tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17038575788191997382024-03-13T11:42:44.408-07:00Shin Splints and Ice CreamThere will be bad days and good days. The bad days will challenge you even more. The bad days will make you dig deeper into your heart and soul to find the reasons why it's so important to keep going! I prayed hard for an answer, for the drive and desire. Here it is and I'm going to share the journey with whomever wants to read.
I love the Lord and my family. Despite bumps in the road like shin splints and ice cream, I became a triathlete, runner and overall healthier!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-56862653972686884542012-01-10T19:02:00.000-08:002012-01-10T19:02:20.605-08:00Yes!So people do get it. Unfortunately, just very late in life =(<br />
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In this quick article, a nurse that works in Hospice care talks about what people on their death bed think about, and mostly regret.<br />
<a href="http://www.empowernetwork.com/Caroline/nurse-reveals-the-top-5-regrets-people-make-on-their-deathbed/" target="_blank"><em>1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.</em></a>Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-36167542413093940562012-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:23:02.031-08:00How To Be Alone. In a Happy Way.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k7X7sZzSXYs?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<strong>HOW TO BE ALONE</strong> by Tanya Davis<br />
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If you are at first lonely, be patient. If you've not been alone much, or if when you were, you weren't okay with it, then just wait. You'll find it's fine to be alone once you're embracing it.<br />
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We could start with the acceptable places, the bathroom, the coffee shop, the library. Where you can stall and read the paper, where you can get your caffeine fix and sit and stay there. Where you can browse the stacks and smell the books. You're not supposed to talk much anyway so it's safe there.<br />
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There's also the gym. If you're shy you could hang out with yourself in mirrors, you could put headphones in (guitar stroke). <br />
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And there's public transportation, because we all gotta go places. <br />
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And there's prayer and meditation. No one will think less if you're hanging with your breath seeking peace and salvation.<br />
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Start simple. Things you may have previously (electric guitar plucking) based on your avoid being alone principals. <br />
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The lunch counter. Where you will be surrounded by chow-downers. Employees who only have an hour and their spouses work across town and so they -- like you -- will be alone.<br />
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Resist the urge to hang out with your cell phone. <br />
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When you are comfortable with eat lunch and run, take yourself out for dinner. A restaurant with linen and silverware. You're no less intriguing a person when you're eating solo dessert to cleaning the whipped cream from the dish with your finger. In fact some people at full tables will wish they were where you were.<br />
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Go to the movies. Where it is dark and soothing. Alone in your seat amidst a fleeting community. <br />
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And then, take yourself out dancing to a club where no one knows you. Stand on the outside of the floor till the lights convince you more and more and the music shows you. Dance like no one's watching...because, they're probably not. And, if they are, assume it is with best of human intentions. The way bodies move genuinely to beats is, after all, gorgeous and affecting. Dance until you're sweating, and beads of perspiration remind you of life's best things, down your back like a brook of blessings.<br />
Go to the woods alone, and the trees and squirrels will watch for you.Go to an unfamiliar city, roam the streets, there're always statues to talk to and benches made for sitting give strangers a shared existence if only for a minute and these moments can be so uplifting and the conversations you get in by sitting alone on benches might've never happened had you not been there by yourself<br />
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Society is afraid of alonedom, like lonely hearts are wasting away in basements, like people must have problems if, after a while, nobody is dating them. but lonely is a freedom that breaths easy and weightless and lonely is healing if you make it.<br />
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You could stand, swathed by groups and mobs or hold hands with your partner, look both further and farther for the endless quest for company. But no one's in your head and by the time you translate your thoughts, some essence of them may be lost or perhaps it is just kept. <br />
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Perhaps in the interest of loving oneself, perhaps all those sappy slogans from preschool over to high school's groaning were tokens for holding the lonely at bay. Cuz if you're happy in your head than solitude is blessed and alone is okay.<br />
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It's okay if no one believes like you. All experience is unique, no one has the same synapses, can't think like you, for this be releived, keeps things interesting lifes magic things in reach. <br />
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And it doesn't mean you're not connected, that communitie's not present, just take the perspective you get from being one person in one head and feel the effects of it. take silence and respect it. if you have an art that needs a practice, stop neglecting it. if your family doesn't get you, or religious sect is not meant for you, don't obsess about it. <br />
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you could be in an instant surrounded if you needed it<br />
If your heart is bleeding make the best of it <br />
There is heat in freezing, be a testament.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-48664320756246664902012-01-09T23:23:00.000-08:002012-01-09T23:23:07.790-08:00Why we care.Why is it so important to us what others think <em>about</em> us? <br />
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Are people who care about what others think Shallow? Superficial? Fake? Insecure?<br />
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I don't think so, really. I think the judgement of our world is what has crushed our natural desires to care for one another. <br />
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At heart, we are beings that nurture, empathize, sympathize, help, give, serve, and are naturally good-natured.<br />
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Because of living in a world that has turned those attributes into signs of "weakness", we have shied away from being this way to each other.<br />
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I do not believe the root of this worry is that we care what others think <em>about us</em>, it's that we desire to <em>care about them</em>. Unfortunately, most of the society we live in now has been taught that you can't rely on anyone but yourself. That you are the only one you have, and that it is up to you and no one else to be what you want to be, get where you're going, and "achieve". <br />
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Me Me Me. You You You.<br />
There is no longer an <em>US </em>or a <em>community</em>. <br />
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The more people believe they should only rely on themselves, the more judgemental they become of others, which then leads to people feeling judged, which we are now. We live in a world that is way to self absorbed with filling <em>themselves</em> up. The mere thought that someone else could fill you up is just too much to bare. Where's the trust? The giving & receiving? It is lost. That is sad. I feel bad for people who are trapped in a world that is led by others' thoughts, despite the obvious effort to only rely on oneself. Nature at it's finest.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-29843262914367598932012-01-08T23:05:00.000-08:002012-01-09T23:03:59.810-08:00CleansingToday I have begun a cleanse. Of mind, body and spirit. I am a pretty positive person, trying to not let the small things push me around much. I am an organized planner, but try not to let it take over my life (*Try* being the operative verb here). Yet, sometimes, life gets in control of me. I begin to feel frazzled, out of balance, and out of control of my feelings, energy, and thoughts. I feel as if I'm trudging through mud, always attempting to "catch up" to life as it seems to always stay ten steps ahead of me. I do NOT like this feeling. As I'm sure no one does.<br />
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I like to be balanced. To feel healthy in my mind, with thoughts that make sense and aren't wondering off.I like to feel in control of cravings, for foods and anything else. And rather than trying to be ten steps ahead of life, I enjoy walking along side of it, IN it, experiencing it - each moment as it is happening. I like <i>being</i>.<br />
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I have felt like this at times in life, and it comes with a heightened sense of peace unlike anything else.<br />
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This peace and balance comes from cleansing. Taking a look at the life you are spiraling in, and tossing out the things which do not belong. Like a game of "which one is unlike the others?", where your job is to find the things that are not matching up with the purpose of your being. Why are you here? What are you doing? What are your goals? Some of those questions may not have an apparent answer, it may be fogged or may not have been made clear to you yet, but that does not stop you from searching the TRUE and HONEST desires of your heart. Not the <i>worldly</i> desires. Those are fake. Think natural. What does your body need, what does your mind need, what are your spiritual needs?<br />
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They all go together to create a whole being. As you find the answer to what is fulfilling your natural, true and honest desire of the spirit, you will find physical and mental clarity. As you begin to take care of your body through honest, true and natural ways, you will find a heightened peace in the mind and spirit. And as you draw closer to the spirit, what we were meant to believe, follow, create, and BE, you will find mental clarity & serenity, and you'll feel more physical energy and peace within your phsycial being.<br />
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I began cleansing today, and will continue on for as long as I feel called to. Through this time, I will be using methods that help me achieve my goals, through prayer and physical & mental strength, overcoming obstacles, learning to listen to what is within, letting the <i>positive</i> and <i>natural</i> truth speak louder than the world does.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-27388327199933267662010-11-30T20:08:00.001-08:002010-11-30T20:08:19.478-08:00What's been going on??? Here's what =)<a href="http://homemadejack.blogspot.com/2010/11/cookies-for-haiti.html">http://homemadejack.blogspot.com/2010/11/cookies-for-haiti.html</a>Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-4890591311334401102010-10-17T22:10:00.000-07:002010-10-17T22:11:15.545-07:00Keeping it up... and Hoover Dam HalfCan't believe 10 days has flown by since I last posted!<br />
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So, I've been keeping up with the slower but faster running. I love it. I don't want my run to end! That's the way it should be all the time. I just got too ambitious. I have to love running where I am and push slightly against my comfort zone to stay motivated and challenged.<br />
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The fam and I went to the Hoover Dam Bridge public opening yesterday. You can read all about our trip <a href="http://homemadejack.blogspot.com/2010/10/making-history.html"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em> But with that trip, I made my final decision. I'm going to run the Calico Racing Hoover Dam Half Marathon on Oct. 30, 2010. I am hoping to hit that 2:30 but I don't really mind if it takes longer. As usual, I'm set up to volunteer afterwards, so that's incentive to keep my butt moving!<br />
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Tomorrow's crazy busy. But I'm working on carving out time every Tuesday for a longer run. I think it's working out to be a better day for <em>the</em> long run of the week. I just need to get in the routine of it.<br />
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Time for bed!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-50870333500075420962010-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:002010-10-07T18:58:44.030-07:00Go slower to get there fasterWhat an interesting concept.<br />
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Last week I was working on trying to keep a faster pace with longer distance. In the end, I only ended up with a slower overall average pace because of all the walking I was doing between my miles. What I consistently found out was that by the 3/4 or whole mile my cardio ability was shot. I was panting, tired and mentally exhausted. My legs were feeling great though. So I'd walk for a few minutes and then take off again.<br />
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This week, I decided to run slower and just run for time, not distance. A training tip I've read many times online and in Runner's World. So I went out and did just that. I ran at a comfortable pace, and held it for a while and then I looked at Judy (my Garmin watch) to check how I'd been doing. Already I had noticed that mentally and physically, I was feeling awesome. I felt like I could run that way forever. So what does Judy say? Dontcha know she says I'm doing high 10 to low 11 min miles. These are my averages when I'm pushing to run in the low 9 minute miles, but then I'm walking so much because I'm exhausting myself. It felt much more enjoyable to run at a steady soft pace and I ended up at a same if not faster average!<br />
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Oh and guess what? <u>I looked forward to my next run</u>. This is a feeling I've been missing. I know I love running, I know I will do it, but I've missed that love affair I used to have with it. I thought it was just the heat. Well even though the heat played a HUGE factor, it was also <em>how</em> I was running. At this rate, if I can hold that comfortable pace for my long runs (going to try 10 miles this weekend), then I know I can definitely achieve the 2:30 goal!<br />
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So now I know, I need to slow down to go faster! Saving speed for 400m laps and speed work. Sometimes we make things harder than they have to be. The LOVE of running should always be highest priority, when you feel you've lost it, find it.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-90274432284703031422010-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:002010-10-03T16:19:44.066-07:00Quest for 2300The weather outside is frightful.... HA! Not even close, but it is getting cooler... some days. I've jumped on any chance I've gotten to run before or after midday. I'm so over the heat running and would rather workout inside at home than go out running in the midday sun anymore. By next summer I'm sure I'll be ready to go at it again in the heat... so I'll save that enthusiasm for 2011.<br />
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So this week I've put in about 10 miles so far.<br />
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Tuesday: 5 miles<br />
Wednesday: rest<br />
Thursday: 2 miles<br />
Friday: 2 miles<br />
Saturday: 3 x 400m sprints<br />
Sunday: rest<br />
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It feels AHHHmazing to get out on the road more consistently. A run every once in a while always feels better than not doing it at all, but I miss having new goals everyday and every week. I know that I will only see endurance and speed increases with consistent training.<br />
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Cross training is a MUST. There's so much more to do than just strengthen your legs and running ability. Cross training will help a runner improve any distance, so this is a must-do while training or even recreational running. Cross training will help reduce injury and make you feel better during and between runs.<br />
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Although I'm not ready or trained for it, I believe most people can run/walk distances way beyond what they think they can. Yes, I believe I could do a marathon, a 50-miler, and even a 100-miler. One day, I probably will do them. For now, I'm focusing on distance commitments I know I can handle with kiddos, a husband, work, kids' sports, and volunteer responsibilities. Breaking PRs and doing it for <a href="http://irunforhisglory.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcome.html">His Glory</a> are some exciting things I look forward to as I embark on this goal of a 2:30 Half Marathon time.<br />
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If you go to the link above, you'll see that I'm now part of a running team that will not only motivate people to get in shape together and share in the love of running together, but we will all be running to raise funds and awareness to what God has been doing and continues to do in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. My great friend, Jackie Perez, back when she was still Jackie Douglas, decided after a few mission trips down to the DR and Haiti, that she would go there to be a full-time missionary with <a href="http://www.go-ministries.org/">G.O. Ministries</a>! It was an exciting time in her life and although we were all sad to see her go, we were SO excited that she was getting to fulfill her heart's desires and God's plan for her life. While there, Jackie met a wonderful man, Alan, who also has a heart for Christ and what He is doing in Haiti and the DR. They were married and then just this past May, Jackie gave birth to twin girls here in the US with Alan by her side. Alan and Jackie both love running, so they decided that along with a bunch of us friends who also love running we could create a team of runners from all over the world that would run for His Glory!<br />
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I personally give all my accomplishments to God. Without Him by my side from the beginning, I would not be where I am. Maybe I would have lost weight, maybe I would have gotten healthier, but I wouldn't feel as free, as healthy or as disciplined as I am. I have survived almost 2 years of running, triathlon and other activities with no real injuries. Rather than focusing inward on what I want and desire or how much I've accomplished, I've turned that success outward and share it with others. I have wanted so badly to run for something that had worth and substance, and could work toward a bigger goal than just my PRs. This running team is that for me and for the God who has given me all I have and is all I am. He is my strength, my running partner, my confidant, my personal trainer and life coach. He is my purpose. And I want to give back anything and everything I can.<br />
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Please put some thought and prayer into how you can be apart of this. Do you want to make a monetary donation? Do you want to be apart of this running team and raise funds of your own? Do you want to be on the next mission trip down to the DR and Haiti? Please put serious thought and search your heart for how you can help and then get a hold of me. Call, text, email, Facebook, comment here... whatever! Just let me know.<br />
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My next race is the <a href="http://las-vegas.competitor.com/">Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon on December 5, 2010</a>. My monetary goal for this race is $2300 (as a way to represent the 2:30 race time I hope to get!). I can accept any amount of donation that you want to make. Everything helps! I am also putting out a request for 2 major commitments. I want to make this goal of a 2:30 Half Marathon more than just my own PR accomplishment. My prayer and desire is that in addition to the $2300 I hope to raise, I'd like 2 people who are willing to commit to $10 for every minute I take off my current PR (2:34). If you'd like to do that, let me know!<br />
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Have a great Saturday and more updates are to come! In the meantime, head over to our <a href="http://irunforhisglory.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcome.html">team blog</a> and meet the runners!<br />
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Love, Joy, Peace and Happiness to all <br />
=)Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-25168197485430838332010-09-18T08:57:00.000-07:002010-09-18T08:57:24.424-07:00Ohhhh running, how I love thee! Let me count the ways.<br />
~I love the smell of running - the trees, people cooking food, fresh laundry, grass, fresh air...<br />
~I feel free - from bondage, stress, laziness, every day stuff<br />
~It works the largest muscle group in your body!<br />
~I've become an inspiration to my kids and will continue to be!<br />
~I feel closer to God. My quiet time to talk to Him, listen to Him.<br />
~Nature - I love experiencing God's world. Weather, climate, seasons, seeing the beautiful world He's made.<br />
~The challenge - new races, new distances, always conquering something new<br />
~My health - I'm stronger, more confident and I've lost 63 pounds so far!<br />
~It constantly reminds me me of how intricately and amazingly the Lord has made us.<br />
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So, why do I run?<br />
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Well let's start off with why I didn't run until I was 25 years old and 3 kids deep. I was unmotivated and unhealthy. I didn't see the big deal in exercising and eating right. I was thin most of my life and didn't have to work hard to keep it that way. I smoked from 12 to 21. I was one of the last kid to finish the mile test in school. I remember having problems breathing while running starting from 8 years old when I tried a season of soccer. I tried joining the track team once in high school. I was really fast, but had no stamina. I lasted a week and gave up. My experience with running was never positive and therefore my thought was "Why run at all?". As we get older, there's less need to run anyway so I never felt it hindered me. Well, boy was I <b>wrong</b>. Especially after having 3 kids to chase!<br />
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I desired to feel strong and accomplished. Instead I was feeling lazy and some really unhealthy habits took over my life. Looking back, I can see that I was in bondage. And now? Now I feel completely <strong>FREE</strong>! Running isn't just a sport, a hobby, or something I do to keep in shape, eventhough all those things are true! For me, running is <em>FREEDOM</em>!<br />
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For months I prayed to God that something would come along where I could run for His glory. A good cause, reason, or purpose that would become a way for me to give back to Him all He's given me in running. A way for me to bring joy and glory to His name through something I was only doing because of HIS love for me. There's so much love and joy bottled up inside me from how much He's changed my life through this sport that needs to be poured out! So when Alan and Jackie proposed the "i run for His glory" idea, I was ecstatic!! Thank you Lord, for answering our prayers!!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-47221483484075055322010-08-23T10:08:00.000-07:002010-08-23T10:14:35.698-07:00Where Oh Where do I be?I'm right here! Not sure if anyon'es even noticed I haven't written in months, but I'm here. Alive and runnin'... occassionally. After the mad dash training for 4 Halfs in 6 months, I decied to take it slow and low for the summer. Mostly to work and spend time with fam. I run when I can and stick to smaller distances (3-5 miles).<br />
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As I'm about to embark on my next challenge, I feel like a newbie!<br />
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I'm going to run the Hoover Dam Half Marathon put on by none other than Joyce @ Calico Racing. My goal is to break 2:30 (PR is 2:34 at Red Rock, but I also ran with someone). I have a plan for tackling this on my own this time.<br />
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I'll begin this Wednesday, August 25th, as I've been really sick and now have pink eye. I started meds yesterday and already feel a little better. I'll be following Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon training plan starting at week 4. And my strategy is a run/walk ratio of 10min/5min. I know that seems like a large walk portion, but I know that in the beginning it will be easy and then I always die out towards the end. I want to stay consistent and feel strong throughout the 13.1 miles. If that means an easier ratio at first, I'm ok with that. I'll be loving that 5 minute walk break by mile 10.<br />
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Using <a href="http://running.groups.vox.com/library/post/6a00e398c5c9dd0005011015fefa62860b.html">THIS</a> calculator, I put in the numbers of:<br />
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distance: 13.1 miles<br />
goal time: 2:29<br />
run for how long? 10 min<br />
walk for how long? 5 min<br />
walk pace: 13 min/mile(I will start checking for sure & tweak if need be)<br />
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RESULTS:<br />
overall average pace needs to be: 11:22 min/mile<br />
run pace needs to be: 10:42 min/mile<br />
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So that's the name of the game!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-88652028058032623742010-06-27T08:34:00.000-07:002010-06-27T08:34:09.829-07:00Calico 1/2 Slammer in da Hooooouse!<a href="http://calicoracing.com"><i><b>CALICO SLAM SERIES</b><br />
Inspired by the Grand Slam of Ultra Running, which is the completion of the 4 premier 100 miler events in the country in one year, the Calico Slam will recognize runners completing multiple Calico Racing events.<br />
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Slammers must complete 4 Calico Racing events in any given 12 consecutive month period. Runners may choose among all Calico Racing events which ones they plan to run.<br />
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<b>Calico 1/2 Slam</b>: The Calico 1/2 Slam honors runners who complete the 1/2 Marathon race distance at 4 Calico Races in any given consecutive 12 month period.<br />
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Copyright & copy; 2007, Joyce Forier and Calico Racing, LLC. All rights reserved.</i> </a><br />
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I've spent months and weeks preparing for this. Questioning all the time if I would do it. The reasoning behind finishing my Calico 1/2 Slam with 'Running With the Devil" was that Lovell Canyon in April was #3. I have to do 4. The only other options for #4 would have been the Devil in June, ET in August, Hoover Dam in October, or Angel (2011).<br />
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ET - it's a midnight race and I never have anyone who wants to run with me. I didn't feel comfortable being out in Rachel, NV all alone in the middle of the dark desert.<br />
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Angel (2011) - wait a whole year to finish?? yeah right.<br />
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Hoover Dam or Devil?? ..... Well Hoover Dam is so long away, and I still have my base from doing the other 3 I've done. So Devil it was!!<br />
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Today I finished that Calico 1/2 Slam!! I pushed myself to new limits of heat running and conquered this awesome Running With the Devil race!! And I finished my 1/2 slam in half the time alotted!<br />
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Something that was really cool for this new half marathoner was being able to compare my ability on the same exact course 6 months apart. I figured Angel had kicked my butt in January, but I have obviously progressed since then. However, with the heat factored in, I thought it would kick my butt once again. It didn't! I felt great the whole time. I did walk, a lot more than I would have liked, but isn't that always the case? On the course I said to myself "I'm walking more than I really wanted to... oh who am I kidding, I always walk alot! This is normal."<br />
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So while out there trying to take my mind off the heat, I started looking at the rest of the year and the things I already have lined up. And I decided that I want to be able to run without walking so much. Which means I need to go back to the drawing board. Basically, I'm going to go back 5k training but start pushing faster, harder, and stop taking walk breaks. I would really like to come in top 3 in my age group at a 5k and not due to a lack of runners in the race. We'll see if I have time to train for that too. I still do have to keep my endurance up for Silverman... oh yeah... that! I still haven't blogged about that! It's special enough to have it's own blog post, so that info is sure to come soon!<br />
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I'll add RWD pix when I figure out how to get them off my camera's memory. Anyone seen my camera USB cord???Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-85494319909651824882010-06-25T09:28:00.000-07:002010-06-25T09:31:26.998-07:00Running with the Devil.... ironic name.Today is my last day as this person... for tomorrow's race will change me. Maybe not on the outside, but tomorrow's race will change my heart & mind. It will strengthen my faith and my belief in how amazingly God has created us. It will push me to new limits I'm afraid to even face but will face because I like a challenege. Tomorrow will be half marathon #4 in 6 months. We'll begin at 12pm when it's 100 degrees outside. I've trained smart and I'm aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. I will finish... hopefully. But I admit it will NOT be easy. It'll take a mental strength more than a physical strength.<br />
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I once heard a story from a man who had been overweight and had started running. He felt amazing & was doing a great job getting fit. He fell in love with running, like I have, just totally unexpectedly! But on his runs he said he'd come back feeling as if he'd been through a war zone. Battling with the Devil the whole time. The enemy likes to torture us with thoughts of self doubt and self hate, tell us we can't or shouldn't or aren't worth it. For me, those thoughts start long before the run is even taking place, with doubt and fear building up inside until I don't even want to go out and run for fear of failing. But what's failing?? There is no failing in trying! No matter if it's out for a mile or out for 13 miles, I'm giving it all I have. My life has drastically changed over the past year and a half. How ironic for this race to be named "Running with the Devil".... I feel like I do that all the time. But I also run with the Lord and HE is much stronger and more powerful than the enemy. So this too shall pass and this too shall be conquered. For if I try, then I have not failed.<br />
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So today as the fear builds inside that maybe I can't finish the race, I will look back on the past year and a half, and especially the past 6 months, and remember that the LORD IS GOOD.<br />
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<i>Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - <b>Deuteronomy 31:6</b></i><br />
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Please pray for my mental strength & physical safety and strength.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-28661120360209599132010-05-16T20:07:00.000-07:002010-05-16T20:49:59.837-07:00Drunk on RunningWhile out running, we runners (I can't believe I can call myself that!) lose all inhibition.... I blame the endorphins. It's like being drunk... we suddenly aren't embarassed to pee in public, spit, puke, wipe snot on our sleeve... or like I did today on my heat training run, use a broken landscaping sprinkler to completely drench oneself. Today I experienced all of the above except peeing in public... which I'm sure with all the hydrating that's needed for heat training, peeing in public is soon to follow.<br />
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I'm planning on running the Running With The Devil Half Marathon which is held at the end of June in the Las Vegas heat. <br />
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Taken from the <a href="http://calicoracing.com">calicoracing.com</a> website:<br />
<em>Most race organizers go to great lengths to ensure their races are held in ideal running conditions; 40 degrees, light breeze, overcast. Many aim to make their courses flat and fast, or even downhill to facilitate runners to smash their PR. Not this one! Held in summer in the middle of the day thru the dry Mojave Desert, athletes will be challenged to contend with extreme heat and unrelenting rolling hills as they traverse this spectacularly scenic course.</em><br />
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My training scheule looks like the following:<br />
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<strong>Sunday</strong>: long run - with long runs I'm working more on time than pace. From that I will determine what my pace is for running in the heat and then come up with a goal time for race day.<br />
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<strong>Monday</strong>: <a href="https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=88424&Cat=">Power90</a> 3-4 Sculpt, sauna session (20-45 minutes, depending on the week of training)<br />
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<strong>Tuesday</strong>: short run<br />
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<strong>Wednesday</strong>: <a href="https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=88424&Cat=">Power90</a> 3-4 Sculpt, sauna session (20-45 minutes, depending on the week of training)<br />
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<strong>Thursday</strong>: short run<br />
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<strong>Friday</strong>: <a href="https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=88424&Cat=">Power90</a> 3-4 Sculpt, sauna session (20-45 minutes, depending on the week of training)<br />
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<strong>Saturday</strong>: rest<br />
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My main goals are to strengthen and get adjusted to being in the heat. All my runs will be in long sleeves/layered clothing and with my new <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/CAMELBAK-CHARM-50-BLUE-COAL/dp/B0032C92WK?ie=UTF8&tag=shins-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Camelbak Charm</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shins-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0032C92WK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> <br />
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<a imageanchor="1" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/CAMELBAK-CHARM-50-BLUE-COAL/dp/B0032C92WK?ie=UTF8&tag=shins-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969"><img alt="CAMELBAK CHARM 50 OZ BLUE/COAL - CAMELBAK -" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0032C92WK&tag=shins-20" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shins-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0032C92WK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /><br />
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Between all this, my son's soccer season in full swing, work, Beachbody, my other son's boxing and training with Ricky for our next triathlon.... I have no idea when I'll blog again! But I prmise to try to kee you all updated as much as possible ♥<br />
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What's up with everyone else??<br />
Hubby's on like week 3 of Power90! I'm so proud and excited!<br />
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Rick just did his first kids triathlon today!! He did a great job. And on Saturday his soccer team played game #5 of the season and are still undefeated! Cool tidbit - There's another triathlon family on our soccer team!<br />
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Christian's boxing school is moving so we're on a bit of a break from that but hopefully that move goes quickly and we can get back asap. Today he showed such an interest in the kids triathlon, so I maybe he'll do one in July.<br />
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Kai is still just awesome.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-48266902090561528202010-04-03T09:05:00.000-07:002010-05-16T16:33:21.518-07:00Shakeology Cleanse - Day 3Well.... uh yeah it's been a few days since <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> Cleanse DAY 3...<br /><br />I've been done Day 3 for over a week now. But the same week as the cleanse, hubby's schedule changed, I went back to my old job, and my oldest son's been on Spring Break this whole week. So it's been VERY crazy busy around here. I apologize for taking so long to update!<br /><br />DAY 3:<br />I was MUCH less hungry this day than any other day. In fact, I found it hard to get 3 shakes, 2 teas and my huge salad in. It was a struggle and I had to drink my shake with my salad at dinner time so I could get it in before bed. I was wiped out from the whole week's events. It had just been such an emotionally exhausting week with all the changes and the cleanse.<br /><br />My digestive system was back to normal and better on Day 3 and ever since.<br /><br /><strong>Life After the Cleanse</strong><br />I find myself only wanting 3 <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> shakes and a salad everyday! It's so simple and healthy that I drift towards wanting to go back to the "cleanse" style of life. However, I haven't done it. I need my <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> bag to last me the whole month!<br /><br />Ever since the <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> cleanse and now doing one <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> shake a day, I haven't felt bloated or nauseous. I've had more energy and feel truely cleansed. Fresh, clean, energetic, light... I also have lost a total of 5 pounds since Cleanse week. I was 125, I'm now down to 120 and have stayed there. I also lost inches and bodyfat % but I don't have the numbers on-hand.<br /><br />Exercise - I've hardly been running, just 5 miles here and there. I miss it but haven't been cranky about it because I've also been biking and doing <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/kbeans">P90X</a> or Power90. And as far as P90X goes, it was just very time consuming for my life. Our schedules change so often that 90 days of P90X is a lot on me. I made it through 30 days and have really felt the difference in my strength. I also believe it had so much to do with my better 1/2 marathon race at Red Rock. The core work is unbelievable!<br /><br />Hubby and I have now decided that <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/kbeans">Power90</a> is more up our alley and we can do it together. It fits both our schedules and is meant to get you worked out and showered in less than an hour.<br /><br />I've also been having a lot of fun with random <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/kbeans">TurboJam</a> and <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/kbeans">Hip Hop Abs</a> workouts. Hip Hop Abs Hips, Buns and Thighs is an awesome workout!! I looooove the leg lifts at the end.<br /><br />I signed up for the <a href="http://www.lvtriclub.com/">Las Vegas Triathlon Club</a> and have at least 3 triathlons to do this year. My next 1/2 marathon is April 11, 2010. Then I'm doing the 5k Running From A Devil race at the end of June. I'm hoping I can get a PR there and maybe... i dunno... maybe place in top 3... maybe. We'll see if I have time to speed train. I think I will since it's such a low distance and I'm naturally faster in my <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/">VFF</a>s.<br /><br />Immediately after posting this, I left the computer for the day and felt horrible that I didn't mention more about the LVTC (las vegas triathon club) - we signed up as a family! For one price we signed up 4 people... and that means that if hubby decides to do his first one this year - he can! And also... MY SON! Finally my oldest (7 years old) will be doing his first kids' triathlon on May 16th!! The same day as I do my first one for this season. I'm so so so excited for him!!! I bought him some awesome kids swimmers goggles and we've been riding bikes & running together. He's a fish in the water so it'll be pretty easy for him, but we're also going to hit the pool a few times beforehand. He's going to do GREAT!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-58337553541637689312010-03-23T13:16:00.000-07:002010-03-23T19:29:42.337-07:00Shakeology Cleanse - Day 2Yesterday was a little rough. I was very irritable, but hubby and I both agree it was mostly due to the busy day. I really really dislike being too busy and overscheduled.<br /><br />Today has been interesting so far. I decided that I would weigh an measure everyday's progress so that I can see if one day has more effect on me than another day and then compare that with my notes for the day and how I felt, how much water I drank, did I have more fruit, etc, etc.<br /><br />My stats so far:<br /><br /><strong>DAY 1</strong><br />weight: 124.8 lbs<br />waist: 29<br />abdomen: 36.25<br /><br /><em>Total food counts for DAY 1:</em><br />783 calories<br />86.5g protein<br />89.5g carbs<br />9.5g fats<br />(however, I must note that I don't have calulations for some of the veggies I had in my salad OR for the olive oil I used when cooking the asparagus that I added to my plate for dinner) But those won't change the numbers too much anyway.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 2</strong><br />weight: 122 lbs<br />waist: 28<br />abdomen: 35.5<br /><br /><br /><br />For a second I thought... "maybe it's dehydration" because to be really too honest, I haven't many BMs. In my opinion, not enough to equal those amounts of loss. And I didn't exercise yesterday. I was so worn out from the business of the day that I had nothing left to give. Howevr, I had 104 ounces of water yesterday! So it can't be dehydration.<br /><br />Today, I'm definitely going through withdraw of food and calories. I'm feeling fatigued and somewhat bloated. Whatever my husband is cooking up for lunch for the kids smells AMAZING! (It must seem like he's always the one making them their meals... I swear I do make them food too!) We're a great team ♥<br /><br />I'm starving right now. Nauseously hungry. I want to go for a run - 5 miles - but I'm not sure I'd feel better or worse afterwards. Right now, I want to break the cleanse SO bad. I shall be back later to update....<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><strong>3pm</strong><br />Ok it's later! I decided to throw 2 tsp crunchy peanut butter and a banana into my Lunch <a href="http://www.shakeology.com/kbeans">Shake</a> (instead of the mixed fruit or having it plain). THAT HIT THE SPOT! Even my hubby and kids were begging for more. It tasted SO good! I instantly felt energized and focused. When I was done, I went for a run - 5 miles! I feel AWESOME and I'm no longer counting the hours until dinner. I feel full and satisfied.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><strong>6pm</strong><br />Dinner was much different today than yesterday. I wasn't starving by dinner time and and feeling much more satisfied afterwards. I didn't eat too differently though, so it's probably due to eating a hartier lunchtime Shake and going for the run. I'm less hungry when I exercise. This feeling of contentment was appreciated after being so hungry earlier.<br /><br />I added a few items today - <br />2 tsp Peanut Butter, 1(5oz) can of Tuna, and a banana.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6l0XM2fd_I/AAAAAAAAAIk/5PuFQrQW5jQ/s1600-h/Picture+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6l0XM2fd_I/AAAAAAAAAIk/5PuFQrQW5jQ/s320/Picture+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452016765844289522" /></a><br /><br /><br />Instead of Salmon, I used tuna on my salad tonight. I also added about 1.5 cup of cooked zucchini.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6l1NJi_LzI/AAAAAAAAAIs/8SiDG3hchqc/s1600-h/Picture+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6l1NJi_LzI/AAAAAAAAAIs/8SiDG3hchqc/s320/Picture+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452017692670111538" /></a><br />Baby Spring Mix, 5oz Tuna, 3 cherry tomatoes, onion, <br />Raspberry Vinegarette<br /><br />For today, I still need 80oz of water, 1 cup of green tea, 1 Shake.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-16606174673524660762010-03-22T16:45:00.000-07:002010-03-23T19:24:43.214-07:00Shakeology Cleanse - Day 1I went to bed last night SO excited and feeling ubber prepared... then I hit the alarm clock off 3 times and well we all know what happens when we do that! It just throws our whole day off.<br /><br />The fam and I had lots of errands to run today and my oldest had school. He ended up being a little late (bad mommy!). So while I got dressed and quickly took my weight & measurements, Hubby threw on the teapot and start boiling water for the Green Tea and fed the kids breakfast (he's such a great daddy!). Then I blended up my <a href="http://www.shakeology.com/kbeans">Greenberry Shakeology</a> and off we went! I basically consumed both as one meal - Green Tea first and then the Shake.<br /><br />We were out soooooo much longer than expected today. In fact, it was time to pick up our oldest by the time we headed back home! And I still had another store to go to! So we go pick him up, come home, drop off hubby and the 2 other kiddos, I blend my second Shake, and then my oldest and I head back out to the store to pick up salad for moi, steak for hubby and pay a bill. If nothing else, Shakeology has been really convenient!<br /><br />Now here I am... finally getting a moment to sit down and relish in all the wonderful things that happened today. It was one heck of a great Godly day!<br /><br />I also wanted to come on here and give a list of the exact products I'm using for this Shakeology Cleanse...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6gFM5HKE_I/AAAAAAAAAIU/BmHLG19KBO0/s1600-h/Picture+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6gFM5HKE_I/AAAAAAAAAIU/BmHLG19KBO0/s320/Picture+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451613067979396082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://myshakeology.com/uploads/fckeditor/mdbody/File/downloads/ShakeologyGreenBerry.pdf">Greenberry Shakeology</a><br />Tea: Liptons Naturally Decaf Green Tea<br />Fruit: Sunrise Growers frozen fruit mix (pineapple, strawberry, peach, red grape)<br />Lean Meat: Wild Salmon Fillets, frozen and individually vacuum packed<br />Salad: Private Selection Organic Baby Spring Mix<br />Dressing: Annie's Natural Raspberry Vinegarette<br />Water: my goal is at least 100 ounces (preferably 124 oz) per day<br /><br /><br />As for how I <em>feel</em> today... I'm not hungry at all, just munchy-hungry. I am looking forward to dinner so I can bite into something. But this is habit more than anything because my stomach is content and full. Something interesting is how much I've had to pee! I usually can drink A LOT before having to, but within a half hour of my morning green tea and shake I REALLY had to go! Like really really. LOL<br /><br />I still have a salmon salad for dinner, another Shake and a cup of green tea to consume before bedtime.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><strong>6pm</strong><br />My grilled Salmon salad! (I also added 4 spears of asparagus after I took the pic)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6l2p6FPsGI/AAAAAAAAAI0/hf2wdyR0HGA/s1600-h/Picture+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S6l2p6FPsGI/AAAAAAAAAI0/hf2wdyR0HGA/s320/Picture+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452019286246666338" /></a><br />Baby Spring Mix, Wild Salmon, 3 cherry tomoatoes, 1 cutie, onion, <br />Raspberry Vinegarette<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />And off topic but SO exciting - my oldest son brought home his progress report - STRAIGHT A's!!! I'm so proud of him. Not just because they're straight A's, but because he's showing effort. If you've kept up with me on him and school, you'd know that we were homeschooling but when we gave traditional school a try they made him go back and repeat a grade that he already COMPLETELY passed with excellence. VERY frustrating for me, and I'm sure for him although he is more delighted in making new friends that he doesn't really care. However, this means more work for him, because in only 2 months he finished the 1st grade Math book they gave him his first day. So he comes home and does 2nd grade work to bring into the teacher. He loves learning so he is doing just absolutely amazing. His writing was a B. It's his least strong area. But even a B is great for a struggling subject! He decided he wanted to challenge himself for an A-Honoroll pin for his lanyard.... and wouldn't ya know! He brings home this progress report with all A's. So most of all, I'm proud that he made a goal, worked hard towards it, and achieved it.<br /><br />God and I have been really in sync lately... it's been easy times and I'm VERY grateful and thankful for these down times. It's a great opportunity to take in all that is peaceful and calm. I'm feeling very clear and in touch with the Lord. It feels really good.<br /><br />Have a great night everyone ♥Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-53454537390396713872010-03-20T20:50:00.000-07:002010-03-21T10:44:42.743-07:00Cleansing... counting the hours!In about 36 hours I'll be starting a 3-day <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> Cleanse! The <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> Cleanse is meant to jump start you in your fitness, break a plateau or shred pounds fast & effectively in a healthy way. The key is caloric efficiency; getting the most nutrients possible out of the fewest number of calories.<br /><br /><strong>Here's how it goes:</strong><br /><br />3 <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">SHAKEOLOGY</a> Shakes a day (blended with water and ice)<br />2 Cups of Green Tea a Day (Triple Leaf Detox Tea is good choice)<br />1-3 piece of fruit a day* (Apple, pear, orange, banana, mango, berries, etc)<br />1 salad for dinner (lettuce, veggies, lean protein)<br />– 4 oz lean protein in salad** (WHITE poultry or fish)<br />– Only Low Fat Dressings<br /><br /><em>NO: Dairy (no almond, soy, or rice milk) or extra sugars. If it’s not on the list, don’t eat it!</em><br /><br />*Optional – up to 3 pieces of fruit. This is for people who are in fairly good condition without too much weight to lose and may need the extra calories to power their workouts.<br /><br />**If you are not a meat eater you can substitute meat for beans, just be sure to add enough beans. The only other food requirement is to have two tbs of a healthy oil like olive oil with your salad dressing. It's essential that you have your healthy fats everyday, even when you are in a cleanse.<br /><br />Before you begin, weigh and take measurements. Measure around your midsection - 2 inches below your belly button and 2 inches above. This will give you a good comparison area for your lower abdomen and your waist.<br /><br />Results are going to vary - so don't go heading off into cyberspace world and read about people who have gotten 10-pound loses or lost 10 inches off their midsection, and expect to get the same results. Weightloss and inch-loss will depend on <em>your</em> current health condition when you begin the cleanse, but what you can bank on is that you'll come out of this cleanse healthier than you were before you began!<br /><br />So.. Monday morning it all begins! I hope you'll join me if you have <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a>! If you don't, click on any Shakeology link in this post and you can order right from my <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> page! I'll be journaling and blog posting about each day, so check back!<br /><br />Now I just have to finish off the girl scout cookies before Monday or else.... Anyone want to help with this task?Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-51299823535075851112010-03-17T19:16:00.000-07:002010-03-17T21:07:59.074-07:00P90X... VFF StyleThere's P90X... and then there's P90X Vibram Five Fingers style! Because it forces me to practice balance and use more muscles in my feet and legs, I am getting SUCH a better workout.<br /><br />Today I made up a missed Core Cynergisitcs from Monday, Shoulders & Arms, then went for a 4 mile run. My running is getting crazy awesome! I'm staying within the 9-min mile range consistently. My legs are extremely less tired. I chaulk all this up to the combination of P90X and VFFs. I'm getting stronger while improving my form and lightening the load. What <em>isn't</em> helping... Girl Scout cookies. Those don't make you faster <em>or</em> lighter. So.. someone come take the rest of mine away!<br /><br />Tonight I'll do Ab RipperX and call it a day!<br /><br />On another note.... A few weeks ago, my husband started running. He still hasn't found the love for it like I have, but he's giving it all he has! He's improved SO much! I'm watching him go through the same steps I did last year and it's really humbling for me. I'm so proud of him, and he feels great. Sadly, only a few weeks away from completing the 8-week Hal Higdon plan I gave him to use, he had an incident at work and fractured his kneecap =( He's definitely out of running for a long time. Tonight, we're cleaning up dinner and he says "I want to put on my new shoes and go for a run! I need to get out and do something." HA!! I'm wearing him down! But it really sucks he can't go out and do it. I can only imagine what that would be like... Lots of prayers for him please.<br /><br /><br />Oh and my <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/kbeans">Shakeology</a> shipment arrived today!! Oh I love it when a Shakeology/Beachbody package shows up!<br /><br />And let me say - I'm not trying to SELL anyone anything. I'm just telling it like it is. You WON'T find another nutrient rich and filling shake that tastes amazing like Shakeology. And if you choose Shakeology is something you want to try - really really consider becoming a coach because you SAVE $15 a month by being a Beachbody coach. No catch, no lies, no hidden agenda. It's just that Beachbody coaches get 25% off everything and even with my website fee ($14.95/month), by getting $30 off Shakeology (the 25% off), I SAVE $15. So... like I said, I'm just telling it like it is.<br /><br />I'm waiting 6 days and then doing a 3-Day Shakeology Cleanse. I'll write more about that later!<br /><br />Alright... it's family game time. Peace out.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-70989337549177209702010-03-12T23:36:00.000-08:002010-03-13T00:08:05.205-08:00Red Rock Report and VFFsOfficial times are in for the Red Rock Half Marathon I did on March 6, 2010! <br /><br />So to be honest, Angel left me not really wanting to do another one. It was really rough and I was very sore afterwards. I got a few tips on hydration and electrolytes. As I've said before, I'm a minimalist and I didn't want to take anything but water in. I got advice on at least giving something like hammer gel a try. So I started adding it into my training and found it worked really well. I don't get jittery from it and I seem to have much better recovery with energy and my muscles.<br /><br />Well, after all the shoe issues I was feeling like a debbie downer about the Red Rock race. But it was the one I looked forward to in all this and the race that began the journey of 4 halfs this year. I had to do it... I stood at the start line at 7am with my arms tucked in my shirt until she started counting down 3,2,1...GO! Until she said GO, I didn't even know if I was going to run this thing. But she said go and out my arms came like a turtle from it's shell and I shot off. I placed myself differently in the crowd this time compared to Angel. With Angel, I stood in the back knowing I'd be slow. This time, I didn't want to be left as the last in the pack and decided the fast guys could go around me. I stood up near the front.<br /><br />I was praying my heart out the whole way there, while on the bus and at the start line. I needed motivation and confidence sparked in me! And this race was totally a Lord's race!<br /><br />I felt strong right from the start. I didn't get that fatigue and struggle in the first 1-2 miles. Before I knew it, I was at mile 2 and still feeling good. The race this year went backwards from the exit of the 13-mile scenic loop, up to the visitor's center, with a little out-and-back on a dirt road to make up the total 13.1 distance. This was actually much easier in my opinion! Although an uphill climb from the start, it allowed the rolling hills to come later.<br /><br />I was running in the old shoes, and knee started hurting just a tad at mile 5-point-something... so at that Ultra aid station I grabbed an Asprin, water, some gummi bears and ate an apple cinnamon hammer gel. I ate another gel around mile 10. I probably didn't need this, but I think I took it out of habit... it was in my hand and I needed something tasty but didn't want food.<br /><br />I was struggling as we hit the first steep rolling hills, around mile 6. As a bunch of us walked up this hill, me and another girl struck up conversation... we ended up running the rest of the race together! Another 7 miles with a stranger made this the best race ever!! We seemed to have the same speed and threshold for hills. We were on the same page of 'walk to that sign and then start running". She was motivated and energetic, yet steady and realistic in that we just had to walk sometimes. It was a really wonderful experience :o)<br /><br />Our official time 2:34 - 16 minutes faster than Angel in January! That's really good considering this was a much tougher hilly course. I really do chaulk that up to having a great running partner and the Lord's timing!<br /><br />The next day, I went out running in my VFFs and felt great! 3 miles. And as I mentioned before, the only issue was the beginning of a blister that is supposedly something normal. I put a bandaid over it and have used nothing but my VFFs since then to run in - with no problems! I run faster and more efficiently in them. Other than some very slight soft calf soreness, I haven't felt any other pain like I did in sneakers. I'm really excited about the easy transition! I am really surprised at the pace change. I guess without the extra weight on my legs, I'm able to move my feet quicker. Also, uphill running is much easier and less straining on my thighs. I feel like I fly uphill now! I've been doing P90X in them and have run 2 more times in them this week.<br /><br />I suspect my easy transition might have to do with being somewhat of a self-proclaimed hippie at heart already. I'm usually wearing sandals, flip flops or going barefoot. Hey I live in the desert - it's a perk of living here!<br /><br />I decided I'm going for the Lovell Canyon Half as #3. And I will be wearing my VFFs. I have less than a month left. I heard the hill is awful, so me and the fam went to check it out. I can see why it's hard, it is a striaght upward grade for the first 4.2 miles... however it does seem somewhat of a soft uphill like the first 5 miles of Red Rock.. so I really do think I can do it. Especially considering it's a turn-around race, so the last 4.2 miles are a soft DOWNhill.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-56818436190189181702010-03-07T15:47:00.000-08:002010-03-07T17:39:17.307-08:00Recovery run & my new feetI haven't written up the Red Rock 1/2 Marathon race report yet because I had some mix ups with my watch and I don't have a solid time yet. I can give you a little hint - I set a new PR!<br /><br />Today I went for a light recovery run. I was also breaking in my new "feet" - the Vibram Five Fingers. I went out to a little trail in Henderson, and I'm glad I did! On my way home it started pouring rain! So my timing for the run was perfect.<br /><br />I ended up doing a 3 mile recovery run. The run itself felt great. No muscle soreness really. As for the new feet, WOW! I was hitting hills like a champ. I felt more flexible, light, and agile. I ran at my same usual pace without a problem. I ran on some dirt and blacktop. The soft dirt felt really nice and easier to manage than when I run on it with sneakers. I prefered the dirt with Five Fingers on, but the blacktop didn't hurt at all. I'd love to feel what running on the beach would be like. That's where I went today in my mind :o)<br /><br />One problem I did have with the Five Fingers... I ended up with a little blister on the inside of my left foot. I'm concerned about this. I'm wondering if it is a one-time deal and part of breaking in the shoes and the feet. Vibram does make five fingers socks... I don't want to have to buy them though. I don't want to spend the money, and I don't want all the extra baggage on my feet. I like being barefoot - technically.<br /><br />I called the guy who owns the store where I bought them. I had talked to him last week before buying them. I'm hoping he can help me out with understanding this... and I'm heading now to Runner's World online to the barefoot running board.<br /><br />UPDATE:<br />Seems I'm not the only one! This exact area for a blister is very common with the breaking in of VFFs. I'm really stoked, because other than this tiny blister, VFFs were absolutely perfect in every way!<br /><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/barefoot-running/1st-vff-run-question-experts">Runner's World Post</a>Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-65235305363244859772010-03-05T18:44:00.001-08:002010-03-05T19:11:07.564-08:00Shoe Dilemma...Why in the world does there always have to be a shoe issue!?<br /><br />I was originally fitted for the Saucony Progrid Omni 7. I was overpronating and this shoe helped me a lot. I've gone through 3 pairs in a year, running relatively low mileage. The body of the shoe seems to wear out faster than the treads. My foot start moving around more, the toe box started to become too wide... I realized it was probably due to all the weightloss! Duh. It's almost 50 pounds now.<br /><br />A month ago, I went to get a new updated shoe fitting. I wanted something with a more narrow toe box and a little lighter weight. I told them to not get any Saucony. They got me on the treadmill barefoot and it turns out I no longer need any pronating help! yay! I was fitted in the Mizuno Wave Rider 13. I spent a month researching, trying to score the Wave Rider 12's... everyone was out of stock in my size. I even talked to the Mizuno guy on Runner's World. This was THE shoe for me! I was excited to try something new and that really felt good in the store. I just needed to save up the money to buy them.<br /><br />The last straw with the Saucony shoes was last Friday, I went out for a short 5-miler and it ended up being an even shorter 3.6 miler. The heavy pronating support in this shoe was just way too much anymore that it started forcing my weight onto the outside of my left foot. This was in turn causing the knee pain I'd started having. It was time... I bought the Mizunos Monday this week.<br /><br />I figured I'd have time to break them in before the Red Rock Half. I don't usually have problems with new shoes. But I get these home.. and they're not so comfortable anymore. I'm wearing them around the house and my they're slipping off the back... I runner tie them and now they're hurting the sides of my feet... WTH!!?<br /><br />I try for another 2 days and finally give up. They hurt so bad. I returned them.<br /><br />After constant research and yet ANOTHER shoe fitting - in which I allowed the girl to bring out Saucony if she'd like - I was fitted in the Saucony Progrid Triumph 7. A great shoe, it was a bit heavy and much heavier than I'd prefer, but it worked.... however they are $130! Ok.. I get it... running shoes DO get expensive. But seriously, if Saucony's body wears out fast for me, and I'll be buying 3 pairs of these this year.. I just can't go with a $130 shoe. This mama can't afford that.<br /><br />Finally.. I had enough. I'm going to attempt the Red Rock Half in my old Saucony Omni's and hope for the best. I might have to take some Ibuprofen. I have to at least try and if things don't work out, I'm ok with knowing I gave it my all and my best, and sometimes stuff happens. Who knows, I may not experience any knee pain at all... I won't know unless I try. But I promise to listen to my body and let the race go if need be.<br /><br />However, I do need to keep running after this... it's not just race Red Rock and then never run again.. HAHAHAHAHAHA - just the thought of not running again makes me laugh out loud. It'll take more than a shoe situation to make that happen!<br /><br />As a result of all this, I'm super excited to announce that my total hippy-at-heart has come out and I'm finally accepting that I've been curious for long enough... oh yes... it's exactly what you think....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S5HG_Kx0-GI/AAAAAAAAAIM/DGHoA_UN978/s1600-h/DSC_0197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L7yE88vOkOM/S5HG_Kx0-GI/AAAAAAAAAIM/DGHoA_UN978/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445352212995045474" /></a><br /><br />Bought them tonight. They're called <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com">Vibram Five Fingers</a>. They seriously fit like a glove like they should. I already see a difference in the way I jog around inside the house... and I wish I could wear them tomorrow! But I know... I know... I need to really gradually move into them. I will... and can't wait to start!!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-82685422381824084962010-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:002010-03-05T09:15:16.780-08:00Pre-Race - Red Rock Half MarathonTonight's packet pick-up.... tomorrow's the big day. Red Rock Half Marathon. THE race that set this whole wacky 'Calico Half Slam' idea into effect. This was one of the races I volunteered at last year and thought how awesome it would be to one day run that myself. But at this point last year, I had only run three 5k races... and NO triathlons yet. My oh my, how a person can change in only a year! Thank you God for the strength - mentally and physically - that I could even embark on such a feat.<br /><br />I'm very nervous. I went running out there on Valentine's day, 10 miles, and it kicked my butt. BUT, I did do it and the the "recovery" in the days after was really non-existent. I was out running again 2 days later like normal. I haven't been our running that 10 miles again though... so we'll see if it causes me to crash and burn. I really don't think so. I'm nervous yet really posistive. I know I can do 10 miles on those brutal hills, up and past the highest look out point... I know that I felt great afterwards... I can do 3 more miles. As is the case with many people in Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a second home to me and my family. We're there all the time and I've run out there a lot. I know exactly where those last 3 miles are. I know I can do them.<br /><br />As nervous as I am, my heart's very calm.<br /><br />3 Goals:<br />~Finish uninjured<br />~Have a great fun time!<br />~Finish wanting to do it again<br /><br /><br /><br />Lord, be with me. You are my strength, my reason, my deliverer, my saving grace. You've given me the heart that desires to do this, please help carry me through<br />safely and in good spirits.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-60463371341182864002010-03-01T21:48:00.000-08:002010-03-01T22:13:06.221-08:00Business with pleasureAs I've mentioned before, I'm a <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/kbeans">Beachbody Coach</a>. That means that I own my own little piece of fitness business with Beachbody. I get to help people set up goals, encourage them as they persue and achieve success, and talk nutrition all day long, as much or as little as I want to... all while I workout and make money too! Every workout is considered work I guess... I have no shame in mixing this business with pleasure!<br /><br />I have also embarked on a new challenge that I didn't want to talk about on here until I felt totally commited and involved. I gave myself one week and here I am to say that I'm officially a P90Xer! I'm on day one of week 2 (day 8 for those that can't count). I've made it a whole week and feel great! I have been incorporating running as well. In the past, my reasons for not continuing P90X after day 1 were I couldn't even start most of the exercises let alone finish a rep or set and that my legs hurt too much to run afterwards. Running was and is very very important to me, so doing any program that would hinder that was a NO-go. I tried P90X Classic 3 times since August 2009 and just couldn't get it. Finally I found out that I can do the LEAN schedule! Oy - wish I knew this before but I guess timing is everything, because I gave this version a try and WOW this week has been amazing!<br /><br />The Lean version is just a different schedule than the Classic (or Doubles). You don't need anything extra, just the main P90X program - then you just follow the schedule the fitness guidebook lays out. Easy peasy!<br /><br />The Lean is higher cardio and focuses on the core (<em>Legs&Back, Core Synergistics, YogaX, Arms&Shoulders, KenpoX, Xstretch, Ab RipperX and CardioX</em>).<br /><br />I'd like to share my before and after pix with you all - they're posted on my BB Coach <a href="http://teambeachbody.com/kbeans">website</a>. The last pic will be my P90X - DAY ONE photo. I'll be updating every months for 3 months (90 days)!<br /><br />T minus 5 days until Red Rock Half Marathon!! I'm curious to see how almost 2 weeks of P90X core work will help... I shall be back to update!Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-27246790257376306382010-02-15T08:52:00.001-08:002010-02-15T09:15:58.294-08:00V-Day Long Run.I got all mushy with my husband and kids, and then skipped out to have my affair with running. It was a GORGEOUS day. A day that just can't go without a run. It was my long run day, supposed to do 10 miles, and I haven't accomplished that distance since the day I did my first Half Marathon... 5 weeks ago. How sad is that? I have my second Half coming up, at Red Rock Canyon. I figured it was finally time to get my butt out there. I haven't been running out there since like... April of 2009!<br /><br />So I gather my gear, get out there, it's PACKED with people and cars. I kinda like that since it means that if anything happens to me there are tons of people to notice and help. However, it does make it even more dangerous with more drivers on that road... there's some irony for ya.<br /><br />I usually start off my runs feeling strong in my legs. The cardio aspect is usually a killer for the first 2 miles though. This run, right from the start my legs were a little sore. I realize I did my usual Body Pump class yesterday and we do a lot of lunges and squats... now I have to reevaluate how to handle this scheduling. That's for later though.<br /><br />So long story short.. I end up walking. I can't get my legs up these hills. Even walking is getting me really out of breath. At this point I'm thinking "this is PURE torture". Usually I have those thoughts temporarily during a hard hill or for those first hard cardio 2 miles. But this was neverending. Finally at around 3.5 miles, I decide I'm done... I can do the 3.5 back to the car for a 7 miles run, but I can't finish this out to 10 miles. I just really can't on these hills. Of course, as I'm running downhill back I feel awesome. My legs are working great and my spirits are back up. But really for how long? It's only because I'm going downhill. Whatever, I'm just enjoying my run!<br /><br />I get back to the car. I'm at 7.25 miles. I grab some water and had just ate an Apple Cinnamon Hammer Gel on the that run back. I call hubby to tell him I'm such a dork and can't finish my 10 miles... I watch these people take some wedding pix... and I decide. I'M GOING FOR IT. I don't care if I had to take a short break. I want to finish this darn 10 miles!<br /><br />I lock up the car. I run about 1.4 up, 1.4 back. 10 MILES DONE! It took 2:02:--. It wasn't easy. It was very hard. I am debating if I'm cut out for this Red Rock Half. I'm sincerely ok with accepting that I may not be ready for it. I will hit Red Rock for 10-milers on Sundays until then.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703857578819199738.post-4080654213283502292010-02-13T20:58:00.000-08:002010-02-16T08:47:12.512-08:00Junk Food is Addicting!I have been doing so well, keeping up with my running, weight training balance, core, etc... and I was doing excellent with eating clean.... until SuperBowl! I let myself have some stuff I don't usually eat (main things were lots of sugary foods and soda). It was good and I didn't feel the least bit bad... but then I got these horrible allergy symptoms, my skin's breaking out all over, and I'm horribly hungry and tired like allllll the time.<br /><br />I really can't eat that %^*&!!<br /><br />So despite the eating and allergies, I have been kicking booty with my workouts. I had THE BEST 5-miler on Thursday. I run out in Henderson before bible study. It's a quaint peaceful area. There are rolling hills, road, sidewalk, a black running path along a wash, and even a soft gravel type dirt path. I felt like a million bucks after that run! I used the "run 1 mile - walk 1 minute" method this day and also last Tuesday for a 5-mile treadmill run. I really felt the difference! It makes the run much more enjoyable. As long as I can walk just the right pace to let the muscles take a break yet not let the HR drop too much. I've also been having faster runs (averaging around 11-min miles even with the consistent walk breaks).<br /><br />Tomorrow... 10 miles. I always say that and never go through with it. It gets bumped or cut short. After the run on Thursday, I'm really looking forward to another great run like that... just doubled :o)<br /><br />Pray I feel better soon though... my skin is irritated, itchy, and I feel like I'm in a complete fog.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261691657053535737noreply@blogger.com1