Whirlwind

I graduated to this –

The same day as this –

blowing snow, approx 18°

Short story: my knee is getting better. Much less pain, less frequently. I did “accidentally” test out my running inability when a staff member at work exploded into my office, saying “Kelly, there’s smoke up front. And water!” No time for questions. As I sprinted to the front desk, my knee reminded me it’s not ready for running. I sort of jump-hopped the remainder of the way. Spoiler: hot water was pouring out the front door from a heat pump thingy. It was below freezing for several days so this is common. Anyway, we cleaned up gallons of steaming water and I rested my knee.

Tis me. Credit: via IG

As I had already exhausted the traditional number of physical therapy appointments – turns out that number is 5 – then I was scheduled for some additional appointments and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon/practitioner. something about a different type of brace

On day 21, I submitted the final draft of my manuscript to the PhD gods who will hopefully provide feedback in the next 30 days, granting me just enough time to make the updates and resubmit to defend prior to 9 May. To pass the time, I’m making plans to convert my writing desk into a reading nook, determine how many activities I can plan during the summer, and actually reclaiming some time to get outside. Mark my words, I’ll be stir crazy in less than 32 hours. More coffee, please.

__________________

I ask you –

Any elliptical advice?

What’s the weather been like for you?

Tell me what silly word describes you best.

(The post Whirlwind first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Call Sign STUMPER, the finale

I refuse to politicize this post. However, I will say the firing of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is mentioned below, is a grave mistake. Democracy isn’t a popularity contest. I believe when someone works hard, takes care of others, and doesn’t allow politics to cloud their judgment, then they are worthy of the position appointed to them. The good ole’ boys club should be dead and gone. Instead, it continues to play out in a bunch of old white men who think they know best. I said it. And I’ll say it again for the ones in the back.

Previous post (original published in 2022) recaptured –

Allow me to share a story – it’s a long one. Have a seat.

In my (military, civilian, non-profit, etc) career(s), I haven’t had an opportunity to speak with anyone at the federal, national, even state level, to my knowledge. So when presented with such opportunity, I nicely jumped all over it. Some parts of this event were volun-told, but others were sheer chance alone. During a recent visit from the United States Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen CQ Brown, Jr., as hundreds of people crowded into an auditorium, I took my place about 5 rows from the front. Again, when would a visit from this official ever happen again? We were presented typical pre-speech information: don’t take selfies, turn your phone off, and (my favorite) here’s how to ask a question at the end. My friends and I made small talk, ahem, jokes. I regaled them with the story about the time I sang in front of the installation commander. Them: You can sing?! Me: Hahahaha no.

On time as always the General arrived. He is a wonderful speaker, a seemingly humble individual, and a strong leader. His slides were short and his humor spot on. In many ways, he reminded me of my current squadron commander. I truly hope one day he, too, will grace stages with an entourage of security detail and big picture awareness. Approximately 30 mins later, the big QA session began. My hand went up before the words were out of the moderator’s mouth. I stood, politely introduced myself, and asked the following question: “Sir, as you have a high impact, high visibility position, what perception do you think we, as civilians and Airmen, get wrong about what you do?” Silence. Deafening silence. Suddenly I became the recipient of wild looks and laughter. The General began to pace the stage in silence. Finally, he answered. His answer was a well-rounded approach to being a father, husband, and son. He struggles with the same things we do. He worries about his children, now adults themselves. He sits around at night and can’t believe he gets to do what he does. I thanked him for his time so others could ask their questions.

Fast forward to my office later – a conversation ensued between the Senior Leader and my supervisor. Cue the laughing. Unbeknownst to me, jokes of stumping the General were made on the surrey as he departed. I can only imagine my commander’s face. Kel, you need to stop speaking.

And that’s how I became known as STUMPER.

___________________________________

I ask you –

Thoughts on the call sign?

Have you ever been laughed at?

Share your wild stories!

(The post Call Sign STUMPER, the finale first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Accessorized

Check out my new accessories –

The nice medical people said if this brace doesn’t work, then they’ll make me very own. One-of-a-kind. Because I have skinny legs and none of their stuff fits me. Somehow it didn’t feel like a compliment.

See how my knee cap is sort of off to the side? Apparently it’s not supposed to look like that. Who knew.

Also, every time I use the tens unit thingy, I sing the Monster Mash…“get a jolt from my electrodes…”

Not pictured: my old lady, custom orthotic shoe inserts. They’re very attractive. All black. Fits my shoes.

But can I run yet?! No.

___________________

I ask you –

Have you ever had custom shoe inserts?

What about a custom knee brace?

Tell me the color of the shoes you are wearing as you read this. None.

(The post Accessorized first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Just keep swimming? typing?

By the time you read this, I will be bleary-eyed, rocking back and forth, with unwashed hair sticking out every which way.

Or, as I like to call it, almost finished with the final chapter of this manuscript. Remember that calculation from last week? Well, it doubled in about 48 hrs when I realized I slightly miscalculated the final date of the semester. By about 3 weeks. Aka the approval deadline moved closer to today’s date than originally planned.

Update: at 468 pages and nearly 115,000 words, I think I’m done. Now I need to make a carpal tunnel appointment. Parts said she would help me.

courtesy of Hobby Lobby and zero self control

So glad they sent me that email so I could panic properly.

This is fun.

———————–

I ask you –

Have you ever misjudged a timeline?

Do you prefer emails or texts?

Share your best coping mechanisms. My coffee pot probably wants to go on strike.

(The post Just keep swimming? typing? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Discipline + I’m getting old

Could it be once you hit my age (sub-40), you just can’t expect to run without any pain?

Since early November, I’ve not run, not played volleyball, worn a brace, diligently gone to PT and practiced the exercises, included strength training as a staple to my routine, and began an ice rolling regimen. What more can I do?!

Perhaps daily activities sans pain is unrealistic. Perhaps this is the new norm. Perhaps I didn’t take adequate care of myself in yesteryears so I’m paying for it now. Whatever it is.

As the pain persists, there is concern of an unrealized issue. Good thing I haven’t replaced all my permanent jewelry yet because more scans might be in the near future.

As for Strava (in the photo above), it’s really very difficult to adequately increase my fitness level at such a time as this. For instance, it takes approximately 10 days at an average of 6 hrs per day to finish a dissertation chapter. And how do I know this? Because I just spent approximately 60 hours with a discipline I never knew I had, diligently writing. And writing. And writing some more.

Fortunately, there’s only 1 chapter remaining and I have 18 days to complete it. Fitness will just have to wait, but I wasn’t betting I could run anyway.

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I ask you –

Is no pain actually normal?

How do I get to that point?

Tell me about a time your discipline surprised you!

(The post Discipline + I’m getting old first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

We did some things!

Seeing my sister win is a WIN! She deserves all the accolades and appreciation and awards. We’re so different, but we are a winning team! She thinks others don’t notice her hard work, I’m sure sometimes she doesn’t feel appreciated, but she definitely is. She’s the better half of this sister duo and the co-worker award is a testament to her heart.

I had a photo here of what happens when Parts doesn’t show up to claim her award, but it was truly awful. Must like she probably felt when she said she was sick. Hmph.

Humble brag: It never ceases to amaze me when I win awards or listen to my own accomplishments. Most of the things I do are my job – lead, train, motivate, join. To me, it’s not a big deal. It’s what I do. So I’m humbled when someone else sees the value in it because that’s certainly not why I do what I do. I do it for them, for my team – a group of people who come together to do good things, day in and day out. They deserve recognition every quarter.

Speaking of teams – 4th quarter team winners – I’ve written about it before – when they win, we all win!

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I ask you –

Received any awards lately? Brag to me!

Do you fancy yourself a great co-worker?

Tell me how many times you’ve been sick in 2025. Because things are going around.

(The post We did some things! first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Did you know…?

“How fast do people typically walk? According to a 2020 study, how fast you walk depends on your age and biological sex, with men walking slightly faster than women. In general, individuals under 30 walk at an average speed of 3 miles per hour. Those aged 30 to 39, as well as 40 to 49, walk at an average speed of 2.8 mph. People 50 to 59 average 2.75 mph, while those over 60 move at 2.7 mph. After age 65, people tend to walk at an average speed of 2.1 mph.”

Well, I’ll be damned. My walking speed is worth more than making slower people feel uncomfortable. I’m as healthy as a horse! Some feet issues and a joint problem, but not too bad.

I can’t wait to start running again. It would probably help if I stopped rescheduling my orthotics appointment and PT sessions. I’ve been busy.

I was so busy gathering data that there seems to be a run on busted water pipes, water heaters, and electrical rooms. Let’s make fire! Keep reading for more ways to make your Saturday night fun.

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I ask you –

Are you a fast walker? All my life.

Will 2025 bring increased mileage?

Give me new ideas for fun nights sans water cleanup.

(The post Did you know…? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

The Circus is in Town

A radio program mentioned if it’s not your best yes, then it’s a no. Seems I took that to what because a day prior to hearing this advice I had submitted resignations from some volunteer agreements. My motivation for those opportunities had originally been rooted in obligation (or the understanding that someone had to do it). Lately, I had my own realization if I didn’t take it off my plate no one else was about to step up. I hope it’s my heart speaking when I say/share this because I do love people. I just don’t always like them.

Believe it or not, I was concerned the coffee mug below could be offensive to my team. So, I asked a few leaders, and team members, if they had a problem with it. Short answer: no. Most thought it was amusing. Other leaders told me there’s a much more graphic version. Oh!?

I read sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Whatever. Do you know how witty it takes to be sarcastic?!

For example, I just love when people sit on the fitness equipment playing on their phone. I adore it. It makes me so happy to see you disconnected from your journey towards health. Thank you for being in my way.

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I ask you –

What’s your perspective on sarcasm?

Do you have a favorite coffee mug?

Tell me your most sarcastic response.

(The post The Circus is in Town first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Television Time

Prior to last week, when I began the data collection portion of the dissertation –

With ample time on my hands, I’ve found a few television shows which have caught my interest. Besides football, I don’t watch anything. Stupid Cowboys. And now that I’ve returned to near fulltime at my desk, finding time for shows is a challenge.

Nonetheless – first, Landman is wow. I find myself wrapped up in the wild wild West of its characters, as well as the insanity. Then, Lioness. It’s difficult to watch for me, but the story sucks you in. Finally, Going Dutch, a lighthearted military show where I find myself ruefully shaking my head. It’s hilarious in an unbelievable-but-entirely-plausible way.

Picture this –

(dinner table scene, late at night. about 5:30pm. whatever)

Mini: *speaking endlessly* And you know what?! *with much righteous indignation* We have to work with each other to solve math problems. I appreciate the concept but … *more chatter*

Me: *practically snorting laughing* So, you’re telling me you don’t like group projects?! *finally, someone who understands my plight* Our whole lives will be filled with group projects where one person does all the work. It stinks.

(end of scene)

Run motivation! A beautiful emerald/teal/green. And the discussion above is why I run.

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I ask you –

What shows are you watching? Any of the ones I mentioned?

Do you predominantly buy bright or dark shoes?

Share your dinner time conversations!

(The post Television Time first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Injuries / Snow.

But they’re unrelated.

This is week 2 of physical therapy. Last week included a fancy new knee brace, a Rx for 5 PT sessions, 15 exercises, and a promise to discuss running after 6 weeks. Not a bad deal. Interestingly, the physical therapist is treating it like a MCL strain/sprain with indications of patellar tendonitis and some residual meniscus issues. It was a lot to take in.

Obviously I did not partake in the outdoor snow activities. Instead, I managed to walk over 10K steps indoors by taking 10-15 min breaks from writing. By the way, I received ethics review board approval so I can start the data collection portion. It’s getting there.

The snow days pushed everything from one week to the next but I stayed happily entertained with multiple computers providing the eye-crossing minutiae my mind needs. Basically, a very long sentence to say this post is short because I’m busy.

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I ask you –

To run or to not run, that is the question.

How much snow have you received in 2025? Maybe 0.5 inches.

Snow skiing vs snow boarding? Your thoughts.

(The post Injuries / Snow. first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)