Time Warp

I lost my passwords...
I forgot and got busy and  ignored this little blog.
and then one day I was looking up HIITMAMAS blog and saw a link to my own blog.
I clicked..
It worked!

WOOOSH

TIME Warrrrpppppp.

 4 years since  I posted here?  so much has happened.

July 2010 I was laid off from an awesome job. It was difficult finding  work again in my field so I took a small business over from a friend  and set my own hours and I worked part time at Alta Ski Area.  Suddenly I was finding myself happier  doing things I enjoy. The money wasn't what it used to be but  it felt great NOT having the standard American schedule.

I kept up on my weight loss and skiing 100+ days  that season sure did help!
I met a great guy that season and we are still adventuring together.

My beloved grandson was born in 2011! what a joy, joy, joy!

Dave, his son, and I took a road trip to  Alaska in 2012.  We christened the  tent "the palace" after  one particularly brutal round with the monstrous mosquitoes in northern BC.  I think there are still a few blood smears on the inside roof of the palace!

 While  in Alaska the love of my life passed away... my father.  Cancer got the best of his body but  we all got the best of his heart.  our final conversation  was on Saturday July 28th, 2012. I sat on some rocks in a cove outside of Skagway AK. I had taken a small hike with Dax and told him stories about my youth.  It made me miss dad so I called him. I am so glad that I did.  He asked about some important things and when I told him I did not have the answers to his questions he said these  words... "Carrie, you gotta live your life."  Dad passed from this life into  heaven  the next morning. (long quiet pause)

I'm doing my best to live up to your advice, Dad...



More to come.

Chico decided to snuggle up on my bed, right on top of the laundry. While typically camera shy, I managed to get this cute shot of him peering out from under his wildly tossled bangs. Chico is a wonderful walking buddy. May we have a multitude of miles together!

Thumbs up!  Near mile 10 of the SLC half.

One & a half Marys

I completed the SLC Half Marathon on April 17th. It was my second SLC half but my third ever.  THIRD EVER?  is this for real?  This year my time was worse because I  had to make many potty stops but  my estimation is  that I improved by about 3-4 minutes.  However, official time is official time. I will get 'em next year.  What if I could drop 30- 40- maybe 50 lbs  by next year?  That would be awesome. I bet I could shave an HOUR off my time.  For right now I think  my running is taking the backseat to bicycles, hiking & camping. I sure want to enjoy the summer. I think I want to explore at least 1 new sport and one  new area this year.

It looks like  I will be  laid off around August or so.  What an exciting time  for me to fully trust in God for my next steps.  My brain says start looking NOW but  my heart says hold on, just wait,  it is all going to work  out.  I believe that it all will. I just have some ideas in my mind that  I have gotten through prayer time and I am anxiously  ( expectantly)  waiting to see if it comes to be. So for now my plan is to keep on seeking the Lord, stay in a place of peace, and  wait for the next move to be revealed to me.  This is good!

FINISHING IS WINNING

Hooray! I completed  my second ever Half Marathon and the best part is that  it was the Canyonlands Half in my favorite place on earth... MOAB, UT.

13.1 beautiful miles along the Red Rocks and  Coloroado River, small birds singing along the way. breathtaking and thrilling to be a part of.

Is this REALLY  MY life?

~~~~~~~~
 My friend Kim came with me for the weekend and was so kind to  come and  meet me about 4 or so miles from the end and finish with me. My Coach Dan  met us about 1 1/2 or 2 miles from the end and  made us laugh  our way to the finish line. That was awesome! Thanks soooo much Kim & Dan!

Sam  is a friend who owns a coffee stand in Moab and on race day I told him I was running it and he said " Just remember, Finishing IS Winning". PERFECT advice and it was just what I needed to hear. when we stopped for coffee the following day  he asked how I did. My answer?  I WON! :)

This time I finished about a minute better than my SLC run in 09.  A minute is not much but this course was  a lot  more rolly and that made it a little harder.  the SLC Half is  in 4 days and so I am hopeful to finish under 3 hours but think it would totally rock to do it in like 2:50 or 2:55. we'll see!

3 years?

Wow, where does time go? Today is March 1st, the 3 year mark of my being in Utah. Life takes such turns, often times not what we expected or wanted but in every instance, God is good, regardless of what things look like.

In these 3 years my biggest accomplishment has been tackling a major heath issue. My weight. two weeks ago I hit the "C-note" as my coach puts it. I have lost 100lbs. I remember feeling absolutely hopeless when I was at my largest. I never ever though I would be able to make it this far. I feel so much better, so much stronger, so much happier. I Want to publicly thank my god, the lover of my soul, my soon coming king, my prince of peace, the one who captured my heart for never leaving me, never giving up on me and for always wispering words of life and love into my soul. Thank You Jesus, I love you from the bottom of my heart.

I have also been able to tackle some huge debt. I am forever greateful for my sister & brother-in-law's gracious generosity towards me and my daughter. I belive that at the current rate I will have them fully paid off in about 6-7 more months.

Daddy knows all seasons of life. I have had some very difficult seasons here in Utah- people, places, circumstances that I wouldnt have chosen had I known the end results, but at the same time, I have grown because of everything. Both the good and the less good. I am grateful for all of it.

The highlight of my wellness endeavors and time in Utah has honestly got to be the new love I have discovereed for the out of doors. I love hiking, camping, SKIING, and look forward to picking up bicycling this year. I will summit Mt. Timpanogos this summer and will go trail running and mountian biking in Moab. I plan on climbing Angels landing just to demonstrate my choice to no longer be afraid of heights and to be able to stand there on the top and say "I CAN DO ANYTHING". This is definately a new chapter in the book of Carrie.

One last thing. I have Hope again.  I belive a new season of "discovery" is in store for me. I will keep you updated.

 

GUESS WHO WENT TO THE WEDDING EXPO... Cristine, Lotus & i hit two in one day. Here we are glamma gurlz!

Yea For New Friends!

Yea! I am thrilled to have met KIM who is my new running buddy. Thanks for runnin' with me girl! You're awesome and fun to get to know. Here is to pushing each other to our very best in all we do.

 

What an incredible group of women. I love each of them! (Nature's Way Kids Christmas Party 12/5/09 Springville UT)

Did The Dance.

Ok, keep in mind I am not very good at any athletic event I do, but the point is, I DO THEM. This year I treated myself to a pass to Sundance Ski Resort and today was my first day up for some snow. It was a good day and I felt like I am getting a little bit better. It was hard because it was overcast & snowing which made it really hard to see the trail. There was fresh powder which is good and bad. the good new was that it didn't hurt to badly when I fell. Coincidentally, that is the bad news too. My goal is to ski every weekend I possibly can through this season which is definatley a huge change of life for me. Im so grateful for the ability to get out and do things now.

Got more good news this morning... Our team got picked to run in the Moab Half Marathon in March so I guess its TRAINING TIME. *pinching self* Is this really my life?

a few more things on my mind

GRACE... "mercy triumphs over judgement". I wonder if there are some life lessons I will ever finally learn.

Rest is not the absence of activity but the presence of peace.
Rest also comes through faith.(hebrews 4)

No one can fill the void in my life, except God. All other relationships are ment to be complimentary to the life He has given me and that I can offer to complement others.

Moab Half Marathon & stuff

Ok, its official, I registered for the Canyonlands half marathon in Moab. It is on March 20th. Now, its just a matter of getting drawn in the lottery. (pretty please, God?)


Here is the most recent quote I found that stikes a chord in me...
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

And finally, Katie & Judah Leave for 4 months in Thailand & Cambodia. They are my best friends and actually like having me around. I really need it to snow because it is how I plan on coping with..... "lonely". I will sure miss them but I am soooo excited for what God will do in them and those they touch while overseas. I feel like I am missing something. I know it is not my season to go, but I feel out of place. like I wont know what to do without them. Maybe that is a sign that I am too reliant on them to help me fill the void inside? I dunno. I just know my heart hurts a little at the thought of being all alone again. Please God let is snow, so I can ski & not think about it....

so true

There are no distinctions of class, only of character.(Mike Haleen)

New season

Yesterday may have been my last Y Hike for the season. snow...I will be happy with 25 hikes but would love to have another chance or two to beat my time. My best time was 37 minutes to the tippy top of the Y. We'll see what happens by spring...

SO here is my plan:
I am putting in for the Canyonlands 1/2 mary as part of a group. If one gets drawn, we're all in. I love Moab and would so enjoy making this my first 1/2 of 2010. Next will be the SLC Half in April. I know I can beat this years time of 3:05. Dare I hope for a 2:30? That would be big progress!

The topper... I am *gulp* going for my first ever full Mary.. the Ogden Marathon. can I do it? I think I can. :)

Of course all of this means I have to TRAIN. I hate training. *laugh*. why do I do this to myself? I know why.. BECAUSE I CAN. Good Lordy, I cant hardly believe it but I CAN do this! woo hoo. I will keep you all posted.

The first ever Justice Run for Run Against Traffic will be May 1st. I might have already mentioned that though.

Aside from the running goals, I plan on skiing all winter and aside from that I need to take care of Mercy House Coffee while Katie & Judah are gone. They will be in Thailand & Cambodia for 4 months! Maybe that will be my job after Nature's Way is over with. (admin for mercy house)We'll see I guess.

I'm grateful for friends, both old and new. If you're a friend, know that I love you!
Light, Life,Truth, & Love

Rest

Rest is not the absence of activity, but the presence of peace. ahhhh... may the Prince of Peace grant Rest to your soul!

Trail Running

I spent the weekend in MOAB (a favoirite place in the world) with my best buds, Katie & Judah Becker. We enjoyed a short hike out towards Klondike Bluffs on Friday evening when we arrived to town and on Saturday we spent hiking Amasa Back trail. It was WONDERFUL! As we were climbing up the canyon it felt easier to jog then to walk so I did... and before I knew it I had crested the top of the main canyon trail so I climbed some rocks and sat in the sun. It was delightful.
The best part was that while the trail was very bumpy, lots of rock and obstacles, my feet seemed to have a mind of their own- picking just the right place to step. It felt like a dance. It felt good. It was fun. lso fun was the silly feeling I had and so I decided to PRETEND I was on a mountian bike doing stunts, running and leaping off of rocks asif I were spinning off them on a bike. It was so fun to play like a child... and so embarassing when unexpected bikers caught me doing it! ha. I felt like a kid, this time in a good way! :)

The trail was wide and well used but not much traffic other than mountain bikers. Speaking of which, I MUST learn to mountian bike ride. There is some technique BI can see that. but what thrill, what fun the going down part! Next trip down I may book myself a tour where they drop you off and you bike back to town.

I have shared with yout he following pics.. My feet...beautiful are the feet that bring good news! The view from my rock nap- knees included, fins & the La Sal mountains, and the view I had when I ran down the canyon on the way back.

Judah Becker, founder of Mercy House COffee and beloved brother! check out his ministry at www.mercyhousecoffee.org. How fun it was to see these pictures. I almost dont recognise myself. It felt good to run again. my legs remember the feel of the SLC half and it is good. must keep running.. :)

I run again

Tommy Green (Run Against Traffic compadre)encouraged me to Just Do It.. the Nike+ 10k HUMAN RACE on Saturday Oct 24th. It was a worldwide running event with individual races all across the world. So, I just did it & so did Tommy and many others. Tommy rocks- he was 5th or 6th in SLC. He's going to be a super runner- and already is. You rock, bro.

I have been hiking the Y and running back down for the last few weeks but had run down just 4 times before the N+10k. I was not prepared but once the first mile was in and my legs were warmed up I just told myself the truth.. which is that all I have to do is make the effort, and let God provide my strength. He is faithful and so was I. I hoped for a 1:30:00 finish and actually did it under, at 1:23:52. so just over 6 minutes better than I had hoped for. Now I have a time to beat, which of course means I have more running to do. :)

I met with my coach Dan for a new goal/training plan and decided on 2 half marys and a full. SO.. I will try to get into the Canyonlands(MOAB) half in March, SLC half in April then go for my first full marathon in MAY in Ogden... yikes! I don't have anything but the desire to make the effort. Surely, I will succeed!

It looks like I may do my first relay in December as well. 50 miles shared between 5 runners in a relay. sounds fun. I will let you know how it goes.

Progress

I feel like I am beginning to make progress in multiple areas of life right now.

1)Run Against Traffic... DATE IS SET for May 1, 2010 to host our very first race ever. we're starting small with a simple 5K. HUGE THANKS to: JOHN ALLSEN who encouraged me to go after it and liked that we're doing something-not just living through other people doing something, JAROM THURSTON for hooking me up with his sister-in-law MAHOGANI who gave me some great tips and has offered us the use of their equipment. TOMMY & KRISSI GREEN who are awesome people, good friends and are full of ideas, not afraid to do stuff even if out of the comfot zone, real followers of God, who inspire me to just be who I am. JUDAH & KATIE BECKER who love people and believe in justice! Love ya guys!

2)getting back in control after a lax summer. It was good but now its back into focused mode. I WANT TO KILL THIS EXTRA WEIGHT. I am so close to -100 lbs. I have been hiking the Y here in Provo for two weeks now. I am gettinjg stronger, legs are much stronger, speed is improving. Completed 11 trips as of 10-22-09. Todays time was 49 min to the top of the top, 16 minutes coming down.

3) Finding Peace. I am not always at peace internally, but I improving each day. Maybe I am growing up. I am trying to just be full of faith regarding my future, what happens after NAture's Way, what is in store for my life. Well, no worries. I have a tent & Moab is a short trip away!

Life is good, God is good!

Light, Life, Truth & Love.

Carrie

Ok, next month the Canyonlands Half Marathon opens up. Im excited to have a goal again. I realize that I need something to aim for in my life. I do better when I can focus on something, have a purpose. I wonder who will run with me. I think maybe Carol Dennis. I will talk with Krissi & Tommy and see if they are game. I imagine my THF friends will be there again in 2010.

I know that change is good and I do have what it takes to keep going forward with the things in my life like the HARD WORK of getting healthy. Why are old ways so hard to break? I know I am made new, so whats up with the self-flesh-fight? makes me mad at times and so tired at others.

However, once in a while little things happen that remind me how good this all is. In Denver last week I was able to buy two pieces of clothing that look great on me. My belly is still a problem zone but I found a hot pair of pants that look and feel great. not my typical cut and I really FEEL good wearing them. The Sweater is a zip front and is form fitting and hides the bad stuff nicely. I just feel good wearing them. It feels good to feel good. I like feeling good about myself (not to be confused with arrogance). It took me 41 years to get here!

Ok, so the last urgent thing on my plate is RUN AGAINST TRAFFIC. A Local Ultra runner athlete said he will meet with me and try and give me some pointers, advice, help??? with moving forward and has some family that he thinhks might be able to help us out. The train is leaving the station. Who's On board???

Let me know if you want to be a part of hosting races that ultimately help rescue young girls out of sexual slavery. We are RUNNING AGAINST TRAFFIC!

ready, set...go

It has been a nice summer. I enjoyed the out of doors, spent time with friends, hosted my friend Paloma from Spain for a whole month- we went from UT to ID, MT,ID,WA,ID,MT,WY,ID,UT,WY,UT! (got a little lost on the way home from mom & dad's house in WA via Yellowstone NP!) We did all the state crossing while hauling a 200? year old antique china hutch down to UT for my sister Nickie. More than once as we bumped across Yellowstone NP roads under construction we cracked up laughing at the silly things we were doing... It was good.

On the way into Yellowstone we stopped and looked at the incredible sky. My God, how great you are! All the heavens sing your praises! INCREDIBLE. The milky way was so thick you could have eaten it with a spoon. Ebony cheeks freckled by Ursa Major, Caseopia, Orion, and the Corona. breathtaking, immense, beautiful, awe inspiring. Good for my body, my soul, my spirit. As we looked at the sky I thought we were seeing a commet but as I watched it moved fairly rapidly across the sky. It was bizarre but figured out that it was a plane and had some lights reflecting off the top of clouds that were below it. strange but interesting. another smaller plane came along behind it which told us this must be a flight pattern for some airport.. maybe SLC? We drove into the town of West Yellowstone and as we checked in the receptionist was a little late getting to her desk and said there had been some excitement. Upon aksing her about it she said the Spaceshuttle had just passed overhead followed by the international space station. SO THAT is what we saw. COOL!

The next day we went through Yellowostone and Glacier NPs and eventually got ourselves home. I had to return to work by then but Paloma kept herself entertained with a trip to slc (which she found absolutley the single most dead city she has ever experienced in all her world travels) and also spent 3 days in Vegas. I took her around to local sites like Provo Canyon, Sundance where we met fun and interesting people-One with a 9 foot smile!- and a great cappuccino, Park City (which reminds me so much of Roslyn) where we dodged rain and found a great beer (Polygamy Porter by Wasatch Brewery). I then took her to MOAB, My favorite place in the world, and we had fun.. but I can tell it was not as striking to her as it is to me. truth be told I think I almost killed her in a hummer 4x4 tour. I think she has forgiven me..... I hope. Well, the goal was to share some of my american life with her and we did do that. I think it's ok not to like everything the same. It was good to share the time though. :)

Before we knew it the month was up and on OCT 2 I took her home. I had pretty much just adjusted to having company when her time was up and now she is gone. Odd feeling now... it was nice not to be alone for a month... and now I feel like I am grieving again.. like other milestones in life... Cristine going to MT, coming home, then moving out... breaking up with D... moving away from WA and the life I had always known.... change....change...change

I'm so grateful for the friends I have. They mean the world to me but listen, I am not ok anymore. Its time for change. Lord, bring your winds of change. I want what you want for me.. I want to be completed/complimented and to complete & compliment. I want abundant life, I want to give abundantly, to love abundantly, to listen abundantly, to share abundantly, to encourage abundantly, to live life abundantly& I don't want to do it alone. *sigh*

Some things are easily changed, others are not.
Tonight I prepared everything I need to get going agian on Total Health & Fitness. chicken- check, veggies- check, rice- check, yogurt/cheese/wholegrain crackers/ fresh fruit- check. I am 10 pounds away from -100 and 45 pounds away from my final goal. I really , really want to do this. so, if there is aneone out there that actually reads this would you pray for me? the sticktoitiveness to not get tired and give up.. the peace of mind to keep moving forward, to keep my eyes on the prize which is Jesus and my health is a vehicle he will use to touch other lives... Pray that my character be improved & transformed every day and that I love MORE every day.

Unless something else comes up my next race will be in March for the Moab Half Mary. Im going to train by 1) hiking the Y every day between now and the snow flies, 2) may join the gym for the winter, 3) start zumba again. even though it hurts my hips... its just so fun!, 4)Restart weight training. 5) Stay in a place of peace.

Thats my plan...
Light, Life, Truth & Love

Carrie

Failure & Love

I recognize in myself that I am good at certain things... falling short is one of them. *sigh*

I picked up The Message tonight..needed a lift, a lightened load. Look at what I found...

"Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love! Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it- because it does."

so, then what is a life of love?

Love never gives up
Love cares for others more then for self
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have
Love doesn't strut,
Doesnt have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others
Doesn't revel when others grovel.
Love takes pleasure in the flowering of Truth
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back but keeps going to the end.

I have some learning to do.

How to live...

This morning I am reminded of something a man in Yakima said about 9 years ago...

LIVE LIFE PASSIONATELY, FULL OR GUSTO, AND DONT DO STUPID STUFF, (H. Eberly) My goal is to keep that front of mind as often as possible. Life is so good~!

Well, Carrie "slacker" Vallone here.... Love the race and have fizzled personally since then. BUT..! take heart I am NOT a quitter.
My next challenge:

Climb Mount Timpanogos!

Here is a view from the top. However.. i will not be going in the snow!
its a 12.5 mile hike and I hope to make it in Mid August. (maybe as soon as July 24th!)

I better go do some quads & glutes workouts!

I saw this video on the Dr. Mercola site and wanted to share it with you. ENJOY

THIS SATURDAY!!??... what a trip it has been to train for this event. I NEVER imagined I would ever EVER run ANYTHING. Ever. Nest Saturday you will see pictures of me crossing a finish line.
I have amazed myself. My coach called me a "cool chick" last week. haaa haa. I love that. I have NEVER considered myself a cool chick.. but maybe it is a name that should stick. hhaaa.. we'll see how cool I am after 13 miles of race! Pray for me.

I know I cant do this race in my own power or strength, but His divine power has already given me everything I need!

I am running in support of Mercy House Coffee ministry which supports children rescued out of sexual slavery. Check out this blog spot for more info and do DONATE :)

Run Against Traffic

Shaken by the Shack

It was just a book that caught my eye. Wilderness & Cabins have always been a part of my life so no wonder the cover gripped me. I can imagine sitting on that porch. I bet you can hear the wind blowing through the trees on a breezy day. and look at that light. what is it? An explosion, an angel, a UFO? I began to read...

Imagine relationships built on expectancy, not expectations. If anything matters, everything matters. I am especially fond of you. These are messages I have received in my heart as I have read the pages of this book called The Shack by Will Young.

I'm not going to spoil anything by reviewing the whole thing with you however I will say that it is a story of a man who experiences tragedy and comes through that tragedy in an INCREDIBLE way. Take your mind out of the box and open up your heart for this book.

I accept love better, I love better, I care more, I am more forgiving, I am more patient, I am forever changed by this one. Do make a point to read it!

You can also click here to visit The Shack website.

Ok so, this whole race thing is getting really CLOSE! What? am I NUTZ? well.. crazy or not I am going for it. This is such a big challenge to me. I am beginning to day dream of crossing the finish line. never in my life have I ever imagined doing any sort of racing. Wow.

Yesterday was my birthday. I can honestly say that life just keeps getting better, the older I get. Of course there are some parts that I don't like as much ( like things that should be but are not) but even through those things, I am growing & it is good- no, it is well. it TRULY is well with me. I am at peace- not always comfortable with life, but definitely have peace. how about you? do you have peace in your life? there is one true way to peace, and his name is Jesus. Today is a great day to get to know him as your Lord. If you've recognized him for who he is but realize you need something more than just "life as we know it" then right now is the time to stop everything. (I do mean EVERYTHING) and talk with him. LISTEN to him. Seek him and his ways and your life will reside in peace!

Making Progress

Some days it is almost surreal when I think about the changes that have happened in my body over the last 2 years.

Yesterday was a phenomenal day for me. I am still training for the SLC Half Mary and part of my training plan includes 3 runs a week. A "run" for me consists of about a half mile of jogging followed by numerous bouts of jog/walk/jog/walk/jog/walk. On Saturdays, sometimes my friend Andrea runs with me. Yesterday we got together for a run and had a pretty good experience. I like going out with her be case I push myself a little more when I have a running partner. She also challenges me to go a little bit further than I would normally go- and that is a good thing.

We got in about 4 miles or so and afterwards I went to her house for coffee & a bagel. She later invited me to go skiing with her and her kids up at Sundance Ski Resort. I quickly said, "YES!". I went and rented some gear , ran home and changed, and met back up with them and up we went. It was a fabulous day. The sun was shining, almost to a detriment because it was also melting the snow and it got a little bit slushy towards the end of the day. But all in all we had a wonderful time. We skied both sections of the mountain but were only able to get in 1 run on the back mountain and the view from the top is PHENOMENAL! ahhh it was wonderful.

When the day was done and I returned the equipment to the rental store, I couldn't help but just thank the Lord for seeing me through to a place in life where I actually feel ALIVE again. So far I have lost about 87 pounds. I am running??? skiing??? fitting into clothes & shopping in stores I have not frequented in over 20 years??? this is fabulous! I feel great and seriously, just thanked God for not giving up on me and getting me to a place where I am coming to life again.

LIFE IS GOOD!

P.S. By the way, Cristine Alexa "Beautiful" Vallone is the greatest daughter on the face of the entire planet! (and everyone should be jelous that they dont have a daughter like her! (per Cristine, but I agree!)

Ok, the clock is ticking and I have just about a month left before my first big race. It still seems unreal to me. but I WILL conquer!

Ok, its official. I am switching THIS blog to be my own personal blog and have started a new blog for RUN AGAINST TRAFFIC. Be sure to VISIT it often and dig deep! The site is www.runagainsttraffic.blogspot.com

SNOW cramps my training style.

Run 2

Run 2.. Done. I was just going to walk chico but once I got out I saw the ground was not slippery so I asked the Lord & he said.. "go". so I went. It was a good run. I ran... (pinch pinch) still not real to me.

big accomplishment

Ok,this was a monumental day. I set out on a 40 minute jog... FIRST TIME EVER.

Guess what. I did it. I had to (chose to?) stop and walk 3 times (maybe four?) but only walked until I caught my breath then zip zip off on my joggers shuffle right on down the path.

I actually did it. I am absolutely amazed with myself. My body has changed so much, my brain hasn't caught up to it yet. I still think I am "too fat to...xyz.". But after doing this today, and feeling so good... I think I might actually be beginning to believe (not just say) that i CAN do this.

This is monuMENTAL to me. Have you ever accomplished something you never. (NEVER!) dreamed would happen. Wow. I am sort of in a state of shock. That, and a state of "tired".... because ...I jogged for 40 minutes tonight. :)

Be blessed.

Oh My GOSH! I just calculated it and with 66 days left until the race all I need to do is improve my running by .1 of a mile each day. that is just going 1 block further a day! I CAN do that. Sweet!!

I think I am going to take my scale to my coach, Dan, tomorrow. I step on and off that blasted thing 4 times a day. I am fixated on it this week and it is not healthy. "IT" says my results are not going to be much different from last week but I suspect my weigh in at THF is going to be different.

1) I completed my 4 cardio walk/jogs and I just completed my last toning work out.

2) I can actually FEEL a difference in the shape of my body just from this week. Apparently there are muscles that run from your hip down into you leg.. WHO KNEW?

3) I went from 5 to 10lb. weights and that increase along with one extra rep (3 total) has made a good difference. I am sore.

4) I got plenty of water in today. Plan on being more consistent with little things like that.

When I weigh in, Dan uses a caliper to test me for actual fat changes. Last week I gained .2 of a pound but lost half a pound of fat. How many times have I quit other programs that just use a weight scale? I work my bunz off all week and weigh in just to gain? ack! but this way gives a much more clear total picture of what is actually happening. So, even though "IT" says I have not lost this week I believe I dropped at least half a pound again. We'll see!

Is anyone else ready to start gardening? The Robins returned last week and I just want Spring to come already.

I AM a runner

Its official. I am a runner. Not much of one but I am one. go ahead label me, I dont mind. :)

Its a mental challenge to think 13 miles...13 miles.. 13 miles. when I can only do about 1 right now but i DO have faith that I WILL conquer this challenge.


Here is my training plan this week.

Cardio: FOUR 45 minute Brisk walk/jogs ( 3 down 1 to go)
Weights: TWO toning routines provided by Dan Wilcox at Total Health & Fitness, Orem (801-762-6207)

Running Against Human Trafficking

Can you imagine 5, 6, 7 year old girls being raped repeatedly each day? Tourists stopping by for oral sex with children? Adults who are meant to protect the most innocent accepting money and looking away? What if it were happening to your child?

Me and my friends are going to do whatever we can to stop sexual exploitation.

I moved to Utah in March of 2007 and ever since have been on a journey to wellness. I have lost 82 pounds and have another 60 or so to go. As a personal challenge I have decided to participate in my very first half marathon. My friend Krissi has a goal to do her very first marathon before she hits a milestone birthday this year.

Krissi & I, as well as some other friends, are going to do the Salt Lake City Marathon in April 2009.

We want to raise $16,000 to build a home for children rescued out of sexual slavery in Thailand. Our friend Judah did what he could to change the destiny for 3 dozen girls by getting Kona coffee plants donated and now a sustainable crop is grown in the montain villages- eliminating the practice of selling children into servitude- which usually leads to forced prostitution. (www.mercyhousecoffee.org) Mercy House is a safe place for girls who are rescued from sexual slavery and brought to live in peace, safety and love. We want to build them a new building but can't do it on our own.

We also are becoming more and more aware of the issue of human trafficking in the USA. It is SHOCKING. I will post more as I learn more.

Here is our plan for starters:

We'll do all the work... you just cheer us on.
We train for our race, you sponsor us financially.

We need sponsors to support us as we train and race.
We need shoes. Some of us just don't have the extra cash for running shoes. Can you help?
MORE importantly, can you sponsor one (or more) of us through our race and/or our training?

Imagine what$0 .05 a mile could do! (10 weeks training x 30 miles a week=300 miles +26 marathon miles=326 miles x .05 =$16.30) Could you set that aside for this cause?

Another factor is this. When I have a purpose, I am motivated to see it through. Would you help me see it through?

Do you have experience with this kind of fund raising? I am 100% new at it and would value your input!

Lets Run against Traffic!