Not-So-Lazy Man

Today was our first day of doing the Lazy Man Iron Man Triathlon! The running was pretty easy, my mile is around 14 minutes which is slow but it is a start. Matt is such a killer runner, he makes it look so easy. The biking was definitely the hardest. I biked 4.5 miles and Matt got 5. That is a lot of biking to do in one setting! Wow, my thighs were so stiff after. Swimming was nice, it helped stretch everything out while continuing to work all the muscles. I swam 300 meters (6 laps) and Matt swam 200 (4 laps). I think from the biking alone we will not only be ready for the 5K but loose quite a few pounds! I have biked that much before, but never at the intensity I did today, usually it's at a leisurely pace.

While at Porter's yesterday we decided to get our own t shirt making supplies. We got plain white T's, a tie-dye kit, and white iron on letters. I am super excited to make mine. No, the T shirt is not the most important part of doing the triathlon but I do think having a physical reminder of what you did is a great way to stay motivated and continue working out. 

It's funny how now that I can run a mile straight, it seems so much easier than I had anticipated. I can't remember why I was so afraid to do it. I think I was letting the distance get to me. For me, running is 90% mental and 10% physical. Running is a natural thing for your body to do but it can be a great feet for some. 

I am so blessed to have the BYU-I school gym to work out in where it is a healthy, spiritual atmosphere. Everyone is modest and that makes a huge difference. I remember going to the public gym and having to keep my gaze averted to avoid seeing things I didn't care for. Not only is the modesty a blessing, but also the price. All you have to do is buy the BYU-I approved shirt and shorts and you can go for free as long as you are a student. Money is probably the biggest reason why people tend to not workout at gyms. Man, my life is pretty dang blessed!

Iron Man

Now that I have successfully ran a mile I have great expectations for myself. Matt and I have decided to do the Lazy Man Iron Man in preparation for the Color in Motion 5K. For those who do not know, the Lazy Man Iron Man is a triathlon where you sign up to run 26 miles, bike 112 miles, and swim 2.4 miles in a month. You do it at your own pace and you record your efforts. If you are one of the first 100 people to complete it, you get a free t-shirt but I know enough people who got it last year and the shirts kind of sucked so we decided regardless, we are going to make our own.

I am really motivated to get in shape. This week Matt and I have been prepping for the Lazy Man Iron Man by running a mile, biking 2 miles, then swimming about 200-300 meters. We calculated that in order to complete the Lazy Man Iron Man without working out on Sundays we will need to run a mile a day, bike about 4-6 miles and swim about 3-4 laps (approximately 100 meters). We figure if we are better at one of the three exercising activities that we can get them done quicker so we have more time to work on the ones we struggle with. I am a strong swimmer, always have been, so I will probably get my swimming done faster however I have always had a hard time with running so that will take a lot of motivation to get it done faster than the month. Biking is a breeze but it is a lot of biking so having the time to bike more will be nice.

Matt and I really wanted to run in the mornings but with work and school it has gotten really hard to have motivation and time to do so, especially now that we are going to be doing the triathlon, going in the mornings would mean waking up even earlier to go to Rexburg. But, we have found something that not only works with our schedule, but really pushes us and gives us a solid workout while also helping us get in shape for the 5K. Things are looking up! We are really happy with the way things are going.

Conquering My Fear

Last week Matt and I did some good exercising, going to the gym and running instead of driving to his parents house. (I apologize for not blogging about it! I didn't think about it and got sick)

Matt and I want to run the Color Run 5K in July, but we were unsure about whether we could run that far so we looked up how long it is (3.1 miles). Feeling a little intimidated, we decided to think about it seeing as it's in less than 2 months. Today we went to the gym to work out. As I was running on the treadmill, I wanted to run more than normal, kick it up a notch. As I passed the 1/4 mile I thought "Hey, maybe I can run at least a half a mile before having to walk." Soon enough, I hit the 1/2 mile and still had energy to keep going, so I decided no matter how hard it was, I was going to run that full mile. The first half was easy. The second quarter was a bit tougher, but I kept saying to myself "I am better than my weaknesses!" so when I got to 3/4 of a mile, I cranked the speed up, then again at .8, .9 and .95. The last .10 of the mile was the hardest. Matt was cheering me on and I ran my heart out and I DID IT! To most, a mile is no biggie (including Matt). That mile was a HUGE stepping stone for me. As I have previously stated, I was not a big fan of running. To now be able to run a straight mile, I am dang proud of myself. It took me 14.5 minutes to do it, but gosh darn it, I ran a flippen mile!

I now feel like running the 5K is something I could and want to do. I want to run as much of it as I can, so I am going to be running a lot more miles. If I can run a mile straight, then a half mile, then like 3/4 of a mile, that would make me so happy. I think one of the things that helped me reach my goal was I constantly drank water while running which helped my breathing. I breathed from my belly when it got hard to keep up and kept my breathing steady.

Running in the 5K will be an even bigger step for me. I never imagined myself running in anything and now I have a very reasonable and exciting goal in my sights. Conquering a weakness has never felt so good and rewarding. This semester has been jampacked with things that push me beyond limits I never thought possible. I can't wait for more obstacles to get over and for more growth in the future.

Animal Attack

On Tuesday, Matt and I went to go for a run and a stray cat came up and started being super friendly, so I pet it, naturally. However this cat not only followed us, but walked purposefully in front of us so we had to pet her and when we did, it laid on our feet. Ha! Silly cat. As far as the run went, it was a very solid run. We had a couple of things to get from Broulim's so we ran there, picked them up and ran back home, probably about a mile run. 

This morning we actually were able to get up before work and classes and went for a nice run on the green way. When we first started running, about 10-20 feet away was a big ol' beaver! It had light tanish/yellow fur and a big tail coming off the end of it. I couldn't believe that after living 16 years in Oregon, the beaver state, I never saw one, not until I was in Idaho. We were so surprised and excited! How often is it that you see a beaver? For both of us, it was a first. We also saw two HUGE pelicans with a baby one sitting in the middle of the river on a grassy patch. They must have been at least 3-4 feet tall, I mean these things were big. 

Aside from the fun animal sightings, our run this morning was good. I have a bit of a head cold coming on so I didn't go run with Matt yesterday (I'm so proud of him for running even without me) and we did a shorter run this morning. My whole body felt heavy and with every step I could feel my whole body shake which pounded my head, but gosh darn it, I did it! You know, something I realized is that if someone is running at least a mile a day they cannot physically be fat. It is just impossible. I gotta remind myself that fact when I have those moments of self doubt. I am awesome, skinny, and cute dang it! Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

I am Stronger Than my Weaknesses

On Saturday, Matt and I went for a run in the morning and what a difference it made! We both got a lot more out of it and were really sore when we got back home. We tried to go running this morning but accidentally fell back asleep after waking up. Yesterday we only went for a short jog because Matt hurt his knee on Saturday. 

I cannot explain the way I feel when running. I really do feel skinnier, like I was when Matt and I first met. I feel like I can go for ever, running with him along the river. It's funny how something I used to HATE I now love and get excited for and it's helping me a ton with being focused and doing well in my studies. It doesn't burn like it used to. Of course it burns, but it isn't from me being an inexperienced runner, it's from my fat slimming down and getting my muscles more tone.Maybe some day I will be able to run like my sister (the cheetah). 

My goal for every time I run on the green way is to always make it to the 1/4 mile marker before walking again (if not farther!) and to run for a 1/4 of a mile each time. I believe in myself! Saturday was such a productive, amazing day and I know it accounted back to running in the morning. Starting my day off like that with a good, strong run was the kick I needed to getting all of my homework and Sunday school lesson done.

It's amazing how when you truly desire to learn something and make a weakness a talent, the Lord will bless you and help you along your way. I now no longer fear the things I am bad at. If I can make running a hobby, something that never ever ever in my wildest dreams ever did I see myself enjoying, then I can do even smaller things. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it!

For the Love of Running

I never ever thought I would say this: I love running! It feels so good! And I am so happy that it finally feels good to run. Conquering a weakness feels amazing. Yesterday, I thought to myself when I started to get tired "you had to run so much more than this when you were in soccer and you did it, so why are you being a wimp now?" With that state of mind, I was able to run longer and harder than I have since we started running. What an incredible feeling! I did not mention this in my first blog, but one of my short term goals is to be able to run a straight mile. So far I can run 1/4 of a mile straight. I'm 25% there! 

I love how supportive my family is (especially my husband!). My dad read my last blog and gave me some awesome tips, including a super healthy cookbook. It feels so nice knowing that my family is aware of my triumphs and struggles and that they give support and advice when I need it. One thing he told me which I hadn't thought about before is that it's better to run in the mornings so your body is using fat to burn calories instead of food. I am going to start running in the mornings again on the days I don't have my early class. I also love exercising in the morning because it gets your day started right, with good energy, endorphins, and more time later in the day to get things done.

I love feeling sore the next day. Today, not only did my abs burn but my calves did as well. Progress! We did "pyramid" crunches yesterday after our run. For those looking for a good ab workout without machines that gets all parts of your abs, you should try it! You start with your feet on the ground, typical crunching position, doing 12 crunches. Then you lift your legs to a 90 degree angle, then straight up and finally butt lifters. Then you descend your legs back down, repeating the straight up, 90 degree, and normal positions all while doing reps of 12. You then repeat this doing reps of 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2. If you want a really intense workout, go back up from 2 until 12. Super effective! Happy exercising!

 

Let's Get Down to Business

I will not let anything get in my way! I am going to get in shape. Matt and I went running around the neighborhood yesterday and it felt wonderful. When we got home we did crunches, pushups, and butt exercises I learned in ballet. It felt really good to be exercising, knowing I am in control. Even if my metabolism has slowed and I haven't seen improvement yet, I know I will. I just have to be patient and understanding with my body.

It is wonderful to love running. One thing we learn at BYU-Idaho is learning to love learning. I have learned to love running. It may seem weird that I have"learned" how to run, but running for a warm up versus running to get in shape are two different things. You have to learn proper form, how to push yourself, what and when to eat, and most importantly, you must learn to love it. 

While it was hard to see that I had gained weight, I can have rest assured because I am healthy, regardless what the numbers say. I eat healthy, get good sleep, exercise, and do things that make me happy. It is far more important to be healthy rather than skinny. Granted I want to be healthy and in kick-butt shape but first and foremost you must achieve a healthy state for your body before you can get your muscles all toned and beautiful. And seeing improvement can take a while because a lot is happening that you cannot see. 

DON'T LET NUMBERS STOP YOU. I have to keep reminding myself that. It's okay to struggle, everyone does. The only thing that isn't okay is to give up. That's just pathetic.

 

The Dreaded Scale

Yesterday I had to work on some homework on campus so Matt and I worked out at the gym. We rode the bike first, me for 2 miles, him 2.5 and then did some arm exercises. I know, a lame, short workout but I had a big headache (still do).

While there, I went to weigh myself and see how I have improved. I haven't. Matt has lost a few pounds but I seemed to gain his lost weight.
It was really discouraging to see that I wasn't improving even though I have been eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. I took it really hard. My dear husband just kept telling me that it's okay, we just need to continue to stay focused, keep our good health habits going, and even improve on them further.

I have been trying desperately to drink less soda. I was doing better at first but have been slipping back to having more (maybe that's why my head has been pounding). He suggest we only have ONE soda on Sundays and that we add doing crunches and other exercises after we run. I really hope to see improvement of any kind. Being healthy is not always easy, I am just having to remind myself constantly that it's worth it and to not give up! Ask myself, why are you running in the first place? What do you want to accomplish?
I want to feel comfortable in my own skin and to be better than my weaknesses. I can only accomplish this by continuing to do the same things I have been doing and keep my eye on the end goal instead of the bumps along the way.

Camping!

Yesterday Matt and I went camping instead of running. It was our first time camping together and quite frankly, the first time in a very long time since I had been. We made foil dinners and smores, it was a good ol' time.

There is something about camping that hits me in a tender place. The way it feels being in nature without a lot of modern things, under the stars, the way the campfire smells and feels, it's all so near and dear to me. (Though the bugs aren't!)

It was really nice to sit around the fire and tell old camping stories. I'm pretty sure I got marshmallow in my hair, Justin got it all over his hands and Paul just got it in his belly.

The stars were beautiful and brilliant, you could hear ducks and geese and other animals occasionally, and we still smell like campfire a.k.a. smoke. We will definitely be camping more this summer (preferably when it's warmer at night). I do love camping under the stars (we camped in a tent) but I have only done it once during pioneer trek. It was a new sensation waking up when the sun was full face, dealing with the rain when it came, hearing the wolves howl near by, now that is true blue camping.

But this is Idaho where it snows in June, so I guess for now I will stick to the tent and by the way, husbands are the best camping buddies, especially mine.

Nature Girl

Today was a beautiful, warm day, lots of people were walking/biking/running on the green way. When we reached our spot I took off my shoes and stood in the river. Granted the water was extremely cold but it was so nice and peaceful. We both tried skipping rocks and just took a moment to take in the beauty around us. 

Our run took a toll on my body today, my legs were really sore after but my abs were also burning in a good way which means progress! Yay! It is so exciting to see my body reacting well to the exercise and it's really exciting that the weather is getting warmer and nicer. I love Idaho, especially in the spring and summer. I am definitely going camping soon! 

Today when I pushed myself through the really hard parts of the run, it got easier to go farther. I am very pleased with the progress I am seeing. I couldn't love running by the river more. There's something so calming about being out in nature. I watch people run on the track at school and it looks so painfully dull compared to what I get to see. Plus, running on a trail gets my body prepared for my long term goal of running a 5k. 

The other day in class, some people were saying how exercise goes away with marriage. I say that is bologna! It only goes away if you let it, same as a testimony. You have to work at both to keep them around. My friend Ashley made a good observation that we will always have to take care of our bodies, there's no magic age or circumstance when we should start. I'd like to add to that by saying it's our responsibility to take care of our bodies and it should be a privilege. Learn to love yourself and taking care of you will be a breeze. 

Enlightened

Today Matt was having a pretty bad headache so we walked to his parent's house, took their dog for a walk, and walked back home. All together a very nice outing. Sometimes some of our best conversations arise when we are exercising.

I am on track this semester and I just wanted to share how exercising has made a difference in my studies. This is my first time having an early morning class in a year and a half. I usually try to avoid them because of how often I am tempted to skip class (and how often I ended up doing so). While waking up early can be difficult, I am finding it easier to get up and stay motivated in class. I think part of it is driving to Rexburg which gives me time to wake up. Another part is I am going to bed at a better time. I definitely think exercise is one reason as well. Not only am I able to be more awake, but I feel more enlightened. I recall things easier and feel more attentive. 

I have found when I am exercising regularly and do not let myself excuse away a chance to hit the gym or run, I am more motivated to do other positive things. Spring of 2011 I got up at 6am every day to workout with my friend Michaela at 7am. We both lost weight and had a blast doing so. That semester I ended up doing Comic Frenzy for the first time. Fall of 2012 I did soccer and ended up being in the Tempest by Shakespeare with Matt this last winter semester. Now I am running and want to do some outdoor activities with Matt such as rock climbing and backpacking. It seems like my good habits tend to lead to me doing other good things I normally wouldn't have thought about doing. 

I want to set a good pattern for my children (when they end up coming around) like my dad did for me. I want to teach them the importance of eating healthy, exercising, getting good sleep, setting goals, and challenging yourself. This life is not the time to be idle, there is so much you can do! It is a shame when we pass things up for petty excuses. Get out there and make a life for yourself your children can be proud of, no matter how old you are!

Snake River

Today Matt and I had a good, solid mile and a half run. We found a place along the snake river a little past the 3/4 mile mark that is absolutely beautiful and we like to sit there for a little bit before turning back around. Today was a little bit harder but I was very glad I went. I always am, no matter how much I may dread it. We have started running in the evenings since all my classes are in the morning, one of them at 8am. 

I wanted to share with you in this blog post the beauty of the Snake River. I took some pictures on our run today.

 I am very excited for the trees to be green again. Running along the river gives me more motivation to keep going. I love watching the men fish, the geese and cranes, and just the way the water ebbs and flows.

There's definitely a huge difference to running outside rather than in the gym. While it is harder for Matt and I to run as fast or for as long of stretches due to the slants and bends in the path, we love it.

 
I sincerely love my life with my husband. Exercising has been huge for us. We both have our insecurities but we are able to conquer them through working out and running. If you are afraid to start exercising, don't be! You will NEVER regret getting up, going out, and taking care of your body. I know I never have. I am very proud of myself for conquering a huge fear. I always thought to myself "I am not a runner, I never will be and those who are are crazy." Well, call me crazy. It is blessing my life and I'm not about to stop.

Words of Wisdom

Since today was a cold, snowy, windy day Matt and I decided to go on a simple walk. As much as I want to get in shape again, this weather doesn't seem like it wants to help at all! But, like I said in my 15 rules to stay fit, any exercise is better than nothing and I learned how incredibly true that is when we took a day off in the middle of the week and since we took Sunday off. The day after is always really hard to get back into the swing of it, especially when the weather does not match the time of year. 

I love having my husband to run with. I don't think I would be half as motivated if it weren't for him. Since he has seen improvements in his asthma, size, sleeping patterns, and energy, he loves running as much if not more than I do. It has become something that is equally important to us both. One thing that I know from experience is a relationship feels a lot smoother when you both have a love for the same fundamental things, such as religion and health. You're both happier, argue less, have more in common to talk about, and have more similar life styles and hobbies.

I just want to take a moment and talk more about how following the word of wisdom blesses and improves my life. First, to define what it is; it is a law of health revealed by the Lord for physical and spiritual benefit of His children. (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng)

 Our bodies and minds need temporal salvation. The Lord has given us a set of directions He knows will help us best achieve this. They are adapted to the weakest of any saint, so they are easily accessible to any who desires to obtain a greater stature of health. It is a principle of promise, meaning when we obey, He promises to give us the physical health we desire and need. He also gives it to us to help us avoid the evil temptations that we face in the world. Here are the laws that are in the word of wisdom:

1) If a man drinks wine or any strong drink (alcohol) it is not good for your body, neither is it good in the sight of the Lord. 

2) Strong drinks are not for the belly, but for washing or cleaning the body (He says this twice for emphasis).

3) Tobacco is not for the belly or for the body, but to be used as an herb to heal cattle and to only be used with judgement and skill.

4) We are to eat wholesome herbs (fruits, vegetables, wheat, etc) abundantly

5) God has ordained the eating of meat to be wholesome, but to be done sparingly.

6) All grain is to be used for man and all other creatures to be the staff of life.

7) The Lord again says that all grain is to be for the food of man, and also fruits.

In a later chapter of the Doctrine and Covenants, there is more commanded from God in accordance with being healthy and wise. I will add them to the words of wisdom, for they are wise things to do and fit nicely with the other laws. (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88.124?lang=eng#123)

8) Do not be idle, laziness is not of the Lord

9) Take care of your bodies, keep them clean, it shows that you are grateful to have them and that you respect Heavenly Father

10) Stop finding fault with others around you

11) Do not sleep longer than what you need (approximately 8 hours) 

12) Go to bed early and wake up early so that your mind and body can be invigorated

13) Pray always

If we do all these things, the Lord has promised that we can run and not be weary, have strength in our bones, walk and not faint, health in our navel, they shall find that the Lord has given them great treasures of knowledge from heaven, and the destroying angel will pass over them. I know those things to be true. When I follow all these commandments, I feel enlightened and full of energy, able to concentrate and do the things I need to with more exactness. I challenge you to test it out for yourself if you aren't already. After all, what harm could gaining wisdom bring?

The Little Things

Today's run ended up being in the evening and I was glad for it. We both had more endurance and were able to bump our length to 1 and 1/2 miles instead of just 1. This may have been a small increase, but it felt the world to me to pass the 3/4 mile mark on the green way before turning back around. 

I am beginning to enjoy running the more I do it. Granted it still burns, as it should (when I push myself) but the feeling I get when I can run longer, no matter how much more, is incredible. I focused more on breathing from my belly today when I noticed my ab muscles were feeling tight. I have always known about belly breathing from being in multiple choirs and theater productions, but I had never applied it to running. It is not an easy thing to do! Your body naturally wants to breath from your chest when you are short of breath. When I was able to concentrate and breath properly it helped tremendously. 

One of the things I love about running is that when I am running, I don't feel over weight at all. My feet glide me along the path, my legs shooting out farther, carrying me up and down the hills and around the bends. When I concentrate on my form instead of the pain things become quite easier, more natural and effortless. 

Matt and I went to Applebee's for dinner after running and were both shocked at our appetites. We were very hungry going into the restaurant but found we could not eat as much as we usually do. 

I love the little things that I see improve because of running; my ability to eat more correct portion sizes and remain full, being able to run farther, feeling good about running and enjoying it. I never thought I would come to love running. I knew I would get used to it, but my enjoyment was not expected though much appreciated. I can rest peacefully tonight knowing I am doing a great job.

Consistency

Thursday, Matt had the day off and I know how precious sleeping in is to him so I told him we could sleep in and take a day off from running. I am beginning to regret this decision.

My body automatically woke up early, like we were going to run, so I did not enjoy sleeping in and when Matt and I went to go run this morning, I found I did not have the energy and drive to do so. We went for a long walk around the neighborhood instead (sticking with my rule that any exercise is better than none). Matt also lacked the energy he had earlier this week. We learned the hard way that taking a day off, while it sounds enjoyable, is actually working against your body.

It is interesting how normally, something like sleeping in is valued so highly until you begin to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier, you find you no longer need it and trying to go back to that old habit feels unnatural. Since I had slept in and taken a nap yesterday, it was hard to go to bed early and even harder to wake up on time for a run. 

Our bodies are amazing things. They give clear signs as to when we are sick, infected, or things are being overlooked. I have gained a strong testimony of the Word of Wisdom through exercising. These things are of heaven, they are godly laws that only when followed can the truth and necessity of them be made manifest. It is after the trial of our faith that we can have the hidden treasures of heaven opened unto us. Following a commandment is never something to regret or fear, but to be anticipated with joy and excitement because when we are obedient, He will bless us with knowledge and wisdom and strength.  
 

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Today was nicer so we went back to the Green Way to run. Since we ran lighter yesterday I knew I needed to push myself today. Whenever I was running I thought to myself: "Push yourself! Come on, you can do better!" and I did. It burned but not as bad. I was still cold but my perseverance allowed me to see past that. With the winding river meandering along the trail, my husband at my side and the sun shining I enjoyed a run for the first time. 


On Facebook and Pinterest there are these "rules to stay fit." I want to post a few of my own.

#15 To be better than my weaknesses 

#14 I'm not going to let excuses get in my way

#13 The feeling you get after you have exercised 

#12 Feeling Powerful

#11 What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

#10 Feeling sore is better than feeling sorry

#09 To destroy what destroys me

#08 To stop wishing and actually make it happen

#07 Any exercise is better than none

#06 Because I'm tired of starting over

#05 The other side of fear lies freedom

#04 To get rock hard abs and tight thighs and buns


#03 To be healthy

#02 So I can fit in my skinniest pair of jeans

#01 Being Comfortable in my own skin