It has been a week since my last long post. I have wanted to put something down on paper, but unfortunately, my thoughts have been all over the place. There really has been no set subject that I have wanted to discuss either, there have been many. How do I compile all that random thinking into a blog entry? Well... I have started taking notes, sounds silly I guess, but it has been helping. One thing in particular that I want to touch on is how much the media bombards us with sadness. Maybe I’m overly sensitive. I do seem to cry easily, but then again I am a woman and I think that is embedded in our genetic code. Ha Anyway, let me start here... I was watching ESPN a couple weeks ago. They frequently show programs about athlete’s personal lives and personal “struggles” etc etc. They play moving dramatic music, and have interviews and show pictures on and on and on. During this particular spot, ESPN was interviewing Los Angeles Lakers forward, Lamar Odom about his losses and his ability to move on and continue to play basketball. I knew this was going to be a tear jerker, I should have turned it off, but I think sometimes I’m a glutton for punishment. The program came right out and mentioned that he lost his mother to cancer at a young age (I got teary of course...), then went on to really drive it home by mentioning his latest tragedy, he lost his 6 ½ month old son to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). I completely lost composure! I walked into my kitchen sobbing looking for a tissue and cursing myself for crying yet again over ESPN’s documentary style reporting. I was thinking to myself that I’m a complete retard for letting my emotions get the best of me again.
Over the last year hearing or seeing anything cancer related has stirred up the ‘ol emotions, even the reference to the astrological sign. I have seen billboards advertising money for those with Stage 4 Cancer to do experimental treatments. Billboards! I start crying over those too. There are always programs on TV, or commercials advertising the best in treatment at this or that facility. If you search cancer online, there are millions of hits. I’m not sure if I’m overly sensitive or I’m just more in tune to the realities of this disease. Here are some statistics... on average 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S. are from cancer. That’s about 1500 people per day that die. I saw a projection in a medical article that about 559,000 people will pass this year in the States alone, because of cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease. I maybe emotional for personal reasons, but the cancer issue in this country should make everyone emotional.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
RIP Pinkerton!
My old friend's dalmation passed away this past Friday. I loved that dog!!!
Above: Pink the dalmation with my old dog Camden in 2001.
Above: Pink the dalmation with my old dog Camden in 2001.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Training update
I haven't written that much over the last week or so, but I have been training. I took Thursday and Friday off last week because I did more hill sprints on Wednesday evening at Hermann Park. Saturday I didn't ride and went to do a leg workout instead. Squats and other blissful leg exercises prevented me from walking normal on Sunday morning! hahahahaha In fact, I wasn't walking normal on Monday morning either. Oh well... here's what was done and what is planned for this week: Monday, spin class with the bulldog... (only 45 minutes, had to leave early to meet people out for dinner); Tuesday, another lifting day, back and shoulders this time, with other core strengthening exercises mixed in there. Tonight we are headed to the Park again for cardio and sprints. Thursday I think I'll do another light lifting day, and maybe run on the treadmill. Friday... no way... I'm off on Friday nights. Well... maybe I'll swim a few hundred yards at the pool, but nothing too exciting. That's all for now... I don't want to think about this weekend too much because I have too many things to do that involve eating and drinking. Memorial day weekend after all... might as well enjoy as much as I can. Bye for now... quick reminder... DONATE DONATE DONATE... I'm putting myself through all this for a good cause!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Making your voice heard!!
The LAF sends out frequent emails regarding getting involved with the local Texas government. The organization as a whole keeps in front of our policy makers nationwide to make them aware of how important it is to find ways to treat and prevent cancer, and to enhance the lives of those living with cancer. I got an email today that reminded me that I should start posting these emails... I'm going to try and do my part in spreading the word... I have tried to include the links that will take you to the form letters to send to the local Texas delegates. If you would like to get the regular emails from the LAF, then you can just go to the website and sign up. www.livestrong.org
Quote
We've come too far to stop now!
Dear Andrea :
Last week, advocates just like you flooded the Texas Senate with emails and demanded change in the way our state deals with cancer. I'm proud to say that they heard you, and the bills passed out of the Senate Finance Committee Friday night with a unanimous vote! Thank you for your help, but we're not done yet. I need you to do it again. Please send one last message to your State Senator to make sure the Senate passes this bill with equal support this week.
This critical legislation will allow Texas to invest three billion dollars over the next ten years for cutting edge cancer research and programs. The bills are now on their way to the floor of the Senate and you have one more opportunity to tell your elected officials how you feel about this legislation. Most importantly, share your story with them; tell them why investing in cancer prevention and research means so much to you. Send a message to your State Senator TODAY.
I was at the Senate Finance Committee meeting late Friday night to testify to make sure that the voices of survivors were heard. You can find a link to my testimony at the May 19 Senate Finance Committee here. (The committee meeting was an hour and a half, if you fast forward to 40 minutes you'll see my testimony)
I talked about how we're not doing enough to battle cancer, we've come a long way, but we're not there yet. The system is broken, and we have a unique opportunity to fix it here in our own state. We have a chance to make Texas a global leader in fighting cancer.
I really feel that the fight against cancer is at a tipping point in Texas. The first step is to get this passed out of the Senate and signed by the Governor. Then we have to make our case to the people of Texas. I'm in this for the long haul, I'm ready for the fight and I hope you'll join me. If you haven't yet, send a message to your State Senator.
LIVESTRONG,
Lance Armstrong
LIVESTRONG Army
unquote
Quote
We've come too far to stop now!
Dear Andrea :
Last week, advocates just like you flooded the Texas Senate with emails and demanded change in the way our state deals with cancer. I'm proud to say that they heard you, and the bills passed out of the Senate Finance Committee Friday night with a unanimous vote! Thank you for your help, but we're not done yet. I need you to do it again. Please send one last message to your State Senator to make sure the Senate passes this bill with equal support this week.
This critical legislation will allow Texas to invest three billion dollars over the next ten years for cutting edge cancer research and programs. The bills are now on their way to the floor of the Senate and you have one more opportunity to tell your elected officials how you feel about this legislation. Most importantly, share your story with them; tell them why investing in cancer prevention and research means so much to you. Send a message to your State Senator TODAY.
I was at the Senate Finance Committee meeting late Friday night to testify to make sure that the voices of survivors were heard. You can find a link to my testimony at the May 19 Senate Finance Committee here. (The committee meeting was an hour and a half, if you fast forward to 40 minutes you'll see my testimony)
I talked about how we're not doing enough to battle cancer, we've come a long way, but we're not there yet. The system is broken, and we have a unique opportunity to fix it here in our own state. We have a chance to make Texas a global leader in fighting cancer.
I really feel that the fight against cancer is at a tipping point in Texas. The first step is to get this passed out of the Senate and signed by the Governor. Then we have to make our case to the people of Texas. I'm in this for the long haul, I'm ready for the fight and I hope you'll join me. If you haven't yet, send a message to your State Senator.
LIVESTRONG,
Lance Armstrong
LIVESTRONG Army
unquote
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Training update and other bits....
I have had two great evenings of workouts the past couple of days. Also, I have had many people comment to me more and more about the blog itself. So, I thought I would elaborate on both.
First the comments...
I have to say, I have been getting some very positive feedback from those of you who have actually bothered to comment. Thank you thank you thank you. It’s nice to know that my comments and the method by which I’m delivering them are well received. I have by one person been asked for more pictures. To be honest, I’m not quite sure why... but I will do my best to accommodate. I hope that all those who are reading this consistently will help support my effort to raise the $10k. So don’t forget ... donate, donate, donate..... :)
Alright now for the rest, the exercise update. Monday, spin class with Ashley. I have to say that was one of the best spin classes she has come out with. The music was great and the workout itself was an ass kicker! In fact, I think she kicked her own butt because she was breathing just as hard as the rest of us. I maintained average heart rate of 154bpm over 56 minutes, and burned approximately 560 calories. I love those classes... its hard to beat the amount of work you put out in such a short period of time. There’s no bullshit, you get straight to the point! Tuesday was a lifting day. I warmed up with 10 minutes on the elliptical machine, and then did back, shoulders, and biceps. I’m well on my way to being able to do a pull ups without the assistance of the ‘gravitron’. I think if I lost more weight it would help tremendously as well, but that will come in time. My cool down was an easy 5 minute walk on the treadmill.
If you have ever seen the movie Legally Blonde there’s a scene in there where Reese Witherspoon’s character is describing how exercise makes you happy. I love that scene; she says something along the lines of how exercise releases endorphins that make you happy. Amen sister! I always feel good and happy and surprisingly more awake after a good workout. It’s one of the best methods of mental therapy known to man. If only more people would be open to the idea of more exercise.
First the comments...
I have to say, I have been getting some very positive feedback from those of you who have actually bothered to comment. Thank you thank you thank you. It’s nice to know that my comments and the method by which I’m delivering them are well received. I have by one person been asked for more pictures. To be honest, I’m not quite sure why... but I will do my best to accommodate. I hope that all those who are reading this consistently will help support my effort to raise the $10k. So don’t forget ... donate, donate, donate..... :)
Alright now for the rest, the exercise update. Monday, spin class with Ashley. I have to say that was one of the best spin classes she has come out with. The music was great and the workout itself was an ass kicker! In fact, I think she kicked her own butt because she was breathing just as hard as the rest of us. I maintained average heart rate of 154bpm over 56 minutes, and burned approximately 560 calories. I love those classes... its hard to beat the amount of work you put out in such a short period of time. There’s no bullshit, you get straight to the point! Tuesday was a lifting day. I warmed up with 10 minutes on the elliptical machine, and then did back, shoulders, and biceps. I’m well on my way to being able to do a pull ups without the assistance of the ‘gravitron’. I think if I lost more weight it would help tremendously as well, but that will come in time. My cool down was an easy 5 minute walk on the treadmill.
If you have ever seen the movie Legally Blonde there’s a scene in there where Reese Witherspoon’s character is describing how exercise makes you happy. I love that scene; she says something along the lines of how exercise releases endorphins that make you happy. Amen sister! I always feel good and happy and surprisingly more awake after a good workout. It’s one of the best methods of mental therapy known to man. If only more people would be open to the idea of more exercise.
Losing a Parent
My friend Rhonda's father has multiple sclerosis. She and I were talking on Friday night about the fear of losing a parent, and her father's continuing struggle. We were sitting at Minute Maid Park of all places when the conversation started. I'm usually so into a baseball game that my attention never turns toward anything else, but I could easily see the fear and grief in her eyes when she was talking, it pained me and I lost all interest in the game. I have been thinking a lot about how scared Rhonda looked Friday when we were talking. Only word of advice that I could really give her was to make the most of what time she has with her father.
The day my mother called to tell me she had cancer was April 10, 2006. I remember having that same feeling that Rhonda seems to have, an overwhelming fear of the future and the unknown. I remember thinking to myself, "how much time does she have left; will she get through this; how much fight does she have in her; how am I going to take care of her; what's going to happen; what's going to happen; what's going to happen..... ?" What happened was I did what I could in the very short time she had left. We had long conversations on the phone and she told me what she was going through and how she was feeling. I think I provided her with a sounding board. As unbelievable as this may sound, she took everything so well. Her strength is what kept me sane.
After stewing over this for a few days now and trying to think exactly how I wanted to finish this entry, ultimately I came to this conclusion, and I have finally put a finger on that feeling that I have tried so long to describe in words, that ‘unknown’. I think when one comes to a point in their life when they face losing a parent, what you really face is losing that sense of security, and that feeling of unconditional love. Half of my physiological security blanket was ripped from me the day she died. She was always there for me no matter what the issue was or how utterly stupid my actions were. I hold now to my father, that other half of the “security blanket” like there’s no tomorrow. Your parents are you’re only connection to those days of innocence and pure bliss when you were a kid. I am very fortunate to have been able to grow up in a loving family with parents that went the extra mile for my brother and me. They have given me the tools necessary to go out in the world. They knew when to let out the leash a little bit and knew when to let me off the leash all together. A parent’s unconditional love for their child gives that child security, regardless of how old that child becomes. I miss that from my mother, and I'm sure all those that have lost a parent feel the same. But, all and all, it’s ok to let go of that security blanket, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. It’s a way of growing and a natural progression in life. I feel better, I’m healing.
The day my mother called to tell me she had cancer was April 10, 2006. I remember having that same feeling that Rhonda seems to have, an overwhelming fear of the future and the unknown. I remember thinking to myself, "how much time does she have left; will she get through this; how much fight does she have in her; how am I going to take care of her; what's going to happen; what's going to happen; what's going to happen..... ?" What happened was I did what I could in the very short time she had left. We had long conversations on the phone and she told me what she was going through and how she was feeling. I think I provided her with a sounding board. As unbelievable as this may sound, she took everything so well. Her strength is what kept me sane.
After stewing over this for a few days now and trying to think exactly how I wanted to finish this entry, ultimately I came to this conclusion, and I have finally put a finger on that feeling that I have tried so long to describe in words, that ‘unknown’. I think when one comes to a point in their life when they face losing a parent, what you really face is losing that sense of security, and that feeling of unconditional love. Half of my physiological security blanket was ripped from me the day she died. She was always there for me no matter what the issue was or how utterly stupid my actions were. I hold now to my father, that other half of the “security blanket” like there’s no tomorrow. Your parents are you’re only connection to those days of innocence and pure bliss when you were a kid. I am very fortunate to have been able to grow up in a loving family with parents that went the extra mile for my brother and me. They have given me the tools necessary to go out in the world. They knew when to let out the leash a little bit and knew when to let me off the leash all together. A parent’s unconditional love for their child gives that child security, regardless of how old that child becomes. I miss that from my mother, and I'm sure all those that have lost a parent feel the same. But, all and all, it’s ok to let go of that security blanket, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. It’s a way of growing and a natural progression in life. I feel better, I’m healing.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Weekend Training!
Alright, I did ride this weekend, but it was slow going. I haven't been on my bike in 3 weeks, and it showed. I only rode 25 miles, a very slow 25 miles. I averaged about 16-17 mph for the time I was out on Sunday morning. It was hot, and I was probably still feeling the effects of too much indulgence on Friday night at the Astro's game. Otherwise, that's about it for this weekend.
Jim and I rode with our good friend Gomez. He's really the one that got me into cycling. What an inspiration this man is to everyone around him. He's lost about 60 lbs over the last couple years by doing it the correct, healthy way; lots of exercise and eating right! LOVE HIM! Oh... and he does triathlons too...
Jim and I rode with our good friend Gomez. He's really the one that got me into cycling. What an inspiration this man is to everyone around him. He's lost about 60 lbs over the last couple years by doing it the correct, healthy way; lots of exercise and eating right! LOVE HIM! Oh... and he does triathlons too...
Tonight, spin class with Ashley. She's and amazing instructor, and I'm sure she will kick my tail if yesterday was any indication of my physical abilities right now.
(Gomez and I at the MS150 - Bike to the Beach, San Antonio to Corpus Christi, October 2005)
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