Walking Vs. Running

Staring back in high school, I've always tried to do some form of exercise.  I've tried various types of exercise, from running, walking, videos, and/or classes at a gym.  I seem to do what the spirit moves me to do at any given time.  There are days when I want to exercise, but more often, I do it because I know I will feel better when I am done and because I want to be healthy.  Lately, I've chosen running as my method of exercise.  But there were days when I really didn't want to run.  On those days, I would tell myself, "Well, at least you can get out here and do it.  Some people aren't able."  And I would just keep going.  Now that I'm having to take a break from running, I see the value in it even more.  I am thankful that my lack of running should only be a short time.  The walking is okay, but I'm surprised how much I miss running.  When I first heard that I would have to walk, I thought, "Oh good, an excuse to slow down and go slow."  But now, after a couple weeks of walking, I'm looking forward to getting the green light to run again.  Once again, I am thankful that I can walk or run.  And when I take up running again, I doubt I will take it for granted.

Sam Turned 4!

Little Sam is not so little anymore.  He's getting to be such a big boy, sometimes I can't believe it.  His birthday was May 12, and we celebrated it with our family.  I look at him now and see how he has gotten taller.  He is able to do more for himself.  He talks a lot more.  And he wants to know how everything works.  That's just Sam. 
For his birthday, I had my run in the morning, and then the afternoon we focused on celebrating for Sam.  My parents were in town and Aunt Debbie joined us as we went to the zoo.  It was a beautiful, sunny day.  The boys really love riding the zoo train, so that was part of our day too.  Later that day we went out to eat at McMenamens.  The boys love the tator tots!  We were able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine even more.  After that, we came home and had cake and opened presents.  I think Sam had a good day.  Here's a look back at Sam over the years.

Birth

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

4th Birthday

Hippie Chick 2012

Last Saturday, May 12, my friend Hannah and I set out to run a 1/2 marathon.  It started last fall, when I decided to sign up for a 1/2 marathon.  I had never run that far.  I guess I felt like after the Hood to Coast run, I wanted to push myself to do something I hadn't done before.  I also knew it would motivate me to keep running.  In December I started my training early and gradual.  As the weeks went on, the miles went up.  The long mile runs (8, 9, 10, 11) were tough, but it felt good to have a goal and be training for something.  As I shared this with my friend Hannah, she also decided to sign up.  We had fun sharing our ups and downs of training.  And then it was the day of the race.  It was sunny and not too warm.  We arrived with not a lot of time to spare.  It was a quick trip to the Honey Buckets, and then we were off.  It was a beautiful race through the Hillsboro countryside.  The first few miles weren't too bad.  It was around mile 7 or 8 that I was starting to wish we were done.  At mile 10 I hit a wall.  I really wanted to walk, but we kept running, only walking when we stopped to drink our water.  The last 3 miles, the conversation was quiet as we focused on finishing.  It was tough, I won't say it was a breeze, but I feel like the training paid off.  As we rounded the final corner and into the stadium, it felt so good to have achieved this goal.  We were greeted by my family.  It was a great moment, one I will never forget. 

Pre-Race & Shiny with Sunscreen

Coming Across the Finish Line

We Are Done!  We Did It!

Cooling Down