My First Mud Run

I finally did it! I ran in my first mud run. I ran in the Armageddon Ambush on Saturday and it was not like any other race I have run in. I kind of knew that going into it. I may be sore as I type this, but it was worth it. 

The squeaky clean before shot

I'm proud to say that I got through most of the obstacles! The most insane one was the dumpster that was filled with FREEZING ice water. That's right. Right before I jumped in they dumped more ice right in. It was brutal. It was one of those things you couldn't think about before doing it, you just had to go for it. 

I crawled through mud, had paint/color thrown on me, tackled some obstacles, swam through some questionable water and had a great time. 

FIERCE!

The Things I Remember

The things I remember

I remember what pair of undies I was wearing the day I was diagnosed. 

I remember my first hospital room number, 369A and my admitting nurse was Christine.

I remember my first colonoscopy and my first IV when I was 9. I thought it hurt so much, boy if I only knew then.

I remember the shirt I wore on my first ambulance ride to the ER that led to my first emergency surgery. It was my orange Miami Dolphins shirt that my brother gave me because it shrunk. Also I wasn't wearing any pants, just my blue robe, panties and tshirt. I was in so much pain I didn't care and it didn't matter.

I remember when they told me I would need surgery and how scared I was.

I remember waking up from my first surgery and hearing my moms voice.

I remember all the times I let opportunities go by because I was afraid.

I remember all the times I didn't make it to the bathroom, all of them. Too many.

I remember watching ER on TNT during the day whenever I was home sick. It used to be on from 10-12 in the morning and Dr. Ross beats McDreamy any day.

I remember every time someone asked me what Crohn's Disease was and the uneasy feeling I would have trying to explain it.

I remember waking up from my second Colonoscopy and my mom telling me I had Crohn's Disease.

I remember not having a clue as to what Crohn's Disease was.

I remember returning to school after being sick and my classmates never really knowing what to say or didn't even notice I was gone.

I remember  being nervous about road trips with my family and doing math calculations in my head to figure out how long it would take to get to the next rest stop.

I remember overhearing that I had a colostomy after waking up from my second surgery.

I remember realizing that the colostomy would be great for me. 

I remember crying the night before my take down surgery when it was cancelled. 

I remember the day I started this blog and joined twitter.

I remember the day I joined Team Challenge.

I remember every bad day, but I also remember every good day. Lucky for me there have been more good days than bad days.

I remember.

Running Will Not Be the Only Thing in Chicago

Last year when I sent out hundreds of letters seeking donations. One of those letters went to Hollister (the medical supply company, not the clothing store) and I received a $250 donation. I remember the exact moment when I received the donation. I was lying on a stretcher in the GI lab and about to get wheeled into the procedure room for one of my many scopes. I would of jumped for joy if I wasn't lying down, but I did give a little shout and explained to the nurse what just happened.

I used Hollister products when I had a colostomy (and even before when I had a fistula that leaked just below my belly button). I was always happy with their products and services. When I first had my stoma they sent me a butt (pun intended) load of samples so I could find out what product worked best for me. Whenever I had issues with insurance, they would send me more samples to hold me over until the issue was sorted. One time I had a customer service issue and when I emailed my complaint someone called me back within the hour. I understand things happen and always respect those companies who go out of their way to fix their mistakes, which they did.

This year, I decided to ask them again, hoping they would be generous a second time around. Not only did they make another donation, they doubled it. I was at work and once again gave a little shout! After sending a thank you email I received a response right away. Hollister was happy to be a part of my fundraising efforts. What's also great is that there corporate headquarters are outside of Chicago, where I will be running my third half marathon with Team Challenge next week. I was invited to come and have lunch and a tour, and of course I said yes!

Well, as it turns out the day I am going to be there is the same day as their corporate meeting with over 500 associates. I was asked to speak and share my story. This will be my first big speaking engagement and I am really excited and nervous at the same time. I have a month to prepare what I am going to say. Here on my blog or twitter, I can always hit backspace, but public speaking is something entirely different.

I can already imagine the plane ride up to Chicago. I will be a nervous nelly. I'm sure I will be going over my speech and freaking out about the 13.1 miles. That should be fun for who ever is sitting next to me.

THANK YOU HOLLISTER!!!

Forgive my Absense

It's been awhile.

My goal has always been about two blog posts a week. I've really failed at that these past few months. I haven't completely disappeared, I am still active on twitter (@semicolongirl). Most days at work I am on a computer, so when I get home the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer again.

So what's new?

Well, I am a month away from running in the All State Half Marathon in Chicago with Team Challenge! I have already surpassed my goal, which is great. Usually I am handing in last minute checks right before the deadline for final fundraising. This time, I'm way a head! Now all I have to worry about is actually running the 13.1 miles!!

I am still fundraising, because I may have met my goal, but that was just the minimum and we still need $$ to help find a cure and improve the lives of those who suffer with IBD. Head on over to www.screwyoucrohns.com if you are interested. Five dollars is all I am asking for, that's just a cup of coffee in the morning.

My work life has been crazy busy, but great. I enjoy what I do and love those who I work with.

Guess who made the cover of the new Team Challenge mail out?! I love being a part of Team Challenge and it has led to so many things. I hope to give my blog the love it deserves from here on out and hope to avoid such long absences.

This picture was taken before the race in Napa started last year. Glad I was  able to smile even though I was terrified!

Raffle Rules

I am raffling off a $75.00 Amazon gift card for Team Challenge. Right now I am 64% towards my goal, which is less than $1000 away. I'm doing great, and I want to keep things going.

Here is how this works: Donate $10 to my page and write raffle in the comment, for ever $5 after that you will get another raffle entry. So a $20 donation gets you 3 entries into the raffle.

On Monday I will write your name on a piece of paper for every entry and put them in a bowl/bucket/cup/hat and have someone else pull the lucky winner's name out. I will also film it so there are no accusations of rigging the raffle. Don't forget that this is for a good cause. The winner will receive the prize via email! It's that simple. Questions? Let me know! Email semicolongirl@gmail.com

Head to my fundraising page at www.screwyoucrohns.com to make your donation! I really appreciate everyone's support and donations. It really means a lot to me. Every dollar counts, no donation is too small!

Also, if you would like to donate a gift card or prize for me to raffle off I will gladly accept that as well!

A Spoon Full of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

Sometimes I have these moments in my life and I just think to myself that my life must be a comedy and someone must be getting a kick out of whatever awkward/weird/funny situation I've gotten myself in to. Maybe that's how I approach life, as a comedy. Every comedy has a serious moment, but most of the time you just enjoy yourself.

 

For instance, after my last surgery I had a typical Julie moment as I now call them. I was 3 days post-op and had been moved out of ICU and on the step down unit. The first night I did not have a room mate. Before my brother left I told him to put my cell phone away I didn't want to talk to anyone and to leave my iPad charging. I eventually went to bed and woke up at about 3 a.m. feeling very cold, the cold I always get when a fever starts. I went to hit the call bell for the nurse but it wasn't working. Hmm, I looked around and couldn't see the hospital phone or my cell phone. I started yelling for help, but I'm not sure how loud I could of been and no one heard me. I then decided to take off my leads (heart monitor) knowing that someone was supposed to be watching this. There is someone attached to a computer monitor just watching everyone's heart beat and anytime something happens they are supposed to contact the nurse to check on the patient. Otherwise, why would you be wearing it? Just for an extra accessory? Anyway, I pulled the leads and no one showed up. Great, I could be flat lining and no one would know.

 

I looked around again, tried a little bit more yelling. Then I saw my iPad on the nightstand. I could barely reach the charger and I thought if I grab the cord it might fall and break. I was willing to risk it. I stretched my hands out as far as they could go and somehow managed to pull my iPad within arms reach. Now, an iPad is not a phone. I thought maybe I could send a tweet out and someone would call the hospital on my behalf. Then I remembered I have skype which can be used as a phone. I still had some credit on my account from when I went to Israel in the summer so I googled the hospital's phone number and dialed away. Once I called the hospital and reached the nurses' desk on my floor I explained my situation, "Yeah, I'm stuck in my room, my call bell isn't working, I can't move and I need my nurse. I've been yelling for help and no one's heard me."

 

My nurse arrived and managed to help me (FINALLY). The next morning I woke up and my leads were still off. When my mom got there in the morning she had a few words for the Charge Nurse, who was super nice and did look into the situation because that shouldn't happen. Anyway, as annoying as it was when it was happening, I knew deep down that later on this is going to make a funny story. And it did.

 

Maybe it's the way I view life, I always try to find the humor in it. I can't have a day where I don't laugh. I don't ever take myself too seriously.

Spreading The Word

The past few months with Team Challenge have been spent doing recruitment for the new season. It starts off with passing out flyers at local races and stores then we move forward with info meetings. We know someone is seriously consider joining when they come to an info meeting. Rachel, our team manager, gives a nice presentation all about Team Challenge. I don’t attend all the meetings, but the ones I go to I always talk about my experience with Team Challenge and why I run. This time I spent a lot of time talking about fundraising and how I have managed to do it twice (and well on my way to a third time!). I know what it is like to sit in that chair and have no idea what it is going to be like to not only run a half-marathon but to also raise money for the cause. That’s exactly what I tell people, I was sitting where they were sitting a year ago.



Our adorable team hero Kate always puts on a brave face!



A year ago I sat there and watched the Team Challenge video and listened to the presentation. I knew I wanted to do it, but the question was could I? I was never athletic. The only time I ever ran a mile was in school when they made you, and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t running for most of it.

Now here I am two half-marathons later and getting ready for my third. South Florida did a great job recruiting; we now have over 50 team mates ready to take on the challenge!

Training is underway and this weekend I will be traveling up to NYC to see my cousin Teddi. Since Teddi joined Team Challenge this season I will join her during training this weekend and get to meet the NYC team! I’m so excited; I’ll be running in Central Park.

Training updates to follow . . .

Rachel giving her presentation at a Total Wine store in North Miami

The Crohnie Way of Life

From time to time people often ask me, how do I cope? It’s no secret that I suffer from a severe case of Crohn’s Disease, leading to some bad days. If you have been paying attention this year you’ve probably read about my many many scopes and little setbacks.

This is what I know. My life isn’t just scopes, shots, doctor’s appointments, and running to the bathroom. In between all that, I live my life the best I can. Right now I have been fighting off a flare. Luckily, I usually only feel bad in the evening, so I can at least get through my day. I see my GI next week and tomorrow I am having another scope (I’ve lost count) to see if the strictures have returned.

I have already prepared myself for any bad news and know how to handle it. If (big IF) I have to have surgery, then so be it. My surgeon already said we have plenty of time and I can still train for my marathon. If (another big IF) I do have surgery, I know I will feel great and I bounce back fast and my running will probably improve. Maybe I will even get a PR in Chicago.

How am I able to sit here with a smile knowing that surgery might be in my near future? Well, in between the bad days I have good days, many good days. I have wonderful people around me who make me laugh even when life sucks. This is how I get through it. This is my way of life. This past weekend I went to the Scottish Festival with friends. I was careful with what I ate, but I was able to enjoy my day. I know my limits and must be cautious about them.

Regardless of what Crohn’s tries to throw my way, I will deal with it, move on and still have a good time doing it.

Here are a few examples of me being silly that help me deal with everything:

A night out with the right people is always a good thing.

I just had a barium enema that morning, and somehow managed to go camping that night. Bathrooms were next to our site.

Silly Girls

Swords are fun and make me smile.

Photobombing with an axe in hand will always lify my spirits.

Let's Get This Party Started

Today I received my first donation, so now I feel that the season has officially begun! I tweeted out a little message and then stepped away from my desk, and on my return noticed that wonderful email notification informing me of my first donation. It really is one of the best ways to start a day.

This season I will be training for the All State Half Marathon in Chicago, which is very exciting for several reasons.

1.       I love Chicago, I think it is a beautiful city.

2.       I have a lot of family there, so plenty of people to see and help cheer me along.

3.       I get another medal!

4.       I love the Team Challenge experience (just read my many posts about it).

5.       My cousin Teddi signed up and is joining me this season!

I have been very fortunate to always have wonderful people in my life. To have someone run a marathon for you and raise money is even better than getting me a meet and greet with Tom Hanks (hint hint). Anyone who knows me, knows how serious my love for Tom Hanks is.

Teddi told me she wanted to run with me after I came back from Napa. I was overwhelmed just by the gesture. Her fundraising page has been up for the last few weeks and man oh man is Teddi rocking the fundraising. We haven’t even started to actually physically train for the marathon. Teddi lives in New York and when I visit her next month I will run with her Team Challenge NYC team for their group training. Naturally I expect we will do a little of the Phoebe Buffay run.

I was recently thinking of when we were little and all the good times we had. I used to love going to her house. I remember she had one of those phones that was in the shape of a woman’s lips and she told me she was calling someone from Nikelodean and I believed her when she said she was actually talking to them!

 

Now we are grown women. Trying to figure everything out in life. And Teddi is running a marathon for me. I still have a lot to learn in life, but one thing’s for sure I know how lucky I am.

Now if you can please help me reach my goal. This season my goal is to raise $2500 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. I really appreciate everyone’s support.

www.screwyoucrohns.com

It's Official: I'm Addicted

This month I will be spreading awareness locally about Team Challenge. I’ve already gone to local businesses and asked to leave flyers with them. I’ve gone to a few local races and passed out information about Team Challenge. In the next few weeks I will be attending information meetings and speaking about my life with Crohn’s and my experience with Team Challenge.

It’s almost been a year since I went to my first Team Challenge meeting before I signed up. I had already made my decision before I walked in the door. I arrived late because of work and traffic, I grabbed a seat in the front. Next to me was Diane, she shared her pictures of her crossing the finish line in Virginia the year before. Diane always showed up to training with a smile in her face and walked every step of training with pride. Behind me was Amanda, who I now consider one of my dearest friends. During the presentation there was  a Team Challenge video and I heard Amanda crying behind me. If I knew then that I would be crying with Amanda months later in Napa as I crossed the finish line, I really don’t even know what to say to that. Just, wow.

Now I’m signed up for my third race with Team Challenge. Second time as a mentor. I look forward to finding more people to share this experience with. The feeling you get when you cross the finish line with Team Challenge is something that should be shared. It’s an amazing thing to do for yourself and others.

If you want more information and to find a team near you please go to www.ccteamchallenge.org.