• I Want To Quit…


    Last week about this time, I was on my typical Friday LONG run, training for my first ever marathon. For those of you who don’t know, I’m working a little #CouchToMarathon thing right now. Last February I had major abdominal surgery as a result of stage four endometriosis, so…that wiped me out for months. As a goal to come out of that was to do a “bucket list” thing: Run a full Marathon (26.2 miles)

    So….back to where I started….Last Friday. Long Run. I was set to do a two hour run. I was totally stoked. Had the music picked out. Water bottles frozen – yeah I live in the desert, they thaw very fast – so I was ready to go.

    Started out slow…gained some momentum eventually, and the high carried me through about ninety minutes. Then…I kinda started feeling it. What made things worse–the timing was such that I was going to finish UP HILL.

    **UGH**

    Now, this isn’t a major hill, mind you, but after an hour and forty-five minutes of constant running ANY incline feels like mount Everest.

    I’m at the 1 hr 55 min mark. FIVE MINUTES LEFT….

    And I so wanted to quit.

    Like, REALLY bad.

    You might be thinking, but you’ve gone an hour and fifty-five minutes, what’s five more?

    Oh….it felt like another mountain.

    You know what song came on at that exact time?

    One that was just perfect for me to say, “Okay, just a few more minutes. Go. Go. Go.”

    Some will laugh at which song kicked my sorry butt out of that “I want to quit” frame of mind, but here it is:

    CRAZY, right? But Cyndi’s energy–you know, she’s always jumping around, enthusiastic…I pictured this video and just smiled.

    Then the movie Girls Just Want To Have Fun came into my mind.

    A girl fighting for her dream to dance. Facing obstacles…Okay, it’s a corny movie, but I was delirious after nearly two hours of running.

    Needless to say, I finished. **woot**

    Nearly halfway toward the goal of running a marathon. I wonder what crazy song or movie will jump into my head when I most need it on my next long run because that one will be about two hours and fifteen minutes **YIKES**

    What kind of things motivate you guys? Get you “over the hump” when you’re in a slump? Any favorite songs? Movies? Anyone ever take on a goal that seems…so far out of reach? How’d you reach it? Do tell!!

  • Couch To Marathon


    Last week I got some GREAT news….

    Doc cleared me for all activity now! Woot! After nearly eleven weeks on restriction after abdominal surgery, I can start exercising again!

    And let me tell you, I’m ECSTATIC.

    Remember way back when I realized I was going to have major surgery I threw out the challenge to join me in training for a marathon once I recovered?

    Well, now that I’ve received the good-to-go from my doc, I’m ready to jump into the Couch to Marathon.

    I haven’t picked out a race yet, but I’m shooting for something in October.

    Sure, I’ve always been athletic, sprinkling in a few half-marathons over the years, but a full marathon?

    As in 26.2 miles

    Yikes!

    But you wanna know something? I say, “BRING IT ON!”

    If your’e interested in joining me on this adventure, just drop me an email and we’ll chat: LynnRush (at) lynnrush.com

    ~~~~

    Anyone ever try something that was super scary, but for some reason you just had to do it? To push yourself outside of your comfort zone? Anyone ever run a marathon before? Any tips to send my way?

  • Run with me!


    It’s a big day in the non-writing world for me. By the time you’re reading this post, I’m in surgery or recovering from it.

    And you know how I always try to find a silver lining to the “yucks” in my life, right?

    Like when Lynn got diagnosed with cancer then passed away. We started AZ Pain Train and rode 407 miles across Iowa in her name, raising a ton of money for cancer. Things like that.

    I believe that when you’re faced with a “yuck” you grow from it…if you choose to. Well, my yuck comes in the form of major surgery. I’m fine, no cancer or anything, just stage four endometriosis. I’ve had it relatively easy in comparison to some, but finally, the pain of it just didn’t make sense anymore, so it’s time for surgery.

    And with this surgery, there is a LONG down time. No work for six weeks, etc.

    But, during all the prep for this event, I asked myself, what can I do after this? As a result of this? Something that’ll push me, make me grow…

    Any guess as to what I decided?

    Come on…just try a guess…

    Okay, I’ll tell you.

    I’m going to run a marathon!

    Yep. I’ve never run a FULL marathon. I’ve done a few half-marathons, but a full–YIKES.

    I figured if I have a big goal at the very start of this mega surgery, my recovery will be better. The emotional and physical junk that follow a full hysterectomy can be a little…intense, so if I have an emotional and physical goal to work toward, it’ll help.

    Of course I have to challenge you guys, too, by asking this:

    Will you run with me?

    Let’s do this together. Couch to marathon. Or Couch to half-marathon. Who’s in? You could live ANYWHERE and do this along with me. Start looking for a race in September or October in your area. I’m aiming for September. Haven’t chosen my race yet, but while I’m laid up, I’ll have LOTs of time to search them out.

    Then, together, we’ll train. Checking in on Twitter, Facebook, blogging. We’ll do this together. We’ll get fit. Push ourselves. Be stronger!!

    I’ve never done a marathon before, and I’m a little scared, but I’m going to try. I’d love to have you along for the adventure. So, if you’re in, email me: LynnRush (at) lynnrush.com and we’ll do this together!

  • Let’s Go Already….


    This past weekend I went running with my sweet dog, Maddux. I couldn’t resist this picture:

    He’s like “Hurry up, Mom. Let’s go already!!”

    I just had to post this picture for ya. Maddux has run with me 2-3 times per week for years!!!

    Such a faithful buddy. Unconditionally there 24/7.

    Got to love dogs!

    ~~~~

    How ’bout you? Are you a pet person? I’d love to hear your pet stories!!!

  • The Arizona Pain Train


    Cancer entered our lives on November 26th, 2010 when my mother in law, Lynn, for whom I’m named after, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. Two surgeries and one round of chemo later she died–October 24th, 2011. She was such an inspiration to me, hence my taking her name as my pen name.

    Within a month after Lynn died, my dear friend Sandy, was diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer. Two rounds of chemo and one round of radiation later, she’s holding on strong. Such a pillar of faith.

    Enter the third time cancer touched my life. My step-mom. Penny has been a part of my family for over sixteen years. She loves my dad with all her heart and helped him step into his faith. She was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma on May 10th, 2012. She was all set to do the Ragbrai ride across Iowa starting July 21st, 2012. That’s about 480 miles across the state of Iowa. But the cancer has left her partially immobile. So…I’m taking her place! I’m going to do the ride for her, and we’re going to raise a TON of money for cancer research and treatment.

    Enter American Cancer Society. They’re one of the most reputable organization to help with cancer research and treatment. So, dig deep into your pockets my friends.

    Doesn’t matter how big or little the gift. EVERY PENNY COUNTS! I dedicate this ride to all those who have cancer and are facing an up-hill battle. But to you, Lynn, Penny, and Sandy, this is for you!

    I’m so excited to do this, yet terrified. I’m not a camper, and each night we’ll be tent-camping.

    Any hints?????

    ~~~~~

    CLICK HERE for our American Cancer Society Page. CLICK HERE for our Facebook Page

  • #CancerSucks


    Cancer has touched my life yet again. As you might know if you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, my mother-in-law passed away October 24th, 2011 from cancer. Her name was Lynn…and I’m her namesake.

    Now, another one of my mothers has been stricken with cancer. B-Cell Lymphoma. Just diagnosed Thursday May 10th, 2012. Penny Mathieu, my dad’s wife of over fifteen years, has run 21 marathons. Climbed mountains such as Kilimanjaro, Rainer, Mt. Blanc. She’s spent her life promoting good health being a nurse in England for many years, then when she came to America with my dad, she worked for the Heart Institute in Minnesota for several years.

    And now cancer has rendered this active woman immobile due to some nerve damage to her spine from a tumor that was just discovered last Monday. Sure, now that some of the tumor was removed she might get some of her mobility back–but it’ll take time and much rehab. Add chemo on top of that…she’s got a mountain to climb.

    Thank goodness she’s climbed a few, huh? She knows she can do it. She’s in GREAT spirits. She’s a fighter.

    Only thing…she was scheduled to ride across Iowa in an annual event called RAGBRAI (CLICK HERE for a link to their site). She obviously can’t ride 480 miles across the state now…

    BUT I can!

    And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My hubby was already slated to do the ride with my dad and Penny…so, I’m stepping in for Penny. We’re going to make it a fund-raiser as well. So stay tuned for details.

    Please send up thoughts and prayers to Penny and my dad as they navigate the difficult road ahead of them. You guys ROCK!