Today was my first real workout on the weights in two years. I mentioned this in a previous post. ActivTrax is an individualized program at my gym. Today the focus was on my back. I was rusty...very rusty, but the workout went well. I worked out for about 40 minutes, then I ran on the treadmill for 15 minutes. Typically I will do another activity, as the ActivTrax is my cross training day, but I wanted to run today.
I felt pretty good after the run. No pain!!! This is good as I head into my physical therapy tomorrow. I am eagerly awaiting what marathon plan Scott has come up for me. Maybe I will have it tomorrow???
Charlie
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Another Loser
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to help a woman with shoes. She told me she was training for her 2nd half marathon, with a goal of running the Chicago Marathon next year. I told her I thought that was great. She told me she is a "loser." I looked at her oddly, and asked why she thought that.
She explained that she has a new life thanks to running, because she has lost 100 lbs. I told her about my loss, and she told me I am a "loser" too. While I found the irony in her comment, I told her we are winners. She smiled, and was pretty happy with her shoes - bonus!
I told her to check back and let me know how her progress is going.
Charlie
She explained that she has a new life thanks to running, because she has lost 100 lbs. I told her about my loss, and she told me I am a "loser" too. While I found the irony in her comment, I told her we are winners. She smiled, and was pretty happy with her shoes - bonus!
I told her to check back and let me know how her progress is going.
Charlie
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Plan is Being Formed
Whatever marathon I decide to do in 2009, the plan is being formed now, so I will be ready. As I previously wrote, my doctor gave me the green light for a marathon next year, but I have to develop a 32-week training plan, which would have 3-4 days of running, and lots of cross training.
Yesterday I met with Scott, my marathon coach from last year, and also the manager of my gym. He and I exchanged emails over the last couple of weeks about him helping me develop a plan. There does not seem to be one out there. Lords knows I have looked. Scott is a great guy, who is eager to help. He made it seem very easy to work on.
He agrees with the doctor about the running 3 days a week. In fact he suggested as I work on a base towards the program, I run 3 days a week for 45 minutes. Scott's plan would have me run 4 days a week when I am towards the month before the marathon. No speed work, but tempo work is fine. His idea is that this plan would get me to finish a marathon, but would not be a "looking to PR" plan. I told him I still want to finish sub 6 hours, and he told me that was fine.
He will work on it, and get it to me next week.
If this is successful, I think this has the potential to be a great plan for people with arthritis who want to run long distances.
One a side note, Scott asked me who my doctor is. I told him it is Dr. Natarajan, and he laughed. He starts going to him next week.
After my meeting with Scott, I met up with Josh, my off and on personal trainer. My gym has a program called ActivTrax. With ActivTrax you go through an assessment - your fitness goals, weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, cardio stamina and strength ability. All of that is put into the computer and your workouts are created based one your personal information. Every 6 months you are re-assesed and the workouts are altered accordingly.
At the start I will say up front that I currently weigh 212 lbs. This is up from where I was this time last year. My body fat is 29%. At my best I was at 23%. So all of this makes sense with the lack of activity I have done this year. I want to head back to 200 lbs, and I know that will take some time. As you all know, I have been there before.
I have a good team working with me. Dr. Natarajan, Scott, Josh and Beth my PT are all working with me to be healthy and get focused on 2009.
Charlie
Yesterday I met with Scott, my marathon coach from last year, and also the manager of my gym. He and I exchanged emails over the last couple of weeks about him helping me develop a plan. There does not seem to be one out there. Lords knows I have looked. Scott is a great guy, who is eager to help. He made it seem very easy to work on.
He agrees with the doctor about the running 3 days a week. In fact he suggested as I work on a base towards the program, I run 3 days a week for 45 minutes. Scott's plan would have me run 4 days a week when I am towards the month before the marathon. No speed work, but tempo work is fine. His idea is that this plan would get me to finish a marathon, but would not be a "looking to PR" plan. I told him I still want to finish sub 6 hours, and he told me that was fine.
He will work on it, and get it to me next week.
If this is successful, I think this has the potential to be a great plan for people with arthritis who want to run long distances.
One a side note, Scott asked me who my doctor is. I told him it is Dr. Natarajan, and he laughed. He starts going to him next week.
After my meeting with Scott, I met up with Josh, my off and on personal trainer. My gym has a program called ActivTrax. With ActivTrax you go through an assessment - your fitness goals, weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, cardio stamina and strength ability. All of that is put into the computer and your workouts are created based one your personal information. Every 6 months you are re-assesed and the workouts are altered accordingly.
At the start I will say up front that I currently weigh 212 lbs. This is up from where I was this time last year. My body fat is 29%. At my best I was at 23%. So all of this makes sense with the lack of activity I have done this year. I want to head back to 200 lbs, and I know that will take some time. As you all know, I have been there before.
I have a good team working with me. Dr. Natarajan, Scott, Josh and Beth my PT are all working with me to be healthy and get focused on 2009.
Charlie
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dinner with a Hero
Tonight I had the exteme honor of having dinner with a real hero in the running community - Dick Beardsley. For those who are not familiar with Beardsley, he is best known for his "Duel in the Sun" with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon. Beardsley and Salazar were neck in neck for most of the race, with Salazar pulling ahead right at the end. Two seconds separated the two on the finish line.
New Balance, Beardsley's long time sponsor brought him to our main store for a fun run, and a talk afterwards. I was invited to meet him, the folks from New Balance, and also for dinner. I can honestly say that Dick Beardsley is one of the nicest people I have met. He is originally from Minnesota, and he had that Minnesota accent going. He is a sweetheart of a man.
His story is inspiring. While he has had a successful running career, Dick has overcome a horrible accidents, which left his body badly injured and a prescription drug addiction. He speaks around the coutnry about this, and I have to say everyone on the room tonight was riveted by his story.
He and his wife have founded the Dick Beardsley Foundation, which is a community-based organization created to educate children and young adults about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle and to educate the public about the danger of drugs and chemical dependency.
www.dickbeardsleyfoundation.org.
I had the opportunity to ask him some questions about his duel with Salazar, as well as about his foundation.
Being a member of the running community has been such a thrill for me. I have gotten to meet two men who have heart, and really give back to the running community, as well as the world at large - Dick Beardsley and Dean Karnazes.
Beardsley has written about his life, and was selling copies of his book, with proceeds going to his foundation. He was very generous to write me a nice note in my book. As I said, tonight I feel I had a real honor.
Charlie
New Balance, Beardsley's long time sponsor brought him to our main store for a fun run, and a talk afterwards. I was invited to meet him, the folks from New Balance, and also for dinner. I can honestly say that Dick Beardsley is one of the nicest people I have met. He is originally from Minnesota, and he had that Minnesota accent going. He is a sweetheart of a man.
His story is inspiring. While he has had a successful running career, Dick has overcome a horrible accidents, which left his body badly injured and a prescription drug addiction. He speaks around the coutnry about this, and I have to say everyone on the room tonight was riveted by his story.
He and his wife have founded the Dick Beardsley Foundation, which is a community-based organization created to educate children and young adults about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle and to educate the public about the danger of drugs and chemical dependency.
www.dickbeardsleyfoundation.org.
I had the opportunity to ask him some questions about his duel with Salazar, as well as about his foundation.
Being a member of the running community has been such a thrill for me. I have gotten to meet two men who have heart, and really give back to the running community, as well as the world at large - Dick Beardsley and Dean Karnazes.
Beardsley has written about his life, and was selling copies of his book, with proceeds going to his foundation. He was very generous to write me a nice note in my book. As I said, tonight I feel I had a real honor.
Charlie
Saturday, October 18, 2008
So What Marathon Should I Do?
Today I would have run the Indianapolis Marathon if all had been healthy and well. So while I mourn the fact I did not run this year, I am looking ahead to next year's marathon. So which one will I do?
I don't know, and I am open to suggestions. I need a flat race, preferably in the fall. Chicago is a possibility, but I don't feel warm and fuzzy about it. New York is on my list, but I am told it can be hilly. I am going to visit Portland soon, maybe that one? San Antonio is on the list. I would love to know what some of you think.
I am not sure how many marathons I have in me with the arthritis, so I want to make it an important one. Suggestions?
Charlie
I don't know, and I am open to suggestions. I need a flat race, preferably in the fall. Chicago is a possibility, but I don't feel warm and fuzzy about it. New York is on my list, but I am told it can be hilly. I am going to visit Portland soon, maybe that one? San Antonio is on the list. I would love to know what some of you think.
I am not sure how many marathons I have in me with the arthritis, so I want to make it an important one. Suggestions?
Charlie
Friday, October 17, 2008
Scoop!
Yesterday's physical therapy was a good one. I sat down with Beth and talked about what the doctor and I went over a week ago, and she agreed on the issues that he wants covered. So yesterday was a pilates workout.
Pilates is designed to strengthen your core. This is an area where I am very weak. The stomach, pelvis, back and hips need to be strong, and pilates does an excellent job of getting those regions stronger. So yesterday we focused on the stomach. I need to "scoop." Scooping as Beth calls it is pulling in the belly button, and breathing while I am pulling it all in. She wants me to do this not only during the exercises, but in real life as well. If I sit - I scoop. If I walk - I scoop. If I stand - I scoop.
I'm not sure how it will look, but I will be scooping all over Chicago. SCOOP!
Charlie
Pilates is designed to strengthen your core. This is an area where I am very weak. The stomach, pelvis, back and hips need to be strong, and pilates does an excellent job of getting those regions stronger. So yesterday we focused on the stomach. I need to "scoop." Scooping as Beth calls it is pulling in the belly button, and breathing while I am pulling it all in. She wants me to do this not only during the exercises, but in real life as well. If I sit - I scoop. If I walk - I scoop. If I stand - I scoop.
I'm not sure how it will look, but I will be scooping all over Chicago. SCOOP!
Charlie
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My Passion Continued.....
I thought I would continue on the thread of my passion for running, I hope you will indulge me a bit.
I have missed running this year. I mean I miss really running. Running a few miles and there has been hard on me. I want to run for 6 miles, 10 miles, a marathon. Running is freedom for me. It is a chance for me to be outside of my normal self for a time. I get to see things on a run, I ordnarily don't see. I get to be at peace on a run.
I will be honest, being injured has really taken a toll on my psyche. I have felt down without running, and it worries me, because what happens the day I can't run anymore? The easy answer is, "Go find something else." Well so far nothing is like running to me.
As a boy my outlet was singing and dancing. I spent hours in our basement performing for imaginary audiences or my sister and mom. For me that was freedom from the saddness that was in our house after my brother died. I stopped singing when I was in college. I sing to myself now and then, but there is no place for me to sing anymore.
In running I have found the same outlet to let go that singing provided me as a child. I can't believe it took me so long to find that outlet, but I did. Now I don't want to give it up. I want to be joyful as I run along Lake Michigan. I want to see people out and about as I head down Sheridan Rd. I like seeing the interaction of students as I run through Loyola University.
As I have shared before, I find running to be a meditative process for me. I feel a connection with God as I run. I feel he runs with me.
Maybe it has taken my lack of running to realize...again, how much running means to me. Once I am fully healed, I am not ever going to take my runs for granted.
Charlie
I have missed running this year. I mean I miss really running. Running a few miles and there has been hard on me. I want to run for 6 miles, 10 miles, a marathon. Running is freedom for me. It is a chance for me to be outside of my normal self for a time. I get to see things on a run, I ordnarily don't see. I get to be at peace on a run.
I will be honest, being injured has really taken a toll on my psyche. I have felt down without running, and it worries me, because what happens the day I can't run anymore? The easy answer is, "Go find something else." Well so far nothing is like running to me.
As a boy my outlet was singing and dancing. I spent hours in our basement performing for imaginary audiences or my sister and mom. For me that was freedom from the saddness that was in our house after my brother died. I stopped singing when I was in college. I sing to myself now and then, but there is no place for me to sing anymore.
In running I have found the same outlet to let go that singing provided me as a child. I can't believe it took me so long to find that outlet, but I did. Now I don't want to give it up. I want to be joyful as I run along Lake Michigan. I want to see people out and about as I head down Sheridan Rd. I like seeing the interaction of students as I run through Loyola University.
As I have shared before, I find running to be a meditative process for me. I feel a connection with God as I run. I feel he runs with me.
Maybe it has taken my lack of running to realize...again, how much running means to me. Once I am fully healed, I am not ever going to take my runs for granted.
Charlie
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My Passion and Living With It
Over the weekend a former classmate of mine from graduate school was in my store with friends. She is a member of the area chamber of commerce, so I deal with her from time to time. I went over to say hello...(names have NOT been changed...there are no innocent). "Hi Karrie," I said. She turned and said, "Oh you're still here." I told her I was and smiled.
When you are in grad school, you have ideas of where you would like to be. I had hoped to be working for a non-profit in Africa at this point, but life has a funny way of leading us around. I was even approved for the Peace Corps, but in the end decided not to go at this time. Instead I work at Fleet Feet Sports.
Now, I should say I am in no way ashamed of what I do. Evidently Karrie is a bit ashamed, but not me. Running is my passion. Every day I get to talk to people who share my passion, or are about to, if they are new runners. I love talking to people about their running and fitness goals. I love seeing how animated they get when they talk about their latest race, or how training is going. I also love the folks who just want to be fitter.
All day, I get to live with my passion. For some this would be overwhelming, but not for me.
In time I have an idea that my non profit ideas will be rooted in running, and why not?
So Karrie, while "I am still here," just know I am living my passion....what are you doing?
Charlie
When you are in grad school, you have ideas of where you would like to be. I had hoped to be working for a non-profit in Africa at this point, but life has a funny way of leading us around. I was even approved for the Peace Corps, but in the end decided not to go at this time. Instead I work at Fleet Feet Sports.
Now, I should say I am in no way ashamed of what I do. Evidently Karrie is a bit ashamed, but not me. Running is my passion. Every day I get to talk to people who share my passion, or are about to, if they are new runners. I love talking to people about their running and fitness goals. I love seeing how animated they get when they talk about their latest race, or how training is going. I also love the folks who just want to be fitter.
All day, I get to live with my passion. For some this would be overwhelming, but not for me.
In time I have an idea that my non profit ideas will be rooted in running, and why not?
So Karrie, while "I am still here," just know I am living my passion....what are you doing?
Charlie
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What a Difference a Year Makes
It is the night before the Chicago Marathon. A little over a year ago, the marathon turned into a debacle. This year tensions are high, since the weather is now predicted to be a high of 81 degrees. It will not be quite as bad as last year, but it is going to be a warm one. For the last two days I have played counselor to the runners in the race. While I enjoy talking to the runners, it is bittersweet for me.
Next week I was supposed to run the Indianapolis Marathon, as we know now, I won't. I have missed the training, and the excitement of getting ready for a marathon. This has been a frustrating year as far as health and running. I miss being the runner I have been. I know I will get back to it, but it has been very depressing at times.
I will be up and out early cheering on the runners, hoping to see friends and customers I know out there. Still a large part of me will wish I was out there with them.
Next year.....
Charlie
Next week I was supposed to run the Indianapolis Marathon, as we know now, I won't. I have missed the training, and the excitement of getting ready for a marathon. This has been a frustrating year as far as health and running. I miss being the runner I have been. I know I will get back to it, but it has been very depressing at times.
I will be up and out early cheering on the runners, hoping to see friends and customers I know out there. Still a large part of me will wish I was out there with them.
Next year.....
Charlie
Friday, October 10, 2008
Deja Vu?
The forecast for this year's Chicago Marathon is a low of 62, and a high of 75. Runners are trembling that this is last year all over again. It isn't really, but I can understand that thought. Marathon officials have devised a weather warning system, much like the color coded terror alert system in the U.S. They have also added aid stations, and will offer wet sponges to runners.
Still nervous customers are talking to me about their concerns.
This year won't be like last year. Oh it will be a warm one, it just won't be a HOT one.
I will be out there cheering though. Can't wait to see the runners go by.
Charlie
Still nervous customers are talking to me about their concerns.
This year won't be like last year. Oh it will be a warm one, it just won't be a HOT one.
I will be out there cheering though. Can't wait to see the runners go by.
Charlie
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Looking to 2009!
Today I met with my regular doctor who was as happy as I was about the no cancer result. So now we got down to business. He was extremely pleased with my progress from physical therapy. He could tell I had gotten stronger in my legs, but now I need to work on my core.
To that end, he gave me the green light for a mid to late 2009 marathon. Instead of the usual 16 week training though, he wants me to develop a 32 week training program. His thought is that with my arthritis, I need to prepare more for a marathon. So I am going to research from possible plans, if there aren't any, I suppose I develop one on my own. The plan has to be heavy on cross training so my body is strong, and the pounding on my hips will be minimal.
For now I continue PT; however, he wants it focused, and with one therapist only. If that means cutting back some to do that, then so be it.
He asked me what other issues bothered me. I told him I had not been eating well over the last month. He wanted to know if I needed a nutritionist. I told him I would pass on that, and work on it myself. I have done it before, and I can do it again.
So all in all it is a positive week on the medical front. The doctor wants to see me in December to see how I am progressing, and then once I hit double digit miles, he wants me to undergo some additional tests.
So now I look for a 2009 marathon. Off the top of my head, I am not inclined to run Chicago. While I have unfinished business with that race, I am not sure I want to go through with it for now. We will see. Plenty of time to consider.
Charlie
To that end, he gave me the green light for a mid to late 2009 marathon. Instead of the usual 16 week training though, he wants me to develop a 32 week training program. His thought is that with my arthritis, I need to prepare more for a marathon. So I am going to research from possible plans, if there aren't any, I suppose I develop one on my own. The plan has to be heavy on cross training so my body is strong, and the pounding on my hips will be minimal.
For now I continue PT; however, he wants it focused, and with one therapist only. If that means cutting back some to do that, then so be it.
He asked me what other issues bothered me. I told him I had not been eating well over the last month. He wanted to know if I needed a nutritionist. I told him I would pass on that, and work on it myself. I have done it before, and I can do it again.
So all in all it is a positive week on the medical front. The doctor wants to see me in December to see how I am progressing, and then once I hit double digit miles, he wants me to undergo some additional tests.
So now I look for a 2009 marathon. Off the top of my head, I am not inclined to run Chicago. While I have unfinished business with that race, I am not sure I want to go through with it for now. We will see. Plenty of time to consider.
Charlie
Monday, October 06, 2008
Valuing Life
It is a very cliched thing, but none the less true, that when you are faced with a possible diagnosis of Cancer, or any other life threatening ailment, you really think about life, and what you value about it. The last few weeks have given my an opportunity to really look at life, and see how much I value it.
The doctor's visit went like this..... I got to his office at 9:17 - early, but there. I signed in, and within two minutes, I was asked to go into the examination room. As he had previously, Mark was there for moral support, and a tissue if needed. I really appreciate Mark being with me. Considering all the medical issues he has faced this year, I was really glad he came along. I felt like I had helped him a great deal, and now the favor was being returned.
The doctor poked his head in, and said "I have one person ahead of you, but I wanted to let you know you that you are 100% free of Cancer. I didn't want you to stew about it. I'll be right back." Mark got up, gave me a hug, and I cried. Once the emotional part was over, the doctor came back in, and talked to me about it. He reviewed everything with me. I have calcification on the prostate. I asked what needed to be done about it. The doctor, told me if it isn't Cancer, he is not concerned. That was what he felt during the rectal exam.
So then I let it all sink in - I don't have Prostate Cancer!
I smiled so much, and told the doctor I had been writing about his on my blog, so if he reads this, he comes off as a hero in this story.
I do have to go back in a year for an annual check up. I am happy to do that. The visit was over at 9:38 a.m..
The rest of the day I did various things. I headed to the Zoo. I got to feed the cows at the Farm at the Zoo! I also headed to Barnes and Noble and bought a book. In short, I took it easy, and gave some quiet thanks to God that I don't have to face Cancer.
This is the third time I have to seriously look at life, and be reminded how much living I have to do, and how much I cherish my life. A false HIV diagnosis, a failed suicide attempt and now dodging Prostate Cancer. One day the real deal will happen. Until then I continue with my plan to live life to the fullest.
Tomorrow I see my regular doctor. We are going to review everything, and if all goes well I will have a green light to train for a marathon next year. I can tell you if I am allowed, it is going to be my best marathon - ever!
My family and friends are an amazing support. I am also so appreciative the support all of you readers have shown. You have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you.
Peace,
Charlie
The doctor's visit went like this..... I got to his office at 9:17 - early, but there. I signed in, and within two minutes, I was asked to go into the examination room. As he had previously, Mark was there for moral support, and a tissue if needed. I really appreciate Mark being with me. Considering all the medical issues he has faced this year, I was really glad he came along. I felt like I had helped him a great deal, and now the favor was being returned.
The doctor poked his head in, and said "I have one person ahead of you, but I wanted to let you know you that you are 100% free of Cancer. I didn't want you to stew about it. I'll be right back." Mark got up, gave me a hug, and I cried. Once the emotional part was over, the doctor came back in, and talked to me about it. He reviewed everything with me. I have calcification on the prostate. I asked what needed to be done about it. The doctor, told me if it isn't Cancer, he is not concerned. That was what he felt during the rectal exam.
So then I let it all sink in - I don't have Prostate Cancer!
I smiled so much, and told the doctor I had been writing about his on my blog, so if he reads this, he comes off as a hero in this story.
I do have to go back in a year for an annual check up. I am happy to do that. The visit was over at 9:38 a.m..
The rest of the day I did various things. I headed to the Zoo. I got to feed the cows at the Farm at the Zoo! I also headed to Barnes and Noble and bought a book. In short, I took it easy, and gave some quiet thanks to God that I don't have to face Cancer.
This is the third time I have to seriously look at life, and be reminded how much living I have to do, and how much I cherish my life. A false HIV diagnosis, a failed suicide attempt and now dodging Prostate Cancer. One day the real deal will happen. Until then I continue with my plan to live life to the fullest.
Tomorrow I see my regular doctor. We are going to review everything, and if all goes well I will have a green light to train for a marathon next year. I can tell you if I am allowed, it is going to be my best marathon - ever!
My family and friends are an amazing support. I am also so appreciative the support all of you readers have shown. You have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you.
Peace,
Charlie
Clearing the Mind
I'm about to head to the doctor's for my results. I got up early this morning for a short 2 mile run. This was a clearing my head run. I headed to the lake at Loyola Park, and ran out to the lighthouse, I paused a few moments to look at the Chicago skyline. For those who have not visited my city, Chicago has a stunning skyline. When you see it along the Lake Michigan shoreline, you are in awe.
So what did I think about on this run? To be honest...next to nothing. I had the iPod on, and listened to Matthew Ebel. Steve Runner introduced his music to me a few weeks ago on his podcast, and I listened over and over again to "I Know You're There." It was the perfect song for this morning. The thoughts I did have were that I hope all goes well at the doctor, and I get to come home and share good news with all of you.
Again thanks for the many people who have wished me well. Steve talked about my issues on his latest podcast. I was very moved.
So now I am finishing my cup of coffee...and off I go to the doctor's. Talk to you all later.
Charlie
So what did I think about on this run? To be honest...next to nothing. I had the iPod on, and listened to Matthew Ebel. Steve Runner introduced his music to me a few weeks ago on his podcast, and I listened over and over again to "I Know You're There." It was the perfect song for this morning. The thoughts I did have were that I hope all goes well at the doctor, and I get to come home and share good news with all of you.
Again thanks for the many people who have wished me well. Steve talked about my issues on his latest podcast. I was very moved.
So now I am finishing my cup of coffee...and off I go to the doctor's. Talk to you all later.
Charlie
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Another Day...Another Day at PT
Today I had the therapist, who is hell bent on getting me to try running in the water. She seems to think that I would hate the idea. I have heard of the exercise, and would be open to trying it. It would just seem strange doing it at first. The idea is my legs and hips would become stronger in the water, and make my running easier.
Otherwise it was good therapy day. This PT is a big believer in Pilates, so I was using the apparatus today. It's tough, but this kind of therapy I like much better than what I have been doing.
Tuesday I have my appointment with my regular doctor. He will have my biopsy results, and my PT report. At that point we will see how I proceed running wise. I hope for two things: 1) No cancer!!! 2) I can run a marathon next year.
Charlie
Otherwise it was good therapy day. This PT is a big believer in Pilates, so I was using the apparatus today. It's tough, but this kind of therapy I like much better than what I have been doing.
Tuesday I have my appointment with my regular doctor. He will have my biopsy results, and my PT report. At that point we will see how I proceed running wise. I hope for two things: 1) No cancer!!! 2) I can run a marathon next year.
Charlie
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Progress or Failure?
Today was physical therapy. I usually not upbeat after PT. I always feel it shows me what I'm not able to do, and not what I can do. The therapist tells me I am making progress. Still it feels like failure to me.
I think part of the problem is the therapist is always busy with 3-4 people at a time, so I am not sure she is willing watching closely. Maybe she is. I don't know.
I told her today I get discouraged. She told me she thinks I am getting to a point where I can cut back on PT. Ok...I suppose that means progress.
Oy!
Charlie
I think part of the problem is the therapist is always busy with 3-4 people at a time, so I am not sure she is willing watching closely. Maybe she is. I don't know.
I told her today I get discouraged. She told me she thinks I am getting to a point where I can cut back on PT. Ok...I suppose that means progress.
Oy!
Charlie
Tonight's Run
Tonight's run was an actual run. I went from the gym to the lake, and ran along Lake Michigan. I had no real stamina, but I was determined to do this run. I ended up going 4.6 miles. It was the longest run I have been on in months.
I listened to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, which was nice. My running was not great. I felt stiff, and was not in a good groove. I can cut myself a break....I've not had a good week. Still, I have decided nothing over a 5K race this year. There was an 8K I wanted to do, but I have some work to do.
Still feeling down. Work was rough today, which did not help. I think the economy has finally caught up with the running shoe business.
Charlie
I listened to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, which was nice. My running was not great. I felt stiff, and was not in a good groove. I can cut myself a break....I've not had a good week. Still, I have decided nothing over a 5K race this year. There was an 8K I wanted to do, but I have some work to do.
Still feeling down. Work was rough today, which did not help. I think the economy has finally caught up with the running shoe business.
Charlie
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The Biopsy
I thought long and hard before writing this post. Some of this may make you uncomfortable, but I believe in being open with this blog, so I am going to talk about yesterday's biopsy. If you feel you may not want to read more of this post, I understand.
It was a downpour of rain, and I worried that was an omen. I got to the doctor's office a bit wet, but ready for the procedure. Mark went with me. I didn't want to go alone, and he and I have had our share of doctor visits dealing with his issues this year. I was glad to have him there. He would have to wait in the waiting room though.
The doctor explained what would happen. My posterior would be numbed, and I would feel to needle pricks in the anus. Then the biopsy. To keep my distracted, the doctor talked about the economic issues we have going on in the U.S.. An odd topic, but it was fine. Approximately a probe was entered, and it felt like an air gun was going off inside. At no time did I feel pain, but it sure was NOT comfortable. I grimaced, and felt sad during the whole procedure.
It didn't last long at all. The doctor told me he discovered some calcifcation(sp) in the prostate, but did not really explain what that meant. He told me he would see me next week for the test results.
Afterwards, I helped Mark run some errands. I called my sister to let her know I was ok. Then headed home. At home, I ordered a pizza, and sat in bed playing a video game. I was not in the mood for company, nor did I want to talk to anyone.
Of course I hope for the best, but I really felt like crap yesterday, and I have to admit, I am not a whole lot better today. I won't feel any relief until Monday I suppose.
No matter how it turns out, I can't tell you how important it is for men to make sure they have a healthy prostate. I know what I describe is not easy or comfortable, but a few minutes of an uncomfortable rectal exam could save your life. Please don't let the ICK factor keep you from having the exam.
Charlie
It was a downpour of rain, and I worried that was an omen. I got to the doctor's office a bit wet, but ready for the procedure. Mark went with me. I didn't want to go alone, and he and I have had our share of doctor visits dealing with his issues this year. I was glad to have him there. He would have to wait in the waiting room though.
The doctor explained what would happen. My posterior would be numbed, and I would feel to needle pricks in the anus. Then the biopsy. To keep my distracted, the doctor talked about the economic issues we have going on in the U.S.. An odd topic, but it was fine. Approximately a probe was entered, and it felt like an air gun was going off inside. At no time did I feel pain, but it sure was NOT comfortable. I grimaced, and felt sad during the whole procedure.
It didn't last long at all. The doctor told me he discovered some calcifcation(sp) in the prostate, but did not really explain what that meant. He told me he would see me next week for the test results.
Afterwards, I helped Mark run some errands. I called my sister to let her know I was ok. Then headed home. At home, I ordered a pizza, and sat in bed playing a video game. I was not in the mood for company, nor did I want to talk to anyone.
Of course I hope for the best, but I really felt like crap yesterday, and I have to admit, I am not a whole lot better today. I won't feel any relief until Monday I suppose.
No matter how it turns out, I can't tell you how important it is for men to make sure they have a healthy prostate. I know what I describe is not easy or comfortable, but a few minutes of an uncomfortable rectal exam could save your life. Please don't let the ICK factor keep you from having the exam.
Charlie
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