Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Finally, A Weekend Off

It seems like we've been on the go forever. In reality, it's only been four weeks. Mt. Si was on our home turf, but took the entire day. Eugene and Vancouver took us from one end of Oregon, to the other end of Washington and into BC. Last weekend was home, but working the expo Friday and Saturday chewed up most of our free time. I am soooooo looking forward to a weekend at home. Although, really, it still won't be a normal weekend. We have a good-bye party for Amy Friday night - she's been assigned a new post - then Eric and Steve are running the 12-hour Watershed on Saturday with a goal of 62 miles or 12 hours, which ever comes first, then Saturday night is our friend's annual Hat Party, then Sunday we are going to yet another marathon to cheer on Rick and Cat. In fact, I don't see a stay-at-home, clean-the-house, lay-around weekend coming up until after Western States. One or the other of us will be on the go till we leave for California. Therefore, I decided not to go to the 12-hour race. I'm staying home, maybe doing a little cleaning and prepping some goodies for the party, and hopefully, laying around.

My recovery has gone exceptionally well. Last week, after Vancouver, I had a little tenderness up the inside of my calf, and a knot on the back of my calf. I rested it all week and ran the marathon relatively pain free - till I finished. Then it hurt and my walk became a hobble. I limped around that night, iced and rubbed it out. I repeated on Monday. By the end of Monday, I was feeling pretty hopeful, and by yesterday afternoon knew I'd give running a shot this morning. Rick and I went out for 3.5 easy miles. We walked a little extra to start, then began running - Rick said he didn't think it was going to happen - I was limping pretty good. I told him to hang on, I could feel it loosening up. About a half mile later, it felt pretty good. We finished out the run, I stretched and iced and I've been feeling good all day. Yay! I'll go three to five tomorrow morning and three tomorrow night at the track. I'm so ready to have my normal morning runs back.

The other news is that I am now officially a FOUR STAR MANIAC! I know you all knew it was coming...but it just made the chart today and I am excited. Eric is now officially a FIVE STAR MANIAC. Holy moly! I am going to state right here and now, that I expect to remain a four star maniac forever. I've looked and looked at the criteria for moving up and I just don't see it in my future. Check it out for yourself. I jumped straight from two stars to four - the three stars didn't get posted in the week between events.

My final note of the day. At the expo last week I did a little free screening with a chiropractor. She was able to find several tender spots on my upper back - right where I have trouble when my heart symptoms start. After some conversation, she thought that she might be able to help with the whole ribcage tightening, unable to breathe thing that happens. There was an expo bargain available, so I went for it. I've been twice this week - once for an extended screening, and today for the first adjustment. I've never been to a chiropractor, and haven't been sure if I really wanted to go, but I decided it was worth a shot. She continues to impress me by finding all the sore points without any input from me. She's not expecting me to come in more than about three to four weeks worth, and is giving me exercises to help open my chest up and take some of the roundness and stiffness from my upper back. I've never had great posture, and I know I spent three years kind of hunched over from constantly feeling sick and from having a tight chest all the time, which probably contributed to the stiffness. Anyway, I'm trying it and we will see if it helps.

Signing off from the shady side of the mountains, where the stars have accumulated, the runners are resting and the marathons are on pause.

27 comments:

wendy said...

Busy girl!

How exciting you're officially a 4 star! Beau keeps talking about the yellow jerseys, I think you guys have really inspired him! I explained the whole star thing to him, and he was like, but WHY??? I'm so glad you're feeling really good! You accomplished some huge goals this last month! And several PR's too!

Good job, Michelle! Thanks for sharing with us!

Anonymous said...

Marthons are on pause - but not for long.

I am just noticing your sidebar with upcoming races. I'm not signed up for Nike but my sister is so I'll likely be on the sidelines. Perhaps we can try to hook up.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

**** WOW ****

Congratulations! That is so cool.
I'll probably miss you this week except for Friday. Paul is out of town till late Sunday. SO we'll come to the party and maybe to coffee Sat. If the weather is nice maybe Thurs.

Bask in your newfound glory as 4 star maniac and head webmistress!

Jenny

Darrell said...

Congratulations on the official upgrade to 4-star status. I checked out the criteria again, just for fun, and decided I'll likely have to be satisfied with my one star for awhile.

Enjoy your weekend off.

Your post reminds me I haven't seen my chiro in a while, all the traveling got me out of synch.

Sarah said...

I bow down before your Four-star-ness!! : ) I'm still working on two. I don't think it will happen for me this year, but I'm setting my sights in 2008 for Crater Lake and Haulin' Apen to get my four stars (assuming they're still on the same weekend.) Congrats!

Scott McMurtrey said...

i've caught the tail end of your 4-week adventure and am excited for you. i'm looking forward to more great storytelling and more great runs!

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Congratulations again on acheiving the four star level, what an accomplishment and to Eric on his 5th star...you both rock.

Good luck with the chiro...like you...I've never been to one before but know many people that have...hope she can help you work out those issues with your breathing and chest.

tryathlete said...

Congratulations on the ****s. Do you know of anyone who's reached Titanium?

I like the names chosen for the different Maniac levels. It goes to show you've all got a bit of metal ("mettle", haha) in you.

Wes said...

It will be nice to slow down a little bit and catch your breath! Literally!! The news about the chiropractor is awesome. Wouldn't that be great if it helped you with your chest tightness!! Certainly doesn't hurt to try. Best wishes with it!!!

Thomas said...

I always knew you're a star, but I never realised that it was a quadruple one.

I predict you won't know what to do with yourself for a whole weekend.

JustRun said...

Wow, four stars. I can't imagine!
I'm glad your resting and that the chiropractor has been able to help you. I got to mine every couple months and have never been disappointed.

Michelle Sarabia said...

It seems that everything is falling into place for you. The toes are better, you are going to get some relief for your back, and then the stars. I guess the stars are all aligned. Can't wait for coffee....Michelle

runliarun said...

I had browsed the Marathon Maniacs site before, but I took a closer look now, and the criteria made me dizzy. It takes a very special make to be a Star Rider like you.

Adelyn said...

Amazing Job on the 4 stars!!! I'll be happy to just get one someday :)

Hope that you're able to get some resting in this weekend amidst all the activities!

Anonymous said...

I con't believe you're not crewing us on the 12 hour run. Come on you'll get to see us for a minute or so every hour. Isn't that worth the trip and a full day of standing around.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, and what's the big deal about four stars. First, you and your boy toy posse all pressured me into this MM thing. Then, I thought four stars was just for the crazy ones like Rob and Eric. Now you go and join the insane.

Well, I'm not giving in to your wicked scheme and peer pressure.

(Hmmm, what was that criteria for four stars again?)

Olga said...

Hope the chiro works for you, Michelle. rest up, don't give in to Eric and Steve.

Gotta Run..... said...

I am SO amazed at all that you and your husband do!!! I read your blog and I jump over to Eric's and it is .... wow... so great!!

Congrats on the 4 Star!!

Ryan said...

Happy to hear Tacoma is in the bank! Sorry to hear there were some bad patches along the way, you’re one tuff marathoner, nice job pushing thru the downs - BIG CHEERS & congratulations on obtaining **** four star Marathon Manic status… what an accomplishment!

Kick your feet up and have a nice (lazy) weekend!

Journey to a Centum said...

Hey Michelle! You could still sign up for Capitol City at the Expo! Come on.. you know you want to!

Anonymous said...

rest up! you deserve it!

Anonymous said...

Michelle,

I love the new chiro development. How wonderful will this be if it helps you out?!

Personally, I'm glad to see that you are resting this weekend. I lose my breath trying to keep up with you crazy Pacific NW folk!

Hope you're having a 4-star day. Oh wait, every day will be a 4-star day now! :)

Meghan
www.running-blogs.com/meghan

D said...

Everytime I check in on you it seems like you are just recovering from another marathon. WOW! WOW! WOW!

It's nice to hear that you are getting good results from your sessions with the Chiropractor!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your 4 star status! Pretty amazing!

It sounds like the chiropractor is helping you out - how nice that you found her. I'm sure the exercises will help. It's amazing how much our posture can affect us.

Take it easy! :)

Anonymous said...

Hope the chiro does you good. Enjoy your weekend at home. You've earned it.

Sarah Elaine said...

Four well earned stars! You deserve to enjoy every one of them.

I am a huge fan of chiropractic. I just had my year-follow up with mine. We'll review the x-rays next week and I can hardly wait. I firmly believe that if it weren't for my chiro, I would never have started running again. I've heard there are some realy quacks out there, but when you get a good one, they are worth their weight in gold.

Chad said...

4 stars - all I can say is WOW!

Mary Gee said...

You are truly an inspiration.