Family, Friends, and Music!

I had a wonderful weekend! Greg, our nephew Neal, and I went to our land in the mountains and did a little work Friday night and Saturday. Well, work consisted of Greg and Neal building a fort for us to stay in when it rains and I have to say it is a great fort. Plus, I got to spend the weekend with my mom and dad, sister Donna and her family. Then on Sunday, the GA's in their church had an auction and spaghetti dinner and all the proceeds went to "our Daily Rest" a homeless shelter in Seneca. It was great fun! It was truly a blessed weekend with family and friends.

When we arrived home on Saturday, Greg and I hit the road and I ran for 8/10 of a mile. The farthest I have ran at one time. It felt great! Although at first my goal was to run just 1/2 a mile but once I got there I just kept going until I couldn't go anymore. Greg walked Winchester and Bailey, I could here there paws scratching the pavement trying to catch up with me. Maybe it will wear down 'them' nails and we won't have to take them to the spa for a trim!

However, today I worked over a little at work. I got home and dressed out and Greg and I went to Six Mile to run. It was a tough run starting out - my legs felt heavy and my knees were screaming for me to stop!! Greg stayed with me all the way - encouraging me to slow down, not to swing my arms too much, and to take smaller strides. My goal was to run 1 mile without stopping. If starting at the school, it is the third pole on the left after passing the post office heading into Six Mile - just in case anyone wants to know. When we were around 25 ft from the mark, Greg told me to look away and to count the grooves in the sidewalk. He told me to just run the next four after that he told me "you can do three more" etc. etc. In the end, I ran a total of 1.1 miles thanks to my awesome husband. And of course my Ipod - I just don't know how anyone could run without one!

The Route

I met Petrovia last night at Shaver Complex and we ran 1 mile or more altogether. Way to go Petrovia. Even though she ran me to death, I am very proud of her! We ran a complete lap which is 1/2 of a mile with a stop to watch Kaylyn's batting practice. Katlyn is Petrovia's baby girl (if you can call an independent 6 year old a baby) and my "great" niece and emphasis on great. It had been cloudy all day and we were blessed with a light rain as we were leaving.

On Tuesday at work, I found out that the route for the run had to be changed because the city did not have enough officers to stop traffic when runners crossed the main highways. So it was being considered to run "The Gignilliat" Run (not sure of name) which is a killer course full of hills especially at the end but today I was shown the route and I am happy to say that it is starting and ending at Shaver with a track going through the Historic District. This is moderately flat and we will get to run on a trail in the woods too. I am completely happy!

But the biggest news is -- this morning I weighed I have lost 4.2 lbs this past week!! Yay!!

Running in the Rain!

Yesterday was a victorious day for me! I went to the bank that was located next door to a Wendy's and the Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty was calling my name. For a moment I thought to myself that no one would know if I got one but in the end I drove away empty handed. Then I went into the grocery store to pick up coffee filters and butter and standing in the line the Reeses Peanut Butter Cups begged me to buy them but again I said "no". That in itself is a triumph!

It was a cold, dreary day but Greg and I met my beautiful niece, Petrovia, at Shaver Rec. to run. I was very proud of her because she went twice the distance I did on my first run. She even ran what I call "kill hill". Way to go Petrovia!! We are meeting again on Thursday, I am so looking forward to it. I can't believe I am saying that I am looking forward to running but it is true.

I did not run today but did some weight training this afternoon at home. I went to the Dr today for a checkup about the arthritis in my ankle. In January I was fitted with inserts and it has made a huge difference in the swelling and pain. I talked to the doc about running, he said that if it didn't hurt he would not tell me not to run but that he would encourage me to do more swimming. I do not have to go back unless I have any more problems. So I guess I need to start looking for a swimming race. But maybe first I need to learn to swim. Lol. Overall the last 2 days have been great and big "thank you" to Petrovia!

Great Day!

I ran .75 miles yesterday all at one time. My heart rate was the lowest it has been since I started running. My time still needs work but I am working on endurance now. A BIG thanks to Greg who shuffled along beside me until I made the mark and all the encouragement that he has given me! Also, my niece Petrovia called me and she is going to start running next week. Plus, she is going to run the race with me! YAY! I am so excited for her. Very Happy with the day!

Running on a Treadmill

I am very disappointed in myself today! We had a meeting at work with a lunch that was to die for and of course I ate everything: chicken, mashed potato, mac-n-cheese and green beans. Oh also a piece of pie (that was delicious). Later for a snack, I had a piece of cake. Then when I got home, I dressed and went to the gym with Greg. With a full belly, I walked for 10 minutes then went into a slow jog for over 1/2 of a mile. I finished up walking/jogging for a total of 1.5 miles. Just didn't feel like I could make it any more. However, I did get to see my beautiful sister-in-law and her family! That made my day to the gym! Then I came home and ate leftovers from earlier today. At this time, I feel awful. Not only miserable because I am full but very discouraged that I ate so much. I knew getting discouraged would eventually creep up but just did not expect it so early in my training.

First Day of Rest

Oh my, I am so sore. Not painful sore but the kind that when I move I realize I truly have muscles. I am surprised that I could be sore in places that I wasn't aware that I used when I ran. I can feel it in my waist and abs which I think is wonderful!

Actually the 3rd day of training has been easy - it has been a day of rest. I was going to go to the pool and try to swim some laps before church but did not make it to the gym. But I did do 20 minutes of pilates, this article said that it was good for runners and I need all the help I can get :O)

I am glad I got to go to church tonight, we are starting the "Fireproof" program for couples and it was the very first class. We gathered in homes across the upstate last week to watch the movie. Greg had to work late and did not attend with me but I took "great notes" for him. Well, back to running tomorrow - 3 days down and a lifetime to go!

I Did It!!!

I have signed up for my first 5K! Actually, my first anything concerning a race! For a while, I have wished that I could run or walk in a race but have had many excuses not to such as: Arthritis in my ankle (that is the big one), overweight, out-of-shape, not enough time, embarrassed, etc. However, when I take a look at all these excuses I realize that these are the reasons I should train for a race. Because if I lose weight then the ankle will not hurt as much and I will not have as much weight on the ankle. Win, Win, right?

So when the City of Seneca presented the 5K they will be holding for 'Seneca Fest' on Memorial Day Weekend, I knew this was my opportunity. First, I will be running in a place I know and second I can actually run or walk the course before the race to become familiar with the track. Now I know that I only have about 11 weeks to prepare and at the moment I do not believe that I can actually run the entire 3.1 miles but I feel if I can run half I will have accomplished something that I never have done.

When I mentioned this to Greg, my wonderful husband, he went and bought me an Ipod and a gift card for Itunes. He also is joining the race with me and took me out for my first run last night. Since he runs, he had great information and tips on how I need to start out. "Go slow and do not push it" I like that! I ran for a distance of 1/4 to 1/2 a mile - it kicked my butt and of course on my ipod the song that was playing was "More Bounce To The Ounce" Zapp and Rogers - which I think was very appropriate. Tonight, I ran (very slowly) for 1/2 mile. So just maybe?

If anyone reads this and would love to join me - you could download an entrance form for the race at Seneca's website.