Stats from week 9-12 Boston training, Day 30 & a song

Training stuff:

Excluding the months of June and July almost 2 years ago when Levi was born, these have to be the strangest stats I have had.  All runs were "easy"... a few bike doubles, one 50+ mile bike ride on the balcony that left me with a sore knee... It's shaping up to be an "interesting" training cycle.

My mission, at the moment, is to run only easy runs until I have a "green light." I still feel like I am on a "yellow", but I am enjoying running again.

***
For believers
Thanks for reading along with me and providing affirmation to me as I posted each of the daily challenge posts.  It has been a blessing!
I received this email yesterday:

Congratulations on completing the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge!

How has this challenge changed your heart and life? Did God encourage you as you planned ways to encourage your husband? Were there difficult days where you simply needed to trust that God was working?

Remember that God is faithful, and He will bless you for your willingness to obey Him. His ways are not our ways, and perhaps He will honor you in ways you do not expect, but one thing is sure: you will never be the same because of your commitment to be more like Christ!

What kinds of victories have you experienced in your home since you started the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge"? Please take a moment to share these victories with us at: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/interact/contactus.htm




***
HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK!

Bike to Run conversion, & Day 20 & 21 of the challenge

Training stuff:

Another double day on the trainer bike. 20 miles easy am, 22 pm. I really don't like the bike...and I find myself staring out the window at the pool, while riding, wondering, "Could I sink to the depth of becoming a triathlete?" No offense to my tri friends ;) ...totally just kidding.

Still icing and massaging foot. Only hurts when I poke it during massage.
I want to run really really bad.....My emotions sway from not feeling like a runner at all...to wanting badly to feel some contact with the ground. My toes want it, my quads and hamstrings want it, my calves and glutes crave it!
I have been getting some awesome injury counseling via email, though. And, although it's totally NOT in my nature I am choosing NOT to run. Hardest dang thing. My gut says it's the wise thing. I am going with it. And Boston is 37 days away..

Bike to Run Conversion
First I have to say that running and biking DO NOT TRANSLATE (in my book) but I am doing what i can to keep up right now.

An interesting article on running/bike conversion came via email from Kim at Just trying is for little girls:  Thanks Kim!!

Edmund R. Burke, Ph.D.

Active.com (Part of the article)

Cycling Speed Calories Conversion

M.P.H.	Cal. per mile	Divider
10	26	4.2
15	31	3.5
20	38	2.9
25	47	2.3
30	59	1.9

For example, riding 20 miles at 15 mph burns 620 calories (20 miles X 31 calories per mile = 620 calories). Determine the running equivalent by dividing the distance (20 miles) by the conversion divider for 15-mph (3.5). The result is 5.7 miles.
 
This means that cycling 20 miles at 15 mph burns as many calories as running 5.7 miles.(  OMGOSH!!! I BETTER START GOING FASTER OR LONGER!!!)
 
If you rode 20 miles at 20 mph, you would divide by the corresponding number on the table (2.9). The result is 6.9 miles. So, in terms of energy expenditure, riding 20 miles at 20 mph is equivalent to running 6.9 miles.
Both would burn about 760 calories (20 X 38).

                 ***

All of us- before Levi- Just before I started really running.

Day 20
Read this wife's description of her beloved in Song of Solomon 5:10-16.
Criticism leaves scar; encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you focus on your "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge."


Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies.


Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks by the standards of the world, a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight. Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.


As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad smile?)


Day 21
"Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

(I love this scripture! The (two older) kids and I have memorized it this week- but a different translation. Ephesians 4:32  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you."


It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband (by God's grace and in His power) you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.


Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.


Does your husband seem to harbor grudges against you? If so, could there be things you need to change? Do you possibly need to ask forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.

Ok...this morning was a total failure, but the day's not over!

Some Stats, The Alphabet Thing & Day 18

Thanks to those of you who are emailing me and commenting asking about my training and how I am doing with "things". I am doing much better dealing with this than I would have last year. Things really could be much worse than they are.

Today I went on another "test run" . I made it about 50 yards and slowed to a walk. Slight pain in the ankle and fear controls my thoughts. What if it's something worse than a strain or tendonitis? What if I kept on running despite it? Should I just wait it out, or am I just being a wimp. It's not that it hurts very badly, it's just that I don't want to go backwards or get a compensation injury.

And then I start to wonder...should I get some arch supports?

What if I never run again until race day? Will I have any tendon strength anywhere else?

Would going in to a podiatrist be cost effective and helpful right now? Have I misdiagnosed this thing?

AHHHH. I hate sounding like a whiner and I know there are such bigger things to be concerned about in the world.

Really, I should not let this consume me. I need to be "alive and present" the rest of the day. My kids and husband deserve it.

If anything, my sister and I will have a great vacation Patriot's Day weekend.

*EDIT*
I just read another blog and realized that the remainder of my Boston training falls during Lent (thanks Andrew).  Something else for me to think about.
***
Alphabet thing...

Age: 36

Bed size: King, but not king enough for 5 people.

Chore you dislike: putting away anything, especially laundry

Dogs: None. But the neighborhood dogs are always visiting…

Essential start to your day: Coffee, quiet time.

Favorite color: This is a ridiculous question. Chartreuse.

Gold or silver: gold? My ring is too big right now and it’s put away.

Height: 5'8 ½”

Instruments you play: Once I tried to learn piano..Then I drove Jon nuts with the mandolin for a while.

Job title: Stay at home mom and wifey- except when I get the keys.

Kids: 3 boys. Love them all…I think we’re done.

Live: Middle of Nowhere, Oregon

Mom's name: Kathleen

Nickname: I had one for a short time in high school: Gumby. It had to do with my tennis form.

Overnight hospital stay: baby #1, but I was still out in under 12 hours.


Pet peeves: bullying and self-righteousness

Quote from a movie: “My good opinion once lost is lost forever.”  And “As you wish, Princess Buttercup.”

Righty or lefty: righty

Siblings: one sister

Time you wake up: 5-6 am…sometimes 4:30 and occasionally not until 8.

Underwear: wouldn’t you like to know: High and tight. And sometimes animal print. Grrr….

Vegetables you don't like: cauliflower- but I’ll eat it.

What makes you run late: usually anything except racing

Xrays you had: teeth, wrist, lungs ....

Yummy food you make: prime rib, brownies, chocolate rolls, pasta salad

Zoo animal favorites: Larakeets  
 

***
Husband Encouragement Challenge -
I signed up to receive daily emails as a project to become a better encourager to my husband.

Day 18

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

Are you a wise woman? Do you open your mouth with wisdom, as Proverbs 31:26 suggests? As you continue in your 30-day challenge, remember that a wise woman encourages her husband. (Oops...hahaha...not wise..trying to learn to be, though!)

Is your husband a "wise man?" Does he have a godly perspective that comes from knowing God and walking with Him in obedience? Does he have a sense of purpose for his life and vision for your home? Tell him how much this means to you.

If you are not sure about your husband's vision for your home, ask him, "Honey, what do you want to accomplish with our marriage and home in the years to come?" and "How can I help you accomplish that?"
(Even if I am sure - or have a good idea anyway- Jon would probably like to talk about this.)

If he does not have a vision, your questions may inspire him to develop one.
If your husband is not walking with God--or perhaps, does not know the Lord--you have the opportunity and responsibility to practice your faith and create a thirst for God. Thank God for giving your husband a place in his heart that only He can fill, and keep praying that he will turn to the Lord to fill that vacuum!

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, Day 8

Day 8 (from a series of emails I signed up for)

How are you doing with the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge"? In case you've forgotten, here's the challenge:

* You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband, or to anyone else.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband and to someone else.

Photo proofs from our wedding day, with photographer's marks on them :) . We used the top two.

"But who can find a faithful man?" (Proverbs 20:6b)

Faithfulness is a wonderful but rare quality today, especially in regard to marriage. Do you understand how important this quality is? Your challenge is to continue to root out all negative speaking, and plant seeds of encouragement instead. You may be amazed at what will grow.

Contemporary culture often entices men to be unfaithful to their wedding vows and spiritual commitments. Appreciate your husband's faithfulness--how he is loyal to you. Let him know that you are glad he has "stick-to-it-iveness" in your marriage. Appreciate his faithfulness to God.
If you have an unfaithful husband, this is a difficult area for you. Pray, speak the truth in love, remain faithful yourself, and discover ways to encourage faithfulness in your mate. The Bible says that husbands may "be won by the conduct of their wives" (1 Peter 3:1b). You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly individual or couple.

***

Running stuff:
Not much to report here.
I am in the process of revising my goal for Boston. My plan has been abandoned, but I am still keeping up with the trainer bike and lifting. I also have a regimen of applied heat and massage to the injured part of my foot 3 X a day. Yesterday I got out of the house and walked on it a bit.

***
Are you brave???
Still looking for your funny / bad race photos! Please let me know if you post any and I'll post a link here to them. =D

Back in the saddle...sort of.

Meet my new friend, Wes.

We haven't known each other long...but we are starting to gel.

 (Yes, I know this is an absolutely ridiculous photo of me NOT working out. Just let me say that it was too much work to airbrush a bag over my head today =D ...and I would never pose for REAL like this...just being weird. )

Wes is short for Weslo- my new ride. We have been spending some quality time in the evenings this week...

How do I love thee, Wes? Let me count the ways...

Your recumbant seat has plenty of room and never leaves me wishing for more padding.

Your pedals are strappy and adjustable. That suits me fine (especially with duct tape to keep them from jumping out of the notches).

The nifty side handles are rare.

(I am not sure of their true purpose, but I have used them to stabilize myself as I try to keep from lifting off the runway when trying to get my heart rate up.)

The special clicking sound you make with each revolution is really growing on me.

You are light enough that I can store you on the balcony and bring you in for Netflix. Ahhh...netflix.

Your display is digital and pauses while I get up to re-duct tape the toe straps :)

You are probably SAVING my BACON while my running is on the back burner. That keeps hope ALIVE.

Wes, I can't say you complete me, but if I close my eyes you'll do. I Heart YOU!

Special thanks to my hubby who has been very understanding of my temporary insanity. He has helped haul this thing upstairs and in and out the sliding door many nights now. Jon, you are my HERO. Such a patient man.

Also, special thanks to Janae at http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/ for some bike XT tips =D .

***

In other news, I got some new socks. I thought I might turn them into arm warmers ( i have no present need for them, but always looking for fashionable ideas here, ;) ...)

The boys took right to them.

I might have to splurge and buy a few more pairs. We could look like a really RAD family in our next outing to the sportsman show!

***

For believers:

I appreciated all the recent comments regarding the challenge I am doing. It has been AWESOME so far.

I have had some struggles, but overall, I really like how things are going. There are some similarities to the "Love Dare"/fireproof movie, but specific to a woman's role in marriage. I really can use the practical suggestions for how to be encouraging. It's not a natural thing for me to follow or encourage, (Oh how I wish it were, sometimes!).

Day 3 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge


"Love suffers long, and is kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4a)
"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)


Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider this challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.


If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender.


Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind, or tender--especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding, and express your gratitude.


Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure or loved. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.

Day 4
Day 4 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge
"Let him labor, working with his hands what is good . . ." (Ephesians 4:28b)

We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.

Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

This part could be hard, as hubby has been in a big work slow-down, but since he is such a HARD worker, I should have no trouble...I just need to remember to thank him for it!!

***

Are you currently injured?

What types of cross training do you do?

Are you facing any personal challenges this week? If so, how do you handle them?