Podcasts to run to
Showing posts with label kim cowart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kim cowart. Show all posts
Favorite Podcasts 2016
Podcasts to run to
Be Careful What You Wish For
Warning: this post may contain one graphic image. It's also very long. Settle in.
The fact that this post exists is a miracle in and of itself. I'm figuring out how to navigate typing with my dominant arm in a sling. In fact, I'm figuring out how to do everything with my dominant arm in a sling. I'm realizing how important thumbs are to overall life function and just how tricky ponytails can be with almost no range of motion in one arm. I've also learned my husband stinks at ponytails, too.
But all that being said, I need to say I am fine. My friend Shelly is fine. But there were some moments this weekend when we weren't sure we would be fine. After ten years of road cycling, we finally had our big crash.
My thumbs, which aren't fully operational, are tired of texting various versions of our story, so here it is in all it's glory (or shame- you decide).
Each year Shelly and I raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and ride the Little Red Riding Hood century bike ride with the Huntsman Hometown Heroes. Shelly's mom passed away from cancer and so did my friend Marie, so it's an extra special day for us.
As we were driving up to Logan Friday afternoon, we were both struck with a case of nerves. Shelly jokingly said she kinda wished we get hurt on the ride so we wouldn't have to climb the big hill at mile 90. I thought it might be nice to get hurt enough so I wouldn't have to run the Utah Valley Marathon the following week. WE WERE JOKING!!!!!!
Friday night was a blast. We laughed ourselves sick watching silly YouTube videos, dined on chicken wraps and ice cream and promptly passed out fast asleep. We woke up early to "waffle-up" for pre-race fuel and made our way to the start line. Then the jitters hit me hard.
I'm usually nervous for a race, but never this nervous for a bike ride. I thought it was because we'd only been out on our bikes once before. We are most definitely fair weather riders and the weather has been anything but fair. We saw our good friend Rick Ortenburger at the start and I shared my nervous sentiment. Suddenly we were off. 100 miles till we get our milkshakes!!
The first 12 miles were a little nerve wracking. It seemed there were so many more riders this year. The pack didn't open up for quite awhile. A lot of women were riding 4 abreast. A big no-no. The course is open which means cars aren't prohibited from driving the same roads we were riding. Two abreast or single-file is the rule. We got to the first rest stop, shed my jacket and we were back on our bikes.
The next 10 miles were a bit better. We found Rick at that stop and I gave him my jacket. Elfi, Rick's wife and a Hometown Hero coach, was right behind us. We took this quick pic and got back on the road again.
Call this intuition. Call it a premonition. But I know this course and I told Shelly as we left the second rest stop that I was most nervous for these next few miles as they took us on a more busy road in an industrial business section of Logan. There's always a lot of bike and car traffic and lots of debris on the road.
But we were feeling good and enjoying a gorgeous day. We were talking about how great we felt and how grateful we were for our health when "it" happened.
As we were riding, going about 17-18 mph on the road's shoulder, Shelly hit a block of wood the size of a small brick, lost control of her bike and crashed into me. I veered right, ran into a tall curb and flew over the curb landing in a bed of large landscaping rocks. Here's what I remember. I remember Shelly hitting me, me trying to get control, and then realizing, "This is happening" as I crashed into the curb. I landed on my right shoulder, mimimal skidding so minimal road rash. I couldn't move and was yelling for help and crying. I couldn't hear Shelly and didn't know if she veered into traffic, if she was conscious or if she was okay. I laid there for what seemed to be 5 minutes, but Shelly says help came almost instantly.
A man showed up and asked if I could hold his hand. I could and I did. He just stayed there and said I would be fine. I said I couldn't move. I heard Shelly's voice and was instantly relieved. She sounded okay. She was talking to a woman who turned out to be the wife of the man helping me. They owned a business close by and had seen us crash. My eyes were closed the entire time, but apparently there was quite a crowd. Elfi and been not too far behind and saw us in the road. She didn't stop because she felt she'd be in the way. I was so embarrassed (yes, embarrassed) that I'm glad she kept riding. No sense in ruining another's ride.
The paramedics came. They asked if I wanted to go to the hospital. I actually thought I could still finish the ride. Yep, that was a real thought. So did Shelly. So the paramedics tricked us into going to the hospital by telling each of us that the other HAD to go. Turns out it was a good idea, so no hard feelings guys. Thanks for making us do the right thing!
Shelly thought I would suspend our friendship after the crash, so she was relieved to hear me ask for her to be with me as we rode to the hospital. She called our husbands who reacted surprisingly well.
The next 5 hours were spent in Logan Regional Hospital. They let us share a room which kept us calm and in better spirits. I've never seen Shelly cry before, but we were both crying. Then laughing.
My prognosis: I have a Grade 3 AC separation. The AC connects the collarbone to the shoulder joint. Grade 3 means possible physical therapy, but no surgery. My right shoulder looked like there was a baseball under the skin. I was convinced I broke the collarbone, so it was good news to hear there was no break. I have to keep the shoulder elevated and immobilized for up to six weeks. Guess burpees and push ups are out for awhile (tiny blessings!). Some bad road rash, torn shorts and gloves and a newfound fear of wood was my souvenir.
Shelly's prognosis: There is a hole in her elbow. The bone was showing, the gash was so deep. She had landed on her right side, too, and skidded along the road so her road rash is much worse. She left with stitches and a ripped jersey and a reinforced fear of needles. Five numbing shots to an open wound in an elbow will do that.
We called Rick and he was able to pick us up at the hospital and take us to our car. We love the Ortenburgers. They'd been so worried. I thought the paramedics and told them our injuries, but it wasn't until I called for a ride that they really knew we were okay. I would have called sooner, but we were so happy he was there to pick us up.
The bad- I can't run the Utah Valley Marathon next week. I know I said I wanted an "out" but not really. I was in great shape and really wanted to win the Master's Divison. I am also most likely out for Ragnar the week after. I'm team captain. Yeah, this is gonna be fun news to break. I'm operating on the hope that I'm fitter than most and my healing will be quicker, but I'm not stupid enough to run a race with my ego. My long-term health is more important than a race or making other teammates happy.
The good- There's a lot. I'm so grateful for Shelly. Without her I would have been a mental mess. We laughed so hard I thought I would break my collarbone after all! She felt so bad for hitting the debris, but it's not her fault. I'm so grateful we were together. Not that I want her hurt, but I'm glad we went through all this as a pair. If anything bonds people together, it's trauma. Although I really think we could have bonded just as well over milkshakes. She is truly one of the best friends I've ever had and I'm lucky to have her. The outcome could have been so much worse, so I'm grateful our injuries are what they are. We also realized how many good people there are in the world. The husband and wife who rushed out to help us also stored our bikes at their store until we were able to pick them up. I'm so glad he was there to hold my hand and keep me calm. The world is full of good people.
(Side note: both mine and Shelly's helmets weren't adjusted properly when we started the ride. We were able to adjust them just a few miles before the crash. Had we not fixed them, I'm positive we would have sustained serious head trauma. We both hit our heads hard and those helmets saved our bacon. WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!!!)
The best part? The nurse gave us matching slings!!! We even had matching gauze on our arms and legs. Twinners!!
The next day, Sunday, Shelly drove to my house and instead of doing our normal Sunday run, we took a very long walk. It was a bit sad looking, I'm sure. The walking wounded. We got lots of stares and a few curious people stopped to ask what happened. But it was good to get out into the sun, move our limping bodies and complain to the only other person who knows how truly awful it all was. If I could lift my arm, I would give her a huge hug.
By the way, Saturday was Shelly's 51st birthday. I dare her to have a birthday more memorable!
The fact that this post exists is a miracle in and of itself. I'm figuring out how to navigate typing with my dominant arm in a sling. In fact, I'm figuring out how to do everything with my dominant arm in a sling. I'm realizing how important thumbs are to overall life function and just how tricky ponytails can be with almost no range of motion in one arm. I've also learned my husband stinks at ponytails, too.
But all that being said, I need to say I am fine. My friend Shelly is fine. But there were some moments this weekend when we weren't sure we would be fine. After ten years of road cycling, we finally had our big crash.
My thumbs, which aren't fully operational, are tired of texting various versions of our story, so here it is in all it's glory (or shame- you decide).
Each year Shelly and I raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and ride the Little Red Riding Hood century bike ride with the Huntsman Hometown Heroes. Shelly's mom passed away from cancer and so did my friend Marie, so it's an extra special day for us.
As we were driving up to Logan Friday afternoon, we were both struck with a case of nerves. Shelly jokingly said she kinda wished we get hurt on the ride so we wouldn't have to climb the big hill at mile 90. I thought it might be nice to get hurt enough so I wouldn't have to run the Utah Valley Marathon the following week. WE WERE JOKING!!!!!!
Friday night was a blast. We laughed ourselves sick watching silly YouTube videos, dined on chicken wraps and ice cream and promptly passed out fast asleep. We woke up early to "waffle-up" for pre-race fuel and made our way to the start line. Then the jitters hit me hard.
Pre-ride smiles. If only we knew...
The first 12 miles were a little nerve wracking. It seemed there were so many more riders this year. The pack didn't open up for quite awhile. A lot of women were riding 4 abreast. A big no-no. The course is open which means cars aren't prohibited from driving the same roads we were riding. Two abreast or single-file is the rule. We got to the first rest stop, shed my jacket and we were back on our bikes.
The next 10 miles were a bit better. We found Rick at that stop and I gave him my jacket. Elfi, Rick's wife and a Hometown Hero coach, was right behind us. We took this quick pic and got back on the road again.
Elfi, me and Shelly just ten miles before the crash.
But we were feeling good and enjoying a gorgeous day. We were talking about how great we felt and how grateful we were for our health when "it" happened.
A man showed up and asked if I could hold his hand. I could and I did. He just stayed there and said I would be fine. I said I couldn't move. I heard Shelly's voice and was instantly relieved. She sounded okay. She was talking to a woman who turned out to be the wife of the man helping me. They owned a business close by and had seen us crash. My eyes were closed the entire time, but apparently there was quite a crowd. Elfi and been not too far behind and saw us in the road. She didn't stop because she felt she'd be in the way. I was so embarrassed (yes, embarrassed) that I'm glad she kept riding. No sense in ruining another's ride.
The paramedics came. They asked if I wanted to go to the hospital. I actually thought I could still finish the ride. Yep, that was a real thought. So did Shelly. So the paramedics tricked us into going to the hospital by telling each of us that the other HAD to go. Turns out it was a good idea, so no hard feelings guys. Thanks for making us do the right thing!
Shelly thought I would suspend our friendship after the crash, so she was relieved to hear me ask for her to be with me as we rode to the hospital. She called our husbands who reacted surprisingly well.
The next 5 hours were spent in Logan Regional Hospital. They let us share a room which kept us calm and in better spirits. I've never seen Shelly cry before, but we were both crying. Then laughing.
My prognosis: I have a Grade 3 AC separation. The AC connects the collarbone to the shoulder joint. Grade 3 means possible physical therapy, but no surgery. My right shoulder looked like there was a baseball under the skin. I was convinced I broke the collarbone, so it was good news to hear there was no break. I have to keep the shoulder elevated and immobilized for up to six weeks. Guess burpees and push ups are out for awhile (tiny blessings!). Some bad road rash, torn shorts and gloves and a newfound fear of wood was my souvenir.
Shelly's prognosis: There is a hole in her elbow. The bone was showing, the gash was so deep. She had landed on her right side, too, and skidded along the road so her road rash is much worse. She left with stitches and a ripped jersey and a reinforced fear of needles. Five numbing shots to an open wound in an elbow will do that.
The hole in Shelly's elbow as they were cleaning her out. The words "irrigate" and "scrub" were used. The words "faint" and "vomit" were felt. 
Shelly's road rash
The bad- I can't run the Utah Valley Marathon next week. I know I said I wanted an "out" but not really. I was in great shape and really wanted to win the Master's Divison. I am also most likely out for Ragnar the week after. I'm team captain. Yeah, this is gonna be fun news to break. I'm operating on the hope that I'm fitter than most and my healing will be quicker, but I'm not stupid enough to run a race with my ego. My long-term health is more important than a race or making other teammates happy.
I know I look like I'm in pain, but I'm really yelling at Shelly for taking a picture of me with my shirt off in the hospital bed.
(Side note: both mine and Shelly's helmets weren't adjusted properly when we started the ride. We were able to adjust them just a few miles before the crash. Had we not fixed them, I'm positive we would have sustained serious head trauma. We both hit our heads hard and those helmets saved our bacon. WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!!!)
The best part? The nurse gave us matching slings!!! We even had matching gauze on our arms and legs. Twinners!!
How cute is this! Despite our laughing, this really wasn't fun at all.
By the way, Saturday was Shelly's 51st birthday. I dare her to have a birthday more memorable!
We met this woman as we were all being discharged at the same time. She was riding Little Red, too, and crashed at mile 8 after one of the SAG vehicles startled her and she crashed into another rider. Triplets!!
The Jeffries Family
Sometimes the stories I write stick with me long after they're finished. This is one of them. I'm not sure if it's because Anne is around my age, 42, or because her sister is my friend Joidee or because I see my own daughters when I look at this picture of Anne with hers. Whatever the reason, this story has touched me profoundly. It's so cliche to say each day is a gift, but how else do we describe it? It's hard to treat each day like it's our last when the house is messy and the kids are acting obnoxious or when money feels tight. It's hard to feel like every moment is precious when so many of them are wrapped up in the mundane acts of life. Cleaning toilets isn't all that amazing, is it? But hearing Anne's story has been a reminder to find the precious among the mundane. Click on the link below to read her story and try to look for the joy a little harder today.
Marie
About 5 years ago I got a Facebook message from my friend Rick asking for advice on behalf of another friend who had just qualified for the Boston Marathon and was making her first trek to run those famous 26.2 miles. He sent me her name and contact information. I texted her, messaged her and set up a time to meet her at the Boston marathon expo. It was there I met Marie Murray.
It was a quick visit. She and her husband wanted to go on a Duck Tour. I was in search of pizza at the North End. We chatted a bit and parted ways. Little did I know the impact this woman would have on my life.
Isn't that how it goes? One small moment can change us in lasting ways. Over the next few years I would run many relay races with Marie. We were Huntsman Hometown Heroes together. In fact, it was her cancer story that was the final push I needed to join this special team. Diagnosed with breast cancer almost ten years ago, she seemed to beat the odds. She was invincible. Ever positive and full of joy, it seemed unlikely that life could ever leave her. But it did. Last night she passed away and we are all a little emptier.
It's weird, this grieving thing. I'm both sad, but at peace. I love this girl and I'm sad she's gone. I'm sad for her family. I'm sad for us. I'm sad for her and all she will miss. But I'm relieved this burden has been lifted. Cancer sucks. It just does. There's no eloquent way to say it. It sucks. It seems strange that the world continues on. It feels like everything should just stop a moment. But that doesn't happen. Life goes on, and if Marie taught me anything, it's to make every moment count. Cherish those you love. Nurture your gifts and talents and use them to bring joy to others. Marie did. And that's why her spirit will continue to live on.
Our 2015 Epic Relay Team. Marie is in the center, joyful as always. We ran for her.
Isn't that how it goes? One small moment can change us in lasting ways. Over the next few years I would run many relay races with Marie. We were Huntsman Hometown Heroes together. In fact, it was her cancer story that was the final push I needed to join this special team. Diagnosed with breast cancer almost ten years ago, she seemed to beat the odds. She was invincible. Ever positive and full of joy, it seemed unlikely that life could ever leave her. But it did. Last night she passed away and we are all a little emptier.
It's weird, this grieving thing. I'm both sad, but at peace. I love this girl and I'm sad she's gone. I'm sad for her family. I'm sad for us. I'm sad for her and all she will miss. But I'm relieved this burden has been lifted. Cancer sucks. It just does. There's no eloquent way to say it. It sucks. It seems strange that the world continues on. It feels like everything should just stop a moment. But that doesn't happen. Life goes on, and if Marie taught me anything, it's to make every moment count. Cherish those you love. Nurture your gifts and talents and use them to bring joy to others. Marie did. And that's why her spirit will continue to live on.
What Fitness Instructors and Class Members Wish The Other Knew
Fitness is on a lot of people's minds at the start of the year. One way to make sure New Year's resolutions become true lifestyle changes is to find activities you love. You're more likely to stick with something that brings you joy rather than suffering. For that reason, many turn to group fitness classes. They're fun. They're motivating. They're as social as they are physical. To make the most out of any group workout, though, instructors and members have to understand each other and work together. I've compiled a few items instructors wish their members knew and vice versa. A little understanding goes a long way. Here's to a happy and healthy new year!
Click on the link below to read my article on deseretnews.com.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644764/How-to-get-the-most-out-of-group-fitness-class.html
Click on the link below to read my article on deseretnews.com.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644764/How-to-get-the-most-out-of-group-fitness-class.html
Happy Holidays
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644139/7Twas-the-night-before-race-day-.html
Runner's Wish List
Kaitlynne cheering me on at my first marathon in 2008.
It's no secret in my family that I love to open presents. But what I don't think they realize is I love to see them open gifts I bought for them and their joyous reaction. I can't thank my family and loved ones enough for all the support they've thrown my way over 43 marathons. But I'm going to try. Click on the link below to find my latest Deseret News article where you'll not only find gift ideas for the runner in your life, but ideas for the spectators and cheerleaders in your life as well. Because really, what's a finish line without the hugs and cheers from your loved ones?http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643171/A-running-gift-list-for-the-runner-and-spectator-in-your-life.html
My fantastic family and friends cheering me in to the finish of my 40th marathon on my 40th birthday. Best. Finish. Ever.
Huntsman Hometown Hero Time!
The fabulous Marie Murray and I after a 20-mile training run with the 2013 Huntsman Hometown Hero Team
Marie Murray has been a Hometown Hero almost as long as they've existed. She beat the cancer odds once ten years ago and is fighting her way to beat them again now. I love this girl's spirit and I love this girl! I'm also raising money for my dad, aunt, and countless other friends who have battled this disease. Some are with us still, some are not. But all are remembered. Help me honor their memory and donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. 100% of your money goes to research and they are making incredible strides. It's an exciting time to be a Huntsman Hometown Hero!
Donate using the link to the right of this page under Huntsman Hometown Hero.
And thank you!
Napa Valley Ragnar 2015
The 2015 Fat Boy Racing Team
But I didn't want to be that girl pulling out of the race with only days to find a replacement. Plus, my goal this past year has been to see as much of this beautiful world on foot as possible.
I'm so glad I said yes.
Click on the link below to read what made this relay such a great one for me.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865641017/Napa-Valley-Ragnar-Relay-brings-runners-together.html
