It's Too Hard

What do you do when somethings seems too hard?  Or when you feel like you aren't good at it?  Or when it seems you've done your best and it still isn't enough?

On my 2 mile run today, I had many thoughts of quitting running.

I feel like I've lost my passion and excitement for it.

And it's still hard.
So
    hard.

Then I got to thinking - every time I've been pushed or challenged in my life I've given up.

Don't get me wrong, I've been through a lot of hard times that I've really worked through, but that was because there was no other choice.  It was either push through or lose everything.

But, when the stakes aren't that high, I tend to give up.  I wasn't that great at dancing, so I quit.  I wasn't great at music, so I quit that.  I wasn't great at basketball, so I didn't try out when my friends did.

Why didn't I just try harder and enjoy the hard work?

Because then everyone would know I wasn't fabulous.  In my mind, not failing meant succeeding.  It doesn't mean that at all.  Not trying is a bigger failure!

Back to my running...I'm not a fabulous runner.  In fact, I'm a pretty terrible runner.  I'm slow and I'm pretty sure I look like Phoebe from behind.  (Friends fans will get that).
But I'm doing it!  I'm pushing through when it gets too hard.  I won't ever win a marathon.  I won't ever be the best runner on the trail.  But, I'm still a runner.  And I'm better than I was when I started!

So, when my legs are cramping, there's sweat dripping off of me, and it feels like my lungs may pop...I'll keep on running!
I've only got me to prove myself to!

You may now resume reading...

I've been off the radar for a few weeks.

We've been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY since before Thanksgiving.

I visited one of my girls in Orlando, then went back for a Disney trip after Turkey day, then went back 2 weeks later for her graduation, then drove back a few days later to move her home, then took her to NOLA to learn about the city where she is about to be employed!

Sprinkle in un-decorating for Christmas, some doctor appointments, and a few Etsy orders and I've lost track of all time!

I also lost track of my exercise :(

But, I'm not committed to a half marathon in April.  April 13, to be exact.

I'm pretty excited about it!  Not only am I looking forward to a huge challenge that I never thought I'd even accept, but I'm excited about the mission of this group.  It is called Get There and Share with 413 Ministries.
Their mission is to use the sport of running to spread the Gospel!  I love it when I see people using their natural passion and talents to make a difference!  I'm looking forward to being a part of this race. From what I have read, there will be people from all over the country coming to Homewood, AL for this.  I may finish last, but I do plan to finish!

And if I'm going to finish, I'm going to have to train.  I'm in the middle of week 1 right now.  So far it isn't awful, but I'll be stepping it up real soon!  I've been researching different training plans and this one just spoke to me over the rest.

If you are interested in training, here's my schedule.  A quick google or Pinterest search will help you find others that might work better for you.  If you're able to run a 5k now, I'd suggest giving yourself 12 weeks to train for a half.  If you can run farther than a 5k already, you might need only 8 weeks.  If you have run half marathons before, I have no advice for you :)  I'm interested in training to be able to finish, not to improve my time!

November Thankful Challenge, the 11th

Today I am so very thankful that my Daddy got to "run" his first 5k with me.  You see, my daddy is a double amputee and rides in a power chair now.  I started my series of monthly 5k races in September in his honor.
This month's race was World Run Day.  It is a day set aside to promote the sport of running.  It isn't limited to time, distance, or pace.  It is all about just getting out there and doing it where ever you are!  Daddy can't roll on a closed course, so this was the perfect race for us to do together.
Several his friends, my friends, and even my step-daughter's friends joined us at the Pelham YMCA today for a 5k. The Pelham Y was sweet enough to measure out a 5k in their parking lot so that Daddy didn't have to try to get through grass or gravel.  We did our 13 laps - some people walked, some ran, some rolled, but we all finished!
It was so much fun to look over my shoulder and see my Daddy in a race!!!
I was overwhelmed with how much it meant to both me and Daddy.  What a fun day!  I am thankful that we had that opportunity.
The first time for everything is a learning experience - I'm ready to do it again, but bigger and better!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

November Thankful Challenge, the 8th

After taking a run in Orlando this morning, I am thankful for my ability to get myself in shape.  I'm thankful for my success this far and for what I know is coming as I continue my hard work.
I've lost 23.5 pounds so far!  My body has completely changed and so have my energy level and self-confidence.  I have gained muscle tone and flexibility that I haven't had since I was a teenager!
I am thankful that I have the health and ability to run, lift weights, and do yoga.  I am thankful for all of the resources I have to learn from and to encourage me to keep going.
I am thankful for the supportive family and friends who compliment the changes in my body and my dedication to being healthier.

 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

November Workout Calendar

This month brought on the end of one running program and the start of another.  I'll be doing active.com's 5k to 10 app and then starting a 12-week HALF MARATHON training program!  I'm scared, but excited that something that huge is even in my sight!  I'll still be incorporating yoga and www.bodyrock.tv each week.
There is a lot of traveling in store for the month, so I'm going to have to be extra disciplined.  And then there's Thanksgiving - if I can stick to turkey and veggies, I'll be ok.  Its the appetizers and desserts that ruin me!  I've already proven I've got it in me though!
Here is my calendar for November:

Active Trainer Intermediate 5k Program

I just finished my second running program!  Seriously, that sounds so weird!  The first program was Couch to 5k.  I have NEVER been a runner.  Even when we were required to run a mile in PE every year, I couldn't do it.  I would run most of it, but either walk the short sides of the soccer field or end up walking the last lap or two.  NEVER ran an entire mile!  Couch to 5k was great for me.  I was able to run a full mile a lot sooner than I expected.  I was able to run a 5k before I even finished the program.
When I had completed the program, I knew I need something else to keep me running.  Active.com was running a special on their training programs, so I got the Intermediate 5k Program.

This program is 5 days a week of running for 11 weeks.  And I did it!  I even included a day of yoga each week for a total of 6 days a week.  Some days are built in for cross training.  I did www.Bodyrock.tv on those days.
The regular price for this program is $24.99.  That's awfully expensive as far as I'm concerned.  I have found several other training schedules on Pinterest that are just as good and completely free!  There were a few days of training that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me, so I just completed the mileage required.
My speed and endurance have both improved and now I'm ready to tackle the 5k to 10k app I downloaded. I'll do that for a few weeks and then I'll start a HALF MARATHON training program!  I can't believe it myself!

   

Komen Race for the Cure 2012

I'm finally getting around to writing about my second 5k.  I think i have procrastinated on starting this one because I can figure out what I want to say.
There's too much to say.
Yes, it was my second 5k in my monthly series of 5ks.  Yes, I got my best time ever.  Yes, I ran the whole thing without stopping.
But those things all paled in comparison to the experience with my friends and the fact that I'm still running for my Daddy.

My sweet, precious, faithful friend Cathy is battling breast cancer.  She is only 34 - too young!  She has 2 small children - too busy, too needed.
We are blessed to have a small group of families that we share our lives with.  There are about 10 families that meet every Sunday evening to pray, eat, and let the little kids play.  The women in this group are particularly close.  I don't even know how it happened - it's just God.  And thank God for each other.  We call ourselves Cathy's Chemosabes :)

As a group, we've been doing whatever we can think of to support our friend.  One lady has organized the meals that are provided, especially on the days following each treatment.  We all gathered in Cathy's basement to decorate for her daughter's birthday party when Cathy didnt' have the energy to do it on her own.  We've worn pink, made ribbons, and prayed on our knees for her healing.

This past Saturday, we joined together to show our support at the North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Leading up to the race, we've had Pink Sales at church to raise money for out team.  We raised over $1,300!  That's enough for several mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women.

Pink Sale at church

Before the race started, there was a Survivor Parade.  All of the women, and men, who are battling or have battled breast cancer gathered in their hot pink shirts and paraded to the starting line.  Many were smiling and high fiving the crowd.  Others were so emotional that they couldn't hold back the tears.  It was the same for us in the crowd - not many dry eyes watching those brave warriors in pink!  Just as the parade started, we looked up to see our girl Cathy right in front!  She was smiling SO BIG!  She had just met her BC pen pal and was walking arm in arm with her.  So precious!

There were over 15,000 people there for the race and several other supporters there.  What a crowd!  We somehow got most of our group together for the start of the race.  Most of the runners started towards the front and the rest of us gathered around the block.  I wanted to start with Cathy, but I started running at the starting line.

And I kept running.

I ran uphill, downhill, around turns, between people, past people, to the finish line!!!

Once I crossed the line, I got my bottle of water, did a little happy dance, and called my friends who were still walking.  I re-entered the race and found my people.

Here they come!

We completed the last few blocks all together and crossed the finish line with Cathy!

Look at that smile!!!!

The first finish line of many that we will cross by her side!  She's the one doing the work, but we will be with her the whole way!

Silly girls with the PINK Sheriff's car.

I love this picture!

Love you, Cathy!

Praying Through the 5k

I'm so excited to participate with my church family in the Race for the Cure in honor of our sweet sister Cathy as she so gracefully battles cancer.  She's a beautiful woman inside and out and deserves every bit of love she's been receiving.

The Holy Spirit has taken me over and organized this team through me.  I take no credit for any work I've done or ideas that have come to me.

His latest idea was for us to pray through each km of the race.  I know most of us will be walking with Cathy, so there will be lots of socializing going on.  Even if you don't pray through the whole race, each km marker can be a reminder to pray in a specific way for Cathy and her comrades in this fight.

Starting line/km 1: Begin the race with a thankful heart.  Thank God for Cathy, our church family, and the ability we each have to participate in this race.  Thank God for the people who work so hard to find a cure - the medical teams, volunteers, and supporters.
Romans 1:8

km 2: Pray for Cathy's family and medical staff - all caretakers.  Pray for their discernment, sensitivity, and strength.  Include Brad, Liam, Tabitha, their parents, and her doctors and nurses.  They all need the Holy Spirit to guide them through her care - what to do and what to say.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31

km 3: Pray for Cathy's complete and total restoration here on earth.  Cry out to God for healing of her body - and for the healing of all the Survivors running/walking with us and for the many brothers and sisters in our own church family battling cancer.
Matt 7:7-11

km 4: Pray for Cathy's spiritual/emotional/mental battle.  Her body is being attacked, but so is her peace.  Pray for peace that surpasses all understanding.  Pray for her to be stronger and stronger in her faith.  She's already been so strong, faithful, and graceful - give God the glory for that too!
Philippians 4:7

km 5: Ask God to reveal your role in Cathy's life.  Ask for clarity in what you are to learn from her and do to support her - and all of our brothers and sisters.  Pray for protection over our church family against anymore cancer or disease.
Romans 12:10

Finish Line: Praise God for his sovereignty.  No matter what trials we go through on this earth, he still reigns and we will all be with him one day!!!
Psalm 115:1

October Workout Calendar

I can't believe September is over!
I only missed one workout all month.  I've been working so hard and my running has really improved.  I've been spending a lot of time taking care of my very sick mama, so I just  needed a day off and a little extra rest.  Honestly, I think the workout would have made it better.
Here's what I plan to do in October.  I'm sure it will be another busy month, but I'm getting addicted to working out!

My 5k for the month is the Komen Race for the Cure.  I have a very dear friend who is battling breast cancer right now. She is SO loved by many that we have a HUGE team running in her honor.  Some will walk, and she will crawl if she has to, but we will all cross that finish line to find a cure and catch it early!  I'm looking forward to the 20th!

I have made some changes to it.  Instead of the Shred, I'm doing the 30-day May Challenge from BodyRock.tv.  I'm in week 3 of the challenge and it is still a challenge!  If I get results anywhere near what other people have gotten I'll be thrilled!
I'm using Hulu to find yoga videos.  I think I've done most of the available videos and I've found my favorites.  I can usually find just the type of yoga I need each Wednesday.
The AT runs are an Intermediate 5k Plan from Active Trainer.  It has been challenging, but I've taken almost 2 minutes off of my mile since I started running!

September Workout Calendar

So, I know we are about halfway through September, but I haven't shared my calendar for the month!

There it is!
I have made some changes to it.  Instead of the Shred, I'm doing the 30-day May Challenge from BodyRock.tv.  I'm loving it because it is so challenging and different every day.  You can't get bored with it because there's something new every time.
I'm using Hulu to find yoga videos.  This week I did a Yoga Zone video for conditioning and stress release.  It was a great sequence of stretches after a tough week of running.
The AT runs are an Intermediate 5k Plan from Active Trainer.  It has been challenging, but my speed and endurance are both up!

I think I'm finally over ear infections/pneumonia/sinus infections/bronchitis/etc.  That has made sticking to my workouts really tough.  I've missed about 5 workouts in the last month.  I guess that isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things.

I am struggling with craving sweets lately.  My friends and I are working on a weekly challenge.  I think sugar free will be a challenge soon!

My Color Run Experience

Those of you who know me know that I've been training to run a 5k for a few months now.  My first 5k to tackle was The Color Run here in Birmingham.  I have been looking forward to this race since I first heard of it.  I couldn't wait to sign up.  I'm pretty sure I was one of the first to register here!
The idea of The Color Run is to start out clean and white and end covered in a rainbow of colors at the finish line.  There are people stationed at each km to douse you with a different colored powder.  Sounds fun, right?

Well, the week before the race I was out of town and caught a cold.  On the flight home, my ears protested to popping and I ended up with a miserable ear infection in each ear.

Not. Fun.

But, I went to the doc, got the booty shot and some antibiotics, and got as much rest as I could before the race.
The day of the race, I could actually hear out of both ears and my face didn't feel like it was going to explode.  I hadn't been able to run in over a week, but I was determined to do it!  My sweet friend Alice, who is a cross country coach, ran with me.  She's been sick too!
We met at her house with the rest of our team bright and early in the morning and made a quick drive over to Barber Motor Sports for the race.  The sky wasn't quite sunny, but it was clear.  We were an hour and a half out from the race and dressed in our new white clothes - ready to run!

And then it happened...the sky opened up...and the rain came down...

and came down....

and came down lots more...

Before we even started the race, we were standing in lakes and rivers of rain!

   

 We weren't really sure we were going to be running.  My fingers even got pruney waiting for the start!










The start was delayed a little bit, but everyone was still ready to go for it.  Some people got antsy waiting in the corral, so the color started flying a little early!

My first bit of color and I hadn't run at all!

And then it happened - we started running! The rain kept coming down, sometimes pretty hard, and we even heard a little thunder, but I did it!  

Driving rain and ear infections - who cares?  I was COLOR RUNNING!

The track was kind of hard - lots of hills, but I can say I ran about 90% of it - not bad for a sick girl who has never run hills before!  

It was so much fun!  I've never done this race when it wasn't raining, but I think the WaterColor Run was even more fun!

Our group saved our powder packets to throw at each other - and look, PURPLE AND GOLD!

It was a great experience.  Not only did I accomplish a personal goal (mostly), but I was part of a big fun event in Birmingham!  If you are thinking about doing it - JUST DO IT!

Our team, The Red Letters, worked together to raise money for Team 1Verse - a Bible translation mission.  We are raising money for the Rutara tribe in South Asia.  They've never had the Bible in their language, but they will with your help.  Please click here to donate a verse or a few!

My favorite picture of the day!

Before and After

After our team powder fight

Super thankful for a clean DRY shirt and Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte - my favorite!!!

Sick and Frustrated

Walking pneumonia and bronchitis a few weeks ago and now double ear infections?!?!?!
Sure can't run or do yoga or anything else that involves moving my head without whining like a little girl right now.

I've got my first 5k on Monday - this steroid shot better work like magic!

I can't figure out why I'm getting sick. I thought a healthy diet and regular exercise were supposed to make you healthier.  I haven't had an ear infection since I was a little kid - why now???

Am I working too hard?  I really don't feel like I am.  I feel good after workouts and I'm never hungry, so what's up?

Thoughts/advice?  HELP!

My 65

My friend L posted her list of 65 reasons she wanted to get fit on her blog The Fit Girl I Wanna Be back in April.  I've also been seeing a lot of memes (is that the correct use of the word?) on Pinterest from a tumblr called Reason to Be Fit.
These have inspired to me re-evaluate my latest reasons to work as hard as I have been.  I started out with a goal of "being fit" six months ago.  My goal was and still is a good one, but it was very vague at the time.  I knew I wanted to be able to move around easily without snapping, cracking, and popping.  I knew I wanted to weigh much less.  I knew I wanted to be confident enough in my body to try new things.  And I knew I wanted to be healthy.
As I've worked hard for these things, I've found new and more specific goals.  So, after finishing Couch-to-5k, losing 16.7 pounds, and learning to cook and enjoy healthier meals and snacks, I've decided to re-evaluate my goals and share them with you.

My 65:
1. To avoid ever having diabetes
2. To never be "obese" again
3. To feel my body, not just fat, when I put my hands on my hips
4. 
5. To run faster and further every time
6. To realize I can do that yoga pose I couldn't do last week
7. To buy clothes off the rack
8. To wear a size that is a single digit
9. To know I have self-control
10.
11. To prove that it can be done
12. To feel muscles in my arms when I cross them
13. To look down when I'm wearing shorts and see new muscle tone
14. To run a half marathon
15. To never think about sucking in again
16.
17. To be asked "What do you do to look like that?"
18. To avoid heart disease
19. To have more energy for my family
20. To teach others how it can be done
21. To wear gym shorts when I run without them riding up
22. To lose the extra chins
23.
24. Because I didn't know what I could do until I tried
25. Because I am sure I'll be able to do it each time I try
26. Because my Daddy can't anymore
27. Because my Mama can't anymore
28. Because I want the rest of my family to do it
29.
30. To finally do a pull-up
31. To want to spend my money on new equipment
32. To know what endorphins feel like
33. To leave a legacy of health
34. To be known as strong - physically and menally
35. To participate in any activity that my friends can
36.
37. To do real push-ups
38. To think of sitting on the couch watching TV as a waste of time
39. To be petite
40. 
41. To treat my body as a temple
42. To respect myself
43. To look good for the hubby
44. To like what I see in the mirror
45. To run faster than a 12 minute mile every time
46.
47. To crave that early morning run
48. To have a job that helps others do this
49. To have a healthy body to carry a baby
50.
51. Because it has become a habit
52. Because every goal is a huge wall I've knocked down
53. Because other people call me an inspiration
54. Because I can't let myself down
55. Because it honors God by respecting his creation
56. Because I was born for this
57. 
58. Because being out of shape sucks
59. Because I can't go back to not doing it
60. Because I miss running/yoga/HIIT when I can't do it
61. Because my head is in this game
62.
63. To be in control of myself
64. To appreciate my capabilities
65. To look back at the last 64 reasons and say I DID THAT!

Can you think of your 65?  Link back to me if you do!