tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81611639698587930082024-02-18T21:06:09.802-08:00Deb's Life as a Lupus Runner, Swimmer, and BikerI am a 40 something who has been living with lupus since 1998. When I was diagnosed, I was told to "get my life in order" because I should expect about 10 more years of life. At the time I thought that 10 years was a long time and was thankful to have that much of a future. I'm now well past that 10 years and I'm celebrating my life every day! Along the way I was blessed with an amazing boyfriend, Tim. Tim has modeled an active lifestyle that I have embraced and my lupus has loved.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-36963036682532791242013-04-07T16:09:00.001-07:002013-04-07T16:09:34.863-07:00Guess Who Got Engaged! !! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have A Lot that I could write about on the lupus front, but I have more exciting news! Tim and I are officially engaged! I wouldn't be a true female if I didn't write a blog about, so here goes.<br />
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( I can't even think about this, without my eyes leaking. Don't worry the leak isn't a side effect of lupus, but rather my way of saying tears are falling. All Happy! )<br />
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One of my Christmas Gifts from Tim was a Spring Break trip to Las Vegas! On our first day of the trip we toured Hoover Dam and then drove to Arizona to participate in a trail race. The views at the dam and on the drive to Arizona were amazing! The trail race was just beautiful! It never fails that during every race I am shocked and amazed at how fortunate I am to be competing in such an event! This race was no exception, as it was a true butt kicker! This was the perfect way to start the day that we would get engaged.<br />
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So, getting to the point of this post... We finished the race and cleaned up a bit and then set off to drive back to Las Vegas via Sedona, Arizona for some sight seeing. We stopped at an area called Bell Rock Vista to take a little hike. The views in his area were just beautiful! Tim got a little back pack out of the car to take on our hike and he wouldn't let me look at it. I did think that it was odd, but had NO IDEA what was coming. We hiked out a bit until Tim found a nice spot to sit. He asked me to sit on the rock and made me close my eyes while he got it ready. He got out a little Pooh bear and told me to open my eyes. ( If you know me, you know that I love Pooh!) Tim was holding the left arm of the Pooh and said to me, " You can only have him if you promise to marry me." He then let Pooh's arm go to display the most beautiful ring! I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA HE WAS GOING TO PROPOSE! My answer, without hesitation, was YES! This was one of the most romantic, beautiful , special experiences of my life! It was like something out of a Hallmark movie! Here is our engagement pictue, note we have on our matching race shirts.<br />
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-38124048080779218252013-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:002013-02-02T13:31:06.242-08:00January 2013... The NumbersI typically have no idea how many miles / hours that I cover in an given week/ month/ year.... so, I'm going to try to keep track of my exercise this year. I'm spinning at the Y, so I am just using an average of 20 miles for an hour class. In January 2013 I logged: 120 miles on the bike, 26 miles of running and 16 hours of, "other." This month "other" is defined as: elliptical, stair stepper, pilates class, and workout videos. <br />
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I'm pretty pleased with these numbers, considering that I have had A LOT of joint, muscle pain - thanks to mother nature. On the lupus front, I had a small eye inflammation in my eye, nothing that a healthy dose of steroids aren't taking care of, gotta love steroids!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-9547626945477192862012-10-20T11:53:00.000-07:002012-10-20T11:54:21.003-07:00Cincinnati Half MarathonI did my first half marathon without TIm today. My solo effort had my nerves on edge, as Tim is the one who always works out driving directions, parking, and departure time. The races started at Sawyer Point which is an area that I am only slightly familiar. Thanks to NancyBarbara, my trusty GPS I arrived successfully! The races sells itself as a low key no frills event and I would say that is exactly true. The course was pretty cool, running around downtown Cincinnati. I have never been around Paul Brown Stadium so it was a sight seeing adventure! I started out probably faster than I should have, but was feeling good. The temperature at the start was pretty nice and pretty soon I had worked up a good sweat. The first 9.5miles of the race were pretty I eventful, and then it started to drizzle and the wind really picked up! At this point I was on the stretch that runs along the Ohio River and was hating every second of the breeze. By mile 10 I was shivering cold and wet. It wasn't supposed to rain! Here is where I fall apart. I hadn't been running more than twice a week, so I was a little undertrained but had been getting in a weekly long run, so I knew that I could go the distance. Unfortunately the cold rain made my legs cramp, BAD! My quads, calves, and hamstrings were cramping, in both legs! Every step was painful! I started feeling sorry for myself and putting on a little pity party, which resulted in not taking full breathes and causing dizziness! Not one of my brighter moves! I gave myself permission to walk the rest of the race with the coal of moving slow, breathing deep, and being thankful for the ability to be able to finish! I finished, slow and steady. My legs feel really beat up and sore. I dread what they will feel like tomorrow! I have no pic of me because all I wanted to do was get in the car and get warm! Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-1164933323372102292012-07-16T14:59:00.002-07:002012-07-16T15:31:20.460-07:00I Had This Crazy Idea.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My idea was to complete an ironman triathlon. . An ironman is a triathlon that consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 run. No, I'm not crazy I wasn't going to do it all in one day. My goal was to do it over the course of one week. I'm happy to say that I did complete the the ironman, but it took me 8 days. Maybe I'll try it again some day. <br />
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My summer numbers / goals: run 107 / 125, bike 1000 / 563, swim 8 / 25.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-27066441741690326192012-07-02T18:52:00.000-07:002012-07-02T19:41:38.649-07:00Tour de Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tour de Cure
The Tour de Cure could have been appropriately named, Tour de Hills, Tour de Beauty, Tour de Countryside, Tour de Heat, Tour de Humidity, Tour de Goats, or Tour de Fun. As always it was a great ride and Tim took excellent care of me!
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A few months ago Tim suggested that we participate in this American Diabetes Associations bike ride / fund raising event. I have had several students who live with diabetes and I am extremely impressed by them and how they live with diabetes. I decided that this would be an excellent opportunity to do something in their honor. Tim and I made a team and raised $415 to be donated to the American Diabetes Association in Honor of two of my students, Alexis and Jordan.
We had decided from the start that we were going to do the century ride (100 miles.) Just before the race we learned the century riders needed to finish by 3:00. Well, I'm slow and finishing by 3:00 just wasn't possible for me. Tim and I were discussing our options, one of them being to ask if we could stay on the course without support to finish up our ride. Let me explain what "support" means. The event had stops every 15ish miles where they supplied water, sports drinks, food, and restrooms. We were riding out in the beautiful Iowa countryside, so support was a MUST HAVE on this HOT summer day!
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As it got closer to the day of the ride, the temperatures were getting higher and higher and the reality of us staying out on the course without support was becoming less and less likely. We had made an initial decision to start the 100 mile course (the events had staggered start times, with the century starting first) and then just picked up by the SAG (support and gear) truck at 3:00. That decision lasted less than a day. In rolled the storms! The hourly forecast called for storms at the start of the century ride, so we decided to just go with the 50 miler.
As we were leaving home there were still rumbles of thunder and I was a bit worried that the ride wouldn't take place because the skies still looked pretty dark, but there was no rain so we were going for it! There we are at the start line enjoying the singing of the National Anthem when huge rain drops start to fall! Fortunately it only rained for about 2 minutes, and we never saw another drop the rest of the day! I was happy at first to have no rain, but then on came the HEAT! Do you know what happens when it gets really hot right after a rain? ? ? Yep, that's correct HUMIDITY!!
I had told myself before weeks before the event that I would not only be doing this event to honor my former students, but I would think of their strengths to help me to complete my course. I have never once seen either one of them complain about living with diabetes. They take multiple trips to the nurse's office on a daily basis for check ups and medications. They have to check in after lunch, before lunch, before school, after school, before class parties, after class parties, before class treats, after class treats... do you see my point? They are TOUCH!! Pain hit me around mile 40. I needed to remind myself not to complain and just keep going. I was hot, stinky, sweaty, my legs were tired, and my bottom wanted to be done with the bike seat. I kept telling myself that this would all be done once the ride was over and that I would go back to living my normal life. My pain would end, their diabetes wasn't going to, and that was the purpose of the event.. to raise money for research in hopes that some day soon a cure might be developed. With this in mind I continued through the end of the ride. I was a hot, sweaty, stinky mess at the end!
Some highlights of the event: Red Riders - people who were riding with diabetes! There were several, three stood out to me- 1. a female a few years younger than me riding a mountain bike. This was a very hilly route and it was difficult enough on my road bike, I can't imagine doing it on a road bike. I also kept reminding myself how lucky I was that I didn't have to live with diabetes. 2. A 20something man with an insulin pump on his belt. I had never seen someone so active with a pump. I found it encouraging. 3. An older rider. He impressed me for two reasons - 1. His age and the fact that he was still so active 2. His derailed broke and his bike was stuck in a high gear. That means that he was stuck in the "pedal hard" gears and couldn't move to the "pedal easy" gears. This was significant because this course was HILLY! I heard him asking around at one of the stops if anyone knew how to fix his gears. They told him no, but he could put his bike in the SAG truck and be picked up. His answer was, " No, I'll ride the rest in high gear before I SAG back!" WOW!!!!!! What a tough human spirit!
Overall, this was an EXCELLENT ride! I am disappointed that I didn't get my century ride complete, but I think that the life lessons that I took from all of these living with diabetes is worth my than anything that I could get from any other bike ride.
And not to the numbers - Goals:
This week: run- 16 bike - 42, swim 1/2. I will have to add the numbers up on the next blog. <br />
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Oh.. here are two new friends that I met on the ride.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-60276045602885880532012-06-12T12:05:00.001-07:002012-06-12T12:07:07.664-07:00TOMRV<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEMZfpEWMUaO_qXdO2Sc6nBnPTO7sl6wjxCFL4qXgCu-Ii27HZLsCOMi6gfqiAuAvkk_iR9_HB4NCJFjtGkNdsCVfYwrxnFRiWLbIoOlm6h7x68Zb2gz0Z6Msxhy1knx4PL_WsxX_gvg/s1600/TOMRV-2002-Profile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="97" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEMZfpEWMUaO_qXdO2Sc6nBnPTO7sl6wjxCFL4qXgCu-Ii27HZLsCOMi6gfqiAuAvkk_iR9_HB4NCJFjtGkNdsCVfYwrxnFRiWLbIoOlm6h7x68Zb2gz0Z6Msxhy1knx4PL_WsxX_gvg/s200/TOMRV-2002-Profile.gif" /></a>
This past weekend we did a two day bike ride totaling 116 miles! We started by camping in a small park on Friday night, there were no campfires with smores, but it was fun just the same. We rode our bikes from Preston, Iowa to Dubuque, Iowa. The photo above is the elevation map of the ride. It was VERY HILLY! There was one grand hill called, "The Wall." We did this ride two years ago and I skipped The Wall, so this year I went right for it! I am proud to say that I made it!! Saturday night spent the night in Dubuque and then rode back to Preston on Sunday. The ride home was DIFFICULT because most of the ride was either uphill or right into a strong wind. There were times when I found it difficult to keep my bike going in a straight line because of the wind. It was a great weekend! As always Tim took great care of me. He hauls all of our electrolyte and sodium needs. I'm a very lucky gal! I don't have any photos yet, so I'll do a blog with just photos. Tim got some good shots.
Here are my numbers / goals: Run 37 miles - goal is 125. Bike 340 miles - goal is 1000. Swim 5 miles - goal is 25.
P.S. The bottom and legs are still sore!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-77776172931790920422012-06-04T19:41:00.003-07:002012-06-04T19:41:46.609-07:00Crazy Busy!!totals: run - 37, bike - 224, swim - 4.5 Goals are: run - 125, bike - 1000 swim- 25Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-39585361244738097552012-05-20T11:48:00.002-07:002012-05-20T11:49:27.406-07:00Deb & Tim are riding in the Tour de Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tim and I will be doing a century ( 100 mile ) ride on June 30th. My goal is to raise $150 to support the American Diabetes Association. I am a teacher and work at a school where we have insulin dependent diabetic students. The two diabetic students that I have had are amazing children! They have the strength and courage of 10 adults! I will be doing this ride in their honor. You must know that putting ones behind on a bike seat for 100 miles isn't easy, nor is living with diabetes. When I want to quit or am uncomfortable on the bike, I will focus on the strength that I have seen in these children. They really are amazing!
If you can help support this cause, here is my fundraising link. http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=7789571&fr_id=8036&pg=personal
Here are the workout totals so far. Run - 50.6, bike - 153, swim - 2.5. Wow, I really need to get those bike miles up!! My goals are: run 125, bike 1000, and swim 2.5. I'll be focusing on bike for the next few weeks. I love to ride my bike! Nothing soothes the mind like a nice peaceful - bird free - bike ride.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-63919442907685035732012-05-16T18:22:00.002-07:002012-05-16T18:22:11.908-07:00too busy to even give it a title3 run. 11 bike. 34 bike....... only 5 more days to work!!!!!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-85450728535617893342012-05-06T19:14:00.000-07:002012-05-06T19:14:25.562-07:00Busy, Busy Bee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This has been an amazingly busy week! The good news is that the bladder hasn't hurt much in two days. The bad news is that I think that I am experiencing a painful side effect to the new drug that has taken away the bladder pain! Always something! I am going to try to use about half of the medication and see if that makes a difference. No, I'm not a doctor.. but I know my body and I also know that I don't want to run back and forth form doctor to doctor again this week! Heck, I don't even have time to mow my lawn this week... sorry neighbors!
Here are the numbers... I'll add them next weekend... too tired to do it now. Swim 1/2 mile. Run 3. Bike 20... Oh, I got my first ride in to my beloved, Sand Road. I'll post pictures of Sand Road this summer. It is my favorite ride! -- Off to another busy week.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-31820901972189942512012-04-29T15:55:00.001-07:002012-04-29T16:02:43.937-07:00But, I Feel Fine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week started off with a surprise. I had done my yearly 24 hour urine collection for my kidney doctor and had to drop it off at the hospital early Monday morning. Let me pause for a moment to tell you how FUN it is to have to collect every little drop for 24 hours.... ugh! I know, I should just be thankful that I am alive for another 24 hours.. okay - back to the story. The blood draw was pretty routine and I headed off to work. The doctors office called me within a few hours to see if I was, "Feeling better?" This was a shock because I didn't know that I was feeling bad! The nurse informed me that my blood sugar level was 45! Story break for informational purposes - Normal level would be 65 - 99. Okay - after reading about symptoms and normal levels and talking to some health care professionals, I have my doubts that this was a true reading. I felt fine, actually good. Another odd tidbit, I had fasting blood work done 3 days previous and my level was 72! The story gets better. This is the same doctor that called me last year at work and told me that my potassium levels were extremely high, and that I needed to go to the ER IMMEDIATELY, as I was in danger of having a heart attack! That news was enough to make me have a heart attack! ( I followed doctors orders and upon recheck was fine! )
Back to the nurse - she told me that IF, "I was concerned about this, that I could call my PCP." WTH... IF I WAS CONCERNED? Then she proceeded to tell me that the next reason for her call was to cancel my appt. I'm guessing that she wasn't too concerned about my kidneys either, as she wanted to reschedule my appt. for July.
I proceeded to visit with Dr. Google and found that hypoglycemia can be a side effect of my lupus medication, so I called my lupus doc and left a message. Her nurse called me back and told me, " She doesn't think your medication would do that." OMG IS THIS ALL A JOKE? Tim and I both had found this connection, but she didn't think so ? SSSSOOOO, I told her that I was seeing my PCP next week or did she think that I needed to see if I could get in sooner... she didn't answer!
I still feel fine and have felt fine, so I guess I'll drop this in my PCP's lap when I see her later this week... WEIRD I SAY... WEIRD!
Okay... time for the numbers... this week I ran 14.1 miles, biked 16.5 and swimming 1. This brings my totals to: Run 37.6, bike 69.1, and swim 3. My goals are: run 125 miles, bike 1,000 miles, and swim 25 miles. I did them all in order this week!
Have a great week!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-11678388523028192702012-04-22T14:07:00.002-07:002012-04-22T14:07:51.462-07:00Let's Do The Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdrBSJx1pqJr6Mk5dyvMxBjo9Q_nbAGT35kqBZZ1CAbtfVbEzIaztAtkNH5_44-fo1UpMI7Y5nyTp5HWQw2hyZrKqL3tDePvZrhluStawHYg99zRbWTVK58SkIIKEMi4SGVpP3CHJj_w/s1600/DSC05524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdrBSJx1pqJr6Mk5dyvMxBjo9Q_nbAGT35kqBZZ1CAbtfVbEzIaztAtkNH5_44-fo1UpMI7Y5nyTp5HWQw2hyZrKqL3tDePvZrhluStawHYg99zRbWTVK58SkIIKEMi4SGVpP3CHJj_w/s200/DSC05524.JPG" /></a></div>
I have been thinking of another new goal that I want to achieve this summer. I want to do an ironman length triathlon... over the course of a week! ( I got you, you thought that I was going to say I wanted to do an ironman!) For those of you who don't know the length of an ironman is 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run. I think I can do this!
Okay.. right to the numbers for this week: bike - 25.3, run - 8, swim - 1/2. My totals are now: swim - 2, bike - 52.6, and run - 23.5. My goals are: swim - 25 miles, run - 125 miles, bike - 1000 miles. I know I didn't do those in order, I wanted to be sure that you had something to think about.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-85381800912110697312012-04-20T17:47:00.001-07:002012-04-20T17:47:07.845-07:00Health Care Frustrations !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My purpose in this blog is two fold: 1. To vent, and 2. To let fellow lupies know that they are not alone when it comes to health care frustrations.
Let me start by saying that I generally like my team of doctors. I expect a lot from my doctors and if they don't live up to my expectations, I fire them. Since my lupus diagnosis I have had 2 lupus doctors, 3 obgyn doctors, and 4 primary care physicians. I know that makes me sound like one big B****, but insurance and health care is expensive. I want the best for my money. I have learned that I have to be my own advocate!
So here comes my rant!
I find that all too often I have to diagnose myself and then convey the diagnosis to multiple doctors to be certain that the treatment doesn't conflict with a treatment or medication from another doctor. I have been having bladder issues that I mentioned previously. I want to a urologist on Thursday. His office was just switching over to electronic records. I told him how happy I was that my doctors would finally be able to share my records with the click of a mouse. Much to my dismay, he informed me that it won't work that way... yet. He went on to inform me that there are numerous ( I think he said about 24) vendors who are selling programs that meet the qualifications of the federal mandate which calls for all medical offices to switch over to electronic records. These 24 different programs do not communicate / share with each other, thus making it impossible for doctor A to share with doctor B in this new electronic age. My doctor then went on to explain that in order for his small office - 2 doctors, 1 nurse, 4 office staff -to afford this electronic upgrade, they had to merge with a larger office to cover expenses. This may explain why my co-pay went up from $20 to $40.
Backing up a bit - when I first was called back to the exam room, the nurse had a technology support specialist with her, training her how to use her new laptop. The first order of business was to renew prescriptions. The second order of business was to update medical history. The nurse said to me - I have you down as taking no medications, is that still correct ? In my head I'm thinking... ummmm no, do you not remember handing me the prescription? Okay, again I'm not upset with the person as much as the process. The computer training should have taken place out of the office, not with me. I was pretty sure that the nurse was seeing this program for the first time. The tech specialist was telling her, " now ask her.... " and so the nurse would repeat what the tech specialist had just said. I almost told her that she didn't need to repeat the question, but I wanted to seem as polite as I could so I just waited for the repeat and then answered. As if this wasn't enough, every question only had a place for her to mark "yes" or "no" and I the answer to each of my questions was "sometimes." For each question the tech specialist had to show her how to unlock the cells so that she would type my answer. When she left the room I felt like she maybe had learned how to sue the computer, but hadn't heard a word that I had said.
Back to the doctor. - At the end of our conversation he felt more comfortable with me seeing another specialist and proudly announced that since their two electronic systems possibly didn't communicate that he had faxed his notes over to the other specialist's office. I thanked him and wished him well in implementing his new system as he wished me good health.
I paid a $40 copay for... what...? ? ?
Saw second specialist today. - No lap top toting nurses.. we are off to a good start! I explain to her why I am there and ask if she has the notes from yesterday's visit.. she hasn't. Long story short - she can't find them so she calls to have them faxed again. The never arrive! Fortunately I had written down everything that the first doctor had suggested to me and was able to convey the information. Yay Dr ME !
For the purpose of sharing with other lupies - What's going on now ? - Since I started going through drug induced menopause around age 29, I have no estrogen to speak of at the tender age of.. mumbles incoherently . Parts of my body think that I am elderly and are extremely irritated by my physical activity. The solution - estrogen cream! I hope that in three months time, I will be as good as new, and my doctors will know how to use their computers!
End of rant! I feel better already! Oh.. did I mention the cost of the new med? ! ? Wow!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-36943187872119660832012-04-15T15:29:00.003-07:002012-04-15T15:46:37.615-07:00Recovery Week With Few Miles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcsAHs1mdKcvA24_jJu4n299VkfXgVz_j8kPFUqp7xy-DCVZMpcq0Z93J634mMdzIenuPhgidnpNc6RMhMLzsrrQ9jukvyMYan7tQCpNqErQAe7h-zlHzXWObp2EEIYyxASzE2ZHdNnQ/s1600/DSC05554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcsAHs1mdKcvA24_jJu4n299VkfXgVz_j8kPFUqp7xy-DCVZMpcq0Z93J634mMdzIenuPhgidnpNc6RMhMLzsrrQ9jukvyMYan7tQCpNqErQAe7h-zlHzXWObp2EEIYyxASzE2ZHdNnQ/s200/DSC05554.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731758690566973714" /></a><br /><br />In the last month I have done two things that I am very proud of: 1. I ran 20 miles. 2. I ran the Hawkeye 25k Race Course. I wasn't sore at all after the 20 miles, but was REALLY feeling the pain after the 25k. If you are doing the math real quick on your fingers, ( I teach 2nd graders so find finger counting perfectly acceptable) 20 miles is more than a 15K. The 15K was on trails and had some hills, thus the difference. I always joke by telling Tim, "Deb loves hills." Nothing could be further from the truth, but maybe some day I will convince myself! As a result of this pain, I had very low milage this week. I had 1.5 miles in swim, 0 on the bike - sorry Betty ( Betty White is the name of my bike - remember I teach 2nd graders - I am full of names and sayings) and 25.5 miles of running. <br /><br />My totals are: swim 1.5, bike 27.3, and run 25.5. My goals before the start of next school year are: 25 miles of swimming, 125 miles of running, and 1,000 miles on Betty. <br /><br />On the lupus front, I have an appointment with the urologist this week. I am having some issues that I believe are lupus related. I always wonder if I should just come out and tell the doctor what I think the problem is, or give them the info and wait for them to tell me. I had a primary care physician who loved it when I would come for a visit because we had a deal worked out that I wouldn't tell him what I thought, just symptoms and then we would compare our answers. We often had the same answers. I miss him, he took a job as a hospital administrator. I'm thinking that I will probably tell the doc what I think is going on, since I have read that it is common among women with lupus. Lucky me! <br /><br />Actually, I am lucky to be alive to be experiencing this, so I won't complain!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-32930050277420261702012-04-06T14:03:00.002-07:002012-04-06T14:20:01.471-07:00My Spring / Summer Goal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUxHoEHt_9lSHBPBEBX3sQI_2hwlPtaPjyoTbnVC6uVkRZzpSfMq2aiIOuFjz73_eOtD4MR_lZdzU3dOn9dns5V3kFAD3wKHowBy0AQ9u3ueQ1_pSq2PaqEw6azcYTJGwJpK7Lks2BkM/s1600/DSC05029.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUxHoEHt_9lSHBPBEBX3sQI_2hwlPtaPjyoTbnVC6uVkRZzpSfMq2aiIOuFjz73_eOtD4MR_lZdzU3dOn9dns5V3kFAD3wKHowBy0AQ9u3ueQ1_pSq2PaqEw6azcYTJGwJpK7Lks2BkM/s200/DSC05029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728398945438233906" /></a><br />I'm dusting off the blog and going to use it for some goal setting. I like to swim, run, and bike.. so here are some goals: Between now and the start of the 2012 - 13 school year I want to: Swim 25 miles, run 125 miles, and bike 1,000 miles! I have done two bike rides this week totaling 27.3 miles. Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-33350354077784672312011-01-30T13:56:00.000-08:002011-01-30T14:24:43.602-08:00My Lupus is What?Active. That was a difficult word to hear and even more difficult to accept since I have been fortunate enough to have little to no lupus activity for several years . I have been experiencing sjogren's syndrome symptoms and am taking prednisone again. Although I am taking a small dose I am having a difficult time with it this time. It makes me have terribly vivid dreams that keep me awake, oh did I mention awake... oh how it keeps me awake! I'm wondering how on earth I survived taking a much larger dose and for several years. <br /><br />I refuse to let this slow me down, so I will continue with my spring half marathon training. This is the first time that I have started a training program while being on lupus medications that are not just for maintance. Today I finished my first week, with my long run being 3 miles. So far, so good. <br /><br />I have received several email comments from people wondering if because they have been diagnosed with lupus, will they be forced to give up an active lefestyle. I always encourage others to keep moving, this time I'll be encouraging myself!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-49388020763907548992010-05-02T12:19:00.000-07:002010-05-02T12:20:27.763-07:00I am running, won't you come with me?May is Lupus Awareness Month. I will once again asking for your support. <br />On May 8th I will be running another half marathon to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America. <br /><br />This year I will be giving back to my supporters. For every $5 that you donate, please enter a ticket with your name on it in my drawing bag. I will be giving away $10 gift cards to Borders, Cold Stone Creamery, and Barnes & Nobles, a $25 gift card to Borders, and a Subway Peeler Card. There will be a total of 5 winners. <br /><br />I am doing the Sponsor My Miles again, so write your name next to a mile that you would like to sponsor. I am reserving miles 1 & 12 for $25 donations, because those will be the most difficult miles for me. <br /><br />You can donate several ways: <br /><br />online at www.firstgiving.com/lupus_runners. The name on this page will be Cruz Pitre. He is the head of our group, Lupus Runners. Please note my name in your donation line. <br /><br />donate cash into my purple bag that is on my board in the teacher workroom<br /><br />write a check and put it in my purple bag. make it payable to me, <br /><br />Thank you so much for all of your support! <br /><br />Look for something new next year..........Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-51408515933167852462010-03-15T17:28:00.000-07:002010-03-15T17:33:24.122-07:00Lupus Foundation of America's Advocacy Dayhttp://lfa-inc.blogspot.com/2010/03/participate-in-lfas-advocacy-day-on.html.<br /><br />On the Road to a Lupus Cure <br />Join the Lupus Foundation of America as we continue down the road to find a cure for lupus, a devastating autoimmune disease that affects between 1.5 - 2 million Americans, and 5 million people around the world.<br />Friday, March 12, 2010<br />Participate in the LFA’s Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 16 – from the Comfort of Your Home<br /> <br />As you have no doubt heard, LFA’s 12th Annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill is Tuesday, March 16. Hundreds of lupus advocates from around the country will come together on Capitol Hill to educate Members of Congress about lupus, and encourage them to support increased federal funding for lupus research, awareness, and health care provider education programs.<br /><br />Even if you cannot physically join us on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, you can still support the LFA’s efforts on the 16th – and do it from the comfort of your home.<br /><br />Here’s what you can do from home.<br /><br />Send an email, call, or write your Congressman or Senator.<br />Raise awareness by sending an ecard.<br />Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter, or through your blog.<br />Everything you need to know about doing one – or more – of those 3 options above is now available on the LFA’s Advocacy Day landing page.<br /><br />Remember, we really need you to make your voices heard on Tuesday the 16th.<strong></strong>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-1067163175735904692010-01-07T09:30:00.000-08:002010-01-07T10:03:22.436-08:00Spring Half Marathon<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cdEJl0hwfGUZN5DLmN_TKKbqTx7Z8ka-adqp98YL0BMVGQYl9ZgdP_8x33shoKVQ_Q83z_Wz71xg5c6nBCfyqDTGemmbwYNLOcxCcGs_XgfWWCKfUsy1JP7GlTBr_lfXcO0EaV2bDcA/s1600-h/indy+mini1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 58px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424052490715944050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cdEJl0hwfGUZN5DLmN_TKKbqTx7Z8ka-adqp98YL0BMVGQYl9ZgdP_8x33shoKVQ_Q83z_Wz71xg5c6nBCfyqDTGemmbwYNLOcxCcGs_XgfWWCKfUsy1JP7GlTBr_lfXcO0EaV2bDcA/s200/indy+mini1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Our Spring half marathon will be the Indy Mini on May 8th. I am currently organizing details on my fund raising plan for the Lupus Runners group. Tim and I have done this race before, but I don't mind a repeat because it was so much fun! This is one of the largest races that I have ever done. There will be 35,000 participants this year, and the race is already sold out! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>A few highlights from the last Indy Mini: Tim nominated me to receive the " Celebrating Life Award." It is an award recognizing athletes participating in the race who live with a chronic illness. I was not the final winner, but did get an award that says, "Your courage and determination are an inspiration to us all. Congratulations and best of luck in tomorrow's race!" What a wonderful honor to have Tim do this for me. He wrote a wonderful narrative about my life with lupus. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Race morning was exciting. You line up at the start by your estimated finish times. At the time, I was still walking most of the race, so I started back at letter X. Tim is speedy, so he got to start at C or D. It took me 26 minutes from the start of the race to finally get to the start line. Thank goodness for timing chips!</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-MaDfUbgmXpo8tN9OE4UIReLzdZZ3FcALLy1fND35t7SmAEeI8payI_oUVv1XH2JhV7ocFBRWk4AtdF_cKG8NgtTIl5ZN5Ex7YOI27sKq2CUtxnq3RkD1YPVLY5ycM3iwTlXPqnhCcQ/s1600-h/indymini2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 94px; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424058708493013042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-MaDfUbgmXpo8tN9OE4UIReLzdZZ3FcALLy1fND35t7SmAEeI8payI_oUVv1XH2JhV7ocFBRWk4AtdF_cKG8NgtTIl5ZN5Ex7YOI27sKq2CUtxnq3RkD1YPVLY5ycM3iwTlXPqnhCcQ/s200/indymini2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The final big point that I recall is the lap on the track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That was really cool! This year the theme of the race is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Speedway, so I'm thinking this will be even better this year. </div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-23110595789934615712009-11-28T09:20:00.000-08:002009-11-28T09:32:49.990-08:00Tim riding in Jinglecross 2009<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dznW2f_eAg6kPMe8oyCCcU3wJFQha8b3Wq2Z1kojWhkzh7irb2DzyhD7oz1klFTmFoNuyfHpcEgufxVwLwMhw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-85820213405458041742009-08-12T16:06:00.000-07:002009-08-12T16:07:06.155-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Lupus Foundation of America Needs Your Help -- Urge Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1630, the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act <br /><br />Go to http://capwiz.com/lfa/home/<br /><br />Click on the link "Urge Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1630, the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act," enter your zip code in the box called “Call Now” and click on the “go” button. You’ll then be presented with the contact information for your senators, as well as get talking points for what to say when you call.<br /><br />Please ask your family, friends and coworkers to call on your behalf as well.</span>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-17334594487504364242009-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:002009-07-31T20:21:42.645-07:00RAGBRAI 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD66T0N3TfyQhfVR2iB7tT40MgqyDkPMPOJhyxErPhoWgUH-HuOHCdcDkWSmINdRE768XT50NhgG7PHCDTZv-JJOzQDA_S5ZDHdR9niSm9Ju82jI_a9JehXpFXOK4yyPrwvch_jI2AOc/s1600-h/DSC01211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD66T0N3TfyQhfVR2iB7tT40MgqyDkPMPOJhyxErPhoWgUH-HuOHCdcDkWSmINdRE768XT50NhgG7PHCDTZv-JJOzQDA_S5ZDHdR9niSm9Ju82jI_a9JehXpFXOK4yyPrwvch_jI2AOc/s200/DSC01211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364829221899173890" /></a><br /><div>Here is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/debtim/sets/72157621716683009/">link</a> to our RAGBRAI pictures: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">RAGBRAI is a week long bike ride across Iowa.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Tim and I did the last three days of the ride.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">I was very nervous about being able to complete the ride for several reasons:</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">the sun, the heat, the miles, the hills, and being a less experienced rider.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> I am delighted to say that I finished the 3 days!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">This was a fantastic experience!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The ride ended up being about 200 miles of riding with 7,374 feet of climbing!</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> Tim took care of me every step of the way.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">He was constantly looking out for me during the ride.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">He would often get ahead of me because he was a stronger hill climber than me, but he would slow once he was on top of the hill and wait for me to catch up.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">I was very lucky to have such a loving riding partner.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> Here is an account of each day:</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Wednesday, July 22, 2009</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> Tim and I drove to Burlington, Iowa where we met some of his fellow team BEAST members.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">We left our car in Burlington and drove with them to Chariton, Iowa.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">In Chariton we found our group, Bike Burlington, and set up our tent in their camp area.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Once our camp was set up we went into Chariton and walked around the town square.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">The square was full of activity, music, food and people. The atmosphere was a lively one throughout the town.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">had a foot long corndog and an ice cream at a local ice cream parlor.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Yumm</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> After eating and a bit of sight seeing we headed back to our tent..</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">There were bands, music, and lots of excitementt in the area.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">I was excited to crawl into bed and get a good nights sleep to prepare for the next days ride.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwbCDeLcK4yBqsLWu_BWxPU13weUbbrKqvJU7fjbBnET0Gls2DgN9Q6FSzjd1v4SOyt8RUndh6R4V2mZ42A_LGbuyFCd5XegP8r6RaGZ7ayxnpHWE_GN3zw79j4_zORtrFn11c_RYkn4/s200/ourtent.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364828325083234402" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Thursday, July 23, 2009</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> About 4 AM it started raining!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">It rained lightly at first and then it rained hard for about an hour, hailing for a short time.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">We had planned on getting up at 5:15 AM, in order to start by 6:00 AM, but it didn’t stop raining until about 6:15.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">When it did stop raining, there was a flurry of activity with campers packing up their tents, pumping up tires, and heading out.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> When we hit the road the streets were wet and crowded.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I was so filled with emotion, happiness, pride, fear, and disbelief.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I couldn’t believe that this day had finally arrived.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I was riding on RAGBRAI with Tim!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> Our breakfast was a breakfast in a bowl complete with a little kitten to keep us company.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">For lunch I had corn on the cob.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Before we entered Ottumwa we had Beekman’s homemade ice cream.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I had chocolate!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">When we entered Ottumwa there were lots of spectators waving and welcoming us to town.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">One of the funniest things some one said to us was, “ We are glad that you made it here.” to which I had to reply, “ Not half as happy we are.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I was delighted that I had made it through the first day without getting hurt, wrecking my bike, or giving up.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> In Ottumwa we set up our tent and hung out the items that had gotten wet from the morning rain, and then headed for the shower.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">The showers cost $5 and they were a tractor trailer with 7 shower heads.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I was so thankful that the showers were hot, I didn’t mind the lack of</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">privacy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> After we were cleaned up we walked to a local convenient store for a pop.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Once we quenched our thirst, we headed for the vendors.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">We didn’t get in much shopping before it started raining again.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">We took shelter in our tent and waited out the storm.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Fortunately it didn’t rain long and</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">then we were able to head into town.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> For supper we had a spaghetti dinner at the catholic church.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">After supper we went into town to check out the festivities.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">We walked up and down the strip and sat and people watched for a while before heading back to camp.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> Our total miles were 76.9 with 3,388 feet of climbing!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">The cities that we went through were:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Chariton, Millerton, Bethlehem, Confidence, Iconium, Moravia, Unionville, Blackesburg, and Ottumwa.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Friday, July 24, 2009</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> Friday was the most difficult day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We woke up with our scheduled 5:15 alarm.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We had wet laundry and a wet tent to pack from the previous days rain.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We headed out bright and early as planned.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">The day started out with large hills!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I love hills!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> We stopped in Pekin at the school for breakfast.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">It was a nice stop with real restrooms, (no port o potties) shade, the school band, baked goods, and a bench inside to rest.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We had sausage egg muffins and baked goods for breakfast.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We stopped in Brighton for lunch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Brighton had a cute little town square.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">It was quiet warm and sunny so we started off</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">with a smoothie and a cool seat in the shade.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">After our smoothie we had a bbq chicken sandwich.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> On the way to Brighton we saw numerous signs for Whoopie.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">There were clever sayings like:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">“Where else can you get a piece of whoopie for $1?”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">“Have whoopie on the road.” “Have whoopie in Brighton.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">SO, before leaving Brighton we had to purchase a whoopie pie, which turned out to be similar to a Suzy-Q.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Tim and I had our picture taken in front of a giant whoopie pie.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">While we were posing for our picture the RAGBRAI film crew taped us as first time whoopiers!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Woohoo!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">( This is was a church fund raiser and all done in good clean fun!)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeIeolUafoM50YGFfG4bBGzlVv-KxlyrdUZLvXmgiHz3iIZfYLxb3CGomKIXLOhfT6LaFj6aYwBGqZnGc3nwe1mCFsvHY-oYRbzeiTe4nogiHHQSZ-E4yqxEl2Niv0P2B6j0iQR6pOB0/s1600-h/DSC01218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeIeolUafoM50YGFfG4bBGzlVv-KxlyrdUZLvXmgiHz3iIZfYLxb3CGomKIXLOhfT6LaFj6aYwBGqZnGc3nwe1mCFsvHY-oYRbzeiTe4nogiHHQSZ-E4yqxEl2Niv0P2B6j0iQR6pOB0/s200/DSC01218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364768002330979090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">After lunch there were a few more hills and plenty of sun and warmth.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We stopped at Beekman’s for another afternoon ice cream treat.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Beekman’s is yummy ice cream!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">The Beekman’s</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">really hit the spot and gave me the motivation to finish the day.<br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> There were some big hills at the end of the ride.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">can remember looking at one and thinking, “ You have got to be kidding me.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I put my bike in granny gear and peddled my heart away.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">At times I was sure that this spinning feeling must be how a gerbil feels in a running wheel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I refused to give up!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">There were several people pushing their bikes up these big hills, but I REFUSED to give up.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I came to ride, and that was just what I was going to do.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> Just before we arrived in Mt. Pleasant I saw what I would have to say was my favorite costumed riders.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">It was a monkey chasing a banana.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I thought that was very clever!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">A bit later we came upon the monkey standing on the side of the rode.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I asked him what happened to his banana.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">He pointed to the cornfield.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Not only were their costumes cute, they were nice guys.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> Cornfield stops were common along the route.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I wish I would have posed for a picture coming out of one.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> We reached Mt. Pleasant a little later</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">than we had planned, but the heat and hills were wearing me down.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Our campsite in Mt. Pleasant was in the very back of the campground and we had to take a rough gravel and dirt road to get there.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">This campsite was packed!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> I should mention,the Bike Burlington camp directors had done an amazing job of securing our sites each day and making sure that our luggage was unloaded and that we had cool drinks waiting when we finished each day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> We kept with our usual routine of setting up the wet tent and hanging our laundry.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We found showers in the basement of an old church.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">The showers were cold but the cold water felt good on my aching muscles and warm skin.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I took an extra long shower because I didn’t feel the need to share the hot water.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Showers also served as a time to wash the stinky clothes from the days ride.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> After cleaning up and setting up camp we took the trolley up to the bus stop and then the bus to a local church for a meatloaf dinner.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">After we ate we went to the center of town check out the local venders.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We had heard much talk of severe weather to come, so we were mindful to watch the skies as the evening went on.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We headed back to our tents as soon as we thought the dark clouds were upon us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> The forecast was rain and wind,</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">possible from 6pm to 6 am with the possibility of some storms being severe.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">To prepare for the storm, we checked the ties on the tent and pulled the poles as tight as possible.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Each night the tent had leaked just enough to get us and our bedding wet.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We were able to give the tent an extra spray of waterproofing the previous day, so I was hopeful that we would stay dry.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> We sat around and visited with some fellow riders as the winds blew and lightning flashed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">As it started to rain we took shelter in our tent.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">It was warm and we were unhappy about having to zip up our door and windows.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I was worried that our tent was going to blow away or fill up with water.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">We had been in our tent for about 30 minutes when we heard an announcement.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I could tell that the announcement was coming from something moving.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I was unable to make out anything that was being said.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Tim and I peeked out of the tent windows to see if there was any movement.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I was afraid that the announcement was that they were evacuating the campground.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I thought that I heard our neighbors say that there was a meeting in the church that said that the weather forecast</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">had been revised to light rain with no winds.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">This eased my worried mind and I was able to fall asleep.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I think it only rained about 15 minutes all night.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">It wasn’t until the next day that someone told us that the announcement had actually said that the local hospital, police, and fire departments had been put on full alert and they would keep us posted as to weather alerts.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I am glad that I did not hear that, as I never would have been able to sleep.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> Friday’s ride was 75.5 miles with 2,841</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">feet of climbing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">The towns that we rode through were:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Hendrick, Martinsburg, Pekin, packwood, Pleasant Plain, Brighton, Germanville, Lockridge, and Mt. Pleasant.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Saturday, July 25, 2009</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> 5:15 AM brought our RAGBRAI wake up alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We folded up our wet tent and gear and headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just as we were heading out someone in the camp played<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>bugle to get everyone up and going for the final day of riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In this camp there were several rows of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>US Air Force tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8a6pupn38bOEf9O8lJCvHfOZkLBas8WQzGKLLUecUmm8W3WUqrhr3arseEkgYkwpkao5gkpvIXrtjz5dPraMUYUvS-oSi1HM8WPeFlmmOAIwBlVx2nqVp_BPtscVXWcM_z0Lnc_oUCk/s200/DSC01230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364762526815165586" /><p class="MsoNormal"> We had Chris Cakes for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chris Cakes is a pancake / breakfast catering franchise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They use a batter dropping machine to make mass quantities of pancakes very quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The cooks are known for flipping the pancakes to plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tim caught his moring breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was an all you can eat breakfast, and we took full advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> We made a few stops for water on the last day, but didn’t eat lunch until we were finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In Burlington they had a Snake Alley Challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The challenge was optional, but I was feeling courageous<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so I thought I would give it a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I made it to the last turn, and had to give in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It wasn’t until I was down a block from the alley that I realized that I wasn’t in granny gear going up Snake Alley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can’t help but wonder if I had been in granny gear would I have made it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ll have to rematch the snake some day. Look out Snake, we’ll meet again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> We arrived in Burlington and watched the riders dip their tires into the Mississippi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had lunch of pork tenderloins and pop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We walked up and down the Port of Burlington for one last look before we mounted our bikes again and headed up to get our car and then to Bickels to get our gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Saturdays ride was 46.9 miles with 1,145 feet of climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We rode through New London, Lowell, Geode State Park, and Burlington.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> This has to be one of the best experiences of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It would not<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>have been possible without Tim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thank you sweetie for encouraging me to continue an active lifestyle and watching over me every step of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5V14IPNOhn1JVi8QEaT_HSpJkVcwbetl-acwrtSSPUfnpQiC1rjDWcMBlh6Dq9VHd4QxykL3fX2q7MDPap960Mi3Wqir5wYG65M3BfjXVansgzvMot9qLc39ZG92S6A8V3Pr-bPqRTM/s200/DSC01257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364765351264444322" /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-20321051310390382012009-06-18T20:17:00.000-07:002009-06-18T20:18:47.254-07:00Brian's 50 mile run on the Great Wall of China!http://www.lupusrunner.org/<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">Brian Thomas is the founder of Lupus Runners, the group which Tim and I joined this year. The group raises money to be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America. <br /><br />Brian is planning on doing a 50 mile solo run on the Great Wall of China this weekend as part of his fundraising efforts. <br /><br />Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and successful run. <br /><br />Thanks Brian for supporting those of us who live with lupus.</span><br /></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-66644135402315288732009-05-17T09:23:00.001-07:002009-05-17T09:44:24.333-07:00My New Bike!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-4VywYbDPPXnTIhp0kTIXTHe5gqHLrw4QcPA362G5RMqmSUFZi30D6HW0pltLFGSNKLrV_iWXecbT17KcR2pqS8V7MrGpML5Qo1o8ujEr3H2ynheyqcwAayse-Gz1aLShjFj-i0GhOs/s1600-h/new+bike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336829598587167234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-4VywYbDPPXnTIhp0kTIXTHe5gqHLrw4QcPA362G5RMqmSUFZi30D6HW0pltLFGSNKLrV_iWXecbT17KcR2pqS8V7MrGpML5Qo1o8ujEr3H2ynheyqcwAayse-Gz1aLShjFj-i0GhOs/s200/new+bike.jpg" border="0" /></a> I would like to introduce you to my new bike! She is very pretty and a lot of fun to ride! <br /><br />I'll be doing my first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">duathlon</span> next weekend. I am very nervous about this event. I can see myself getting lost on the bike course. Yes, I did do something like this once before. I missed a turn and went up the biggest hill that I have ever seen in my life, only to learn once I was at the TOP that I should have turned before the hill. (That just meant that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">got in</span> a little extra exercise and got to eat an extra bite of ice cream that evening.) <br /><br />Earlier this year I applied to be one of the new Trek Women Who Ride. This is a group of 5 women who are given new bikes and gear, and then blog on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Trek's</span> site for two years about their biking adventures. They did not select me... maybe I'll try again in two years. Tim and I will have some great bike adventures this summer.<br /><br />I really love to ride my bike. I find myself freeing my mind of worries and becoming very relaxed. Tim and I also have a tandem bike. I love riding with him! He doesn't know it, but I sit on the back with my legs sticking out and let him do all of the work. <br /><br />I would like to see a lupus supported bike ride. Chris, this is right up your alley!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161163969858793008.post-33300341293122795512009-05-14T14:55:00.000-07:002009-05-14T16:08:07.848-07:00Boston Marathon 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBf00fpJPOGcYBm3jRcs-miqIIuZQIhQYxRrxPvqSbXBt8cLSA0hlIHWQzmCh1SaMrSQMOoDX-_l_SP6ir6UJY1g78F9kqNZKlKShhtNMlYH1sSibndbNa7AQDCdHy9lvB0M9U1ONofs/s1600-h/timwrapboston.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335812142480108706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBf00fpJPOGcYBm3jRcs-miqIIuZQIhQYxRrxPvqSbXBt8cLSA0hlIHWQzmCh1SaMrSQMOoDX-_l_SP6ir6UJY1g78F9kqNZKlKShhtNMlYH1sSibndbNa7AQDCdHy9lvB0M9U1ONofs/s200/timwrapboston.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tim ran in the Boston Marathon last month. He wrote a blog about our Boston visit, and you can see his blog here: <a href="http://timcsmith.blogspot.com/">http://timcsmith.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><div><div>I have to mention some of the incredible athletes that I saw in this race. First, I should mention that not just anyone can run in the Boston Marathon. You have to complete another qualifying marathon with a qualifying time, in order to participate in the Boston Marathon. Tim runs at about double my pace, so I think he is fast! When we saw the elite men and women runners run past us, my mouth had to be hanging wide open!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvaW4JhX0CcqofhqeL3LzPoK8zerSLCRnqrzFrPfu4VHV5J0IUr1Ocb-v5ZwlzMcZ4el_PrXtKcGTAygAwcTGb1yTiVemu88Eslcjknd7ony7AWLvmN2y1m_VYyOoLtIo7cubruz3isw/s1600-h/ryanhall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335807108047211490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvaW4JhX0CcqofhqeL3LzPoK8zerSLCRnqrzFrPfu4VHV5J0IUr1Ocb-v5ZwlzMcZ4el_PrXtKcGTAygAwcTGb1yTiVemu88Eslcjknd7ony7AWLvmN2y1m_VYyOoLtIo7cubruz3isw/s200/ryanhall.jpg" border="0" /></a> These men and women make running look so effortless. We saw them at mile 10 and they looked like they were out for a Sunday stroll. It was amazing! I got a good shot of Ryan Hall as he cruised past me. In my mind he stopped and asked to kiss my cheek, saying that the Wesley College girls couldn't hold a candle to me. Check out this really neat video of Ryan Hall <a href="http://www.flotrack.org/videos/speaker/78-ryan-hall/170314-ole-ryan-halls-2009-boston-marathon-workout">http://www.flotrack.org/videos/speaker/78-ryan-hall/170314-ole-ryan-halls-2009-boston-marathon-workout</a> In it he explains why he loves running. It explains why his running looks so effortless. In a way I share his feelings. Although I don't run like he does, just the fact that I am able to run is amazing to me. </div><div></div><div>If you were wondering, I really did have an athlete stop and kiss me! </div><br /><div>Okay, now for the athletes that I stole my heart. These men are amazing! The first picture speaks for itself! What amazing human spirit! The picture on the right is the father and son team known as," The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hoyts</span>." This was their 1,000<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> race. You should take a minute to read about them. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.teamhoyt.com/">http://www.teamhoyt.com/</a><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335810063849544098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpnVtknPetaDuQlKmUeW2rvL2Dp0vaFFh9oi-Lk36Ta0suQnzdRHeFd8a7uQ-VTWuNIj4ivOob6eDM8LgBMEZ1eBbrOJGNOh9_imcDjxVjfGksRM4Zwdao42QnmQjJcOouq6h8XuNEa8/s200/bostondoubleamp.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335809487313333762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm9hroAHvdZdTdxN_Mi5Vml_uPdL6oYmwlBZQiWkjTL9gQLAYeYX4xflWBUn62x_RTMOu16a62d77TUneMhCNpx4VasHd0mlhTXrC_GfQpQIQn7xnibdqSEXuKOdZSDLHDmNdqNg_xGg/s200/hoyts.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>Competing in the Boston Marathon I saw: a double amputee, a single amputee, a blind man, Team Hoyt, numerous wheelchair participants, and a man pulling a cart with oxygen tanks attached! This is only what was visible. I am sure there were many other athletes who had triumphed and were fighting an endless list of physical challenges. Congratulations to every one of them! It brings tears to my eyes to think about how courageous they are. </p><p>I wrote in my last blog that I believe one of the gifts of my lupus is the ability to see kindness and strength in others. These athletes inspire me to keep moving. My mother told me to always be sure to make myself get out and do things when I thought that I could because there would likely be days that I just couldn't make myself get motivated to move. I wonder if my mother knew just how powerful her words were. I wonder if these athletes' mothers gave them the same advice?</p>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557181946913722132noreply@blogger.com1