Useless

I had my worst gout attack EVER and have been pretty much useless for nearly 3 weeks.  This one was in my right ankle - where it started and I hate ankle flare ups so much.  When it's the toe I can put on a slipper and still get around.  No way to avoid putting pressure on the ankle when walking, so like I said - useless.

I admire people who live with daily pain and manage to get through it and still have a life.  I don't know if I can be that tough!

This attack was brought on by the change in the weather. That's a common trigger for me and I didn't help by eating a couple of food triggers around the same time.

My workouts were not a bust though.  While I did have a day where I only walked 550 steps, I did do some upper body workouts and a few one legged squats.  If that's what you call them.  My left leg got quite a workout since it was supporting my weight.  The workout felt good and helped loosen it up.

Tomorrow I think I will be recovered enough to get a mile in.  I started wearing shoes yesterday, so that's a good sign!

Visual organizer

I don't always respond well to structured lists - telling me that I have to do this or that at a certain time.

I made this planner for that side of me.  It's divided into 4 6-hour sections.  I just list the things I need to do during that block of the day.  If I say that I MUST exercise at 7am and then do housework at 8am, I will do nothing until 10 and my day is shot.  

I figure I'm not the only person with this type of thinking, so I'm sharing this for anyone else who might need it.

Click here for pdf

3rd Annual My Sorta Birthday 5k!

I'm closing in on 48 and that means it's time to starting thinking about my annual birthday 5k!

This year I've changed things up a bit.  You can run your race 48 days before or 48 days after my birthday, so you have all sorts of time.  From Nov. 3 to February 7.

I've also added some options.  There is the traditional trophy.  I like trophies.

Like always the trophies are personalized.

This year we are adding two other options.

A medal

I wanted to still be a little different, so I went with a military style pin on medal.  The back will be personalized and it comes with a presentation case.

Don't want a trophy or medal?  How about a couple of cool pins?

What's with the reading theme?  This year my birthday 5k will be raising money for Balloon Hats for Literacy www.4500hats.com  so I gave everything a reading theme.  

Also new this year will be teams!  A fun 5k is a great way to get together and have some fun. Walk it with your friends & family.  Challenge your running group to a mini race.  Team members save $5 per registration.  

As always there is a free option.  Just click on the tab at the top of the page and you can sign up for either the paid race of the free one!  

T-shirts

We're deep into the fundraising part of our project and selling t-shirts.  Check them out!  Show your love of reading while helping us raise money for literacy at the same time!

http://teespring.com/stores/balloon-hats-for-literacy

Race Tutus

I have a friend who makes the best tutus.  They don't poke or stick out and they hold up for race after race.  She sews them securely so they can be just tossed in the washer with the rest of your race gear.

Halloween costume races are coming...do you have your tutu yet?

Motivation - or maybe the lack of it

It's been a month of struggles.  I have a lot going on and maybe too much because it's impacting the way I take care of myself.  

So just for today I will find discipline and motivation.  I'll worry about tomorrow when it gets here.

Balloon Hats for Literacy

I have an amazing new project.

It's been taking up what little time I have left over during the busy season, but it's something that really brings satisfaction from the work.  Next summer we will be attempting to set a world record while supporting and spotlighting literacy.  4500 people in balloon hats!  Over 30,000 balloons and at least 100 people making hats.  It's going to be a blast!!

Check it out at www.balloonhatsforliteracy.com