It's a place I'd rather not be...a place of indecisiveness and stress but in order to de-stress it completely takes away feeling and just "is".
My heart doesn't bleed for others, it is once again numb and it desires to stay that way but in this non-feelingness it is unfulfilled and non-purposeful. It snaps at people especially those closest to me and gives pat answers just to fill space or to finish a conversation that hasn't even begun. It isolates and wants to stay hidden and in its own world.
It stunts my growth and leads me to a pit. The pit where there's more dark than light, where I convince myself that those "little things" - those white lies I tell myself, white sin little things don't matter and that I will be fine. It's an angry side of me. A side I'd rather have people not see but Mark knows it's there. He knows that it gives him "the look" when he does or doesn't do something that is expected or snaps at him. Ian knows when I react much harsher that it is there and promptly reacts in a mirror-image sort of way with the same intensity.
It's a befuddling sort of scheme and sequence that has me sitting idle for moments at a time - contemplating if I'd like to stay in this state much longer. I'd rather not stay.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
My Last 3 Long - Runs
18 Mile long Run - Today @ 5:19am
12 Mile Run - Last Week @ 6:39am
17 Mile Run - Aug 12 @ 5:25am
12 Mile Run - Last Week @ 6:39am
17 Mile Run - Aug 12 @ 5:25am
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
What I must Do Right NOW
As days go by and I am faced with even more uncertainty of job-status, career-direction & vision and personal purpose, I am gaining a sense that I need to "pause" and gain joy from my current position.
An odd to thing to think in my book but realizing that I am only 30, yes 30 and that Lord-willing there is more life ahead of me and in my career. I have an opportunity to be productive now by accomplishing things I was not otherwise able to focus on in previous weeks/years while here in this town. I sense a transition time...including more than a few areas in our life, and that my role is changing for Mark once again.
My biggest challenge is to not get caught-up in the uncertainty. My brain and my body reacts to it - so much so that I was scheduled to do a 5 mile run this morning and had absolutely no desire or drive to do it. I let the depression creep in and grip me. It would have been better to have ran just a little than to do none at all.
I have lists and lists of to-dos around and for this house, but I know that I cannot accomplish this alone but I'm not sure what my options are. Here are some:
* transfer pile of sticks & compost to the yard waste are in town (need truck and man-power)
* cut & clear weeds/vines/growth behind shed
* pick weeds out of landscaping
* cut vines over rock siding
* declutter house (entire house - throw-away, donate, sell, give away)
* finish all un-finished house projects:
- touch-up bathroom paint
- paint living room trim & ceiling
- paint kitchen ceiling
- paint closet doors in main bedroom
- sand panelling in guest bedroom area & paint
Just a lot to do and having a struggle determining how and when.
An odd to thing to think in my book but realizing that I am only 30, yes 30 and that Lord-willing there is more life ahead of me and in my career. I have an opportunity to be productive now by accomplishing things I was not otherwise able to focus on in previous weeks/years while here in this town. I sense a transition time...including more than a few areas in our life, and that my role is changing for Mark once again.
My biggest challenge is to not get caught-up in the uncertainty. My brain and my body reacts to it - so much so that I was scheduled to do a 5 mile run this morning and had absolutely no desire or drive to do it. I let the depression creep in and grip me. It would have been better to have ran just a little than to do none at all.
I have lists and lists of to-dos around and for this house, but I know that I cannot accomplish this alone but I'm not sure what my options are. Here are some:
* transfer pile of sticks & compost to the yard waste are in town (need truck and man-power)
* cut & clear weeds/vines/growth behind shed
* pick weeds out of landscaping
* cut vines over rock siding
* declutter house (entire house - throw-away, donate, sell, give away)
* finish all un-finished house projects:
- touch-up bathroom paint
- paint living room trim & ceiling
- paint kitchen ceiling
- paint closet doors in main bedroom
- sand panelling in guest bedroom area & paint
Just a lot to do and having a struggle determining how and when.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Love These | Memory Keepers
A Great Idea!! You can use $40 with the code "beginanywhere" @ www.papercoterie.com...
Love These | Memory Keepers
Love These | Memory Keepers
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Strassenfest: Train Ride & Parade
Always LOVE new experience specially when life is sooo not-knowing right now.
And the Parade :)
And the Parade :)
NOTE: We told Ian, "now put your hands out if you want candy" and this was the result.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Down-Fall of Non-Routine
Although having no routine can be very, very freeing. For me, it becomes a vacuum of time passing or otherwise known as "wasting" away. (I used to see it as Creative Time but life has changed, priorities have changed.) And something clicked in me as I found out today that I did not get a full-time job I had interviewed for here a couple weeks ago. What clicked was that, I was gearing myself up for both options (get the job great or don't get the job ok) but when the words came out of the notifier's mouth...I did not hear it as I thought I would.
I heard more not-knowingness, I heard "you were a strong candidate" but that I don't have something. I heard I have a great personality but it's not the right time. I heard...God wants you to wait -- but I didn't want to wait. I wanted it now...I wanted the routine. I wanted the balance and the perks of knowing my schedule (time off and time on). I wanted insurance benefits and a salary. I wanted a new passion. I desired to get out of my comfort zone. I yet...I am now completely out of my comfort zone. The Not-Knowingness is more blarring in my face and I'm not saying that this is bad but it is very uncomfortable and disorienting to me.
Now...is time for re-processing, re-focusing...allowing God to move and me to slow-down and process the last couple of months of change. Oh how very human I am, wanting it all now, thinking I must have something or am not content with something else. How fickle....or how vulnerable. Shucks...
I heard more not-knowingness, I heard "you were a strong candidate" but that I don't have something. I heard I have a great personality but it's not the right time. I heard...God wants you to wait -- but I didn't want to wait. I wanted it now...I wanted the routine. I wanted the balance and the perks of knowing my schedule (time off and time on). I wanted insurance benefits and a salary. I wanted a new passion. I desired to get out of my comfort zone. I yet...I am now completely out of my comfort zone. The Not-Knowingness is more blarring in my face and I'm not saying that this is bad but it is very uncomfortable and disorienting to me.
Now...is time for re-processing, re-focusing...allowing God to move and me to slow-down and process the last couple of months of change. Oh how very human I am, wanting it all now, thinking I must have something or am not content with something else. How fickle....or how vulnerable. Shucks...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Anniversary - 9 years
He had to pick out which photos went with which years of marriage:
hint, what length was Kara's hair and where did we live then?
hint, what length was Kara's hair and where did we live then?
He did pretty well. :)
We then took a non-eventful trip to Buehler's Buy Low for some errands and then picked up our munchkin.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The 9 Skills Every Woman Should Master
As of now I am still in a very big place of not-knowingness and this just speaks to me. I am to act out of obedience to Christ and in doing so will reap His benefits of peace and love no matter the outcome. I see this article as a piece of what I'm desiring and hope to manifest these skills. In addition, in obedience I am showing Christ love for what He has done for me. I am nothing, He is everything. It's humbling, it's not fun but it's worth it.
9 Skills by Christine Kane
There's a popular Esquire Magazine article called "75 Skills Every Man Should Master." There's stuff about baseball, neckties, and other things that most of the extraordinary men in my life could care the least about.
It got me thinking about the happiest, coolest, most successful women I know. And how they would take the question of mastery about 40,000 leagues deeper than neckties and baseball.
In fact, it dawned on me that the burning desire beneath my outward goals is almost always the mastery of one of the following skills. The goals themselves - be they money, fitness, etc - are really the means to becoming a student of something much much cooler.
So, here are 9 Skills Every Woman Should Master...
1 - Reveling in your own preferences.
Taking the time to notice your delight. Trying new things, and honoring yourself enough to make time for them. (No matter how stupid they seem.) This is the key to the authenticity we women crave.
Unapologetically reveling in your own preferences gives you permission to be real - and serves others by letting them see your joy and choose (or not) to bask in it with you!
2 - Listening without judgment.
I'm convinced that suffering comes from judgment. Not just self-judgment. But ALL judgment.
That being said, many people think that "listening" means "waiting my turn to talk." Which means that much of our time is not spent actually listening. It is spent judging what's being said.
Learning how to truly listen without judgment - whether to another person or to yourself - awakens the intuition. It heals and empowers the speaker. It enriches the present moment.
3 - Discerning "Nurture" from "Distract."
Many of us lead exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful lives. We are serving children, clients, parents, co-workers. Our self-care matters if we are to be of true service in the world.
There's a huge difference, however, between nurturing ourselves with what we truly want and need - and distracting ourselves in order to stuff the stress or fill the time. Learning that difference, and honoring our true needs (ie, getting a massage vs. eating a sleeve of Oreos in one sitting) is crucial.
4 - Letting go of the need to "fix."
Most of us know that when we try to fix another person, we rob them of empowerment. (And often, our "fixes" are more for US than for them.) Allowing others to find their own wisdom, to make mistakes and to be exactly where they are on their path teaches us to accept the present moment as well as the mystery.
It also teaches us that we are not the ultimate deciders of what is right and wrong!
5 - Becoming an Imperfectionist.
Having a purpose, taking action, trying new things - all of these contribute to our deep satisfaction and joy. When we expect ourselves to be perfect before trying new things, we cut off many avenues to happiness.
When you become an Imperfectionist, you finally recognize your ego voice exactly for what it is: Your own personal Success Prevention Expert.
6 - Getting Out of the Comfort Zone.
Our growth and success are often proportional to how often we're willing to let ourselves be uncomfortable. We kid ourselves (and our souls) when we convince ourselves to play it safe.
Getting out of the comfort zone doesn't mean extreme sports or stepping onto a stage. Sometimes it can be as seemingly small as saying no - or trying a yoga class.
7 - Saying No with Clarity.
Learning to say no is really about learning to say yes.
When we say no to something we don't want to do, be, or have - we are actually saying Yes to our deeper desires. Many women don't believe they can have what they truly want, so they learn to settle, and their lives are filled with "maybe's."
Saying no - with clarity and without explaining - is really about honoring other people as well as ourselves.
8 - Allowing disappointment.
When we say no, or when we follow our dreams or true callings - people might be "disappointed" in our choices.
Life is not a campaign. We don't have to get votes. People can love us and still feel disappointed that we didn't do it their way. Too many women go on campaign trails to get others to agree with them before they take proactive steps. This only serves to rob them of the creative energy they need.
Allowing people their disappointment sets us free.
9 - Making support mandatory.
I can't remember NOT having a coach. It's now a requirement in my life in the same way it's a requirement for a world-class athlete.
I feel the same about hiring people and about asking for help. Too many women hope for the best and go it alone. (Been there, done that!)
Well, remember this little ditty from Einstein: The problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.
Translation? Get support, training and encouragement. Make it a mandate. You will soon discover a new level of lightness and velocity!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 20,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.
9 Skills by Christine Kane
There's a popular Esquire Magazine article called "75 Skills Every Man Should Master." There's stuff about baseball, neckties, and other things that most of the extraordinary men in my life could care the least about.
It got me thinking about the happiest, coolest, most successful women I know. And how they would take the question of mastery about 40,000 leagues deeper than neckties and baseball.
In fact, it dawned on me that the burning desire beneath my outward goals is almost always the mastery of one of the following skills. The goals themselves - be they money, fitness, etc - are really the means to becoming a student of something much much cooler.
So, here are 9 Skills Every Woman Should Master...
1 - Reveling in your own preferences.
Taking the time to notice your delight. Trying new things, and honoring yourself enough to make time for them. (No matter how stupid they seem.) This is the key to the authenticity we women crave.
Unapologetically reveling in your own preferences gives you permission to be real - and serves others by letting them see your joy and choose (or not) to bask in it with you!
2 - Listening without judgment.
I'm convinced that suffering comes from judgment. Not just self-judgment. But ALL judgment.
That being said, many people think that "listening" means "waiting my turn to talk." Which means that much of our time is not spent actually listening. It is spent judging what's being said.
Learning how to truly listen without judgment - whether to another person or to yourself - awakens the intuition. It heals and empowers the speaker. It enriches the present moment.
3 - Discerning "Nurture" from "Distract."
Many of us lead exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful lives. We are serving children, clients, parents, co-workers. Our self-care matters if we are to be of true service in the world.
There's a huge difference, however, between nurturing ourselves with what we truly want and need - and distracting ourselves in order to stuff the stress or fill the time. Learning that difference, and honoring our true needs (ie, getting a massage vs. eating a sleeve of Oreos in one sitting) is crucial.
4 - Letting go of the need to "fix."
Most of us know that when we try to fix another person, we rob them of empowerment. (And often, our "fixes" are more for US than for them.) Allowing others to find their own wisdom, to make mistakes and to be exactly where they are on their path teaches us to accept the present moment as well as the mystery.
It also teaches us that we are not the ultimate deciders of what is right and wrong!
5 - Becoming an Imperfectionist.
Having a purpose, taking action, trying new things - all of these contribute to our deep satisfaction and joy. When we expect ourselves to be perfect before trying new things, we cut off many avenues to happiness.
When you become an Imperfectionist, you finally recognize your ego voice exactly for what it is: Your own personal Success Prevention Expert.
6 - Getting Out of the Comfort Zone.
Our growth and success are often proportional to how often we're willing to let ourselves be uncomfortable. We kid ourselves (and our souls) when we convince ourselves to play it safe.
Getting out of the comfort zone doesn't mean extreme sports or stepping onto a stage. Sometimes it can be as seemingly small as saying no - or trying a yoga class.
7 - Saying No with Clarity.
Learning to say no is really about learning to say yes.
When we say no to something we don't want to do, be, or have - we are actually saying Yes to our deeper desires. Many women don't believe they can have what they truly want, so they learn to settle, and their lives are filled with "maybe's."
Saying no - with clarity and without explaining - is really about honoring other people as well as ourselves.
8 - Allowing disappointment.
When we say no, or when we follow our dreams or true callings - people might be "disappointed" in our choices.
Life is not a campaign. We don't have to get votes. People can love us and still feel disappointed that we didn't do it their way. Too many women go on campaign trails to get others to agree with them before they take proactive steps. This only serves to rob them of the creative energy they need.
Allowing people their disappointment sets us free.
9 - Making support mandatory.
I can't remember NOT having a coach. It's now a requirement in my life in the same way it's a requirement for a world-class athlete.
I feel the same about hiring people and about asking for help. Too many women hope for the best and go it alone. (Been there, done that!)
Well, remember this little ditty from Einstein: The problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.
Translation? Get support, training and encouragement. Make it a mandate. You will soon discover a new level of lightness and velocity!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 20,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
His comment Today
So we're eating cottage cheese and pears and he simply looks at me and says, "How was your day?"
Saturday, July 23, 2011
First Movie: Winnie the Pooh
We went to Ian's first movie today and it was great! He was very astute and into it and asked questions or enthusiastically stated what was happening. We couldn't have asked for a better experience for his first one in a theatre. He wasn't sure about the "suspense" but did really well. Mark encouraged popcorn so they had a little bit of that and it was a lovely time.
We'd love to have him see Cars 2 but it would be too stimulating at this point in time I think. So it was a great experience! Just waiting for Mark to upload our photo to facebook so I can update this post. :)
We'd love to have him see Cars 2 but it would be too stimulating at this point in time I think. So it was a great experience! Just waiting for Mark to upload our photo to facebook so I can update this post. :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Not Knowing
It's a fact of life that most of the time we really do not know as humans what is going to happen. We just don't. We plan, plot and assume our lives will move on as planned or predicted but when the unknown happens and it sneaks up or bites you or even progresses towards you, it's hard to know how to handle it. I react in stress often and then have to decide what is the most beneficial decision that I can make in this moment? (including seeking God) Sometimes I do it and sometimes I do not...but I have a feeling that tomorrow.......something is going to change. Something is going to happen and for that, I cannot sleep just yet. I wait in the darkness assuming, hoping and wondering...all I can do is wait.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Just a thought...
In the scheme of things, life in and of itself is often hard and pretty uncomfortable at times. I have found that when I am most comfortable is when I'm just settling or simply going through the motions (and enjoying it mind you) but not really pursuing God or moving foward in growth.
Part of life is being uncomfortable and it seems the more you draw nearer to God and your relationship with Christ, the harder your circumstances may become. Just a thought...
Part of life is being uncomfortable and it seems the more you draw nearer to God and your relationship with Christ, the harder your circumstances may become. Just a thought...
Recent Experiences
As usual A LOT has transpired since my last post, whenever that was.
- Ian & I visited my parents over the July 4th weekend, see some pictures below (LOTS of stories)...
- had some very close friends (i.e. part of our family) visit for a couple of days... (a later post)
- am deciding to change the way I eat completely... (another later post)
- am still running long runs (i.e. 9-13 miles)
- career changes are potentially occurring
- having a lot of vision & purpose talks with friends & family
- losing motivation to mow due to the heat
- listening to Ian as he states full sentences now & shows our expressions on his face!
Lots of reading with Grandpa
Planting flowers with Grandma
Driving the John Deer Tractor!
A First: Riding in Grandpa's convertible
Making Fruit Pizza with Grandma
The Best Pick-up Stick's worker!
Baby birds Mommy!
HI!
A First: making homemade ice cream with Grandpa and Mommy
The privilege: eating homemade ice cream off of the scoop.
Walking a Trail
Placing flowers on Grandpa's head, a must.
"Grandpa I have to tell you something!"
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Swimming with Little Man
Since it's summer, we are taking FULL advantage of any swimming time we get with Ian. He began with his floaties and a ring...then a couple of days ago venture into just floaties. AND THEN, requested nothing and just wanted to jump in! Needless to say he receive a couple of big mouth fulls of water but came up smiling once mommy swooped him up.
It just kept asking, "Again?!!!" "Again?!!" "I just off step mommy, I do it!" He really does enjoy the water. We began learning how to kick and slowly he is catching on. I'd love to have him do swimming lessons now but may next summer if there is more of a routine then. What a precious boy! Allowing him to grow up...
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Being an Extreme Encourager
How to Be an Extreme Encourager by Christine Kane
Many years ago, when I first shared my dream of being a songwriter with one of my best friends, she knitted her brows and said, "Huh?"
I can't say I was deflated by all of the warnings that followed. After all, I had always been surrounded by this kind of "practical thinking." In fact, I probably shared my dream with her just so she'd talk me out of it.
During this fumbling stumbling time in my life, I met a man who became an unlikely best friend and mentor. He was a brilliant jazz musician, and he could do pretty much anything on the computer.
One night, after he performed at a local jazz club, we were walking towards my car. I told him my dream of being a songwriter. Without even blinking, he said, "Honey (he always called me Honey), you'd be a fabulous songwriter. That's perfect!" And he meant it.
At that moment, I felt like I was falling into a soft clean bed. I had never experienced such direct and truthful encouragement without a single "practical" warning attached to it. This friend set me free by offering one simple thing:
Encouragement.
Fast forward many years and successes (and failures!) later. I'm surrounded by encouragers. I'm sure there are doubters around. But they just don't register anymore.
Also, I have become an Extreme Encourager myself.
I've observed Extreme Encouragers. I've also recognized some traits that they all have in common. See if you recognize any of these traits in yourself:
Many years ago, when I first shared my dream of being a songwriter with one of my best friends, she knitted her brows and said, "Huh?"
I can't say I was deflated by all of the warnings that followed. After all, I had always been surrounded by this kind of "practical thinking." In fact, I probably shared my dream with her just so she'd talk me out of it.
During this fumbling stumbling time in my life, I met a man who became an unlikely best friend and mentor. He was a brilliant jazz musician, and he could do pretty much anything on the computer.
One night, after he performed at a local jazz club, we were walking towards my car. I told him my dream of being a songwriter. Without even blinking, he said, "Honey (he always called me Honey), you'd be a fabulous songwriter. That's perfect!" And he meant it.
At that moment, I felt like I was falling into a soft clean bed. I had never experienced such direct and truthful encouragement without a single "practical" warning attached to it. This friend set me free by offering one simple thing:
Encouragement.
Fast forward many years and successes (and failures!) later. I'm surrounded by encouragers. I'm sure there are doubters around. But they just don't register anymore.
Also, I have become an Extreme Encourager myself.
I've observed Extreme Encouragers. I've also recognized some traits that they all have in common. See if you recognize any of these traits in yourself:
- An Extreme Encourager lives by example
- An Extreme Encourager actively listens
- An Extreme Encourager avoids clichés
- An Extreme Encourager acknowledges the hooglie-booglies, but doesn't focus on them
- An Extreme Encourager remembers that no one knows what's best for anyone else
- An Extreme Encourager accepts miracles, grace and mystery as the deeper truth.
- An Extreme Encourager knows that you can develop the needed character traits as you go
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Jumbled Thoughts - Intense Moments
For instance, today I chose not to go to body pump (form of weight-lifting class) and simply sit to actually digest my breakfast and do some searching online for some "fun" things and some serious things...the next thing I know, I'm waiting for a particular topic to come up on the Today Show (Parenting & Fathers) and feel stuck waiting while remembering ALL of the things I need to do (especially mowing). I walk to take my bowl back to the kitchen and am FLOODED with all kinds of inadequacies not to mention the clutter in my home that I just passed. I think to myself, "can't I just throw it all into a box? and get it out of my sight?" however, I know what I would do...it would still be there and I would still know it.
A few weeks ago I wrote a post about self-destructing and found myself eerily-moving in that direction. I just wonder to myself, "how is it that I can counsel with my clients and ask intentional questions as they move toward their purpose or healing and yet I get caught, myself, in these same snares?" It's easy to answer: I'm human too experiencing life too and not separate from the hardships, confusion and pain of daily living. Along with that I experience the highs, joys and elation of this life as well daily. Maybe I expect something different. Maybe I allowed myself too much time this morning to wander and not focus. Maybe I didn't have my time with our Creator and my Savior. Yep, that is definitely it, that and the fact that I didn't sweat this morning - I have to sweat and get out the poisonous inadequacies and confidence-depleting thoughts and behaviors.
"Just keep swimming...just keep swimming" as Dori says in Finding Nemo.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
I'm Reminded...
* that time truly waits for no one (you use it or lose it)
* that wearing running shorts & showing thigh just becomes natural...don't like it but can't do much about it
* that consistency in any pursuit helps one to meet the goal
* that reading Scripture daily with purpose and not just to make a check off of your list...is one way God can speak to your innermost being
* that clutter zaps the mind
* that if I don't write then my thoughts begin to get jumbled up
* that my irritability towards life or even others has more to do about what I'm doing than it does about what others are doing to/for/with me
* that nothing good really happens after 9:00pm (might as well go to sleep)
* that energy does come from what you eat...
* that living each day like it is my last can be a positive experience or just an excuse to sin
* that talking on the phone for hours is not my desire but when it's a close friend - it really doesn't matter how long it goes
* that I'm not in control as much as I try to be
* that if I do not exercise in the morning then it is less likely that I will do it later on
* that my heart isn't as open to people and pursuits as I think it is
* that pride poisons me
* that kitties need love too
* that little boys desire love and attention from you even if you have no more energy or tolerance left
* that ultimately you ask of people to invest in themselves when you are doing therapy
* that it is way too easy to ignore another or...to be ignored
* that Jesus did not call me to a comfortable life where I get everything I want when I want it
Make a list of the things you're grateful for. This can be a list of both the obvious things, and the little blessings that are harder to recognize. It can include the sun shining on your face, your favorite beverage, hugs from a loved one, and having a roof over your head. I encourage you to write for at least 15 minutes, and put down anything that comes to mind. When you take the time to identify the things that bring you joy, you'll create a powerful tool to help you cultivate more things that make you happy, and a list to help keep things in perspective on the not-so-good days.
* that wearing running shorts & showing thigh just becomes natural...don't like it but can't do much about it
* that consistency in any pursuit helps one to meet the goal
* that reading Scripture daily with purpose and not just to make a check off of your list...is one way God can speak to your innermost being
* that clutter zaps the mind
* that if I don't write then my thoughts begin to get jumbled up
* that my irritability towards life or even others has more to do about what I'm doing than it does about what others are doing to/for/with me
* that nothing good really happens after 9:00pm (might as well go to sleep)
* that energy does come from what you eat...
* that living each day like it is my last can be a positive experience or just an excuse to sin
* that talking on the phone for hours is not my desire but when it's a close friend - it really doesn't matter how long it goes
* that I'm not in control as much as I try to be
* that if I do not exercise in the morning then it is less likely that I will do it later on
* that my heart isn't as open to people and pursuits as I think it is
* that pride poisons me
* that kitties need love too
* that little boys desire love and attention from you even if you have no more energy or tolerance left
* that ultimately you ask of people to invest in themselves when you are doing therapy
* that it is way too easy to ignore another or...to be ignored
* that Jesus did not call me to a comfortable life where I get everything I want when I want it
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Transition Tips 101
| Transition Tips 101 |
By Katie Schmaterbeck Athletes spend hours training to shave minutes or seconds off of their swim, bike and run times but practicing transitions can also shave time off of your overall race time. Before your event spend time practicing swim to bike transitions, running up the beach/pool, getting out of your wetsuit and onto your bike and then bike to run transition. While practicing, see what works best for you and make adjustments so that you are well prepared for race day. Here are a few tips to get your transition ready: 1. Get organized: Mentally, walk through what you need for your event and consider the weather and conditions. Line up everything that you need for swim, bike and run transitions on the floor and put them together and pack your bag. 2. Memorize your location- Take a few minutes to walk through transition area and learn where swim, bike and run in/out and finish line are from your bike and also look for landmarks i.e. tree, light post. Consider using a funky towel for your gear to set up so your area is easy to find when you are running into transition. Rack up closest to the bike out if possible, unless bib number placement is on the rack. 3. Put Gear in order- Place everything you will need for the cycling portion on your bike and in cages (helmet, glasses, hydration and fuel). Consider cutting a small slit in packets to make it easier to tear open. For the run, put your running shoes, hat and race belt together. 4. Every second counts! - Run in and out of transition. Sometimes the distances are long so unzip your wetsuit and peel it down, take off your swim cap and goggles while running. Finish getting out of your wetsuit (sit down) and place it in your bag or on your towel. Put on your biking shoes, snap your helmet (must be in place before un-racking your bike), grab your bike from the rack and run out of transition. You must run/walk your bike in transition to the mount line before getting on and dismount at the line before entering transitions area and run/walk to your rack. On the bike to run transition, change your shoes and then grab your hat and race belt and put them on as you run through transition. 5. Practice and more practice forms a habit- This is part of your training! Go through a mock T1 with your wetsuit, cap and goggles and transition to bike, determine the quickest way out of your wetsuit. Then go through a mock T2. What will make your transitions smoother? Have fun and achieve your dreams! Kate Schmaterbeck, races sprints-Ironman & founder of Tri-umph, Inc. specialize in personal & multisport training since 1992. She is a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified USA Triathlon, USA Swim Coach & previously coached NCAA swimmers. Kate has a degree in Corporate Fitness with an emphasis in Cardiac Rehabilitation and a minor in Sports Medicine. More information about Tri-umph, visit www.tri-umph.us. |
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