countdown

ONE WEEK!!!! Until race day...the amateur Mallard View Triathalon.  I will probably still be trying to catch my breath at this time a week from now...but I am excited to conquer the course!!!  My last week of training has been great because I'm sitting in Jeni's dinning room right now, and she has not let me slack this week.  This morning we were up at 5:30am and hit the nature trails not far from the house.  It was awesome.  There is a part of the trail that you run over a gorgeous river and the sound of the rushing water gave me the perfect boost of energy I needed to push through the pain.  The heat wasn't too bad (74) but the humidity made it feel like I was running in a rain forrest.  I feel great, though, especially as I look back at the progress I've made since having Silas.  Today was my big day and I ran just shy of 4 miles.  I've never run that far.  Ever.  It is still painful and I still have a long road ahead, but I am very thankful that the Lord is showing me the importance of sweating and getting fit.  I love hearing of everyones challenges and victories...it is all such an encouragement to me.  Love to you all! 

catching up...

Hi all.  Since my last post (which was months ago),  I have been working hard and have a few things to report.   I ran the Boulder Boulder with my sister in law.  It is a 10k.  My goal was not to walk and to finish.  Did both.  Praise the Lord.  We ran 3 11 minute miles and 3 10 minute miles.  IT is a really fun race.  Tons of people, lots of music, and a few crazies to keep things interesting.

Here is a pic of my sister in law and I afterwards....

This past weekend we were in Colorado with a group of friends and family and hiked a 14er.  I have never attempted one and it was hard for me.  I thought I was in pretty good shape until 10 steps up the mountain I was panting like Tabby after I have thrown her the frisbee 50 times. :)  The way up was hard.  I made it to about 14,000 feet and the mountain was 14,295.  We were hiking in snow and I did not have the right gear for that, so my feet were frozen, the top was steep and snowy, and I decided that I was being foolish.  I couldn't feel where I was stepping, so I reluctantly headed back down the mountain.  It was pretty hard on my body... I threw up a few times on the way down, and my buttocks have never been so sore, but it was a great great experience!  Here is a pic of the mountain looking down when were about halfway up the peak... I was sooo close to the top.  Next time I will make it and next time if we hike in snow I will have water proof hiking boots... :)

I was inspired on the mountain.  It reminded me of how small I am and how big God is.  I was also inspired by the 9 year old and the 5 month pregnant lady that beat me all the way to the top and back.:)

love to all!

Still Here

Well I took 3 weeks off from running after the half marathon. I'm now running every other day any where from 1-3 miles...I am back on the treadmill because I don't like running in the heat. Im trying to run them around 10-11 min. When I run 3 I try to run a 10 min mile and alternate the other 2 with going at a slower pace but at a high incline or run really fast for 30 sec...and slow for 30 sec. That way I don't get bored and burn more fat. Im also doing a fun stationary bike workout that really isolates some muscles and lifting weights... I feel like I would like to lose 15 lbs. and someone at my church has stepped up and said they would give $1 for every pound lost to members of our church. They are raising money for our childrens programs so I thought this would be great incentive to focus on losing. It is from June 28th - Aug 30th. We weigh in at church on Tuesdays and there are some really fun girls doing it. My sister Emily is going to do it with me. It is fun to hear how you all are pushing yourselves and staying motivated, I will be honest to say some of my motivation has been having to wear shorts in this hot weather : ) ...and having time to myself and spending alone time with God now that all my kids are home all day for summer vacation..... Love to all.

Just Do IT!!

Good job Liz!!  That is a great pace, keep it up.  Rachel Barry and I have been running together.  IT has been wonderful we have had some wonderful runs.  The heat here is a killer.  I have a treadmill that I have been running on when it is just too hot so that is nice.  Today I ran on the treadmill and it was so hard to get started.  I am getting ready to start my period so I feel very lazy but I did it anyway.  The first 15 minutes felt horrible and I wanted to stop every step, but once I was warmed up I was able to really push and felt so good.   Some of you know that running has been a huge outlet for me through this whole adoption process.  When I get bad news or am just frustrated I hit the road and take it to God.  OFten by the time I am back from my run I am filled with peace.  I REALLY LOVE TO RUN!!!! (most of the time)  I agree with you girls, it is a place that I have sweet fellowship with Christ.

Update on 9 Min. Miles

Well, my friend Jade and I set out to see if we could run 2, 9 minute miles. I gave it my all for 9 1/2 minute miles. It was really hard, but I know with time it will come.

Girls, where you at? Erin, Abby, Hannah, Ellie, all y'all. . . . Let me know how you are doing in your journey.

Lovin' my runnin'

Liz, you have inspired me to update you all!
I'm at it again...the point where I cannot wait to get off work so I can go running. Things have been crazy for me in the last two weeks, but one of the things that has remained constant is my running. Since it is one of the only times where I can clear my head and be alone with the Lord, I've made sure to do it consistently. I am training for a half marathon in August and next week is my 'jump' week (or the week where i really push for distance). It's been a slow, but great start. I have switched things up a bit. My running crew who I usually run with is scattered all over this summer and we won't reunite until the race in August, so I've been running alone a lot lately. This has been a blessing because like I said it really helps me clear my head and spend time with the Lord. BUT my good friend and neighbor has started running with me on Mondays, so that is good. Also, I've been trying to run trails and different terrain at least once a week. The hills are really forcing me to focus on breathing better. Last night I went on a great run. I pushed through my tired point and ran 4 miles plus did some sprint/jog intervals. I feel really good about where I'm at in my training after last night.
I do however need to find another form of exercise because my knees are needing a break. Maybe I'll start using my roommates bike!
Anyway, I am proud of all you ladies...especially those of you with children. I'm tired after a long day of work, so I can't imagine how tired you all are after a day of running after your kids. Keep it up ladies! I hope you all are loving your running as much as I am ;)

2 Weeks

Hello Beauties! Only 2 weeks until I attempt to do the Triathalon. My goal was to be able to run 3, 9 min. miles by this time. Not happening, but I am going to see if I can run 2, 9 min. miles this weekend. I haven't really made the intentional time to try that. I'll let you all know how it goes.

I am not reaching my weight loss goal either, but I have lost 12 pounds since January! I am glad for that. I have 10 more to lose before I can fit into all my clothes again. Jesse will be one year old in September, so that is my new goal. . . to lose 10 more by then.

Something that has helped me in gaining endurance is to do interval running that Jeni taught me. I jog 10 min. slow, then do three cycles of 2 minutes fast, 3 minutes slow, and lastly a 5-10 minute cool down. It makes the time fly by and it has really helped my lungs get in shape. I miss hearing about where you all are at, and how your exercise is going. Good, bad, or ugly let us know what's up in your world.