An Interesting Night in the Emergency Room

After getting fluids and on my way out

Introduction

I don't get sick very often, but when I do, I get really sick, to paraphrase the beer commercial.  Normally I get one minor cold a year, but every now and then something really sneaks up and kicks my butt. 

The Start 

The beginning of 2015 started out with a bang, when I was at work and just started to feel "off".  As the day wore on, I started to feel progressively worse.  My stomach seemed to be in knots and just "sour" feeling.  Also, I was starting to get that feverish feeling.  Just shy of 3pm, I let my boss know I was taking off and somehow managed to get myself home.

Upon arriving, I threw off my shoes, tossed them in a corner, and hustled as best as I could upstairs to the spare bedroom.  I dove under the covers and just started shivering.  I hadn't even bothered to get undressed.  I had beat Shari home, but when she did get home, she managed to get me all the trappings one needs to fight a flu: a thermometer, Tylenol and a Ginger Ale.

I hadn't drank much that day and I tried to get down some of the ale, but it was a major effort and I just wanted to be warm and not leave the comfort of the bed. My temperature was just hovering over 99, so nothing too serious. I turned on the TV and tried to sleep a but part of me wanted to stay awake.  It was too early to sleep and I didn't want to be up at midnight bug-eyed.

Things Got Worse

Around 6pm, I got up to the use the toilet.  I hadn't been going to the bathroom much, but I had acquiesced and decided I'd just go to sleep so best to take care of business. I retook my temperature and it had skyrocketed to 101.3, still not insanely bad, but I was clearly going in the wrong direction.

I waddled into the neighboring bathroom and barely went before I started to feel really off.  I tried to wash my hands, when the room started to fade out.  I yelled out to Shari that I needed help and according to her, I was yelling "I am dying, I am dying".

I made it about three quarters of the way back into the bedroom before blacking out and bending the crap out of my new glasses.  I laid sprawled half way in the bedroom and hall.

I came back to in about 5 - 10 minutes.  I was drenched in sweat, all the way through my tech running shirt and sweatshirt.  They were literally soaken wet.  I had no idea where I was or why I was laying on the floor.  Shari was on the phone with 911 people and they were sending out paramedics.

I've had an episode like this before.  Early in the 2000's I had a bad flu and I had gone to the bathroom, only to collapse on the bathroom floor.  I suspected this was the same deal.

I was really woozy and fairly incoherent.  As I lay there panting and trying to get my faculties about me, I realized I had to go to the bathroom extremely bad.  I did manage to hold it back.  Just as the paramedics were arriving, I summoned the energy to go to the bathroom.  It seemed like my stomach had opened up its contents but I felt a bit better.

By the time I got out the paramedics were there and I started to feel hazy again, despite just simply sitting on the edge of the bed.  I had to lay down for a while as I started to feel like I was blacking out.  They did the usual tests: heart, glucose (normal), temperature (back down to 99), etc Shari and her mom were insistent I go to the ER as were the paramedics.  I didn't really think I needed to go, but I was clearly outnumbered.  And the last thing I wanted to live with was if things got worse and I hadn't gone to the hospital, I would've NEVER heard the end of it.

Emergency Room

I live really close to the hospital -- about 5 minutes away and I vaguely remember the ambulance ride there.  I do remember joking with the paramedics that I was an Emergency Fan and when they started an IV I mentioned that it should be TKO.  They had a good laugh over that one as I had gotten it right.

The paramedics were pretty secretive about my heart condition as I was worried that wow, I might have a heart defect and I'd never be able to run again.  However, I think they were concerned with my blood pressure.  I am usually about 110 / 70 but I was 95 / 55, which is fairly low.  I think I got as high as 112 over 72.  Shari kept telling them that I was a marathon runner and it was impossible for me to have a heart condition (being a runner doesn't guarantee you anything).

They did have to shave my chest a bit to get some electrodes on me.  For those that know me personally, I am on par with Chewbacca as far as body hair goes.  In fact, the worst part about the whole experience was pulling the darn things off.

I don't really remember being gurneyed into my room but they gave me some anti-nausea medicine, did more heart tests and the usual battery of stroke tests.  I took a urine culture as well but that turned up negative.  Also they wired me up with not one, but two IVs.

One of the worst fears as I had, as I sat there watching the Oregon / Ohio State game was my upcoming marathon plans and whether I'd even be able to run again (if I had a heart defect)  Luckily, no issues there.

Conclusion

From start to finish I was at the hospital for about 3 - 4 hours.  I am fortunate that Utah / Salt Lake has a very good medical system.  The university is a medical school and they supply the area with a good group of doctors (I couldn't believe how young my doctor was).  I think I just needed to be stabilized and given fluids. I left the hospital just shy of 11 under my own power.

I slept pretty well last night at home other than having a serious case of Montezuma's Revenge, I am feeling pretty good.  I am just trying to keep up with my fluids and take it easy.

There is a weird stomach flu going around and with all the running I had done the previous week, it is probable that I might've weakened my immune system.  Also, I could've picked up a germ this week from all the dirty air.

I'll be fine though and I am already on the mend and hope to get back to running / training soon.  I don't think I have a temperature today, but I need to be close to a bathroom at all times. I am told this virus could last a week or two -- which I hope it doesn't.  Either way, time to take it easy.

King Buffet in Taylorsville Utah

Look mom, they named a restaurant after me!

Introduction

If you've spent any time on this blog, you know I like to eat.  And I certainly like to eat buffets.  In fact, where I live, I am within 5 miles of two Golden Corrals, one Chuck A Rama and now King Buffet (which is about 2 miles away).  

They've been airing commercials on most of the non-prime stations and they make it look like a huge buffet with lots of freshly made stuff.  I've been to quite a few Chinese Buffets in my life and I usually jokingly call them "All You Can Stands" rather than buffets.  However, this one is REALLY good.

King Buffet

I had just wrapped up my 20 mile run when Shari said she and her mom were going there.  I was thinking I'd go to Golden Corral or Sweet Tomatoes, but Shari insisted I come.  For $9 (plus $2 for a drink) I got a pretty darn nice buffet.  

I was expecting warmed over food that was going to not taste good, but this place kept up with their food and in fact, is somewhat on par with something I'd find in Wendover.

They had a Mongolian Grill where you get to pick you ingredients and they fry it up for you.  There were some American food selections as well as your typical Chinese food.  Dessert was good and included a variety of fruits, ice creams and cakes.  I definitely had my way in there... especially with my ravenous appetite.

Service was also rock solid, with preemptive fillings of my Pepsi -- that I was gulping down non-stop.

The place is absolutely huge too.  There was plenty of seating and just about every seat in the place was full.  Big screen TVs were also on some of the walls, so I could definitely see myself coming there and still managing to watch a game.

I was really disappointed with the shrimp though.  It was peal and eat.  While they were huge and looked great, they had NOT been deveined.  I saw a lot of people just peeling and eating them, which I thought was gross.  I wasn't going to devein them either, so that is a big negative.

However, the rest of the buffet was really good and reading the reviews online and seeing at least a dozen to two dozen people just waiting to get in and seated makes this place a joint I'll likely visit again.  Finally, a restaurant worth going back to in Utah!

This week in running Jan 4 - Jan 10 - New Personal Record

Day	Mileage / Workout	Comments
Sunday	18	Mostly 9:45's - pretty good for running on tired legs
Monday	7	Easy miles. Enjoying warm weather
Tuesday	13	Effort between marathon and half marathon pace
Wednesday	7	Legs are dead. I feel sore. Slow miles today
Thursday	11	Loping along in the polluted air. Still sore
Friday	7	Pretty decent run for being tired.
Saturday	20	Another long run. Who spiked my Gatorade? Kick-butt run. In just over 3 hours
Total miles for the week: 83 - YTD: 99.25

Week's Summary

Ladies and gentleman, I did reach one of my 2015 goals for the year: geek out with over 80 miles in one week.  For those keeping score, it also means I have run 92 in 8 days.  In two weeks, I've run over 140 miles.

That is the MOST I've ever run in that period of time.  I had visions and hopes of perhaps cracking the mythical 100 mile week, but I think to cross that barrier I need slightly warmer weather and the ability to run a few two-a-day's. I hate running in the early morning, especially in the winter.

So how do I feel?

1) I am HUNGRY all the time.  Seriously.  I am ravenous.  I was a permanent fixture at Golden Corral - in fact, for the first 4 days of 2014, I had a meal in 3 different Golden Corrals.

2) I am the sorest in the morning.  I gimp like an old man.  It really isn't plantar fasciitis but just general soreness.  After moving around, though, I am fine.

3) My calves are tight, but not dangerously so.  I also gimp when I get up from desk at work.

4) I really have to be extra diligent about form rolling and stretching at night.  Makes a HUGE difference.

5) I feel like my legs are more fatigued proof.  They know how to run when tired and in the past I've had my BEST marathons when I go over 65 miles in a 7 day period.  I don't think I am necessarily any faster, but I just feel like I am a much stronger runner.  My gait just seems to be a lot smoother and I can tolerate going longer and not feeling like I am going to die.

6) Mentally, I feel incredible.  There's just something personally rewarding in knowing I can eat up the miles.

Long Run

Saturday's long run went awesome.  I ran the first 10 miles in a reasonable pace and then turned on the jets.  While my Garmin quit after 18 miles I was on pace for roughly a 3 hour, 20 mile run.  

I ran into a friend, who is MUCH faster than me, as he was heading out and I was heading in.  In the past he's always caught me and when I saw his distant form tailing me about a mile away from my finish, I decided to let pride get the better of me.  Suddenly I was running at near 5K / 10K so I wouldn't have to face my crushed ego.  Thanks Jonathan!

I also took the opportunity to circle Decker Lake in West Valley City.  I've noticed there was a lake / pond along the side of the 215 freeway and always wondered how one got there.  I studied Google Maps and figured out the way there, which was a a short jog off the bike trail.  It really isn't a lake but a huge water retention pond with a dirt jogging trail circling the perimeter.  All in all, about a 1.5 mile loop.

Decker Lake

I wound up making a wrong turn on the way back and went by a homeless camp in the middle of the bike trail.  Sad to know that people are out there living in camping tents and squalor.  It doesn't take much that close to the city to get into some "iffy" areas.

Inversion

A dirty secret (pun intended) about Salt Lake City is that in the winter we have terrible air.  The mountains on the east and west hold all the pollutants in the valley.  It is also sealed in with a cold layer of air at the top.  At this time of year, the air is usually the worst in the nation.  I've even seen some people running in protective masks.  Last year I could practically taste it.  Here is a photo from this week that shows the air quality.  You can barely make out the mountains a mere 10 miles away:

Inversion Layer

Races

Things are definitely on for a full marathon at the end of January.  I am 90% chance of doing the Desert Classic in Surprise (a small 100 people or so marathon).  I'd like to do the one in Sedona (a little bigger and more scenic from the looks of it) but logistically that is going to cause a LOT of problems for other people.  I am catching enough heat from family members as it is in doing the one in Surprise and having to duck out for the greater part of day to do Sedona would piss a lot of people off and likely mean I'd be walking home from Phoenix to Salt Lake City.

I am also toying with doing a 5K in Provo next weekend.  Something to do, I suppose.  I'll have to check the weather and if it is clear, I am in!

February also has a bunch of local 5K races and I am hoping to jump into a few of those.

I was VERY tempted to do the St George half marathon next weekend.  Given, however, we are doing Vegas and Arizona at the end of the month, I decided to punt on it again this year (/cry)

Also, Shari is off from work in early April and suggested a road trip.  I am therefore looking at the Reno Marathon.  That would give me the ability to do that race (I've wanted to do, for a LONG time) as well as visit the state capitol, Tahoe, Fernley, Sparks, Carson City, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca and a maybe another night in Elko.  I am a total nerd when it comes to Nevada and this would mostly be all new territory for me.  While this wouldn't knock off another state, it is something I want to do.  Stay tuned.

Pictures

More gorgeous sunsets this week.  I am (over)due for a phone, so I am hoping I get a good phone that can really capture the beauty I experience on a nightly basis:

This week in Running Dec 28 - Jan 3

Day	Mileage / Workout	Comments
Sunday	15	Marathon pace (roughly 9:30's), survived in shorts (28F)!
Monday	7	Medium start, but faded
Tuesday	7	Tough on the way out into the wind, kicked it in on the way back. Solid Effort throughout
Wednesday	13	Hauled ass for 10 miles, died the last 3. Cold and miserable
Thursday	7	Nothing but easy easy easy
Friday	Off	Walked about 3 miles though.
Saturday	9.25	10K Race with 1M warm up, 2M cool down. Nice day.
Total miles for the week: 59.25- YTD: 1913.75 for 2014 / 16.25 for 2015

Week's Summary

Another super solid week of training.  Impressive I was able to knock out 59 miles despite absolutely frigid temperatures.  This is where the tough get serious and the serious get tough.  Luckily the bike trail has been pretty clear so it makes it easy to get the miles in.  This is also very promising for my marathon plans.

I also got in a very positive race experience on Saturday.  Certainly not my best 10K time, but I didn't feel like it was a disaster.  Just bummed there wasn't any post-race swag (i.e. awards).

Good News

Well, I bought a new Garmin -- well it is on order.  It is the exact same model as the one I am replacing.  Faithful readers will remember my trusty Forerunner 305, which I've owned since 2008 or so, can only hold about 3 hours worth of charge.  I was tempted to buy another model, but I really love my bulky 305 and found a factory outlet place that was selling one for about $110.  Being on a budget these days, I opted to play it safe and get one.  Other models that I was interested in were well above $150.

So far I have also been diligent on doing some core work, stretching and foam rolling on a nightly basis.  Hopefully that too will be dividends down the road.

Bad News

On my long run on Sunday it was icy.  I know where the icy spots are too and I was running by the Fairstone Apartments in Taylorsville on the bike trail and there is a section of the trail that routinely ices up.  I thought I had gotten over it but I miscalculated and went shoulder first into the concrete and landed right on my ancient phone.  So now I have a cracked screen.  The phone functions and everything is okay but the fall looked spectacular.  Luckily I was able to rub some dirt into my wounds and carry on for the remaining 11 miles. My phone is way way overdue to be replaced so it isn't a huge loss.

Also my calf is still complaining.  It smarted on my New Year's Eve run and during the race.  It seems if I push the pace it hurts more but if I lay off and do a shuffle, it is fine.  Time for some KT Tape.  Amazing that even after nearly a year something can still complain.

Racing

I don't think there are any races until the end of the month, where I'll be doing a full marathon down in Arizona.  There are a few in February that I've penciled in however.

I am tempted to go to St George for their huge half marathon in 2 weeks.  I am waiting to see what the weather does, if I feel like making the nearly 4 hour drive, and if I want to pony up for a motel for the weekend.  It would be fun and give me a chance to thoroughly explore St George (which is on my list of things to do), but I am trying to sort of save a few pennies so I can afford more extravagant marathon trips elsewhere.  Stay tuned.

Photo of the Week

Well, on Christmas we got our first healthy dose of snow as well as below freezing temperatures.  I snapped the following photo on Sunday's long run (with my much wounded phone) about 6.5 miles into my run.  The Wasatch Mountains are pretty and everything is blindingly white.  My long run went very well too.  I think I am sold on the Gu Brew stuff and I plan on buying it once my sample runs out.

Resolution Run 2015 10K Race Recap

Official Time: 49;16
Placement: 7th male out of 22, 2nd in the 45 - 49 age group.
Results: Here
Race Website:Here
Weather: Mid 20's, negligible wind

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:53	A little faster than I wanted, but felt good
2	7:48	Moving along, on the bike trail now. Flat as a pancake
3	7:37	Last bit on the bike trail and then residential streets, mostly downhill
4	8:22	Nearly a 100 feet of climbing here. Was starting to worry here.
5	8:01	Hauling on the bike trail
6	7:57	Trying to catch the guy ahead of me, reeling in the 5K racers
.17	1:.27	No chance catching the guy ahead of me (maybe if I had another mile)
Total Miles: 6.17

Introduction

With my goal of running more races this year I opted to sign up for the Kaysville Resolution 5K / 10K run, in Kaysville Utah.  Located about 40 minutes from Murray, it is a straight shot up the 15 freeway and for $35 I figured, why not see where my speed is at.  Also, the weather looked respectably clear: no wind, no snow or storms, so it made it a no brainer to satisfy my need for a race.

I've run south and north of Kaysville, but never in Kaysville, so I got to see another section of the Davis County bike trail.  Sort of interesting on the way up the freeway seeing all the places I've raced along the way.  For having been here only 2.5 years, I am really starting to get familiar with Northern Utah.

The Event

The race was held at Boondock's Fun Center, a chain of Dave and Buster's-like entertainment zones primarily geared for kids and their families.  They do have a bowling alley, laser tag, and tons of video games.  Looked like fun and it was a great place to host a race.  Warm, clean bathrooms and a place to kick back.

Pre race hang-out zone

I got there fairly early and wound up warming up for about a mile.  I opted for tights (plus shorts under it), a tech shirt, my Las Vegas Marathon windbreaker jacket, heavy-duty gloves (I don't mess around with cold hands) and a tech skullcap.  I was a little warm, but I had no major complaints throughout the race.

The Race

I didn't eat a lot before hand, just a few oranges and a PowerBar.  I am glad I brought a caffeinated GU with me and I sucked half of that down prerace.  I think it helped.  Just a bit of caffeine and I was set to go.

The race started promptly at 9AM.  Me and about 50 other people took off (the 5K started later).  Combined, both races totaled about 120 people, so definitely not a big race.

The race started off on the residential streets of Kaysville.  It was open to traffic, but the roads there are super wide so I didn't really worry about getting hit. The area where we were seemed to be filled with classy houses but the area was devoid of trees -- probably an old farming section of town now converted to houses.

After a mile it jumps onto the bike trail.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the bike trail was as clear of ice and snow.  The roads, not so much, but on the flat bike trails it was great running.

I wound up tailing the #6 guy for a while until he pulled ahead of me mid race.  I was content holding near 8 minute miles.  My goal was simply to finish strong and run sub 50 minutes.

I had a moment of worry when I got to about mile 4 and my pace dropped precipitously.  Had I gone out too fast?  No, I just had to content with about the only hilly section of the course and once I was back on the bike trail I was cruising again.

Also, my calf, which I had hurt back in April 2014 started twinging again.  It would get really painful for about 5 - 10 seconds and then relax.  I've found if I adjust my stride a bit that it will go away, but I really hope it doesn't go nuts like it did where it practically crippled me last spring.

The last mile I was starting to close the gap on the #6 guy but he turned on the jets in the final half mile.  I did finish pretty strong though in a time of 49:16.

I took these pictures post race:

Horses and horse pastures were pretty common

Finish Line

LDS Bread and Pasta Storage Mill (Yeah I could use some of that)

Looking at the Mountains to the East

LDS Church in Kaysville

The bike trail is ahead.

Conclusion

After the race, I cooled down with an easy 2 miles.  I thought about running the race again but I was pretty trashed and didn't want to aggravate my calf anymore.  I snapped a few pictures and went back to the race headquarters.

This was a well run event.  It started off on time and the race headquarters were pretty nice.  I was really disappointed they didn't have any awards (other than for the top finishers).  They didn't get the numbers they were after, apparently, so I was left wanting.  They had a nice spread of food at the end, mostly bread (plus PB&J fixings), bananas, plenty of hot chocolate, and water.  They had two water stops on the course but no mile markers (luckily I hadn't forgotten my Garmin).

They had a nice swag bag filled with stuff I'd actually use, mostly supplements and protein stuff.  The shirt is your basic cotton one.  It was nice, with no advertising on it, but normally I don't wear the cotton ones for very long and they get relegated to be donated.

I was very happy with my performance. It is a far cry from my 40:41 (or so) personal best but I ran nearly an even split (about 24:20 for the first 5K) and I didn't crumble on the course.  I still need to get my base mile speed down.  I also had plenty in the tank to go another mile or two.  All in all, a strong tempo run.

After the race, I headed north to the Layton Golden Corral which, in my opinion, is the best Corral in Utah that I've tried.  Despite my best resolutions, I've hit 2 Corral's since the new year started, so I suck.  But at least I got in for the breakfast price and got a bit of breakfast AND the start of lunch / dinner and I tried to eat mostly good stuff.

I left and made it home pretty quick after putting myself into a food coma.  Overall, a good experience and I'd likely do this race again next year.

Plans for 2015

Introduction

Well, here's another ubiquitous post about plans and goals for 2015.  I've been thinking about this one for a while and of late I've been finding myself thinking "big".  Thanks, in part to this blog, I really try to have some adventures to write about.  It doesn't matter if it is yet another trip to Wendover or a 6-hour jaunt to another marathon, so long as I am not sitting in front of the TV wasting away, it is a day well lived.

So without further ado, here are some of things I am hoping to do.  Some will definitely happen, others are just whims at this point.  I certainly won't be able to do all the things on my list -- budget, health issues and time constraints will certainly curtail some of things I want to do...  Perhaps at the start of 2016 I'll come back and see what I have accomplished on this page:

Health

Drop 10 Pounts: You would think that this would be easy.  Running 40 - 50 miles a week should give me license to eat whatever / whenever I want.  Yeah right... 

At 45 years old, my metabolism has slowed down another notch.  It doesn't help that I gorge at buffets.  While I am not going to quit going to Wendover and enjoying the food, it does mean that in those days I am not feasting at a buffet that I eat intelligently and sanely.  

The biggest success I had with eating and losing weight is when I tracked every calorie and I used fitday.com.  If you haven't tried it, give it a go, it is free and easy and I've never been spammed by them.

Lay off the Junk (a bit): Doritos and chips don't help me at all.  Same with Chips-A-Hoys. Find healthier things to snack on. Maybe it is time I start shopping at Whole Foods again.

Do more Core work / Foam Rolling: Yeah, after my run, I shower, eat and then lay on a bed and watch TV.  At least I could be doing some rehabilitative work while watching reruns of the Six Million Dollar Man on Cozi TV

Marathon Dream List

Here I am definitely dreaming big.  I've never run more than 3 a year and 3 was pushing it.  If I have any shot at completing a marathon in every state within my lifespan (and my ability to run), I need to start doing a few more.

Here are a few on my list for this year. 

Desert Classic Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K - January 31.  This is in Arizona.  Probability: Darn Good.  The Sedona Marathon that weekend is a slim chance.

Helena Montana Governor's Cup Marathon (June) - Probability: Good

The Colorado Marathon (May) - Probability: Good

Long Beach Marathon (October) -- Probability: Unlikely.  I went to college in Long Beach CA so this one is sort of dear to my heart.  I ran the half marathon, in 2009, I think.  

Albuquerque Marathon (October) -- Probability: Unlikely

Casper Wyoming Marathon (June) -- Probability: Unlikely.  I had so much fun there last time I was there. Let's do it again (maybe).

Denver RnR Marathon - Probability: Unlikely (assuming I can't do the Colorado Marathon).

St George Marathon - Probability: Unlikely.  We'll see on this one. Maybe I'll get lucky and get in.

Las Vegas Marathon - Probability: Definitely

I am dreaming about something overseas.  I doubt it will happen in 2015, but I'd like to run something in Europe: Paris, Rome, Dublin, Edinburgh... how cool would that be?

There are countless other marathons I want to run, and I could see myself finding something for early spring, but we'll see how it goes.

I'd still like to run the 6 Tunnels Half Marathon in Vegas as well as Summerlin's Half Marathon.  We'll see how the budget looks.

Places I want to Visit

Elko, again.  Yes I've  been Elko twice now, but I want to see Lamoille Canyon in the Summer time with the flowers in bloom.  I saw pictures of what the canyon looks like and the views are just incredible.  There is also a reservoir south of town that I want to run around.  Looks like a 10 - 13 mile trip. Every time I look at Google Maps I see an area I want to explore there.

Ely, again: Whether I go out for the Ely Half Marathon again remains to be seen, but I definitely want to take on Mount Wheeler and see the Great Basin Wilderness.

Southern Utah: I've been here nearly 3 years and other than driving through on my way to Vegas, I have yet to see some of the greatest parks this country has to offer.  Whether it be Zions or Moab, I've got to see at least one of them

Carson City / Reno / Tahoe: How can I be a Nevada-phile without having visited the capitol?

Pilot Peak: Yeah, that peak north of Wendover.  I want to run to it.  That might mean parking my car and doing a bit of an adhoc trek. Knowing I've got the cajones to go into no-man's land north of town is exciting to me  I'd also love to explore the mountains south of town too.  I can't imagine what it was like to have your worldly belongings on an ox drawn cart traveling through there 160 years ago.

Explore Eastern Utah: Every time I go east of Park City I am shocked as to what I find there.  So much natural beauty and places that I just feel the need to explore.  I need to make it a point to check it out.

Running Goals

Speed: I definitely want to be faster in 2015.  For the past 3 years, I start out running pretty well and by the end of year I find my times are down (and they never go back up again).  I need to commit to doing the work: i.e. speed work.  I'd rather go out and plod through 15 miles rather than 3 at 5K pace.  I don't want to be here at the end of 2015 with a regular 2+ half marathon as the new normal.

Run 2000 Miles: I came close this year.  I ran over 1900.  That's a new record for me.  I would've easily done the 2000 had I not been injured.  Let's hope I can remain injury free.

Run 80+ Miles in One Week: This is very doable.  I hit 72 or so this year for the second time in my life.  I was exhausted at the end, but it always gives me a physical and mental boost.

Race More: Enough said.

Get a New Garmin: My trusty Garmin Forerunner 305 only has a battery life of 3 hours now.  I will miss it, but if I am looking to run marathons I am going to need a new companion. Once I replace it, I can pass it along.  Ping me if you are interested.  This will be done soon.

Personal Stuff

Clean out my phone / address book:  My man, Tom Leykis, has had shows about this.  If I haven't called you or you haven't returned my phone calls, it's time to be removed.  I need to quit investing energy into relationships that aren't going anywhere.

Make a Utah Friend or Two: I've got acquaintances here, but a best "bud".  Not yet.

Have a Happy Near Year!

This week in running Dec 21 - 27

Day	Mileage / Workout	Comments
Sunday	9	In the cold rain. Strides at the end, but mostly easy miles.
Monday	5	Nothing but easy miles
Tuesday	2	Foot hurt at the end. Done after 1 mile.
Wednesday	Off	#RWRunStreak Ends
Thursday	5	Easy miles in the cold in West Wendover
Friday	Off	Lazy, cold, and figured why not take an extra rest day
Saturday	7	Solid paced run. First below freezing run of the winter.
Total miles for the week: 28- YTD: 1871.75

Week's Summary

I had every intention of tearing it up this week and getting in some miles, but unfortunately my right food had different ideas.

Faithful readers may recall that my right foot was hurting and I was worried it was a stress fracture.  The pain throughout the week was fairly constant and a few days shy of Christmas I tried (weakly I might add) to find a doctor.  Most doctors were booked or were going on vacation -- strange, in Illinois I can generally get into a the doctors office "the day of".  Here it is always a week or two wait.   Whether this is fewer doctors or a side effect of Obamacare, I am not sure.

Either way, I don't think it is a stress fracture and the more I was able to pinpoint the pain and problems, the more convinced I was that I had Morton's Neuroma.  This sounds ominous but on Tuesday's run it felt like my sock was bunched up in my shoe (when it wasn't) and I felt something in the ball of my foot, akin to a tiny pebble.

I don't wear high heels and normally this problem affects women.  So I am not sure if my diagnosis is correct or if it is me reading about foot pain and trying to match my pain to a list of symptoms.  But a good deal of my aches and pains seemed to match up.

After making that decision, I came home, iced it and treated it with a heavy dose of anti-inflamatories.  I wound up taking Wednesday off and on Thursday I went out for a run and for the most part had zero problems with it.  On Friday I opted to take the day off.  Today, Saturday, I got in 7 and only felt mild discomfort from time to time.

#RWRunStreak

Naturally, due to the injury, my running streak of attempting to run from Thanksgiving to New Years failed about a week shy.  Granted, I was training hard and I don't think I ever ran less than 3 miles, where as the minimum was at least one a day.

I also want to be able to race / train hard in the near future, so completing a magazine challenge that I've already done (last year) doesn't hold as much weight anymore.

Upcoming Races

The race calendar is still pretty bleak, but I am leaning on doing a 10K next Saturday up in Kaysville.  It is reasonably priced and the weather forecast looks like it should work out.  I'll make the final call on that in the next 24 hours.

I also would be tempted to do a New Year's Eve 5K but the forecast for that appears to be extremely cold -- i.e. single digit temperatures.  My cutoff for running tends to be about 10 - 15 degrees, but we'll see what the wind is doing and whether I want to battle the elements.

Pictures of the Week

Early this week, I caught some awesome sun reflections off the Wasatch Mountain range.  As the sun sets over the Nevada border it reflects off the snow caps in Utah.  It is a truly unique site that I managed to capture just before heading out for a run. The pictures below were taken on separate days from Winchester Park in Murray.