This is what did happen - see previous post about Itinerary.
Itinerary - Saturday
Jill, my friend picked me up at home and we proceeded to St. Louis without a hitch - just a huge thunderstorm while driving was all. We arrived and went to the Expo which was ok but less than desirable - you pay $5 for 30 minutes and there were no maps given out or video showing the course. All the running shirts I might have bought were gone (size-wise) but it was beautiful outside.
Food & Jog
We ate at St. Louis Bread Company (a Panera) and then to the hotel for early check-in. LOVED THIS HOTEL!!! (Drury Inn - Union Station) I then got 2 miles jog in which was hot but worth it to see where approximately the finish line is according to the map. I also got to go through the outside of Union Station and it was so nice - wished Mark & Ian were there to experience it. (I figured well, tomorrow I'll eat my celebration dinner here! and walk around).
Driving the Route
Jill and I then drove the course (or attempted to) - we got lost several times and had to backtrack - and then got in traffic which took us about 2 hours to get through the course. [I wanted to scream but it was probably good b/c I really did get to see the surroundings of most of the course except for Forest Park since there were no road sign labels on the map or descriptions].
Kickback-the Pre-Race Meal
Alas, we got back to the hotel and ate at the Kickback - two baked potatoes for me which were wonderful and water, water, water. We relaxed and read the rest of the evening and then slept (some).
Sunday - Marathon Race Day
The Prep
Got out of bed about 5:45am EST b/c I couldn't sleep anyway and began to get ready and just took my time - the start was literally around the corner from the hotel not 10 blocks as I had originally thought. Jill just laid there and laid there and laid there LOL - she thought she had another hour and finally I said "Um, Jill 30 minutes!" She got up and bolted to the shower to get ready and felt so bad. It was ok.
The Start
We got to the start which was good and got into my corral and just talked, prayed and then I watched people talking about their strategies and lives. It was interesting. I lined up with the 4:15 pace group & knew what the 4:30 pace group looks like [I didn't want to see them pass me.] I have never actually been at any starting line for the National Anthem (besides a mini in Nashville) so it was nice to be prepared. It was a little over 70 degrees already and the announcer kept repeating "it will not be ideal conditions, drink at all the water stops". I thought ok I will plus my fuel belt, I had a plan and my GU's were planned at miles 4, 8, 12, 16, 19, 23 to get me through - I carried 4 of them & was to pick up 2 on the course.
Miles 1-6
They were good and ok, some downhill, steady uphill, ran by Anheuser-Busch Brewery (woop, ok) and back to downtown, a good wind. Once we got to the tall buildings - oh it felt so good. Good wind with warm temps in the SHADE. I just followed at this point and knew the street signs but just went along - hydrating at every mile marker with my belt plus the water stops (which were crazy but doable). Just knew once I got these miles under my belt - my legs would kick into pace.
Miles 6-9 steady
A straight away on Olive St. that was up and down, rolling and I felt my left knee the entire way - kept thinking "ok God, if this knee begins to really hurt then I will begin talking to these lovely people along the way." I actually began saying brief things to people (some of the mini-marathoners were struggling by then so I encouraged them) or commented on outfits. :)
I was close to mile 7 and knew I would see Jill soon and either ditch the fuel belt or refill my powerade. I opted to refill since the water stops already weren't necessarily where they said they would be according to the map. I did not regret that decision.
Miles 10-12 kind of lonely
Once we left the mini-marathoners (by then I had already seen two people getting medical attention and I'm thinking - look away Kara don't psych yourself out, but internally was a little scared)...anyway we left the other runners and it was just marathons & relayers. I know have a new appreciation for relay runners. As much as I don't care for people with fresh legs when I'm running 26 miles - it did help to populate the course and with morale. We got on Forest Park road and it's just cement...on the sides, in front of you and even above you with road-ways (depressing). We got into the park and it was steady uphill and curvy. Again I grabbed my water or powerade at every mile marker. And then little by little (note this does not happen & has never happen while I have run)...my bladder began to leak. So each time I took in water and even began to walk a little to grab a water, water immediately left my body - not in one big woosh - well sometimes but otherwise the rest of my body was so wet from sweating and from running through some sprinklers at different points that you couldn't tell - thank goodness! and it was happening to others because I watched.
1/2 mile Refueling then On
So I knew that every time I walked at all (which was through waters stops that I would then have to keep drinking so from then on)--- every 1/2 mile I was drinking and refueling (mind you I got a 4:26 so imagine if I hadn't done that every 1/2 mile - 4:10-4:15 would have been attainable or heat exhaustion could have gotten me). I think God has His plan right there b/c otherwise I would not have refueled as often thinking I'm ok.
Miles 13-14
Still in the park - luckily it was flat and so wonderful to cross that 13 miles mark - I just yelled out "Half-way, yes!" and got a few smiles. I just wanted to get out of the park and into the shade which was mile 15. By the way - the race guide said there would be gels at mile 14 - there were not. It was at the end of mile 14 and that makes a difference!
Miles 15-17 Hardest
It was loooonnnnggg and forever - we're still heading away from downtown and I knew if I could get to that turning point where we head towards downtown I would be ok. These were the hardest miles for me...but I tried to keep an ok pace and just relax. It worked. [side note: my mom reported to me that during this time...I was being lifted up in prayer at her church - WOW]
Miles 18-20 Toward downtown
Turning towards downtown with a little bit of a downhill on mile 18 - I think I ran a 8:45-9:00 minute mile and I was ok with that b/c I knew I wouldn't have that drive or energy after mile 20/22. It felt great! The neighborhood was nice and crowds were pretty good. I kept seeing this one family of 4 little girls (2 identical) who wanted high-fives (3 different places) and other families where spouses were taking care of little ones while their runners ran. Daddy signs & Mommy signs - can't wait for that with Ian!
Miles 20-22 Rough
I slowed down a lot - no more trees, exposed completely - people would get on the sidewalks to avoid the sun at that point, I went in between but didn't want to add any more distanct to my Garmin knowing it affected my legs every step of the way. So by this time I had lost A LOT of fluid and was taking in as much as I could every 1/2 mile - people were dropping off like flies or just walking - succumbing to the heat/cramps/the toll of the miles.
Miles 23-25 Focus
Just focusing on getting through THIS mile, and not trying to look ahead. This was soooo hard and the grueling part. We were exposed to the heat and at one point there was no wind, just heat. I passed a couple people who had pace-team-bibs on (meaning a sign on their back that said that their goal was this time -- for 3:45 & 4:00 hour runs - they were not going to complete that time this day) - I encouraged them. I ran past the 4:15 pace group and thought "Whoa, am I going to get 4:15 or less?" and then looked at my Garmin and realized that group was struggling including their pace leader.
Miles 25-26.2(.35) Staring @ the ground
Some downhill but mostly uphill, no shade, and the finish...well I couldn't tell how far the finish was and it looked farther away than I had anticipated. So I just stared at the ground and stared at my Garmin.... .7 to go, .5 to go, .4 to go, .3 to go (each .1 mile felt like forever), .2 to go....then a pack of relay runners were in front of me and they were slowing down. I went against my better judgment and yelled "MOVE!" and darted out to the side to do the best sprint I had in me to finish. [normally I have a great kick the last .4 miles but not today].
The Finish
I came across - knew my time was good for me and then walked...but this was different and I got woozy and leaned on a volunteer and she led me shortly to a guy who looked like a marathon legacy and he gave me water and poured it all over my head, neck and shoulders. I had two volunteers on both sides at one point and then just one. She said, "should we take you to the medic tent?" and I said - very weakly, "no I just need to get water in me" - the water was so far away and I'm not exaggerating, it was far away. I creeped over to it and rested on the table (indication #1 - I'm very, very dizzy - go to medic tent)...kept trying to walk and probably looked like a drunk (indication #2 - people from the food tents were coming up to me to give me food instead of me going to them b/c they saw how I was). But I kept going, thinking that when I got enough water and food in me I would be fine - that is how all the other marathon races have went for Mark & I.
Recovery
Jill found me luckily and followed me along, got our picture taken and then sat down on a bench in the shade for a long time. I ate a banana, Lay's Original Baked potato chips for salt, a Grahamsandwich (PB & J) and drank and drank, but at one point there was no more water left - they were all out. Things were somewhat spinning but I was ok just watching people, a little nauseous but not bad. Jill told me of several people who crossed the finish spitting up water or blood. And we could hear ambulance sirens steadily throughout the rest of the time sitting there. But there were people laughing, families gathering, and people drinking beer nearby. I didn't get to experience the "High" I had in previous races...this was completely different.
Hotel
I decided that we needed to get to the hotel b/c it was already past late-check out (great hotel again). Got there and somehow got a shower but my headache was getting worse - a migraine? Then the dizziness got worse then the nausea. I knew a Celebration Meal at Union Station (even though I wanted to go was not doable). I'm ashamed to say it but I felt so bad before we left that I just made myself throw-up to feel better but more fluid had left my body.
Traveling Home
We got in the car and then got into traffic and I just reclined back, closed my eyes and sipped on water & powerade. Wasn't hungry at all. I went in and out (sort of sleep but I wonder if I didn't pass out in the car) and then I called my doctor friends and Mark to get input. I didn't want to go to an ER especially in another state & asked "what do I need to look for if it gets bad?" After their input, stopping at a Subway to get salt packets and a sandwich & powerade. I sipped & nibbled for an hour and half-two hours. I really did think we would get to Jasper and into Indiana and I would be better. But once we stopped at the Rest Stop in Indiana, it wasn't better and I was dizzier than ever and nauseous and knew my body wasn't retaining. I was scared, very scared and tried to keep myself calm. I simply told Jill, we need to call 911 and I need fluids. She was calm.
Ambulance Ride
Now I've never ridden in an ambulance and I know how much they cost from working at the hospital but I knew my health at this point was more important than $500-$700 bill. Apparently a volunteer fire fighter arrived first, talked to me, then two fire trucks with country folks - no offense, it's Posey County and they were completely professional but Jill laughed, they all had their country accents & attire on. Then the EMT's arrived and they were great. I tried to stay calm and really wanted to burst into tears but didn't let myself. Got car sick and couldn't tell if I was dizzy from dehydration or the ambulance ride and got in the ER at Deaconness (I tried to convince them to take me to Jasper but no dice - unless I was Catholic then they'd take me to St. Mary's - well I'm not Catholic).
Deaconness ER
The ER apparently was crazy...and people had been waiting for 3 hours to get in - they swooped me on into a room and that was that. Fluid & 3-4 hours later, I was able to get up and walk to the bathroom, a little dizzy, felt like I got hit by a semi. But finally I ate my celebration meal of a McDonald's hamburger, fries, & vanilla cone with powerade at 10:30pm. Great job Deaconness! Now I await the bill...but it was better to be safe than sorry...and it had gone to that sorry phase by the time I got there.
(PICTURES TO COME OF THE MARATHON)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Night Before...St. Louis Marathon
Today was a good day of traveling, walking, expo (not very good), short slow 85 degree two-mile run around Union Station, driving the route (ugh) and preparing a plan for the route & mentally get ready.
The water stops are so sporatic (due to waters sources apparently) that it is hard to plan hydration and whether to wear a fuel belt or not which I don't want to do but will do for hydration. Jill has been most understanding and a great pit crew. :) We ate a FREE carb meal at the hotel (2 baked potatoes - oh yes be jealous) LOL
I can't get my head wrapped around running this many miles for some reason after driving the course...it is a lengthy course and not very spectator friendly. It was so hard to find the route based on their map b/c there is no description (GGGRRRRrrrrr). Alas, I will enjoy when I step across this finish line like no other. There was a Aussie pacesetter who cautioned me on my speed in the beginning (yes I knew this already) but did give some good advice about the heat and the winds. I'm not sure what to think honestly and am pretty anxious.
The water stops are so sporatic (due to waters sources apparently) that it is hard to plan hydration and whether to wear a fuel belt or not which I don't want to do but will do for hydration. Jill has been most understanding and a great pit crew. :) We ate a FREE carb meal at the hotel (2 baked potatoes - oh yes be jealous) LOL
I can't get my head wrapped around running this many miles for some reason after driving the course...it is a lengthy course and not very spectator friendly. It was so hard to find the route based on their map b/c there is no description (GGGRRRRrrrrr). Alas, I will enjoy when I step across this finish line like no other. There was a Aussie pacesetter who cautioned me on my speed in the beginning (yes I knew this already) but did give some good advice about the heat and the winds. I'm not sure what to think honestly and am pretty anxious.
Itinerary - What Is Suppose to Happen
Saturday
Leave for St. Louis @ 9:00am...
Expo Center (Packet Pick-Up)
Chaifetz Arena (Saint Louis University)
1 S. Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103
The Chaifetz Arena is within walking distance or a short drive from all of the host hotels. Parking is available at the adjacent garage ($5.00 fee) or meter parking close to the arena.
Walk around &/or drive some of the route
3:00PM CHECK-IN (get there early to request late checkout)
Drury Inn Union Station
201 South 20th Street
St. Louis , MO 63103
Non-smoking room. One room, two double beds, microwave & refrigerator, coffeemaker, 32 inch LCD TV EXTRAS: Iron & ironing board, hairdryer, comfortable seating, voice mail
JOG 2 miles to loosen legs
Supper:
5:30-7pm Drury Inn “Kickback”
I might eat at the potato bar – It’s FREE!
https://wwwc.druryhotels.com/
SUNDAY
Awake at 5:00 CST/6:00 EST to eat some carbs & begin to get ready…I might eat and turn over for 15-20 minutes unless I’m really nervous.
We are 10 blocks away so in order to just walk there, maybe jog a little, very little we probably need to leave by 6:15 CST/7:15 EST. Taking pictures along the way.
Race Time START (7:00 CST/8:00 EST)
Weather Report: high 60s-low 70s
There are several places on the route where you could see me again – we’ll map it out. Might be a good idea for us to bring a fold-up chair for you to sit in & BRING SNACKS FOR YOURSELF + water.
END – Weather Report: low to high 80s
We will pick a place to meet (PNC Bank Reunion Area) at the end if you can’t find me and vice versa. I hope that with the estimation of time that it will take me that you will be able to take pictures of me finishing.
Depending on Corral starts (I might not get to start line until 20 minutes after the gun goes off so we’ll guesstimate that I will finish between (12:25-12:55 EST) OR 4:05-4:30 hours.
I would guess & hope & pray that I will be around 4:20 or so.
Go back to the Hotel – for late check-out (1:00pm CST/2:00 EST) – take shower, rest a little, walk around & go eat Celebration Meal
LEAVE St. Louis about 2:30pm/3:30pm EST – Arrive @ about 6-6:30pm/7pm (might have to stop a couple times for my legs & eat somewhere on the road)
Leave for St. Louis @ 9:00am...
Expo Center (Packet Pick-Up)
Chaifetz Arena (Saint Louis University)
1 S. Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103
The Chaifetz Arena is within walking distance or a short drive from all of the host hotels. Parking is available at the adjacent garage ($5.00 fee) or meter parking close to the arena.
Walk around &/or drive some of the route
3:00PM CHECK-IN (get there early to request late checkout)
Drury Inn Union Station
201 South 20th Street
St. Louis , MO 63103
Non-smoking room. One room, two double beds, microwave & refrigerator, coffeemaker, 32 inch LCD TV EXTRAS: Iron & ironing board, hairdryer, comfortable seating, voice mail
JOG 2 miles to loosen legs
Supper:
5:30-7pm Drury Inn “Kickback”
I might eat at the potato bar – It’s FREE!
https://wwwc.druryhotels.com/
SUNDAY
Awake at 5:00 CST/6:00 EST to eat some carbs & begin to get ready…I might eat and turn over for 15-20 minutes unless I’m really nervous.
We are 10 blocks away so in order to just walk there, maybe jog a little, very little we probably need to leave by 6:15 CST/7:15 EST. Taking pictures along the way.
Race Time START (7:00 CST/8:00 EST)
Weather Report: high 60s-low 70s
There are several places on the route where you could see me again – we’ll map it out. Might be a good idea for us to bring a fold-up chair for you to sit in & BRING SNACKS FOR YOURSELF + water.
END – Weather Report: low to high 80s
We will pick a place to meet (PNC Bank Reunion Area) at the end if you can’t find me and vice versa. I hope that with the estimation of time that it will take me that you will be able to take pictures of me finishing.
Depending on Corral starts (I might not get to start line until 20 minutes after the gun goes off so we’ll guesstimate that I will finish between (12:25-12:55 EST) OR 4:05-4:30 hours.
I would guess & hope & pray that I will be around 4:20 or so.
Go back to the Hotel – for late check-out (1:00pm CST/2:00 EST) – take shower, rest a little, walk around & go eat Celebration Meal
LEAVE St. Louis about 2:30pm/3:30pm EST – Arrive @ about 6-6:30pm/7pm (might have to stop a couple times for my legs & eat somewhere on the road)
Friday, April 8, 2011
status & music
ok right now I might as well be nesting ready to have a baby the way I am operating presently - due to this marathon on Sunday....going c-r-a-z-y
new songs on list: waiting for the end - linkin' park; dog days are over - florence & the machine; rolling in the deep - adele (cardio blaster version); don't stop believin' - journey; f**kin perfect - pink (no cuss words in this song); a little lion man - mumford & sons; king of anything - sara bareilles; send me on my way - rusted roost; firework; freckles - natasha bedingfield - NIGHT ALL
new songs on list: waiting for the end - linkin' park; dog days are over - florence & the machine; rolling in the deep - adele (cardio blaster version); don't stop believin' - journey; f**kin perfect - pink (no cuss words in this song); a little lion man - mumford & sons; king of anything - sara bareilles; send me on my way - rusted roost; firework; freckles - natasha bedingfield - NIGHT ALL
Thursday, April 7, 2011
People might be surprised....St. Louis Marathon
People might be surprised to find out that this therapist/minister's wife is just as crazy as them. :) I have my own bouts of insanity and out-of-controlness. In fact sometimes these times can go for days until I'm finally able to identify them, work through them and give them over to God (if you do not know what that means maybe we can talk about it sometime together - just ask). Often my pride gets in the way and I think that I am "with it" and should be "alltogether" but as I grow older and gain more experience I realize that this is part of the process of who I am and who God is developing & refining me to be. Remember...it's not about me and there are things in this life I cannot control and people I cannot control.
Here's what the start will look like...
Sunday, I, Lordwilling will run the St. Louis Marathon - all 26.2 miles of it. It is a complete experience that begins with physical (running all of it except water stops), emotional (excitement, dread, angst, elation, anxiety, agony, ecstasy), mentally (thoughts are flowing and really begin to work even during the first mile and especially in overdrive by the time 13 miles goes by....), and spiritually (it is a continual conversation with God, encouraging myself, opening myself up to this experience and really being present). There are always parts of me that just want to think about nothing and everything all at once while I run and hope that the miles just go by until I realize "wow, it's mile 19 and I only have 7 more miles to go - I've done this before" - or even better "it's mile 24!" but that doesn't happen. You have to work through each mile as it's own individual entity and move through it then on to the next one.
Since I'm not an elite runner, I don't get the privilege of simply running fast and speeding by...I'm not a penguin anymore (running slower than 11:00 minutes per mile) and am simply officially AVERAGE (8:30-10:30/11 minute miles). I hope to be consistent with 10:00 minute miles in the beginning and slowly, steadily speed up to end on 9-9:30's. I ended my last two miles in both Cincinnati & Columbus marathons at 8:30!! That was all mental and putting one leg in front of the other.
I'm not sure about hills or this course really. It's kind of blinding but is sure to be scenic! I still can't decide on what shirt to wear and was hoping to pick up a new one with pockets that looks sweet on me (yes I'm vain when I run but give up some other things like thighs, my thighs will show and that is ok and just is - I'm not a stick and have shape)
I just hope that this experience is awesome...all the others have been. I know I have trained for it and have been told by Mark and several other friends (awesome friends by the way who have watched me train these past several months through winter) that I am in the best shape of my life and am going to kill it. I sure hope so......I know I am....and it's weird. I don't know if I will ever be in this good of shape even if I don't eat very healthy and consistently. I want to ROCK this marathon! LOL, it's only Thursday! Until then, I'm cleaning, mowing, prepping for client sessions, reading, playing with little man and spending quality time with big man and with our Creator.
Sunday, I, Lordwilling will run the St. Louis Marathon - all 26.2 miles of it. It is a complete experience that begins with physical (running all of it except water stops), emotional (excitement, dread, angst, elation, anxiety, agony, ecstasy), mentally (thoughts are flowing and really begin to work even during the first mile and especially in overdrive by the time 13 miles goes by....), and spiritually (it is a continual conversation with God, encouraging myself, opening myself up to this experience and really being present). There are always parts of me that just want to think about nothing and everything all at once while I run and hope that the miles just go by until I realize "wow, it's mile 19 and I only have 7 more miles to go - I've done this before" - or even better "it's mile 24!" but that doesn't happen. You have to work through each mile as it's own individual entity and move through it then on to the next one.
Since I'm not an elite runner, I don't get the privilege of simply running fast and speeding by...I'm not a penguin anymore (running slower than 11:00 minutes per mile) and am simply officially AVERAGE (8:30-10:30/11 minute miles). I hope to be consistent with 10:00 minute miles in the beginning and slowly, steadily speed up to end on 9-9:30's. I ended my last two miles in both Cincinnati & Columbus marathons at 8:30!! That was all mental and putting one leg in front of the other.
I'm not sure about hills or this course really. It's kind of blinding but is sure to be scenic! I still can't decide on what shirt to wear and was hoping to pick up a new one with pockets that looks sweet on me (yes I'm vain when I run but give up some other things like thighs, my thighs will show and that is ok and just is - I'm not a stick and have shape)
I just hope that this experience is awesome...all the others have been. I know I have trained for it and have been told by Mark and several other friends (awesome friends by the way who have watched me train these past several months through winter) that I am in the best shape of my life and am going to kill it. I sure hope so......I know I am....and it's weird. I don't know if I will ever be in this good of shape even if I don't eat very healthy and consistently. I want to ROCK this marathon! LOL, it's only Thursday! Until then, I'm cleaning, mowing, prepping for client sessions, reading, playing with little man and spending quality time with big man and with our Creator.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
This week....prep
This week is already showing signs of changes and of flexibility - themes of my life (and everyone else's) but it is always in the forefront of my mind. Counselings sessions are rescheduled or cancelled and I'm left with a day that at first was very routine to me and turns out to be somewhat upside down. Don't get me wrong, it's God's time so I know that how my day unfolds as long as I follow Him is directed by Him (if I obey).
So today - just keeping a log - got up late (tried to stay up to watch Butler/UCONN -- should not have). Went to body pump (weight lifting class)...used very low weights and just relaxed. It was nice not really to sweat. A close friend is in that class and it was just relaxing to see her since I'm in this stage of "ick-ness".
Decided to jot over to Home Care to do social work stuff (review charts, update notes, recheck on past patients). Went to Grounded (an organic/health food store) to pick up some granola bars since we don't have any and ran into a lovely lady I haven't really got to talk to, but know that I would really enjoy a friendship with her. :) We talked about Indian food, how she prepares meals for her kiddos and marathons. It helped to encourage her to run one since she has been thinking about it and to demystify the process. I was encouraged by our conversation. But when I went to the register found that I had no wallet!! So I left and am here at home now. Next on list is an errand and going to Hibbett's to find a suitable shirt to run in this weekend that will hold my GU's and be comfortable. I hope to run in it today for 4 miles.
All to say - yes I am freaking out, no I'm not trying to think about it all the time and God has people coming alongside me right now which is soo awesome.
So today - just keeping a log - got up late (tried to stay up to watch Butler/UCONN -- should not have). Went to body pump (weight lifting class)...used very low weights and just relaxed. It was nice not really to sweat. A close friend is in that class and it was just relaxing to see her since I'm in this stage of "ick-ness".
Decided to jot over to Home Care to do social work stuff (review charts, update notes, recheck on past patients). Went to Grounded (an organic/health food store) to pick up some granola bars since we don't have any and ran into a lovely lady I haven't really got to talk to, but know that I would really enjoy a friendship with her. :) We talked about Indian food, how she prepares meals for her kiddos and marathons. It helped to encourage her to run one since she has been thinking about it and to demystify the process. I was encouraged by our conversation. But when I went to the register found that I had no wallet!! So I left and am here at home now. Next on list is an errand and going to Hibbett's to find a suitable shirt to run in this weekend that will hold my GU's and be comfortable. I hope to run in it today for 4 miles.
All to say - yes I am freaking out, no I'm not trying to think about it all the time and God has people coming alongside me right now which is soo awesome.
Monday, April 4, 2011
What I Know...
Saturday, April 9th: 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Expo Location: Chaifetz Arena (Saint Louis University)
1 S. Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103
Visit the Chaifetz Arena website or call 314-977-5000 for additional information. The Chaifetz Arena is within walking distance or a short drive from all of the host hotels. Parking is available at the adjacent garage ($5.00 fee) or meter parking close to the arena.
Sunday, April 10th 7:00am (CST) START TIME
LOW 54 degrees - HIGH 78 degrees
40% chance of scattered thunderstorms
I've never run in thunderstorms (rain yes, downpours even but no thunder or lightening)
The Course Map as I'm looking at it...looks less than desirable - from the stsrt to mile 12 you are running essentially out & back, watching runners faster than you go by (not a good psychological part for me) but then towards the end you are running away from people 13-23 then back again to the course to see people go by slower than you (I'm ok with that b/c then I will be focusing in going faster and finishing).
So that is what I know...crying session will probably occur in next couple of days.
Expo Location: Chaifetz Arena (Saint Louis University)
1 S. Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103
Visit the Chaifetz Arena website or call 314-977-5000 for additional information. The Chaifetz Arena is within walking distance or a short drive from all of the host hotels. Parking is available at the adjacent garage ($5.00 fee) or meter parking close to the arena.
Sunday, April 10th 7:00am (CST) START TIME
LOW 54 degrees - HIGH 78 degrees
40% chance of scattered thunderstorms
I've never run in thunderstorms (rain yes, downpours even but no thunder or lightening)
The Course Map as I'm looking at it...looks less than desirable - from the stsrt to mile 12 you are running essentially out & back, watching runners faster than you go by (not a good psychological part for me) but then towards the end you are running away from people 13-23 then back again to the course to see people go by slower than you (I'm ok with that b/c then I will be focusing in going faster and finishing).
So that is what I know...crying session will probably occur in next couple of days.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Two Books, Two Reviews & One Giveaway
On Miss Zippy's blog:
misszippy1: Two books, two reviews, one giveaway: "I posted a while back that I was reading lots of books as I go into chapter two of my running life. Two at the top of list were Bill Katovsk..."
misszippy1: Two books, two reviews, one giveaway: "I posted a while back that I was reading lots of books as I go into chapter two of my running life. Two at the top of list were Bill Katovsk..."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
So Beyond Excited!!
I am so beyond excited! I won this class on Ali Edward's blog! It is one of those things where you feel like a kid again when all the other kids get picked and then just resign yourself to the fact that, "it's ok, it is just not something I will ever get randomly chosen for."
I went along just like any other giveaway - make my Spring Cleaning comment, "Spring cleaning tip? hmmmmm….clean out – in order to really clean-up, get rid of those things you didn’t use over the winter time" and researched the class - placed it on here to say it is on my wishlist for the "someday" AND I was chosen!
How excited I was when I saw my name, like opening up that Golden Ticket with Wonka Bars! I sat there and screamed in jubilee and Ian jumped up from his very focused Thomas the Train play session and ran around the basement towards me saying "what is it?!!! what is it mommy??!!!!" in such excitement only a 2-year-old could muster.
So this 30-year-old mother is estatic and remembering where all of her scraps are and various everyday papers for this class. I plan to focus more on it during those times when I would be doing those LLOONNGG runs after the marathon is done. So very blessed!
I went along just like any other giveaway - make my Spring Cleaning comment, "Spring cleaning tip? hmmmmm….clean out – in order to really clean-up, get rid of those things you didn’t use over the winter time" and researched the class - placed it on here to say it is on my wishlist for the "someday" AND I was chosen!
How excited I was when I saw my name, like opening up that Golden Ticket with Wonka Bars! I sat there and screamed in jubilee and Ian jumped up from his very focused Thomas the Train play session and ran around the basement towards me saying "what is it?!!! what is it mommy??!!!!" in such excitement only a 2-year-old could muster.
So this 30-year-old mother is estatic and remembering where all of her scraps are and various everyday papers for this class. I plan to focus more on it during those times when I would be doing those LLOONNGG runs after the marathon is done. So very blessed!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Today....
Today was a little different...15 miles @ 5:15am for me...
The guys getting ready...they rode 10 or so miles & ran 3 miles...
AND tried to organize some on our IKEA shelf...it may never look like this gain but at least there is some semblance of organization.
15 miles & "Circles"
Awoke at 4:35am this morning (alarm was to go off at 5) and felt somewhat ok to get up. I just figured well the more I lay, the less I sleep, and the more I lay, the more tempted I am to miss this run. See this run couldn't happen at any other time this weekend due to weather, on-call obligations & other plans.
NOTE: I now can make a ponytail out of my hair - it hasn't been this long in a very LONG time.
I get out of bed and begin to run (clothed mind you) and begin to remember why I was so disciplined to get up so early when it was just a mere 20 degrees out this past winter. I would not say it felt fabulous but the potential was there. Anywho I titled this run "Circles" because that is what I literally did around numerous neighborhoods around our north side of town...I just went around and around and then straight and around and around so the map looks pretty weird but I got it in! And after having strep throat I am happy with that. It was a little lonely but I talked periodically with God and felt my knee alittle but just kept going.
NOTE: I now can make a ponytail out of my hair - it hasn't been this long in a very LONG time.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Facebook Notes = New Blog Posts
I went into my facebook notes archives and found that I write a lot and have for quite awhile. I'll be incorporating more of these notes into blog posts...and probably inserting them chronologically into this blog to stay true to myself and the time when I wrote them. So excited for whenever I take this task on!! Can you feel my excitement?
Here's one from March 21, 2010 @ 12:00pm "Turning Point"
There are times in life when you just know that you are beginning another chapter of your life. I had this realization this past week as I began to see my professional self becoming more awakened and determined to pursue some goals and being given opportunities to do so. Between hospital social work, home-care social work and marriage & family therapy at CCJ my world is opening up a little bit more and I'm allowing it to do so.
As I study for my licensure exam I'm reviewing all kinds of knowledge and WOW THERE IS A LOT! and it always has me looking at my own worldview and how I consider life and people. We have so much potential and so many times we kick ourselves. So many different ways of looking at the world, situations and our own thoughts. Then there is God's view and it is so revealing. I could go on and on about truth and Truth but I will not do that here.
So the Turning Point - I cleaned out drawers and cabinets and some areas in the basement full of memories from Grayson, KY (beginning of marriage and undergrad years), found high school newspaper clippings (realized I had settled at one point for living in another person's shadow), notes from friends (some I am still close to and some I have no idea what has happened to them), cards from occasions, a ton of personality tests I had taken (you'd think I'd know myself by now) and gobs of class notes that were meticulously written perfectionistically to learn. I was and still somewhat am a knowledge-seeker but back then I grabbed everything...especially Biblically or some sort of understanding of myself. A lot of searching.
I sit here now realizing that I am further along, utilizing more of my heart than before in considering life and situations, giving a lot more people the benefit of the doubt, seeing more colors (I loved black & white in middle school), not perfectionist in my endeavors (for goodness sake one of my anthems is "imperfection"). We're messy people and life is messy. Not everything fits in a nice box or goes on a straight line. Memories fall in and out - I got rid of A LOT of stuff and I think also took some things out of my brain as well which was nice.
Creating more room for new people, new development and a deepering relationship with Christ. It's not as much about me...my time isn't as much about me. It's a nice place, not a comfortable place but at least the predictable is unpredictable and I'm more ok with that.
My grad notes contained lots of great thinking nuggets and questions. AND I found how to interview the problem!!! YES! (for those unfamiliar with therapy - we can talk later about that)
This is a new phase in life. I've done the teenage deep thing (conversations with Sarah Beachy, Olga Panchenko and Kristi Brandon about God and then there were my own struggles), the hold onto all memories thing (notes from Megan King, memories with Jane Wamsley in middle school, Alena [List] Bauman and Robyn [Elliot] Myers), the college struggle and hold on to notes that got me through (thanks Beth Johnson, Karissa [Evans] Kimmel and Rachel [Szallai] Harvey), the bridal shower tid-bits and all the wedding items, the notes in class passed in grad school (hahaha Leslee, Randi, Karen and Rebecca), and there were some other things I went through - my Christian book obsession that are great books but I'm not going to read them. My obsession with marriage information at the beginning of our marriage (poor Mark he was ambushed with that stuff), found coasters I ambitiously made with Sherrill Rommel in Louisville that awakened my creative juices & sent me on a rampage to stock up on crafts, and race numbers from all of our races (most I can't remember now - no wait I can remember), and pictures I didn't know we had of hanging out with friends (Aaron & Jen Johnson, Mandy Gorman, and my extended family as they were getting to know Mark). Yep a lot has happened.
Searching, Undergrad, real world job, Grad school, pretend world, Church world, God world, Jasper, Baby World and now...family world with professional pursuits. I'm finally getting there and I know this phase will have many stories of its own.
.
Here's one from March 21, 2010 @ 12:00pm "Turning Point"
There are times in life when you just know that you are beginning another chapter of your life. I had this realization this past week as I began to see my professional self becoming more awakened and determined to pursue some goals and being given opportunities to do so. Between hospital social work, home-care social work and marriage & family therapy at CCJ my world is opening up a little bit more and I'm allowing it to do so.
As I study for my licensure exam I'm reviewing all kinds of knowledge and WOW THERE IS A LOT! and it always has me looking at my own worldview and how I consider life and people. We have so much potential and so many times we kick ourselves. So many different ways of looking at the world, situations and our own thoughts. Then there is God's view and it is so revealing. I could go on and on about truth and Truth but I will not do that here.
So the Turning Point - I cleaned out drawers and cabinets and some areas in the basement full of memories from Grayson, KY (beginning of marriage and undergrad years), found high school newspaper clippings (realized I had settled at one point for living in another person's shadow), notes from friends (some I am still close to and some I have no idea what has happened to them), cards from occasions, a ton of personality tests I had taken (you'd think I'd know myself by now) and gobs of class notes that were meticulously written perfectionistically to learn. I was and still somewhat am a knowledge-seeker but back then I grabbed everything...especially Biblically or some sort of understanding of myself. A lot of searching.
I sit here now realizing that I am further along, utilizing more of my heart than before in considering life and situations, giving a lot more people the benefit of the doubt, seeing more colors (I loved black & white in middle school), not perfectionist in my endeavors (for goodness sake one of my anthems is "imperfection"). We're messy people and life is messy. Not everything fits in a nice box or goes on a straight line. Memories fall in and out - I got rid of A LOT of stuff and I think also took some things out of my brain as well which was nice.
Creating more room for new people, new development and a deepering relationship with Christ. It's not as much about me...my time isn't as much about me. It's a nice place, not a comfortable place but at least the predictable is unpredictable and I'm more ok with that.
My grad notes contained lots of great thinking nuggets and questions. AND I found how to interview the problem!!! YES! (for those unfamiliar with therapy - we can talk later about that)
This is a new phase in life. I've done the teenage deep thing (conversations with Sarah Beachy, Olga Panchenko and Kristi Brandon about God and then there were my own struggles), the hold onto all memories thing (notes from Megan King, memories with Jane Wamsley in middle school, Alena [List] Bauman and Robyn [Elliot] Myers), the college struggle and hold on to notes that got me through (thanks Beth Johnson, Karissa [Evans] Kimmel and Rachel [Szallai] Harvey), the bridal shower tid-bits and all the wedding items, the notes in class passed in grad school (hahaha Leslee, Randi, Karen and Rebecca), and there were some other things I went through - my Christian book obsession that are great books but I'm not going to read them. My obsession with marriage information at the beginning of our marriage (poor Mark he was ambushed with that stuff), found coasters I ambitiously made with Sherrill Rommel in Louisville that awakened my creative juices & sent me on a rampage to stock up on crafts, and race numbers from all of our races (most I can't remember now - no wait I can remember), and pictures I didn't know we had of hanging out with friends (Aaron & Jen Johnson, Mandy Gorman, and my extended family as they were getting to know Mark). Yep a lot has happened.
Searching, Undergrad, real world job, Grad school, pretend world, Church world, God world, Jasper, Baby World and now...family world with professional pursuits. I'm finally getting there and I know this phase will have many stories of its own.
.
Being Gentle with Myself...
Has there ever been time when you come to the realization that "whoa, I'm pretty hard on myself?"
Nah, me neither...but and that is a BIG BUT, God always shows me this truth when I get sick. It never fails. In the moment of my sickness, I lament, I question and I get through it but in the process often miss out on the bigger picture. Guess what Kara, it's not about you.
This process of training for this 4th marathon has been a different journey for me. One that has at times almost consumed me with workouts entailing swimming one day to running 5-7 miles then weight training an hour and another day running more than 10+ miles. It has been a lot of on my body and I know this, but there are times when it does feel like you're invincible. Until a knee injury comes up...then you focus on that or then you get sick and you focus on that...which is my current story.
Through the knee injury or whatever it is/was, I've had to buckle down and do only the movement that would benefit my knee which has meant less weight training, and decreased workouts during the week AND most importantly giving my stress, my time and my own anger to the One who can take it (no not Mark), Christ. It's a different view and takes a different perspective.
But I have realized that while being sick, I can now look back and I make a *sigh*. It was good. I would not have taken a break from this training process any other way especially after a 22 mile run last week. This has brought to my mind, being gentle with myself and letting myself heal and move forward. We are so hard on ourselves and I see it all the time in doing therapy and ESPECIALLY with couples. We are hard on us and we are hard on our spouses. In reality, we all really are doing the very best that we can in those moments. But we are all vulnerable to criticsm - it hurts from our spouses but it seems natural to us to do it to ourselves.
In addition, the bigger picture that I could not see involved the facilitation of the premarital class/group I do on Sunday mornings and this past week was Sex & Intimacy. This was the one session I was so excited about and lamented all at the same time. I was excited to present this awesome gift that God gives to us as married couples - this intimacy we have with no other person on earth and yet how to present it and be bold enough to say what needs to be said about the effects of sex before marriage & some consequences that come from living together before that commitment is made.
I've prayed and prayed about this very subject with God for quite some time. And behold, I got sick...and so sick that I could not do this. In God's mighty plan, He brought forth a compassionate couple who has experienced these things, seen the consequences, and now knows God's plan for their lives. They at first were not going to be there (which is ok) just as a mentor couple to share their experience but then 15 minutes later called me back to say, "we'll come home early, we wish someone would have taught us this before we got married". So WOW, they facilitated it and in my mind, that is how it was suppose to happen. His perfect plan worked for the good when my plan falls short. It just helps to get perspective at times...
Nah, me neither...but and that is a BIG BUT, God always shows me this truth when I get sick. It never fails. In the moment of my sickness, I lament, I question and I get through it but in the process often miss out on the bigger picture. Guess what Kara, it's not about you.
This process of training for this 4th marathon has been a different journey for me. One that has at times almost consumed me with workouts entailing swimming one day to running 5-7 miles then weight training an hour and another day running more than 10+ miles. It has been a lot of on my body and I know this, but there are times when it does feel like you're invincible. Until a knee injury comes up...then you focus on that or then you get sick and you focus on that...which is my current story.
Through the knee injury or whatever it is/was, I've had to buckle down and do only the movement that would benefit my knee which has meant less weight training, and decreased workouts during the week AND most importantly giving my stress, my time and my own anger to the One who can take it (no not Mark), Christ. It's a different view and takes a different perspective.
But I have realized that while being sick, I can now look back and I make a *sigh*. It was good. I would not have taken a break from this training process any other way especially after a 22 mile run last week. This has brought to my mind, being gentle with myself and letting myself heal and move forward. We are so hard on ourselves and I see it all the time in doing therapy and ESPECIALLY with couples. We are hard on us and we are hard on our spouses. In reality, we all really are doing the very best that we can in those moments. But we are all vulnerable to criticsm - it hurts from our spouses but it seems natural to us to do it to ourselves.
In addition, the bigger picture that I could not see involved the facilitation of the premarital class/group I do on Sunday mornings and this past week was Sex & Intimacy. This was the one session I was so excited about and lamented all at the same time. I was excited to present this awesome gift that God gives to us as married couples - this intimacy we have with no other person on earth and yet how to present it and be bold enough to say what needs to be said about the effects of sex before marriage & some consequences that come from living together before that commitment is made.
I've prayed and prayed about this very subject with God for quite some time. And behold, I got sick...and so sick that I could not do this. In God's mighty plan, He brought forth a compassionate couple who has experienced these things, seen the consequences, and now knows God's plan for their lives. They at first were not going to be there (which is ok) just as a mentor couple to share their experience but then 15 minutes later called me back to say, "we'll come home early, we wish someone would have taught us this before we got married". So WOW, they facilitated it and in my mind, that is how it was suppose to happen. His perfect plan worked for the good when my plan falls short. It just helps to get perspective at times...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Strep Throat & Running
Today thinking about running, biking or resting...plus 3 counseling sessions (luckily very low caseload day). I was reading all of these running forums about what other runners are doing especially those who got sick right in the middle of marathon training like I am.
Conversation on Facebook
STATUS - runners: run with strep throat...rest?...bike?....just exhausted still, luckily only 3 sessions today, I think I can do that
Sara Priest West REST! (Sara's a friend from college who I played basketball with who is now a full-fledged runner training for her first marathon and a speed-demon in my book)
Kara Messmore here's the deal - this is day 5 I haven't done a thing -- Friday: the Conference, Sat...I rested, Sun...big rest, Mon...big rest, Tuesday (today) ? do you think that is too long of a rest? I have a 15 or 12 mile run on thursday
Sara Priest West I would skip today, try to do something light on Sunday morning and you should be fine.
Kara Messmore hhhmmmmm I'll consider, I do want to get over this, just not sure with the weather changing again that I want to let go of doing something while it's in the 70's - the thought of running those miles on THursday in the 40s - doesn't seem all that doable now
---------------------------------------------------
Well after this conversation I took a shower and got dressed for work and I am EXHAUSTED. So new realization, I need to take it easy and ease into it. I could see myself biking today. I'm just really bummed that the weather is going to turn cold AGAIN and that my supposed 12-15 mile run on Thursday would be in the 40's. I work on Friday and am on-call all weekend which is a big bummer since that is when I'd do my run so maybe Saturday after being on-call??? Maybe??
Conversation on Facebook
STATUS - runners: run with strep throat...rest?...bike?....just exhausted still, luckily only 3 sessions today, I think I can do that
Sara Priest West REST! (Sara's a friend from college who I played basketball with who is now a full-fledged runner training for her first marathon and a speed-demon in my book)
Kara Messmore here's the deal - this is day 5 I haven't done a thing -- Friday: the Conference, Sat...I rested, Sun...big rest, Mon...big rest, Tuesday (today) ? do you think that is too long of a rest? I have a 15 or 12 mile run on thursday
Sara Priest West I would skip today, try to do something light on Sunday morning and you should be fine.
Kara Messmore hhhmmmmm I'll consider, I do want to get over this, just not sure with the weather changing again that I want to let go of doing something while it's in the 70's - the thought of running those miles on THursday in the 40s - doesn't seem all that doable now
---------------------------------------------------
Well after this conversation I took a shower and got dressed for work and I am EXHAUSTED. So new realization, I need to take it easy and ease into it. I could see myself biking today. I'm just really bummed that the weather is going to turn cold AGAIN and that my supposed 12-15 mile run on Thursday would be in the 40's. I work on Friday and am on-call all weekend which is a big bummer since that is when I'd do my run so maybe Saturday after being on-call??? Maybe??
Saturday, March 19, 2011
To ALL the sick people...
It is not a regular deal that I get sick but when I get sick, I feel like I really get sick. Of course any one person could probably say the same thing but I get down and then realize that strength of those people who are continually fighting a disease or fighting the side effects of medications that help them with their primary disease. I have so much admiration for YOU. I am weak and am definitely one of those who likes to be pampered. Poor Mark - but he has Ian to work with right now. Thank you Mark...it means a lot.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
22 miler *awe* *sigh* yes!
So I might be a little obsessed with this Garmin Connect thing....I ended up having to do a little loop in between switching biking friends and thought "how will this show up on my route"? Anywho 22 miles done.
Thoughts before a LONG Run
These are my thoughts before a LONG run...you may be surprised:
* I don't want to do it
* I'm nervous
* what route would be best
* will I have the strenght?
* it will take me how long? almost 4 hours? or more?!!!
* what am I thinking that is insane!?
* well, what if I do it later - can't do it later, just do it Kara
* well, the sun will be out
* can I just go back to sleep right now? NO!
* did I eat too much or too little?
* will I have enough fluids?
* will my shoes be able to make it all the way through?
* this is going to hurt, oh my legs they hurt already
* wait a second, this is what I want to do!
* I know I will feel awesome afterwards!
* the birds are chirping!!
* I can do this! God can do this - He can do this through me!
* if I do this, it will be a testament to His strength and not mine
* hmmmmmm how many GU's will it take...4?
* what is the flatest route I can run or that can have a bike accompany me?
* it is just 1 mile at a time (2 miles for every water stop)
* every 4 or so miles for GU
* what is the best way to dress - 45/50 degrees to 65 degrees while I run
--- Nike shorts (cold legs will get warmer)
--- Flying Pig Mini-Marathon short sleeve running shirt (a little cold for sleeveless running shirt)
--- maroon long-sleeve wick-away shirt (holds cell phone too & to keep warm)
--- hat (yellow or white?)
--- sunglasses (el cheapo pair)
--- Garmin Forerunning 205 watch
--- 26.2 Chicaband
--- running socks & 2 types of shoes (old running shoes phrasing them out & new running shoes) *yellow tag on old pair of running shoes is my "chip" from the Tulsa Half-Marathon in November 2010 where I almost broke 2 hours
--- Body Glide Anti-Chafe
* ipod shuffle? or no ipod shuffle? (well you know God has been telling you lately or you sense He is telling you to turn it off) so NO - woah, never have ran without it
* I don't want to do it
* I'm nervous
* what route would be best
* will I have the strenght?
* it will take me how long? almost 4 hours? or more?!!!
* what am I thinking that is insane!?
* well, what if I do it later - can't do it later, just do it Kara
* well, the sun will be out
* can I just go back to sleep right now? NO!
* did I eat too much or too little?
* will I have enough fluids?
* will my shoes be able to make it all the way through?
* this is going to hurt, oh my legs they hurt already
* wait a second, this is what I want to do!
* I know I will feel awesome afterwards!
* the birds are chirping!!
* I can do this! God can do this - He can do this through me!
* if I do this, it will be a testament to His strength and not mine
* hmmmmmm how many GU's will it take...4?
* what is the flatest route I can run or that can have a bike accompany me?
* it is just 1 mile at a time (2 miles for every water stop)
* every 4 or so miles for GU
* what is the best way to dress - 45/50 degrees to 65 degrees while I run
--- Nike shorts (cold legs will get warmer)
--- Flying Pig Mini-Marathon short sleeve running shirt (a little cold for sleeveless running shirt)
--- maroon long-sleeve wick-away shirt (holds cell phone too & to keep warm)
--- hat (yellow or white?)
--- sunglasses (el cheapo pair)
--- Garmin Forerunning 205 watch
--- 26.2 Chicaband
--- running socks & 2 types of shoes (old running shoes phrasing them out & new running shoes) *yellow tag on old pair of running shoes is my "chip" from the Tulsa Half-Marathon in November 2010 where I almost broke 2 hours
--- Body Glide Anti-Chafe
* ipod shuffle? or no ipod shuffle? (well you know God has been telling you lately or you sense He is telling you to turn it off) so NO - woah, never have ran without it
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Allowing Myself....Right Now
I'm allowing myself to stay up past my bedtime because I just feel like it. Allowing myself to wonder what tomorrow holds, what this upcoming 22 mile runs holds...hoping friends will come alongside me to support me. I'm allowing myself to give myself grace for those little vices I fight daily. But now I think I will allow myself to go to bed. Yes, indeed I will.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Crop for Kicks & Christmas Card Punch Collage Project
This year instead of me signing up for Crop for the Cure in Evansville (although for a good cause), I decided to stay home and save money. Candy, my very fabulous friend decided to go along in my adventure. Candy received "door prizes" about every hour...hence her facebook statuses of "I Won Again!" Here are some pictures...
this is Ian "helping" me out at the CVS to print photos instantly before our Crop
this shows my crafting area (and yes I have gotten rid of a lot but as I told my premarital couples in our class this past Saturday...I spent & bargain-hunted...a lot throughout our first 5 years of marriage for crafty stuff)
this is the album cover for the "Christmas Card Punch Collage Project"
title page quotes Ali Edwards from this post and I add, "From present years until 2007 I had kept cards but apparently through our move from Louisville, KY to Jasper, IN I did not keep Christmas cards from years before. Beginning in 2004 we wrote Christmas newsletters and have placed them in those years. This is definitely a work-in-progress."
PAGES
2010 1 *note I misplaced the newsletters I received :S
2010 2
2009 1
2009 2
2008 - this page has an interesting story, I couldn't find many cards at all and figured out that in Christmas 2008 Ian was born -- hence I'm not sure where I put the many cards and newsletters I received throughout that season
2007 - the big white squares with the signatures were from my basketball girls
2006 - couldn't find cards so this begins our newsletters
2005
2004 - note the cards on the write - they were the last Christmas cards we received from Mark's Grandpa Bruce, his writing is precious to us
this is Ian "helping" me out at the CVS to print photos instantly before our Crop
this shows my crafting area (and yes I have gotten rid of a lot but as I told my premarital couples in our class this past Saturday...I spent & bargain-hunted...a lot throughout our first 5 years of marriage for crafty stuff)
this is the album cover for the "Christmas Card Punch Collage Project"
title page quotes Ali Edwards from this post and I add, "From present years until 2007 I had kept cards but apparently through our move from Louisville, KY to Jasper, IN I did not keep Christmas cards from years before. Beginning in 2004 we wrote Christmas newsletters and have placed them in those years. This is definitely a work-in-progress."PAGES
2010 1 *note I misplaced the newsletters I received :S
2010 2
2009 1
2009 2
2008 - this page has an interesting story, I couldn't find many cards at all and figured out that in Christmas 2008 Ian was born -- hence I'm not sure where I put the many cards and newsletters I received throughout that season
2007 - the big white squares with the signatures were from my basketball girls
2006 - couldn't find cards so this begins our newsletters
2005
2004 - note the cards on the write - they were the last Christmas cards we received from Mark's Grandpa Bruce, his writing is precious to us
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ian's Bargaining Skillz
So the boy has talent...he begins with a *sigh* then gruffly & sternly says, "Mommy, me have juice!" Mommy says, "No...not now it is too late." He tips his head slightly and in the most loving voice says, "Mommy, peese juice?"
Mommy says, "Sweetie, no it is too late." Which promptly is followed after by a soft but excited voice of "milk!!???" with his head slightly tilted my way. Mommy says, "yes Ian that is ok." He marches to the refrigerator for his milk as he proudly just negotiated his latest bargain.
Nurture Project
Nurture Project (LOVE THIS)
I have found that with working with various clients (especially mothers) that we have bought into this notion in our society that we cannot take time for ourselves or that somehow we are to do this solely on our own.
Nurturing You: Clipboard Project
As a busy mama – I’m sure the notion of “me time” either make you roll your eyes, burst into laughter…or tears?!! We mamas put our own needs on hold to meet the needs of everyone around us…and that can leave us burned out, frustrated and cranky!
I went to a parenting talk a year ago and what I came away with from it was this – if our ‘cup’ is empty (ie we are not filling ourselves up with the things we need to be happy), then we have nothing to spill out and give to those around us. We need to keep filling our own cup to be able to pour out into everyone else’s.
Since adding a third child to the mix, my cup has definitely been empty (more like a stone dry well actually!) and I keep going back to what I heard in the course…that I need to fill my cup. I need to carve out time for feeding my soul. This doesn’t need to be a huge amount of time on a weekly basis (that would be nice, but lets be realistic!), it could be a 10 minute meditation each day, it could be a long hot bubble bath once a week, it could be a monthly afternoon out with a friend. I love to be creative, and my natural high comes from making something out of nothing with my own two hands (and perhaps the help of a sewing machine!), so for me – I want to make time to pursue my creative fantasies (fixing holes in children’s pants does.not.count) – to do what I love for the sake of just doing it because I LOVE IT! Whether you love sewing, gardening, cooking, shopping…you know what feed your soul and I’m telling you – you need to make time for it!
To follow through with my wild notions of nurturing myself I need an actual plan to do this. I must choose and work to carve out the time – otherwise sneaky old regular life gets in the way of cup filling efforts. Luckily, my husband is on board with this plan (perhaps in the hopes I’ll become less cranky) – if you have small children at home all day every day then you need to enlist the support of someone to give you some alone time. Or, during school or nap times, wedge some cup-filling in there for you instead of cramming work/cleaning/cooking/washing into every free minute. Shiny happy mama = shiny happy family (you know it’s true)!
Most days I’m not even sure what day it is, so I’ve made a pretty little reminder clipboard for my nurturing plans. It’s propped up against my mirror where I’ll see it every day, and I can make a date/plans with myself on a slip of paper and keep it on the board for that week. Each week I will find the time to do one nice thing with myself – and once done I can switch the paper out with my following weeks plan. You can make one too! Yeah! Lets make 2011 the year where our cups are full, our families enjoy the splashings and we truly love and care for ourselves…wishing you all good things for this new year!
Emily
Nurture time reminder clipboard
Supplies:
Mini clipboard (office supply stores carry these)
Acrylic paint & foam brush
Paper (think scrapbook, gift-wrap, hand-made, magazine pages)
Mod podge/gel medium (or any white glue)
Ribbon or lace
Stickers, tags, fun things to embellish with.
Steps:
Cover all or part of the clipboard with your papers. You can make a collage of papers, or use one special piece. Paint the glue onto the clipboard to stick the paper down on, and then coat the paper in another layer of your glue.
Once the paper is dry, paint the remaining portion of the clipboard with 2-3 layers of acrylic paint (I simply lifted the metal clip to paint underneath it).
Add a strip of ribbon or lace using the glue.
Choose a word such as ‘nurture’, ‘nourish’, ‘breathe’, ‘my time’ to serve as a reminder to yourself!
Decorate the clipboard with any stickers or other fun things to make it your happy place.
*on the back of the clipboard I glued a library pocket to hold ‘ideas’ – then each week I can choose an idea from the pocket, and add to it as I feel inspired.
Some simple and (mostly!) inexpensive nurturing ideas:
Have a bubble bath
Read a magazine in bed
Take a solo trip to the library
Play with some watercolour paints
Visit a garden
Treat yourself to a nutritious meal at a favorite cafe
Download a meditation online, lay down and relaxxxx
Lay outside on a blanket and watch the clouds
Attend a class that you’ve always been meaning to try
Write a list of things you are grateful for
Receive a massage
Doodle with crayons
Sit in a park and people watch
Visit a museum or art gallery
Go for an indoor swim
Read a chapter of a book
Plan a girls night with some friends – organize and send invites
Have a home facial
Go for a walk and take photos of things you see
Take a self portrait
Create a visual soul collage from magazine pictures
Organize your wardrobe
Burn oils and listen to music
Write a card/letter to a friend
Plant something in your garden or in a pot
Phone your best friend for a chat
Write some goals in your journal
Try a new recipe
Set your timer for half an hour of crafty time
Give yourself a hand massage & manicure
Take yourself out for coffee/hot chocolate
Make a cd of your favorite music for listening to in the car
I have found that with working with various clients (especially mothers) that we have bought into this notion in our society that we cannot take time for ourselves or that somehow we are to do this solely on our own.
Nurturing You: Clipboard Project
As a busy mama – I’m sure the notion of “me time” either make you roll your eyes, burst into laughter…or tears?!! We mamas put our own needs on hold to meet the needs of everyone around us…and that can leave us burned out, frustrated and cranky!
I went to a parenting talk a year ago and what I came away with from it was this – if our ‘cup’ is empty (ie we are not filling ourselves up with the things we need to be happy), then we have nothing to spill out and give to those around us. We need to keep filling our own cup to be able to pour out into everyone else’s.
Since adding a third child to the mix, my cup has definitely been empty (more like a stone dry well actually!) and I keep going back to what I heard in the course…that I need to fill my cup. I need to carve out time for feeding my soul. This doesn’t need to be a huge amount of time on a weekly basis (that would be nice, but lets be realistic!), it could be a 10 minute meditation each day, it could be a long hot bubble bath once a week, it could be a monthly afternoon out with a friend. I love to be creative, and my natural high comes from making something out of nothing with my own two hands (and perhaps the help of a sewing machine!), so for me – I want to make time to pursue my creative fantasies (fixing holes in children’s pants does.not.count) – to do what I love for the sake of just doing it because I LOVE IT! Whether you love sewing, gardening, cooking, shopping…you know what feed your soul and I’m telling you – you need to make time for it!
To follow through with my wild notions of nurturing myself I need an actual plan to do this. I must choose and work to carve out the time – otherwise sneaky old regular life gets in the way of cup filling efforts. Luckily, my husband is on board with this plan (perhaps in the hopes I’ll become less cranky) – if you have small children at home all day every day then you need to enlist the support of someone to give you some alone time. Or, during school or nap times, wedge some cup-filling in there for you instead of cramming work/cleaning/cooking/washing into every free minute. Shiny happy mama = shiny happy family (you know it’s true)!
Most days I’m not even sure what day it is, so I’ve made a pretty little reminder clipboard for my nurturing plans. It’s propped up against my mirror where I’ll see it every day, and I can make a date/plans with myself on a slip of paper and keep it on the board for that week. Each week I will find the time to do one nice thing with myself – and once done I can switch the paper out with my following weeks plan. You can make one too! Yeah! Lets make 2011 the year where our cups are full, our families enjoy the splashings and we truly love and care for ourselves…wishing you all good things for this new year!
Emily
Nurture time reminder clipboard
Supplies:
Mini clipboard (office supply stores carry these)
Acrylic paint & foam brush
Paper (think scrapbook, gift-wrap, hand-made, magazine pages)
Mod podge/gel medium (or any white glue)
Ribbon or lace
Stickers, tags, fun things to embellish with.
Steps:
Cover all or part of the clipboard with your papers. You can make a collage of papers, or use one special piece. Paint the glue onto the clipboard to stick the paper down on, and then coat the paper in another layer of your glue.
Once the paper is dry, paint the remaining portion of the clipboard with 2-3 layers of acrylic paint (I simply lifted the metal clip to paint underneath it).
Add a strip of ribbon or lace using the glue.
Choose a word such as ‘nurture’, ‘nourish’, ‘breathe’, ‘my time’ to serve as a reminder to yourself!
Decorate the clipboard with any stickers or other fun things to make it your happy place.
*on the back of the clipboard I glued a library pocket to hold ‘ideas’ – then each week I can choose an idea from the pocket, and add to it as I feel inspired.
Some simple and (mostly!) inexpensive nurturing ideas:
Have a bubble bath
Read a magazine in bed
Take a solo trip to the library
Play with some watercolour paints
Visit a garden
Treat yourself to a nutritious meal at a favorite cafe
Download a meditation online, lay down and relaxxxx
Lay outside on a blanket and watch the clouds
Attend a class that you’ve always been meaning to try
Write a list of things you are grateful for
Receive a massage
Doodle with crayons
Sit in a park and people watch
Visit a museum or art gallery
Go for an indoor swim
Read a chapter of a book
Plan a girls night with some friends – organize and send invites
Have a home facial
Go for a walk and take photos of things you see
Take a self portrait
Create a visual soul collage from magazine pictures
Organize your wardrobe
Burn oils and listen to music
Write a card/letter to a friend
Plant something in your garden or in a pot
Phone your best friend for a chat
Write some goals in your journal
Try a new recipe
Set your timer for half an hour of crafty time
Give yourself a hand massage & manicure
Take yourself out for coffee/hot chocolate
Make a cd of your favorite music for listening to in the car
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
So Tired...
I am soo tired. It never fails, I can get up at 4:30am on Monday morning and swim, do an entire full day at the hospital and go to bed at a decent time....then get up at 5:30am Tuesday to run a 5 or 7 mile run and feel awesome + do a weight lifting class close after. And then Tuesday evening comes and I'm exhausted. It's 8:45pm and I will be going to bed very soon. At least I remember the "high" and great feeling after the morning run. It just gets hard by the time 4:00-6:00pm comes around. Alas, not complaining - "just sayin'". :) But it's worth it.
Flex all-sport ear buds review and giveaway
YEP a giveaway that looks really great to me! Plus I had to swipe Mark's earplugs b/c mine had the lining taken off with wear and now they suck into my ears after a few miles.
Flex all-sport ear buds review and giveaway - from this BLOG.
I don't like to gush about products that I'm asked to review--might not seem authentic, you know? But here's a product I need to gush about. It's Flex all-sport ear buds by H2OAudio. What makes these ear buds so cool? Well let me explain:
*They're waterproof to 3 feet (in case you fall into a nearby lake)
*They're sweatproof
*They come in a wide variety of colors
*They come with three pairs of silicone earplugs in small, medium and large so that you can customize the fit
*They're made so that you can use them, rinse them off, and repeat--no more sweaty ear buds!
*They don't fall out when in use
I tried them while on the bike trainer and loved the comfortable fit and sound quality. Even more, I loved that I could take them off and rinse them off when I finished. Since I can't run, I recruited this guy to try them out on the treadmill. He didn't love the power pink color, but he did like the performance--they never fell out or became loose while he ran. So a big thumb's up.
Now H2OAudio wants me to share the wealth. They've given me one pair of black headphones to giveaway (see, I picked black to appeal to both genders!).
For the giveaway:
1) Be a MissZippy follower or become one and let me know (required)
2) Like H2OAudio on Facebook (required)
3) Bonus--Post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or tweet about it.
Contest ends March 15 when I pick a winner through Random.org. Good luck!
Flex all-sport ear buds review and giveaway - from this BLOG.
I don't like to gush about products that I'm asked to review--might not seem authentic, you know? But here's a product I need to gush about. It's Flex all-sport ear buds by H2OAudio. What makes these ear buds so cool? Well let me explain:
*They're waterproof to 3 feet (in case you fall into a nearby lake)
*They're sweatproof
*They come in a wide variety of colors
*They come with three pairs of silicone earplugs in small, medium and large so that you can customize the fit
*They're made so that you can use them, rinse them off, and repeat--no more sweaty ear buds!
*They don't fall out when in use
I tried them while on the bike trainer and loved the comfortable fit and sound quality. Even more, I loved that I could take them off and rinse them off when I finished. Since I can't run, I recruited this guy to try them out on the treadmill. He didn't love the power pink color, but he did like the performance--they never fell out or became loose while he ran. So a big thumb's up.
Now H2OAudio wants me to share the wealth. They've given me one pair of black headphones to giveaway (see, I picked black to appeal to both genders!).
For the giveaway:
1) Be a MissZippy follower or become one and let me know (required)
2) Like H2OAudio on Facebook (required)
3) Bonus--Post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or tweet about it.
Contest ends March 15 when I pick a winner through Random.org. Good luck!
Monday, March 7, 2011
20 miler...
This day was pure loveliness...really it was. It was about 50 degrees when I left to go on my run which I knew would be something to talk about. Right when I stepped onto my first mile I kept thinking "ok when is this knee pain going to hit". It had been aching all morning and was aching right before I stepped out. Well the knee pain never came...it NEVER came and this 20-miler I was doing it by myself. I talked to God once again the entire time whether about my own fears - giving them to Him, prayers for friends and Mark, discussing various situations and clients.
It felt soo warm even with a pretty good wind. I looked down at one point and saw my legs...bright read...from wind burn but it didn't matter. I was on a mission. Below is the route I took. It was a new route for me that I had never done and I tried to keep it as flat as possible with some hills here and there. I ended up taking a short break to go to the restroom at mile 13 and then did a quick text to Mark to let him know where I was and that I was running to the church for my last 7. He encouraged me and it meant the world to me.
I kept going and it was a sight to see myself breaking through those last couple of miles. I was drained and my legs were tired...very, very tired. But I was so happy to run in shorts that I didn't care one bit and I finished! I finished running up the gravel side of the road to the church with Mark coming out the doors clapping, whistling and haulering for me. What support! I felt like a million bucks and like I had just won the Boston Marathon or something :)
It felt soo warm even with a pretty good wind. I looked down at one point and saw my legs...bright read...from wind burn but it didn't matter. I was on a mission. Below is the route I took. It was a new route for me that I had never done and I tried to keep it as flat as possible with some hills here and there. I ended up taking a short break to go to the restroom at mile 13 and then did a quick text to Mark to let him know where I was and that I was running to the church for my last 7. He encouraged me and it meant the world to me.
I kept going and it was a sight to see myself breaking through those last couple of miles. I was drained and my legs were tired...very, very tired. But I was so happy to run in shorts that I didn't care one bit and I finished! I finished running up the gravel side of the road to the church with Mark coming out the doors clapping, whistling and haulering for me. What support! I felt like a million bucks and like I had just won the Boston Marathon or something :)
To Be Written Posts
Those posts that need to be written:
* Ian's bargaining skills
* most recent 20-miles ran last Thursday
* impromptu Ohio trip to grandparents & Ian
* what it means to "guard your heart", Proverbs 4:23 for those couples struggling
* change in counseling room (owning how it [this counseling adventure] is really not my own including the space I work in)
* upcoming Crop & potential projects
* Ian's bargaining skills
* most recent 20-miles ran last Thursday
* impromptu Ohio trip to grandparents & Ian
* what it means to "guard your heart", Proverbs 4:23 for those couples struggling
* change in counseling room (owning how it [this counseling adventure] is really not my own including the space I work in)
* upcoming Crop & potential projects
Saturday, February 26, 2011
KAMFT Conference: The Basics and Beyond for Treating Today's Sexual Issues
Each workshop I went to was chalk full of interesting new research and information about sexual issues that couples and families encounter in this day and age, including the medical factors, differing sexual desires in a couple and the basics of sexual addiction with treatment process for couples and families.
In the Thursday morning workshop: Understanding the Medical Factors Behind Couple’s Sexual Problems (by Jean D. Koehler, PhD, LMFT, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, Therapist and Supervisor, Asst. Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Louisville Medical School), common medical causes were discussed along with treatments of sexual dysfunction, making referrals, and opportunities for further training. I was quite pleased to find that with working in a hospital PRN I had picked up enough terminology and medical language that I could understand most of the terms and surgical procedures that were presented. She discussed a lot about the effects of such procedures on a couple's sex life & the impact on their own differing desires). It was interesting to learn more about the impact of "free" testosterone (definition & amounts) in the human body and how this hormone impacts the regulation of sexual desire and arousal. I'd have to review my notes but most interesting to me was the effect after some cancer treatments. I would definitely like to look more into this subject to better understand how patient are being educated on how medical procedures may impact their marital relationships. I think men and women should be equipped with this information.
The Thursday afternoon workshop: Resolving Desire Differences by Jean A. Campbell, LMFT. Jean blended solution-focused techniques with a holistic approach of David Schnarch to help us as therapists to guide our clients out of toxic sexual interactions stemming from desire differences. Again I would need to revisit my notes on this but found that I agreed a lot with the emphasis on differentiation and how ultimately part of work may be in helping a spouse or both spouses to understand that their partner does not fully "complete" you and that the problem does not all lie in that other person's plate. Acknowledging and owning your own stuff and what you are yearning or desiring for that other person is your "stuff" and not theirs. It is your expectation and although you desire to be completely safe with that person...other things and desires get in the way and this is a lot of misinterpretation and miscommunication. (I may scan my notes here if I think about it - a lot to think about on this one). But I do see this one a lot in counseling.
Thursday late afternoon, evening was: The Ethics Behind Working With Sexually Related Issues by Stefanie Carnes, PhD. Although I was completely exhausted this provided an opportunity to learn what Federal Guidelines there are for reporting and working with someone possibly struggling viewing child pornography or other illegal actions of a sexual nature. She provided various role plays for us as therapist to do with our "clients" (our colleagues) and it helped to take out the shock value of such discoveries. It was good for me to talk through as a therapist b/c often times you don't know what issues may really be occurring with this person in front of you and they are only telling you one piece of information at a time. There for differing views in the room pertaining to the reporting aspect of this subject which honestly was nice to see since I was struggling with what I would do in certain circumstances.
All day Friday was Stefanie Carnes again with: the Basics and Beyond for Treating Today's Sexual Issues. I was pretty exhausted from the day before with just a lot of useful information. This workshop provided me with guidelines of how to navigate the minefield of family therapy for sexual addiction. There was a lengthy discussion about the criteria for sexual addiction (what it is and how we clarify it which was very interesting. She gave us an assessment tool that appeared to be very helpful. The hard part for me is when I began to gain a better understanding of the computer pornography industry and its impact on individuals, youth, and families. We were given demonstrations on particular iPhone Apps and it revealed an even darker side of this world than I am used to. Don't get me wrong I know it's there...but I do not participate in it nor do I research it myself to better understand a client's frame of mind. (For me that is too dangerous and I am wired in such a way that potentially exploring such things is not beneficial at all). So to say the least this was disturbing and very hard for me to sit through. Plus my paranoia began to work, but luckily God is so good helped me to see that His grace is enough and trusting in Him and His plan is ultimately the best way to think about and understand such behavior in our world. This understanding helps me to better relate with those close to me and not to distrust or be suspicious of things going on.
She utilized art therapy to show how spouses experienced the betrayal and how the client also felt their experience of the addiction (such shame & darkness). The impact on the family was heart-wrenching. Difficult therapeutic situations were presented and these are regular everyday people...we all fall but WOW these people fall the hardest I do believe regardless of their pasts that brought them to this desperate place of using sex or pornography to numb, to gradify, and to escape.
Towards the end we were facilitating the couple disclosure process and lastly appropriate interventions for children (of most interest to me) along with receiving resources for treatment of sexual addiction. I am a resource person because I am a generalist in where I do therapy and how I have to do therapy in a small town. My supervisor is priceless to me and invaluable.
Future: So looking to the future I began jotting down ideas for a workshop to do covering How to Help & Protect your Children to Develop a Health Sexuality. There are a lot of resources for helping parents to protect their children from online predators but the discussion for developing a health sexuality is not as prevalent. Below are a few links I am currently reading and may utilize some of their information for my own workshop.
Teaching Children Healthy Sexuality: Focus on the Family
Resources for Healthy Sexuality: The Penners
Teaching Children Healthy Sexuality: How to Start Early by Ron Jackson
Healthy Sexuality Development
In the Thursday morning workshop: Understanding the Medical Factors Behind Couple’s Sexual Problems (by Jean D. Koehler, PhD, LMFT, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, Therapist and Supervisor, Asst. Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Louisville Medical School), common medical causes were discussed along with treatments of sexual dysfunction, making referrals, and opportunities for further training. I was quite pleased to find that with working in a hospital PRN I had picked up enough terminology and medical language that I could understand most of the terms and surgical procedures that were presented. She discussed a lot about the effects of such procedures on a couple's sex life & the impact on their own differing desires). It was interesting to learn more about the impact of "free" testosterone (definition & amounts) in the human body and how this hormone impacts the regulation of sexual desire and arousal. I'd have to review my notes but most interesting to me was the effect after some cancer treatments. I would definitely like to look more into this subject to better understand how patient are being educated on how medical procedures may impact their marital relationships. I think men and women should be equipped with this information.
The Thursday afternoon workshop: Resolving Desire Differences by Jean A. Campbell, LMFT. Jean blended solution-focused techniques with a holistic approach of David Schnarch to help us as therapists to guide our clients out of toxic sexual interactions stemming from desire differences. Again I would need to revisit my notes on this but found that I agreed a lot with the emphasis on differentiation and how ultimately part of work may be in helping a spouse or both spouses to understand that their partner does not fully "complete" you and that the problem does not all lie in that other person's plate. Acknowledging and owning your own stuff and what you are yearning or desiring for that other person is your "stuff" and not theirs. It is your expectation and although you desire to be completely safe with that person...other things and desires get in the way and this is a lot of misinterpretation and miscommunication. (I may scan my notes here if I think about it - a lot to think about on this one). But I do see this one a lot in counseling.
Thursday late afternoon, evening was: The Ethics Behind Working With Sexually Related Issues by Stefanie Carnes, PhD. Although I was completely exhausted this provided an opportunity to learn what Federal Guidelines there are for reporting and working with someone possibly struggling viewing child pornography or other illegal actions of a sexual nature. She provided various role plays for us as therapist to do with our "clients" (our colleagues) and it helped to take out the shock value of such discoveries. It was good for me to talk through as a therapist b/c often times you don't know what issues may really be occurring with this person in front of you and they are only telling you one piece of information at a time. There for differing views in the room pertaining to the reporting aspect of this subject which honestly was nice to see since I was struggling with what I would do in certain circumstances.
All day Friday was Stefanie Carnes again with: the Basics and Beyond for Treating Today's Sexual Issues. I was pretty exhausted from the day before with just a lot of useful information. This workshop provided me with guidelines of how to navigate the minefield of family therapy for sexual addiction. There was a lengthy discussion about the criteria for sexual addiction (what it is and how we clarify it which was very interesting. She gave us an assessment tool that appeared to be very helpful. The hard part for me is when I began to gain a better understanding of the computer pornography industry and its impact on individuals, youth, and families. We were given demonstrations on particular iPhone Apps and it revealed an even darker side of this world than I am used to. Don't get me wrong I know it's there...but I do not participate in it nor do I research it myself to better understand a client's frame of mind. (For me that is too dangerous and I am wired in such a way that potentially exploring such things is not beneficial at all). So to say the least this was disturbing and very hard for me to sit through. Plus my paranoia began to work, but luckily God is so good helped me to see that His grace is enough and trusting in Him and His plan is ultimately the best way to think about and understand such behavior in our world. This understanding helps me to better relate with those close to me and not to distrust or be suspicious of things going on.
She utilized art therapy to show how spouses experienced the betrayal and how the client also felt their experience of the addiction (such shame & darkness). The impact on the family was heart-wrenching. Difficult therapeutic situations were presented and these are regular everyday people...we all fall but WOW these people fall the hardest I do believe regardless of their pasts that brought them to this desperate place of using sex or pornography to numb, to gradify, and to escape.
Towards the end we were facilitating the couple disclosure process and lastly appropriate interventions for children (of most interest to me) along with receiving resources for treatment of sexual addiction. I am a resource person because I am a generalist in where I do therapy and how I have to do therapy in a small town. My supervisor is priceless to me and invaluable.
Future: So looking to the future I began jotting down ideas for a workshop to do covering How to Help & Protect your Children to Develop a Health Sexuality. There are a lot of resources for helping parents to protect their children from online predators but the discussion for developing a health sexuality is not as prevalent. Below are a few links I am currently reading and may utilize some of their information for my own workshop.
Teaching Children Healthy Sexuality: Focus on the Family
Resources for Healthy Sexuality: The Penners
Teaching Children Healthy Sexuality: How to Start Early by Ron Jackson
Healthy Sexuality Development
20 miles...knee...outloud
This 20 mile run was unique in itself. Stacy was with me for the first 11-12 miles and wow the first 10 miles flew by! It was great just talking about anything and everything but for me also processing the conference I was at this past Thursday & Friday (more on that later).
Once Stacy and I split I found myself running the next 2-3 miles at 8:30-9:00 minute pace which is fast and too fast for the middle of a long training run; thus knee pain hit me like a brick wall around miles 14-15. It was painful so I slowed down and then realized that this knee pain may also be connected to how I allow oxygen to come into my body (a.k.a. talking outloud might help). But more importantly I felt God saying..."turn the music off and talk to me about what is on your mind." I had noticed that when running with Stacy and talking that my knee pain doesn't show up and more importantly the time went by faster so I decided to try it and ended up praying outloud with my Lord for the rest of the run (over an hour and half).
It was the most calming thing I think I have ever done running. I had to slow down and I had to face some of my thoughts while more importantly praising Him and praying for others. I also ended up going a slightly different route to add on miles and found myself completely by myself in the middle of not much. God was calling me to Him and I finally got it. I prayed for Mark in more ways than I have before and found peace knowing that by the end of this run, God knew my fears in a way that I had not expressed before, He knew my joys and hopes for Mark and He & I knew where I stand with Ian and motherhood.
The conversation defined a lot for me and at one point I just stopped talking and started listening. Of course my mind kept wanting to tell me TALK so your knee won't hurt but I went in and out and listened. The song, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" kept going through my mind. I even sang at one point -- RUNNING!
Moral of this story...stop and take time to listen and to speak outloud to God even when you are moving. It made all the difference and wouldn't you know...my knee pain went away almost instantaneously! I laughed, God you're so funny.
The conversation brought new meaning to running and to putting Christ first. What a revelation to me.
Once Stacy and I split I found myself running the next 2-3 miles at 8:30-9:00 minute pace which is fast and too fast for the middle of a long training run; thus knee pain hit me like a brick wall around miles 14-15. It was painful so I slowed down and then realized that this knee pain may also be connected to how I allow oxygen to come into my body (a.k.a. talking outloud might help). But more importantly I felt God saying..."turn the music off and talk to me about what is on your mind." I had noticed that when running with Stacy and talking that my knee pain doesn't show up and more importantly the time went by faster so I decided to try it and ended up praying outloud with my Lord for the rest of the run (over an hour and half).
And no this photo is not me. It is to symbolize what it was like running alone, just the sound of my feet on the pavement and my heart in a conversation with God.
It was the most calming thing I think I have ever done running. I had to slow down and I had to face some of my thoughts while more importantly praising Him and praying for others. I also ended up going a slightly different route to add on miles and found myself completely by myself in the middle of not much. God was calling me to Him and I finally got it. I prayed for Mark in more ways than I have before and found peace knowing that by the end of this run, God knew my fears in a way that I had not expressed before, He knew my joys and hopes for Mark and He & I knew where I stand with Ian and motherhood.
The conversation defined a lot for me and at one point I just stopped talking and started listening. Of course my mind kept wanting to tell me TALK so your knee won't hurt but I went in and out and listened. The song, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" kept going through my mind. I even sang at one point -- RUNNING!
Moral of this story...stop and take time to listen and to speak outloud to God even when you are moving. It made all the difference and wouldn't you know...my knee pain went away almost instantaneously! I laughed, God you're so funny.
The conversation brought new meaning to running and to putting Christ first. What a revelation to me.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Morning Run
This morning I tore myself out of bed - yes tore. The sheets could barely come off of me as I thought about a) sleep, b) everything that awaited me at the hospital, & c) what I would feel like if I ran or if I didn't run. I opted to run.
As I began thinking, "hmm...maybe just 4 miles" I geared up to get in my rhythm and gradually I began to think...about EVERYTHING. Here are some various thoughts that i zoned out with:
* projects for Crop for Kicks with Candy
- Christmas card squares-all years
- Ian's pages (some important ones)
- "past" pictures & stories
* clients...
- various couples & their directions
- upcoming conference
- my point-of-view, God's point-of-view & their point-of-view
* plans for this weekend (20-miler, Mark's sermon, on-call)
* laundry needs
* how fast or slow to go on this run
* most importantly: how to move to obedience when tempted to fall
- yes a loaded thought but I pictured myself in a moment when I would & have felt overwhelmed to overeat or to overindulge in items that are not good for my mind or my body
- analyzed my motives & my methods
- humbled myself before God to be lifted up with His strength & not my own
- thought about conversations with clients about overcoming & conquering
PS - I ended up running 5 miles :) I love how thoughts just take you places. The extra energy helped me kick my day off and He was first in my thoughts.
As I began thinking, "hmm...maybe just 4 miles" I geared up to get in my rhythm and gradually I began to think...about EVERYTHING. Here are some various thoughts that i zoned out with:
* projects for Crop for Kicks with Candy
- Christmas card squares-all years
- Ian's pages (some important ones)
- "past" pictures & stories
* clients...
- various couples & their directions
- upcoming conference
- my point-of-view, God's point-of-view & their point-of-view
* plans for this weekend (20-miler, Mark's sermon, on-call)
* laundry needs
* how fast or slow to go on this run
* most importantly: how to move to obedience when tempted to fall
- yes a loaded thought but I pictured myself in a moment when I would & have felt overwhelmed to overeat or to overindulge in items that are not good for my mind or my body
- analyzed my motives & my methods
- humbled myself before God to be lifted up with His strength & not my own
- thought about conversations with clients about overcoming & conquering
PS - I ended up running 5 miles :) I love how thoughts just take you places. The extra energy helped me kick my day off and He was first in my thoughts.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
CCJ Oasis: Staying in Love
Is it possible for two people to fall in love and actually stay there? Absolutely! During our Oasis time on Sunday nights we are doing this four-session video group study on making the most of your marriage with pastor & author Andy Stanley.
If you are unable to meet with us or have missed a group session, catch-up below & download the discussion questions. We'd love to have you in our actual group session - plus you get to connect with other couples who are working to "make it" in our marriage relationships.
If you are unable to meet with us or have missed a group session, catch-up below & download the discussion questions. We'd love to have you in our actual group session - plus you get to connect with other couples who are working to "make it" in our marriage relationships.
Sunday, February 27th is scheduled as a Guided DATE NIGHT for couples to do to make Love a Verb - each couple individually goes out on their own date night.
February 13th - The Juno Dilemma
February 20th - Re-Modeling
February 27th - Guided DATE NIGHT: MarriedLife (WE Marriage) PDF
March 6th - Feelin' It
March 13th - Multiple-Choice Marriage
Saturday, February 19, 2011
18 miles...
In keeping with my resolve, I did my training run today out of trust in God (for my knee pain) and knowing that it would RESET me (since it is my RESET button), and because I knew a friend and coworker would be helping me out with the last half or so.
It was amazing! It was a little rough as I wined up and down some of the initial neighborhoods around 6am just to get some extra mileage around the Jasper HS area and then went around one neighborhood (Poplar St) like 3 times to get myself to 3-4 miles before doing the longer stretch on St. Charles St. to the middle and beyond.
When doing long runs you have to take the run in segments (especially mentally) or it gets super intimidating and down right depression sometimes. I wore my mask this morning (it was 33-35 degrees) and I can't stand breathing in cold air. I was in awe at the full moon practically right in front of me most of the time and then as I watched the sun rise (pretty spectacular). I noticed a house that is like a barn in one of the neighborhoods - never saw that before. Adam, a friend came rushing by a couple of times in shorts & with a football jersey as his outer wear (crazy!).
I did waters/powerade stops & GU's and by the time mile 9 was coming up...my knee began hurting and I trusted in God. Knowing that if I couldn't finish the long run that somehow it would be ok and that I would simply go slower this next mile until I got to the house to refuel and to "pick up" with Stacy.
So we began mile 10 and the knee pain was still there but as we spoke (which I found came pretty easy once my breathing was back in rhythm) the pain quietly disappeared...and I found myself wanting to go faster, in fact going faster and conversing! I forgot what that was like since I am a solo runner usually. It was awesome! We ran from 13th-15th, on the Riverwalk, Clay to Division to Sunshine to 5th to Kluemper to 2nd through some neighborhoods. So the last 8 miles was full of conversation, stories, background discussion and just enjoying one another's company and the blessings God has given to both of us. She runs ultras...yes ultras - ya know the crazy people who do 50+ miles!!!
But it was lovely, and made to realize how I am not to go this journey alone. I am ultimately responsible for my own motivation but we are to live in community - both in our spiritual walks and in our physical endeavors. I learned a good lesson and was truly, truly blessed. Thanks Stacy!
It was amazing! It was a little rough as I wined up and down some of the initial neighborhoods around 6am just to get some extra mileage around the Jasper HS area and then went around one neighborhood (Poplar St) like 3 times to get myself to 3-4 miles before doing the longer stretch on St. Charles St. to the middle and beyond.
When doing long runs you have to take the run in segments (especially mentally) or it gets super intimidating and down right depression sometimes. I wore my mask this morning (it was 33-35 degrees) and I can't stand breathing in cold air. I was in awe at the full moon practically right in front of me most of the time and then as I watched the sun rise (pretty spectacular). I noticed a house that is like a barn in one of the neighborhoods - never saw that before. Adam, a friend came rushing by a couple of times in shorts & with a football jersey as his outer wear (crazy!).
I did waters/powerade stops & GU's and by the time mile 9 was coming up...my knee began hurting and I trusted in God. Knowing that if I couldn't finish the long run that somehow it would be ok and that I would simply go slower this next mile until I got to the house to refuel and to "pick up" with Stacy.
So we began mile 10 and the knee pain was still there but as we spoke (which I found came pretty easy once my breathing was back in rhythm) the pain quietly disappeared...and I found myself wanting to go faster, in fact going faster and conversing! I forgot what that was like since I am a solo runner usually. It was awesome! We ran from 13th-15th, on the Riverwalk, Clay to Division to Sunshine to 5th to Kluemper to 2nd through some neighborhoods. So the last 8 miles was full of conversation, stories, background discussion and just enjoying one another's company and the blessings God has given to both of us. She runs ultras...yes ultras - ya know the crazy people who do 50+ miles!!!
But it was lovely, and made to realize how I am not to go this journey alone. I am ultimately responsible for my own motivation but we are to live in community - both in our spiritual walks and in our physical endeavors. I learned a good lesson and was truly, truly blessed. Thanks Stacy!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Keeping the Resolve...
I'm in the middle of this marathon training and I must say...I'm losing some of my mojo and motivation for running and training. It may sound weird but as the weather gets warmer...I'm not wanting to run as much. It was almost easier to tell myself to push through the cold (teens, 20s, 30s) and snow rather than sitting at home or in bed.
But as it becomes warmer, my mindset is changing. It is kind of disappointing to me. It also could be the pain in my knee that has developed. It makes me think...maybe my focus is off, maybe I'm doing too much of this for me and not enough for God. Is this a selfish goal? Is it more satisfying than my relationship with God? Do I need to tone back and focus more on what He wants me to do? Is running part of it?
Yes, I'm thinking to much but it's part of how I am wired. I am wired to be aware of my relationship with God, to be aware of how my body feels and functions, the be aware of my thoughts (positive and negative and meaningful), and I am aware of how my routine affects my family and my ministry. I'm wired to be aware.
So I'm trying to keep my resolve...to break through pain without neglecting my body and not being wise. I'm hoping and praying to continue to run for this marathon but also to tone back and to consider what other things God desires me to think about and to do. Keeping my resolve, intending on continuing, knowing God is with me and hoping perseverence and consistency will be rewarded.
But as it becomes warmer, my mindset is changing. It is kind of disappointing to me. It also could be the pain in my knee that has developed. It makes me think...maybe my focus is off, maybe I'm doing too much of this for me and not enough for God. Is this a selfish goal? Is it more satisfying than my relationship with God? Do I need to tone back and focus more on what He wants me to do? Is running part of it?
Yes, I'm thinking to much but it's part of how I am wired. I am wired to be aware of my relationship with God, to be aware of how my body feels and functions, the be aware of my thoughts (positive and negative and meaningful), and I am aware of how my routine affects my family and my ministry. I'm wired to be aware.
So I'm trying to keep my resolve...to break through pain without neglecting my body and not being wise. I'm hoping and praying to continue to run for this marathon but also to tone back and to consider what other things God desires me to think about and to do. Keeping my resolve, intending on continuing, knowing God is with me and hoping perseverence and consistency will be rewarded.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
My Response is my Responsibility
My Response is My Responsibility
I go back to this video for premarital couples again and again, and for Mark & I.
This is part of the premarital couples' date night for the topic "communication" which is right before the conflict resolution session so it helps to soften hearts.
I go back to this video for premarital couples again and again, and for Mark & I.
This is part of the premarital couples' date night for the topic "communication" which is right before the conflict resolution session so it helps to soften hearts.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Chica Bands Giveaway @ Momma Are We There Yet? Blog
Momma Are We There Yet?: Chica Bands: "(photo from Runner's World) I have searched long and hard for headbands. I used to have different bands for everyday wear, working out, com..."
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Spring 2011 Training Schedule
Here is my Spring 2011 Training Schedule I am currently following. For the most part I am doing pretty well with it. I sometimes struggle on Tuesdays after getting up so early Mondays and working a full day at the hospital. Tuesday morning run is so hard to do. Otherwise this is a compiled training for a tri and for a marathon - actually a marathon that would beat 4 hours .
* cycling = bike training in our basement or a spinning class
** "bp" = body pump class (weight lifting)
*** "stretching" = pilates/yoga class
**** swim/# = the miles I need to run on that day if I am not swimming
Follow along if you would like or take bits and pieces from it. I learned from Mark but this is the first full schedule that I have organized by myself and for myself so I'm pretty happy. :) Happy training!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Nutritional Information - Training
Written on Go! St. Louis website - I need to concentrate on this - ENJOY!
Nutrition is a very important part of training. Proper food and fluids not only provide energy for an athlete to achieve his/her daily fitness goals, but also helps in muscle recovery after your workout. Clint Verran, a licensed physical therapist – specializing in running-related injuries; a personal running coach; and one of America’s premier runners – is a big believer in the power of nutrition. Here, he provides some nutrition tips for adults participating in the GO! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend.
Daily Nutrition : The goal of your daily nutrition should be to adequately fuel your exercise, promote recovery, and avoid fat storage. Eat often to help control portion size. Multiple, smaller meals are best rather than large meals which trigger fat storage.Eat a small snack right before you run and fuel up on some carbohydrates immediately after running. Plan snacks between meals. Exercise and a steady caloric intake during the day keep your metabolism hot. Plan your eating around your activity. Monitor carbs. Eat carbs earlier in the day to fuel your exercise and daily activities. Limit mega doses of carbs in the evenings, unless you’re racing the next morning!
Race Week: Traditional carbo-loading techniques call for a 3-4 day "depletion" phase, where runners completely avoid any and all carbohydrates. The theory is that by starving yourself of carbohydrates, you make your muscles carbohydrate receptors hyper-sensitive to carbs. Then, when you reintroduce carbs, you load your muscles with more than they could normally absorb.
The problem with this method is that you expose yourself to a high risk of illness. Your immune system runs on carbs. The last thing you want is to get sick the week before your big race. INSTEAD, try a very subtle reduction in carb intake for a few days, early in the week. A small reduction should be fine because you are already tapering your training at this point. Then, the last three days before the race, get in as many high-quality carbs as you can.
During the Week: The marathon is the only distance where calories are required during the race. 10Ks and half marathons can easily be run on the body’s own glycogen stores. During the marathon, the best way to take in calories is to drink them. DO NOT pass up a sports-drink station. Sports drinks solve two problems: hydration and calories. Plain water is better than nothing, but you are missing a great opportunity to fuel your muscles. Carbo-gels or Energy Gels can satisfy thisn need if sports drinks are infrequent. You need to practice taking these gels during training. Take the gel with a couple big gulps of water. If you choose the gel route, try taking three. One gel at 6 miles, 12, and 18. Getting them in on the early side will be more beneficial than waiting until the end of the race. Look for caffeinated gels for later in the race. The caffeine will help keep you mentally focused when you really need it.
Post-Run Recovery: The most important thing to remember when it comes to recovery nutrition is TIMING. Immediately after exercise, your muscles crave carbohydrates. If you can consume carbs within 45 minutes or so after a cardiovascular workout, your body will do a much better job of storing the carbohydrates as muscle glycogen as opposed to turning it into fat. This muscle glycogen will come in very handy for your next run! TIP: Try to take in AT LEAST 500 calories of carbohydrates (grains, cereal, fruits, energy bars) within 30 minutes following a run. The longer you wait, the more of this wonderful effect is lost. Change into some dry clothes, EAT, then get that shower!
Important Habits
The most important habits you can have to live a long and healthy life are:
yes 1.Exercise and move your body every day.
yes 2.Always use your seat belts.
oops 3.Drink water - your body is 70% water.
sort of 4.Eat a good breakfast every day.
sort of 5.Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
sort of 6.Limit fat, salt, caffeine, and sugar in your food.
try to 7.Sleep 7 to 8 hours every night.
yes 8.Spend time with friends and laugh a lot!
Life with Lyme...= LIFE Renewed
As I read this young woman's blog post - I found myself asking that question she asks "do I have a problem with not getting my way?"......... That is a hard, revealing question and it leads to yes I am selfish and wow this post hit me b/c I could be her. She speaks of long-distance running and then not being able to do it.
So, I found out about 6 weeks ago that I have Lyme disease. And for me, that was great news! After over three months of doctor visits and blood tests and weight checks and pain killers and no answers as to what was wrong with me, I was thrilled to find out that I didn’t have something more debilitating like an autoimmune disorder, which does run in my family. Let’s just say that through the experiences with all the doctors (some much better than others), learning what it’s like to be sick for an extended period of time, and trying to take care of each other above ourselves through it all…I learned a lot. (Randall probably learned his own stuff, too, but I don’t want to speak for him).
I learned not to take my energy for granted. Not to take my health for granted. As a person accustomed to long-distance running, it was a huge blow to not even have the energy to do laundry. I would literally wake up, go to work, come home and sleep. Randall would cook, do laundry, and put me to bed. It sucked. I was tired and cranky and moody all the time. Who wants to feel that crappy especially when you have no idea why you feel crappy to begin with?
I’ve gotten back up to maybe a mile and a half at this point, which compared to how I used to run, is like a power-walk through the mall. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. Even though I am still recovering, still looking to be able to do everything that I once could, I am so grateful to our Father and Redeemer who has renewed me. My spirit and my body are being renewed. It has been a painful process at points, for sure. And, through this process, I’ve had to come face to face with a big hiccup for me – not being able to do what I want to do.
As a write those words, I’m afraid to even publish this blog post. Do I want to admit that I have a problem sometimes with not getting my way? No, I don’t. But, I think that might be the biggest thing that God forced me to learn through all of this. Life isn’t about doing it your way, or getting your way, or doing what you want to do. God can and will take control when we drop the ball. I’m afraid to say that I did drop the ball in some ways. I hope that I am finally freed from the throes of the Lyme disease, but more than that, I hope that this learning experience sticks with me and forces some permanent changes in my life. I hope that in 4 months, or whenever this Lyme disease fully gets out of my system, I will look back and be grateful that I was sick. If that’s what it takes for me to finally get it, that LIFE, Life in Christ, is truly greater than me and my whims, then I’ll take it. And, if you read this, and you see me being princess-y, unnecessarily, just remind me of Lenny, as my mom likes to call him…Lenny the Lyme….
Life with Lyme = LIFE Renewed
So, I found out about 6 weeks ago that I have Lyme disease. And for me, that was great news! After over three months of doctor visits and blood tests and weight checks and pain killers and no answers as to what was wrong with me, I was thrilled to find out that I didn’t have something more debilitating like an autoimmune disorder, which does run in my family. Let’s just say that through the experiences with all the doctors (some much better than others), learning what it’s like to be sick for an extended period of time, and trying to take care of each other above ourselves through it all…I learned a lot. (Randall probably learned his own stuff, too, but I don’t want to speak for him).
I learned not to take my energy for granted. Not to take my health for granted. As a person accustomed to long-distance running, it was a huge blow to not even have the energy to do laundry. I would literally wake up, go to work, come home and sleep. Randall would cook, do laundry, and put me to bed. It sucked. I was tired and cranky and moody all the time. Who wants to feel that crappy especially when you have no idea why you feel crappy to begin with?
I’ve gotten back up to maybe a mile and a half at this point, which compared to how I used to run, is like a power-walk through the mall. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. Even though I am still recovering, still looking to be able to do everything that I once could, I am so grateful to our Father and Redeemer who has renewed me. My spirit and my body are being renewed. It has been a painful process at points, for sure. And, through this process, I’ve had to come face to face with a big hiccup for me – not being able to do what I want to do.
As a write those words, I’m afraid to even publish this blog post. Do I want to admit that I have a problem sometimes with not getting my way? No, I don’t. But, I think that might be the biggest thing that God forced me to learn through all of this. Life isn’t about doing it your way, or getting your way, or doing what you want to do. God can and will take control when we drop the ball. I’m afraid to say that I did drop the ball in some ways. I hope that I am finally freed from the throes of the Lyme disease, but more than that, I hope that this learning experience sticks with me and forces some permanent changes in my life. I hope that in 4 months, or whenever this Lyme disease fully gets out of my system, I will look back and be grateful that I was sick. If that’s what it takes for me to finally get it, that LIFE, Life in Christ, is truly greater than me and my whims, then I’ll take it. And, if you read this, and you see me being princess-y, unnecessarily, just remind me of Lenny, as my mom likes to call him…Lenny the Lyme….
Life with Lyme = LIFE Renewed
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A More Comfortable Ride - Tri Training
From IRONGIRL email newsletter...
I've been off my bike for a few months (oh do I enjoy the off season and the holidays) and I dread getting back in the saddle. For the simple reason; it hurts and it takes a while for the ride to get comfortable. Here are a few tips for a more comfortable ride:
a)Seat - your seat is so important to your comfort. They make women specific seats so do a little research to find one. Ask at your local bike store to do a butt fit...sounds crazy and a little embarrassing because they actually measure your butt, but it will identify the perfect size seat for your frame.
b)Bike fit - it really does pay off to have a proper bike fit...not just once but throughout your time on your bike. New shoes - get re fitted, back hurts -get re fitted. This is not set it and forget it, this is a work in progress.
c)Padding - to pad or not to pad! For long rides it is necessary to find a good pair of bike shorts or pants that have a nice pad in them. You might feel like you are wearing a diaper when you are walking around but on the saddle it is all about comfort so you get in a good productive ride!
d)Chamois Cream - to lube or not to lube. I can honestly say I have never had saddle sores or chaffing issues but I do use a chamois cream for the moisture and comfort. There is no one size fits all on chamois cream either, but there is one specifically for women. The ingredients are anti- bacterial so less chance for infection and they have added ingredients for a moisturizing consistency (who wants wax on their girlie parts)....Hoo Ha Ride Glide...for women by women
If you visit www.reflectsports.com and use Irongirl15 at check out you will get a 15% discount...
I've been off my bike for a few months (oh do I enjoy the off season and the holidays) and I dread getting back in the saddle. For the simple reason; it hurts and it takes a while for the ride to get comfortable. Here are a few tips for a more comfortable ride:
a)Seat - your seat is so important to your comfort. They make women specific seats so do a little research to find one. Ask at your local bike store to do a butt fit...sounds crazy and a little embarrassing because they actually measure your butt, but it will identify the perfect size seat for your frame.
b)Bike fit - it really does pay off to have a proper bike fit...not just once but throughout your time on your bike. New shoes - get re fitted, back hurts -get re fitted. This is not set it and forget it, this is a work in progress.
c)Padding - to pad or not to pad! For long rides it is necessary to find a good pair of bike shorts or pants that have a nice pad in them. You might feel like you are wearing a diaper when you are walking around but on the saddle it is all about comfort so you get in a good productive ride!
d)Chamois Cream - to lube or not to lube. I can honestly say I have never had saddle sores or chaffing issues but I do use a chamois cream for the moisture and comfort. There is no one size fits all on chamois cream either, but there is one specifically for women. The ingredients are anti- bacterial so less chance for infection and they have added ingredients for a moisturizing consistency (who wants wax on their girlie parts)....Hoo Ha Ride Glide...for women by women
If you visit www.reflectsports.com and use Irongirl15 at check out you will get a 15% discount...
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