Week 5--Couch to 5K and a bit of craftiness, of course...

I can't believe this is Week 5! I am not sure I have ever stuck to any exercise regimen this long--well, except for KPED in college, which was REQUIRED. Dave and I are really enjoying ourselves--we love the consistency and the good feelings we get from being outside and pushing ourselves.

Now, here is the craziness of my running schedule this week (remember: these numbers represent minutes not miles!):

Monday--Walk 5, Run 9, Walk 5

Wednesday--Run 6, Walk 5, Run 6, Walk 5 (YIKES!)

Friday--Walk 5, Run 10, Walk 5

Sunday--Walk 5, Run 11, Walk 5

As you can see, Wednesday is looking a little scary! I may do a walking warm-up for my lungs' sake! I will definitely do that one in the afternoon so I don't have to contend with cold air. :)

If you've joined me, how is it going???

In other crafty news...

I have been working steadily on one sewing gift...I hope to finish it today and get it in the mail this afternoon or tomorrow morning!!!! Yea! It is really precious. I will wait to post pictures until the mama has received it.

I will then embark upon a sweater for Gayla's daughter, Lilah. Gayla and Mick adopted Lilah from Ethiopia, and they just got home a week or so ago. She is a DOLL. You should check out Gayla's blog (especially those friends of mine adopting from Ethiopia as well!!!). I can't wait to make this sweater for this sweet girl. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who have a heart for orphans.

Then...I will make the purse for Christy. I haven't forgotten, friend!!! It's just a little crazy with babies and housekeeping! I love you, and I'm praying for you!!!

And finally, I will make a sweater for Nicole's boy, Calvin. Thankfully, he won't need it until Fall. :) This little one stole my heart. He is a ROLY POLY, and those of you who know me well, know that I want a chubby baby (my kids are always long and lean!). I may have to adopt one. When Nicole runs, Calvin wakes up almost right after she leaves, so I get to run in and snuggle him until she gets back. It does my heart good.

I don't NEED anymore projects, but these were too cute to pass up. While Dave and Sam had Father/Son bonding time last night, Maryn (and Lucy who mainly got into everything) and I had girl time. We SEWED together. This is a DREAM come true...especially after I read Shanda's post yesterday (which had me in tears missing the baby I lost--I so love to make things for my little ones--it was a brief moment, I'm not going off the deep end!). Instead, I made something with (she actually hand-sewed a bit by herself, and she is not even FOUR yet!) and for my big girl, Maryn.

Tutorial HERE.

Bunny Finger Puppets.

Yes, they are as cute as they sound. And now Sam has put in his order for one...and of course, I'll have to make one for Lu even if she doesn't care. :)

5-9-5 Run and Other Things

Yesterday, Nicole and I took turns watching kiddos again so we could also alternate running. It was a good run. I did have a particularly hard time up a steep hill, but I made it, and the rest of the running was good. I could have kept going--I was in the rhythm.

Dave is on call this weekend, so he's tired. I'm tired. Kids are tired. :) But, we are going to make the most of our call weekend. I'm almost finished with one sewing gift! Hurray! Our taxes are finished! Slushies are in our future.

Can I just take a little break from the monotony of my life and share something God is teaching me?

I am prideful. A lot. I accuse others of their sins. I fail to recognize my own. But God is gracious. He is reaching into these dark cavities in my heart that I didn't know existed. He's showing me the ickiness that is hiding in there, and He is getting in there with a toothbrush to get every little bit out. He is a neat freak, you know.

I'm seeing that so many of the hard things I have to deal with in my life are often rooted in my own selfishness. I forget that others may be struggling, and I absorb internally anything they do or don't do and somehow direct it at myself. I've become a VICTIM.

But Jesus says I'm not a victim.

He says I am MORE THAN a conqueror. I am free! I am victorious. I am not a VICTIM. I am a VICTOR.

I don't have to bow to my selfishness. I don't have to cower beneath insecurity. I don't have to give in to wayward thoughts of "poor, pitiful me".

I am loved.

I am cherished.

I am desired.

I am delivered.

I am free.

I am hopeful.

I am faithful.

I am HIS. HE is mine.

This is what His blood bought for me--not a life of surrender to worry or fear--but a life surrendered to His goodness and grace!!! This is good news!!!

I pray today you will see not just who you are in Him but who HE is and how faithful HE will be to complete the good work He started in you.

Humpday Run--Couch to 5k

Wednesday, I did 5 min walk, 8 min run, 5 min walk. It was hard, but it wasn't too bad. Week 4 is shaping up nicely; it's next week that I'm worried about. The intensity level picks up a bit. Pressing on!

I saw the rottweilers again. This time they growled and nipped at my dog. I kept running. I love my dog, but I will not sacrifice my life for him! He just let them sniff and then joined me a few moments later. Seriously need to get that pepper spray...

I'm short on coffee this morning. I don't have anything AMAZING to rant about. I do, however, feel that my momentum with my house is wearing thin. I have been working so hard the last few weeks to keep my house looking great. I love how it looks, but it gets messy so fast--kids, meals, tracking in dirt from outdoors, and the like. I am worn out. I work most of the day cooking and cleaning.

I have two sewing projects and two crochet projects yet to finish. It's hard to set aside the time to do them when I'm constantly cleaning up my house. So, to those of you who are waiting on these dear gifts from me, I am trying to finish them!!!

I have no wit today. I'm going to brew a pot of coffee. I'm sure it will help a little.

Humpday Run--

Writing a Book--Another project, Amanda? Seriously.

I'm losing track of what day it is on the Couch to 5k. I know it is a rest day, and I'm in Week 4. :) Yesterday, my friend, Nicole, and I took turns watching our six children and doing our runs. It was really great! It's very motivating to have friends doing this with me!

So, I'm resting (from running) today. I've been busy getting the house back into working order after the weekend. Weekends always throw me for a loop! I never can seem to keep up a pretty house all weekend--I guess I'm too busy having fun.

Something I'm thinking about is book-writing. How do you go about that? What is the process? I have some very great ideas for a book--a book for women about being a woman. It may have been done before, but if it has been, I haven't read it.

Dave says I have too many projects. He's right. 100% right.

I'm ambitious.

Caesar was ambitious.

Look what happened to him.

Week 4--Couch to 5K--Haiku Run and a Poetry Contest

We didn't get to run on Friday because Dave's schedule was criznazy. However, we took advantage of Saturday morning and did our runs then. It was my "Haiku Run". What do I mean by that?

Well, I was an English teacher.

Haikus are poems that have three lines. The first line is 5 syllables, the second is 7 syllables, and the third is 5 syllables. Like this:

Swift like racing wind,
Are my feet, flying and quick.
To run is to soar.

Okay, that's a cheesy haiku, but that's what they look like...

What does a haiku have in common with my schedule? Well, on Saturday, I walked 5 min, ran 7 min, and walked 5 min...a haiku run. Clever? I don't know about that.

Today I am also supposed to have a haiku run. I am hoping to get that in at some point this afternoon or when Dave gets home. The sun rising late is a bit inconvenient.

Okay, now it is your turn. Write a haiku (5, 7, 5) and post it in the comments. Best haiku (in my opinion) will be painted on a canvas and hung in my house somewhere. I so promise.

Day 20--Couch to 5K--Rottweilers be crazy.

I am sorry I have not posted since Tuesday! Things have been a little busy.

Wednesday, I had the hardest run so far. I thought I might not make it, and I even reconsidered my commitment to this plan! I've mentioned before that I live at the bottom of a mountain (really a large hill). This day's schedule was to run 4 min, walk 5, run 4, walk 5. Sheesh. Both times I had to run, it was UPHILL. My lungs felt like they might explode. In fact, the air was humid and cold, and I got a little wheezy. I had been diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma when I was in the 8th grade. I hadn't really had any problems until now. Maybe the warm-up walks were helping more than I realized? To start off running uphill was quite a challenge for me. I made it, though!

I have decided I need to get some pepper spray--not for people, but for animals! There were two rottweilers loose that day, and I was afraid. I tried to maintain my cool, calm, collected attitude and act like I was supposed to be running there. I ignored them, and they ignored me. I'd still like to have something in case any crazy animal tries to attack me!

The wheezing lasted until Thursday morning. I have an albuterol inhaler, so I may have to use that again. I think it really must have been from starting off running...

Well, it is Friday, and today I am supposed to walk 5 min, run 7, and walk 5. I am looking forward to this, but I am planning to do it when Dave gets home from work--the air will be warm. It'll be good.

Spring starts tomorrow!!! Enjoy it!

Irish Soda Bread

I blogged this morning about making food for St. Patrick's Day. I couldn't wait to make the Irish Soda Bread so I made it this morning. I got the recipe from HERE.

Here are some pics from the process:

Mixing together the wet ingredients and setting them aside to thicken.



Mixing the dry ingredients with bits of butter to make a coarse meal. This part was fun. I felt like I was six.



Stir wet and dry together to form a lump (I used my hands).



Knead a couple of times on a floured surface. Form a dome shaped loaf.



Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with flour, and cut a cross into it.



Bake at 350 for an hour.



Cool.



Lunch? Why not?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 17--Couch to 5K--Progress

Dave and I both got to run last night. We met some friends, Bryan and Nicole, at the park and took turns running. It was fun to hang out with friends and get our exercise in. The wind was a little out of control, but I think I did alright. One of my goals is to get my pace down. It seems like I struggle to keep it in the same spot, but I guess that's how it goes as you get more tired.

I went 1.26 miles (walked 5 min, ran 6, walked 5). I think my fastest pace was 9:17 min/mile.

I'm getting there. So can you! Have you started? How is it going?

I think my posture is better too. Isn't that great?

Dave and I are doing our strength training videos on rest days. Tonight is Abs, Chest, Back. Yea.

But, I need it. So I better stop complaining.

I'm really privileged to be able to do this. There have been seasons in my life (i.e. residency) when exercise outside of my home was next to impossible. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. And I'm loving it--the way it pushes me and makes me stronger. It's good and beautiful all wrapped up into one. I may talk more about that later.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!!! Are you doing anything special? I am! I am cooking St. Patty's Day food--Irish Soda Bread, Beef and Irish Stout Stew, and mashed potatoes and spring mix (for something green!). Don't forget to dress in your finest green attire!

Week 3--Couch to 5K

This is Day 16. I was supposed to run this morning. But, because of Daylight Savings Time, it was pitch black. So, I will have to wait to run until this evening when Dave gets home. Dave has agreed to join me, and I think we may sign up for the Dino Dash 5k in Little Rock on May 22nd. The kids will be able to have a blast there too. I just need someone to watch my kids while we race (any Little Rock takers?). The proceeds all benefit the Museum of Discovery downtown.

I'm looking forward to longer days for sure. At least my kids slept until 8! I'm sure they'll figure out soon enough that 8 is merely the new 7 and start getting up at 7. :) Here's my schedule for this week (the numbers represent minutes, not miles!):

Monday: Walk 5, Run 6, Walk 5
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Run 4, Walk 5, Run 4, Walk 5
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Walk 5, Run 7, Walk 5
Saturday: Rest (I may run again on this day just to push myself)
Sunday: Rest


I'm looking forward to this week, Wednesday especially. I wonder how that will go with me starting off in a run?

Lucy's weight check was today. She gained about an ounce and a half. We're going to continue with what we've been doing until her 18 month appointment and then go from there. The worries are taking a backseat for now. She is otherwise healthy and happy. Just little!

I am so thankful for my husband. I just want you to know what a blessing he is to me. He esteems me and loves me. He is far from perfect, but he has grown and is growing so much. Even on his bad days, I can see God giving him grace. The other day, I just strongly sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that a major part of my role with Dave is just to love him to death. Just love him.

So, I've been acting on love impulses with him--if I have an idea, I carry it out without debating about it. I think this is blessing him a lot. He's had a lot of hard days recently with his work, and it is so nice to make our home a haven for him, to surprise him in the middle of the day with a treat, or just a visit to get hugs and kisses from the kids (and me!).

What do you do for your spouse? I find all too often that I am making a list of things he isn't doing for me without realizing that I'm not doing them for him either! It shouldn't be so one-sided! We are both responsible for our relationship.

So, in true Flylady fashion, I say, "Get off your franny and stop feeling sorry for yourself!"

And as Ghandi said, "Be the change that you want to see in the world."

This can apply to all of our relationships. Not everyone will reciprocate, but your relationships will be better for it. Find a way to serve your spouse today--with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Just love them tangibly. Comment back once you've done it and report how it went for the both of you!

Day 15--Couch to 5K--New Shoe Trial

Even though today was a rest day, I just couldn't wait to try out my new sneakers (by the way, do you call them "tennis shoes" or "sneakers"?). My GPS got confused and said I ran 6 miles...said I ran 2.5 minute miles. That was not even close.

I went 1.23 miles, 15 minutes. I fudged a little on the timing. I walked 5, ran 6, and walked 4. I was feeling pretty good and strong about the running. I maintained my pace pretty well even though I had to climb a hill halfway through the running portion. I don't know what is normal. When I run, I average about 8:45-9:30 minute miles. I would love to be a 7 minute miler, but that seems far, far away.

I feel great. I was feeling a little puny after a rough night with Lucy. She threw up 5 times. Poor child. It was so pitiful. Dave bathed her while I cleaned up her bed. With the time change, I was tired. Dave took the big kids to church with him. He led the S.S. class today. It was nice to have a quiet house and rest with Lu Lu. She has kept everything down today (mostly water, bread, and applesauce). I'm glad she's feeling better. I just hope no one else gets it! Me especially!!! It's extra trying when mamas get sick.

Dave is going to join me in the running this week. I'm so excited. I think he is going to enjoy himself. We're talking about running a race together a couple of weeks after the one I'm scheduled to run. We'll see if he wants to.

About the shoes---they performed great. I was quite pleased, though I think I may have had my laces a tad too tight. One spot was rubbing a bit and felt bruised. Hmmm.

This week is supposed to be beautiful and sunny. I'm ready for it! Spring comes on Saturday!!!!

Day 14--Couch to 5k--Getting Good Shoes

Today was a rest day. It was also shoe day!!! I went to a running store and got these sweet Sauconys.


After the saleswoman evaluated my feet, she brought out four boxes of shoes for me to try. It was kind of like trying on wedding dresses. I ended up with the first pair I tried on (just like I ended up with the first dress I tried on). These shoes feel great. I decided to wear them around the house this afternoon to get used to them. When I took them off, my shins started hurting again!!! They totally make a difference. I am excited to run in them.

Lucy got sick tonight--throwing up. I hope she is back to herself tomorrow. I feel a little funny, but I think I ate too much at dinner. I hope all is well tomorrow because I thought I might run tomorrow even though it is technically a rest day. The weather is supposed to be nice (and I have new shoes!!).

I suppose I could have gotten by with my three and a half year old Adidas, but I am thankful for new, supportive shoes. My muscles and ankles are very thrilled.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 13--Couch to 5k

1.2 miles this morning. 5w/5r/5w. It was hard this morning. I'm not sure if it was because it was misty outside and uber-humid or my shoes or just the fact that my body is rejecting the idea of exercise. I'm having some pain in the muscles alongside my shins. I'm thinking it is due to my shoes or from running uphill and downhill.

My grand total for the week is 3.4 miles. I may run again on Saturday or Sunday just for fun. I get my shoes tomorrow, so I'm wanting to give them a try and break them in for the coming week.

I came down with the sniffles again. Afrin is my friend for the next couple of days.

Lucy has a weight check on Monday morning. I am hoping she has gained. She feels heavier to me, but that could be my imagination. Our scale here at home is really inaccurate, so I don't trust anything it says. She is eating better and eliminating okay. I've been giving her acidophilus every day hoping to help her digestion. Please pray for her if she comes to mind. I'd appreciate it.

My coffee is delicious this morning. I think it is because I am so tired! Well, that, and it is Starbucks, so we can't really go wrong.

I don't have much else to say. My head is a little too foggy. 2 weeks down in training--8 to go!!! How's your progress?

Day 12--Couch to 5k--GOALS

Rest Day.

I signed up for the race this morning. It was $20 (plus a 2.50 transaction fee or some nonsense). It feels good to have this goal in place to work towards.

I chatted on the phone with my dad last night about running. He used to run 11 miles a day back in high school. He said the farthest he ever ran was 20 miles. He ran sprints first, but then his coaches realized he had more endurance so they switched him to long distance running. Let's hope this is genetic! :)

Speaking of goals, here is what I envision for myself right now. Obviously, the 5k is my first goal--to finish this 10 week training and run the race. Beyond that, what I really want is to run 30 minutes 3-4 times a week which would probably put me at 10 miles a week or so. I just want to do this for my health and for my own enjoyment.

At this point, I don't want a half-marathon goal. There is the possibility that we will have another child in the near future, so I'd really like to have a well-established exercise regimen before I get pregnant. The current recommendation is that you may continue with whatever exercise regimen you have in place before you get pregnant, but you shouldn't increase it after becoming pregnant. I would like to have something that would keep me in good shape throughout a pregnancy. Of course, I am well aware of how exhausted I am in the first trimester, so this all remains to be seen!!! I do like to have achievable goals, though, so I would like to set my sights on 30 minutes of running, 3-4 days a week.

I am buying running shoes this weekend. I am so excited. I am looking forward to having shoes that actually fit my feet and provide the support that I need. I'm also getting to pick up my BAM (Basket-A-Month) in Conway this weekend. Yea for farmer's market!!! If you're curious about the Central Arkansas CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), here is the link: www.arkansasfood.net

Today starts a week of NO CALL for Dave. I want to make the break enjoyable for him!!! Any ideas?

Day 11--Couch to 5k

1.1 miles today. I did 5w/4r/5w. It wasn't too bad, but the humidity was 100% again, and that makes it a bit harder to breathe. Here's the link to sign up for the Conway race if you're interested:

http://www.womenrunarkansas.net/

I'm tired. I took the van to the mechanic for a look-over. Tire issue, but no big deal. I would love to take a nap, but those are quite rare these days.

I can't complain too much--the sun is shining, and it isn't storming. I think a Happy Hour from Sonic may be in order. I could really use a pick-me-up.

I'm a little sad today--just grieving a burden for someone. I'm not taking it as my own, but I still am affected by it. I so want to see freedom break through and joy in the midst of pain. This could apply to so many people in my life right now!!!

I think I need some Jesus time.

Day 9--Couch to 5k--Get Your Race On!

100% humidity, friends. This is Arkansas.

I DID NOT WANT TO GET OUT OF BED THIS MORNING. But, I made myself. I'm glad I did. I forgot how many minutes I was supposed to run this morning. I did a 5w/4r/5w. I was only supposed to run for 3. Oh well, I'm a step ahead! I also got an app that will work well for the Couch to 5k that I'm following. The app is called Run Keeper Free. It tracks my activity via GPS. There are several great apps for Couch to 5k, but the plan I'm following is a bit different than those, so the Run Keeper app is great for me. If you're just now joining me, here is the plan I'm doing.

The run was good. I tried listening to David Crowder Band "Church Music" but the beatz weren't quite right for running. It was still good stuff to listen to! I did fine, but I got a little distracted at the end because I saw that a cat was killed on the road. Looks like it was hit by a car. I want to clean it up because my kids were playing with it the other day. They really wanted us to get a cat. It's sad. I really don't want them to see the dead cat.

In other news, I found a race to run!!! I am going to sign up to run in the "Women Can Run 5k" in Conway on May 8th. Who is with me? Jenny? Anna? Megan? Anyone else? It would be so fun to run with you guys! Let me know what you think. My friend, Amanda, sent me a website full of Arkansas races. I'm glad to know there are multiple races I could be a part of. This is a great goal to have--another reason to keep pushing on.

Tomorrow is a rest day. But, on Wednesday (it's supposed to be raining all week. boo.), I think I'm going to listen to The Prodigy--never slow. Great beatz.

Week 2--Couch to 5k

This is the beginning of my second week! I did rest today. My run yesterday was so great, but it felt good to rest.

Here's my schedule for the week:

Sunday (today): Rest

Monday: 5 min walk , 3 min run, 5 min walk

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: 5 min walk, 4 min run, 5 min walk

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 5 min walk, 5 min run, 5 min walk

Saturday: Rest


Today, after lunch, I drove the van along my running path up the mountain (no lie), and I discovered that the distance I've been going so far is a mile! So, in my first week, I walked/ran 4 miles (uphill one way)! This is a big deal for me. One of the things I love about plans like this is that they give you goals to accomplish over a long period of time with achievable results all along the way.

I guess that's something I have in common with Julie Powell (well, besides the fact that I like to write) from Julie & Julia. I hate it when I start things and don't finish them. But, it happens a lot--craft projects, cleaning, exercise. So, I think by blogging about this, I am more likely to keep up with it. Of course, the fact that there is a schedule is HUGE for me. And, it isn't too strict, so I don't feel overwhelmed by it.

And I enjoy it.

That has been the best part--waking up and going outside to run. Now, tomorrow, it is supposed to be rainy and icky. But I will still go out.

I'm also excited to see that a lot of people have seen my posts about the Couch to 5k and they're getting on a plan too! That is rewarding! I guess I have Marla to thank for it. She runs her half-marathon on Sunday!!! 13.1 miles. I wish I could be there to watch her. Now, I just need to find a 5k to run in May. If anyone from my area knows of any, let me know!

Now, I must see to the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies...

Day 7--Couch to 5K

Today was supposed to be a rest day. I've discovered something, though. If I get up and run, I am happier. I am more productive. I feel better all the way around.

So I ran today. I just did a 13 minute walk/run. It was good. It was humid and cold. But, the sun was shining, so I enjoyed it. I listened to Jesus Culture again. The rhythms are great for walking or jogging.

I blessed the mess out of my house on Thursday. It looks GOOD, people. Anna is very motivational as well. She makes me want to have a peaceful home. And let me tell you, it is so much more peaceful. I was even able to get all those piles of papers filed and all the tax stuff piled up. We are expecting our friend, Ben, to help us make sure we're doing our taxes correctly this year. We sold and bought a house (not really sure who paid the real estate taxes--us or them?) and we have a lot of student loan interest to deal with (can't figure out if we can claim ALL of it or only the federal loans?--reason number 2, 842 why you shouldn't go into debt--pain in the neck).

I am headed to book club in about 45 minutes. I'm looking forward to discussing our first book with the ladies. I will more than likely review the book on here...we'll see.

Happy Saturday! Enjoy the sun if you can!

Day 5--Couch to 5k

I had my 13 minute run/walk this morning. It was beautiful. The birds were chirping, and the creek was bubbling towards the lake. I've mentioned before that I live by a beautiful lake.

It is especially pretty at sunrise (when I was up!!!). I had to break my stride to take a pic for you this morning.




Be thankful I didn't take a pic of the armadillo remains on the side of the road. :)

I listened to Jesus Culture on my iPod while I ran. It was their album, "We Cry Out". Good beatz. Do you listen to music when you run or exercise? I don't do it everytime because I enjoy the quietness of the early morning. This morning, I discovered my watch was dead, so I had to take my phone which has a stopwatch on it to help me keep track. I thought I'd take advantage of the iPod feature. My spirit got some encouragement as well as my body.

So what do you listen to? Or do you?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 4 of Couch to 5k

Okay, so here's the schedule for this week:

Sunday: Walk 5 min.
Run 2 min.
Walk 5 min.

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Walk 5 min.
Run 2 min.
Walk 5 min.

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Walk 5 min.
Run 3 min.
Walk 5 min.

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Rest

So far, so good. It's even going to be warmer out the rest of the week, so I may even decide to do it on Saturday anyway. By the end of the 10 weeks, I will be running for 30 minutes--no walking warm-ups or cool downs. I am so excited about this. I started thinking that 30 minutes is really not that long. So, I think this is the type of cardio that will fit nicely into my life.

I've had a lot of encouragement from others. I think this is so good and motivating. It's baby steps. I think blogging about it also helps me remain accountable b/c you guys are real slave drivers! Okay, not really, but it is nice to know you're expecting me to follow through.

I went to get some adjustments today. From a dentist. That's right. He's a fellow here in town that is a dentist and has been trained in osteopathic manipulation (a little different from chiropractic care). My neck was pretty sore last week--just from stress. Yesterday, the muscle started seizing up and got really tight shooting pain into the bottom of my skull. He fixed me right up. He's been treating me for TMJ, and the therapies are helping me. I'm so thankful. If I didn't have this option, I'd have to wear a splint on my jaw 24/7. He also adjusted my knees, hips and ankles today. I'm glad, and I'm hoping it will improve my stride. :)

It appears there are people joining me in this 10-week adventure. Let's keep up with one another's progress!!! I'll be up early tomorrow!

Couch to 5K

Okay, so my friend, Marla, is running. A lot. Like 11 miles right now. Insane? Yes. I'm so proud of her, and so motivated. Marla is Miss Motivational. She makes you believe you can really do anything you want.

So, I asked her how in the world did you go from giving birth to running 11 miles? She is training for a half marathon that she will run in a few weeks. That's 13 miles, folks. 13. She gave birth four months ago.

I gave birth 16 months ago. Ahem.

So, I am inspired.

Marla directed me to a site called Couch to 5K. So, I thought, I can do this.

I can do this.

You get a day of rest in between each day you run. I can live with this.

Our problem is childcare. So, I either have to get up early before Dave leaves (by 6 right now while the runs are short) or I have to do it when he's home. C'mon Daylight Savings Time!!! I need more light in the evenings. As the runs get longer, I may have to hire a sitter to watch the kids while I run. But I am going to do this. I want to. I need to. I feel so much better when I exercise--it's just good. And running around my house is hard--there are hills in every direction, no lie. So I am getting a good workout.

Today was Day 3. I ran a little extra today as I was freezing cold. But it felt so good, and it woke me up. I was out there at 6am. Proud of me, anyone??? Especially if you know what I'm like in the morning...

Now, I've been thinking about this. I am going to blog my way through this. I am going to take a break from my regular musings (although they may find their way into my posts as I learn more about myself and God through this adventure), and I am going to be blogging about my progress with running. I hope you'll stick around to see how I'm doing.

This is not going to be nearly as delicious as Julie and Julia. But, I hope I will feel as rewarded at the end of it. 10 weeks to learn to run 3 miles.


I'm gonna do it. Wanna join me?

A Toast to Spring

I've got 'em today. The grumps.

I know I'm supposed to stuff them somewhere and look for the bright side.

I have an idea of where I'd like to stuff them. But I won't talk about that.

I am at the point where I really tire of clouds. I want sun all the time. Winter has had its turn. I'm ready for Spring. Just a short 3 weeks.

Spring just makes everything a little better.

I ran yesterday. With my legs. It was great.

I plan to keep doing it. We shall see. I may have to get up at the crack of dawn to do it. Once again, we shall see. :)

Here's to sunshine and exercise! May there be more of both!