Tuesday, April 25, 2017

How I Trained for a 100 Miler...

I have had several of my friends ask me how I trained for the Prairie Spirit Trail 100 Miler that I ran in March, so I thought I would elaborate a bit.  For any non-running people, this is probably pretty boring.

I had been planning on doing this race since October, but I really did not share that with anyone except for Ken.  I had talked myself in and out of doing it about 100 times and it was not until I was at Ken's holiday party that I decide I would 100% do it.

Ken was so proud telling one of his board members about my wanting to run this race and when the board member asked me about it, I could sense Ken's pride and I new I just needed to make it happen.
I ran the Kansas City Marathon back in October and basically recovered and maintained running 10-12 miles as my long run until the end of the year.  I knew that running 100 miles is far different from 26.2, so I tried to focus more on increasing the number of days I run a week.  In the past, I tried to run 3-4 days only because I would do speed work and I was worried about getting injured.  Without doing speed work, I could slowly start adding a day here and there to basically run 6-7 days a week.

Once I switched to day shift, I really did not run every day, but that was not until February.  I did a lot of research and realized the biggest thing with running an ultra is back to back long runs.  I would do my long run and then run long or semi-long the next day as well and then take a rest day.  This seemed to work well for me.

My longest run was 18 one day followed by 11 the next day and then a rest day.  I ran 6 days total that week with other 6-10 mile runs included.  I also read that if you have a job where you are on your feet, you are used to more endurance than if you sit all day.

While I really should have run a little further than I did, I am happy with how the rest turned out and did the best training I could while starting a new career.  I also ran my runs completely without walking, while I knew I would run/walk the 100 miler.

If anyone out there has any questions about taking things to a distance beyond a marathon, let me know!  I am by no means a professional, but I am a girl who feels that anyone can do anything they want to do if they give it a shot!  Plus, I think it is important to maintain balance with exercise, work, and real life.

Monday, April 24, 2017

The Best of Nursing...Volume 2...

This week's best nursing moment made me die laughing.

Patient:  "I was in the military for 30 years and I was never afraid of my drill Sargent quite like I am of you...I mean that as the nicest compliment possible."

I guess my telling my delirious patient that he better not try to get out of bed was quite intimidating.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Life Lately...

Here are a few moments from our life lately.

We went shopping at Suburban Lawn and Garden and Ken had a little fun playing around in the trees.


Poor Theo had to take a trip to the vet.  He ended up having an infected anal gland.  I was unaware that cats even had anal glands.  No worries, he got an antibiotic shot and was oh so brave.  The vet even told him how brave he was and was surprised to learn that Theo is 15!  

We spent a Sunday afternoon at Somerset Ridge for the release of their rose.  Katie and me enjoying one of our favorite wines.  (my tank)

We went to the park for Ken to kayak on the lake.  Kya enjoyed watching the geese and ducks.

Kya hid a few nuggets of food outside.  You never now when an emergency might occur and these nuggets will be needed. #doomsdayprepper

The Easter Bunny visited our house and brought everyone something special.  The pink bunny was courtesy of our neighbor Kyle.


That is a look into what has been happening lately.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Frisbee Golf...

We had a nice evening and decided to play frisbee golf in the church parking lot behind our house.  It was a nice little way to have family time on a Sunday night.



My girl and me

My best attempt at throwing a frisbee.  I am not too good at this game.

The three of us had so much fun!  Kya loves to do anything that includes her in family time!  


Sunday, April 16, 2017

The Best of Nursing...Volume 1...

Since I am officially on my own at the hospital, I thought it would be fun to mention some of the best moments from each week.  These might be funny, sad, or really touching moments from my week.  Don't worry, I will not provide any information that could result in a HIPAA violation.

Here are this week's winners:

Best funny moment where I tried to keep a straight face:

Patient:  Keri, do you think I will be able to go again?  (Meaning go poop)

Me:  I am not in the business of predicting people's bowel habits sweet sir.

Overall best moment:

I was told by my patient's daughter that I was her favorite nurse ever.  This was such a sweet moment, as the patient passed away later that night.


Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Vacation Planning...

We have been putting the final touches on our next European vacation.  It took me a while to get everything situated, as I was unsure about what we would do for three days in the middle.  After a lot of thought and discussion, we have our plans set!

We will start off by visiting Lake Como, Italy.  This is an area that I have always wanted to visit and Ken was dead set on making sure I got to go there.  I am so excited about kayaking on the lake, going on a hike or two, and wandering around the promenade with gelato in tow.





After we leave Lake Como, we are headed to the Italian Riviera!  A lot of people visit Cinque Terre, but we have decided to visit a hidden gem on the riviera called Camogli.  We have a day of hiking planned which will take us to Portofino for lunch and a drink and hopefully we will find time to sit and relax on an Italian beach.

Camogli fishing harbor, Source



After Camogli, we are headed back to beautiful Lauterbrunnen for six nights!  I am so excited about our extended time here that I cannot stand it.  We have our fingers crossed that we will have a few clear days so that we can go on a few big hikes.  I can hardly wait to be back in what I think is the most beautiful place in the world.  Ken and I are so excited to celebrate his new decade of life in our favorite place!

The beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley!

Here's hoping for a few days like this!


Monday, April 3, 2017

Saturday Shenanigans...

Between running 100 miles and me working three in a row at the hospital, it really felt as if I had not gotten to see Ken all that much.  So when he asked me if I wanted to spend Saturday meandering around Kansas City, I was all in!

Thankfully, I got to sleep in for awhile and then we headed to the Crossroads area to explore.  Our first stop was Brewery Emperial for an appetizer and a little beer tasting.  We enjoyed some black bean and chorizo meatballs and a flight of beers.  Of favorites were the Biscuit and Kristall Weizen.

A delicious flight of beers

After Brewery Emperial, we walked to Tom's Town Distilling Co for a cocktail and lunch.  I really liked this place.  Ken had been there before for work events, but this was my first time to check it out.   I had a Pinky Blitz and Ken had their version of an Old Fashion.

Ken enjoying his cocktail

 I told Ken that Saturday's festivities were a lot easier than the previous Saturday's!

I thought the bar area was gorgeous!


While we were enjoying our cocktails, Ken told me he had a surprise on our way home.  I had no clue what it might be and was very surprised when we turned onto a street and I saw a big E sign and on the door it said Christopher Elbow.  Now, if you know me, you know how much I love chocolate and Christopher Elbow chocolates are definitely super high up on my list.

Ken took me inside and told me to pick whatever I wanted.  I ended up selecting my own custom box of chocolates and was simply amazed at such a sweet surprise.

Very happy to have gotten to pick my own selection of Christopher Elbow!

Such a thoughtful and sweet surprise.

Saturday was one of those days that I always look back at and smile.  I love meandering around town with Ken and just spending the day together.