Confessions of an Amateur Runner ... 8 mile run

One of the things that I love about running is that you don't need lots of expensive gadgets to enjoy this wonderful sport. That being said, I couldn't run without my music (my other passion) and my Asics running shoes (the best shoes, ever). These 2 treasures make my runs so much more enjoyable. I am currently in training for my second 1/2 marathon in March. Why, you ask? Well, because I enjoy racing and I love to run. Enjoy running... did that really come out of my mouth? If you would of told me 6 years ago that I would be running 8 miles and training for a 1/2 marathon, I would of told you that you didn't know me at all. Running has developed into a wonderful hobby that I love and get to share with some great friends. Somedays I really need to get away, enjoy the fresh air, and get a great workout in. Plus, it gives me an excuse to listen to my music.

Ok, sorry about that rant ... back to training. The 8 mile run. For some reason this run was scaring me. My training has not really gone as planned, due to five, adorable, but sometimes needy kids. Getting back on track has been a bit tricky. I was lucky to have a good friend join me for this run. A running buddy is a lifesaver when running over an hour. Even I can get bored :) The clear, blue sky and bright, shining sun that I woke up to this morning, made me believe that this run might turn out ok. A bit chilly, 32 degrees, but I can work with that. It was one of those runs that was on track from the start. First 4 mile lap went smoothly, a little windy, steady pace, and my legs were feeling strong. Lap 2 would of been perfect, minus the sidewalk that tried to take me out. I caught myself, luckily. I must of looked real cute trying not to face plant onto the sidewalk. ( Quit laughing at me)

Running has taught me a lot of life lessons, today I am reminded: why worry? I know that I will have good and bad days running. Worrying about which run I will face when I put on my running shoes robs me of the fun of running. If I can't enjoy the run, why run?

A little bit of everything ...

Well, so much for my goal of keeping my blog updated. Life is more crazy and busy as usual ... I am trying to stay above water. It is a challenge. Here is an update of my adventure called life.

Winter is dragging on and the family was hit with the flu bug, a real nasty one. One of the downfalls of having a family of 7 is that when a bug hits, it is almost impossible to get it to leave. Two and 1/2 weeks after the first family member got hit, we were done with round one. This week, round 2 hit. So far, 2 casualties, but I fear the war is not get over. These are the times when my patience as a mother is tried to the limit. Cleaning up sickness, getting sick, and taking care of the sick, get old very quickly. I am now praying that spring will come and the fresh air will help to air out the germs.

On to more exciting news .... Steve and I are planning a little getaway w/o children to Mexico this spring. We get to enjoy this trip with my mom and dad and we are really looking forward to it. We have never been out of the country (except Canada) so we are in the process of getting passports. Seems simple enough. Some paperwork, some fees, and wait. Oh, I only wish. Getting our original birth certificates have been a complete nightmare. Last week, after another issue, I almost lost it!!! We are finally in the final stages and now we just have to wait for processing. I am praying that 3 to 4 weeks, really means 3 to 4 weeks. April is right around the corner.

This once in a lifetime, romantic getaway has me thinking about getting my body swimsuit ready. No easy task, let me assure you. Yikes!!! Some days, I am convinced that a mother of 5 should never be allowed to wear a swimsuit!!! My brilliant plan to loose weight was to enter a half marathon race in March. I am a genius .. I know!!! I am now into week 7 of my 12 week training and I forgot how much time was required to train. What was I thinking. Weight loss is slow going and I am actually building muscles in my legs, which you would think is good, but not really!!! To add to my trouble, with all this working out, I am so hungry all the time. In my desperation, I may attempt the Cabbage Soup Diet, but I don't know if I am strong enough. Cabbage gets old very fast.

Well, that is my life this last month. It is not all bad. I do have an amazing husband that puts up with all my drama, 5 wonderful children that make life full and exciting, and my dear friends that keep me balanced when I start to fall. My life is pretty good, looking forward to the next month's challenges. I am stronger than I think ... at least most of the time :)

January 11, 2011

Today seems like a good day for a fresh start ....

Eleven days into the New Year and I am already seeing some of my New Year's Resolutions testing me. This is not anything new, but I was secretly hoping for a quick fix on some of them. You know what I mean. The ones that take a lot of work and disciple!!! In reality, the quick fix doesn't really "fix" anything. It is the process that we go through that builds our character and molds us into the people that we desire to be. I need to be reminded of that. No matter how many times I fall flat on my face, I will get up and try again. So today, I will look forward to this new year and get excited for the adventure to come. Here are just a few of the things that I am looking forward to this year .... in no particular order of importance :)

* Spring - sunny, light breeze, perfect weather for a run or a day at the park
* Soccer - watching the kids play soccer. It gets so crazy, but so fun to watch
* The last day of school, and the first day of school ... moms everywhere know what I mean
* The day when my hair finally grows out to the length I want ... I might not make it to see this one
* Vacation - always a highlight of the year
* March 20. 2011 - Second 1/2 marathon ... if I make it through training
* Mexico this spring with mom and dad, counting down the days ... so excited!!
* Meeting my new body, after I reach my goal ... I hear she looks amazing!
* Watching my kids grow a year older and all the wonderful lessons they are going to learn and teach me in the process.
* Spending another year with the man of my dreams ... so blessed!
* Building deeper friendships
* Watching what God is going to do this year with Gilead ... always amazing to watch
* Getting to know Him a little better, and becoming a better women because of Him!

What are you looking forward to this year?