AWAL

So...I guess I kind of went AWAL for a while. Life has been interesting the last few months. I have been attending a Bible study by Beth Moore at church on Wed. nights. It has been AMAZING! Really, honestly, life changing. So, the problem is...my weight loss journey has been on hiatus. It's like I have come to grips with a lot of areas. I've given them all to Jesus, but I hold onto the weight issue like a lifeline. It's like I'm afraid to turn it over for fear He'll actually help me! How stupid is that?! Well, last week, I finally decided it was time. Giving God this weight battle, is something I have never done. I know that seems crazy...why wouldn't I be praying for His help all these years? But I haven't. I have always tried to do it myself. Well, we see how well that has turned out. It's like I have always felt that this was my mess. I created it and God has bigger things to worry about than me controlling my eating. So, daily I'm trying to turn it over. And it is literally a daily decision to turn it over. I haven't been perfect, but better. I also decided that my goals are way too lofty. I am always focused on the full amount of weight and I want to lose it all in less than a year. But I realized yesterday that I have gone almost 14 years fighting this and I've never reached that goal. So, why not make it more manageable. Maybe just a pound a week. If I could do that, I'd be down 52 lbs by next year. That would be huge. It's hard to think it might take two years to get it all off, but if I don't do this, I could be two years down the road and have lost nothing. So, that's my new goal. I want to lose 3 lbs. by Thanksgiving. And then 3 more by Christmas. Doesn't seem like much, but it's better than gaining which is the where I'm headed if I don't turn this train around. Actually there I go again, saying I'm going to turn it around, actually, God is going to help me turn it around. I can't do it...that's evident. It's gonna have to come from Him!

What Have You Done Today to Make You Feel Proud?

These are the words to the theme song for the Biggest Loser. Tonight as I'm watching the show, it dawns on me that my answer to that question is... very little. I'm about as low as I can go right now. I am like a train wreck. I'm still working out...that would be the little that I am proud of, but other than that, I'm ashamed. This blog was easy to write when I was super motivated and proud of my progress. I haven't wanted to post in the last couple of weeks because I didn't want to be honest about my failures. But, it's time to face the music. I need and covet any prayers you can send my way. Satan is doing a number on me right now, and it's only through prayer that i'm going to make it.

I've Got Nothing...

My Dad reminded me yesterday that I haven't been posting very regularly. Well, part of that is because the well has dried up. I've Got Nothing...as they say. I haven't lost a pound in over a month. I've continued to exercise and be active, but I obviously am eating enough to offset that effort. :( I don't really feel like I'm eating that poorly, but I guess I am because I don't know how else a person can exercise as much as I am and not lose weight. So, here I am at the end of summer (school starts tomorrow) and I lost 5 lbs., not 20 like I wanted. I've yet to get through that set of 10 so I could buy myself some treat. Very discouraging. I don't want to give the impression that I'm giving up. I definitly am not. I'm hoping with routine, will come some results. Hopefully packing my lunch for school will help me to eat better and be more consistent. My goal of running the 5K has also been derailed. I hurt my heel a couple of weeks ago racing my niece and nephews. It is still giving me problems and definitly changed what I can do in the category of cardio workouts. I have trouble walking and running on it. My personal trainer, Mary, says it could take up to 6 weeks to heal and of course that's assuming, I don't do anything stupid to injure it more...like wear stupid shoes. (which I tend to do) :) So, I guess I feel a little behind right now, but not totally defeated. (BTW- I don't really have a personal trainer, just a really good friend who is a highly talented athletic trainer.) I would love to post fabulous news in the coming months, so please add me to your prayer lists. This is a harder battle than most would think and it's going to take more than just my efforts to get the job done.


Kelley

Progress

Well, I've had a successful week so far. The extra pounds from Nashville are gone...which tells me they were mostly water. I've had good workouts this week and have done pretty well with my eating. I realized that I didn't drink hardly any water the whole time I was at home and in Nashville. I drink tons of water every day, so I'm sure that was the reason for my huge gain. I feel much better. Now if I can just keep going in the downward direction instead of stopping. My workout schedule will be changing starting next week because Sue goes back to school on Monday. So, my workout partner won't be available till after school. The next Monday, I go back, so it's time to get back into that school year routine anyways. I've been so faithful this summer...getting up early to go and get it over with. Hope I can be just as faithful once school starts and I'm feeling tired. I know it will be easy to skip on those days when I'm feeling tired from getting back into the school routine. I'm hoping my eating can be more disciplined this school year. The teacher's lounge is a very bad place for me. I was talking to a few of my teacher friends who share my struggle and we all agreed to bring more healthy options to share on those days when we need a "carry-in." Well, I have lots to do today so I'd better get to it. Have a good day everybody!

Detour

Well, I feel like my journey has taken a BIG detour...I think I'll still reach my destination, just much later than I intended. I just got home from a weekend trip to Nashville with Mom and Andrea. We had a blast, but I was horrified when I got on the scale this morning! So, off to the gym I went with my injured foot and a heavy heart. Very discouraging, but I am determined to get back on the main highway!

No Time

I'm not sure why I've had no time to update, but that's how it's been. As I stated in my last post, life has been crazy busy the last couple weeks. I am frustrated beyond measure that I haven't lost any more weight, but I have continued to be faithful in my workouts. I guess they've kept me from gaining weight with all these special occassions and get togethers. It's funny...I thought eating right was hard during the school year and couldn't wait for summer...now I think it'll be easier once school starts since I'll be in more of a routine. Wow...guess it's just never easy. I need to be more disciplined in both situations. My internet cord is broken so I have to update at Sue's which is making it less convenient. Hopefully I'll get a new cord soon. I'll post pictures of all my fun stuff when I do.

Crazy Busy!

Life has been a little nuts! I had a garage sale last weekend...I sold my car on a whim...but made a killer deal! I've been car shopping the last few days since being carless is a little inconvenient. I am buying a Pontiac G6 and love it! I've worked out hard the last two mornings. I cleaned my house like mad this morning so my niece won't be crawling on dirty floors. I'm leaving in 1 hour to go to Columbus with my dear friend Kismet for the Billy Joel/Elton John concert. (Yahoo!) We're spending the night with my sister and then I'm bringing Kenzie home with me tomorrow. I'll head back to Dayton on Sat. for my cousin's wedding and to return Kenzie and then I'm hosting a big cookout for all my school friends on Sunday evening. I need a nap just reading this back to myself!

I'm in a holding pattern again with the weight, but I'm doing well with my exercise and not too bad with my eating. The weekend wasn't great because of my birthday and other get togethers I attended, but I'm back on it this week. Life is good. :)

Reflections

The rain is ruining my garage sale and I have money to make!!! Grrr! Yesterday was my birthday and I was running the garage sale, so I didn't have time to post. It was a great day. I sold my car which was a awesome! I was just putting it out to get some idea what the interest was and it sold on the first day! Now, i guess I need to start car shopping. I'm lucky to have a best friend who has an extra car. Think she'll let me drive the Mustang? Ha! No way! But, I'll take what I can get. Life is going great.

As I reflected yesterday on my last year, I was very pleased with the year. I've lost 30 lbs in the last year. I've made major changes in my life that I never thought I'd make. God has been so good to me this last year. I have no complaints. I'm excited to see what this year holds. What new challenges, what changes? I don't feel a bit sad about this birthday. I think I might have been depressed about another year older if these positive changes weren't taking place, but as it is, I'm excited to see what I can accomplish in this next year. It's amazing what a little change in mindset can do for you. I hope everyone is doing well and has a great weekend!

I did it!!!!

I lost the pound and now I'm in a new set of numbers! hallelujah! Great workout today and then spent all day working in the garage. Running a rummage on Friday and Sat. Hope to make a mint! :)

2 lbs gone!

Well, I achieved one of my goals so far this week. The two lbs I gained are gone. Now, I just need to drop one more! I did 30 min. on the Elliptical this morning. This is just my 2nd time to go that long. Boy does it kick my butt! I am exhausted, but in a good way.

Thinking about this journey I'm on...I can really tell a difference in my mindset this time. In the past it's always been a "diet" with the goal of losing X number of pounds. This time, I'm not on a diet. I have no prescribed eating plan...just better choices and good old fashioned exercise. The results are slower, but I'm not quitting either. I have bad days, but I get right back to it the next. In the past a bad day would signal the end of my effort. Of course, I'd love to see the weight come off faster, but I'd also like to see it stay off for good and I think this is the only way that is going to happen. I have a birthday coming up and I've decided to make my lowfat/low calorie cheesecake for myself. I don't think getting older is a good reason to sabbotage my efforts but a good reason not to. :)

Paying for the 4th!

Oh Boy! I am paying for the 4th (and 5th) today! It was like I had lead in my shoes. I'm up 2lbs which I am bound and determined to get off plus one this week. I will be good and disciplined if it kills me! No skimping on my exercise either! Pray that I can get my focus back.

Oops...the Gym was closed!

So, this morning, Sue and I headed to the gym for our typical Friday workout only to discover that the gym is closed for the 4th holiday. So, we decided to head out to Matter Park, the site of my mini training. One trip down and back is 4.5 miles and includes a pretty serious hill. Sue was pacing us pretty fast, so I decided to try to do some running. Well, I ended up running close to half. I would run beside her for a while, then I'd walk. I'd fall behind because she was walking fast and then I'd run to catch up. I'd run ahead and then walk till she caught up. I'd try to walk about 2-3 min. and then run 2-3 min. I managed to do that for the whole walk. I also chose to run up the hills...for some reason it seems easier to me than walking them. I was pretty psyched about my progress. The best part...no pain in my shins, knees, or ankles. I felt great! Being a person who needs constant affirmation, I asked Sue if she was amazed and she said she was. She admitted that she impressed and proud that I've stuck with the exercise. She had her doubts based on my past history. She asked me at one point if I thought I'd be a walker or a runner once I got the weight off. I don't know. I never thought I'd like to run, but it is kind of addictive I think. I hope everyone has a great 4th holiday!

Back on the Horse!

Well, it's been a crazy week! The kids were here and we had a ball! Literally, one of my favorite times with them. They got along with each other, I was calm, and it was sunny every day they were here! This morning as I hit the gym for the first time in a WEEK! I had to smile as "Living on a Prayer" came on my mp3 player. I was running on the treadmill (yes I was dying after not running for a week), but all I could hear was Zeke singing this song at the top of his lungs. Made me smile in the midst of agony. :) Actually the workout felt great. It was good to get back to it and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had lost a pound this morning. It's only took 2 weeks! So, I guess I'm officially at 28lbs. My plan for the rest of this cold, grey day: work on my weeds. Great day to do it since the sun isn't shining. ;(

Derailed

Well, at least it feels that way! I haven't been to the gym for two days and probably won't get back there until the kids go home. But, I think swimming for about 5 hours today has to qualify as exercise. I definitly wasn't laying on a raft!!! Might try to go Monday with the youngins, we'll just have to see. Loving having them here...never a dull moment and nearly a laugh a minute!

Where Does Exercise Hurt...Everywhere

Who does exercise hurt...everyone! Just had to make a little fun of one of my favorite commercials. I hurt from top to bottom today. Had a great workout this morning. Did 3/4 of a mile running and felt pretty good. I did the first half without too much trouble. Was wanting to run a whole mile, but it just wasn't going to happen. I was pooped. Have been painting the rest of this day. Have done two coats and painted a door. I have blisters on my fingers and I hurt everywhere, so I'm pretty sure painting counts as extended exercise. Now, I am off to clean up my house for tomorrow the kids come and Friday mom and dad come. Tonight, Sue and I are refurbishing my fire pit, so there is no rest for the weary in sight. Feels great to be working hard though. Still haven't dropped any more weight which is about to send me off the deep end, but I'll keep plugging. It's bound to happen eventually.

Alternative Exercise

That's what I'd like to call painting. Today I didn't work out, but I helped Sue paint for a couple of hours. I'm hoping that counts. Tomorrow morning, I'll be at the gym bright and early. :)

exhaustion

I am exhausted! I went home yesterday for Father's Day and had a great time! I was telling my family all about my workouts and feeling really proud of myself. Today, you would have thought I had never worked out before. I felt like I had lead in my shoes. Might have been the mashed potatoes. :) I had such a hard time today. Every single step or lift felt so hard! But, I prevailed and finished the workout. I'm glad it's over for today and I hope tomorrow is better. Goodness!

Sweat

That's what I did a whole lot of this morning at the gym...30 min. on the elliptical (aka machine of death)...425 calories burned! Off to get a Polar Pop...for Sue! :(

I feel Content

For the time being...I go back and forth between this nervous energy where I can't relax and feel like I should constantly be doing something and this lazy contentment I feel right now. It won't last long, so I'm going to enjoy it.

I had a great workout this morning. I did some running/walking instead of the elliptical. It felt great to do it since it had been a couple of days, but I realized that I burn more calories on the elliptical. Both machines tell you how many calories you are burning, but I had never checked it on the treadmill. That was a real eye opener. It was a good one though because it helps me to feel okay about doing the elliptical more than the running for now. I didn't post yesterday, but Sue and I decided to walk about 4 miles instead of going to the gym. That was a nice change of pace especially since I haven't really walked any longer distances since the race. It was great to see that 4 miles wasn't difficult at all. We walked about a 16.5 min. mile which was a fast pace for me. I realized that no matter where I'm at with the weight loss, I have come so far in my endurance and ability to be active. It feels great and you can't put a number on that. :)

Elation!

I got the 3 pounds off!!! I went back to the gym and ran a 1/2 mile yesterday. I just feel better when I do it! I decided that I'm going to take it easy and not push myself too hard right now. I'll just run enough that it's making me feel good, but stop immediately if it hurts. I'll push for longer time/distance when I've lost more weight. Today's workout was hard!! I am pooped, but that's a good thing! After the workout, I went to Sue's and scrubbed 3 walls that had been stripped of wallpaper, but not the glue and scraps. I worked for 90 min. and feel like it was as much a workout as the workout was. :) Now, I'm ready for a shower and a nap! :)

I'm adding on to this post...I had my shower, but now I'm not so tired. I was thinking...I tend to be very motivated by "things", you know...purses, shoes, clothes, jewlry, etc. :) So, I think I am going to give myself permission to buy myself 1 thing every 10lbs. I know 10 lbs doesn't sound like much, but at the rate I've been taking it off, it could be several months! I am 2 lbs. from going into a new set of numbers (which shall remain nameless). I haven't seen those numbers in over 10 years. So, when I get through them, I'll buy myself something fun! Sounds like a grand idea to me! Now, I need to get online and start shopping for what I want!

Frustrated

Well, I knew this day would come. I knew this journey wasn't going to be all happiness and sunshine, but it feels like it came too soon. I'm irritated and frustrated today. I'm up 3 lbs. which I know is probably water, but still it's hard to see. I went to the gym today and did 20 min. on the elliptical which is my longest time and then walked a quick 16 min. mile which is also a personal best, but I feel like I'm not doing enough. The running felt like I was really pushing myself and now without it, I feel like I'm not doing so great. It's very frustrating. I've really got to change my mindset, but right now, it's not happening. So, I think I'm going to REALLY clean my house today (not just one room like yesterday) because I do my best cleaning when I'm mad and then maybe a clean house will perk up my mood. :(

Dilemma

Well, here we are on Monday and I have a dilemma. Over the weekend, I was out with friends, one of which is my good friend Mary, an athletic trainer at IWU. She's right up there next to Doctors in my book and gives me good advice and help when I'm struggling with injuries and such. So, I was telling her about my running goals and she said, "Really? hmmm." Now, I didn't pursue that, but later, I had to ask her what she meant by that. Wish I hadn't asked.

Mary tells me that for every pound we carry, we exert 4 pounds of pressure on our knees, shins and ankels. So, when I'm running, that's ALOT of pressure pounding down. She's not against running, but thinks it's better done once weight is lost so that you don't injure yourself. So, I don't know what to do. I'm not injured right now...but I don't want to get a stress fracture or something even worse that will cause me not to be able to exercise at all. She suggested doing more on the elliptical which applies no pressure to your joints but still is a great cardio workout for losing weight. Well, that's okay, but I don't really enjoy the elliptical and I feel a huge disappointment to not continue my goal. I actually haven't decided what to do.

Today at the gym, I did the elliptical for 15 min. and then walked on the treadmill the remaining time. Then Sue and I did our weight/ab workout. It was a good tough workout, but I felt disappointed to not run at all. So, what to do? Do I continue running as long as I feel okay doing it, or do I stop and pick it back up later when I've got some of this weight off??? That is the question of the day. Any thoughts?

A Day of Rest...

Today... I rest!

Run, Forest, Run...

That's what I felt like yelling as I was on my last lap of running today. I was dying and hurting and wanting to quit.

Gym: Decided to do some interval stuff on the treadmill today. Wasn't sure my ankles and shins could take 11 min. solid again, so I decided to walk a lap, run a lap, walk a lap, etc. until I had reached 2 miles. So, that's what I did. I started out walking to warm up and then ran a quarter, then walked a quarter until I reached two miles. Which means...I ran a mile today! :) Not all together, but a full mile nonetheless. Then I did some ab work, then lifted weights, then walked a mile on the track for a cool down. Best news is, that I came home and weighed and I was down two pounds!!! That Makes 27 total! Woohoo!

Sue asked me last night if body snatchers had actually replaced her best friend and as I sit here nibbling on green peppers and cucumber slices, I would have to wonder that myself. ;)

Have a good day everybody...I'm off to the pool!

Journey

I've decided to title this entry "Journey" because I'm going to start Journaling about my Journey. My weight loss/exercise addiction/get healthy journey. I'm not sure that many people read this blog anymore, but that's okay. It's going to be more for my own personal growth. If you happen to read, I hope it helps or motivates you in some way. I've been on this journey most of my life. From about 6th grade on, I started struggling with my weight. In high school, I lost 30 lbs and stayed a decent weight till I left for college. It was all down hill from there...freshman 15 turned into 30....60... and 15 years after graduating college, I'm currently about 100 pounds overweight. Actually, It was worse...I've lost 25. So, as I keep plugging through this journey to overcome my weight, I think it will be helpful for me to write about it.

This leg of the journey started 8 months ago when my ladies group talked about walking the Indy Mini. I couldn't imagine at that time being able to do this, but I didn't want to be left out and I thought a big goal like this could possibly help keep me motivated to work out. The accountability of everyone knowing I was trying to do this didn't hurt either. So, I joined the Wellness Center and began walking. At first I couldn't walk 1 mile in 25 min without tears. I was tired, sore and out of breath. I had a lot of pain in my shins which has always been a stumbling block. So, on the advice of a friend, I decided to go to the Good Feet store in Indy to see what they could do for me. The inserts were very expensive and I was very nervous about this, but they literally worked a miracle. I was now able to walk without extreme pain and slowly I was able to increase my time and my pace. As most of you know, I walked the race in May and finished. I wasn't super fast, but I didn't get picked up by the slow bus, and that was my main goal.

I was pleased with my progress, but very disappointed in my weight loss. I had only lost about 12 lbs during all that training. Sadly, I worked hard, but I didn't eat very well so I didn't see much progress in the weight loss which was my main purpose. A few weeks before the race a contest was announced at our gym. It was a biggest Loser contest and would involve biweekly training sessions with the gym's trainer, Ryan. I thought maybe this would help. Well, I finished the 8 weeks. I didn't quit (which is nothing short of a miracle). Many people quit. This was by far the hardest thing I had ever done. Ryan pushed me to limits I didn't know were possible...but still I only lost 10 pounds. So, I'm up to 22 pounds. I had lost about 3 since the start of the school year, so I'm claiming 25 lbs lost from my heaviest weight to date at this point. Although I didn't win the contest, I won something much more valuable. I developed a sense of pride in the fact that I can work hard. I am capable of way more than I ever thought and if I'll just quit letting food rule my world, I could probably kick this weight.

During this time, I talked with Ryan several times about a new goal. I felt kind of lost now that my walk was complete. He started encouraging me to run...now if you know me at all, you're probably having a good chuckle right about now. Me? Run? No way! I hate to run! It hurts and I can only go about 20 feet before I've had enough. Well, through his workouts, he started incorporating running so I didn't really have a choice...after all, I'm not a quitter. So, I ran. At first not very long and definitly not very fast, but I ran. Ryan wants me to run a 5K (3.2mi) in October. IWU Homecoming always sponsors a 5K. I haven't committed to this 100% yet, but I've decided to start working towards it to see if I think it is possible. Today, I ran 3/4 of a mile in 11 min. I know that is not going to win me any medals, but it's my longest run without stopping to date. I do this on the treadmill at the gym so I can see the distance and time. I also walked 3 miles this morning.

My plan this summer is to really get a grip on the food, workout twice a day and try to get a big jump on this journey.

My biggest goal however, is to conquer my fear. My Mantra for this summer is NO FEAR! I had a nice long talk at the pool on Tuesday with my good friend and personal therapist, Missy. When I neared the end of my rambling, she pointed out that I had used the word scared or fear numerous times. I didn't even realize it! Scared of failing (again), scared of letting people down, scared of actually succeeding (I know that sounds crazy). Who knew? So, I came home and did some listing. Missy said I tend to skip right over what I have accomplished and focus on my failures. So, she had me make a list of all the things I had accomplished in the last year. Then I made a list of goals. The two lists looked like this:

What I have accomplished:
1. I have worked out faithfully for over 8 months.
2. I completed a 13.1 mile walk
3. I completed Ryan's torture sessions without quitting
4. I can run 10 (now 11) min. without stopping
5. I lost 25 lbs.

My goals for this summer:
1. No Fear
2. Workout 6 days a week, twice a day
3. Lose 25 more lbs.
4. Increase my running time by 2 min. each week.

So, there you have it. My daily posts won't be this long, but I needed to get the whole thing down for myself. I have a few verses that I would like to end with. These have taken on new meaning for me as I continue on my journey...

Hebrews 12:1-2
...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus....

Phillipians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Phillipian 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who give me strength!

Kenzie's 1st Birthday party!

Sorry about the sideways cake. Andrea made Kenzie's cake and I thought it turned out beautifully!
This was Kenzie's cake to eat on her own.

Andrea reads a card to Kenzie. She looks totally interested. :)

Aunt Kelley got her a rocking elephant.

She loved her pop up toy from Sue.

So serious as she gets another handful of icing.

Hey! This is pretty good stuff!

Kenzie was actually 1 on April 11th, but her Daddy was gone for Army training. So, Sunday, May24th, we celebrated her 1st year. Daddy was finally home, and everyone was happy!

Happy Birthday, Kenzie!

Memorial Day 2009

Kenzie Jo is a constant source of entertainment.
Jon got a new Wii from Andrea which delighted all the "Kids." I think Sue might have an unfair advantage against her opponent. :)


Elijah, chills as he waits for his turn on the Wii.

Mom and Dad enjoy some time on the swing. The weather was incredible.

Me with my favorite Sister-in-law, Holly. ;)

The whole Grate clan enjoying a wonderful lunch.

We celebrated the birthdays of Emmy, Keever and me!

Happy birthday to us!

Blowing out our candles.

Birthday girls, Emmy and Aunt Kelley

Sisters- Kelley and Andrea

Zeke is such a nut and so strong too!

Awe...there's my sweet boy!

Kenzie got a big kick out of her new toy. It played music and whenever you pushed it, she would crack up laughing. Too cute!

Busy Month

Friends- Jeff, Sue and I went to a Reds game on Thursday. They lost, but it was a BEAUTIFUL day! We rode in Sue's new Mustang convertible with the top down all the way home! Incredible!

This year's patio flowers all all hues of orange, yellow and reds. I LOVE them!

Mother-Daughter Banquet 2009

Andrea and Kelley

Lifetime friends- Kismet and Kelley

Mother's Day dinner at Grandma's!

Mom with her girls!

My "twin" cousin Kim!

Kenzie JoAnn Looking too cute!

planting mom's flowers- No Dad is not flipping you off. The stripe on his shirt looks like it's coming from the middle of his fist!

Love working with my sis!

I believe it's almost been a month since the Mini. My life has been zooming by. I must say, I was a little out of sorts after the race. To be focused on something for that long and then have it completed, is something of a let down. I had to refocus. So, this month we've had Mother's day, flower planting, a trip to Cincinnati with friends, and a new focus on exercise. I've been working hard at the gym and have lost 25lbs since the fall. I have a long way to go, but I'm more focused on my eating and more intense exercise now that I'm not training for the "walk." My goal is to kick another 25-30 before school rolls around again in the fall. The Lord and a good friend are teaching me to be more content with who I am and to enjoy this time of change instead of being impatient that it's taking me so long.

Mini Marathon pictures

Me and my sis after the race.

The whole crew at the IWU tent after the race.

Kelley and Andrea coming into the home stretch.

Shortly after the starting line

2009 Indianapolis Mini Marathon

This day was so incredible and overwhelming! Today I walked my first mini marathon, 13.1 miles. My friend Missy has a torn miniscus in her knee so had to pull out at the last minute. I was supposed to walk with her and was a little panicked about walking alone. So, I placed a call to my biggest supporter, Andrea. She agreed on Friday morning to become "Missy" for the day. Honest to goodness, I could not have made it without her. Andrea, thank you for being the BEST sister on the planet! I love you!

We were in our corrals at 7:00am just like we were told to be. The starting gun went off at 7:30 and 44 min. later we crossed the starting line. It was crazy. I started off strong and in great spirits. All along the race course, there are local bands playing, people cheering and just general hoopla! It's fun and motivating. At mile 6 you go into the Indy Motor Speedway. Now that is overwhelming! That place is huge. It's 2.5 miles around and it felt every bit that long. During that part of the race, I started to get tired....

Our group of walkers had t-shirts made for the race. The front said "Nothing is impossible" while the back had a scripture; "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

All along the race course, people commented on the shirt. As we were walking the track, I heard a lady behind me talking about my shirt. She then told me that she really liked it. I told her thanks and that I could really use someone in front of me wearing the shirt right now...she said, "Here let me read it to you." She proceeded to read the verse to me. I was a blubbering mess. I needed to hear the words of that verse in a big way. Later around the track, we ended up near her again and this time, she just started reading. She told me that this verse had gotten her through many a race. This was her 18th Mini Marathon. I was in awe. She was in her sixties and had walked this race for the last 18 years. I told her that I was in my first and maybe my last. :)

Well, we made it around the track and completed mile 9 shortly after we left the speedway. About mile 10, I started to get overwhelmed. I had never walked farther than 10 and the thought of 3 more, was hard to take. My feet were hurting and I was tired. Andrea kept me encouraged as did my friend Missy with her text messages. I got choked up several times during the last 3 miles. At one point the encouragement was too much and I started crying...I said "I don't think I can take anymore encouragement" so the ladies next to Andrea started telling me how poorly I was doing. It was hillarious. Made me laugh and kind of broke the tension. Well, before I knew it, Andrea and I were walking the last mile. The mile markers were counting down...3/4....1/2....1/4 and then I could see the finish line...

Before I knew it the whole gang was lined up on either side of the street, cheering me one, snapping pictures, ringing cowbells...I felt like a rock star!!! It was so cool. I have the best friends in my life! I cried like a baby as Andrea and I crossed the finish line together. 3:58:33

Trip to Michigan and Last Training Day

This weekend I went to my brother's house in Michigan. I had such a good time. I hadn't spent a weekend with my kids since Christmas except for a very short visit Easter weekend. I have looked forward to this weekend for a long time. Today, Sue and I took the kids out for ice cream. A good, messy time was had by all. :)
Chocolate peanut butter...yum!

A much too big for him, M&M sundae!

The best eater of them all...rainbow sherbert!

Saturday afternoon, we all went to the museum. It was a lot of fun. We saw a steller performance in the planetarium.Me with my little brother.

Love that grin.

Holly and the kids on the back of the trolley.

TRAINING DAY UPDATE

Well, today I finished my training walks today. I am in Michigan this weekend so I was unable to walk yesterday. So, this morning, Sue and I headed to a local mall to walk 6 miles. I was excited that today was ONLY 6 miles. Man was it hard! I have never been a "mall walker" and now I know why. Talk about boredom. I didn't think we were ever going to be finished! And, it was stinking hot! I was burning up. But, I am done and next Sat. is the race. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I can't believe it's here already. I can't believe I have walked every Sat. (except today) since the first weekend in January. By far the most disciplined I have every been about anything. It's been a good experience and it's shown me that when I want to have discipline and will power, I can have. If I can just apply that same determination to my eating, I'd probably be amazed at the results. Well, next time I post, the race will be over and I'll hopefully be posting about my amazing finish. Until next weekend...

Too cute for Words!