mommy's running journey

Run for Heaven's Gate

2011-11-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by my Canon Rebel on a trip to the Steens mountains
where a friend and I walked a 10k starting at almost 8000 ft in elevation and
ending at 9800 ft! We had a blast!!

Woohoo! {{Just keep running, just keep running, running, running}}
-inspired by Dory

On a health kick, running kick and LET'S LOSE SOME WEIGHT kick at the moment! Starting a regular running schedule today with Jenn. Excited to push my distance again as our goal is to participate in Run for Heaven's Gate next fall!

We will complete 4 half marathon's in a month, raising money to benefit orphans in India. I cannot tell you how EXCITED I am to participate!

If you are in the Boise, ID area and want to join the group, NOW is a great time to start thinking about committing to a running regimen to get into tip top 1/2 marathon shape.

Happy running friends!

Amy

2011-09-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

My brother and I.

We're keeping the fun in the run.

2011-02-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."

-Jacqueline Gareau

Running red

2011-02-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

February is now officially American Heart Month!

<---- This is a picture of me after my 4 mile run this morning! Exhausted and numb after running in sub 20 degree weather. *Heehee, my insulation aka FAT was frozen by the time I returned home!!

It was such a great run regardless. During my 45 minute jaunt, the sun rose on the Eastern horizon lighting up our hometown factory, Ore Ida's smoke stack's haze with gorgeous red, pink, coral and blue. It was breathtakingly beautiful!

You may see me out running quite often with my red hat and gloves. I actually Go Red purposefully! Although, I don't have heart disease, I am quite in tune to heart health and the importance of living a heart healthy life.

At 16 I was diagnosed with a heart murmur and was given an EKG and heart ultrasound.

It confirmed that I indeed have a murmur or flap in my heart that doesn't close properly creating a back flow of blood and insufficient blood flow to the rest of my body.

I have been fortunate enough, with the exception of varicose veins, to not have had many side effects throughout the years due to the murmur. I have gone through 6 pregnancies, 5 of which we're full term delivering via c-section with all of them, I am able to be fully active, keep up with my kids and live life fast paced.

I am not sure what the future holds, if my heart will always be able to keep up and what setbacks I may run into due to my heart working a bit harder than normal, but I don't sweat it. I eat healthy, keep active and stay upbeat. I don't let it hold me back. I definitely have not let myself become a victim. I live life out loud. No regrets. Go for it 100%, and leave the rest in the hands of the big guy upstairs.

Go Run Red today my friends!!

-Amy

Half marathon---VICTORY!

2010-10-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday October 2nd, we we're out racing our hearts out!

Check out our race pics HERE and type in Bib #149 to see mine or Bib #260 to see Jenn's!

After running in a couple of races, my last (Indian Creek Run 10k) of which I took a wrong turn that cost me the lead in my age group... Argh. We have finished yet another one. A Half marathon for me this time!!!!

Run For The Hills 5k and half marathon is a low to moderately difficult run on long country roads, alongside beautiful hillsides and awesome scenery. The course had a few hills that were big steep whoppers!

The half marathon experience is almost indescribable. I would encourage everyone, however big the aspiration, to choose a running goal, be disciplined and see it through to the end.
The past 10 months I've worked at training my body for running with all of my heart, body and mind as if I was doing it for the Lord. I had no other choice, it was much more than I could do otherwise. As I run, I praise the Lord, with my thoughts, words and with the music playing on my ipod. I find strength from my Creator as I gaze upon His marvelous creation around me, the fact that my body can even do what I'm pushing it to and remember ALL of His goodness towards me in getting me to the point in running that I am.
It's an amazing euphoric feeling mixed with quite a lot of relief to have finished the race... and still be alive! Ha! I was completely awestruck as the finish line came into view, I had really just ran 13.1 miles! My original goal was to run the half in under 2 hours but after seeing the course a couple of days before race day, I changed my goal to: simply finish running. The hills were massive and I had not ran enough miles in training to make me confident enough in myself to finish in under 2 hours.
So during the race, I didn't have any expectations. I kept telling myself to just listen to my body, do my best and keep running forward. I was completely exhausted by the end! Running through the physical pain, the mental battle of concentration and looking ahead to the finish line-before it is even in sight; this reminds me of our Christian walk. Running in that half marathon race has spurred me on in my Christian walk.
It's a smaller scale physical picture to be sure, but that story of endurance and preparedness can be likened to our spiritual walk here on earth. Physically, I prepared for this race in every way possible, from the socks and shoes on my feet, to the food and vitamins I ate the day before. There we're moments in the midst of the race where I felt as free as a bird as my feet propelled me forward, downhill-I was light hearted and relaxed. There we're times, exhausted and in pain I would look up to the Heavens for strength as the next uphill battle loomed in the distance. But in the end, with strength from above, I finished. I had nothing left to give, but all of me... Wow, amazing experience. Spiritually speaking, we need good food, God's Word to prepare us for this life we live on a day to day basis. If we wander around, unprepared and uninformed or ignorant, we won't finish well. We won't remain strong and will end coming up short of the goal.
It is said that having run a couple of 10-12 mile long runs is good before you attempt your first half... I didn't do what I was told. 9 miles was the furthest I had run at one time prior to the race but for me, it worked. I was completely sore and tuckered out for a couple of days after the 13.1 miles but by the third day I was as good as new! Running constantly for 10 months was enough to keep me from injuring myself during the race... though, by the end of the race, it's safe to say I was just numb, so I wouldn't have known otherwise, thankfully! {smile}
For me, I see how God is so good to use life experiences to grow us spiritually, and I look at everything as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Couple physical preparedness along with a healthy and growing spiritual walk and you have that much more of a chance of fully succeeding in the goals you set out to accomplish.

Here is my husband, Brandon and I after the race. He finished in 1:37:30 4th place in his gender and age group and I finished in1:57:17 3rd place in my gender and age group. We had a blast!! Jenn finished her 5k in 35:06 which is a definite improvement for her from her last one in May! Great job my friend. Mission accomplished!

We are planning to run a second half next May in Boise at the Great Idaho Potato Run once again. Come January, I'm putting on my training shoes once again and working hard to do my best.

Our friend David ran as well and was only minutes behind my husband.

My mom (left), just fresh out of the c25k program, ran the 5k as well at 34:19. Her first race!! Great job, Mom I'm SO proud of you!

Looking forward to the next race, but for now enjoying an occasional run and the fact that cooler weather is setting in. Perfect for this pair of running legs.

Happy Running my friends!

-Amy

Tips for Hill training

2010-09-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Running up and down hills doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but with positive determination and a little go-to-it-tiveness, it sure will make your running experience more fun over time!

It increases your endurance and strengthens your muscles, along with expanding your lungs... sounds pretty worthwhile to me.

{smile}

Happy running!

-Amy

10K ALL THE WAY, BABY!

2010-09-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Watch out Caldwell because two mama's are coming to kick the Indian Creek Run 10k's behind!

Tomorrow.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, it's only a day away....."

Here are some pre-race rituals. Give them a try!

Happy Running!

-Amy

The Marathon Secret: Why It's Not All About Endurance

2010-09-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the great article!

Does the sweltering summer heat have you singing the "blues"?

2010-08-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

I love my kids. I like being pregnant with my kids. I wouldn't necessarily recommend having 2 babies 12 months apart and I definitely dis-liked being 9 months pregnant in 100 degree weather in Texas, BUT I absolutely HATE the fact that those treasured, precious and beautiful moments all wrapped up in the fairy-tale story of becoming a mommy, brought about varicose veins.
I've had these painful, hot, swelling blue and red veins since my 2nd pregnancy and they have only gotten worse with each sequential baby. During pregnancy, they are unbearable, but thankfully as my body slowly returns to normal after b-day, my veins become more resilient and the swelling goes down. BUT when the summer heat hits it's peak, my legs feel the pressure-literally. During the summer months, our veins expand, sending much more blood close to the surface of our skin to help cool our bodies down. With varicose veins, this causes the ruptured veins to swell and make new spider/varicose veins which in turn creates more pain and poor circulation.
During cooler seasons, our veins constrict and narrow, going deeper into our body. They are much more able to pump blood efficiently and aren't near as swollen or painful.
With varicose veins, as runners, it is exceedingly harder to run efficiently in summer's heat as our body can't adequately pump blood, therefore, oxygen, as effectively to our vigorously exercising muscles. So if you feel as though you've hit a wall in improvement lately, don't despair! Fall is just around the corner. Push through, do your best to remedy the situation as best you can i.e. run indoors on a treadmill if absolutely necessary, take precautions and you will still be better off for all of your hard work, come this cooler season!
I have long looked into and researched remedies for leg varicose veins and have tried to stick to many doctor's recommendations including: support hose, ice and heat, frequent feet up, less intake of salt, exercise-only since my third pregnancy and staying cool.
THIS article seemed to sum up everything I have found over the years on how to best deal with, treat and overcome letting the painful "blues" get you down. I hope to educate, encourage and spur others on who may suffer from this health issue to not let it get you down but push through the obstacle of VVs and succeed anyway. You can do it!!

Happy Running!

photo courtesy of fotosearch

-Amy

Same song, second verse: the newest lesson in patience

2010-07-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

...from Jenn

That lesson of PATIENCE is running through my head this week. I am anxious to meet my 10k goal (run over 6 miles-something I've done only once so far). I am anxious to increase my mileage, anxious to increase my speed, anxious to get a handle on ChiRunning (a method of running form I'm attempting to learn). Not stressed, but just thinking a lot about everything I want to accomplish and letting it distract me.

So, what verse pops into my head? "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) *deep sigh* "Okay, God, even in THIS, I'll give it to you, remembering WHY I began this journey of weight loss and running. AND, I'll be thankful for where I am and what I've accomplished. AND, I'll pray about it-you did say "everything"!"

Yes, this is the lesson this week, in running, dieting and in life. It's a tough one and it recurs often but I'm grateful for the flaw in me that turn me back to Christ. Being perfect would be BORING, right? :)

2010-07-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sunset, 90 degree air, and the rhythmic sound of shoes hitting the pavement.

That was what surrounded my senses tonight as I finally passed the mark, summitted the mountain, and conquered the 10k distance! I've been close before, short by only .3 miles once, but tonight I have prevailed! I ran 6.6 miles at a 9:05 a mile pace. If there is one bit of advice I would give you for long distance running, it is to start the run slow. Slower than you think you need to even, because it takes a couple of miles to get into a rhythm, and you don't want to completely drain your energy before you get there, or you may never find your groove and be suffering the whole run.

There were times tonight that I thought I would die from lack of oxygen, suffocate from extreme cotton mouth, or give into impending side aches. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration. I seriously must run with my mouth open... because a few bugs found their way into my mouth, and because of my severely parched situation, I couldn't even swallow them down quickly. But I summed up the interesting situation as 'over all good' as they may just give me that little bit extra {umph!} of energy that I need to make the distance. Must have! But, ehr, um, well, I'm not suggesting you try it or anything.

Ahem.

The perfect ending to my 1hr. and 1 min. long cotton mouthed, parched run would be to cut through a stranger's sprinkler filled lawn for a nice cool shower and much needed drink. I apparently run with my mouth conveniently wide-open anyway...

Nah, but I seriously contemplated living out the above scenario.

Do trials, hardships or tough times drive you to succeed? It seems they do for me. Yesterday was an emotionally, as well as physically, taxing one as it ended with my husband and I taking a trip to the ER with our 7 year old daughter to get 6 stitches in her bloody gashed toe. There were puddles of blood. The doctor said it grazed the tendon but didn't cut it through. She's doing great today and should be back to her active self in a couple of weeks.

SO

because of that, for some odd reason, I felt the desire to run 6.6 miles. Go figure! Now, I'm not saying that a gashed toe is a hardship, in fact I wouldn't even consider it serious! We have been fortunate to have not had many major sicknesses or injuries in our household. I believe this is the FIRST time we've had to take any one of our children to the ER. I consider my life to have been pretty easy sailing with a few small swells.

Which brings up an interesting topic of discussion: do we or should we complain about hardships(swells) that we've brought upon ourselves? Those things that have happened or are the product of us rocking the boat or disturbing the glassy sea by making a couple of bad decisions-sin? We can't get all miffed about something that we've lit the fuse to. Just doesn't make sense!

Well, in light of this article, I am going for a recovery run in the morning. Hopefully minus the bugs.
Happy Running!

-Amy

Beginnings-Destiny

2010-07-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I was an athletic kind of girl. By the young age of nine I was already the go-cart tipping, brake less luge riding, tree climbing, 2nd story window jumping, roof venturing, swamp swimming, fearless, challenge tackling, push physical limits type of individual! In third and fourth grade, I would race the boys through a field to the rundown wire fence and would usually win. I was quite the tomboy. I remember specifically one such race as if it were yesterday:

A fellow classmate, Chris, and I started out in a full out sprint race. Halfway through, I was only one stride ahead, I started running, for a moment, while looking back at his feet, hoping I would pull away. All of sudden his feet we're swiped out from under him as he couldn't keep up the pace any longer, and he fell, becoming a tumbling heap of defeat on the ground. I turned as I continued to run with a victorious smile on my face and finished the race, reaching the fence first.

I can recall many stories similar to this one from my childhood, and whether good or bad, it's who I am, and the person I was made to be. I'm competitive!

My family was deep in the woods of Montana at a family camp. My parents left for a brief walk, leaving my sister and I alone in the cabin. We quickly realized we were locked in and couldn't get the front door open(why we would want to get the door open is beyond me as we were probably supposed to stay in the cabin... Hmmm, the mind of a child, it gives me sympathy for my own kids seemingly crazy decisions)! So I, being the daring and older sister that I was, took charge and decided to jump out of the second story window into a bush so I could bravely unlock the door from the outside. That's right, the 2nd story window. So I got up on the ledge, leaned out and lept into the bush. Amazingly, I landed unhurt on my feet, and beside minor scratches, jumped up right away and went around the front of the cabin to unlock the door, right as my parents were walking up.

I'm fearless in my endeavors! It's funny, I think I hurt myself worse(than jumping out of the second story window) later in the day when I accidentally walked off of an outdoor stairway the wrong direction, causing me to free fall 4 feet landing in the gravel on my knees. Bloodied them all up. Oh, did I forget to mention my tendency to be an airhead, too? Well, there you go, I am.

You may be wondering what I am getting at.

I believe that as mommies, we are completely individual individuals, full of distinctive potential, created for a unique purpose but sometimes we just get caught up in life and float it's rapids out, letting IT carry us wherever it wishes, becoming who the world thinks we should be. We get stuck in the pressure of mirroring what we see other prominent individuals doing, worldly successions and we drench ourselves in unreal expectations. When crazy busy with multiple children, household tasks, work, physical issues and mislead priorities-our attention cannot all be tunneled in one direction, thus making it increasingly hard to concentrate, finish and ultimately succeed. But taking those special characteristics and unique strengths you were born with and using them in the proper way, to benefit your God, family, children and self in every single predestined, God given moment provided, you can conquer the world!! You see, it's not about what we choose to do, but much more about how we carry those things to completion. God leads, we follow, the world obeys.

I love the life and story of King David. He was born a lowly shepherd boy, but because of him living out his fearless faith in God in every aspect and moment of his life; even in the midst of trials, despite the mistakes and miss-steps he chose to trust and follow the ways of the Lord, even when the situation seemed hopeless, he rose to places far above what he could have ever imagined. Shepherd. Leader. Conqueror. King.

What we're your beginnings?
What has God made you to be?
What are your unique qualities?
How can you use them for Him?

It's a challenge, to say the least, to use your ALL for God's beneficial purposes. I of all people know it is a daily struggle to abstain from letting my competitive desire to succeed from becoming a need to win and my ability to push fear aside from becoming a naive "I can do it on my own" attitude.
I challenge you to dig deep, seek the Lord, lay your heart bare, become aware, grasp tight hold of your portion and then fearlessly jump into what He has for you.

Running is a challenge, and just as running requires a daring ambitious spirit of dedication, so our spiritual life requires to be run on the constant faith that He has given you the abilities and everything you need to succeed. Give Him your all, after all he made you! It all starts with your beginning. Your calling. Your beautiful blooming journey. Your eternal destiny.

Running partners

2010-07-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am, the second half of the running mommies. Amy invited me to be part of her blog and I‘m honored to participate. We’ve been friends since we were 5, though life has at times taken us away and back a few times. Now we’re mommies together, neighbors and running partners! Twice a week since January, we pool our 8 kids (yes, eight between the two of us) and go for our run. We’ve ran in wind, rain, snow and high-desert heat and it’s been a blast! On the hard days, we encourage each other. On the good days, we congratulate each other. Even though we’ve progressed at different paces we’ve progressed together. We’re also both completely hooked on running, something we would’ve laughed at if someone had told us six months ago we’d feel this way.

So, as a busy mom of three children under five, why on earth did I decide I needed to throw something else into my schedule?!? Two reasons prompted me, no, compelled me into this adventure. One, I needed to lose weight. I’d gained 25 pounds in the nearly eight years I was married and it had finally reached the climax-THAT weight I swore I'd NEVER weigh. Baby weight contributed to the issue, but it was mostly due to poor (okay, TERRIBLE) eating habits and a deplorable lack of any kind of exercise. Seeing those numbers blaring back at me from the scale spurred me into action and I knew I couldn’t ignore the crisis this time. The urgency carried over into action…looking for a training program, setting up a running schedule with Amy and sticking to the commitment to get healthy.

The second reason is the bigger picture, so to speak, that encapsulates the first reason. I had come to the place of abject discouragement with myself. Not with how I looked (although I wasn't happy with myself), but with how I had been responding to my physical desires and the temptations they produced over the last few years. I found I had worn myself down so much that I couldn’t tell myself “no” to anything. I knew my attitude was not honoring to the Lord, nor was it healthy to my spiritual self. So, even though it seemed petty and selfish, I prayed. The weight gain was just a physical manifestation of my spiritual condition. So I prayed and this time, I stepped out in faith and obedience. Running, and later on in the year, dieting, was my response to the situation, and I firmly believe the Lord was my strength throughout. I'd tried exercising regularly and dieting in the past with little to no success, but I had always attempted it in my own strength. This time, I freely admitted and confessed my sin and went humbly in the strength of the Lord.

Well, six months later I am down 30 pounds, have run a 5k, can run up to six miles at a time and am working towards a 10k. I do not claim credit for any of it!!!! I know my limits, my capabilities and this kind of progress is not within my grasp. GOD has led me through the struggles, the achievements, the good days and bad, and it is to HIM I give glory and honor. It’s humbling to think that He led me and helped me with something that it so trivial in the light of eternity, but He has taught me so much and I want to learn more.

So, onward we press. If you’re checking out this blog because you want to start running or want to make some changes to your lifestyle, I encourage you to pray about it. Seek the Lord and ask Him to guide you. If you feel led to start this journey, find someone to do it with you. The fellowship of a friend is priceless. Go slow, be patient, know that anything you do is better than nothing at all. Take the good days with the bad and learn to look at the big picture.

Blessings! Hope you stick with us as we continue our running journey.

~ Jenn

2010 Vale Fun Run

2010-07-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

We ran! And it was FUN!

My mom, my two oldest girls and I participated in Vale, Oregon's 2010 Vale Fun Run on Fourth of July morning.

It's a small race event, less than one hundred participants in all 3 different races combined, I believe, but beautiful countryside, small town charm(where I grew up), friendly people and a whole lotta running spirit makes it appealing!

As with anything, a little positivity and encouragement goes a long way in invigorating and motivating an individual! Kids don't always have a lot of motivation to push themselves because they haven't experienced the vast amounts of payoff hard work brings in their young age. My girls we're complaining during the race occasionally, and tired but I kept spurring them on, didn't give up on them and didn't let them give up on themselves by giving into their desire to stop running.

Involving my kids in my running lifestyle is actually very doable! If your kiddos are small, use a running stroller. If they are older, take them to the track with you to do some training. My girls we're training for weeks by running around our neighborhood block, no coaxing from me needed!

As we neared the end, there was a little group of spectators cheering us on to finish the race. It was such a blast! We sprinted to the finish line and the smiles on my girls' faces were apparent; they had done it.

They we're completely satisfied and amazed.

We did it! Good job girls!! Way to push through it!! Bananas and cold bottled water were our reward along with a T-shirt. I've made the decision as of late to sport my previous race T-shirt at every race I participate in. Kind of a ritual of sorts... can't wait for the next one!

Stretching and warming up is so important. For me, the slow-paced mile fun run was just a warm-up. Afterward I felt ready to get out there and run a 10k! Even though you'd think it would make you more tired, making sure to warm-up by walking or jogging for at least 5 minutes before a run is important in how loose you will feel while running but will also assure a quicker recovery afterward. It's always good to cool-down that same way, as well.

If you can't run for long extended periods of time or a physical issue is keeping your running shoes in the closet, don't give up on walking. Be encouraged because walking is great for any and everyone and will give you a lot of the same benefits that running will... just takes twice as long. {smile} Walking is a healthy, low impact and super beneficial form of exercise. Try holding your breath for 40 steps at a time while you're walking. Have your kids try it with you! It's just as good for your lungs as running is and it's never too early to build stronger lung tissue.

Life's full of experiences. Live yours!!

Happy Running!

-Amy

Why start this blog?

2010-07-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Above all, I am a woman who desires to serve my Lord and Savior in every area that life affords. I am nothing without Him, and it is because of Him, I run today!

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

~1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Though this verse is speaking of our Christian walk here on earth and only likens it to a runner running his race, it not only daily spurs me on spiritually, but it's truths inspire and invigorate me physically as well! I run to the sound of praises to God. His words spur me on each and every step I take, knowing that through Him, all things are possible. His miraculous creation surrounds me with life-sustaining beauty as every blooming flower radiates of His lovely grace. As I push through invisible walls, climb steep seemingly insurpassable feats and with perseverance look towards the glorious end; a refreshing surge of energy cascades down from my head to my toes, finger-tip to finger-tip of my weary frame, and I can only throw up my arms in grateful praise to the One who makes life possible.

Running has truly given me a purpose, determination, perseverance and a clear mind. I have started this blog in hopes of spurring others on to try running on for size to see if it does the same for them! I will use this blog as a running journal to document my mileage, things I have learned, programs used, races run, good nutrition, ways I've grown both spiritually and physically and most importantly to encourage my fellow running pals.

I learn by doing. So you can rest assured that everything, unless otherwise noted, that I post on here will have already been tried, tested and approved!

Making a decision and sticking to it is a growing and challenging experience. It requires decisiveness, a plan, gumption, dedication and perseverance. As mother to 5 children, I know first-hand how easy it is to get engulfed in wife and mothering duties, physical hindrances and bad eating habits where a few tummy crunches as you get up from playing on the floor with your kids is considered a "good workout" and eating healthy means you didn't have fast food, chocolate and coke all the same day. Hopefully, this blog will not only encourage you to make time for running and the motivation to eat right but also give you the tools and know-how to do so!

Setting goals and settling for nothing less is completely necessary. I do very well when a plan of action is completely pre-planned out for me and all I have to do is perform. We are all different, though! Some of us do better with flexibility and/or spur of the moment decisions. All runners should have goals and never give up on achieving them. It doesn't matter your size, or your BMI percentages we can all start somewhere and after getting an okay from your doctor, your capabilities and possibilities therein are endless! Always make sure your husband is on board with your new found aspirations as well. That will go a long way in assuring success and who knows, maybe you'll get him back into his running shoes as well!

Join me on a beautiful hootin' and hollerin' roller coaster ride adventure I like to call, a mommy's running journey.

-Amy