HILLS...MY FRIENDS AND MY FOES

Today was my first official 5K walk. My goal was to complete it and I achieved that goal--I didn't even come in last! All the ladies ahead of me have belonged to the Road Runners for years and have done the Indy Mini multiple times. Aunt Therese led the entire time. It is amazing how quickly those little legs of hers can move.

The race started at the top of this huge hill up in Shrine Hill. I was able to jog down the entire hill w/o feeling exersion. It was great, I felt like I could go all day long. My "strategy" so to speak was to jog until winded then walk until rested. I especially took advantage of the flat lengths of road and the down hill slopes to jog. The incline of the hills were a killer, especially that first one I enjoyed on my way down because I had to climb back up it to get to the finish line.

Aunt Therese introduced me to a lot of the ladies. Everyone was soooo nice and encouraging. They all seemed to be thrilled that I was going to be participating in the Trained In Terre Haute this winter to prepare for the Mini.

The only thing that I would change about today was that I was so excited and nervous I forgot to stop and get my protein shake on the way to registration. Therefore, I did the race on an empty stomach. I really think I will perform better in the future when I eat something first. With all that said I did finish 7 seconds quicker than last Saturday's Heart Walk. It amazed me, with all the jogging that I did, that my time wasn't better than that. I'm not going to be hard on myself b/c those hills were tough and slowed me down quite a bit.

The ladies told me that those are the hills that they use to train on for the race. Aack! I was hoping it would be at least another year before that hill and I came into contact again.

"HONEY, THERE GO THOSE FREAKY NEIGHBOR GIRLS AGAIN..."

What was a conversation that could be heard in my neighborhood tonight? My "little neighbor girl", Kimberli (she is 33ish) and I didn't get to go for our walk this evening so we opted for the next best thing...squats and lunges around the neighborhood. Well, maybe around the neighborhood is a bit of a stretch...maybe more like down the side walk. (We would not dare do this in broad daylight).

It was definitely a burning experience. I hope to continue w/ this for three days a week and we are talking about jumping rope as well.

The neighbors were wrong when they thought they had seen it all this summer--Kim and I would have cocktails in our lawn chairs neighbor watching. From margaritas and giggles to squats and lunges. What will those crazy girls come up with next? (I have been wanting to learn the cha cha cha) :^)

RAIN OR SHINE!

The Heart Walk was this morning. Unfortunately it was not shining but fortunately it was not raining.

My choice was to walk a 1 mile fun walk or a 3 mile more funner walk (they didn't call it that, I did). We stepped off at 9:00 a.m. and I crossed the finish line at 9:48--I thought that was pretty awesome.

I lead our team for most of the walk until the last quarter mile--then some gal sprinted for the end. Although I jogged periodically I couldn't bring myself to sprint!

Today has brought about an interesting dilemna--how am I going to be able to walk 13 miles w/o going to the restroom? The last half a mile today was quite uncomfortable. Anyone got any suggestions?

My most important lesson today was to never take a teenager who hasnt' gotten his daily allotment of sleep. Nat was such a grouch.

Thank you for all your support! It has really pushed me on when I didn't think I wanted to go any further.

Love Yas!

UPCOMING HEART WALK...

Nat had a friend pass away Saturday morning in her sleep. It has been determined that she had undiagnosed heart problems. Her passing has been very devestating for the students and marching band.

The individuals that I have spoken with, that knew her personally, all said she was the most amazing young lady. She was a loving soft heart. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. Just last week she witnessed a young guy eating all alone at lunch. She got up and moved her entire table full of friends over to have lunch w/ him and introduce themselves.

Tonight, as Nat was telling me about the visitation, I was wishing there was a way that we could honor her. Shortly after that I realized that the heart walk is this weekend. We have decided to wear ribbons that have been created in her honor.

Every day is precious--I know I can take that for granted some days. Reach out and hug and kiss your kids as much as any teenager will allow you.

BUDWEISER, BRATS, AND COLD STONE CREAMERY....

The Budweiser Clydesdales have been in town this week for the Air Show taking place this weekend. I have been dying to see them--today I got my chance. This afternoon they were at Baeslers during lunch time. There was a team of eight horses w/ the old fashioned wagon. They are such awesome animals. I am fairly tall and I felt like they were at least 2 feet taller than me.

This evening friends from work and I attended the downtown German Oktober Fest. I have a feeling that the brats, saurkraut, and german potato salad were not on the low carb end of the spectrum. I did make two good choices--I didn't drink any beer and I went back to the gym this evening when Nat and a friend went to see a movie (INVINCIBLE w/ Mark Wahlberg--he highly recommends it).

There has been a new Cold Stone Creamery in town for a couple of months and I have managed to bypass it, until thi evening. I guess I figured since I had not really eaten very healthy this evening that this would be a good time to try it. Oh My Gosh, that place is sinful. I don't think I will be able to eat anything until Monday to make up for all the calories I consumed. Boy do I feel like a Clydesdale right now!

STEPPIN IT UP...

Recently I invested in stop watch to help me with my walking speeds. Yesterday I managed to do 14.5 minute miles! To shave time even further I started jogging intermitently. I am so excited, my original goal was to walk the Mini now I am thinking that I may be able to jog a good bit of it.

My goal for this week was to workout in the a.m. and walk in the p.m.--unfortunately we got some really horrendous rains this evening so I resorted to going back to the gym instead.

There is a guy at the gym that really chaps my behind. It amazes me that he has a half way decent body b/c he does not seem to actually use the machines. Far as I can tell he just sits there and stares off in space or checks out the chicks. This really burns me up b/c he always seems to be on the machine I need. I wish I could do as little work as he does and get the same results.

Today I tried on a pair of gouchos that I purchased a couple of weeks ago. Because of the cut I thought I would have to lose a few more pounds. Fortunately I didn't wait any longer b/c they are practically too big now. Woohoo!

PLATEAUS SUCK!!!!

I have pretty much been at a stand still for the last week or so. It has been so frustrating.

I have cut out all the junk and have been eating acceptable quantities of nutritional foods--I cannot imagine eating much less.

I fully anticipated gaining weight when I added weight training; however, I was under the impression it would drop off quickly as long as I continued to be consistent. One week is probably not a reasonable amount of time to allow to pass but you all know how impatient I am!

Tonight I kicked the resistance up a notch on the eliptical machine--next week I will kick up the time spent on it. Next week my goal is to absolutely go to the gym every morning and walk the track at Nat's school while he is conditioning.

My first practice walk is the morning of the 23rd--it is a fundraiser for the American Heart Assoc. I am gladly accepting any donations that you all may wish to contribute. Checks can be made out to the American Heart Assoc--I must have them by Sept 20th at the latest. Fortunately the contributions are not dependent upon my performance.

The other day when Nat and I were checking in at the gym the gal w/ the kick a$$ legs walked by. When I looked up I thought she was going to say "hi", remembering me from last week. She said "hi" alright...she said, "Hi Nathaniel". Turns out she was one of his middle school teachers. When I told him that she had the legs I wanted he said, "yeah, she has a hot body but she's mean!" Obviously, not one of his favorite teachers.

Thanks for listening to my whining!

I CAN BARELY KEEP MY EYES OPEN...

I am absolutely exhausted! Today was the first day that I actually accomplished two workouts in one day. I managed to get in my regular a.m. workout and then I went back in the p.m. (during Nat's conditioning time). Woohoo!

Nite Nite!

WOOHOO, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY...AFTER MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Tonight, after dinner, Nat and I went for a walk. We have this really cool one mile track in town that is in the shape of the state of Indiana. I started round about where Terre Haute would be on the west side of the state headed north and booked it around the state. Long about Evansville I absolutely hate it! Something about that little corner of the state just grates me. Probably only b/c I am a short way from the parking lot and I am trying to rationalize that I have housework to do of all things. Yeah, right!

When it was all said and done I did two laps in 33 minutes--averages out to 16.5 minutes per mile--WOOHOO, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

GREAT NEWS AND NOT SO GREAT NEWS....

I received a call from my Aunt Therese (she has participated in the Indy Mini in the past). She informed me that the minimum mile time requirement (for walkers) is an 18 minute mile--woohoo! I am already better than that. I have been striving toward a 15 minute mile for some time now.

She was very encouraging--I am even more anxious about joining the Wabash Valley Road Runners to do their pre-training program.

The not so great news--I was at the gym tonight, pouring sweat, smelling like Nathaniel (who was it that said, "a lady doesn't sweat, she glistens"?). There was a gal there about my age jumping rope--she had the most killer, kick a$$ legs (I was so jealous of her legs I couldn't stop looking at them--she probably thought I was of an "alternative lifestyle"). I flat out told her I was jealous of her legs and asked how she accomplished them. She was really sweet and gave me all her "secrets" then she finished by saying it has taken about 3 YEARS!!!! Oh My God!! My attention span doesn't last that long!!!

THE BIRTH MONTH HAS OFFICIALLY COME TO AN END....

Today was the birth "DAY" celebration. My friends and coworkers really spoiled me today. I am so blessed!

One of the gals I work w/ has a mom that makes and decorates cakes. The cakes are absolutely to die for. The last time we had an office function she was unable to make our cake b/c she was out of the country so someone purchased a cake from a local bakery. Although this bakery (Baeslers) makes awesome cakes I was able to restrain myself and pass it up.

Welp, she brought me my own personal sized cake from her mom today! It was the size of a mini loaf pan. There was a little guilt in eating it (not all in one sitting) but I know that riding/swimming/walking it off is feasible.

Tonight was the high school open house--the parents were given the opportunity to walk their child's schedule and meet all their teachers. There is nothing like being pulled aside, the 2nd day of school mind you, to have that little talk. Fortunately she was very nice--I think we will be getting to know one another this year.

Nat has been saying all along that he wants to try out for basketball. Fortunately I stopped the basketball coach tonight and asked when conditioning starts b/c he informed me it starts tomorrow. Tryouts are around the first week of November. I am very grateful that they are starting this soon so he can get involved and focused. One of my concerns was too much idle time.

Thanks again for all the birthday greetings! I am so loved! Lovins right back atcha!

Year 39, time to kick into high gear. Only 364 day left to 40!

MY BABY IS NOT A BABY ANYMORE!

Nat starts his first day of high school tomorrow. We are both a little apprehensive, although I will be quicker to admit it than he will.

Last week at freshman parent orientation I volunteered to be a "Locker Parent" for the first day--you would have thought his world was coming to an end. I reassured him that in a school of 2000 kids it was highly unlikely that they would station me right outside of his locker.

My walk tonight was most enjoyable. The temps have come down considerably--it was actually a little on the cool side. I can hardly wait for Fall to be here in full swing. A friend told me that the Heritage Trail is breath-taking when the trees are changing colors.

I think from here on out I am going to carry my digital camera w/ me on the trail so I can snap photos for everyone. A couple of weeks ago, while we were walking in the early morning, we came across two deer just off the trail--it was such an awesome sight. We all just kinda stared each other down.

OK, SO I NEVER QUITE CAUGHT ONTO THE METRIC SYSTEM

I have been assuming all along that a kilometer was equal to a mile. Therefore, my mind calculated a 5K to be approximately 5 miles. Imagine my joy when I found out it is more like 3.1 miles.

This entire time I thought I would have to be working up to a 5 mile walk. Actually I am doing right at 2-2.5 miles so I am practically there. Today I did a little less than 3 miles in about 45 minutes.

Unfortunately the temps were not as low as I understood them to be when I set out on my walk today. I took off for the boulevard at a pretty good clip and was about ready to collapse w/in 45 minutes. Fortunately my friend had arranged to pick me up at the park so we could go out to lunch. Driving home I realized it was 94 degrees outside! Needless to say I have had a pounding headache all day.

We went to the new CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE that they have built in place of the old ChiChis. I highly recommend the island salad topped w/ steak. It was a nice change but not something that I think that we will frequent.

Somewhere between a tri-athelete and a nun!

My morning consists of:

4:00 a.m. annoying alarm clock sounding--only about 4 hrs after going to bed!
4:05 a.m. let Casey out, listen to Ivey Katapookis whine b/c she thinks it is time to eat,check
email
4:35 a.m. hop in shower
4:50 a.m. head out to gym
5:00 a.m. various weight machines, elyptical, treadmill, recumbant bike, sweat my buns off,
listen to annoying guy who thinks he is a comedian as he does his workout, sweat my
buns off, curse, wonder why I am doing this, "the Indy Mini what?"
5:55 a.m. locker room/change/shower
6:00 a.m. ah, the Nestee plunge!
laps and deep water excercises
6:35 a.m. Aack! Now that I am all warmed up it is time to head home to get ready for work @8

During my time in the pool each morning I meet up w/ a motley crew. Hence, the title of this entry, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN AND TRI-ATHELETE AND A NUN.

I usually get in the lane between the guy who is doing 2 laps to my every length and the nun from SMW who can dog paddle and a pretty fast pace. Everytime we are in this order in the lanes it really makes me chuckle.

My human nature tends to be envious of the tri-athelete but I keep telling myself that my performance is the only one I need to be concerned with.

Last night I actually attempted jogging around the neighborhood. Thank goodness I have 8 mths to prepare!

Can you hardly believe it? I have actually entered into modern means of communication.

My intention is to keep everyone posted as to my progress on preparing for the 2007 Indy Mini Marathon--most importantly as a tool of accountability. Hopefully my transparency will inspire a few to work toward the same. The feeling of impowerment is addictive!!!! It challenges me to reach for other goals which previously seemed unattainable.

Lord knows that if I can do this ANYONE, including you, CAN!!!!