The Adventure of the Non-Adventure and the Girl in the Red Bug

It has been a bit since my last post....my most recent adventure...getting over some bronchial type sickness that seemed to linger for weeks! Ughhh! So miserable. I am finally feeling better after about three weeks of my "adventure!"

Needless to say, my training came to a complete halt, which was very discouraging. I feel like, in general, with my exercise and eating, for everyone one step forward I take, I go back three! It's very frustrating and really plays with my mind and my spirit! One setback really seems to throw me into a funk. Being sick, along with the stresses of work have wrecked havoc on me!  I have felt defeated on all levels of my life! Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?

Fortunately, a night of laughter and talking with some wonderful girlies, seemed to feed my soul and get me back on track. I found a Groupon for Yoga Deva in Gilbert. I got an incredible deal and signed up for month of unlimited yoga sessions. My first session was last Thursday. I took the Warm Yoga, which is an alternative to hot yoga. The class is an hour and 15 minutes in length and I felt awesome afterwards. There is nothing like going to an actual yoga studio for yoga vs. the regular gym. It is a whole different feeling when I am not listening to the racquetball balls hitting the wall, and the loud grunts of the players, when I am in the Child's Pose. In addition to signing up for Yoga Deva, I have revamped my training program. I have broken it down into smaller races. I am signing up for the 12ks of Christmas again this year, and my goal is to run the 12k, instead of the 6k, like I did last year. This will help with preparing for the Huntington Beach Half Marathon that I am shooting for in February 2013. I think using yoga as my cross-training is going to help significantly with the tightness I constantly experience in my hamstrings and will also help strengthen my core, which is horribly weak.

Adding some simple tracking tools to my revamped routine should help in keeping focused and motivated. Of course, I am still placing $1.00 in my workout jar, every time I work out, I do love seeing the green in the jar grow. Also, I put a whiteboard calendar on the fridge with my weekly workout schedule. I have planned my running time and cross-training through the month of November. All steps in the right direction.

One little adventure I did have during my little bout of sickness was the Neon Splash Dash 5k. I had signed Masen and I up for the run, prior to being sick, so there was no way I was having us drop out. There were thousands of people at the run. We started in waves and made our way through fours different "splash" stations where we were sprayed with various neon colors. It was a cool run and definitely one I would like to do again in the future. Until the next time...The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Week 2 Half Marathon Training and the Girl in the Red Bug

So, this has not been a very good training week at all. I have had ZERO energy and am really trying to identify what the root of the problem has been; so far, I have not been able to pinpoint the issue. All I can say is I am thankful that I have more time than scheduled out to fully train for the half-marathon. However, I don't want to get in that mindset, it could potentially derail the whole program and goal.

Everyone I talk to, that has done any type of distance running, talks about the mental piece of running and the importance of training your mind. Our bodies are capable of so much more than our minds allow them to do. I understand there is so much more to training than just logging miles; it will be a balance of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, diet...it encompasses us on every level.

This week...the good, the bad and the ever so ugly!

Day 1 - Rest Day, I definitely was an overachiever on rest day - probably not the area I should be overachieving in.

Day 2 - Treadmill Run - almost 1.5 miles (not good - supposed to be 3 miles). I felt tortured!

Day 3 - was a scheduled cross-training day and I......didn't workout! Ughhhhh, my mojo is off.

Day 4 - scheduled run....and you guessed it, didn't do it! Feeling pretty low about the progress so far this week. I am seeing another "Pull your head out of.....well, you know" talk with myself.  Get committed! Sheesh!

Day 5 - rest day! Rest day? I haven't done anything to rest from, but I will go with it. And actually am thinking now I deserve it. I volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul's, this morning, with my team at work. Lots of unloading trucks, moving furniture, and arranging and organizing; after 4 1/2 hours, I was pooped!

Day 6 - Does a trip to Ikea and walking around opening night of Mighty Mite football count as cross-training? I didn't think so, but thought I'd through it out there!

Day 7 - The day isn't over, but so far no run

Wow! There is nothing like humiliation to inspire a person to get back on track with their training program. With every detail I wrote, I was embarrassed by my lack of commitment for the week's training, but oddly inspired and refocused at the same time! I am looking forward to a much more successful and healthy upcoming week.

Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Being Blessed and the Girl in the Red Bug

This last weekend, my sis and I were getting our eyebrows done at the esthetician we go to on a regular basis. I love going to our esthetician, not only because I leave feeling    like I have beautiful skin and eyebrows (you know the eyebrows are the picture frame for your face, right!?), but also because of the soulful conversations we have. I wrote on my Facebook page, afterwards, that there are those people you interact with that you just feel the love of Christ oozing from them, she is one of those people.

When I say what I am about to write, I will put out my disclaimer that I am not trying to offend anyone, or hurt anyone's feelings, because I sadly categorize myself in with this statement (there, disclaimer out of the way!)

I have met many people throughout my lifetime that proclaim to be Christians, they go church and Bible Study regularly, many can even quote the Bible, often drawing their words like Cherry Valance drew his pistol in Red River. They proudly display their church bumper stickers on their cars, while practically running you off the road (probably one of the main reasons I have never put a sticker on my car - seriously what representation would I be giving? Ok, I'm from California, I have a honking issue!) They say their mission in life is to preach the gospel and reach others, all in the same breath as they are bullying those around them, or saying hurtful things. Now, as I said in my disclaimer, I am not saying I am perfect Christian, because anyone that knows me, knows that I am miserably inadequate in this area...but, I don't claim to be anything but who I am..a sinner who falls short, but by the grace and mercy of God, I know that I am loved.

I digress, back to my original thought! There are those people that absolutely are shining stars for God. There is something so special about them, often words can't express what you seeing or experiencing, but you know there is something different about them. And, how awesome is our God that a) He has created these wonderful people and b) that they appear in our simple, everyday lives! I know that when I get my eyebrows done, or on happy hair days, I will be blessed. I know that when I read certain blogs, texts, or Facebook posts, I will be blessed! What an absolute gift! And although, in many ways, these bright stars make my inadequacies seem larger, they are never judgmental; they uplift and encourage! That something "different" that you notice is shared with everyone they interact with, it isn't just saved for Sundays, for just friends, or for their family members; it just naturally oozes from them - WOW!

I am so thankful that God places me in moments to have conversations that remind me of the magnitude of His love and the many gifts He provides me. And along with that, I pray that I can be a morsel to others, what these people are to me. I truly, in my heart, long to be one of those people that other's say, "I can't put my finger on it, but there is something different about her." But, honestly, I don't even know how to go about it. But, everyday is a new day and a new opportunity to be a better me. A chance to make a slight difference in this big world.

Until the next time...the Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Week 1 Half Marathon Training & the Girl in the Red Bug

I am using the Hal Higdon 1/2 Marathon Training app. It is a 12 week program geared towards novices. I definitely consider myself a novice, since the furtherest I have ever run is four miles. I am thankful that throughout the summer, that I tried to maintain some semblance of a running program, even if it was on the treadmill! At least it won't be like completely starting over (well, hopefully it won't be).

One of the things I like most about this app, is that you can track how you feel during the training session, what the weather conditions were, and what the terrain was for the run. It also provides handy tips, which I love.

Throughout my blogging, I want to share with you the ups, the downs, the good, the bad and the ugly of my training. So, here we go!

Day 1 - a rest day. The app has Monday as a rest day, this will be valuable as the program rollout, since Sundays will be the days slated for the long runs. I am already experiencing a little anxiety about the long runs.  But, as far as today was concerned, I felt like a bit of a slug for not getting in some type of exercise! Thought for the day, "It is far better to be exhausted from success then to be rested from failure." Mary K. Ash, founder of Mary K. Cosmetics, Inc.

Day 2- was scheduled to run three miles, but only went 2.13 miles. I will say it was slightly rough.  My pace was off, and the air felt muggy. Am praying that I can get back into the swing of things.

Day 3 - a cross training day. I lifted weights, did push-ups, sit ups and the dreaded plank. It was a decent workout that I kind of made up on the fly.

Day 4 - was scheduled to run three miles, but only got in 2.04 miles. It was a better run than Tuesday night. My pace felt better, not perfect, but better.

Day 5 - Rest Day...I was thankful for the rest, I was tired from my week.

Day 6 - Did a Pilates workout from a series I have been recording. Wow! My core is weak and my hips are so tight. It is very obvious to me, that I need to continue these type of workouts to strengthen my core and to loosen my hip muscles. I can only imagine this will make my running easier.

Tomorrow is my scheduled 4-mile run. I really want to do well with the run. I am hoping that my doing it earlier in the day, will help. We'll see.

Day 7 - Today I completed my 4-mile run. I really wanted to lay in bed, but was going through Facebook and saw that a friend of mine had gotten up and completed her workout, so it inspired me to do the same.

Overall, the run went well. I'm still not back to running the full mileage consecutively, but I am seeing improvement from my earlier runs this week, and that propels me to keep going! I am looking forward to this coming weeks training. Happy running!

The Adventure of the Half Marathon Training and the Girl in the Red Bug

This is the week I officially start training for my first half marathon. I am nervous, afraid, excited...several emotions all rolled into one! I have wanted and talked about completing a half marathon for about five years now. Each time I get geared up to start training and then don't follow through. As I get geared up, yet again, to begin the process of training, I felt I needed to look at what has held me back from the whole process in previous years...the bottom line, a fear of failure. The fear of actually not being able to complete the task at hand! Do others feel this way? Does fear of failure dictate what you will, or won't do? I find that the half marathon is the symbol that represents many areas of my life, it's a symbol of so many things I want to accomplish but yet am fearful to try.

 So, this is it folks, the time to make a change is now! The time is now to kick the fear of failure square in the butt! But, I know I will need help along the way, I will need words of encouragement from those that have the same fears and reservations that I do, from those that have set their goal and successfully completed it, whatever that goal may be. By putting this out there for God and everyone to see, I am hoping it will keep me focused and encouraged. I am inviting all of you on my journey...on my adventure of the half marathon!

Until the next time....the Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of the Master’s Program and the Girl in the Red Bug

Recently, I started back to school to complete my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am attending Ottawa University, and I have to say I am loving the classes and loving the instructors.

On Tuesday night in my Diversity class, we wrote poems, well actually, I don’t know if you can categorize it as a poem since it doesn’t rhyme? But, anyway, in the poem you had to describe yourself and each sentence had to start with “I am.” Here is who I am.

I AM

I am an aunt with a heart filled with love

I am a proud daughter and grandaughter

I am an oldest to only, birth order confused, crazy sister

I am a good book being read next to a blazing fire

I am a runner with struggling feet and muffin tops

I am Sunday supper with the family

I am a basket full of colorful Sharpies

I am an iced coffee and a Red Velvet cupcake

I am a princess longing for a tiarra

I am a hopeful romantic still waiting for the “right one”

I am a scrapbook full of memories

I am birthdays, cupcakes and cake pops

I am a blogger of adventures

I am a lover of red Bugs

I am a glass of merlot while listening to soulful jazz

I am puppies, kittens and snuggles on the couch

I am San Francisco on a spectacular day

I am a pair of fabulous kitten-heeled boots

I am Foul Play, You’ve Got Mail and Sweet Home Alabama

I am a friend

I am a pieced together quilt, made with love and care

I am a child of God that struggles and falls short

I am a girl, a woman, silly, and soulful

I have to say when I first started this activity, I stuggled. It's challenging to come up with something in 10 minutes, so when I got home I had time to reflect on who I am and the things that represent me. I think this list pretty much sums me up and what is important to me.

Who are you? I challenge you to take the time to create you own I AM poem, and post here if you would like. 

Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Operation 2012, Part Deux and the Girl in the Red Bug

Here we are, already into the middle of June. I am not quite sure where the year has gone. I must admit, I’ve been feeling a little anxious about already being in June, feeling like the year is flying by and that my biggest fear of having the “Lost Year ~ Part Deux,” is coming true. My work/life balance has been a huge challenge for me, so far this year. I am struggling and trying to figure out how to set boundaries for myself and my life. I must admit, I admire those super organized people that are able to accomplish every little goal they put out there. Or, those people that don’t have the constraints of outside forces that have the tendency to dictate our lives to us.

I took some time to review my Operation 2012 Goals. It’s good to celebrate accomplishment; as well as make plans to complete goals that haven’t been met, or even thought about yet. Below shows where I am...and well, yes, where I need to be.

Operation 2012

The Year of Doing Things Differently

• Try 12 new recipes - OK, so-so on this goal. I think I have tried more recipes, but haven’t really kept track - will need to be better about keeping track and posting.       - made Cake Pops for Easter and the nephew’s birthday. Successful on both accounts and will definitely make again. - baked chicken coated with plain greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, and Panko Breadcrumbs

• Complete 12 runs, including one run outside of the state of AZ - To date I have completed ten runs. Some were really great; some, my performance not so great. But, looking at what I have accomplished so far, either way I am proud and encouraged to continue on my running journey. I am beginning to feel a bit more comfortable in calling myself a “runner.”

  - London’s Run (1/28)

-The Lost Dutchman (2/19)

-The Nun Run (3/10)

-St. Patrick’s Day Run (3/17)

-Seville Skirts & Shirts (3/24)

-Firefly Run (4/14)

-Tillman Run (4/21)

-Too Hot to Trot (4/28)

-The Night Run (5/12)

-Bay to Breakers ~ San Francisco CA (5/20)
I have several runs planned for the remainder of the year and am also looking forward to my first Half Marathon in January 2013.

• Read six books - Currently reading a James Patterson novel. I need to get motivated on this goals.

• Go on six hikes - 0 completed - YIKES

• Take a photography class- This goal is being replaced by starting a Master’s Program.

• Lose 12 lbs - I have nothing to say about this one and that says everything! Ughhhh!

• Participate in a Bible Study - No progress on this

• Attend church, at least twice a month - Refocus needed - STAT!

• Finish a quilt-It is summer and too hot to do anything outside, thiscould happen sooner than later.

• Become a couponer, yes with a snazzy binder and everything!-Need to get back on track with this.

• Take 12 pictures a month - I have been hit or miss with this goal. I want to start taking more random photos. 

• Take a cooking class - Being replaced with the Master’s Program.

How do you balance work and personal life? How are all of you doing on your goals for the year? 

Until the next time....The Girl in the Red Bug