Catch Up

Ok, I thought I would catch everyone up on our life:

  *I ran my 5K.  I really enjoyed it and hope to run another one soon.
  *James' older brother received a Grand Champ award for his BBQ at a competition in Russell (same day I ran the race).  CONGRATS!
  *James is on the wait list at the med school in Chicago. My patience is growing.
  *My sister is having another little girl and we went to her baby shower this past Saturday.  YAY for babies =)
  *Last Sunday James' little brother proposed to his girlfriend and surprised her with an engagement party that James and Samara were able to attend. So happy for them!
  *James was able to find a replacement window for the Expedition for $50. Now we're just waiting for it to be shipped to us and then we'll be back in business.

Hope your fall weather is as wonderful as ours is down here.  LOVIN' IT!!!

Update on 5K

Well, the race is less than 2 weeks away.  I haven't been able to run as frequently as I was hoping, but unless something totally unforeseen happens, I should be able to at least finish the race.  I just got back from running 3 miles in 26 minutes.  It's not the greatest time (a little over 8 minutes per mile), but considering that I haven't ran in years, I'll take it! 

I discovered that our town has a bike/walking trail.  It's located by the railroad tracks and golf course.  Looking at the scenery definitely helps to pass the time. The first run I went by myself. I never felt unsafe, but I decided that it would probably be a better idea to bring George along.  He could use the exercise and I could use his protective nature...just in case.  I've never ran with a dog and it can be challenging because he wants to explore everything.  To keep him on track, occasionally, or more often than not, I have to yank on his leash. I just think of it as an added bonus muscle work out. 

It came as quite a surprise how quickly my body got in the groove of running again.  I thought that I would probably make it a tenth of a mile and then want to pass out.  My first run I went a little over a half-mile and then walked a mile and then ran another half.  It felt like I could have gone further, but I didn't want to push myself on the first time out. 

While I'm pleased with my progress, I want to continue to increase my distance and eventually, better my time.  But all good things come to those who wait...or keep at it...or whatever saying would work best ;-)

5K Anyone?

So for about the past 10 years I haven't ran.  In high school, I ran cross-country and long distance track.  My first two years of college I ran for the fun of it.  But, I've gotten lazy.  Well, not necessarily lazy, but I've had other work-outs such as the mad dash to keep a baby from falling, or aerobic stair climbing while a kiddo learns how to climb them.  You know, not exercise, but "Mommy-cise". 

A close friend from my previous job started running about 6 months ago and I've been amazed at her progress and started to feel the urge to begin running again.  I mean I use to love to run so why not start again? It would mean some sacrifice, but to get back in shape would be wonderful.  Last night my friend emailed me asking if I would join her team for the Susan B Komen Race for the Cure 5K on Sept 24th.  This is my motivation that I needed to get started!  Cancer has greatly impacted my life...both family members and friends I have known have dealt with this disease and so it is my honor and privilege to run/jog/walk/whatever-shape-I-am-in-then in their name.

My journey to fitness once again begins now...