I Love Those J.I.N.G.L.E. Bells

Is that little tune stuck in your head now?  I guess that's better than what's been stuck in my head all day! Picture the tune of "America" from West Side Story, but change the words, to "Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jin-gle. Bell. Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jin-gle. Bell"  over and over again! Yeah, that's what I was singing and humming and making the bells on my shoes dance to! CME even said, "Really dear?  West Side Story?" and then later said, "I wish I could have videoed that!"  LoL

Anyway, for whatever reason, I was really happy to be up and getting ready for the Jingle Bell Run 5K this morning.  Maybe it was the festive CHRISTmas socks I picked up at Target last night, or maybe it was that both my first born and my baby were both joining me for this race. It definitely wasn't the 37 degree rainy weather, that's for sure! No matter the reason, I truly was excited for today.  

The crowd wasn't as large as last year...I'm sure the weather had a lot to do with it, but I'm truly glad we participated.  I saw a couple of the kids there who are stricken with this horrible disease.  It's hard, you know.  To look at these kids and not "see" anything wrong with them, but know that every single morning is a struggle to get out of bed for these young ones... literally...they need assistance to get out of bed... to warm up their joints and become mobile.  That not a day goes by that they're not in pain of some sort. So the rain and cold weather didn't bother me at all; my life is good!  

Due to the weather we've had the past week, they did have to re-route part of the race which in turn shortened it by 1/2 mile.  Not complaining about that either.  Just had to go back to see what my pace time was from the last two races to get a good comparison.  Know what?  It was awesome!  Not meaning to brag, but my pace was my fastest yet...take a look for yourself!

Toulouse-Lautrekkin' (Evansville Museum 5K) - pace: 13:59

Turkey Day 5K - pace: 14:40

Jingle Bell Run - pace: 11:35!!!

Yeah, I'm stoked about that!!  I'm also proud of my daughter and son who joined in on the fun.  My son hasn't run since last Jingle Bell Run - and I think he could tell.  I'm hoping this is the start of some good healthy family activities...now to get CME and our oldest son to run these too... Hmmm...

Early morning!

Aren't my socks cute?!

With "Biggest" and "Littlest" as they call each other.

Finish Line!!!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

The Proof Is In The...

...Pain.

It's been two days since my 5k and I am still walking like someone kicked the living daylights out of me!  My legs, specifically outer thighs, are still horribly sore!  I stretched before running...here and at the race.  But I guess stretching isn't good enough when you've not run in almost a year!

That, my friends, is proof that I've not been as physically active as I need to be.  I mean, I knew I wasn't exercising much.  Heck, I've even blogged about it.  Even if I had been more consistently walking (at a decent pace) the pain wouldn't be here.  At least not as much as it is now. So, though I'm whining a bit about being in pain, I take it as a reminder that I need to keep moving!  I won't let it stop me.  If nothing else, it's another challenge that God's going to help me overcome!

The proof is in the pain, indeed!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

18 Month Celebration

Eighteen months ago today I underwent gastric bypass surgery.  It was the beginning of a new era of my life.  Today I celebrated. I ran/walked in the Toulouse-Lautrekkin 5K for the Evansville Museum.  It's been nearly a year since I participated in a 5K and to be honest, I didn't train at all.  As I mentioned in my last post, I decided to use these races as the motivation to get moving again.  Since I didn't prepare, I wasn't quite as ready as I wanted to be, and I didn't finish as fast I as I had hoped.  But you know what?  I finished!  I was off my fastest time by 20 seconds.  I finished the race in 43:26.5.  I could "blame" the strong wind (yes, really...it was WAY windy) for the time, but there's nothing to blame.  I did it and doggone it I'm proud of it! So that's how I spent my 18-month surgiversary!

In other celebrations, my 18-month post-op was good!  Some things, though, never change.  I even told nurse that the scale still intimidates me.  I still hate getting on the scale.  It's been so mean to me in the past, and though I weigh at home, to step on the scale in front of someone makes me nervous.  What if I had gained weight?  What if I failed?  What if....?  Yeah...ugly stinkin' thinkin' again!  But my fear was irrational (no surprise); though I'm "slightly" up from my lowest weight, I was still 2 pounds less than I was at my 12 month check up. My BP was 96/60 and all medically appears to be really good!  MD was very pleased and even said I was like the poster child for RNY!  I laughed.  Really.  I don't see me as a poster child.  I see that God has continued to bless me and that even though it's harder every day, He keeps me in line. To God be the glory for the success that I've had!  

The time has gone fast and 'm so thankful that God gave me the courage to go through this process 18 months ago!  I feel great and I can only hope and pray that God uses the healthier me in ways that I cannot even begin to imagine!

After the race with the daughter of a friend of mine.  She's absolutely precious!!!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

5Kx3

Exercise and I still aren't the best of friends.  Yes, I walk more now, but I'm not consistent.  I "run" the stairs (aka walk up them briskly when I need to go from floor to floor) at work.  But I've just not been as faithful in exercising as I know I need to be.  I could list all the reasons...busy schedule, too tired, boys' schedule etc. etc. etc.  But the truth of the matter is, I still don't like it. Period.  Yes, I liked Body Pump, but after the dizziness issue, I stopped going.  I really should try it again...I've only had dizziness issues occasionally now.  :::makes note to try to get back to a BP class:::

I need some motivation.  So here's what I'm going to do.  I'm going to participate in three 5K races in the next two months!  I'm contemplating whether to walk the first and walk/run the next two or just walk them all and work on increasing my time each race.  Regardless, I'm going to do them. One of my by goals was to participate in a half marathon...which I've not done either. I was so proud of my oldest daughter...she finished her first half marathon earlier this month.  I'm ashamed to admit that I was too chicken to try.  I was afraid that I'd fail.  That I'd not finish or that I'd puke or something.  Yet, my daughter, who hadn't trained at all, did it!  Proud and inspiring moment! Still keeping that on my "must do" list.

Anyway, for some accountability, I'm going to list the 5Ks that I'm doing.  I'll post after each one and let you know how I did.

Toulouse-Lautrekkin
Turkey Day 5K
Jingle Bell Run

Here's to being able to walk 5Ks even though I complain about exercise! Thank you God for giving me the health to do this!  

_______________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Blah

I've been wanting to get back to blogging regularly, but man I've been soooo busy.  It's not bad to be busy, but I find that I don't do as well on taking care of myself when I'm busy. I know...big revelation for all of us there, huh?  Life happens and sometimes I pack more stuff into my day than I really should and leave out things that I really need to be doing.  Journaling...blogging...exercising.  Yep, that nasty "E" word is still my nemesis.  I'm walking some..but that's about it.  I do "run" the stairs when I need to go to a different floor at work, but big whoop.  I'm not consistent and I know I need to be; I just can't seem to find the motivation.

Weight-wise, I'm still doing just fine.  On any given day, my weight is between 149# and 152#.  Seems to have plateaued here - which is an okay range for me at 5'6"(ish).  (Still remembering I've got at least 15 pounds of excess skin.)  Problem is that I know I need to be doing weight training.  As I continue to age, good strong muscles will help with better mobility, balance and overall better health.  I know this...yet, I can't seem to find the motivation I need.  I liked when I went to the Body Pump classes, but I can't seem to fit those in any more.  My current work situation doesn't allow for the flexible lunch schedule and getting to the gym after work just isn't happening.  And my schedule is only getting busier as I look ahead.  All good things, really - things that will be feeding me Spiritually (which I am craving), but busier nonetheless.  Maybe I will finally start utilizing the Wii or X-Box.  Something is better than nothing, right?

Blah.  That's kinda how I feel about it tonight.  Blah.  ________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Saturday NSV

It's been a very long day.  I forgot how tiresome it is to help friends move.  Our day started by me fixing a pretty tasty breakfast for the family (if I do say so myself) of miniature baked egg omelets.  I didn't take a picture, but CME said it was definitely picture worthy.  Super simple using a sprayed muffin pan, thin-sliced deli ham used like pan liners, onions, tomato and cheese, then egg beaters and a dash of coarse black pepper and sea salt.  Baked them at 400 for 25 minutes, served with a side of banana and voila!  Yummy!!

CME, the boys and I arrived at my friend's house a little before 10am. and wow was there a lot to be done. I am so proud of how the boys kept moving and worked really REALLY hard today.  Lifting, carrying, helping.  Whatever it was they needed to do, they did it.  My NSV came in to play when I realized that I went up and down the basement steps repeatedly (no clue how many times, but would say at least a couple dozen is not an exaggeration between the two homes) with no pain in my knees and no huffing and puffing!  I know it doesn't count necessarily as "exercise" but yeah...I claim the victory of the moment!  I was carrying boxes that some of the other women deemed too heavy for them.  Though they were worried that they were too heavy for me, truly it was a non issue.  This same time last year, I could have never been the help that my friend needed!  This is another way God is using this journey - to help me be healthy so that I can help others!  We had to leave at 3pm to get the boys off to a Scout event even though the move wasn't completed yet - it really has been a long day!

To top it off, our youngest son was wearing a pair of jeans that we bought him last summer.  I had to repeatedly remind him to pull them up because I could nearly see his (underwear covered) butt cheeks!  It's another NSV of sorts for me...that our whole family seems to be getting healthier!  Win/win!!

Now off to other friends' for a Saladmaster dinner show.  I know CME is tired and sore.  I so appreciate him and his willingness to help friends...no matter what the event!
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Feeling It This Morning

I made it back to Body Pump last night. My youngest son and I hit the Y while CME took our other son to a Scout meeting. Remember how I said I stopped exercising? Yeah. I am definitely feeling that reality this morning!

Day 1 back at the gym can now be checked off. Please pray that I continue to be faithful in this part of the journey. It is so crucial for my long term success!!

This is Not the Blog Entry I had Planned

Confession.  I've stopped exercising.  EEK!!!

My brain knows I need to exercise.  Heck, when I was exercising I didn't mind it - well at least not the Body Pump class.  And yet, I've not found the motivation to get back in the groove.  Plenty of excuses why I stopped; probably even more why I've not started back.  But they are all just excuses.  

I need to find that motivation again.  I need to find carve out the time again.  I must.  This new life God has granted me through gastric bypass surgery cannot be wasted by reverting back to old ways.  I must do this.

And I just changed the title to this entry because this is not the entry I had planned.  Funny thing though is that I now can't even remember what I was going to blog about this morning.  I guess I'm hearing that exercise is THAT important.

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Jingle All The Way

Thanks to the Arthritis Foundation adding bells to our goody bags, we jingled all the way to the finish line of this 5k!  There were jingles all over the place!  Jingles and presents and Santa hats and Elves...even Buddy the Elf...and Rudolph and Santa...oh and Santa and Mrs. Claus...and lots and lots of red white and green!  My son who ran with me even commented that this was a fun 5k!  Kudos to the Arthritis Foundation and the people of Evansville making this event a success.  

My son told me, "You better win!"  I looked at him and said, "Have I ever told you that you better win?"  He smiled and he said, "In my book...finishing is winning."  And he's right!  We are winners!!!  He then told me... see you at the finish line!  He did great for his first 5k run.  His final time was 37 minutes 40 seconds; 396 out of over 465 runners.  (I forget the total number of runners!)  He was 14 out of 16 in his age group.  Seriously, this is a HUGE accomplishment for him and I am sooo proud!  And yes, I ran.  I ran the best I could... interval running, basically, but running nevertheless.  I finished in 43 minutes 6 seconds and 435th out of all the runners.  I wasn't even the last in my age group!  This is 12-15 minutes ahead of my best time walking.  WooHoo!  I still can't say I enjoyed the running part, but I know that it meant a lot to my son.  He even mentioned how he didn't like running cross country, but did it anyway.  That is the exact reason I KNEW I needed to run with him.  I am an example for him...I can't tell him to do one thing and then I do something different. 

Other thoughts as I was running... this particular race is for the Arthritis Foundation.  There are a ton of people who would love to be out running, but because of a crippling disease, they can't.  I am blessed and I should not complain about running.  Then, there were these two people that I couldn't help but be inspired by.  The guy would run to a "marker" and stop and wait...cheering on the girl as she'd run to that spot.  They'd then walk a bit and he'd do it again.  Talk about inspiring!  He was her motivation...and mine!  THAT was awesome support!!!  And speaking of support, CME and our oldest came down to cheer us on...taking pictures along the way.  It's good to see smiling faces and to hear your family cheer you on as you run for the finish line.  I am so incredibly blessed!  

Here's a glance of our morning... <insert jingle bells sounds as you scroll through!>

Some style in Evansville... yes!

Sheriff Hum-V blocking traffic

I wonder if Santa asked him if he'd been good!

The best part of this costume...the harness with jingle bells.

This granny elf left us in her dust!  Way to go!!!

The crowd in front of me...

The crowd behind me.

The Grinch made several appearances too!

The smile means it was the start of the race.

That's my boy!

Run!!!

Sprinting to the finish line.

The finish line is in sight!

Almost there!

We did it!

Jingles...all the way.

Smiling because it's over!

My extra jingles.

Love that he ran with me!

Checking his time...

Checking my time.

T-shirts!  And love his smile!

What a team!

Jingle Bell Run!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Missy and the 5ks

My friend, Missy, has been such an encouragement to me.  Our friendship started because of some similar circumstances, but life has changed and so has the reason we remain friends.  Missy is the reason I started walking in 5k races.  She's been my walking partner and the one who keeps me interested in exercise.  Today, we walked in the Warhol'n It! 5K to benefit our local museum.  Perfect weather (though the wind surely made us slower than we otherwise would have been!) and great company.  My chip didn't register, so I don't have my official time, but the app on Missy's phone showed us completing each mile in an average of 13:39 minutes.  No, we're not speed demons (blame the wind), but each time we've walked, we've increased our pace and that's perfectly fine by me!

What I know about Missy is that her goal in life is to be a positive influence on people.  She has definitely been one in my life.  I'm so incredibly blessed that God placed her in my life!

Warhol'n It!

Museum 5K girls!

What's wrong with this picture???  These were the "refreshments" after the 5K walk.  Yes, they had fruit too...but really?!?!

Fail!!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

The Teacher Makes a Difference

The past couple of years of middle school were difficult times for my oldest son.  He had a severe case of "minimumeffortitis" going on.  Last year was the worst when his affliction became compounded with a couple of teachers who just didn't seem to be able to properly instruct/guide the students.  Yes, even the "honors" courses can have some sub-par teachers.  (I found out from SEVERAL other parents that my son was not the only one struggling in two particular classes.  Common theme was the lack of instruction/accountability on the teachers' part.) Please do not get me wrong.  Regardless of a teacher's own shortcomings, I expect my children to do their best 100% of the time.  So I'm not blaming his lackadaisical effort on anyone but him.  However, I do know that teachers can make a world of difference for the students.  This year has been much different for my son.  His teachers have been amazing and he is excelling in his classes.  He's bringing home his best report card since entering middle school.  His teachers have made a difference.

Another example of a teachers making a difference was revealed to me last night.  I was spending time with some International students from one of the local universities and I asked how classes were going.  Most said, "ok", but one student was very clear in his response.  He is in the ESLI - Level 1 class. (English as Second Language).  He told me it was very boring.  That the teachers just write what's in the book on the board and then they test on it.  He looked at me and said, "they need to find way to make it (interesting) so students want to come. they need to make learn English fun."  I wondered how many others felt that same way.  University ESLI classes are intense, this I know.  But from the student's perspective, he's bored and not sure he's really learning.  I wonder if those programs can be fun and still get in all the required material so the students can advance to the University classes.  I'm sure somewhere there is a teacher who could make that difference...if only allowed.

So how does that all tie in to this blog and my journey?  Well, my friend Missy posted this entry about her experience of a Body Pump class she attended last week.  Interestingly enough, before I read it I attended a different class with a different instructor.  To be as kind as I possibly can be, I was not thrilled with how the class went.  The instructor spoke a LOT about his recent doctor appointment, his young grandchild learning to speak another language before English, his recent trip to MO where they have the best BBQ ever (same story I heard the week before) among other things.  Personally, I don't need those distractions.  Then, on top of that, he decided to change one of the workout sections because he "didn't like the seven 'bottom halfs' at the end...it was too hard" and he messed up the music and/or the movements a couple of different times.  My thoughts on that were, "I'm sure the Les Mills company knows what they're doing and why they placed the the bottom half squats where they did" along with "I'm not an instructor and I know the new music/movements..."  Plus, there is one lady in particular who just joined about a week ago.  Her form is dangerously bad and is truly asking for a back injury if not corrected.  (rounded back, swinging motion with the bar, etc.) He never mentioned it to her.  Maybe some people need to talk during workout, I am not one of those people.  I just want to do what I need to do.  I left the class a little annoyed.

Today, I went to an 8am Body Pump class.  The instructor was really good.  Even though there were no new people in class, he made sure to demonstrate every combination and stressed form.  Throughout the class, he would remind everyone of where the hands should be placed, where the bar stops, proper posture, not to lean forward during lunges, etc.  He'd watch the class as we went along and would correct the form of anyone he saw that needed help.  There was no idle chit-chat during the class; it was all instruction.  He was a good teacher.  I felt like my workout was better and that overall, the class was better.

And then the thoughts moved on from school and Body Pump to the fact that I am a teacher as well.  My family will learn from me.  For way too many years, they have observed and learned some not-so-good habits.  And if the teacher makes a difference, like I know they do, I am glad that I am changing a lot of how I'm influencing and instructing my children.  I thank God for opening my eyes to so many unhealthy situations and for guiding me through this life.  I pray that as He continues to reveal His ways to me that I can teach my children those same lessons.

Truly, the Teacher makes all the difference!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Letting it Go

Almost a week has passed since I was "enlightened" by the horror story of an acquaintance.  I'd be lying if I'd say I'd not thought about it since.  But I have.  More than once.  Hoping to hear long-term success stories and not getting any replies here or on the forum I visit left me a little despondent.  Almost in a funk, even.  

So, I'm vowing to let it go.  As I've known from the start, everyone's experience in this journey is different.  I can't say that her story would have kept me from having the surgery myself.  So, I will continue to follow the plan.  I will continue to take my vitamins.  I will continue to exercise.  I will continue to pray for C and her struggles.  I will continue to...

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Better with a Friend

I'm happy to report that I didn't have one lightheaded episode during my Body Pump class last night!  I did some things differently yesterday - like drinking a giganto bottle (1 liter) of Propel Zero (which I'm sure upped my blood pressure a bit with all the sodium) prior to class; went from lying to standing up slower than I have been; made sure that I had some carbs about 30 minutes before class; sipped my water during class.  All in all, it was a good workout!  I know that I work harder if I go to class in the evenings.  I just don't like to be all sweaty and stuff heading back to work after the noon class.  -shrug-  Anyway, the best part of class last night was that my friend, Missy, went too!  We're going to try to keep each other accountable with our exercise.  She's going to encourage me to do more cardio and I'm going to encourage her to do more weight training!  Exercise is just better with a friend!  Thanks, Missy!

Oh...and bonus?  Missy cleaned out her closet and gave me three big sacks full of clothes!  Some I can wear now (wore one of the shirts today even)...some will be good for Spring.  I seriously have the best friends!  
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Frustration Station

Until I can get my bloodwork done (still haven't heard from bariatric center) I've got to figure out why I'm getting lightheaded.  It happened again today during my Body Pump class.  This time my vision went black for a couple of seconds and the instructor next to me asked if I was okay.  I didn't get nauseous and I didn't pass out or anything like that, but I was definitely feeling lightheaded.  My friend, M, wondered about my electrolytes being off, so I'll ask them to look at that when my blood work is done next month.  Things I intentionally did today before class: had a total of 32 ounces of water and then about 30 minutes before class had a protein bar.  Still not convinced it's a food issue, but it could be the fluids.  Could be low BP.  I'll try to get in even more fluids before class on Thursday to see if that helps.  

In all honesty, it's frustrating.  I've found an exercise that I'm kind of enjoying, but am not sure how "safe" it is for me right now.  Luckily the lightheadedness doesn't happen when working triceps where I lay on my back and lower the weighted bar to my forehead.  It would be quite painful to drop the bar on my noggin! 

Anyway, until I get bloodwork done and results in I will try to drink. more. water.  Not sure how to do that before noon, but I'll figure out a way.

(side note - I just got lightheaded when I got up from the chair to walk into the kitchen...it's annoying!)

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Stop This Thing - I Wanna Get Off!!

So I had my first "odd" exercise experience this evening.  Not quite half way through my Body Pump class, I got VERY dizzy.  Not just light headed, but "find a wall to hold me up" dizzy.  I stepped out to get a sip of water and immediately felt nauseous.  I didn't even go back into the room.  (Apologized at the front desk for not putting my weights and stuff up!)  I sat in the locker room for a few minutes until the dizziness subsided and then headed home. 

I've been trying to figure out what (if anything) was different tonight.  I had gotten in 56oz of fluids and 65g of protein before going to class, so I don't think nutrition was the issue.  It was slightly warmer in the room this evening.  I did increase the weight for my squats and was sweating by the end of that tract - but not breathing too heavily or anything.  The only other thing I can think of is maybe my blood pressure is low.  Tonight I feel a little sluggish, but I've drank more water and rested.  I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow and if there are any noticeable dizzy episodes, I may call bariatric center to see if I can drop by for a BP check.

I can't believe I'm about to type this part, but I was really bummed that I couldn't finish the class!  Maybe that means exercise and I are getting closer. That's not a bad thing, right?

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

A Little Dose of Encouragement

Sometimes a little dose of encouragement helps us finish the race.

This past Saturday, my boys ran their first cross country meet ever.  CME and I encouraged both the boys to try cross country this year.  Though they are "active" in activities, they are not active in any kind of physical activity (sports).  Our rule is that if you start something you can't quit - you must finish the season.  Neither of them really complained to try it, but as time went on, we were asked if they could quit.  Answer was still no.  

So Saturday morning, they ran for the first time competitively.  Our oldest did better than what he thought he would and not bad for not giving much effort at practices (summary of what his coach said).  He actually came in 3rd for his school and 47 out of 67.  Our youngest son's goal was to not be last.  And he wasn't.  That being said, he really struggled during the race.  When he got to a spot where we could see him, CME and I met him at the corner... cheering him on and encouraging him to keep jogging.  We moved along the course as we could shouting out words of encouragement to our tired red-faced son.  My heart was full of mixed emotions: sadness for his struggle, pride for his effort, love for CME as I watched him jog along side our son the last stretch of the race.  

On our drive home, I couldn't tell my youngest enough how proud I was of him.  I asked him what he thought of the race.  He quickly said, "It was hard and it was not fun."  I get that!  I really do!  I told him, "Neither is Body Pump, but Mommy still needs to do it."  He looked at me and said, "Touche."  LoL  And that got me thinking about what I recently heard that we (parents) are examples for our children whether we want to be or not.  It really did strengthen my desire to get healthy.  Had I not been working on my health, I wouldn't have been able to share an example with my son that I knew how he felt...it would have been an empty talk.  So even though I felt like we were the ones encouraging him...in the end, he has encouraged me.  

Exercise and I are still not "dating".  It's not who I want to be hanging out with.  But I know that to have a healthy life and to be a healthy example, exercise and I are going to have to become close friends.  My children's health depends on it.

Before the Race

Cooling down after the Race

Victory hugs from Mom

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Another NSV!

Yep...had one today!  My friend Missy and I finished another 5k!  Though the temp was only in the mid-upper 80s...it was HUMID and it felt like 100!  That being said, according to the app on her phone, we walked slightly farther than a 5k (3.28 miles) in 52:41 minutes...or an average of 16:02 mins per mile / 3.74 miles per hour.  I went back and compared it to the last two 5k races I've walked and the difference is phenomenal!  I suppose I should wait for the "official" race results, but I don't care what they say.  I'm going by what's on the app (because the proof is in the pictures!).  


My 5k Race Results:
June 21 - finished in 1:01:24 - avg 19:45 min/mile - 3.03 mph
July 4 - finished in 56:31 - avg 18:11 min/mile - 3.29 mph
Aug 4 - finished in 52:41 - avg 16:02 min/mile (3.28 miles) - 3.74 mph
Update: Official time from the Y:  52:28 - avg 16:53 min/mile - 3.55 mph


Sure, the official results will be slightly different, but even if they are I'm sure I've taken at least another minute per mile off my speed!  That, my friends, is a huge NSV!!!


One of the best parts about this is that I've got friends like Missy who walk with me.  I'm sure her pace by herself would be quicker, but she stays back with me and is an encouragement the whole time.  She doesn't make me feel like I'm holding her back and she makes sure I'm doing well.  Missy is a  blessing from God ...how are paths crossed is crazy, but I am sooooooo  thankful they did!


Here's to another NSV and here's to friends like Missy!!!!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Ouch

A long time ago in a land far away... oh wait, that's a different story.  


Anyway, about 3 years ago during one of my attempts to lose weight I joined a Body Pump class as the YMCA.  I remembered that the mornings I'd go that my arms would be shaking and by that afternoon picking up a pencil felt like an accomplishment.  My new co-worker is a natural athlete who played a lot of sports through HS and college and is currently training for a local triathlon. So when I heard that she goes to a lunch time Body Pump class twice a week, I thought it was the perfect way to help me get into some sort of an exercise routine.  


On Thursday, I went with co-worker and was really excited even though I couldn't do the planks at the end of the class.  Back at work, I laughed as I walked - trying to control the jello that was doing it's best to support me.  Oh. my. gosh!!!  My legs hadn't worked that hard in years!  


By Friday, [possible TMI moment] the simple task of sitting down to use the restroom was excruciating!  I definitely didn't remember this aftereffect of the class.  I definitely didn't realize how much we use our thigh muscles to sit and  stand.  O.U.C.H!!!  My arms?  They're tender, but not sore.  Now, I do know that different circuits of the class work different body parts.  I'm not discouraged and I do plan on going back, but wow!  I can't take ibuprofen, so Icy Hot is my new best friend.  I need to keep moving today...to work out some of the soreness.  But I'm first waiting for the Icy Hot to settle in before I shower and get out for the morning.


Even in the pain, I'm thankful.  Thankful that God has truly given me the strength and desire to get healthy.  I know that the pain is temporary and that the long-term benefits will beyond my wildest dreams!

________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

3/4 Mile

That's the distance CME and I walked tonight.  Nice, cool, dusk 3/4 of a mile walk.  It's not much, but it's progress!
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14