tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15553435103454941502024-02-07T04:07:43.109-08:00Bionica: The Making of a Metal MommaDoreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-32347688754162170552014-10-06T10:39:00.000-07:002014-10-06T13:28:12.726-07:00Blessed: Another Epic Moment on the Summit<span style="font-size: large;">Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is a special place our family has enjoyed hiking for over 14 years since Lizzie was a baby and Gordon was a preteen; a place where amazing things have been accomplished. There is one part of the trail that is particularly challenging because it reaches ~1,000 foot elevation in one mile and offers amazing views of Atlanta and Stone Mountain. We would frequently see runners buzz by us running up the mountain and them see them running down. I thought they were crazy.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYiuNX3UIIeQ6qYVRe2KnlQk4fa3foKAFWKA-4EkxIDRIZtYZ0Yd72C7xrd0r2neZK0b1LtyDXOtaen1VdJRHzJMybaWE8yqkYteIhMXZ9rqP4tHeKl1RMmizbOpXukqxsD3vMKQaq_c/s1600/baby+hike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYiuNX3UIIeQ6qYVRe2KnlQk4fa3foKAFWKA-4EkxIDRIZtYZ0Yd72C7xrd0r2neZK0b1LtyDXOtaen1VdJRHzJMybaWE8yqkYteIhMXZ9rqP4tHeKl1RMmizbOpXukqxsD3vMKQaq_c/s1600/baby+hike.JPG" height="273" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizzie almost 1 with Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKWSPlMtR32xy9qK6qt2gDKuN7uZEdTg9UjgOKH412xPlwOScs3Q33giTvc3Gy7E9vE1oVVEx8b4FaJ9gyiEyVgpgkXe9r2yskQj6qyBkhV-W34H4dY6N6kTP1M2of6Wo6teVekQb47U/s1600/gordon+hike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7txPLtm5XSmJsu7X7i5bADnRxxn_y_vWJrqDL0XrX7V9ozKRjkh0tcS6DTTqJRksxLApBY_xqbMfazEetl1cuK7TAd-nSyyRe6AQQVO0Jd0AoyDY8YQnjsWqA-WlQ404O72bc_kgST4/s1600/gordon+hike+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7txPLtm5XSmJsu7X7i5bADnRxxn_y_vWJrqDL0XrX7V9ozKRjkh0tcS6DTTqJRksxLApBY_xqbMfazEetl1cuK7TAd-nSyyRe6AQQVO0Jd0AoyDY8YQnjsWqA-WlQ404O72bc_kgST4/s1600/gordon+hike+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon almost 13 with Grandpa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy became one of those crazy trail runners and was soon summiting in a pretty fast clip. He casually mentioned, "You should try it." That got me thinking and a little while later I asked Gordon if he would train with me to run up the mountain nonstop. He agreed and our training started. 6 weeks later, Gordon and I reached the summit running nonstop, he a bit further ahead of me. As I closed in on him, he stretched his hands upward in the classic Rocky pose and yelled, "Adrian!" I was brought to tears of this epic moment in my life for two reasons. #1: I witnessed my son achieving a goal he was hesitant about. #2: I experienced achieving a goal I was hesitant about that was made so special by sharing it with Gordon.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today another epic moment occurred on Kennesaw.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLNWs2lMJViMpDAGloheEurObHzOKm5wOHHnSv6xQHCvWIbaStYU7kMhA5pz9T8seq_iSt2pbWnFXQ4vJF4MqpwgG6V5ae0NpeePzielRHof75ftq-4Om_b4m4UItpBMW8vUE6pd73aM/s1600/Kennesaw+Summit+Oct+2014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLNWs2lMJViMpDAGloheEurObHzOKm5wOHHnSv6xQHCvWIbaStYU7kMhA5pz9T8seq_iSt2pbWnFXQ4vJF4MqpwgG6V5ae0NpeePzielRHof75ftq-4Om_b4m4UItpBMW8vUE6pd73aM/s1600/Kennesaw+Summit+Oct+2014.jpeg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First summit postop!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I walked nonstop to the summit for the first time since my surgery with Lizzie by my side! Such a blessing to experience these milestones with my kids.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't know what to expect heading to the mountain, other than I would give it my best shot. We no sooner stepped onto the trail when Lizzie spotted her friends, Sarah and Annie, behind us. My hiking crew grew from a party of two to a party of four. There were a couple of spots where I slid on the gravel, but with the help of my new cane, Lizzie's arm and Annie's back (I slid downward and Annie's back stopped me from going further), I managed to stay upright. It was a crisp fall afternoon filled with beautiful sunshine while a lovely breeze swirled around us. Thanks, ladies, for making my day extra special!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll train a couple more times without my pack and then crank up the training intensity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hike hard, hike strong!</div>
</span><br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-18985520834719181272014-09-27T15:37:00.001-07:002014-09-30T18:27:10.881-07:00Off The Grid - John Muir Trail Expedetion<span style="font-size: large;">Lizzie, Jeremy and I decided to create an unique experience for our family during the summer of 2016; thru-hiking the 220 mile John Muir Trail (JMT) in California. This trek will take us from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, on thru King's Canyon National Park and summiting on Mount Whitney (14,000+ elevation) </span><span style="font-size: large;">which is the highest peak in the continental US. Cross training begins now since I need plenty of time to acclimate my body to both carrying a backpack and hiking at various elevations.</span>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You may ask, "Why would you want to do this with a fused spine?" <strong><em>Because I believe I can.</em></strong>
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My marathon training is the perfect complement to the JMT training. Our 2015 summer is already mapped out with activities, specifically, things Lizzie wants get under her belt before graduating. She will take a gap year 2016 and this will certainly be a memorable event during that timeframe.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
The three core basics of hiking are the pack, shelter and sleeping system... let's not forget boots!
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<u><strong>Pack:</strong></u>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I talked with my surgeon and he cleared me to backpack since I am almost 3 years postop. He told me to be sure to get the right pack, don't overload it, and don't bend or twist. There has been a lot of research going into the right pack for me. For those of you new to my blog, this is what I'm </span><span style="font-size: large;">working with:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPUbHGrjlXcnUxUtJiJz5qRb8ZRVWmQ5xxL_3cEYZQUHNczpf6f2DUP-HsR8RwxQvMVz0aHSpd2it-sLasV9lCrhEMIyxFIM8VzFEE8qGrWX-CK66C_LncN2JB9jJaxpHbW-e4WYXiAQ/s1600/15+month+xray+side+view.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPUbHGrjlXcnUxUtJiJz5qRb8ZRVWmQ5xxL_3cEYZQUHNczpf6f2DUP-HsR8RwxQvMVz0aHSpd2it-sLasV9lCrhEMIyxFIM8VzFEE8qGrWX-CK66C_LncN2JB9jJaxpHbW-e4WYXiAQ/s320/15+month+xray+side+view.JPG" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3 pounds of hardware hold me up after my spine collapsed; unable to bend/twist because the hardware is anchored into my sacrum. Small price to pay putting complete faith in God to pull me through the time when I was bed ridden with pain for one year. Since my hardware is so close to the surface of my skin (you can see and feel it), I needed to find a pack that doesn't touch my spine. How does that work? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are LOTS of choices!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mN73WresN05IcrkbsF2y3n-loDfhlg9EdmM4Mkrpchsnm7QCILlv3i9nVdQwK3QMZSLyZhS4kRVtHbpxaIwwx0pAnUO7j_OhExhCqdArkX7CvFHcBTCXWh-Qk83IUGrhesNVhxLAM9U/s1600/Packs.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mN73WresN05IcrkbsF2y3n-loDfhlg9EdmM4Mkrpchsnm7QCILlv3i9nVdQwK3QMZSLyZhS4kRVtHbpxaIwwx0pAnUO7j_OhExhCqdArkX7CvFHcBTCXWh-Qk83IUGrhesNVhxLAM9U/s320/Packs.JPG" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Deuter ACT Lite 60+10 has a channel of space located between two padded areas that are designed to reduce sweat by keeping air flowing across the back. Amazingly, this channel is the perfect space for my spine that in no way touches the pack. Who knew?! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMam6N47AKuDPNoPym84PervBP_BCTi33DSs3-ZOhyI_cf-KZYjJ2WBhJFA8C4alBzCQFMpyq1eA1LQVVn-P8osMhWXJmcC83bQjBisveGP__f9dMfhTBsEELyScmvpmFtV4O5yJHt0y8/s1600/deuter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMam6N47AKuDPNoPym84PervBP_BCTi33DSs3-ZOhyI_cf-KZYjJ2WBhJFA8C4alBzCQFMpyq1eA1LQVVn-P8osMhWXJmcC83bQjBisveGP__f9dMfhTBsEELyScmvpmFtV4O5yJHt0y8/s320/deuter.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So not only is there nothing touching my spine, but because most of my back is numb, the only place I feel some weight is the upper thoracic area and on my hips. The Deuter has an internal aluminum X-frame that is designed to distribute weight off the back. Happy Camper!
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
I've had 3 milestones occur in the past 24 hours:
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
1. Carried a backpack with 10#
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Managed to get down, crawl into and sit in a tent
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Lowered myself to lay on the ground for the first time in 3 years to practice getting down into a sleeping bag.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My back is a little tweaked today from waking up some sleeping muscles.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Shelter:</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to go with the Sierra Designs Flash 2 person tent for me and Jeremy. Lizzie will either get the same tent or the Lightning 2UL, we haven't decided yet.
The big appeal is I snatched a great deal on the Flash 2 for almost half off! While it's 9 oz. heavier than the UL (ultralight) model, I couldn't pass the savings. The Sierra Designs tents have the fly sown into the tent and set up is super simple and super fast.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQTXTfVduJ7HXyZlbaAq8hNlgSRE1EygLkQXhcJUJq-S3jfJcm7GsEUE0CjlXO0ilgZHNEjo0HytfWjA27dVqZyljRUCWKA_oSZPloSVNpLWTELWjcmTVAtn9HraDcMEI3DQxPNef40s/s1600/Tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQTXTfVduJ7HXyZlbaAq8hNlgSRE1EygLkQXhcJUJq-S3jfJcm7GsEUE0CjlXO0ilgZHNEjo0HytfWjA27dVqZyljRUCWKA_oSZPloSVNpLWTELWjcmTVAtn9HraDcMEI3DQxPNef40s/s1600/Tent.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside a Lightning 2UL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Sleeping System:</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are still researching bags and sleeping pads so not much to report here. The leading pad is Klymit brand.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Boots:</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are a LOT of options!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8uafID_fqbRlIT3YwA4P0MgiEBcaL6ws3VNBZZkWEzPJf29NkPfnQJRfbMGO65-FcYEo2Pk31CLmMAA6JwybQE1REyOQAqMyuSmo0pZY08M1l1e_fL-e2u5s9s7EYPF_XBVsV3jrTE0/s1600/Boots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8uafID_fqbRlIT3YwA4P0MgiEBcaL6ws3VNBZZkWEzPJf29NkPfnQJRfbMGO65-FcYEo2Pk31CLmMAA6JwybQE1REyOQAqMyuSmo0pZY08M1l1e_fL-e2u5s9s7EYPF_XBVsV3jrTE0/s1600/Boots.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lizzie and I are breaking in Keen Bryce boots.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVAu4z-Du42SuIvgxLA6mN0f8ZcXqJ2QJcHyo9vsOGcTDO1lftpLx1dr_U_eXCFRXcsr98iKjlGVD8zdvMROyNwAcXCMyfXI-K5FYMJT0piuOlaPkH_WVmTldO8xxseJX_uOUlY-XwzA/s1600/Keen+boots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVAu4z-Du42SuIvgxLA6mN0f8ZcXqJ2QJcHyo9vsOGcTDO1lftpLx1dr_U_eXCFRXcsr98iKjlGVD8zdvMROyNwAcXCMyfXI-K5FYMJT0piuOlaPkH_WVmTldO8xxseJX_uOUlY-XwzA/s1600/Keen+boots.JPG" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Upgraded Cane:</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The more mileage I walk every week in prep for the 2015 NYC marathon, the more my cane hand, arm and shoulder hurt. A fellow Achilles athlete recommended SideStix which have a built in shock absorber. It comes with hiking mods so this will be useful in the woods, in races or around town.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0N-Pi-VGxYqODI4RyWxO7bE-3OkZDRGhKxSxUpbv94QpiKJZy1CKuyRwpQbGuHt0flJ3zowaEIPbgC1rIEQANO6GYUA0sz2J7w6SUi8JXUP5_l6odaIan61BpE5UGFU1MCANAyGOXHg/s1600/cane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0N-Pi-VGxYqODI4RyWxO7bE-3OkZDRGhKxSxUpbv94QpiKJZy1CKuyRwpQbGuHt0flJ3zowaEIPbgC1rIEQANO6GYUA0sz2J7w6SUi8JXUP5_l6odaIan61BpE5UGFU1MCANAyGOXHg/s320/cane.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For those of you with a disability wanting to try a new activity, be sure to consult your physician/surgeon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, hike hard, hike strong.</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-88938924902922670722014-09-15T17:44:00.001-07:002014-10-06T14:19:26.541-07:00The Power of Positive Pressure<span style="font-size: large;">Today is a milestone for me because for the first time, I walked a 15k (9.32 miles) race! Not only that, but I came in 30 minutes faster than my training pace! How was that possible? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxpEcgyffVA2QGn0vLS-2MnXNuVM9djrtsqFjlo5Ug4kJTJI1Rz_TALkRnKVE8oNoXfJilXNmuS0_5pAZQAGZeB-2hgwgXxD-qMhWB01ghaCXKrFXGLRvKTsdgeZuc89RpZGkXull1-U/s1600/Race+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxpEcgyffVA2QGn0vLS-2MnXNuVM9djrtsqFjlo5Ug4kJTJI1Rz_TALkRnKVE8oNoXfJilXNmuS0_5pAZQAGZeB-2hgwgXxD-qMhWB01ghaCXKrFXGLRvKTsdgeZuc89RpZGkXull1-U/s1600/Race+Day.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Training throughout my very hilly neighborhood is a perfect place in preparation for the NYC race because I'll be crossing 5 bridges. Even though NYC is flat, the bridges provide the elevation and people say it's a tough race. Today's race was flat, relatively speaking, to what I've been training on so what a bonus it was this morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Having an intense deep tissue massage a few days ago really loosened things up!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Having some positive pressure throughout today's race helped tremendously. Jeremy took on a drill sergeant role and was on top of my pace the whole time. He told me to slow down a bit when needed and really pushed me hard, after taking inventory of any pain levels. Lizzie's approach was on the opposite end of the spectrum. When she noticed I was lagging, she sweetly said, "Come on, Mom, let's go."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. God's blessing kept me safe and healthy.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs-__-_qaLJi2x-3_b2-3ixfWuxmGgTEY88MdXFMfkOD73WEcU4ceRFO1lAua4dhUG3_ErLX4_9RbY1EA43JIwq3DgQFeAhZKAGAYt5uzses7C3tHCRhoV1hGeGzVh6MHhjRDPZIkga8/s1600/Me+and+Lizzie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs-__-_qaLJi2x-3_b2-3ixfWuxmGgTEY88MdXFMfkOD73WEcU4ceRFO1lAua4dhUG3_ErLX4_9RbY1EA43JIwq3DgQFeAhZKAGAYt5uzses7C3tHCRhoV1hGeGzVh6MHhjRDPZIkga8/s1600/Me+and+Lizzie.JPG" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ur8CgbyeZXh1-24YawKMLCtO97bbuAtt491nSrhwp4slRSkjpU-FCKnEF1SwdYeJV4vt_U1H2xEzu7hlFNGGIkG_W_BUmd2-cK3Ypg8gONyYHHTLEJueAnXOo-Pj4qYbc_NSQKpx0Cs/s1600/Sep+2014+Iron+Horse+color.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ur8CgbyeZXh1-24YawKMLCtO97bbuAtt491nSrhwp4slRSkjpU-FCKnEF1SwdYeJV4vt_U1H2xEzu7hlFNGGIkG_W_BUmd2-cK3Ypg8gONyYHHTLEJueAnXOo-Pj4qYbc_NSQKpx0Cs/s1600/Sep+2014+Iron+Horse+color.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Iron Horse 15k</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was recently connected with a wonderful woman through Achilles who also race walks. She's had multiple surgeries, some of which were in her sacrum. She have given me great training advice and one of the key items was to keep eating snacks every 30 minutes starting about 60-90 minutes after the start of the race. Jeremy, Lizzie and I munched on some awesome vegan protein bars I made the other day and the energy helped us keep moving strong.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There will be a 1/2 marathon coming up on my radar towards the end of the year, if not sooner. Now that I have this 15k under my belt, the thought of a 13.2 race has me thinking, "That's only a few more miles than what I did today."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, walk strong or go home.</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-49736355385689191522014-09-03T07:44:00.000-07:002014-09-03T08:16:01.461-07:00A Season of Transition: College, Career and Next Steps<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a while since I've posted. Let's face it, I've been living life in the most glorious way. As I think back on the past few months, there have been some major shifts within my life and close loved ones. I've got a lot of ground to cover, so here goes:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Archery Career - Going out with a Bang</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My original goal was to compete my way onto the US Paralympic Archery Team and compete at the 2016 Rio games. Progress was good, made some strong wins and then a shift occurred. There is new leadership at World Archery which is the organization that sets the rules for archery worldwide. With this new team in place, it was decided that the trunk division which I was classified in should be and has been deleted, completely removed from the rule books. Why? I've been told that WA felt that athletes in this division would best be served as abled-bodied athletes. Well, that really didn't create a level playing field for those in the now defunct division. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite my efforts to appeal and run my concerns up the food chain (a WA committee in Switzerland reviewed my case), the decision was not reversed. Shortly after this decision was made, I fell again and landed on my left arm, aka: bow arm, and have not been able to get proper strength to hold the bow since then. I wrapped up my archery career taking 1st place in the US Indoor National Tournament and setting a new National record! I hear you, God, this chapter has closed, time to move on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Medical Updates</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shortly after my last blog post, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and trochanteric bursitis. It became very painful to walk as my joints were on fire. Fortunately, I do not have RA, but the bursitis has been particularly uncomfortable. Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of fluid in sacs around the hips and is sometimes caused by DDD (degenerative disc diseased) in the lumbar area which is exactly what I had. Doctors had me on a slew of meds which never really helped. As time went on, I didn't like the idea of being on meds so I went on a quest to create a supplement routine that could replace the meds. I've finally got the right combination and was able to toss the meds. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the past few months, spasms that used to occur several times throughout the week now occur daily and last much longer, anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Epilepsy was ruled out last month and I'm due for another MRI. It will be nice when doctors determine cause of these issues.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Nutrition Changes</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of months ago our family decided to become GF V (gluten free vegan). Why? I feel there may be some sort of connection between food and my neurological issues. Also because I don't want to contribute to animal suffering and also want to minimizing my ecological footprint. We are all feeling so much better and have a ton of more energy. I've watched many documentaries throughout the years but the two recent ones that really clicked with me are <a href="http://www.getvegucated.com/" target="_blank">Vegucated</a> and <a href="http://www.hungryforchange.tv/" target="_blank">Hungry For Change.</a> If you're not aware of how animals are processed and want to learn more about how our food choices impact not only our health but the environment as well, these are two powerful films available on Netflix. I recently learned about <a href="http://earthlings.com/?page_id=32" target="_blank">Earthlings</a> and I have to say this is the most raw and difficult film to watch. This film shows graphic scenes, not for the faint at heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We made the change cold turkey (pardon the pun) and have found the transition to be pretty easy. We've been on a few holidays where eating out away from home might come as a challenge, but with a little homework, we made it work. Lizzie and Jeremy were both out of town recently, each in different states, and they were able to stay on course with their nutrition. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Family Changes</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Early last year, my dad started dating a wonderful woman whom both dad and my mom knew as they live in the same community. Her husband passed away a bit before my mom passed and the two found peace and healing in their new relationship. A few weeks ago, we attended their wedding! It was a bittersweet day for me as I still miss talking to my best friend throughout the week. My new mom is a loving woman and through her, Dad's faith in God has strengthened.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lizzie is dual enrolling this school year and is taking full load. At this pace she may graduate high school with a college degree at the age of 16! I'm still amazed how eager and determined she is when it comes to her school studies.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Late spring this year Jeremy decided it was time to make a move in his career. We prayerfully asked God to show him the right path. The right opportunity presented itself not too long ago and he is enjoying his new role. He is in the same field (IT) and has been blessed with the task to build out a new area of a fantastic company.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Next Steps, Literally</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before I became a para archer late in 2012, I was a race walker with the </span><a href="http://www.achillesinternational.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Achilles Track Club</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. I'll never be able to jog because of my hardware, but I can walk. I did a few races and then the severe joint pain settled in and I couldn't maintain my walk training anymore. That's when I took up archery. Since my supplement routine has been working really well with keeping joint pain at bay, I've returned to my Achilles family and have been training again. Achilles is a club that encourages athletes with disabilities to participate in races by either jogging, walking or hand cycling. Since there isn't a chapter in Atlanta, the Nashville chapter took me in years ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, what might my new goals be you may be thinking? As crazy as it may sound, I will walk and finish the 2015 NYC marathon! As an Achilles athlete, I'm guaranteed a slot in the NYC race with two guides walking with me. There are a few walkers who have finished the race in several hours to 30+ hours. I'm training so that I finish the race in 9 hours or less, basically before it gets dark and colder. I was invited to do this year's race, but 2 months prep time to train is not enough time for me to be ready by race day on Nov 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in joining me at local races, I'll post details on FB. I may never be the fastest, but I will always finish.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-43785620378718146202013-10-07T16:47:00.002-07:002013-10-07T16:58:10.577-07:00Tis the Season to Be Busy<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a whirlwind of activities the past several weeks. I've been working with my strength coach for several weeks and my waist shrunk 4", I shed 6.5 pounds of fat and added 6.5 pounds of muscle - WOWZA! Very pleased with my progress and we're kicking up my training to a new level.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My dad flew in to see Lizzie and me compete at the last tourney for the outdoor season. It was an amazing two day tourney. Day 1 closed out in a downpour while shooting the last 6 arrows of the day. Thank God the entire day wasn't like that, but at least we were prepared with rain gear on hand. Day 2 was beautiful sunny skies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the most surprising things was that during the rain, a drop of water landed in my peep sight which is a tiny sight close to my eye that helps my vision line up with the bigger sight down near my hand. As I came to full draw I realized I couldn't see anything at all because of the drop of rain. I should have let down which means to carefully turn the bow down and slowly release tension on the string to set up for a better shot. Well, since my bow was so slippery with rain, I didn't trust my strength to carefully let down. Instead I prayed, "Jesus, let my arrow hit the target." Nothing worse than missing a target and losing an arrow. Not only was my prayer answered, but I hit a red ring which is next to the gold! Thank you, Jesus! Now I know, if I'm shooting in the rain (which I trained for over the summer), before I draw, blow into the peep sight to remove any possible drop of water! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The second most surprising thing was beating my goal. This tourney was a full FITA tourney, 2 days, 72 arrows each day, total 144 arrows to shoot. The last time I shot a full FITA in May, my goal was 1,000 points out of a possible 1,440 and I scored 950. I was pretty happy with that outcome. This time, my goal was 1,150 and I scored 1,213!!!! Woooo Hoooo!!!! I won 2nd place! Lizzie won 1st place and is the GA State Champion two years running! SO proud of her!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XKQWMW3d55cfz-ZykIjgHT6fRWhzngG7s7kjg_2Q_6WamVWyxUqx2CG6pHgKgDnNywdbxYk3pTHOMcBT0YMjhrvW0ZsX_TQoKhadumZhBnssUKLMoj7IfHLUNb4v7TQVCQfHmBlUamQ/s1600/Pa+GA+State+Outdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XKQWMW3d55cfz-ZykIjgHT6fRWhzngG7s7kjg_2Q_6WamVWyxUqx2CG6pHgKgDnNywdbxYk3pTHOMcBT0YMjhrvW0ZsX_TQoKhadumZhBnssUKLMoj7IfHLUNb4v7TQVCQfHmBlUamQ/s320/Pa+GA+State+Outdoor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizzie, Pa and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y_1KHs03uaUO-myrPKcIc-fcokTn7f1lzQ-myXvz2Xus5pmSq-YqOpHVCvTsj8Sh9l8SXqpmnTY6nTMx6eQbTy_wOwKJKRG066V27MaUc8u7qIbhcv4NWHVTKyxh27xrIRchR9GDRr0/s1600/Sunshine+at+GA+State+Outdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y_1KHs03uaUO-myrPKcIc-fcokTn7f1lzQ-myXvz2Xus5pmSq-YqOpHVCvTsj8Sh9l8SXqpmnTY6nTMx6eQbTy_wOwKJKRG066V27MaUc8u7qIbhcv4NWHVTKyxh27xrIRchR9GDRr0/s320/Sunshine+at+GA+State+Outdoor.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakAVRbQCmUfjRz4PrQeD0wqN7bUbuOrRf1CIchkB5fzdEWJblf5s0V6XHJ6GOXHx5fINr2-p3HZJ8S3QgzwsFK0_CCm7h4r6W6gGirEh97e0dmcOB3_9MxZlFOGGfKqREQLJUBL5jtZ0/s1600/Sep+2013+GA+Outdoor+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakAVRbQCmUfjRz4PrQeD0wqN7bUbuOrRf1CIchkB5fzdEWJblf5s0V6XHJ6GOXHx5fINr2-p3HZJ8S3QgzwsFK0_CCm7h4r6W6gGirEh97e0dmcOB3_9MxZlFOGGfKqREQLJUBL5jtZ0/s320/Sep+2013+GA+Outdoor+profile.jpg" width="303" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm now training for the Georgia Archery Team tryouts in a few weeks. My coach has me doing practice score rounds and I've done better than the MQS (minimum qualifying score) to make the cut for the team. I'll have to shoot 30 arrows into a small target and score at least 255 points out of a possible 300. So far my practice scores have been 274, 275, 283. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I flew to St. Louis recently by myself; first solo trip postop. It was a same day trip and was happy security at both ends of the trip were wonderful. Absolutely no pat down! Dr. Lenke is really excited about my progress with archery and plans to compete at the Paralympics 2016. I told him about the issues I've been experiencing since I last saw him in Feb 2013. He said, "I'm so sorry, but none of these issues are a result from what I've done." He, along with Dr. Riew, urged me to see a new neurologist with whom I'll see Oct 14. Lenke said, "... the hardware looks great, it's right where I left it." He's such a funny guy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So the updates on the medical issues are:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My balance issue is called Romberg's and I have Hoffman's Sign (using cane all the time).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Still waiting for Dr. Riew's report from three MRI's; however, his nurse said there is a bulge in my neck but don't need surgery and that I have carpal tunnel and ulnar neuropathy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Second opinion rheumatologist said everything looks normal except for osteoarthritis. She has me on Indomethacin which has helped better than Mobic or Diclofenac.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Lenke is the 4th doc to say he strongly believes I have MS. The neurologist I see on Monday is at the MS Center of Atlanta and I've heard great things about him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, almost forgot, I went to my first concert postop (well... the Tony Bennett concert over the summer doesn't really count since it was so low key... you know... no mosh pit stuff happening). I was really nervous about buying tickets for the concert because there was no seating, only general admission, first come, first served. I called the venue to talk about possible accessible seating and explained my situation (not in a wheelchair, but unable to stand for a long time). The general manager at the Tabernacle was super helpful and explained they have a special area for guests with disabilities and that I was welcome to sit there. He said, "but it's right up front, you'll be in front of the front row, is that ok?" Uh, YEAH THAT'S OK!!! So not only did we (Jeremy, Lizzie and me) have the BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE, but Lizzie was able to get on stage with 30 Seconds to Mars too!!! I had no idea I could enjoy a concert like this!!! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212596108915977&set=a.105051353003787.8963.100004967677870&type=1&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-frc3%2F1273548_212596108915977_559861192_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F1235239_212596108915977_559861192_n.jpg&size=2048%2C1529&source=10" class="coverWrap coverImage" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212596108915977&set=a.105051353003787.8963.100004967677870&type=1" id="fbCoverImageContainer" rel="theater" title="Cover Photo"><img alt="Cover Photo" class="coverPhotoImg photo img" data-fbid="212596108915977" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/c0.183.851.315/p851x315/1273548_212596108915977_559861192_o.jpg" style="top: 0px; width: 100%;" /><br />
</a><br />
<div class="coverBorder">
</div>
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212596108915977&set=a.105051353003787.8963.100004967677870&type=1&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-frc3%2F1273548_212596108915977_559861192_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F1235239_212596108915977_559861192_n.jpg&size=2048%2C1529&source=10" class="coverWrap coverImage" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212596108915977&set=a.105051353003787.8963.100004967677870&type=1" id="fbCoverImageContainer" rel="theater" title="Cover Photo">
<img alt="" class="coverChangeThrobber img" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yk/r/LOOn0JtHNzb.gif" width="16" /></a><br />
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717&theater&source=2" aria-label="Lizzie Likness's photo." class="uiMediaThumb _6i9 uiMediaThumbMedium" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717" id="pic_212804802228441" rel="theater"></a><br />
<div class="tagWrapper">
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717&theater&source=2" aria-label="Lizzie Likness's photo." class="uiMediaThumb _6i9 uiMediaThumbMedium" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717" id="pic_212804802228441" rel="theater"><i class="uiMediaThumbImg" style="background-image: url("https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/p206x206/1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg");"></i></a><br />
<div class="taggerOverlay hidden_elem">
<div class="left blackwash">
</div>
<div class="right blackwash">
</div>
<div class="top blackwash">
</div>
<div class="bottom blackwash">
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717&theater&source=2" aria-label="Lizzie Likness's photo." class="uiMediaThumb _6i9 uiMediaThumbMedium" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717" id="pic_212804802228441" rel="theater"> </a></div>
</div>
</div>
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717&theater&source=2" aria-label="Lizzie Likness's photo." class="uiMediaThumb _6i9 uiMediaThumbMedium" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=212804802228441&set=pb.100004967677870.-2207520000.1381189612.&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-frc1%2F1375135_212804802228441_2031506698_n.jpg&size=960%2C717" id="pic_212804802228441" rel="theater">
</a><br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-11486127473307162122013-09-04T13:38:00.003-07:002013-10-23T05:04:55.647-07:00Saturday Night Shoot Under the Lights<span style="font-size: large;">Lizzie and I recently competed for the first time together at a night shoot, what fun! The music was pumping, the football lights were on, and the dogs and BBQ were grilling! It is interesting shooting at night outdoors because when the dew point hits, scopes fog which means you can't see the target. :-0 </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHCowhCc-zpPFeqCk89WdozJ2sRvWF1BK3W46FcTxb4Ewj98GQeWKB3zkU109rx7Qb_L9cyAzENYLEmz8apMoZjZHGAxFtDn1Fwfr4xIG9kmpSNVQicZC4txZxD2dqeoygLH5xTH_6mw/s1600/night+shoot+aug+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHCowhCc-zpPFeqCk89WdozJ2sRvWF1BK3W46FcTxb4Ewj98GQeWKB3zkU109rx7Qb_L9cyAzENYLEmz8apMoZjZHGAxFtDn1Fwfr4xIG9kmpSNVQicZC4txZxD2dqeoygLH5xTH_6mw/s320/night+shoot+aug+2013.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My goal for this tourney was to hit at least 750 out of a possible 900 points. My score was 811 - Wooo Hooo! My distances were 40m, 50m, and 60m. I calculated that I walked the equivalent of a 90m football field 33 times (retrieving my arrows). That a lot of walking! Lizzie and I brought home the gold in each of our divisions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFxtuGIDFyPJf7dRa9AbVefm6lKK9dTrv1iZJAFXLmHD4OMzSSqYYcB8zCjGr1qrQAvCsAER_l8N25ER9KvBZ1xk00jOTRb7svq5XSqODDv8T77CC4Cy7n4QtVbqtAGZRcQyTpfWmmZQ/s1600/me+and+lizzie+aug2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFxtuGIDFyPJf7dRa9AbVefm6lKK9dTrv1iZJAFXLmHD4OMzSSqYYcB8zCjGr1qrQAvCsAER_l8N25ER9KvBZ1xk00jOTRb7svq5XSqODDv8T77CC4Cy7n4QtVbqtAGZRcQyTpfWmmZQ/s320/me+and+lizzie+aug2013.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to say, the shadow on my tooth is driving me crazy. :)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our last outdoor tourney of the season is the end of September, Georgia Outdoor State Tourney. My distances will be 30m, 50m, 60m, and 70m. In order for me to hit 70m, I needed to increase my draw weight again. I bumped up the weight from 33# to 34.5# and have to say I'm shooting strong at the heavier weight. It may not sound like much of an increase, but because I'm shooting with compromised back muscle strength, it's a huge deal to me. I've been weight training hard the past several weeks and my first day shooting at 34.5#, I was able to shoot 84 arrows. The last time I bumped my draw weight from 31# to 34.75#, I could barely shoot 15 arrows.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My strength coach provided me with some simple tweaks and additions to my training routine which I firmly believe are the key to me being able to comfortably shoot at the heavier weight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Training hard and shooting straight for the big tourney!</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-56144136074898554462013-09-04T13:22:00.000-07:002013-09-04T13:22:43.679-07:00MRI Results<span style="font-size: large;">I finally have the results from the x3 MRIs, but am still waiting for Dr. Riew's feedback.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the items that caught my eye that I need clarification on:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Paraspinal muscle atrophy in lumbar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Levels L2-L5 with fluid signal within the laminectomy bed... lumbar spine with fluid collection.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Spondylolisthesis at C3-C4.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. C5-C6 mild left neuroforaminal stenosis.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to hearing from Dr. Riew soon.</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-57186910861339819272013-08-20T14:00:00.000-07:002013-08-20T14:21:42.458-07:00Shedding Some Light<span style="font-size: large;">I am still waiting for the x3 MRI results and the leg EMG results. EMG doc confirmed no nerves are being pinched in my lumbar. This means I still don't know what the source is of my numb feet. Today I met with a foot doc who said my foot muscle is extremely tight and he is treating me as if I have plantar fasciitis over the next several weeks. He explained that if the symptoms do not improve (horrible pain in heel, feels like I'm walking on shards of glass), then the issue is an autoimmune disease. He confirmed that the numbness is a result of a global rheumatological issue that has yet to be pinpointed. Today's doc is the third doc that said I have some sort of autoimmune disease. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not knowing the specific issue is frustrating as I am several months into my journey of trying to solve the puzzle. I'm very thankful to know certain things have been ruled out and that the scope is narrowing on the cause. Next steps are meet with Emory Rheumatology Clinic who know how to identify autoimmune diseases that frequently are not detected by blood tests.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time!</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-18235778225828162042013-08-05T07:07:00.000-07:002013-08-06T06:00:23.249-07:00Time To Kick It Up A Notch<span style="font-size: large;">With the slew of doctor's visits over the past few months, I started to fall into a rut and the thought, "When these issues are resolved, I'll feel better and move forward with certain goals," ran through my mind. That's not a healthy mindset because let's face it, life happens and there will never be a perfect time. So, no more pity party!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Coach Jim recently had me increase the draw weight on my bow to 35# so that I'll be able to hit 70m which is the farthest distance in some of the tourneys. Boy o boy, pulling 35# ain't no joke! I was averaging 90 arrows on shooting days at 31# and now I've been slowly working my way up from 30 arrows, 42, and most recently 55 arrows. It was just 8 months ago I started archery with a 15# bow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, Lizzie and I spent the day at the range sighting in our bows for the various tourney distances. It was a beautiful day topped with a young deer (a bit older than a fawn) running in front of us as we walked toward a target to get our arrows.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the past month, the three of us (Jeremy, Lizzie and I) have been eating really clean: lean meats, fresh fruits/veggies, dairy and gluten free, with a sweet treat every now and then. We all feel great and I'm happy to say that the spinach and bananas are now getting eaten before they rot. Can't tell you how much $ we've wasted in the past with not eating fresh food fast enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We recently found the old Body of Work video from the late 90's where Jeremy and I got seriously inspired to live healthy. It was in 1999 that Jeremy shed over 70 pounds of fat and I released 45 pounds too. Notice I didn't say "lost fat"? We didn't lose it because we aren't looking for it. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of Jeremy's before/after pix:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrti6P881IJb7k_NeGVABWE_mtp-SyfjbcQ50wT0Jqs9F2STwLTW1kfQ7XKytDax9JXwhlEzEuuFmXEgWybsra1fvKWOd8az9DCZztp63imoI2JKZ5fbLefj3MOU_vShoBsx7HUBS0A3c/s1600/jeremy+before+after+1999+2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrti6P881IJb7k_NeGVABWE_mtp-SyfjbcQ50wT0Jqs9F2STwLTW1kfQ7XKytDax9JXwhlEzEuuFmXEgWybsra1fvKWOd8az9DCZztp63imoI2JKZ5fbLefj3MOU_vShoBsx7HUBS0A3c/s1600/jeremy+before+after+1999+2000.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Halfway through 3 month sprint, Sept 1999. After: Nov 1999.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OHIoFtSHGzhfuYoHSyWiAeH_41gbwxK8AsxthVSmrA-mZTFkOfgJVV3ak2IXUEoQgV0ZUrMMHMN-f08WjgeSzHAI2qq1rYkXWn_6jrNEL9l0YYb525sgEWiJlv98Lj-_RX3n9-GCWGs/s1600/JeremyBeforeAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OHIoFtSHGzhfuYoHSyWiAeH_41gbwxK8AsxthVSmrA-mZTFkOfgJVV3ak2IXUEoQgV0ZUrMMHMN-f08WjgeSzHAI2qq1rYkXWn_6jrNEL9l0YYb525sgEWiJlv98Lj-_RX3n9-GCWGs/s320/JeremyBeforeAfter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: Aug 1999. After: July 2000. 12 month sprint.</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu2xVerx27GqGBJvLmnTqcO8AYX00CGaJsG1NJE6m8CK6Y5roEHIVS4E7qMFDQZfEHWTSM8CTQU2mBAITduHAoi_1PKeH9tndggKLPIpO-SREI82yPK3SsmHKDYem5hSX4iHjBCw7-LI/s1600/jeremy+after+3+month+sprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu2xVerx27GqGBJvLmnTqcO8AYX00CGaJsG1NJE6m8CK6Y5roEHIVS4E7qMFDQZfEHWTSM8CTQU2mBAITduHAoi_1PKeH9tndggKLPIpO-SREI82yPK3SsmHKDYem5hSX4iHjBCw7-LI/s1600/jeremy+after+3+month+sprint.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">12 month sprint, July 2000</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgX4LiPoejGoy71t02i0onHTGJl7G7D9Ita66biynD2u5lPcYWUq9WeUn7gEWg35aeHffFTyJde1oFN39j9IkygWrWswPposm96UPzPZzo3MPYQr1pVEncZBBdQQ0MwqOrv7is7HT2Sg/s1600/before+1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgX4LiPoejGoy71t02i0onHTGJl7G7D9Ita66biynD2u5lPcYWUq9WeUn7gEWg35aeHffFTyJde1oFN39j9IkygWrWswPposm96UPzPZzo3MPYQr1pVEncZBBdQQ0MwqOrv7is7HT2Sg/s320/before+1998.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: 1998.</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0Xbm23pzIj86ujP9FHfyBeIj1qPZkQEEqOnQdo42alvtUey-yNcJ2_Wm4aNfCY-h0bEp_sik6shovBjpOaCFPxubcTDYjvV1PzXdBoXDhwaz6jPpArOMmvdPFKYVOReqO3u36-Sy3zU/s1600/before+pic+front+late+2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0Xbm23pzIj86ujP9FHfyBeIj1qPZkQEEqOnQdo42alvtUey-yNcJ2_Wm4aNfCY-h0bEp_sik6shovBjpOaCFPxubcTDYjvV1PzXdBoXDhwaz6jPpArOMmvdPFKYVOReqO3u36-Sy3zU/s320/before+pic+front+late+2000.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: late 2000.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE-y9sIjpLRz7pfkDXG2wN_FhZCTVR6VdfhsgDehVEl3RIa2BDJVIWccELYuJknocNhaPPt1-l7-qsdQx0ZbWB-cXlXBWP72eiabVdVpnenijWy4MCZTjo-J9UoonhnoSmCrSjLMhmbE/s1600/before+back+pic+late+2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE-y9sIjpLRz7pfkDXG2wN_FhZCTVR6VdfhsgDehVEl3RIa2BDJVIWccELYuJknocNhaPPt1-l7-qsdQx0ZbWB-cXlXBWP72eiabVdVpnenijWy4MCZTjo-J9UoonhnoSmCrSjLMhmbE/s320/before+back+pic+late+2000.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: late 2000.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sMhm_StGCTTTVxe0vII0t2ZCN8YIaLbE4vU6EEatP4baaPgrHcT8tfLD8QDpePa6B-aRFT5wvBxXHitzKhoWCmNrOHCA-I2CN6xE9UXBt0noD6EP4fpYmK9ILSG6vkcBXGL0Is2j5ao/s1600/halfway+early+2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sMhm_StGCTTTVxe0vII0t2ZCN8YIaLbE4vU6EEatP4baaPgrHcT8tfLD8QDpePa6B-aRFT5wvBxXHitzKhoWCmNrOHCA-I2CN6xE9UXBt0noD6EP4fpYmK9ILSG6vkcBXGL0Is2j5ao/s320/halfway+early+2001.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Halfway thru 3 month sprint, early 2001.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkt8oiImOwRrqMwjI_q7mpnKGbuHAFXkRgZtJY0C4aRzLpz3eW-YuBZiSHtCFAcDz-7HZ3cbbyj5A8kaw1xy7Y7CB3LeZUUVfDrFM1Br2jWmIJZBdbCSgplFB1X-wF8X6U1zakgQ3QFE/s1600/after+back+march+2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkt8oiImOwRrqMwjI_q7mpnKGbuHAFXkRgZtJY0C4aRzLpz3eW-YuBZiSHtCFAcDz-7HZ3cbbyj5A8kaw1xy7Y7CB3LeZUUVfDrFM1Br2jWmIJZBdbCSgplFB1X-wF8X6U1zakgQ3QFE/s320/after+back+march+2001.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After: spring 2001.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eWySDwzdK1LLaaSt0ZyYJKTLmmi9T-omvZ0hqp6wVlq7rySvs4sjKIGlL3_6AufsoMUYf6tXtZtfrLX96lPJW3nGWnlVPsnOpAJC2WJ2UtH8vdb55SMJCkZsl18R07D6jLXKgOytxRg/s1600/after+front+march+2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eWySDwzdK1LLaaSt0ZyYJKTLmmi9T-omvZ0hqp6wVlq7rySvs4sjKIGlL3_6AufsoMUYf6tXtZtfrLX96lPJW3nGWnlVPsnOpAJC2WJ2UtH8vdb55SMJCkZsl18R07D6jLXKgOytxRg/s320/after+front+march+2001.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After: spring 2001.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t-lMIoMwZuQpd041Tk64B3an121YsceCLwi1g_8xaBI2tEF6weL3y5NSZ-OiWZKuYY4DV_ZBk6SE2LEHAH4i_XsKfdBgrg8i7wu1r1rDaGg-DjiTGPux8WU_f0ZFTUYljGnPfH7TDX0/s1600/after+2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t-lMIoMwZuQpd041Tk64B3an121YsceCLwi1g_8xaBI2tEF6weL3y5NSZ-OiWZKuYY4DV_ZBk6SE2LEHAH4i_XsKfdBgrg8i7wu1r1rDaGg-DjiTGPux8WU_f0ZFTUYljGnPfH7TDX0/s320/after+2003.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After: 2003.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After watching the vid, I looked up </span><a href="http://lynnlingenfelter.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Lynn Lingenfelter</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, one of the champions who was a big inspiration to both of us. I learned that he is suffering from a brain virus since the filming of Body of Work. Despite Lynn's challenges, his faith is strong in God and he still inspires me. Through Lynn, I learned about his strength coach, </span><a href="http://www.fatlosslifestyle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Darin Steen</span></a><span id="goog_789227985"></span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Darin is a natural body builder who has the same philosophy as we do; how to BE healthy from the inside out. After talking with Jeremy about my desire to incorporate more exercises into my routine and need to build strength for archery, I decided to reach out to Darin. We had a great chat where he interviewed me and I interviewed him about my goals and physical limitations. Having a coach to train me safely is #1 priority. We both agree there is a good connection and I'll start training with Darin soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my starting point for 2013 training:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYa6pRCYNrgfJ4s1wGeXiaoPCpc6cQjQ9LCtgFLmrz5yD6jG7wKUtOyKK2PE73DV7RDk_K1xyaRKXhczIw-k4LpyJ3p0YD5ExeMuOnkPwri-8E_rp-ggPSi-518n6XoJ4_jjIjS7MBs4/s1600/before+front+aug+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYa6pRCYNrgfJ4s1wGeXiaoPCpc6cQjQ9LCtgFLmrz5yD6jG7wKUtOyKK2PE73DV7RDk_K1xyaRKXhczIw-k4LpyJ3p0YD5ExeMuOnkPwri-8E_rp-ggPSi-518n6XoJ4_jjIjS7MBs4/s320/before+front+aug+2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: Aug 2013.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSEpQE5Mm6nLe6l5iOkkVkQbBMTD7RBoX9OhJNAkLwanwoNI4RFy5veQnWzamzVJ6ADD9QS7YCuXAVxmYOkbYwKCX9El-yVO5Px_wAfwaywdmpKVhAlY-X394CF72alg5wsT8SJUnuaQ/s1600/before+side+aug+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSEpQE5Mm6nLe6l5iOkkVkQbBMTD7RBoX9OhJNAkLwanwoNI4RFy5veQnWzamzVJ6ADD9QS7YCuXAVxmYOkbYwKCX9El-yVO5Px_wAfwaywdmpKVhAlY-X394CF72alg5wsT8SJUnuaQ/s320/before+side+aug+2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: Aug 2013.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4-5eY2rLnU7WGe1dKkWNj60yBkg0HlrYjGVE9DJio_i7BAaQfoXUYjokRXVg-gZNG6t9CNVRZ8CMHnthZR7u2hXDV2YUBJ7qhh8NGa3DsamVTfCqM1B8mYs0HRvO_an_I0lqktSoB84/s1600/before+back+aug+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4-5eY2rLnU7WGe1dKkWNj60yBkg0HlrYjGVE9DJio_i7BAaQfoXUYjokRXVg-gZNG6t9CNVRZ8CMHnthZR7u2hXDV2YUBJ7qhh8NGa3DsamVTfCqM1B8mYs0HRvO_an_I0lqktSoB84/s320/before+back+aug+2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: Aug 2013.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzwPaf8KeYOJUJmB2p2Q96nqYxQ9VjZ7Ja45h9ockW3ijPH8x4EnXhvndNpMqQzXJOl0I52DPJjFoWJkgHiwV4snrVZFXA549oGovCiFMnzReUC3w6CvC983Iy5Bb4lQII_L7DYqfmaU/s1600/before+front+II+aug+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzwPaf8KeYOJUJmB2p2Q96nqYxQ9VjZ7Ja45h9ockW3ijPH8x4EnXhvndNpMqQzXJOl0I52DPJjFoWJkgHiwV4snrVZFXA549oGovCiFMnzReUC3w6CvC983Iy5Bb4lQII_L7DYqfmaU/s320/before+front+II+aug+2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before: Aug 2013.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The time has come to kick my training and nutrition up a notch and train like an athlete!</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-38820658875286396072013-07-31T07:38:00.000-07:002013-08-23T09:20:44.430-07:00Quick Update: Test Results<span style="font-size: large;">Recently had an EMG test done on my arms to see if Dr. Riew's prediction of the cause of my numb hands was accurate. He was spot on as the results show ulnar neuropathy. The ulnar nerve is being pinched in my elbows. Thank God the issue isn't in the thoracic; no rib removal required! :) The treatment will be PT and splinting of my elbows. I'm quite happy to know the source of the hand issue; especially that I don't need more surgery!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some other updates, I tested positive for:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jaw Jerk - I need to get clarification on this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hoffman's Sign - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoffmann%27s_sign">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoffmann%27s_sign</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Romberg's Test - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romberg's_test">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romberg's_test</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This means my balance issues now have a name.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still waiting to get an EMG on my legs to see if, once again, Dr. Riew's prediction of the cause of numbness in my feet and right leg are being caused by a pinched nerve in my lumbar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How strange that my neuro has yet to respond to Dr. Riew's report that shows none of her (neuro's) predictions that all my issues are directly tied to my cervical are accurate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to closing the chapter on all this stuff.</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-57345735130983775752013-07-12T11:54:00.001-07:002013-07-12T11:58:00.301-07:00Saddle for Sale<span style="font-size: large;">Lizzie is raising funds for her trip as a US Delegate with the People to People program traveling to 7 countries next summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Below are pix of her English saddle which is in good condition with just a few scrapes on the back of the cantle. It measures 17" and comes with a fleece pad. Saddle is located near Atlanta. Shipping/insurance within continental US extra. Email me if you are interested </span><a href="mailto:dlikness@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: large;">dlikness@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0DyPnrY-PsAanOlMPJgo1k-9bpqT9uGUrTezt_nwXQBt1d3-qZaqGZmobK8BmNwL_rLxhC0qo7KpVjuQagvDlcdLBlqV_YffTZWnQrIeolBC5xtVAw8upA9Doasl_YNAuglHU8UXErU/s1600/Saddle+Brand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0DyPnrY-PsAanOlMPJgo1k-9bpqT9uGUrTezt_nwXQBt1d3-qZaqGZmobK8BmNwL_rLxhC0qo7KpVjuQagvDlcdLBlqV_YffTZWnQrIeolBC5xtVAw8upA9Doasl_YNAuglHU8UXErU/s320/Saddle+Brand.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OrAHJUaxImf-C2SweTfQPP-gzDu7bO9_UDCmXo5ra7ZK2SCNc683X-xZkRRW_Jh7-EPB3Sz4u7i3ehuAcDACMcyUhOCklTL-p4ShY0ipGKGI7KNwyx0QS9-IxpkQ9YxVF-ccfdIJwXo/s1600/Saddle+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OrAHJUaxImf-C2SweTfQPP-gzDu7bO9_UDCmXo5ra7ZK2SCNc683X-xZkRRW_Jh7-EPB3Sz4u7i3ehuAcDACMcyUhOCklTL-p4ShY0ipGKGI7KNwyx0QS9-IxpkQ9YxVF-ccfdIJwXo/s320/Saddle+Front.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGANJQAEX44Bx2CHMgoG6iFUB-Ryrq7Eds6boOwLTzvcgN1kXCd-7gaT6WJeJjfUAu3FDkp5xx5Fp8zpg8Fqb8REusZgFbV_XZuV-27j5ZW2nOMHmOjQwgFn3N_xuhYviw0bdf5lAnv-Y/s1600/Saddle+Side+II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGANJQAEX44Bx2CHMgoG6iFUB-Ryrq7Eds6boOwLTzvcgN1kXCd-7gaT6WJeJjfUAu3FDkp5xx5Fp8zpg8Fqb8REusZgFbV_XZuV-27j5ZW2nOMHmOjQwgFn3N_xuhYviw0bdf5lAnv-Y/s320/Saddle+Side+II.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4pwNFtr0N4MQekWKoMIVMUYSiFZFsNg_6zVpUo_qirM005eXuCh48K7gIHL_9ahmgS68Wdl68e1rRisQk3M5oVPTbZ8ZDU5qo7Y9ijCvaxuzqg1RNnwthr3l_XwZqsGNj8G2XDBOayk/s1600/Saddle+Top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4pwNFtr0N4MQekWKoMIVMUYSiFZFsNg_6zVpUo_qirM005eXuCh48K7gIHL_9ahmgS68Wdl68e1rRisQk3M5oVPTbZ8ZDU5qo7Y9ijCvaxuzqg1RNnwthr3l_XwZqsGNj8G2XDBOayk/s320/Saddle+Top.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-14201157642173764052013-07-04T08:14:00.000-07:002013-07-04T08:14:09.022-07:00STL Updates<span style="font-size: large;">The last batch of tests showed no auto immune diseases and now both rheumatologist and neuro insist all issues stem from cervical condition. Well, that's not the case. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Riew is one of the best cervical doc's in the country which is why I came to STL to get his expert opinion. Dr. Riew said that based on the numb areas I am experiencing, the source is either my elbows or a pinched nerve in my thoracic area. He said with a smile that I don't need cervical surgery because there is sufficient space around my spinal cord and the collapsing disc is not at the surgical stage right now. Praise God! Doc explain that I have two tests to do at home which will determine which area is the source of the numbness. The elbow situation is like carpal tunnel but in the elbows. I need to get a copy of his report because I don't remember the technical terms he used. There is a slight chance I might need elbow surgery or, if the thoracic is the source, might need surgery to remove one rib. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Doc was shocked that the local cervical doc said I needed a four level fusion. It amazes me how one doctor can say something inaccurate and scare the bejezuz outta someone. I felt totally confident in what Dr. Riew told me. As far as the numbness in my leg and foot, I'll have a lumbar MRI to see if something is being pinched. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder what my neuro and rheumatologist will say when I explain to them their theories of all my issues are coming from my cervical are not valid. I sense these two doc's were maybe looking for an easy explanation by blaming everything on the cervical. Dr. Riew asked me if my neuro was good. I told him I don't know; she's the only one I've seen. Sounds like I need to seek a new neuro.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In any event, I'm thrilled I don't need surgery and look forward to getting these tests done. </span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-9710671340115395022013-06-08T09:20:00.000-07:002013-06-08T09:20:37.089-07:00On Again, Off Again, On Again - Enough Already!<span style="font-size: large;">Since my last update, I received results from my neuropsychology test which was a 3 hour test involving several components: memorization, math, puzzles, pattern identification, etc. The first thing the doc said was, "You are the mysterious woman." I didn't like the sound of that. He explained that his results show exactly what I've explained as the symptoms I've been experiencing. He said that while he is unable to definitively say I have this or that, he said he thinks it is MS. Really? We're back to that? I thought MS was off my radar since the neuro did not find any MS lesions in the MRI. The NP (neuropsychology) doc explained that a lot of my results show I process information the same way as a person with MS does.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For instance, there were two areas where I bombed the test, so bad that the NP doc said I scored worse than a person with Alzheimer's. I thought for sure it would have been the math portion but it was a memorization section instead. Doc explained that I got 3% correct; however, when the same test was reintroduced later in the session, I got almost 100% correct. He said people with MS typically have a hard time processing new information/data/situations at first, but when the dust settles, they are able to process very well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">NP doc said that while he cannot say 100% for sure that I have MS (because I am showing indications of other things), he said, "I can say you definitely have some sort of autoimmune disease. We just need to figure out which one." After I brought him up to speed on the cervical issue (needing surgery), he said that he would call my neuro and let her know that the cervical is a red herring, a lot of my symptoms are from an autoimmune disease based on my results with his test.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So now I'm confused, how can this doc think I might have MS when I had a normal MRI result. NP doc explained that 10% of people with MS have normal MRIs. Sometimes the lesions (if there are some) are located in an area of the brain that the MRI cannot detect. Doc said my neuro may change her mind about MS after seeing his report.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since my last update, the numb areas are increasing: right foot constantly feels as if it is buried in sand, numbness has started below the knee on my right leg, the top of my left foot is going numb, half of my left hand is now numb as of this week, etc. I'm waiting to hear back from neuro's nurse as to when she can schedule me to see neuro to get her feedback from the new NP results.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Met with rheumatologist doc yesterday for follow up visit, and the arthritis meds have not helped with joint pain. I updated her on need for cervical surgery. Before I even told her about NP doc saying he feels strongly I have an autoimmune disease, she said, "I want to do bloodwork looking for connective tissue autoimmune diseases." I updated her on NP doc's conversation about his results. So I have two docs that are in agreement that an autoimmune disease is involved, but which one?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been scrambling to get all these results and feedback so I can take the information with me to STL. We'll leave soon. My dad said recently, "It's a shame we don't have any medical information about your birth parents." Indeed, just a sliver of information would shed a lot of light for my doctors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Priority is to address cervical issue which may or may not be the root of the numbness. Regardless, my neck is collapsing and it needs to be fixed. As with any surgery, current symptoms may or may not get better and could get worse. As with my spine surgery, I'm going into the cervical surgery not with the intent of restoring feeling to numb areas, but to stop the collapsing. If feeling is restored, that will be gravy! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I started feeling overwhelmed. So much is happening so fast, but I know God will only give me what He knows I can handle. I found out there is a local one-day archery tournament after we get back from STL and I was seriously considering do it. Then I remembered that Dr. Riew might want me to have the spinal tap while we are in STL and now that my left hand is going numb, it's not the right time to compete. I'm still shooting in my yard and weight training, just very carefully. Shooting is still a great outlet for me to take my mind off things.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I should have blood work results at the end of next week. Until then...</span><br />
<br />
Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-7773176600396194302013-05-29T14:06:00.000-07:002013-05-29T14:06:22.287-07:00Back to STL for Cervical Surgery<span style="font-size: large;">I've made my decision not to compete at the Ohio event simply because I found out yesterday I need cervical surgery. After meeting with a local cervical doc, he said there are 4 levels that are compromised. He was shocked at how bad my neck is and said I am way too young to be having this type of deterioration. He's never done a 4 level fusion which is fine because I'll be on the road again for STL soon to meet with Dr. Riew (my spine surgeon's partner for cervical issues). The local doc said my clock is ticking and to get to STL asap. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to make the trip into a vacation since we've always been pressed for time with prior visits to STL. Since Dr. Riew has better availability to schedule surgeries (within 6 weeks) compared to Dr. Lenke (12+ months), I'm hoping to schedule a late July/early August surgery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It will be interesting to see what Dr. Riew recommends for the procedure: anterior only, posterior only, or a combination of both. Dr. Riew's nurse said that depending on how many levels need to be corrected, surgery can take anywhere from 1 hour - 5 hours with one night in the hospital. Big difference to what I've already been through. Total time in STL will be one week. Out of state patients are encouraged to stay in the STL area for a few days after discharge from hospital. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Depending on which levels will be corrected, my movement limitations could be minimal to severe. It will be nice if I can still turn my head to the left so I can continue shooting! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Am I surprised that I need surgery? No. I find a tremendous amount of comfort knowing that I'm in great hands with Dr. Lenke's colleague. </span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-56234405722564664392013-05-27T07:15:00.000-07:002013-05-27T14:02:34.843-07:00If I Had Told You... 6 Week Sprint Results<span style="font-size: large;">I've truly had a remarkable 6 week sprint that included many surprises. So let's see which goals were hit, which ones were missed and lessons learned along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal #1 - Shoot 75 arrows on shooting days, 288 arrows per week</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Actual - Shot on average 88 arrows on shooting days, 328 arrows per week</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal #2 - Shoot 6 days a week</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Actual - Shot on average 4 days a week</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal #3 - Shoot 50 arrows blank bale as warm up</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Actual - Shot 30 arrows blank bale as warm up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Coach Randi recommended 30 as a good number until I work up to shooting a lot more arrows per day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal #4 - Weight train x3 days a week @ 25#</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Actual - Trained x3 days a week @ 30#</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, the goal that I didn't quite hit was goal #2. After the fall, I had to stop shooting for a few days until x-ray results came in, in addition to a few days of not being able to shoot because I simply had too many errands to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I started shooting with my bow in Feb, I told myself that my first tourney would probably be in December 2013 so I could give myself sufficient time to build strength and muscle over the year. So, the MOST EXCITING update was after learning all x-rays did not show fractures, I thought long and hard about the Georgia Cup tourney on May 25 & 26, 2013. I didn't want to fall into the "getting ready to get ready" mindset where people actually don't take action on their goals. What better way to close out the last week of my sprint than by competing!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a glorious weekend, perfect weather and even had a flock of geese do a morning fly-by over the field each morning. The Georgia Cup was a two day event that concluded with Olympic Rounds on Sunday: short, fast rounds, head-to-head, winner advances to next bracket. Practice began at 8a and the competition started at 9a. I was so nervous with excitement that it was a bit comical how my bow arm was shaking. I thought we would wrap up day #1 about 12p and was feeling really good after shooting 72 arrows which I thought was the total amount needed to shoot on Saturday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, let me tell ya, I was more than shocked when I found out that the total amount of arrows needed to shoot on Saturday was 144, not 72!!!! Slight miscalculation, eh? The tourney was only half way done at 1p. What wha??!! I'd never shot that many arrows on one day before so I immediately turned my concern over to God and asked for Him to keep me strong and healthy and to keep my groupings tight. Well, not all of my groupings were tight, but the important part of my prayer was answered (stay strong and healthy). I immediately set a goal of finishing Saturday with a score of 1,000 (a perfect score is 1,440). I came close to hitting the goal at a score of 951. :) We finished shooting at 4p on Saturday. I shot a total of 156 arrows (including x2 practice ends) for over 7 hours with one 30 minute break!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we arrived on Sunday, for a split second I thought I wouldn't make it past the first elimination round. Again, I submitted to Him and asked for strength and good health and that whenever my time was done on the field, so be it. Again, I was totally shocked when I won the first elimination round! Advancing to the next bracket, I was paired with Griv (who happens to be a pro shooter and our buddy where Lizzie and I bought our bows). Although I didn't win, it was really fun shooting next to him. :) I told Coach Jim that I was amazed that I survived the tourney. He explained that full FITA (this was the type of competition) tourneys are normally split up between two days, so the 144 arrows are shot 72 on day 1 and 72 on day 2. I didn't realize I had just finished a full FITA and that is when Coach said, "If I had told you it was a full FITA, you would have talked yourself out of it." I smiled and said, "You're a smart coach!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5ecesJHKQkOH2jIxdi_U8fet0RImaUZmkFRLPw9E93bLpdd3qFGRsako-0A4LeEn4YmvYhOLXc4MplW62s_umW8u9rE5UM66daV-BeTzG6dSFBRMvJ8wr7X0m-Qo-QIS0kTu7j0yQWI/s1600/GA+Cup+Pic+I.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5ecesJHKQkOH2jIxdi_U8fet0RImaUZmkFRLPw9E93bLpdd3qFGRsako-0A4LeEn4YmvYhOLXc4MplW62s_umW8u9rE5UM66daV-BeTzG6dSFBRMvJ8wr7X0m-Qo-QIS0kTu7j0yQWI/s320/GA+Cup+Pic+I.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1st elimination round</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhLXbew-dAv9zn7ZMZbboLz7c_c6H6RlKwLiufhzmyZwXLOIuZzkbIeIUGHdZ2SkwrTLQ-WkkfvdmIs71f2KFKnyx1hPMH7cQ5lgXxmlHhsNpUV0Nn2Zu1talVvCuorujNkrT2xDI7eM/s1600/GA+Cup+Pic+III.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhLXbew-dAv9zn7ZMZbboLz7c_c6H6RlKwLiufhzmyZwXLOIuZzkbIeIUGHdZ2SkwrTLQ-WkkfvdmIs71f2KFKnyx1hPMH7cQ5lgXxmlHhsNpUV0Nn2Zu1talVvCuorujNkrT2xDI7eM/s320/GA+Cup+Pic+III.JPG" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2nd elimination round with Griv</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We headed home at 11a and had a celebratory lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant that included a most tasty margarita! Later that afternoon, Griv sent me a message saying that I received an award and that Coach Jim brought it home for me which I'll pick up from him in a few days. Turns out I took 2nd place female compound division. Not only did I place in my first tourney, I placed in an able bodied tourney too! Not all tourneys have para-archer divisions. There were two other para-archers competing this weekend shooting recurve bows: Paralympian Lee Ford-Faherty and Kinga Kiss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I started my sprint 6 weeks ago, I had no intentions of competing, but I'm very thankful plans shifted and unfolded in a different way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next goal: need to decide pretty quick if I want to compete at the Easton Nationals in Ohio with Lizzie. I'll need to shoot at two new distances, 60m and 70m.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to thank everyone who has helped me on this journey! The tourney directors and judges were incredibly kind and helpful: Mechell Pruitte, Kenny Compton and Kenny Withrow. Big thanks to my agents who helped me pull arrows and helped me score: Jim Pruitte and Scott. Coach Jim, yer da best! My loving team Bionica: Jeremy and Lizzie, everyone else!</span><br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-11191472121475648522013-05-19T13:27:00.000-07:002013-05-19T16:24:34.241-07:00Week #5 Progress<span style="font-size: large;">Shot well this week:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mon - 84 arrows, weight training</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tues - 84 arrows</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wed - 114 arrows, weight training</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thu & Fri - too much running around, no time to train</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sat - 78 arrows</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to compete at the Georgia Cup tourney May 25 & 26, excited! I'm shooting from a stool now because of increased numbness in right foot and persistent heel pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After looking at old MRI from July 2011 and recent MRI, things that said mild/moderate on the old report now say moderate/severe. It looks things are moving in the wrong direction and my neck is collapsing. I have an appt with a local cervical doc to find out how fast things are deteriorating and then I plan to get a second opinion from Dr. Lenke's colleague, a cervical specialist, in St. Louis. Quite honestly, if I need surgery, I only want someone that Dr. Lenke recommends doing the procedure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I talked with Dr. Riew's nurse in STL and was trying to make an appt to see him at the same time I see Dr. Lenke in October. Unfortunately, Dr. Riew will be gone the entire week that I will be in town. The nurse was very nice and asked a lot of questions about where my numb areas area, balance issues, etc. She said that I probably want to come in sooner than later because of the increasing numbness. She explained that if the damaged nerves are left too long, they may result in permanent numbness. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are 7 bones in the cervical spine and discs are the spongy areas between each bone. Healthy discs are plump and have a whiter appearance in the middle area. Unhealthy discs loose their height and the middle areas turn solid dark in color due to the watery gel deteriorating. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can see the upper discs have lost their height and lost the healthy white core (you can see the whitish core in the healthy bottom two discs). The upper vertebrae are shifting into the spinal fluid area (white areas on each side of the dark gray spinal cord) and there are three levels that have bone spurs caused by cervical degenerative disc disease.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sheesh!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Archery has been a nice distraction from all of this stuff. A few more test results are due soon from Neuro and she will make a diagnosis. I think it will be nice to be able to pin point all my issues to one source, possibly my neck, but who knows. Praying for God to keep me strong and at peace, to place the right doctors in my path and give them wisdom to make an accurate diagnosis.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSat6R0LOOHXsnjCLHdNgWo0wQLt0a6y2bYwfpCc4FH7FUZXnYy_ckWnpg0ZEIPHtd1HrlcKGIyWVsaeuHSgLecjDd2vwGWaTNd5hDXtUG7ibN6zHs86VWgIikgdrJhBhhZWtMDiSCXp0/s1600/Cervical+MRI+July+2011+Marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSat6R0LOOHXsnjCLHdNgWo0wQLt0a6y2bYwfpCc4FH7FUZXnYy_ckWnpg0ZEIPHtd1HrlcKGIyWVsaeuHSgLecjDd2vwGWaTNd5hDXtUG7ibN6zHs86VWgIikgdrJhBhhZWtMDiSCXp0/s320/Cervical+MRI+July+2011+Marked.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56Bbbhsv2Dz7bhwyuxAyQKTZPXg7h80ZpBad61pkTUEDpPTSnmLpLPbczSHNPvNe0VxFpekIN3QPUg5UG2mOAKBdHnVavnApTpAtvUJH63pcXN3QQC0bZEDhIo0ajPnPwJ1jc1_pfuZs/s1600/Cervical+MRI+May+2013+Marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56Bbbhsv2Dz7bhwyuxAyQKTZPXg7h80ZpBad61pkTUEDpPTSnmLpLPbczSHNPvNe0VxFpekIN3QPUg5UG2mOAKBdHnVavnApTpAtvUJH63pcXN3QQC0bZEDhIo0ajPnPwJ1jc1_pfuZs/s320/Cervical+MRI+May+2013+Marked.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2013<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-11505883978778230612013-05-10T13:09:00.002-07:002013-05-10T13:10:40.049-07:00Week #3 & Week #4 Updates<span style="font-size: large;">WEEK #3</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Things were going great during week #3:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mon shot 84 arrows, weight training</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tues shot 84 arrows</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wed shot 120 arrows, weight training</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After Wednesday night's fall, I spent Thursday and Friday at different doctor's offices getting x-rays and MRIs. I was quite sore until Tuesday of week #4 and ended up taking several unplanned days off from training. :(</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WEEK #4</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Docs found no fractures in knee, hip, shoulder or spine, thank God! Since the fall, my right foot feels like it is buried in sand and there is pain radiating from my lumbar into my gluteus maximus. Dr. Lenke (spine doc) wants me on steroids for 6 days to reduce the inflammation caused by the fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Other updates include my neuro not find any lesions in my brain - no MS! :) She did see that my neck has deteriorated more since the last MRI in 2010, but nothing is pinching the spinal cord. I'm waiting to get the 2010 and 2013 reports to see which disc(s) are the problem. I have a few more tests with her before she can make a diagnosis.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I saw the RA doc and she said while she sees slight inflammation in my right hand, she wants me on arthritis meds for 3 weeks and she'll do another ultrasound on the sore joints. If the meds don't help me and if she sees more inflammation, she'll treat me as RA patient.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I started training again this week:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wed shot 84 arrows</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thu shot 90 arrows</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fri weight trained</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a shooting stool now and shot with it yesterday. It is SO comfortable! I'll take the weekend off from training and am excited to get back on track Monday.</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-2233778013048178612013-05-04T19:26:00.002-07:002013-05-07T18:50:02.409-07:00Week 2 Recap<span style="font-size: large;">It was a busy week last week as I closed out Week #2 of my sprint. Last week's results:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Shoot x4 days a week at 30m (blank bale in AM) - DONE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Shoot at least 72 arrows each shooting day for weekly total of </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 288 - DONE AND THEN SOME!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Weight train x3 days a week - DONE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I actually shot an extra day last week because I was feeling really good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">TOTAL ARROWS SHOT: 495!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mon - 102</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tues - 112</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thu - 72</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fri - 124</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sat - 85</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My original goal for last week was a weekly total of 288 arrows.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Coach Jim had me shoot 50m last week and I was so tickled I actually hit the target! Hubby was such a sweetie; extended my shooting lane to 50m by clearing out more trees. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JSDuZ71C26OgRo85ojJBTgUxAHwWG2rcYu5sqnQ0EapKiRGy2LaRO1_p1gEWEvHxSDaWWP-l2RiRfSFkzBk4Bv5mwjqXcHadSYqey2JK6PBJqg7oS9t2rMR2Nbzj040hX0iTnfz6LXM/s1600/50m+Shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JSDuZ71C26OgRo85ojJBTgUxAHwWG2rcYu5sqnQ0EapKiRGy2LaRO1_p1gEWEvHxSDaWWP-l2RiRfSFkzBk4Bv5mwjqXcHadSYqey2JK6PBJqg7oS9t2rMR2Nbzj040hX0iTnfz6LXM/s320/50m+Shot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_173703753"></span><span id="goog_173703754"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week's 30m shot:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePTJ0OKBf1SXfzMNjk6335x0lFbzjJ0XRoFOIjm4uxfOA_gr7PRTjveZ6IkhPqwtvQEndBE9Sp7ILIzRmtOqknCIlnZ4VTvZgZQJGZnH2_SKyoiBmNxehKzoo92QjVGRDV4aGjm0digQ/s1600/30m+last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePTJ0OKBf1SXfzMNjk6335x0lFbzjJ0XRoFOIjm4uxfOA_gr7PRTjveZ6IkhPqwtvQEndBE9Sp7ILIzRmtOqknCIlnZ4VTvZgZQJGZnH2_SKyoiBmNxehKzoo92QjVGRDV4aGjm0digQ/s320/30m+last.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hate when this happens! Let's just say, arrows and trees are not a good mix:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPxDu7yK8vPJpVeq-eYerQkDxYLK5FHrx0ST0xTSrVOahFe5Tt4WEqeQZCnS6Hr9PxXIi6uEQFRkCnUgzEeJE19wo-DN9BYgW6yFFRKBoPmKGUhZOT-Zes1ErupFISJZHu74z4du1wOE/s1600/Broken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPxDu7yK8vPJpVeq-eYerQkDxYLK5FHrx0ST0xTSrVOahFe5Tt4WEqeQZCnS6Hr9PxXIi6uEQFRkCnUgzEeJE19wo-DN9BYgW6yFFRKBoPmKGUhZOT-Zes1ErupFISJZHu74z4du1wOE/s320/Broken.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is still a challenge to make my scapula move since my back is numb. Anyone have advise on how to make a numb body part move? I'm working on lowering my elbow and slowing down my shot. Another challenge I have is, if I hold a shot too long, my bow arm starts to fatigue. I'm sure this will improve over time as I gain strength.</span><br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-60934503731452703392013-05-04T19:26:00.000-07:002013-05-07T18:51:54.121-07:00Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall, Humpty Dumpty had a Great Fall...<span style="font-size: large;">One of the worst things than can happen to a person with a fully fused spine happened to me the other night. I was getting ready to head up to bed and was heating water in the microwave. I turned to get the water and didn't look to see if there was a dog laying near me. I took a sideways step and quickly realized our biggest dog (9 month old German Shepherd) was laying next to me, I tried to recover my failed first step, but my other foot got blocked by Indi too and down I went. My knee took the hit full force and then my hip and shoulder as my torso hit the floor. Hubby was out of town and thank God Lizzie was home!<br /><br /> I didn't feel anything pop in my back (popping means a rod snapped), but my knee is swollen. It was a helpless feeling when I didn't know how to get up off the floor. I landed on my right side. Lizzie slid a chair over, put a pillow under my head and knee and then pushed/lifted my lumbar area while I tried to log roll onto all fours. PAINFUL! From there I pulled my torso up with the help of the chair seat.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Lenke and my local doc had me take x-rays (spine, hip, knee and shoulder) yesterday so I'm waiting for the results. I'm not an expert, but the crack in my pelvis by the bolt has me a bit concerned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw-Tpqs47ywkxPR6VCZSqYnKz_DZJBCwuj398bmjX1pFHeF_BJJaHFoV8jV2v3CA00oSFT77oCV3gMpyWVhNHnjPR9pyrhhKb4Wn6VPRs8YV6UhxnjeS_SbgVP5myUKsVfjRpjo6-PWk/s1600/Crack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw-Tpqs47ywkxPR6VCZSqYnKz_DZJBCwuj398bmjX1pFHeF_BJJaHFoV8jV2v3CA00oSFT77oCV3gMpyWVhNHnjPR9pyrhhKb4Wn6VPRs8YV6UhxnjeS_SbgVP5myUKsVfjRpjo6-PWk/s320/Crack.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">MRI results are due next week, too, Stay tuned.</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-72027948301643413122013-04-22T06:26:00.000-07:002013-04-22T06:32:55.101-07:00Rethinking My Training Goals<span style="font-size: large;">Today starts week 2 of my training sprint and I'm quite shocked at my results from last week. I forgot to mention in my last post that this sprint is not only archery training, but weight training too. My weight increased last week to 25# so needless to say, the one day where I had both weight training and shooting, my arms were like noodles. On that particular day, last Monday, I did AM blank bale immediately followed by weight training and then did PM shooting at 20m. Today I have both weight training and shooting on my To Do list, but will instead shoot AM, PM and then weight train. We'll see how I feel tonight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OK, here is the recap of last week's results:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal: shoot x4 days a week at 20m - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal: weight train x3 days a week - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goal: shoot x50 arrows per shooting day for a weekly total x200 arrows - FAR EXCEEDED GOAL!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On Monday I stopped shooting at exactly 25 arrows in the AM and PM for a total of 50 arrows shot. Later that day, I thought about how good it felt to shoot and that I was a little disappointed that I stopped at 25 arrows each session. Then I remembered what Coach Randi said, "... stop shooting when your form fails." It was at that moment, I decided to rethink my goals: trust Coach Randi's advice and trust my body.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On Tuesday, I kept Coach Randi's words in my head and was able to shoot a few more arrows until my form failed. I repeated the process the remaining x2 shooting days of the week:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">TOTAL ARROWS SHOT 284:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mon - x50</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tues - x60</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thu - x72</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sat - x102</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My original goal for last week was a weekly total of 200.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday's 20m shots:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uKHZtBk_OLdLTpf_iXNTExgvU-BgqI3l540Ck-pBwRGbcmZdGXxvlJC8ry3BYtXrBJBb8nL7b4GG-Is8WYCtC6tK_96Ed61bvOqNjedYvyvEv-kLW-BfR38KxpwiiawxVY38589kruA/s1600/April+15+20m+shots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uKHZtBk_OLdLTpf_iXNTExgvU-BgqI3l540Ck-pBwRGbcmZdGXxvlJC8ry3BYtXrBJBb8nL7b4GG-Is8WYCtC6tK_96Ed61bvOqNjedYvyvEv-kLW-BfR38KxpwiiawxVY38589kruA/s320/April+15+20m+shots.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday's 20m shots - 1st time all gold:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsv_3mu3UMlvqDfkqgeJ8t7QBQ3LKan27xBNPajWwgwSCPg5M84XIblVMub3e4s63_UaqCwZ04C2ZtIjRF6UUpT8HGwFAyl40S21Q71g1Iv9_EgkhBtuEMztaAkyYbixplL2h9pKvweg/s1600/April+20+20m+shots+1st+time+all+gold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsv_3mu3UMlvqDfkqgeJ8t7QBQ3LKan27xBNPajWwgwSCPg5M84XIblVMub3e4s63_UaqCwZ04C2ZtIjRF6UUpT8HGwFAyl40S21Q71g1Iv9_EgkhBtuEMztaAkyYbixplL2h9pKvweg/s320/April+20+20m+shots+1st+time+all+gold.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday's 20m shots - 2nd time all gold:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF15zQMIH8N28SLe_xoBya2XepK_Oq-2jMOVuO7X0C8D1H5zMMmyrVdNQugkyNX2727Ubi0gTOcT_trb3WgHSgPFTYJiPa7TZDUZ5OwktDEIzrSj0X7wLxY15iUEJnA3ScEUJiYWYm9k/s1600/April+20+20m+shots+2nd+time+all+gold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF15zQMIH8N28SLe_xoBya2XepK_Oq-2jMOVuO7X0C8D1H5zMMmyrVdNQugkyNX2727Ubi0gTOcT_trb3WgHSgPFTYJiPa7TZDUZ5OwktDEIzrSj0X7wLxY15iUEJnA3ScEUJiYWYm9k/s320/April+20+20m+shots+2nd+time+all+gold.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My adjusted goals for this week are:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shoot x4 days a week at 30m (blank bale in AM)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Shoot at least 72 arrows each shooting day for weekly total of 288</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Weight train x3 days a week</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I need to take video of me shooting, but cannot find my Flip video at the moment. :/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last Thursday I had a glorious massage which I believe attributed to my sudden increase in arrows shot. The massage therapist said everything in my back was rock hard but that she was able to achieve some release. It was an odd experience because my entire back is still numb, I could hear her hands on my shirt, but couldn't feel her hands. When she found a tight spot she was trying to release, I would feel a bee sting sensation deep down in the muscle but then it dissipated. Very strange. After the massage, I felt incredibly relaxed and my neck pain was greatly alleviated. Looking forward to this week's massage! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The target has been moved to 30m for this week so I'm super-duper excited to see how my progress unfold. Ideally, my plan is to train at 40m next week and then move to Kennesaw Archery Club for 50m training the week after. I've got the Georgia Cup tournament on my radar which is the end of May. I've got a few weeks before I have to commit to sending in registration. The deciding factor will be, how am I shooting at 50m because that is the tourney distance I will need to hit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Heel/ankle pain is increasing to the point where it is impacting the way I walk. Balance issues are increasing too along with numbness in hands and feet and now seeing multiple black dots in right eye. Appointment with neuro is this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Off to shoot!</span><br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-18884026005209489832013-04-15T08:00:00.005-07:002013-04-22T06:28:49.920-07:00And So It Begins...<span style="font-size: large;">Paralympian team coach, Randi Smith, and Coach Jim helped me design a training program to achieve my goal of shooting 6 days a week. Today marks the start of the 6 week sprint with a goal of shooting 75 arrows per day, 6 days a week by May 25, 2013. This week's goal is shooting 50 arrows total, blank bale in the AM and 20m in the PM, 4 days a week. I'll incrementally increase the amount of arrows and days during the sprint. I'm eager to compete and have my eye on a few summer tourneys. At the end of the sprint, I'll evaluate my progress and decide which tourney will be my first. My weight training bumps up to 25# today too. I should be sleeping like a rock!
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Lenke gave me a prescription for PT massage which I will cash in very, very soon. I'll make some calls this week and look forward to a little bit of pampering.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been having some health issues (non-spine related) and am trying to narrow things down to the source. My doc feels that I have RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and I <i>FEEL </i> like I have it too, based on where the pain is. While I tested negative on the two RA blood tests, my doc said 30% of those who test negative still have the disease. I'll be off to see the rheumatologist soon to see what my course of action will be. The worst pain is in my knees, ankles and heels (pain is in other places too, but these are at the top of the list). The pain in my heel is causing me to walk differently which isn't good for my spine. After shooting Saturday for almost one hour, the pain was shooting up into my calf and knee. I'll talk with coach about designing a shooting stool for me.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Another issue that has reappeared are MS (multiple sclerosis) type symptoms that I had the summer before my surgery. At the time, my neurologist confirmed a severe deficiency in B12 which can mimic MS symptoms. I started weekly B12 injections and the symptoms practically disappeared. Late last year, the symptoms started slowly reappearing and as of 2 months ago, the symptoms are almost as bad as they were in 2011 (memory/balance/strength, etc. issues. My B12 blood work showed a normal range which is good, but that means, my symptoms are no longer related to a B12 deficiency. My doc wants my neuro to revisit the MS possibility; I'll see her next week.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Off to shoot! :)</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-30671549220632155782013-04-01T16:17:00.003-07:002013-04-22T06:28:27.365-07:00Baby Steps to Building Strength & Muscle<span style="font-size: large;">This week I increased my weight training from 15# to 20# and WOW, what a difference! Here are the seated rows:</span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=138597402986420" width="320"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Glad to see things moving back there. ;) </span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-12842207659407179582013-04-01T16:16:00.001-07:002013-04-22T06:28:03.070-07:00Again!?!<span style="font-size: large;">Hit a new milestone this week of shooting x3 days in a row. Even though I only shot a total of x3 ends of 6 arrows each for each day, I was happy with the progress. I rec'd my arrows Wed and within 24 hours I was down x2 arrows and missing a 3rd. The first compromised arrow occurred at coach's house when the arrow hit the wood target frame. Coach did his best to remove the arrow, but after a hammer and chisel didn't work, it took a drill to get it out. The next compromised arrow occurred the next day at home shooting in my back yard. Ended up splitting an arrow already in the target when shooting another which caused the flying arrow to go missing in the yard. Fortunately, I was able to borrow coach's metal detector yesterday and found it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a fun time at the local gun/archery shop. Hubby shot his rifle while I shot with our daughter and her friend. I had shot 5 ends when my string popped off again. Sigh. Back to Snellville this morning to have Griv fix my bow. First thing he said to me was, "I have never seen this before... we need to increase the DW." I can't afford to have my string pop anymore so now it is set at 31#. I'm able to pull it, but I definitely have my work cut out for me in regards to building more strength. On the drive home, I could feel the muscles in the side of my neck/trap area getting sore. I pushed through my scheduled workout today and am now physically wiped out. I forgot how easy my body fatigues. I had planned to go hiking with my family this afternoon, but felt it best to stay home and rest. I have not yet hiked since the surgery because I was restricted for a long time from walking on inclines/hills. Baby steps. I'm chillin at home with my x3 pups on the deck in the sunshine.</span> <br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-61473648909537888282013-03-25T09:54:00.003-07:002013-04-22T06:27:49.508-07:00Bull's Eye!<span style="font-size: large;">I finally shot my bow last week and am SO incredibly excited! My shots were spot-on with great groupings:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXoWIt60eKzPe8vRBIj_krCHpoWVN7IqfbJISKfY1WyRybfXbQBWB08hbicg3NZArqQyBj12eH690KMIhGv9tvpDtXKQ4AIlW0PpYqYxihqK0KTlctARjqgFOfyaYZQqxp8Smc3gT9co/s1600/First+Shots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXoWIt60eKzPe8vRBIj_krCHpoWVN7IqfbJISKfY1WyRybfXbQBWB08hbicg3NZArqQyBj12eH690KMIhGv9tvpDtXKQ4AIlW0PpYqYxihqK0KTlctARjqgFOfyaYZQqxp8Smc3gT9co/s320/First+Shots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTeAYFyP9XV-UDcEIaQqJFz9P50Q63lomeOKG0jlqoi7IYkM-Jglijt-L2itTBPzlzZA53Smy6_ixkPNGjn5Pdwi7zkv2RqWcb3j21Js5kKqpSNwcwpFQiqu0ua1Kwu7uV2lLyULoJzY/s1600/2nd+Round+of+Shots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTeAYFyP9XV-UDcEIaQqJFz9P50Q63lomeOKG0jlqoi7IYkM-Jglijt-L2itTBPzlzZA53Smy6_ixkPNGjn5Pdwi7zkv2RqWcb3j21Js5kKqpSNwcwpFQiqu0ua1Kwu7uV2lLyULoJzY/s320/2nd+Round+of+Shots.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC4WhyyW4dyRvITM9zm7vYLpanA11BjOGrKLT-MOSkncTkmrXA1rnZtXtoePdXEwaS2NxFiS_gL9dluC2j2IlewxuYnRaqMj1m-s4Q9ADODdoFfmJ3r2140M8dsd1P3cWK1_tStHf_uA/s1600/Aim+II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC4WhyyW4dyRvITM9zm7vYLpanA11BjOGrKLT-MOSkncTkmrXA1rnZtXtoePdXEwaS2NxFiS_gL9dluC2j2IlewxuYnRaqMj1m-s4Q9ADODdoFfmJ3r2140M8dsd1P3cWK1_tStHf_uA/s320/Aim+II.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Coach Jim measured the draw weight and let-off weight which turned out to be heavier than what I thought. DW = 28.9#, LO = 7.7#. So happy I've built the strength to comfortably draw at this weight. It's hard to believe that just last September I was unable to move the string, much less draw on Lizzie's bow which is 22#!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My new arrows arrive this week; who knew that I would be excited about selecting the colors for my fletching. How silly! I'll post pix when they arrive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to shooting outside when the weather warms up. It's still too cold for me to shoot outside and try not to shiver. I've had my eye on a battery operated vest that can provide heat for up to 10 hours. The problem with layering to shoot is, if the layers are too thick, I won't be able to get into proper position. I'll figure out a solution.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My training is coming along great and am up to 15# on my exercises having started @ 5#. I'm giving myself one more week of training at 15# and then bump it up to 20# next week. Dr. Lenke prescribed PT massage which I'll start soon now that I'm shooting. Jeremy helps me with massage but he's looking forward to a little bit of a break since I need massage more frequently now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really curious to see how I'm shooting at the end of the outdoor season. :D</span>Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555343510345494150.post-77592428119660024792013-03-19T13:59:00.002-07:002013-03-20T18:37:08.834-07:00It's Official<span style="font-size: small;">UPDATE 3-20-13: Seems there was a little faux pas on my results because Dr. Nyland contacted me today and said I am classified as an AR Standing Para archer to compete in the Open Division (compound). :D</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">ORIGINAL POST 3-19-13: I'm not disabled enough to make the cut as a classified para archer. What exactly does this mean? The process of getting classified for archery means having an exam with Dr. John Nyland in Louisville, KY who is the only classifying doctor in the US. He explained that in an archery exam, the minimum points an archer must reach for 2013 is 15 points which translates to a loss of strength or range of movement. The main focus for the archery exam is the arms and legs with little focus paid to the core/trunk area. I had to do many different exercises that were quite painful. I asked Dr. Nyland if his room was a torture chamber. So while I have zero strength/mobility in my core, my arm and leg strength was good which resulted in me not hitting the 15 point requirement. Had I been classifying for a different sport that has a primary focus on core strength/mobility, I would have been in like Flynn, but that's ok.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Dr. Nyland said that even if I hit the 15 points this year, that there is no way I could get re-classified next year when the point system changes to a minimum of 24 points. The change is a result of the Russian Men's Standing Paralympic team who apparently fudged their disabilities at the 2012 London Games and shot great... too great. This raised red flags with World Archery who will implement the new point system in 2014. Dr. Nyland said that it is getting to the point that if an archer isn't missing a limb, they won't get classified.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">How does that impact my long term goals? Well, I am disappointed I won't be able to make it to the Paralympics, but that just means I need to focus on another target. ;) While I still have my disability, Dr. Nyland needs the committee to advise exactly what type of archer am I:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Able-bodied Archer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Disabled Archer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Para Archer without Classification</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As an able-bodied archer, I'm unable to pull my arrows nor am I able to bend/lean to look around arrows when scoring. I'll get this all figured out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The reason we were in Louisville was for the NFAA Indoor Nationals where Lizzie shot. This was a BIG event with over 1,400 youth shooters and I don't know how many adult and pro shooters. It was a fun weekend; it even snowed! I'm looking forward to shooting with her at Louisville next year.</span><br />
<br />Doreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015383693349151343noreply@blogger.com0