Day 361 - Complete Failure?

I don't think so.  It is 4 days until the day when I was to record "365" in the "Miles Completed" category of my stats.  I will not be doing that.  Instead I will be recording nearly 100 shy of that number.  Was it a waste?  Was I a complete failure?

There was a time period from day 194 to about 6 weeks ago when I did very little running or walking.  Did I put on weight?  Yep.  Did I feel bad?  In ways, but the lessons I learned about balance and why I run/walk were very valuable.  Will I go back and accomplish those 100 miles - you bet I will.  Will I blog about it?  Probably not.  I enjoyed this adventure for me and I learned and grew and now my mind is onto other things and projects.

Will I miss you?  Yes.  But you will be found in many other places where I choose to write.  You are my sounding board and one of the positive places I can go that silently cheer me on in this experience I call "life".

So picture me still running and learning and growing and that will be the truth.

2e

Day 194: Repentance -- partial?

Honesty is alway the best policy - right?  Well I have slipped.  I have fallen from my pedistool and I feel that hopeless feeling that comes from not being faithful to a goal.  But I will never quit.  Even though I am woefully behind and have not kept my promise to write once a week - I WILL NEVER QUIT!!

Here it is the vast total of all the days I have not posted:  30 miles -- mainly walking - mainly outdoors.

This is my repentance blog.  I will try.  I cannot promise perfection, but I can tell you I'm not a quitter!!

2e

One Hundred Forty-Nine - Done - Breathe!

Friday night we went to Capitol Theatre and watched Les Miserables with our older kids.  As we were waiting for the show to start we opted to go outside and enjoy the brisk Spring air.  There was an attraction/interactive modern art display nearby.  It consisted of a field of approximately 150 10 feet high bendable dark grey poles that if you would bend on way or the other and let got would "whap" the other poles or any unfortunate people who happen to be around.  The kids couldn't resist and started "whaping" and running around through them.  I began taking pictures and turned around to look for good photo opts at the Capitol Theatre marque when I caught a glimpse of someone I knew.  I took a double take and sure enough it was my old college roomate from BYU and she is an even older friend of CW's (they were babies together when their mothers were in the RS Presidency of their ward).  We hugged, talked and found out that she had just finished running a marathon.  I had to check myself because she looked a little overweight (like me) and I didn't want to be rude with my facial expressions (if you understand what I mean).  But the more I have thought about it the more the question has popped into my head:  Why can't someone who is considered "overweight" run a marathon?  The people on the Biggest Loser do it all the time.  Why is it always the stereotypical skinny runner image that everyone assumes to be running marathons?  Why can't that be the new normal?  Her heart is probably every bit as "good looking" was the really skinny marathon runners. 

It gave me hope.  I was encouraged thinking I don't need to succomb to some image.  I just need to keep my goal.  And keep it I have.  This past week especially.  I have walked 8 miles in two days posting flyers for a Summer Music Camp that we are interested in starting.  The week before I was able to run/walk 3 miles at the rec center and the week before that 6 walking.  I will definately be doing more flyers this week.  I will let you know.

I believe in doing "hard things"

2e

PS.  I am done with schooling and this year has been phenomenal.  I will have to blog about it on tewie.com, but I needed to mention it here because I entitled this entry "Done - Breathe!"  - this is what I am refering to.

Day One Hundred Thirty-One - The Intro to Blogging

Today was the day I have been preparing for since I began this blog.  I originally began blogging to be an example and learn from first hand experience for my writing class.  Well, since the beginning of the year, and through research papers, descriptive essays and persuasive essays we have finally made it to the day when I needed to inspire them with making themselves and the world around them better through their own efforts by starting a service/humanitarian/self-improvement blog.  I was not nervous because I felt very directed and I had been prepared for several months.  I had been gathering inspirational ideas since late December:  2010's top 10 humanitarian blogs, reading "Do Hard Things" by:  Alex and Brett Harris, and watching the videos of inspirational LDS youth performing service in everyday ways and projects.  I was glad that I had already seen these touching videos, because I didn't want to have my emotions be too out of control.  It's hard to inspire with words through tears (although other inspiration takes place with tears.) 

Although the only thing I have to report this week is that I have worn my exercise clothing everyday in hopes of getting in my Daily Mile, I have yet to walk/run those steps.  But, I feel much more accomplished today about the purposes of this blog than any other day.  Also, CW and I have started counting calories and that always makes me happy to try to control what I eat.  There is something so satisfying about practicing self-control.  I can't describe it right now, but when I do I'll let you know when I find the words.

So, no miles yet this week, but two of my students have new blog addresses (you can find them on tewie.com).

Here are the stats for the past two weeks...

April 24th - 30th -- 6 miles walked outside
May 1st - 7th -- 6 miles outside (neighborhood, TP, & up in Boise where we saw Wicked!!)

One Hundred Seventeen - Three Birthdays and 16 Miles Later

Wow!  I have two 11 year olds and a 14 year old now.  We made it through my family's "Birthday Season" and I didn't miss my daily miles.  I think back on years past and remember that when the twins turned 3 and Faith turned 6, I cooked two cakes for both parties.  Talk about "caked out".  Because of that experience, to this day I have a hard time eating cake.  This year we had one big party with friends and the cake was served without the massive amount of leftovers I have witnessed in years gone by.  This week I am off to a bit of a sluggish start, but I took my Lit & Writing Class to Thanksgiving Point Gardens and we took in the Spring beauties as we "tip-toed through the tulips" during their Spring Tulip Festival.  I did walk up and down the Grand Alleyway 2X and at least a 2 miles of walking all over the park.  What a perfect way to enjoy Spring.  I am so grateful for whomever thought up that inspirational place.  I love it there.

Stats:  Week before last - 3 running & 3 walking @ Dimple Dell and 1 walking outside
Last Week - 3 running & 3 walking @ Dimple Dell and 1 walking outside
This Week (so far) - 2 walking outside @ Thanksgiving Point

2e

Day One Hundred Two - I did it 100 miles!!

I only took me four months.  I have been thinking about a couple of stories of runners I heard recently.  One is a friend of a friend who is 40 lbs overweight and runs marathons "just for fun".  It's her hobby.  I picked up a magazine at the rec center today that lists all the competitive races coming up in the Wasatch Front/Utah areas.  It also contains many different articles about running.  One was about if running barefoot was the right decision for you.  And another gave a list of very detailed instructions on how to "recover" from a marathon.  If someone can run marathons "just for fun" - it's their hobby (like reading is mine) - and they are 40 lbs overweight, then I can do it just for today. 

I am currently teaching my Writing Class to write Descriptive Essays.  In order to inspire them, one day I had them run once around a church and ball-field (about 1/3 of a mile).  I timed them and we talked about what kept us going.  When we came back to my house I read to them the essay that is below and we talked about "Doing Hard Things" - which happens to be our motto.  This, of course, applied to essay writing.  With that inspiration 6 of them entered their essays in a contest and many of them have begun to like running.  I've asked them if they would like to run a 5K with me.  I think they are still warming upto the idea.  I'll keep you posted.

My Stats:

March 28th - April 3 - 5 running/2 walking
April 4th - 10th - 5 running/2 walking
Day 100 was (April 10th)
Day 102 - 2 running/1 walking

My Essay:

I Used to Hate to Run

By:  Tewie Lord

I used to hate to run.  I would give every excuse in the book… I don’t want to ruin my joints.  I can get the same amount of exercise out of walking.  I don’t have a water bottle handy or the right shoes.  But I’ve changed.  I’ve been thinking a lot about where motivation comes from.  I have had a goal since the beginning of 2011 to run or walk at least one mile everyday and so far I have been able to keep that goal.  It is day 88 and I have run or walked (even a couple of sprints) 92 miles.  So, I’m actually ahead of the game (for when the tigers come – but that’s a different story).  I usually go to the local recreation center anywhere between 9 and 11 am and circle the track.  (10 times around equals one mile.)  The track looks down onto two separate gyms’; one large gym and one small gym.  In the large gym there is a very hard boot camp type class, full of approximately 30-40 women and a couple of men.  It is run by a very lean African American man.  With my headphones on, so that I can’t hear exactly what is being said, I notice that they do work very hard, but they also spend long periods of time talking, just standing or sitting, in a circle.  In the other small gym is a jazzercise/aerobics class.  Lots of fun loud music and a cute little blond instructor with a slim figure.  She is full of bounce and energy and she started out at the beginning of the year with 20-30 students, but lately there are maybe 10.  I found myself wondering what the difference between the two classes are and why the one in the big gym seems to be recruiting more and more students while the class in the smaller gym is losing students. 

In my reflection my mind wandered to why I’m motivated to complete my goal of running/walking a mile everyday this year.  Is it because I need to because I want to learn to blog and be a good example of “doing hard things” for my students in my writing class?  That’s what I said in my blog and it’s true.  Is it because I am getting older and unwanted pounds are harder to take off because your metabolism slows down by 10% every ten years?  Yes, that fear motivates me too.  Is it because I like to maintain a certain standard of health while I enjoy the culinary luxuries of life?  That definitely plays into my thoughts and desires.  But when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of day to day, why do I get out of bed, put on my workout clothes, get in my car, invest lots of money into a annual family pass to the recreation center, deal with the guilt (or pleasure) that my kids are on their own while I am doing something for me, etc. etc?  Where is the moment throughout the daily process of running a mile a day that I feel that ignition, that motivation to finish the task? 

Today I asked myself that very question and I tried to be an outside observer as I went through the motions.  Was it dragging my body out of bed?  Was that the moment?  Nope.  Was it even the excitement of putting on new cute workout clothes I had just bought?  Was that the moment?  Nope.  Was it in the preparation work of getting my kids moving in the morning with devotional, tasks and motivating them to write an essay so that I knew they would be focused while I was away?  Did that bring that satisfaction so that I could be able to focus and run a mile?  Nope.  Was it the anticipation of running as I drove there and scanned my annual membership card while the computer echoed, “Welcome” and I put my purse in a locker?  Nope.  Nope.  Nope.  It didn’t come until I was there at the moment.  It came after I put in my headphones, turned up my techno music and looked at my shoes out in front of me against the wall.  I was on the brink.  I felt the pull of the stretch down my leg and looked out at the other people in the middle of their journey of physical fitness.  I saw my friend Bill, 80 year old Bill, who runs 6 miles every other day because, as he puts it, “I’m running for my life,” because he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension a couple years before and that’s when he began running and he has outlived all the doctors expectations.  I saw the dark-haired lady nearing her 70’s clutching her pocket book as she slowly limped around the track.  She never gives up.  I saw the sprinters – young and red faced challenging their bodies to greater levels of activity.  How hard can I push my body?  seemed to echo in their every move.  And I stretched.  I wanted to be with them, be like them.  I could hear myself say, “If 80 year old Bill can shuffle 6 miles around this track I can too!  If that dark-haired lady can limp her way to her car every morning and walk around this track, I can too!  If those sprinters can push their abilities, I can try too!” 

I was ignited!  The music and the stretching was the intention.  These tools were the atmosphere that needs to be created and they demonstrated to my mind that I was ready.  The people they were the inspiration.  They were the mentors.  They were my examples and I need them.  They give me the necessary push to accomplish my well-intentioned, well-placed goal.   But my goal is not completely yet.  I’ve just been ignited, now the real work begins.  This is where the skills come into play.

So, I began to run.  The process of running is one that I describe as letting your mind be somewhere else while you keep an even pattern of breathing and move your limbs.  Sometimes I need to come back to reality to check my negative thoughts.  Like, “That man is 80 and he runs faster than you.  You’re no good.  It’s because you’re too fat to run fast.  You should lose the fat first and then think about sprinting.  You’ll never make it 1 ½ miles running.  You’re too old.  People your age don’t run.”  Etc. etc.  This is called “negative self-talk” and we all deal with it every day of our lives.  I like to counter it with “positive self-talk”.  It’s the one time that I can talk back to myself and never feel guilty.  “He is faster than me, but I can try to pace him and I can remember his example when I am 80.  I am fat – that is why I am here and I do feel new muscles forming and eating up that fat every moment I run.  Chomp!  Chomp!  Chomp!  I can make it 1 ½ miles.  If Bill can do 6 and he’s 80, I can do 1 ½ easy.  I’m not old – look at Bill.  Are you ever too old?  People my age do run all the time.  I can name 10 people my age off the top of my head that have run marathons – what an absurd thought.”  After this pep talk I turn my head into my music or any other thought as I try to push myself.  I even might go to where the sprinters minds are and ask, “Can I push myself this last lap and run it harder than the first 14?  Yep.  Let’s go.”  And I do it, pumping and elongating my stride to the beat of the music until I reach the goal. 

With my hands on my hips to catch my breath I smile a genuine smile because I know why the big gym is gaining students.  It’s because of the pep talks.  I give them to myself in my head when I run, but the African American trainer gives them to his class at the beginning and end of each session.  He enlightens them with correct perspective and encourages them to push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of.  I have even seen him talk one on one after everyone else in the class has left.  He cares.  He puts in the time and knows the skills.  I will put in the same time and effort because, just like him, I care and I will make it to December 31, 2011 having completed 365 miles.  I’ll have a party.  Will you come celebrate with me?

Day Eighty-Six - Spring!

Yes, it's Spring, or a better word, since it snowed last night and there's another storm coming in tonight, woulc be Sprinter.  With that in mind I am so glad to have the rec center.  My pass is expired tomorrow - so I will probably get a new one, because of my new-found love. 

Past two weeks:

Run:  5 miles @ rec center
Walk:  6 miles @ rec center

I know that doesn't equal 14 - I hope to do better this week and since April is coming soon I will try to think of a new challenge.

2e

Day Seventy-Six - Victory!

Last week I was so proud of myself.  I was feeling a little more sluggish than usual (translation: time of the month), but instead of using that as an excuse I pushed forward and ....

Ran 6 miles (3 times that week/2 miles each time)
Walked 3 miles (3 times that week/1 mile each time)

I'm up to 3 miles each time I go.  So, I more than slaughtered the required 7 miles in a week.  I found that my body genuinely needed the rest inbetween running days.  I would take advantage of that and do more strength training at home.  I found my energy was higher because of this and I am starting to want to eat right.  I'm craving good foods for me.  (I love it when that happens)!

I need to tell you one cute story.  I was running and on the track ahead of me, going my same pace, was a seriously older gentleman.  Every time I would pass him he would be saying encouraging things to me to keep me going.  (I couldn't hear all the words because I had my earphones in, but I got the general gist.)  I ran 1 1/2 mile, then I walked 1/2 mile and when I picked up to my running pace and there he was... the old gentleman running right next to me, chattering on.  So, I took out my earphones and tried to talk with him.  I quickly found out he was hard of hearing because he would never answer my questions.  But he did say things like, "I'm running for my life.  Six years ago I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and the doctors said I wouldn't live.  Ever since then I come down here 3 days a week and run 6 miles.  My wife used to run, but she just walks now.  She's 79.  She's over there walking with Evelyn (name changed to protect the innocent).  I'm 80.  Well, I better go run and catch up to them."  Then he sped away.  I ran my required laps thinking, "I am 38 - almost 1/2 his age and I can only huff and puff my way through 3 miles.  I feel sheepish and what a cool example.  I hope that I can do that when I am 80.  I'd even be ok with walking at that point."  When I was finished running I stopped next to the ladies and said, "You have such a cute husband.  He was telling me ..." and I told them.  To which they replied, "He always picks up on the young cute ones.  When we saw you we knew he would be talking with you."  I love seeing wonderful older examples that let me know that life only gets better.

Summary:  Last week I already told you, but this week it is Thursday and I still haven't done any running.  I will today though.  Wish me luck to do 7 before Sunday.

2e

Day Sixty-Five - The Tigers Came

I was told a story a long time ago about tigers and goals.  Whenever you set a goal you start along the path to accomplish that goal.  At first you are walking, enjoying the flowers, breathing the clean air.  Then you realize you can go faster and start jogging.  At first you are trying to catch your breath, but within a few strides you are able to breathe evenly and can again enjoy the view.  You get you second wind and now you are really cruzing.  Nothing can stop you the end in still far but it is getting closer with every energetic step.  Suddenly, out onto the path jumps a tiger and the way is barred by sharp teeth and even sharper claws.  You screetch to a halt and back pedal as fast as you came.  With the tiger hot on your tail you come to a cliff and have to make a decision to jump or be kitty food.  You jump and, thankfully, catch onto a branch.  But the tiger is still up above pacing, waiting for you to give up.  Now you have to figure another way out of this mess.

This is, of course, an anology to goals.  Usually, we start out just fine, but then the tigers (illness, death, life's trials) come (they can be good tigers too - weddings, projects, etc.).  When they come you MUST deal with them immediately and sometimes that sets you back in your goal.  But you must find another way around so that you can keep on trying to accomplish that thing you set our to do.

For me .... the tigers came in the form of projects.  Yes, I created them and I made them, but the projects plus all the seemingly little things of life, left me running backwards and out of time.  So my Daily Mile report is less than stellar, BUT my resolve to "find a way around the tigers" is growing steadily. 

One great milestone I reached on March 1st - Day Fifty-Nine - was run/walking 3 miles - Woo Hoo!  I will keep that up.  Probably everyother day, because I need to change eating habits and stregthen my core or I will gain more tigers (back, knee, and joint problems)

My report:
Days Fifty-three--Fifty-Fifty-eight - 2X @ Rec Center running a total of 3 miles and walking 2
Days Fifty-nine--Sixty-Five - 2X@ Rec Center running a total of 3 1/2 miles and walking 2

2e

Day Fifty-Two - When a Week Seems Like a Month

Wow!  So much has happened since last we talked.  We registered Faith for Paradigm HS, had a huge Valentine's Day party with my writing group at Classic Skating (we did bouncy toys and laser tag, as well), I had my 38th Birthday, I went to a writers conference @ BYU entitled:  "Life the Universe and Everything:  29" (by the title you could guess that it was a science fiction/fantasy writing conference), attended the Provo Temple with the Lord family and saw the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU and CW was put in the Bishopbric.  And through it all I was able to run/walk at least 3X. 

13 of These Fine Kids are in TIWALC (Tewie's Intensive Writing and Literature Class)

Can you name them?

I have a theory about this time of year.  People are couped up and don't see the sun or move as much as they should.  That contributes to SADs.  I don't know it it's just me but, it seems to be that, there are more domestic issues on the news and people's tempers flair and get the better of them.  I am a firm believer in learning how to handle stress -- your own stress.  I destress with exersize, writing/reading and Vitamin B. 

If I can get on my soapbox I'd say:  I think that it is imperative to find the ways in which to destress and then do those things.  Carve out the time that you need and put your "systems" in place.  What I mean by "systems" is:  Do you have a system for the housework?  schoolwork?  work?  making meals?  personal improvement?  spiritual strengthening?  What other issues does your family need examined?  These are your systems.  Eveyone has 24 hours in a day.  Are yours run by your children, soap operas, the latest style.  We need to take control of our time and prioritize what is important and get those who love us in on our goals (so that we can be accountable).  I am so thankful for my family.  They are my support and strength.  They all bring something different to our family dynamic and I love them all individually.

OK - I think I'm done.  Here's my list for The Daily Mile.

2e

Day Forty-Four - Ran 1 1/2, Walked 1 @ Rec Center
(Valentine's Day - I also roller skated 1/2 hour - legs hurting!)
Day Forty-Five - Ran 1 1/2, Walked 1 @ Rec Center
Day Forty- Six - Nothing
Day Forty-Seven - My Birthday - I ate Pie and Chinese
Day Forty-Eight - Ran 1 1/2, Walked 1 @ Rec Center (with Faith)
Day Forty-Nine - Nothing - Saturday
Day Fifty - The Sabbath
Day Fifty-One - Ran 1 mile, Walked 1 w/ CW @ Rec Center (President's Day)
Day Fifty-Two - Ran 1 mile, Walked 1/2 mile, Sprints 1 mile @ Rec Center

Day Forty-Four - I'm Still Here - Valentine's Day

I promised I would write AT LEAST once a week and run/walk AT LEAST one mile each day.  No worries.  I have kept my end of the bargain.  Last week the big items on my plate were:
1)  Proofreading 14 short stories for the 24 Hour Short Story Contest and making the tough decisions (with my Mom's help (Thank you Mom)) who the winners would be. 
2)  Registering Faith into a Charter School - Paradigm HS.  This will be her fourth type of schooling she will have attended.  (Pre-K-Private, 1st-5th-Public (Gifted & Talented), 6th-8th-Homeschool, and now 9th-12th will be Charter) 
3)  Teaching my 1st Sharing Time on Sunday and meeting with the Stake Presidency on Sunday.  Both Spiritully filling and humbling.
With that in mind these are my days of The Daily Mile

Day Thirty-Five - 2 miles, ran @ Rec Center (Anna's B-day Party)
Day Thirty-Six - The Sabbath
Day Thirty-Seven - 2 miles, ran @ Rec Center
Day Thirty-Eight - Nothing
Day Thirty-Nine- Nothing
Day Forty- 2 miles walked with Faith @ Rec Center
Day Forty-One - 2 miles, ran @ Rec Center
Day Forty-Two - Nothing
Day Forty-Three- The Sabbath
Today - Day Forty-Four - I have plans to do it later in the afternoon

Wow!  Life flies by doesn't it.  Love to all Happy Valentines -- 2e

Day Thirty-Four - Nervous Energy - How do you Destress?

So, I destress, mainly, two ways - running or writing.  I am a writing teacher and yesterday I gave my class a writing challenge:  a 24-Hour Short Story Contest.  It began yesterday at 12pm and will end in about 45 minutes.  Since I am judging this competition and my kids are competing, I have not allowed myself to proofread or even know any of the details of their stories. 

I have been so anxious for them.  Watching them type for hours on end.  Stay up late and wake up early.  I am thrilled to see the absolute sacrifices that are being made in the name of writing, but I have so wanted to help that my anxiety grew to a point that I needed to escape.  So, I took off down to the Rec Center.  Since I did 2 miles yesterday I only wanted to run one mile today and find someone friendly to walk and talk with the last mile.  So, with all the anxiety on board I began running.  After awhile I realized that I was running faster than I normally do.  I clocked myself and when I sprinted the last lap I was surprised to find that I had run an 8 minute mile.  I was so pleased.  There were many older people there this morning so I found a nice petite German lady and we did a couple of rounds talking, until she had to go off to her class.  Then I walked with a school teacher and we talked about homeschool vs. public school.  That was fun!!

Now there are only 30 minutes left to the competition.  I hope my efforts helped them (it helped me destress =>)  Is this what you feel like when you're an "empty nester"?

Jacob and Joy after a night of writing - 24-hour Short Story Contest -  Let's do it again!

Day Thrity-Two - Nothing (Wednesday - my busiest homeschool day)

Day Thrity-Three - 2 miles, running @ Rec Center

Day Thrity-Four - 1 mile running/1mile walking @ Rec Center

Day - Thirty One - January Ended/February Beginning

Today it is a high of 20 degrees outside as we enjoy a sweep of artic air in our neck of the woods.  Running outside was not an option.  I took advantage of the temperature controled Rec Center and ran 2 miles.  I had run 2 miles at the Rec Center on Day Thirty, so I was a little trepidatious as I stepped on the track.  Again, music and resolve came to my rescue and the only thought in my head was, I'll run until I can't run any more or until I have run 2 miles - whichever comes first.  I was imagining how good it would feel to know that I could run 2 miles 2 days in a row.  I had thought that my knees would give out or I would end up an overstretched rubber band or a panting pile of sweat on the floor.  This might seems like a dramatic over-reaction to those of you who run every day.  But for me, a new runner, I am pushing my limits and I love what I am finding.  When I sprinted lap 20 and crossed the "finish line" my spirit soared. 

When I oringinally began The Daily Mile I knew it would be a journey.  I didn't know where it would lead.  Now that it has been 1 month and I have went from walking 1 mile to running 2 consecutively for two days, I'm looking forward to what the end of February will bring.  I actually looking forward to running or walking my mile every day, instead of dreading it.  It is a time I can feel good about myself and do something good for my physical body, which in turn helps other areas of my life.

I don't want to officially say that I will be running/walking 2 miles every day in February, but I really do have that goal in my head.  I think I think that by writing it down I will have to do it and I don't like failing.  I guess I could say it, and then if there comes a busy day I can fall back on my previous goal of one mile a day. 

Stay tuned - 2e

Day Twenty-Nine - The Sabbath
Day Thirty - 2 miles running @ Rec Center
Day Thirty-One - 2 miles running @ Rec Center

Day Twenty-Eight - I've Run/Walked a Marathon and It Only Took 28 Days

It is a "yellow burn" day in Sandy, Utah, but the sun called to me and I took off running our Stake's 5k route to see how far I could make it.  I was able to do 1 1/2 miles before I couldn't breath anymore.  I was told by a friend that running during a "yellow" or "red" burn day is equivallent to smoking a pack of cigarettes.  I think I need to follow my herbologist friend's advice and eat more cilantro (to clean out toxins like inversion and diesel fumes, etc.) and run inside on "yellow" and "red" burn days.

Any fellow runners have fun dog stories?  Here's mine for today.  Let it be said that I am not a dog lover.  I prefer cats.  I love that other people own and care for dogs, but my personal experience has been less than stellar.  (One seasoned lab ran away after I left the garage door open and the lab puppy I got for my 5 year old and twin 2 year olds (what possessed me?) tore apart everything it could get it's teeth into and relieved itself on anything and everything in our home.  She was adopted by a nice person from the Humane Society.  Not to mention I have been chased by packs of rabid dogs on my mission in Chile and nearly been bitten several times.  No thanks.)  So, I always dread finding dogs while I am running.  I know they can sense that I don't like them and will probably attack me just for fun. 

Today, after running 1 1/2 miles I was walking to cool down and, what do I spy? - a big black lab right in my path.  This didn't scare me because, after closer inspection, I realized it was Kaiser my friend's and neighborhood hair cutter's dog.  We'd been boating with him and my kids had played with him.  So, I decided to let him know it was me and take the friendly approach.  I called to him like it was play time and he happily complied by romping up to me and I ruffled his hair and kept walking. 

Kaiser looking longingly at Luke's hamburger

@ BBQ at Kaiser's house - August 2010

We walked together, with him always out in front, happily marking his territory and oblivious to the fact that he was gettting farther and farther away from his home.  I knew that there would be no love lost between my friend and her dog, but that feeling of responsibility wouldn't leave me alone.  I had called to him to play and he was, in his mind, just tagging along for the walk.  I kept trying to tell him to "go home", but he didn't listen and kept right on trotting up ahead of me, so, I decided to use reverse psychology.  If he was going to insist on being in front of me, I would just turn around and he would have to do the same to keep up this "game".  I tried it and he did exactly as predicted.  I would run and then he would run.  It was so fun to be in control without the other party knowning that you are in control.  Suffice it to say that Kaiser made it back home safely.
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PS.  My resolve to have my Writing/Lit Class run a 5k is steadily growing.

Day Twenty-Six - Nothing - Chalking that up to busy homeschool life
Day Twenty-Seven - 3 miles walking with hubbie - talking - MY FAVORITE WAY TO DO MY MILES!
Day Twenty-Eight - TODAY - 1 1/2 miles running outside, 1/2 mile walking outside

Day twenty-five - Pride

I did it!  I ran 2 miles without stopping.  Snow was plastered to my car when I got out of the Rec Center, but that didn't dampen my spirits one bit.  In fact, it felt nice and cool against my overheated skin.  I love achieving goals.  There is nothing like a sense of accomplishment to cause one to feel invincible.  I had to go and pick up my kids from Shakespeare in the downpoor, and even with all of the slide-offs, pile-ups and mashed front ends of cars from running into cement barriers, the "invincible high" I was on carried me through without a shred of doubt that I wouldn't make it there unharmed.  I want to encourage some of the kids in my writing and literature class to run with me either a 5k or a 1/2 mile relay in the Spring.  I'm excited that I think I will be ready.

In the words of Brittany Spears, "I'm stonger than yesterday - now it's nothing, but a mile away."  I don't agree with her morals, but those lyrics have inspired me more than once during this journey.

Day Twenty-four - 1 mile, running, treadmill @ home
Day Twenty-three - The Sabbath
Day Twenty-two - 2 miles, 1 1/2 running & 1/2 walking @ the Rec Center

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Day Twenty-One - Recovery!

It is a balmy 35 degrees and sunny out and it called to me.  I answered in reckless abandon fashion, by putting my coat on (not even changing into proper exercise clothes) and calmly walking for 2 miles - my first real outdoor experience all year. 

The beauty of the sun filled my heart with happiness and hope and gave me the things, things I can't even describe, I needed. 

Beautiful! -2e (and I more than made up for yesterdays wallowings)

Day Twenty - Discouragement

It is hard to stay 100% motivated, focused and positive all the time.  Sometimes you get sick.  Sometimes someone you loves dies.  Sometimes your children are more than a challenge.  I believe that we need trying moments to be greatful for the times when we do feel 100%.  We need a good BAD DAY once in a while to give us humility and perspective.

Today was my good BAD DAY and now that it is over and I am reflecting on my experiences in the past with discouragement.  I can say I am greatful for discouragement.  It has taught me to learn to rely on others and, specifically, my Creator.  I find that when that ache comes to my heart and I feel the guilt of not performing at my best, the conversation I have with my Creator comes more naturally and sincere.  As do the comfort and the strength I need.

My Dad came to mind.  He is a business man - buying and selling companies.  I remember when I was 13 or so and he was going through a particularly stressful time with business and finance.  I knew the details and was astounded that he would continue to get up early in the morning, greet the world with a smile and go to work to battle all the forces of pride and malice, and lose and he would still not be discouraged.  So I asked him, "How is it that you don't get discouraged."  He didn't even miss a beat.  He looked at me straight in the eye and said, "Tewie, depression and discouragement are tools of the devil." 

Thank you Dad for being my example.

My dad with advertisement for his donut shop in Spokane, WA -

Scrumdiddlyumptious Dognuts

This poem also saved me today:

The Race

"Quit, give up, you're beaten"
They shout at you and plead
"There's just too much against you
This time you can't succeed".

And as I start to hang my head
In front of failures face
My downward fall is broken by
The memory of a race

And hope refills my weakened will
As I recall that scene
Or just the thought of that short race
Rejuvenates my being

Childrens race, young boys
Young men, how I remember well
Excitement sure, but also fear
It wasn't hard to tell

They all lined up so full of hope
Each thought to win that race
Or tie for first, or if not that
At least take second place

The fathers watched from off the side
Each cheering for his son
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he could be the one

The whistle blew and off they went
Young hearts and hopes afire
To win and be the hero there
Was each young boys desire

And one boy in particular
Whose dad was in the crowd
Was running near the lead and thought
"My dad will be so proud"

But as they speeded down the field
Across a shallow dip
The little boy who thought to win
Lost his step and slipped

Trying hard to catch himself
With hands flew out to brace
And amid the laughter of the crowd
He fell flat on his face

But as he fell his dad stood up
And showed his anxious face
Which to the boy so clearly said
"Get up and win the race"

He quickly rose, no damage done
Behind a bit that's all
And ran with all his night and mind
To make up for the fall

So anxious to restore himself
To catch up and to win
His mind went faster than his legs
He slipped and fell again

He wised then that he had quit before
With only one disgrace
"I'm hopeless as a runner now
I shouldn't try to race"

But in the laughing crowd he searched
And found his fathers face
That steady look which said again
"Get up and win the race"

So up he jumped to try again
Ten yards behind the last
If I'm going to gain those yards he though
I've got to move real fast

Exerting everything he had
He regained eight or ten
But trying hard to catch the lead
He slipped and fell again

Defeat, he lay there silently
A tear dropped from his eye
There's no sense running anymore
Three strikes, I'm out, why try?

The will to rise had disappeared
All hope had fled away
So far behind so error prone
A loser all the way

"I've lost, so what", he thought
I'll live with my disgrace
But then he thought about his dad
Whom soon he'd have to face

"Get up" the echo sounded low
"Get up" and take your place
You were not meant for failure here
"Get up", and win the race

With borrowed will "Get up" it said
"You haven't lost at all"
For winning is no more than this
To rise each time you fall

So up he rose to run once more
And with a new commit
He resolved, that win or lose
At least he shouldn't quit

So far behind the others now
The most he'd ever been
Still he'd give it all he had
And run as though to win

Three times he'd fallen, stumbling
Three times he'd rose again
Too far behind to hope to win
He still ran to the end

They cheered the winning runner
As he crossed the line first place
Head high and proud and happy
No falling, no disgrace

But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line, last place
The crowd gave him the greater cheer
For finishing the race

And even though he came in last
With head bent low, unproud
You would have thought he'd won the race
To listen to the crowd

And to his dad he sadly said
"I didn't do too well"
"To me you won", his father said
"You rose each time you fell"

by D. H. Groberg

Day Eighteen - 1 mile walking on the treadmill at a 3.8mph

Day Nineteen - 1 mile running on the treadmill at a 4.2mph

Today - Nothing

Tomorrow - "Get up and win the race"

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Day Seventeen - The Next Step

I think that I am nearly ready to think about changing my eating habits.  Now that I have a habit of The Daily Mile I am ready to try to curb what I eat.  I always have the munchies around 3-5pm and if I can eat one high protein snack then I may be able to wait until dinner.  I am going to try to pay attention to what I eat and eat no more than one helping. 

Inch by inch life's a sinch.  Yard by yard it's very hard.

So True - 2e

Day Fifteen - 1 mile running at the rec center with kids happily splashing in the pool with friends - so nice!
Day Sixteen - The Sabbath - my day of rest - so nice!
Today - 1 mile running on the treamill techno waking up the kids - so nice!

Day Fourteen - TGIF

Yeah - Made it through my 2nd week.  Today no gnomes, on the treadmill (I love waking up my family to techno music), I alternated between slow lunges, backwards walking and forward walking - legs are sore.

Favorite thought of the week from my Dad:

My prayer for 2011: 
"Dear Lord, please make my bank account fat and my body lean.  And, Lord, please don't mix them up like you did last year."

Giggles - 2e

Day Thirteen - Teeth

I homeschool.  To help keep a balance between my homeschool life and all the other duties that a homeowner/mother of 4 needs to handle I have put one week out of the month where we don't have any classes to teach.  It helps to stave away "burn-out" and keep me mentally, emotionally, spiritually & physically balanced. 

This week was that week.  Originally when we planned it my homeschooling buddies and I decided to take this week off for Yvette's (the closest person I have to a sister in this life) Birthday.  But, even though we celebrated that occasion today with a visit to Chile's and presents and laughs back at the house, this week was really all about the dentist and orthodontist.

Kid's cleanings on Monday
Walter's ortho on Tuesday
Parent's cleanings on Thursday
Alex's ortho on Thursday

Since our dentist and orthodontist share offices that are practically next door, and consult with each other often, by Thursday when I had seen me dentist 3X already that week, he asked me where I was going on Friday.  Because he was going to Las Vegas for his daughter's gymnastics meet and that would be complete Murphy's Law.

Another funny occurance (and the real way that I put in my Daily Mile) was that I found myself searching for gnomes.  You heard me right ... gnomes.  Not because I believe they exist - no - because we belong to an over-zealous patient care orthodontist that is taking all his clientele to see "Gnomio & Juliet" on Feb. 12th.  And, in addition to paying for the tickets for the patient's family and a friend, there is a treasure hunt.  The treasure:  a goodie at the theatre.  The hunt:  Find a gnome a week that has been put no further than a mile or two from the office.  Since it has been two weeks, I knew I was behind, so, while I was in with Alex I nonchalantly asked Dr. Vincent where the first gnome was.  He gave me the clue that they posted on Facebook:  "Think outside the bun" and I knew.  The second had just come out this week and it was a little harder:  "I am Hidden in plain view, but EYE see you."  I thought optical centers right away and started spouting off, Standard Optical, 1-800-Contacts, etc, until the Ortho Tech next to me told me where it was and I had an address.  The hunt was on and Alex and I went to find them.  Here they are:

 

 

I was assured that we didn't need to get all 6 gnomes, but the more we were able to take a photo of the better ranking we would have to be in line for a goodie at the theatre.  FUN FUN and who said the Daily Mile had to be all work and no play -- A dull boy!

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Day Twelve - Sprints

About 2 years ago I was watching "Biggest Loser" and seeing those transformations as I would munch on my potato chips and cheer them on.  I realized that I needed to "get in the game" so I asked a personal trainer at my church to see if we could put together our own "Biggest Loser" club and achieve our weight goals. 

We did it for a whole year 2 - 3 times a week we would get together and sweat it out, be sincerely sore and in pain and we gained friends and lost weight.  I loved it and it taught me so much more that weight management. 

We would do mainly wieghts, lunges and, let's not forget "burpies" (a little-known form of torture).  Once she rented a rock wall and we did circuit training with the wall, a field and some bikes.  Between classes we were expected to do our personal cardio.  For months cardio passed as an hour of walking (usually fast).  I was scared to run.  I thought I would ruin my knees.  Then one day my trainer challenged me to run sprints.  She suggested 10.  I countered with 5.  We agreed on 8. 

When the day came that I couldn't avoid it any longer, I set my sights on some landmark approximately 100 feet in front of me and ran as hard as I could.  The first 3 were full sprints - legs extending, arms pumping and regular breathing.  The next 3 were more of a paced run.  The last 3 were a jog and then for the final sprint I could hear my trainer saying, "Push yourself" in my mind, so I did.  I went twice as far and ran as hard as my body could.  I was a heap of gasping sweat when I had made one mile and walked around in the middle of the road with my hands on my head to help me breath, but I had something else.  A smile of satisfaction. 

I did it.  I was proud of myself, as I was today after doing 1 minute on 5.5 sprints and 1 minute on a 2.5  walk - off and on for 14 minutes.
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Day Eleven - The Second Week is the Hardest

Day Ten -- I finished 1/2 mile walking in 9 minutes and 1/2 mile running @ 5.0 in 6 minutes.

Today -- I ran the entire mile 13.58 minutes @ 4.3mph

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Day Nine - The Sabbath Revisited

Day Seven - Walked at a 3.0 backward for the entire mile.  Took 20 minutes.  Noticed that when I walked forward my muscles were more willing to do what I commanded them to do.  Thoughts:  I am an adrenaline junkie and need change.  It's been inversion fog all week and 20 degrees.

Day Eight - Went to Rec Center with the kids.  While they swam I ran for 1 mile on the track in UNDER 10 MINUTES!!  Very happy.  Thoughts:  I love having the Rec Center as a little oasis in the winter.  How nice it is to go run and then soak in a warm pool playing with my kids with all the inversion gunk.

Today - After doing a mile a day all week, plus all the wieghts, sit-ups, etc. I have realized that my body NEEDS REST at least one day a week.  Not being above reproach, I will make a revised commitment to walk 1 mile every day and rest on the Sabbath.  Thoughts:  I feel better about this decision.  Some things can't be explained logically - they just feel right.

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Day Six - Bad Examples Can Be Inspiring

I love "The Biggest Loser".  At our house it is a weekly ritual to watch obese people become healthy and regain their lives.  Last night we watched the 1st installment of this season (11 I believe) and I stared in disbelief as a man my exact same heighth (5'8") stepped on the scale weighing 507lbs.  The amazing thing was that before he got on the show he lost 150lbs.  He used to weigh 657lbs.  I immediatly felt sympathy pains realizing that this man weighs nearly 3 times what I weigh and we are the same heighth.  How do you get to that weight?  I just kept repeating, "I will never ever be that weight," over and over in my mind.  The image of the huge apron of fat hanging off of his body and the laborious steps he took just to walk on the treadmill and the sweat dripping off of his body doing the simplest tasks -- those were all motivation enough for me to run my mile today and even turn it up a notch from 4.2 to 4.4 and finish in 13.35 minutes.

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Day Five - Backwards?

Have you ever walked backward?  It works a whole different set of muscles.  I did 1/2 mile backwards and it took me twice as long as the 1/2 mile that I did forward.  It usually takes me 11-13 minutes running at 4.2.  When I walked forward today I was at 4.0.  That's called speed walking. 

I was listening to Yanni and it was so nice and soothing, but lacked in getting the adrenaline up. 

1 mile - walking - BACKWARDS!

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Day Four - The Uphill Climb

The hardest part about climbing up hill is not the beginning.  In the beginning you have a nice flow of adrenaline that keeps you excited and your vision clear.  The hardest part comes when you feel the pain.  The doubts come in and you start to rethink your original goal  Looking back down the mountain, as you take a breather, you think, that looks like a leisurely stroll and it takes much more determination to look up the mountain again. 

But ...

what if you "change" the pain?  What if, instead of pain, you visualize your muscles getting stronger, the beautiful view that you will have when you reach your goal or someone standing next to you telling you all of your finer qualities?  How much more valuable are the steps when the perspective has changed? or support is given?

Middle of the week is always the hardest ...

The benefits I'm seeing:  stronger muscles, easier breathing, better sleeping, clearer mind, looser pants -- and that's just in 4 days.  I wonder what 7 days will be like?

Another mile running on the treadmill.
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Day Three - Gimli

We have been watching the trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" over the past 3 days.  While I was running today all my weaknesses started to loom larger than my strength.  I only ran a mile, but it was on the treadmill and I am so sore (because of my sudden resurgence into the moving world) and if I listen to my breathing it stresses me out, because I think I'm really working harder than I should and I am going to faint.  (That's why I listen to loud music so that I can't hear myself breathe.)

Despite all these negative thoughts, it was Gimli, the proud dwarf, that came to my rescue.  As I was running for 13.49 minutes (how long it took me to do a mile) I could see Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn running 3 days without sleep to rescue Merry and Pippin who had been taken by the Urikai (sp? -- evil breed of orc).  I saw Gimli, severly disadvantaged by his girth, heavy armor and stouter legs fall behind.  But the thought that kept me going was ... HE NEVER GAVE UP!  If he can run 3 days non-stop, w/o food or sleep - I can run 13.49 minutes - 1 mile, at a slow steady pace, my MP3 player pounding away, with the promise of a glass of water afterward.

Literature comes to the rescue again.  I love good examples.
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Day Two - The Sabbath

I did it.  One mile.  At first it was a struggle to get started.  The treadmill would not turn on.  I won't say it was due to the lack of use, but it started working after my son brought out his drill and helped me remove the back panel and we vacuumed it out and tightened all the things that needed tightening. 

My thoughts:  guilt.  It's the Sabbath.  Maybe I shouldn't be doing this on the Sabbath.  I should amend my commitment to rest on the Sabbath. 

There's the one of me that says:  Do you feel right with walking for a mile on the Sabbath?  You take walks all the time with your family in better weather.  Right now it is 12 degrees outside and I am doing this with my family.  My son, Walter, is currently on the treadmill  with Octopus and Liz both waiting their turns.  We are spending family time together. 

There's the other side of me that says:  You really should rest on the Sabbath and not do any work.

The one side:  But this is not work.  Walking is restful to me.

And back and forth it goes.  Why do we heap so much guilt on ourselves for doing good things?  Don't you walk to and from church or to see a neighbor, or visit the sick?  Should we not love ourselves.  So I shall and leave the guilt behind.  I do not feel evil walking a mile on the Sabbath.

Quite the opposite...

I will love myself enough to walk to a better me. 
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Day One - Beginning - New Year's Day 2011

January 1st 2011 -- The day when everyone begins their New Year's Resolutions. 

My Project:  I will commit to take the Daily Mile everyday. 

What is the Daily Mile? 
It is a journey -- a physical journey, yes, I will walk at least a mile everyday (or run), but a mental, emotional and spiritual journey too.  Yes, it's a self improvement blog, but at the same time an adventure to see where this leads me.  I promise to keep you posted at least once a week -- more likely once a day and in those posts I will reveal any thoughts or experiences I might have had on The Daily Mile.  This is for me.

Today, New Year's Day 2011, with kids all dressed in their new bathing suits (my 13 year old daughter is now in women's sizes -- yikes) and husband freashly showered in a button down shirt, we ventured to Dimple Dell Recreation Center in 20 degree weather.  After husband and kids were all settled in the pool, I pulled out my microscopic, hot pink, clip-on, MP3 player and turned up the volume as I ascended the stairs.  I didn't look anyone directly in the eyes.  I just let the pounding techno fill my head and I jogged.   I extended my legs and kept my breathing even and just ran.  I counted my laps and kept tabs on the clock.  I didn't know how many laps a mile was, but I knew that around my regular route outside I could do a mile in about 11 minutes.  So I decided to run at least that long.  When I hit lap 12 I sprinted the last 1/2 and then walked 3 more with lunges on a 50 ft. stretch. 

That was it -- I began.  After 3 weeks of being rather sedentary and holidayish -- I began. 

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