Normally, I would say I LOVE roller coasters! What's not to like? You approach the top of a hill s-l-0-w-l-y, anticipating the moment you see that first car go over the hill...You know you'll be pulled along and quickly gain speed...The ride will only get faster and more fun as it continues! In my youth, I'd go to Cedar Point with friends and ride roller coasters all day - nothing but coasters - and have the time of my life. I also wrote a huge paper on it in a travel and tourism class in college. I put together a tour of great amusement parks in the US, which had the BEST coaster rides for the coaster enthusiast in all of us! (Got an A too -VERY original, according to my professor!)
Anyway, I digress. That was then and this is now. The roller coaster ride I've been on in the last two weeks has been emotional. It hasn't been fun at all, like those in my youth. I have been really torn up by the earthquake in Haiti - feeling so blessed to be in Michigan, where we're pretty earthquake and natural disaster free. Yet, my heart aches to read the news from Haiti and see the devastation! To know they are still looking for loved ones, that the death toll is still an estimate at 150,000 lives...well, it kills me. I've been accused at work of being obsessed with it. And, no, I'm not...but I am deeply moved and called to do something. I've joined with a group on facebook called Quakebusters, parent ministry for this group is GLOW (www.glowmi.org) and they've been in Haiti for over 30 years - they've got over 80 employees there, so they know how to have an impact. I'll be helping to raise some funds here. Having this in place makes me feel less hopeless, more hopeful. So - Haiti is one reason I haven't been updating my blog.
Another reason? I found out a friend from college was losing her battle with an aggressive cancer. She's been fighting for over 2 years... and her body just can't do it anymore. I haven't seen her in quite some time, but Laura is an amazing gal- full of faith, life, spirit, a gorgeous smile, enthusiasm and optimism abounding. She became a loving wife and doting mom- and a music teacher who shared an awesome gift with so many. I struggled this week with how this could happen? How can someone with so much going for her be afflicted with this horrible disease? Where is the fairness in life? I love God and I believe in His plans for all of us, yet I can't understand why a mom of 3 kids- a 12 year old 7th grader and 6year old twins in 1st grade - has to face this? What will her family do? I've been chewing on that this week, feeling sad and not shaking it. (Laura did lose her battle last night, January 23, at 920pm.) Rest in peace, girlfriend.
So, all that to explain that I've been MIA from my blog for valid emotional reasons.... yet I have not stopped my training. At times, it feels almost frivolous, like running on a treadmill when people in Haiti are sleeping under makeshift tents... how self absorbed can I get? Or, being worried about my weight or how I look physically when Laura was fighting for her life...how silly...
Yet, I kept training and used the time to pray, listen to worship music, thank God for the body He gave me and the time He gave me here to use it.
Yesterday, I hopped on the treadmill, thinking I'd run a mile or two and call it good. I just did NOT have the 5 mile run in me that I was scheduled for... I was sure of it. Well, as I started, I said I would just run for two and see how I felt. At two, I said I'll go to three. At three, I said I can crank out 12 more minutes, let's go for 4. At 4, I said - HOLY COW! I made it 4 miles without a walk break? Can I make it to 5? Lo and behold, I ran five miles for the first time with out a walk break at any time! I was beyond ecstatic with that accomplishment, as I've always stopped before once or twice to walk, telling myself I just "couldn't" run another second. Well, there's something quite empowering about doing that which one thinks one can not do. It makes me wonder - what else might I accomplish if I only set my mind to it?
Running 5 miles did not change the circumstances in Haiti nor did it save my friend Laura, but it did create a belief for me in myself, that who I am makes a difference and I CAN accomplish the goals I set.
Now I need to embrace that and,literally, run with it. :-)
Blessings to all of you! Thanks for reading!
Angie
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
It's official!
I'm signed up and ready to roll...I am officially a first time participant, registered for the 25K on May 8, 2010! Seems a little more real now..like I've been talking about it, but NOW it's real!
What's cool is that my friend Helen signed me up at the kick off event Friday. (Thanks, Darlin'!) Her husband decided to run too. Two friends of hers from high school are running, my friend Jerrie from Gentex is running, Drew might run, some gals from my Wednesday Weight Watchers group are running, Staci from my WW message board is training and I'm trying to convince her to come run with me....there is going to be a PARTY at the RBR this year! WOO HOO! Just me and 17,999 other people! :-)
Last week at Weight Watchers, I finally weighed in as a free lifetime member again. It's been since August that I've been free! So, running must help out in the weight control department! Who knew? :-)
I've been keeping up with the training this week, taking yesterday as a day of rest instead of today. My company Christmas party was Friday night and I overindulged a little. Not a lot...but needed some extra Zs on Saturday. :-) So, this morning was 3 miles before getting ready for church.
Training for the week looks like this:
Monday - two miles
Tuesday - run 10 minutes/walk 5 minutes/run 10 minutes
Wednesday - one mile
hursday - walk 30 minutes
Friday - run 1.5 miles
Saturday - run 4 miles
As I can, I mix in some weights and ab work...I know I need to round out the running, but time is sometimes hard to come by. To be successful, I will need to carve out more time for me and this training! I'm blessed with a family that understands, supports, and encourages. :-)
That's all I have for now, folks! More to come later in the week!
Have a GREAT Sunday!
Angie
What's cool is that my friend Helen signed me up at the kick off event Friday. (Thanks, Darlin'!) Her husband decided to run too. Two friends of hers from high school are running, my friend Jerrie from Gentex is running, Drew might run, some gals from my Wednesday Weight Watchers group are running, Staci from my WW message board is training and I'm trying to convince her to come run with me....there is going to be a PARTY at the RBR this year! WOO HOO! Just me and 17,999 other people! :-)
Last week at Weight Watchers, I finally weighed in as a free lifetime member again. It's been since August that I've been free! So, running must help out in the weight control department! Who knew? :-)
I've been keeping up with the training this week, taking yesterday as a day of rest instead of today. My company Christmas party was Friday night and I overindulged a little. Not a lot...but needed some extra Zs on Saturday. :-) So, this morning was 3 miles before getting ready for church.
Training for the week looks like this:
Monday - two miles
Tuesday - run 10 minutes/walk 5 minutes/run 10 minutes
Wednesday - one mile
hursday - walk 30 minutes
Friday - run 1.5 miles
Saturday - run 4 miles
As I can, I mix in some weights and ab work...I know I need to round out the running, but time is sometimes hard to come by. To be successful, I will need to carve out more time for me and this training! I'm blessed with a family that understands, supports, and encourages. :-)
That's all I have for now, folks! More to come later in the week!
Have a GREAT Sunday!
Angie
Sunday, January 3, 2010
2010, baby! It's here!
Wow... January 3, already! Where did those 3 days go? It's crazy to me how fast time flies...but I guess that means I MUST be having fun, right?
Actually, I've managed to get a nasty head cold, and it's throwing me off a bit. Yesterday was a day of rest and today I had planned to run my 3 miles from yesterday, but I still just have nothing to give! I may see if I have a little more later tonight...it's possible after I rest a little bit.
I'm getting to a point where I need to be making things happen, whether I feel good or not, whether I feel like it or not, whether I think I'm ready or not. I've been psyching myself out. I told Drew that maybe I should run a half marathon in Cleveland in mid-May (my in-laws live there). That's 13.1 miles, I'd have an extra week to train, and I wouldn't HAVE to run a particular speed to complete it. BUT, I would lose my local cheering section and I would have done less than what I said I would.
SO, with that being said, I am still training for the River Bank Run 25K!
Next question - do I join a local running club to assist with training? I'm NOT a cold weather girl and the thought of running in low digits in the Michigan winters - well, that doesn't thrill me. If I join a group, do I join the Gazoom group thru Gazelle for a $100 training fee? (local group) or do I join the Grand Rapids Running Club - drive a little farther, but have a minimal expense to join up with them? ARGH! I'm not sure what to do in that regard and it's getting to crunch time. Last option - train on my own - outside and on the treadmill - with Drew's input and encouragement. Save money, but possibly learn to dislike my husband.
:-)
Any input or feedback you can provide would be appreciated!
Hope your 2010 is off to a great start! :-)
Angie
Actually, I've managed to get a nasty head cold, and it's throwing me off a bit. Yesterday was a day of rest and today I had planned to run my 3 miles from yesterday, but I still just have nothing to give! I may see if I have a little more later tonight...it's possible after I rest a little bit.
I'm getting to a point where I need to be making things happen, whether I feel good or not, whether I feel like it or not, whether I think I'm ready or not. I've been psyching myself out. I told Drew that maybe I should run a half marathon in Cleveland in mid-May (my in-laws live there). That's 13.1 miles, I'd have an extra week to train, and I wouldn't HAVE to run a particular speed to complete it. BUT, I would lose my local cheering section and I would have done less than what I said I would.
SO, with that being said, I am still training for the River Bank Run 25K!
Next question - do I join a local running club to assist with training? I'm NOT a cold weather girl and the thought of running in low digits in the Michigan winters - well, that doesn't thrill me. If I join a group, do I join the Gazoom group thru Gazelle for a $100 training fee? (local group) or do I join the Grand Rapids Running Club - drive a little farther, but have a minimal expense to join up with them? ARGH! I'm not sure what to do in that regard and it's getting to crunch time. Last option - train on my own - outside and on the treadmill - with Drew's input and encouragement. Save money, but possibly learn to dislike my husband.
:-)
Any input or feedback you can provide would be appreciated!
Hope your 2010 is off to a great start! :-)
Angie
Monday, December 28, 2009
Too much analysis....
Hey, peeps!
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a joyous New Year! :-) I know I did and I am! :-) 2010 will be a year of amazing moments, I'm pretty sure!
So, the title for this entry is part of a quote I read on Facebook last night - and I think I need to adopt it as a mantra. The quote reads: "Too much analysis leads to paralysis." That is SO me! I love to read books on health and fitness, magazines on the same, blogs, and message boards... and often times all that data gathering leads to NO action for me! I'm working toward reading less, DOING MORE! Action will lead to results. Granted, a person can learn and grow with new information. I don't intend to grow stagnant in that department. I just intend to put my body into motion more often and trust that I already have all the information I need to do that! :-)
With that being said, I have been in motion this week. I did 1.5 miles on Friday, 3.5 miles on Saturday, day off yesterday and 2 miles today. I'm still needing to take walk breaks once in a while...and today I was REALLY sweating, but it felt great to be moving! :-)
Not sure what the rest of the week has in store. I need to consult my training schedule. I'll post that when I check it out!
I work 2 1/2 days this week then have another long weekend. Looking forward to the extra time to work on my training, as well as spend time with the family. I also like to use the New Year as a time for reflection and goal setting. I plan to work on that as well!
What sort of plans do you have for the New Year? Do they include health and fitness goals?
Later, all! Thanks for checking in!
Happy New Year!
Angie
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a joyous New Year! :-) I know I did and I am! :-) 2010 will be a year of amazing moments, I'm pretty sure!
So, the title for this entry is part of a quote I read on Facebook last night - and I think I need to adopt it as a mantra. The quote reads: "Too much analysis leads to paralysis." That is SO me! I love to read books on health and fitness, magazines on the same, blogs, and message boards... and often times all that data gathering leads to NO action for me! I'm working toward reading less, DOING MORE! Action will lead to results. Granted, a person can learn and grow with new information. I don't intend to grow stagnant in that department. I just intend to put my body into motion more often and trust that I already have all the information I need to do that! :-)
With that being said, I have been in motion this week. I did 1.5 miles on Friday, 3.5 miles on Saturday, day off yesterday and 2 miles today. I'm still needing to take walk breaks once in a while...and today I was REALLY sweating, but it felt great to be moving! :-)
Not sure what the rest of the week has in store. I need to consult my training schedule. I'll post that when I check it out!
I work 2 1/2 days this week then have another long weekend. Looking forward to the extra time to work on my training, as well as spend time with the family. I also like to use the New Year as a time for reflection and goal setting. I plan to work on that as well!
What sort of plans do you have for the New Year? Do they include health and fitness goals?
Later, all! Thanks for checking in!
Happy New Year!
Angie
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday moment....
Hey, all!
I've still been nursing that injured foot, so there hasn't been a lot to update. I have done some Turbo Jam workouts, as well as walking on the treadmill and running once. The running was okay until near the end...then the foot was screaming. So, I went back to the lower impact stuff. I'm still keeping on, but I am falling behind on my training.
Drew, bless his heart, says my mental attitude is the largest hurdle for me to overcome. I can freak myself out at the drop of a hat... one minute I know I can TOTALLY run this thing... the next, I am wondering what was I thinking when I said I could do this? I think back to that commercial when I was a kid that says "the mind is a terrible thing to waste". Remember that one? Well, I think I might be wasting mine on some negativity, so I'm working on positive affirmations.
I am a runner.
I love running now.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I am doing this!
I see myself running across the finish line with a smile on my face at the RBR. (River Bank Run)
You get the idea. Keeping the positivity flowing! :-)
Now, I went to Weight Watchers to weigh in...and I'm still 2.8 pounds over my lifetime goal. Not a huge deal, but if I lost .8, I would be free to attend meetings again. If I lost 2.8, I'd be back to goal. I'm working on losing it, but do you know how challenging that is over the holidays? Little chocolate treats are tempting me right and left. I'm limiting, but not eliminating, my intake. I am back to tracking my points - and my gal pal Jerrie is holding me to account by getting my completed tracker on Wednesday at the weigh in. (Thank you, Jerrie!)
All that being said, this is just a part of my life - it's not consuming all of it! I am fully prepared to enjoy the season, celebrate the birth of my Saviour, and spend time with family and friends without obsessing about my weight and training. It's important to me, but it's not the MOST important thing to me. Faith, family, friends and loved ones, making memories, and capturing the moments are the things that warm my heart!
Wishing you and yours a happy Christmas week!
Big hugs!
Angie
I've still been nursing that injured foot, so there hasn't been a lot to update. I have done some Turbo Jam workouts, as well as walking on the treadmill and running once. The running was okay until near the end...then the foot was screaming. So, I went back to the lower impact stuff. I'm still keeping on, but I am falling behind on my training.
Drew, bless his heart, says my mental attitude is the largest hurdle for me to overcome. I can freak myself out at the drop of a hat... one minute I know I can TOTALLY run this thing... the next, I am wondering what was I thinking when I said I could do this? I think back to that commercial when I was a kid that says "the mind is a terrible thing to waste". Remember that one? Well, I think I might be wasting mine on some negativity, so I'm working on positive affirmations.
I am a runner.
I love running now.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I am doing this!
I see myself running across the finish line with a smile on my face at the RBR. (River Bank Run)
You get the idea. Keeping the positivity flowing! :-)
Now, I went to Weight Watchers to weigh in...and I'm still 2.8 pounds over my lifetime goal. Not a huge deal, but if I lost .8, I would be free to attend meetings again. If I lost 2.8, I'd be back to goal. I'm working on losing it, but do you know how challenging that is over the holidays? Little chocolate treats are tempting me right and left. I'm limiting, but not eliminating, my intake. I am back to tracking my points - and my gal pal Jerrie is holding me to account by getting my completed tracker on Wednesday at the weigh in. (Thank you, Jerrie!)
All that being said, this is just a part of my life - it's not consuming all of it! I am fully prepared to enjoy the season, celebrate the birth of my Saviour, and spend time with family and friends without obsessing about my weight and training. It's important to me, but it's not the MOST important thing to me. Faith, family, friends and loved ones, making memories, and capturing the moments are the things that warm my heart!
Wishing you and yours a happy Christmas week!
Big hugs!
Angie
Friday, December 11, 2009
Obstacle One in my RBR road
Hey, peeps!
I've been having a bit of a downer week and didn't want to share that blah...so waited to post until today. The weather, having one of two cars in for repairs multiple days, Christmas cards, shopping, work, getting ready to travel to Ohio this weekend...lots of things have been working on my sense of "overwhelm". I'm blessed with an amazing husband who steps in and helps out like you wouldn't imagine. Thank you, God, for loving husbands! :-)
But, back to my title line. I mentioned an obstacle...and yes, I have a small one! It seems yesterday I decided that I didn't have enough on my plate...and that missing several stairs on my way down them would add to my fun! Woo hoo! Nothing like wearing heels, missing a step, and doing some funky dance on my way downward to make my day complete - before 7am! :-) Yesterday, I iced and stayed off of it as much as possible at work. I took some Ibuprofen and called it good. Today, I am still not moving well, but I am moving better.
So, some adjustments are necessary! Today was going to be my 2 mile run, as we're heading to Cleveland to celebrate Christmas with Drew's Dad and stepmom. (not a lot of time there - and no good place to run by myself) Then tomorrow and Sunday I was going to take a DVD to do there. Well, the two mile is not happening today...and may not happen until next week. I'm going to take my DVDs along, in case I can put more weight on this foot. I'm still in it, but going to take a chill this weekend to get my foot healed so I can hit it Monday!
I'm sure this is the first of several things I will need to contend with during my training! I'm ready for it! That which does not kill us makes us stronger, right? :-)
Have a great weekend! Stay safe and sane! :-)
Angie
I've been having a bit of a downer week and didn't want to share that blah...so waited to post until today. The weather, having one of two cars in for repairs multiple days, Christmas cards, shopping, work, getting ready to travel to Ohio this weekend...lots of things have been working on my sense of "overwhelm". I'm blessed with an amazing husband who steps in and helps out like you wouldn't imagine. Thank you, God, for loving husbands! :-)
But, back to my title line. I mentioned an obstacle...and yes, I have a small one! It seems yesterday I decided that I didn't have enough on my plate...and that missing several stairs on my way down them would add to my fun! Woo hoo! Nothing like wearing heels, missing a step, and doing some funky dance on my way downward to make my day complete - before 7am! :-) Yesterday, I iced and stayed off of it as much as possible at work. I took some Ibuprofen and called it good. Today, I am still not moving well, but I am moving better.
So, some adjustments are necessary! Today was going to be my 2 mile run, as we're heading to Cleveland to celebrate Christmas with Drew's Dad and stepmom. (not a lot of time there - and no good place to run by myself) Then tomorrow and Sunday I was going to take a DVD to do there. Well, the two mile is not happening today...and may not happen until next week. I'm going to take my DVDs along, in case I can put more weight on this foot. I'm still in it, but going to take a chill this weekend to get my foot healed so I can hit it Monday!
I'm sure this is the first of several things I will need to contend with during my training! I'm ready for it! That which does not kill us makes us stronger, right? :-)
Have a great weekend! Stay safe and sane! :-)
Angie
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Super Sunday!
Hey, peeps!
I'm still here, still training, and promising to be better at posting about it for you. I'm thinking my new mantra is Weekends and Wednesdays...I'll be on here twice a week, once on Saturday or Sunday, and then Wednesday before midnight! :-) That will give you some idea of when to check things out....and hold me more accountable to my training! Sound like a plan? I thought so!
Last week, my schedule was as follows:
Monday - 20 min run (missed it...rough Monday)
Tuesday - 1 min run/1 min walk for 18 minutes
Wednesday - 1 mile run or walk (I did a run)
Thursday - 20 minute walk (missed it!)
Friday - 1 mile run easy
Saturday - 2 mile run
Sunday - 1 mile run easy
I didn't make each and every workout, but I am please with what I did. When I weighed in at Weight Watchers, I was down 1.4 pounds - and that was a loss over Thanksgiving week! I was alright with that! I still have another pound to go before I'm back in my Lifetime range..and I plan to see that this week. My weigh in is Wednesday, so I'll let you know how that goes.
I'm trying to focus on the healthy habits I need to be successful, rather than get wigged out about the number on the scale. I know I still get winded doing a one mile run...but I'm not as winded as I was on the first day! I'm seeing improvement!
This week's schedule is similar to last week:
Monday - 20 minute run
Tuesday - 1 min run/1 min walk for 20 minutes
Wednesday - 1 mile run or walk
Thursday - 20 minute walk
Friday - 1 mile run easy
Saturday - 2 mile run
Sunday - 1 mile run easy
Looks pretty easy when I see it on paper, but when I'm on my treadmill at a 1.5 incline, it makes me sweat! :-) Currently, I'm running about 12 minute miles, allowing my body time to adjust and build consistency. From what I've read, I don't want to increase speed or mileage too quickly or I can cause injury. I'm learning to push myself, but I know the lessons will get bigger as the distance gets longer!
I'm ready for it...
Take care and have a great week!
Angie
I'm still here, still training, and promising to be better at posting about it for you. I'm thinking my new mantra is Weekends and Wednesdays...I'll be on here twice a week, once on Saturday or Sunday, and then Wednesday before midnight! :-) That will give you some idea of when to check things out....and hold me more accountable to my training! Sound like a plan? I thought so!
Last week, my schedule was as follows:
Monday - 20 min run (missed it...rough Monday)
Tuesday - 1 min run/1 min walk for 18 minutes
Wednesday - 1 mile run or walk (I did a run)
Thursday - 20 minute walk (missed it!)
Friday - 1 mile run easy
Saturday - 2 mile run
Sunday - 1 mile run easy
I didn't make each and every workout, but I am please with what I did. When I weighed in at Weight Watchers, I was down 1.4 pounds - and that was a loss over Thanksgiving week! I was alright with that! I still have another pound to go before I'm back in my Lifetime range..and I plan to see that this week. My weigh in is Wednesday, so I'll let you know how that goes.
I'm trying to focus on the healthy habits I need to be successful, rather than get wigged out about the number on the scale. I know I still get winded doing a one mile run...but I'm not as winded as I was on the first day! I'm seeing improvement!
This week's schedule is similar to last week:
Monday - 20 minute run
Tuesday - 1 min run/1 min walk for 20 minutes
Wednesday - 1 mile run or walk
Thursday - 20 minute walk
Friday - 1 mile run easy
Saturday - 2 mile run
Sunday - 1 mile run easy
Looks pretty easy when I see it on paper, but when I'm on my treadmill at a 1.5 incline, it makes me sweat! :-) Currently, I'm running about 12 minute miles, allowing my body time to adjust and build consistency. From what I've read, I don't want to increase speed or mileage too quickly or I can cause injury. I'm learning to push myself, but I know the lessons will get bigger as the distance gets longer!
I'm ready for it...
Take care and have a great week!
Angie
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