Oddly enough, running six miles today felt like a piece of cake, probably because I ran nine miles last week. I don't know how I did it, but I ran it in less than an hour, too, which seems like a miracle in itself! Hey, I'll take it.
I've been told that running is addictive. Maybe so, but I must be immune to the addiction. When I first began this running journey back in May, I looked forward to my running time. In fact, I found it exhilerating! As time goes on, however, more often than not I am NOT excited to go running. It has come to feel a little bit like ... work! Don't get me wrong, once I get going I enjoy it and I feel GREAT afterwards. Let me clarify that: I feel tired, but have a sense of accomplishment that is highly satisfying.
Part of the problem is that I have a difficult time finding the TIME to run... specifically, my long runs. Nine miles is ninety minutes minimum, and as I continue to add miles the time multiplies as well. The long runs do a number on my shins and joints for a few hours after I run, as well. That in itself isn't horrible, as I have yet to suffer from shin splints or any other injury (praise the Lord!) due to lots of stretching, boswellia and cherry juice. Still, it's not something I like to inflict on myself (not pain, exactly, but certainly throbbing and discomfort).
I am still committed to seeing this through... I am going to run the Prairie Fire Half-Marathon on October 9th, Lord willing! Once that race is completed, though, I think I'm going to go back to walking and other low-impact aerobics as my primary exercise. I don't want to take the time to fuel a running addiction.
One more word... I have discovered the sheer joy of cute workout clothes. I bought myself some nike running shorts and tshirts and I must say, it IS a lot more comfortable to run in them than in my usual workout garb (which could only be described as grunge... ten-year-old volleyball shorts and baggy tshirts ring a bell? I usually look straight out of a garage sale when I work out), so that's a plus.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Honestly
I am going to be just a little bit confessional here, so pretend like we're sitting at Starbucks. I'm drinking a grande nonfat caramel macchiato, just so you know. Unless it's between September and December--- then I'm drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte and my eyes are closed in delirious happiness. But I digress... this isn't a blog post about lattes.
I have been teaching a Sunday School class at my church... it's for single ladies, and the topic is Insecurity. Long story short, this journey began months ago with God laying the desire on my heart to teach a Sunday School class. The subject matter must have come from Him, too, because it has been just what I needed. I don't know that the class has been earth-shattering for anyone... except for me. I think He called me to teach this class so I would absorb it for myself. God is working in my heart and in my relationships (especially my marriage) through this class. I will just leave it at that.
Recently, my husband and I had a conversation at home. This is one of those random, unimportant conversations that happen multiple times a day. Our son needed his nose wiped, and Hubs picked up the [dirty/used] dish cloth from the sink and bent over to wipe his nose.
"You're not going to use that and then put it back in the sink to wash dishes with, are you?" I asked, horrified. My overactive imagination envisioned the bacteria swarming through the rag and onto the clean dishes, and from there into our food... and our mouths. Essentially, to me, we'd be eating the snot.
"Really?" he exclaimed, slightly annoyed. "I would never even think of such a thing. I think you're the only person on the planet who would ever think of such a thing." Despite being annoyed, he got a different wash cloth out, ran warm water over it, and wiped the Little One's nose. Then he threw the cloth into the dirty laundry basket. I breathed a sigh of relief. To him, the conversation was over, but his comment rankled in my heart. So, I did what any self-respecting woman would do... I sought affirmation from my facebook friends!!!
To my delight, I am NOT the only person on the planet that would "think of such a thing." (To his credit, there are a few who were in agreement with him.) However, this got me thinking. WHY did I post that on facebook? It wasn't to make him look bad. No, that wasn't my motivation. It wasn't to make myself look good, either. It was because my feelings were hurt when he said I was the only one on the planet who would think of such a thing, and I didn't want to be alone!!! I wanted my opinion, my feelings, to be validated by someone!
Now, it was not his motivation to hurt my feelings (and why my feelings are so easily hurt is another matter entirely), we didn't have a "fight" over it, and neither of us were/are upset. (He knows about the facebook posting, in case you were wondering.) It really wasn't a big deal; as I said before, it was a simple, random, daily conversation that just so happened to impact my day in a certain way.
There isn't much of a point to this post, as far as a moral to the story. I don't mean to say that I'm right or I'm wrong, but it is an interesting conundrum; why do I (and probably "we" as human beings) want validation so much? It doesn't seem wrong to want validation. I guess it's a question for the cosmic void!
I have been teaching a Sunday School class at my church... it's for single ladies, and the topic is Insecurity. Long story short, this journey began months ago with God laying the desire on my heart to teach a Sunday School class. The subject matter must have come from Him, too, because it has been just what I needed. I don't know that the class has been earth-shattering for anyone... except for me. I think He called me to teach this class so I would absorb it for myself. God is working in my heart and in my relationships (especially my marriage) through this class. I will just leave it at that.
Recently, my husband and I had a conversation at home. This is one of those random, unimportant conversations that happen multiple times a day. Our son needed his nose wiped, and Hubs picked up the [dirty/used] dish cloth from the sink and bent over to wipe his nose.
"You're not going to use that and then put it back in the sink to wash dishes with, are you?" I asked, horrified. My overactive imagination envisioned the bacteria swarming through the rag and onto the clean dishes, and from there into our food... and our mouths. Essentially, to me, we'd be eating the snot.
"Really?" he exclaimed, slightly annoyed. "I would never even think of such a thing. I think you're the only person on the planet who would ever think of such a thing." Despite being annoyed, he got a different wash cloth out, ran warm water over it, and wiped the Little One's nose. Then he threw the cloth into the dirty laundry basket. I breathed a sigh of relief. To him, the conversation was over, but his comment rankled in my heart. So, I did what any self-respecting woman would do... I sought affirmation from my facebook friends!!!
To my delight, I am NOT the only person on the planet that would "think of such a thing." (To his credit, there are a few who were in agreement with him.) However, this got me thinking. WHY did I post that on facebook? It wasn't to make him look bad. No, that wasn't my motivation. It wasn't to make myself look good, either. It was because my feelings were hurt when he said I was the only one on the planet who would think of such a thing, and I didn't want to be alone!!! I wanted my opinion, my feelings, to be validated by someone!
Now, it was not his motivation to hurt my feelings (and why my feelings are so easily hurt is another matter entirely), we didn't have a "fight" over it, and neither of us were/are upset. (He knows about the facebook posting, in case you were wondering.) It really wasn't a big deal; as I said before, it was a simple, random, daily conversation that just so happened to impact my day in a certain way.
There isn't much of a point to this post, as far as a moral to the story. I don't mean to say that I'm right or I'm wrong, but it is an interesting conundrum; why do I (and probably "we" as human beings) want validation so much? It doesn't seem wrong to want validation. I guess it's a question for the cosmic void!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Rearview Mirror
Looking in the rearview mirror takes my breath away.
It seems like only yesterday we brought you home and now
you're chattering and observing everything.
I don't want to blink for fear in my next look
you'll be six years old in your baseball uniform
coming triumphantly home from your first game.
I won't want to take a breath for fear my next exhale
will reveal you fourteen years old with earbuds in
sleeping in the backseat on family summer vacation.
I can't bear to hear the ticking of the clock for time passing
means you'll be headed off to college, getting married,
having kids and wearing heartache as we all do.
No, I don't want to know what the future holds.
I just want to hold you in my arms
and bury my face in your sweet babyness
for as long as I can in reality and forever in my heart.
It seems like only yesterday we brought you home and now
you're chattering and observing everything.
I don't want to blink for fear in my next look
you'll be six years old in your baseball uniform
coming triumphantly home from your first game.
I won't want to take a breath for fear my next exhale
will reveal you fourteen years old with earbuds in
sleeping in the backseat on family summer vacation.
I can't bear to hear the ticking of the clock for time passing
means you'll be headed off to college, getting married,
having kids and wearing heartache as we all do.
No, I don't want to know what the future holds.
I just want to hold you in my arms
and bury my face in your sweet babyness
for as long as I can in reality and forever in my heart.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Greek Pasta
1 lb penne pasta
1 15oz can cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed
1 15oz can diced Italian tomatoes
1 9 oz pkg fresh spinach
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium heat, bring tomatoes and beans to a bubble. Add spinach and cover until wilted. Stir in the pasta. Crumble feta over the dish before serving. Serves four.
I've been making this dish for years. It's quick and easy, which is a huge plus in my book. Also, it's very healthy. I usually buy petite diced tomatoes and season them myself because my husband doesn't like "big" diced tomatoes. You can make this with any type of pasta, and he actually prefers bowties.
1 15oz can cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed
1 15oz can diced Italian tomatoes
1 9 oz pkg fresh spinach
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium heat, bring tomatoes and beans to a bubble. Add spinach and cover until wilted. Stir in the pasta. Crumble feta over the dish before serving. Serves four.
I've been making this dish for years. It's quick and easy, which is a huge plus in my book. Also, it's very healthy. I usually buy petite diced tomatoes and season them myself because my husband doesn't like "big" diced tomatoes. You can make this with any type of pasta, and he actually prefers bowties.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Runnin'Runnin'Runnin'
I thought I'd post about my running adventure thus far, since I'm still plugging away. I am planning to run the half marathon on October 9th, and my sister is supposed to fly out and run it with me! She's training in Florida and I'm training here, but we talk about our runs and how things are progressing frequently. Accountability never hurts!
On June 18th, I ran an 8k race. It was an exhilerating experience. I paced myself behind a couple who looked to be in their mid-forties. I thought to myself, "Surely I can keep up with them!" And I did! In fact, at about the 6th kilometer, I passed them! Towards the end of the race I was quite tired (8k is 4.98 miles), and it felt like I had already been running for an hour at least. I was pleasantly surprised to cross the finish line in under 52 minutes! Of course, that is by no means fast, but my mantra for this running experience is, "I run to complete, not to compete!" There is no way that I will ever be fast. Athleticism doesn't run in my family... not even a little bit. And I have zero natural talent in athletics. I resigned myself to that fact years ago. However, I CAN finish a race, and that is what I aim to do!
So far, I'm still injury free, and although I get little aches and pains and soreness from time to time, overall my health is magnificent. No shin splints as of yet, thanks to proper stretching before AND after running. One day I felt twinges in my shins, so I took a day off from all exercise and that did the trick--- no more pain. I guess if I just keep going slow and gradual, I can ease into it. The best thing so far is that my endurance is MUCH improved. I can run at a moderate pace for a long while and it doesn't take the same toll on me as it used to. As of this weekend, I will be up to running seven miles straight.
I am enjoying this running experience, but I will say that it hasn't had the weight loss benefits I was hoping for. I really thought I'd lose some weight running, but so far that hasn't been the case. It's not that I need to lose weight per se; I lost my "baby weight" months ago. But we girls are always hoping to lose five pounds and I thought this would do the trick. Oh, well. Not a biggie, but just a side note. I have noticed that my legs are gaining a more toned look, so I'll take that benefit. : )
As much as I enjoy running, the extreme heat we've been experiencing has forced me to use the treadmill a lot more than I would like. I detest running on the treadmill. I don't know why, but it seems harder to run on a treadmill, and I get bored from being in one spot the whole time. I love the summer and aside from keeping me from running outside as much as I would like, the heat hasn't bothered me one iota. (I don't like to complain about the weather for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it could ALWAYS be worse.) However, (and I never thought I would say this) I have thought recently that it will be nice to run when the weather cools off a bit. I know, I can't believe I said it, either!
On June 18th, I ran an 8k race. It was an exhilerating experience. I paced myself behind a couple who looked to be in their mid-forties. I thought to myself, "Surely I can keep up with them!" And I did! In fact, at about the 6th kilometer, I passed them! Towards the end of the race I was quite tired (8k is 4.98 miles), and it felt like I had already been running for an hour at least. I was pleasantly surprised to cross the finish line in under 52 minutes! Of course, that is by no means fast, but my mantra for this running experience is, "I run to complete, not to compete!" There is no way that I will ever be fast. Athleticism doesn't run in my family... not even a little bit. And I have zero natural talent in athletics. I resigned myself to that fact years ago. However, I CAN finish a race, and that is what I aim to do!
So far, I'm still injury free, and although I get little aches and pains and soreness from time to time, overall my health is magnificent. No shin splints as of yet, thanks to proper stretching before AND after running. One day I felt twinges in my shins, so I took a day off from all exercise and that did the trick--- no more pain. I guess if I just keep going slow and gradual, I can ease into it. The best thing so far is that my endurance is MUCH improved. I can run at a moderate pace for a long while and it doesn't take the same toll on me as it used to. As of this weekend, I will be up to running seven miles straight.
I am enjoying this running experience, but I will say that it hasn't had the weight loss benefits I was hoping for. I really thought I'd lose some weight running, but so far that hasn't been the case. It's not that I need to lose weight per se; I lost my "baby weight" months ago. But we girls are always hoping to lose five pounds and I thought this would do the trick. Oh, well. Not a biggie, but just a side note. I have noticed that my legs are gaining a more toned look, so I'll take that benefit. : )
As much as I enjoy running, the extreme heat we've been experiencing has forced me to use the treadmill a lot more than I would like. I detest running on the treadmill. I don't know why, but it seems harder to run on a treadmill, and I get bored from being in one spot the whole time. I love the summer and aside from keeping me from running outside as much as I would like, the heat hasn't bothered me one iota. (I don't like to complain about the weather for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it could ALWAYS be worse.) However, (and I never thought I would say this) I have thought recently that it will be nice to run when the weather cools off a bit. I know, I can't believe I said it, either!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
These days...
Recent conversations in my house go like this:
Me: Can I have a kiss?
C: No! *smiling*mischievously*
Me: Please?
C: No! *smiling*
Me: Momma needs kisses!
C: No!
Me: Please, Bubba?
C: No!
Me: *tickling*
C: *laughing*hysterically*
Me: Can I have a kiss?
C: *puckers*
In the end, I always win. J
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Dear Diary, I am [not] a runner. Love, Amy
On May 10th, I decided that it would be a good idea to train for a marathon that occurs in October.
I started my journey of training on May 11th by running 3 miles. I didn't run the whole way; I walked for about 1/2 mile in the middle. By May 20th, I could run all three miles without stopping. Not bad. I'd gotten shin splints by then, but after talking to my brother and doing some online reading, I realized that I needed to stretch before and after each run (as well as stretching every day whether I run or not). Bingo! No more shin splints.
On May 11th, I also spoke to my chiropractor about my grandiose plans. I told him that I've had some knee pain in the past and after describing the location and severity, he said it sounds like I have early symptoms of arthritis in my right knee (great). He told me about an herbal supplement I can take to help with that, so I bought it. Also, I heard about drinking cherry juice to help with inflammation, so I've been drinking a small glass nearly every day. Bingo! No knee pain.
On May 25th, I ran four miles without stopping! Progress.
On June 3rd, I started having ear pain in my left ear. (Wait... what?!?!? I know... bear with me.)
By the morning of the 4th, my ear and the whole left side of my head (including my jaw) was throbbing. Being theidiot determined person that I am, I decided to go through with my plan to run 5 miles for the first time anyway. It didn't really go all that well, as I had to walk close to a mile of it. This might have been due to the throbbing in my head; who knows. When I got home I told The Hubs that I couldn't hear out of my left ear. Uncharacteristically, he urged me to go to the Dr, which I promptly did.
I waited for about 30 minutes (half in the waiting room, half in the exam room). The Dr. came in, looked in my ear for 2.5 seconds and said, "Yes, it looks miserable in there. You have Swimmer's Ear." My surprise must have be written all over my confused little face because he said, "Have you been swimming a lot lately?" I shook my head, "I haven't so much as stepped a toe in the water yet this summer." He nodded, "Been sweating a lot with ear buds from your iPod in your ears?" Bingo!
Who knew???? Aside from the pure sickness factor of having an infection (bacteria is growing in my ear. *shudder*), I would NEVER have thought that such a thing could happen! The Dr. told me that I need to put rubbing alcohol in my ears after I run to keep it from happening again. He prescribed "very potent" drops to get rid of the current infection. Time Dr. entered exam room: 10:47am. Time Dr. exited exam room: 10:49am. Not even kidding; there was no way I was in his presence more than two minutes.
On June 6th, I ran 4 miles again (no stopping). I'm going to try for 5 again this Saturday. I will keep you all posted (I know you're on the edge of your seat) on my running progress. I am running in an 8k race on the 18th, and a 10k race in September, so it should be interesting.
P.S. For anyone who is going to ask me how fast I run, let me clarify: I do not run. I jog, and for most people it is a fast walk. :) The point (for me) is not to win any races... I plan to finish the half-marathon in October. That is my goal. Right now, I'm doing really good to run a 10-minute mile. And that does NOT happen every day.
I started my journey of training on May 11th by running 3 miles. I didn't run the whole way; I walked for about 1/2 mile in the middle. By May 20th, I could run all three miles without stopping. Not bad. I'd gotten shin splints by then, but after talking to my brother and doing some online reading, I realized that I needed to stretch before and after each run (as well as stretching every day whether I run or not). Bingo! No more shin splints.
On May 11th, I also spoke to my chiropractor about my grandiose plans. I told him that I've had some knee pain in the past and after describing the location and severity, he said it sounds like I have early symptoms of arthritis in my right knee (great). He told me about an herbal supplement I can take to help with that, so I bought it. Also, I heard about drinking cherry juice to help with inflammation, so I've been drinking a small glass nearly every day. Bingo! No knee pain.
On May 25th, I ran four miles without stopping! Progress.
On June 3rd, I started having ear pain in my left ear. (Wait... what?!?!? I know... bear with me.)
By the morning of the 4th, my ear and the whole left side of my head (including my jaw) was throbbing. Being the
I waited for about 30 minutes (half in the waiting room, half in the exam room). The Dr. came in, looked in my ear for 2.5 seconds and said, "Yes, it looks miserable in there. You have Swimmer's Ear." My surprise must have be written all over my confused little face because he said, "Have you been swimming a lot lately?" I shook my head, "I haven't so much as stepped a toe in the water yet this summer." He nodded, "Been sweating a lot with ear buds from your iPod in your ears?" Bingo!
Who knew???? Aside from the pure sickness factor of having an infection (bacteria is growing in my ear. *shudder*), I would NEVER have thought that such a thing could happen! The Dr. told me that I need to put rubbing alcohol in my ears after I run to keep it from happening again. He prescribed "very potent" drops to get rid of the current infection. Time Dr. entered exam room: 10:47am. Time Dr. exited exam room: 10:49am. Not even kidding; there was no way I was in his presence more than two minutes.
On June 6th, I ran 4 miles again (no stopping). I'm going to try for 5 again this Saturday. I will keep you all posted (I know you're on the edge of your seat) on my running progress. I am running in an 8k race on the 18th, and a 10k race in September, so it should be interesting.
P.S. For anyone who is going to ask me how fast I run, let me clarify: I do not run. I jog, and for most people it is a fast walk. :) The point (for me) is not to win any races... I plan to finish the half-marathon in October. That is my goal. Right now, I'm doing really good to run a 10-minute mile. And that does NOT happen every day.
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