Heat and humidity: the two go hand in hand in Southern Indiana. It just seems that this miserable weather hit earlier than usual this year. According to my over-40 memory, June is typically warm, but not so hot that simply walking outside causes one to sweat profusely and, therefore, need an extra shower each day. I expect that kind of heat in July and August, but resent its early appearance this year. I continue to run, but have had to make some adjustments to my schedule, like rising before 6:00 (I don't do that very often), or running later in the evening. Jackie and I ran 7 miles Sunday, which is the farthest I have run since the temperatures have been in the 90s.
For those of you who are attempting running for the first time, as well as those who are seasoned runners, I want to recommend a book I recently finished: Run Like a Mother. It is written by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, two moms who write it like it is! There is a chapter devoted to peeing, pooping, and passing gas. That's something that we women don't like to discuss (unlike the men in our lives!), but when running, all three can present problems. I ran by myself this past Saturday, and (though I peed several times before heading to town for my run) I had to pee most of the run. I tend to obsess, and all I could think about is peeing and how uncomfortable I was. As I ran the Greenway, I briefly considered going off into the woods, but I am really not coordinated enough to pull that off. I won't go into the other two P's, but suffice it to say that running really works on the digestive tract! Anyway, read the book. It's down to earth and easy to relate to. I love to read about running because it motivates me to continue on this journey.
I am 90% certain that the Nashville Women's Half Marathon is not going to be on my September schedule. I think it will be entirely too hot in Nashville. Since my daughter lives there, I might go visit her and try to go watch some of the race - which will probably make we wish I had given it a try! There is a smaller half in Evansville in October; that looks more promising. I have a running friend, Jennifer, who plans to run it, so we could train together (which really means she will be dragging me along!).
Now for the confessions portion...my personal road to better health has been pretty amazing (no, that's not a confession; I will get to that further down). I am able to run! It wasn't long ago that I would drive down the street, see people out running, and think about how I wished that I could do that. Do people now see me running and wish that they could be like me? That would be pretty incredible, but I would want them to know that they can run! I would want to share with them that although they can't expect to go out and run 5 miles, or even a mile, they can run a few steps, and then add a few each day. They can get out and move forward, which is much more beneficial that sitting on the couch. So, what's the confession? I am still struggling with a healthy diet. I am doing much better; fruit and yogurt are a staple in our home, and our snacks are low-cal or low fat. I just can't get into the veggies, even with the farmers' markets and roadside stands beckoning me. I still love pizza and burgers and fries and desserts and steaks and...you get the idea. My favorite post-run splurge is a large Diet Pepsi and a Little Debbie Nutty Bar. Nutrition at its best! I am gradually trying to cut back on those. After watching Oprah today about her Debt Diet series and the little things we spend money on, I started thinking about how much I spend on soft drinks and snacks in a month. I am not yet brave enough to come up with a total, but I do know that cutting out my post-run snack would help my debt diet and my regular diet. And I guess that grabbing candy bars at the check-outs probably adds up too. If you see me at the grocery store and my hand is reaching for a 3 Muskateers or a Twix, feel free to mention that you read my blog - I will get the message!
As you run, think about what words inspire you to go on - your mantra. Running is such a mental game; it helps to have positive self-talk (another confession: sometimes on a really bad run I just keep telling myself that running sucks - those runs never get any better!). When breathing is labored, my eyes are burning from sweat, and my legs feel as if they will crumble at any moment, my favorite mantra is 'If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!' Run on, Friends!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Me and My Big Mouth!
How is it that one month ago I felt completely confident that I could run a half marathon by September, and today I am even more confident that I can't? One major factor is the Southern Indiana humidity that hit early this year. I just can't seem to adjust to the heat. I was running 9-11 miles, and now it is an accomplishment to run 6. It's very frustrating. After announcing on my blog that I would run the Women's Half in Nashville, I have to say that I am pretty certain that's not going to happen. On top of the issues with heat and humidity, my hip has decided to act up again. It doesn't hurt much when I run, but afterwards it is quite painful.
I hope to be able to work through the discomfort because my next goal is to complete a 10k (6.2 miles) on July 10. As long as the body holds out, I am not worried about the distance. The race is the Owensboro Classic, and there is a 5k and 10k both in the evening. Last year Gary and I ran the 5k, and it was the first fun race that we ran. The atmosphere was great, and there were a lot of runners. The course is flat, which was great for us newbies. It didn't hurt that if one ran in any race, he or she was signed up to win $1500 in a drawing!
Gary and I ran a race in Owensboro this past weekend. It was the OMHS 5k, and held in conjunction with the groundbreaking of the new hospital. One of the reasons we chose this race was that there was no entry fee, and with both of us running, fees add up quickly! Since it was free, and we got t-shirts, I know I shouldn't complain, but I am going to anyway. First, and this ISN'T a complaint, my teacher-friend, Emily, was also there to run, so she and I ran together. It is great having someone to talk with. She hasn't been running long, and told me that she would try to keep up with me for as long as she could (kinda makes me sound fast!). We took off, and we were running a an 8-minute pace, which is awesome for me! My first race I ran a 12-minute pace, and have gradually improved over the past several months). Emily stayed with me the whole time, and we were able to maintain an 8-minute average. I was excited because I knew I would PR this race - and maybe even place in my age group. Until we got to the finish line. First, the course was only 2.6 miles, which is a half mile short of a 5k. And, they didn't even keep time - at all. So, we ran 2.6 miles in 21 minutes, which is about 8.06 min/mile, and the only ones who knew were us - and my husband. I was really disappointed. There was a race in Evansville the same day, and I really wish I had run that instead.
Jackie and I are now working (along with Erin) on the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course. We are running the course every week so that we are prepared come August. I am also spending time praying for an unusually cool Schweizer Fest weekend! The course isn't bad, except for the Mozart Street hill. I have been running that hill about every week for a year, and it is still difficult. My go-to man for advice (Tom) says that I need to run it 3 times in a row, walking back down in between attempts, but once I reach the top, I am so thankful I have made it yet again that there is no way I am walking down and doing it all over!
Addison and I are also working some tennis into our summer. I love to play; I just wish more people in this area played. It used to be a pretty popular sport in Tell City, with the Schweizer Fest tourney drawing many players, but now it is difficult to get enough players just to keep it going. Gary, Addison, and I went out to hit golf balls for the first time this season. Just like last year, I suck royally. I just don't know that I have the patience to learn - or to listen to advice. I want to be able to play because it is something that we can all do together, but it is sooo hard! Addison is really a good player, so I hope that she keeps it up. In another year, she might have to choose between golf and band, and presently she is leaning toward band. Although I hope that ultimately she doesn't have to choose, I would want her to choose what makes her happy. Her dad, on the other hand, desperately hopes for golf!
Thanks for reading - now get out and move!
I hope to be able to work through the discomfort because my next goal is to complete a 10k (6.2 miles) on July 10. As long as the body holds out, I am not worried about the distance. The race is the Owensboro Classic, and there is a 5k and 10k both in the evening. Last year Gary and I ran the 5k, and it was the first fun race that we ran. The atmosphere was great, and there were a lot of runners. The course is flat, which was great for us newbies. It didn't hurt that if one ran in any race, he or she was signed up to win $1500 in a drawing!
Gary and I ran a race in Owensboro this past weekend. It was the OMHS 5k, and held in conjunction with the groundbreaking of the new hospital. One of the reasons we chose this race was that there was no entry fee, and with both of us running, fees add up quickly! Since it was free, and we got t-shirts, I know I shouldn't complain, but I am going to anyway. First, and this ISN'T a complaint, my teacher-friend, Emily, was also there to run, so she and I ran together. It is great having someone to talk with. She hasn't been running long, and told me that she would try to keep up with me for as long as she could (kinda makes me sound fast!). We took off, and we were running a an 8-minute pace, which is awesome for me! My first race I ran a 12-minute pace, and have gradually improved over the past several months). Emily stayed with me the whole time, and we were able to maintain an 8-minute average. I was excited because I knew I would PR this race - and maybe even place in my age group. Until we got to the finish line. First, the course was only 2.6 miles, which is a half mile short of a 5k. And, they didn't even keep time - at all. So, we ran 2.6 miles in 21 minutes, which is about 8.06 min/mile, and the only ones who knew were us - and my husband. I was really disappointed. There was a race in Evansville the same day, and I really wish I had run that instead.
Jackie and I are now working (along with Erin) on the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course. We are running the course every week so that we are prepared come August. I am also spending time praying for an unusually cool Schweizer Fest weekend! The course isn't bad, except for the Mozart Street hill. I have been running that hill about every week for a year, and it is still difficult. My go-to man for advice (Tom) says that I need to run it 3 times in a row, walking back down in between attempts, but once I reach the top, I am so thankful I have made it yet again that there is no way I am walking down and doing it all over!
Addison and I are also working some tennis into our summer. I love to play; I just wish more people in this area played. It used to be a pretty popular sport in Tell City, with the Schweizer Fest tourney drawing many players, but now it is difficult to get enough players just to keep it going. Gary, Addison, and I went out to hit golf balls for the first time this season. Just like last year, I suck royally. I just don't know that I have the patience to learn - or to listen to advice. I want to be able to play because it is something that we can all do together, but it is sooo hard! Addison is really a good player, so I hope that she keeps it up. In another year, she might have to choose between golf and band, and presently she is leaning toward band. Although I hope that ultimately she doesn't have to choose, I would want her to choose what makes her happy. Her dad, on the other hand, desperately hopes for golf!
Thanks for reading - now get out and move!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Setting Goals
I talked with my students about setting goals today. I explained that setting goals can motivate us in all aspects of our lives. Our lesson was actually about saving money, and setting goals in order to establish a plan to save money, but we took the idea of goal-setting into other areas. The kids have AR goals for reading, goals for DIBELS testing, goals for their grades, and so on. Just as they have goals, I, too, have some life goals. I need them so that I stay active, motivated, and so that I continue to evolve into a better, healthier person.
When I started on this journey of training my over-40 body to run, my goals were minimal. I wanted to be able to run without passing out or vomiting, and I eventually wanted to be able to run the 2-mile race at the Schweizer Fest. As my loving husband will eagerly profess, I am a bit (well...very) neurotic. I might set a goal, but then I want to achieve that goal in record time. The 2-mile race was in August, but I reached my goal in May. So I set the next goal. I wanted to be able to run 3 miles so that I could run a 5K. By June of last year, I could check that goal off of my list. After that, I worked on my speed and adding miles. Knowing that I would never be fast, I was still determined to improve my speed in races, which I have done. I might never be competitive, but I will beat someone!
Over the past several months, Gary and some of my running friends have told me that I could complete a half marathon. I just wasn't feeling it. Running for two hours did not sound at all appealing, and taking time to train for that wasn't a priority. Then one Sunday I ran 9 miles, and the next I ran 10. Is it possible? I felt great on those two runs. After those two runs, I was able to see a dream come true, which has made me even more motivated to train.
While for most of you this might seem a rather strange dream, it was my dream, and I was thrilled to have the chance to reach it. I ran along Lake Michigan in Chicago! Having lived my early childhood years about 1/2 hour from Chicago, I spent time there as a child, and have gone back several times as an adult - but never as a runner. Kim Strobel and I went to Chicago for an International Reading Association conference, and we had time to get out and enjoy the city, so we ran. The wind off the lake was wicked, but I looked to my left and the lake was about 10 feet from me; I looked to my right and saw the amazing skyline; and up ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe, and I was willing to run in that wind in order to experience a beautiful run.
So, now I am back running in Tell City, and I am planning to run the Women's Half Marathon in September in Nashville. I feel that running a women's race will be less intimidating, and it will be a fun 'girly' weekend. I am desperately trying to convince my niece Erin to run it with me. Running for 13.1 miles can get pretty lonely, and if she were with me, I have no doubt we could both finish. This past Sunday I ran 11.17 miles! That is my furthest run yet, and I lived to write about it! I am so excited to continue to add mileage and improve my running. Last year at this time I still hated running! It is amazing what our bodies can do if we are willing to challenge them.
I must tell you another amazing story: My sister, who is 11 years older than I, and has never been an athlete (she is the smart one who spent her time studying), started running a couple months ago. She has walked for exercise for a long time, and she walks fast. I think that made the transition to running a little easier for her because she has already run 5 miles! It took me months to get to that point. I am so proud of her! This Saturday she will run her first 5K, and her baby sister will be right at the finish line cheering her on!
If my sister and I can call ourselves runners, anyone can! We all started out by combining running and walking, and gradually adding a bit more running. We all know how hard it is to get started, and we appreciate the effort that everyone must put in. If you choose to run, you will find more support than you ever thought possible. There is a camaraderie like no other among runners.
Get outside...it's almost summer!
When I started on this journey of training my over-40 body to run, my goals were minimal. I wanted to be able to run without passing out or vomiting, and I eventually wanted to be able to run the 2-mile race at the Schweizer Fest. As my loving husband will eagerly profess, I am a bit (well...very) neurotic. I might set a goal, but then I want to achieve that goal in record time. The 2-mile race was in August, but I reached my goal in May. So I set the next goal. I wanted to be able to run 3 miles so that I could run a 5K. By June of last year, I could check that goal off of my list. After that, I worked on my speed and adding miles. Knowing that I would never be fast, I was still determined to improve my speed in races, which I have done. I might never be competitive, but I will beat someone!
Over the past several months, Gary and some of my running friends have told me that I could complete a half marathon. I just wasn't feeling it. Running for two hours did not sound at all appealing, and taking time to train for that wasn't a priority. Then one Sunday I ran 9 miles, and the next I ran 10. Is it possible? I felt great on those two runs. After those two runs, I was able to see a dream come true, which has made me even more motivated to train.
While for most of you this might seem a rather strange dream, it was my dream, and I was thrilled to have the chance to reach it. I ran along Lake Michigan in Chicago! Having lived my early childhood years about 1/2 hour from Chicago, I spent time there as a child, and have gone back several times as an adult - but never as a runner. Kim Strobel and I went to Chicago for an International Reading Association conference, and we had time to get out and enjoy the city, so we ran. The wind off the lake was wicked, but I looked to my left and the lake was about 10 feet from me; I looked to my right and saw the amazing skyline; and up ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe, and I was willing to run in that wind in order to experience a beautiful run.
So, now I am back running in Tell City, and I am planning to run the Women's Half Marathon in September in Nashville. I feel that running a women's race will be less intimidating, and it will be a fun 'girly' weekend. I am desperately trying to convince my niece Erin to run it with me. Running for 13.1 miles can get pretty lonely, and if she were with me, I have no doubt we could both finish. This past Sunday I ran 11.17 miles! That is my furthest run yet, and I lived to write about it! I am so excited to continue to add mileage and improve my running. Last year at this time I still hated running! It is amazing what our bodies can do if we are willing to challenge them.
I must tell you another amazing story: My sister, who is 11 years older than I, and has never been an athlete (she is the smart one who spent her time studying), started running a couple months ago. She has walked for exercise for a long time, and she walks fast. I think that made the transition to running a little easier for her because she has already run 5 miles! It took me months to get to that point. I am so proud of her! This Saturday she will run her first 5K, and her baby sister will be right at the finish line cheering her on!
If my sister and I can call ourselves runners, anyone can! We all started out by combining running and walking, and gradually adding a bit more running. We all know how hard it is to get started, and we appreciate the effort that everyone must put in. If you choose to run, you will find more support than you ever thought possible. There is a camaraderie like no other among runners.
Get outside...it's almost summer!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Just Maybe Spring is Here...
Wow...I haven't blogged since February! Either life is very dull and not really worth writing about, or I have been pretty busy, and just haven't taken the time. Since life is never dull in a house full of teenage girls, I'll go with the latter.
Before I get to how my running is progressing, there have been some other events in our lives that are worth mentioning. Foremost on that list is that my oldest daughter, Morgan, has spread her wings and moved to Nashville. No, she doesn't sing, nor does she play an instrument (she said that is what everyone down there asks when she tells them she is new in town). She just loves the city. This is my child who has always hated large cities, and swore she would never leave good ole Perry County! She began a job at Ruby Tuesdays this week, and hopefully all will go well there. With Bethany going to Indianapolis for college in August, it is very odd to imagine my girls living six hours apart, and just having Addison here with us. As I look back over their lives, their childhoods seemed to have gone by in a flash. I pray that I taught them everything they need to know, and that they are happy, and they make a difference in the lives of others.
My in-laws also relocated last month. They had been living in South Texas in the winter, and traveling the rest of the year. They sold their Texas home and bought a place in Lawrenceburg, KY, just outside of Lexington. My sister-in-law and her husband live in Lawrenceburg. It is going to be great to have them within two hours. This past weekend we were able to go down to help them do some painting.
Running! I am still keeping up with it. I am so proud that I made it through the winter, and was able to maintain my distance and actually increased my speed a little. We ran our first race of the year on March 13 in Evansville. There were over 930 runners, and a couple hundred walkers. It was a fun race, although it was cold and dreary, even misting the last mile or two. The race was 7K, which is 4.34 miles. My time was 38:17, which is an 8:59 pace. I placed 11/47 in my age group, which was really exciting! Last year at this time, I was hardly running a mile! The next race that we plan to run is in French Lick in April. It is a 5K, and a flat course that winds through the French Lick Hotel and West Baden Hotel. Running in races helps to keep me motivated, and helps me to want to improve. I know that I will never be a competitive runner, but improving is enough for me (well, I do pour over times and try to figure out what I need to do to place if possible, and I am sort of competitive, but I am still realistic).
My sister, Bobbi, is trying to add running to her exercise program. Let me just say that this lady walks about as fast as I run! She is in great shape, so I am excited to see what she can do running. She has been working on the treadmill, and ran 1 1/2 miles without stopping, so she is well on her way. We are going to meet this evening to see what she can do outside.
I have worked really hard to improve my running, get into better shape, and just be healthier, but I still struggle with eating. I do not like many veggies, and I love pizza, burgers, sweets, and candy. I just can't give them up. I have tried to cut back, and I know that I need to have better habits so that Addison will develop better habits, but gosh, it is so hard. Last night was $6 pizza night; I can't cook for that! We are buying healthier snacks (which are way more expensive), and we don't eat much fast food at all, but a person can only eat so much grilled chicken! I think that it will always be a battle for me. Thus far I have managed to stay healthy, yet have never eaten many veggies or much fruit. I am trying to eat more applesauce and drink apple juice, and we always have bananas, but I still need to add more.
We are on spring break this week. While many of my friends are on beaches in Florida, I am home. I am enjoying time at home, and just doing what I want. Addison has to have a test done on Friday to see if her gall bladder is functioning. I am anxious to get that done so that she can begin to get some relief from her constant stomach pains.
Have a terrific week, and try something new! You will be glad you did!
Before I get to how my running is progressing, there have been some other events in our lives that are worth mentioning. Foremost on that list is that my oldest daughter, Morgan, has spread her wings and moved to Nashville. No, she doesn't sing, nor does she play an instrument (she said that is what everyone down there asks when she tells them she is new in town). She just loves the city. This is my child who has always hated large cities, and swore she would never leave good ole Perry County! She began a job at Ruby Tuesdays this week, and hopefully all will go well there. With Bethany going to Indianapolis for college in August, it is very odd to imagine my girls living six hours apart, and just having Addison here with us. As I look back over their lives, their childhoods seemed to have gone by in a flash. I pray that I taught them everything they need to know, and that they are happy, and they make a difference in the lives of others.
My in-laws also relocated last month. They had been living in South Texas in the winter, and traveling the rest of the year. They sold their Texas home and bought a place in Lawrenceburg, KY, just outside of Lexington. My sister-in-law and her husband live in Lawrenceburg. It is going to be great to have them within two hours. This past weekend we were able to go down to help them do some painting.
Running! I am still keeping up with it. I am so proud that I made it through the winter, and was able to maintain my distance and actually increased my speed a little. We ran our first race of the year on March 13 in Evansville. There were over 930 runners, and a couple hundred walkers. It was a fun race, although it was cold and dreary, even misting the last mile or two. The race was 7K, which is 4.34 miles. My time was 38:17, which is an 8:59 pace. I placed 11/47 in my age group, which was really exciting! Last year at this time, I was hardly running a mile! The next race that we plan to run is in French Lick in April. It is a 5K, and a flat course that winds through the French Lick Hotel and West Baden Hotel. Running in races helps to keep me motivated, and helps me to want to improve. I know that I will never be a competitive runner, but improving is enough for me (well, I do pour over times and try to figure out what I need to do to place if possible, and I am sort of competitive, but I am still realistic).
My sister, Bobbi, is trying to add running to her exercise program. Let me just say that this lady walks about as fast as I run! She is in great shape, so I am excited to see what she can do running. She has been working on the treadmill, and ran 1 1/2 miles without stopping, so she is well on her way. We are going to meet this evening to see what she can do outside.
I have worked really hard to improve my running, get into better shape, and just be healthier, but I still struggle with eating. I do not like many veggies, and I love pizza, burgers, sweets, and candy. I just can't give them up. I have tried to cut back, and I know that I need to have better habits so that Addison will develop better habits, but gosh, it is so hard. Last night was $6 pizza night; I can't cook for that! We are buying healthier snacks (which are way more expensive), and we don't eat much fast food at all, but a person can only eat so much grilled chicken! I think that it will always be a battle for me. Thus far I have managed to stay healthy, yet have never eaten many veggies or much fruit. I am trying to eat more applesauce and drink apple juice, and we always have bananas, but I still need to add more.
We are on spring break this week. While many of my friends are on beaches in Florida, I am home. I am enjoying time at home, and just doing what I want. Addison has to have a test done on Friday to see if her gall bladder is functioning. I am anxious to get that done so that she can begin to get some relief from her constant stomach pains.
Have a terrific week, and try something new! You will be glad you did!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
When Will This End??
To say that I am tired of winter, especially snow, would be an understatement. One good snow per season is enough to satisfy the ''Northern Girl" in me! I dream of spring, warm temperatures, tennis matches, and track meets. Of course, that means that graduation is fast approaching, and I don't know if I am ready for that! I haven't even seen Bethany much this winter because she can't get up our hill in her Camry. She has been staying at her dad's in town, or at the Lashers'. I guess this will help prepare me for her move to Indy in August.
Speaking of moves, Morgan made her big move to Nashville this past weekend. I am all for her getting our of Perry County and seeing what this big world has to offer, but would have prefered that she had a job first. Sometimes timing just isn't what we would hope for; her friends found a place, and their lease was up, so if Morgan wanted to move in with them, she had to go now. She is applying anywhere and everywhere for a job, so I pray (hourly) that something will come through. She was asking me yesterday how to sell plasma, so I think she is feeling the pressure.
The last 6 weeks of our lives have been filled with puppies! Izabel had 8 puppies on January 8. They are absolutely adorable, but we are so tired of cleaning poop and pee! My house smells like a kennel, and I don't know that our family room carpeting is salvagable. It needed to be replaced before, and though it is mostly covered with a tarp, it will probably become a priority (at least in my mind) after we have delivered the litter to their new homes - hoping that we have enough homes! We will keep one of the pups, and as of today, it will be Einstein. Morgan plans to take a girl appropriately named 'Presley', although I don't know if she has a plan to cover pet expenses.
Running...though the Mother Nature is doing her best to discourage me, I will not be taken down that easily! I haven't run quite as much, but I am still getting in at least 4 runs per week, albeit some are on that dreaded torture machine - the treadmill. My niece can run 8-10 miles on a treadmill, but I can hardly eek out 3 miles. It is all I can do to make it to that 3-mile mark, and I quit. I just hate it. I stair out my bedroom window into the woods just hoping to see an animal doing something interesting to keep my mind occupied for a few minutes. I wish that there were a good spot to put the treadmill, and the I could have a TV to watch; perhaps then time would go a bit quicker. Somehow, today I am going to get to town and run outside. I might spend my time trying not to break my ankle on a snowmound, but the fresh air would be worth it!
Jackie has had a hip injury, much like the one that I had, so she hasn't been able to run with me for about 2 weeks. Having a running partner makes all the difference. Once in a while, running alone is tolerable. I can try to increase my pace, and then if it hurts I can slow back down, and I can just meditate. I wouldn't, however, want to run alone all the time. Having someone to talk to makes the run so much better. Having that someone be a therapist and a dear friend is an extra treat!
This week there was a picture of me, along with some running friends, and a very brief testimonial in an ad for Perry County Wellness. For those of you who know me well, this is really a stretch! Yes, I have become a 'runner', and I have embraced exercise, but not without fighting it for the previous 42 years! And, if Tony Hollinden had any idea what my eating habits consist of, he wouldn't have my picture anywhere near the word 'wellness'. I am trying to eat healthier, and have been for the past year, but, quite frankly, I think vegetables suck. Oh, go ahead and say it, 'it all depends on how you fix them'. Nope. Not buying that. My taste buds are not compatible with green veggies. Period. My after-a-long-run-favorite-snack? A Little Debbie Nutty Bar and a large Diet Pepsi! My husband is a fan of veggies, and has tried (unsuccessfully) to get me to branch out, but it just isn't going to happen. My mother force-fed me green beans, spinach, brocolli, and any other green, slimy vegetable you can name, but it certainly did not aid in my developing a taste for them. And yet, I am healthy.
Time to move on...thanks for reading!
Speaking of moves, Morgan made her big move to Nashville this past weekend. I am all for her getting our of Perry County and seeing what this big world has to offer, but would have prefered that she had a job first. Sometimes timing just isn't what we would hope for; her friends found a place, and their lease was up, so if Morgan wanted to move in with them, she had to go now. She is applying anywhere and everywhere for a job, so I pray (hourly) that something will come through. She was asking me yesterday how to sell plasma, so I think she is feeling the pressure.
The last 6 weeks of our lives have been filled with puppies! Izabel had 8 puppies on January 8. They are absolutely adorable, but we are so tired of cleaning poop and pee! My house smells like a kennel, and I don't know that our family room carpeting is salvagable. It needed to be replaced before, and though it is mostly covered with a tarp, it will probably become a priority (at least in my mind) after we have delivered the litter to their new homes - hoping that we have enough homes! We will keep one of the pups, and as of today, it will be Einstein. Morgan plans to take a girl appropriately named 'Presley', although I don't know if she has a plan to cover pet expenses.
Running...though the Mother Nature is doing her best to discourage me, I will not be taken down that easily! I haven't run quite as much, but I am still getting in at least 4 runs per week, albeit some are on that dreaded torture machine - the treadmill. My niece can run 8-10 miles on a treadmill, but I can hardly eek out 3 miles. It is all I can do to make it to that 3-mile mark, and I quit. I just hate it. I stair out my bedroom window into the woods just hoping to see an animal doing something interesting to keep my mind occupied for a few minutes. I wish that there were a good spot to put the treadmill, and the I could have a TV to watch; perhaps then time would go a bit quicker. Somehow, today I am going to get to town and run outside. I might spend my time trying not to break my ankle on a snowmound, but the fresh air would be worth it!
Jackie has had a hip injury, much like the one that I had, so she hasn't been able to run with me for about 2 weeks. Having a running partner makes all the difference. Once in a while, running alone is tolerable. I can try to increase my pace, and then if it hurts I can slow back down, and I can just meditate. I wouldn't, however, want to run alone all the time. Having someone to talk to makes the run so much better. Having that someone be a therapist and a dear friend is an extra treat!
This week there was a picture of me, along with some running friends, and a very brief testimonial in an ad for Perry County Wellness. For those of you who know me well, this is really a stretch! Yes, I have become a 'runner', and I have embraced exercise, but not without fighting it for the previous 42 years! And, if Tony Hollinden had any idea what my eating habits consist of, he wouldn't have my picture anywhere near the word 'wellness'. I am trying to eat healthier, and have been for the past year, but, quite frankly, I think vegetables suck. Oh, go ahead and say it, 'it all depends on how you fix them'. Nope. Not buying that. My taste buds are not compatible with green veggies. Period. My after-a-long-run-favorite-snack? A Little Debbie Nutty Bar and a large Diet Pepsi! My husband is a fan of veggies, and has tried (unsuccessfully) to get me to branch out, but it just isn't going to happen. My mother force-fed me green beans, spinach, brocolli, and any other green, slimy vegetable you can name, but it certainly did not aid in my developing a taste for them. And yet, I am healthy.
Time to move on...thanks for reading!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Is it still winter?
Although running in the cold has been much more enjoyable than I had anticipated, I am still anxiously awaiting spring. Living in the country and heating with wood, it is nearly impossible to keep the house clean. And then there are the mounds of coats: light jackets, vests, heavy coats, stylish coats, and working outside coats. Times that by four people, and you can imagine what our entry area looks like!
I am still exercising 5-6 times per week. I am not running quite as many miles, simply because some days it's just too nasty out. Those days I do TurboJam, the Wii Fit, treadmill, or a new Bob Green DVD. I know that I have said this before, but I detest the treadmill. I try, and I get on with a positive attitude (at least on the surface), but it is all I can do to run 2 miles on that machine. I can't really understand how I can rather easily run 6 miles on the streets, but can hardly trudge through 2 miles on the treadmill. It is sooooo boring. Even when I listen to music, I am bored. When I have to resort to indoor exercise, I usually combine my 2 miles with a strength workout. At least it adds up to an hour of exercise.
This morning Jackie and I ran at 5 a.m. for the first time in over a month. It wasn't easy to get out of my warm bed, and I had expected it to be warmer outside, but once we got going, it felt great. I had more energy throughout the day, and after school I got the grocery shopping done, baked a cake, cleaned the kitchen (including cleaning out moldy or stale food), did some laundry, and I am still going. Once I hit the couch, that'll be it for the night. I am really bad about coming home, plopping down in front of Oprah, and then not wanting to do much the rest of the evening. I would like to run at 5 a.m. two-three times a week. I love having my evening free - of course, that won't last long because tennis and track season is just around the corner, and then a free evening will be a luxury.
I have set a new goal of cooking more. I have set this goal many times before, and just manage to come up with many excuses not to cook. Last night I sat down with recipe books, mapped out the week, made the grocery list, and I am ready to roll. I am optimistic, but realistic as well. I will try this, but if it doesn't work out, I won't beat myself up. We don't eat out much, we just get by with grilled cheese, Ravioli (I'm talking out of a can), and other simple meals. Fortunately, my family doesn't seem to be bothered too much by my lack of initiative in the kitchen. Part of my problem is that I am so picky. I look at new recipes, but they have ingredients that I don't like, so we end up eating the same old meals. My poor husband loves a variety of foods, but gets only an occasional bland dinner because the girls and I are all picky. Groceries have gotten so expensive, sometimes I think it is cheaper for us to grab something out.
To those of you reading this...Thanks! I know I really don't have anything amazing to report, so thanks for coming back!
I am still exercising 5-6 times per week. I am not running quite as many miles, simply because some days it's just too nasty out. Those days I do TurboJam, the Wii Fit, treadmill, or a new Bob Green DVD. I know that I have said this before, but I detest the treadmill. I try, and I get on with a positive attitude (at least on the surface), but it is all I can do to run 2 miles on that machine. I can't really understand how I can rather easily run 6 miles on the streets, but can hardly trudge through 2 miles on the treadmill. It is sooooo boring. Even when I listen to music, I am bored. When I have to resort to indoor exercise, I usually combine my 2 miles with a strength workout. At least it adds up to an hour of exercise.
This morning Jackie and I ran at 5 a.m. for the first time in over a month. It wasn't easy to get out of my warm bed, and I had expected it to be warmer outside, but once we got going, it felt great. I had more energy throughout the day, and after school I got the grocery shopping done, baked a cake, cleaned the kitchen (including cleaning out moldy or stale food), did some laundry, and I am still going. Once I hit the couch, that'll be it for the night. I am really bad about coming home, plopping down in front of Oprah, and then not wanting to do much the rest of the evening. I would like to run at 5 a.m. two-three times a week. I love having my evening free - of course, that won't last long because tennis and track season is just around the corner, and then a free evening will be a luxury.
I have set a new goal of cooking more. I have set this goal many times before, and just manage to come up with many excuses not to cook. Last night I sat down with recipe books, mapped out the week, made the grocery list, and I am ready to roll. I am optimistic, but realistic as well. I will try this, but if it doesn't work out, I won't beat myself up. We don't eat out much, we just get by with grilled cheese, Ravioli (I'm talking out of a can), and other simple meals. Fortunately, my family doesn't seem to be bothered too much by my lack of initiative in the kitchen. Part of my problem is that I am so picky. I look at new recipes, but they have ingredients that I don't like, so we end up eating the same old meals. My poor husband loves a variety of foods, but gets only an occasional bland dinner because the girls and I are all picky. Groceries have gotten so expensive, sometimes I think it is cheaper for us to grab something out.
To those of you reading this...Thanks! I know I really don't have anything amazing to report, so thanks for coming back!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wow! It's Freezing Outside!
As I sit at the computer, I actually have on my new Snuggie (which I thought looked ridiculous when I first saw them). It is going to be a frigid week, so I am certain I will appreciate being able to curl up on the couch and keep my arms warm as I read. I won't, however, be purchasing one for our dog!
Speaking of dogs, our 'puppy' is expecting any day now. Actually, we thought she would have given birth by now, which would have been convenient considering I have to go back to school tomorrow. Izabel is only 10 months old; we had no idea she could even get pregnant! Now we have a dog nursery set up in back of our family room, and I have had to take her temp (rectally!) to try to determine when the big event will take place. Of course, the girls are excited, and working to talk their dad into taking one of the pups. I just see added work over the next six weeks!
Running...wow. In the summer I said I would not be running in really cold temps. Friday morning our town's wellness committee organized a 2-mile walk and 5-mile run. It was 18 degrees and windy! Gary, Jackie, and I went anyway. It was pretty cold the first mile or two, but then it really didn't feel that bad. There were just a few 5-milers, but it was fun to run with others who are equally obsessed with getting their runs in - and it was impossible to complain because one lady is 5 months pregnant! Last night, Erin and I ran 6 miles. It was about 16 degrees, but very little wind. I went out with the intention of running 4 miles, figuring that in the cold, dark evening, that was pretty commendable. Once we got started, it just felt good. I don't know if I would complete these longer runs if I were alone. Having Jackie and/or Erin to talk to really makes a difference. Erin makes running seem so effortless, even as she drags her old aunt along!
On this cold Sunday afternoon, it would be very easy to curl up with a good book and skip the run, but Erin and I are going to head out soon. There are days that I wish that we lived in town so that I could just step out the door and take off running; as it is I have to drive to town, which adds 20 minutes to my exercise time. I don't know how far we will run today; it really doesn't matter. I am out, and I am running. For that, I am very grateful!
Speaking of dogs, our 'puppy' is expecting any day now. Actually, we thought she would have given birth by now, which would have been convenient considering I have to go back to school tomorrow. Izabel is only 10 months old; we had no idea she could even get pregnant! Now we have a dog nursery set up in back of our family room, and I have had to take her temp (rectally!) to try to determine when the big event will take place. Of course, the girls are excited, and working to talk their dad into taking one of the pups. I just see added work over the next six weeks!
Running...wow. In the summer I said I would not be running in really cold temps. Friday morning our town's wellness committee organized a 2-mile walk and 5-mile run. It was 18 degrees and windy! Gary, Jackie, and I went anyway. It was pretty cold the first mile or two, but then it really didn't feel that bad. There were just a few 5-milers, but it was fun to run with others who are equally obsessed with getting their runs in - and it was impossible to complain because one lady is 5 months pregnant! Last night, Erin and I ran 6 miles. It was about 16 degrees, but very little wind. I went out with the intention of running 4 miles, figuring that in the cold, dark evening, that was pretty commendable. Once we got started, it just felt good. I don't know if I would complete these longer runs if I were alone. Having Jackie and/or Erin to talk to really makes a difference. Erin makes running seem so effortless, even as she drags her old aunt along!
On this cold Sunday afternoon, it would be very easy to curl up with a good book and skip the run, but Erin and I are going to head out soon. There are days that I wish that we lived in town so that I could just step out the door and take off running; as it is I have to drive to town, which adds 20 minutes to my exercise time. I don't know how far we will run today; it really doesn't matter. I am out, and I am running. For that, I am very grateful!
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