You have put Team Golden Colon OVER goal! Thanks to everyone for all your support--we could not have done it without you. Thanks to all who encouraged me to tell me story and told me you were proud of my baby steps into advocacy. Thanks to all who gave hard-earned money for a cause that you might not have heard of before I started yammering away. YOU have helped make life a little bit better for 1.4 million Americans. This disease sucks, but thanks to all of you it will be a little less sucky.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much this means to me.
And now I'm sorry, I have to go hide in the bathroom and pretend I didn't just make myself cry.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
More Cowbell: A Race Memoir (of sorts)
It's hard to believe that a week ago I was bundled up for our arrival party at the hotel in Sonoma! Kansas City, with its multiple consecutive days of 100+ temps is definitely a far cry from Northern California. Maybe when I win the lottery (HA!) but until then I guess I just need to be thankful for air conditioning.
But you don't want to hear me complain about the weather. You're reading this to hear about our weekend in Napa. So I will oblige.
First, let me just be honest and say that it is less than ideal timing to go to wine country while knocked up. Yes it is gorgeous and all, but come on. Let's be honest here. Not being able to taste grown-up grape juice did put a damper on things. As did the fact that I couldn't run the race because of that stupid tendinitis. But once again, you didn't come here for me to complain. Now that I have gotten all that off my chest, I'll move on to the main event.
The whole weekend was really amazing. The 621 runners running Napa-to-Sonoma for Team Challenge raised $2.4 million for IBD research! And that was just one race--Team Challenge runners participate in multiple events each year.
On race day I camped out at the 7.5 mile marker with some other Team Challenge supporters. Wearing my finest orange and blue (oh I dislike those colors for football, but this is different!) I yelled and waved my signs and played my cowbell. Because cowbell makes everything go better. And who wouldn't be inspired to run faster by cowbell? Duh. But as I cheered I realized that the runners were really cheering and inspiring me. I kept getting so emotional each time I saw a Team Challenge runner because I know what a difference that efforts are making. Each orange singlet was one more person working to end IBD. And while most of those runners didn't know me or my story, they knew someone else like me who inspired them to give up their time and energy to work towards a cure. Because of them--and because of supporters like you, dear readers!--life is a little more enjoyable for the 1.4 million Americans living with IBD.
And as I ramble on, I'm realizing what a poor grasp I have of the English language, as I can't even begin to say what a big deal this weekend was for me. Team Challenge is an event where I'm "normal" and where people understand what I live with. Everyone there is touched by IBD in some way--we're one big, "crappy" family. (Oh trust me, the puns were in full force on the various t-shirts--anybody want to buy a bowel?) It's a place where everyone gets the tension between enjoying the good days when they come because of the ever present fear that tomorrow the disease is going to drastically change course.
Oh and the actual running part? Michael did great, although he did start out too fast. That's what happens when he doesn't have me as a running partner. Further proof that he needs me, if only to nag him to be smart while running. Feel free to insert your own jokes there about my brilliant running history.
So there you have it. My race recap. Again, THANK YOU to all of you for your support on this journey. We really couldn't have done it without you. And if you just kept forgetting to donate, you can still donate. Just click on the link to the right (cleverly labeled "Donate Now!") to make your tax- deductible gift to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. We have just a teensy bit left to meet our minimum and every bit makes a difference in the life of an IBD patient.
But you don't want to hear me complain about the weather. You're reading this to hear about our weekend in Napa. So I will oblige.
First, let me just be honest and say that it is less than ideal timing to go to wine country while knocked up. Yes it is gorgeous and all, but come on. Let's be honest here. Not being able to taste grown-up grape juice did put a damper on things. As did the fact that I couldn't run the race because of that stupid tendinitis. But once again, you didn't come here for me to complain. Now that I have gotten all that off my chest, I'll move on to the main event.
The whole weekend was really amazing. The 621 runners running Napa-to-Sonoma for Team Challenge raised $2.4 million for IBD research! And that was just one race--Team Challenge runners participate in multiple events each year.
On race day I camped out at the 7.5 mile marker with some other Team Challenge supporters. Wearing my finest orange and blue (oh I dislike those colors for football, but this is different!) I yelled and waved my signs and played my cowbell. Because cowbell makes everything go better. And who wouldn't be inspired to run faster by cowbell? Duh. But as I cheered I realized that the runners were really cheering and inspiring me. I kept getting so emotional each time I saw a Team Challenge runner because I know what a difference that efforts are making. Each orange singlet was one more person working to end IBD. And while most of those runners didn't know me or my story, they knew someone else like me who inspired them to give up their time and energy to work towards a cure. Because of them--and because of supporters like you, dear readers!--life is a little more enjoyable for the 1.4 million Americans living with IBD.
And as I ramble on, I'm realizing what a poor grasp I have of the English language, as I can't even begin to say what a big deal this weekend was for me. Team Challenge is an event where I'm "normal" and where people understand what I live with. Everyone there is touched by IBD in some way--we're one big, "crappy" family. (Oh trust me, the puns were in full force on the various t-shirts--anybody want to buy a bowel?) It's a place where everyone gets the tension between enjoying the good days when they come because of the ever present fear that tomorrow the disease is going to drastically change course.
Oh and the actual running part? Michael did great, although he did start out too fast. That's what happens when he doesn't have me as a running partner. Further proof that he needs me, if only to nag him to be smart while running. Feel free to insert your own jokes there about my brilliant running history.
So there you have it. My race recap. Again, THANK YOU to all of you for your support on this journey. We really couldn't have done it without you. And if you just kept forgetting to donate, you can still donate. Just click on the link to the right (cleverly labeled "Donate Now!") to make your tax- deductible gift to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. We have just a teensy bit left to meet our minimum and every bit makes a difference in the life of an IBD patient.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
How your donation to CCFA helps patients
I keep talking about how CCFA is a great organization, but I haven't really told you all what CCFA does to make daily life better for IBD patients. Obviously, it's easy to understand how research funding makes a difference. However, there are lots of other things CCFA does to educate patients, to make their lives better, and to give pediatric patients a "normal" camp experience. These all sound like little things, but when you are sick with an embarrassing disease, it is the little things that make life seem so much better.
So, now you know. And knowing is half the battle. The other half is clicking on the "Donate Now" link to the right, if you haven't already done so. We're really really close to our goal and are so incredibly grateful to all of you who have provided support along the way. For years I was too embarrassed and scared to tell my story. Thank you for helping me find my voice.
$30………Provides a one year membership for
someone in need
$50………Provides educational brochures to
375 patients
$100…Funds a month of Information Resource
Center translation services for all
patients
$300……Supports a Camp Oasis camper in need
for one day
$500……Covers six months of unlimited
online chat support with Patient Information Specialists
$1,000……Will open doors to over 20,000 patients
who receive our bathroom access card
$2,500……Sends a child with IBD to Camp Oasis
for one week
$5,000…Provides continuing education credit
to nurses attending our educational teleconferences
$10,000…...Supports the development of Patient
Education brochures
So, now you know. And knowing is half the battle. The other half is clicking on the "Donate Now" link to the right, if you haven't already done so. We're really really close to our goal and are so incredibly grateful to all of you who have provided support along the way. For years I was too embarrassed and scared to tell my story. Thank you for helping me find my voice.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Stupid hormones
I used to be tough. I rarely cried, except in extreme circumstances. My stoicism would have made the Spartans proud.
And then I got pregnant.
Now I cry at every stupid little thing. Like this week, Michael and I were watching the Today show. They were talking about a town in Alaska that still had mountains of snow. So we were talking about how some towns needed supplies this winter which led to a discussion of the origins of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. And I started crying at the thought of those babies who otherwise would have died if they hadn't gotten their medicine in the middle of that winter.
This is totally unacceptable. I get that baby is going to take my body from me, but does s/he really have to take my mind too? Hrmph.
And then I got pregnant.
Now I cry at every stupid little thing. Like this week, Michael and I were watching the Today show. They were talking about a town in Alaska that still had mountains of snow. So we were talking about how some towns needed supplies this winter which led to a discussion of the origins of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. And I started crying at the thought of those babies who otherwise would have died if they hadn't gotten their medicine in the middle of that winter.
This is totally unacceptable. I get that baby is going to take my body from me, but does s/he really have to take my mind too? Hrmph.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Happy Birthday Title IX!
As always, I'm a bit late to the party. But hey, look at the last post. I've been slightly preoccupied lately.
Anyways, this country is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Title IX. And all those retrospectives on women in sports got me to thinking about how Title IX has impacted my life. Now I was never much an athlete. I played a couple of seasons of t-ball and enjoyed my summer swim league. I joined the cross-country and tennis teams in junior high, but didn't play any sports in high school since I was an oh-so-cool band geek. I did row for almost a year in college, but I was absolutely positively horrible. So yeah, not an athlete.
Even though I didn't directly benefit from Title IX through access to a soccer field or a basketball scholarship, this legislation has still played an indirect but important part in my life. Title IX made sports socially acceptable for women. It wasn't automatic, but over time it became "normal" to see girls playing sports. And so even though I never earned a varsity letter, I grew up in a world where an active young woman is not a freak. My hobby of running is not seen as some extreme sport--it is normal. This social acceptability of fitness is crucial in a sedentary society with high rates of obesity. Now granted, there's still much to be done with respect to fitness. However, without Title IX I think things would be even worse.
And now, as I prepare to bring a child in to this world, I'm even more grateful for Title IX. If this baby takes after either of his/her parents, well, let's just say we won't be welcoming any college coaches on recruiting visits. But that doesn't matter--this baby can enter a world where children of both genders can play sports and learn that fitness and physical activity are FUN and worthwhile and part of a normal, healthy lifestyle. And there's not much more I can ask for my child.
Anyways, this country is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Title IX. And all those retrospectives on women in sports got me to thinking about how Title IX has impacted my life. Now I was never much an athlete. I played a couple of seasons of t-ball and enjoyed my summer swim league. I joined the cross-country and tennis teams in junior high, but didn't play any sports in high school since I was an oh-so-cool band geek. I did row for almost a year in college, but I was absolutely positively horrible. So yeah, not an athlete.
Even though I didn't directly benefit from Title IX through access to a soccer field or a basketball scholarship, this legislation has still played an indirect but important part in my life. Title IX made sports socially acceptable for women. It wasn't automatic, but over time it became "normal" to see girls playing sports. And so even though I never earned a varsity letter, I grew up in a world where an active young woman is not a freak. My hobby of running is not seen as some extreme sport--it is normal. This social acceptability of fitness is crucial in a sedentary society with high rates of obesity. Now granted, there's still much to be done with respect to fitness. However, without Title IX I think things would be even worse.
And now, as I prepare to bring a child in to this world, I'm even more grateful for Title IX. If this baby takes after either of his/her parents, well, let's just say we won't be welcoming any college coaches on recruiting visits. But that doesn't matter--this baby can enter a world where children of both genders can play sports and learn that fitness and physical activity are FUN and worthwhile and part of a normal, healthy lifestyle. And there's not much more I can ask for my child.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
One more reason to run
I'll let this sink in for just a moment before I start blogging.
Yes, this is an ultrasound picture. Yes, it is an early shot of Baby Jeter-Boldt. I'm told that everything looks the way it should at this point, though all I see is a blur. But then again, I'm not a medical professional, so I'll just have to accept that everything looks good for now. For those of you who are now convinced the Mayans know something, fear not--Baby JB isn't scheduled to arrive until early February, so we'll all get to celebrate one more Christmas before the world ends.
In all seriousness though, this is one more reason that Michael and I have been working so hard to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. I'm the third generation in a row on my dad's side to have some form of IBD. On my husband's side of the family, there are several relatives with various auto-immune diseases. That medical history scared me off of having children for the past nine years. My genes suck and I was (and am) terrified of passing this disease on to my child. I watched my dad die when I was 18 and I didn't think I could handle the risk of watching a child of mine live with IBD. However, the good work that CCFA has done in funding research and various quality of life programs for patients means that if this child inherits my sucky genes and ends up with IBD, s/he will have a bright future. These advances in treatment mean that I felt comfortable passing my sucky genes on to a new generation. Treatment is already better than I was diagnosed 10 years ago. It is exponentially better than when my dad was diagnosed. And when my grandmother started showing symptoms decades ago, understanding of this disease was so limited that she was simply told she was "hysterical". Can you imagine? I can't.
While IBD treatments have progressed greatly in my lifetime, there is much to be done. There's still no cure, and many IBD patients still require surgery to remove the diseased portion of their GI tract. Even those of us who don't require surgery have to take handfuls of pills each day. Your donation to CCFA will ensure that my baby and all those other babies born to IBD patients each day will have a better future than their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The home stretch
As Michael already told you in his most recent post, we're coming up on the end of our journey. We've got less than $800 to reach our goal and we are so grateful for all the support we have received so far. As a patient, this means a lot to me--each dollar is a step towards a brighter future for me and all the other patients. I don't want to end up like my dad and you--yes YOU--are helping to make that wish a reality. Thank you all. Seriously. You are all heroes to me.
Another hero who deserves recognition is my husband. See, he doesn't really like running, but does it because *I* like to run. So I'm the one who got us signed up for Napa, and then I'm the one who got hurt and had to drop out. Not once has he complained about running without me. Instead, he gets up early and goes out to get his miles in while I'm spending quality time with my pillow. His training seems to be going really well and I think he's going to crack 2:00 again, which will be the first time in years that either one of us has run that good of time. So please, give him a giant round of applause for all his hard work. I'm so blessed to have such a great guy in my corner who is dedicated to finding a cure for IBD.
[And just in case this has you in the giving mood--don't forget, the wine basket raffle is still going on so you can buy tickets today! And if you are in Kansas City, join us on June 30 for trivia at Lew's. Further details were in Michael's previous post or email me with any questions.]
Another hero who deserves recognition is my husband. See, he doesn't really like running, but does it because *I* like to run. So I'm the one who got us signed up for Napa, and then I'm the one who got hurt and had to drop out. Not once has he complained about running without me. Instead, he gets up early and goes out to get his miles in while I'm spending quality time with my pillow. His training seems to be going really well and I think he's going to crack 2:00 again, which will be the first time in years that either one of us has run that good of time. So please, give him a giant round of applause for all his hard work. I'm so blessed to have such a great guy in my corner who is dedicated to finding a cure for IBD.
[And just in case this has you in the giving mood--don't forget, the wine basket raffle is still going on so you can buy tickets today! And if you are in Kansas City, join us on June 30 for trivia at Lew's. Further details were in Michael's previous post or email me with any questions.]
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Crunch Time
This is it - the Final Countdown (insert your own rendition of this awesomely bad song here). Team Golden Colon and the other Team Challenge participants are less than 30 days from our goal - the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
But we still need your help. Currently we are less than $800 from reaching our fundraising goal. Now we'd be remiss if we didn't thank all of you who have already donated - but there are still many good reasons to give more. Chief amongst those reasons are our currently ongoing contests or upcoming events which give you the chance to get some great gifts/prizes in return for your generosity. So in case you need a refresher, here is a list of what we currently have going on:
WINE BASKET RAFFLE
We've mentioned this one a lot, and with good reason - this basket is killer. A $20 donation gets you an entry in the raffle to be held July 4 (or you can get 3 entries for $50). The prize, a basket featuring wines from along the race route and some awesome chocolates, is valued at $200! As things currently stand, each entry has a better than 1-in-20 chance of winning, which is better odds than you're likely to get on just about any other raffle. If you need a refresher on what is included in the basket, or information about how to enter, check out this post from several weeks ago.
You can't tell me this doesn't look good
TRIVIA AFTERNOON AT LEW'S
Sadly, this event is, practically speaking, only available to those of you (and your friends - the more the merrier) in the Kansas City area (or those looking for a reason, other than barbeque, to visit our fair city). Saturday, June 30th at 2:00pm we'll be holding a trivia challenge with one of the Team Challenge mentors at Lew's Bar and Grill in Waldo (SE corner of 75th St. and Wornall). The cost is $10 per participant over the age of 15. For that donation, in addition to a fun afternoon in air conditioning, you'll be eligible for prizes for the top teams and drink specials. Additionally, there will be a raffle ($1 per ticket or $10 for as many tickets as it takes to reach around your waist) for other great prizes.
GUESS THE FINISHING TIME
EXTENDED DEADLINE!!!! Donate $10 (not earmarked for one of the other contests) before race day (July 15) and give your best guess for my finishing time. You must indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds you think it will take me to run the 13.1 mile course. The donor with the closest guess (going over is fine) will receive a bottle of wine from Napa/Sonoma valued at at least $25. Simply enter your guess for my time in the comments section of the online donation form, available via the link in the "Join Team Golden Colon" section to the right.
SPONSORSHIP
I am accepting "sponsorships" for each mile of the race. Simply donate $50 or more before July 14 and indicate the mile you would like to sponsor and the message you would like me to write on my race bib and you will be an official sponsor of Team Golden Colon. Interested in sponsoring my sprint over the final .1 mile? Consider a generous donation of $100.
Hopefully something here grabs your interest. If not, please consider a donation anyway. Together, we can raise this last little bit of money to make Team Golden Colon a success and hopefully help find a cure for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Thank you.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Other voices
So far, this blog has included lots of posts about my own personal journey with IBD. The mister has also written on what it is like to marry a sick person. While of course we think our insights are brilliant, there are 1.4 million Americans living with IBD and each of them have family members, which means there are a whole lot of people with their own stories. This year for Kansas City we are fortunate enough to have two local honored heros for our team. They are both college students--Jenna has Crohn's and Peter has ulcerative colitis. I'm so incredibly proud of both of them for sharing their stories and being a part of Team Challenge. When I was in college I did everything I could to hide my illness so I am in awe of their bravery--they really are heros! So without further ado, here are their stories, in their own words, as published on the Kansas City Team Challenge website:
Meet Kansas City's 2012 Summer Season Honorees
Peter Graham
Peter is a 22-year-old student majoring in classical guitar performance at the University of Missouri Kansas City's Conservatory of Music. He is a fun-loving guy and likes to hangout with his friends at school and talk aboutanything music.
On January 20, 2012, a CAT scan revealed free air in his abdomen, which showed evidence of a perforation in his digestive system. He had an emergency surgery that night and most of his colon was removed.
The procedure saved his life, and in the next 3 weeks he went on to have 8 more trips to the operating room to clean out his abdomen with saline solution and to gradually pull the fascia together with the aid of a Wittmann Patch.
The acute illness was due to toxic megacolon, a life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis. He lost 22 pounds during this traumatic and painful time, and is now in a rehab facility doing physical and occupational therapy, retraining his muscles and learning how to adjust to life as a young man with the recent diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.
Peter needs all the help and support we can give him at this time.
Jenna Olitsky
Hi, I am Jenna Olitsky, from Leawood, Kansas. Currently, I am a junior studying at The University of Kansas, in Lawrence, majoring in Psychology and Pre-Law, with a minor in Jewish Studies and a certification in Global Awareness.
At school, I am heavily involved, whether it is in my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, as the Vice President of Scholarship and Community Service, or as well a member of Student Union Activities, planning concerts and comedy shows on campus, Student Senate, a member of Right's Committee as the secretary, and a founder of Students Helping Honduras at KU, an international student organization that builds elementary schools for underprivileged villages in Honduras.
Outside of campus, I am a member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's National Youth Leadership Council, and work along side 14 other college students around the country to raise awareness and promote the mission CCFA. Besides that, I absolutely love to travel, especially to volunteer in third-world countries and am a huge Kansas Men's Basketball fan! (Rock Chalk!)
I have personally dealt with Crohn's Disease since 2005, during my freshman year of high school, and it has affected my classes, social activities, and other aspects of my life, but nothing that I can't over come!
Meet Kansas City's 2012 Summer Season Honorees
Peter Graham
Peter is a 22-year-old student majoring in classical guitar performance at the University of Missouri Kansas City's Conservatory of Music. He is a fun-loving guy and likes to hangout with his friends at school and talk aboutanything music.
On January 20, 2012, a CAT scan revealed free air in his abdomen, which showed evidence of a perforation in his digestive system. He had an emergency surgery that night and most of his colon was removed.
The procedure saved his life, and in the next 3 weeks he went on to have 8 more trips to the operating room to clean out his abdomen with saline solution and to gradually pull the fascia together with the aid of a Wittmann Patch.
The acute illness was due to toxic megacolon, a life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis. He lost 22 pounds during this traumatic and painful time, and is now in a rehab facility doing physical and occupational therapy, retraining his muscles and learning how to adjust to life as a young man with the recent diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.
Peter needs all the help and support we can give him at this time.
Jenna Olitsky
Hi, I am Jenna Olitsky, from Leawood, Kansas. Currently, I am a junior studying at The University of Kansas, in Lawrence, majoring in Psychology and Pre-Law, with a minor in Jewish Studies and a certification in Global Awareness.
At school, I am heavily involved, whether it is in my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, as the Vice President of Scholarship and Community Service, or as well a member of Student Union Activities, planning concerts and comedy shows on campus, Student Senate, a member of Right's Committee as the secretary, and a founder of Students Helping Honduras at KU, an international student organization that builds elementary schools for underprivileged villages in Honduras.
Outside of campus, I am a member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's National Youth Leadership Council, and work along side 14 other college students around the country to raise awareness and promote the mission CCFA. Besides that, I absolutely love to travel, especially to volunteer in third-world countries and am a huge Kansas Men's Basketball fan! (Rock Chalk!)
I have personally dealt with Crohn's Disease since 2005, during my freshman year of high school, and it has affected my classes, social activities, and other aspects of my life, but nothing that I can't over come!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Reminders
We've been asking you to buy raffle tickets for our Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Basket raffle for a few weeks now. And while the original description of the contest (viewable by clicking here) covered the basics, it might be nice to have a visual of what, exactly, you're getting if you win.
So, not only is everything in the basket delicious, but it looks good too (and you can use the metal bucket it comes in to hold ice and adult beverages at your next party). We'll even ship it to you for free. Your odds are still outstanding, tickets are only $20 (or 3 for $50), and these items would cost at least $200 in a retail wine store. The raffle runs through July 4, but get your ticket today.
Other events to remind you of:
So, not only is everything in the basket delicious, but it looks good too (and you can use the metal bucket it comes in to hold ice and adult beverages at your next party). We'll even ship it to you for free. Your odds are still outstanding, tickets are only $20 (or 3 for $50), and these items would cost at least $200 in a retail wine store. The raffle runs through July 4, but get your ticket today.
Other events to remind you of:
- Every time you donate $10 (not earmarked for one of the other events) between now and June 30 enter your best guess for my (Michael) finishing time in the race (hint: my PR is roughly 1:52:00). As with the actual run, seconds count! For the contributor who most accurately predicts my finishing time, Katie and I will bring a bottle of wine back from Napa or Sonoma.
- Ever wanted to have the feeling of being rich? Of seeing your name (or your business's name) plastered all over a sporting event? Here's your chance. Between now and July 10 you can become a "sponsor" of a mile in the race. Simply donate $50 and designate which mile (1 through 13) you'd like to sponsor. I'll write your name (or business, organization, inspirational message, or all of the above) on my race attire as a sponsor. A $100 donation sponsors the final tenth of a mile.
- TRIVIA!!!!! Come by Lew's Bar and Grill in Waldo (75th and Wornall, Kansas City MO) at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 30th for a friendly (or not so friendly) afternoon of trivia, drink specials, prizes and a raffle. For more details, click here.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Trivia Challenge!
After an exciting weekend here at Team Golden Colon headquarters during which Katie ended my short reign of dominance at Scrabble (hey, it's exciting for us - don't laugh), we've decided to throw down the gauntlet with the inaugural Team Golden Colon trivia challenge. Intrigued? Feeling smart? Read on to find out more.
Where: Lew's Grill and Bar (corner of Wornall and 75th Street, KCMO) - although this is a bar, it is family-friendly
When: 2:00pm Saturday, June 30
How much: $10 per person minimum donation for contestants over 15 - no limit to how many people can be on a team
Why: Drink specials. Prizes for the top teams. A raffle for other great prizes. A fun way to spend two hours in air conditioning. Even if you lose, you'll feel good about yourself for helping fight Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
So, think you have what it takes to make Katie and I look dumb (trust me, it isn't hard)? Come prove it June 30 at Lew's!
We will also be selling entries to the wine basket raffle at the trivia challenge - if you need a refresher on what is in the basket or would like to buy your entries in advance, click here.
Where: Lew's Grill and Bar (corner of Wornall and 75th Street, KCMO) - although this is a bar, it is family-friendly
When: 2:00pm Saturday, June 30
How much: $10 per person minimum donation for contestants over 15 - no limit to how many people can be on a team
Why: Drink specials. Prizes for the top teams. A raffle for other great prizes. A fun way to spend two hours in air conditioning. Even if you lose, you'll feel good about yourself for helping fight Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
So, think you have what it takes to make Katie and I look dumb (trust me, it isn't hard)? Come prove it June 30 at Lew's!
We will also be selling entries to the wine basket raffle at the trivia challenge - if you need a refresher on what is in the basket or would like to buy your entries in advance, click here.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Catching up with an old friend
I love books. Particularly old books. There is nothing as comforting as the smell and the feel of a favorite, well-loved book. While I understand the convenience of them new-fangled e-readers (and honestly, I probably will get one sooner rather than later) reading a physical book is a special experience that can't be duplicated. Books are friends.
Recently, I've catching up with one of my old friends. Miss Anne Shirley and I have enjoyed being reacquainted. I received the Anne of Green Gables series when I was in the first grade. I was a bit of a misfit with an active imagination and a vocabulary larger than my age. While I was certainly not an orphan, my dad was very ill at the time and my mom's attentions were directed towards keeping him alive. We had recently moved away and I had to start over in a foreign land called California. Add to that some health problems of my brother and I felt alone at that time. I needed a friend, and Anne and I were kindred spirits from the very start.
It never ceases to amaze me that every time I read the Anne series, I find something to love. I laugh over the same ridiculous scrapes Anne gets into--thankfully I never dyed my hair green!--and I feel that burning competitiveness with Gilbert Blythe. And when dear old Matthew dies I still cry. And every single time I find something new. This time it was Anne's acceptance of her changed fate, of the "bend in the road." She tells Marilla that she had all her ambitions and her plans (who does that resemble?) and she could see the road stretching out ahead of her. And then, suddenly, there was a bend. She couldn't see around the bend, but she knew it had amazing opportunities too, but it was a change and she just had to see what life had in store. I know that ten years ago, I was like Anne with my life all planned out. And then I had one bend after another. I really like my life now, but I never could have imagined it, and I certainly didn't accept my bends the way Anne accepted hers. (Spoiler alert--Anne's life turned out pretty darn good. So far, mine has too, but I've planning on quite a few more chapters!)
Recently, I've catching up with one of my old friends. Miss Anne Shirley and I have enjoyed being reacquainted. I received the Anne of Green Gables series when I was in the first grade. I was a bit of a misfit with an active imagination and a vocabulary larger than my age. While I was certainly not an orphan, my dad was very ill at the time and my mom's attentions were directed towards keeping him alive. We had recently moved away and I had to start over in a foreign land called California. Add to that some health problems of my brother and I felt alone at that time. I needed a friend, and Anne and I were kindred spirits from the very start.
It never ceases to amaze me that every time I read the Anne series, I find something to love. I laugh over the same ridiculous scrapes Anne gets into--thankfully I never dyed my hair green!--and I feel that burning competitiveness with Gilbert Blythe. And when dear old Matthew dies I still cry. And every single time I find something new. This time it was Anne's acceptance of her changed fate, of the "bend in the road." She tells Marilla that she had all her ambitions and her plans (who does that resemble?) and she could see the road stretching out ahead of her. And then, suddenly, there was a bend. She couldn't see around the bend, but she knew it had amazing opportunities too, but it was a change and she just had to see what life had in store. I know that ten years ago, I was like Anne with my life all planned out. And then I had one bend after another. I really like my life now, but I never could have imagined it, and I certainly didn't accept my bends the way Anne accepted hers. (Spoiler alert--Anne's life turned out pretty darn good. So far, mine has too, but I've planning on quite a few more chapters!)
Thursday, May 24, 2012
All hail Grouchy Pants
They're mocking me.
All those runners, in their colorfully mismatched running gear, studying the data on their Garmins.
I know that they're looking at the cars go by, thinking how fat and lazy we all are.
Oh, OK, they don't even notice me. But I'm one of them. Or I USED to be one of them. And I want to rejoin them now. Patience is a virtue, yes, but it is not my virtue. Without my running fix, I'm a bit of a grouch. The elliptical and stationary bike just aren't quite the same and don't provide the same sort of release. I really miss those endorphins.
Soon, my friends. Soon, I will rejoin you and it will be glorious.
All those runners, in their colorfully mismatched running gear, studying the data on their Garmins.
I know that they're looking at the cars go by, thinking how fat and lazy we all are.
Oh, OK, they don't even notice me. But I'm one of them. Or I USED to be one of them. And I want to rejoin them now. Patience is a virtue, yes, but it is not my virtue. Without my running fix, I'm a bit of a grouch. The elliptical and stationary bike just aren't quite the same and don't provide the same sort of release. I really miss those endorphins.
Soon, my friends. Soon, I will rejoin you and it will be glorious.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The results are in...
No, not the raffle. It won't be until July 4. So you all have PLENTY of time to buy tickets. Seriously, the basket is really really awesome. I know this because it is on the top of the shelves in our office so I have to look at it every day. Trust me, you want to win this. Don't worry, out of towners--you need not be present to win and I'll ship your winnings to you free of charge.
The results of which I speak involve my short-term running plans. Apparently I was too optimistic to think I could start running right away. Instead, I need rest, ice, anti-inflammatories and PT to heal up the two inflamed tendons. (Yup, I have to overachieve--one inflamed tendon is not enough!) Which means no running. Oh and it turns out that the hip pain was due to a very minor labral tear. So even more rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, PT...are we noticing a trend?
The good news in all this is that my bones and hip joint all look healthy. This is a huge relief, as I watched my father deal with avascular necrosis (AVN) in his hips during the last few years of his life. This medical layperson understands AVN to basically be when the hip joint dies due to lack of blood. Sounds awesome, right? Even moderate prednisone use (such as what I've already had) can cause AVN. Dad was already very ill when the AVN hit, but it completely crippled him. It didn't help that his blood counts were so bad that he couldn't have a hip replacement, which would have provided him some relief. While rationally I knew that my hip pain did not match the symptoms of AVN, you can't unsee something like what I saw with my dad--it is always there in the back of my mind, and I know that if I ever develop AVN that I won't be able to run. Which, for those of you new to the program, would be emotionally devastating. Yes, I know, waaaaaaa, poor Katie might not be able to run. But running is how I deal with stress, which is what causes flares. I would find another way to cope, obviously, and not running ever again is certainly a first world problem. But it would be one more thing this disease has taken from me, and that's really not something I want to deal with. I'm thankful that right now, I don't have to deal with since my current injuries are all of the type that I can bounce back from with proper treatment.
The results of which I speak involve my short-term running plans. Apparently I was too optimistic to think I could start running right away. Instead, I need rest, ice, anti-inflammatories and PT to heal up the two inflamed tendons. (Yup, I have to overachieve--one inflamed tendon is not enough!) Which means no running. Oh and it turns out that the hip pain was due to a very minor labral tear. So even more rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, PT...are we noticing a trend?
The good news in all this is that my bones and hip joint all look healthy. This is a huge relief, as I watched my father deal with avascular necrosis (AVN) in his hips during the last few years of his life. This medical layperson understands AVN to basically be when the hip joint dies due to lack of blood. Sounds awesome, right? Even moderate prednisone use (such as what I've already had) can cause AVN. Dad was already very ill when the AVN hit, but it completely crippled him. It didn't help that his blood counts were so bad that he couldn't have a hip replacement, which would have provided him some relief. While rationally I knew that my hip pain did not match the symptoms of AVN, you can't unsee something like what I saw with my dad--it is always there in the back of my mind, and I know that if I ever develop AVN that I won't be able to run. Which, for those of you new to the program, would be emotionally devastating. Yes, I know, waaaaaaa, poor Katie might not be able to run. But running is how I deal with stress, which is what causes flares. I would find another way to cope, obviously, and not running ever again is certainly a first world problem. But it would be one more thing this disease has taken from me, and that's really not something I want to deal with. I'm thankful that right now, I don't have to deal with since my current injuries are all of the type that I can bounce back from with proper treatment.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Wine Basket Raffle
If you've been debating whether or not to contribute (or contribute again) to Team Golden Colon, now would be a good time. Why? Because you can win wine and chocolate. And when you consume that wine and chocolate, you can skip the normal guilt because you got it for helping people.
The details:
The details:
- COST: Entries are $20 each, or 3 for $50.
- TIME: The raffle will be held July 4, 2012
- HOW: You can make your donations online (use the link in the information section to the right) or mail a check (the address is on the raffle flyer/ticket). You can send the ticket with the information we need to find you (you do want to get the stuff when you win, right?) either via USPS (address is on the flyer) or e-mail (address on the flyer). If you purchase multiple entries, we only need one ticket - we'll make more for you!
- THE FORM: Click here to download and print the raffle flyer and ticket.
- NAPA: Schramsberg 2007 Vintage Blanc de Blancs (Champagne-method California Brut)
- CARNEROS: Etude 2009 Pinot Noir (Grown in Carneros, produced in Napa)
- SONOMA: Atmosphere 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Bismark Mountain Vineyard)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Hippity, hoppity, dinner's on its way!
WARNING: This post is not for my vegetarian friends. I love you all, but I love my meat too.
Anyhoo, we have a large family of large (read: tasty!) rabbits living under our deck.
We know this because Lisa the Mighty Huntress lets us know whenever they leave the deck. Of course the rabbits like to survey their territory by hopping across the front yard, taunting Lisa.
Lisa wants to catch the rabbits, but she's not very speedy. (The dog resembles her owner!) So purely for our dog's sanity I'm thinking we should help her out. Set some snares, let her think she caught the rabbit. And not to be wasteful, we'll have some stew.
Mmmmm!
Anyhoo, we have a large family of large (read: tasty!) rabbits living under our deck.
We know this because Lisa the Mighty Huntress lets us know whenever they leave the deck. Of course the rabbits like to survey their territory by hopping across the front yard, taunting Lisa.
Lisa wants to catch the rabbits, but she's not very speedy. (The dog resembles her owner!) So purely for our dog's sanity I'm thinking we should help her out. Set some snares, let her think she caught the rabbit. And not to be wasteful, we'll have some stew.
Mmmmm!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Events Galore!
As you are all aware by now, Katie has decided to continue her multi-year streak of summer injuries which keep her from running. That doesn't mean, however, that Team Golden Colon has closed up shop. No, far from it. In fact, with just two months to go until the run and about $1000 left to raise, we're stepping up our efforts to convince you that at least some of your hard earned money should support research into Crohn's and Colitis. Now we recognize that there are more exciting things you can do with your limited funds, and since the lure of the Golden Colon statue hasn't spurred any large donations (except for one, and the people behind that have insisted they don't want it), we're announcing a range of events and prizes to spur your desire to give. So, onto the list:
2. Winning just feels good. To that end, on Friday we'll be announcing the details of our raffle. Our good friends at Cellar Rat Wine Merchants (it's not weird to be friends with the people at a wine shop, right?) have helped us put together a California Wine Country gift basket valued at $200 which we will be raffling off. Tickets will be $20 each, or 3 for $50. The raffle will run until July 4, 2012. Again, check back here on Friday for more details.
3. Speaking of winning, here's another chance: Ever time you donate $10 (not earmarked for one of the other events) between now and June 30 enter your best guess for my finishing time in the race (hint: my PR is roughly 1:52:00). As with the actual run, seconds count! For the contributor who most accurately predicts my finishing time, Katie and I will bring a bottle of wine back from Napa or Sonoma.
4. Details are still being worked out, but sometime in June we will be hosting a trivia competition featuring drink specials, probably at Lew's Bar and Grill in Waldo. Stay tuned for more information about this family-friendly event.
5. A reminder about an old contest: If we hit our fundraising goal by June 1, I'll let our contributors decide what I wear while running the half marathon.
6. Ever wanted to have the feeling of being rich? Of seeing your name (or your business's name) plastered all over a sporting event? Here's your chance. Between now and July 10 you can become a "sponsor" of a mile in the race. Simply donate $50 and designate which mile (1 through 13) you'd like to sponsor. I'll write your name (or business, organization, or inspirational message) on my race attire (or body if the contest in #5 doesn't leave me with clothing to write on) as a sponsor. A $100 donation sponsors the final tenth of a mile.
Whew. Hopefully there's something here that entices you to donate (in the off chance you weren't already motivated by wanting to see Katie smile) or at least come out to have some fun with us. Check back later this week for more details about the raffle and hopefully the trivia competition as well.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Do a little dance...
NO STRESS FRACTURE! The MRI did show inflammation in my tendons, so I wasn't imagining this pain, but at least it isn't a stress fracture. That's good, right? (I say it is good, work with me and my nonexistent medical knowledge people!) Anyways, I'm still not going to be running Napa as I'm being sent to a sports ortho and then probably to physical therapy. Because the one specialist I don't have on speed dial (yet) is an orthopedist. But right now, I'm so happy to have nonfractured bones that I don't care about the PT. And maybe I can start doing easy runs again soon! A girl can dream, right?
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Change in plans
Don't worry, save or shave is still on, though my deal expires June 1. So you have to get your "votes" in by then and you have to tell me how you vote per my previous posts.
Anyways, I really didn't want to write this post. I still don't want to write it. Which is why I'm wasting so much time getting to the point.
As any rational person probably figured out long ago, I won't be running Napa this summer. The boot should probably have tipped me off that it wouldn't happen, but I'm stubborn as evidenced by that whole St. Louis Marathon debacle last month. Anyways, while I wait on the MRI results on my achy left foot, I've decided to drop out of Napa.
HOWEVER, Michael is still going to run and any donations you have already made will still be going to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. We here at Team Golden Colon remain committed to ending Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Or at least making life a little better for patients (and their families) who have to live with these diseases. You may notice that on our fundraising site the amount we're raising has decreased, and that's because only one of us is going to be running Napa for CCFA. I'll still be travelling to cheer on all the runners, but I'll be paying my own way. I'm planning on hopefully running with Team Challenge next summer when I'm all healed up.
Anyways, I really didn't want to write this post. I still don't want to write it. Which is why I'm wasting so much time getting to the point.
As any rational person probably figured out long ago, I won't be running Napa this summer. The boot should probably have tipped me off that it wouldn't happen, but I'm stubborn as evidenced by that whole St. Louis Marathon debacle last month. Anyways, while I wait on the MRI results on my achy left foot, I've decided to drop out of Napa.
HOWEVER, Michael is still going to run and any donations you have already made will still be going to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. We here at Team Golden Colon remain committed to ending Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Or at least making life a little better for patients (and their families) who have to live with these diseases. You may notice that on our fundraising site the amount we're raising has decreased, and that's because only one of us is going to be running Napa for CCFA. I'll still be travelling to cheer on all the runners, but I'll be paying my own way. I'm planning on hopefully running with Team Challenge next summer when I'm all healed up.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
And then there were none
On Friday, my last living grandparent passed away. Grandpa was 88, lived a full life and died peacefully, which is a pretty good way to leave this life. Even so, he was my last grandparent. For those of you who have all your parents and grandparents still living, please remember how lucky you are and tell them you love them. Please remember to tell them this and to really listen to some of the wisdom they choose to share with us--life is hard enough, it is nice to have a cheat sheet to try to get through some common bumps in the road!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Historical Convergences
Most of you know that I'm a history major. Most of the time, Katie indulges my history nerdery. However, I never thought she would take it to this extreme.
First, a little historical background: In early April 1942 American and Filipino forces on the Bataan Peninsula surrendered to invading Japanese forces. What followed, the forced march of over 50,000 prisoners, became known as the Bataan Death March. Many of the prisoners, weak from starvation and dehydration, were forced along by their Japanese guards, often at the point of a bayonet-tipped rifle. Those that couldn't continue to walk were either supported by their comrades or fell by the wayside, where they were frequently shot or stabbed by they guards.
Why this depressing history lesson in a blog that is supposed to be uplifting and inspire you to give freely to cure Crohn's and ulcerative colitis? Because you've heard Katie's account of the St. Louis Marathon, so now it's my turn to talk about what went on. Almost exactly 70 years after the fall of Bataan (there was only 6 days difference in the dates), the latter portion of the St. Louis Marathon seemed to turn into a reenactment of that infamous March. From mile 11 to mile 21 we (okay, mainly her) staggered onward, attempting to reach the finish. With each passing mile it became more difficult for her to move, as her pace continually slowed and the intervals between stretching breaks became shorter and shorter. Now, there were some obvious differences between our march and the March. For starters, no one was going to shoot us if we stopped (although if I had been able to get to a gun I might have shot her in the foot to get her to stop). Second, the people lining the course were supporting us rather than gloating in our defeat. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, Katie refused any and all assistance I offered her, unlike those survivors of Bataan helped onward by their comrades.
Obviously, I'm not trying to detract from what those who actually had to endure the Death March went through. And while I felt like a Japanese soldier cruelly driving Katie ever onward, in reality there was nothing I could say or do to get her to quit. And that's the main reason I bring up the Bataan Death March. Like the soldiers who made that journey, many of who survived, Katie refuses to give up. Despite her battle with ulcerative colitis, she spent months training for that marathon. She wasn't going to let some silly little stress fracture and hip bursitis keep her from finishing any more than those American and Filipino soldiers were going to let the Japanese break their spirit and their will. If you want to know why you should donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, it is so that those afflicted with these diseases will not have their spirits or their wills broken, like Katie. Now if only the bones in her feet were as strong as her will...
First, a little historical background: In early April 1942 American and Filipino forces on the Bataan Peninsula surrendered to invading Japanese forces. What followed, the forced march of over 50,000 prisoners, became known as the Bataan Death March. Many of the prisoners, weak from starvation and dehydration, were forced along by their Japanese guards, often at the point of a bayonet-tipped rifle. Those that couldn't continue to walk were either supported by their comrades or fell by the wayside, where they were frequently shot or stabbed by they guards.
Why this depressing history lesson in a blog that is supposed to be uplifting and inspire you to give freely to cure Crohn's and ulcerative colitis? Because you've heard Katie's account of the St. Louis Marathon, so now it's my turn to talk about what went on. Almost exactly 70 years after the fall of Bataan (there was only 6 days difference in the dates), the latter portion of the St. Louis Marathon seemed to turn into a reenactment of that infamous March. From mile 11 to mile 21 we (okay, mainly her) staggered onward, attempting to reach the finish. With each passing mile it became more difficult for her to move, as her pace continually slowed and the intervals between stretching breaks became shorter and shorter. Now, there were some obvious differences between our march and the March. For starters, no one was going to shoot us if we stopped (although if I had been able to get to a gun I might have shot her in the foot to get her to stop). Second, the people lining the course were supporting us rather than gloating in our defeat. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, Katie refused any and all assistance I offered her, unlike those survivors of Bataan helped onward by their comrades.
Obviously, I'm not trying to detract from what those who actually had to endure the Death March went through. And while I felt like a Japanese soldier cruelly driving Katie ever onward, in reality there was nothing I could say or do to get her to quit. And that's the main reason I bring up the Bataan Death March. Like the soldiers who made that journey, many of who survived, Katie refuses to give up. Despite her battle with ulcerative colitis, she spent months training for that marathon. She wasn't going to let some silly little stress fracture and hip bursitis keep her from finishing any more than those American and Filipino soldiers were going to let the Japanese break their spirit and their will. If you want to know why you should donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, it is so that those afflicted with these diseases will not have their spirits or their wills broken, like Katie. Now if only the bones in her feet were as strong as her will...
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Due diligence materials
I realize that I haven't really posted anything detailing the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and its efforts to end Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Which was not the smartest move on my part, given that I'm asking you all to part with hard-earned dollars just because I say it will make my life better. But really, this isn't oceanfront property in Arizona I'm trying to sell.
CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the American Institute of Philanthropy, Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Navigator. Over the years, CCFA has provided more than $150 million for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis research. Even though CCFA is not as well-funded as similar illness-based charities, it still manages to use a greater percentage of its revenue for research than its peer charities. If you really like crunching numbers (I know some of you do), you can check out the more detailed information at CCFA's website.
I know that I'm personally extremely grateful for CCFA's work. Because of its research, I can usually lead a pretty normal life. However, there's more to be done, as my medications don't always keep me out of flares. And really, it wasn't very much fun needing to know where every bathroom is located in DeBartolo Hall. I spent my senior year of college running out of classrooms as soon as lecture ended, not because of senioritis, but because I needed to get to the bathroom immediately. There was the Fourth of July festival I skipped out on because of lack of bathroom facilities. Or how about that time in a new city trying to meet friends where I declined an invite to go out with a friend and her friends because I was scared of spending the whole night in a dirty bar bathroom? Oh, can't forget about all those nights I rushed home so that my husband wouldn't see me scrubbing the toilet to get rid of bloodstains. Or when I lost so much blood that I couldn't climb a single flight of stairs without gasping for air. And let me tell you, taking the LSAT during a flare is AWESOME! The notorious game section is already time sensitive and I lost a good several minutes while I tried not to have an accident. This is what life is like for an IBD patient, even one whose illness is considered to be under control. Every single dollar helps CCFA improve treatment options for patients so that we patients can live a little easier.
And don't worry, I'll return to funny footwear blog posts soon.
CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the American Institute of Philanthropy, Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Navigator. Over the years, CCFA has provided more than $150 million for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis research. Even though CCFA is not as well-funded as similar illness-based charities, it still manages to use a greater percentage of its revenue for research than its peer charities. If you really like crunching numbers (I know some of you do), you can check out the more detailed information at CCFA's website.
I know that I'm personally extremely grateful for CCFA's work. Because of its research, I can usually lead a pretty normal life. However, there's more to be done, as my medications don't always keep me out of flares. And really, it wasn't very much fun needing to know where every bathroom is located in DeBartolo Hall. I spent my senior year of college running out of classrooms as soon as lecture ended, not because of senioritis, but because I needed to get to the bathroom immediately. There was the Fourth of July festival I skipped out on because of lack of bathroom facilities. Or how about that time in a new city trying to meet friends where I declined an invite to go out with a friend and her friends because I was scared of spending the whole night in a dirty bar bathroom? Oh, can't forget about all those nights I rushed home so that my husband wouldn't see me scrubbing the toilet to get rid of bloodstains. Or when I lost so much blood that I couldn't climb a single flight of stairs without gasping for air. And let me tell you, taking the LSAT during a flare is AWESOME! The notorious game section is already time sensitive and I lost a good several minutes while I tried not to have an accident. This is what life is like for an IBD patient, even one whose illness is considered to be under control. Every single dollar helps CCFA improve treatment options for patients so that we patients can live a little easier.
And don't worry, I'll return to funny footwear blog posts soon.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I knew my shoe collection was missing something!
Oh come on. You know you want your own boot. All the cool kids are wearing them--they are totally in for summer. Or not.
So yeah, there you have it. Possible stress fracture in my left foot, so I'm supposed to wear the boot for two weeks and rest. Xrays were inconclusive which is normal for stress fractures. If the pain goes away, yay, but if not I'm supposed to get a MRI to identify the location of the stress fracture. I'm hoping it magically gets better. Oh and to make this all even more fabulous, it is my left hip that is giving me problems. Turns out, I have bursitis. Awesome. You should see me handle turns in this thing, with a bad hip to boot. (Get it? Hehehe.)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Appearances can be deceiving.
If you saw me on the street and didn't know me, I wouldn't stand out. I'm of average height, average build, brown hair, etc. I look like what I am--a thirtysomething professional woman. I dress according to my local uniform. If you saw me in my natural habitat, there's nothing that would cause you to remember me. From the outside, I look completely normal.
What you don't see when you pass me in the crowd is that to stay anonymously normal, I take a crapload of pills. Every.Single.Day. This is a picture of the prescription medicines I take so that I can live a "normal" life:
Every day I take all these pills. They are what keep me in remission. If my UC is flaring up, add 4 or 5 prednisone tablets, plus a few iron pills because I'm probably anemic as well. And, this medicine regime is actually not all that bad. I've got one friend who has to keep herself on a strict diet to stay healthy and another friend who gives herself an injection of Humira every other week. Plus there are plenty of patients who need Remicade infusions every few weeks.
This, my friends, is why I run and why I'm begging for donations to end Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Call me selfish, but I don't like taking all these pills and I want a cure that doesn't involve the total removal of my colon. All those blue pills you see above didn't exist when my dad was first diagnosed and they represent a huge improvement in IBD treatment. Without those pills, I wouldn't be able to hide in the crowd. I wouldn't know what remission feels like and I certainly wouldn't be able to run a few blocks, much less a half-marathon. Those blue pills wouldn't have been possible without an earlier generation's generous donations to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation to fund research. But as you can see, those are a lot of pills.
Let's find a cure.
Monday, April 16, 2012
DNF
Three little letters. So short, so simple. So much disappointment.
Did.Not.Finish.
Yup, that was me yesterday. I still can't believe that after all that training I couldn't make it. I tried really hard, really. But at mile 8, I started to have pain in my hip again. I tried running through it, but a mile later I had to stop and stretch. And walk. And gradually the stretch/walk breaks became more frequent until the last attempt at running at mile 11. I took one step running and my left leg almost buckled underneath me. So I walked. For another 10 miles until they closed the course. I was determined not to go down without a fight.
Today I feel a little better physically, which makes me wonder that I should have tried harder yesterday and pushed through the pain. Rationally I know this was silly, since by about mile 15 or 16 I could barely lift my leg on the curb to stretch.
So now it is time to lick my wounds and get ready for the half in Napa (you know, the reason for this blog and for fundraising.) My goal is to set a new PR. I figure if I can get this hip thing figured out I should be in shape to get a PR. And then it is time to figure out which marathon I will try next. I'm pretty angry about the way yesterday turned out. I am not a quitter so to not finish goes against every fiber of my being. That said, I know there are lessons to be learned from yesterday's race and some of the most important lessons we learn are the most difficult to endure. I just need to figure out what yesterday's lessons are and apply them going forward.
To end on a positive note, thanks to all who saw my facebook update yesterday and called/emailed/commented/texted. Your thoughts mean SO MUCH to me and I'm incredibly grateful for the support. Thanks also to everyone who has supported me in training for this attempt. Also, the St. Louis Marathon was a really great course with great volunteers and spectators. Thanks to all those who cheered me on through my tears and limping, and for staying on the course until the bitter end. And finally, a giant thanks to my awesome husband who stayed with me the whole time. He did the training and was having a great race--and gave it all up to help out Gimpy McGimpsalot*. So give Michael a giant virtual round of applause for being a great husband.
Onward and upward--next stop Napa!
*The nickname I earned after Blood Clot #1.
Did.Not.Finish.
Yup, that was me yesterday. I still can't believe that after all that training I couldn't make it. I tried really hard, really. But at mile 8, I started to have pain in my hip again. I tried running through it, but a mile later I had to stop and stretch. And walk. And gradually the stretch/walk breaks became more frequent until the last attempt at running at mile 11. I took one step running and my left leg almost buckled underneath me. So I walked. For another 10 miles until they closed the course. I was determined not to go down without a fight.
Today I feel a little better physically, which makes me wonder that I should have tried harder yesterday and pushed through the pain. Rationally I know this was silly, since by about mile 15 or 16 I could barely lift my leg on the curb to stretch.
So now it is time to lick my wounds and get ready for the half in Napa (you know, the reason for this blog and for fundraising.) My goal is to set a new PR. I figure if I can get this hip thing figured out I should be in shape to get a PR. And then it is time to figure out which marathon I will try next. I'm pretty angry about the way yesterday turned out. I am not a quitter so to not finish goes against every fiber of my being. That said, I know there are lessons to be learned from yesterday's race and some of the most important lessons we learn are the most difficult to endure. I just need to figure out what yesterday's lessons are and apply them going forward.
To end on a positive note, thanks to all who saw my facebook update yesterday and called/emailed/commented/texted. Your thoughts mean SO MUCH to me and I'm incredibly grateful for the support. Thanks also to everyone who has supported me in training for this attempt. Also, the St. Louis Marathon was a really great course with great volunteers and spectators. Thanks to all those who cheered me on through my tears and limping, and for staying on the course until the bitter end. And finally, a giant thanks to my awesome husband who stayed with me the whole time. He did the training and was having a great race--and gave it all up to help out Gimpy McGimpsalot*. So give Michael a giant virtual round of applause for being a great husband.
Onward and upward--next stop Napa!
*The nickname I earned after Blood Clot #1.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The taxman cometh
I know, this time of year sucks. I mean, it's gorgeous outside and flowers are blooming, but in the background is that tax bill that has to be paid. Blargh. BUT THERE IS AN ANSWER! Remember, charitable donations (such as to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, by way of Team Golden Colon!) are tax deductible. You too can have an effective tax rate in the single digits, just like Warren Buffet or Mitt Romney! So, while it may be too late for that bill due next week, you can get a jump on next year by donating today. It's easy and safe to do online--just click on the "Donate Now" link on the right.
Also, as a reminder, we still need zombie motivators for Sunday!
Also, as a reminder, we still need zombie motivators for Sunday!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Introducing Our New Coach
Behind every great runner stands a great coach (or a motivational zombie - a position that is still open by the way). Here at Team Golden Colon, that's certainly the case. So as we enter the final week before the St. Louis Marathon, we thought it would be good if you could meet our coach. We'll let her introduce herself:
Hello there, I'm Lisa, the coach of Team Golden Colon. You may remember me from places like the annual Christmas letter, in which I'm often seen presenting a list of grievances while wearing a ridiculous pair of reindeer antlers. Little did you know that I'm also a preeminent running coach. I'm so fast, I actually caught a possum a few weeks ago. These people could learn from me. Besides, I am a champion - I've even got the medal to prove it.
Hello there, I'm Lisa, the coach of Team Golden Colon. You may remember me from places like the annual Christmas letter, in which I'm often seen presenting a list of grievances while wearing a ridiculous pair of reindeer antlers. Little did you know that I'm also a preeminent running coach. I'm so fast, I actually caught a possum a few weeks ago. These people could learn from me. Besides, I am a champion - I've even got the medal to prove it.
Now, some of you may be unconvinced. I know, I know, I don't have the typical runner's body. But that's simply because I make sure I'm well fueled. Still not convinced? I humbly submit as proof the amount of sleeping I do after early morning long runs. Surely I wouldn't have to sleep so much if I wasn't right there training my proteges, right?
So there you have it. The secret to the success of Team Golden Colon is me - Lisa the running coach. I'll be right there with them next week in St. Louis, so look for me at the finish line. Wait, what's that? I'm not going to St. Louis? I'm going to the kennel? I hate you people.
Wow, that was inspirational. If you would like to hire Lisa as your running coach, her going rate is a bowl of food, some apple, and 30 minutes rubbing her belly. On a different note, if you'd like to go with Michael to see the Royals play the Tigers on Tuesday, April 17 with some of the proceeds from ticket sales benefiting Team Golden Colon and the CCFA, contact Katie or Michael.
So there you have it. The secret to the success of Team Golden Colon is me - Lisa the running coach. I'll be right there with them next week in St. Louis, so look for me at the finish line. Wait, what's that? I'm not going to St. Louis? I'm going to the kennel? I hate you people.
Wow, that was inspirational. If you would like to hire Lisa as your running coach, her going rate is a bowl of food, some apple, and 30 minutes rubbing her belly. On a different note, if you'd like to go with Michael to see the Royals play the Tigers on Tuesday, April 17 with some of the proceeds from ticket sales benefiting Team Golden Colon and the CCFA, contact Katie or Michael.
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