December 2012 - The last hour

The last hour. . . . I remember the last hour of my Ironman. . . it wasn't pretty, it wasn't easy, but the lesson I learned there is to just keep moving one foot in front of the other, and eventually you will get there.....

This is our last month of 2012,
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!,
we are in the last hour,
waiting for the clock to strike. . . . .

We have almost made it - this is really it - our last month of the year 2012!

Are you going to reach your goal?

For me and some of you, it was 1200 miles in the year 2012

For some it was 600 miles in the year 2012

For others it was to log a mile a day

And yet others just hoped to do more than they did last year

How did you do?

I am excited to announce that on November 3rd, I completed Florida Ironman.  It was an unforgettable experience.  Here is a picture of me at the finish line of Florida Ironman on November 3rd.  Thanks to everyone for their support in this. . . .

So, after our 25 day vacation, my designer (my dear husband) had his laptop stolen.  It had all of his design work on it.  So, he has to start over with the 1200mile club finisher design.  I was hoping to have a picture of it for you to see today - but alas, it is not ready yet. . . sigh.

So, as soon as we can, we will have a 1200 mile club shirt design for you to purchase. . . . . sorry for the delay.

You may remember last month in my blog post, I challenged you all to walk/run a mile a day in the month of November.

"I would like to challenge you all to get out and log at least 1 mile every day in the month of November! It will help us get our miles completed as well as keep us in a regular habit before the Christmas season is upon us!"

Well, the Christmas season is upon me. . . not sure how you are all feeling, but I feel it strong and heavy!  So, to help me deal with the excitement of the season, I have joined the 1st Annual Runner's Soul Holiday Run Streak.  

A mile a day is their challenge too!  Every day that you post on their facebook page that you DID IT!  Or post how far you ran, or with who, you are entered to win a prize! Oh I love prizes!  I would challenge you all to either start your own run streak, or if you had one going from the month of November, to keep it going.  And if you like prizes and are on facebook, join the Runner's Soul Run Streak on Facebook for prizes!!

Keep watching this blog for an update of the 1200 mile club logo design, and thank you for your patience.

Also watch for the 2013 Challenge!  It's brewing. . . . . .

November - no regrets

I love this quote!  I mean I really love it!  This is so true for me - on many days, it is so hard to get out the door, to put on my shoes - but EVERY TIME I DO - - - I come home feeling this way!

No regrets - EVER!

Here are some of your Inspirational thoughts and quotes from last month:

I LOVE RUNNING!!! It is My time and everyone needs something that is theirs!!

No one saves us but ourselves.  No one can.  No one may.  

We ourselves must walk the path.     Buddha

I have learned that I actually LOVE to run. I have been telling myself that I hate it for years - 1200 mile club has changed my belief about running.

If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't.

Be flexible in your goals, it may not always go the way you plan

I can't "unlearn" the progress I've made....meaning that if I slip up or loose focus for a time, that doesn't mean I am starting at ground zero...you dont't unlearn the progress you've made.

Quote by Vincent Van Gogh:  What would life be like if we had no courage to attempt anything.

I've walked more than I thought I would have, and I have enjoyed it.

I have learned that in order to better care for the ones I love, I need to take time for me.  I also read on the back of someone's shirt "sometimes we run to feel nothing, to be numb to our pain and other times running helps us master our ability to push through the pain, whatever it is. So true!

Did you know that every minute you walk can extend your life by 1.5 to 2 minutes? In addition, many studies show that people who walk regularly live longer, weigh less, have lower blood pressure, and enjoy better overall health than non-walkers.

Thank you so much for sharing these!  I didn't realize when I asked you to share,  how much your thoughts would inspire me - and they really have!  Thank you.

Here I am in Florida on November 1st - just 2 more days until my big race, Ironman Florida - it is so unbelievable that I am here - with these people!  I still don't quite feel like I belong here - but I want to....

I think I am getting all my crying done now because at the end of the race, I don't think I will have any moisture left inside of me for tears ....  we will see.

Have a great November and thank you all for inspiring me at this really important time of my life!

I would like to challenge you all to get out and log at least 1 mile every day in the month of November! It will help us get our miles completed as well as keep us in a regular habit before the Christmas season is upon us!

October - what have you learned?

30 days hath September, Holy Cow it's almost NOVEMBER!

For me, October means falling leaves, Canadian Thanksgiving, cool mornings, dark evenings, my kids cross country season quickly coming to an end, and an inevitable snowfall ........

Oh come on, who's kidding who . . . . as of yesterday it means I have

3 weeks of hard training left,
4 weeks till I get on a train and leave,
5 weeks till the eminent, impending, IRONMAN FLORIDA!  Sigh. . . .

Ya - it's kind of a big deal in my life.  I've been working on this for almost a year now, and I have learned a lot of life lessons along the way.  One of which is the following quote. . . .

"Sometimes, and for all of us this is true, we are running away . . . 

Sometimes we are running to search . . . 

But if we realize deep down that the truth of our running 

is that in our running, in our moving, we 'find' ourselves . . . 

Then for us running is the gift that lets us know ourselves deeper."

 - Lizzy Hawker

September is mostly sweet you say...

Well, most of you who responded to September's question, " Is September bitter or sweet? and why" interestingly responded with sweet - I thought there would be more mourning of our summer months and easy going schedule. . . but alas - this is what you said:

Sweet, still running
sweet, canning peaches and salsa
sweet...I love- routine, vegetable harvest, fall weather, and  September is national weight loss month (not officially, just because I decided so)
Sweet, love the fall colors!

Both - bitter that summer is ending, sweet because it is like the start of a new year.
It's not so much sweet as it is bitter. The weather is changing and it's back to routines. I''m really going to miss the longer days of summer. 
It's only 9 weeks till Ironman - bitter and sweet!

Sweet...I love Fall!
Sweet,  best weather or all
It is sweet, because of the nice fall weather and shorter days.
Sweet.  I love the feeling of fall because it brings my favorite colours
It's sweet. There still will be beautiful days.

September 2012

Remember this commercial?



I have mixed feelings about 'Back to School' time this year.  It is taking away my babysitters, and we have to start Kindergarten (which is NOT full time, so it is just enough school to wet the taste buds - but also just enough to take away the freedom.  Sigh.)

I am going to really have to work on getting a new routine, and getting it to work quickly.

As much as I love routines, I don't love change. . . . so I guess that is what makes September a little bitter-sweet for me.

But the miles are adding up - and it is feeling good!

How about you?

August - Find your Greatness

Welcome to August 1st.  As we are in the throws of the Summer Olympic Games - I wanted to share some GREAT commercials.

Find YOUR greatness!

July 1st - the half way point!

To all my fellow Canadians! 

Happy First of July!!!!

I think I would like to make this delicious fruit treat into a Canadian Flag, but I don't think I have the patience. . . but it would be super - cute!!

To all my Americans friends!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT IS REALLY JULY?  We are half way through the year 2012, half way through this challenge . . . . . how are you feeling?  I hope you will take the time to watch this little video . . .

It's about failure. . . (why am I showing you a video about failure??  How is this encouraging??)  Well, if you feel like you have EVER failed at ANYTHING?  You NEED to watch this.

http://vimeo.com/44013672

Remember, you can't get better without failing.....

Short report on if you like to walk/run alone or with a friend . . . . . here are the results!

9 voted to walk/run with a friend/partner.  

6 voted to be alone.  

5 were on the fence - like both. . . . Thanks for sharing!

With a partner. I get out much more regularly.

with a partner

Friend

I prefer to run by myself, and walk with a friend

Love walking with a friend!

with someone

I prefer to walk with a partner.

with a friend/husband/family

First choice is with someone...don't like to do it alone unless I'm at the gym.

I like to run alone. I spend all day with people at work then kids at home. 

Nice to run alone and not have to think about anything!

Alone

alone

Alone...sometimes it's the only "alone time" I get!

alone

I usually run by myself, my music, my thoughts....(We can solve the worlds problems while running) and my dogs.... (for safety from the Bears, Cougars and Wolves).  Sometimes my kids on their bikes...( for bait) haha .  And that is if the wind isn't blowing crazy out here in Mountain View...if that is the case it's by myself on my reliable treadmill with the news...Kelly....The View....or The Doctors..

depends on my mood

both, i enjoy the solitude of a good,hard run but also enjoy a good chat with a friend while walking.

Depends on the day and my mood!

I love to be alone to think, and I forget that I also love to run with a friend - I always learn something GREAT when I do!

walk with a friend or partner

May is over and the busyness of June is upon us

I know it can be difficult to stay focused at this time of year with so many activities and things 'going on'.  Starting to think about family reunions, school being out of the summer, kids and summer jobs.  Fitting 'it all in' in our way too short summer is a challenge. . .

Keep track of your miles, and just make it a part of your busy days, you will surprise yourself at what you can do.  Have fun, try new things, or just stick to your routine that works.  Everyone is doing great!

I found this little video the other day and really enjoyed it - it is called '23 and a 1/2 hours" it is definitely worth the 9 minutes of your day that it takes to watch . . . the single best thing we can do for our health. . . . enjoy.  Those of you doing this challenge . . . are doing it!  Congratulations!

Here are some responses from last months blog question: 

"What is your favorite time of day 

to go for a run or walk and why?"

Still dusk

early in the morning, like 6am  love the coolnest, and have the most energy, yeah mornings

Love the evening run! Love the setting sun and the birds singing :)

after school

In the morning to start the day off right

Morning -- I am done for the day

I love every time of day, all for different reasons!  

Early morning gets it done.  

During the day it is usually a littler warmer and a nice break from my reality in my house.  

Afternoon lets me escape the after school/pre-dinner chaos.  

Evening is a great way to wind down and reflect on my day.  

See, I love them all!

morning

Dusk

I work nights, so I like to do most of my running in the evenings.

Early morning--because I actually go! My brain simply isn't awake enough to talk me out of it :)

Morning, good start and nice and quiet

About 7 in the evening, no rushing involved, can reflect on the day

Loved starting to run outside again, 

but now I am sooooo frustrated because of breaking my toe!! 

I will have a lot of miles to make up. 

Hopefully we have a beautiful May so I can eventually 

enjoy LONG runs in GOOD weather.

Late Evening, Quiet, Peaceful and I'm not sitting on the couch. 

I love the afternoon because by then the day has warmed up to a perfect temperature 

and my body is also warmed up and ready to run.  

Early mornings are lovely and quiet but my body doesn't quite agree. 

I enjoy going anytime, especially when it isn't windy.

Absolutely the morning is my favorite and then if I get to go on another that day, then that what also becomes my favorite!

6am...the kids are still sleeping:)

April is over and May is here!

When I think of the month May, I look forward to being able to really enjoy the outdoors - of doing everything outside!  I think of sunshine, rain, blossoming trees, the new green leaves, tulips, picnics,  and . . . I always think of Mother's day. . .

With the Summer Olympic games just around the corner (I am SOO excited by the way!) This video may get you excited too!

I love my mom, and I am so grateful that I am able to be a mom!

The hardest job and the best job . . . .



Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to input your miles!

Your March Memories

I asked you during the month of March

"what has been your most memorable weather to walk or run in this past month?"

I LOVE what you had to say:

The nippy mornings having to be all bundled up.

fog

in the rain

inside

nothing

watched it through the window

stayed inside

Beautiful, sunny AND very windy!!

Had a week of running along the beach in Hawaii. Could get use to it!

sunshiney, warm weather

Still on the teadmill this month, but itching to get outside!! 

Too muddy out here in the hills!

snow in Quebec city

all indoors, still too cold for me!!

Gorgeous Hawaiian sun!

6 inches of new very wet snow that splashed with each footstep

still stuck on the treadmill in the basement, can't wait to get outside!

WIND

I didn't get out this month.  But I enjoyed the sunshine through my south windows!  

Lightly falling snow @ 6am

I ran several times upon a carpet of sparkly diamonds.

Most of my miles were done inside this month, 

but I watched a lot of snow fall and wind blow through the windows!

Walking in the sunshine in Germany.

did it all inside.  Sorry

The sun!! ... It rained a ton in Vancouver in March

new snow, with birds chirping

Chinook weather, but running on crunchy snow covered path :)

 2 solid weeks in the gorgeous Arizona sun!  HEAVEN!

I ran at 5:30 am on a Monday morning, before the temple walks were shoveled, so we ran on the street in the ruts from cars tires where it was frozen slush,, got home, shoveled the walk with the wettest snow imaginable, went inside, peaked out my window 2 hours later and it looked like I hadn't even shoveled.

I went for a run on a Saturday afternoon. It was warm, there was a bit of sunshine with light flurries. I love running in a light snowfall, it's always so quiet and peaceful. An absolutely perfect day for a run!

Late evening, snow coming straight down, it looked like Christmas!!

90 km winds for 3 hours in the Lethbridge coulees

March is over - Spring is HERE!

Where I live . . . .  March means

The First Day of Spring

Snow in the morning, Flip Flops in the Afternoon

Shoveling WET snow

Wondering if I don't shovel, will it melt or turn to ice. . . 

Not willing to take the chance

Hearing the birds chirping while shovelling

Fog and Snow

Blizzards

Wearing spikes on my runners to run outside

Running barefoot on dry ground

Kiwanis Music Festival Insanity 

Hoar Frost

Training on the bike trainer in dark breezeless basement

Driving for 2 hours to swim in the closest indoor pool

What was the most memorable March weather that you walked or ran in this month?

What's changed, is YOU!

What you saw in February

My moms dryer. I didn't get outside at all this month. 

I had to run at Mom's while Emma napped, but I did it and I'm feeling great. :D

my tv.

 I bumped into 2 friends.

feel better and stronger

It is amazing to be one of the only people out at 5:30am running on the freshly fallen snow,

 breathing that incredibly fresh air.

nothing- I can do a full run and see absolutely no cars- people- or anything. 

I love it running in the country.

Windless snowfall in Waterton

I don't know -- i forgot :)

OTHER people logging their miles for the 1200 mile club! :)

One glorious day of sunshine with NO wind! :)

beautiful skies

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  

increased energy and euphoria

beautiful blue skies and white snowy mountains

Mars. Looking rather red, low, and ominous

Have to go even though sun or snow!! It's a great motivation!!

My cast finally came on, bring on the Physio and training

Korean tour group taking pictures of  ice sculptures at Legislature grounds

6Am  on the clock

Flocks of geese in the fields.....Spring is coming!!!

The days slowly getting longer and longer. I love daylight savings!! 

Also means I can go for a run later in the day too and not be in the dark! haha

Rome, Italy

Florence, Italy

So many amazing things in Taiwan and Hong Kong

I saw determination :)

Running while crusin' in the Carribean.  Definitely a different experience while the boat is rocking and running on or treadmill, or better yet the outdoor track on the boat.  

Still breathtaking looking out at the ocean though!!

You might consider this lame...but the most unforgettable thing I saw this month was the scene in the 5 hour version of Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Darcy watches Eliza play the pianoforte and he has this "look" in his eyes.  Just makes my heart swoon!  Spent a few nights enjoying my evening run in front of my favorite movie in the world!

I participated in a relay with literally a few thousand people took part.  

Each had a story to share and inspire.  I was in awe of those who have worked so hard to over and conquer various challenges in their lives.  What a great group to be a part of!

Watching humpback whales jumping in the ocean while walking along the coast of hawaii

"My 600 Lb Life" - yes, ran on a treadmill. But outdoors this month!

The 6 mile count on the treadmill. I have never ran that far at once before now!

the scale go down!

lots of others out putting in their miles

nothing exciting this month

the barn out the window from the treadmill! Haha. Hurry up spring!

Western Flicker(beautiful bird ) at Indian Battle Park!!

Inspiring sister in law who just beat breast cancer kick butt at the moonlight run!

spring day

All my February miles were on the treadmill early in the morning. 

So my reflection in the window was about all I saw, lol

February 2012, Leap Year

So, did you use your extra day this month (February 29th)  to get in a few more miles?  I can't believe February is really over!  One month closer to Spring!!

Since February is the month of LOVE, I am hoping you will all tell me one thing you love about running or walking.

I am not sure what I am going to pick, because I had an amazing opportunity to go to Hong Kong and Taiwan this past month. . . . where there was no snow - I have too many things to pick from. . . here are a few photos of places I walked and ran while I was on vacation there.

The end of a very rainy day at Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan with my sister.

The secret hotsprings - they were remarkable 

the end of my run up in the mountains in Taiwan - Carrie's hill workout - it was tough, but so beautiful

Cherry Blossoms at a Temple

Lily field 

Believe in the Run

I love this video - there are a some really good lines in it

I BELIEVE IT STARTS ONE STEP AT A TIME AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE MY DREAMS WILL TAKE ME.

I BELIEVE THE WORLD IS MY TREADMILL.

I BELIEVE MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION IS THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME.

I BELIEVE IN SOLITUDE AND COMMUNITY.

I BELIEVE NO DECISION SHOULD EVER BE MADE WHILE RUNNING UP HILL.

I BELIEVE THAT WHEN I THINK ITS OVER, I CAN ALWAYS DIG A LITTLE DEEPER.

I BELIEVE IN REDEFINING MY IMPOSSIBLE

I BELIEVE IN MYSELF!

and here are a few comments that your fellow 1200 mile club members 

wrote when they answered the question "How are you feeling about the 1200 mile club challenge?"

- they are inspiring too - thank you for sharing!

 • good • 

• I am a little more challenged because of my fractured hand.  It will be better when it is off :) • 

• It's been awesome! •  

• I've had to walk more than run due to an injury, but I've accomplished so much more than I ever thought and that feeling is amazing! Already feeling stronger and healthier! :) •

• LOVING IT! :) •

• It has been hard but rewarding •

• This challenge has kept me motivated!! I feel happier, healthier and more disciplined :) •

• really good •

• 10 pounds lighter!!! •

• Very good •

• I LOVE IT!! •

• encouraged, I've got something to keep pushing me when I really need it! •

• I love having something to work towards! Especially something that doesn't focus on my body or weight...It's a nice change :) • 

• It is AWESOME!! •

• I can't believe I caught up - phew! •

•Thanks so much for this challenge.  It has truly brought bout a miracle at our house.  

The regular 2 mile evening walks with my husband have been so invigorating 

and has been a great thing to share together.  What a bonus! •

• Good, I didn't know I could walk that far •

• frustrated by the wind and my baby 
but hanging in there!! •

• good. I can totally do this! Just have to make up for my lazy week!! •

• So far so good... Once half M is done, need to get next race signed up for to keep me going! •

• It is a push, but I am up for the challenge! •

• Woo Hoo!!!! •

• Motivated!  Bring on the next 11 months! • 

• The wind is testing my will that's for sure!! • 

• WOW! The first few weeks were hard, but now that I have my groove back, running everday(except Sunday) is awesome again! It has become a habit and something I can't NOT do!! Love it!!! • 

• Know the story about the tortoise & the hare? Guess which one I am! • 

• Good •

• AWESOME!!! •

• those miles are easier when I can be outside!! •

• may take me a while, but I'll catch up :) •

 • it is helping to motivate me to get going again! •

• starting slow- warming up to training season- this will be a good challenge!! •

• Glad I'm doing it!! •

• I fell behind because of illness but feel very determined in my effort to catch up again! •

• Love it! I've never been so motivated to just get out and run, and I've never felt better! •

• 1200 mile challenge is a great motivator.  Good luck everyone! •

• Awesome! Love it! •

Powerful Beyond Measure

"This is hard work - but I feel so GOOD!"  I have been hearing so many people tell me their stories of how they are getting their miles in - and you all are inspiring me and keeping me going!  Thank you!


I was debating the other day if I would post the completed miles on the blog . . . or not . . . . and a friend reminded me about this quote that I LOVE. . . . 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be 
brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? 

Actually, who are you NOT to be?

You are a child of God. 

Your playing small does not serve the world. 

There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you.

We were born to make manifest 

the glory of God

that is within us. 

It is not just in some of us; 
it is in everyone.

As we let our own Light shine, 

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

As we are liberated from our own fear, 

our presence automatically liberates others.

erroneously credited to Nelson Mandela

I know that there are people that signed up for the 1200mile club that did not plan to reach the 1200 mile goal - but they signed up with their own goal, and that is AWESOME!  I don't want you to feel frustrated or disappointed, but pleased with what you DO accomplish - remember every mile counts and it is your job to just keep counting!  

So as soon as you are ready, submit your miles in the log at the bottom of this blog. (Go check it out .. . . did you go look?  Scroll all the way down the page. . . .   GO!)  Thank you . . Now don't you feel better?  Now we can continue to motivate each other and celebrate our success!  Yahoo!  Look at You!!  Fantastic!!

We would love to hear of your experiences trying to get your miles in this month - help inspire each other by sharing a comment on this blog.

Runner's Creed -- The Road to Peace

The "Runner's Creed" says it all for me today.

How are YOU feeling one week into the 1200 mile challenge?

LET IT BEGIN!!!

We have had a few great additions to the club in the last 24 hours - my almost 68 year old mother is #70 in the 1200 mile club - and has accepted the challenge!  My goal is actually to keep up to her!  Even Duane said "I've done the math . . . . sign me up!"

I am actually going for a 1 mile walk around Grandma and Grandpa's complex here in San Antonio, only 1199 miles left!  (ha ha ha)

Wishing all 74 participants of the 1200mile club a Happy New Year . . . . . and as Rhino says in the movie Bolt, "LET IT BEGIN!"