Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Cholesterol, Sore Feet, and OUC

Cholesterol

Total: 172 (ok but up 20 points from last year)
HDL: 66 (very good since it is greater than 40 - up 11 pts from last year)
LDL: 68 (very good since it is less than 100 - but up 9 points)
Triglycerides: 188 (borderline high - down 2 points from last year)

Not sure how such small changes in the numbers gave me such a big leap in total. The total number is not bad - but I can't seem to get my triglycerides lower.

Factors: Being a runner could elevate TGs. Taking estrogen (birth control) can raise it. Having the right family genes (which I have) will also point to it being higher.

I am thinking I need to cut back on sweets and fats - maybe lose a couple of pounds - but no real worrisome numbers here. I just know that my brother, at age 39, had a heart attack with TG levels over 900! All the genes are on my mom's side: Mom, Uncle, Aunt, Grandmother (and brother) - all with heart disease. My physician has given me a clean bill of health per my last checkup.

Sore Feet

This week I am doing conference duty at the Orange County Convention center which translates into long hours and very sore feet and legs. I have managed 1 run this week on Tuesday of 5 miles but the hours have really made it hard to run (not to mention the sore feet). I am planning to run in the morning. One last 4 - 5 miler before the race on Saturday.

OUC
As you may know, on Saturday morning I will be running the OUC Half Marathon with my husband and running friend Maddy. Given my recent performance in running including a halfway point time during MCM of 2:29, I think I am well positioned for a half marathon PR without pushing it too hard. I think I can maintain an 11 min/mile pace which would have me finish in under 2:25. I may run it slower with my husband since he is coming back from a bout with tendonitis. We shall see. Like Maddy, I am excited the temps will be pretty good. Warm, but not too hot. Should be good tank top weather. Hope we get a breeze!

Big race weekend with Susan running St. Judes for our friend Elijah. Elijah went home from the hospital and on Saturday he celebrates his birthday. So we will be running for his birthday!!! :-) Shirley is also running a marathon on Sunday in Las Vegas. It is going to be an exciting weekend!

5 comments:

Susan said...

An exciting weekend indeed! I am pumped!

As for the numbers... my total cholesterol actually DECREASED when I was NOT marathon training. I attribute that to watching what I eat a bit closer while NOT training. I am guilty of over-indulging while training, since I figure I burn a zillion calories. Not good!

I am proud of you for staying on top of it.

Good luck with the half. I smell a PR for you!

ShirleyPerly said...

Yesterday while working down at T.S., I saw that the OUC course is different than last year (more like 2 years ago) but there's still some yucky brick to run on towards the end, unfortunately. Rest up those feet and legs as much as possible. Best of luck!!

Maddy said...

I'm looking forward to Saturday! I can't wait to see you! I have a feeling if the temps are cool, you will PR.

I picked up my packet today and was surprised that the course is different from last year (earlier this week the old course was posted on the website) - Although, crossing E. Colonial next to the mall and Target at the height of shopping season made no sense to me.

I think your cholesterol is fine.

I hope your run went well this morning. I'm thinking about 3 miles in the morning.

Maddy said...

I'm looking forward to Saturday! I can't wait to see you! I have a feeling if the temps are cool, you will PR.

I picked up my packet today and was surprised that the course is different from last year (earlier this week the old course was posted on the website) - Although, crossing E. Colonial next to the mall and Target at the height of shopping season made no sense to me.

I think your cholesterol is fine.

I hope your run went well this morning. I'm thinking about 3 miles in the morning.

Unknown said...

Kick ass in your half marathon!!!