I saw an email from Fleet Feet the other day advertising a free 5K for tonight. I asked my cousin if she was up for it. She said she was in, so I packed it up early at work tonight and headed that way. My running buddies told me this morning they were expecting a PR. I thought it was a possibility as it was a night race (I run faster at night), and I've been putting in lots of miles and feeling stronger. My last PR was a 33:27 last April.
I forgot my watch, which was a little frustrating, because I had no clue on my distance or speed the whole time. I told Emily before we started I was going to shoot for a PR and she was a huge encourager. So, race started and I kicked it, probably a touch too fast. I think the first mile is the worst, it just takes that long to get in the groove. But I digress, I just ran and ran hard. Hard enough it hurt a little but with enough reserve to try to make it the whole time. It started out on concrete, which I don't love, but then we turned and ran through a very pretty neighborhood. There was some incline, a one short but tough real incline, but once that one was over, the last half was a lot of decline. I tried to take advantage of every one of those. I was going crazy in my mind wondering what my pace was, I knew I was running hard, but I just have no sense of pace.
When we turned back into the parking lot, I was wincing to see the clock. Couldn't see, couldn't see, finally started to make it out, 33:07, I think kick it, beat your time, until I get a little closer and see it's not 33 minutes, it's 30 minutes. Shock I tell you, pure shock and joy!! I run to the finish and pass the clock at 31:07. Woo-hoo!!!! 2:20 faster than last year!! Almost a 10 minute pace!!
And I didn't believe it. See, tonight was called a Ladies First. So they started the women, then 2 minutes later started the men. So, I think, they must have started the clock over when the guys left, and that's ok, I still PR'd. So I found the race girl, and asked if they started the clock over. She said NO!!! I fist pumped, might have scared her a little, and a grin that would not go away crossed my face.
So here I sit, with achy legs, and a goofy grin! I'm one excited girl! Thanks to Emily for meeting me (wouldn't have made it otherwise) and for cheering me on! Good times!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February Happiness Project
So I really, really liked the January Happiness Project more than I expected. I may not have met all goals perfectly, but I made progress in all areas.
January was all about surviving work, and I did it, with much more grace and many fewer breakdowns than last year. Yay, me. During February, I would like to continue with the January goals, but add some new things. February's focus is going to be health. So here are the problems, and the goals.
1. 6 pounds. Yes, January was a success in many areas, but I also apparently ate my way thru January, and between it and the holidays, I've put on about 6 pounds in the past few months. Not pretty. My clothes are tighter and it just doesn't feel good. By the end of February, at least 4 of those need to be gone! A pound a week is not too much to ask, right??
2. Arms. I've been doing a better job with my abs when I'm on the floor doing my hip exercises. Normally, I just add some crunches to the mix, but my arms are getting nothing! So, I ordered some 3 pound weights yesterday to be delivered to my office. I watched a you tube video with a 15 minute workout. I think I can incorporate some of these during lunch maybe 3 times a week, just to do something to be working on my arms.
3. Water. At some point last year, my friend, Melissa, and I started holding each other accountable during the day on drinking 64 ounces of water. It really helped me. It's not that I don't like water, I just get busy during the day and forget to fill up my cup. We jumped back on the wagon yesterday, and mission accomplished! When I drink my water, I find myself with less headaches, less desire for Coke, and I know it's great for me.
4. Lunch. It's my most difficult meal of the day. I really wish I weren't hungry and I didn't have to worry with it. I rarely leave for lunch during the work day, so most days, I end up sending money with whoever is headed out to bring me something back. Bad idea, unhealthy and expensive. So, last week, I headed to Target and bought fruits, yogurt, string cheese, etc. so I would have some healthy alternatives in the office. Friday, I made my first smoothie in the office. I overdid it on the spinach, but overall, not too bad. So, the plan is to eat in and healthy on the days I don't have lunch plans. The biggest challenge is planning ahead and making sure I have food at the office. Planning ahead is not my strong suite, but I need to be working on bettering myself, right?
So, that's the plan. I can't go too stringent on dieting rules, it just doesn't work for me, I have a bit of a rebel streak, and when I set strict parameters, it seems like all I want to do is eat pizza and Snickers, so hopefully some added exercise, more water, and more intentional food choices will help me feel stronger and healthier by the end of the month. I'll keep you posted!
January was all about surviving work, and I did it, with much more grace and many fewer breakdowns than last year. Yay, me. During February, I would like to continue with the January goals, but add some new things. February's focus is going to be health. So here are the problems, and the goals.
1. 6 pounds. Yes, January was a success in many areas, but I also apparently ate my way thru January, and between it and the holidays, I've put on about 6 pounds in the past few months. Not pretty. My clothes are tighter and it just doesn't feel good. By the end of February, at least 4 of those need to be gone! A pound a week is not too much to ask, right??
2. Arms. I've been doing a better job with my abs when I'm on the floor doing my hip exercises. Normally, I just add some crunches to the mix, but my arms are getting nothing! So, I ordered some 3 pound weights yesterday to be delivered to my office. I watched a you tube video with a 15 minute workout. I think I can incorporate some of these during lunch maybe 3 times a week, just to do something to be working on my arms.
3. Water. At some point last year, my friend, Melissa, and I started holding each other accountable during the day on drinking 64 ounces of water. It really helped me. It's not that I don't like water, I just get busy during the day and forget to fill up my cup. We jumped back on the wagon yesterday, and mission accomplished! When I drink my water, I find myself with less headaches, less desire for Coke, and I know it's great for me.
4. Lunch. It's my most difficult meal of the day. I really wish I weren't hungry and I didn't have to worry with it. I rarely leave for lunch during the work day, so most days, I end up sending money with whoever is headed out to bring me something back. Bad idea, unhealthy and expensive. So, last week, I headed to Target and bought fruits, yogurt, string cheese, etc. so I would have some healthy alternatives in the office. Friday, I made my first smoothie in the office. I overdid it on the spinach, but overall, not too bad. So, the plan is to eat in and healthy on the days I don't have lunch plans. The biggest challenge is planning ahead and making sure I have food at the office. Planning ahead is not my strong suite, but I need to be working on bettering myself, right?
So, that's the plan. I can't go too stringent on dieting rules, it just doesn't work for me, I have a bit of a rebel streak, and when I set strict parameters, it seems like all I want to do is eat pizza and Snickers, so hopefully some added exercise, more water, and more intentional food choices will help me feel stronger and healthier by the end of the month. I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Super Bowl Saturday
I'm linking up with Sarah today for some Super Bowl talk!
Yup, still cheering for the Ravens. There is actually a guy from my hometown on the 49ers, so I wouldn't be disappointed at all to see him win a ring! I just hope it's a great game!
Looking forward to a good time with friends and football, two of my favorites!
1. Do you watch the actual game or only watch
for commercials and half time?
The game. If you know me, you know I love football! Funny commercials are just a bonus.
The game. If you know me, you know I love football! Funny commercials are just a bonus.
2. Which team did you want to make it to the
Superbowl?
I enjoy keeping up with the Titans, but they made it clear early on they wouldn't be contending this year. As the playoffs rolled around, I jumped on the Ray-Lewis-is-retiring-Go-Ravens bandwagon, much to the dismay of all my Peyton/Denver loving friends.
I enjoy keeping up with the Titans, but they made it clear early on they wouldn't be contending this year. As the playoffs rolled around, I jumped on the Ray-Lewis-is-retiring-Go-Ravens bandwagon, much to the dismay of all my Peyton/Denver loving friends.
3. Which team will you root for? The Ravens or the 49ers?
Looking forward to a good time with friends and football, two of my favorites!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday Randoms
1. Saw on SkinnyRunner's blog today where she said you can't out run or out exercise a bad diet. Hmmm, maybe that's my problem.
2. I heard on the radio that leafy greens are the biggest culprit for food poisoning. I ought to be safe on that one..
3. Strawberries seem to be coming back, yay!!!
4. I signed up for the Country Music Half Marathon in April, woo-hoo!! Excited and scared!
5. Work is kicking my rump this week. I work, go home, and work some more. Not the most fun, but I'm seeing the light... I think
6. A friend at work brought in the most delicious turtle brownies today. Wow!
7. See #2 and #6, I'm pretty sure February's mini goals are going to have to do with getting my eating under control!
8. It was crazy warm this morning. I ran in shorts! And in good Tennessee fashion, it appears I will be in fleece lined tights in the morning.
9. I'm concerned about my bug guy. He never misses an appointment and he didn't show up to spray this morning.
10. My sister, my cousin, and I had makeover night last night. Very fun! Cousin is a makeup pro, and I think sister's notes and drawings are going to leave her with a fun new look!
11. I bought this curling wand, and first try was a fro disaster, but I'm liking the results today!
Happy Tuesday! Smile and make someone else smile today!
2. I heard on the radio that leafy greens are the biggest culprit for food poisoning. I ought to be safe on that one..
3. Strawberries seem to be coming back, yay!!!
4. I signed up for the Country Music Half Marathon in April, woo-hoo!! Excited and scared!
5. Work is kicking my rump this week. I work, go home, and work some more. Not the most fun, but I'm seeing the light... I think
6. A friend at work brought in the most delicious turtle brownies today. Wow!
7. See #2 and #6, I'm pretty sure February's mini goals are going to have to do with getting my eating under control!
8. It was crazy warm this morning. I ran in shorts! And in good Tennessee fashion, it appears I will be in fleece lined tights in the morning.
9. I'm concerned about my bug guy. He never misses an appointment and he didn't show up to spray this morning.
10. My sister, my cousin, and I had makeover night last night. Very fun! Cousin is a makeup pro, and I think sister's notes and drawings are going to leave her with a fun new look!
11. I bought this curling wand, and first try was a fro disaster, but I'm liking the results today!
Happy Tuesday! Smile and make someone else smile today!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Babysitting at it's Best
I need to take a moment to flash back to last month when my cousin agreed to go to with me to my sister's house and babysit when her sitter cancelled on her, because I was terrified to do it on my own thought it would be more fun with two of us.
Emily is definitely the baby person...
I'm a fan of those who can walk and play...
I wanted him to smile, so I said to show teeth, this is the result...
Fletcher was sad...
And made us all sad...
Time for a photo session...
Where I played with the flash and made Will look scary...
And the final collage of the night...
Saturday, January 26, 2013
2013 Theme
I've seen several bloggers who focus on a theme for the year. Neat idea. I've been thinking about what mine would be. I have it. It's TRUST. Trusting God in everything; not trying to manipulate things to go the way I want them to go. I can already see it making a difference. My heart is lighter, my burdens not as heavy. He's got this. That doesn't mean His plan will always necessarily be what I think it should be at the moment; it doesn't mean things will be easy for me; it doesn't mean I won't make mistakes. But it means I don't have all this weight on me of analyzing all these aspects of my life and trying to figure them out. I'm not in control, at least I don't want to be anymore. I want God in control, but the only way I can really let that happen is to really trust, even WHEN THINGS DON'T GO MY WAY The underline and capitalize is for me, to remind me, trusting means I'm not allowed to make all the decisions; I can't say I'm trusting then when things take a turn, try to shift everything back to my plan.
I think I've repeated myself about 10 times now, but I have to, because God has been trying to tell me this for years now, and I've ignored it. Seriously, lately it seems like every devotional I read is about trust. I get, God, I'm finally getting it. So, if you see me, if you talk to me, on the days I'm feeling confused and frustrated, remind me, TRUST.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
This morning I was telling a friend about my theme of trust, and she sent me this verse...
Psalms 112:4,7 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man... He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
So here's to a year of trust and watching God's plan unfold in my life :-)
I think I've repeated myself about 10 times now, but I have to, because God has been trying to tell me this for years now, and I've ignored it. Seriously, lately it seems like every devotional I read is about trust. I get, God, I'm finally getting it. So, if you see me, if you talk to me, on the days I'm feeling confused and frustrated, remind me, TRUST.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
This morning I was telling a friend about my theme of trust, and she sent me this verse...
Psalms 112:4,7 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man... He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
So here's to a year of trust and watching God's plan unfold in my life :-)
Friday, January 25, 2013
21 graces
1. Extended breakfast chat with a friend.
2. 4.5 mile run with no pain.
3. A night to relax and catch up.
4. A sermon that spoke to me.
5. Football with friends.
6. God providing me devotionals with the same theme to make me listen.
7. Fun co-workers.
8. The ability to work all night.
9. Friends you can ask to pray for you on hard days.
10. A walk with a friend.
11. Rejoicing with others in their accomplishments.
12. A mom who never fails to make me laugh.
13. Pictures of my nephews.
14. Running
15. Pro/con lists with a friend.
16. Blog posts that challenge and inspire me.
17. Catching up with friends from the past.
18. Sharing in the joy of engagements with friends.
19. Sprouting buttercups.
20. Lots of coffee at my favorite breakfast place.
21. A clean bedroom.
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