Brick

So I had a very intense brick this last weekend. "What is a brick?" you may ask. A brick is working out in two different sports, back to back. So for this certain brick, I biked and then ran.

We happen to be out camping at a place with a lot of trails. So I went to hit them. After examining the dirt bike trails, I realized those were not for me, since my race is all road. But I did attempt some dirt roads. I headed down one, and that's were I got in trouble. The road ended, became a trail, all loose sand, not packed dirt. My map said that there was supposed to be another dirt road that I would run into to take me back to the main road. It failed to mention that trail connected the two roads!

So after walking my bike through sand I couldn't pedal in, contemplating how anyone would find me 2 miles deep on both sides in the deep woods with no cell phone coverage, I finally reached the other dirt road and then made it back to the main highway.

All in all, it was supposed to be a 50 minute bike ride. It ended up and hour and 5 minutes! Buy, hey! I was able to still run for 20 minutes afterward and could have kept going! I guess that shows I'm improving and headed somewhere!

8 weeks and counting.....

What a crazy summer it's been! Don't lose heart, though my blogs have defineatly lagged, my training has not. Summer threw me for a loop. Thinking that I would have more time to train with the looser schedule, having 4 kids home all the time threw my training routine out of wack more then I expected! With 8 weeks to go to reach my goal of finishing my first sprint triathlon, I am re-motivated with meaning!

Over this past 10 months I have noticed huge change, not only in my body, but my attitude for living. Like I've said in past posts, exercise truly does affect mind, body and spirit. I notice that through my exercise, I become reconnected with my Lord, thus pray more regularly. My stress is reduced and I am better able to serve my family. My body is actually relaxed, which makes me feel better about myself, that I'm taking care of myself and therefore can take care of others better.

The past two weeks I have started preparing mentally and physically for my challenges ahead. Along with a very sick dog, I've started to train following a schedule leading up to my super spring in Chicago at the end of August. This has given me a more structured routine which has been good in dealing with out of control circumstances of a sick dog and many vet trips! I'm back to being able to run 4 miles, even though they're 12 min. miles! But, hey, I'm running! My swim is still on track and during my bike in the Grand Haven Tri in July, I biked 12.5 miles in 45 minutes! I was happy!

So things are moving along and I'm glad to be back to track my progress and share it with you. Here's to tri-ing!:)

10K

It's been almost a week, and I'm still trying to bask in the glory of my first race! I ran the 5/3 River Bank Run 10K, last Saturday. Wet, windy and cold, but AWESOME! My friend, Kim and I, had a great time. I finished running hard. I was shooting to be under and hour and 10 minutes and I did it in 1:08:26!! That's 11 minute miles! I had been training at around 12.5 min. miles. I'm very happy!

So now I'm addicted. It was hard work but a lot of fun! I've been looking at lots of different races and tri's. Hmmm... what to do next. I'm looking at a relay in July to try with some of my friends. I'm still competing in the Super Sprint in Chicago in Aug. and a Sprint distance tri. in Sept. I'm wondering how much to add, what is too much, what's OK. I can see how this can get expensive as well! My husband says we'll have to create another account just for race entry fees!

All in all, it was a great experience, I'm so glad I did it, and I'm letting it spur me on to do more!

Shoes & training

Yes, I got a new pair of Mizuno's. Got to run with them last night for the 1st time. I went just over a 5K. Report? This morning, not much sorer (is that a word?) then usual, a little tight in my left hamstring and the sides of my lower back. But no PAIN in knees, back or shins. YEAH! The shoes seemed to help me strike better and have more flexibility. I think the Brooke's were just to stiff. Like Sheri mentioned, I sure know a lot more then I ever thought about my feet! Thanks Gazelle and the wonderful two women who helped me!

Training? We'll I've taken to just running in the last 2 weeks since I have a 10K coming up on May 8th. I do miss tri training, though. I really like having the option of 3 sports to choose from. I think that my husband is right, I'm going to be addicted. I started this journey thinking that I would do just one tri, but here I am, already looking at what more I can add and thinking how to train better next year.

I'm shocked at those I hear from, either, "how are your shoes working?", or "you're super-mom to be doing this", or "you are inspiring", cause these aren't things I think about myself. I went in this to achieve something that I thought I wouldn't ever normally do and to see myself follow through with it all the way. Look where it has taken me! My attitude toward life is so different now, and I'm so grateful for the blessings God has put in my life through my physical gifts as well as friendships and relationships as well as His beautiful Earth that He lets us enjoy!

It's been too long!

Spring fever is here and with that, and 4 kids, I've been away from the computer a lot! After being away for Spring Break, we've been outside a lot! The days being longer has been nice and we are having great spring weather here!

I'm in full training mode now, with my 10K looming in the near future, just 2 weeks from tomorrow! I'm up to 4 miles plus, easily, but if you saw in some of my comments, I'm still having shoe problems. I bought a pair, am returning them, and hoping to find the right pair to use before the race! This shoe thing, like stated before, is trickier then I thought. I've never analyzed my feet so much! I know that I definitely pronate (role from out to in), so I need some stability. But I seem to be more sore then ever before, which makes me think that I'm pounding harder then I thought and need more cushioning. It is hard to know how I should be feeling since this is the first pair I've bought since I've started running. It's like, how are they supposed to feel and how am I supposed to feel?!

Anyway, my hubby is running too, and I'm excited to run this race with him. It is definitely a challenge for both of us, since it has snuck up on us sooner then we thought. But I am still loving the exercise and feeling invigorated and stressed relived as I run. I am so grateful to be able to work out!

Shoe Confussion

So, I found a great deal on running shoes. I went to try them on, hoping they would feel good, buy them, and shop around some more. Instead, I ended up trying on 4 or 5 pairs and leaving totally confused!

If you know anything about running or do any running, you are supposed to know if you are a pronator, or a supinator, or neutral. I believe that I supinate, but what shoe does that mean I need, and how is it supposed to feel? I tried on many, like you are supposed to do, and they all feel fine and different in different ways. So now I don't know what to do, cause I'm not sure what to look for. What's best for my foot? Hmmmm.....

I never thought that running shoe technology would get the best of me, yet it has.....

Wipe Out!

Yes, it happened. My first official wipe out. It was actually a week ago, it was beautiful here, some of the first days of spring. I was out for a run, planning to go a bit farther. Right about the time I usually start heading back, I moved out of the street to avoid a car. At that point I noticed that in a few paces, the sidewalk would be covered with snow and ice. As I was scanning for how to move back to the road, suddenly my body was headed in full slow motion toward the ground. I felt as though I should be able to catch my balance, but alas, I could not. As I skidded on my hands, I hit my faces and then the pain surged through me as my knees broke my fall. Stunned, I rolled to my back, trying to breath, mentally accessing that I was OK. I slowly sat up to access the damage. Skinned hands, bloody face, ripped pants, throbbing knees. But no broken bones or teeth. As I gingerly got up, that is when I saw it. The sidewalk corner was raised a good 3 inches or more. I must have hit it square on, which sent my body propelling toward the cement. After stopping to use a walkers cell phone, (thanks to who ever you are!), I called to let the family know that I would be back a bit later and I was OK. (Yes, take a cell with you, I know!) I walked the last 1/2 mile home, thinking that was safer since I couldn't access my throbbing knees that were covered by my pants.

Arriving home, I accessed the damage. I had quite a nice scrapped up chin that has about fully healed over the past week. It wasn't quite as bad as my bloody appearance led my children to believe as I walked in the door. My hands where just scrapped, and I had only minor cuts to my knees, though the bruises they left and the throbbing I still feel will take a while to heal.

One of my many first adventures in this training period. Thankfully I got out of it relatively unscathed, except for quite the wounded ego.:)

This one goes out to the One I Love.....

In great thanksgiving and appreciation, I write this post. This is for my husband who supports me to no end. It is not easy being a father of four children 9 and under. He sacrifices so that I can accomplish a goal I've set for myself. His love is amazing, and I don't acknowledge it enough. So today I do so publicly. Call it a late 10th anniversary present, a belated Valentine's gift, an early 10 1/2 anniversary present:), or just a day of gratitude that I wanted to give him.

He has been an undying support as I train for this triathlon, my biggest cheerleader. I know that is takes away a lot of time from us and our family and to you I say "Thank you". Your support means so much to me and is the motivation that makes me want to keep going. I know that you say I am encouraging to you, but I want you to be aware of how encouraging you are to me. Thank you for spurring me on, and I hope you can say the same about me. I see in you the SHIMILY and I hope that this is SHMILY back to you.

I am so grateful to be yoked with you, on this journey together, striving for the same goal. I'm excited to reach it with you, the ultimate goal of getting one another to heaven! I love you so much!!

Winter Blues

Oh, thank you Jesus for the sun today! It get's so old with the gray and clouds. It is so nice to look out and see the sun reflecting of the beautiful snow! I always say that I'm a lover of the seasons, but without snow, winter gets old fast. I tire quickly of the gray yuck, as I call it. So I am happy for the 9 fresh inches of snow that fell throughout yesterday.

I think it does something for my motivation as well. My workout partner and I DID end up swimming last night! We ventured out in the "blizzard", and turned around more then once. We even walked to the locker room door and turned around. We SO did not want to swim. But we did it! We knew that we would feel better if we did. And I do. Today I feel like I could run forever. Though I won't with the below freezing temps and the snow everywhere. But with the outside actually looking welcoming, it is tempting.

Isn't it nice how God plays to our senses? I've been reading about suffering and how there is true joy in suffering. This is hard to grasp for me. But I see that in Christ's death, there is pure joy, the joy of a saved people. So in our daily suffering, when united with Christ's, there is joy to be gained. Now joy is something that my body and senses, shall I say, enjoy? Yes, enjoy! So if I can wrap my mind around this nugget of offering it up to be transformed to Christ, my suffering won't be in vain and frustration, but filled with grace to make myself and offering of joy to others. And that is motivation enough for me to move forward and enjoy the day!

Holiness in Weakness

While I've been training for this triathlon, I've been sharing my experience and goals with others. This has been a way for me to keep accountable to myself as well as the people I'm talking to. During this process, I've been suprised with how many people have found ME inspiring! I can't believe it, but I keep getting told stories about how others are starting to try exercising again, or training for something themselves, or they've told someone else who has really taken it to heart. This is hard for me to believe, because I don't look at myself and find what I'm doing inspiring. Yes, I feel excited and great, but I see it as something I need to do for my health and myself.

Feeling this way led me to be able to relate to a pod cast that I listened to the other day while running. It was on holiness. The speaker was saying how we should think of someone that we thought of as holy and why. He mentioned that if we took this reasoning to that person that they would deny it, being very suprised by our observations. His point was that holiness is not for us, but for others. We don't always see our own strives in holiness, but others observe it in us, and that is how we can tell that we are growing, or encourage someone else by telling them how we see them growing.

He also went on to say that it isn't in what we have done that we achieve holiness, but through our weekness. On that day when we see God face to face (God willing), we will not be asked about all the things we acompilishe without fault or difficulty. God will be asking us about how we offered up the things that challenge us and plauge us the most. He gave an analogy of a runner, which was a great picture for me since I was running.:) He says that they important thing is that when we fall, or stumble, that we get back up. We offer that to God. It may be the same thing over and over. But that is where the holiness is found, in offering that same stubbling block over and over.

This inspired me, that through my fault, I can still be striving for holiness. God is choosing to love us, even though we constantly screw up on the same things. This inspired me, I hope it inspires you, too.

It's been a while.....

Yes, it has been a while. The holidays kept me busy and, to be honest, I've been wondering how to restart this blogging thing. Then the idea of restarting got me focusing on the New Year how everyone tries to restart. That led to me restarting exercising. The next thought process was how to carry over the restart of exercising, with meaning, to my personal life. In thinking about that, it circled me back to exercising and how my attitude toward that has changed.

My husband will laugh as I admit that exercise really has changed me. I have come to discover what I always thought were myths about exercise, are tending to be true with me. I DO feel better, I DO relate better. I'm not as tired, have more energy, and am more positive. I didn't think that these things really would happen. But they have. With having taken a month off and now restarting in the last 2 weeks, I can see that these things hold true for me.

The nice thing is that this can carry over to my personal life. I am trying to have new resolve on how I face things. I trying to have a refreshing attitude to the daily challenges that come with being a mother of four. I'm trying to keep in mind that God has equipted me with, not only, the physical strength I need to exercise, but with the emotional grace and talents that go along with carrying out my duties.

It isn't that I am trying to be some great philosopher, but for me, I find great comfort in seeing parallels from one area of my life to another. I feel that if I can have a goal and be motivated in one area that hopefully I can carry that spirit over to another in hopes to be come a more well rounded person.

Suffering for the Good

My thoughts lately, have fallen to those truly struggling during this time. We are so blessed and should be so grateful for all that we have. We all know of others suffering and in need of great healing and blessing this season. With all the reminders I've received this year about what this season is about and were our mindset should be and how to prepare, I still catch myself focusing on myself.

I have to remember that our world (in the small sense, here) works like a ripple effect. What we choose to do doesn't just have an impact us or those closest to us. It can spread like wildfire, in both a good and a bad way. Here's an example:

About this time last year, a friend of mine found out her nephew was diagnoised with cancer. He was 3. It was horrible for her and her family. She spread the word to our bible study and we were all praying. She kept us up throughout the year on his well being and also how it was affecting their lives. She shared how her personal prayer time had increase and how she was reaping blessing in the midst of his suffering. He is now in remission, thanks God!

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not glad that this boy or those we know are suffering. But I will say that through this suffering, we can bennifit and grow, and passing it along effects others. My friends words effected not only me, but many others, to be inspired to pray more, not look inward so much, and to rejoice in what we do have.

I have a similar situation with this going on right now in my family. When I catch myself looking inward and being selfish (especially at 4 a.m. up with my 7 month old), I have been trying to pray for Maria and put myself in her place. All of the sudden, what is going on with me or my lack of sleep is pretty sad to whine about in the midst of her and her families struggles.

We need to remember the effect we have on others and how we can use that for good and bad. Let's make an effort to use it for good, so that as we prepare for Christ's coming, we can each do our own little part to be Christ for others!

Let it SNOW!!

I have to let you know that today is one of those days that are really enjoyable in living out my vocation. I'm still in my P.J's and it is, well, I can't quite admit, but let's just say it's WAY afternoon. The kitchen is not very clean. The phone has finally stopped ringing off the hook. No chores have been done. But the kids got breakfast and lunch, and I got the youngest dressed before noon, (unlike myself!)

So what's so different today from other days? It's a SNOW DAY! Here in the Great Lakes, we were covered with 9 inches of snow last night. I went to bed looking at a forecast predicting 3-6. We awoke to beautiful white, and it has been falling off and on all day. So I have all 4 kiddos home. What have I been doing? Answering the phone, calling their friends, talking to mine, pulling out boots, snow pants, mittens, hats, scarves, etc. Putting on boots, snow pants, scarves, mittens, hats, etc. You know what? I love it! I love when my kids get along, play outside together (for more then and hour!), come back in for lunch and want to go out for more! To be sure, nothing is really getting done today except for thanking God for the gift of life He's given me and seeing them enjoy the first snow of the season.

Sometimes we have to let the big things go and enjoy those things that won't last. I know that some day snow days will mean that my kiddos will sleep till 1 p.m. and it won't be the same. So I'm choosing to enjoy today!

For Every Season

This post has been long in the making. Mostly because my brain has been on overload. With Thanksgiving just past and Christmas looming ahead, it is easy to miss the focus of not only the true meaning, but this time to celebrate Advent. I must admit that in the past, I've felt really good about myself and prided myself on being "on top" of prep and being able to enjoy the Advent season.

Then this past Sunday came and I was overwhelmed beyond belief. I don't know if that is because of child #4 being 6 months, or just having 4 kids or, I don't know, any other excuse I can come up with? I was frustrated with myself for being overwhelmed when I knew where my focus should be. Sad to say that I haven't fully solved the problem. I have excepted that all might not get done and that my home might not be like the movies.

I went to an "Advent By Candlelight" were I listened to a meditation about being the jug of water that Jesus changed into wine. The people didn't know where it came from, and neither do I need to know where or how the change happened. Yet, my heart needs to be open to being changed. The other question that was asked was "what does God want to give me for Christmas", and "what do I need to do to receive that?". This went hand in hand with what our Pastor has been talking about the last few weeks about this being New Year's for the Church. How are we going to be different a year from now then we are now?

So my motivations now is to take these thoughts to heart. Maybe if I focus on where the meaning should be, I"ll get the practicals back on track and be able to enjoy this time of year that I love so much.

Questions? Thoughts? What are your stumbling blocks during this season and how do you resolve them? This should be a faith filled and enjoyable time of year, not a time that we wish we can just make it through. Let's make an effort to enjoy the meaning the way it is intended.

Giving Thanks

Thank you to the few of you who have commented about being thankful and staying focused! I appreciate the interaction and feedback!

Today, I am THANKFUL to say that I am back on the work out track. I've worked out the past 2 days and have seen progress! That's always good. I've also had a few conversations with others, even my sister-in-law, about being consistent in working out. It is nice to encourage others, hear that positive talk from yourself, and therefor be encouraged as well. I'm thankful for my workout buddy who encourages and supports me, my husband who never stops encouraging me, and my family who loves me. Like Carlus commented, it is important to be held accountable so that we can stay on track, help ourselves, and help others!

Let's remember to be thankful, especially this month!!

Motivation Problem?

Yes, I have a motivation problem, or so I assume! Thus why I created this blog. #1 is for helping myself, keeping myself accountable. I tend to get very excited about things and then have a problem sticking with it. Don't people call that something like, 'stick-to-it-tivness'? Maybe that is what I'm lacking.

I was out of town a week and a half ago and came back last Monday evening. This past week has consisted of trying to readjust to what I call, 'real life'. All of this is normal, yes, except that those things I've been working on have kinda flown out of the window. This is were I get nervous about the motivation thing. I am motivated tonight to start this week off right, getting back to working out and eating better. I was proud of myself that I actually worked out in Florida about 3 times, but I haven't worked out since I got home last Monday! FOCUS, FOCUS!

So I guess this is were the stick-to-it-tivness or what ever that is comes in. I need to learn a way to be able to keep up those things that I want in my life even when the regular schedule doesn't go so smooth. Yes, there are bumps in the road and things are always "normal", (when are they ever?), but that is when I need to be even more focused to follow things through. This applies to not just working out, but prayer, house cleaning/picked up, friendships, blog posts:), etc.

The question I place before you is how? How do we stay focused and motivated when things aren't always as normal or smooth as we wish them to be. Thoughts??

Just Breath!

Sorry it's been so long since I posted. I was out of town, Florida of all places! Yes, it was great. I got to see my new nephew and my brother and sister-in-law, as well. It was great to hang out and catch up. We also celebrated my oldest daughter's birthday, while there. I can't believe how much she is growing up! She is turning into a great young lady, and is such a help to me, especially with the baby. I also got to work out there, it was wonderful to do that, especially in the warmth of the sun! Haven't had much of that lately. Though I did have one adventure of getting lost while out running. I thought I was going in a circle, ended up doing a figure 8, imagine that. Let's just say, I had a long cool down since I over shot by about a 1/2 mile or so and had to walk back! I also got to swim outside, how great is that?!

Having had this great oppritunity, especially with it Thanksgiving growing near, made me reflect on how grateful I am. Grateful for family and friends. Grateful to travel, which is something I really love. Grateful to be able to exercise in beautiful area in awesome weather, when it is almost winter where I live. Grateful for the beautiful planet our God has given us, especially the ocean and surf! Grateful for faith to pass onto our children.

So lets be focused on gratfulness and thankfulness this month. Let us remember to tell others at least 1 thing a day through Thanksgiving for things that we are grateful for. Hopefully this will form a pattern that will continue in our lives and families. So I will start. In the spirit of Vetern's Day today, I am thankful for those who have and are serving our country, risking our lives to keep us safe. Thankyou!

Craizies!

Is that even a word? We'll that's how I feel this morning as I sit here trying to get a post off, since it's been almost a week. My kiddos are fighting, trying to finish their chores, my 5 month old is squirming on my lap as I type, and I'm hacking with a cough I can't seem to beat. Ah....life.

Anyone else ever get like this?

I have to admit that start of days like these (especially Saturday's) can tend to make me frustrated and down. We have some decisions to make today, plus I have a trip I'm leaving for in the next few days, and I need to get ready for that. Also, I haven't worked out in 3 days due to this cold. All in all, this usually makes me quite overwhelmed. Do you ever feel this way?

But in the theme of trying to turn over a new leaf and stay motivated, I'm trying to think positive. So what are suggestions you have to pick yourself up after a less then best start to a day, or the past few days? How do we stay focused on what we are shooting for when we don't feel the best and things are looming out in front of us? I post these questions to you as someone who doesn't have all the answers. For me, I know a lot has to do with attitude and not sweating the small stuff.

OK, got to run now, baby's freaking out.....thoughts??

Vocation

I had a great prayer time the other day, where God really spoke to me about vocation. I was very encouraged while reading a meditation that I enjoy.

"Do we thank God for the gift of our vocation? Do we realize that we have been called from all eternity to fulfill a divine vocation? We have been given all we need to be and to live out our vocation."


I don't think that I do this well. For me, I believe, that this is a good summary of a way to stay focused on what is true. I can choose to be thankful and know that I have been chosen and given the gifts I need to carry out what God have divinely called me to. If that isn't encouraging, I don't know what is!

So be focused, be motivated, hang on to the truth and know that His grace surrounds you!

Balance

This seems to be a theme of my life: Seeking balance. I don't think I do it very well. Do you? I seem to be one of those people who either swings one way too far, or the other. Either I don't care that things are clean and organized, or I can't relax because they are not. I'm trying to learn how to prioritize better so that things get done, but I'm not hyper about when things aren't always done. Does this make sense?

I find this hard to do when my normal routine gets thrown out of wack. For instance, my kids have been off since Tues. due to illness that has closed our school. Talk about what to do! My husband has been under the weather and home, and I'm fighting something myself. So I'm striving for some balance.

I actually did pretty well today. I got some ironing done, took the kids, with my mom, to the cider mill, and still managed to work in a workout while at the park for the kids soccer practices. When I type it all out like this it looks good. But in my head, I still have yesterday, where I didn't do anything. It was nice to sit around and drink tea and talk to my husband, but the bathrooms didn't get clean, and the laundry didn't get done. So today I was swinging the other way, and now I'm exhausted!

But I guess the key is to keep pushing forward, right? The balance may not come in the same day, but in two, or within the week. I guess I just have to be patient and not give up.