Paleobird's Next Big Adventure page 100

[onalark]

My CrossFit group did them. I was hoping to someday be in shape enough to go with them but...well...no.

My understanding was that the weekend they did it in 2011 it was EXTREMELY cold and some people suffered hypothermia.

Tough Mudder Experience SoCal 2011: Are You Tougher than Hypothermia? - TOUGHEST MUDDER » TOUGHEST MUDDER

Maybe after I'm done making babies I'll think about doing it. I'll have plenty of time once the nubbin's born, right? Right? Yeah! Right!

[Paleobird]

Paleobird,
Just made your meatloaf with the addition of some bacon! Whole family devoured it. It has made the list of definitely make this again. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Oh, yes. That meatloaf in all it's variations is definitely going in the regular rotation here. I get a lot of ground meat from my CSA and have to keep thinking of creative ways to use it.

Upper arm muscles, sure, but I heard you have to dodge live electric wires. Sounds crazy!

Yikes!

That part is actually not so bad! In the last one I did, they had a slip n' slide with electric wires dangling in your face while sliding/crawling down it (in addition to the final obstacle with the dangling electric wires you have to run through).

Wheeee!

My CrossFit group did them. I was hoping to someday be in shape enough to go with them but...well...no.

My understanding was that the weekend they did it in 2011 it was EXTREMELY cold and some people suffered hypothermia.
Tough Mudder Experience SoCal 2011: Are You Tougher than Hypothermia? - TOUGHEST MUDDER » TOUGHEST MUDDER

Maybe after I'm done making babies I'll think about doing it. I'll have plenty of time once the nubbin's born, right? Right? Yeah! Right!

It's set for the first week of November which can be still Indian summer or can be cold depending on the whims of Mama Nature. I would rather it be a little cold than baking hot. Hypothermia does not sound like fun though.

Right. You are going to be lucky if you can find time to sleep in about nine months.

[Paleobird]

Dinner tonight was lamb chops, mashed cauliflower and broccoli. Not particularly gorgeous but very good. I had to go pick up my BFF at the train station and so was in a hurry and neglected to do a pic. I'm sure you will forgive me.

I also made marinara sauce (yes the generous neighbors with the tomatoes and basil again.) I have started giving them back part of what I make in a jar. There is no way Dad and I could eat all of it. They planted this amazing garden but they both work and don't really have time to stand around making fresh pesto or marinara, so this way it is a joint effort, their tomatoes, onions, and basil plus my garlic, olives, pine nuts, and olive oil, and my time chopping everything and blending. That works out well. Everybody's happy.

My other project for the day has been getting myself well hydrated. I have an appointment tomorrow to donate blood and I find it is a lot easier for them to find a vein if I really push the fluids for about a day prior to donating.

[zoebird]

good plan on the hydration. I've found that to be the case, too. also, it's all about my cycle. have to do it mid-cycle or after, because otherwise my body's fighting anemia (even though i don't really have that problem overall).

in awesome news, my parents -- and particularly my dad -- are looking to take much bettre care of themselves. they haven't given up the coke-zero, but they are back on "south beach phase one" and they have been candy-free for 30 days now!

my dad has had some mobility problems over the last several years (as I've mentioned), and he recently started getting some physical therapy when he went to a doctor to see if he needed a hip replacement or had arthritis in his hip. turns out he just had a bursa and wasn't using his muscles properly to support himself, so he went to physical therapy and basically has minimal pain in that hip now!

this, apparently, got him thinking that the other aches and pains that he feels could be handled through movement, and so he asked me to help him. usually, he says "why don't you give something for your dad, huh?" but I never did because I knew that he lacked the motivation for some reason, and I didn't want to put in the amount of work that it takes to do a personal work-up for someone.

but this time, he asked me -- do you think that you could help me? do you think that if I did the yoga that I would get better? and I asked him a few questions and he answered them so honestly about really wanting to get better and feel better in his body -- because he wanted to have more fun with DS when he comes to visit us as well as when he visits my nephew. HIs internist told him that he could easily live 25-30 years, so long as he maintains his mobility. If he doesn't maintain his mobility, he's looking at 5-7 years once he gets into a wheel chair, which he saw as inevitable in the next 4 years.

I think that lit a fire in him.

So, i sent him the form that I send for clients like him -- people who really need something specialized to what their needs are -- and he filled it out. He also had his doctor, his podiatrist, and his physical therapist send me some assessments. We then spent about 2 hours of him describing his experiences physically, as well as many other aspects of his lifestyle.

We added a few supplements (such as vitamin D) to his regimen, as well as changing his evening pattern. He usually watches TV or plays around on his computer, which keeps him up late (it's the artificial light). So, I told my parents to go to candle light an hour before their bed time (maybe while watching TV but no other lights on, though they have night-lights on in their room so that they can get there safely -- so that's fine), and then for the last 30 minutes before going to sleep to listen to a meditation CD that I got them (it's brain entrainment, my dad finds that interesting).

They have been doing it for 3 nights now and "it's the best sleep ever" -- so we have progress!

I also gave my dad a really basic routine for before he gets out of bed -- building on what his physical therapist had him doing. It takes about 5 minutes, and he says that he already feels much better in the morning getting up after doing the routine.

Tomorrow, I video tape a 7 minute sequence of postures for him to do in the kitchen using the countertops and a sturdy chair as his props, so that he can work on getting some other discomforts out. He feels like doing 5 minutes in bed and 5-7 minutes in the kitchen is accessible, and so far he's already been doing the 5 minute bed time routine for the last 3 mornings as well.

I'm really proud of them for doing this, and my mom wanted a special video too, so I told her I'd make her a 10 minute one that she can do when she wants. Dad's a special needs client, so he's going to get more attention. She got jealous, but I told her she has her personal trainer to help her out, and so I'm helping him out.

Oh, and because of certain mobility issues, I recommended that he get a weekly massage in specific areas of his body. His podiatrist has a specialist on site who works on feet and ankles, but she also knows really good general sports massage therapists who can really work on the fascia and blood flow -- which is most important for him. I'd like him to get some lower body work (including glutes, etc). He's always been a bit shy about it, but I told him that people like me -- but are massage therapists -- *love* his kind of problems and are not going to judge how he looks. It's all about getting what he needs, and we nerds love that stuff.

He's already booked the foot/ankle massage at the clinic for thursday morning before they go into work, and the podiatrist and physical therapist are looking for the right sports massage therapist to meet his needs, and he'd like to book a weekly massage with *both*. I'm really proud of him for taking that step -- massage is vulnerable, particularly when you have painful spots in your body.

His goal is to be healthier at 70 than he was at 60, and if possible, get off of 3 of the 5 medications that he's on. I think it might be possible, and so does his internist. . . but it will take effort.

[Goldie]

PB, it's too bad that the "Dirty Dash" doesn't have races in CA. I've done a couple of them here in Utah, and they're more about fun than "how fast can I go". The Dirty Dash Locations

Merrell also does a "Down & Dirty" series that they have in a couple CA cities. I haven't done one of these, but they look like a lot of fun, also! Down & Dirty National Mud Run

There's also this one that has races in CA: 5k Foam Fest. They did one of these here in Utah, but unfortunately I was out of town when they held it.

Besides the Tough Mudder, there's also the Spartan races, but from what I've heard, those are seriously hard-core. Still, you might want to check it out: Spartan Races.

I've done the Dirty Dash alone and with a team, and while alone is okay, doing this kind of race with a team is a lot more fun. Even if you can get one other person to do it with you, it's more fun!

[Betorq]

good plan on the hydration. I've found that to be the case, too. also, it's all about my cycle. have to do it mid-cycle or after, because otherwise my body's fighting anemia (even though i don't really have that problem overall).

in awesome news, my parents -- and particularly my dad -- are looking to take much bettre care of themselves. they haven't given up the coke-zero, but they are back on "south beach phase one" and they have been candy-free for 30 days now!

my dad has had some mobility problems over the last several years (as I've mentioned), and he recently started getting some physical therapy when he went to a doctor to see if he needed a hip replacement or had arthritis in his hip. turns out he just had a bursa and wasn't using his muscles properly to support himself, so he went to physical therapy and basically has minimal pain in that hip now!

this, apparently, got him thinking that the other aches and pains that he feels could be handled through movement, and so he asked me to help him. usually, he says "why don't you give something for your dad, huh?" but I never did because I knew that he lacked the motivation for some reason, and I didn't want to put in the amount of work that it takes to do a personal work-up for someone.

but this time, he asked me -- do you think that you could help me? do you think that if I did the yoga that I would get better? and I asked him a few questions and he answered them so honestly about really wanting to get better and feel better in his body -- because he wanted to have more fun with DS when he comes to visit us as well as when he visits my nephew. HIs internist told him that he could easily live 25-30 years, so long as he maintains his mobility. If he doesn't maintain his mobility, he's looking at 5-7 years once he gets into a wheel chair, which he saw as inevitable in the next 4 years.

I think that lit a fire in him.

So, i sent him the form that I send for clients like him -- people who really need something specialized to what their needs are -- and he filled it out. He also had his doctor, his podiatrist, and his physical therapist send me some assessments. We then spent about 2 hours of him describing his experiences physically, as well as many other aspects of his lifestyle.

We added a few supplements (such as vitamin D) to his regimen, as well as changing his evening pattern. He usually watches TV or plays around on his computer, which keeps him up late (it's the artificial light). So, I told my parents to go to candle light an hour before their bed time (maybe while watching TV but no other lights on, though they have night-lights on in their room so that they can get there safely -- so that's fine), and then for the last 30 minutes before going to sleep to listen to a meditation CD that I got them (it's brain entrainment, my dad finds that interesting).

They have been doing it for 3 nights now and "it's the best sleep ever" -- so we have progress!

I also gave my dad a really basic routine for before he gets out of bed -- building on what his physical therapist had him doing. It takes about 5 minutes, and he says that he already feels much better in the morning getting up after doing the routine.

Tomorrow, I video tape a 7 minute sequence of postures for him to do in the kitchen using the countertops and a sturdy chair as his props, so that he can work on getting some other discomforts out. He feels like doing 5 minutes in bed and 5-7 minutes in the kitchen is accessible, and so far he's already been doing the 5 minute bed time routine for the last 3 mornings as well.

I'm really proud of them for doing this, and my mom wanted a special video too, so I told her I'd make her a 10 minute one that she can do when she wants. Dad's a special needs client, so he's going to get more attention. She got jealous, but I told her she has her personal trainer to help her out, and so I'm helping him out.

Oh, and because of certain mobility issues, I recommended that he get a weekly massage in specific areas of his body. His podiatrist has a specialist on site who works on feet and ankles, but she also knows really good general sports massage therapists who can really work on the fascia and blood flow -- which is most important for him. I'd like him to get some lower body work (including glutes, etc). He's always been a bit shy about it, but I told him that people like me -- but are massage therapists -- *love* his kind of problems and are not going to judge how he looks. It's all about getting what he needs, and we nerds love that stuff.

He's already booked the foot/ankle massage at the clinic for thursday morning before they go into work, and the podiatrist and physical therapist are looking for the right sports massage therapist to meet his needs, and he'd like to book a weekly massage with *both*. I'm really proud of him for taking that step -- massage is vulnerable, particularly when you have painful spots in your body.

His goal is to be healthier at 70 than he was at 60, and if possible, get off of 3 of the 5 medications that he's on. I think it might be possible, and so does his internist. . . but it will take effort.

Yes! Congrats & kudos to your dad. My mom is on 3.5 of her former 5 prescription meds, soon that 1/2 pill of Toporol for her BP will be down to 1/4, in the next 7-10 days if all things continue as they have thus far, she'll be off them entirely. After the BP med is history, her heart pill is next, as she is going to her heart doctor next month for a full battery of tests. I'll go with her to talk to her doc & update him along w/ giving him copies of her journal & the progression & progress. It's exciting to have my mom getting stronger, healthier & optimistic about her future life & what's possible. She is starting to dream again, which is sadly missing from so many people's lives, young and old.

[Twibble]

She is starting to dream again, which is sadly missing from so many people's lives, young and old.

One thing I've determined is that when I quit dreaming, something needs to change drastically.

[Paleobird]

in awesome news, my parents -- and particularly my dad -- are looking to take much bettre care of themselves. they haven't given up the coke-zero, but they are back on "south beach phase one" and they have been candy-free for 30 days now!

but this time, he asked me -- do you think that you could help me? do you think that if I did the yoga that I would get better? and I asked him a few questions and he answered them so honestly about really wanting to get better and feel better in his body -- because he wanted to have more fun with DS when he comes to visit us as well as when he visits my nephew. HIs internist told him that he could easily live 25-30 years, so long as he maintains his mobility. If he doesn't maintain his mobility, he's looking at 5-7 years once he gets into a wheel chair, which he saw as inevitable in the next 4 years.

I think that lit a fire in him.

They have been doing it for 3 nights now and "it's the best sleep ever" -- so we have progress!

His goal is to be healthier at 70 than he was at 60, and if possible, get off of 3 of the 5 medications that he's on. I think it might be possible, and so does his internist. . . but it will take effort.

That's great Zoe. The key right there is that he asked you. Sounds like he is on the right track. And good sleep makes everything in life better.

PB, it's too bad that the "Dirty Dash" doesn't have races in CA. I've done a couple of them here in Utah, and they're more about fun than "how fast can I go". The Dirty Dash Locations

Merrell also does a "Down & Dirty" series that they have in a couple CA cities. I haven't done one of these, but they look like a lot of fun, also! Down & Dirty National Mud Run

There's also this one that has races in CA: 5k Foam Fest. They did one of these here in Utah, but unfortunately I was out of town when they held it.

Besides the Tough Mudder, there's also the Spartan races, but from what I've heard, those are seriously hard-core. Still, you might want to check it out: Spartan Races.

I've done the Dirty Dash alone and with a team, and while alone is okay, doing this kind of race with a team is a lot more fun. Even if you can get one other person to do it with you, it's more fun!

Oooh Boy, I had no idea that there were so many of them. That Spartan one does look a bit too hard core muscle head for me.

Yes! Congrats & kudos to your dad. My mom is on 3.5 of her former 5 prescription meds, soon that 1/2 pill of Toporol for her BP will be down to 1/4, in the next 7-10 days if all things continue as they have thus far, she'll be off them entirely. After the BP med is history, her heart pill is next, as she is going to her heart doctor next month for a full battery of tests. I'll go with her to talk to her doc & update him along w/ giving him copies of her journal & the progression & progress. It's exciting to have my mom getting stronger, healthier & optimistic about her future life & what's possible. She is starting to dream again, which is sadly missing from so many people's lives, young and old.

Yay, Rita!

One thing I've determined is that when I quit dreaming, something needs to change drastically.

Too true.

[meeme]

good plan on the hydration. I've found that to be the case, too. also, it's all about my cycle. have to do it mid-cycle or after, because otherwise my body's fighting anemia (even though i don't really have that problem overall).

in awesome news, my parents -- and particularly my dad -- are looking to take much bettre care of themselves. they haven't given up the coke-zero, but they are back on "south beach phase one" and they have been candy-free for 30 days now!

my dad has had some mobility problems over the last several years (as I've mentioned), and he recently started getting some physical therapy when he went to a doctor to see if he needed a hip replacement or had arthritis in his hip. turns out he just had a bursa and wasn't using his muscles properly to support himself, so he went to physical therapy and basically has minimal pain in that hip now!

this, apparently, got him thinking that the other aches and pains that he feels could be handled through movement, and so he asked me to help him. usually, he says "why don't you give something for your dad, huh?" but I never did because I knew that he lacked the motivation for some reason, and I didn't want to put in the amount of work that it takes to do a personal work-up for someone.

but this time, he asked me -- do you think that you could help me? do you think that if I did the yoga that I would get better? and I asked him a few questions and he answered them so honestly about really wanting to get better and feel better in his body -- because he wanted to have more fun with DS when he comes to visit us as well as when he visits my nephew. HIs internist told him that he could easily live 25-30 years, so long as he maintains his mobility. If he doesn't maintain his mobility, he's looking at 5-7 years once he gets into a wheel chair, which he saw as inevitable in the next 4 years.

I think that lit a fire in him.

So, i sent him the form that I send for clients like him -- people who really need something specialized to what their needs are -- and he filled it out. He also had his doctor, his podiatrist, and his physical therapist send me some assessments. We then spent about 2 hours of him describing his experiences physically, as well as many other aspects of his lifestyle.

We added a few supplements (such as vitamin D) to his regimen, as well as changing his evening pattern. He usually watches TV or plays around on his computer, which keeps him up late (it's the artificial light). So, I told my parents to go to candle light an hour before their bed time (maybe while watching TV but no other lights on, though they have night-lights on in their room so that they can get there safely -- so that's fine), and then for the last 30 minutes before going to sleep to listen to a meditation CD that I got them (it's brain entrainment, my dad finds that interesting).

They have been doing it for 3 nights now and "it's the best sleep ever" -- so we have progress!

I also gave my dad a really basic routine for before he gets out of bed -- building on what his physical therapist had him doing. It takes about 5 minutes, and he says that he already feels much better in the morning getting up after doing the routine.

Tomorrow, I video tape a 7 minute sequence of postures for him to do in the kitchen using the countertops and a sturdy chair as his props, so that he can work on getting some other discomforts out. He feels like doing 5 minutes in bed and 5-7 minutes in the kitchen is accessible, and so far he's already been doing the 5 minute bed time routine for the last 3 mornings as well.

I'm really proud of them for doing this, and my mom wanted a special video too, so I told her I'd make her a 10 minute one that she can do when she wants. Dad's a special needs client, so he's going to get more attention. She got jealous, but I told her she has her personal trainer to help her out, and so I'm helping him out.

Oh, and because of certain mobility issues, I recommended that he get a weekly massage in specific areas of his body. His podiatrist has a specialist on site who works on feet and ankles, but she also knows really good general sports massage therapists who can really work on the fascia and blood flow -- which is most important for him. I'd like him to get some lower body work (including glutes, etc). He's always been a bit shy about it, but I told him that people like me -- but are massage therapists -- *love* his kind of problems and are not going to judge how he looks. It's all about getting what he needs, and we nerds love that stuff.

He's already booked the foot/ankle massage at the clinic for thursday morning before they go into work, and the podiatrist and physical therapist are looking for the right sports massage therapist to meet his needs, and he'd like to book a weekly massage with *both*. I'm really proud of him for taking that step -- massage is vulnerable, particularly when you have painful spots in your body.

His goal is to be healthier at 70 than he was at 60, and if possible, get off of 3 of the 5 medications that he's on. I think it might be possible, and so does his internist. . . but it will take effort.

Yes! Congrats & kudos to your dad. My mom is on 3.5 of her former 5 prescription meds, soon that 1/2 pill of Toporol for her BP will be down to 1/4, in the next 7-10 days if all things continue as they have thus far, she'll be off them entirely. After the BP med is history, her heart pill is next, as she is going to her heart doctor next month for a full battery of tests. I'll go with her to talk to her doc & update him along w/ giving him copies of her journal & the progression & progress. It's exciting to have my mom getting stronger, healthier & optimistic about her future life & what's possible. She is starting to dream again, which is sadly missing from so many people's lives, young and old.

I'm in love with you both...AND your parents! Wonderful.

Zoebird,
I'm new so I don't know you well but could you tell me here or in a PM what you do and if you do it for others?

[sbhikes]

I've heard of a PCT run down near San Diego. This might be it. PCT 50 Trail Run - Home but there's this shorter one, too. Home - Noble Canyon 50k I wish I was in the kind of shape it takes to run like this. I just can't run up the hills at all. Or go that far.