Don J.

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It has been awhile since my last blog. What I have learned since then is that I have iron deficiency anemia.

 

I have always been a blood giving over 3 ½ gallons so far. I believe that is my civic duty, one thing I can do to help my fellow man.  Well, I went after work in late February I was turned down due to low hemoglobin level. So I watched my diet closer and took my iron supplements and tried again with my daughter in March and was turned down. This time the person doing the checking suggested firmly to go to the doctor. I asked why and she said I was “very low.”  My daughter, who is a RN said that either I have something causing a blood loss or another condition. I may require a blood transfusion.

 

I made an appointment and started researching an asking friends if anyone else suffered from anemia. I found that some runners suffered this condition. The condition did explain my physical conditions, feeling grumpy, feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise, headaches and problems concentrating.

 

At my appointment I had labs done and confirmed of a serious anemia condition. I was setup with an appointment with a Hematologist the following week. Then I was given two series of iron infusions. Right away I started feeling better. I noticed that my skin color returned. I was able to work out again without feeling “drained”. I was able to enjoy running again while putting in my miles to regain my cardio.

 

This brings me up to to-date since my last race. It has been a slow road to recover, at least it sure felt like it.

 

This week is my return to “racing.” I will be running the 5K down at the Drake Relays. I wish I was ready for either the 10K or half, but want to get back at a reasonable rate. So wish me luck and I hope to see ya’ll while you are out putting in your miles or on race day.

 

I have to say I have never been through so many  array of emotions. I was so excited on the start. On the swim, I was kicked in the face and came up and was greater by a breath of water. I really thought I was going to drown. The staff was great and was right there and helped me recover. I then lost my wedding band and freaked out.  With that I was almost the last one out of the water.

 

my transition was quick. I was out on my bike and fighting the winds of summer in Iowa. I made up a lot of time and passed about 8 or 10 people.

the transaction to the run was quick. As I exited, I was passed by some of the first people to finish. The 5K run was twice around the lake. It was a good run and I just could not get relaxed in my run stride going. The last two weeks I was recovering from a shin splint that sidelined me from running.

overall, I persevered and keeper at it and am proud of my myself for the finish. Maybe I should have waited, but didn't. Maybe I should have done the duathlon

 

Yep, it was a good race. I really have to keep cool on the "slow" start when I need to pass the slower walkers/runners. 

I ran with ahead and behind the 10/min pacer.

The hills were challenging but like always. running up lets me run down...

Time to carb up and am mentally ready for my first marathon tomorrow.

 

BTW-Best 5K PR to date... I( had 29:38, official chip time 29:50.

It has been awhile since I posted.

My training has been turned to the gym and enjoying working on cross training and core strengthen. 

I have been running the miles and am ready for my first marathon this Sunday. My goal of course is to finish but I hope it will be under 6 hours. I don't remember why I signed up for the 5K on Saturday, but bring it on. Bib numbers are below....

 

11029		5K	Garner
1615		MAR	Garner

 

 

This race is one of my "causes." My wife is a breast cancer survivor and I ran this for her.

The run had so many people, it was fun too.

Anyways, had my PR of 30:02 pace of under 10min / mile (9:42).

Here are the results  

Thank you honey for the support and the video!

 

 I was fortunate to be able to run another half marathon this morning. 

Personal Record of 2:30:13






Place Div/Tot Div Name City/state Hmhalf Guntime Pace Chiptime Bib#

173

21/26

M5054

Donald Johnson

Garner IA

1:09:54

2:30:30

11:29

2:30:16

446

 m1.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_plain_text.php

Place Div/Tot  Sex/Tot  Name                    Ag Sex City/state         Guntime Pace  Chptime Bib#  
===== ======== ======== ======================= == === ================== ======= ===== ======= ===== 
59      5/5     37/42   Donald Johnson          50   M Garner Ia            32:37  6:32   32:33   169

 The last couple weeks have really been a challenge. Events at work, beyond my control :(), has taken its toll on me mentally, physically and with my loving spouse.

Now that that is behind me, back to training for Tulsa and having some much needed time with my best friend.

PR 2:33:39 Pace 11:44 Split 1:12:07 Tag Time 2:33:30 Bib Number -89 

Lace up your sneakers and join Urology Centers of Oklahoma and OPTIM Oncology for the DASHFORDAD Half Marathon, 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk to promote ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer. The race is part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge®, America’s Premier Men’s Health Event Series, taking place in 32 participating cities in 2012. This is Oklahoma City’s ONLY fall half marathon. The DASHFORDAD Half Marathon is also an OKC Running Club Series Race. Join us for breakfast immediately following the race.


.www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_plain_text.php

 September 1st, 2012- my first half marathon. My pace was around 10 when I started. Soon the excess skin between my thighs started to rub and slow me down. I do not know why I deviated from what I wore for training, compression shorts, but I did.  

The first six miles flew by with out a hitch. 

I had to stop for a potty break around mile 8. My wife was following me on MapMyRun and she thought I went down.  That is funny. 

Back on the course there was some construction around Ventura?

The last mile had my very supportive friends and family cheering me on. That made me chock back tears.  

At the finish line (2:43) was an old friend who handed me my finish metal. He was surprised as I was.

My legs felt like Bambi!