Lessons & Confessions from a {former} Marathon Runner

 There is something about me not many people know: I run marathons. O.K. I DID run marathons- about 7 of them. I also ran lots of 5k's, 10k's, and 1/2 marathons. Most of my running happened between the ages of 19-30. Let's just say I'm a lot older than 30 now....so... (Grandma, Dad, and all my other family runners- I know you are even older than that and are still running strong!!-- Yes, I ran with my grandma. You can now pick your jaw up off the ground. She has run  well over 100 marathons and is still going strong. )

Now.... I run 5K's and that is about it.
Today I ran a 5K.  While running I thought a few things like: "I'm going to die." "It is just too hot." "I need water NOW." "I really do not like running." and "Why was I doing this today?" 
I also thought things like "I can do this." "This is good for me." "This is fun."  "Believe you can." 

And when I got to that finish line, I saw the clock.
So I ran faster.
And I beat my last time.
And I felt good.

There are many many lessons I learned from running long distances. And while I currently am not in any shape to run a marathon, I draw on the lessons I learned from those experiences to get me through many things everyday. Like-
*Keep on Going
*One step at a time
*Stay positive
*What you think- you become
*Hydrate
*Wear good shoes
*Prepare
*Work hard
*You can do this
*With God nothing is impossible
*ENDURE to the end
*Keep on keepin' on
*Never give up
*Don't push things too hard or you will get sick!
*Do the best you can do
*Don't compare yourself to others or you will always fall short
*Everyone who tries can be a winner
*Be the best you that you can be
*Try and try again
*The race doesn't go to the swiftest, but to those that keep on trying
*Mental preparedness can change everything
*Eat right- a balanced diet
*fuel your muscles
*Be kind
*Rest
*Have courage
*Stretch
*Don't be too hard on yourself
*Listen to your body!
*Winning isn't everything
*Those who only care about winning--don't get it
*positive thoughts leads to positive actions

And the list could go on and on and on.

 For me running isn't just about exercise and  physical fitness. It is a spiritual experience too.

 As a mother of 3 young boys, I continue to run. Each day I pull from those lessons I learned when running long distance and apply them to my "marathon of motherhood" - the race I am currently running.
Some days I would like a break. I would like to quit running and go to a movie by myself! :)
Or I would like to sit and sew with no interruptions. But that doesn't happen most days. And it is O.K.

Being a marathon runner takes a lot of time and energy and dedication. So does being a mom-it takes even more! And that is the race I have chosen to run right now. And while it may not be perfect, and full of hard moments, I will keep going. I will keep learning. I will endure and at the end I will feel good, and I will do my best and finish strong. In my own way, I will run this marathon of motherhood. ☺

I've got lots of new posts in store...just need a little time to get them all posted :)

Happy Fall! Thanks for reading!

Sabbath 9/21

our "super cool" racing numbers ;)

"When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shall not stumble." -Proverbs 4:12

"And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint..." - D & C 89:20

Yesterday we ran a fun family 5k. Afterwards they has 1/4 mile dash for the kids. How fun it was for me to share my love of running with my husband and my boys. It was such a fun family activity and we hope to do it many more times.

"she's going the distance...she's going for speed..." (not)

I am addicted to running- somewhat. I use to enjoy it more than I currently do- but I still enjoy it. I have two 5K's coming up...one this week and one next Saturday w/ my hubby. Both will be a really fun family event for all.... w/ lots of activities and such afterwards .I'm not in great shape at the moment though - 3 miles is work right now....can't believe I was thinking of doing another marathon right about now....--no St. George for me this year.... in case you were wondering.... and hadn't heard the sad news. (don't cry we will all live and you will be fine too) . I'll just bask in the fact that I have done it several times before....but now I'm enjoying my "mom bod".....don't you just love having kids and being a little chubby? The other day someone asked me if I was pregnant. No I am not. My new response is, "I know I am a bit chubby right now, but I am working on slimming down." Let's see how people will respond to that. But I will tell you -those kids are worth the extra weight I now carry around. Now I better get some new music on my Ipod so I can endure those 5K's...

WooHoo!!!

So in case you are wondering and have nothing else to think about, (ha ha) I might as well announce that... I have lost the big 40 lbs. of fat since having baby #2. Being that I only gained 35 lbs. during that pregnancy, I am pretty darn happy about this. I am pretty much a "professional dieter/exerciser"--it is my full-time job. Still have a way to go, but I am getting there! How am I doing it you may ask?? The only real way that really works! It's called "EAT LESS AND MOVE MORE!"- oh and remember it is a "LIFESTYLE". It is coming off very slow but that is the real only way to keep it off-- so woohoo!!!!

a great morning run

I love running. I love running in the early morning when it is still cool and crisp outside. I also love when people say this when I'm running. Unfortunately, where we live, we don't have any cool or crisp weather until fall. At 7 a.m. today it was already 85 degrees. But that is OK. My kids were awake, and so we ventured out to the park to run a 3 mile loop. It was really nice to run outside instead of the treadmill. We went to the park afterwards, only to find the slide covered in water, which my son went down and soaked his pants, so that ended the park time. Still, it was a good morning. We enjoyed a nice run together, and a trip to the grocery store. Here's to hoping we can have more early park/run mornings, before it reaches 100 degrees. (p.s. I am really looking forward to the fall time here.)

A return to St. George Marathon!!

So here I go posting my goal... I have not run a marathon or a half marathon since having children- since 2003- that was my last long run. And so... I am going to try and get into the St. George Marathon this year. This event is difficult to get in to- because of the number of people that want to run it. If I get in, it will be my 6th or 7th St. George Marathon. Usually it is a family event, with several family members running with me. I do want to continue having children, but before the next one comes along, I thought- and Aaron is supportive- of my return to running- and trying another marathon. And so- the training begins- however smal that may be right now. So Chad, Laura, Grandma Julie, and Dad... are you in?? Are you going to run with me this year? Come on, let's all JUST DO IT!