2017 miles Day 13

Yesterday I had the flu.  Today is a bit better.  At least I don't have a fever anymore.  I did walk two miles on the treadmill just because I thought it would make me feel better.  Did it?  Well, not much. I know that staying hydrated is part of the formula for wellness.  I'm going to brew a nice hot cup of tea and sit and knit.  I'm sure tomorrow will be a much better day.

Keep motivated!!!  Don't let little bumps on the trail derail your goal.

2017 miles Day 12

I have the flu and feel miserable.  Hot lemon/ginger tea and rest are the prescription for today.  I'm definitely feeling like the bug right now.

Quote for today:
"Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield."

2017 miles Day 11

Inspirational quote for today - 

As you make this decision remember this prayer:  

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

(prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971)

2017 miles Day 10

I grew up drinking tap water, and my primary source of water for the past 30+ years has been well water.  The well is cased down to 165 feet  and tastes delicious.  A lot of people I know depend on bottled water as their primary source.  I have been wondering if bottled water is really healthier than just plain ol' tap water.  One thing I know for sure is that tap water is a WHOLE LOT CHEAPER than bottled. 

I did some research, and here are my findings.  In most cases, tap water is a safe source of water for human consumption.  City water is regulated and checked frequently for contaminants.  One drawback is the chlorine used to treat city water.  It doesn't taste very good straight from the tap.  Using a quality filter system removes the chlorine etc... found in city water.  An alternative to an expensive filter system is to let the water set for 24 hours.  The chlorine will naturally dissipate and have a better taste. 

Also, there is the question about all those plastic bottles.  Which is a topic of discussion later.  My personal opinion is if you have a safe source of tap water - that's the best and save the bottled water for emergencies.

Bottled Water vs Tap Water

Why Tap Water is Better than Bottled Water

Bottled Water:  Illusions of Purity

2017 miles Day 9

You can throw in the towel or use it to wipe the sweat off your face! 

I saw this on a sports drink commercial.  Not a big fan of the drink, but loved the inspiration.  So get out there and make use of that towel - GET MOVING!!!

2017 Miles Day 8

"In order to succeed, we must first 
believe we can."  

--Nikos Kazantzakis

Sounds so simple doesn't it.  Like the lyrics - "I believe I can fly" .  Just four simple words; "I believe I can....."   

It's true!  

I know it!  

I believe it!  

Therefore I can .... !!!

2017 Miles Day 7

Health isn't in a number or in miles, it's in being more active than you were yesterday.   

This is the end of Week 1.  GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!  Look back at this week with a smile on your face that you accomplished something.  Set a goal for this next week.  Make it small and obtainable, but make it count.

REMEMBER:  The 30 day Challenge for January is "Drink eight 8-oz glasses of water every day and limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day, or better yet none at all."

2017 Miles Day 6

Check this out.  It was posted on FB and I wanted to share it here.  When I watched it I saw more than an elderly gentleman breaking out of his current life situation, I saw myself breaking free from the negative self-talk, breaking free from the what's-the-use attitude, breaking free from the "it's too far"- "you can't do it" - "what's the use" feelings.  I saw myself breaking the chains of self doubt.

Adidas - Break Free

Side note:  Of course the safety of the elderly gentleman needs to be addressed if you are watching the video and taking it literally.  

2017 miles Day 5

"Nothing will work unless you do."

Maya Angelou

That is so true!!!  Not much is gained by sitting on your arse.  It does take work, it does take determination, it does take will-power to obtain a goal.  It is up to you to get MOVING!!!

2017 miles Day 4

It's snowing lightly and 9 degrees outside.  Today is definitely an indoor-treadmill kinda day.  Put on a favorite movie, lace up the shoes, and log some miles!!!

Get up - Get motivated - Get moving!!!

2017 miles Day 3

You have to get up every morning and say "I can do this."

"Rise and Shine!!!"

**********

2017 miles Day 2

2017 miles Day 1

The 2017 miles in 2017 challenge starts TODAY!!!  This is going to be a great challenge.  Right now - positive vibes about the next 364 days.

Also, the start of the 30 Day Challenge 2017.  I did this a couple of years ago and want to revisit it. The goal is to improve overall health starting with ...

January Fitness Goal

Drink eight 8-oz glasses of water every day.  

No alcohol consumption (communion wine excepted)

January Running Goal - 
100 miles

Closing Time ...............

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

(Lucius Annaeus Seneca)

Thirty Day Challenge

Back a few years, 2009 to be exact, my nephew Jason posted a 30 day challenge for his New Year’s Resolution.  I thought it was time to bring it back with my own twist.

(From the original 30 day challenge: 2009)

I decided rather than trying to do one thing to improve myself, I decided to go for 12! However, I know that realistically all 12 won’t happen at once. Instead, I’m going to focus on one a month while trying to incorporate the other eleven into my routine. Although this is really one thing to focus on a month, “30 Days Challenge” sounds better than “Monthly Challenge.”

With that being said, I’m inviting you all to join me! Here is the entire year’s list. Again, remember the goal is to do all of it, but focus on one thing each month. I will update the blog with the definition of the task each month.

Who’s with me!!!

Jason
=================

Here is my list for the year.  I tweaked the original list that Jason posted.  Each month has a "do" and a "don't do, or limit".   I'll also post links to related sites.

January Task

Drink eight 8-oz glasses of water every day.  

Limit alcohol consumption to one drink (max of 2) per day.

February

Exercise!!!

Don't hit the snooze button

March Task

Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day

No Fast Food

April Task

Start a compost pile

Don't just throw stuff away - minimize your trash

May Task

Plant something

Avoid eating Processed Food

June Task

Read a book

Reduce television watching time by 1/2

July Task

Watch the sunrise - at least once

Don't forget to floss every day

August Task

Can or freeze fresh fruits/vegetables for winter

Don't forget to do something special for someone

September Task

Clean out a closet

Don't forget to donate to your local food bank/thrift shop

October Task

Learn a new word every day (or at least once a week)

Don't forget to occasionally use that word in conversation

November Task

Write down something for which you are grateful

 Don't forget those who are alone/lonesome this time of year

December Task

Make a pot of soup and share the extra with a friend or neighbor

Don't get all stressed out about "Holiday" preparation

Reflection

Look  in a mirror.  What do you see?  I did that - and didn't really like it that much.  No, not in the context of Marie Osmond in the Nutrasystem commercial, but in the context of where I am and have been emotionally.  I saw a woman looking back at me that I didn't recognize.  Sure, she had my nose, my chin, my mouth, but there was something missing.  She looked tired and drained of energy.   I looked away, shut off the light, and walked out.

When will I be ready to stand face to face with myself and commit to making some changes in my life?  What "demons" will I need to confront and kick out............  what "angels" stay....................

Today was a start - I looked in the mirror.

Update - Ran the Colfax Half Marathon

Has it been over a month since I ran the Colfax half-marathon?  Time of 2:34 (not quite goal of 2:30, but close) It was quite an experience!!!  Unfortunately, a cold virus caught up with me the day before the race.  My nose wouldn't stop running, sneezing, achy - the whole nine yards.  But, there was no way I was going to let a little head cold keep me from running.

We got to the race site early, got a great parking spot, had time to streatch out, relax, and mentally prepare for the big race.  There were thousands of runners.  Awesome sight!!!

The first 10 miles were pretty good, then I hit the proverbial wall around mile 11.  I'll have to say that mile was the hardest to run - I couldn't focus, my brain wouldn't function.  It was tough to visualize that I only had 2 more miles to go - couldn't visualize or comprehend that the end was in sight.  I remember looking to my left, and there was a spectator pushing a stroller walking faster than I was running.  How defeating is that?  I did pull out that inner strength to finish strong - after all, didn't want to look like a limp noodle crossing that finish line.

I learned a lot from that first race - things to do differently:  hydrate more during the race, bring a little snack, vary the pace, don't go out too fast, finish strong.

Will definitely do it again.  Took a couple of weeks off and now back on a light training schedule - might consider running in Sedona, Az in Feb.  Will have to see......... 

T-3 Days

The day fast approaches.  I've trained hard and know that I'll be able to finish the race.  It's going to be a great day!!!!  My goal is 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. 

T - 72 days

"You have a choice.  You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face."  gatorade ad.

I finally broke through to 10 miles in just under 1 hr 40 minutes - where's that towel??? 

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. 

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.

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!!!!!

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. 

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.  

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.

T - 113 Days

"In order to succeed, we must first believe we can."  --Nikos Kazantzakis

Sounds so simple doesn't it.  Like the lyrics - "I believe I can fly" .  Just four simple words; "I believe I can....."   It's true.  A thirteen mile race is possible.  I know it, I believe it, therefore I can ....

Yesterday was a rest day - did a 1 mile walk on the treadmill while watching TV.  Good thing to do after Wednesday's long run.  Today, on the other hand, I worked on keeping up speed and not giving in to the desire to slow down.  It was cold and windy outside so turned on my favorite cooking hostess, Paula Dean, and ran on the treadmill.  Final distance after 50 min was 5.28 miles.  (Changed speed after every minute to keep it interesting)  I also included some weight lifting into todays work out.

run on..............

T - 115 days

"Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going."

What's growing in my garden???  My first half marathon!!! and dreams of a fantastic garden!!!
I finally quit talking and did it - I registered for my first half marathon, May 20, 2012 - Denver's Colfax.  I've been wanting to do this for awhile, but never really had the nerve to register for a race.  I didn't think I could do it.  End of Oct, 2011,  I made the decision to get back on the treadmill and stop making excuses for my jeans "fitting a bit soon".   I challenged myself to keep up the exercise routine with a half-marathon goal in the back of my mind.  Now, January 25th I made the decision to go for it. 

The weather for January has been unseasonably warm.  Today the temp at 11:00 a.m. was 52.  I decided to take my running outside for a change.  I'm happy to say that the 3 months of serious treadmilling payed off.  I was able to run a 6 mile course (without stopping) in 66 min.  The 3rd and 4th mile was a tough into the wind challenge, but I stuck it out.  Nothing is ever gained by giving up.  Felt pretty good.

New Beginnings!!!

WOW what a sunrise this morning

Taken from my front door at about 6:55 a.m.

I've neglected my garden blog for a year and decided it was time to grow back into it. Last year was not a good gardening year.  After 3 hail storms that pullmetted our wheat crop and destroyed any semblance of a garden I lost interest and planted some pumpkins and squash just to fill the space.

Hopefully this year will be better.  I have my seed catalog in hand and ready to begin a new year!!!

Columbine

Menacing Sky

It's that time of year when eyes are focused on the sky. What will be stirred up in that weather cauldron and dumped on unsuspecting victims? Fortunately, these clouds only stirred up some wind and a spit of rain ... no hail, thankfully.


Wall cloud moving in from the south west...................

View to the south - wheat field is looking good, yet so vulnerable to the wrath of hail storms.

Keep your eye on that sky - love that beauty - respect that power of God's Creation.........

What's Blooming in the Garden?

Spring is a beautiful time in the garden - this is what's blooming today.....

Jonny Jump Ups - I don't remember planting them. I think they came in with something else. They seem to find a foothold in the smallest crack or crevase in the rock wall.

Cherries - from the looks of the trees there will be quite a few cherries in July.

Peaches - kinda sparse, looks like the snow last weekend didn't totally destroy this year's crop.

Peony - usually found as double flowers. This variety is single. Too bad they don't last very long.

Crab apple - This tree was loaded with blossoms. Don't remember seeing so many.

Apple Blossoms - this is a Yellow Delicious variety. We also grow Jonathan and Macintosh.

Just Passin' Through

This oriole didn't stay very long - just long enough to have a picture taken documenting his brief stop-by. The peach tree is just starting to set blossoms.

Migratory birds pass through the garden on their way to places that are greener, warmer, not as windy......... Wonder what that would be like to be a migratory bird - move with the seasons?

Sisters

Eventhough my sisters live miles apart - there is a bond that links us together. It's a bond that can't be seen or heard, but felt inside the heart. It's a bond that reaches deep within the soul.



We walk together through the garden of life ... sisters joined forever by love.

(Very sad that Caroline was unable to join us for our weekend in Madison)

It's Raining

April rain - there is nothing like it. A free gift from heaven . . . refreshing, rejuvenating, cleansing rain. Rain - the life fluid of Earth. How perfectly made is water - so simple and so complete. I love the rain, the smell, the sound, the memories of childhood it brings to the forefront of my consciousness.

My childhood home had a large attic and on rainy days my sister Caroline and I would spend hours playing dress-up with the treasures we found. Furniture from days long past were strategically placed and we would pretend to be queens and princesses dressed in the most elegant gowns from older sister's proms. Tea was served in tiny porcelain cups and we sipped our tea and ate small cookies as proper-pinkie-out ladies.

And so, on this rainy April day, I'll drink a cup of tea with my pinkie extended and enjoy the gift memories this rain brought today.

Beautiful rain, perfect rain, life giving rain, triggor-of-memories rain..................

Crocus and Daffodils

I love it when the crocus and daffodils bloom - it's a time for rejoicing. Unfortunately, crocus don't last very long.

Garden events this first weekend of April included planting potatoes and the first batch of onion sets, removing the burlap coverings from around the roses, and pruning apple trees. I found several good web sites as well as video giving step by step instructions. (thanks again Google) Early spring, before the tree starts budding out, is the best time for pruning any fruit tree.