Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Rising to the Challenge

I have never been a runner. Growing up, I was always told that I could not run due to my breathing problems. I always believed it, partly because I couldn't breathe when I ran. Had I only known. Part of the problem was dairy. In the last three years, I've learned that I am very sensitive to dairy. I've learned that dairy is mucus producing, and helped close up my airways. I've posted before about how about a year ago I was tricked into running a mile for the first time in my life. Now, I regularly run 3 to 5 miles at a time and am training for my first half marathon. I'm still really slow, though, or so I thought. My fastest mile time was just over 10 minutes

This week at my fitness class, the trainer issued a mile challenge. Every class begins with a timed mile run.  Monday, I was not feeling well and could not complete the mile challenge. My husband and 14yo ds did, though. DH did great at just under 9 minutes. DS did ok, but did not run the whole way. When he runs, he is fast, but he hasn't quite grasped the idea of pacing yet. He ran about the first half mile, then walked a lot, then ran a bit at the end. He still came in under 10 minutes. Yesterday (Tuesday), I was feeling better and set my goal to come in under 10 minutes. DS did not want to run again. I pushed harder than I ever imagined, and finished in 9:05. I was in shock. It took me a couple hours to catch my breath after that, but I was still really excited. In fact, I had to tutor math after that and started to lose my voice. I decided to try a teaspoon of honey to see if that would help. It did. I took the honey, and then a glass of water and instantly felt better.

Today, was a very different story. Today, I threw down a challenge to the 14yo to see if he would rise to the challenge and beat me. I knew very well that he was capable of it. He does not suffer from my breathing afflictions. I also set a goal to come in under 9 minutes. I started out a little slower than yesterday, because that's when I tend to have the most trouble breathing. Once I start having trouble, it's hard to get my breath back. It turned out to be a great strategy. I did rise to the challenge and finished in 8:43. The teenager also rose to the challenge. He ran the whole mile and came in well ahead of me. He was greatly rewarded for his efforts too. I also have to say, that today I felt so much better than yesterday too. I did not have any trouble catching my breath when I was finished. I'm even thinking that tomorrow I can give a bit more and get under 8:30.


Friday, January 4, 2013

An Important Reminder

I love the fact that we have a Christian radio station to listen to in the car. That really is the only time we listen to the radio. I love that I don't have to worry about the lyrics or what the DJ might say, or even the commercials. However, even more than that, is hearing God's voice when you least expect it at times. It might be a song, or one of their little inspirational snippets. This morning, it was a song.

This particular song got me to thinking about my goals and resolutions for the year. I think God was trying to remind me what is truly important.

"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" Mark 8:36

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33


Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Reflections and Resolutions

As I look at my life today, compared to where I was 3 years ago, I almost can't remember who I was then. I have come such a long way, and can't begin to describe how good I feel. This is the person God intended for me to be. I know I still have a long way to go. I will continue to trust God to lead my path.

What were my goals for 2012? I had two main goals. The first was to revamp our budget following the Dave Ramsey Plan. The second was to run a 5k (actually one per quarter). We made some progress with the financial goals, but ran into some challenges in that arena around September. As for the 5k, that was easy. I only did two actual 5k races, but I also did three 5k obstacle races. That was not something I ever dreamed that I would do. I had this phobia of dirt and mud. Not to mention how physically challenging it is. Not anymore. I did the first one in March. I had to overcome a ton of fears to do that. It helped that my family, and especially my husband, was there supporting me and cheering me on. The better part was that it inspired them. In October, when it was time for the second race, my husband and 14yo son ran with me. Then, in November, we did a different one that actually had a kids' race that my 10yo could run. Well, he mostly walked it because he was getting over being sick, but he still had fun. Overall, 2012 was a good year.

That brings me to today. The first of January, 2013. As I look ahead, I am excited for what this year holds. We have a couple things planned already. My husband and I have discussed our financial goals. I have one absolutely crazy thought in the back of my head that I am going to work on making a reality.

I think by far the biggest event this year will be my oldest starting high school. I'm not sure if I'm more or less stressed about homeschooling high school than I would be if he were in school. I think it would be stressful either way. He will also be eligible to take his permit test in September and start driving. EEEEK!! Maybe a job for him would be a good goal to throw in there too.

For my 10yo, the goal is to get his digestive issues under control. Some days it seems like we're making progress, and then others not so much. At this point, I am not worried one bit about his schooling. He is so far ahead in everything that whatever he does is fantastic. Yesterday, I order the GAPS Diet book to see if that will help.

On the fitness front this year, we are thinking beyond crazy. I am still attending my fitness classes, usually five days a week. In March or April, my husband started as well. He generally only gets 3 or 4 classes at the most due to work, but it is amazing the difference it has made in him. I'm sure you can guess my crazy goal after easily completing the 5k's last year. I am already registered for my first half marathon in March. I'm thinking a full in the fall. My husband has no desire to run 13 or 26 miles. That is far too boring for him. He loved doing the mud/obstacle races, though. His plan is for the Tough Mudder this spring. That is a crazy 11 or 12 mile obstacle race. Since I can't let him have all the fun, I will be doing that with him. That one is so insane that you have to be 18 to participate, so no kids for that. My goal is to get farther than the first rung on the monkey bars. DH has installed a chin up/pull up bar in the garage to aid in reaching that goal.

On the financial front, I think where we went wrong last year is that we didn't have a concrete goal. We broke down and attended Financial Peace University in September. This year we've set our concrete goal to finish baby step 3 by December 31. Now we just have to figure out how to make that happen. This will be like another obstacle race. We have to make it happen along with needing a new washer/dryer, a roof on the house, a fence for the back yard, and pay for all our races. We probably also need to think about a second car. Then, there's that other crazy idea in the back of my head. I'm going to leave you in suspense on that one for now. Oh, there's also talk about a trip to go visit family this summer. Why can't this be simple like the fitness goals? Maybe the side goal of chickens could help with this a bit. I did recently find out that I get to review homeschool curriculum again, so hopefully that can at least help in the spending department.