Hills

This morning, Karen and I headed to Mt. Trashmore for our first long run of our training. According to our schedule, we needed to attempt 4-6 hills and mileage of about 7 miles. We haven't incorporated hills in our training before, so I was a bit nervous. I mean, distance can be hard enough without an incline. There are several options when it comes to hills at the park. We opted to run up a long and gentle gradient for the first hill and up a much steeper but shorter distance for the second one. The 2 hills made a set and then we ran a mile in between to recover. The first set was ok but the others really made me breath hard! At one point, I ended up walking up the steep hill because I felt like I was going faster that way than "running." At the end of the run, I was pleasantly surprised that we completed 7 miles. I felt really good at the end, so that's encouraging.

I'm really looking forward to this training and pushing my body beyond its natural comfort. I'm also hoping to shed a few pounds along the way. Unfortunately, the first week of training has already boosted my appetite. Must. Be. Careful. With. Snacking!

All in all, I'm happy to report the first week was good. Total mileage=18 miles. 1 speed run and 1 hills run. Not too shabby.

Day One - Marathon Training

Today was officially the kickoff run for my 6 month Marathon training program. I only wanted to run 4.5 miles but my buddy wanted to keep going to 5 miles. I realized at that moment that I needed to go ahead and start pushing myself even if I don't feel like it. My mind said go, but my body said no. I hadn't made the best eating decisions during the day since my AWESOME co-workers/friends brought in a birthday brunch for me. (I should have only partaken at 10am and not round 2 in the afternoon.) The food was so wonderful, but not so much around mile 4 when my stomach began to turn and I wasn't sure I was going to make it. I pushed through and made it. I'm glad I did, but I'm still recovering as I type.

Note to self: Making good eating decisions will make the distance easier to acheive.

Constitution Day Reviewed

It's no coincidence that I would be born on Constitution Day. That's right! 191 years prior to my entrance, our Constitution was signed and approved. Although September 17, 2009, was not as monumental as the same day in 1787, it turned out pretty good.

Here's my birthday recap:

8:00am Arrive at work to discover various gifts on my desk. I work with some of the most thoughtful people. I received an avocado plant that was born at my birthday weekend last year, Post-It note labels (which I have been dying to buy!), and a clever DIY cheese kit so I can make my own mozzarella and ricotta. Mmmmmm

9:00am Work Inspection to last all day. Disappointment: my rep forgot to bring me cupcakes like I requested.

Noon Received another thoughtful gift of stationary and notepads from my ex-officemate.

3:30pm Left work early to run off the stress of the day and be ready to eat like a queen with Chip later. Rob Socia and I knocked out a good 5 miles and I worked up a great appetite.

5:30pm Chip arrives with a dozen red roses. They are so pretty!

6:30pm After Chip's attempts to throw me off a number of times to where we are eating, we finally arrive at the Melting Pot. An evening of eating, eating, and more eating: Cheese fondue, Salad, Meats and Veggies, and Chocolate Oreo and Marshmallow Fondue. I may never have to eat again!

It was such an awesome day! My folks arrive today for more celebrating all weekend long! Woo-Hoo!

Different than you planned...

In less than 2 hours, I will officially be in my 30s. Sitting here realizing another year has passed and gone, I'm thankful for where I am today rather than where I was a year ago. My entire life is different, for the good. However, I can't help but recall how I predicted life would be at this age. You know, when your young and certain that you will meet the man of your dreams and begin your family by 30 while establishing a rock solid career as a successful doctor/lawyer making 6 digits with just a few more years before you can run for President. Yea, 30 wasn't the benchmark for any of those.

Earlier today I was so pleased with life. However, at this hour I can detect a hint of depression surfacing. How true it is that the mind is quite a battlefield and you choose what you feed. Feed the thoughts of defeat and depression and that is exactly what will grow. Feed the joy of accomplishment and satisfaction with my present circumstances, and you can be sure those thoughts and feelings will grow. I'm learning my weapons of warfare in a very real and applicable way. Nonetheless, it sure isn't how I had planned...

High School

Chip and I went to his high school alma mater for a little football action. The game was recognized in the area as the "Game of the Week," so we thought we would go. As we approached the field, my minde immediately transported back in time to my own high school football memories. The area by the entrance looked just like our field entrance with the middle school crowd socializing and not paying one bit of attention to the game. As we passed by I thought, "I guess all high schools are the same!" It was fun to watch but made me appreciate the Bears. Did you know that at other schools, cheerleaders aren't required to tumble? Our cheerleaders were awesome, even if we did make fun of them. :o) I started to miss the cheers and chants we were use to and of course the drumline. RAWHIDE!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I've been thinking about the things that I love. Here is a short list:
Post-It Notes
The smell of a new bag of Espresso being opened
Trinity Shots made by Rommel (its a SBUX 7911 thing)
Trader Joe's
Running on a cool afternoon
The first day of fall (to include my first bowl of chili and Pumpkin Spice Latte for the season)
Notepads for lists
Biographies
Hobby Lobby
Mizuno Running shoes
Text Messages
Long conversations at the dinner table
Flight of the Conchords
National Review
Food Network
Race Expos
The Beatles
Personalized Stationary
Catching up with an old friend
Fresh mozzerella cheese
Banjo music
Family get togethers...

Comic of the day

Life is Precious

How easy it is to go about life never considering an early death for yourself, for your loved ones, for those around you. Although I'm removed from the situation, my heart is breaking for a young girl that lost her husband this morning and for my sister, the strong pillar for so many friends around her.

I called my mom this morning after my run, as I always do, to see what was in store for the folks this Labor Day weekend. She began to tell me that my sister had a really bad night. In the middle of the night, my sister received a phone call from the local Police Department. A friend of hers had requested Keri's presence at her home. You see, this friend awoke to find her husband laying beside her not breathing. In her most dire time of need, she called on my sister and being the sensitive and caring person that she is, she responded. So, without sleep Keri went in to work today longing for her shift to end so she could return to her friend. A few moments ago, my mother called to inform me that he didn't make it. A young man of about 27 years old has left this world entirely too soon.

The actual cause of death details are uncertain and I guess really don't matter at this point. What matters is a home is devastated and the world around this young man is affected.

I think the hardest thing right now is being the strong woman of faith that Keri is to a hurting group of people that may or may not know that God is good and His plans are perfect. The burden that we, as Christians, carry can be so overwhelming. Our care and love for those around us exceeds the present and hopes for eternity. But I think it is moments like this, where our faith is activated and our words are penetrating, that open the door for God to show up. He is real and His peace truly passes understanding.

I sit here today with a broken heart for this young girl that is now a widow. As a single woman, I don't understand the love that married couples share. But I can only imagine the hole in her world. I feel alone sometimes being single, but I've never known it any other way. This young girl will have to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and start a new life without the man she married.

I hope that reading this compels you to do 2 things: 1) Pray for this family and those supporting them (especially Keri). Pray for the peace that only our Heavenly Father can provide and the hope for a better tomorrow. Pray for strength and healing during this time. 2) Savor life and your loved ones. Be thankful for the health and life of your family and friends. And not just be thankful but express your feelings to them.

Appreciate the life you have been blessed with and make the most of every opportunity confident that He who began a good work will bring it to completion (Philipians 1:6).