Climber's Lung

There is something I didn't mention yesterday: Climber's Lung

I believe there is something like this for mountain climbers with real and lasting results. Luckily the version that I and 650 of my closest friends have it temporary.

Our lungs are inflamed from the amount of dust we sucked in during the climb. It's causing anything from basic irritation to a hacking cough for me. I have cough syrup at home that is supposed to last 12 hours, but I think it just ran out about a half hour ago - I can't stop coughing.

The upside to having this problem is that it reminds me of why I climbed. Yes, I wanted to meet another fitness goal. But it was really about raising money for people who live like this and worse every day. Can you imagine always having a cough? Or having your lungs burn? Or not being able to catch your breath? I'm glad to say that I was a little part of making that better for some people yesterday and it's worth all of the expectorating in the world.

So, what's the answer? I am going to workout at Fitness World West of course!

Yours in fitness, Kate

801 Grand Power Climb!

I trained hard for this. My body was ready, but I was nervous. That 41 story building looked pretty daunting the other night. Then I realized my real anxiety was coming from the fact that I have been so public about this event. I feared failing and having to go on the air in the morning and say I couldn't do it.

My fear has been vanquished and my task completed - I climbed the 801 Grand! And in the time I wanted!!!!!! When I saw that, I thought it was a typo - I have checked twice it hasn't changed. My brother Gordon and sister-in-law Annette did the climb as well and they both finished too!

Here's the play-by-play for my climb:
>Started off at 9:11:15 a.m.
>Flew like I was on fire up the first three levels.
>Realized I was crazy and sustaining that would happen for maybe another floor.
>Slowed myself down and ran two more floors.
>Jogged next 3 floors.
>Arrived at 8th floor shocked that I still had wits enough to change song on mp3 player.
>10th floor - When did I let someone pour gasoline down my throat and light a match?
>15th floor - Hey, don't the kids get off on the 18th? Water, YES! Maybe I can put out aforementioned fire.
>18th floor - Damn open door looks far too tempting. Nope would have to concoct cramping story and far too prideful to let that happen.
>30th floor - Dear god, I have been in this stairwell forever. Oh, thank you lord Nickelback has just come on mp3 player, perhaps throbbing beat will help.
>35th floor - Cheering section is so good they should rent themselves out, I feel a slight tug of energy.
>38th floor - Did that stair just do the wave? And the next one? Wait, depth perception is going. No more mentally jamming with Chad Kroeger, must focus on steps.
>41st floor - How the hell did I get here? Oh right, I climbed. Where's a wall to hold me up?
>Top of 801 Grand - Water, towel, desperate attempts to breathe. I did it. Whoo-hoo. Can someone page a fireman to put out the flames in my lungs? Seriously, it's an issue.
>Meet Lori - Did you see, what was my time? "Uh, I think about 14 something?" I am a bit crushed and tell her I hope it was more like 13. Time to find my brother.
>Time passes - I find my brother and Lori notes that results from other people who finished around me are being perused. I head to the window to look.
>The results - I am looking for my name between 13 and 14, but not finding it. I think, maybe 12-something and look there. Hmmm, maybe I am not on the list yet. Lori, "Hey, there you are! And you did good." She points and I follow the line...

9:57!!!

I did it, I met my original goal of 10 minutes. I don't normally get that excited and squeal, but dang it, I was really happy. Despite feeling like I was going to suffocate, I had stayed on my training pace, sort of, and did it. I actually feel more accomplished now then I did after the 5K in October.

I know I normally post a story from somebody else that inspires me on Sunday, but today, I inspire me. And that amazes me even more than finishing the 801 Grand Power Climb.

Yours in fitness, Kate

Lazy Saturday

I slept in this morning. I haven't done that in weeks. I didn't crawl out of bed until 7:30. Then I grabbed my high-protein cereal and plunked down in front of the computer. I have now caught up on e-mail.

Lori made me a cup of coffee and I decided to punch out a blog. I was debating what to write about today and then I remembered our drive home last night from a new restaurant in the East Village - Alba. The food was very nice.

We were driving through downtown and for the first time in a long time, I noticed the 801 Grand building. Being it was night it was lit beautifully and created an impressive sight in the sky. And then I became nervous about tomorrow.

The words '41 floors' were daunting on their own, but a bit abstract. Having bothered to look straight up the building last night I realized fully what I have put before myself. 630 feet straight up, one stair at a time.

That said, I will do it. I will climb Iowa's only would be mountain and I will do it without keeling over. I have trained for this and I am ready. I am looking forward to the challenge. I will try to blog tomorrow afternoon with the results.

In the mean time I am headed to Fitness World West. I am going to do some cardio and a lot of upper body. The legs are getting a day off for the most part to be ready for tomorrow.

Wish me luck!

Yours in fitness, Kate

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

I told you a couple of weeks ago about the article being written about the 801 Grand Power Climb. They were interested in my weight loss, so chance was I would be featured. Their photo editor Art even took my picture as I sweated at the gym. (The angle is horrible because there was no good way to shoot it, so my nose looks huge, but whatever.)

Well, the issue hit stands late today. It features a great article by Cara Hall.

I am a little well, I'm not entirely sure of words and I am never at a loss.

Seeing in writing, in a magazine, what I have done so far is just a bit overwhelming. And so is realizing that anyone who didn't know before can now find the truth with little effort. I do not lie to people, but it's not really something I announce when I meet new people. Often I simply cover how much I enjoy working out and how 'no' I wouldn't like half that croissant, because I watch what I eat.

It is a little daunting to know that everyone can know just how much I let myself go. I am a bit concerned people may look at me differently. (Yes, especially guys. I am just getting back in rotation, I don't want to scare anyone. "Wow, she could get really fat...")

On the other hand, I am proud of who I am today. I have worked hard to get here and I will not go back. And if reading that story can help one other person make the decision to make a lifestyle change, then any fleeting embarrassment I may have is worth it. Besides, if I have to out myself, at least it's in a well-written article.

So go ahead - read all about it!

Yours in fitness, Kate

Pictures of Me - Part 3

I don't have them to show you - yet. But yesterday I did indeed have my pictures taken by Arturo Fernandez, the photo editor at Juice. Possibly one will appear in Juice next Wednesday as we encourage last minute registration for the 801 Grand Power Climb.

He took pics of me on the stair-climber at Fitness World West. I commented to Art that I could appreciate what models go through on some of their shoots. I spent 20 straight minutes marching those stairs - basically climbing to the 801 Grand twice. I'm not complaining, it's good for me.

I can't stress how surreal it is that anyone would want to take my picture. I didn't even want to take my picture until recently. When the magazine hits stands next Wednesday I will put up a link - for more pictures of me.

Yours in fitness, Kate

801 Grand Power Climb Update

I am still in training for the Power Climb. It is February 24. You need to sign-up by February 15th. Or you can contribute to my fundraising for the American Lung Association HERE.

I joined the committee to help with the publicity for the event. Now I have ended up doing an interview for Juice magazine with Cara Hall. (She was kind enough to feature me on her blog yesterday, so check hers out now.)

Tomorrow their photo editor Art will be coming to Fitness World West to shoot my picture. It's not exactly what I expected, but it's appreciated because I will do anything for the cause.

So, please consider helping out. You can climb, volunteer or donate. The bonus for the ladies is: The teams of firefighters that are coming to compete for the traveling trophy. Nice. :)

Yours in fitness, Kate

Cookies - Day 3

I will give you the healthier cookie of the day in a moment but first...

Hi, how are you?

I am good, I have been busy working and working out. The two things came gracefully together yesterday as I met with the ladies from the 801 Power Climb. I have mentioned it before, it is my next fitness goal, it happens February 24th. Trainer Traci at Fitness World West keeps that in mind when she is planning my workouts. That's one of the awesome things about FWW, no two people's goals are the same, but they can accommodate everyone.

As for 801 Power Climb it is going to be a ton of fun. Now, I admit most people don't think of scaling 41 flights of stairs as a whole lot of fun and almost 17 months ago, I would have been one of them. However, I am now ready for the challenge and am looking forward to helping the American Lung Association with this great fundraiser. But it's not just about raising funds, it's about raising awareness.

Medical science has moved forward by leaps and bounds in the last 100 years, yet people are still suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and other breathing related illnesses. From the smallest child to the oldest person, air quality effects our lives. We need to educate and protect everyone and that's where the American Lung Association comes in. If I can be a part of that in some small way, I am honored.

So, on Friday, look for a link here to my page at the 801 Power Climb. You will be able to donate to help me raise money for the ALA. Or, if you want to join me, you will be able to do that as well. If you want to sign-up as an individual now, follow the link above.

All right, from a good cause to a good cookie...

Cranberry – Honey Spice Pinwheel Cookies

No holiday season is complete without a red cookie of some kind. This recipe also addresses one of the biggest concerns most people have about healthier options – they think they are bland. All of the spices in this make it anything but bland and the cranberries give it a nice tang. I highly recommend Penzey’s Spices, by the way. They have a store in the Toys R’ Us plaza off 86th & University in Clive or you can find them online. But their spices (especially their cinnamon and vanilla extra) are simply more flavorful – IMO.

The bonus is, as they noted at Eating Well, you can make them ahead and bake them fresh when you need them. The house will smell amazing for your guests, no scented candle necessary.

Filling:
1 1/2 c - sweetened dried cranberries
1 c - cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed
1/2 c - honey
2 tsp - freshly grated orange zest
1/2 tsp - ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp - ground cardamom or allspice

Dough:
2 1/3 c - all-purpose flour
1 c - whole-wheat flour
1 1/4 tsp - baking powder
Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 tsp - baking soda
1/2 tsp - ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp - ground cardamom or allspice
1/3 c - canola oil
3 1/2 Tbsp - butter, melted and cooled
1 c - sugar
1/3 c - honey
2 - large eggs
3 Tbsp - low-fat milk, plus more as needed
2 1/2 tsp - freshly grated orange zest
2 tsp - vanilla extract
1/2 tsp - almond extract

To prepare filling:

Combine dried and fresh cranberries, honey, orange zest, cinnamon and cardamom (or allspice) in a medium (stainless steel, enamel-coated or glass) saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook, stirring, until the fresh cranberries burst and soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Transfer to a food processor and puree. If the mixture seems dry, stir in up to 2 teaspoons water. Transfer the mixture to a (stainless steel, enamel-coated or glass) container and refrigerate while preparing the dough.

To prepare dough:

Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and cardamom (or allspice) in a large bowl.

In another large bowl, combine oil, butter, sugar, honey, eggs, milk, orange zest, vanilla and almond extracts. Beat the wet ingredients with an electric mixer first on low speed, then on medium speed, until well combined.

Add half the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until evenly incorporated. If the mixture is too dry to hold together, stir in up to 1 tablespoon more milk.

Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 45 minutes to reduce its stickiness.

Next:

Turn the dough out onto a work surface and divide in half. Shape each half into a 6-inch-long log. Working with one log at a time, center it on a 16-inch-long sheet of baking parchment or wax paper. Cover with a second sheet. Press and then roll into a 12-by-15-inch rectangle of even thickness, inverting the dough occasionally to roll out any wrinkles and patching it to make the sides as even as possible. Transfer the dough, in the paper, to a baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining log of dough and transfer to the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the dough is slightly firm, about 15 minutes.

To prepare pinwheel rolls:

Place one sheet of dough on a work surface. Peel off the top sheet of paper. Spread half the reserved filling evenly over the dough (it will be a thin layer). Working from a 15-inch-long side, tightly roll up the dough jelly-roll style, leaving the bottom sheet of paper behind. While rolling, slightly stretch out the center to yield an evenly thick roll. Wrap the roll in a clean sheet of wax paper, twisting the ends to prevent unrolling.

Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the second piece of dough and place on the baking sheet. Freeze until firm, at least 3 to 4 hours.

To bake cookies:
Position racks in the upper third and center of the oven; preheat to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Working with one pinwheel roll at a time, trim the uneven ends. Cut the roll crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices using a large serrated knife; periodically turning the roll to maintain a relatively round cookie shape.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Bake the cookies until puffed and barely golden brown, 12 to 16 minutes, switching the pans back to front and top to middle halfway through baking.

Immediately transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Cut and bake the remaining pinwheel roll.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: (Makes about 90 cookies) Per cookie: 54 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 0 g fiber; 24 mg sodium.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate filling for up to 2 days. Tightly wrap pinwheel logs and freeze for up to 2 months. Do not defrost before slicing. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.

Enjoy!

Yours in health, Kate

The New Challenge

I recently had a call from Micki at the American Lung Association - Iowa Chapter. She had heard from my friend Leslie that I had lost a lot of weight. I said yes, 105 pounds. She was, as most people are, both impressed and flabbergasted. She also wanted to know my story, so I gave her the basics. That's when she mentioned why she had really called.

She thought I would be a great spokesperson for the 801 Power Climb. It's the annual event where walkers/runners/firefighters ascend all 41 floors of stairs at the 801 Grand building downtown. I had heard of the event, but was intrigued to learn more. She told me that everyone from kids and families to firefighters in full gear did the climb. One guy even did it in just over 4 minutes last year! (I really do have to find out how he did that because, come one, I can't even get the elevator to go that fast sometimes.)

Well, she had me interested. I agreed to pass the information on and maybe Lite 104.1 or even the Des Moines Radio Group would be interested in sponsoring it. (It's now in the capable hands of Chris and Scott in the promotions department to make that decision.)

Meanwhile the Saturday before my 5K I was at the wellness expo that was part of the race weekend and there was the American Lung booth. They had smartly placed themselves in the midst of some of the most fit people in Iowa. I met up with Donna from AL-Iowa there and she was bubbling with excitement that things were going well. That pretty much solidified it for me, the 801 Power Climb is my next goal.

When I said that, my brother Gordon who was my rock during the 5K, said he was in too. Now Casey and Annette are considering it as well. It looks like another family affair. And this time, not just for fitness sake, but for a great cause.

Learn more about how you can make this a goal for you as well by going HERE.

Micki and Donna have even given me a great visual motivator, a calendar of New Zealand firefighters. They are coming to compete against other firefighters from around the world. The calendar is very nice, if you would like to see what I mean, go HERE. Nothing naughty, just a little fun. My favorite is MacGregor. You can buy your own at that site, it's for a good cause - children's cancer.

Anyway, here's to climbing higher in my fitness on Sunday, February 24, 2008!

Yours in fitness, Kate