Day twenty-three: a photo of something you want to do someday.

One day in the near future I want to run a full marathon.  I want to be healthy, fit and in shape.  I want to have lightning bolt thighs instead of thunder thighs.  I want to finish in less than 6 hours and I want a pretty medal.

Day seventeen: a photo of something that has changed your life

You are probably reading my blog thinking... wow these daily photo challenges are really neato and quite profound.  Then you stumble across this post and think... what tha what?  Yes, my bloggy readers my ASICS Women's GEL-Cumulus 12 Running Shoes have changed my life.  When I gently unlace and slip my feet in, I feel a little empowered.  Okay... a lot!  I feel like I could run for miles and miles.  I'm not your typical gal that gets a thrill out of cutie patootie pumps.  No sir, I get a thrill, a jolt... an electrifying sensation when I slip into my running shoes.  I run... they help... a lot.  Kind of like running on rubber cushions.  You know you want a pair. 

My legs are growing treads....

Seriously though I think this past year has been my healthiest year since I was a teenager.  I lost weight, I started working out and most important ... if not the most exciting - I started running.  When I run I know my heart is getting stronger with each pump.  I know my lungs are expanding and working for the better of my body.  I know that my blood is flowing and pumping and going to all the right places.  I love it.  When I run my legs hurt, my chest is tight and I can't carry on a conversation and that is just the way I like it.  Am I crazy?  Who knows, and honestly who cares.  All I know is I have been a running for one year!  One year ago this month I ran my very first 5k race.  One year ago I began a new journey that I never in a million years imagined I would love so very much.  After I run I feel refreshed and renewed.  I feel rejuvenated and unstressed so to speak.  The proud feeling of accomplishment creeps through my veins and it sure feels good.  Thank you God I have a mind to set on running, lungs to take in that fresh air, a healthy heart to pump that blood and legs to get me where I need to go.

Just Run

I found this quote on someone's facebook page and I just loved it.  I think the entire quote speaks for itself!


Run because you want to be fast. Run because you want to be skinny. Run to find some quiet time. Run to sweat. Run to eat. Run hear your heart pound in your ears. Run because you're a runner. Run because you gotta keep the streak. Run because you don't know why the hell you're running. Run because you fought with your partner. Run because your job is (bleep)y. Run because you got no money. Run for the sunrise. Run for a race. Run because it's impossible. Run because it's easy. Run instead of doing the laundry. Run instead of watching TV. Run because no one else understands. Run because the cool kids do it. Run because you're tired of talking. run for numbers. Run for feel. Run to prove something. Run because it (bleeping) hurts. Or don't run. If you got something better to do." - Jeff Edmonds

From the Couch to 5k

For those that have been following my blog, you know I am now an official 5k junkie.  No, I'm not a runner.  In fact, I'm not even a jogger.  But I do walk and jog in intervals and I LOVE IT!  Since I am now an official junkie I thought I would set some more goals for myself. (hey, big girls can run too ya know!)  My first goal is to finish my next 5k in 45 minutes or less.  My first 5k finishing time was 51:34 and my second finishing time was 50:25.  My hope is to shave 6 minutes off my next couple of 5ks.  Told ya I was serious. My next big goal is to complete a 10k and from there a half marathon.  Now I know what you are probably thinking... um, yeah right... but here's a little secret... never tell me what I can't do because if my daddy taught me one thing it is to never let anyone hold me back.  I may be a big girl, but doggonit I will and can compete in a half marathon....eventually.  You see I want to get my body back.  I want my body, which is essentially a holy vessel, in shape.  I want to be healthy and live a life full & purposeful.  The bible tells us to care for our bodies as a temple for the holy spirit.  So with that said, I plan to get healthy and reach high for those goals.  I heard through the grapevine about a program for beginner runners called From the Couch to 5k.  There are several websites that offer the program and I found one I thought would be suitable and attainable for me.  For more info check out the link below: 

http://www.fromcouchto5k.com/articles/training/the-couch-to-5k-training-plan/

Another one down.....

I did it... I finished my second 5k.  This time with a few friends by my side.  I can't tell you how proud I am of myself... not only for finishing (and not dying) but for shaving off nearly a minute from my last 5k.  My finishing time was 50:25.  The feeling of finishing another race can be summed up into three words: exhilarating, memorable & challenging. Having my girlfriends alongside me was an added bonus.  We were there to encourage, excite and push each other to keep going and never give up.  So blessed to have these girls by my side.  Definitely icing on the cake.  Thank you to my sweet friends for joining me on yet another journey!