oops

As you know, I discovered I had gall bladder disease while training for this year's Pear Blossom Run (an annual mile run that commemorates spring in the Rogue Valley). I was determined to participate - though not willing to push myself physically and create even more setbacks. After 3 weeks, when I began to run again, I discovered the pain from my right ab muscle being cut up to remove my gall bladder and had to use a brace around that muscle to do it. I was slow at getting back, but oh so determined. Guess what? In all of my drama and life changing events...I forgot to register for the race. March 15 was the deadline for a shirt, and April 5th (Tuesday) was the last day to register. I tried to register on my lunch break at 11:45. Registration closed at 11:30. This race meant so much to me...I was heart-broken! I felt frantic...what could I do? Run without a number? Just go be a spectator? First...I cried my big-girl disappointed tears, then, I called the ...

One common conversation I have with people is what it takes to be successful on this journey. I can put it most of it under four basic topics - they will be the basis for this blog. 1. GOD - Whether you believe in a loving God as I do, or in a Higher Power, it is vital to have that - and to turn to it to help you find the strength to dig deep inside yourself! 2. NUTRITION SENSE - We all have to eat, and do it on a pretty regular basis. It is important to make sense of it, and and the key is to not let it be in control of you. 3. COMMIT TO BE FIT - - It can be as simple as a walk or as complex as a marathon. Our bodies are designed to move, and a commitment to moving it is a must. 4. SUPPORT - A support and accountability system is a must! Whether a spouse, family, fellow gym rats, a food support group, whatever. You need something in place to strengthen you, tell you to "suck it up" when needed, and to catch you when you fall.

Sounds funny to say, but I wasn't nervous at all. I didn't even take a picture. After running the Half-Marathon, anything less seems SO doable! I have something planned every couple of months...just to keep me motivated, and today is a beautiful 6 mile hilly run in Talent, Oregon called the Frostbite Run. I didn't do it for a great time, I just did it to finish, and so that I didn't have to workout at the gym! A guilt free weekend! Yay! And, the best part was that I finished in 1 hour and 6 minutes (my first 10K...and run ever.....was done in 1 hour 26 minutes). Shaving off 20 minutes was pretty darn exciting!

One thing I wanted to accomplish after hitting my 100 pound weigh obliteration, was participate in a half-marathon. 13.2 glorious mile of my feet hitting the pavement.... One problem it was 36 degrees outside (I don't like to be cold), and I really don't "like" to run. I honestly never get in that "zone" but I like how it feels when I am done. So, I laced up my shoes, took some pictures and ran the Grants Pass Half Marathon on November 20th. One thing crossed off my "Someday I Want To..." list. Our motto for this race came from Hebrews 12:1 Pre-run jitters Still smiling after 13.2 miles!

Well whether I am prepared or not, the Pear Blossom Run is this Saturday. 10 miles - more than any other race I have done. When I signed up, I had great plans to train and be able to run the whole thing non-stop. Life didn't cooperate. I had a vacation, and I have nagging cough that will not leave! I seriously sound like I am trying to hack up a lung. My breathing capacity is shot, and I am feeling a little worried about how I will do. Trying to take it easy this week, yet not sit around. I have done my Body Sculpt class 2 days so far, and then today I went for a light walk with Isaac while he rode his bike. We went 2.25 miles! He is such a trooper! He either rode or walked the whole way...and I even ended up burning over 700 calories! It was such a nice walk, and I couldn't help but think of how hard that would have been 18 months ago.

One of the obstacles I faced at home was finding time and "umph" to exercise. I had big plans to jog every morning before breakfast and hike on the mountain in front of home. I found myself measuring distances from my parents to different stores, etc. to see where I could run to. I did jog on a couple of days...and 6 miles...while I was there, but with the snow and coming down with a touch of a flu/cold my big plans didn't end up so great. Eating was a bit of a struggle. I wasn't in my kitchen, and sometimes didn't have a choice as to where or what was available to eat, but I really tried to remain focused and center my energy on making healthy choices for food and exercise. Besides jogging, we also swam, went for short walks, and played outside. I haven't weighed in yet, so I don't know what the final results were, but I did feel pretty good about what I had done.