There is Always a Way

[coffeeandmuscles]

Thursday, August 13, 2026

I tried to take a back photo, but they never turn out. So a halfsie works.

I think I need a lot more back muscles to see in a photo! Maybe in time ;)

[coffeeandmuscles]

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

A shit story (literal and metaphorical)

Monday evening, had a virtual visit thru my insurance company (with not my regular doc) for this ongoing diarrhea

Doc sent labs request to Quest Watervliet. Confirmed address and phone number with me.

Tuesday, called 866 Quest number (given by my doc) to confirm. Hold time 30 minutes.

Tried calling the local Quest Watervliet number I found online. Which is just the walk-in clinic number. No option to hold. Only option is voicemail (still waiting on that call back)

Tried Quest 866 again. Got a person! She put me on hold...but put me back into the main hold queue instead. Sigh

After 20 min, got another person!

Confirmed lab order was in their system, but could not make an appt with Quest Watervliet as "it must be privately owned". (it is under the hospital)

But confirmed lab order should be available at any location

I went to Watervliet walk-in clinic, where Quest lab was located

Lab closed at 3:30 (it was 3:38 and the website said they were open til 5pm)

Registration lady called the lab and had someone there give me a sample kit. Whew

Had fun at home the next day getting stool sample

The rule "do not contaminate stool with urine" really messed me up. I had to go, but then couldn't. Stressed me out!

After several attempts, finally got a sample around 1pm

Took sample to Quest Watervliet. Which starts with checking in at walk-in registration

They can't find my lab order

They have no suggestion for me as to what to do

I start to get emotional and leave

I drive 20 miles to Quest St. Joe.

They have my lab order!

The kit given to me from Quest Watervliet was the wrong one

I'd need to redo the sample

I told them to cancel the order

Nope. I am just going to wait this out. If it gets worse, I'll call my doctor, but for now....nope nope nope.

The doctor was not at fault, but ignorant to where she was sending the order. The issue with a non-local doctor. Lesson learned. *It was amusing to hear her trying to pronounce Watervliet.

Watervliet lab/clinic is a hot mess and while seemed to be helpful, they should have tried to look up my order the first day.

And the lab tech should have looked it up to make sure they gave me the right kit.

Quest St. Joe was actually really helpful and took steps to make sure it was the wrong one before telling me for certain. I could have gotten a proper kit and redone it, but I was so done and in tears by that time. *yeah I cry when I get frustrated

And after all that, I still had not had a proper poo. Was the (assumed) Cyclosporiasis done? Did I switch to constipation? Was it just the stress of trying to get a sample? Don't worry, I ended up having another bout of diarrhea around 111pm, so it lives on! But I do think it is slowing. I think....

Kids, avoid the lettuce. Cook all your veggies. Unless this isn't Cyclosporiasis and I have something else, but we won't know because all of the above!

[coffeeandmuscles]

W11D73 8/12 Wednesday 6 mile Base Run

I cut it a mile short and walked instead of ran, but I got some miles in!

And Lennix got a good little nap. After she finished all her raisins :)

I really appreciate that Lennix seems content just being in the stroller. She slept for maybe 45 minutes and the rest of the time she chills and enjoys the view. We don’t bring her pacifier and I rarely think to grab toys. Usually just a container of raisins and a beverage. I’ve never had an issue with her crying or wanting out.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Finally got in a little strength training. Nothing crazy, but would like to do a small amount more often, so beginning with that.

I'll most likely ....*checks the weather*....walk or run with Lennix later.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Hey I ran! And the new capri fit nicely ☺️

[coffeeandmuscles]

"I'd much rather have things I need to recover from than not"

The weekend was fantastic and I'm in recovery and catch up mode. I am way off track with marathon training. I am fine for now, but do need to get back to it soon.

The continuing diarrhea has been a big factor. On top of the being out of town and off schedule, I feel fatigued and unsteady, so running hasn't felt ideal. I did have a virtual doc visit yesterday and she ordered labs for me to get tested. Yesterday was day six of this diarrhea. If it is Cyclospora that has been going around, it could take weeks or months to sort itself out. If I test positive, I could get on antibiotics to get it taken care of faster. I'm dragging my heels on calling the lab and figuring out how to give a sample. I might wait a bit and see how it goes. I had some big issues yesterday late afternoon, but settled and the only thing I ate in the evening were some mashed potatoes and toast. I haven't had an issue since then. But of course, I can't just live on a BRAT type diet for too long. I just want a solid 💩!! Edit: I called the lab and was unable to get a person...I left a message...we shall see.

Ok, on to other things. Next adventure is this coming weekend! Seriously, my turn around times from adventure to recovery is going to be fast for the next few months.

I will be going to Marquette, MI with @griddlebandits to spectate the Marquette 50 race. My friend, Aly, will be riding along with us. The original plan was to crew/spectate Aly as she runs the 50 mile, but she has an injury she is dealing with and won't be running. She is going to volunteer instead. She knows two people running the 50k, one of them I have met before, so I can cheer them on.

It is going to be a fun trip. It is an 8+ hour drive up there, we stay two nights and come home on Sunday. Mel and I aren't signed up to volunteer, but we may just go wherever Aly is and help out if they let us. Or we will roam around the race and check out the sights in the area. Do whatever we want :)

Aly, Ian and I met on a google meet yesterday to go over details for the September "Pictured Rocks 220". Because of Aly's injury, this has turned into more of a fun camping/hiking adventure instead of them truly trying to do the full 220 miles of the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula. Ian is only going to come up for a few days. And Aly is going to do shorter sections of the trail each day. There are a few other people joining for different days. We are using it as more of practice for maybe next year. I'm still super excited for it. A week roaming around the U.P.? Yes, please!!

After this weekend, I will be in "get Aydan ready for college" mode. We have already gotten most of the things he needs, but we need to get him some more clothes. And figure out how to pack everything. Next week will be purely focused on that and then the following Monday, we take him to school! Back up to the U.P. :) I have a lot of trips to the U.P. this year. I'm not upset about that!

Upcoming Weekend Adventures: Marquette, MI with Mel and Aly Clive and I take Aydan to Houghton, MI Pictured Rocks 220 Run Woodstock Long Island visitors and Notre Dame game Hungerford with Melissa and Steve Abbey with Mel Tennessee trip with Stacey, Corinne, and Molly Broken Toe in Ohio Maine with Clive Tennessee to visit Stacey

And that gets us to December. I'm starting to plan 2027.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Clive took me out for my birthday dinner. I chose Hillside Indian Cuisine. They did not let me down. Again!

And this was Clive’s first time and he was very pleased.

We got the Garlic Chicken appetizer. So good!

Clive got the Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Naan. I definitely stole/shared some naan and dipped it in the sauce.

And I got the Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani. There is bone-on chicken thighs underneath the rice. It was all spot on. I have at least a portion or maybe two that I brought home as well.

I can’t wait for leftovers. 😍

We walked a bit at Celery Flats after dinner. The rain/thunderstorms had stopped and it was pleasant and peaceful.

Side note: @griddlebandits and I decided on getting a handful of Indian food to-go for our next abbey trip. We will pick it up on our way and eat it all weekend. We’ve gone from cooking a bunch of food to cooking zero. I’ll see if I miss the cooking because I’m super excited for the weekend of Hillside Indian food!

Sushi used to be my traditional birthday meal, but Indian might be my new one? We shall see, maybe they can take turns.

It was a perfect way to end the weekend. Dinner with Clive and catching up on all the things. And then singing 90s songs on the drive home! Turns out I still know all the words to Two Princes by Spin Doctors and he knows all the words to All I Really Want by Alanis Morissette 🤣

[coffeeandmuscles]

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Oscar's Summer Shenanigans

First order of business was to chase a cheese wheel down a hill. We chose to do this on a dune at the Van Buren State Park.

I wouldn't say it worked, but we had fun anyway! After it had to be picked up a couple times and rethrown, most of us just kept on running :)

The plan was to chase the wheel and then head to the festival in South Haven, but we had to enjoy the water first. And it was just so perfect that we enjoyed for a while.

I got sleepy enjoying the waves in the water and then laid in the sun for a bit. I looked out on all my people and felt very grateful that I have a number of friends all willing to have a sleepover and do ridiculous stuff together.

We keep our phones mostly put away and just focus on each other. Check in on how each other is doing and make plans for the future. Have random conversations about who knows what. Laughing at all the things.

Eventually we left the beach and went to the Quilt Show where Tracy was helping out. She also had several of her quilts on display.

It was pretty cool to see the different styles and designs. While we were there, Tracy gave us parking passes for her condo, which is downtown South Haven. That was MUCH appreciated because South Haven was a mad house for the Blueberry Festival.

We were able to park easily and have a very short walk over to the farmer's market. Which is the only thing we planned to do/see while in South Haven.

The farmer's market was packed with people and quite a few vendors. We didn't even try and stay together. We all just mosied through and met up later.

Vee and I both got an Acai Bowl. That was very tasty! And then I bought some Blueberries and Blueberry Butter from a vendor. Turns out that vendor is who provided the blueberries for my acai bowl.

We were all pretty spent after this, so back to the house we went. Oscar made some grilled cheese (yes, from the 5# cheese wheel). I didn't indulge since my stomach was already messed up. But, look at all that crispy cheese! (@breatherunlive, you will appreciate :) Except for the bacon lol)

And then we all made our way out to the lake. Since we had more people this time, we couldn't all be on the boat. Peyten ended up coming over with Javi, and we took the paddle boat out.

Jennifer brought a stand up board and a canoe, so those were taken out as well. And we just did some switching on and off. And at one point all met up to the anchored boat and swam for a bit.

I didn't go on it, but several people took turns riding the hot dog. Peyten and Javi got to enjoy for a while.

The weather was absolutely perfect. Hot enough to enjoy the cool water, but not blistering.

Eventually we all made our way back to the house. I got some dinner around. I had been marinating the chicken since Friday. The chicken was really good!

We had originally planned to do fajitas, but there was confusion as to what was actually at the house to use, so we just made non fajitas with my chicken ;) Which I don't think anyone minded! I had 7 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs, and there were just 3 small thighs left after we ate.

Aly made me some brownies and since she wasn't there on Friday, they sang happy birthday to me again. Zion helped me blow out the candles this time. She was more than happy to assist. She's 3 years old ;)

After all the food and cleanup, we took another walk down to the stop sign. We usually do some running together, but for some reason we just didn't this time. But these little 1 mile walks were nice :)

Jennifer and I were the only ones twinning!

We finished out the evening watching the last two UFC fights. Everyone slept a little bit better than the first night. I think a day out in the sun and running around gets you tired! I know my legs got a workout between the dune and all the peddling of the paddle boat.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Friday, August 7, 2026

The rest of the day....

The start of Oscar's Shenanigans; Summer Edition.

Matt and Vee were going to get to Oscar's around 4pm, so I met them there. We had a little hang out time and walk around the lake before more people showed up. Including Oscar, to open the house.

The evening was full with people showing up and everyone catching up with each other.

After we stuffed a grown, over 6 foot, man in a dryer, I helped Oscar cook some food. Burgers, hot dogs, and potatoes. We had some other snackies as well. Zero people went hungry.

Les had made Churro Bars and they put some candles on top and sang me happy birthday. They gave me a card with some money in it too! That will go toward my next race fee ;)

The weekend is not for my birthday, so nothing is expected. It was kind of them to do anything :)

We went for a walk down to the stop sign to add some stickers (ssh, don't tell).

And then to the public access spot to jump in the lake and cool off.

Unfortunately, Matt stepped on some glass only about 3 steps into the lake. He had to go back to the house, but he survived. And no amputation needed.

Saturday would be a full day, so we settled in for the night and went to bed not too late.

Only some people stayed the night. Oscar, Les (and Kona), me, Matt, Vee, Jennifer, Theo, and Veronica. Melissa, Barrett, Zion, and Tracy all went back to their homes. Saturday, a few more people showed up.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Friday, August 7, 2026

I started out the day being 47 with a new low weight. I sent that to Clive because he always sings "Damn, you're fine!" after 3-6-9 anywhere.... If you don't know the song, that is ok ;)

Most of that is water loss, but that is ok. I'm doing my best to keep up. Still having the "lettuce issue" 🙄. I also noticed this tank top that used to sit nicely closer to my hips, is now a bit long. Body changes and boob loss!

Clive presented me with my gift. A gift certificate to a spa. One of my favorite gifts 😍 It is both a spa and salon so I have ALL the choices. I am leaning towards a hot stone or deep tissue massage after my marathon. But a facial and a pedicure sound good too. I'll mull on it a while and see.

I also got a monetary gift from @findingmelissa (and Steve). I'm mulling over how to use that as well! No obligation spending is pretty great. I'm grateful 😊

I had a mostly quiet work day, so I didn't officially take the day off or anything. I went to Kalamazoo to putz around and get freebies.

I started with my favorite Tropical Smoothie drink - Detox Island Green. I get that every time and don't feel the need to try anything else. The free smoothie is one of the best values! ($8.79)

I got my 4.7 mile walk in, which I previously posted about. And then I grabbed a (very sad, but free) McChicken from McDonalds. Hold the lettuce and mayo and add pickles. I chose the "2" option, out of 0, 1, or 2....I did not know that would be a literal 2. Really, 1-1/2...🤦‍♀️. Apparently the only way to get more is to order it not through the app. Anyway, I got the side of BBQ sauce and enjoyed it for what it is. ($1.59)

I had a couple work things to do by this time, so I went and sat at Starbucks with my laptop. And yes, got my free drink. Went Venti size, because why not! Mocha Frappuccino with coconut milk and no whip. ($6.63)

Peyten was in town for a morning appt and an afternoon nail appt, so she stopped by and said hello and got a drink as well. As we were both leaving, she yelled across the parking lot "I love you!!!" Love that girl 🥰

I was almost ready to head back home at this point, but went ahead and made a quick stop into Kohl's just to see if anything caught my eye. I snagged some (clearance) capri running pants. The only running clothing items that I am low on. (orig $26.49; pd $9.26)

I made one more stop at Fresh Thyme for a few items I needed to make my chicken marinade, but then went home to shower, marinate chicken, and get ready for Oscar's Shenanigans.

I had more birthday freebies I could have gotten. And may still...some aren't just for the day of. So, I'll see what else I can take advantage of. I was pleased with what I got so far! This has been a fun tradition the last couple years.

I had quite a few birthday messages throughout the day. I definitely felt loved! 🥳🥰

[coffeeandmuscles]

Friday, August 7, 2026

4.7 for turning 47 😊

And a tour of all the pretty things along the way 😍

I didn't even plan having an even number of colors for the pics!

[snapthistiger]

Happy Birthday 🎁🎂 @coffeeandmuscles

[coffeeandmuscles]

Ha ha great memory! 🦾🥰

Thanks, Snap 🤗

[coffeeandmuscles]

Thursday, August 6, 2026

I got my new Terignota shorts. I like them a lot!

All the storage is in the waist. It works pretty well.

Still having stomach issues so I walked and stayed close to home.

I finally got registered for the GR marathon that I’ve been training for.

I also committed to helping sweep at Run Woodstock. Les planned to sweep so I signed up with her. We will have fun doing that together.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Just minding my own business, working from the couch...and...well, hello friend!

He/she is outside now.

[coffeeandmuscles]

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

I got a call from Peyten Tuesday night "we have no food in the house!" A slight exaggeration 😉, but I hadn't gone shopping since before Badger. Before my trips, I always tell people to let me know what they need, but I don't think they ever think far enough in the future.

So, I used my Lennix time to run the errands. I had diarrhea all day, so stroller time didn't sound ideal anyway. And Nox joined us shopping in case I needed to run to the bathroom. Luckily, I held steady anyway.

*I had lettuce on a Subway sandwich on Monday. I blame being mentally compromised from fatigue! 😭

Anyway, we made the rounds. Costco, Aldi, Meijer. Lennix seemed to enjoy herself and gave me zero issues.

Back at home, I did a little meal prep while Lennix ran around the house. I had bought a Costco chicken as I tend to do. $4.99 for the cooked bird. I shredded it up and added some taco seasoning. Over 3 pounds of yield! I stopped buying raw ones to roast myself because you can't beat that value.

I also made some pasta with vodka sauce, rice and some veggies. I forgot to buy fresh veggies, so I'll need to get that next time. Lima beans and corn was just what I had in my freezer.

I have a few other things I'll need to cook for meal prep, but this was a good start.

[coffeeandmuscles]

July Books

I'm currently reading 4 books and somehow didn't manage to finish any of them before the end of the month! So, only two books in July. The list should be a bit longer in August since I'm through a good chunk of the 4 books already.

Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was an interesting one. A few different aspects and points of view. A lot of "what would you do in this moment" type of scenarios. I enjoyed it. [Fiction] (digital read)

I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a book I randomly grabbed from Libby as I need an audio book for a run. I laughed out loud several times (which is rare for me). The book didn't have a big profound "this is what life should be about", but had more interspersed small profound nuggets. I very much enjoyed. [Fiction] (listened)

Star Ratings: 1 = Did not like, but somehow made my way through it. 2 = Did not like it but give it some credit for some aspect. 3 = It was just ok. Read at your own risk. 4 = Really enjoyed it and would recommend but wouldn't read it again. 5 = Really loved it and would read it again. I want all my friends to read it. 

[coffeeandmuscles]

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

I got some sleep! After 3 nights of getting not a lot each night, I was so very ready to have a solid night of sleep.

Friday night I slept in my truck (it looks like I got a smidge more than I thought I did) . Saturday night I slept in Oscar's Jeep. And Sunday night I was in my bed, but only for 4 hours. It was a tease!

When we got back from Cedar Point, I took a shower and crawled into bed. Clive gave me a back massage (so grateful for him) and then I just rolled over and went straight to sleep. I didn't even wake up to pee! I remember waking up at 7:12am and looking at my watch and going right back to sleep. I woke up to my 8am alarm. Not sure how long I would have slept if I didn't have the alarm set 🙃