Our Engagement Story

It all started with the flu. Seriously, we were due to take the ferry out to Catalina Island on Monday, Feb 13, and unbeknownst to me, give Bo the opportunity to set up the most memorable experience of our lives. When Bo got the 24-hr bug, most likely from me, we decided to slide our trip by a day.

Tuesday was Valentines Day, Bo was feeling better, so we got up early and headed to Dana Point, CA to depart on the Catalina Express. Due to the poor weather the previous day, our ride over was more like an hour roller coaster ride. It was incredibly fun. We arrived at the island around 11, and checked in early to our suite…the Catalina Suite…at the Catalina Island Inn. This room was amazing; we had the only room that had a balcony. After checking in, we decided to get some lunch and then hit the arcade for a skee ball competition and for Bo to ‘win’ a Chinese finger trap. We made reservations for dinner at the Steakhouse and while walking around the island I decided we had to attend that evenings ghost walking tour. After spending an hour skipping rocks at the beach club, we went to get ready for dinner. Bo this entire time, is racking his brain on how to propose because he wanted to do it on Valentine’s Day but the day was cut short and coming to an end. We went and had an amazing dinner at Steve’s Steakhouse. Bo said the blessing before dinner, and while he was talking to God he got me giggling. “Lord, thank you for the miracle of healing my sickness quickly so we could get out here. Ooo-Rah.” I about lost it. After saying, ‘amen,’ I looked at him and said, ‘Did you seriously, just Ooo-Rah Jesus, Marine?’ Priceless. I love this man. After dinner, we ran back to the room to change and then headed out for the ghost walk.

During the ghost walk, we stopped in front of our hotel and heard the story of 2 lovers who were engaged that were still walking the halls of our hotel looking for each other. This story would have been the perfect time for Bo to ask, but who brings an engagement ring on a ghost tour? So we moved on to a dessert bar, and went back to our room. In Bo’s mind, he was thinking, if he didn’t ask now at 11pm, I would probably be pissed that I didn’t get a Valentine’s gift. For the record, that is not what I was thinking at all. I was under the impression the trip to Catalina was my Valentine’s Day gift.

So, once back at the suite, Bo told me to turn around and close my eyes. When I opened them, he was standing behind me and was holding the ring box open in front of me. About a million emotions hit me at once. I gasped and asked him, “What is that?!”, all the while beginning to cry and process what is going on. Bo began to slowly go down on one knee, which I immediately tried to help him because he has a very bad knee injury, and got down on the floor with him. He was laughing and trying to talk to me when I blurted out, “Well aren’t you going to ask?!” He said, “Oh yea, will you marry me!?” I started crying again, saying “Oh my god!” and he asked me, “Well aren’t you going to answer.” We started laughing as I said, ‘Yes!’ Then I asked, if he had my Dad’s approval. Which he said he called both my mom and dad, as well as my future in-laws and bro-in law.

I spent the next hour calling my mom and dad. I text/called my brother, sister, and close friends with a picture. I sent one of my best friends who is deployed an email and spend the early morning talking to her, and thankful she was able to share the moment with us. Love you, Cassie! I barely slept that night as I was trying to communicate with the entire awake world. We spent the beginning of our engaged life zip lining in the early morning. We concluded our trip to Catalina at lover’s cove (you can’t make this up) where we promised to each other exactly why we loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. It was a beautiful morning that I will never forget.

My ring is one of a kind. Bo has been working on the design himself for 6 months! It a collaboration of some things I have shown him and his own thoughts. I cannot stop looking at it and see his love for me. It is the perfect blend of my Celtic heritage and simple elegance. The rest of the trip to Catalina and San Diego was a whirlwind of love and excitement.

As for the ceremony, we are keeping all details in private for the time being, but we are planning to have the Wedding in early May 2013 in the Outer Banks of NC with our closest family and friends. I will still be deploying and will not be back in the US until late September. We’re hoping most of the details will be out by then. We love you all and thanks for reading our wonderful story.

My first 2 workout day of the 2012

Yesterday HURT, but in a very good way. I'm so excited about getting back into race shape!!! After having my follow-up appointment with my EP a week after surgery, I was cleared to start exercising slowly. I was having quite a bit of pain right after the surgery and at the follow up it was determined that I had pretty decent sized (golf ball) hematoma in my right hip area. Which made standing, sitting, moving, coughing, laughing, sneezing, Tater jumping on me, and laying on my side hurt. I was pretty pathetic. But with lots of support from my family/friends and amazing boyfriend, Bo, I was able to get around just fine. It took about 2 weeks after the surgery for the hematoma to go away to the point I could exercise.

My first run was about 20-25 mins long on the beach in Chincoteague, VA. I LOVE running on the beach. It was actually Bo's idea. If I hadn't been so uncomfortable (in my hip), I could have run forever. I was genuinely happy and feeling like God gave me a new start. And in a way He did. Since that first run, I have worked with weights, calisthenics, and running. I was able to run with my little sister Casey over the New Years weekend. Yesterday, I accomplished my first 2-workout day of the new year and post surgery. It was tough but I couldn't help thinking each step/stroke (I ran and swam), how blessed I was to even be in the water and pounding the pavement on the Mt Vernon Trail. I was able to swim a mile (1600m) and I felt like a I was fighting the water the entire way until the last 300m. It was frustrating but I enjoyed being in the pool again. Tater (my bully basset), a friend, and I went running on the Mt Vernon trail yesterday afternoon. It was COLD!!!! We all did 25min and Tater and I did an extra 10 to get home. It felt great!

It's going to take more effort than I thought to get my heart back in shape. I mean, for the last 29+ years it has been working at a dysfunctional 'normal'. And now it is starting from a new 'normal' rhythm. While working out, I'll go from a heart rate of 80bpm to 200bpm in just a min or two. It's used to compensating for the AVNRT that it's trying to figure out what to do now. If there is anyone out there that has suggestions on what to do please let me know!

I have a final follow up next Monday. I'm still leaving for a deployment this spring and I'll be leaving for training in a couple months. Thanks for keeping up with me and I hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

Road to Recovery

Huge answer to prayer!

Well the electro physiology study was conducted yesterday. The procedure was long and rough. I was on the table for 4 hours with an additional recovery of 4 hours in the cardiology center. They found out what has been causing my heart problems for the past few years and were able to fix it! I have (had!) Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT)

Here enters wikipedia:

AVNRT occurs when a reentry circuit forms within or just next to the atrioventricular node. The circuit usually involves two anatomical pathways: the fast pathway and the slow pathway, which are both in the right atrium. The slow pathway (which is usually targeted for ablation) is located inferiorly and slightly posterior to the AV node, often following the anterior margin of the coronary sinus. The fast pathway is usually located just superior and posterior to the AV node. These pathways are formed from tissue that behaves very much like the AV node, and some authors regard them as part of the AV node.

So, during the study, the EP Cardiologist used catheters to put my heart in distress (increasing and decreasing my heart rate) to 'recreate' what happened when I passed out running and when I feel my heart skip a beat. She was able to recreate it and find the nerve that is messing up the electric circuitry and ablate (freeze) it. Then she tried to recreate the issue again and my heart acted normally (yay!) and concluded that the ablation did fix the problem. Only time will tell if AVNRT is the only problem I had; but we believe and hope so. There is also always a chance that the nerves that were ablated can grow back, but not for a while, if ever.

Recovery is going to take some time. Yesterday was miserable, and the car ride home was worse. I am on some heavy drugs to manage the pain I'm feeling. I am on bed rest for 2 days and then have a follow up appointment early next week with the EP. As long as I don't have any complications (swelling, fever, etc) and I follow the rules to get back to normal I should be fine by Christmas.

I can't begin to explain to you how happy and relieved I am. Having something wrong with you that you can feel but not physically show is frustrating. I know a lot of people doubted that anything was wrong with me and I even started to believe (when I wasn't having symptoms) that this was somewhat in my head. And to know that the issue is fixed...I'm just so thankful to God that I can go back to my life.

Thank you everyone for all your support, love, care, and concern. I have definitely felt every thought, prayer, and well wish.

I will post once again after my follow-up and then hopefully go back to my normal, crazy triathlon training blog. I love you all and Happy Holidays!

Date is set

There is nothing too new to report other than the date has been set for the procedure.

December 14th, I will be having an Electro Physiology Study done as well as get an implanted loop monitor called an ICM (internal cardiac monitor). The EP study is accomplished while I am awake by taking a catheter and stimulating my heart to 'recreate' what happened in October. If the Dr is able to figure out what the problem is, and it's fixable, they can correct it on the spot. If the study is normal (or even if it's not) I'll get the ICM implanted soon there after. I seriously hope I'm not awake for that! EP Studies are sometimes outpatient but depending on what I done I could be kept overnight for observation. I am very nervous and scared but ready to figure out what is going on.

Mom is coming into town to drive me to and from the hospital. Bo was able to change his flight to be there when I'm in recovery. I'm so thankful for everyones thoughts, prayers and well wishes. Hopefully this is an easy fix.

So far my deployment for March is still on the table even with the device in my chest. I'll give updates on that as the time gets closer.

Progress but no answers just yet...

Yesterday, I went to the medical center to see yet another cardiologist, as well as an Electro Physiologist (EP). I felt better much after talking to them, than I have thus far in this fickle process. After re-sharing my medical history and any pertenient family medical history, I was educated by the EP about what the next steps are.
I have to wear a heart monitor for a week or two. It's basically a small cell phone with wires that will record my heart beat and hopefully pick up any abnormal arrythmias that might give us a clue as to what is going on with me. I'll be traveling a bit in the next week so I am unable to carry it on-to the airplance because of how sketchy it could look in a carry-on baggage or with me wearing it.
If the heart monitor does pick up some abnormalities, there is a slight chance that we can 'fix' the issue without having an EP study done (the procedure mentioned last blog). If it doesn't or maybe if it does I'll have the EP study done, hopefully, before Christmas.
There is another chance, if the EP study does not allow us to correct whatever issue I might have, that I will have to have a diagnostic device inserted into my chest (for what could be up to 3 years) to monitor my heart beat. This device called an ICM (Insertable Cardiac Monitor) is the size of a thumb drive and would be placed about where a pacemaker would go. Supposedly it's not a big deal and I can even deploy with one.
As of now my deployment for early spring is still on the books. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as we hope that my arrythmia is able to be recorded, thus speeding up the diagnosis and and getting this taken care of.

I was very happy that I was able to lead PT today, although I had to stop in the middle of my class and watch because I became extremely dizzy. I was able to rejoin. It's small steps but it's good to be able to do something to exercise. I am still unable to drive and do too much working out which is driving me crazy and really stressing me out.

Thank you everyone for your care and concern. Hopefully this is just a minor speed bump that will be gone for good very soon.

The one thing a triathlete never wants to hear...

No strenuous exercise, no driving, no stress; until we figure out what's wrong. I'm terrified, I really can't find any other word to describe it. About 2 years ago, I noticed that I occasionally had heart palpatations. I was worried so I went to my doctor and a cardiologist and was told they were normal and probably more pronounced in me because I put alot of strain on my heart as an endurance athlete. It was something I would have to, 'live with.' I had one incident in those 2 years where I had to stop a race. It was my first half-iron distance triathlon. While I was on the bike my heart was going crazy 'skipping beats.' Luckily, my mom, who is a Nurse Praticioner and also has heart issues, recognized the symptoms right away and convinced me I needed to stop the race. I was devastated. I was able to do a half-iron 2 months later with no heart trouble, so we assumed it was an isolated incident.
About a month ago, I was in training for work in Montgomery, Alabama. I had been training for the Marine Corps Marathon. On Tuesday, I had run 18 miles for training. On Friday, my class had to do a PT challenge that consisted of 1 min of push ups, 1 min of sit ups and a 5k run. I was pretty excited about it because I was sure I would do well. I did 60 pushups, 55 sit ups and started out on the run. The day was gorgeous, I had made sure to hydrate and was ready to do well. A mile into the run my heart started palpating (skipping beats) and I was a bit concerned so after the second palpation I decided to slow down. As I was slowing down and moving to the grassy area I passed out. I remember falling and hitting the ground. The rest was a whirlwind. I went to the clinic where I had an EKG (normal results). The PA that saw me believed that I possible have more of an 'electrical' issue than a 'structural' issue.
Flashforward to this past week. I went to my Dr at work and he referred me to the Cardiologist. The Cardiologist spent 2.5 hours with me yesterday going over my entire history, doing an EKG and other procedures. I am being sent to an Electo Physiologist at Bethesda Walter Reed Medical Center next Tuesday to start a new course of action. Which could include a minimal invasive procedure on my heart that could correct my issue for life! I'll post when I know what is going on.
The bottom line is I'm OK and I will be OK. I'm very shaken and rattled. It's a frightening thing when you hit the ground without any control at all. I'm devestated that I cannot run or do triathlons at the moment. I've been instructed that if I can't talk while I'm exercising then I can do it. If anyone knows how to talk while swimming let me know!

One, Two, Three...Break!

Quick recap of March and April Races:

March 19th- Shamrock 8k. I really wanted to do the half-marathon, but it was sold out. I ran this race with my 'bro-in-law' Brian. We didn't do too badly. 48 mins. Especially considering we walked and trotted the first 3-4 mins because of all the slow runners and walkers in front of us. Seriously people, just because you want to run a 9:00/mi pace doesn't mean you are capable and should post that on your entry. I think if you want to be in the 1st or 2nd corral you need to have posted a qualifing time for a 5k race in the last 6 months. My opinion. Regardless, The Shamrock is the race Virginia Beach is best know for. Where else can you cross the finish line and are handed a Yuengling and a hot bowl of Irish Stew?! Recommendation: make friends with the beer-tenders and you can easily get more than your allotted 3. Just make sure you have a driver (Thanks Dad!) :O) After our race was over, Lerici and Brian's son did the Operation Smile Final Mile. This is such a neat idea. Trevor is 6 years old and he had to run 25.2 miles on his own time (and at school) leading up to the race. He then got to run the final mile of the actual Shamrock Marathon to help raise money for the charity. He did VERY well (8 or 9 min mile!) GO TREVOR!

April 10th- Flying Pirate Half-Marathon in OBX, NC. My friend Cassie and I were so excited about this race. Granted, we didn't train as hard as we could have, but we were ready to have tons of fun pushing her almost 1 year old daughter along the course. We had our pink and black outfits set, a pink 'Pirate Princess flag' for the baby jogger, the baby had a pink pacifier with a black skull and crossbones on it, and pink arm warmers. When we arrived in OBX, we went straight to registration and check in, it was at this moment our spirits were crushed! We were informed that no joggers were allowed on the course! After going back and forth about what to do, we decided to map our own course, stopping midway to get our swag at the finish line, and call it a day. Instead of running 13.1 we clocked in at 14.5 (14.75 if you count the walk back to the cabin to get the truck. Pretty impressive. Even though we were upset that they didn't let us run (evidently we missed that on the website), the staff of the Flying Pirate were pretty cool in still letting us get all the 'finishers' swag. I highly recommend this race and will most likely do it again someday!


And here's the break. I decided to sign up for the Kinetic Sprint about a month or two ago with 2 guys from work. I was getting very excited about this sprint much like the one eariler this year in San Diego. I was hoping for a PR. Well flash forward (backward?) to this past Wednesday and again my hopes were shattered...quite literally. I had the opportunity to be at home midday for lunch and I decided to take Tater for a quick 30min run, as we have done time and time again. About a min and a half into running, something happened. I really don't know the exact cause because it happened so fast. I was running and then I was on the ground face first with Tater attempting to sprint off with the leash. Now everyone that knows Tater, knows she is a bit skiddish. I truthfully don't know if I tripped and scared her, causing the fall. Or if she tripped me and pulled me down when she freaked out. Either way I ended up with 2 skinned knees, a skinned shoulder, skinned palms, and a fractured and jammed finger. I tell you I can't win.

By the time Sunday rolled around, I was still in alot of pain. My left knee was looking infected and I could barely move it. Against what my heart was telling me, I had to listen to my brain and withdraw. It was a gorgeous race day and my co-workers did great on their first triathlon. I guess you can say I was coach for a day. And even with the disappointment of not racing, I enjoyed being 'coach.' So maybe this was good for me to see that I would be a good trainer someday.

It's now Monday, and just like every post race day, I am onthe internet searching for the next perfect event. I'm also trying to cut some inches/weight so I'm in full Herbalife mode. I'm a Herbalife distrubitor and I LOVE their products. It has helped me cut weight in the past to get ready for race (and bikini) season. If you want a line of products that are easy to use and nutritional...just talk to me or check out my site at www.shopherbalife.com/frenchie