It's been a hectic summer. I haven't written much for a variety of reasons. The main one really was due to networking computer issues that kept me off my laptop. It was just too inconvenient to wait my turn on one of the other 2 computers we have in the house!
I've also felt a bit lazy. The humidity hindered my breathing and suffocated my motivation. If I didn't get my run in before 8:00 am I knew it would be extremely difficult. In this final week of August however, I've had three good runs in a row. The first was solo, the second with my husband, and the third with my son. I was able to go early in the morning, making the workouts almost pleasant.
As the calendar turns to September, I'm looking forward to cool weather, crisp air and a renewed spirit for fitness, movement and fun.
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Switching Gears
It’s been a little hectic at my house lately. Event planning, weekend trips, school, and work have all kept me from writing. I’ve had several good runs this week, getting ready for the Capitol 10K in Austin this weekend. Even with a still slightly sore hip, I’m looking forward to Sunday. My boys and I decided to register in the Fun Run category. We’ll time ourselves with our own watches and just enjoy being a part of something bigger than a chip attached to our shoe. No pressure – lovin’ that!
To add some variety to my cardio workouts this week, I went for a bike ride with John. Of course he wanted to take the mammoth uphill incline that I usually take a pass on. He told me he’d teach me how to switch gears. So that’s what those circular number thingies on my handlebars are for! I had no idea of the noticeable difference they make. My leg muscles contained the vigor and brawn of ten men. That hill was no problem. I was feeling so self-confident I decided to try the last lap without changing to the easier gear. My husband wasn’t switching gears; surely I could get up the hill once too. So much for my ten men - I made it – but it was a painfully slow climb.
As we headed toward home, my husband stretched his arm toward me as if to hold my hand. I steadied my front wheel and put my hand softly in his. It was such a sweet, romantic moment; just the two of us spinning wistfully through the early morning dew. When I commented to John about his charming gesture, he responded with a laugh, “I just wanted to make the blog again.” At least somebody is reading this thing!!
To add some variety to my cardio workouts this week, I went for a bike ride with John. Of course he wanted to take the mammoth uphill incline that I usually take a pass on. He told me he’d teach me how to switch gears. So that’s what those circular number thingies on my handlebars are for! I had no idea of the noticeable difference they make. My leg muscles contained the vigor and brawn of ten men. That hill was no problem. I was feeling so self-confident I decided to try the last lap without changing to the easier gear. My husband wasn’t switching gears; surely I could get up the hill once too. So much for my ten men - I made it – but it was a painfully slow climb.
As we headed toward home, my husband stretched his arm toward me as if to hold my hand. I steadied my front wheel and put my hand softly in his. It was such a sweet, romantic moment; just the two of us spinning wistfully through the early morning dew. When I commented to John about his charming gesture, he responded with a laugh, “I just wanted to make the blog again.” At least somebody is reading this thing!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Now What?
I still don't know. My family and I are going to run the Capital 10,000 in Austin at the end of the month so I've been doing some 4 mile runs and will do longer runs on Sunday - just to keep at my current fitness level.
Life has been good here; positive, happy, healthy. I feel truly blessed and am so thankful for my husband and sons. All around me, I see the devastation caused by Satan to undermine the haven of a strong family life. He will do anything to cause suspicion and doubt among spouses and children. It can be as subtle as dirty socks on the floor to as alarming as a drug addiction. He will use anything that causes reoccurring irritation and anger. We must recognize the evil one's tactics. We must remember where true joy comes from. We must fight for our families.
Life has been good here; positive, happy, healthy. I feel truly blessed and am so thankful for my husband and sons. All around me, I see the devastation caused by Satan to undermine the haven of a strong family life. He will do anything to cause suspicion and doubt among spouses and children. It can be as subtle as dirty socks on the floor to as alarming as a drug addiction. He will use anything that causes reoccurring irritation and anger. We must recognize the evil one's tactics. We must remember where true joy comes from. We must fight for our families.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Details, Details
The night before the AT&T Austin Marathon/Half-Marathon was filled with restlessness and excitement. We had to leave for Austin at 4:30am, so I should have just stayed up until then. No one slept very well.
Once we arrived and figured out where to park, we had about a mile walk to the race start area. The weather was cool but not damp, so it wasn't too bad. I had a friend along who was also running her first half-marathon. We had never trained together and she actually hadn't trained over a distance of 5 miles, but she had a super mental attitude which in the end made the difference for her.
The endless view of bodies ahead of us was really stimulating. The first five miles went so quickly. The adrenaline was really pumping and I was moving much faster than I had planned on. About mile six, my friend announced she couldn't keep going!!! I told her there's no way she wasn't finishing. We walked for a short while and then took it nice and easy the remainder of the course, walking up the extreme hills when necessary.
It's hard to describe the joyfulness and sense of release as you cross the finish line. Receiving the finisher's medal from the race personnel was so satisfying. I've been a spectator at these events before and I always felt like such a slug amongst the actual runners. Sunday, I could drink my free Powerade and take my complimentary bagel with no shame; I had earned it.
After my friend and I stretched and changed, we parked ourselves near the full marathon finish line. It was inspiring watching the participants as they summoned their last bit of energy to close out their race. As I remembered how I felt when onlookers yelled my name off my bib, I began screaming for anyone and everyone who passed. There's just something about hearing your name out loud that magnifies the kudos even more. My husband and son were even able to "high five" me as they raced by.
I could go on and on. Sunday, February 18th was a wonderful day. I'd like to express my gratitude and thankfulness to my Maker. I know that He was with me every step of the way and I couldn't have done it without Him. This accomplishment is just one of many that He has planned for me; the choice is mine to succeed.
Once we arrived and figured out where to park, we had about a mile walk to the race start area. The weather was cool but not damp, so it wasn't too bad. I had a friend along who was also running her first half-marathon. We had never trained together and she actually hadn't trained over a distance of 5 miles, but she had a super mental attitude which in the end made the difference for her.
The endless view of bodies ahead of us was really stimulating. The first five miles went so quickly. The adrenaline was really pumping and I was moving much faster than I had planned on. About mile six, my friend announced she couldn't keep going!!! I told her there's no way she wasn't finishing. We walked for a short while and then took it nice and easy the remainder of the course, walking up the extreme hills when necessary.
It's hard to describe the joyfulness and sense of release as you cross the finish line. Receiving the finisher's medal from the race personnel was so satisfying. I've been a spectator at these events before and I always felt like such a slug amongst the actual runners. Sunday, I could drink my free Powerade and take my complimentary bagel with no shame; I had earned it.
After my friend and I stretched and changed, we parked ourselves near the full marathon finish line. It was inspiring watching the participants as they summoned their last bit of energy to close out their race. As I remembered how I felt when onlookers yelled my name off my bib, I began screaming for anyone and everyone who passed. There's just something about hearing your name out loud that magnifies the kudos even more. My husband and son were even able to "high five" me as they raced by.
I could go on and on. Sunday, February 18th was a wonderful day. I'd like to express my gratitude and thankfulness to my Maker. I know that He was with me every step of the way and I couldn't have done it without Him. This accomplishment is just one of many that He has planned for me; the choice is mine to succeed.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Awesomeness
I am proud to report that today I completed the AT&T Half Marathon-Austin, TX! It was a wonderful feeling crossing the finishing line and knowing that I completed a major task that I set out to accomplish.
I'm even more in awe of my husband and son, who completed the full marathon today. As I finished, I thought about them and how it would be like me turning around and re-doing what I just finished. Unimaginable.
I am rewarding myself with a real, honest-to-goodness chocolate brownie and a glass of skim milk (gotta cut some fat somewhere). More later on this most awesome day!
I'm even more in awe of my husband and son, who completed the full marathon today. As I finished, I thought about them and how it would be like me turning around and re-doing what I just finished. Unimaginable.
I am rewarding myself with a real, honest-to-goodness chocolate brownie and a glass of skim milk (gotta cut some fat somewhere). More later on this most awesome day!
Monday, February 5, 2007
Nine Mile Monday
Because of the big game, I opted to run my longer run this morning and do my shorter cross-training workout on Sunday. I must say the 9 mile run went very well. The weather was about 10 degrees warmer than it had been on my previous long run. The sun was shining and traffic was minimal as most of my neighbors were off to work. I even had an iPod upgrade, as my shuffle needed charging so I took my son's iPod Video instead. I was especially pleased because his armband case matched my tennis shoes!
About halfway through the run, I decided my salty Super Bowl snacks weren't worth it. I have to remember to fuel my body more effectively the day before my long run. Thankfully I had lots of water with me.
My time was a little slower than I had calculated, but not much. I think I was holding back a little; fear of the unknown and all. This is the longest I've ever run in my entire life. I'm looking forward to a great week.
About halfway through the run, I decided my salty Super Bowl snacks weren't worth it. I have to remember to fuel my body more effectively the day before my long run. Thankfully I had lots of water with me.
My time was a little slower than I had calculated, but not much. I think I was holding back a little; fear of the unknown and all. This is the longest I've ever run in my entire life. I'm looking forward to a great week.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
He's Able
I had planned to get out of bed early, do some paperwork and complete my 5 mile run, all before my seven year old even woke up. That didn’t happen. It was cold and rainy and since I haven’t yet bought any decent water-resistant running gear, I waited until a little later in the morning. I was able to get going around 10:30am. The run went well but I did feel a little uneasy thinking that this was just over 1/3 of what I would do on February 18th. Satan will do whatever he can to try and get my thoughts on a negative downward spiral. I was able to overcome with a few lines from a children’s Bible song, “He’s Able.” “….I know my Lord is able to carry me through.” I’m in training – not finished yet. This is a process.
Sometimes running 5 miles can have an unexpected blessing. When I arrived home from errands this evening, I had two loaves of heavenly homemade whole wheat bread sitting on my kitchen counter. A good friend made them for me and I figured I could have a slice or two (they were super thin) since I had had a great cardio workout. So Yummy!
Sometimes running 5 miles can have an unexpected blessing. When I arrived home from errands this evening, I had two loaves of heavenly homemade whole wheat bread sitting on my kitchen counter. A good friend made them for me and I figured I could have a slice or two (they were super thin) since I had had a great cardio workout. So Yummy!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
More Training
Today was a 5 mile run. I didn't get to wear my new shoes though; didn't want to get them dirty yet. Plus, I need to wear them around the house to break them in a little. The weather was cold and wet again, but I prayed and persevered and was very happy with my time. I was thankful for my iPod. I absolutely love listening to Switchfoot. Their Christian messages are subtle, but so deep and meaningful. I hit the repeat button several times today. The tempo of their song, 4:12 was just right.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Eight Mile Run
Today's task was an 8 mile run. Honestly, I was dreading it. I had just run 4.5 miles on Thursday and Friday and didn't feel quite rested enough. I normally do not have to run back to back, but my training schedule was interrupted by sleet and extremely cold temperatures. And since I live in Texas, I do not have all the proper cold weather gear. It used to seem like such a waste of money, they would get so little use here. Well, I'm buying some - the windbreaker (is that term still used in the outer garment world?) I had just did not cut it.
It was sunny and blue outside, but the wind had a little chill. With my iPod blaring, I started out. Almost immediately, my right knee began to ache. I felt like I was just dragging my right leg along. This really irritated me as I had my knee strap on to keep my kneecap secure. But, I kept moving forward. I did however walk through my glugs of water and my energy gel shot. In spite of my husband's patient tutoring and his "fold and slide" technique for emptying the gel packets, I just cannot swallow and run at the same time.
I made it - all eight miles! My sense of accomplishment was short-lived. Immediately the thought ran through my head "You weren't fast enough". I must dismiss this thought. It is just not true. My time was exactly what I had estimated for myself. This was a major accomplishment for me. How many 43 year old women had run 8 miles today? I know these thoughts were from Satan, not God. I will now pat myself on the back for a job well done. Oh, and the knee pain, umm, my husband noticed I had my knee strap on in the wrong place. Oops.
It was sunny and blue outside, but the wind had a little chill. With my iPod blaring, I started out. Almost immediately, my right knee began to ache. I felt like I was just dragging my right leg along. This really irritated me as I had my knee strap on to keep my kneecap secure. But, I kept moving forward. I did however walk through my glugs of water and my energy gel shot. In spite of my husband's patient tutoring and his "fold and slide" technique for emptying the gel packets, I just cannot swallow and run at the same time.
I made it - all eight miles! My sense of accomplishment was short-lived. Immediately the thought ran through my head "You weren't fast enough". I must dismiss this thought. It is just not true. My time was exactly what I had estimated for myself. This was a major accomplishment for me. How many 43 year old women had run 8 miles today? I know these thoughts were from Satan, not God. I will now pat myself on the back for a job well done. Oh, and the knee pain, umm, my husband noticed I had my knee strap on in the wrong place. Oops.
I'll Never Run
That's what I would tell my husband; "I'll walk for as long as you want, but I'll never run." That was a 10K race and many miles ago and even though I still struggle with feelings of inadequacy
and doubt, I hit the pavement in search of thinner thighs; as an example for my friends and family, and to connect with my Creator, who designed our bodies for movement and who gives me the strength "to do all things".
Currently, I'm in my 7th week of training for a half-marathon to be held mid-February in Austin, Texas. My teenaged son encouraged me to start a blog. This is my first official entry.
and doubt, I hit the pavement in search of thinner thighs; as an example for my friends and family, and to connect with my Creator, who designed our bodies for movement and who gives me the strength "to do all things".
Currently, I'm in my 7th week of training for a half-marathon to be held mid-February in Austin, Texas. My teenaged son encouraged me to start a blog. This is my first official entry.
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