Been On Vacation !!!

I missed seeing every one last Saturday! I took a few days off work for the first time in 1 & 1/2 years!! I took my two brothers ( 15 & 8 yrs.old) to SIX FLAGS over Texas. We went Saturday. I thought about having to run my miles on Sunday, but after walking around Six Flags for 6 hours on Saturday, I decided that would suffice! I went to Six Flags when I was a child... I just didn't remember that the roller coasters would give you WHIPLASH! It rained all day, everyday of my vacation and then the rain followed me home! I need a vacation from my vacation! See you guys this Saturday for half a Marathon!
I AM A MARATHONER (with whiplash!)

11 MILES !!!! 6/2/07

I AM A MARATHONER!!! Can you believe this? Can I believe this? I did an eleven mile run!!!
I wore out my 1st pair of running shoes around three weeks ago. My little toes were sticking out the side of them. The treads were slick and the heel was worn badly. I tried to get just one more week out of them and after our Saturday's run two weeks ago, Mark noticed what bad shape my shoes were in. I went into Fleet Feet immediately. I wear a women's size 12 double A!!! They had to order my shoes. They thought they would be in last week. When they had not come in by last Friday night, I went to every sports store in Jackson looking for a pair. At one Sports store, a saleslady thought I was joking when I asked for my size! Needless to say, I did not find any my size. So.. I bought a pair of men's New Balance running shoes that were long enough but NOT the right width! Oh , did I pay for it! After Saturday's eleven miles... my feet were SCREAMING at me! Today, my ankles hurt terribly. They hurt so bad yesterday that I wanted to chop them off with an axe!!! I went to the store and purchased some Epsom Salt. After soaking, my feet started to forgive me some. With all this said, my suggestion to everyone is to buy two pairs of running shoes. Don't get caught with a worn out pair and not being able to find another correct fitting pair to replace them. "An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of no regret!"

I had so much fun running with Morgan and Shekkera on Saturday!

IMAGERY

I have read several articles on running. One article caught my attention. It talked about using imagery. It said to think and say to yourself: I am running effortlessly and very relaxed. Imagine that your running form is SMOOTH and Graceful! These hints go along with what I already believe with positive thinking. Those who are around me on our long runs, know that when I approach a big hill, I say out loud, "I just LOVE this hill!" Then as I top the hill, I say, "You know what I love about this hill? THE OTHER SIDE!" Okay positive thinking and a little sarcasm go a long way! I have always believed in positive thinking, now with using imagery, I can enhance my runs mentally. This "running business" is hard physically and can often be a mental battle. So... Saturday, if anyone hears me say out loud "I am running SMOOTH and GRACEFUL!" and " Isn't this the most beautiful scenery ... Don't laugh... just join me in my SMOOTH and GRACEFUL run through the Rain Forest!!!!

IS THAT ALL?

Saturday morning was great!!! I can NOT believe that I did a 10 mile run!!! Okay, my feet believe it, but... it is still hard for my mind to comprehend! I did not do as many of my running intervals though. I heard Mark say take it SLOW! I have become aware that if an old Pro says it, you better listen!!! Part of the way into my run, I paired up with Felicia. She and I are about the same height and have about the same energy level. That makes for a good run together. Not to fail to mention that she doesn't mind all my gabbing! We caught up to the lady who was there to give suggestions on speed walking. The last time I tried speed walking, I found muscles in my body that I did not even know existed! Right before Felicia and I caught up with her, we had started to use my interval watch to pick up our pace. We did the speed walking with her for 2/3 of the walk. At the last water station she bid us good bye so she could help others who were interested. Felicia and I took off thinking how well we had done so far. We continued speed walking and using my interval watch as a reminder to "get at it!" We rounded the last corner and went up the last hill. It was all downhill from there. I said to her, "Let's RUN the rest of the way, You ready?" I think she thought I was joking at first! But then we took off... It felt great to have that BURST of energy at the last quarter mile!!! When she realized that we were in seeing distance of Fleet Feet...she said..."IS THAT ALL? I told her I could kill her!!!!!! It sounded at first like... Oh... is that all? I could run another 10 miles! But in reality I knew exactly what she meant. We had had such a good time on our run but to believe that we felt good enough to run during the last quarter mile. We both laughed about how months ago we were saying... 2 miles, oh my!!!! I AM A MARATHONER!!!!

Monday May 21, 2007

Saturday's run was yet another learning experience! I did pretty good on my run. I even got in a few extra steps!!! Thank you Clark for running me down to tell me that I missed my turn!!! The mistakes I have made during training , I call learning experiences! So... when I get to Chicago, I ought to be a PRO!!! Blogging is really great! I look back and read some of my beginning blogs and am able to realize just how far I have come.

Brenda, You go girl, I just love to be around you. You are such a character!!!

Amy W., You are doing so good.

Amy Walley, I am so verrryyy proud of you! I know you can do this because you are a Walley!!

Kelvin, You look like you are getting younger by the minute!!

Chuck, You look like you are really enjoying your run!

Morgan, You are doing fantastic!


Amy and I changed our route this morning. We went for a little more than a hour. We walked to my church, Pinelake, and thru the parking lot. Last year at this time I would have laughed uncontrollably out loud if someone would have wanted me to walk to Pinelake (for fun). Okay if it were to go hear Pastor Chip preach, I would have been all in! But.. for fun???

I had puffy knees after Saturday's run. I did not stretch near enough! Lesson learned!!!

Have a good week fellow marathoners!!! I AM A MARATHONER!!!

From then to now...

From when I was a little girl (yes, that's me), to now, I have set many short term goals. The Chicago Marathon is the first real long term goal that I have set for myself. I am really proud of all I have done in the last several months! Everyday, I wake up and thank God for all the opportunities He gives me!

9 MILES !!!

I still can't believe that I made it through 9 miles!!! Who else noticed that the Firemen put us out a cooler of water in front of the fire station? That was so nice of them! I really enjoyed talking to every one during the run. I just keep telling myself... KEEP A MOVIN' !!!!

Before the race!!!

Before the race on Saturday morning, I was in the parking lot waiting on Amy to arrive. I decided to run up to Conoco and borrow their restroom. The man inside told me there was one next door in the laundry mat. So I bopped on in and noticed on my way in that there was a TV blaring so loud you could have heard it downtown. I used the restroom and washed my hands, stared at myself in the mirror and gave myself a pep talk. I turned and twisted the door knob...THE DOORKNOB CAME OFF IN MY HAND!!! Imagine the thoughts that ran threw my head!!! I kept saying to myself..."I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS HOW I AM GOING TO SPEND MY DAY, TRAPPED IN A BATHROOM!" I didn't have my cell phone with me, no one knew where I was, the TV was so loud I could have hollered and no one would have known! I tried to put the knob back on but that didn't work! I kicked the door but it shut from the inside. I stepped back and stood there starring at that door for 7 minutes. The closer it got to 7:30 am the more I kicked. Finally I kicked the door hard enough and the top of it bowed out enough for me to get my fingers stuck in it. So now not only was I stuck but so were my fingers! So one more swift kick and I was able to get a grip on it with both hands. I turned into the Almighty Ises (Super Hero Wonder Woman!!). When I was finally able to pry that door open it was the greatest minute of my life! That was ... Until I crossed that 10K finish line. Now, that IS THE GREATEST MINUTE OF MY LIFE!!!!

MY FIRST 10K !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I finished my first race!!! My first 10k!!! I am so verrryyy proud of myself and everyone in the Marathon Makeover!!! I remember Mark saying "Marathoners can do anything they set their mind to". Well I set my mind to run down the mud trail and around the corn field. The only hindrance I had was those wonderful (sarcastic) Sweet Gum Balls! The run through the woods was interesting. As I was running it made me think about how I gave up my early morning Saturday fishing trips to become a Marathoner. I wished for a fishing line and a five gallon bucket when I passed the creek!!! The next thing I knew, I was in a corn field! Oh, and the field of purple flowers was beautiful. When I hit pavemnent again there was a cool breeze! When I saw that finish line, it was as if I had accomplished going to the moon and back! It was also great having one of my brother's and my two neices at the finish line. ( I borrowed Amy's cheerleaders!) What a wonderful day! I wonder if I framed my #273 put it on my Mother's mantle on Mother's Day, would it become a conversation piece? TODAY WAS GREAT!!!! THANK YOU, GOD!

OUTSTANDING!!!

This has been an OUTSTANDING week! ( I am using positive thinking!!!) My time on my run has improved soooo much since I use my interval watch! My cross training is good, too. I still have to remind myself to watch my portion control on my eating. It is so easy to slip back into my old eating habits. It is a 39 year old habit and it is taking a lot of reajustment. But... I AM A MARATHONER... so I can do anything I set my mind to do.

I am so excited about the 10K cannonball Run this Saturday. I will be there with bells on!!!

Go Girl!!!

This morning, Amy and I had a good "run"! The weather was a little muggy so I worked up a little sweat. I used my interval alarms for us to pace ourselves with. It seems to really help!

I AM A MARATHONER!!!

WEDNESDAY

Got in a great work out this morning!

Stop and Smell the Roses !!!

I have often times learned in the last year that I should take time to STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES! Saturday was no exception! Right in the middle of my run, I passed by the lake and thought how pretty a sight! As I passed by one house, I noticed some of the prettiest roses I have seen this year. Amy was with me. We just had to STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES! Yes, the 6 mile run was top on my TO DO list, but it seemed that God put those roses there as a reminder to me and Amy that life should never be so busy that you can't take 2 minutes to STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES, literally!!!

Today, Amy and I had a good run. During lunch we went to Fleet Feet and got a few new things. Leslie and the "gang" out there are so nice! We had a man helping us pick out a sport's bra!!! He was very knowledgeable!!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK FELLOW MARATHONERS!!!

Sinus City

I woke up with sore throat, swollen eyes, and thought I was in SINUS CITY! I started not to do my run. But then, I said "Self... Push on through!" And Self said... "Are you kidding?" Then I said... "Self, NO, I am not kidding!" So Self said... "My, my, you are determined!" Of course I am determined! I AM A MARATHONER!

iPod Inspiration!

This morning during my run, I was listening to Elvis on my iPod Shuffle. Amy and I were half way through our run and Elvis was singing his heart out. Just to change the momentum and to get a laugh out of Amy, I started skipping!!! We both broke out in laughter. A lady in a car that was going by rolled down her window and said "Ya'll chose a beautiful day to walk!" I can only imagine what she was thinking. I hope the sight of my skipping like a school girl gave her the laughter it gave Amy and me. My thinking is ... You only live once! Another one of my favorite sayings is "Laughter is the best medicine!"

Mon April 16, 2007

Amy and I had a great run this morning. It is such beautiful weather. The birds are singing. Spring is in the air!

I ordered a Nike interval watch last week. I hope it will be delivered soon. I think having an interval watch will help my training. Hopefully it will really encourage me to pick up my pace.

Have a good week, fellow MARATHONERS!!!!

Raindrops keep falling on my head!

Saturday...What a rain downpour today! Amy turned to me this morning and said, "We didn't get up at the crack of dawn for nothing, let's go!" We started out and it was just drizzling rain. A few minutes later, the bottom fell out!!! We stopped long enough to take off our iPod Shuffles and continued on. We were about a mile into our run and met other Marathoners coming back. Shelia told us that she didn't want to walk alone so she turned around and joined us. It was an interesting 5 miles! Shelia and I talked the entire time. Before we knew it we were finished! Rain or shine... I am a Marathoner!!!

Calculate your time

I have found two sites that have Marathon Calculators on them. http://www.runnersweb.com/running/marathon_splits.html
http://www.marathonguide.com/FitnessCales/predictcalc.cfm

They both show you how you could perform certain distances in certain times.

Thursday

The weather is beautiful! Amy and I had a great run this morning. She always tells me I like to talk to much!!! This morning she told me we had to listen to our iPod shuffles after our half - way mark. She "kids" me a lot. She is my sister n law. We grew up together in the same small town of Newton. We never traveled in the same circle, but we knew each other because she and my little brother dated. So... when she tells me I am talking to much, I just tell her that I am trying to "bond" with her. We have so much fun walking and talking. When I try to make excuses for not going the extra minute, she is there to encourage me. Thanks Amy!!!!

I AM A MARATHONER!!!

wed apr 11

I had a good work out at the YMCA this morning. I'm still not sure what is going on with my left knee. It feels like it has a small bit of fluid on it. Hopefully it will work itself out. Thanks everyone for the sweet birthday wishes yesterday!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Today is my 39th birthday!!! Happy Birthday to me!!! Amy and I had a good run this morning. The weather is great!

I AM A MARATHONER!!!!

Monday April 9, 2007

Saturday's run was great! I met quite a few new people. Everyone is so nice.
I thought those hills were going to "get" me. Instead, as I started up the hills, I said out loud... "I love this hill...I am a marathoner!!!!!" When I got through laughing at myself, I was already up the hill and around the corner! There were two ladies that encouraged me to jog with them! Thanks!
This morning I completed my walk in 55 minutes! 4 miles in 55 minutes!!! Of course the cold makes me get moving faster to stay warm.
I hope everyone had a good Easter! I am off to work... Have a good week!

Thursday April 4, 2007

This morning, Amy and I extended our distance. We tried to find a longer route so we will be doing 4 miles. I think Amy was just trying to get me ran over because I talk so much!!! (LOL) We went past our usual turn around not knowing how busy a road it is. We turned around pretty quick. We are going to have to scout out a new route!!! I suggested we walk to my church, Pinelake Baptist, and walk around the huge parking lot.

I hope everyone has a nice Easter. Anyone that would like to come to a great church on Easter (or any Sunday), come join me at Pinelake Baptist Church on Lakeland Drive. We have over 4,000 members! By the way if you think that is a lot of people... then think about how many will be in Heaven!!!! HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

April 4, 2007 Wednesday

My ten hours at work are over and I am headed to the YMCA for my cross training workout. I usually work out before work but I had to go to work early this morning. Good Night, Irene!

Hoofing it in the Humidity

There was no escaping the humidity and heat this morning! Amy and I walked for 30 minutes.
It seemed like I was a piece of chicken under a heat lamp!!! Well... I am off to work... I hope everyone has a good day! I AM A MARATHONER!!!
P.S. Shekerra, I finally learned how to spell your name!!!!

Lifestyle change

Saturday's run was great! I really got a lot of encouragement from soooo many people. Shenek (sorry if I spelled your name wrong!) thank you for rallying me to jog to the fence! I had to, especially since you were way up there in front of me and cheering me on. You really have a lot of spunk for a 19 year old! Suzanne, you always inspire me, I hope I am up and moving like you when I get your age. Amy W. , you always have a friendly smile. Brenda, you are so sweet, you always ask me about my week and seem so determined. Kelvin, you always inspire me to jog. Phil, you also inspire me to jog! Sandra, I missed talking to you Saturday. Christa, thanks for the friendly conversation. Cindy, You remember my name and always speak to me! Amy Walley, Thank you the most for joining this Marathon Makeover with me and sticking with it and encouraging me EVERYDAY!
I also thank all those friendly faces that are so nice to me each Saturday. I just wish I knew each of your names!
Mark, Robin and Scotty thank all of you for this Lifestyle Change opportunity!

I recently ended a 10 year relationship, gained 70 pounds, became a chain smoker and couch potato! BUT THEN... on January 27, 2007, I became a MARATHONER!

Since I became a member of the Marathon Makeover, I have realized that God is really in control of my life. I have met a lot of GREAT people, started eating healthy food, lost 14 pounds, quit smoking, I am no longer a couch potato, gained control of my finances, am looking to buy my own house, I cut my hair for the first time in years.
This Marathon Makeover is a Lifestyle Change! It has made me realize that I deserve to take time out of every day for myself to do something good for me.

Go ahead and say it... Boy did I ever let all my stuff out!!!

YES I DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 28 Wednesday workout

I went to the YMCA to work out this morning. As I was walking on the treadmill I noticed that a big knot popped up on the back of my knee. It doesn't hurt or anything. It's just there! Weird!!!

Well... I am off to work. I hope everyone has a good day!

Walking and Talking

Saturday's run was great! I really enjoyed walking through downtown Clinton. As I was walking through downtown, I spotted several Antique, Bric -n- Brac stores. After the run, I just had to go to them. (antique stores/flea markets etc... one of my weaknesses!!!) The one that caught my eye is named "When pigs fly." ( By the way, I collect pigs!) A retired Jackson police officer owns it. He made me a good deal on what I bought.

During our run, I walked with Morgan and Sheneka (sorry if I spelled your name wrong). I really enjoyed walking and talking with you two. I told them that they looked like they were just strolling in the park, having a good time. I felt like it was taking everything I had to keep my pace. When I joined them and started talking, I noticed I wasn't as conscience about my pace. I was covering my mileage without feeling like I was struggling. By the way, they are
17 and 19 and I am 38 (about to be 39)!

On the first big hill that was downhill, I was talking to Sandra. I told her that I may never be a runner but... that hill was my opportunity to run! Hey it was straight downhill! Boy, that felt good! As I ran down the hill, I heard Sandra say that she was going to try that, too. WAY TO GO, SANDRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This morning Amy and I walked 3.4 miles. Walking and talking... That is the perfect way to release all of your "stuff."

I am a Marathoner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 22

50 minutes...3.4 miles!!!! Amy and I walked before work this morning. Boy, the sun was bright!!! It was a good "RUN"!

Kashi Go Lean cereal is great for breakfast! The Kashi cereal with almonds is good, too.

Wednesday at the YMCA

This morning I had a great work out. I am beginning to get the hang of the ole' evil Elliptical! I really enjoy the strength training. Working out early in the morning seems to energize me. Well... I am off to work. I hope everyone else has a GREAT day!

Tuesday March 20

30 minutes and two miles later... I don't think I will ever be on the front of a Wheaties box! But... I am a Marathoner!!!

Aches and Pains

Amy and I walked 3.4 miles this morning. I just didn't have the Umph I usually have. I had some aches and pains that I was afraid might be more than normal. But, I pushed on through. When I got back home, my oldest son, Justin and I talked. He ran Cross Country and plays soccer. He tells me that everything I am experiencing is normal! He keeps telling me to just push on through. I have so many people encouraging me. It really helps.

Saturday's run was great! I am beginning to be able to remember names of people I have met. I have always been so bad at remembering names.

Way to go Sandra, Suzanne, Amy , Amy W. , Oneita, Brenda, Christa, Cindy, Phil, Kelvin and everyone else!!!!!!

Petrified Forest

Wednesday morning I took a day to "Character Build"! I took my oldest son, my two little brothers and my two nieces to the Petrified Forest in Flora, MS. I thought it was going to be a stroll in the park. The man at the beginning of the trail told us the trail is SIX city blocks long!!! Six city blocks and keeping up with 5 kids...now there's "Charater Building" for you!!! I consider that as Cross Training/wogging/workout all combined! It was so much fun climbing those hills and spending time with the kids. At the end of the walk, I bought each of us a $3.00 bag of rocks. We went outside and washed them in water like the goldminers did back in the good ole' days! My bag had two nice pieces of turquoise. One of my neices had a tiny rough cut emerald. The three boys had a lot of pretty stones of all colors. My other neice was excited every time she found a pink stone!

I stepped on the scales this morning for the first time since the first week.

I HAVE LOST 10 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10 POUNDS TEN POUNDS 10 POUNDS!!!!
I had to look at those scales twice!!!

Today is DAY 15 and no cigarette!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You Marathon Makeover...This is a Lifestyle Change!!!

Tuesday...Moving right along!!!!

We walked for 35 minutes this morning. The humidity was high so it felt like a longer walk than usual.

I AM A MARATHONER!!!!!!!!

I am still so excited about all of this!!!

New Monday 50 minutes!!!!!!

50 minutes!!!! I am so glad my walking partner/Sister-n-law/Amy is back!!! This morning the weather was nice. We walked and talked. That helps make the time go by quicker. We both have iPod shuffles but neither one of us turned them on this morning.

Saturday morning was great! By the end of the run, I was pretty red faced and worked up quite a sweat! My heart had moved from my chest up into my ears!!!!!! (Is that normal? HA/HA!!)

Encouragement

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Collier

I didn't get to walk this morning. Instead, I went to see my niece, Katie, in a play. She is in the first grade. It was soooo cute!

I will do my walking after work this evening.

Wednesday Workout

I had a good workout this morning. I introduced to myself some new machines and weight lifting. I am still not thrilled with the elliptical but I am able to stay on it for 5 minutes without feeling like my legs are going to fall off!!!!!

Tuesday

Good Morning America! How are you? I am doing great! Okay soooo maybe I am telling a little bit of a story. My calves are hurting a little this morning. But the good news is... my shin splints are GONE!!!

I walked for 30 minutes this morning. I am glad it wasn't as cold as yesterday morning!

Time for a Cappacinno and then I am off to work.

COLD MONDAY!

Brrrrrrrr! It is sooo cold outside!!!! I walked 2.6 miles this morning. The cold weather motivated me to step up my pace!!!!

Saturday was great!!! I really enjoyed talking to everyone. I also met a few new people.

INSPIRATION

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shakespeare

March 1st

This morning I took my 2 neices to school. Then I took my work out partner/sister-n-law, Amy and my brother, Jason, to the airport. They are going to Hawaii for 9 days!!!

I wasn't able to get in my usual morning walk before work so... this evening I WILL go to the YMCA if it is raining.

I have been a smoker for over 20 years. I tried to quit on Febuary 1st. I wasn't sucessful. TODAY, I QUIT SMOKING FOR REAL!!! There... I said it and the whole world knows now!!! No going back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday Workout!!!!

This morning, I met up with Amy at the YMCA. She had already started her work out, so I warmed up by stretching and we tackled the Elliptical together. I still don't "like" that machine. This was her first time on it. Guess what? It is not her new best friend either! But, we held on to those handles for 5:00 minutes like our lives depended on it!!! Sandra was there this morning, too. She has had a lot of shin splint problems like I have. It's great to get and give encouragement. I know I couldn't do something like this on my own.

I am really proud of myself. I am really enjoying this. I have never had a set schedule of exercise.

By the way..."I AM A MARATHONER!!!"

Amy, I am going to miss my workout partner while you are on the beaches of Hawaii for nine days!!!

Motivation

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aristotle

Terrific Tuesday

GOOD MORNING!!!! The weather is so beautiful! Amy and I walked for 40 minutes this morning. She and my little brother have been married for 15 years. They are leaving to go on vacation in Hawaii on Thursday morning. Soooo.... my walking partner will be gone for nine days. This means I am going to have to rope my step father into doing the full routine with me. He has been going with us quite regular so I am sure I won't have to bribe him!

New Week - Monday

Saturday was fun! I have really enjoyed getting to know new people. I had to slow down my pace some though, which is disappointing because I am recovering from shin splints. The bread at the end of the run was delicious!!!

My sister-n-law (Amy) and I decided we needed to change our walking path. We were walking on a "all the way" flat path for the last few weeks. Since the Saturday walks include hills, we now walk were there are hills for us to tackle!

I LOVE SPINACH! Yogurt is now my friend! Pasta salad is "off the hook" as my children say!

This experience of the Marathon Makeover has really been great so far!

Thursday - Long walk

This morning, Amy and I walked our 2.6 miles! The weather is so nice! Thanks, Mark, for the reminder to Stretch, Stretch, Stretch! I am definitly one of those that wants to get out there and "get at it". Stretching really does make a difference.

I really enjoy my walks before I go to work. Now that it is a constant routine, it helps my day get off to a good start.

Dasani makes flavored water. My favorite is Rasberry. It's really good stuff! I am lucky though, I love water even if it is straight out of the faucet.

Workout Wednesday!!!

I really enjoyed my Cross Traing work out at the YMCA this morning! I really worked up a sweat!

Last night my mother cooked me a great meal for supper. We had baked fish and a salad. She even dished out a correct portion. For dessert we had sliced oranges. I am enjoying all the tastey new foods I am eating. Fried food just isn't as good as I thought it was!!!!

Short Walk Tuesday

Today I walked 1.6 miles! Amy (my sister-n-law) and Ronnie (my stepfather) went with me. I had to slow down my pace a little today. I am having some lower leg pain. It is sorta like shin splints but only on the insides of my calf muscles down to my ankle area. I have had this pain slightly for a few days. The biofreeze seemed to help some. It seems like the next day's walk takes away yesterday's soreness but another one comes along. Maybe this IS where the saying "No pain, No gain!" came from???? Wasn't the temperture GREAT this morning!!!

Monday walk 2.6

I walked 2.6 miles this morning. My 14 year old brother was out of school for President's Day so he went with me. We enjoyed spending time together walking. I am so glad I am participating in the Marathon Makeover. So many members of my family are walking off and on with me. It really encourages me!

Work out at the Y

My oldest son (who is 20 and very athletic) went to the YMCA with me to cross train on Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed working out with him. He ran cross country in High School and played soccer on the High School and Jr. College level. He is very encouraging to me. We stopped by the GNC store at Dogwood after the work out for a all natural smoothie. It was pretty good stuff!

Saturday on the Levee

My ...my...... Now I am really going to have to focus on changing my eating habits! I really enjoyed the walk. The only difference was the walking surface was so uneven. I enjoyed meeting new people this week. Everyone is so nice. The different age groups really amaze me. I hope when I am 63 that I will still want to be this active.

Thursday

This is my dog, King, We use to be couch potatoes together. He will just have to hold the fort down until I get back from my walk. I am enjoying the walking (and a little jogging!). I really like going to the YMCA and cross training. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday morning.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Cross Training went pretty well today. I rode the bicycle today. That was an experience!!! It's just not what I remember from my childhood memories!!!! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!! On Valentine's Day, when it was new (around the 1700's) a man would write the name of the woman he loved on his shirt sleeve. that's where the saying started: Wearing his heart on his sleeve."

Family Support

Today was great! My sister-n-law, Amy and I are both participating in the marathon makeover. We walk together in the mornings before work. My stepfather has been walking with us for two weeks just to get the exercise. This morning my Mama started walking with us to just get the exercise, too. This is GREAT! We all start out together and then find our own pace. It really makes a difference when you have other people who support what you are doing.

Sunday's Cross Training

WOW!!! What a work out. Did Satan himself create the Elliptical? The rest of the work out was great though.

Saturday

Saturday was great! I can't believe how many people showed up! Iwalked most of the 1.5 miles. I did jog some (mostly downhill!!!) but it felt good! One thing that helped me ALOT was that my sister-n-law told me to buy an IPod Shuffle to listen to. Listening to encouraging Christian and Southern Rock and Roll made me forget about my aches and pain and about how much further I had to go.

Thursday

I walked for 40 minutes this morning. I jogged a little. Little meaning from mailbox to mailbox distance three or four times!!! Wow, am I ever out of shape. I have always considered myself active... but this is different trying to get in the "athletic" mode! I am still so excited about all of this!

Cross Training

Today I did my first real Cross training at the YMCA. My sister-n-law and I worked out together. I really enjoyed it, especially since she was there to encourage me. We went early this morning before work. I never would have thought that starting off my day with working out or walking would energize me for the rest of the day. But, it does!!!!

27 minutes - Tuesday

I walked for 27 minutes today. I have found new muscles in my body that I forgot existed! My shin splints are gone! Thank goodness!

First Saturday

I really enjoyed my first walk with the whole group on Saturday. It really inspired me to see all of the other people out there with the same goal I have!

I can do it!

I am so excited about the marathon makeover! I have really enjoyed the walking part. I hope to get into my cross training fully this week. My sister-n-law and I do our walking together. My stepfather walks with us also. I have joined the YMCA and I have an appointment this Friday afternoon to get me a cross training program started.

We walk in the morning before work. What a great way to get the day started.

I had shin splints after the first walk. I went to Fleet Feet and got a proper pair of shoes, it really made the difference.