One down, not many more to go.
My training last week was decent. Ran in the afternoon, it was hot but I think it helped me deal with the heat on Saturday morning.
Friday, I spent with a sick child. Candace has bronchitis and a throat infection, so I took her to the dr, and spent the day with her at home. Went to bed at 9 and was up at 3 AM. As I told Vickie, we are a bit crazy for getting up so early, knowing what waiting for us. ha. But we are proud to be crazy, aren't we?
I was feeling pretty good Saturday. My pace was slower than usual, and I did 1:1 intervals instead of my usual 2:1. I knew it was hot, and also knew it had been a while since my last "long" run. I felt pretty good overall, I didn't want to pass the 5 hr mark, so ended up turning around at the last water stop. I looked at Mark's direction, and that means I did about 18.5 miles. Not too shabby, I ended up walking back to Lakeshore. If I had had a granola bar I probably would have been able to run back, I was starving!
Overall, I felt pretty confident out there. I ran some 2:1 intervals when I felt like it and felt pretty strong. Those times when I thought I couldn't go any further, I thought of my niece Lillian, of all the CFC kids who can't walk, or eat, or talk, of the parents, and of my own kids, who have blessed me and are blessed with good health. Believe me, there is no stronger motivator.
I went home, took the required cold bath, 2 advils and finally took a nap around 4. Back to normal on Sunday, somewhat. My knees and feet feel great (thanks to new shoes) but my butt muscles hurt! LOL
Looking forward to Chicago. Like Cheryl said, I'm going to miss my Saturday runs.
Monday, August 27
Tuesday, August 21
In need of your help
As many of you know, I am using this marathon experience to help raise funds for CFC International. Following is the letter I will be sending out. So this is shameless plug, asking for your help too. Every little bit helps, and it would mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Dear Family and Friends:
On October 7, 2007, I will be facing one of the biggest challenges of my life, the Chicago Marathon!
The training I have endured will help me complete all 26.2 miles, but it has been my commitment to run this race in honor of my niece Lillian that has kept me training, albeit the heat, the rain, and the physical pain.
Lillian was born on April 22, 2004 by cesarean section after 24 hours of labor, and spent the first 10 days of her life in NICU, unable to breathe room oxygen. The doctors did not know why, and although there were plenty of "signs," only a physician who regularly encountered patients with a rare genetic disorder would have noticed them. There were also feeding problems, and obvious developmental delays. After being misdiagnosed at age 1, she was correctly diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.
CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). There is no cure to treat all of the symptoms of CFC syndrome. However, with proper management and early intervention, much can be done to improve the health of children with CFC. At present, treatment ultimately depends on the unique characteristics of each individual.
Because CFC is so rare (fewer than 300 documented cases of CFC worldwide), there were no "obvious" prenatal signs during Glenda’s pregnancy that a typical ultrasound at the obstetric clinic would pick up, and at the time, a genetic test for CFC was not available. Lillian’s diagnosis came only two months after a test for CFC was made available to parents like Glenda and Kevin. CFC International was instrumental in the development of this test.
CFC International is the only nonprofit organization that serves CFC children and their families from all regions of the world. Their mission is to help families deal with the challenges of raising a child with a rare and often medically involved disorder, and to educate the general public and the medical community regarding this condition.
Lillian’s case is mild in the scope of severity of this disorder. Still, the challenges she has faced in her life have been plentiful. Lillian did not roll over until she was 1, and finally walked at 27 months. Now at 3 yrs old, she is still trying to catch up, with the help of a team of physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapists. She continues to make progress, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Glenda and Kevin are thankful to God that allowed them to know a definite diagnosis to Lillian’s problems, and grateful for CFC International and the help they provide families like theirs. Nonetheless, her parents understand that only God knows what the outcome of Lillian's life will be and they will continue to "run with patience the race that is set before [them] . . ."(Hebrews 12: 1)
As I run the marathon thru the streets of Chicago, it will be Lillian and other CFC children around the world who will be on my mind and in my heart. The challenges they face and the courage they show amidst it all will be my motivation through those 26.2 miles.
CFC International relies on the support of individuals, families, corporations and foundations to fund its programs and research initiatives. I am asking for your tax-deductible contribution to help CFC International continue their efforts. A donation of $1 per every mile I will run would help greatly, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. CFC International is a nonprofit 501c (3) organization, so all your donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks payable to CFC International.
If you would like to learn more about CFC syndrome and the efforts of CFC International, please visit their website at www.cfcsyndrome.org.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. If you want to make a donation, email me at panama10@gmail.com for more information, or mail your donation to:
Kayra Johnson
109 Longie Dale Lane, Hazlehurst MS 39083
Checks payable to CFC International
Dear Family and Friends:
On October 7, 2007, I will be facing one of the biggest challenges of my life, the Chicago Marathon!
The training I have endured will help me complete all 26.2 miles, but it has been my commitment to run this race in honor of my niece Lillian that has kept me training, albeit the heat, the rain, and the physical pain.
Lillian was born on April 22, 2004 by cesarean section after 24 hours of labor, and spent the first 10 days of her life in NICU, unable to breathe room oxygen. The doctors did not know why, and although there were plenty of "signs," only a physician who regularly encountered patients with a rare genetic disorder would have noticed them. There were also feeding problems, and obvious developmental delays. After being misdiagnosed at age 1, she was correctly diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.
CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). There is no cure to treat all of the symptoms of CFC syndrome. However, with proper management and early intervention, much can be done to improve the health of children with CFC. At present, treatment ultimately depends on the unique characteristics of each individual.
Because CFC is so rare (fewer than 300 documented cases of CFC worldwide), there were no "obvious" prenatal signs during Glenda’s pregnancy that a typical ultrasound at the obstetric clinic would pick up, and at the time, a genetic test for CFC was not available. Lillian’s diagnosis came only two months after a test for CFC was made available to parents like Glenda and Kevin. CFC International was instrumental in the development of this test.
CFC International is the only nonprofit organization that serves CFC children and their families from all regions of the world. Their mission is to help families deal with the challenges of raising a child with a rare and often medically involved disorder, and to educate the general public and the medical community regarding this condition.
Lillian’s case is mild in the scope of severity of this disorder. Still, the challenges she has faced in her life have been plentiful. Lillian did not roll over until she was 1, and finally walked at 27 months. Now at 3 yrs old, she is still trying to catch up, with the help of a team of physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapists. She continues to make progress, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Glenda and Kevin are thankful to God that allowed them to know a definite diagnosis to Lillian’s problems, and grateful for CFC International and the help they provide families like theirs. Nonetheless, her parents understand that only God knows what the outcome of Lillian's life will be and they will continue to "run with patience the race that is set before [them] . . ."(Hebrews 12: 1)
As I run the marathon thru the streets of Chicago, it will be Lillian and other CFC children around the world who will be on my mind and in my heart. The challenges they face and the courage they show amidst it all will be my motivation through those 26.2 miles.
CFC International relies on the support of individuals, families, corporations and foundations to fund its programs and research initiatives. I am asking for your tax-deductible contribution to help CFC International continue their efforts. A donation of $1 per every mile I will run would help greatly, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. CFC International is a nonprofit 501c (3) organization, so all your donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks payable to CFC International.
If you would like to learn more about CFC syndrome and the efforts of CFC International, please visit their website at www.cfcsyndrome.org.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. If you want to make a donation, email me at panama10@gmail.com for more information, or mail your donation to:
Kayra Johnson
109 Longie Dale Lane, Hazlehurst MS 39083
Checks payable to CFC International
Who let the dogs out...
That seemed to be the theme for my run on Sunday morning.
I came down with a migraine on Friday afternoon. I hadn't had one like this one ever, and it progressively got worse. When the alarm went off at 3 AM, I was awake, in pain. It finally went away in the afternoon on Saturday.
I got up early Sunday and laced up my shoes, ready to do my 10 mile run. I left my house feeling really good. Around mile 2, I encountered dog#1. It was a small one, and his owner was outside with him. Apparently the man didn't care if his dog bit me or not, he never attempted to get the little pest away from me.
I continued on with my pepper spray in hand, and encountered dog #2. This one was a big one, and he wasn't afraid to get close, and didn't care I had a pretty big stick on my hand. I was ready to spray him and finally he backed away. I continued on, and decided to take a different route back home. I didn't want to push my luck with dog #2.
It was going well and I approached the new route and took it. I had gone a mile down that road, when dogs #3,4,and 5 came out of nowhere. These dogs were huge, about the size of lab each. I think I had a small heartattack right there.
I slowly started to walk away from them, with my pepper spray ready for anything. 2 of the dogs went back to their yards, but one of them followed me pretty closely, growling. I was at the verge of tears. I can run in the rain, with black toenails and blisters. But I cannot handle the thought of 3 dogs mauling me.
I called my husband and asked him to pick me up. The whole time I was on the phone, the dog was close by growling. Several cars drove by and the dumb dog didn't bother to chase them, he just wanted to attack ME!
My husband came to pick me up, and I was only able to do 5 miles. I was so mad! Unfortunately, those dogs were just passed the city limit and apparently dogs can be lose in the county. So I guess from now on, if I have to run, I'll be doing so in the track.
I ran yesterday for about 50 minutes. I stayed away from the roads and it felt so good to run. I guess the "break" I took was needed because I enjoyed the run. Even though it was 95 degrees.
I came down with a migraine on Friday afternoon. I hadn't had one like this one ever, and it progressively got worse. When the alarm went off at 3 AM, I was awake, in pain. It finally went away in the afternoon on Saturday.
I got up early Sunday and laced up my shoes, ready to do my 10 mile run. I left my house feeling really good. Around mile 2, I encountered dog#1. It was a small one, and his owner was outside with him. Apparently the man didn't care if his dog bit me or not, he never attempted to get the little pest away from me.
I continued on with my pepper spray in hand, and encountered dog #2. This one was a big one, and he wasn't afraid to get close, and didn't care I had a pretty big stick on my hand. I was ready to spray him and finally he backed away. I continued on, and decided to take a different route back home. I didn't want to push my luck with dog #2.
It was going well and I approached the new route and took it. I had gone a mile down that road, when dogs #3,4,and 5 came out of nowhere. These dogs were huge, about the size of lab each. I think I had a small heartattack right there.
I slowly started to walk away from them, with my pepper spray ready for anything. 2 of the dogs went back to their yards, but one of them followed me pretty closely, growling. I was at the verge of tears. I can run in the rain, with black toenails and blisters. But I cannot handle the thought of 3 dogs mauling me.
I called my husband and asked him to pick me up. The whole time I was on the phone, the dog was close by growling. Several cars drove by and the dumb dog didn't bother to chase them, he just wanted to attack ME!
My husband came to pick me up, and I was only able to do 5 miles. I was so mad! Unfortunately, those dogs were just passed the city limit and apparently dogs can be lose in the county. So I guess from now on, if I have to run, I'll be doing so in the track.
I ran yesterday for about 50 minutes. I stayed away from the roads and it felt so good to run. I guess the "break" I took was needed because I enjoyed the run. Even though it was 95 degrees.
Monday, August 13
Counting down the days...
55 days left. The final countdown. No time for excuses. It's now or never.
There are just 55 days left until the biggest mental/physical challenge of my life. I know some people think pregnancy, specially with twins, would be harder but in my book, this marathon takes the prize.
I have been slacking the last few weeks. I lost my motivation and have had a very hard time finding it. Life issues got in the way, the weather hasn't helped either. Whatever the reason, I stopped training. I had no desire to get out on the road, no desire to push myself anymore than necessary.
Have I hurt my overall training? I hope not. There is no point in dwelling the past, I can't change it. I stopped training, with the exception of some walking, I haven't run in a couple of weeks.
Today is a new day, and a new page has turned. This is it. I have 55 days left to prove to myself I CAN do this. I committed myself to accomplishing this monumental milestone, and I'm going to do it. Whether I run or walk or both, I WILL finish Chicago.
I have a committment with myself to accomplish this goal. A committment to my family, who has been patient and understanding of my taking time away from them to train. A commitment to my fellow marathoners who believe in me, and have encouraged me along this journey.
Now is NO time to quit. I have come this far and I'm closer to 26.2 miles than I was back in January. Remember that first mile at Belhaven? I will never forget it. It's my baseline, the one I compare all my runs to. Every mile afterwards has been easier.
55 days until the big day. And even less days of training left. I have to make each training day count. I can't go back and run on the days I missed. But I can commit myself to train every day from this point forward.
How well I finish in Chicago is up to me. If I give it my best, and finish last, I'll be happy because I did my very best.
But I will never be happy with myself if I settle for less than what I am capable of.
Today is the first day of the rest of my marathon journey. On October 8th, the marathon will be over, and I will join that 1% of the population. More importantly, I will prove to myself I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
There are just 55 days left until the biggest mental/physical challenge of my life. I know some people think pregnancy, specially with twins, would be harder but in my book, this marathon takes the prize.
I have been slacking the last few weeks. I lost my motivation and have had a very hard time finding it. Life issues got in the way, the weather hasn't helped either. Whatever the reason, I stopped training. I had no desire to get out on the road, no desire to push myself anymore than necessary.
Have I hurt my overall training? I hope not. There is no point in dwelling the past, I can't change it. I stopped training, with the exception of some walking, I haven't run in a couple of weeks.
Today is a new day, and a new page has turned. This is it. I have 55 days left to prove to myself I CAN do this. I committed myself to accomplishing this monumental milestone, and I'm going to do it. Whether I run or walk or both, I WILL finish Chicago.
I have a committment with myself to accomplish this goal. A committment to my family, who has been patient and understanding of my taking time away from them to train. A commitment to my fellow marathoners who believe in me, and have encouraged me along this journey.
Now is NO time to quit. I have come this far and I'm closer to 26.2 miles than I was back in January. Remember that first mile at Belhaven? I will never forget it. It's my baseline, the one I compare all my runs to. Every mile afterwards has been easier.
55 days until the big day. And even less days of training left. I have to make each training day count. I can't go back and run on the days I missed. But I can commit myself to train every day from this point forward.
How well I finish in Chicago is up to me. If I give it my best, and finish last, I'll be happy because I did my very best.
But I will never be happy with myself if I settle for less than what I am capable of.
Today is the first day of the rest of my marathon journey. On October 8th, the marathon will be over, and I will join that 1% of the population. More importantly, I will prove to myself I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
Thursday, August 9
A day in the life
It's been a while, I know. Just not in a bloggin mood, and very busy.
New Orleans was great, I am so glad we decided to go. There were far less people there than we expected. It broke my heart to see this great city so liveless. I don't know if it was because I went during the week, but there weren't there as many tourists as there were pre-Katrina.
The twins were great, they behaved really well. They were so cute at the hotel. We stayed on the 10th floor, so they kept running to the windows and looking out, and pointing, talking, laughing. Just cute.
They woke up in the middle of the night and decided to make the most of it. Starting talking to each other, laughing, playing. I guess this was better than crying, but I was exhausted. They finally settled down around 3 AM.
They liked the zoo, but weren't as impressed with it as they were with the aquarium. I guess at 15 months, it's hard to appreciate the zoo. They loved the aquarium though, it's awesome to "rediscover" the world thru my children's eyes.
Even the ride there and back was good. It was exhausting, as you can imagine, dealing with all 3 of them. But they behaved well, and we are more confident with our ability to handle them in the big city.
Not much training recently. just lots going on. and I've been feeling exhausted.
My days begin at 5 when the alarm goes off. I have to be at work at 8 so in 3 hrs, I have to get ready, get the twins ready (they commute to Jackson with me), get Candace ready for school/camp, drive to Jackson, drop the twins off, and get here.
Afternoons are pretty much the same, get home, cook, feed everyone, bathe everyone, get them in bed, clean the kitchen, wash clothes, pay bills, watch something on tv to get my mind to unwind. Even though my husband helps out a lot, there is 2 of us, to take care of 3 kids and their needs.
Somewhere in there I fit in training, time with my husband, time with my daughter to read her a book, and time to myself. Finally in bed by 11 and before I know, the alarm is going off again. Assuming everyone slept thru the night, but that's a story for another time.
Chicago is closer! My daughter told me Tuesday one day she will run a marathon too. I told her I'll be there to cheer her on and I'll be so proud of her.
New Orleans was great, I am so glad we decided to go. There were far less people there than we expected. It broke my heart to see this great city so liveless. I don't know if it was because I went during the week, but there weren't there as many tourists as there were pre-Katrina.
The twins were great, they behaved really well. They were so cute at the hotel. We stayed on the 10th floor, so they kept running to the windows and looking out, and pointing, talking, laughing. Just cute.
They woke up in the middle of the night and decided to make the most of it. Starting talking to each other, laughing, playing. I guess this was better than crying, but I was exhausted. They finally settled down around 3 AM.
They liked the zoo, but weren't as impressed with it as they were with the aquarium. I guess at 15 months, it's hard to appreciate the zoo. They loved the aquarium though, it's awesome to "rediscover" the world thru my children's eyes.
Even the ride there and back was good. It was exhausting, as you can imagine, dealing with all 3 of them. But they behaved well, and we are more confident with our ability to handle them in the big city.
Not much training recently. just lots going on. and I've been feeling exhausted.
My days begin at 5 when the alarm goes off. I have to be at work at 8 so in 3 hrs, I have to get ready, get the twins ready (they commute to Jackson with me), get Candace ready for school/camp, drive to Jackson, drop the twins off, and get here.
Afternoons are pretty much the same, get home, cook, feed everyone, bathe everyone, get them in bed, clean the kitchen, wash clothes, pay bills, watch something on tv to get my mind to unwind. Even though my husband helps out a lot, there is 2 of us, to take care of 3 kids and their needs.
Somewhere in there I fit in training, time with my husband, time with my daughter to read her a book, and time to myself. Finally in bed by 11 and before I know, the alarm is going off again. Assuming everyone slept thru the night, but that's a story for another time.
Chicago is closer! My daughter told me Tuesday one day she will run a marathon too. I told her I'll be there to cheer her on and I'll be so proud of her.
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