I'm back!

I know what you're thinking - after a 6 month hiatus she must have something REALLY important to say. Something truly blog-worthy. Something so big it simply cannot be contained.

Or not. Sorry. While I'm sure something truly blog-worthy must have happened in the last 6 months I am not even going to try to access the recesses of my mind that hold those memories. I'm not going to try to recap the highlights of the last 6 months either(you can thank me later). I'm just going to start in the present - today - and go from there.

With 2009 more-or-less behind me I am starting to look forward to the new year. Unlike many people, I enjoy making resolutions for the new year. I like to think about new things I'd like to try or old things I'd like to do better. I like to set goals and make plans and come up with wonderful ways to reward myself for my achievements.

I've already decided that 2010 will be the year of '10Ks and 10 miles'. Those are they types of races I'm going to focus on. In fact, I'm running my first 10K of the new year on New Year's Day - The Polar Dash! I've gotten a jump start on another fitness goal - to 'firm up' - by starting the 30 Day Shred. I started today and - because I'm a rule follower by nature - I am planning to do it every day for the next 30 days just as the program prescribes. I have heard great things about this program and am excited to see if it will work for me - I'll keep you posted!

There will surely be other goals - spiritual, financial, humanitarian - I'll let you know when those become more solid. In the mean time, I'd love to hear what kinds of resolutions (or goals, or focus areas - whatever you like to call them) you are making for the new year. Let me know you're still out there and haven't given up on me in the last 6 months!

For My Dad

I struggle each year to come up with a suitable Father's Day gift for my dad. I want him to love the gift I give him - I want it to remind him of me when he sees it - I want it to convey how much I love him and how thankful I am that he is my dad. Occasionally, I come up with something great (like the canvas I made him with the picture of the two of us on his favorite motorcycle) but more often than not I give him a card - not because I have deemed it a suitable gift but because I finally run out of time and am left with no other options. This year was no different. Just this morning I was thinking "I should pick out a card for Dad..." having given up on coming up with a clever gift. And then it came to me - I could dedicate my next blog entry to him - I could tell the world (or at least the three other people who read my blog) how great he is and how much I love him.

This is for you, Dad.

My dad is the best dad (no bias). I am blessed to have him. He has done more to shape me into the person I have become than anyone else - even my mom (though she is a VERY close second). His love, encouragement, protection and sacrifice have made it easy for me to relate to my Heavenly Father and to develop a personal relationship with Him that has given me meaning and purpose in this life and has secured my place in eternity. This alone makes him the best dad and explains his profound effect on who I have become - but there is more.

When I was little - every night before I went to bed he would tell me three things - You're smart, You're beautiful and I love you. What more could a girl need? He went to my programs, concerts and recitals - even though he dreaded sitting through the entire show just to see me. Somehow knowing how much he dreaded being there made his presence that much more special. He is honest with me. He will tell me if an outfit makes me look fat or if I've put on a few pounds and should maybe cut back on the ice cream. More often than not he tells me I look great - and knowing he would tell me if I didn't makes his words that much more meaningful. He believes I can do anything - and expects me to accomplish all I set out to do. He is always encouraging and never surprised when I succeed. I could go on and on and on - talking about confidence and self respect and love and modeling for me how men should treat women - but I need to save some material for next Father's Day. : )

My sister and I once asked my dad how he did it - what was the secret to raising healthy, balanced kids that turn into healthy, balanced adults? I will never forget this part of his answer. He said "You're always a parent - you don't start when your child is 3 or stop when they turn 18." It brings me great comfort to know he will never stop being my dad.

Are you dying to know?!

I know - you can hardly contain your excitement. You have been checking my blog all day for the last 3 days to find out how it went and you are wondering how I can possibly live with myself knowing I've made you wait this long. Either that or you are trying to remember what it is I'm talking about - you know - what you should be dying to know...

I DID IT - I FINISHED THE HALF MARATHON!!!

13.1 miles of running all at one time - no walk breaks (ok - I walked through the water stops but I had planned that all along - and water stops don't cover very much distance). The last two miles almost did me in - it was not pretty - but I kept going and finished strong. My official time is 2:03:something - I placed 113 out of 234 women.

And to answer the question that seems to naturally follow the statement "I ran a half marathon this weekend" (like "When are you going to have kids?" naturally follows the statement "We just got married.") No - I have no plans to run a full marathon - or even another half marathon - in the foreseeable future. But thanks for asking.

Run for the Ribbon!

Tomorrow I will start week 8 (of 12) of my Half Marathon training. Last week I ran 19 miles finishing strong with a 7 mile run on Saturday. Thank God the rain held off until Sunday - 7 miles on a treadmill would not have been fun! You'll be glad to know the knee pain that concerned me at the beginning of my training is no longer a problem. I had self diagnosed myself with an IT Band issue. Through a complicated network of acquaintences I was put in touch with someone who had experienced the exact same problem that I was having. Per her advice I started 'rolling out' my knee on a foam roller before every run and I am happy to say that I have had NO pain since.

As part of my training I will be participating in the 2009 Run for the Ribbon 10K & AIDS Walk on Sunday, May 17th. The AIDS Walk serves as a fundraiser for the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP). MAP is a great organization - you can learn more about MAP and contribute to my fundraising efforts by clicking on the link above or on the sidebar.

Staycation

My 10 day staycation is almost over - in reality it is over but I'm holding on to the last few minutes - not wanting to let them go until I absolutely must. I've enjoyed the last few days immensely. I have to say I think I will be GREAT at retirement. We didn't do anything big or even that exciting. To be honest, I don't even feel particularly refreshed. But it was nice to stay up until 2:00 in the morning watching CSI and sleep until 11:30 that day - because that's what we felt like doing. It was nice to be able to make running a priority each day. It was nice to have plenty of time to take care of the house, run errands, finish a book and visit with my nephews. It was nice to not feel rushed.

And so tomorrow reality sets back in. I will inevitably wake up late, rush through my morning routine, barely make it to work on time, tackle only the smallest of tasks on my overwhelming 'To Do' list, and be thankful if I make it through half of the emails and phone calls waiting for me at work by the end of the day. I will catch my breath on the ride home only to begin the seemingly endless tasks of the evening - most of which accomplish nothing more than preparing me for the following day. On the one hand I find this an extremely depressing proposition. I look at the words I just typed and I wonder if it's really worth it - and in my next breath I know that it is. Because I know there will be a day when I will wake early and walk leisurely through my morning routine. When I will arrive at work early - fully prepared for the day before me. When I will complete everything on my 'To Do' list for the day and will arrive home and find there is plenty of time to take care of everything I need to before taking time to unwind, reflect on this day and prepare for the next.

I am confident this day will come - the day when I achieve the balance I am ever in search of. And I will enjoy the journey that gets me there because while I know it will come - I don't know when and I will not spend my life wishing for something better when I know that what I already have is more fulfilling and rewarding than most people even dare to hope for.

Scrap Camp!

I'm off to scrap camp! 4 days devoted to girlfriends, scrapbooking and renewal. I will be riding up with two very dear friends and can't wait for the uninterrupted time to catch up on all that has happened since we last met. I have gone to scrap camp 2 - 3 times a year for the last several years and I still look forward to each visit with the same anticipation and excitement that I had for my first trip. In fact, I start looking forward to the next visit on the ride home from the last. I don't think I can properly explain it to anyone but it is truly a place that I love to be - physically and mentally. I am so thankful that this time has finally arrived.

Things I LOVE about Spring!

(Numbered for reference - not to indicate importance)

1. Being reminded of the infinite shades of green God has created
2. Budding trees, bushes and flowers
3. Taking the dog for walks (no, we don't go for walks in the winter)
4. Fresh air - in my home, in my car, in my lungs
5. Hearing birds chirping in the morning
6. It's sunny when I wake up AND when I come home from work
7. Putting away my heavy winter coat
8. Turning off the seat heaters in the car
9. Rediscovering my warm weather wardrobe
10.Running outside without an ear warmer, scarf, warmth layer, wind layer, or runny nose

And so so much more... I think Spring is my favorite season - at least until summer comes around! What do you love about spring?

Countdown to Half Marathon - 11 Weeks

This past week marked the official begining of my Half Marathon training. I am still struggling with knee pain but I believe I've identified the cause and am taking steps to heal and prevent further injury. That said - I ended up walking for about 1 mile of my 4 mile run this week : (.

I began the week by gearing up with new shoes and sunglasses. We have a great running store just down the road from us - a true gem and it's right here in Lakeville! The staff is very knowledgable and they have a great selection of shoes. Their customer service is top notch - an absolute must for a running store. They work with each customer individually to determine what type of shoe you should be wearing and they only let you try on the shoes that are right for your feet (think pronation). I've purchased my last three pairs of shoes here and I highly recommend it.

My training schedule includes 1 day of rest, 1 day of yoga, 1 - 2 days of cross training and 3 - 4 days of running. My first two runs this week were 3 miles each and felt really good - plenty of energy and no knee pain. My long run this week was only 4 miles but as I noted earlier I ended up walking about 1 mile of it. I started walking due to knee pain but had to extend my walking due to ice. Yep - ice. Minnesota has started to thaw (hooray!) but at 7:00 on Saturday morning the sun hasn't been out long enough to melt the thin layer of ice that has formed on the sidewalks overnight. It was a bummer but my knee probably needed the rest.

I ended my first week of training today with a BEAUTIFUL walk (cross training). It was absolutely gorgeous in Minnesota today! I've lived here long enough to know that the rug can still be pulled out from under us - even this close to Spring - but that's really what makes days like today so special. The rest of the week is supposed to be gorgeous as well so I'm hoping to get out of they gym and onto the road for at least some of my running.

40 days and 40 nights

That's how long Jesus prayed and fasted in the desert before facing Satan's temptations. The story of the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) was the focus of the Ash Wednesday service at our church last night. I've understood the concept of fasting for several years but I didn't know that the tradition of fasting during Lent - the 40 days preceding Easter - symbolized Jesus' time of prayer, fasting and temptation in the desert. Apparently this is the first time I've actually paid attention during the Ash Wednesday service - it only took 33 years!

At work yesterday I heard someone saying they had given up elevators for Lent (they would be taking the stairs instead) - I thought that was pretty clever - especially if they plan to focus on their reliance on God as they climb and descend. I've never been very good at giving things up - for Lent or otherwise. One year I gave up my morning mocha for Lent. Instead I drank coffee-hot chocolates each morning and called it good - not one (or 40!) of my prouder moments.

Recognizing that it's the spirit - not the letter - of the law that is important I've begun adding a behavior that draws me closer to God during Lent rather than eliminating one. This year I am committing to spend quiet time with God each day. I would love to say that I already do this but the truth is I don't - so for the next 40 days I will. It will be hard - the business of life will become overwhelming, other activities will compete for priority, I'll come up with several reasons why it would be better if I skipped my quiet time for a day, I will get tired - but I will still spend quiet time with God each day knowing that in my weakness His strength is perfected and that the days that are hardest might also be the most profound.

I'd love to hear how you are preparing for the Easter Season - leave a comment if you'd like to share!

A New Goal - 13.1

After experiencing the duathlon last summer I realized how much more effective I am in my workouts when I have a goal I am working toward and a plan to get me there. Before I started training for the duathlon I would never have even considered a two hour workout. In fact - I'm sure I would have convinced myself that a two hour workout was actually unhealthy. I did end up referring to the two hour workouts as 'the crazy-hard' workouts but I pulled off several off them last summer and am definitely more healthy as a result.





I've enjoyed some downtime for the last few months. I've spent more time doing things I didn't have time for during my training like rock climbing and yoga while still running and biking but at a much more moderate (and lets be honest - realistic) level. As much as I have loved this time it wasn't too long before I started craving another challenge. I considered several options including another dualthon and and indoor triathlon but it was the half marathon that seemed like the logical next step.

Yep - a half marathon. That's 13.1 miles. I have been running for a few years but I still consider myself a beginner. I typically run about 3-4 miles at a time at a relatively slow pace or in intervals that include short, relatively fast runs followed by extremely slow running or walking. Even though I've never raced more than 4 miles I'm actually v. confident my heart and lungs will make it - with relative ease (key word = relative) assuming I keep up with my training. My biggest concern for the training and actual race is my right knee which tends to hurt - to the point where I actually have to stop running - somewhere between mile 4 & 6. During the height of my duathlon training last summer it would start to hurt about 1.5 miles in. I've used my down time to focus on strength training for my quadriceps and knees and ran 4 miles last Saturday with no pain - v. encouraging! 5 miles next week will be the real test : ).

More on the half marathon in a later post - I would LOVE to have a running partner - let me know if you're up for it!

(This post inspired by my cousin Melanie - check out her blog!)

It's February

How did that happen? It seems like January just started and now it's already over. 2009 is 1/12 complete. How did that happen? And with February being a short month and all I hold out very little hope for it moving ahead more slowly than January - hmmm.

So I guess the most exciting news is that the 2008 remodel is basically complete! We're still waiting on the rug and a couple of ottomans but it will be a few months before they arrive. The rest of the furniture is here, the shades are up and the accessories are in. My favorite part of the day is walking down the stairs in the morning and being greeted by the peaceful space that I am so blessed to call my living room. The sunlight through the shades produces the most serene light I have ever witnessed - It makes me smile and fills my heart with joy and content. I love it. I was going to post some pics of the finished space below but now I feel like I should take some pics tomorrow morning - see if I can capture some of the serenity and joy for you :).

The least exciting news is that our cleaning service botched up our brand new hardwood floors :( The situation will be rectified to our satisfaction by the end of the day tomorrow but it has been a long and relatively painful journey to get to this point. Needless to say we have canceled our service and are now in the market for a housekeeper. I think the worst part of the whole experience was the realization that the people we trusted to care for our home didn't value that trust enough to behave in a manner that deserved it. Their lack of respect for our home and our family is evident in their carelessness. Call me naive but I honestly don't understand how someone could walk into my beautiful home and not use the utmost level of care. [Big Sigh]- it makes me sad to think about it. So - lesson learned. Move on and be thankful for the ability to be in the market for a housekeeper. And be much more careful when selecting the next person to place your trust in...

Happy Birthday!

On Friday I celebrated my 33rd birthday! It was a wonderful day filled with people and things that I love. Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes throughout the day.

I took the day off from work and enjoyed a leisurely morning. After renewing my driver's licenses (and praising God that I passed the eye exam) I spent some time at the library browsing the shelves and realized I need to get to the library more often. What a wonderful, inexpensive form of entertainment! I picked up a Museum Pass for the Minnesota Zoo (one of the more difficult passes to get) and headed over to Caribou for my free cup of birthday coffee. I came home, snuggled up in a chair and FINALLY finished the book I've been reading for the last several months - JOY! In the evening, Chris and I went to the Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant in Minneapolis. It was our first time there and we will definitely make a return visit as soon as an appropriate occasion presents itself. We had all four courses, a cheese fondue, salad, an entree that included lobster, shrimp, salmon, fillet Mignon, pork and tortellini and a chocolate fondue to finish things off. The fondue style cooking and the portions were perfect allowing us to enjoy everything without the discomfort of stomache pain or excessive waste.

Blowing out my candle - don't thos dippers look yummy?!

Me and my sweetie

Self Portrait - Look at those teeth (my teeth - the ones WITHOUT braces!)

Look what we came home to today!

It's here! It's finally here! Our new furniture was delivered this afternoon while we were at work. We're still waiting on a few pieces to complete the room but the pieces that are here have provided a welcomed look at the picture that has been living inside our designer's head for the last several months. She is FABULOUS!

The fabrics, textures and colors are perfect. The style is elegant but comfortable - Chris is actually napping on the couch right now and I can hardly wait to curl up in one of the chairs for a good read this evening! This is definitely a space I am very happy to come home to and can't wait to share with others.


The couch & cocktail table


One of the two chairs (I think this is the one I'll curl up in!)


An overhead view