It's the start of the New Year. I've always wondered whose brilliant idea it was to come up with a resolution for the new year. If you break it down into two words you have the prefix of "re-" (which means to do again) and "solution" (which, duh...is an outcome or answer to something). It seems kind of funny...resolve to fix something that is broken in your life. I guess with the start of a new year, it's like starting over--you get a clean slate and voila! All is new again! Only, it doesn't quite work that way. For instance, my bills don't get wiped clean from last year. Not only that, but usually, when you make them, you break them within 48 hours of making them. Where's the fun in that?
This year, I resolve to not make any resolutions. Sure, there are things that I would like to do, but I need to fix a few things in my life before I can do anything. I am VERY proud to say that I am starting this new year 27 pounds lighter than the last one. I have lost 3 sizes and I feel fantastic. I did not do any crazy diets or go hog wild on the exercise (no...marathon training does NOT count here). I watched what I was eating and more importantly how MUCH I was eating. Stomachs are small. Why am I putting a ginormous shovel of processed crap into it, only to feel like a ginormous pile of processed crap later? Yes, I still eat pasta. I still eat meat. I still have dessert. But the important thing is that I don't have to have ALL of it, so I don't. I always keep it in my mind that I am fueling my brain and my body. I don't need it for anything else but that. :) Depriving yourself isn't good. Binging yourself isn't good either. The happy medium is to have just a little bit. Then, get up and move. It sounds simple and you know what, it truly is. We are all busy, and sometimes you have to find a spot to stick it in. But eventually, it becomes a habit. Running has become a part of my life. I am planning this training as the last marathon for awhile. I won't say that I'll never do another one, but this one is it for awhile. So, basically weight loss = Watch what and how much you eat + Getting Butt off Couch and Moving. :)
On to this year with the non-resolutions. Instead of saying, "I resolve to become debt-free sometime in the future--preferably in the year", I'm saying that I need to curb my spending habits and not incur anymore debt. I'm really good at rationalizing purchases. I'm the queen of "If I put it on the card and just pay it off next month or put a bigger chunk on it next month, then it's okay to buy". In reality, I don't pay it off and I don't put the bigger chunk on it next month. It has gotten us into trouble. When the douchebag skimmed my ATM card, it may have been a blessing in disguise. We went through all of our finances: checking, money market account, credit cards and auto loans. We have come up with a monthly budget, so we'll see how well we do with it. I have removed the credit cards from my wallet and have made them inaccessible to me. Well, I have access to them, but it would require me to thaw them out. We refinanced a loan for a lower interest rate and managed to pull enough equity of it to pay off a credit card. It feels good to have a plan.
In addition to curbing spending habits, one other non-resolution is the word "No." I am a big doormat. I hate saying no to people. I am a people pleaser. If you need my shirt, here you go. If you need me to make you dinner, what would you like? You want my Christmas presents, just jot down your address. Okay, I wouldn't go quite that far, but if you have a compelling reason, then probably. Unfortunately, because of this inability to say no, I have a) incurred a lot of the aforementioned debt and b) managed to completely overwhelm myself. I like to stay busy and I like to be social. But there has to be a line drawn. For instance, working and helping out in a child's classroom is busy and social. Working, going to school, volunteering for the OSC, being a stay at home mom (I work from home), as well as all the day to day nitty gritty is stupid and effing insane. Seriously. Because of my inability to say no, I sometimes resemble the living dead. There are days when I will come home from a social and literally pass out. I just can't do it anymore. It's not good for anyone. So here it is: no. No. NO. NO!!!!! See, it is possible. Now, I just need to make sure that I do it when it really counts.
There you have it. I don't have to re-solve anything. I just need to fix the things that need a little tweaking here and there.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
NOLA Week 6: Rain Delay
Distance: 6.78
Route: Teague Parkway Trail
Time: 1hr 12mins 19secs
Number of Ninjas: 0
It was a good run. I'm a few days behind the curve on posting this one, but we've been out of town for a few days, so I'm finally getting down to it. I did this run on Friday. I meant to do 12, but Mom Nature had a different idea.
I slept in a little and hit the trail around 7:15am. It was really warm outside for this time of year...almost 72 degrees. It was humid, cloudy and windy. I miraculously found my Nike+ receiver, so I turned on the iPod and off I went. I had a tailwind for the first half of the run. I made it to the marina and looked up at the sky. It was looking pretty threatening and the wind was starting to shift direction. I ran past the marina, up to the third pagoda and then decided it was probably best to turn around. Often, these kind of storms have thunder and lightning embedded in them, and I don't mess around with that. Rain doesn't bug me, but lightning and thunder do. I made it to just past the marina when the rain started. I passed some folks that started yelling at me that it was raining. I looked at them, smiled and just kept right on going. A) I can obviously see it's raining; B) going back to the marina won't do me any good when my car is parked at the other end; and C) it's only rain. :) I was about a mile from the car when the wind shifted direction AGAIN and this time I had wind and rain smacking me in the face. I finished and looked down at the time. I was pretty surprised. I felt like I was going a LOT slower than what I really was. My legs had felt heavy the whole time and I was just a little tired. It was a good run though.
Six weeks under the belt and six weeks left to go. I have 18 miles this upcoming Sunday, so we'll see how it goes. I haven't run at all with the base group, but I'm actually okay with it. I thought it would be lonely doing it alone, but it gives me time to just think about things and sometimes just let my mind wander. I miss my running buddy, but it's important for her to heal herself before she jumps back into anything. :)
All right. Let's get this party going. Bring on the pain for next week.
Route: Teague Parkway Trail
Time: 1hr 12mins 19secs
Number of Ninjas: 0
It was a good run. I'm a few days behind the curve on posting this one, but we've been out of town for a few days, so I'm finally getting down to it. I did this run on Friday. I meant to do 12, but Mom Nature had a different idea.
I slept in a little and hit the trail around 7:15am. It was really warm outside for this time of year...almost 72 degrees. It was humid, cloudy and windy. I miraculously found my Nike+ receiver, so I turned on the iPod and off I went. I had a tailwind for the first half of the run. I made it to the marina and looked up at the sky. It was looking pretty threatening and the wind was starting to shift direction. I ran past the marina, up to the third pagoda and then decided it was probably best to turn around. Often, these kind of storms have thunder and lightning embedded in them, and I don't mess around with that. Rain doesn't bug me, but lightning and thunder do. I made it to just past the marina when the rain started. I passed some folks that started yelling at me that it was raining. I looked at them, smiled and just kept right on going. A) I can obviously see it's raining; B) going back to the marina won't do me any good when my car is parked at the other end; and C) it's only rain. :) I was about a mile from the car when the wind shifted direction AGAIN and this time I had wind and rain smacking me in the face. I finished and looked down at the time. I was pretty surprised. I felt like I was going a LOT slower than what I really was. My legs had felt heavy the whole time and I was just a little tired. It was a good run though.
Six weeks under the belt and six weeks left to go. I have 18 miles this upcoming Sunday, so we'll see how it goes. I haven't run at all with the base group, but I'm actually okay with it. I thought it would be lonely doing it alone, but it gives me time to just think about things and sometimes just let my mind wander. I miss my running buddy, but it's important for her to heal herself before she jumps back into anything. :)
All right. Let's get this party going. Bring on the pain for next week.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
NOLA Week 5: Sleep is Good.
Distance: 16 miles
Time: 3hrs 6mins 10secs
Route: Base Trail - Museum to Shoppette and Back
Merry belated Christmas! :) We spent all day yesterday in our pajamas. After not sleeping well on Christmas Eve, I'm happy to say that I caught up in spades. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap in the morning and then another 1 hour nap in the afternoon. I fell asleep at 9:30pm and woke up raring to go at 5:30am. It's amazing how a little bit (or in this case, a lot) of sleep can do a body good. I wasn't looking forward to the weather this morning. Yes, I know it's cold in the winter...but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Because I knew it would be sub-freezing and there would be wind, I decided to add an extra layer on top. So, I ended up with a base long-sleeved layer, a lighter long-sleeve in the middle and my windbreaker on top. Beanie and mittens as well. I look like I was wearing battle gear, and it definitely felt like it at times, but hey...I can say that I was nice and warm.
I started from the museum at 6:15. It was pretty dark, but I noticed that there was a cloud layer, so at least there was a little atmospheric insulation (yes, I feel like a weather nerd now for that last statement). About 2 miles in, it felt like the tongue of my left shoe was all out of whack. It kept hitting the top of my foot at a weird angle. I stopped and re-tied my shoe, but it was still there. I decided to just keep going. I stopped two more times to try and fix it, but eventually, just gave up trying to fix it. I did my two loops at ALS and it was nice because there was no traffic and no one was out there. I hit Cullen Park and shot my Gu. I hit my turn around point from last week and breezed right on past it. I looked at the hill before the shoppette and charged right up that sucker. I probably could have walked it, but I decided to give it a go with the running. I ran to just past the Shoppette on the East Reservation, did a loop in the parking lot and headed back toward the museum.
I started to feel a little tired, but I kept reminding myself that it isn't supposed to be easy. It would be nice if all the runs felt like 3 milers, but where is the challenge in that? I started singing along with my iPod, and I'm sure the drivers passing by thought I was crazy. I started to run on the side of the trail in the dirt, as it helped alleviate some of the hard impact on my joints. I hit the fence line at ALS and decided to shoot another Gu. I was glad that I saved the caffeinated one for last. Definitely gave me some good energy and zing. :) I hit the flight line and was surprised that I still had a good bit of energy in me. I picked up the pace and kept on going. Before I knew it, I was at the static displays and then at the car. I saw Stephen's (my friend Kathy's husband) truck at the softball fields, but I didn't see him on the trail. That's the difference about running on base...I haven't seen anyone on the trail in the last two weeks.
For the first time in a long time, I felt really good after this run, physically. While my muscles were definitely fatigued, I felt like I could keep going. Definitely a step in the right direction. I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to do as well in the marathon and that maybe I hadn't prepped well enough. After today, I think I can do this. I know it's going to hurt and I'm going to want to quit at some point, but like I said, this isn't supposed to be easy. It's not in my nature to quit, so I'll keep on keeping on. Week 5 is done. I have 7 weeks left, with 4 long runs remaining, 2 tapers and then the marathon itself.
Time: 3hrs 6mins 10secs
Route: Base Trail - Museum to Shoppette and Back
Merry belated Christmas! :) We spent all day yesterday in our pajamas. After not sleeping well on Christmas Eve, I'm happy to say that I caught up in spades. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap in the morning and then another 1 hour nap in the afternoon. I fell asleep at 9:30pm and woke up raring to go at 5:30am. It's amazing how a little bit (or in this case, a lot) of sleep can do a body good. I wasn't looking forward to the weather this morning. Yes, I know it's cold in the winter...but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Because I knew it would be sub-freezing and there would be wind, I decided to add an extra layer on top. So, I ended up with a base long-sleeved layer, a lighter long-sleeve in the middle and my windbreaker on top. Beanie and mittens as well. I look like I was wearing battle gear, and it definitely felt like it at times, but hey...I can say that I was nice and warm.
I started from the museum at 6:15. It was pretty dark, but I noticed that there was a cloud layer, so at least there was a little atmospheric insulation (yes, I feel like a weather nerd now for that last statement). About 2 miles in, it felt like the tongue of my left shoe was all out of whack. It kept hitting the top of my foot at a weird angle. I stopped and re-tied my shoe, but it was still there. I decided to just keep going. I stopped two more times to try and fix it, but eventually, just gave up trying to fix it. I did my two loops at ALS and it was nice because there was no traffic and no one was out there. I hit Cullen Park and shot my Gu. I hit my turn around point from last week and breezed right on past it. I looked at the hill before the shoppette and charged right up that sucker. I probably could have walked it, but I decided to give it a go with the running. I ran to just past the Shoppette on the East Reservation, did a loop in the parking lot and headed back toward the museum.
I started to feel a little tired, but I kept reminding myself that it isn't supposed to be easy. It would be nice if all the runs felt like 3 milers, but where is the challenge in that? I started singing along with my iPod, and I'm sure the drivers passing by thought I was crazy. I started to run on the side of the trail in the dirt, as it helped alleviate some of the hard impact on my joints. I hit the fence line at ALS and decided to shoot another Gu. I was glad that I saved the caffeinated one for last. Definitely gave me some good energy and zing. :) I hit the flight line and was surprised that I still had a good bit of energy in me. I picked up the pace and kept on going. Before I knew it, I was at the static displays and then at the car. I saw Stephen's (my friend Kathy's husband) truck at the softball fields, but I didn't see him on the trail. That's the difference about running on base...I haven't seen anyone on the trail in the last two weeks.
For the first time in a long time, I felt really good after this run, physically. While my muscles were definitely fatigued, I felt like I could keep going. Definitely a step in the right direction. I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to do as well in the marathon and that maybe I hadn't prepped well enough. After today, I think I can do this. I know it's going to hurt and I'm going to want to quit at some point, but like I said, this isn't supposed to be easy. It's not in my nature to quit, so I'll keep on keeping on. Week 5 is done. I have 7 weeks left, with 4 long runs remaining, 2 tapers and then the marathon itself.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
NOLA Week 4: Whew!
Distance: 15.02 miles
Time: 2 hrs 56 mins 27secs
Route: BAFB Base Trail (starting at the museum this time)
Number of Ninja Rolls: 0
I had to add that little bit in there. No ninjas today! Whew! :) The morning started off pretty chilly: 30 degrees at 6:15am. The difference between today and last week is that there was absolutely no wind. I'll take it! I was pretty pumped for this run. I knew that there would be pain involved because of last week, but I was mentally ready for the run, if not physically.
I started at the museum and was happy that I started where I did. The trail runs along the road, so when it's dark, I don't need to use the LED light that I have. By the time I hit the ALS compound, the was slowly beginning to rise. I forgot how beautiful the sunrises are on base. I went ahead and did my two loops around ALS, so that way I wouldn't have to run the loop on the way back. I knew that I wouldn't want to do it on the way back, so it was kind of a preemptive thing.
I felt pretty good. I hit Cullen Park and shot my first Gu (Mandarin Orange). It had caffeine in it and it was the first time I'd used one with caffeine. I instantly felt the energy, so that was pretty cool. I kept going past Fam Camp and around the bend. I reached the bridge right before the big ugly hill before the shoppette and was happy that I didn't have to go up the hill. The bridge was my turn around! I was still feeling pretty good at this point. I shot another Gu at mile 10 (Vanilla Gingerbread...yum!). I looked down at Mark's Garmin and I couldn't find any of the info. I was so frustrated that I stopped and hit the timer on my watch (very thankful that I had worn it on my other wrist). Unfortunately, this little snafu kind of deflated me and I started to get really tired.
When I made it to the ALS compound, I was immensely grateful that I had already run the loop. My right hip and ankle started to ache pretty good, thanks to the fall from last week. My running buddy, Jenn, is out of commission for the next 2-8 weeks, as she rehabs her knee and hip, so I was on my own. I missed her company and conversation. By this point, I only had about 2.5 miles remaining. I ran along the flightline, and was very happy to hit the static displays. The funny thing is that there was music coming from the flightline (could have been from the airplanes as well), that wafted over to the museum. I heard a bunch of Christmas carols for my last mile in. It was really fun!
All told, it was a very good run. I was mentally in the game, even if I was super tired physically. My body held up pretty well until the 13 mile mark, and even then, it wasn't that bad. Week 4 is done and in the books. On to 16 miles next week!
Time: 2 hrs 56 mins 27secs
Route: BAFB Base Trail (starting at the museum this time)
Number of Ninja Rolls: 0
I had to add that little bit in there. No ninjas today! Whew! :) The morning started off pretty chilly: 30 degrees at 6:15am. The difference between today and last week is that there was absolutely no wind. I'll take it! I was pretty pumped for this run. I knew that there would be pain involved because of last week, but I was mentally ready for the run, if not physically.
I started at the museum and was happy that I started where I did. The trail runs along the road, so when it's dark, I don't need to use the LED light that I have. By the time I hit the ALS compound, the was slowly beginning to rise. I forgot how beautiful the sunrises are on base. I went ahead and did my two loops around ALS, so that way I wouldn't have to run the loop on the way back. I knew that I wouldn't want to do it on the way back, so it was kind of a preemptive thing.
I felt pretty good. I hit Cullen Park and shot my first Gu (Mandarin Orange). It had caffeine in it and it was the first time I'd used one with caffeine. I instantly felt the energy, so that was pretty cool. I kept going past Fam Camp and around the bend. I reached the bridge right before the big ugly hill before the shoppette and was happy that I didn't have to go up the hill. The bridge was my turn around! I was still feeling pretty good at this point. I shot another Gu at mile 10 (Vanilla Gingerbread...yum!). I looked down at Mark's Garmin and I couldn't find any of the info. I was so frustrated that I stopped and hit the timer on my watch (very thankful that I had worn it on my other wrist). Unfortunately, this little snafu kind of deflated me and I started to get really tired.
When I made it to the ALS compound, I was immensely grateful that I had already run the loop. My right hip and ankle started to ache pretty good, thanks to the fall from last week. My running buddy, Jenn, is out of commission for the next 2-8 weeks, as she rehabs her knee and hip, so I was on my own. I missed her company and conversation. By this point, I only had about 2.5 miles remaining. I ran along the flightline, and was very happy to hit the static displays. The funny thing is that there was music coming from the flightline (could have been from the airplanes as well), that wafted over to the museum. I heard a bunch of Christmas carols for my last mile in. It was really fun!
All told, it was a very good run. I was mentally in the game, even if I was super tired physically. My body held up pretty well until the 13 mile mark, and even then, it wasn't that bad. Week 4 is done and in the books. On to 16 miles next week!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
NOLA Week 3: Ninja.
Distance: 6.1 miles
Time: 1hr 4mins 22 secs
Route: Clyde Fant Trail
35 degrees + 15-20 mph sustained winds + 26 degree windchill = Stupid Stacy. My attempt today was 10 miles. If there were any week for this run to happen, this was a good week for it to happen. Last week to really be able to afford a mishap. We have great runs, good runs, average runs and Mother-Nature-is-totally-screwing-with-me runs. Today's run is courtesy of the latter.
I woke up and just generally didn't feel good about this morning. I got up, geared up and headed over to the Sciport parking lot. I mentally prepped. It was only 10 miles today. I am very capable of 10 miles, as I have been doing double digits for the past 8 weeks. I prepped myself for the cold...I had double layers on, mittens and a beanie. I decided not to use my iPod this morning, as I knew the headphones would be a great conductor of the cold. It was actually a good choice. I looked at the trail and reasoned with myself. I knew I'd warm up within a mile and it would be good. The dawn was breaking, so it was a good time to have a chat with the big guy upstairs. Off I went.
My teeth were quite literally chattering. I can't remember feeling this cold on a run at the start. I've run in 28 degree weather before, but not with wind like this. I started to warm up. The hips felt pretty good, so I settled in. Or so I thought. I was approaching the first mile marker when all of a sudden it happened. BAM! Down I went. WTF!?!?!?!?!?! Really?!?!? Turns out my right foot hit a crack in the trail, the ankle rolled and down I went. I even made that lovely, "OOOFF!" sound as I hit the pavement. I got up and semi-assessed the damage. No tears in the pants, ankle was still functioning and the left knee was pretty banged up. I walked it out for about 45 seconds to see if I needed to turn around. I started jogging and felt all right. My knee stung pretty bad, but I decided to try and run through it. I knew Jenn would be meeting me at the park, so I'd go at least to the park.
I made it to the Shreveport Barksdale bridge and seriously considered turning around. My knee was burning pretty good and I was just not feeling it. I kept trucking toward Hamel park. I saw Jenn running toward me and we ran through the park. She was pretty cold as well and I looked at her and basically said uncle. I apologized profusely for making her get out of her warm bed, only for me to stop. My ankle was starting to hurt a little and the knee was screaming at me. I looked down to finally check it out. Yep, skinned knee and bruised all over it. It's a pretty rainbow of colors. I fell so hard that I tore a big old hole in my right mitten. I also lost my sunglasses in the debacle. I've had them for 3 years and they were my faves. Sadly, I think that's what I'm the most angry about. :)
So, week 3 is down. It attempted to take me with it, but I don't go down that easily. :) Next week will be better. 15 on tap next week.
Time: 1hr 4mins 22 secs
Route: Clyde Fant Trail
35 degrees + 15-20 mph sustained winds + 26 degree windchill = Stupid Stacy. My attempt today was 10 miles. If there were any week for this run to happen, this was a good week for it to happen. Last week to really be able to afford a mishap. We have great runs, good runs, average runs and Mother-Nature-is-totally-screwing-with-me runs. Today's run is courtesy of the latter.
I woke up and just generally didn't feel good about this morning. I got up, geared up and headed over to the Sciport parking lot. I mentally prepped. It was only 10 miles today. I am very capable of 10 miles, as I have been doing double digits for the past 8 weeks. I prepped myself for the cold...I had double layers on, mittens and a beanie. I decided not to use my iPod this morning, as I knew the headphones would be a great conductor of the cold. It was actually a good choice. I looked at the trail and reasoned with myself. I knew I'd warm up within a mile and it would be good. The dawn was breaking, so it was a good time to have a chat with the big guy upstairs. Off I went.
My teeth were quite literally chattering. I can't remember feeling this cold on a run at the start. I've run in 28 degree weather before, but not with wind like this. I started to warm up. The hips felt pretty good, so I settled in. Or so I thought. I was approaching the first mile marker when all of a sudden it happened. BAM! Down I went. WTF!?!?!?!?!?! Really?!?!? Turns out my right foot hit a crack in the trail, the ankle rolled and down I went. I even made that lovely, "OOOFF!" sound as I hit the pavement. I got up and semi-assessed the damage. No tears in the pants, ankle was still functioning and the left knee was pretty banged up. I walked it out for about 45 seconds to see if I needed to turn around. I started jogging and felt all right. My knee stung pretty bad, but I decided to try and run through it. I knew Jenn would be meeting me at the park, so I'd go at least to the park.
I made it to the Shreveport Barksdale bridge and seriously considered turning around. My knee was burning pretty good and I was just not feeling it. I kept trucking toward Hamel park. I saw Jenn running toward me and we ran through the park. She was pretty cold as well and I looked at her and basically said uncle. I apologized profusely for making her get out of her warm bed, only for me to stop. My ankle was starting to hurt a little and the knee was screaming at me. I looked down to finally check it out. Yep, skinned knee and bruised all over it. It's a pretty rainbow of colors. I fell so hard that I tore a big old hole in my right mitten. I also lost my sunglasses in the debacle. I've had them for 3 years and they were my faves. Sadly, I think that's what I'm the most angry about. :)
So, week 3 is down. It attempted to take me with it, but I don't go down that easily. :) Next week will be better. 15 on tap next week.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
My "Obsession" Explained.
There are things in life that can move a person to their core. For some, it could be a food, a book, a movie, a beautiful piece of art, a poem or even a sport. Sometimes, when someone truly loves doing something that moves their soul, such as competing in a sport, it could easily be misinterpreted as "obsessive". For me, music is something that has always moved my soul.
For those of you that may not know, I actually have a very musical background. I started playing the flute when I was 9 years old and didn't stop until I was a sophomore in college (the ripe old age of 20). I loved every moment of it. I learned how to sight-read, how to transpose a piece of music from one key to another, and I even attempted to learn the tenor saxophone for a few years in high school out of a necessity. Granted, I wasn't the best at the sax, but it was fun to try and fun while it lasted. Reading is a passion and an escape, but music is so much more than that for me. I love so many different genres and types of music. I always say that you would probably laugh (or maybe cry) if you were to take a glimpse at my iPod.
When I lived in Okinawa, I caught the end of an Oprah show. I don't usually watch Oprah, but there was an artist on there that caught my ear. His name was John Legend. I had vaguely heard of him, but had not actually heard his music. I stopped for a second and closed my eyes. I was swept away. Something in his musicality and in his voice just moved me to my core. I went to the store and bought his CD and never regretted it. I know that we often change tastes and outgrow different artists. I used to be a die-hard Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band fan (Mark was a much bigger DMB fan than I), but have outgrown them in the years since college. I still like them, but they are different to me now and represent a different part of my life.
When I lived with my Mom and Dad when Mark deployed, listening to John Legend helped make the hard days better. I could listen, shut my eyes and things would feel better. I would think of my husband a world away and knew it would be okay. His music helped heal my soul during a period of time when it needed it. I had the choice to either go see him in concert or take Gavin to see The Wiggles when we lived there. When you have kids, life changes. I made the choice to take Gavin to see his boys. I don't regret it...it made everything that much more special.
Over the past few years, I've listened his music and am amazed at the maturity in his lyrics and musicality. Not only is he a musician, but he is also a philanthropist and activist. While he could have been selfish with his fame and wealth, he instead chose to give back to his community and his world. I admire that.
I'm not a stalker; nor am I crazed fan. I'm just someone that has been moved to my soul by music.
For those of you that may not know, I actually have a very musical background. I started playing the flute when I was 9 years old and didn't stop until I was a sophomore in college (the ripe old age of 20). I loved every moment of it. I learned how to sight-read, how to transpose a piece of music from one key to another, and I even attempted to learn the tenor saxophone for a few years in high school out of a necessity. Granted, I wasn't the best at the sax, but it was fun to try and fun while it lasted. Reading is a passion and an escape, but music is so much more than that for me. I love so many different genres and types of music. I always say that you would probably laugh (or maybe cry) if you were to take a glimpse at my iPod.
When I lived in Okinawa, I caught the end of an Oprah show. I don't usually watch Oprah, but there was an artist on there that caught my ear. His name was John Legend. I had vaguely heard of him, but had not actually heard his music. I stopped for a second and closed my eyes. I was swept away. Something in his musicality and in his voice just moved me to my core. I went to the store and bought his CD and never regretted it. I know that we often change tastes and outgrow different artists. I used to be a die-hard Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band fan (Mark was a much bigger DMB fan than I), but have outgrown them in the years since college. I still like them, but they are different to me now and represent a different part of my life.
When I lived with my Mom and Dad when Mark deployed, listening to John Legend helped make the hard days better. I could listen, shut my eyes and things would feel better. I would think of my husband a world away and knew it would be okay. His music helped heal my soul during a period of time when it needed it. I had the choice to either go see him in concert or take Gavin to see The Wiggles when we lived there. When you have kids, life changes. I made the choice to take Gavin to see his boys. I don't regret it...it made everything that much more special.
Over the past few years, I've listened his music and am amazed at the maturity in his lyrics and musicality. Not only is he a musician, but he is also a philanthropist and activist. While he could have been selfish with his fame and wealth, he instead chose to give back to his community and his world. I admire that.
I'm not a stalker; nor am I crazed fan. I'm just someone that has been moved to my soul by music.
NOLA Week 2: Back to Base-ics
Distance: 13.02 miles
Time: 2:28:27 <--PR!
Route: Cullen Park to 8AF Museum and back
Cold, cold, COLD! Holy cow. Winter has settled upon Northern Louisiana. Yes, we hit 71 the other day, but man, it has gone away. I got up at 5:20 this morning and checked the weather. 38 with a "feels like" of 34. Yep. Colder than last week. But I was looking forward to the run and I'm slowly acclimating to the cold. It reminds me of swim practice back in the day. It would start in March and it was always cold in March. But, instead of complaining and avoiding, you jump in the water and just go.
This morning marked the first time that I have run on the long base trail since the last marathon. I actually remember the last time I ran it. I ran the flightline with Erin the night before we went to New Orleans. Today, I decided to change it up a little and start at Cullen Park, rather than using it as a turnaround. Usually, I like the change ups, but this time, I wasn't really a fan. I think I'll just start at the museum from now on. It was REALLY dark on the path out there. I kept one of my earphones out because it totally creeped me out. I had my running light with me, so I used it. The forest is right next to the path, so I wanted to make sure that nothing jumped or scurried out at me. :)
I ran to the ALS (Airman Leadership School) compound and did two loops around the compound (each loop = 1 mile). I decided to get them both done at the same time so when I met up with Jenn, we wouldn't have to make the detour. I started to get a little tired when I hit the East Gate, so I pulled out the Gu and kept going. I met up with Jenn at the museum and off we went. I had forgotten how much I like running by all of the static airplane displays.
I love my running buddy! She doesn't have to do these runs with me, but she does anyway. We always have great conversations and this week, she found out that they will be moving this upcoming year to Georgia. I'm so grateful that we've been able to run together. It's rare to find someone that runs almost exactly the same pace as you. My friend Blue and I ran the last marathon together, but she has become much faster than I. :) It's amazing how much you can get to know someone in a matter of runs.
I started to get really tired around mile 11. I started thinking about my brother-in-law, Matt, who is running his first half this morning. My friend's husband is also running the same race today in his first half as well. I'm proud of both of them! When Jenn and I reached the finish, I took a look at the time and had surprised myself. I PR'd again. Didn't know if I would, but I'm proud of it. It was a good run with even better company.
So, the second official week of training is done. My sanity is still in question, but I'm trying a new plan this time around. Here are my remaining long miles: 10, 15, 16, 12, 18, 14, 20, 12, 8 and then marathon. When I put it in that perspective, it looks like it is right around the corner. Week 2: Thank you for the PR and for the awesome friend. :)
Time: 2:28:27 <--PR!
Route: Cullen Park to 8AF Museum and back
Cold, cold, COLD! Holy cow. Winter has settled upon Northern Louisiana. Yes, we hit 71 the other day, but man, it has gone away. I got up at 5:20 this morning and checked the weather. 38 with a "feels like" of 34. Yep. Colder than last week. But I was looking forward to the run and I'm slowly acclimating to the cold. It reminds me of swim practice back in the day. It would start in March and it was always cold in March. But, instead of complaining and avoiding, you jump in the water and just go.
This morning marked the first time that I have run on the long base trail since the last marathon. I actually remember the last time I ran it. I ran the flightline with Erin the night before we went to New Orleans. Today, I decided to change it up a little and start at Cullen Park, rather than using it as a turnaround. Usually, I like the change ups, but this time, I wasn't really a fan. I think I'll just start at the museum from now on. It was REALLY dark on the path out there. I kept one of my earphones out because it totally creeped me out. I had my running light with me, so I used it. The forest is right next to the path, so I wanted to make sure that nothing jumped or scurried out at me. :)
I ran to the ALS (Airman Leadership School) compound and did two loops around the compound (each loop = 1 mile). I decided to get them both done at the same time so when I met up with Jenn, we wouldn't have to make the detour. I started to get a little tired when I hit the East Gate, so I pulled out the Gu and kept going. I met up with Jenn at the museum and off we went. I had forgotten how much I like running by all of the static airplane displays.
I love my running buddy! She doesn't have to do these runs with me, but she does anyway. We always have great conversations and this week, she found out that they will be moving this upcoming year to Georgia. I'm so grateful that we've been able to run together. It's rare to find someone that runs almost exactly the same pace as you. My friend Blue and I ran the last marathon together, but she has become much faster than I. :) It's amazing how much you can get to know someone in a matter of runs.
I started to get really tired around mile 11. I started thinking about my brother-in-law, Matt, who is running his first half this morning. My friend's husband is also running the same race today in his first half as well. I'm proud of both of them! When Jenn and I reached the finish, I took a look at the time and had surprised myself. I PR'd again. Didn't know if I would, but I'm proud of it. It was a good run with even better company.
So, the second official week of training is done. My sanity is still in question, but I'm trying a new plan this time around. Here are my remaining long miles: 10, 15, 16, 12, 18, 14, 20, 12, 8 and then marathon. When I put it in that perspective, it looks like it is right around the corner. Week 2: Thank you for the PR and for the awesome friend. :)
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