I ran a 5K and my shins are still mad at me for it

Well, I did it. I ran a 5K.

My goal was to run the entire time without stopping to walk. With my ever encouraging, supremely amazing friend Lindsey jogging happily by my side, joyfully dumbing down her run BIG TIME to stay with me and chat me up while I jaulked and gasped for air and occasionally grunted something that sounded like responses to her questions, we crossed the finish line without even a hint of a walk.

Then my shins promptly snapped in half.

Well, it felt that way at least.

I had a second goal that I didn't really mention to anyone until after the race. I really didn't want to finish last. I mean, if it was either not walk and finish last or walk and finish 2nd to last, I'd have settled for last. But, Lindsey encouraged me to step it up the last 25 or so yards and pass some people right at the end.

It felt good. You know, until I stopped and my shins began hurling obscenities at me.

In case you've missed my previous running posts, you should know that, typically, I LOATHE running. But, as Lindsey has reminded me time and time again during my training for the 5K and during the actual race itself, this is a goal that I am actually seeing come to fruition. As a Mom, often our goals are either short lived (ie. clean the kitchen, wash the laundry, repeat) or it can take years to see our goals come to pass (ie. raise respectful children, have a family who serves the Lord without hesitation). But running, well, it's a goal I can set and reach in a fairly short amount of time.

Truthfully, two weeks ago I went out for a run and ended up stopping about 1/4 of the way through. With tears streaming down my face, I came home feeling so defeated. I began thinking of ways that I could get out of the 5K and it seem like a good, valid, not-my-fault excuse. "Maybe I'll get mastitis or maybe I'll sprain my ankle!"

Seriously. I.wanted.out.

But now that I've accomplished a goal that I never even thought I'd set for myself, it feels good.

But don't think I'm going to become a die hard runner. Because let me tell you, I saw some pretty special people on Saturday. Wow. If you're an avid runner, this isn't a slam on you because, Lord have mercy, if I offend you it's not like you couldn't chase me down and hurt me. But, you know, runners are a rare breed, I believe.

I seriously saw a 60-something year old man jogging around the parking lot, pre-race to warm up. He jogged over in front of the 10 or so Port-a-Johns, jogged in place while he waited for one. Went in, did his business and then came out jogging and jogged away.

I have to wonder if he was inside jogging and peeing at the same time.

Then, there was the Chuck Norris wanna be runner. As he laid on his back in the grass, warming up by doing round-house kicks and pelvic thrusts, I almost couldn't look away. After he wind-sprinted across the parking lot 9,732 times I realized that, WOW. HE'S SERIOUS. Chuck ain't playin'.

Oh. And there was a woman in some weird shoes who wore a shirt that, apparently, she'd been previously attacked by a shark in. I'm serious. Shredded, from the breast down. SPE-SHUL.

Then, of course, there was the guy with long curly hair, tied back with a bandanna, in his tie dye shirt, jean shorts and BARE FEET who stood in front of us at the starting line. See? Specialness. Maybe he should have spoken to shark-shirt lady about her shoes.

Maybe I don't get out much anymore, or maybe I'm always the one being stared at, but I found the pre-race people watching worth the torture that my shins endured.

I mean, people. IT'S THREE MILES.

Which I mean, sure, that's Everest to me, an overweight, out of shape, stay-at-home Mom, 4 months postpartum. But for the avid runner I just had to chuckle at how serious they all were.

But I will say, those runners impressed me mucho. I mean, the guy that won ran his 5K in something like 13 minutes. I WAS BARELY THROUGH MY FIRST MILE AT 13 MINUTES. Actually, that's not true, I think 13 minutes is when I looked at Lindsey and said, "We're almost half-way, right?" and she checked her watch, chuckled and said, "Um. Not really."

And then I died inside. And maybe threw up in my mouth a little.

Random

This is going to be a random post. All over the place.

What's new around here?

A lot.

Luke and I took the three littlest kids to the farmer's market on Saturday. It was awesome. We'd never been to a farmer's market before. It was eye opening. We've also watched Food, Inc. It was informative. But, we've wanted to go to the farmer's market long before watching that movie. Watching it just sort of spurred us to go sooner rather than later. We bought lots of fresh produce and also some meat. We've been debating/talking about buying half a cow. We've heard it's healthier than buying grocery store beef. We bought some from some of the farmer's at the market and I've just finished browning some hamburger. Can I tell you there was hardly any fat? Wow.

Luke and I made our first batch of homemade laundry soap last night. I've been debating doing it for a while now and after I read this post and then realized we were about to run out of the store bought stuff, I figured now would be a good time to try it. I used this recipe. I've washed two loads today. The jury is still out on how much I like it. It's awfully lumpy/jelly like. And, there's hardly any scent. It was super easy to make though and cost next-to-nothing.

Ella has begun "biting" me with her gums when she nurses. It hurts. A lot. When I tell her "NO!" she grins at me. Earlier, I pulled her off and gently flicked her mouth and said "NO!" She grinned bigger. Great.

Our neighbor's cat had kittens. So, naturally, Elizabeth wants a kitten for her 6th birthday. Ithinknot. Thankfully, my (step)Dad took her last night and bought her a fake cat. It looks so real. It's subdued her desires to have a real cat. Thank you, from the bottom of my cat-loathing heart Dad. You are a LIFE SAVER. THANK YOU.

The 5K I signed up to run in is THIS Saturday. Holy moly. I think the dry heaving has started. (Gag.snort.cough.) Yep. Definitely.

Tomorrow is sort of an important day for us. I'll try to give details soon. If you feel led and/or you remember, we'd appreciate prayers.

There is so much laundry piled on our love seat that our children are (at this very moment) pretending like it's a mountain and climbing to the top. Elizabeth's wearing a batters helmet while she climbs. I think that's a safe precaution. It's pretty high up there.

Later this week I'm having a fun giveaway. Or, at least I think it's fun. And, it will help bring home 1 or 2 of the 147 million orphans that have no place to call home. Stay tuned!

Like a fart in the wind

I have blogged about running before. 7 times to be exact. (Hint: Click on each of the words in that 1st sentence to see my previous posts about running.) 1 of those times was to promote Run 4 Revolution so really it had nothing to do with me running.

The last time(s) I posted about running, my running streak lasted 10 days.

TEN DAYS.

Like a fart in the wind, it was gone quicker than it came.

Today I registered to Run my first ever 5K. Yes, I know I blogged about running a 5K once before but I never ran in it. In fact, I chickened out/hyperventilated from nerves the morning of the race. But now, I'm actually running. Like for real running.

Like, I've been running for about 7 WEEKS. Weeks, not days people. That's pretty monumental for me. And, the craziest part is that I am actually enjoying it.

Truthfully, I don't really run. I jaulk. It's like a half jog/half walk. I haven't mentioned my jaulking here on the blog before now because it could have been like the whole "fart in the wind" thing again and then I'd be 0 for 2. And my dignity can't take that kind of a record.

I'm actually registered to run a 5K on July 17th (I even paid a registration fee!). My friend Lindsey has been my Drill Sergeant accountability partner and kept me in check, asking if I'm running and concerned with how I'm actually doing. She even made me a spreadsheet telling me how much I should be running each day so that I don't burn out. And, even once, she dumbed down a run and ran/jaulked with me. She talked the whole time, while I gasped for air, and made it rather enjoyable for me. (Lindsey is training for the Boston Marathon so when I say "dumbed down" her run, she REALLY dumbed down her run. It would be like a Rocket Scientist doing addition flash cards with a 1st grader.)

So, I'm running or something like that. And, I'm proud of myself for not quitting. My husband has been a constant source of encouragement. Because, you see, I'm NOT a runner by nature. In my athletic prime, I wasn't a distance runner. In fact, I PREFERRED the days we did wind sprints over the days we did distance running. I sorta liked sprinting as long as the sprints were 1 lap or less around the track.

And, I imagine this running/jaulking thing will be something I continue to do. Even though, technically, my favorite part about the running is the stopping at the end.

Run 4 Revolution

Y'all, I'm gonna be real honest here. I hate running. No, let me rephrase that, I HATE running. Don't get me wrong I don't dislike physical activity in general (despite my plump appearance), but running just isn't my thang.

I tried it about a year ago and I think it last about 2 weeks. You see, it's always been a strong dislike of mine. When I was in college I was on the volleyball team. In addition to our 2-3 hour a day practices, we'd also run 2 to 3 times a week. During pre-season, we were required to run a timed mile and in order to play, we were to run that mile in 8 minutes. I know, that doesn't sound like much to some of you crazy people who enjoy pounding your feet on the pavement. But volleyball players are not typically runners.

We would run our timed mile every-other-morning (at 7am) during preseason, each time with the goal of 8 minutes. EVERY time we had our timed mile my alarm would go off, I'd slide out of bed and the dry heaving would begin. I would dry heave as I got dressed, put my hair in a messy ponytail and tied up my shoes. The dry heaving would get increasingly dramatic as I walked the 75 yards across a portion of campus (it was a small campus y'all) to the track. As we ran our "warm up lap" I would dry heave further, sometimes making my team mates snarl their lips and run away from me.

Dry heaving continued until I was 3/4 of the way through my first timed lap. Then, I was fine. I'd push through and finish my mile, usually within the 8 minutes required. Truthfully, once I was into my 3rd lap, I was fine and knew that I was going to make my time.

So you see, I HATE running. But even though I had a profuse hatred of running, I bit the bullet and did it because I had a goal, a purpose even. Without making that 8 minute mile I was not allowed playing time. So, I ran because something depended on my running. As I continued through my 4 years of college volleyball, it became easier. Mostly because I knew that not making my timed mile was not an option.

A year ago when I started this whole, "I'm gonna run" bidness, my main goal was to just "get in shape." Well, then we got another newborn (Baby Girl) and finding making the time just fell to the wayside.

But now, I have a reason again to run, or, um....jaulk, as will be my case. My multi-talented friend Lindsey and my African Soul Mate, Lindy have founded a new organization called Run 4 Revolution. Run 4 Revolution is a worldwide running club that raises awarenss and funding for Child Trafficking. Seriously people, if there was ever a reason for this tub-o-jello to run, it's this.

When I first heard about it, I seriously thought, "Crap. I'll never be able to contribute to that. Ever. Afterall, I HATE running." But then, I read more about it. I was slowly getting reeled in and then I saw it...their tag line. It got me.

Run 4 Revolution

...Run like somone's life depended on it.

Wow. Back when I was running all those timed miles in college I used to joke that it would be so much easier for me to run faster if someone would chase me with a knife (morbid, I know). The truth is, running like your life is at stake makes running, well...easy.

Hopefully, I can begin walking now, then maybe jaulking, then once this baby gets here, running...just like someone's life depended on it.

Won't you try running or jaulking or even walking with me...because someone's life does depend on it. If you can't do any of the above, won't you check out Run 4 Revolution's website and consider sponsoring one of their already active team members who are running in half and/or full marathons.

For more info and/or to hear straight from the horses mouthes, check out Lindsey's blog or Lindy's blog.

Now, with all this talk of running, my gag reflex is in hyperactive mode. I think I'm gonna go grab a slice of pie or something and plan out my walking route.

Holy Crap!

My Dad just called and wants me to do a 5K run/walk with him on Saturday. Guess I should probably run/jalk a few times this week! I only jalked once last week, although I must say the desire is still there and for me that's HUGE! I'll probably end up walking most of the 5K, but maybe just being around other people running will be an inspiration.

Don't worry, I won't over-do it (if you wondered that then you don't know me at all). Also, sometimes my Dad can have really great ideas that never come to fruition. Humm....sounds like someone else I know.

Guess we'll see...

A Good Day

This morning, I got up and ran for 20ish minutes. Yes, me, running at 6:45am I can hardly believe it.

We also started our first day of Classical Conversations today. I am tutoring the 4 year old class. Today I had eight 4 year olds. It was so much fun and went so much more smoothly than I could have ever anticipated.

I'll post more later. I'm exhausted!

Just So You Know...

1. If you keep up with my blog and genuinely desire to know more about our situation with Baby D, or if you're friends or family and have questions, it does not irritate me if you ask. I only get frustrated with people who ask in an inappropriate (insensitive) manner or if they are only asking to be nosy. I welcome your questions and comments, seriously. I'll let you know if you step on my toes.

2. I ran again this morning and IT FELT GREAT! I can hardly believe that I am typing those words in relation to running. I actually "jalked" more today than I did in my first run, plus I went further than I did the last time. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting a run in tomorrow morning before church or during the kids' nap time tomorrow afternoon. I can't believe I'm enjoying it this much. It's so not me. It helps that Luke is being incredibly encouraging and supportive. I have a remarkable husband.

Sore, but Good

Today, my hips are sore, my calves are tight and every now and then I feel a twinge in my abs. However, it actually feels good to be sore. I haven't felt this way in a long, long time.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run--or "jalk" in my case (half jog, half walk).

In the meantime, keep praying for my little unspoken thing. I'm sorta getting nowhere, but I feel like something's coming. It's strange, but I'm excited to see what God is about to do!

Round 1 Run Complete!

So, I did it. I ran this evening after Luke got home and we had dinner. I can't believe I actually went. Yes, it was raining, but if I look for excuses I will find them everywhere. Like I told Luke, if I'm really gonna do this, I have to start today.

Lindsey, I don't think I'd make much of a running partner seeing as how I only ran about 40% of the time. Plus, you want to carry on a conversation? Yeah, right.

Thanks for the encouragement, from everyone. I appreciate it. We'll see how long this lasts.

I'm Gonna Put On, My My My My My Runnin' Shoes....Maybe

I've never liked running, ever. When I was in college, I played on the volleyball team. Our coach was hardcore and during preseason would make us get up 2 to 3 times a week and run. Our goal was to run a mile in 8 minutes or less. I know, I know...that's not incredibly fast. However, volleyball players are sprinters my nature. I never minded sprinting, it was the long distances, you know longer than the straight aways, that I hated. Each morning we ran our timed mile, I'd wake up (have I mentioned I'm not a morning person either?) at 5:30am, slip into my workout clothes and, while dry-heaving, tie up my running shoes. The dry heaving would continue as I walked the 100 or so yards across campus to the track. The closer I got to the track, the more I'd dry heave. I'm not kidding. Even now, thinking about it, my heart is racing.

The dry heaving would continue as our coach made us run an entire warm up lap. I felt that this warm up lap was completely unnecessary and I didn't understand why she would make me use up perfectly good running energy to "warm up."

Usually, I finished my mile in less than 8 minutes, but almost always I barfed afterwards. I would have to syke myself out with each step, saying something stupid like,

"The next time I'm right here I'll only have 3 laps left."

"Okay, just make it to the next line and then you'll only have 11 more lines left" (referring to the starting lines on the track).

Mental toughness when running was never my forte. I could handle practicing for 3-4 hours at a time, do sprinting drills, suicides, etc. but distance running....NO THANKS!

So, with that said why is it, I ask you, that I feel the need to become a runner? (There it goes again, my heart is starting to race.) Why do I feel this drive to run? Well, I've been following the blog of Lindsey Broere, a friend from my middle school days. I don't know what in the crap she's training for, but she's running like a mad lady. I think I read somewhere the other day that she ran for like 4 hours or something. Can I just say "NOT A CHANCE IN YOU-KNOW-WHERE!!!"

Nonetheless, I have felt called to run. Maybe it's because of the way Lindsey talks about the quiet time, or the consistency, or the way that she feels God is communicating to her thru the endurance and physical exertion. At any rate, I'm going to give it a try. I could use the toughening up and the opportunity to shed some extra pounds.

As I said before, I'm NOT a runner. I'll probably start off with a brisk walk and work my way up. If you read this, and you ARE a runner, I'd enjoy any tips you might like to share. For the rest of you, just PRAY.

And, if you see me, laying face down in the grass on the side of the road, don't be alarmed. I'm probably just cooling off.

****By the way, this is my 100th post! Yay!******