Catching you up

In x weeks we will be in Israel. I have been busy thinking about the gear I want to get and the trip. You know the anticipation of a vacation is half the fun. This is the biggest vacation we have ever taken and it is very appropriate considering we will be hunkering down for 30 months living on my income and paying for school. I can't wait for the time with Hubs exploring a new country and I this vacation should tide me over for 30 months - til we take our finished-with-school-forever-celebration-trip.

So, we've been looking at homes. Yes, we've decided to buy. The homes we really want are a little out of our price range, so we are being a bit more realistic this week. There is a lot to think about. I think we have a few good prospects and I am really having to fight controlling this issue and letting God work it out in His timing.

And of course the biggest search will be a job. The resume is almost updated and ready. It's early, but I'm prepared.

On Sunday, Hubs and I ate with some friends. At one point, while they were getting some pizza from the buffet, Hubs said, "We have to find friends like this in St. Louis." It's true. We have awesome friends and they are going to be missed. This being my 13th move, I know it is all about enduring the awkward conversations and being open and real. We are already praying for friends there.

I just got home from a 3-mile run with Ransom. As I've done before, I thought I would take you through my thought process...

My face is cold, but the rest of me feels great. Hubs is gonna have a good day for 13 miles.

Oh wow. Ransom's pooping already. 

I feel pretty good. I am definitely going 3 miles.

The half marathon wouldn't be so bad. I think I should do it.

Mmmm. Somebody is drying their clothes and that fabric softener smells really good.

Weird. I can still smell the fabric softener.

It is a really nice day. I'm glad I got out and ran.

Ransom! Get over here.

Pee break (we had about 5 of these)

Okay. This is getting kind of boring. But, at least I still feel pretty good.

Turning around. The hard part is over now.

Ransom! Come. over. here.

Okay, so I can obviously run 3 miles but I am NOT running that half marathon.

Severence has never looked so long.

I can't imagine running this 4+ more times during the half.

Ugh. This is not fun.

[Back home] Wow. I feel so great after getting out and running today!

A morning race run

Pre-run family photo:

The 3-mile winners:

Post-run family photo:

Turns out I won the 2-mile race. Though it doesn't really count considering I was the only person running the 2-mile route - everyone else walked. 

Still, it was a fun time and a great way to start the day!

The Runners

Hubs has been running again. He's so good at it. You know how sometimes you see runners that look like they are in pain - their stride is off, they are bent over, their face is crumpled into an agonizing frown, and it just hurts to watch? Not with Hubs. He just do-bops along and makes it look like it is super easy. Of course, it's not. But I love that he makes it seem like it is all fun and games.

Lately, Hubs has had a training partner. The moment he reaches for his running shoes, Ransom's tail begins to wag and his ears perk. By the time Hubs has stretched and is ready to head out, Ransom has usually be whining for five minutes. And, when Hubs reaches the end of the driveway Ransom keeps anticipating the first step, only to be told to sit back down and wait.

I've heard of dogs training for marathons with their owners; just like humans, dogs need to work up to higher mileage. Last week, Hubs and Ransom went on their longest run yet - 9 miles!

Hubs says that Ransom wants to run fast for about the first 1/2-mile. Then he settles into Richard's 7-minute pace, which is still not a running pace for Ransom!

When they get back, Ransom's tongue is swollen to an extra-huge size and usually hangs out the side of his mouth. He heads straight to the kitchen floor and plops down for a rest on the cool tile before drinking an entire bowl of water and slobbering it all over the floor.

It's worth it, though. To have a dog fully exercised and content.

And to have a running companion for Hubs!

Two Years + One Day

(Hubs and I after finishing the Easter Sun Run 2010)

Two years and one day ago, I wrote my first blog post. It was about my goal to complete a 3K race with some friends. At that time the 1.8 miles was a big hurdle to overcome. Two years and one day later I have completed my first 10K race.

I have been blogging about our uninteresting life, telling stories, venting, and posting random stuff for two years in 491posts. It's fun. It's therapy. It's a hobby.

I looked back over some of the topics of my posts. I've posted about shoes, vacation, adventure, and Hubs. Life, dentistry, coffee and food have also been on the list. You've been there when I discovered watching DVDs on my laptop, when I thought Hubs was being killed outside our apartment, and when you found out what happens when 3 dentists get together. You've probably laughed when I woke up to my shoe on my pillow or when I wrote a letter to Kansas.

Then, I went back and looked at the posts that YOU really liked because you actually commented. You enjoyed spending 5 minutes in my brain and you were so sweet to congratulate me when my braces came off. I tricked you in the post about our news and you hopefully took my female advice in this post. Some of you were probably shocked when you found out Hubs has the better hair, or when I fainted with excitement, or when we woke up to a catastrophe, or even when Hubs found an intruder in our home. I found out what level of Husker Fan you are in this post.

I still love to blog, although it is not the addiction it once was. I still love to read other's blogs. I really still love to read comments on my blog, though over the last two years, I know your lives have changed, too.

Thank you for reading for these 2 years. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your advice, and your excitement. I will keep blogging for the time being and I hope you'll keep reading. 

Week Three

Week Three
Miles: 6.5

General Thoughts:
Yikes. Obviously it wasn't a very good week. This is where I need you all to keep me going. At this point, I doubt any of you would care if I backed out of the commitment. That's not good because I am very tempted to do just that. When it is only me encouraging me, I am apt to let myself down.

However, the other reason why it was a low-mile week is because of my knee. One day during week 2, I woke up with a sore knee - it felt like I slept on it oddly. Since then it has hurt. Some days worse than others, but always worse after a run. Therefore...

Long Run:
I am skipping my long run today. It was supposed to be 5 miles and it actually was perfect this morning. Hardly any wind and 32 degrees (which I have found is a great temperature for a long run). But, Hubs is advising me to do other exercises for a few days and give my knee a break from running. It works well, since next week's long run is also 5 miles. I don't feel like I will get too far behind.

Goals for Next Week:
1. Gain enthusiasm for running and for the race.
2. Get back into running regularly.
3. No pain in the knee.

Other:
When I get back into my running schedule, I am going to change it up a bit. Right now, it has me running 3 consecutive days, which I don't really like. Instead of running Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and resting on Saturday, I am going to run Wednesday and Thursday, break on Friday, and run Saturday. I think that will help me stick to the plan.

Ransom is getting pretty smart based on our routes. He knows where to turn and how to get home. One morning, I let him lead so I could see where he would take me. He knew exactly how to get home. That is good to know, in case he ever gets loose. However, he still has no regard for the danger that vehicles present. He doesn't pay attention to traffic before crossing the street.

Even if he does know how to find home, he would definitely get hit by a car before he made it.

Week Two

Week Two
Miles: 11

General thoughts:
Week two met me with challenges. I didn't want to run. It snowed. It was colder. My knee hurt. You get the picture. I should have run 12 miles, however Friday morning greeted me with 5 inches of snow, plus it was still snowing. So, I skipped.

The long run:

This is what it looked like when I went outside to run. In spite of that, today's 4-mile run went really well. After running with the dog all week, it was freeing to run alone. And, actually it was probably one of the more beautiful runs I will ever have in Kansas because the trees were gorgeous with snow. It was spitting some moisture, but not unbearable. Actually, my ipod shuffle had frost all over it and the wires for the headphones!

I wore my watch for the first time so I could see how long it took. It's too embarrassing to share with the world.

I'm thinking about running for City Council (not really). Sidewalks are very rare in this town, but on the few roads that had sidewalks, they were still covered in snow. I really think this needs to be changed. Until then, there is this handy-dandy website, http://www.usatf.org/routes/map/, where you can map out your routes. I was able to map out a nice route through neighborhoods so that I could run in the road.

Goals for next week:
I want to steady out my pace more. And, I know I could be picking up the pace. I get home and I am barely winded, so I am not pushing myself at all.

Other:
One morning Ransom and I ran when it was super foggy - a freezing fog according to the weather people. When we got home, I burst out laughing because this is what he looked like:

Notice he does NOT look tired!

Week One

Week One
Miles: 11.5

General thoughts:
Week one was what you could call, a building week. My body went from not running ever, to running. It really was just a week to get used to the routine and the exercise because week two will be very similar.

I thought this week would have been harder. Maybe, like on The Biggest Loser, week two is the hardest.

Goals for next week:
I really need to make sure I eat and drink more before the longer run on Monday. Although I may have been extra tired due to the wind, I started getting weak towards the end and I know that I should have ate a bigger lunch and drank at least a glass of water during the day. So far, I still have not drank any water.

Other:
The long run today, pardon my language, was poopy. The wind was coming from every direction and it was gusting. There were moments I was running in place, I am sure of it.

The average temperature has been 32 degrees during my runs. Today I drove to Wichita to visit the one running store there is around here and bought some warm running pants. I had been wearing Hubs's pants and loved them. Since Hubs would like to have his pants back, and since I would like to run in the daylight and not look like I am running in my Hubs's pants, I am happy to now have a pair of my own.

When I told my brother I was running today even though it was windy and cold, he said I am officially a runner. Which is translated, "I am officially crazy!"

I said I'd never do this

It was cold and I was stiff. I would have rather been in my warm bed. As I looked around me, only one thought came to mind. I voiced it to Hubs, "I don't understand why this many people would get up this early when it's this cold to run that far."

We were at the Lincoln marathon. Hubs was running the half and I was there to support by grabbing Starbucks and then biking around to various mapped out spots to cheer him on. People looked happy and excited. I didn't see anyone dreading the fact that they were about to run for about 2 hours (at least). I didn't see anyone complaining that their fingers were about to fall off. The excitement made me wish I was a runner - but never enough to do this.

In fact, I hadn't really ever run. I jogged every once in a great while, but really I was pretty out-of-shape at this point in my life. I would come to realize that all the more when I biked around following Hubs.

I had no desire to run that far.

Even as I began to run, and began to enjoy the exercise; I still had no desire to run that far.

But, I am a woman who needs goals and a schedule. In my physical life and in my spiritual life (hence 90 days thru the Bible). Without them life gets crazy, I forget things, and I'm generally unhappy. For that reason (and a few others), I have decided to run a half-marathon.

Last night Hubs asked, "So, how serious are you about running this?" I answered, "On a 10 scale, a 9."

I'm still scared that on a snowy day I won't get up and run. I'm still scared when I think of running so far when I've only gone 5 miles before. I'm still scared that I will chicken out.

But today, I am declaring that I am training for this half-marathon taking place on April 25. I have at least one other friend who is running it, and she has a baby under 1 year old. If she can do it, I can. I also know that my parents - who are turning 50 this year - are running a half-marathon in March. If they can do it, I know that I can.

And since I have now told you, I know that I am committing myself to this. I know that this will give me another topic to blog about, which motivates me. And I am excited, and scared, about this new challenge.

I found it humorous to see this quote in my inbox today:
Consistency requires discipline. Force yourself out the door.


And that's just what I'll be doing for the next 12 weeks.

Back to the beginning

My very first post was about running. Two years ago I started running regularly outside. I was amazed that after about 2 weeks of pain and frustration, I was able to run without stopping and even wanted to push myself faster. Faster than I expected, I went from the slow 9-10 minutepace and was running in the 7:30-9 minute pace.

Since then, I have run off and on, but I have never had to go through that stage again.

The last time I ran was on Thanksgiving Day - 2 weeks after completing P90x. Three point one miles was comfortable and fun. Since that day, workouts have been sporadic and little to no effort has been put into them.

So today, when I saw the temperature was 47 degrees and I saw that my abs are hidden beneath a thick layer of pudge, my thought process went something like this:

1 hour before: I am going to take advantage of this weather and run. I'd really like to enjoy going out for a run again. Maybe I could even run a half marathon...that would be cool. Sorry Ransom, you are not coming.

30 minutes before: I think I will go 2 miles. Who knows maybe even further. I'm so excited that this may just turn out to be a long run.

5 minutes before: The sun is out. I am just going to put on some gloves so my fingers don't get cold. Ransom, don't look at me like that - you aren't going.

30 seconds before: Oh fine. You can come.

1 minute in: Lungs. Hurt. Air. Cold. Mucus. Gross.

3 minutes in: Ransom, GET OVER HERE. My lungs are starting to feel better. Oh, I forgot to turn on my ipod.

5 minutes in: Ransom poops. Great. I'm not carrying that (I proceed to tie it around his collar).

6 minutes in: Oh this feels okay. I wish I wouldn't have brought the dog along. My arm holding the leash is sore.

10 minutes in: Prairie dogs everywhere. Stop running so I can control the regular dog. Wow, I haven't run in a while. Maybe I won't do a half marathon.

20 minutes in: Ransom is never coming with me again. On the plus side, he is panting pretty hard - something he hasn't done since September. Feeling weak. Should have ate before running. Oh I should just walk the rest of the way. No, keep going. No walk. No go.

Home: That felt good. I think I may be able to get back into this.

It wasn't as bad as starting over again; but neither was it easy. Afterwards it just feels so good. And although Ransom is snoring right now; it isn't worth the extra expenditure of energy to take him along everytime. I think I said, "NO" approximately every 10 seconds the entire run.

Turkey Trot

Our family has made it a tradition to participate in a local 5k race on Thanksgiving Day - The Turkey Trot. We all planned to do more trotting than running or racing on this day since non of us had done much running in preparation.

Nonetheless we bundled up for the 34 degree weather and headed out to join 5,500 other people who are as crazy as we! The sun was bright and the wind was relatively calm.

To my delight, Hubs and my brother decided to run together. Hubs and I have different expectations for race day and it is usually better if we run separately. Mom and Dad ran together and I ran with my ipod. It was wonderful.

I had no expectations for myself, but I had not run 3 miles since before June. I was hoping to mix a little jogging with a little walking.

I completed the 1st mile with ease and felt good enough to continue running the 2nd. If you have ever been to the Sprint Campus in KC, or in KC at all, you will know that there are quite the hills. I met up with those hills during the 2nd mile. Although the slowed my pace, I kept on. I was very happy to make it all the way through the finish line without having stopped at all. All the while, singing along with my ipod and enjoying every minute of it.

I can't recommend this tradition enough. We went home and ate a great dinner 3 hours later and felt great having exercised. Plus, we had a lot of fun with each other and the thousands of others out that morning.

Getting in shape

Ten weeks ago, Hubs and I started a journey. A journey to get back into shape.

We thought about joining the YMCA. Hubs could swim laps. We could use the cardio machines, the weight room, and even participate in the classes. We could continue running when the weather was nice, but there are no hills and hardly any sidewalks here. Neither of us were motivated to run. We really needed something planned; something or someone who told us what to do each day so that we could really get back into shape. We didn't just want to workout when we felt like it or, for me, when the stomach flab started showing over my jeans. We wanted consistency and results.

So, we bought P90X. There are 12 workout DVDs; it lasts for 13 weeks. It combines weight training with some cardio and some yoga. We work out 6 days a week; 60-90 minutes a day. It comes with a nutrition plan which we stuck to for the first 8 weeks; since then, we have used it as a guide, but have also used our own judgement.

The pros: The workouts are outlined for us each day - no thinking about what you should do. The workouts push you to do more, give you modifications when you need them, and explain each move. We workout at home so I don't have to motivate myself to leave home when it is yucky outside.

The cons: It is a huge time commitment. An hour and a half of yoga really stinks.

So, 10 weeks into the program and I feel like I am fit - like I am in shape. I don't know that I have ever felt like this, even when I was running regularly. I have seen results in how I workout; but also in my body. For instance, I went from hanging on the pull-up bar to pulling myself up to 2 inches from the bar. Also, muscles in my back are appearing that I never had before.

As we end the program, I now have to face the decision of what to do next. Join the Y? Do P90X again? I'm not sure yet; but I do know that I am really enjoying the feel of being in shape!

Numbers

6 - the time I woke up on my day off (I just can't sleep in anymore)

5 - the number of miles I ran yesterday (the farthest I've ever run)

60 - the temperature outside when I ran yesterday morning (perfect)

48 - the number of minutes it took for me to run 5 miles yesterday

100 - the number of muscles that ache from my run yesterday

3 - the High School Musical movie that I watched yesterday (sooooo good)

2 - the number of toilets I cleaned yesterday

1 - the time when I finally got in the shower yesterday

0 - the number of hours I spent at work and thinking of work yesterday

Thinking of my Hubs and learning to live

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

These verses makes me think of Hubs. He is training for a marathon right now. He goes for some ridiculously long runs on Saturdays, and without the goal of the upcoming race it would be hard for him to get out there and put the miles in. When he goes on a run he lays aside all the troubles of the day. He pushes towards his goal and he runs.

He's also been in college for 7 years with the goal of becoming a dentist. There have been tough days and weeks. He's jumped through the hoops of the education system and he's pushed through these past years with a goal. A goal that seemed so far off it would never be within an arms reach as it is today.

Yes, Hubs has taught me a lot about endurance when I am much more of a sprinter. I have bursts where I read my Bible, I pray every day, I am bold about my faith and my beliefs. Then I get tired and I stop to rest instead of pushing through.

These verses remind me that I can't live my christian life with all my sin weighing me down. I would tire quickly from the load. Hubs can't run as well with his hiking boots and heavy clothes - he'd get tired too fast and would never make it the full distance. Instead, he sheds the heavy shoes and wears the lightest clothing possible so he can keep going. I must leave my burdens behind, too, if I ever plan to go the full distance.

They remind me that I must look towards a goal. It's hard to motivate and push yourself without a goal in sight. Hubs wouldn't be running such long distances if he didn't have a race coming up. Without a goal, if he got tired, he could just quit early since there was no reason to run so far. Much the same, if I am not looking towards Jesus, I can easily get sidetracked and start walking...maybe even stop.

Last night I was running on the treadmill. I set a time goal. I was going to run 20 minutes at a certain speed without stopping (I had already done 20 minutes on the eliptical). The first 13 minutes sped by. I looked straight ahead and cranked my music up loud. Then, it started getting boring. I started glancing at the time. My stride faltered and I told myself to stop at 15 minutes instead.

Then, I remembered my goal. Twenty minutes. Non-stop. I looked straight ahead. I got back into my groove, and I pushed through those last five minutes. I met my goal.

When the times come that I lose sight of my goal to glorify the Lord with my life, my stride falters and I get weary. I decide to stop and rest, and then it is hard to get going again. So, I put it off to another day, and another. Soon, I'm out of shape, I have all my heavy clothes back on, and I want to try and sprint to catch up on all I missed.

I'm reminded today that I can run without the heavy burdens of my life. I can run with endurance only by looking to Jesus who endured so much more that I ever will.

And He did it all for me.

A blonde moment

Hubs said I should keep these stories to myself, but I like to make people laugh and it just so happens that my actions sometimes provide humorous stories.

I decided to work out over lunch. I was super excited to go upstairs (where the workout room is), turn up my ipod shuffle, and read a little of my book all while gettin in some great exercise. Usually, I turn my shuffle on and the tunes immediately start playing. This time, there was no music. I tried turning the volume up. I tried skipping to the next song or going back to the previous song - nothing.

So, my workout was not near as enjoyable in the silence, and I afterwards I headed down to research what was wrong online. The battery was fully charged. The earphones were completely plugged in. Then, I read the important information: ipod Shuffle might be paused, try pushing play.

The Shuffle has a total of 5 buttons on it, and the play button is the biggest. It should be the most obvious button to push when music isn't playing. It is also the ONLY button I did not push during my 30 minute workout.

Some crazy runner

Yesterday the wind chills were in the negative teens here. Nothing compared to my friends up north, but I would still classify the temperature as "not-condusive-to-outdoor-activities."

Perhaps I am just wimpy because I saw a guy running last night outside, without anything covering his face. He was in his cold weather gear, but I think even that stops working when we jump into the negatives.

I thought, That guy is crazy. I don't think you are supposed to be outside for extended periods of time in this weather.

After closer inspection of the runner, I saw that it was my very own Hubs. It only took 3 days for him to get sick of the treadmill.

I forgot my camera

So many things to take pictures of and I left my camera at home.

1) My laundry room is clean. I did not plan to clean my it last night. It is usually disorganized and messy, but since I am usually the only person who uses it, it is the last thing on my list to clean. Last night, I went to unload the dryer. I thought it was odd that the floor was wet, but proceeded to unload anyways. Then, I realized that all the dirty clothes on the floor awaiting their turn for the washing machine were completely soaked. Not tonight. I don't have the energy for this. Sure enough, water is coming from the washing machine. All the hoses are tight. The drain is not clogged. It's a mystery. Well, the machine finishes spinning and it sounds like water is still pouring into the washing machine. Sure enough, the machine is off but water keeps on pouring in. I'm calling the repair man today.

So, I lay out all the soaked clothes throughout the apartment and stay up drying clothes late. I can't wait to see the water and electricity bill.

2) We finally have a jam-packed week again! I wish you could see our calendar!

3) The Husker game was a fun birthday present. It was a perfect day: clear skies, 63 degrees, light breeze, and we won!

4) We had 49 mph wind gusts yesterday. Laura, her mom, and I still went out for our 5K race. Let me tell ya, this is my kinda race. Girls on the Run of Nebraska is an organization/club to get young girls active. They sponsor a fun 5K 2 times each year. They don't keep track of your times; every body's number is "1;" it is just to get people out and active.

I didn't "train" for this run, because I just wanted to get out there and have fun. There were moments when I felt like I was running in place (against the wind), so I cannot imagine how hard it was for the girls half my size! Still, we finished and, I think, were happy with how we did, especially considering the circumstances. Laura's mom beat her last time by 1.5 minutes and I came in at 27:05. I think the best feeling is afterwards. I felt like I had accomplished something good and even this morning I just feel good. It's hard to explain.

By the way, Hubs did come and I am so glad he did! It was great to look for him to cheer me on. Also, all the encouragement along the way from the entire crowd helped so much to keep us going in the windy, cold weather.

Running is Fun? No way!

For the very first time in history, I had an enjoyable, yes even fun, run!

As of April 2008 I disliked despised running. I felt like I was going to die with every other step, my chest hurt, it was boring, my short legs weren't made for it, and I never ever kept at it. And pushing myself beyond the 10 minute per mile pace...no way was that happening. I thought it was a hopeless cause, and set out to "show" my hubs just that. I started off downright slow, but it was amazing to me at how fast I could decrease my time after I just kept at it. Friends and I set a goal to complete a 3k race in June and we did just that!

Instead of proving I couldn't do it, I found that it isn't all bad. And even though I had run for 5 months consistently pretty regularly, I still did not consider it enjoyable until a few days ago. I went out for a run last week. It was 65 degrees so I wore shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. I ran along a street with quite a few hills, but it is scenic so I prefer it. It was breezy and leaves were falling from the trees all around me. I would hear the leave rustling under my feet. It was the perfect fall day and I had fun running! Imagine that coming from the girl who has hated running all her life!

I am running in a non-competitive race this weekend and am already getting sick to my stomach just thinking about it. It is about now that I don't remember why I sign up for these things. Last time, I was sick during the entire run, so I have decided to prepare myself this time:

1. I am telling myself it is just another workout with hundreds of other people around. So, it should be more fun, right????
2. I am not running competitively and I have no desire to. It is just for fun, with some friends, and for the free t-shirt.
3. Hubs is not going to come. Knowing he is watching makes me even more nervous.
4. Sorry, no pictures. You will not get a documented account of this because it is just a normal, everyday workout!
5. Any other suggestions?

Now that running can be fun, I need races to be fun!

Running with Hubs

Last night I got home and saw a note on the counter. Hubs had gone for a run. So I changed and headed out for a run myself. Hubs had just gotten home (from 4 miles) when I stepped outside and I, jokingly, said, "Wanna go for another 2?" He said he did and I immediately wished I would have kept my mouth shut.

You may remember, that running with Hubs has had its hard-times. We decided months back that it was much more fun to pass each other and give a friendly high-five than to try to match strides. So, immediately I feared that this would turn out the same. Much to my surprise, it was our best run together.

I like having a little music to keep me going. I think I even run to the beat. I have an armband radio, which looks ancient compared to the new things out there. So, while I am holding out to get one of these for my birthday, I have been running with only the music in my head to keep me going. So, you see, my Hubs has a great ability to talk and run at the same time which made the run very enjoyable. Talking also kept him preoccupied so he didn't realize say anything about how incredibly slow we were going!

Milestone

Remember this post?

145 days later, I ran my fastest mile ever: 7 minutes, 15 seconds.

Not only that, but I ran 2 miles in under 15 minutes - a 7:30 pace. It is necessary to take into account that it was probably not a full 2 miles due to where our apartment complex is located and I did stop after the first mile, before turning around and completing the second.

How did it feel? It hurt. Did I mention there is a ginormous hill to defeat both directions? I'm such a whiner.

I have to say that I am surprised and happy with the accomplishment; however, there is a down-side to this. When I come back from a run, I have no excuse to tell Richard I ran anything above a 9-minute mile. He says that when I go out for a 3 or 4 miler, I should continually be in the 8-minutes. That means agonizing pain every single time I work out. Needless to say, I still do not have the "drive" and motivation that a competitive runner needs.

I will have to say that this proves what I said in my very first post - everyone can run and can inprove. I hated, despised, loathed running more than anyone else I know. It hurt; it felt like I was dying with every single step. Each person has to set a goal, determine a schedule and work towards it. Whether it is starting out on the treadmill by walking 5 minutes and running 1 minute for 30 minutes and working up to running a full 30 minutes; whether it is finding a running partner and scheduling a time to go together each week; whether it is signing up for a race with friends and setting a goal for that - I truly believe that each person (without disability or ailment) can learn to run.

I don't love to run, but I enjoy it and the physical activity. I love the feel that I get when I am back home from a run. I feel like I accomplished something great and I feel healthy.

New Shoes & More

It has crossed my mind that most of my blogging friends write about much more substantial, worthwhile things in life (ie - their children, their house building progress) besides their new shoes. Oh well.

Richard heard on the radio that a local mall was giving out a $15 gas card if you spent a certain amount of money at any of their stores this weekend. Richard and I both were overdue on new running shoes and Richard also needed some stuff for his bike, so we decided this would be a great time to take a little shopping trip. Once we got to the shoe store, our decision was confirmed because Scheel's was having a sale on shoes - $15 off any pair!

I must insert a little aside here - I have only had one pair of running shoes so far (Asic's Kayanos) and they lasted me 3 years. Therefore, the shoe shopping experience for Richard versus me is quite different. I have no idea what I am looking for in a running shoe - comfort? support? So, I would pick a shoe that I liked, show it to my hubby, and he would give the yea or nay.

So, I pick out 3 pairs of shoes and ask a saleslady to bring me a size 6. She returns with nothing. So I pick out 3 more pairs of shoes and she returns with the kayanos (same shoes I have been running in). I try them on and they are great shoes really. So comfy and I already know that they are good shoes for me since I have enjoyed the pair I have already. The down-side is that the Kayanos are pricey. I ask for 2 more pairs of shoes, just to compare, and she returns with none. Richard finally asks, "Do you have ANY in a size 6?" She encourages me to keep picking out some and she will keep checking. So, I grab 5 pairs of shoes - not caring about the style, fit, or brand anymore - just hoping that there will be some in the back room! While she is gone, I start picking out some more, knowing she will come back with nothing, but to my surprise, she comes back with 4 pairs. I try them on and narrow it down to 3 pairs - Asics Kayano, Asics Nimbus, and Brooks Defyance (like you care, right?).

Here they are - my new pair of running shoes. The Brooks Defyance. The Asics were great, but more bulky than the Brooks. Plus, the Brooks were less pricey which is a plus for sure.

I have been told that you should put 400 miles on your running shoes before buying a new pair. Hence the reason I had my last pair for 3 years! I've starting a spreadsheet and I am going to record how long it takes me to get to 400 miles...any guesses? I haven't updated you on my running progress, but I have continued to run since the Havelock race is over. I will admit that vacation and the extreme heat has put a damper on the progress, but I am not going to let myself quit. Honestly, I have come to enjoy the activity.

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Richard and I took a bike ride on Saturday morning. That is a great way start the day. It wasn't unbearably hot and I just love the morning-time. We also went to the pool and played Bingo with our flock. Richard and I didn't win, but it was fun.

My grandparents were in town and we had coffee with them. They gave us great encouragement from the Word in making decisions for our future. Verses that I am sure God wanted us to remember as we seek His will for our life.

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At my Bible study on Saturday morning we continued discussing Elohim, which is the word used for God during the creation account, and other places throughout the Bible. I don't think it was coincidence that I was studying this name while we were in Hawaii. God revealed Himself to me in how great and awesome He is through His creative creation. Look up these verses and you will see what I mean:

Isaiah 40: 12, 15, 22, 26-31

Yet a God this big - who weighs the mountains, pulls the heavens back like curtains, and lifts up the islands - He desires a personal relationship with you and me.