Saturday, September 1, 2012
Getting ready for New York City Marathon
Greetings one and all to the updated blog on behalf of the mad runner.
Being how today is the 1st of September and the days are counting down to the ING New York City Marathon on November 4, 2012. And to train for such an event is quite an adventure. And with a little over 60 days will be a test on my heart and my body.
Being a kid from the reservation, I have always wanted to do something with my life, and running provided me an outlet from everything around me. From drugs, from gangs, from what we refer as, "rez life". And don't get me wrong, I love where I am from because the struggles made me the man I am today, appreciative of what I have today.
When I got the call about being chosen to run on Team One Spirit and our trek to New York City and to imagine a kid from the rez in the grand city of America is like a dream come true. I am still at a loss for words for what will transpire. And with my races I have done so far have fulfilled such great memories for myself and for others, I always look forward to the next race.
Talking with Jeri Baker, the director of One Spirit, I am very honored that within weeks away from the biggest race of my career, I keep pinching myself to know that this is a dream that has become reality.
With my fellow team members, it will be exciting for us all to experience this once in a lifetime event is going to be one to remember. With our running as our backbone, we will be ready.
I have been preparing for this race as anyone would. I have been studying the course and amazed on how many places we will see. I will be excited to see a lot, like Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island, the Bronx and Manhattan. And I have been receiving a lot of support from the public. Very blessed.
On behalf of One Spirit and our mission is to prove that we are more than just stereotypes and statistics in life. We overcame all odds and will do so on November 4th.
For more information on One Spirit and about being updated on all of us runners, please visit, www.nativeprogress.org and click on the links for more details.
And if you would like to help donate to One Spirit, please check out www.crowdrise.com/OneSpirit.
I look forward the next few weeks and for making everyone feel a part of everything I will go through.
P.S. My little buddy, Alan says, "Hello, and I can beat you at Call Of Duty with a broken arm, literally."
Peace and love to all!
Guess who's back?
Well, it is I, the mad runner and to most,the Native Ninja. And welcome to a new installment of this rant of a blog.
For awhile, my blogger would not let me access my account not fear not running fans, I am back
! And a lot of exciting news has transpired since my last post.
Where to begin? Well, after taking some time off to rehab my right knee and my neck, I came back in full force to run again. I started off with a race in Mandan, ND and out of 157the runners, I placed 7th overall and was very happy with my performance. The next race was in Underwood,ND and that was the Harvest Fest 5k for Relay For Life. And even though it was a cloudy and rainy day, I was the overall champion and had beat my time of 23:26.
Onto the next race, which was the BurliMot half marathon on August 25th, I ran with a great friend, Jason from Minot. He got me into the race months in advance and I had the privilege to stay over night at his residence. And we ran a great race. Could not ask for anything more.
I am still very honored that in the next 2 months of training, will be the big race....New York City....to be able to have a dream come true in my life is at a loss for words now. But I cannot wait for it to happen. Many thanks to the One Spirit organization for providing us with many to br able to race that day.
For many, please check out www.nativeprogress.org if you would like to be updated on the New York City Marathon and our team, Team One Spirit and our mission.
I will be typing out a new installment regarding the New York City Marathon and the One Spirit organization
For awhile, my blogger would not let me access my account not fear not running fans, I am back
! And a lot of exciting news has transpired since my last post.
Where to begin? Well, after taking some time off to rehab my right knee and my neck, I came back in full force to run again. I started off with a race in Mandan, ND and out of 157the runners, I placed 7th overall and was very happy with my performance. The next race was in Underwood,ND and that was the Harvest Fest 5k for Relay For Life. And even though it was a cloudy and rainy day, I was the overall champion and had beat my time of 23:26.
Onto the next race, which was the BurliMot half marathon on August 25th, I ran with a great friend, Jason from Minot. He got me into the race months in advance and I had the privilege to stay over night at his residence. And we ran a great race. Could not ask for anything more.
I am still very honored that in the next 2 months of training, will be the big race....New York City....to be able to have a dream come true in my life is at a loss for words now. But I cannot wait for it to happen. Many thanks to the One Spirit organization for providing us with many to br able to race that day.
For many, please check out www.nativeprogress.org if you would like to be updated on the New York City Marathon and our team, Team One Spirit and our mission.
I will be typing out a new installment regarding the New York City Marathon and the One Spirit organization
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Safety running tips and a spotlight addition
Greetings everyone of the blog world, this is the mad runner and this is my....diary? That doesn't sound quite right but nonetheless, we shall proceed.
This new blog posting is going to reflect on a recent loss on my side. A good friend of mine whom I have known for almost 7 years was hit by a vehicle early in the morning of Friday and what pained me the most was that the driver of the vehicle didn't stop to help my friend as his ribs were broken and his lung was punctured. It was sad to know he suffered until they found his body, he was already dead on scene.
So, this posting is on the safety running tips that I have been writing down and educate many on being safe and being smart. And I know that a lot of us, including myself always think to ourselves, "It won't happen to me." but how do we know? We cannot predict the future of our own self being. We don't control the drivers if they don't see us, or if they were under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even blind spots. It can happen and this is our time to rise up and be aware of this issue.
So, here goes:
Use common sense. Before you even head out for a run, take a minute or two to do a safety check. Are your shoes tied? Are you familiar with your route? Does someone else know where you'll be running? Once you start running, continue with the safety checks. Make sure you're running off the street or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the sidewalk, or rocks and branches on your running path.
Make sure you're visible. No matter time of day you're running, it's important that you're visible, especially to drivers. Get in the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running in the early morning, night, or dusk, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you.
Don't run alone at night. No matter how comfortable you feel running at night, there's always more safety in numbers. If you usually run solo, try to find a running group, so you'll have running partners.
Always have identification on you. Put your driver's license and your medical insurance card (in case you get injured) in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you're wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, I try to run with my cell phone, and it has my ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and cell phone.
Limit your distractions. I know it's tough -- maybe impossible -- for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your Ipod or mp3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can't hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, unleashed dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs. And make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into an unsafe area
Don't make assumptions about drivers. Remember that many drivers aren't paying attention because they're listening to the radio, talking on their cell phone, or reading a map. Don't assume that drivers can see you or that they'll let you go because you have the right of way. Be sure you make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before you cross. And, better yet, try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks or on paths and sidewalk.
Watch out for cyclists and other runners. Even if you're running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. If you're approaching another runner or cyclist and need to pass them, communicate with him and let them know on which side you're trying to pass. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear.
Carry cash or ATM card. It's always a good idea to have money on you, in case of emergency. For example, if the weather turns bad, you get lost, or an injury starts bothering you, you may need to take a cab or bus back to your starting point. Some extra cash may also come in handy if you need to stop and buy water, sport drink, food, or first aid supplies during your run.
Trust your instincts. If a location or person makes you feel comfortable, trust your gut and run in the other direction.
To my fellow runners and those getting into running, be aware, be safe and be strong.
And now, moving onto a new subject in this blog, I am going to be reflecting on....more inspiration. Not only I am an avid runner, I am an avid reader, yes, I do read and they are not pop up books. I was talking with a good friend of mine who found me at the age of 16 and she was looking for my father but ended up emailing me. Since then on, that friendship grew and it was based on respect and running. On my 16th birthday, she sent me a birthday gift, a book that changed my mind and my life when I was a teenager. That book was titled, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Which is about a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food. He is labeled as an outcast but he continues to learn and becoming pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life. And inscribed in the beginning in the book was written by my good friend, Karen Gray Jeffers, from Wheatland, California who is still an avid runner and she is on my top list of female runners. She wrote that the last page of the book was meant for me, and that was our motto.....no limits. That my gift in running has no limits, that I still continue to grow as a passionate runner.
Karen has always been a part of my running for 12 years, she has always shared her workouts and always encourage and believe in me because sometimes, that is all we need to move onto some great and so far, I did. I have moved onto something BIG in my life, from running a 5k, an 8k and now half marathons and an upcoming full marathon.
As a runner for 16 years strong, my dreams are coming true, there are more of a fact that I will achieve the biggest dream ever and that is on a later date to tell you all.
So, thank you for tuning in for another blog installment. I wish you luck, love, passion, safety and inspiration.
Be sure to tune in later this week when I will be making a trip to the Black Hills and will do some trail running and some extra features.
Have a safe week and God bless.
This new blog posting is going to reflect on a recent loss on my side. A good friend of mine whom I have known for almost 7 years was hit by a vehicle early in the morning of Friday and what pained me the most was that the driver of the vehicle didn't stop to help my friend as his ribs were broken and his lung was punctured. It was sad to know he suffered until they found his body, he was already dead on scene.
So, this posting is on the safety running tips that I have been writing down and educate many on being safe and being smart. And I know that a lot of us, including myself always think to ourselves, "It won't happen to me." but how do we know? We cannot predict the future of our own self being. We don't control the drivers if they don't see us, or if they were under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even blind spots. It can happen and this is our time to rise up and be aware of this issue.
So, here goes:
Use common sense. Before you even head out for a run, take a minute or two to do a safety check. Are your shoes tied? Are you familiar with your route? Does someone else know where you'll be running? Once you start running, continue with the safety checks. Make sure you're running off the street or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the sidewalk, or rocks and branches on your running path.
Make sure you're visible. No matter time of day you're running, it's important that you're visible, especially to drivers. Get in the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running in the early morning, night, or dusk, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you.
Don't run alone at night. No matter how comfortable you feel running at night, there's always more safety in numbers. If you usually run solo, try to find a running group, so you'll have running partners.
Always have identification on you. Put your driver's license and your medical insurance card (in case you get injured) in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you're wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, I try to run with my cell phone, and it has my ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and cell phone.
Limit your distractions. I know it's tough -- maybe impossible -- for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your Ipod or mp3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can't hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, unleashed dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs. And make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into an unsafe area
Don't make assumptions about drivers. Remember that many drivers aren't paying attention because they're listening to the radio, talking on their cell phone, or reading a map. Don't assume that drivers can see you or that they'll let you go because you have the right of way. Be sure you make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before you cross. And, better yet, try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks or on paths and sidewalk.
Watch out for cyclists and other runners. Even if you're running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. If you're approaching another runner or cyclist and need to pass them, communicate with him and let them know on which side you're trying to pass. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear.
Carry cash or ATM card. It's always a good idea to have money on you, in case of emergency. For example, if the weather turns bad, you get lost, or an injury starts bothering you, you may need to take a cab or bus back to your starting point. Some extra cash may also come in handy if you need to stop and buy water, sport drink, food, or first aid supplies during your run.
Trust your instincts. If a location or person makes you feel comfortable, trust your gut and run in the other direction.
To my fellow runners and those getting into running, be aware, be safe and be strong.
And now, moving onto a new subject in this blog, I am going to be reflecting on....more inspiration. Not only I am an avid runner, I am an avid reader, yes, I do read and they are not pop up books. I was talking with a good friend of mine who found me at the age of 16 and she was looking for my father but ended up emailing me. Since then on, that friendship grew and it was based on respect and running. On my 16th birthday, she sent me a birthday gift, a book that changed my mind and my life when I was a teenager. That book was titled, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Which is about a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food. He is labeled as an outcast but he continues to learn and becoming pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life. And inscribed in the beginning in the book was written by my good friend, Karen Gray Jeffers, from Wheatland, California who is still an avid runner and she is on my top list of female runners. She wrote that the last page of the book was meant for me, and that was our motto.....no limits. That my gift in running has no limits, that I still continue to grow as a passionate runner.
Karen has always been a part of my running for 12 years, she has always shared her workouts and always encourage and believe in me because sometimes, that is all we need to move onto some great and so far, I did. I have moved onto something BIG in my life, from running a 5k, an 8k and now half marathons and an upcoming full marathon.
As a runner for 16 years strong, my dreams are coming true, there are more of a fact that I will achieve the biggest dream ever and that is on a later date to tell you all.
So, thank you for tuning in for another blog installment. I wish you luck, love, passion, safety and inspiration.
Be sure to tune in later this week when I will be making a trip to the Black Hills and will do some trail running and some extra features.
Have a safe week and God bless.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Physical therapy and much more
Hello blog readers,
Being how it has been a week since last week, a lot has happened.
First off, I have started with physical therapy and it did start off with some struggles but in the end, it was great because it means that I am making my way back to the world I have belonged to for almost 16 years. Pure blessing in it's own.
After the physical therapy, I got a steroid injection to the neck and to the arm and with the side effects were quite difficult but was prescribed medication to balance it all out and so far, so good. Staying strong.
Day after day, hour after hour and minute after minute, I just tried my best to get better and did 3 a day workouts and was putting miles and strength on my body. I was still able to run after physical therapy and it felt relieving.
And so far, I averaged 65.3 miles this past week and it went great. I ended on Saturday with a long run, 12 miles and on today's workout, I ran 20 miles at 6 a.m. and ran on a scenic highway and it was beautiful out. Even though it took me 3 hours to run the workout, I did it and felt accomplished because I have never ran 20 miles straight.
Adding onto my organizations for charities, I talked with my promoter about a new organization and I have made the decision of running for the Lupus Foundation and will be running a half marathon in September in the Black Hills and it will be great and beautiful. With time getting close to that race, I will keep many of you updated.
After running my tough workout this morning, I received a wonderful message on behalf of the One Spirit Organization for the Pine Ridge Reservation and it is a wonderful organization that helps the Lakota youth, I feel proud to be representing my Lakota people and the youth. And if many of you would like to know more about the organization, the website address is http://www.nativeprogress.org/ and you will see the wonderful things they are doing for the youth and reservation life.
With talking with Jeri Baker this morning, the director of the One Spirit Organization and she offered me a one in a lifetime event and that event is running in the New York City Marathon....and I was just shocked because as a runner, and running marathons, running Chicago, Boston and New York City is a must do. And I get that shot. And I would like to thank Jeri Baker and many of my friends and family for the support for my running. Words cannot express on how much everyone means to this mission. To give something back to everyone. The New York City ING Marathon is on November 4, 2012.
Keeping my faith in running for the Lupus Foundation and for the One Spirit Organization will be such great add ons and will be keeping everyone infomed with the future.
So, for those reading on, thank you and for those who continue to support my mission, thank you so ever much. :))
Also, Alan (little brother from another mother) says, "hi." again and such. Once again, enough said.
Have a great one and spread the goodness in your heart!
Being how it has been a week since last week, a lot has happened.
First off, I have started with physical therapy and it did start off with some struggles but in the end, it was great because it means that I am making my way back to the world I have belonged to for almost 16 years. Pure blessing in it's own.
After the physical therapy, I got a steroid injection to the neck and to the arm and with the side effects were quite difficult but was prescribed medication to balance it all out and so far, so good. Staying strong.
Day after day, hour after hour and minute after minute, I just tried my best to get better and did 3 a day workouts and was putting miles and strength on my body. I was still able to run after physical therapy and it felt relieving.
And so far, I averaged 65.3 miles this past week and it went great. I ended on Saturday with a long run, 12 miles and on today's workout, I ran 20 miles at 6 a.m. and ran on a scenic highway and it was beautiful out. Even though it took me 3 hours to run the workout, I did it and felt accomplished because I have never ran 20 miles straight.
Adding onto my organizations for charities, I talked with my promoter about a new organization and I have made the decision of running for the Lupus Foundation and will be running a half marathon in September in the Black Hills and it will be great and beautiful. With time getting close to that race, I will keep many of you updated.
After running my tough workout this morning, I received a wonderful message on behalf of the One Spirit Organization for the Pine Ridge Reservation and it is a wonderful organization that helps the Lakota youth, I feel proud to be representing my Lakota people and the youth. And if many of you would like to know more about the organization, the website address is http://www.nativeprogress.org/ and you will see the wonderful things they are doing for the youth and reservation life.
With talking with Jeri Baker this morning, the director of the One Spirit Organization and she offered me a one in a lifetime event and that event is running in the New York City Marathon....and I was just shocked because as a runner, and running marathons, running Chicago, Boston and New York City is a must do. And I get that shot. And I would like to thank Jeri Baker and many of my friends and family for the support for my running. Words cannot express on how much everyone means to this mission. To give something back to everyone. The New York City ING Marathon is on November 4, 2012.
Keeping my faith in running for the Lupus Foundation and for the One Spirit Organization will be such great add ons and will be keeping everyone infomed with the future.
So, for those reading on, thank you and for those who continue to support my mission, thank you so ever much. :))
Also, Alan (little brother from another mother) says, "hi." again and such. Once again, enough said.
Have a great one and spread the goodness in your heart!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Greetings to everyone to a brand new blog entry to the diary of a mad runner and I am sorry that it has been too long since I have posted anything. It has been quite busy.
Since April, I have been busy with running and new training and well, injuries and a new hurdle, but I am getting too ahead of myself here. Let me try to explain it more in some details.
In April, I pulled double duties in Bismarck, ND. On April 28th, I got to compete in a 5k for Parkinson's Disease on behalf of a running team I belong to, the Dakota River Runners with Universal Athletics and the morning started off cold and wet because it was raining all day but it did not break my spirit in running. The guests at the hotel I stayed at were surprised to see me in my running apparel. I was sporting the Superman shirt and socks with capes and some took pictures with me and some got a kick out of it. But the race was wonderful because a lot of people showed up on a cold day. I took 17th with a time of 24 minutes and after that, I boarded onto the bus and went over to the gymnasium of Century High School for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy and I got to bike 20 minutes at 2 sessions and I averaged 12.7 miles of biking at 20 mph speed! It was a tiring day but I felt accomplished.
Now, onto the month of May, well, it was a month I will never forget. The week for getting ready for the Fargo Marathon in Fargo, ND was pretty crazy. I was training pretty hard for this race because it was a first for me and I was excited too. I averaged up to 77 miles in one week, a personal best. And the week of the race, I lost a lot...I lost my aunt, my grandfather and my job. But that did not break my spirit because I used that emotion of loss to win. I was honored that the people I was running for were there to cheer me on, a nice gentleman with Cystic Fibrosis and a young lady from a previous post with Cerebral Palsy showed up to inspire me and boy, did it work! I ran and ran....and ran, by the time I was wondering what mile I was on, because the scenery was so great, people all over the course, cheering, having a good time and inspiring us all and when I noticed a sign said, Mile 10 and I felt so great to have run so far without no problems. I finished the last mile with a strong pace and my goal was to run it in 2 hours and 30 minutes and I finished in 2 hours and 24 minutes. What a perfect finish because I did it strong and loved every mile.
With the month of June, well....I only ran 1 race so far and it was not a good one because I ran hurt. At the end of May, I slipped and hurt my knee and had a knee sprain and the doctor's said I would be out for a month and by the 9th of June, I ran a 5k in Wilton and ran it in 26 minutes, like I wanted but I was too focused on my knee and it got the best of me. My only regret. I did have a race every weekend in June but ended up forfeiting because of my knee and also, a severe injury.
For those tuning in, since 2007, I have had problem with my neck and the first time in 2007 was a surgery that a tumor was removed and 3 years later, in 2010, I had left over tissue removed and suffered nerve damage and had to deal with that from then on. I just never knew that it would come back around but in a diferent harm than usual.
For awhile, I was experiencing tension in my neck that would effect the left side of my face and I figured that was normal but it wasn't. I was even having this feel like someone rubbed icy hot all over my neck and finally, after a recent check up concerned the doctors to call me to see me urgently to find out what was wrong.
So, yesterday, June 21st, I went in to get checked out with an MRI and other nerve conduction tests and biopsy. I made the trip to Bismarck, ND to St. Alexius Medical Center and got in just in time to go straight to do the MRI and after 50 minutes in the machine, I had a lot to think about. My doctor was Mr. Eric Belanger, a neck specialist and after 4 hours of tests and finding out what was happening, he told me that I tore 9 muscles in my neck and arm combined. How did I manage to do that? Well, having a nerve damaged arm doesn't help when you lift and you don't know your limits because you can't feel much. And stress added was not a good thing to have too.
Dr. Belanger said that the muscles I tore were the scalene, pectoralis, trapezius and muscles by my clavicle (collar bone) in my neck and in my left arm, I tore my brachioradialis and my biceps. I suffered atrophy, also known as muscle loss.
Their solution? Well, Dr. Belanger said that it will be a TOUGH road to recovery and he thinks that I have a 20% of making a come back to racing. Which scared me. But after talking with the physical therapists have reassured me that with physical therapy, I can make it back. I will have to do a lot of physical therapy and prednisone injections, which is a steroid to help repair my muscle damage. I even have to do more electric shock therapy on my arm.
Whatever it takes, I will be back and just in time for August and the 5k rematch and the half marathon on the 25th. I am a fighter, we always find a way to the next round.
On a good note, I appreciate many who have stuck by me through all this, the good and the bad. And I am honored to have you all be a part of what I go through.
P.S. my little bro, Alan (A-Rage) says, "Hi" and "Do work!" Enough said. Haha.
Since April, I have been busy with running and new training and well, injuries and a new hurdle, but I am getting too ahead of myself here. Let me try to explain it more in some details.
In April, I pulled double duties in Bismarck, ND. On April 28th, I got to compete in a 5k for Parkinson's Disease on behalf of a running team I belong to, the Dakota River Runners with Universal Athletics and the morning started off cold and wet because it was raining all day but it did not break my spirit in running. The guests at the hotel I stayed at were surprised to see me in my running apparel. I was sporting the Superman shirt and socks with capes and some took pictures with me and some got a kick out of it. But the race was wonderful because a lot of people showed up on a cold day. I took 17th with a time of 24 minutes and after that, I boarded onto the bus and went over to the gymnasium of Century High School for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy and I got to bike 20 minutes at 2 sessions and I averaged 12.7 miles of biking at 20 mph speed! It was a tiring day but I felt accomplished.
Now, onto the month of May, well, it was a month I will never forget. The week for getting ready for the Fargo Marathon in Fargo, ND was pretty crazy. I was training pretty hard for this race because it was a first for me and I was excited too. I averaged up to 77 miles in one week, a personal best. And the week of the race, I lost a lot...I lost my aunt, my grandfather and my job. But that did not break my spirit because I used that emotion of loss to win. I was honored that the people I was running for were there to cheer me on, a nice gentleman with Cystic Fibrosis and a young lady from a previous post with Cerebral Palsy showed up to inspire me and boy, did it work! I ran and ran....and ran, by the time I was wondering what mile I was on, because the scenery was so great, people all over the course, cheering, having a good time and inspiring us all and when I noticed a sign said, Mile 10 and I felt so great to have run so far without no problems. I finished the last mile with a strong pace and my goal was to run it in 2 hours and 30 minutes and I finished in 2 hours and 24 minutes. What a perfect finish because I did it strong and loved every mile.
With the month of June, well....I only ran 1 race so far and it was not a good one because I ran hurt. At the end of May, I slipped and hurt my knee and had a knee sprain and the doctor's said I would be out for a month and by the 9th of June, I ran a 5k in Wilton and ran it in 26 minutes, like I wanted but I was too focused on my knee and it got the best of me. My only regret. I did have a race every weekend in June but ended up forfeiting because of my knee and also, a severe injury.
For those tuning in, since 2007, I have had problem with my neck and the first time in 2007 was a surgery that a tumor was removed and 3 years later, in 2010, I had left over tissue removed and suffered nerve damage and had to deal with that from then on. I just never knew that it would come back around but in a diferent harm than usual.
For awhile, I was experiencing tension in my neck that would effect the left side of my face and I figured that was normal but it wasn't. I was even having this feel like someone rubbed icy hot all over my neck and finally, after a recent check up concerned the doctors to call me to see me urgently to find out what was wrong.
So, yesterday, June 21st, I went in to get checked out with an MRI and other nerve conduction tests and biopsy. I made the trip to Bismarck, ND to St. Alexius Medical Center and got in just in time to go straight to do the MRI and after 50 minutes in the machine, I had a lot to think about. My doctor was Mr. Eric Belanger, a neck specialist and after 4 hours of tests and finding out what was happening, he told me that I tore 9 muscles in my neck and arm combined. How did I manage to do that? Well, having a nerve damaged arm doesn't help when you lift and you don't know your limits because you can't feel much. And stress added was not a good thing to have too.
Dr. Belanger said that the muscles I tore were the scalene, pectoralis, trapezius and muscles by my clavicle (collar bone) in my neck and in my left arm, I tore my brachioradialis and my biceps. I suffered atrophy, also known as muscle loss.
Their solution? Well, Dr. Belanger said that it will be a TOUGH road to recovery and he thinks that I have a 20% of making a come back to racing. Which scared me. But after talking with the physical therapists have reassured me that with physical therapy, I can make it back. I will have to do a lot of physical therapy and prednisone injections, which is a steroid to help repair my muscle damage. I even have to do more electric shock therapy on my arm.
Whatever it takes, I will be back and just in time for August and the 5k rematch and the half marathon on the 25th. I am a fighter, we always find a way to the next round.
On a good note, I appreciate many who have stuck by me through all this, the good and the bad. And I am honored to have you all be a part of what I go through.
P.S. my little bro, Alan (A-Rage) says, "Hi" and "Do work!" Enough said. Haha.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Inspiration in different forms
Greetings one and all to an overdue blog from the mad runner,
I apologize if it has been awhile but with how things are going, it has been very busy on my end! Whether it is getting stuff done before I train and run or if it is keeping up with a lot of things in my life, I would take a vacation but I feel like this is my vacation because I am enjoying myself with everything around me.
Finding inspiration is one thing in the beginning but when you use it for your own good, it becomes more than inspiration, it becomes a mission. And lucky for me, I have been reminded in many forms. In the past few weeks of training and running, I have been improving on my running and I feel great. And I am quite proud to say that last week, from Sunday to Saturday, I averaged 56.7 miles and my goal was 50 miles. And yes, I am an over achiever but it sure feels good to go past my expectations.
But on a side note, my first half marathon that was in Champaign, Illinois has changed because of discouragement in finding an open hotel but no luck at all. But on a good side note, I have switched it for a 5k race for Parkinson's Disease in Bismarck, ND. Also, I am hoping to make it on a team for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy where I get to bike over 20 miles. And yes, all in one day! I am that crazy to try both events on and succeed in my own way, with heart and inspiration.
With my upcoming first half marathon being in Fargo, ND, I am very EXCITED! I am being impatient for that race because there is going to be so much going on there, I will have a lot of people there to support and cheer me on as I run. And I have 2 special guests of honor and they are Shane Wilhelmi whom I never met but I know his parents well enough and on behalf of Shane, I will be representing him and Cystic Fibrosis as that is his case he deals with on a daily basis and the other guest is Miss Taylia Bauer, whom I recently just met through some friends I have made here in the town of Washburn, ND. Having met Taylia reminds me of what I train for, that everything I will go through is worth it, just for recognition and respect. Because this race is not for me but for those who are my own personal heroes. And I cannot wait to meet Shane in Fargo and to have both special guests and their families plus extras standing on the sidelines to help cheer me on, I am truely blessed and humbled.
The next question I have for myself, what crazy thing should I do to help make this half marathon be fantastic and fun? Well, I am sure I will think of something creative and fun. Whether is rocking the colors or dying the mohawk again.
Here is Miss Taylia, my guest of honor for the 2012 Fargo Marathon on May 19th. Thank you, Ginnie Grove Swanson, meeting her and her smile is the motivation that I need to push past the miles and make her and everyone proud.
I apologize if it has been awhile but with how things are going, it has been very busy on my end! Whether it is getting stuff done before I train and run or if it is keeping up with a lot of things in my life, I would take a vacation but I feel like this is my vacation because I am enjoying myself with everything around me.
Finding inspiration is one thing in the beginning but when you use it for your own good, it becomes more than inspiration, it becomes a mission. And lucky for me, I have been reminded in many forms. In the past few weeks of training and running, I have been improving on my running and I feel great. And I am quite proud to say that last week, from Sunday to Saturday, I averaged 56.7 miles and my goal was 50 miles. And yes, I am an over achiever but it sure feels good to go past my expectations.
But on a side note, my first half marathon that was in Champaign, Illinois has changed because of discouragement in finding an open hotel but no luck at all. But on a good side note, I have switched it for a 5k race for Parkinson's Disease in Bismarck, ND. Also, I am hoping to make it on a team for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy where I get to bike over 20 miles. And yes, all in one day! I am that crazy to try both events on and succeed in my own way, with heart and inspiration.
With my upcoming first half marathon being in Fargo, ND, I am very EXCITED! I am being impatient for that race because there is going to be so much going on there, I will have a lot of people there to support and cheer me on as I run. And I have 2 special guests of honor and they are Shane Wilhelmi whom I never met but I know his parents well enough and on behalf of Shane, I will be representing him and Cystic Fibrosis as that is his case he deals with on a daily basis and the other guest is Miss Taylia Bauer, whom I recently just met through some friends I have made here in the town of Washburn, ND. Having met Taylia reminds me of what I train for, that everything I will go through is worth it, just for recognition and respect. Because this race is not for me but for those who are my own personal heroes. And I cannot wait to meet Shane in Fargo and to have both special guests and their families plus extras standing on the sidelines to help cheer me on, I am truely blessed and humbled.
The next question I have for myself, what crazy thing should I do to help make this half marathon be fantastic and fun? Well, I am sure I will think of something creative and fun. Whether is rocking the colors or dying the mohawk again.
Friday, February 24, 2012
A personal service annoucement
Greetings and salutations everyone,
I come before you not as a runner but a person who has been dealing with an effect that is an epidemic across the states and other parts of the counties. And that effect is, suicide.
I was notified yesterday that a good friend of mine who I met through running many years ago had passed away, from suicide. He was only 26 years old and a fantastic runner, he was always a tough runner when I met him because of his attitude and his ability. We shared many good moments together with encouragement. Even when I went through my neck injury, he was there with many emails telling me that it wasn't over for me. I just wish he would've told himself that when he needed it, or maybe I should've. There is a part of me that feels guilty because the loss of contact between us and if I was around to talk or listen to him when he was going through a hard time but it is a burden I shouldn't carry because guilt can lead to depression. And from what I heard, he got depressed for losing a race he was good at, he was looking for that perfection. To me, he is still a strong runner and always a champion, no matter what place he took.
Did you know that in America, for every 2 people killed by homicide, 3 people are dead by suicide and that over 300,000 Americans take their own lives every year? I did not know much about that facts because when you are hit by suicide, you think of everyone around you but not everyone in the world.
To me, that is not right at all because life should be embraced by everything, life, love, happiness, joy, family and friends. And sure, there are bad times in the world where you feel like you do not matter but to everyone else, you do. There is help and asking for help is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign of taking a step to being better.
Truth is, I can read you so many facts about the leading causes of suicide and sadly, that list can go on and on as things are added like depression, mental state of mind, anger, or thinking that death is a way out of life when you are having a bad moment. It is not a way out of everything bad because it creates more bad in the world as younger generations or those of the same age level think of it as an example and that leads on to more related deaths.
Growing up on the reservation, it was something I would see and hear about and the community was shocked, just like everyone in the world. I lost friends and relatives to suicide and I have to tell you, it hurts and the effects are still hurtful years later as they did the first time you experience them.
Even though there is a national Suicide Prevention or Awareness day in September, I think that there should be one every month. Just a personal opinion because I believe in life.
And I know some of you may ask, "What can we do to help prevent this?" And that is, if you know someone who is depressed or having a bad day, do not add to it. Make that person's day by telling them something great, to boost their confidence. Studies show that those who attempted suicide and still surviving gave life another chance to live and found someone who made them happy. Goes to show you how far a smile or gesture can take someone. And for those who read this who feel less than perfect in life, you are perfect to me and many others.
There are many websites, counselors, phone numbers to call to seek help. And it is never too late to do so, it does get better and I do mean that. You are not alone.
Even if you need someone to talk to, I am here for you as well. And I don't judge or tell anyone of the conversations we may have.
Here are some links if you need them:
http://www.afsp.org/ Toll-free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Thank you for all who read this, I appreciate this because even if this was on my charity list or not, this is an issue that I will do my best for, for suicide prevention and awareness. Give life another chance.
I come before you not as a runner but a person who has been dealing with an effect that is an epidemic across the states and other parts of the counties. And that effect is, suicide.
I was notified yesterday that a good friend of mine who I met through running many years ago had passed away, from suicide. He was only 26 years old and a fantastic runner, he was always a tough runner when I met him because of his attitude and his ability. We shared many good moments together with encouragement. Even when I went through my neck injury, he was there with many emails telling me that it wasn't over for me. I just wish he would've told himself that when he needed it, or maybe I should've. There is a part of me that feels guilty because the loss of contact between us and if I was around to talk or listen to him when he was going through a hard time but it is a burden I shouldn't carry because guilt can lead to depression. And from what I heard, he got depressed for losing a race he was good at, he was looking for that perfection. To me, he is still a strong runner and always a champion, no matter what place he took.
Did you know that in America, for every 2 people killed by homicide, 3 people are dead by suicide and that over 300,000 Americans take their own lives every year? I did not know much about that facts because when you are hit by suicide, you think of everyone around you but not everyone in the world.
To me, that is not right at all because life should be embraced by everything, life, love, happiness, joy, family and friends. And sure, there are bad times in the world where you feel like you do not matter but to everyone else, you do. There is help and asking for help is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign of taking a step to being better.
Truth is, I can read you so many facts about the leading causes of suicide and sadly, that list can go on and on as things are added like depression, mental state of mind, anger, or thinking that death is a way out of life when you are having a bad moment. It is not a way out of everything bad because it creates more bad in the world as younger generations or those of the same age level think of it as an example and that leads on to more related deaths.
Growing up on the reservation, it was something I would see and hear about and the community was shocked, just like everyone in the world. I lost friends and relatives to suicide and I have to tell you, it hurts and the effects are still hurtful years later as they did the first time you experience them.
Even though there is a national Suicide Prevention or Awareness day in September, I think that there should be one every month. Just a personal opinion because I believe in life.
And I know some of you may ask, "What can we do to help prevent this?" And that is, if you know someone who is depressed or having a bad day, do not add to it. Make that person's day by telling them something great, to boost their confidence. Studies show that those who attempted suicide and still surviving gave life another chance to live and found someone who made them happy. Goes to show you how far a smile or gesture can take someone. And for those who read this who feel less than perfect in life, you are perfect to me and many others.
There are many websites, counselors, phone numbers to call to seek help. And it is never too late to do so, it does get better and I do mean that. You are not alone.
Even if you need someone to talk to, I am here for you as well. And I don't judge or tell anyone of the conversations we may have.
Here are some links if you need them:
http://www.afsp.org/ Toll-free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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