Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My first Half Marathon -- WooooooHoooo!

Here I am crossing the finish line!  What a feeling of accomplishment.  

I signed up for the Humboldt Redwoods Half Marathon a month ago when my training for it was going well.  Then I got sick.  For two weeks I was unable to train and we all know what that means, right? Next thing I know it is off to Kentucky to meet with my friends for the Susan Komen run (see below) and I was exhausted when I got home. I started psyching myself out over doing the half. Well, I finally just decided to do it and quit worrying about it and the training I had done would be enough -- afterall, I wasn't looking for a great time or a PR -- naw, I would be happy to finish.  

Running in the Redwoods is so exhilarating!  If you ever have the chance to do a run here I encourage you to do so.  The course is relatively flat, the temps in the 50-60's, great people, great running club & sponsors and just an all around good feeling. Now to go get my tattoo!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Susan Komen Race for the Cure - Louisville


Well, me and my friends, we did it!  Now some of you may remember that Deej, Me, Sarah & Steph have been "talking" on a website for the past two years and we had never met.  Until this past weekend in Louisville!  This was a weekend to remember on many levels.  The Komen Louisville 5k was so encouraging.  So many women, lots of SWAG and a beautiful city.  I loved the hospitality of Louisville and would love to go back there.  I only wish we could have had a longer weekend.  Would I do it again?  YOU BET!!!

One more thing...

Have you noticed how many more supporters and sponsors there are this year for breast cancer than ever before?  That was one of our topics over this fun-girl weekend.  We may actually see a cure for breast cancer in our generation.  THAT is something worth running for!


Saturday, September 27, 2008

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
















I am so encouraged by all support I see for the fight against breast cancer as we head into October. This month I am flying to Louisville, Kentucky to run meet with some dear friends and we are all running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure together. Please, find some way to show your support for the fight against breast cancer this month.  Run a race, make a donation, bless your women friends -- but -- DO SOMETHING!!!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Runners' Dialogue...

So if you've made it to my blog you need to know something...I know you're here!  Well, I don't really know YOU, per se' but I have this nifty little techie thing called a sitemeter and it tells me how many people visit this blog every day. Oh, it tells me a few other things too but whatever!

My point. I was thinking about all the people who visit my blog and how it would be nice if they wouldn't just come and lurk, but that they would actually participate. Hey, it's not all about ME, you know. I would love for you to comment (see the little box at the end of this post, you can actually click on it and comment). I would love to hear the triumphs and thoughts of other runners.

One of the discussions going on a running forum I belong to is about what we runners think about when we're on one of those long runs. Some were saying they just keep the old ipod stocked with decent stuff and others were boasting their purist convictions and run without any distraction. So, what about you? What do you think about on those long runs? Me, I keep a mental list of things I like to ponder and I kinda go through that.  I love just being outside and appreciating all of that.  But what about YOU?  Let me know you are out there and let's dialogue about running!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Arcata Forest 5.6 Run



This is me finishing up with the Arcata Forest Run. This was such a challenging run. Most of the first 2/3 of the run was uphill so I guess you could call it a fast "walk". The Arcata Forest is beautiful and I was so glad I did it!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure

This is so exciting! I have three running buddies that I have never met -- in person that is.  We "talk" almost daily on Sparkpeople,  a website that helped me to lose 70 lbs.  Anyway, we are all meeting in Louisville, Kentucky in October to run in the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure walk/run.  Oh, and we will be meeting for the very first time! Running has opened up a whole new world for me.  

To see more information on this amazing Foundation and/or to make a donation, you can go here.

Thanks, Sarah, Deej & Stephie -- you guys are the BEST!  See ya in October!


Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Foothill House

If you go to the Napa Valley, I can tell you that there is no better place to stay than the Foothill House.  This charming B&B has all the comforts of home.  Nestled down a short driveway with lots of lush landscaping you will feel like you have run away to your own little paradise.  The private rooms are charming and comfy.  The bed was definitely the best (both Em and I need a comfy, supportive bed). A cute private garden patio awaits you if you like, for your morning, private breakfast or you can eat in your room at your own little dining area. Can't wait to go back!

Darla, the Darling of Calistoga.

This is Darla.  She is your host at the Foothill House and what a host she is!  Full of local information, coupons for select restaurants and well loved and respected by local business owners.  Oh, and this lady CAN COOK! Wow, were we well fed with her gourmet, full breakfasts.  Our only regret is that we had to leave after 3 days.  

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Castello Di Amorosa

We just got back from the Napa Valley and we had the best time.  One of the places we went to was this castle.  No one lives there. It is a winery and it is owned and was built by Darryl Sattui. If you go to the Napa Valley you should check it out but call ahead 'cause you have to have a reservation to tour it.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

And they're off!

Arcata Marsh 5k


Here I am running to the finish line for the July 4th, Arcata Marsh 5k run.  It was a perfect day for a run in the low 60's.  The Marsh is quite lovely with lots of healthy aquatic birds with their babies.  

Sunday, June 29, 2008

The Shack by William P. Young

After hearing all the buzz about this fictional book, I finally decided that I needed to read it for myself.  YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!  

This book so impacted me.  There are several themes in the book and I don't want to give anything away but one of the most important themes is how God the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit relate as separate-but-one being also known as the Trinity.  The story is about a man and his family that encounter a personal tragedy and through that he has an encounter with the Godhead.  

Here is a review that a friend of mine posted on our Kingdomscribes Forum:

"I was warned by my friends that if I had a religious bent, this book would be hard to read and I thought, no problem.  I'm not religious at all.

The book began with an interesting slow of well written and well described events. I liked it and liked his writing style, and finally I arrived at the chapter that caused me to pause, and I thought that this probably wasn't going to be the kind of book that my Christianity would work with, but then I remembered what my friend had said, and I decided to go ahead and push through and after I did, the book took a dramatic upward turn. I began to see the real meat of this book. It was creating in me the substance of great beauty and heavenly desire. I was spellbound and could not put the book down, there were moments of great sadness and joy, so profound I would cry: I related to this man's experience so personally that it was the substance of my dreams, my hopes, the tenderness of my heart as it relates to my heavenly Father, in short, this book has revealed all of the themes that are wrong with the Body of Christ and the world at the same time. It cast no condemnation, no blame and gives only the answers that eliminate everything that hinders love." ~Gary Kennedy

Wow, this book is this summer's MUST READ. ~ Shell


Sunday, June 8, 2008

Atalanta Victory Run 6/7/08


What a day this was!  That's me on the very left (of course) and that's Em below. He is the one that really makes most of this possible. He is my biggest fan and support. I love him so much!  

The race starts at the Arcata Co-op and proceeds through the Arcata Bottoms and loops around and comes back. I placed 3rd in my division. The Atalanta race is for women and children only. You have a choice of doing 2 miles walk/run or a 5 miler. There were many women with children and strollers. This is such a fun, community event. I was surprised to see a large group of hispanic women with all their kids. So many, in fact, that the event was MC'd in English and Spanish. It was a beautiful day in the low 70's -- unusual for the coast. 

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Complacency and the Kingdom of God

God told me "you are a runner, not a camper, you hate to camp.  SO WHY ARE YOU CAMPING?"

You see, every day that I run I use the same route.  I am a creature of habit.  However, being a creature of habit is not necessarily a good thing in the Kingdom.  God is always moving.  You know, "cloud by day, fire by night"? If we aren't moving and He is -- guess what?  We are left behind.  Not only are we left behind but we are also left in old revelation. Revelation of yesterday, old manna -- yuck!  But somehow we manage to subsist on that until we are so malnourished that we wake up one day wondering "How did I get here"?  Well, we really didn't set out to go into no-where-land.  We sort of just found ourselves there.  Something happened - discouragement, laziness, busyness of life, kids, husband, wife, job, etc. You name it. But it's not God.

The funny thing is, is that in the natural I really dislike camping. I've always wondered why people find it so fun.  Everything is harder when you camp.  Cooking and cleaning up being the two worst in my book.  Twice as much work to get it accomplished.  And don't get me started on the lack of hygiene and the backaches from sleeping on the ground. I am probably getting myself in trouble here with those of you who love to camp. 

But somehow God's people love to camp -- in spiritual places, that is.  Camping in old familiar places.  Camping in old attitudes & revelations.  Hey, this is how we've ALWAYS done it. You've probably heard the saying that the last great move of God can (and will be) the biggest hindrance to the new move of God.  Oh God help us!  He's moving forward and we have our cold, dead fingers still wrapped around a tiny bit of revelation from the past that is rotting and falling away but still we're proclaiming that it is TRUTH!  Meanwhile, the lost and hurting and broken are passing us by because all they see is a person in the throws of death and not The Life they seek.

Oh God, how can a region be changed if I have so much trouble changing?  How can the people who look to me, (follow me as I follow Christ) go into new places if I am camping out where You used to be.  OUCH!

I am a person who is a builder.  I want to see change.  I have a big picture mentality.  But God has a one-heart-at-a-time mentality and He is concerned with mine.  One little beating heart in the hand of God.  It really is a dance of me and Him. A focus of one thing -- loving my daddy and being consumed in Him, by Him and for Him.  If that is happening in my life then I will be going into new places.  I can't help but go where He goes because He is my only focus --not the big picture.  Oh that counts but it's not numero uno.  I can get lost in the big picture when what He is looking for in me is that I am focused on the one thing. He definitely is a big picture God, just not the way we think of it. After all, He IS the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.  You can't get any bigger picture than that. 

So here I am trying to help God with the big picture and He definitely has that under control. He just wants me to love on Him.  You know "seek first the kingdom..." Matt 6.33.  And in the process of trying to help God, I find myself even farther away from Him.  

Running with God is a daily choice and it is an inward thing.  It doesn't mean I have to manifest some sort of God busyness to prove to others I am going forward. He knows if I am connected with Him in the here and now. He knows if I am violently pressing into Him, looking for ways to please Him as my heart yearns towards His presence.  This is an unseen place. 

You know how wonderful fresh bread smells? When you walk down the street and a bakery is nearby, doesn't the fragrance of all that is wonderful draw you in? God has fresh bread! All I have to do is go to Him to get it. If I have fresh bread then guess what? Others are going to smell it in my life and want it too. 

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in  Christ, and through us diffuses
 the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."  2Cor2.14

Oh God, help us -- help me be a person who seeks your face and does not get distracted from the real goal which is dwelling in my Father's heart. You are faithful and you can take care of the big picture -- I repent of camping in the old things and trying to "help you" build your Kingdom.  Lord help me! I want to run with You into quiet places of connection & adoration and not into manic places of distraction.

Renew, refresh and revision my inward life so that all I do is please YOU!  


Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Diary of a 10k run

As I've shared before, The Avenue of the Giant's Run was a revelatory experience.  There is something about a group of people that all share your crazy passion to go out there and go for it. Even one of my sons was stunned when I told him that I had achieved my goal of running the whole 10k without walking...over an hour of running.  He looked like he thought I must be making it up.  Of course, he IS my son who sleeps until 1:00 in the afternoon -- not exactly athletic material at this point in time.

The run was exhilarating.  The run was exciting.  The run was a little hard -- Well, not too much. It started out with all of us straining at the starting line to get out there and not get run over by the others.  Since there were a lot of walkers, I didn't place myself at the very back of the pack but sort of in the middle.  As we all started off, I was passed by many people but soon I had established my pace and found myself even passing a few people.  It's a great feeling to pass others and a not so great feeling to get passed by.  You just have to roll with it.  I wore my Garmin heart rate monitor so I could try to keep my pace in check.  I didn't want to burn out before the finish AND I really wanted to finish strong.  Oh yeah, the temp was in the low 50's -- perfect for running!

The run started off over a bridge and then curved in a downward slope.  What goes down must go up so I was mentally preparing for the fact that I was going to face that hill on the way to the finish line as the run was 3.1 miles - out and back.  There were several water stops along the way but I carried my own water so I wouldn't have to slow down.  Before I got to the turn around I was already facing the rabbits that had reached the half way point and were on their way back. I gave a nod of acknowledgment and of course, respect.  I will never be the first runner in but I can certainly enjoy and admire those that are.

I make the turn around and am feeling strong.  I hit a relaxed stride and just settle in. Now, I am passing those that are still on their way to the halfway point.  Some are runners and some are walkers.  I pass the water stations and now the end is in sight.  I come up to a couple who are running this race together.  She is walking and running.  I hear her say to him that she had wanted to do this 10k in 1 hour or less but now she is telling him that "just to finish" is enough for her.  He agrees.  I realize that many who have taken on this challenge have seriously miscalculated the challenge.  I know that I have not.  I regularly run this distance and I know the challenge I face.

I pass this couple and up ahead I see the "HILL".  Yeah, yeah... the brochure talked about the challenge of the hill and how "fun" it is.  Well, I wouldn't go right to fun.  I run hills all the time but a hill at the end of a challenge is generally not fun.  I remind myself that success in running is mostly in your head.  You can seriously talk yourself out of a successful run and you can seriously talk yourself into a GREAT run.  Ok, I can do this.  I take it one step at a time.  I decide not to keep looking at how much hill is left but to concentrate on each step.  Sort of like living a successful Kingdom life, huh?  Step by Step.  Yeah, we still need to have vision but small goals go a long way in the road to success.  Before I know it, I have crested the hill and am coming over the bridge.  I get out my cell phone to call my husband who is waiting for me at the finish line.  Oh, how I love how he supports my running!  I promised to call him when I got close.  Of course, now he doesn't answer his phone so I give up and just enjoy the run into the finish line.  

I hear the announcer say, "And this next runner is Shell Swift -- a great name for a runner!" Well, I'm not so swift but heck, I finished!  People on the sidelines are clapping and cheering. Emil is there with his camera and I remember to raise my hands in the air as I cross the finish line in good sportsmanship fashion.  The excitement and sense of accomplishment is unbelievable.  I did it!  Now, on to the next challenge.


Monday, May 12, 2008

Avenue of the Giants RUN

I DID IT & IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!  I ran the Avenue of the Giants in the beautiful Humboldt County Redwoods.  It was a chilly morning on May 4th.  Emil and played hooky from church (not really, everyone knew where we were at).  

There were probably 1000 runners there and it was the biggest run I have ever been a part of.  I had some pre-race anxiety. Would I look like a neophyte?  Would I be dressed like everyone else?  If I carried water would someone think I was weak -- a dork?  Haha!  What torture our finite minds can put us through if we let them have control.  I chose my favorite black and pink running skirt and the morning was so cold that I ended up grabbing my pajama bottoms out of my bag and wearing them.  So much for looking like a dork.  

The marathoners and half marathoners went first at 9:00 am. The rest of us -- the 10Ker's went out at 9:30.  My goal was simple:  Run the race without having to walk at all & hopefully come in around 1 hr. & 15-20 minutes.  Well, I did both.  I ran the whole thing without walking and my time was 1:09:44 -- not bad for a slow runner.

I actually had a few epiphanies along the way but I will save those for another blog.  Pic posted at right.  It was a great day!


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

"I feel the earth move under my feet..."

WOW -- yesterday, April 29th at just past 8:00 pm we had an earthquake that registered 5.2 and the epi-center was 10 miles from our home!  Boy did our home shake.  Now, being from California I have been in a few quakes but this was the biggest I remember.  Here is a link to an article about this natural event and our little town of Willow Creek.

Now that we've gotten THAT out of the way I want to comment on the Avenue of the Giants 10k run that I will be in this Sunday.  I am excited about it and a little nervous.  Avenue of the Giants is a Boston Qualifier which means that there will be some very serious runners there.  The run will be chip-timed and I have never been in a race that is that formal and technical.  I can't wait! I will definitely post some pics and play by play after it is all over.  Wish me well!


Friday, April 25, 2008

Share your PASSION!

We host a class on the coast once a week.  It's called an "Equipper's Class" and is made up of people who are seasoned Christians looking for ways to be out-of-the-box in their ministries and relationships.  

At the first of the year we asked each one to think about what their passion is and share that with the group.  So each week, we hear from one person. Now, you might assume that each one is going to share on Christ but that's not so.  Passion can be anything -- don't forget, we have Christ in us so He is already a part of any passion that we share. When a person shares, he doesn't have to speak specifically about the Lord for the Lord to be involved as He has a part in everything we do.  

One week, one of the ladies brought a collection of teddy bears.  She creates the most amazing bears. When you look at one of her bears, you know that there's something divine in her work. She doesn't have to promote God -- God is already in the midst of the creativity of the bear. Where do you think the idea for each individual bear comes from? Can the beauty of each bear point the admirer to Christ? You bet! This perspective might be difficult for some Christians to process but not for those who are confident in their relationship with Him. 

1 Corinthians 2.4-5 

Paul says:   "...and my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of  human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Do you see what that passage says?  WE don't have to convince people of anything.  THAT is the wisdom of men. However, when we let what God is doing in our life speak for itself, well, that is one aspect of the power of God. I would much rather have the power of God working through me than my own wisdom. 

So, share your passion and quit trying to attach God to it.  He is already there. God wants to reveal Himself to others through us, we just have to let him out-of-OUR-box!

~

Friday, April 18, 2008

Slow and Steady

I have to remind myself that even though multi-tasking is a gift that I am very proud of possessing, it doesn't do much for the kind of "savoring" we all need to do in life. Thankfully, there isn't much multi-tasking when you run and since I am a VERY slow runner I get to savor a lot. The same goes with the Word of God and our relationship with Him.  Here are a few important points for God's Kingdom People:

* You have to pay attention when you read the Word of God. No distractions! This is not the time to multi-task. You need to ask the author of the Word what He is saying in the passage. Do you know how many Christians just read the Bible and never talk to the author? Think about it. If you were reading a book on running, would you rather just read the book or -- if the running author came to town -- wouldn't you seek him or her out to get more of what they were writing about? Come on! We have to be more in tune with the God of the Word than the Word of God!

* We need to expect heavenly downloads! What the heck is that? Well, when I run, I ruminate over the events of the day, often discovering major answers to problems or getting ideas that just seem to be perfect for projects I'm working on. This is my "heavenly download". I expect to hear from my Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit when I run -- and I do!

* Even when I "slow down" for sleep I ask the Lord for dreams. I don't know about you but God speaks to me often while I'm asleep. I have the most profound dreams. Remember Solomon? God spoke to him in a dream and asked him what he wanted. Solomon responded by saying that he wanted to be able to discern good from evil...(1Kings3.5-14). God still speaks to us today through dreams.  Many times we're so mentally busy that He chooses to speak to us in our dream life just so He can get through to us!

* Slow down at least once a week, and connect regularly with other faith-filled Christians. Be part of the family of God! Serve in your local assembly. Remember the song by Simon & Garfunkel, "I am a rock, I am an island"? Well, God created us for relationship with Him and with His Bride the Church. No man should be an island unto himself! Jesus died so we could have relationship with Him and with one another. Just read John chapters 15-17.

*  Quit living for something down the road. TODAY is the day of salvation! So many people are caught up in what they'll be doing two weeks from now. HELLO! We live in a NOW Kingdom! Put away distraction and be in the moment! God is speaking to you right now -- "...the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart so that you may do it..."  (Deut 30.14). Hear what He's speaking to you and be a person of action -- Remember faith without works is dead.

* And lastly, slow down to find JOY. "The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but Righteousness, Peace & Joy in the Holy Spirit!" (Romans 14.17)  -- Savor each moment -- know that you're a carrier of the Presence of God everywhere you go, with power to touch the lives of hurting, broken people AND you are a Joy imparter!  

Now, go out and do what you do and savor your way into GREATNESS!

~peace out~

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Wow, 80 degrees!

YES, this is what I've been waiting for -- Warm weather!  After practically hibernating all winter, spring has come on strong this weekend with a warmth that makes you feel like all is well with the world. So, on Saturday I ventured out for my first 5 miler since being sick.  It went well and I certainly enjoyed every moment of it.
Got out in the garden and planted some snow peas and some flowers.  Borrowed a friend's rototiller for getting the garden ready.  
Gave Skittles a bath.  Oh, yeah, Skittles (my doxie) has been entered in the Reader's Digest Cute Pet Photo Contest.  If you want to vote for her or just gaze at her beauty, go here:




Monday, April 7, 2008

...We all fall DOWN!

Unfortunately, we all do.  Physically and spiritually.  

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all this is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your m outh with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His way to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him And His righteousness to children's children,
To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion.  Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 103

I fell down today while I was on a run.  I fell down physically -- on the asphalt -- Ouch!  But I fall down more often spiritually.  We all do.  THANK GOD that He loves me and He covers me with His great love!  David knew what he was talking about. 




Saturday, April 5, 2008

Getting stronger

I had to resort to the dreadmill today.  It is still too cold on some days for me to run outside.  Depending on how I feel I may run tomorrow too.  A friend of mine on my Sparkpeople team sent me an article on aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise.  It was talking about how runners and other people who do a lot of cardio end up not burning fat because their body gets too used to their routine.  I've been thinking about that lately.  In February I ran like 86 miles -- that's a lot of miles.  I also kept my calories at about 1500-2000.  I have been trying to lose those last 5 lbs.  Well, with all that running and careful calorie watching, I didn't lose a thing.  I was starting to suspect that my body might not want to "give it up".  So, I get sick for 2 weeks and my body drops 2.5 lbs. after that.  I've been on the mend for an additional 2 weeks and I continue to lose -- another 2#.  So what's up with that?  Well, there's practically the 5 lbs. I was trying to lose.  I think I'm going to go back to some weight training (anaerobic).  I love a new plan!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Back on the Road ~ YES!

After being sick for two weeks and totally messing up my training, I was able to get back out there this week.  I ended March with a really short 2 miler.  I have to say, though, that just being outside and running was totally energizing.  I went out again on Wednesday for 3 and will probably do 3 more tomorrow.  My lungs are still hurting so I don't want to overdo but I gotta get ready for the May run.  Oh yeah, I just got a brochure for the Atalanta Run (which I did last year).  I told Emil tonight that I am going to run it for Rise-Up Women and raise some money for scholarships for women to attend our yearly retreat in July.  It'll be fun.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

I discipline my body and bring it into subjection so I will obtain an imperishable crown and not be disqualified.

 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.    1Corin 9.24-26

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Welcome to my blog.

It's taken me some time to get this set-up. I'm not very techie - Ha! I was wanting to start this blog as a journal of my running adventures. I started running over a year ago pretty much by accident. I had been working on losing weight and had started an exercise program. During that time I had fallen in love with the stair master. After about six months of using the machine I started having hip flexor problems and switched to the treadmill.  Well, Emil sort of tricked me into running on it.  I had it set for a nice brisk walk and Emil kept saying I needed to up the speed.  I was telling him how I was not a runner and he kept saying if I would only up the speed then I WOULD be a runner!  Well, he upped the speed on me and I've been running ever since.  Thanks, Em!