Evan Dollard a.k.a. "The Rocket!"

I'm tired of talking about me!
And if I'm tired of talking about me, I know you are tired of hearing/reading about me!  HA! :)

I've never done anything so 'self absorbed' before for any such length of time, honestly...
I'm starting to become annoyed with myself!  Do you ever feel that way?  Weird, I know.

But really, I'm not doing much exciting right now in the ways of progress.
I feel like I've taken 10 giant steps backward with this pregnancy (surprise) and miscarriage.

And to top it off, the kids are out of school now so I've lost my 2 hour window to run with one kid.
In a week were going home to Las Vegas to visit family and friends for 2 to 3 weeks... so I'll update when I can but I think both I and you (my lovely readers) can probably use a break!

In the meantime I'll be doing all the right things, as often as possible and coming back strong in July (Race Month!)

For now, I want to talk about an inspiration of mine, Evan Dollard.  A.K.A. "the Rocket!"
He's from our area here in IL. and my husband first met him at Lifetime Fitness (our gym) where he was teaching little kids how to rock climb.
Then, years ago we watched him on American Gladiators where he played with SO much heart and determination... he stood out from the crowd!
I'm not even a big fan of gladiator type stuff, but I am a big fan of Evan!

His mom had passed recent to American Gladiators and he no doubt played to win, for her!
It was amazing to witness!  I rarely reach out to people but I was moved and so sent him a friend request on Facebook and an email telling him how much I appreciated how he played and how he was such a pleasure to watch!  He is such a nice and down to earth guy, he took the time to write me back.

Recently I see him posting about this new show he's competing in, American Ninja Warrior.  I tuned in just to see Evan compete again, and low and behold... there he is with all the same fire, conviction and dedication if not more than I witnessed the first time around in Gladiators!

Not only did he qualify in the top 15 out of 30 people to go to Vegas, but he holds the #1 spot with a time of 3:03!!  I was on the edge of my bed watching 2 feet from the TV, it was so exciting!
We're very proud of him and hope he wins the whole thing!

Don't forget to tune in and cheer him on, NBC Monday at 9/8C     GO EVAN!!!

Here's a video of his performance so far:

http://www.nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior/video/evan-dollard/1402809

Baby Steps...

Today is the last day of school for my kids! 

I'm feeling lots better.  My ankle is still stiff but not too bad... and my bleeding is very light... so I'm happy about that.  The hormones are almost out of my system and I'm feeling a lot better!

Time to get back out there and hit the trails. 

So I decided to take baby steps to ease back into it.

Crawl before I walk.... or walk before I run... again.

So the kids and I walked to school today!

It's a little under 3 miles round trip!  The kids were troopers!

It was downright hot, but gorgeous out with a nice breeze.

We came home and made snow cones... they were nummy and hit the spot!

Run With Your Heart!

I saw this on (where else)... Pinterest!  It really resonated with me!

I know it means that when you get tired, physically (while running) to push through and run with your heart!  Which is great all on it's own!

But the way it resonates with me in this moment, is even though I can't physically run in this moment... I can still run with my heart!  And I do!  That's just it!

I dream, literally... I dream about running!

There's no doubt in my mind, if I should be so lucky to make it to an old woman status, like real old woman... not just the old that I feel now :)  I will no doubt dream of running!

Last night I dreamed about running the race.
And not only did I finish the race, I didn't even come in last!
My exact time when I crossed the finish line was 100 minutes and 59 seconds.

I laughed in my dream and said to them, 'Wow, why not make it an even 1 minute... 101'

I was happy with that!  It would equate to just a little over 10 minutes per mile.

Now the course, in my dream... was not at all the course in real life.
It was a mix of trails I've run around here and even some from High School.
There were High School friends there too in my dream... and at one point in the course I had to climb a tree... I highly doubt that will take place in real life.

But I'm curious to see if my time is correct... guess we'll see!

I just love that even when we can't do what we love, in the physical world... we can do what we love in the dream/spiritual world!

I know, kind of deep.  HA!  Sorry.  Just humor me here...
Because this dream couldn't have come at a better time as I really was feeling down yesterday about everything else.

It was almost as if God was whispering in my ear... "don't forget your dream!"

Dreams are what remind us we are alive, when we feel like we are not living.

So I'm not sure how, or if I'll even still be living here at the time of the race.
But for once in my life, I will finish something I start.
Even if it means flying in for it!
If I break a leg, dammit I will finish the race in my wheel chair!
I am just, so over letting stuff get in my way!

What I'm learning is that life is full of roadblocks.
Full of people telling you, you can't do things!
There are setbacks and often times, things will look impossible!
But no matter friggin what, if you REALLY, really want something... you will find a way to make it happen!

This Too Shall Pass...

This is my 6 week old Blighted Ovum (empty sack with egg yolk).   

I passed it last night.

A blessing in disguise really since I had no idea how I would manage with 4 children 6 years old and under!  Proof Positive, for me at least... that God really doesn't give us anything we can't handle!

The good Lord must have known that I can not handle it.  Not now at least, maybe not ever.

So this was the 'medical situation' that I mentioned earlier.  For those that are curious.  

I figured, I may as well write about it!?  

Why not... I mean it's just one more hurdle I'm jumping over, on my way to 15k!

I had no idea when I started this short journey how action packed it would be, did you!?  

Sheesh...

I can't wait to stop bleeding, heal up and hit the trails again!

It's a little sad.  I'm not completely heartless.  But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more relieved than sad.

What I do take from it though, is how grateful I am for the 3 healthy children I DO have!

I'm starting to really comprehend what a true miracle that is in itself!

Perfect Conditions Don't Exist

So the past week or so was rough.  There are many uncertainties in my life right now and more on my plate than I could ever process... but, that's life right!? 

There isn't really a whole lot I can do about any of it right now, since it's all a wait and see game at the moment, but what I can do... (now that I've had time to wrap my head around it all)  is to not let it keep me down!

If you wait for Perfect Conditions... you'll never get anything done!

So while I have no idea if I'll even be in town for my race in July or if I'll medically be able to continue with it... I do know that I can keep eating the right things and making an effort to keep healthy that way.  I do know that I can always walk, even if I can't run!  I don't have to give it ALL up just because of setbacks beyond my control.  And when my life settles back down,which it will have to do eventually right?!

Then it will be that much easier to progress and continue on.

Because afterall, this isn't a goal as much as a lifestyle change... so why should my lifestyle change with lifes changes?!

It shouldn't.

Another good find I found on Pinterest (about food) is which foods should be refrigerated and which should not.... interesting!

Enjoy the weekend and Big Ol' Happy Mother's Day to all you Mother's out there!



Curve Balls & Crossroads

I understand in life there are curve balls.
I understand in life there are crossroads.

Image credit:  ©2001, ays3@cornell.edu

What I don't understand, in my life at least... is why they both seem to always happen at the same time!?

I'm beginning to realize that maybe the reason I have had such an issue with 'finishing things' is because 'things' keep happening in my life that alter the outcome of my goals.  It's not as much that I can never set my mind to something and see it through, but that life keeps throwing me curve balls and crossroads in which my goals become dare I say, impossible?
I don't believe in the word impossible.  The very word itself says "I'm Possible."

So maybe what I mean, is they truly become back burner, less important in the whole big picture.
This goal... will be finished.  I will achieve it.

Only now due to a possible move across country and career change for my husband and some personal health concerns... it may not be this year.   :(
We'll see... a lot is yet to be seen...

I'm frustrated, to say the least.

I've spent a lot of time in deep thought and prayer.  And I'm realizing that maybe On My Way to 15k is not going to be done in just 18 weeks.  And maybe my transformation to a healthier happier me ... may take a bit more time then I had thought also.  I suppose that makes sense considering it took me nearly a decade to arrive where I'm at.

So if you're interested in sticking with me on this journey that will no doubt be longer than expected... you are welcome to come along!

My updates may be less frequent as my focus and energy will be shifting from running and eating right to packing, cleaning and selling my house possibly... while figuring out my personal health issues too.

Mind you, it's probably more important now to be eating right and exercising... so keeping this blog going will serve as my reminder of that too.

God is teaching me the definition of keeping the faith... letting go, letting God.
I am learning patience.
I am learning grace.
I am learning resilience.

And as frustrating as it is, we don't get to choose when we learn life's lessons.
Or when we arrive at crossroads.  We don't get to decide or prepare for curve balls.
All we can do is adapt, bend, learn, grow... and do the best we can with what comes our way!

A Shot In The Dark

"An arrow can be shot only by pulling it backward.

So when life is pulling you back with difficulties, 

it means that it's going to launch you into something great!"

The quote gives me hope!

And what better image comes to mind for it then the fierce and incredible Katniss! 

I feel like since I started this journey a little over 2 months ago... it's been one set back after another!

I've taken it all in stride, no puns intended... and one hurdle at a time... but I have to say, it's getting tiresome!

I wont give up!  I'm not a quitter.  

But I can't help but look up now and again and ask God "Reeeeally!?  I thought you weren't supposed to give me anything I can't handle?!  Tell'n you now Lord, I can't handle all this!"

There are so many personal things going on with me that I wont get into here... mostly because this is not the purpose of the blog or the place for it.  

You've known of my struggles as it pertains to my running endeavors but very few people know what is really going on in my life behind the scenes.  I suppose, none of us really know what's going on with others... even when we think we do.

So rather than recluse with it all which is what my instincts are telling me to do when there is more going on then I can process... I'm just going to put it out there that if you believe in the power of prayer, positive chi, meditation, mojo... whatever it is... if you wouldn't mind sending some on over to your runner girl here, I would greatly appreciate it!

I am down.

I am not out.

I may be scarce as my life is about to spin here pretty quickly... 

but I'm hanging on and hanging in there... and somehow, by the grace of God... 

This too, shall pass!

And like that arrow, may these difficulties that are pulling me back only launch me further into greatness!

Amen!

P.S.  I've got God on speed dial lately so if you'd like me to send up a prayer on your behalf as well, feel free to let me know!  ;)  Love!

Pinspiration

Today is a day of Pinspiration!!

Pinterest is my guilty pleasure!
If I could just get off of it long enough to apply my 'pins' to my life... ;)

Here are some of my favorite... Inspiring pins!

Happy Sunday... day of rest!  Ahhhhhhhh ;)

How fun are these shoes!?

I'm Down 20 Pounds Total Now!! :)

Yipppppeeeeee!! :)

I'm 20 pounds lighter... (30 to go!)

Let's take a quick look at the then and now... shall we?!

When I started my measurements were as such:

Measurements across the breasts 40"

around the waist 38"

below the belly button 41"

around the butt? LOL  44"

Around the upper, fatty part of the thigh...obviously I have no idea how I'm supposed to be measuring here it's  25"

around the upper fatty part of the arm 13"

Now they are as follows:

Across the breasts 39"

around the waist 35"

below the belly button 39 1/2 "

around the buttocks :) LOL 43"

around the thigh 24"

arm is still 13", looks like I need to work my arms out more, it's the only place I haven't lost at least an inch.

I feel like a new person!  I look and feel so different already!  It's really exciting!! :)

Overall I have much more energy and I'm much more happy!

I sleep better, handle stress better, think more clearly, my skin and hair look better... everything is improving!  I can hardly imagine how much better I'll feel when I lose the next 20!

Loving the juicing!  Since I increased the amount I haven't even had headaches or felt tired!  It's been great!!

Dirty Dozen, Clean 15

So yesterday, my 1st day of juicing was rough!  I had to throw in some cauliflower puree soup after dinner because I was still hungry.  I had a headache and no energy.  I was dragging butt all day long!
I guess if I'm going to do this I picked the right time to start while I'm down and out with a bum ankle anyhow!  The ankle is still sore by the way, but getting better every day! :)

I've read this to be typical when getting started on juicing and that it will get easier!
I'm not even juicing exclusively!  Just using it as a meal replacement for 2 meals a day!
So, for now on, If I get a headache or start to feel weak, I'm just going to make MORE juice.... forget twice a day... eat one healthy meal and juice whenever needed is my new philosophy!
It's all good stuff anyhow!
But FYI, my son turns 5 this month and I WILL be having a slice of his pineapple banana cake with cool whip/pudding frosting!  Yum!  And in the whole mix of things, he could have picked a much unhealthier cake option... so I am grateful, he did not! :)
OH and I have a Mom's Night Out coming up where a slice of pizza and a glass or two of beer will be consumed! ;)  I don't believe in depriving myself in special situations!  Puts such a damper on the overall mood of the people around you also!  I want to be happy and live it up, in moderation!
Besides, calories don't count when they're shared with friends, right!? ;)


Now that I'm getting into juicing... I've been researching recipes and looking for good combinations.
Upon my search I found this list of clean and dirty fruits and vegetables.

Have you heard of this, Dirty Dozen, Clean 15?

Very interesting!  I had never heard of this before!  Good to know!
I think I'm going to print it up to take to the grocery store with me,
so I know which produce I should be buying organic!

In my search, I also found a hot tip on how to clean your fruit and veggies!

Soak them in a clean, disinfected sink full of luke warm
(why luke anyway, why not Paul or Sam?  Just wonder'n?)
anyhow, luke warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar.
Soak for 10 minutes, rinse, dry and arrange in your fruit bowl or fridge.... voila!

And the weather, has been crap!  I'm hoping the sun decides to come out soon and stay out for a while.
This fluorescent happy light isn't cut'n it!  I need SUN! :)
Just say'n...  (don't you hate it when people say that!?)  :) HA!

Disclaimer:

Holy Hotdogs!?

Seriously, not to get all political here... but what is happening to our rights as American Citizen's?!
Freedom of Speech, the First Amendment right... like all the other rights we have are under attack.
I've really been trying (hard) to stop paying attention to it all because quite frankly, it puts me in a constant state of panic.

But upon opening my email this morning I find this article:

http://www.wnd.com/2012/04/blogger-threatened-with-jail-for-writing-on-health/

This guy is being sued by the state of North Carolina for keeping a public blog.
He's a diabetic who embraced the Paleo/Caveman diet and lost 45 pounds doing so...
and got off of all meds!
Good for him right?!  People are interested when you have something that works... so he decided to blog about his experience (much like I'm doing here, I might add)... only the state sued him for not being a licensed dietician and sharing information publicly.
Hmmmmm.....

I think anyone with common sense knows, when they read a blog... to take it with a grain of salt, right?!
This is one person's experience and/or opinions... no one thing is right for every person!

So, not that I'm famous here by any means... but seeing as this is a public blog... humor me, and allow me to make this disclaimer:

****I am not a licensed dietician, personal trainer, or otherwise... nor am I any kind of guru on anything running or otherwise!
This blog is merely the documentation of my journey to a healthier, happier me!
Nothing more, nothing less.
I wish to inspire others to live a happy, healthy life as well...
by whatever means they see fit!****

That is all.
Thank you very much! :)

Bwahahahaha.

So anyhow, now that we got that outta the way... Happy May Day! :)

Happy first day of juicing for me (and Jeff... he's on board too!)

Started the day with a watermellon, grapefruit, pineapple, carrot juice with a tbsp. of flax seed... Juice!
It was beautiful, delicious, nutritious-ness!  The kids even loved it!

Middle of the day... it was all about the greens!  Celery, broccoli, kale, a whole apple, more flax seed, Vega One Supplement and some Coconut Water.  Not bad!  Tasted very clean and refreshing... ice helped too.  Surprisingly, very filling... I could hardly drink it all!  Bottoms up....

Not gonna lie... I'm looking forward to dinner... Salmon with my homemade tzatziki sauce, steamed asparagus, tomato and mozzarella with basil and balsamic vinegar.  Mmmmm.... Bon appetito!