What do I say- 26.2????

I have waited until now to post because I have had so many different emotions running through my head. I personally had the absolute worst day since February. For whatever reason I do not know. It could be the heat, could be that I did too much climbing that mountain last week or maybe I was just not prepared. I hate to think the latter was true. I felt prepared, I had done 22 miles, I slept good the night before and I was not nervouse at all. I did pretty good until about mile 10 and then I progressively got worse. Actually when I found out the race had been called, I must admit, I was somewhat releived, only because I was struggling. I was not until I returned home that I got mad, angry and today I totally fell apart. I have worked so hard for 9 months and had a goal. I was on track for that goal and now I have not accomplished it. The goal was to finish 26.2 not to attempt and not finish. I have read many blogs and just sat and cried today. I feel ashamed that I didn't get it done. I know it was not my fault that I didn't finish, but I can't help but wonder even if I would have been able to finish. I have strong feelings of wanting to get this Marathon done and am planning to do Dec 1 - Memphis. But at the same time, I think do I really Need to do that. I have never had any intentions of doing more that one marathon, thought I would do Chicago and then maybe some half-marathons. But then I look at the medal that I didn't earn and I think I really want to go conquer Chicago.... that is what I started out as my goal. The Marathon Makeover experience was so wonderful, I met so many wonderful people and Mark, Robin, Matt, Scotty, our personal PT and our personal videographer were great. I got up off the couch and have established new habits, for that I am grateful. I am just really down in a rut of confusion right now. Chicago was wonderful and we had so much fun.

One last thing about the Marathon. My husband has been an absolute wonderful supporter. He has constantly encouraged me, always putting out little notes for me on Saturday mornings before our early hour runs. He had signs for me in Chicago and stayed up late planning a route so he could see me through the course. He was there at the start, at 3, 8, 12 and was going to be there several more times. When I got back to the room he had a trophy for me, personalized with my verse (which he picked and didn't realize that I had also chosen it) Thank you Bob, I love you.

Ann

Did I overdo it

We were away this past weekend at a retreat in Asheville, NC at the Billy Graham retreat center. While we were there we decided to go to the top of the mountain to an Overlook where we were staying. 1600 feet with an average of 20% incline, 3.8 miles up and 2.5 miles down (much more steep coming down) It was VERY tiring… took us 2.5 hours going up and 1.5 coming down. My legs still feel it. I hope I have not messed up this close to the Marathon. I was beautiful and well worth it. I can't wait to see all of you on Friday morning, here are some pictures from the top of the mountain and also from Blue Ridge parkway in Asheville.

Final Countdown

13 days until Chicago Marathon....wow. What an experience this has been. As I began 9 months ago, I have to admit, I had NO idea what I was getting myself in to. I had NEVER run anywhere, let alone over 20 miles in one stretch (run/walk is actully what I do). I also was NOT a morning person. I have discovered that habits can be changed and new ones formed. I have discovered that if I persevere and with God's help, I can accomplish things that I never dreamed possible. I have met so many wonderful people and believe they were all put in my path for a reason (big or small) by God. Expanding our territories, whether it be physical or relational, has been a positive experience in my life. I am healthier, more confident, and blessed by the new friendships I have made. I will take away so much more than a medal at the finish line. I really appreciate everything that has been done for this group by Mark, Robin, Matt and Scotty. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, listened to me complain, and encouraged me. I will never forget this experience.

I will be out of town from Wed to Sun this week at an Asbury Seminary Retreat, so I plan to get refreshed physically, mentally and spiritually and be ready for Chicago. I hope everyone has a great "last training run". I will see everyone bright and early on October 5th. Happy training.... we are almost there.

Ann

21 plus miles

Yesterday I figure I did 21.16 miles.... today there are 21 days left until the big day. I am SO excited. I know you are sick of hearing about how slow I am, but I guess I maybe am telling myself that for 2 reasons.. 1 is that I AM slow, the other is surely I will do better at the marathon. But I finished my miles yesterday and actully don't feel that bad at all today (sunday). I am getting a little sad about the fact that this experience will all be over in just a few weeks. Thank you to everyone along these 9 months that have listened to me complain and to all of those who have encouraged me and all the others. Like I have said before, we are each running our own race. Enjoy these next few weeks and reflect back on your feelings the day you came to your first Marathon Makeover meeting. We didn't know each other, didn't know each others stories, thought it was all about us and the 26.2. But we have all learned so much more... determination, pain, accomplishments, friendships, hardaches, but we will all have victory on October 7th. Hats off to everyone. Happy training. Ann

thoughts

I have not blogges since the 20 miler. I am getting so excited and really want to do good this week at the 22 miles. Read Matt's blog.... this is what I posted in response to his blog.

Matt, those words are just what I needed to hear right now. I have struggeled all year with being sooo slow. But you know what, it is the best that "I" can do. I am not 25, I am not an "athlete", I am not a "tall, lean peson". I am ME. Just ME, but I am proud of ME and will be proud of all the hours that it takes me to finish the marathon. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined doing this. But I will and I will be proud of myself. Thank so much for your encouraging words and reminding all of us that we are unique. God did not create us exactly alike... and that is for a good reason. It takes all kinds to make this world a better place. Thanks again, and I will push myself to do better, the best that I can do.

20 MILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, we did it. I am so proud of everyone and myself included, if I may. We have all worked so hard and it is paying off. I know some of us could do a little better, eating better, drinking more water, but all in all we have come so far. Today was ok for me. My body was VERY sluggish and just could get a rhythm going. But I did it and that is all that matters at this point. We are so close, hang in there everyone. My husband wrote me a little sticky note this morning before I left and said.. "every great Journey begins with first step" We have all taken our first step(and many more) in this great Journey we are on together. Can't wait for Chicago.
Have a blessed week,
Ann

Busy Weekend

I am just now posting, because my weekend has been sooo busy. Saturday's 9 miles in Clinton was good. I was able to take off about 5 minutes from my previous 9 miles. I still need to shave off more time. After the run I went to my nephew's 2 year old birthday party... lots of 2 year olds all playing in little pools and sprinklers in the backyard. They were so cute. After that I had about 2 hours of errands to run and by the time I got home I was so sleepy, I took only about a 30 minute nap, because the thunder woke me up. Later that night we had a church function and cleanup and didn't get home until about 11:00... I was exhausted. Sunday morning church, then to another meeting until about 5:00. This week is busy, but I must get my training in. It is getting soooooooo close. I like others, would just as soon go on to Chicago now and not have the do anymore LSD's in the heat.... but oh well, that is what we have to do.
Have a great week. Happy training.

HEAT

Well this heat is almost unbearable. Saturday's run was actually not to bad, I don't know if it was the weather or that it was just 9 miles... yes I said Just 9 miles. I was not even sore at all afterwards, amazing. I am really getting so excited about Chicago, I watched the video and it really made it seem like a reality. I know I MUST dig down deep and train, train, train, and drink, drink, drink... water that is. I want to give it my all. I don't know at this point if I will do this another year, so I need to give it my best shot, this may be my only shot. WE CAN DO THIS.... hang in there everyone, we have come to far to throw in the towel now. Good luck on training this week.

PRECIOUS VIDEO

Ok, I hate to post something that is not running related, but this kind of is....
this is so precious you have to see it.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca

A thought after 18

Just a thought....

Whatever, however, 13 miles, 15 miles 18 miles.... whatever we did, however long it took us in the heat and humidity was good enough for yesterday for us... In other words, we all did the best we could do under the circumstances. Everyone is different. I has been a long process, but I have had to realize that I MUST run my race, not anyone else's. I am short, but there are short people that walk faster. I am old, but there are older people that walk faster. I am overweight, but there are overweight people that walk faster. I AM DOING THE BEST THAT I CAN DO. I think we all are. I don't think there is one person out there that goes out with the idea of .. ok, I am just not going to do my best, I will settle for less than I can do. We are all trying, each one of us in our own ways. Hang in there, we all are with you.

18 MILES!!!

Wow, 18 miles. We have accomplished something, 18 miles, no one can ever take that away from us. I felt great about it, even though my time was terrible. I am sore, but not any worse than before, so that is good. I told Janet yesterday that the only way I would make it was with God's help..... Thank you God.... you were there.

I really see the importance of hydrating, I think I was getting close to dehydration yesterday. I stopped at the Chevron as we were going out for the final 2-3 miles and got a cup of ice, that was a lifesaver. So this week my goal, as before, is to HYDRATE and Stretch.

Janet and Cheryl and I are going to do our 9 miles for next Saturday on Thurs morning at 5:30 beginning at Fannin Landing. If anyone wants to join us, let me know so we will be looking for you. We are pretty slow, so keep that in mind. I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday. Be proud of yourself.

Just wanted to say that last night's party was a great success. I really enjoyed talking with everyone. Thank you Cathy and Charlie for opening up you home and hosting the event. Thank you Mark and Clark for providing your Butt's... they were both great. A good time was had by all.. Thanks again.

Saturdays 8 miles

Saturdays 8 miles have come and gone. Janet, Cheryl and I did them today at Lakeshore at 5:30 am. We started from Fannin Landing and went to Lakeshore park and back. I was so quick and the best part..... we have tonight to not have to go to be early and tomorrow to not have to get up early. I missed the group, but it sure is nice to have it behind me. Normal aches and pains, but nothing serious. I feel great right now. I am about to go run some errands, than pamper myself a little, haircut, etc. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Ann
p.s Thanks Cheryl and Janet

My family

Thought I would post some pics of my family since others have. I really enjoy seeing everyone else's family. They are on the bottom part of my blog page.

On another note....YUK.....

What is up with the way I feel. I feel like I am just beginning. No energy, my shins hurt, my feet hurt. My motivation is lacking.... Not much else to blog. I am doing my 10 miles on Friday so will miss seeing all of you on Saturday, so have a great run. Ann

16 miles

16 miles was a loooong way. I had a not so good week with my training, eating and drinking water was better. I got out there yesterday, nervous about the miles, it was a good run and also a bad run. Good in the sense that I made it and was not just wiped out and was not having MAJOR hurts. Bad because it was probably my most sluggish day. I did not have any energy and each step felt like I was just pushing myself.... I have never had that happen. Anyway, I am usually worried and trying to really improve on my time. Yesterday I figured this was supposed to be Long SLOW Distance, so I didn't beat myself up about it, I just took it slow. I did not do very many intervals, not much running. Janet went the whole way with me and we were content to do what we could. I have found that each week brings new challenges and obstacles. Hopefully by the week of Chicago, we will have experienced so many things that we will be ready for a GREAT run in Chicago... that is my hope anyway.

I WILL do good this week.... I have an extremely busy weekend next weekend, 2 wedding receptions Friday night, 2 weddings Sat and 1 engagement party on Sat. So I am going to get in my 10 miles on Friday morning at 5:30 at Lakeshore with Janet. If anyone else would like to join us, let me know. We are not very fast, or should I say we are pretty slow, but we will be there.

Lets keep it up, have a great week. Ann

8 Miles...oh Wait..9 Miles

All ready for my 7.5 or 8 miles today. I did not do good and thought I had done REALLY bad when I got back and saw my time. Luckily we had gone 9+ miles instead of 8. I had a terrible week as far as preparing for today. I only walk/ran Tues/Wed/THurs. 2 miles each day.... that is terrible. I had a big total of 1 (one) yes 1 glass of water... last night. I bought a big bag of mixed chocolates (hershey's kisses (my Fav), reese's and hershey's miniatures. I have just about completely finished the WHOLE bag. So hopefully this is my week to be terrible. I have been stretching so my groin would not hurt so bad.... evidentely not near enough. I have GOT to do some strength training for that. Hopefully this week will be better all around, eating, exercising and drinking water. That is a MUST considering we have 16 miles Sat (or so Mark says). Have a great week everyone. Ann

15 miles

Wow, 15 miles. We did it. I felt really good going into today, once again thought it was going to be a breakthrough in my time. It was not, but I finished 15 miles and am proud of it. I actually really enjoyed the rain. I was on the web last night looking up about tips for running in the rain....there were none. But there was an article a man had posted saying to just enjoy getting the chance to "play in the rain". Usually only kids get to play in the rain.... use it as a chance to play... so when the rain started pouring, I did just that, I enjoyed it, jumping, running through rain puddles, it was great. My body felt pretty good except my groin. Mark showed me some exercises to work on this week. I need to get that worked out. All in all, I am pretty happy. We are over half way now, like Mark says it is all between the ears now. I am so proud of everyone. All of you that get finished WAAAYYY before some of us others, give us the motivation to strive to do better. All of us at the back seem to keep encouraging others as we pass back and forth at our own paces. Tomorrow is 90 days... yikes, that seems like it is getting close.... how time flies when you are having fun!!!
Have a great week,
Ann

The race is on...

Well here we are, down to only 99 days until race day. This is going to go by soooo fast. Today was good, humid, but it really seemed short. My feet and body feel pretty good, I know that I really NEED to step it up with my training. I don't want to get to Chicago and afterwards be kicking myself for not giving my all. As Mark said the hard part is behind us, I guess so if he says it, but we still have a long way to go, so lets keep up the training and the enthusiasm. Hope everyone has a great week.
Ann

Onetta

Wow, Onetta, you seem to have everyone thinking... how hard have we REALLY been pushing ourselves. I plan to push just a little harder each week. Thank you.

I am finally recovering from the dead...that is this horrible cold I have had. Not 100%, but at least not in the bed. I will do as much as my body will let me this week.

See you all on Sat. for our short 8

Ann

Sick

Isnt' is weird how your body works. I was perfectly fine last night at the party. By the time I got home I felt a big cold coming on... went straight to bed. I made myself go to church today, because it was the last day for 2 of our ministers. I feel HORRIBLE....terrible cold.. I am off to the bed again. I need to shake it, so I can get out there and train. I really want to improve my time and Sat. confirmed that. Anyone know any good cold remedies?

Ann

I am a HALF MARATHONER

Hooray...... I AM a Half Marathoner. I can say that without wondering IF I will be. I AM. This morning was awesome. I had not done Anything all week because of my foot. I think that was a wise choice...foot was much better. I got new shoes from Fleet Feet and I am not so sure they are the ones I need. My toes hurt so bad on my right foot. About mile 8 my groin began to hurt soooo bad it was hard to run any. Thanks to Suzanne for the Advil about mile 11, I was able to get back to a little running. I finished running and it felt GREAT to actually finish a HALF MARATHON. I cannot believe it, I am so pumped. Even though my time was not that great due to my toes and my groin..... but I guess there will always be something. Sorry, I just have to say, I am proud of myself. I feel like I have really accomplished something. I was one of the ones that thought at that first meeting we ran a mile at Belhaven (well actually I walked it) that was about all I could muster at the time... now look, 13.1 whoo hoo!!!! Now just 13.1 more and we will be there.... See everyone tonight. Ann

My foot

Ok, my foot is still hurting, I am so worried that it might be something bad. I didn't go run this morning and was going to stay off of it maybe even until Sat. Well the weather tonight was so great that I took a leisurely stroll with the dog, I could feel some discomfort.... I don't know if I should just completely stay off of it until Sat. I don't know if I need new shoes, or I had tied my shoes too tight, or its my muscle or bone.... I just don't want it to get any worse. I think I will go to fleet feet tomorrow and see what they say.... I was so hoping to do really good (for me) this weekend, now I just hope I can finish.

I didn't do much yesterday except Fathers day stuff, watched the terrible State game, then watched the golf tourn.... much more exciting.... Angel Cabero's reaction to winning the tourn... was what I envision myself being like... just cheering like crazy, so excited he had done it. Cooked out with our son and daughter-in-law. Great day overall, but no exercise, sorry. My left foot/ankle/top of foot...somewhere around there has been hurting for several days now. I was trying to ignore and hope it went away. It is not terrible but I just don't know how much to push myself on this one. Mark had told me to use one day to try to run faster... the way to do this... his words "run faster". I did that today in hopes that my body will understand that I am trying to get faster, not just stay the same as I have been. I feel like I have progressed since Feb, but now it is time to take it on to the next level. I really want to get my pace better. Better go... maybe drink some water.... have not done that at all today. I will pay on Saturday if I don't. Have a good week. Ann

A mere 6 miles

Hmmmmm.... Mark and Robin said it in the beginning that we would get to this point and think how short 6 miles was, did we believe them... I tried to, but actually probably did not. Well here we were today and I think we all were thinking 6 miles.. that will be a breeze. I will have to say it was pretty easy... except for the humidity. I stood around forever thinking... should we have done more. But I completely trust Mark and will do as he says. I had a decent day today. I really want to try to get faster. Mark said to use one day a week (probably the short day-Tues) and when I run, try to run as fast as I can. That is supposed to tell my body that it is possible to do. I plan on doing that this week and really trying to hydrate for Sat. I am so excited about Saturday's 1/2 marathon.....yes folks we are there 1/2 marathon. Yea Yea Yea... have a great week. Ann

12 miles

Today was really different for me. I started the day excited and was doing pretty good. Later the HEAT really got to me. I also had hydrated at ALL the stops, which is good, but unusual for me... so the last mile and a half I thought I would not make it back in time for a restroom stop... but I did. My time was not great, but at least I made it. Sorry I had to dash away as soon as I got back. I had a meeting at 10:00 so I had to hurry home and get cleaned up. Shower was great, just wish I had had more time to just stand there. After the meeting I didn't do much, watched the end of the State game...go State, then went over to my son's house, then out to eat at the Mayflower... it was great.

I am going to say, I AM proud of myself and everyone else. We are doing this, can you believe it..... Way to go, all of us.

Have a great week.
An

Better Day

Today was a much better day. After Sat, I was so sore all over. I decided to take Monday off and see if my body would recoup a little more. I got up this morning and felt 100% better. So I will run on tues, wed, thurs. Thurs will be exactly 4 months away from the big day.... I am so excited and looking forward to all of the progress we will all have. We just need to stick with it, heat and all. Oh, by the way, do you think the reason we are all sooooo sore this week is because of the mileage or the hills in Clinton. I think those hills are a killer. Have a good week.
Ann

11 miles

11 miles was ok... the hills I think made me slower. I had had a problem with my arch in my right foot and stayed off of it on Thurs. and Fri. Got new inserts and was nervous about going the 11 miles. Everything seemed to be ok... except just wearing out. I am hoping that will continue to get better. Even though I was tired, I am amazed that I did 11 miles. I was great to see everyone... I still need to get to know more of you. Hope everyone has a great week.
See you on Sat for 12 miles, yikes

Ann

THANKFUL

As I have read a couple of blogs today I am so very thankful that I am doing this Marathon Makover. As I said in one of my early blogs:

Hebrews 12:1-3Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

For all of us that have something that hinders us, some kind of opposition every day, whether it be a temptation not to train, an injury, other committments, heat, cold, whatever... know that if we fix our eyes on Jesus for HIS strength, we CAN DO THIS. He will be glorified when I cross the finish line in Chicago.

Isn't it great how because of MM we have so many more people praying for each other. You know there is more to this MM than our speed when we walk/wog/jog/run.... whatever it may be. We are each others' clouds of witnesses, encouraging each other. Marathon Makeover.... could it be that this group is helping us in our Marathon of Life. Giving us a makeover for something we needed and were not ever aware of.

I may be not the best at blogging or wogging, but I am so very thankful of the friendships I am in the process of making. Thanks again to Mark, Robin and Matt. You are changing lives in more ways than you know.

Blessings to all today.... send up some prayers for those in need right now.

See you all on Saturday
Ann

10 miles - WOW

I cannot believe each week I say "I cannot believe I just ran ___" well this week 10 miles.
Every week I amaze myself. For me this is huge. I have kept a log of time and distance from when I started. The first week in February I have posted "10 minutes".... yes that is 10 minutes of walking.... I must have been worn out. ha ha I feel such a sense of accomplishment even at this point. I cannot imagine what it is going to be like at the end of 26.2...... I Can't Wait.
I thought I was going pretty good for me, but my time ended up not really that much faster. I rode in the car yesterday after the run for 6 hours. We went to a wedding in Biloxi and then back home. I am a little stiff today, but nothing to bad. I told Clark yesterday about me Trying to give blood last week. Your iron has to be at 12.5 to give, mine was 10.7. I obviously need to work on getting more iron. Also I have NOT been drinking water. Needless to say I would have done much better if I had been hydrated properly and had my iron level where it needs to be.
Those are my goals this week. The weather will be hot on Saturday, so I will need the hydration. I checked the weather for 2 weeks from now and it is likely to be a high of 100. I am off to church and then a visit with my husbands family in from out of town. My son and daughter-in-law celebrate their 1 year anniversary today. Can't believe it. Have a SAFE Memorial Day weekend and a great week.

GREAT WEEK

I have had an unusual week. I need to tell you about what is going on in my life besides running. I am involved in a Christian Retreat organization called Cursillo. It is a 4 day spiritual retreat held several times a year. My husband and I are on the board for this. A year or so ago we had someone that went to one of the weekends that was from Kenya. He is here going to Wesley Biblical Seminary. After he attended the Cursillo weekend he wanted to take the idea back to Kenya. Well God is so faithful and in the business of miracles. The past weekend there was a Cursillo weekend and the organization had provided for 6 Kenyans to come over here to attend so that they can help in taking this back to Kenya. I have been with them off and on for several days now and they are amazing. We had a meeting today to discuss us going to Kenya to start a Cursillo there. I was such an amazing time today to here the Kenyans speak of how God has orchastrated this whole event of circumstances. A team of us will be going to Kenya in late December/early January to begin the Cursillo experience there. It is just amazing how powerful God is and how such blessings we have are now going to be shared across the world. Sorry for this being such a long blog... but this is very important to me. If anyone is interested in Cursillo please ask me about it. I have actually thought about a lot of you that would love to attend this kind of weekend retreat. You know the only way some of us are going to make is 26.2 in Chicago is with the hands of God helping us along the way.

My running has been ok this week. I went to give blood on Monday and found out my iron is extremely low... that may explain why I am not progressing like I would like.
So on Tuesday I took a multi vitamin....just before taking some of the Kenyans to eat. I had taken it on an empty stomach and by the time I got to the place to eat.... I had to exit to the restroom quickly because the vitamin did NOT want to stay down on an empty stomach. After that I was fine. Oh well... lessons learned every day.... get your iron and don't take a vitamin on an empty stomach.

See you all on Saturday..

God Bless

9 miles at rez

I was soooo excited about today. I thought this is going to be great.... we have done 9 miles once so this will be a breeze and even better we will have perfect weather. Well the weather was absolutely beautiful... going across the rez, the sun and water were beautiful. For some reason I started out very sluggish. I was mad because today was going to be great. Thanks for Debra walking/wogging with me until I finally said "go ahead" I was slowing her down. She gave me a tip to run shorter intervals. Instead of watching the clock for my intervals, I just started running when I felt like it and walking when I felt like it. I ate some Jelly beans at the half way point and maybe that is why I ended up better than I thought I would. When I finished I had actually finished 6 minutes faster than last week's 9 miles...hummmm. Don't really know how, but I will take it. I have been taking it easy for a while, but am now about to go over to my son's house and help(or maybe just watch) him put a fence up for his dogs. He and his wife (celebrate 1 year next week) have a 6 month old white lab and a 3 month old golden retreiver. THey are young and crazy, better them than me. Hope everyone has a great week....

p.s..... o.k. confession time... I think why I was so sluggish today.... I had not had ANY water prior to today and I ate a bunch of cookie dough (yes dough) yesterday.... it was great, but I think I paid for it today.

Good Thursday

I have had an okay week. Not great, but I did get out there and wog 3 days. Today Cheryl walked up just as I was beginning at Strawberry park. We are definately on the same track.... same height and that makes a huge difference when you are SHORT like us. We walked the first mile then went to 1:2 intervals. SHe had a watch and it was great and kept us on track. At the end of 3 we were about to quit and decided to go 1 more... glad we did. Thanks Cheryl for being there... time and distance goes by sooo much faster when you have a buddy.

See you all Saturday.

9 miles

It is so cool that each week we get to post a NEW number for our miles.....miles...after struggling at Belhaven for 1 mile... I would have never believed I could go 9 in one outing. I love the trails where there are NO cars... hope we get to have those opportunities often. Everyone did great.. thanks Amy for keeping me going today.
Matt you did great, glad you are feeling better. Kristy, I can't believe you were able to go the distance after your week with the bug.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the MOMS.....

Have a great week.

Humidity

Early mornings is a must now that the heat is going up. I did my 5 miles with 1:2 intervals... did pretty good. The humdity was bad. For once I am wanting to get up early... only because I hate to sweat. Anyway.... I am going to TRY to drink my water today.. we will see.
See you all Sat.

Better Day

Well Monday was a bad day for me. I was in a funk... a slug as Mark put it. But better a walking slug than a sleeping slug.. I only walked on Monday.. just could not get it going. Today I went to the trails in Ridgeland of Rice road with my son. We did 5 miles doing 1:3 intervals. Today was much better. I really need to keep up with the intervals so that it will get easier just like the walking has gotten easier over the past couple of months. I have charted my progress and the first week I was walking a BIG 10 minutes. That first meeting I went to we walked 1 (one) mile at Belhaven and I thought that was really long. Now I have done 8 miles... yeah me. I really cannot believe it. I am getting so anxious though about the longer distances. My mind really wants to get out there and just run forever, but my old, out of shape body is saying...hold on... what ARE you doing... A little at a time.... 26.2 will be here before we know it.
Have not done good on drinking water.... will try again tomorrow on that.

Cannonball

I am just now posting, because after the Cannonball I had to drive to Shreveport for a wedding and then to see my dad and grandmother (who is 93). I enjoyed the race, especially having a different route than ever before. I really like not knowing "where" we are running, for some reason it is just that much more interesting. I didn't do nearly as good as last week, but I did Finish... Ready for a good training this week. Great to see everyone and thanks for the encouragement. My goal this week.....drink water.... I am not a water drinker, so that is going to be a challenge. I did thanked God on Saturday for those clouds... they were great.... hopefully clouds will again be provided for us on Saturdays. Have a great week...

WHEW!!

I don't know what is going on... I was sooo tired today, only did 3 miles walking only..... yikes.... will I be able to do 8 on Sat. I am hopeful. See everyone Sat.

p.s. the picture I posted yesterday was one that was sent to me via email... they were not my family...even though they are so cute I would claim them.

Prayers

Ok...I just had to let y'all see this...is this not the most precious thing. Say your prayers for strength, stamina on our way to Chicago.

XT

I did pilates and strength training today for my XT. I am sooooooooo out of shape. I am feeling more and more like I know I need to do this, the further I go in this adventure I realize just how much time I must have spent on the couch... or anywhere but exercising. Anyway, I just hope that I will continue on and get stronger each new day. I surely cannot get any weaker. I plan to do intervals again tomorrow to try to get ready for Sat... getting a little nervous about it.

My son is coming home from college this saturday and he is a workout NUT.... I told him he was going to be my personal trainer for the 2 weeks he is home before summer school. I look forward to seeing him. I have to drive 3 hours after the race on Sat to a wedding in Shreveport. I will probably not even be able to stand after 8 miles and then sitting for 3... we will see.

2 Steps Back

After Saturday being such a good day and resting on Sunday I figured this week's runs would be a breeze.... I feel like I just took 2 steps back.... Monday and today were difficult. Not much energy and felt like my legs were "heavy" again.. back like they were a couple of weeks ago. How can you go from such a good day on Saturday to being sluggish again. I am keeping it up, and I am still looking forward to Sat., even though it is going to be hot and humid--I am afraid.

See you then.

7 miles

I CANNOT believe I did 7.3 miles today (according to my nike + ipod) I did intervals for about 5 of those miles and did pretty good. I actually went 1 mile further than last week, but only increase my time by4 minutes, so the running definately helps with time (duh!~!). I am a little achey all over, not nothing too serious. I am so excited about all of this. I can't wait until I can do the 2:1. Today's weather cooperated again. Apologies to Janet...I said in my previous blog that I had met a new friend Karen... well her name is Janet. Thanks to her and Hallie Clement for encouragement. Have a great week. Mark sorry we missed you. Have fun.

Great Weather

Today was a great day. I walked 4 miles at the park with some friends and they obviously walked faster than me.... cause I am soooo slow. I walked a little faster because I was with them. I would love to be walking somewhere other than the park, just for variety. So if anyone would like to walk around 7:30 or 8:00 am in Madison, let me know. I am anxious and ready to run and just can't seem to get it going. I am looking forward to Sat. See you all there.

1st time intervals

Today I did intervals for the first time... the most running I have EVER done. Even though it was not much, I feel some progress. I did 1:3 for 2 miles. My knees, shins, legs did pretty good, my breathing was my problem. I need to do something for that, I guess that is where the XT comes in. I am AMAZED how easy 1 mile is... I did 4 miles yesterday morning and then last night went for a walk with my husband and dog and we did 1.6 and it was a breeze, go figure, this program really may be working. Thanks again Mark, Robin and Matt. I hope I am still saying all of this when it is 95 degrees with 80% humidity........yikes, why did I even bring that up right now and spoil my mood. Have a great day everyone.

6 Miles

We made it... 6 miles. I was so anxious about this it was hard to go to sleep last night... I wonder how I will fell the night before the MARATHON. Anyway, I met a new friend today, Karen, we walked the entire route together. Had great conversation and the time flew by.... it was really pretty easy... did I just say that. I am a little worried about bathroom breaks and how much time they will take away, so I guess I had better push on a get much faster to compensate. I enjoyed seeing all of my new friends and meeting some more. This is really becoming a FUN FUN activity, except for the hurts and the sweats that will be more and more as the weather becomes not only hotter, but more humid. I got an ipod Nano with the Nike chip for tracking your distances/time, etc. I really like it, it will make me push harder to break my own record.

That is all that I can do... break my own records, not someone else's. Hope everyone has a great week. Enjoy this beautiful weather. Thank God for the weather He has provided, Thank God for giving to 2 good legs to be able to run or Walk... Thank God for bringing Mark and Robin into our paths of life. Thank God!!! for all our blessings.

Great Day

I had a great day on my birthday yesterday, I did pilates for my XT. Today I had to take my husband to the airport at 5:30... so since I was already up early I went straight to the park and walked/with a little running for 5 miles, came home and mowed the yard ... all that and it was only 8:30 AM.

I am still having a hard time with the running, but am feeling a little better about it. My knees and shins also hurt, so maybe some of cures out there will work and I will find out about them. I am looking forward to the run/walk on Saturday... can't believe we are at 6 miles already... 26.2 will be here before we know it.

What is my body doing???

Ok, I had a pretty good week last week, walked 5 miles twice and did the 5K and got in some strength training. I went to a pilates class on Monday and then walk 2 miles doing 30 seconds of running at each quarter mile. My chins were KILLING me, now I have a pain in the "rear", is it Pilates or running. I too am one of those that is thinking how in the world will I be able to do this. I am "the shortest" one and my legs just don't go very fast... I was walking today and a much older lady passed me. I am not having a problem with getting out there to do the walk/runs, just a problem with running at all and getting any faster. I really enjoyed the 5K, even though I had not thought about that High St HILL...yikes. I enjoyed getting to know some of you and look forward to building friendships along the way with you and others. Lets persevere!!!!!! We have to, we Can do this.... we Can do this.... maybe I should write that 1000 times to get it into my brain. My birthday is tomorrow and I would like to say I am feeling younger, but my body is not telling me that... oh well, life goes on, I have absolutely no excuse to not be able to do this, it may just take more time than others....it is hard to know exactly how much to push yourself, without getting injured or discouraged. Have a great week.

5 Miles

I am really going to start posting to this... I read all of yours and they are so inspiring.

I am the one that is always at the back of the pack. I have been doing my walks everyday that I am supposed to. I walked 5 miles for the first time on Tuesday. I really, really don't want to run in the rain so I just did 5 miles today in place of tomorrow. I am having a really hard time trying to run. Last week I would run for 30-45 seconds at a time, but only about twice during a mile. Sunday, I went to the gym to get started crosstraining...for the first time.... I have not been doing that.... something I did made my ankles Hurt really bad, which I have not had this problem, also one of my knees is Very tight.... so I decided to listen to my body and not run this week. I will definately pick it back up next week and try to start developing an interval training. I really need to get to know more people and start communicating with yall... like Mark and Robin said... this will be a long haul if I try to do it alone. I am not running in the Run in the Sun, but maybe will show up for the "party" At any rate, if anyone is in Madison and would like to run in the mornings at Strawberry park, let me know. Y'all have fun in the rain... Ann

Weather is beautiful

I have not posted in a while, sorry. I have met so many nice people, just with my memory was mcuh better so I could recall names as soon as I see you. I hate we didn't have name tags today. The weather has been absolutely beautiful. No excuses. I have been walking everyday. I feel discouraged that I am not walking faster. But I guess that will come soon enough. I have faith that the program will work....Mark is there a guarantee!! ha ha. I look forward to continuing this big adventure.

4 weeks now

I have now been training for 4 weeks. I had no idea when I began that I would actually "Want" to get up and walk. For me this is a huge undertaking. I have never been an exerciser. Pretty much a couch potato. I have one verse that is keeping me going:
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

For all of us that have something that hinders us, some kind of opposition every day, whether it be a temptation not to train, an injury, other committments, heat, cold, whatever... know that if we fix our eyes on Jesus for HIS strength, we CAN DO THIS. He will be glorified when I cross the finish line in Chicago.

We will not grow weary and lose heart, we will persevere!!

He has provided no less than perfect weather lately. I have no excuses, but myself.

Thank you Mark for all of your words of encouragement. I am looking forward to continuing this journey as a Marathoner!!!

Trying to do this blog

Well, I set up this blog a couple of days ago and guess I thought things would just appear on there own. But like the walking/running, I am actually the only one that can make that happen.
So here is my first. I have been walking ( with a hint of running) everyday now. It feels really good to actually be doing something! We need to find a way to spend as much time exercising as we do on this blogging. Anyway, off to my walk. Persevere!!!