Almost Pleasant

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.

Words of Wisdom

Our Central Texas Summer has been the wettest I can remember in a long time. It has made my running a bit of a challenge. Not so much the rain itself; it’s the humidity - the
nasty cloud of humidity hovering over our fair city. Needless to say, it clouds my motivation. Recently though, I had the opportunity to run with my now 16 year old son. John wasn’t able to get away from his work so he suggested I take my son for a run with me. Neither one of us really wanted to head out; we knew the humid air would consume us as soon as we opened the door.

We were right. As a bonus, the heat radiating off the pavement complimented the thick air quite nicely. I told my son that he could run ahead of me if he needed to. Besides having to deal with the humidity, I didn’t want him to also be caught running in the neighborhood with his mother. He didn’t seem to mind. He stayed at my slower than his pace as we completed our first mile. After another half mile, I announced to my son that I was going to walk for a tenth. I expected him to keep moving ahead. The only thing worse than running with your mother is walking with your mother. But he didn’t. We picked up our gait for another mile and then I felt like I had to walk one more tenth. Not even my beloved Switchfoot serenade could keep me going. My partner however stayed right with me.

We were both happy to finish our 5K. As we walked back to our house completely dripping with sweat, I said to my son, “I feel guilty for having to walk some. I know Satan wanted me to feel like a failure and not be able to run the whole way today. I guess I let him win.”

Not really expecting a response, I was surprised when my 16 year old removed his ear buds, turned toward me and said, “Mom, there isn’t anything wrong with walking a little. The guilt is where Satan is getting you, not the walking.”

I’ve been pondering those words of wisdom for several days now. Guilt is an emotion that plagues me, sometimes for the silliest things – like walking during a run. Now there are times when a healthy expression of remorse is necessary. However, there are also times when we let guilt debilitate us and keep us from living life “to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

Take a look at Jesus speaking to Peter in John 21 beginning at verse 15. I always wondered why Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. It seemed a little excessive and annoying. But as I was listening to a CD by Christian speaker and author John Eldredge, he explained it in a way I had never considered before. Of course, Jesus already knew the answer. He knew Peter’s heart. It was asked in triplicate for Peter’s sake. Peter had a huge amount of guilt to overcome and Jesus really wanted Peter to get it.

Do you ever feel that way – guilty for letting Jesus down? Do you linger in feeling like a sinner and not claiming your prize of sainthood through Christ? (Phil 1:1 NIV) Jesus tells us to relax “…I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV) This summer, when the heat is on, let’s not dwell on our sinful nature and our need for a Savior; let’s dwell on our thankfulness that we already have one.

Things To Do

I cannot believe that May 2007 is over. It was a wonderful month. My boys are finished with school, my husband was able to attend a much needed retreat, and we are getting lots of big projects marked off our "to do" list. I've had several great runs too. My hip is finally feeling better and I'm very excited about that. I'll just maintain throughout the hot Texas summer and then start training for the White Rock event this Fall in Dallas. I've had two friends verbally commit to completing the half-marathon with me so it should be a fun weekend ahead.

As I was working some of the smaller projects off our "to do" list - cleaning the wood staircase - my youngest asked me "Who's coming over?" When I answered "No one" he look perplexed. Later, as I dusted the living room, he questioned me again. I told him again that no one was coming over. He asked "Then why are you cleaning up?" As I pondered this dialogue, I realized that our family has a habit of "cleaning up" only when friends are coming over. We do whatever we need to do to make ourselves look organized and tidy. It's not that we're slobs or anything, we just don't make ourselves a priority. We are willing to go the extra mile for others, but not for ourselves.

While that line of thinking isn't entirely a bad thing, it did make me a bit sad. Our family should be top priority. We should want to stay organized and ship-shape just for each other. And if that isn't enough, we should do it for our Savior, who we invite to dwell in our hearts and in our home. He's a God of order and beauty and since we are all made in His image, we really long for that too. Waste and caos are of the evil one - just one more way to keep us from God. And if order becomes routine, it gives us that much more time to do other stuff - fun stuff - stuff that is enjoyable and exciting.

So I've challenged my family to make clean our routine. We always have a guest invited and his name is Jesus Christ.

Happy Number

Recently, I celebrated my 44th birthday. For me this number held little meaning other than my father used to tell me it was his old high school football number. I’m ashamed to say that’s all I remember. I don’t know the name of my father’s high school, I’m not clear what position he played, and I have never even seen a picture of my dad from those teen years. Maybe that’s why I cared so little; it just didn’t seem real. When I played volleyball and basketball in junior high, Dad always told me, “See if you can get number 44.” Try as I might, it was not to be – 42 was as close as I could get. Oh well, no big deal.

I decided to check Wikipedia.org to see what I could find out about my new age. I’d like to say it was due to my unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding, but it was mostly because I was trying to avoid doing any actual work or chores. I figured I could stall about 10 minutes if I appeared busy on the computer.

Did you know that 44 is:

- a poker game
- a name in a Mark Twain novel
- the number of famous running backs in football
(Hey, maybe Dad was a running back.)
- the name of a popular cough suppressant
- in mathematics, a happy number

Since I didn’t understand the technical definition of a happy number (snore), I decided that for me, 44 would have a special meaning. It’s not just a happy number, but also a year of life that I don’t want to take for granted. I want to take time to cherish each day; take time to listen to my sons and pay attention to what they are sharing with me. Certainly I can stop washing dishes for a minute or two as my 8 year old describes his latest Lego invention or my eldest talks web design lingo that is way over my head. I want to take time to listen to my husband and remember that he’s putting in long hours managing his firm in order for me to have the pleasure of managing our home. I want to listen to my body and be proud of my abilities to run and be active. It doesn’t matter that my figure isn’t, and probably will never be, perfect. Most importantly I want to listen to my Savior, who is preparing a place for me in His kingdom come. I want to dwell in His promises to deny any lingering doubt. And, if Dad were still alive, I’d give him a call and I’d let him know, “Hey, I’ve got your number.”

Food, Glorious Food!

Since I was a young girl, I’ve had issues with my weight. Some of it was in the genes. My mother, at eighteen years of age, was 5’1” and over 200 pounds. Also, my parents were in their forties when I was born. Back in the sixties, this was unusual. It was very much liked being raised by my grandparents. They did their best to spoil me, which in most cases meant I could eat whatever I wanted. No green vegetables for me, I liked French fries and mashed potatoes. If I wasn’t hungry for breakfast, I could eat a couple of homemade frosted brownies instead. The absolute worst “food” I was allowed to eat on a regular basis had to be grease bread. This was the white bread that my mother used for draining her fried chicken. I didn’t care much for the chicken meat, just give me a plate of skin, corn and my beloved grease bread and I was happy, happy. As the old song goes, “Mama’s lil’baby loves shortenin’ bread!” Actually, I think shortenin’ bread is spread straight from the can. Grease bread is the term post-frying. Needless to say, I was an overweight child. Now I know my parents loved me, they just didn’t know much about nutrition and they didn’t realize the damage being done, both physically and emotionally. I suffered mercilessly at the tongues of my peers. Now over thirty years later, I still have memories of their hateful taunts. Satan still brings them to life, trying almost daily to undermine my confidence and happiness.

It took many years for me to eat green foods, broiled items, fruits that weren’t drenched in heavy syrup or pudding. I’ve gone from eating everything fried and overly processed to being a lacto-ovo vegetarian, a vegan, and now finally a flexitarian. I understand that term stands for someone who is mostly vegetarian, eating whole grains and fresh produce with an occasional piece of poultry or fish added to the mix. I guess that’s not entirely true either. Since I’ve lived in Texas forever, it’s a requirement to eat an occasional piece of brisket. I’m not kidding – it’s in the State Pledge: “I vow to eat cow - smoked to tender, juicy perfection – as my carnivorous cravings shall allow.” So, I won’t turn my nose up at a BBQ plate if it’s placed before me.

All in all, I’ve come a long way since my grease bread days. I exercise regularly; running and biking and keeping up with my boys. I eat healthfully; avoiding trans fats, high fructose corn syrup and using as many fresh ingredients as possible. Most importantly, I understand that I’m wonderfully made. I’m a work of art designed by the Master of the universe who looks upon my heart. And in heaven, there will be no cellulite.

Worried Anticipation

No – not in completing the Austin American Statesman Capitol 10,000 or not in besting last year’s 6.2 mile time – I’m worried about the pins; that’s right, safety pins. Last year I was a complete nervous wreck before the Cap10K. It would be my first official event as a runner. Imagine my disappointment while picking up my packet, I was given the heart-stopping news, “We ran out of safety pins. Sorry.” What, no pins? How in the world will I be identified, how will my number remain attached, how can I possibly run now? Every safety pin available in the entire city of Austin was gone; the whole lot of silver and gold fasteners depleted from our state’s capitol. This however was not true. There were still safety pins available – I just had to go out of my way and purchase them for myself. And buy them I did, 300 of them, from a Michael’s store somewhere across from the Arboretum. My boys and I only needed a dozen. I was tempted to tear the corner off the plastic baggie they were in and just palm a few, but, thank the good Lord, I was able to overcome.

Now I’m sure that planning the largest 10K run in Texas is no easy feat. There are so many minor details to consider - but no pins? It’s not as if they have no earthly idea this need is on the horizon. Come on, every entrant needs four. Someone at the Statesman could have been buying a couple packages every month, throwing them in a drawer and they’d be all set for packet pick-up day. Now I’m no Rhodes scholar, shoot, I’m not even a college graduate but I can multiply 20,000ish by four. Take this year for example; they are hoping to have 30,000 entrants. So I’d start with at least 120,000 safety pins. Throw in an extra five thousand and they’ll be good to go. I’m hoping it’s not too late; I hope somehow, some way, someone at the Austin American Statesman gets this message: Please, for the welfare and security of our bibs, don’t run out of pins again!

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!!

Pain in the . . .

Left Hip - and it really has been cramping my style if you know what I mean. I've been taking it a little easy this week, substituting Pilates for some of my weight and cardio workouts. Just trying to get all stretched out. I went for a massage today which I'm hopeful will give me some relief. I had a different therapist and she really seemed to know her stuff. She was explaining to me that runners often have tight (some name that is long and begins with an "i") muscles and that seemed to be my problem. Since I have little anatomy and physiology knowledge, I was impressed by her muscle name dropping and that she seemed to know what to do to loosen it. Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Satan has taken this opportunity to fill my mind with less than positive thoughts. "You're just being lazy. Runners run through the pain. Miss a workout and you'll be fat." It's always the same old thing, and yet it gets me every time. It takes a real effort to remember to call upon the Lord. He wants me to see myself as wonderfully as he sees me. I'm not lazy, weak or fat - I.M. Fitt

Reunited

Last Sunday evening just before drifting off to sleep, my husband turned to me and asked “Do you want to go for a run together tomorrow?” I demurely answered “Sure”, but my mind began racing – why does he want to go with me? He usually goes with Kyle (our son). I must be looking puffy or not be doing something right. You see, I’ve been running solo since last year’s Capitol 10K. My husband, John, and Kyle began training for their full marathon shortly thereafter and I was left to go it alone. I did every bit of Hal Higdon’s Beginner Half-Marathon training program by myself and I hadn’t planned on my partner returning. John was my first coach, mentor and cheerleader. He listened to me whine, complain, and say, “I can’t do this” more times than necessary. John encouraged me literally every step of the way. While I had missed his company, I knew there would be new challenges placed before me when we ran together; move faster, breathe more rhythmically, push yourself just a bit more.

We started out Monday morning while the sun was still on the rise. After stretching, we cleared the chrono mode on our watch timers, checked our iPods, and got ready to head out. John leaned over, moved his cap bill out of the way and gave me a kiss, just like he had practically every other time we had gone together. As the tenths passed, I kept waiting for my “training” to begin. But it never did. The only comment John made was a simple yet profound, "I like this. It's nice." Our run together seemed less stressed, comfortable, natural; in part I think because my self-confidence level has increased. Now I know I won’t get to run with my husband every session, and while I do still enjoy my alone time, I’ll appreciate our couple time even more. It just “feels so good!”

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.

Sorry for the Delay

I finally finished outlining the details of my half-marathon experience. It took a few days to complete as I've had an extremely hectic schedule this week - massage, facial, meeting friends for dinner, haircut - not to mention that I need to ummm, clean my house, which has been last on the to-do list for some time now. I've also been stretching and taking some easy walk/runs this week; gearing up for my next training schedule. What that training schedule is for however, has yet to be determined.

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.

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!

Oh So Close

It's Thursday, February 15th, just 3 days away from my first half-marathon. This week's training cut my running way back, to help rejuvenate me I'm guessing. 4 miles yesterday, 2 miles tomorrow and just stretching and weights in between. I am having my usual yo-yo anxiety - one moment I can do this, the next I'm not ready. It's a run for crying out loud; not delicate brain surgery or plans for world peace!! There, I'm feeling better already. I still need to do my weights for today so off I go.....

One More Week

It's almost time for the half-marathon. Only 7 days to go. I'm proud to say I haven't yet skipped any of the suggested workouts outlined on the training program.

On my Friday 5 miler, I cut 2 minutes off my previous fastest 5 mile time. Two minutes - I couldn't believe it. It was a cold, gray day, but it felt familiar and almost inviting as I stepped outside. Mentally, I was battling the usual negative thoughts Satan throws my way. But when I saw my finishing time, I knew the Lord had carried me through.

Today, was a 10 mile run. After the cold misty precipitation stopped and I had made some outerwear adjustments, I was able to concentrate on running. I thought about aborting until the weather cleared, but who wants to do that after you've already headed out?

My time was great and my attitude at the moment is so positive. I never thought I'd run 10 miles ever. I'm sure the additional 3.1 next Sunday will be totally doable. When I returned home, I had a yummy lunch and headed out again for some retail therapy. I'm still looking for just the right outfit to wear on the 18th though. A girl's gotta look good, right?

Feeling Blah

Today was just one of those days. It was cold and gray all day and I just could not get going. I managed to get a light workout in tonight. Tomorrow is another 5 mile day. I'm hoping on a good night's rest and a brighter morning.

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.

Rest Day

I am so thankful; today is my weekly rest day. Not only rest from exercise, but also rest from the daily grind.

I've had two great workouts since my last post. On Thursday, I did a Pilates routine that I hadn't done for a while. I thought it would be a piece of cake, no sweat, easy going..... However, I was very surprised that it didn't take long for me to "feel" my efforts, if you know what I mean. Guess that's why it's called "Bun and Thigh Sculpting".

Yesterday was another 5 mile run. It went very well. I am a bit tired of the cold, gray mornings but they shouldn't last too much longer. I also received my official bib number for the upcoming half-marathon. No turnin' back now!

On with the Program

A 10K race was the long run scheduled on my training program. Since there were no 10K races in my area on Monday morning, I just ran around my neighborhood for 6.2 miles. Even though I had run this distance several times before, I still had a bit of an uneasy feeling starting out. Happily, my slight nervousness did not turn into a major panic attack. As a bonus, I had my
Clif Gel Shot to take after 3 miles as I had started out on an empty stomach. The mocha flavored shots are quite decadent - like the last spoonful of brownie batter you scrap from the bowl; it could go into the pan but why? Anyway, I was in such a hurry to taste it, I made a mess of the package and only had a toothpick-sized hole to squeeze it through! Not the big blob of cocoa rush I was anticipating, but still a treat. I completed my run and came home to start the day.

And Away They Go!

I've had one cross-training day and one rest day since my last post. My run for today has been postponed until tomorrow because my husband and 15 year old son just took off for a 20 mile run to the next city!!! My 7 year old and I will be picking them up in a few hours and pampering them when they are done. This is their longest run ever and they will be doing their first full marathon the same weekend I am doing my first half marathon.


They made it!!! And, they are still walking and talking. The best part is the totally guilt-free food consumption that must follow such a run. I've been serving them all day! I am very proud of them. What a wonderful example right here at home!