Wednesday, September 14, 2011

there IS a light at the end of the tunnel

Had my final appointment with Dr. Camp yesterday... she said that she doesn't expect to see me again for a year =)  I think I am opting towards having the scars surgically repaired, as they are about an inch wide and indent in an odd way, making me look like I'm wearing really tight underwear or something.

Overall, it's been quite the battle.  I had surgery May 13, 2011 and I can finally say that I am healed and the doc has cleared me for full activity.  I have been back at the gym since Sept. 6 and even though I'm not back to where I was (nor do I expect to be for a few months), but it feels good to be able to run again and lift weights.  I have gained some weight through the recovery... I went into the surgery weighing 135ish and I now weigh 145.  I should be more like 125 after the removal of all the skin so I've got some work to do =)  I love a challenge and I love a goal!

My next race will be Sept 17 (this Saturday) at the Collinsville Italian Fest.  Most of the Road Warriors are going to be doing a 1/2 marathon elsewhere but I hope that some of them come out to do the 5k with me =)  My goal for my time is to be closer to 30min.  I've been running 3 miles every day and I've shed a minute from my previous time already so I am thinking this is a pretty attainable goal. 

Sunday, September 4, 2011

My first 5k!!!

Today I ran my first competitive race... it was only a 5k but I'm still very proud for getting myself out there and finishing hard.  My time was 32:33 which isn't the best but I've also only been training for about 2 weeks. 

My wound officially healed on September 1, 2011.  That was the first day that there was no drainage and a scab had formed over the last little bit of opening.  Of course, I am still recovering from poison ivy that I picked up last weekend, trying to help my mother clean up her yard.... and I've got a nasty cold from the change in weather BUT... MY WOUNDS ARE HEALED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND I LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!   =) =) =)

I joined a running club called Road Warriors and there were 5 of us that showed up for the 5k today.  The others came right up to me and started chatting like we had been old friends.  It was great to feel I was a part of a group and had support from them when I was brand new and it was my first race.  About half way through the race everyone was spread out so I was running alone... it was peaceful and so awesome.  We had all kinds of terrain, too.  I was running in grass, gravel, dirt and uneven country roads LOL  My goal was to finish in 30 minutes but I'll take 32 =)  Next week there is a race (5k) at Scott Air Force Base in southern IL.  I will be attending that one... it's in remembrance of 9/11... I'll be really happy to be a part of it!