What an Experience!: My First Half Marathon, Foot Injury and Insights that Tagged Along After That

July 4, 2011. I will remember this day forever. Not only for it's obvious meaning, but also because it was my first half marathon race. I don't think I knew what I was getting into, or how hard it was going to be. Part of me is thankful that I didn't know. I would not have done it otherwise! The first half of the race was up hill, and the second half , is what I would like to call: the rolling hills portion. I don't remember a lot of flat land, and all I knew was that I was climbing a mountain. Thankfully I had a running partner, in my friend Kelli:

 She is 5 months pregnant (!!!!) but had run a marathon a month before and trained like a crazy girl for months. She is still in crazy good shape! 

Check me out... I'm totally trying to catch my breath... all I could think was: "My legs are on fire!!!"

Us smiling! Shortly after taking this photo, I parked my tired butt on the grass and had me some bagels and cream cheese. I could barely stretch, my legs hurt so badly.

Keep in mind... during all my training, I didn't once train on hills. NOT ONCE! The longest I had run was 9 miles. So finishing this race meant that I ran 4 miles longer than I had ever, ever run, and meant that I had just conqured the hills that my muscles were not yet accustomed to conquiering! I'm crazy and my body is paying for it.

On to the bad news: I hurt my foot :( I didn't realize it was hurt until I had gotten home, taken a nap and made dinner. Later that night, I felt it. And it didn't feel good. At first I thought it was normal post race pain, but by the next morning, my muscle pain was over rided by my aching foot. I've been limping for a week and along with that limp came the blahs and the "poor mes." (I know that's not a word but it sounded appropriate!)

Just 2 days after my race, I decided to hop on a bike and continue to get my exercise that way (and through swimming), all with the hope that I'd be running in a week. Now, one week after injuring myself, I am able to walk with out an obvious limp, but the idea of running soon is sort of chucked out the window. I don't want to injure myself more before my second race in Sept.

It's still difficult for me to accept that I am not going to be able to run for a while or do any type of exercise that requires a lot of jumping and pressure on my foot. Yesterday felt like a really bad day to me. I felt defeated and unhappy with the change in my life. Going from being a very active person  (teaching my step class, running, taking zumba, swimming) to a limping, slow poke was and is VERY hard.

I haven't told many people about my injury. I don't want the pity. I want to forget about this and continue to move forward. I did some Jesus searching yesterday and finally realized the obvious: this happened for a reason. And now I have a little insight as to why. This has brought me back to a place of desperation. I have been moping around feeling sorry for a myself for a week. I forgot that running and exercise is important, but it isn't everything. So I thought, "What should be number one in my life?"-- Money? Health? My family? My races? No... how quickly I forget.

Jesus needs to be my everything. No matter what happens in life. Whether I am able to run for miles or have just one good leg to stand on. Whether I am skinny, or have a little extra "love" around my handles. Whether in plenty or in want. I forgot that and I haven't been living my life the way a child of God should be living. I decided to push the re-start button and put JESUS first (where He rightfully belongs). I know that in doing so, I will live a life of balance, happiness and freedom. I know that I will find my selfworth in that, and not in how fast I can swim 600 yards, or how well I can shake my booty in zumba :) Don't get me wrong, I will be back to running and dancing when the good Lord heals me and I will continue to push myself and live this life to the fullest! Just with HIM leading the way!

So instead of my crazy busy workout schedule, I will just be swimming and biking. Which will be good enough for now!

God first. Family. And everything thing else will fall into place!

I read Ephesians 1: 12-20 this morning and this verse stuck out to me!

Ephesians 1:19 "For I know that as you pray for me and as the spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will all turn out for my deliverance." (New Living Translation)

Hallelujah for that awsome promise!

Dandelions are weeds... NOT flowers, dummy!

Boy do I feel silly. Sillier than usual. Dumb even! I was at the Garden store today looking for plants. Ofcourse I had to ask one of the workers for help because I don't know much about anything that grows out of the ground! I tried to explain to the lady that I already had a few flowers planted, then snapped my fingers in the air over and over trying to figure out the names of those said flowers. "What were those again? Hmm... I don't remember. Oh! I think they're Dandelions maybe?" The lady smiled, but didn't say anything. Now, an hour later, at home, it has just sunk in... DOY! I didn't mean Dandelions, because (DOH!) Dandelions are WEEDS.

I meant Pansies.

How did I get those two mixed up? Anyway, I feel a little bit dumb. But what can you do. The lady was very helpful and didn't point out my obvious mistake. Now she will really know how very new I am at this gardening thing! I did however end up picking a fantastic mix of flowers and accent plants, so I am pretty happy about that.

I think it may take me nearly a lifetime to really know what I am doing out there. But it is very fun learning and figuring it out. All I know is that it is going to take me a very long time watering everything! :)

Loving this weather and thankful for the life I get to live.

Here is a verse I have read many times in my life, and have come back to just recently:

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet  Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He be more surely care for you?..." Luke 12:27-28

I hope you enjoy my random ramblings. But if you take away one thing from this post, take away this: God is good, no matter what. He is takes care of the beautiful flowers that are blooming all around us. And he is taking care of us. There are times I feel so very overwhelmed with life... but then I realize how FANTASTIC I have it! Life is good. 

 <3 Pam

Reshaping It All

If you haven't read Candace Cameron Bure's book "Reshaping It All," I suggest you do so. I read it a few months ago, and was inspired to start living a healthier lifestyle. It wasn't just for the weight loss aspect, but for over all health and happiness for myself as well as my family. Since reading the book, I have lost about 6lbs, which isn't a TON, but it is SOMETHING :) Every little bit helps right? I still have about 10 lbs til I reach my goal/lifetime weight. I want to take it slow because I know that this is a lifestyle change, and not a race. I have to remember that once I reach my goal, I have to maintain my goal... which can be harder because there is no longer a "goal number" to reach!

My commitment for the next few weeks is to re-read Candace's book and blog about my journey to healthful living, physically and spiritually! I have definitly fallen off the wagon and have been maintaining at best. My goal here is:
1) to lose the last 10 lbs
2) read my Bible more
3) cook healthier meals and make healthy snacks readily available for my hubby and two precious boys.

I know there will be set backs, I know there will be failure here and there. But remember, this is a journey! I need to remember to take it one day at a time and make one choice at a time. Crash diets are so inticing sometimes, but there are no lessons learned in a crash diet. No life style changes. That can't be the route I take.

Check out Reshaping It All online or order the book from Amazon! I did, and have not regreted it! I will start re-reading the book tonight and get to blogging. There is a lot of wondrful insight and knowledge to be gained! :) Let's get started!

Pam

Swim. Bake. Belt it.

10 minutes and 50 seconds (roughly)...That's my 600 yard swim time (24 lengths or 12 laps)! I am really not sure if I can get any faster by the time the race comes, although I hope I can. I wont push too hard though. I may have to do the entire race on my own now because neither of my relay pals will be able to make it. I can either get another team together, or I can suck it up and do it all myself. The only thing holding me back is the bike portion. I don't have a bike and don't want to invest tons of money into one.

I am also thinking, when in the heck will I have the time to train for the bike portion? Riding 13 miles really isn't a big deal, but I don't just want to do it, I want to do it well, and fast! On top of training for this tri, I am also training for my first ever half marathon, taking guitar lessons, teaching at the gym, studying for my aerobic instructor exam, homeschoolingJake for pre-school and taking care of my family. ACK!

I guess I have some things to think about.

In the meantime, I am going to listen to Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" album, which I have been OBSESSED with as of late. Listen to "Long Live." I want to cry everytime I hear it. My other favorites on the album: Mean, Sparks Fly, Speak now.

Off to bake some fresh apple bread while belting it out to Taylor Swift tunes.

Pam

 mom.wife.baking queen.closet pop star wanna be. dreamer.

Rain, rain, don't go away!

This afternoon, I decided to take the boys out to the backyard where I could run around my little yard of rocks, and grass and keep and eye on the kids at the same time. I got a decent "run" in and then over my music, I heard thunder. The skies were gray, and the air, chilly. Before we knew it, rain started pouring from the sky, and the world looked different.

Something magical happens when it rains and a delicious smell begins to swirl around in the air. Growing up in a very wet and humid climate, I really start to miss the moist air that we rarely get where we live now. Rain makes me feel at home. All of a sudden, the pizza baking in the oven smells even better. My socks feel cozier. And being at home just feels so... happy.

Rain, rain, DON'T go away.

I want to buy some rain boots and splash in the puddles now. I think that will be next on my "to do" list.

I LOVE Aveda :)

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Pretty Pretty Flowers

My tulips are starting to come up, and I can't wait to get started on my vegetable garden, but that wont happen for a few more weeks. For the past month of so, I have had major "spring fever" and since I couldn't plant flowers outside, I decided to do so inside :)

Having tulips around makes me feel even more cheery... these came from my wonderful hubby:

I know that spring doesn't exactly scream "TIME TO BAKE!" but I have been baking more lately, than I have in the last few months.

Yummy zuchinni bread that my hubby eats for breakfast every morning.

Enjoy the fabulous warmer weather! I know we definitly are!

Pam

Febuary Fun

Here is a precious picture my 4 year old drew for me:

I know I am 2 months late, but I have finally downloaded pictures to my computer. I am just so lazy about things like that, especially since I am taking a break from facebook. Anyway, we had a pretty fun Valentines Day. I had the boys make valentines, cupcakes, and then making cute little goodie bags:

For every holiday, I like to fill canning hars with candy, and decorate it a little bit... here's what I did for Valentines:

Simple, but kinda cute.

Pam

HUNGRY for more!

No, it's not for food.

I just finished "The Hunger Games," and am left wanting more. I have now just purchased that second, and will definitly be reading the third. I didnt' think I would like this book at first for a number of reasons:

1. It's a triology and I'm not much of a trilogy type of girl.
2. It's a bit violent and I am super squeemish!
3. It's Sci-fi

That being said, you'd think that I'd drop the book and run. I am so glad I didnt! If you haven't read it yet, pick it up at your local Library or at Walmart (got mine two bucks cheaper than the cover price :) Gatta love Walmart.

Once the kiddos are down, I will be diving into Book number two and will probably have it finished in a day or two. Can't wait! Look this book up on Amazon and read up on it. Trust me, it is a fantastic read! Just had to share my book of the week! My Hubby will be reading the first book soon, and I know he will be hooked as well!
Update: Just finished book 2 nt even 48 hrs after this post... Ahh.. can't wait to get the third!

Here is Book number 2:

pictures taken from google.com

Things I have been LOVIN' lately...

• Guitar Lessons. I am currently taking lessons and am happy to say that I am getting pretty good at playing some of my favorite songs. I still need LOTS of practice though!
• Brooks. Loving my new Brooks running shoes! I purchased some Nike free runs a couple of weeks ago, but they don't support my feet very well. In other words, my feet were not very happy after a couple of my 30 min running sessions. I figured I should invest in shoes that will prevent injuires. Anyway, don't worry, the Nike frees will not go to waste. I have reserved them for gym use.
• Light, light, Everywhere! I get happy feelings now that it is still light out when I get home from teaching my step class at night!
• Extra Energy. No matter how blah or exhausted I feel, a workout usually helps me to fell better!
• Flashbacks. It is such a blast watching my almost 2 year old playing by himself. He takes his cars and makes awesome car sounds that only little boys know how to make. He also makes them have conversaions with eachother. Makes me think that I've witnessed before... wait, I have!!! Haha... it's 2 yr old Jake all over again! What a blessing!
• Training. This week is my second official week of training for my half marathon. My first week wasn't too bad, but I think this week, I came down with a tiny cold that has wiped out my energy. I was still able to workout and run, but it was definitly harder. One plus... it's almost Friday, which as I have mentioned before, is my lazy day :)
• Weight loss. I have lost 2 lbs this week, after a long, long, LONG, plateau. Still not at my goal, but to get to what I was before having my first baby will be a while! Now if I want to get back to what I was before my second, I only need to lose 7 lbs. I will settle for that for now :)
• Food! Okay, so I am supposed to be watching what I eat... but I guess what that has been meaning to me lately is: Me see food. Me watch food. Me smell food. Me eat food. That being said... here are some foods that have been on my rader lately: egg, sausage croissants, sour cream coffee cake and potatoe casserole!!! I know, healthy right??? Will post some tastey recipes soon!
• Flowers in Bloom. I have planted some Hyecynth flowers in a couple of pretty flower pots, and they have bloomed and smell delightful! This is yet another wonderful sign that Spring is on it's way! Riding on Spring's tale feathers are those dreaded allergies though, but maybe I shouldn't think about that just yet.

Things everyone should think about doing this week:

• Get your booty in gear and get movin! I promise exercise in any form will boost your energy and your mood!
• Bake something yummy! It will make your house smell delish and make your mouth and tummy happy too!
• Get together with some friends. Nothing better than getting out of the usual routine and have some grown up talk.
• Read from the word (The Bible). I have been guilty of not doing a lot of that lately, but now that I have written this, I will be accountable to do so! If anything just go to Psalms or Proverbs to get started, and just read ONE chapter.
• Pick up a friggin book! ha! Whenever I dig into one of Jodi Picoult's books, I usually will have devoured the 500+ page book in three days or less. Find an author you love and feed your brain :)

Anyway... once I download pictures from my camera, I will post some on here! I am pretty lazy about that.
Have a fantastic day!

                                                                                       Pam

"Me first!" And don't forget the "Gimme Gimmes"

Lately, I have been suffering from what Dave Ramsey likes to call "Stuffitis." Dave defines Stuffitis as: "the worship of stuff." Even though I have everything I could possibly need, I want MORE! I want. I want. I want. I see what other people have and then all of a sudden, I need it too.

I am trying very hard to change my outlook on life and get rid of this ridiculous desire to have things that I a) don't need and b) can't afford. Do I need that new Coach purse that is on super duper clearance sale but is still 150 bucks? No. Do I need another pair of jeans? No. Do I need to have my house look like all the dream houses that cover the pages of Better Homes and Gardens? No. But why I do I feel like I do?

I think the world tries to tell us that we need certain things to feel good. To feel accepted. To feel happy and I unfortunately buy into that myth over and over again. I really don't need much of anything. My loving husband reminded me today that all I need is what I have right now. I have everything I could ever need, or hope for. I have Jason. I have my precious boys. I have a wonderful family. I am saved by God's merciful grace. I need to find contentment here and now. Not someday. That day will never come. The more I have, the more I want.

Oh and don't get me wrong, I am all for the big dream house one day and having beautiful things... but what I am saying is that I need to realize that I can't try to live beyond my means. I am a 27 year old stay at home Mom... I don't have tons of money to blow on "stuff." I need to remember that!
So, all of this being said... I want to end this post with all the things that I am thankful for because I have so, so many. And I tend to forget so, so quickly.

Thank You Lord for...

• My salvation and the fact that God chose me to be His! Wow! That is amazing!
• Giving me such a loving and patient and wise husband
• Giving me two rambunctious, loving, crazy, healthy, perfect little boys
• Giving me two inspiring parents who have brought me up well. And my Grandparents who are too precious to even try to explain with mere words
• My two little sisters and brother inlaw who love me no matter what!
• A beautiful neice and another on the way!
• Good health (something we easily take for granted)
• A warm and cozy home in the winter and a cool, refreshing home in the summer.
• A comfortable bed to sleep in
• Warm showers!!!
• Food to eat and clean filtered water to drink
• A big backyard where my kids can play safely, and where we can plant a vegetable garden every summer.
• A car that gets me from place to place
• Giving me wonderful tried and true friends all over the world
• Giving me more than I could ever hope for

My list could go on and on. I know that I need to think on these things when I feel a void and want to fill it with stuff.

Tsunami

Today I woke up to a txt messege sent by my sister informing me that a tsunami was going to hit Hawaii at 3am (Hawaii time). Of course I panicked and called her right away (even though it was 4am there). I was so affraid that I wouldn't be able to get through to them. I am so thankful to know that there is now just a Tsunami advisory, and the coast is clear... for now.
There have been many weird weather changes going on lately. Has anyone else noticed this? Flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, storms. My heart aches for the people all over the world who are suffering because of it. It is very easy to disconnect myself from all the horrible things going on... until it hits close to home. On msn.com, I read about the devastation in Japan, and couldn't help but be moved and upset. I cried thinking, "That could have been my family." It is easy to tune these things out, but I encourage every one of you to keep these people in your prayers. It could so easy have been us.

Here is a picture of damage caused by the tsunami in Kona, Hawaii:

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