First of MANY?

… I hope so!

It’s no secret that there was a time in my life when I’ve been extremely overweight and unhealthy.  I don’t talk about it a lot because well, it just seemed like a normal part of my life.  I was always active, but obviously not as active as I should have been.

Then when I started to lose weight and the possibility of ‘running’ [which came to me from a series of unrelated sources] became a reality – my family has been so very supportive of my recent, no-other-way-to-put-it: OBSESSION.

I’m not even sure how the initial idea came about to combine a family run/walk on Thanksgiving morning.  But in our family, we’re all about TRADITION including beginning new ones!

There’s a small park not far from Grandma’s house, so we decided to meet up there AND PUT IN A QUICK MILE.  It was for me, for the cousins, for the aunts/uncles, for the kids, for anyone who wanted to show up and be supportive!

You know what?  It was a huge success!  A beautiful, balmy morning about 40 or so degrees and sunny!!

But I think the best part for me was just hanging out after and talking.  Spending time together getting caught up and sharing more than just a meal.  And presents.  However, NO PIE!

Now, my family tell me that I am an inspiration to them.  Personally, I don’t see it – but I want to publically say: THANK YOU for indulging my latest obsession.  It might not last the way FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING MOVIE DAY has for nearly 34 years, but hey – let’s keep moving for as long as possible.  If Grandma can at 95 years young, so can we!!

Heads up – I’m calling you all out: 2nd Annual Grimm Turkey Trot November 2012

Drinks the night before – because who needs carb-loading??

Out Again Today…

… on this beautiful Saturday afternoon.

It wasn’t what I’d call a destination run – but it was outside my usual neighborhood.

The church 0rgan is temporarily fixed, so I headed over after lunch to practice for tomorrow’s service.  I figured while I was there – I’d try a quick 2 MILES AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

My RUNKEEPER APP WORKED FINE today.  I was able to do a 5/1* training run.  I was out there for 30 minutes, but because there’s HORRIBLE cell reception in the area – I had to edit the course map online.  There were all kind of CRAZY pings from satellite bounces that made it seem like I was running further and faster that I know is possible.

Well. For ME.

The exciting thing for me about this afternoon’s run was that it was a new area and I was challenged by hills, unfortunately dogs and it was also very windy today.

But I don’t mind – after being down a day with some nasty sickness – I put in a pretty good run.

I’ve been consistent about the short 2 mile runs – but I’m getting nervous about putting up some longer runs.

Patience, grasshopper…

*5 minutes of running, 1 minute of walking.  I’ve decided to try shorter intervals for the Half Marathon.

Technical Difficulties…

… via RUNKEEPER would not stop me this morning.

Neither would low blood sugar – I actually ran around the block and then back home so that I could get 1/2 a protein bar [THESE ARE MY FAVORITES FROM SAM'S CLUB] because I knew that I was in trouble physically.

I’m diabetic, but I don’t treat with medication.  I use diet and exercise.  I’m also HYPOGLYCEMIC. So I knew that I needed to get some carbs/protein in my system or just scrap the run for another time.  Luckily, half a protein bar did the trick.

I wasn’t out to set any records today – just get out there and see how I do in less than ideal conditions.

It was my first sub-40 degree run – I think it was actually about 34-35 degrees.  I think the key for me was NOT overdressing, but layering so that I felt warm enough stay out there and do the work.  I don’t like to spend a lot of $$ on ‘name brands’ – THESE LONG PANTS and LONG SLEEVED TEE from Wal*Mart did the trick. A light windbreaker, fleece hat and THESE TECH GLOVES [$3 at Wal*Mart] were all that I needed.

My Runkeeper app malfunctioned and I’m not exactly sure of the 2 MILE DISTANCE, but like I said, I was out there to put up some miles and not set any land/speed records.

Today…

Over Due Run…

… but it was worth the wait.

A GOOD RUN.

There are days, like today, when a run feels effortless. 

It’s difficult to explain – I haven’t quite figured it out myself.  When I feel like I’m slow or not making much headway, is usually when I am the fastest.

Other times, when it feels like I’m giving it a good effort and working hard – I’m usually slow.

So when I get a good day like today and the run just ‘happens’ – it’s VERY good.

I realize they all can’t be that way.  Last week I didn’t get in the runs I’d had planned.  I was actually sick.  Just a cold – but it made me feel miserable.  Believe me, if I thought I could run through it, I would’ve tried.  Instead, I rested up and began again this morning. 

I looked that hill in the face and didn’t balk.

WHAT HILL?

Bring it!

The Past Week…

…I’ve needed to take a break from running.

From training.

If I could take a break from the stress, I would.

One thing I discovered by this break – I still have a desire to run.  I will get back out there – but the most important thing right now is to take care of my family and myself.

I didn’t get to run the FREAKY 5K.  I’m not gonna make excuses – the weather [SNOW!] and the fact that Mom was being discharged after another surgery and 3 day hospital stay was also a major factor in my not running.

I summed up my decision this way:

Did I want to run? Yes.

Did I need to run? No.

That simple.  Family comes first.

I’ll get back out there soon…

I owe it to myself!