A Setback Means Run it Out

My dad was scheduled for round 3 of chemo last Thursday. Unfortunately, his blood counts were abnormal (low Hgb, low WBC, high Creatine = platelets low and kidneys failing) so he needed to be readmitted into the hospital.  My parents spent 8 hours in the ER waiting to be transferred over to the oncology unit.  I arrived to the hospital as they were making the transfer.  We got my dad settled in and he was already looking stronger since he had been admitted (it’s crazy how fast antibiotics and lots of IV fluids will get you up again).  We stayed on the later side and then I dropped my mom off at home and then headed home myself.  I had to pick her up really early the next morning.

Friday morning, I woke up early and my brother’s girlfriend babysat Sebastian. My mom and I headed over back to the hospital.   We waited around for his doctor to make her rounds.  She came around at about 9:30 AM and gave us the rundown.  She said that he needed a blood transfusion followed by four doses of steroids.  Unfortunately (a lot of that word being tossed around), because there are so many days in between his chemo, all his treatments need to be started over from scratch.  Bummer.  Just gotta keep the positive vibes going.

We left the hospital at around 1:30 because I still needed to pick Lili up from school.  After, we hung out at my parents house until about 8.  I still needed to make dinner and give the kids a bath.  I was exhausted.

Saturday morning, I woke up and decided to jump into a local 5k down the street.  It really was a 5-minute drive.  I put the jogger into the car, dressed the kids warm, packed snacks, and got dressed. The race didn’t start until 9:30 so we had plenty of time.  I almost backed out but figured I needed to get a run in anyway.  It was COLD but we kept warm.  It was a great vibe — large table full of breakfast, DJ blasting music, face painting, etc.

First 5k Fall Race 2015

I ended up seeing Amanda (from Team Bacon — Cici introduced us a few years back).  I wish we took a picture together.  It turns out that they happen to be her work’s client.  I should also say, she just had an amazing PR a week ago at the Hartford Marathon.  I think her time was like, a 3:46.  So proud of that girl.  Anyway, race started on time.  At mile 1 I was regretting it.  What was I thinking… running with the kids in the jogger when I’ve been so out of touch.  At mile 2 this couple in front of me kept laughing because Sebastian kept saying, “What is this? What is this? What is this?” over and over.  The girl finally turned around and laughed saying, “Honey, mommy is busy running right now.  She’ll get back to you in a mile”. God bless her…

Done & Done

Honestly, I was HAPPY to be done. I am sure I almost vomited.  HAHA.  I ran into another runner that ran with her kids in the double.  She was the one responsible for getting my butt there that morning.  We talked for a bit and then I took the kids over to the park that was right behind the building the 5k was being held at.

Sea-Saw

I haven’t seen a sea-saw at playgrounds in a LONG time.  The kids had way too much fun and it took me forever to get them to leave.

The awards ceremony was being held and I’m embarrassed to say that I was leaving.  Turns out we (it’s only right to say we since I ran it with the kids) took 2nd place in my age group.  I have to say that it made my day. 🙂

We headed home shortly after and ran some errands with P as he was walking out of the door.  It was to his parents house, CVS and breakfast.  Then home.  I showered, put the kids down and then as promised, we baked Halloween sugar cookies.

Roll It

Pat it…

Sprinkle it.

Eat them.

oh, they came out so soft and delicious.  Good job, Lili and B.  After I cleaned up, I got dinner prepped and then headed over to the hospital.  I knew I might not go the next day so went that evening.  I ended up leaving later than I had planned (8:30) and didn’t get home until after 9.  I had to put the kids down and poor P — I cooked his dinner at 10.  Then I had to lay out clothes for the next morning.

I ran the Halloween Half Marathon yesterday.  Again, I was going back and forth with whether I wanted to run it… My girlfriend (who knows what I’m going through with my family right now) was kind enough to pick up my race bib for me.  I decided I better go since I needed a long run in anyway.  I left the house at 7:30 and arrived at around 8:15.  I found some guys that were driving to the race (start line was about 2 miles away) so they gave me a lift. They were so nice and funny. I love runners. 🙂

I decided to take this nice and easy. No pressure.  I did some rookie mistakes that I will have to do in a more detailed post.  But overall, I finished in 2:08.  I can’t complain. I am not feeling sore at all and I didn’t have to walk either (not that there’s anything wrong with walking some parts).  I just feel a lot better after the last two weeks of runs.

Hallween Half Marathon

I had every intention of dressing up in a costume but never had the time to pick one up. Oh well.

Grammar School Friends

This girl had a 6-min PR. 1:50.  She’s my grammar school friend (up until high school). We don’t see each other often but she’s such a sweetheart. She picked up my race bib for me.  Thanks, Megan.

Anyway, I was home by 12:30 and basically spent the rest of the day doing laundry, cooking, cleaning and playing with the kids.

Wow, that was long. Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Who else loves FALL running? I can’t get enough of it.

Christmas Break: The Final Chapter

7:15 AM: Burn it Off – COMPLETED

4:00 PM: Run with Celeste 4.15 Miles – PENDING COMPLETED

So, I’m coming to a close with my Christmas/New Year’s break saga. On New Year’s Eve, I woke up semi-early and did an 80-minute workout. I wanted to run, but that was definitely not happening. I decided to make us a nice dinner though using one of my Christmas gifts (I’ll have to post this in a separate entry) and that required me to go food shopping AGAIN. I know, I just went on Saturday, why would I have to go on Monday now? Well, when I went Saturday it was for last minute things. I didn’t exactly have a “list”. So I waited for Lili to take a nap and then I headed out. Before I left, I talked to my MIL and she was so upset because a good friend of hers husband passed away. She was crying on the phone and I consoled her. Then I asked what they were doing for the eve and she said staying home. My MIL is big on family so I told her to come over later and she said she’d give me a call.

I got home around 1:30 and we ate late lunch. The house was a complete mess. At 2, I started cooking. By 2:45 my MIL called to ask what the plan was and I told her they could come at 6:30 for dinner. She was so happy. She asked what she should make and I told her NOTHING. Just bring some Champagne and come on over.

I made Chicken Pot Pie, Shepard’s Pie and an Apple Pie for dessert. I had some cheese, chorizo and crackers for apps. Dinner was in the oven by 5:30 and I was running around straightening up and changing Lili.

Happy New Year

Pedro texted his brother at around 5 to see if they had plans. They said they were staying home. Pedro told them to swing by if they wanted to come over and that mom and dad would be here for dinner. He didn’t respond. So I told Pedro to tell him that it was very last minute and not to feel pressured. His brother just responded with okay. But didn’t mention if he was coming or not.

P’s parents came by 6:45 and his mom was so excited. She brought us beautiful flowers and the Champagne. We waited for dinner and then Pedro got a phone call from his niece saying she was outside the house. His brother’s family showed up a little unexpected but we were all happy, especially Pedro’s mom. She was ecstatic. Dinner was served close to 7 and I had to set the table better since we were under the assumption it was going to be just us 5 (w/ Lili). It turned out to be 9 of us. Thank goodness I made enough food. We all ate and were merry. Then we just hung around talking, laughing, etc.

Primas

Meet the Sanchez Family

By 9:45, I had to put Lili down to sleep. Everybody made their way out by 10:30 and I was too wired. I still had to lay out my race clothes for the next day. I relocated into Pedro’s man-cave to watch The Twilight Zone marathon.

The next morning, Lili and I slept in. I was EXHAUSTED! Actually WE both were exhausted. We didn’t peel out of bed until 9:30. I ate breakfast with Lili and talked to my sister before we left. Celeste ended up showing up 15-minutes early. Of course I felt RUSHED. HA. I hurried out the door and hopped into the car. Her husband was coming along so we stopped at D&D after. We got to the race site by 11 (an hour early) and picked up our bib. It was cold. At 11:30, we did a warm-up (1.25 miles). Then we walked over to the start line. Of course it’s about 12 and we’re about to start… Oops. We tried to get up close but don’t quite make it to the very front.

Now, here’s the disappointing news. We have chips, but WTF (excuse my language), there was NO start mat??? So basically, the clock starts WHEREVER YOU START. Have you ever heard of such a race? I ended up starting my watch exactly when I crossed the start line. Celeste told me the night before she wanted to change her whole strategy: 7:15, 7:00, 6:45. I told her I don’t think I can handle that right now, so I’ll try to stick with you for the 1st mile, then I’ll see where my mind and legs take me.

Mile 1: 7:15
Mile 2: 7:23
Mile 3: 7:13

Kicking it to the Finish Line

I stopped my watch at exactly 3.1 and it read 22:39. Unfortunately, because we didn’t start at the front, the timer said 23:08. I was a little annoyed even though it was a 1:43 minute P.R. I found Celeste and she came in at 21:49. She was upset too because she should have had a P.R. But, she looked at the list and she came in 3rd place in her age group. We watched my sister come in at 25:08. She had a P.R. also. So we were all winners. Coach Skinny Vinny came in 2nd place in his age group.

CrewTin

We bid my sister and her family farewell and then we did a cool-down with Coach Vinny. Some sad news, at mile 1, a man collapsed. When my sister hit mile 3, she saw that paramedics was giving him CPR. We learned on Wednesday that the man passed away. He was 76-years old and a member of the Central Jersey Running Club for 25-years. So very sad. We are sending flowers to his mass on Sunday.

It was cold, but we waited over an hour for the awards ceremony. Finally, they were on Celeste’s age group. They called 1st place and we all cheer. Then 2nd place, they call Celeste up. I’m confused because I thought she came in 3rd. Then they say, “3rd Place, Rachel Sanchez”. HUH?!? Wait, are you sure? I’m confused!!” But yeah, it turns out 1st place in our age group placed overall and that bumped everyone up one. So unexpected!!!

3rd Place

Getting our Gold

It was a great end to the Christmas Break. Of course, I did NO laundry. Looks like that will keep me busy — but I did do most of the filing and organizing.

I also noticed that I did ALL my running with Celeste. We did 7 runs total. I’m actually going through Celeste-withdrawal, hence, we’re meeting for a run after work. HA.

Have you ever ran a race where there was no start mat?

I’m thinking that they didn’t really care to have one because it’s a “Hangover Race” so who would take it seriously? Well, we trained for it, so I think we were disappointed.

Christmas Break: Part II

7:15 AM: Insanity Pure Cardio – COMPLETED

12:00 1:20 PM: 5.15-Mile Run
(Avg. Pace 9:16 min/mi)- PENDING COMPLETED

So, here’s what went down towards the end of my Christmas break.

On Thursday, (12/27), my brother’s girlfriend, Mimi, came over to babysit Lili. It was our first babysitter at the house ever. We’ve had our parents babysit before, but that’s at their house. I was hoping this would work so we could have a babysitter if we wanted to go out to the movies. Lili has been attached to my hip and has been extremely clingy to me, even around my family. It’s been taking her more than an hour to get comfortable. So when Mimi came over, I was thrilled that Lili was excited and did not cry ONCE. I was meeting Celeste at the park to do some speed work on the 5k course.

The plan: 1-mile warm-up then 3 loops (each loop is about .8-miles) at our respective goal time; 7:30, 7:15, 7:00, with 4-minutes cool-down in between and a 1-mile cool down overall. How it went down? The first loop was a 7:22, second loop 7:04 and the third loop Celeste took off hard and finished at 7:08 while I couldn’t hold on and did a 7:16. I was so spent, and a bit disappointed. It was cold and rainy and I almost gave up, but I held on for as long as I could.

Oh well. Overall it was good, just mentally tough for me and it kind of got me shook for the race. Practice makes perfect, right?

When I got home, I took a shower while Mimi and Lili played. Then I put a load of laundry in and bid Mimi farewell. I put Lili down to nap and straightened up a bit. We were heading over to celebrate Sabrina’s 12th birthday. As soon as P got home, he got ready and we left.

Happy Birthday, Sab.

We left after 9pm and I was both exhausted and a little happy that the festivities were sort of over and I’d get THREE days with nothing to do.

Friday, I got up and did some strength and core. I played with Lili and stayed lazy. HA. We did build her vanity set, but that’s as far as I took it. On Saturday, I woke up early and met Celeste in her neck of the woods. She says, “Let’s do 9-miles!” We start running (she lives in a hilly neighborhood, where we climbed a mountain). At about mile 4 she says, “Oh, we missed our turn. Hmm… we can go this way instead but we’ll be adding a little bit more and um, there’s a hill. Do you care?” Of course I don’t. So we go and when I see this hill I’m like, “WTF?@$@#@” But I run it with my knees high up and my arms pumping. Our 9-mile run turned into a 10.8-mile run, and then the snow started coming down.

Welcome to Martinsville

When we were done, I didn’t even have time to go in her house. I wanted to get some food shopping done before the snow came down. I picked up some food and then headed home. Lili had taken a LONNNNNNNG nap so I was screwed. I showered, played with her while Pedro went into his mancave to watch football. At around 4, he decided to put my Christmas gift together. It was a “surprise” gift. While he was building, Lili and I were playing beauty salon.

I started making dinner while Pedro finished my gift. Voila.

My own little nook. I can blog now from here. I told both Lili and Pedro, “Okay, this is MY nook. When I’m sitting here, it’s as if I’m not even here!” 5 minutes later, I have toys on my desk and a baby with her arms up in the air crying for me to pick her up. Fail.

Sunday, I woke up and did not want to do a damn thing. I woke up, ate breakfast with Lili, went back to sleep, woke up, laid on the couch, felt OUT of it. I needed a BREAK! So I listened to my body and took a rest day. I had a 5k race in two days so I knew I needed to just relax.

So, that’s what went down the rest of that week. I’ll finish off this post with New Year’s Eve and Day tomorrow. Still too much to write, including new, cool Christmas gifts. It’s almost 11 and I need to eat a little something before I head out on my lunch run.

What was your favorite Christmas gift this year?