … it has helped me every time, and gotten me through to the end. Because of this, I pay it forward by encouraging others. Yes, true motivation has to come from your heart, you have to want it, but it never hurts to have a little help from your friends. So I don’t care if I am the loudest, or the most obnoxious in class … I get heard, people hear me, and they get’er done! Helping others helps me. Helping you helps me. Watching you succeed helps me, it motivates me, it encourages ME … We have to help each others get thru and push thru … Let’s do it!
Seriously? Is this post for real, you’re wondering. THREE races in one week? Um, yeah, I’m totally serious, and I totally did it. A 10K, and two half-marathons back to back … I know, who does that? Not “normal” people … I’m not a “normal” person, so, I did it.
Let’s start from the beginning, or the first race …
Monday, May 30, 2011 … The Inaugural Stockton Rotary Run. I picked up the pamphlet on this run while at Fleet Feet Stockton, picking up something. I’m always at Fleet Feet, so it’s not a surprise that I can’t remember what I was there for. I think it was for Chris’ packet pickup for The Avenue Of The Vines Half. I remember perusing the pamphlet, and thinking that I worked the Sunday before the race on Monday Morning so I wasn’t initially going to run it. I ended up signing up probably while half asleep because I still wasn’t thinking that I would run a race after working all night. It wouldn’t be the first time though. With that I tried to recruit as many people as possible to run with me … It was for a good cause – Run to Eradicate Polio. I know … Polio? Yes. Polio. Not all third world countries have eradicated this disease, and it still afflicts many children rendering them with paralysis. Read about polio here.
The race was to be held Memorial Day Monday morning. This normally would not be an issue, except for the fact that I will have worked all weekend long … and this included the Sunday night before the race. 12 hours, on my feet. Hmmmm. I’ve done it before, just not to where I’m cutting it so close. Start time was 0800, and I get off work at 0730 and I work about 20 minutes away … Yeah. Lucky for me, although the night was busy, I was able to leave work a few minutes early and hightail it over to the race start. The running/race Gods were with me … because there was no traffic, and parking was not an issue!
Linda and I ... =)Panda Girl Erika, Linda, and I ... Pre race.
I met my running buddy, Linda V., at Starbucks by the movie theater. She had a last minute race cancellation on Saturday, so she decided to run with me that morning. My friend, Erica decided at the last minute to run also, so she met us close to the start because she needed to finish registering.
This was an inaugural race. Usually, that word “inaugural” is synonymous with “lots of issues.” That day, I found none. It was cool, but not freezing cold. We were greeted warmly by Fleet Feet owner, Tony Vice, and by the director of On Your Mark Events. The opening speech by Kerry Kreuger was inspiring, as was the countdown to the start by a woman stricken with polio as a child. It was nice to know that the race was put on to raise funds for a good cause. This race had a 5 and a 10K … I had signed up to run the 10K. Eek!
The race for me, was actually not a bad race. The course is FLAT as can be, and it’s part of other courses of races that I had run in downtown Stockton before, so it was slightly familiar. It started at DeCarli Square, right in front of the movie theater between El Dorado and Center Streets. Surprisingly, I was “awake” and ready to run. Running a 10K is different from running a 5K or a half marathon. It’s not quite all out balls to the walls, and it still must be run somewhat conservatively. Per Squatch’s advice, I was to warm-up with the first mile, then progressively get faster. I was not to look at mileage, but at time. (i.e., I can run this in an hour. Only 1o minutes left. Etc.)
It was a double loop run … but I didn’t feel too bad. Erika and I ran together for the first three miles. She’s faster than I am so I was pacing with her, trying to keep up with her, but something happened after we laughed and waved at the Good Day Sacramento Camera man … She started to fall behind. Not far behind, but she was no longer beside me, and I was still running thinking the whole time that she would eventually blow by me. At mile 3.5 my goal was to start targeting people and catch up to them and/or eventually pass them. I waved to Erika to get her to get her back up beside me. She was close, but I was alone in my game of cat and mouse. I felt good, and I felt strong, so I just kept going. At mile 5 I knew that I had to gun it … so with each person that I caught up to, I encouraged them to come with me. Only one did, and he raced me to the finish where I encouraged him to GO! Literally as soon as crossed the finish line, I had an overwhelming sensation of needing to hurl! That’s my indicator that I know I pushed hard. My friend Linda caught my finish on video … super cool. I need to figure out how to upload it …
Best part of the entire race … placing third in my age group. I got BLING, baby! In this race, bling only goes to the top 3 finishers in each age group. It was a nice surprise! 10K, 55 minutes!
Race number 2. Half marathon. Saturday 04 June, 2011. Brazen Racing’s Nitro Trail Half Marathon. Mac and I registered for this race in February after the New Year’s Half marathon that we ran. We enjoyed that one so we thought we’d run another. Little did we know that June’s weather would be similar to that of our New Year’s Half. Wow.
Too bad this wasn't on the registration ...Running BFFs!
Pinole, California is located close to Richmond, in the Bay Area. It’s a beautiful area. I was thankful that my friend, Erika Rae offered to drive as I felt bad asking Chris to take the day off for me. So off we went in Erika’s van – Erika, her friends that she was able to convince to run, Cindy, and Christina, and my friend Judy. We made it to Pinole with about 30 minutes to spare … enough time to use the portapotties and to grab our race bibs. Whew! I caught up with my running BFF, Mac, and our friend Mel just in time. Thank God! It was cold, and drizzly at the start, but it was all good.
We all started together. It was funny how we all laughed at the lady who suggested that we take a course map along with “a plastic baggie to keep it warm.” Huh? The map? What about us?! Really? The course was literally loops – one little, two med, or two of each … Ah, I can’t remember! We lost Judy and Mel, then Erika by mile 3. It was
"Look! Camera! Let's start running!"
Mac and I together for the remainder of the run which was fine by us. We were just running to run and to be together. Plus, that course wasn’t easy with the weather conditions, multiple loops causing dizziness, and some hills. Seriously … mile 3 was uphill into a headwind. Mile 5 was severe wind blowing from the left side. There were multiple muddy parts that we were lucky not to slide into or slip. The best part? Having to do it again …
Mac and I spend a lot of time catching up. I love my Mac, she’s an awesome running BFF. I don’t get to see her nearly enough, but I hear from her at least once a day!
The trail run was nice. It started POURING buckets by mile 11 until the finish! We walked a little here and there, enjoyed the scenery, and the company. We love Brazen Racing. They have the best aid stations – always smiling volunteers, lots of water, Gu, gummy bears, cookies, chips … seriously, at every aid station. Mac and I finished at about the 2:30 mark. This was an improvement from our New Year’s half which was almost 3 hours! Lol!
And lastly … Race #3 … See Jane Run, Alameda, CA. Sunday 05 June 2011.
This race was a crazy idea that I had while on the spin bike next to Erika Rae. What was I thinking? I don’t believe that I was thinking. I believe that I was oxygen deprived. She was telling me how she was not going to be able to run for the next 3 months and how she was gonna miss running, etc. So I blurted out, “Well, let’s finish it off with a BANG and run a back to back!” I was kidding, but again, I wasn’t. Usually my mouth thinks faster than my mind does and it usually speak the truth. So I’m sure that this was not an error on the part of my brain that controls the part of my tongue that gets bitten when it wants to say something stupid! I already decided I was “IN” and registered that day after talking it over with my hubby who thought it was a good idea. What? Erika was not in … she had another obligation that she had already comitted to do. However at the last minute … something happened and she was able to go. So she registered at the last minute, and we headed off to packet pick up Saturday after our trail half.
Since Pinole, CA and Alameda, CA are close together, I thought for sure we’d have more of the same weather that we had on Saturday … I was prepared with a rain jacket, hat, etc. Thankfully though, it was gorgeous, beautiful weather. In fact, it was even a little hot in the mid 60s! We both took separate cars since our hubbys and youngest children came along, and we were both LATE for different reasons. (Note: Erika and I both run on the same schedule, and we are chronically late individuals. Together we make a great team, but, geez, we have to get our Filipino and Mexican timing down in the future!)
We arrived at the venue with a few minutes to spare. I had enough time to run to the bathroom, then find Erika. Once we found each other, we had enough time to sprint to the start. Starting at the back of the pack is not normally our deal, because we despise weaving in and out of walkers, etc., but at this point we really had no choice. We were both slightly tired from our run the previous day, so we were happy to mill along at a somewhat slower pace. (Her “slow” is my gasping, just so you know.)
For the entire run we were basically side by side which was nice. We did minimal talking because, well, for me, I was trying to “conserve” my energy. The course was basically flat, and the scenery wasn’t dismal, but it wasn’t all that exciting except when we got out by the water. A lot of people complained about running thru the industrial part of town, but it was such a small part of the course. I grew up in Alameda. I love that town, and I wish that I could spend some time there just getting reacquainted and visiting old stomping grounds. Getting back to the run itself though, I felt as if I was holding Erika back. I felt as if she could have gone much faster, and she should have. She should not have “waited” for me, but for some reason, I don’t believe that she was. Her goal is never to “just finish.” Erika Rae is super uber competitive … she kicks ass all the time. But she stuck by me for the entire time. We finished within seconds of each other which was awesome. She had a mean kick, and my strides are so much shorter … lol!
Haulin' a$$ to the finish ...
I have to say that the weather was perfect. Had we not been so tired, I am sure that we both could’ve PR’d with this race! We had fun though. We spent some time milling around the post-race expo collecting freebies and our champange glasses filled with chocolate.
One complaint that I have was that there was no accessible water at the finish … we had to stand in line. Seriously? Water should have been handed out at the finish along with our medals!!! The line for water and food post-race was LONG and moving slowly! Geez! Also, some of the medals that people received were not the correct medals for the race that they had run. Meaning that some individuals who ran the half got a 5K medal, and vice versa!
I have to give Erika Rae props! She ran the exact three races that I ran and did a rockin’ kick ass job
RowCoon and The Panda Girl
gettin’ it done. She is one of the very few individuals who will help me execute some crazy ideas!!! Let me tell you, I have some really off the wall ideas and she never (well, hardly ever) tells me that I’m insane, she usually eggs me on to get me to think of more. Oh, but don’t let think that I’m alone in this, she has some crazy ideas herself, and she is just as OCD about working out as I am! She’s an awesome workout partner … so THANK YOU, E-Rae! (I’m throwin’ gangsta signs at this point.)
Running back to back half marathons seems like cake now that I have done it, but in the past I never would have even imagined that running 13.1 miles would be a piece of cake, let alone on two days in a row. What I have learned is that my body is pretty amazing. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I believe that I am. Running 13.1 miles …. pssssh! I can do that in my sleep! I know that it seems ridiculous to some, and unfathomable to others, but seriously, if I can do it, anyone can. It’s a mind game. You body, and those that you tell that you’re going to do it, will tell you that you’re insane … but if you believe that you can, then you WILL. My mind told my body that it really didn’t have a choice, that it was going to do this, and then it told my body that it could, that it was an amazing machine … and my body followed the instructions of my mind, believed it, then performed! Your mind is a powerful thing … and where your mind goes, where your thoughts go, your body will follow. Don’t ever believe that you can’t because you CAN … you just don’t want to!
Running Code 3 