Welcome to My Garden

We may walk on different paths, but we follow the same footprints.

This year I'm focusing on improving my running and overall health by taking the 2017 Mile Challenge and seeing where the journey takes me. I'm also revisiting the Monthly Challenge started by Nephew Jason in 2009.

I'll try to post something every day. It may be a short inspirational quote or a longer narrative. Please join me......

"If you don't try, you won't know you can."


Saturday, February 18, 2012

T-91 Days

“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.” From:  The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Had a good run yesterday.  Did 7 miles in just under 70 minutes. 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

T-93 Days

"There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth—not going all the way, and not starting." - Buddha:


That is true about running as well.  I've started and I AM going all the way.  I can't wait until the weather warms up and roads dry so I can see if my tread mill training is on target with an actual road run.  Yesterday was a bit of a lighter day.  Ran 5 miles between a 12-10 min pace.  Today I'll step up the pace.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

T-102 Days

"The greatest danger to most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."  --Michelangelo (Italian sculptor, painter, architect & poet)

Monday was a rest day - much needed after Sunday's 7 miler.  Today I was determined to run my 4 miles under 40 minutes.  I DID - ran 4 miles at 35:00.  Started at a 10 min pace and changed speed every minute.  Think I'm on track for that half marathon in May....

BRING IT ON!!!!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

T-104 Days

I set my mind to running 7 miles today and did it in just under 70 minutes.  Take that! you little voice inside my head that said I couldn't.

Continuing to increase my distance.  My long runs for the next three weeks will be 7 miles.  I noticed today that I'm not as sore and never felt like I couldn't go on.  Now that I know that I can - I will!

I'm anxious to see how the treadmill runs translate to an actual road run. 

Saturday, February 4, 2012

T - 105 Days

"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit."

-George Sheehan

This week I step up miles to 7 for my long run.  The quote about competing against the little voice inside you is so very true.  I actually didn't think I could run 6, but beat that little voice saying "that's too far".  Last week I worked on increasing speed and was able to run at a consistant 10 min plus pace for the 6 miles.  Alternating speeds every minute really helps.  Feels like I'm standing still when I go down to a 10 min pace after running at a 9.   

Side benefit to training for a half-marathon.  I get to shop in my own closet.  I can wear jeans that haven't fit for a couple of years.  

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

February is Heart Healthy Awareness Month

Do something good for your heart - excercise it!!!   Which, I am going to go do just that.  This morning I'm going for a speed run - 30 minutes.  We'll see how that goes.