I'm Here!!! I'm Here!!!

I'm still here! I just don't have time to do any blogging right now. We are in the process of our move to Houston. We found a wonderful home and will move in next month. I have so much I could share about how God worked so many details out since my father-in-law passed. It was like the flood gates were open after his home-going and God just poured out so many wonderful things. My husband and I are overwhelmed with His kindness toward us. I was even accepted in the Houston Marathon lottery and will be running the half in January. So much to share but too much to do right now. I will begin to post again soon after our move next month. Below is a
picture of our beautiful new home. Many blessings to you.

Crossing the Finish Line

Last Thursday evening my husbands dad went to his heavenly home. His family was by his side and he was peaceful and not suffering. Although our hearts our heavy we are thankful he is at peace. I year ago today is when he was first diagnosed with cancer. It has been a long difficult road for my family. My husbands dad has crossed the finish line, his race is complete, he is now experiencing the eternal reward, the unending presence and worship of Christ. My last words as he was taking his final breaths were, "we are right behind you." I look forward to that reunion. Below was one of my father-in-laws favorite verses.

Yet those who wait for the LORD

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31

A Day at a Time

Well, this will be my last post for a while. As some of you know who are also friends with me on Facebook my husbands dad has taken a turn for the worst and now has lung cancer. As of yesterday he is pretty much bed ridden. Although it is hard to talk about, I know he is nearing the end. My life lately has been a roller coaster...between getting the house ready to sell, helping my mother-in-law, keeping up with my responsibilities as a wife and mom, my plate has never been fuller. I remember an older woman telling me back in 1996 when my husband had cancer to "take one day at a time." This is so true and really is the hardest part for me...I'm a planner. I like to know where the hills, turns, and straightaways are. Knowing what's coming and planning is not what God has allotted for my life right now. It doesn't matter if I don't like going a day at a time, I've never been more certain this is exactly where I need to be. Even in the midst of what feels like a storm I have found joy and a steady resting place in Him. This is a time where all that I know in my head and heart gets put to work in my life. Running lately has been with a heaviness of heart. The trails I run are affectionately known as "Terri's trail of tears" These trails have been a sacred place to pour out my heart before an all wise, loving God that no matter what is always good in His dealings with His children. As of right now my goals and training are on hold. I've thought about some particular races in the fall I would like to run but right now running is just a time to breath, focus my mind and pray. I don't know when I will have time to post about running or anything for that fact, but I will from time to time visit and read your blogs. Until then, may we all pursue that which is eternal and live TODAY for His glory and praise.

As Promised...

My Honey relaxing at Destin Fla.

Our little mermaid

Probably one of the last rocket launches at NASA=(

The girls and I at Sea World

Oh my how I love key lime pie!

Animal Kingdom

Taken at Magic Kingdom with my parents

Hollywood Studios and Epcot

We had so much fun on vacation to Disney World but my favorite part really was the short time we spent at Destin beach. I hope we can plan more beach vacations in the future. As it looks we are definitely making the move to Houston. I will tell you I have had a mix of emotions. The company my husband works for is flying us to Houston next weekend for a chance to see the area, check out his office and meet our Realtor. It will be a short trip but hopefully one that will bring some of my fears to rest. We will have time to visit one church while we are there. My running has not picked up much since we got back from vacation. It has been a whirlwind of business starting with working on the house to get it ready to sell. I have missed the routine and discipline training for some specific race or goal brings to my life. I hope that this upcoming move will not hinder me much longer from getting back into some type of "normal" running/training schedule. I have already checked the race schedule, a local running club and several of the parks in the Houston area. I hope to get a better sense of how spread out everything is in the Houston area next weekend. It will be a big adjustment. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Pressing on!

The Bomb Has Dropped!

We are back from vacation and it was tiring but full of great memories! My daughter had a odometer she carried around Disney and Seaworld. The grand total of steps we took throughout our visit to the parks was a whopping 65,000. So when I say tired I mean it! The day after we arrived home my husband was informed his entire department is moving to Houston! That's in Texas folks! Talk about a bomb dropping! The company he works for has slowly been moving all its departments to Houston and his department is the only one left. His job is very secure and has provided us a comfortable living. Unless the Lord shows us otherwise we most likely are going to make the move. I will tell you this is not easy for me, I like routine, I thrive under knowing whats around the next corner and if one word could describe me it would be cookie cutter, okay that's two words but you get the point. I don't do well with change. We have moved before and it did not go well so I am a bit gun shy about this whole thing. BUT I know I have a great God and He will help me because, He is faithful and good and has a perfect plan in all of this and I don't say that lightly! Anyway since this is a running blog I suppose I need to talk about that. My running since the week before and during our trip has been hit and miss. I have not run very much in the past three weeks and I MISS IT LIKE CRAZY!!! Now that we are back home and I have had a couple of days to unpack and begin to process this new information I am anxious to hit the running trails. Does anybody know if Houston has hilly running trails? I love hill training!!! My mind has been spinning...a run would do that some good. Well I will post pictures of our trip in a couple of days and will hopefully be more on top of my blogging this month. I have visited some of your blogs today and look forward to reading up on all these great races you all have been running. Keep pressing on!

The Trees Clap their Hands

Again I have been so tardy with my posting. This is partly due to the fact I am not training for any particular race. Since postponing the marathon in April in lieu of our vacation I have dropped back on my mileage. It has been so nice not to be working and pushing myself training for a race. I have been running a lot but primarily just keeping a good base going (about 24 miles a week). The weather has been terrific and I have been running on the hilly trails near our home. This trail crosses over two main overpasses which I recently discovered are over 22 feet high. Whew! I knew those hills were hard for some reason. I love seeing all the promises of spring blooming on the bushes and trees as I run. I was meditating on Isaiah 55 recently, particularly verses 12-13

"For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace;

The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you,

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush

the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up,

and it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which

will not be cut off."

You might be familiar with the song that came from verse 12. It sticks in my head often when I am running. Like you I run year round so I get to see the changing seasons on nature. The trees and bushes turning from green to colors of red and gold. Then loose all their leaves hanging barren through the winter cold. Now the trees and bushes are pregnant with the hope of spring. In my mind it personifies these verses...deliverance, hope, joy, redemption. It is a reminder of God's infinite power, and faithfulness, and love to his people year after year, season after season.

Hope in the Certainty of Things Unseen

I just could not bring myself to run another day on the treadmill and since hubby had the day off I had no reason. It was in the mid 40's when I left for the hilly trails near our home. I purposely didn't take my watch or the ipod it was just me, God vast creation and the power of prayer. The skies were gray and the clouds thick yet during my run I noticed the suns powerful rays taking over the dim mood the clouds had cast on the trail. The suns power was winning over the gray "lending hope and gladness" to my soul. I began to feel a renewed sense of hope taking over. Hope for the coming of Spring, hope for brighter days ahead, hope that I was finally moving forward in some areas I have struggled with this past year. Hope that the God of this creation will have the final victory and I praised and thanked my God. I know I am emoting but by the end of my run my spirits were renewed and I was reminded afresh why I love to run.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...Hebrews 11:1

Steady as She Goes

I have been so tardy with my posting but even if I did post my recent running activity it would sound so redundant it would bore you all silly. I have been running faithfully on the treadmill and doing my weight workout since my last post. We have had a few days break in the weather but it has consistently remained in the 30's or lower during the time of morning I can get out to run. I am still getting up early to run but I just don't have the motivation this winter to hit the trails in the dark cold. This year I just feel cold all the time so the treadmill is a warm option. Plus I can sleep in a little later since I don't have to drive to the river. I am looking forward to spring!

After last summers running cycle of hit and miss due to some hip pain I put on a few extra pounds. I have the family genetics to be very heavy so I have to really watch what I eat and exercise all the time. When I don't put in consistent effort I put on weight really, really fast. I am literally the smallest person in my family for many generations. Because I struggled to maintain a consistent running schedule last year along with some stressful events I could stand to loose about 20+pounds. Since my last post I have lost about 5 lbs! I am so thankful for this as my body already feels more comfortable, more like it's normal self. I am hoping to loose the rest before our vacation in May.

On a funny note I was reading Jane's post yesterday on incorporating exercise while waiting for other things. So yesterday as I was homeschooling the kids I thought I would give it a try. While I was standing at the table during the history lesson I began to do squats and side leg lifts. My kids looked at me like I had lost my mind. They started laughing asking me what I was doing, I got to laughing so I hard I could only mumble out the word "squats" it was a classic. I think I'll try it again today. Thanks Jane for a good laugh.

"A merry heart does good like a medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

"We just want to pump you up"

Do you remember Hans and Franz from Saturday Night Live? I'm dating myself. I was not a fan of SNL but the few times I watched back in the 80's when Hans & Franz came on they always made me laugh. Now that my April marathon goals have been postponed until November, the fact that we have had single digit temps and snow this winter I have revamped my fitness goals. Before we decided to take a family vacation around the same time as my marathon I was up to an hour and a half of running on the treadmill in training for my marathon. That was about all I could handle on the mill even while watching episodes of 24. As I type we have 6 inches of snow covering the ground, so obviously I am going to be on the treadmill for a while longer. Since I no longer need to be working on adding miles I decided about 2 weeks ago to add more strength training into my workouts. I have noticed as I am aging I'm not as strong as I used to be. I have been enjoying adding more weight lifting to my routine. I have even noticed in the few weeks I've been lifting I've been able to add more weight and reps. So for those of you interested this a general outline of what my running/fitness schedule looks like for this week.

M-F Run on the treadmill for 30-40 mins. (with intervals most days)
Sat. I will do a long run (hopefully outside!)

M,W, F-Upper body weighted workout
T & Th-Lower body weighted workout

I do most of my weighted workout using dumbbells. I do have a weight bar and weight bench for chest presses and leg extensions. My biggest challenge is time. Adding this much strength training adds and additional 40-50 mins. of time in addition to my running. So far I have only missed a couple of workouts because I just ran out of time or was too tired after my run. I plan to keep this schedule up as long as I am stuck inside.

Hope you all have a great week. Pressing on with you in health.

MIA

Wow! if the past four weeks are indicative of what this new year will be like then this year will fly by just like last year. Honestly I still can't believe a new year is upon me. I have been thinking about my running goals for this new year and have had a really hard time figuring out how to balance life with what my desired goals are. I have had to look realistically at my responsibilities as a wife and homeschool mom and adjust my goals to these priorities. As most of you know My husbands father was diagnosed with incurable cancer back in August 09. This news set our lives on a new path and brought with it some additional responsibilities and stress. The news of my husbands dad came one month prior to our scheduled family vacation with them to Florida and Disney. As difficult as it was to tell our kids the vacation had to be cancelled they never complained or question once our decision. Running this year especially after my father-in-laws diagnosis has been challenging, but at the same time something that kept me moving forward emotionally through some very difficult times. Like many of you the physical highs and lows of running parallel life in so many ways, which is one reason why I love running. One of my desires this year was to finally run that marathon that has alluded me in my 20+ years of running. Now that my husbands dad is in remission my husband and I have had a chance to sit down and evaluated this years goals and plans. My husband is a very loving, wise and godly man. Last year was a very difficult year for both of us in many ways. We both could have used a vacation! So he suggested that we re-plan our original vacation, sooner than later this year. The time he suggested conflicts with my April marathon. I was reluctant at first to give up this goal but I know this is something our whole family needs. Our children have been amazingly mature through this whole process and my heart just wants them to have this time. The weather here has also left me stuck with training a lot on the treadmill. This was one of my biggest concerns for an April marathon. My training has been hindered by the snow storms and single digit temps. I have endured hours on the treadmill but I am no where near where I need to be in my mileage. My competitive nature just doesn't want to run an "okay" first marathon I would like to be strong and finish in a decent time. So with all that, I have set my sights on having a wonderful much needed family vacation and training for my first marathon in November (The Rt. 66 Marathon, hint, hint, Kim). I will probably run some shorter races until then and then there is always my old stand by the Tulsa Run 15k in October (hint, hint Mary Ann). So as for now I am keeping my base mileage up on the treadmill and really looking forward to some warmer weather so I can begin to see what these old legs have in them. In the mean time I will try to update weekly but it may get a bit redundant until I can hit the trails once again. Until then keep pressing on!

Still Here

I am still here...and winding down from a marathon 2 weeks of painting, cleaning, organizing, cooking and shopping. Wow! am I tired. Below are a few pictures of the fruits of our labors. They by no means do justice to the hours and days my mom and I put into all that was accomplished. I love my new "treadmill room" and with the weather staying around 30 degrees for the HIGH of most days, I will definitely be getting a lot of use out of my new room. I don't have time in my schedule to do any posting this week but I plan to re-start my running journals again sometime next week. In the meantime I am reading your post and staying motivated by your running progress and success. Keep pressing on.

I still have some things to finish in the treadmill room but that will be another time and after my back has a chance to rest. I hung a couple old race photos and a old racing bib as well as a picture of the goal "26.2" for a little inspiration while on the treadmill. My big splurge for this room is a picture of a runner I purchased at Art.com. It will be captioned with the verse that heads this blog. All of that is still at the framers. I will post a picture of it when its done.






This is the office re-decorated, purged and organized!

Happy Hilly Chilly Days

My mom arrives Tuesday for a 2 week visit! The kids and I have not seen her (other than Skype) for over a year. While she is here I am looking forward to sleeping past 4:30 am. The weather has been so nice this month and has not dropped below 40 for any of my early morning runs. It has been a gift from God to have such warm weather this time of year. But, the weather has started changing and just in time for my moms visit. My run Saturday was 33 degrees! I could see my breath the whole way. The day mom arrives it is going to be 29 degrees! My mom has always been very supportive of my running so when I asked her if she would mind if I went running after sunrise, she had no problem with that. I am really excited about getting to sleep in and run later in the morning for the next couple of weeks. Not only that but while moms here we plan to transform the spare bedroom where my treadmill is. I though if the room was pleasant to be in it would make my treadmill running more endurable. It has snowed as late as April around here so I figure I will be on the treadmill at some point. Mom and I love to decorate and keep busy so it will be a fun time. She will also do Christmas with the kids so they are looking forward to getting a few gifts early. My husband leaves for Myanmar on Thurs. and will be gone for 8 days. December is looking like a very busy month. My running plan through December is hills, hills, hills! I have been experiencing mild shin pain (only in my left leg) this month but nothing that has caused me to have to skip any running days. I'm running in new shoes so I have eliminated that as the cause. I sure would like to know if anyone has a good stretch for the shin? Any advice is welcome. I probably won't do much posting this month but will keep up with you all through reading your blogs. Below is a picture of the quilt I ordered and *kind of* (I'll be using my favorite color green instead)the look mom and I will be going for in the spare room. I found a twin sleigh bed at the thrift store last week for $40! I'll post pictures when it's done.

Giving Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I am thankful for a godly husband who loves his family in both actions and words.
I am thankful that my father-in-law has turned a corner and is gaining some ground physically.
I am very thankful for the warmer than usual weather to run in.
I am thankful I have been able to run consistently with no pain for 3+ weeks.
I am thankful that my mom is coming for a visit in less than a week.
I am thankful that even though this time of year comes with many things that are stressful and disappointing I have a Rock, a steady place to plant my feet.
I am thankful that no one in my family has gotten really sick this year so far.
I am thankful for friends and blogging friends who keep my life interesting and offer encouragement.
I am thankful for so many blessings God has poured out in my life, most of all for His endless love and mercy.
I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgivings!

Where There's A Will There's A Way!

Some of you who are also friends with me on Facebook know that my husbands father was diagnosed in August with incurable cancer and has since begun serious radiation and chemotherapy treatments. With my in-laws living about 3 miles from us, this allows us to minister and help them. Last week my father-in-law ended up at the hospital suffering from side affects of his treatments as well as dehydration. Why do I bring this up? well, only to boast in the Lord of course. As you know I set about last week to begin in earnest my pre-marathon training month. November has been set aside to "see how it goes" in the pain/mileage department. But not part of my schedule was an increased number of responsibilities. My husbands father needing to be hospitalized meant that my husbands time would be stretched between home and the hospital. My husband did several overnight stays at the hospital which meant I could not run in the mornings. He also went by there after work, so time for running became very challenging. My husband who is very supportive and aware of my goals worked so hard to try and be home at some point everyday so I could get in my run. I ran several times in the evening, well after dark, and managed to run 5x's this past week. I am so thankful for a loving and supportive husband. For children who step up to the plate when grown-up responsibilities increase. For the fact my "father-in-love" is getting better. And more than anything for the grace God gives to get me through difficulties and for His intimate care that I sense each day as I run this race. I am happy to report I have run without any serious pain this past week and the marathon goal is looking more and more like a reality. My plan this week is to repeat last weeks running schedule and hopefully feel a little stronger than I did this past week on my runs.
Mon. run 4(done)
Tue. 4 (done)
Wens. 4
Thur. 4 (Hills)
Fri. off
Sat. 5

"I Think I Can, I Think I Can"

Next to the story of "The Princess and the Pea" my next favorite book as a child was "The Little Engine That Could" Who would've know how much this story would parallel my life as an adult. My life especially these past two years has been one of overcoming seemingly the impossible. If it were not for my relationship with the Lord and His Word I would not be able to reach the top of that mountain. Thank you all so much for the encouragement, advice and all around pep talk on whether or not I should make 2010 the year I see a long time dream fulfilled. First I want to answer a question asked from the last post. Yes, I have done races, many of them. The longest distance I have run is the half-marathon distance. My most common race has been the Tulsa Run a 15k. I have done up to 14 miles in training runs but it has been a looooooong time. This year my longest run has been 6 miles due to the fact I have had one pain issue after another anytime I try to extend that distance. This is one of the reasons I have been so uncertain. Thankfully it seems these issues have resolved and I can begin in earnest to work on my running. Realistically I know that if I pursue this dream I must adjust my goals and expectations. I have usually trained with the purpose of meeting a time goal or having a PR. But if I were to do this marathon I think I will just frustrate myself trying to do that. So where does this leave me? This is my plan so far. I know that the OKC Memorial Marathon sells out. It has sold out every year and this is the 10th anniversary, so I don't have a great deal of time to sit on this. In light of my current running year, my plan is to take the rest of November to see what happens when I move past the 6 mile mark. Before I can commit to this, by that I mean put down the money, I need to work on increasing my mileage this month and building up my long run distance. I feel like since I have been able to resolve the hip pain through proper stretching I can now work consistently on increasing my weekly and long run mileage. I was so blessed by your comments that I really think I CAN marathon! So here I am anxious to see how my month goes and excited for the first time in a long time to possibly be training for such a special race. I'll keep you posted!

My plan this week;

Mon. run 4 (done)

Tue. 4 (took off bc father-in-law ended up in hospital)

Wens. 4 (done)

Thur. 4 (done)

Fri. 4 (with hills,done! One more run this week to go!)

Sat. 5 (done! that last mile was sloooooow)

To Marathon Or Not To Marathon That Is The Question...

So I have actually been seriously thinking about making a dream of mine to run a marathon a reality. I like most runners want this allusive distance. I want the bumper sticker that says "26.2". I want to experience that rush and all the emotions of achieving this dream. Yet, I find myself so unsure... and I think if I am this unsure then how in the world do I think I have what it takes to do this? I keep talking myself out of trying for various reasons which, I will step out on a limb and share. Reason one is I'm too old to handle this type of training now, I know stop laughing, but the truth is I have been feeling my "age" this year more than ever. Two it would require serious winter training for the April marathon I am considering. I have run through some very cold months, but most of the time I was training with someone, so the accountability got me up and out of bed in 30 degree temps, and I don't know if I have it in me to keep plugging through the cold months. Third reason is I know how hard I can be on myself to fixate on a certain time goal and having never run that type of distance, can I keep my expectations real enough to not be faced with disappointment throughout training and the actual marathon? Okay I am feeling very vulnerable letting you all in my head...Lastly I have heard that running a marathon is mostly mental so when I consider the above I'm not sure I have the mental fortitude to do it. My husband keeps telling me that the mental toughness will come with training, and I believe that because I have seen it as I have trained for other distances, but I have had such an off year running that I wonder if I can even get to that point. You see what I'm doing??? Then there is the fear of failure, which I won't even go there... I am considering doing Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This is the perfect marathon for me because the inspiration I need to run is built right into the race. I do love the feeling that personal accomplishment gives you, the feeling when you have crossed the finish line and achieved that goal, but that is not what drives me to get out there and put in the hard work. And that makes me wonder do I have what "it" is to drive me to do this? I don't know, and that worries me. Do I need to feel that "I have got to have this" feeling in order to take on this dream? My dilemma is, I am not convinced I can do it and are my desires strong enough to take on this dream now? So, the question is, to marathon or not to marathon?

Me and My Shadow...

Now that my head cold is subsiding I am back on the running trail and back to training our black lab Shadow. He has managed 3 days of running 3 miles each day at a good (not too fast for his mommy) pace in a healing position. I don't prefer to run with him in a healing position because the chance of him tripping me is much greater, but there are still so many people on the trails it is best to keep him close. One of my worst falls happened from tripping over my German Shepherd on a run. I still have knee trouble from time to time from that hard landing. Other than my arm being a little tired the running is going well. Shadow has really surprised me for just being 1 years old. He seems really happy when he runs and I am enjoying having him by my side. If my arm can take it I plan to move him up to 4 miles next week. Any running advice from those of you who have run with pets would be much welcomed.

Do you Know What your Running Shoes Taste Like?

Well my new running partner loves running so much he actually ingested part of my running shoe this morning. Unbeknown to me he chewed off the top eyelet section of my current running shoes!!! I use that top eyelet! I only caught him when he happily trotted past me with the insole in his mouth. I guess that was the second course. I am so sick about this I can't even bring myself to try them on to see if the damage means I have to but a new pair. They are not that old, ugh! I haven't been able to run or even walk him for a couple of days because I have had a terrible head cold. But, we will get out for a walk today! The idea of having a running partner that can eat your shoes is kind of funny, kind of...

I'm a Running Clothes Horse

Okay, I will come out of the closet and admit whenever I am in a sporting goods store or running store my heart rate rises, all that spandex and thermal stuff just gives me a rush. There I said it and I don't regret it! So being the running clothes horse I am this hat is on my list of "must haves" I have pretty long hair so in the winter I am usually pulling my ponytail low on my neck to get my hat or running head band from riding up and being uncomfortable. This hat solves the problem and its pretty too. Oh be still my beating heart!

A New Kind of Speed Work

My husband and I had promised the kids that we would get a dog this year. About 5 weeks ago we held up our end of the promise and got a dog, well, actually, ahem, we got two dogs. When we started looking at dogs we found two we really liked but we couldn't agree on which one so we got both. We purchased the dogs from a rescue group. The yellow lab is between 2-5 yrs. old and the black lab is 1 year. I had it in my mind to make one of the dogs a running partner. I used to run with my German Shepherd. He was a good companion, but died about 9 years ago, so it's been a while. So last night I decided it was time to start the black lab (Shadow) for a training run. He as well as the yellow lab have turned out to be really terrific dogs. The yellow lab is more of a 65lb. lap dog so she all snuggles and sugar. The black lab on the other hand is the athlete. I knew Shadow had it in him to run at least 2 maybe 3 miles but I wasn't sure how he would handle a steady no time for sniffing pace. So last night on the trails near our house we started his first training run. He surprised me and did very well! Everything was fine on the mile out, we could hear a few coyotes off in the distance, but on the mile back it had gotten much darker and the coyotes were out in number. The howling and barking was much closer and at one point Shadow and I realized we were being tracked by one or more coyotes. We could both hear something following us in the tall brush! I was freaking out and so was he! Our training run kind of turned out to be a speed training lesson. My husband told me I could not run with him on the trail again at night. I have no problem submitting to that! Shadow did great stayed on course and kept a steady pace. He's gonna make a great running partner!