Chin up, Chin up!

I've had several rough drafts composed in my head how this post was supposed to begin and how it would conclude.  Sadly, I don't feel they apply.  I know this blog's purpose is to build people up, however, I feel like today I am the person who needs the support.

Today marks one week away from my half marathon.  The half marathon I am running in honor of my dad.  It also happens to be his birthday next Saturday, and he had always ran one of the races in this event.  I have been looking forward to this race all summer.  It has been driving me to get up and run in the mornings and on Saturdays leave my kids for a few hours just to put in the miles.  This was more than just a half marathon to me it was a way to honor my dad and the legacy he left.

Wednesday while I was out on a run I rolled my ankle on some uneven pavement.  I thought I was fine but as the day progressed my ankle began to tighten and feel worse.  I've been taking it easy in hopes it will heal soon.  My spirits are down though.  I've been questioning why me? Why now? I've done everything to avoid injury and now a week before the race I'm injured.

I asked myself what would my dad do at a time like this?  Well, he would probably take some ibuprofen, ice and rest.  I remembered a  time in my dad's life when he and his wife signed up for a bunch of races one summer and they were excited to accomplish them.  He ended up crashing on his mountain bike and broke his elbow.  So running was out of the question. I saw him walking to work just to get some exercise in. That year he walked his half marathon he signed up for and I think he did it in a pretty good time for walking.  The next week he walked a 10K and he even placed! So i've decided this is where I will find my strength.  Mind over matter, right?  I will heal if I believe I can.  I can run this half with strength and determination if I think I can.  I will run next weekend.  I may need to walk some, I may not.  I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself and think positive.  Oh ya, and maybe you could, cross your fingers, pray for me, and send some of your positive energy my way!  Thanks. :)

Josie

Example speaks loud!!

So I haven't fallen off the earth. Just went into hibernation. To be honest being pregnant has been a lot harder on my physically and mentally than I ever could have imagined.  However, this week I had a thought and it keeps running in my head that I needed to post it so I guess I am back.

On Wednesday afternoon my cute little almost 3 year old came up to me with my garmin(GPS running watch) and my headphones and said, " mom, I'm gonna go on my run now. Ok?" Then she headed to the door and was going outside. I quickly followed her cause she is 3 and really shouldn't be out in the streets by herself, even though I am pretty sure she is tuff enought to handle herself. This little girl was determined to go on a run. I had to stop her from going to far. I had to talk her into just running 100 meter repeats up and down the street. At one point she told me she needed to go run 3 miles and was dead serious. She even got her 4 year old cousin to join her in the running game. We had water breaks and she went back outside. I sent Kevin a text and told him we had an olympic marathoner in our midsts. I tried to talk her into using the treadmill and she said no. (ahh a girl after her mothers own heart)

 

She is cute isn't she. Love her even when she is making me pull my hair out.

 

Since that afternoon this thought has been running through my mind. Example speaks louder than words any day of the week. I know that thought isn't new to anyone reading this but how is your example?  Watching her do this and realizing that she is doing this because I do made me think of other examples I am setting for my children. Some are good and some are bad. It made me realize I need to quit sitting in this lower gear I have found myself in for the last few months and I need to shift gears. I need to make up for the mistakes I have made and set a better example in all the things I do and say around my children.

 

How's your example? Is it time to shift gears and make up for that low gear you've been sitting in?

 

Wish you all a good day.

Keep shifting.

Corrine

New goal starts today!!

I woke up this morning at 3:30am starving. I tried to ignore it but it was making me nausous. So, I had to get up and eat at 4am. Let me tell you that was weird. On the plus side when I got up later today I wasn't nausous and I was able to go for a run. That always makes for a good day!

So today starts a 30 day challenge for me. My diet is terrible. Lets just admit it right here and right now. Well, unless you are think junior mints and cookies fit somewhere in a major food category on the food guide pyramid. I haven't found them there yet. I decided that right now why I am pregnant would be a great time to try and change my eating habits. It will be good for me and my baby. I don't plan on going cold turkey I just plan on making small changes slowly. Step one is as follows:

       So, in an attempt to get more fruits and veggies into my body I am taking the challenge that run to the finish has put out there. One green smoothie a day. The picture looks terribel but I am told that it really is good. What do I have to lose by at least trying it out. I have tried one smoothie with spinach in it and honestly I didn't know the spinach was even in there. So here is the smoothie I am trying today.

I know its not green but it does have spinach in it. I got it off of our best bites.   Looks yummy and even though its not green I am still getting fruits and veggies with it. If you follow along I am going to try and share the smoothies I am drinking this month. Try one I dare you.

Kate's power smoothie

1 cup orange juice (the good stuff not concentrate)
3 tbsp oat groats
3/4 cup fat free vanilla greek yogurt ( I think I have plain in the frigde)
3 cups cup baby spinach leaves
1 1/2 cup frozen bluberries (thank you to the person who lived her before me for planting those bushes)
1 1/2 cup crushed ice

Blend.  You may have to soak the goats in orange juice for a while to soften them up.



I will try it today and let you know how it goes.

Keep shifting gears/
Corrine

Shifting into a way different gear!!

So, if you haven't noticed I have. I haven't posted anything for over a week now. Some may wonder why and some of you may not have even noticed.Well, there is good reason I haven't posted. Since March 29th my life has been crazy, and the last two weeks I received even more unexpected news.  My life has changed in the last two weeks and has made me re-think all my goals that I have set for myself this year. I have wanted to post about it and talk about it but wasn't sure how and if I really wanted to post this news to the public.
 However, in two days I am suppose to be running the Newport Marathon. I have told everyone about it and I have been working really hard to get there even with life's bumps that have been thrown my way. Now, I have to tell everyone I am not running Newport. This will be my second Did Not Finish (DNF) for this year and I am not sure how I feel about that. However, on the plus side I did find out that I can't run the Newport Marathon because I am 8 weeks pregnant. Yep, this baby is a miracle. Some how in all this mess of two months Heavenly Father thought this would be the  best time to bless me with a baby.

Now I know there is this unwritten rule that you don't tell anyone this news until you are out of your first trimester. I know some people live hard and fast by this rule and that's okay. The problem with that for me is that in two days people are going to start asking me about my race and I either have to bold face lie to them or just tell them the good news. Now, I know there are still risks and this baby could still miscarry If that happens I know there are people out there that would support me and help me like they have over the past two months.I have always thought it was funny that the first 12 weeks can be the hardest. THese 12 twelve weeks can make a woman incredibly sick, but we as women try so hard to cover this up. "What you just saw me throw up behind that bush? Must have been something I ate. Oh crap I gotta throw up again!" Come on wouldn't it just be better to admit you are pregnant and sick. If others new this wouldn't it make it a lot easier for them to help you?

 Now, I am not a stranger to losing a baby early on. When I was pregnant the last time, which was 8 years ago, I had an ectopic pregnancy. Not only did I lose a baby but I had to have surgery and this added to my infertility. At that time only my family and one close friend new. My family didn't live close by and my sweet friend did support me but I was lonely. I hadn't told anyone so no one knew and not only did I have to recover physically but emotionally too and nobody knew so nobody was there to help.
    So, yep this baby to me is a miracle and no matter what happens as long as I keep faith in my Heavenly Fathers plan I will be just fine. His plan has never failed me yet. If I am thrown another bump in the road in the next few weeks I know He and others will be there to help lift me up. I know that you will shift to a higher gear to help me. Lets be postive and just say I am going to be just fine. I still will need your help. I have been thinking of new goals to set for myself and I will need your help to achieve them. In January I will have a new baby and I know  I will need help then to give me support to handle all the joys and hard work a new baby brings. Plus I will so need your help to lose the baby weight that I am so scared is coming. (I swear you can already tell I am pregnant. Totally scary.)

So, right now I am totally shifting into a different and higher gear. I still plan on covering some ground so I hope you will find ways in your life to shift gears and cover ground with me over the next 9 months. 

Keep shifting.

Corrine

Because of my history I have already been to the doctor. We saw our little bean and saw a strong heart beat.

Ogden 1/2 Recap

Check one goal off the list! Ogden 1/2 accomplished!

I had so much fun running this race and it was such a beautiful run.  I am already planning to run next year.

Friday I was getting ready and I was wondering how to pack.  The forecast for the morning was low 40's but that was for the  city of Ogden not up in the mountains.  Trying to figure everything out I got frustrated and really wished I could talk to my dad and ask him what he was going to bring.  I had my moment and realized it was time I learned to do this on my own.  So, I overpacked!

We met up with my BFF from High school at the Expo she has a cabin in Ogden Canyon that we were going to stay at with her and her family.  Turned out to be a great experience.  She was able to drive us over the the start line and we were able to stay in bed a few more minutes.  It was a cold 32 degrees when we showed up that morning but we decided to drop our warm shirts at the start line rather than run with them for 5 miles.  It was a good choice because the first mile of the run was a gradual hill and by the time we got to the top we were nice and warm.  The rest of the run was a gradual decent from out of the mountains into the valley.

During my training runs at about mile 8 I was always spent and ready to be done.  During the race mile 8 came and I thought wow I feel pretty good!  Mile 10 came around and I still felt pretty good.  I couldn't believe it I was going to finish this race strong! And then mile 11 came (que evil music) and then my legs felt like lead.  We had been running with or next to these three ladies we deemed the purple shirt sisters.  They were walk running and would yell out 30 seconds, now run!  We pulled way ahead of them at one point and then at mile 10 we stopped to stretch a little bit and they ran ahead of us.  I wasn't able to catch them, but I think my step mom could have.  She knew I wasn't running like before and she stayed with me.  She said to me when I was having a hard time running, "this is when you run for your dad and you hope he is the wind at your back."  I sort of got a little teary eyed and kept pushing.

We finished the race in the time we had planned, pretty much the exact time we thought we would finish! Even though we didn't take a Garmin or worry about our time the whole race AND with a potty break and stopping to stretch.  We felt good about our efforts.  Hooray for a downhill race! :)  We really did have a great time.

I'm ready to run hard this summer and improve my times and distances.   This race was empowering for me, and I feel more confident than ever.

Keep shifting!
Josie

Spotlight of the week!!

Michelle on the right, Jen in the middle and their new running partner on the left.

So I am excitied today to do another spotlight. A friend, Michelle, sent me an email to tell me about her friend and running partner. However, Michelle doesn't know this but today is going to be a double spotlight.  You see I am going to tell on Michelle for the kindness she has shown me. Michelle and I have been talking in emails and facebook. She is the one who got me to run Newport. Running this spring in preparation for this marathon has been a saving grace for me. It felt so good everyday to have a goal and go running. It has also been nice talking with Michelle about training. Also, the week my Dad died I was in Poky and contacted Michelle. We went on a run together. Now as a runner I did everything you are not suppose to do before a long run. I had to get all new clothes. (forgot mine at home) Had to borrow Michelle's shoes. (which she loaned me for the whole week) I hadn't eaten or slept very well all week. We went for 14 miles. I totally and completely DIED. I have never been so sick on a run before, but Michelle was so patient and so kind. That run was something I needed to do even though I felt like crap and it was so nice to have someone who was so patient and understanding there with me. Thanks Michelle for shifting gears that day and helping me out. You are going to rock this marathon. (did I mention this is her first marathon and I really think she is going to kick butt)

 Now, on to our second spotlight. I love the things Michelle had to say about Jen. It is exactly what I am talking about when I say shift to a higher gear to help someone else out. I know my first spotlight Mike is doing something huge and amazing but you don't have run across the state of Idaho to shift to a higher gear. I want to celebrate all the things people are doing on a daily basis no matter how big or small they may seem. However, Go Mike. Lets keep checking on him and give him our support on his facebook page or his blog. https://www.facebook.com/#!/MikesExtraMile

So Michelle told me all about her new friend and running partner Jen. She says that she met Jen on the soccer fields where their sons played together and they decided to start running together. Running sealed the deal. Here are Michelle's words on Jen

  From the beginning of this whole marathon training experience, she has been so positive and encouraging towards me.  If it wouldn't have been for her, I doubt I would have started training for this.  She has honestly made this whole process so much FUN!  She just randomly does nice things for me, like picking me up an extra gel when she's buying some for herself, etc.  The other day, she showed up with this cute, bright yellow basket full of flowers and colorful treats and a big drink.  She had a cute note taped to the front with a picture of a big sun that said "Sending you a LITTLE BOX OF SUNSHINE to brighten your day as you always brighten mine".  It was so sweet and it did make my day!  Even though her marathon is 1 week behind mine, she's been willing to follow my "training plan", even though she'll technically be a week off.  She's just thoughtful like that.  OH, and how could I forget she took us out and bought us a big breakfast after a 16 mi run on my bday!  She volunteered her husband to work on me a couple times when my hip was giving me grief. We ran a  22 miler a couple weeks ago  and it was actually enjoyable because of the great company.

 A couple more things, cause I can't say enough about her... the other day she just randomly gives me a running shirt because she thought I would like it.  But, one of the coolest things, in my opinion, is something she recently said to me. On one of our 20 milers as I was running up the Century hill right at the end of our run, she was right behind me and she yells out "Michelle, you're a natural marathoner".  I don't no why, but that simple, encouraging comment meant so much to me, and gave me so much confidence.  It pops into my head any time now that I get tired or discouraged on a run.     I could go on and on, but she has just turned into an awesome friend and all because of running.

Wow, how do I sign up to be Jen's running partner?  Thanks Jen for shifting to a higher gear in small ways. Look at the huge impact you have made on someone just because you took the time to do and say small things.  You are totally awesome.


See how great if feels to shift to a higher gear. Let's celebrate others who are doing these great things in life. I know that you know these people. Infact you might even be that person. I want to hear it all. Share your stories with me at mailto:shifttoahighergear@gmail.com  I would love to spotlight you and your friends or anyone it doesn't even have to do with running. 
  Keep shifting gears.
Corrine. Lots more to come so keep reading.

If you like this story please share it with others anyway you can.
Plus leave me a comment I like sharing but like hearing from you too.

What a month and a half it's been

Not sure why but today for some reason I am really missing my Daddy. Got some great stuff happening that I would love to tell him about but I guess he already knows.
Keep coming back this week. I am back from vacation and I have a great spotlight to share this week and preparation for newport in two weeks.