Bad Run

Well, they cannot all be good. The weather has warmed up a little in New England so I went for a 10-mile road run on Sunday. It was the first time in nearly a month that I was able to do a workout outdoors so I hit the road enthusiastically; perhaps too enthusiastically. By the time I reached the four-mile mark I began to fall behind pace and start to have some minor cramps, foot sores and chafing. I figured that it was not too bad and I continued on to mile five on the out-and-back route.

This proved to be a big mistake. At the five-mile turn-around I was in considerable pain, but I still had 5 miles to get back home. The last three miles were a gruesome run/walk journey home. Once home, my body wanted to collapse from exhaustion, but the various pains were too considerable to allow any comfort or rest.

I made it thru Sunday well (with the help of wild-card weekend) and decided to take Monday off from physical punishment. I did a five-mile run today to get back into my training, however, and felt much better. I was able to stay ahead of pace for the entire run which was on a much more hilly route!

Sunday was mentally tough to get thru. I began to wonder about my ability to run a half-marathon in 3 weeks. As with most adverse events in life, once I got thru the valley I was able to pick back up and continue with my training for the Miami Half-Marathon at the end of the month.

David Garrard an Inspiration

Nearly every sports page in the United States is talking about the heroics of Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB David Garrard (even in Pittsburg) yesterday. This is mostly because he had a game clinching 32-yard rush, setting up a field goal, and advancing the Jaguars in the NFL playoffs. His performance last night and all season makes him an inspiration to many. However, I doubt many of the reports talk much about why he is a true inspiration to the IBD community.

Garrard has Crohn’s disease that has presented challenges in his life that we in the IBD community are familiar with facing. He has had a resection surgery in the past, but, unlike UC, Crohn’s cannot be ‘cured’ by surgery. It is obvious from his handling of the stressful game day situations that this man is completely in control of his mind and body and in control of IBD. Of the remaining QBs in the NFL playoffs he is ranked second only to Tom Brady! (That’s right, higher than Farve and both Mannings) Garrard is an inspiration to me and has me rooting for the Jaguars!

UC inspiration

Do you know of an inspiring UC patient? If you have UC, has somebody helped in your struggle to confront the daily challenges of UC? A family member, friend or health care provider, for instance?

If so, please check out www.ucsuccess.org and enter in the essay contest. I think this is a great avenue for UC patients (and those around them) to learn from each other. You could win a free trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual IBD Day on the Hill! All stories can help to inspire each other and a submission is good for a free 1-year CCFA membership.

Please check out www.ucsuccess.org.

Great Start to 2008

We (Noi, Jaixai and myself) kicked off the new year with a day trip to Boston. Jaixai has really missed going to the park in the past few months, so we surprised her and went to the Boston Children’s Museum (essentially a 3-floor park)! It was a treat for Noi and I as well; we went to two of our favorite restaurants (Emperor’s Garden and Flameporeria).

Hope 2008 had a good start for you!

New Year Resolution

Amidst the parties, countdowns, and fireworks the tradition of making a resolution on New Years Eve is usually the main topic of discussion on this day. Whether 2007 was a good or bad year for you, like most people, you probably wish for 2008 to be a better year. I love the concept of the resolution because it positions the individual to take charge of a particular improvement to make 2008 a great year. This is so much better than a wish where the result is left to fate.

When making a resolution think what it would take to make it a great year, then choose the milestones to achieve that goal. Finally, resolve what daily change can be made to reach your milestones and goal to have a great year!

Now I just have to do the same for myself ;-)

Happy New Year!!!