A Call to MORE...

I've been feeling a little tug lately. Well... a big tug. OK - so it's more of a GIANT, WON'T GO AWAY TUG. But it's a good one. I feel that I am being called to MORE. To be MORE for God. I know I work in full time ministry but He's asking for even more of me. More of my time and my heart and my passion and my VOICE. No - I won't be singing... so don't worry! I mean more of my words. He's called all of us to live OUT LOUD for Him and He's reminding me of this - and calling me on it. I'm becoming more and more consumed with Him - and it's awesome. :) I don't know where this will take me - and our family - but I'm very excited for the adventure and so thankful for Brian's support. He is an amazing spiritual leader for our family. I see him growing as well and it's beautiful to watch.

I know I don't update often - and that might not change ;) but I had to share this excitement. If we don't share what God is doing in our lives we rob Him of the glory He so deserves!

The second time around... It can only get better (I HOPE)

I missed out on "training" Saturday and Sunday due to a packed schedule and feeling a little bit under the weather. So I headed out this afternoon for the second session. I actually stuck to the recommended schedule of "Couch to 5K" which has you alternate 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking for 15 minutes (after 5 minute warm up). I don't know how... but I'm pretty sure that the walking seconds were shorter than the running seconds. Christopher went with me and I think my condition worried him. He kept asking me, "Are you ok?!" LOL But seriously - no. I wasn't ok. I think my legs gained 53 pounds each time we ran. By the time we stopped I could barely lift them - they were SO HEAVY! My face resembled that of Bob the Tomato... I was sweaty, with a round-red face, heaving, and barely able to walk. Yeah. Super attractive, I'm sure.

As I STRUGGLED to run I realized that I CANNOT do this. However, this realization makes me understand that I MUST do this. I might not be able to do it in the allotted time frame... but I must keep going.

It's funny because about 30-45 minutes after feeling like each breath just might be my last... I felt energetic and wished I had gone a little longer! Weird.

Day One...What was I thinking?

First things first... I got running shoes! My new friend, Tina, met me at Fleet Feet and I got fitted for running shoes. (I use that term - "running" - loosely considering my first "run" tonight) The man watched me walk barefooted with my pants rolled up and then I tried on several pairs of shoes. Now the FUN part (NOT)... He made me RUN in them. EMBARRASSING! But based on my "running" we narrowed it down to two shoes... then decided on these.

So the original plan was to begin in the morning - but I decided to go ahead and go tonight. (I'm a freak about my shower schedule and I absolutely needed a shower tonight after moving and painting... but I KNEW that if I washed my hair tonight there is NO way I would want to do it again in the morning... SO the only solution - DO THE RUNNING NOW). I got all geared up... new sports bra, new shoes, new $10 socks, old t-shirt, and.... don't laugh... Brian's shorts. He has sporty shorts and I was thinking that the slick fabric would be more comfortable so I rolled. And rolled. And rolled the waist down. And I pulled. And pulled. And pulled the drawstring tight. (For those that haven't met Brian - he is 6'6". I'm 5'3" I'm sure I looked interesting) I put my hair up, earphones in and I was ready!

I drove the parking lot earlier tonight and learned that one circle around our complex is half a mile. I didn't really set out with a specific goal in mind - just to do what I could for as long as I could. That turned out to only be 2.5 times around - and within that I only ran 3 SHORT times... What was I thinking?! I am VERY out of shape! And there were people out there!!! WHAT?! I guess I somehow thought that no one would see me! Well. They did.

I came back home after 15ish minutes and laid on the ground for 5 minutes catching my breath and wondering if the good Lord might just take me now.

Brian says I can do it. He says it will be better tomorrow.

To Run....

I'm not sure how this happened - or why - but I have OFFICIALLY REGISTERED for the 5K Rodeo Run. Notice the word "Run." If you know me AT ALL you will understand what a stretch this is going to be.

1. I do not exercise.
2. I do not run.
3. I do not sweat.
4. I do not enjoy ANY discomfort in my body - ESPECIALLY my feet!
   

In fact, I try not to even walk too fast (refer to #1, #3, and #4). However, for some STRANGE reason I have been motivated/inspired/convinced/deceived/schemed against/whatever to work up to this race. From when I start on Saturday I will have 5 weeks to "train". I have ordered one item necessary to make this happen and will head to Fleet Feet Friday for the other necessary items (SHOES). I am going to use the "Couch to 5K" model to work up to the actual race day. I'm worried though this new model might be a little different and more difficult than the "Couch to Kitchen" model of which I am currently accustomed.

Can I do it?
WILL I do it?
Time will only tell.

LORD BE WITH US ALL! ;)

To run... or not to run. I need YOUR answers!

Well I guess I have officially and completely morphed into a Children's Pastor. I now own more t-shirts and comfy shoes than any woman my age should... and I love it. I have been told - or hinted - that I should dress "nicer" for church. Yeah. Right. Because it would be SO practical to jump, dance, squat, climb, and occasionally roll around on the floor (Yes. That's right. ROLL AROUND ON THE GYM FLOOR) in "nice" clothes. Haha I also need to look casual for the kids - I've found they relate easier to me and aren't afraid to run up and hug me if I'm dressed in jeans and a tee.

The only problem I have found with this... is that it doesn't exactly inspire me to care about how I look. I mean - casual clothes=casual attitude=casual eating and lifestyle. I'm not sure what happened - or why - but since our wedding (4 months ago today) I have gained 10 pounds. :/ My eating habits have actually improved as I am cooking at home most nights and I haven't slowed down any in my activities... but I have packed on the pounds! Now, I must decide what to do to remedy this awful "development". Not to give TMI but I guess it could have something to do with the "family planning" type medicine I now take...

Soooooooooooo... I know working out is the answer. I guess I'm looking for the motivation. Other than weight loss - I need a goal. My FB friend, Erica, has mentioned that she is going to run the Rodeo 10k in 6 weeks. I have always wanted to run, to be a runner, but I've never done anything to make that happen. I guess my point/question is this... are you a runner? How did you get started? How far is a 10k anyways?? Do you think it's possible for a sedentary woman with no time to spare, a full-time job/ministry, and a family to "train" for something like that... or should I give up before I start and just read your answers while eating a homemade chocolate chip caramel sundae?? MMMMmmmmmm YUMMY!