384 lbs of happiness

I could write volumes about the things I love about my husband. But today, I love how excited he gets about my job. We are now suppliers of window treatment parts. When our supplies came in from China today I texted him. He said, "384 lbs of cord lock happiness!" He was super excited and asked for detailed pictures and descriptions because he couldn't wait to get home to see what 384 lbs of cord locks and cord pulls looks like. I love that he gets excited and encourages my job. So anywho, my workout today began with carrying 14 boxes of cord locks and pulls totally 384 lbs. How much fun was that? I'd rather be passing a kidney stone.

I ran 8.02 miles today! And it was awesome! My goal is to run a 10K in one hour by Friday.

Best part of today, My husband says he wants to start running! He's been working out a little here and there the past month when he takes the kids to swim lessons. But tonight he said he wanted to do more after the kids go to bed! I'm super happy for him! He won't admit it, but I think I inspired him :)

I want to go pass out now from running so much. So I am going to go do that. Tomorrow I get to train a new seamstress, but back hard at work on Wednesday!

All I can say about going into this week is that I am so happy and happiness makes a huge difference. I used to run while angry. And that did seem to help me run faster ;) but it felt heavy. Like I felt like I had a weight on me as I ran. And I had a significant event happen yesterday that made that whole list of reasons I am running this marathon dwindle down significantly to just a few. And now that I am more focused and much happier with where my life is, I can say I feel the difference when I run. It has made me want to go further. I am so happy this week! I think that's a side affect of running ;)

Retraining

Back at it today. 5 miles. But after having the flu my lungs and heart are weak and I couldn't go longer than two miles at a time before having to do a recovery lap.

Awesome things:

1) Sleep, got lots of it while I was sick.
2) Random people saying I inspire them to go an extra mile.
3) Same random people inspiring me right back as they see me slowing down and tell me to go just one more lap.
4) Psoas muscle= healed! Guess it took coming down with the flu to really let that rest.
5) Hubs is SUPER encouraging of my running.
6) Hubs :)
7) 10:15 miles after a flu! Even if I could only do five . . .
8) Watching my kids do well in gymnastics at the same time that I train for my marathon.

Happy day! Everything is just great!

Man down!

The flu finally caught up with me today. I didn't have it nearly as bad as everyone else in my family. While I had to make sure I remained horizontal all day, I was successful at not vomiting :)

We also got at least three inches of snow today. No running for me today. But I did start to think about what my marathon play list will be.  Anyone have any good running song suggestions?

Popcorn Recipe for runners

I love my Runner's World Cookbook. We do movie night at our house on Saturdays. On Saturday I made a popcorn recipe I found in my new cookbook. It's super simple and very good.

I am unsure of the exact ratios because I had to make enough for the whole family. So I kind of made them up :)

1/2 C popcorn kernals
2 tbps sesame oil
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
salt

Big hit! I worked all night and morning and then took my kid to play at my friend's house. We have kids the same age and she and I are performing in church on Easter Sunday. So no running today. Sleep for me instead :) Tomorrow it is going to snow 3". This winter will never end. I hope to get some running in at some point tomorrow, but not really counting on it. Maybe tomorrow will be a good day to try some new recipes from the Runner's World Cookbook.

The only thing I haven't "converted" to yet is using Portobello mushrooms instead of bread. What the heck? I don't know if I'll ever completely conform.  . . I don't mind mushrooms. I put them in everything! But using them as slices of bread?! I just haven't been able to wrap my mind around that yet. . .  Going to egg whites was enough for a few weeks. Working on the diet slowly but surely.

Everything is Awesome!

Back at it today after a week of flu in my house. I ran 3 miles only, but it was late and dark. I also made the most of it by doing tempo runs. It was great. I didn't realize how fast I could make myself run without getting winded. There's the comfortable pace and then there's the push pace and I actually felt really good going as fast as I physically could. I was surprised! I thought for sure it would wear me completely out after the first few rounds, but I did three sets without even getting winded! I am definitely making progress in the right direction!

Now, I promise I'm no trying to sell anything. But I cannot believe these doTERRA oils! I am known to get every single thing my kids bring into the house. I've suffered through colds, flu, PINK EYE! ear infections, and even hand foot and mouth disease right along with my kids. So when my kids started vomiting this week, I started working like crazy in preparation to be down for two days, at least. But I haven't gotten sick! (knock on wood). And the only thing that's different is that I've started using these oils! I'm convinced! And since my only readers are likely EDSers, The essential oil blend, Deep Blue, is amazing on joints. I use Deep Blue Rub after I run and when it rains and it is amazing! I just can't attribute it to anything else. I ALWAYS get EVERYTHING my kids do.

I've been resting a lot this week between taking care of sick kids, working and letting this psoas muscle heal. I felt really good tonight and I think I'm healed. So I am looking forward to a great week next week. I think I'm going back to my 5 am morning runs for next week.

Great marathon training day that didn't include running :)

My kids take gymnastics every Thursday afternoon. There is a man that takes his kids there as well. He started exercising during the hour long class. After the first few classes he decided to go more than just once a week. It turns out he was there on Wednesday while I was running my four mile stretch. When we were dropping off our kids he said, "I was so glad when you stopped running yesterday. When I got on the elyptical I said to myself, 'I'll go for as long as she runs.' And then you just kept going and going and going." ha! Then he asked if I'd be running that day, but I had decided to rest. He said, "Darn! You keep me going!" I said, "Go! Go on your own! Do it!" And then he ran up the stairs to the track. It was funny. I'm so glad I inspire people! That's what I want. I want to influence for good!

DOOM!

This week I have been trying to let my psoas muscle heal. I thought I was all better and ran 4 miles yesterday. It doesn't feel terrible today, but it also doesn't feel really great either.

I ran four miles straight yesterday with an 11:35 average. It was very exciting for me. I had a very happy smile on my face and I'm sure everyone was looking at me and how ridiculous I looked. I didn't have to do any recovery laps. It felt awesome! I'm a long way from 8 minute miles, especially if this muscle never heals. But I continue to improve every day!

My kids and husband have been very sick with a nasty flu. Like, vomit every ten minutes sick. I haven't gotten it yet, which is weird because I almost ALWAYS get everything my kids get. I do feel the looming cloud of doom over my head, but I am doing everything I can to prevent it. If I have to retrain my lungs to go long distances this late in the game, I'm doomed.