Saturday, December 12, 2015
Pose running method...
I'm doing the clinic for Pose running this weekend...still in progress...hence my lack of mileage updates...I don't know if I love it...the evidence in its favor sure is plentiful...what do you think? Why am I cranking my hamstrings 180 times a minute...I don't know about this...I don't know that anything was wrong with my running style before...it all seemed ok and now over the past 2 days I'm told that that's not so...what is the what...who is John Galt...more to follow when I cage my thoughts!
I have bad skin
I am exhausted from this not-so-secret secret that I have.
For well over a decade I have been fighting the ignoble acne fight, and now in my thirties I get to fight acne and wrinkles together, bonus!
This used to be professionally embarrassing to me. I work in medicine, after all. How can I do anything but hang my blemished head in shame with my skin the way is it?
Well, to be fair, at work I wear tasteful makeup. Not heavy. But enough to hide the worst of it.
Mostly, I stopped worrying so much that my skin isn't perfect. And my story has become a story I share with patients, too - it's important to manage expectations, because what's ok to me might not be the desired end state for them.
I spent 10 years on oral antibiotics like doxycycline. Among the many uses for this medication, it's a malaria prophylactic, and if I stumbled on anthrax, lyme disease, or syphilis during that time well then I didn't have to worry either. I took once- or twice- daily antibiotics for years amid creams and gels and topicals of all sorts.
A decade of antibiotics is about 9 years 6 months too much for me, as I didn't know otherwise at the time. Nausea and vomiting daily? Burning skin and peeling flakes and redness and dryness and cracking? I'm not so fond, and I was sick of using stacks of $$$ prescription products because it just made me feel like the "cure" was never in sight. Eventually I just decided that all of this medication was too much, and my happy medium for my skin is just (significantly) less than magazine perfect. I'm satisfied this way, blemishes and all. And you know what? There may not be a cure for me, but I've settled for what I think is a livable level. And I think you should, too. I've whittled down my medicine cabinet to one prescription topical acne product because it's affordable for me, simple, and relatively free of side effects, and I don't have to spend my time feeling -- stupidly -- like a victim of zits. More time for running and eating Cheetos!!
Let's be honest. The skin of your face is what the world first sees of you. And it sucks when it doesn't look so conventionally nice. Yes, just about any medical condition on the planet is more serious than acne, but it really stinks that it shows up and sticks around and for some of us is just going to be a part of the way we live. I used to worry that people would subconsciously disrespect me or otherwise prejudice me for my skin, but that hasn't happened. At least in this instance, people are less judgmental than I've judged them to be!
And my skin is not that bad. I would say I have moderate inflammatory facial acne, with hormonal flares that sometimes border on grotesque. I'm going to spare you (and me) from sharing any photos. I've seen patients where my heart breaks for their scarred skin, and that no one has told them that it could have possible been improved earlier. In some cases their skin will look practically perfect after some treatments, but in many cases it's unlikely to be perfect, but maybe just better. Is it so bad to settle for "better?" I think not.
Yes, some people have severe scarring acne. That is not what I'm talking about. That likely needs specialty dermatology care, for advanced products like Accutane. There are serious side effects! You can go and get care and your skin will likely get much better. Don't delay!
What about you? I'll answer general questions/skincare medical advice but not as a substitute for your personal healthcare provider! Don't take internet medical advice kids!!
Well that's a burden lifted...a jolly good day it is then.
For well over a decade I have been fighting the ignoble acne fight, and now in my thirties I get to fight acne and wrinkles together, bonus!
This used to be professionally embarrassing to me. I work in medicine, after all. How can I do anything but hang my blemished head in shame with my skin the way is it?
Well, to be fair, at work I wear tasteful makeup. Not heavy. But enough to hide the worst of it.
Mostly, I stopped worrying so much that my skin isn't perfect. And my story has become a story I share with patients, too - it's important to manage expectations, because what's ok to me might not be the desired end state for them.
I spent 10 years on oral antibiotics like doxycycline. Among the many uses for this medication, it's a malaria prophylactic, and if I stumbled on anthrax, lyme disease, or syphilis during that time well then I didn't have to worry either. I took once- or twice- daily antibiotics for years amid creams and gels and topicals of all sorts.
A decade of antibiotics is about 9 years 6 months too much for me, as I didn't know otherwise at the time. Nausea and vomiting daily? Burning skin and peeling flakes and redness and dryness and cracking? I'm not so fond, and I was sick of using stacks of $$$ prescription products because it just made me feel like the "cure" was never in sight. Eventually I just decided that all of this medication was too much, and my happy medium for my skin is just (significantly) less than magazine perfect. I'm satisfied this way, blemishes and all. And you know what? There may not be a cure for me, but I've settled for what I think is a livable level. And I think you should, too. I've whittled down my medicine cabinet to one prescription topical acne product because it's affordable for me, simple, and relatively free of side effects, and I don't have to spend my time feeling -- stupidly -- like a victim of zits. More time for running and eating Cheetos!!
Let's be honest. The skin of your face is what the world first sees of you. And it sucks when it doesn't look so conventionally nice. Yes, just about any medical condition on the planet is more serious than acne, but it really stinks that it shows up and sticks around and for some of us is just going to be a part of the way we live. I used to worry that people would subconsciously disrespect me or otherwise prejudice me for my skin, but that hasn't happened. At least in this instance, people are less judgmental than I've judged them to be!
And my skin is not that bad. I would say I have moderate inflammatory facial acne, with hormonal flares that sometimes border on grotesque. I'm going to spare you (and me) from sharing any photos. I've seen patients where my heart breaks for their scarred skin, and that no one has told them that it could have possible been improved earlier. In some cases their skin will look practically perfect after some treatments, but in many cases it's unlikely to be perfect, but maybe just better. Is it so bad to settle for "better?" I think not.
Yes, some people have severe scarring acne. That is not what I'm talking about. That likely needs specialty dermatology care, for advanced products like Accutane. There are serious side effects! You can go and get care and your skin will likely get much better. Don't delay!
What about you? I'll answer general questions/skincare medical advice but not as a substitute for your personal healthcare provider! Don't take internet medical advice kids!!
Well that's a burden lifted...a jolly good day it is then.
Rudolph Red Nose 7.2M
Last weekend was my first (and only, likely) race for December. I ran the Grinders High Noon Saloon Rudolph Red Nose 7.2 Tuff Miles race, here in Leavenworth. I ran with L last year (brrr!), and loved it despite the wind and chill. This year D and Nugget accompanied me to the start and then went on a lovely walk through downtown Leavenworth and the Riverfront and left me to run while they then headed for home.
Over the last few months, the previous establishment here (High Noon Saloon) closed, and then opened recently as a re-imagined Grinders franchise. I was worried that the race wouldn't be offered this year due to changes in the management and ownership, but a week before the race, I spotted a sign in town advertising the event.
My goal like last year was to run in under and hour, and also to run more quickly than last year.
I had nothing but luck on my side -- warm sun, high 50s, just the faintest of breezes. The course starts at the restaurant and travels south through the VA campus, around the duck pond, and back to the restaurant. I love that it's such an odd distance - tough for the typical 5K crowd, and a bit of a stretch for the 10K weekenders too. It's so much fun too because it starts eponymously at 12:00 sharp. What a nice change, to sleep in for a run for a change!
The field of runners was so small this year, well down from about 100 last year, but the race director acknowledged that advertisement had been last minute due to uncertainty in the continuation of the race this year. I was just so pleased that it reappeared for the 7th year. I am so thankful to the management of Grinders for deciding to continue to support this in cooperation with the Riverfront Community Center. It's a great Leavenworth race, and the course is hilly -- challenging for sure. The overplayed joke is that "it's Kansas, no hills here!" and that joke my friends is still not funny!
The roads are low-traffic, and scenic, and since it is largely out-and-back there aren't too many race volunteers needed throughout the course to direct runners and traffic. I love that all ages show up, to include my new race friend, in his 80s:
So many people wore Christmas-themed costumes!
And so many wore the cute shirt.
And others were comfortably attired in elf, kangaroo (Leavenworth's sister city is Wagga Wagga Australia, of course!) costumes and Rudolph himself made a royal appearance for pictures among us plebeians.
I had a great race, and as often happens, I luck out at smaller events and win a FOF! I came in just under 57 minutes which makes me real happy on this rolling course.
I beat my time from last year, met some really nice runners, and am overall very impressed with Grinders. I hadn't been there since it reopened, and the interior is much brighter and more inviting with the renovation. I'm looking forward to our upcoming Christmas party there. The menu looks delicious, and I will attest that the post-race pizza was fantastic, though I am always swayed by 1. free food and 2. any post-race comestibles. I'd eat asphalt and bobby pins if that's what was offered. The High Noon food and atmosphere are highly praised by friends of ours and I hope Grinders High Noon is here to stay, especially if they continue the Rudolph Red Nose 7.2M every year!
How's your winter racing going? I love our Indian Summer...but know it's unseasonable! I'm sure next year will be far colder but I am looking forward to this race again already.
Over the last few months, the previous establishment here (High Noon Saloon) closed, and then opened recently as a re-imagined Grinders franchise. I was worried that the race wouldn't be offered this year due to changes in the management and ownership, but a week before the race, I spotted a sign in town advertising the event.
My goal like last year was to run in under and hour, and also to run more quickly than last year.
I had nothing but luck on my side -- warm sun, high 50s, just the faintest of breezes. The course starts at the restaurant and travels south through the VA campus, around the duck pond, and back to the restaurant. I love that it's such an odd distance - tough for the typical 5K crowd, and a bit of a stretch for the 10K weekenders too. It's so much fun too because it starts eponymously at 12:00 sharp. What a nice change, to sleep in for a run for a change!
The field of runners was so small this year, well down from about 100 last year, but the race director acknowledged that advertisement had been last minute due to uncertainty in the continuation of the race this year. I was just so pleased that it reappeared for the 7th year. I am so thankful to the management of Grinders for deciding to continue to support this in cooperation with the Riverfront Community Center. It's a great Leavenworth race, and the course is hilly -- challenging for sure. The overplayed joke is that "it's Kansas, no hills here!" and that joke my friends is still not funny!
The roads are low-traffic, and scenic, and since it is largely out-and-back there aren't too many race volunteers needed throughout the course to direct runners and traffic. I love that all ages show up, to include my new race friend, in his 80s:
 |
| RFCC's photo of us...he's totally trying to get away from me :( |
And so many wore the cute shirt.
And others were comfortably attired in elf, kangaroo (Leavenworth's sister city is Wagga Wagga Australia, of course!) costumes and Rudolph himself made a royal appearance for pictures among us plebeians.
I had a great race, and as often happens, I luck out at smaller events and win a FOF! I came in just under 57 minutes which makes me real happy on this rolling course.
I beat my time from last year, met some really nice runners, and am overall very impressed with Grinders. I hadn't been there since it reopened, and the interior is much brighter and more inviting with the renovation. I'm looking forward to our upcoming Christmas party there. The menu looks delicious, and I will attest that the post-race pizza was fantastic, though I am always swayed by 1. free food and 2. any post-race comestibles. I'd eat asphalt and bobby pins if that's what was offered. The High Noon food and atmosphere are highly praised by friends of ours and I hope Grinders High Noon is here to stay, especially if they continue the Rudolph Red Nose 7.2M every year!
How's your winter racing going? I love our Indian Summer...but know it's unseasonable! I'm sure next year will be far colder but I am looking forward to this race again already.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Inclement weather gear test 1...of many, it seems
Among the so many things for which I am thankful, I got to try out my bad/wet/cold/snowy/rainy running gear yesterday.
The first real day of cold and wet Kansas winter weather started Thanksgiving morning, at almost exactly the moment we left our house to walk Nugget. Not 100 yards from home, the soft rain turned cold and fierce as westerlies gusted and chilled us to the bone. The rest of our walk became a run and Nugget, Eskimo fur and all, willingly complied with an abbreviated walk.
We waited all day for the weather to improve so that we could run outside. It didn't!
Instead I drove to Weston for a quick 5K with the hope that the trees would shelter the running path from the rain and more forceful blusters. I plan on running the Psychowyco in February, so why not try out my cold/wet weather plan starting now? I figured.
February weather around here could be anything, so I'd best prepare!
Well, my plan sucks. My "rain jacket" is apparently only a wind breaker. My running tights are seemingly water-absorbent, practically sponges! Not so nice on a cold day. Luckily I have enough flesh on my thighs that they rarely get cold. My thermal Under Armor turtleneck overheated me. The turtleneck part felt like a garrote, and I wished I'd worn instead a shirt with a zippered collar or even just a short sleeve shirt. Cheapie knit drug-store throwaway gloves? Dual purpose...if you want the dual purposes of keeping your fingers wet and extra cold. My hat - fleece beanie (an old PT hat) kept my hair dry, but I was too hot a mile in and taking it off left my scalp to suffer an ice-mop of hair. I need something breathable yet water repellent. So, limited luck yesterday. I wish I'd worn my running sleeves, a short sleeve shirt, and an actual rain jacket (I don't have one). The leg sponges at least prevented water from dripping into my shoes, but a more technical/evaporative fabric would be nice.
If I'd been out longer than a 5K, my feet would've been soaked and frozen, but that's not usually bothersome to me. On a side note, I do look forward to a new pair of trail shoes. My old ones are torn and tread-bare and won't hold up much longer. I want to branch completely away from the Mizuno family and see if I am happier in a Saucony trail shoe, just like I am for my daily runners (the Kinvara 6). I committed to the Kinvara 6 even more and bought a second pair last week ($79.99 - a great discount!) while in DC. I did go for a half size larger which I think is a better fit for thicker winter socks. I am exceptionally pleased so far.
Anyway, thank you Kansas for the upcoming opportunities to try out winter running gear over and over again!
I retuned home from Weston a soggy chilled mess and prepared for our Thanksgiving dinner, planned at a friend's home. D does not involve himself in the kitchen much so he snuggled up to finish The Man in the High Castle and I made a walnut cranberry pumpkin seed salad, which seems so insufficient, and so to compensate we brought lots of wine. And a hostess gift of our halibut, sure, it's not customary, but it is darn well received!
I hate when a dinner party host says to "bring nothing but your appetite!" because then I am left to scramble and demonstrate not only my lack of creativity but also precisely how poor a cook I am. My friend is tres gourmet and I ogled the Viking appliances as I helped her/got in the way in the kitchen. This was our first gluten-free Thanksgiving experience and it was awesome! It doesn't hurt that my friend is an amazing chef who's been dealing with true celiac for years, but I could not tell that any of the items were gluten-free and we ate too much of everything, exactly as one is supposed to do.
Today it's even colder and the overnight freezing rain sealed our cars, steps, porch in a slick glaze. Nugget slipped down the back staircase as she scurried out for her morning pee-pee, no worse for the tumble, but we don't plan on going many places today just in case the roads stay icy. Well, we rarely venture out on Black Friday anyway.
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and is ready for winter running season with at least a little more luck/preparation than I! :)
The first real day of cold and wet Kansas winter weather started Thanksgiving morning, at almost exactly the moment we left our house to walk Nugget. Not 100 yards from home, the soft rain turned cold and fierce as westerlies gusted and chilled us to the bone. The rest of our walk became a run and Nugget, Eskimo fur and all, willingly complied with an abbreviated walk.
We waited all day for the weather to improve so that we could run outside. It didn't!
Instead I drove to Weston for a quick 5K with the hope that the trees would shelter the running path from the rain and more forceful blusters. I plan on running the Psychowyco in February, so why not try out my cold/wet weather plan starting now? I figured.
February weather around here could be anything, so I'd best prepare!
Well, my plan sucks. My "rain jacket" is apparently only a wind breaker. My running tights are seemingly water-absorbent, practically sponges! Not so nice on a cold day. Luckily I have enough flesh on my thighs that they rarely get cold. My thermal Under Armor turtleneck overheated me. The turtleneck part felt like a garrote, and I wished I'd worn instead a shirt with a zippered collar or even just a short sleeve shirt. Cheapie knit drug-store throwaway gloves? Dual purpose...if you want the dual purposes of keeping your fingers wet and extra cold. My hat - fleece beanie (an old PT hat) kept my hair dry, but I was too hot a mile in and taking it off left my scalp to suffer an ice-mop of hair. I need something breathable yet water repellent. So, limited luck yesterday. I wish I'd worn my running sleeves, a short sleeve shirt, and an actual rain jacket (I don't have one). The leg sponges at least prevented water from dripping into my shoes, but a more technical/evaporative fabric would be nice.
If I'd been out longer than a 5K, my feet would've been soaked and frozen, but that's not usually bothersome to me. On a side note, I do look forward to a new pair of trail shoes. My old ones are torn and tread-bare and won't hold up much longer. I want to branch completely away from the Mizuno family and see if I am happier in a Saucony trail shoe, just like I am for my daily runners (the Kinvara 6). I committed to the Kinvara 6 even more and bought a second pair last week ($79.99 - a great discount!) while in DC. I did go for a half size larger which I think is a better fit for thicker winter socks. I am exceptionally pleased so far.
Anyway, thank you Kansas for the upcoming opportunities to try out winter running gear over and over again!
I retuned home from Weston a soggy chilled mess and prepared for our Thanksgiving dinner, planned at a friend's home. D does not involve himself in the kitchen much so he snuggled up to finish The Man in the High Castle and I made a walnut cranberry pumpkin seed salad, which seems so insufficient, and so to compensate we brought lots of wine. And a hostess gift of our halibut, sure, it's not customary, but it is darn well received!
I hate when a dinner party host says to "bring nothing but your appetite!" because then I am left to scramble and demonstrate not only my lack of creativity but also precisely how poor a cook I am. My friend is tres gourmet and I ogled the Viking appliances as I helped her/got in the way in the kitchen. This was our first gluten-free Thanksgiving experience and it was awesome! It doesn't hurt that my friend is an amazing chef who's been dealing with true celiac for years, but I could not tell that any of the items were gluten-free and we ate too much of everything, exactly as one is supposed to do.
Today it's even colder and the overnight freezing rain sealed our cars, steps, porch in a slick glaze. Nugget slipped down the back staircase as she scurried out for her morning pee-pee, no worse for the tumble, but we don't plan on going many places today just in case the roads stay icy. Well, we rarely venture out on Black Friday anyway.
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and is ready for winter running season with at least a little more luck/preparation than I! :)
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Wyco Lake Park Trail Run: Veteran's Day Fantastic 4 Miler
 |
| Poppies for remembrance! Allow me to remember citing the source, here |
 |
| Here we go! |
The special event today was Veteran's (and public servants) Day. For any EMS, police, fire department, current/former military, the race was FREE! For all others, just $15!
To me the very spirit of America is that of intrepid volunteerism, which our public servants live out each day, no matter the austerity or dire nature of the situation.
Why not toast to them and those we remember with a 4-mile run?
Today's course started in the trails of the northeast corner of the Wyandotte County Lake, following the curves and the hills surrounding the reservoir. Though the park is just one hill from I-435, it feels a quiet and peaceful world away.
 |
| View of the trail - from across the lake |
 |
| View down the spillway |
The one thing I don't like about running (or riding) on hilly single-track is getting stuck behind a long line of runners. It's a dicey maneuver to pass people (no matter how much verbal warning you provide) and I tripped a few times, losing footing on the shaky, slick, muddy hillsides, amid roots and rocks of all sizes. Fallen leaves and dappled sunshine further obscured a clear view of the footpath, so I was glad I wore my old trail shoes. Oh woe is me, to run on a perfect day in a beautiful place....
 |
| Immediately after taking this picture, D asked if I wanted my thighs in the frame....(????) |
 |
| I guess he'll let me know how comfortable the couch is in the morning |
Many thanks to the Trailnerds volunteers, again part of why America is just so great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)