Week 6

Well, more than halfway through, and I don't know... it doesn't seem to be getting any easier... yet! I know we keep pushing ourselves, and I suppose, if I went back and did what we did the first week it would be easier that way, but the running in general is no easier for me.

Oh well... I'm pushing on... I now only have (I think) 5 weeks until July 1, so I have to push myself and not take any breaks (like I have been lately) in order to be able to finish on the 1st.... One month to go!

I ran 17 min this morning, I've caught up to where the group is (after missing Thur night)... and now I have to get ready to match the increase again this week. It is relentless...
Wish me luck... only a few more practices to get this right!

What a week... !!

Well, It may seem as though I missed a week with my running... I just haven't had time to post anything. I did make it to clinic Thur night, for our 4 min run/ 1 min walk night. It was very difficult, but once again, I pushed through, and made it.

Then, we made a last minute decision to go to Boston for the long weekend. Shaun had Tues off school, so it gave us an extra day. We didn't leave as early as we would have liked, but made it into Maine the first night, and then to Boston by Saturday afternoon.

We went to the aquarium first, and couldn't find parking, so we ended up getting a hotel room with my points (from all my nights away with work) right downtown on the harbourfront. It was beautiful, and so nice to be right close to everything. We managed to pack in a lot in only 2.5 days in the city.

Overall, I loved the city. I was so pleasantly surprised by how nice it was, how relatively easy it was to get around, how friendly everyone was! We took the 'bus tour' around town, and learned a lot about the history (there is SO much ... too much for me to write and remember!!). There was also a lot to learn about the city- how it has been transformed, over the past 20 years, since they changed the transportation arrangements (they ended up putting their major thouroughfare underground, which opened up the downtown, cleaning it up, and attracting people to the area). For a city of 600,000 (well, 1.2 million in the fall when the students arrive) it was a great visit. I definitely want to go back, perhaps without the kids, or when they are older, so we can spend more time exploring! It was a great weekend!

Here are just a few highlights...

Alexa at the aquarium...

We even managed to get a babysitter through the hotel, to make it to Game 3 of Celtics/ Magic game... the crowd was great, despite Boston's 'blowout' game. We didn't even have too much difficulty getting tickets the night of the game... surprising!!

At the Museum of Natural History (Shaun's pick) ... the vulture is looking down on Alexa!

Shaun at Harvard... he is showing us where he will go to school one day... IF he saves all his money ... I mean ALL his money!!! At over $37000 / year tuition alone, he better save a lot!! It is a beautiful campus to walk around.

Beacon Hill... the 'snobby neighbourhood' where all the rich and famous people/ politicians live.

Some of the intricate architechture...

The dam that controls the Charles river. They have to control the water table in the downtown, as 60% is built on landfill, and if it gets too dry, they wood would dry out and the city would literally crumble.

Little Italy... typical row housing seen all over the city. Almost all the buildings are made of brick.

The view of the city from the harbour boat tour. It really is a beautiful city.

Had to do a ride... the kids couldn't resist...

The kids chased squirrels in this park while we waited for our next bus. It was such a beautiful weekend!!

7 years... today

Oh ... how young we were!!

Well, as unbelievable as it sounds, it has been 7 years since we said 'I do'. It is such a cliche to say 'it doesn't feel like that long ago', but it really doesn't. I feel like in so many ways we have accomplished so much, yet we are on the verge of accomplishing a whole lot more.

It was a beautiful day, so we took advantage and headed to the beach after supper. The kids had a blast (it is really the first day we have been) ... until the wind picked up and they were too cold. wish I would have had the camera, they were running and splashing in the water- with their clothes on... so carefree... so innocent... so adorable.

From our union, we have two beautiful children (and 1 hairy one!)... we have a grown together ... we have supported each other... we have fought, and we have made up. I am so thankful to have Andrew as my husband, and I thank God everyday that he brought him into my life.

Life just wouldn't be the same without you... I love you Andrew- here is to another 7 !!

Week 4....

Wow... I can't believe (no really-I can't belive) I am in week 4 already... and I'm still alive!

Last night was another new milestone... 15 min run (out of 20). It was difficult, but my new running buddy kept me to task (I think my previous partner has dropped out, boohoo- I miss her!)

I changed a few things yesterday, and tried to keep positive thoughts all the way through.

We did a goal setting session 'in class' yesterday... my short term goal is to finish the clinic. I have my days where I really doubt if I can do it, so right now it is simply "one day at a time". My next goal is to complete the 5 km Canada Day Run... and my next goal... to keep up with this all summer.

I got together with 'my group of girls' here yesterday, and we have now formed our own little running group... to meet weekly, and keep each other motivated. We are the 'floppin' ta-ta's'!! yes, we are mothers who want to get in shape and need the support (pun may be intended!!)

Anyway, I am hopeful... I see the progress... and I plan on going Sunday morning so I can say I can do it not once, but twice, and move on from there!

Week 3...

I know... it has taken me a few days to write this entry... I am recovering...

Thursday was a bad day. I only slept about 3 hours the night before. I have been fighting allergies/ sinus pain all week. I made the mistake of eating a 'big' supper before I went. My running buddy wasn't there. And it was windy... very windy.

Our goal was to increase from 10 to 14 minutes of running this week. Things weren't too bad to start. We had the wind at our backs, and overall things were feeling pretty good. But on the way back, was I struggling... the wind beating at my face and pushing me further back as I tried to move forward.... taking my breath away...

I managed 6 out of the 7 (2 min) sets of running. Which I was, in many ways, surprised I got as far as I did. But I felt horrible. I didn't really care that I had just run more than I have ever run my whole adult life. That I had beat my previous 'personal best'. I just wanted to go home and go to bed.

... I came home... showered... fell into bed... and still felt horrible...

Then, Friday morning, surprisingly, I felt fantastic. Much like I have felt after each previous run... the feeling was just ... delayed.

I spent most of Friday allowing myself to have had a horrible run. With all the factors against me, I can understand why I felt so bad. However, with the encouragement from the group, I will go back.... they are that motivating, that encouraging, that I will go back.

I am also pleased to report that overall, I think the shin pain is improving. They both hurt this morning, just walking around the house, but while I was running, I think, just maybe, they were hurting less.

We were told this week, to never, ever, think negative thoughts (especially before you run/ race), and to stay away from anyone else being negative. I know how much this effects everything, and have known this for a long time. My running buddy and I seem to jive, despite our regular 'whining', we do help each other, and I missed her positive energy this week. So... positive thoughts all week... if I could manage 12 min this week, than 14 min is doable the next run.... and 15 min next clinic night... onward and upward....only 7 more weeks until Canada Day...