LITTLE SISTER: A good RW quote, and one more from my good friend Apolo

"It is a sublime thing to suffer and be stronger."


"I do my best thinking when I'm running. I don't know why that is - everything seems to flow so easily. It's almost a spiritual thing for me."
--Apolo Ohno, Olympic Speed Skater

Ran once this week. Might get a run in today. Lets hope.

Home in 2 days. Woohoo.

BIG SIS- grace

Days like yesterday make days like today that much better. I continue to be amazed with Jesse's ability to love me when I am the least loveable. I truly am so blessed by God through him. I am glad to hear your heart is feeling lighter after a tough couple of weeks. I had no doubt that it would. I never did make it out for that run yesterday so I am definitely going this evening :) ... which reminds me to tell you how much I LOOOVVEEE pandora radio too. My dearest musician friend (lol) got me hooked. You can download the app on your iphone and run with that. Just don't trip on the sidewalk and drop it like me hahaha.
So I am so in for the family trip to Alaska, I really really wanna go! It would be super fun to do as a group.
Also, advice about money- this is a discussion we will have when you are home (with Jesse too becasue he is soo smart with it.) but a couple notes
-dont love money
-be patient and save for things that you want instead of impulse buying them
-know what you make, and what you can spend
-make lists!
-dont live out of your means
-pack a lunch!
-give yourself a weekly allowance of free money

Well little sister, I cannot wait to see you :) i have to run to do wedding stuff

BIG SIS- rough day

uuugggghhh! i am having one of those days. i am feeling super overwhelmed, super stressed, jesse and i got in a fight. it just won't end :( its just a horrible no-good, very bad day. maybe a run will help me feel better (if i can drag myself out of the door). the worst part is, i cannot even tell you what got me feeling so bad??? no one particular incident set me off. say a prayer for me. ill call you later
love ya

LITTLE SISTER: The Comeback

Finally, yesterday at 2:37P.M. I ran for the first time in a week. When you've been running everyday for a while, not running just feels weird! Being sick sucks...that's all to say about that. Now that I'm about 90% better I feel a lot better about the approaching week. And even if the week is horrible, I'll be home saturday.

I've been a bit down the last couple weeks. But this past weekend, God penetrated my heart, opened my eyes to the ways I had fallen from his grace, and through the Holy Spirit gave me FREEDOM and peace in Christ Jesus. He is good.

Well--hope all is well in Florida. I really hope it is warm while I'm home!!!!!!

LITTLE SISTER: Getting up with Technology

Do you ever use this?---kinda cool for mapping out runs. check it out

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

Also, since I put my I-POD in the washing machine (don't know if I told you that) I've been listening to Pandora online radio and now have a sick list of awesome running songs to make for our 1/2.

love you.

LITTLE SISTER: Just Chillin

Well. Still sick, but on my way to a fast recovery hopefully!

Snowboarding was a blast--landed a couple 180s but was sad to leave right when I was starting to get good! Definitely need to plan a trip next winter--the West is calling my name! (since I cant run, I'm going to keep talking about not running)

There are so many cool things I want to do/so many places I want to see!

And this summer will be a great place to start......
Bonaroo? yes.
Biking/Camping Trip across Florida? yes.
Running? yes.
Another 1/2 marathon if we finish the 1st one? yes.
Finding you an instrument to play in the band? definitely a yes.

In the future......
Family trip to Alaska.
Family trip to Costa Rica.
Family trip to Kenya.

Alright, well back to work. I might try to do a small run tomorrow...we'll see. we'll see.

Less than 2 weeks till I get to see you! Yay.

Oh, one more thing--I am really bad with my money. I think you said you had a little bit of the same problem. So if you have any tips for me, I'm an open book.

BIG SIS- run to live

SOOO it was such a busy weekend with valentine's day at work that i didn't get time to run for a few days. When Monday arrived, I was overwhelmed and exhausted and then I had to work another double on Tuesday! Finally yesterday I had the morning off as did Jesse so we decided to hit some weights at the gym together. Since it is only 1 mile to the gym from his house, I suggested we run there since we had both been feeling stressed from the weekend. We ran and worked out hard. On the way home, we were both feeling really competitive and decided to practically sprint the mile home! It was super hard but soo fun at the same time. When we finished we started laughing and I was so winded that the laughing almost made me pass out. Needless to say, all my stress was gone and that is just one of the many reasons I love running :)
Today was a little chilly again so I decided to head back to the gym and run on the treadmill. It was one of those days where you just felt really good and I hit 5 miles easily! Then I did a good 20 minute power abs session.
Other than that I have managed to catch a little of the olympics and am seeing why you are so hooked. PS Shawn White is a bad A** lol. I sure hope you did not miss his half pipe session!!!! Makes me want to snowboard bad! Speaking of how was your trip with mom???
Well I cannot wait to see you, its coming soon and we wil get to run and hang together. YAAYYYYYY
Oh and you will be an amazing teacher, I have NO DOUBT that you will be able to meet every challenge presented to you.
xoxox miss you and love you

LITTLE SIS: Another good quote from RW (I only post the good ones)

"When you have the enthusiasm and passion, you end up figuring how to excel."

--I felt like I needed this one, more in school than running actually. There is so much work that goes into being a teacher and I've been questioning whether or not I'm capable of it all. God willing, it will happen; but I need to stick with it 100% and not be afraid to fail.

LITTLE SISTER: RW Quote of the day

The truth about running.......


"You feel good while you're running and you feel even better when you're finished."

LITTLE SISTER: Switch'n things up

No running this weekend....but hitting the slopes for a weekend of snowboarding sure gave me a good leg workout. Today I went for a walk with mom in the park and my legs were feeling it. We did some dips to work those triceps. I read last week that girls commonly overwork their biceps when trying to get their arms in shape--but triceps are more important to fitter and leaner arms--good thing to know! Well, tomorrow I think I am going to try to do a speed workout. Wish me luck.

3 weeks till I'm home for spring break! Yippee!!! Happy Valentine's Day, Hugs and kisses!

Also, IMPT: is Jesse running the half or is it just the two of us....and, what race are we doing. We probably want to figure that out to get signed up!

BIG SIS- loves little sis

Hello my miniature hurricane...Yes you were a little post crazy yesterday... and yes I absolutely loved it! haha. I definitely know what you mean when you are talking about the eating thing. I am really bad about not eating in the morning and then eating too much late at night after work, but the last few weeks I have been trying soooo hard to be really healthy and mostly to start my day off with something, and I have actually in the last few days started to enjoy it A LOT. I told Jesse I wanted to be really toned for my wedding so he has been training me in the gym 2 days every week. I have been super sore but even in 2 weeks have noticed a differece and it has been a really fun experience for us at the same time. Bri has been joining us on the Monday night workouts too which is really great. I really love her and she also pushes me to lift harder (because I always will have that little competitive edge). ps... lunges are amazing for the rear :) and surprisingly my legs were not that strong even with all the running that I do.
On another note, I cannot believe you ran 8 miles. I am a little jealous but also very motivated to push myself to the max when I go for my run (after this blog). But GREAT JOB! Im pretty sure you will not even have to think about trying to lose weight when you are doing that kind of cardio. I may be running on the treadmill today though because it is FREEEEZING here! I am soo ready for summer.
Okay well this is now a short novel, so ill be back soon xoxox!

LITTLE SISTER: Running with a breeze

Don't worry, I'm not being cocky. I literally ran with the breeze today. Not just a light summer breeze...I'm talking a miniature hurricane. Somehow or another I managed to pull off the 8miles, thankful for each turn that put my back to the wind. Overall the run was great, but I can't say that I'm not looking forward to my day of rest tomorrow.

Out with the wind,
Kathy

P.S.Look at the old posts---I added a picture :)

LITTLE SISTER: RW QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Running: The ability to make a man go beyond the point at which he thinks he is going to die."

(Had to stay ahead in the posting--haha), love you!

LITTLE SISTER: Stick It !

So...after watching the movie “Stick It” this weekend with some of my friends, I'm feeling motivated--not only in my running, but also to be as freaking ripped as the chick in the movie. However, since I'm not an elite gymnast I probably shouldn’t set myself up for failure. Haha... Well anyway, today is my long run day--going for 8 miles. Wish me luck.

It is cold and windy here with patches of ice on the ground. As bad as running on a treadmill for 8hrs sounds, it might be my only option—but let’s hope not!

So last night I was reading some stuff on Runner's World and I realized how bad my eating patterns and meal times were. A couple things I learned--I'm not getting enough good carbs (mostly before my runs)--which makes you really hungry after a run, even if you didn't run too far. I've been trying not to eat too much more than normal with my new running schedule and it is only hurting me because I need the strength for my runs!...and if I don't eat properly throughout the day, I eat a lot at nighttime--which is also bad for weight gain and the digestion of your food I found out. So, pretty much I'm going to be working on eating so that it benefits my running and so that it is good for my body.

With all that said---I'm going to stop worrying or even trying to lose weight and eat how I need to, letting nature take its course! There is lots of helpful stuff on the website though—like making sure to eat ______ before this type of run and how much to eat right after a ______ run and then within an hour….stuff like that.

Ok—that was a loooooooooooooooonnng boring post, but not everything in life is exciting I guess. Peace, love, and sweat.

BIG SIS- no rain, no rainbow

There is nothing like going for a run in a gentle rain to make you feel like a kid again... jumping puddles, dodging car splashes, and smiling the whole way through. I couldn't think of a better way to start my day :)

on another note, know that I'm praying

BIG SIS- ouchhh

So yesterday I was feeling really good and really motivated for a strong run. I planned to go out for an nice strong 5 miler. Well apparently I was feeling a little too proud because about a mile and a half in, I tripped on an edge on the sidewalk and went flying to the pavement, in front of a billion cars who were probably filled with people either ooohhhing and ahhing or laughing. I jumped up, my hands were covered in blood and I stood for a minute or two deciding what to do next. I figured I might as well try to keep going. So I guess you could say my "going to be easy run" turned out a little harder then I thought. BUT, it also got me thinking about God, which is a good result. Like how sometimes we get too confident in ourselves and we may think we have the answers and we dont need to look to Him for help. At those moments (if we are lucky), God may knock us down just a little to remind us we need Him. Well anyway today I am recovering, lol, and lets just say I'll remember to pay more attention on my next run when I cross that part of the sidewalk. till next time. love you

LITTLE SISTER: Running On

This weeks been a bit crazy...a lot of school work, difficulties with friendships, growing and stretching in my faith, thinking about my nan a lot. For some reason or another I've done a lot better running this week than last. And I've really enjoyed it. I think my body is finally physically in shape enough for me to be able to enjoy it. I am thankful for that. Another highlight of my week has been my new job--tutoring a 2nd grader named Kai. We have really bonded in just a short time and I now feel like I have the little brother I always wanted. With all the snow, we've had some school canceled so I was able to pick him up the other day to play basketball. I hope that I can be somewhat of a role model and light to him--something I know a lot of kids need, but don't have.

Well, despite the ups and downs, the hardships, challenges, and joys of life....I'm just running on. Knowing that the Lord is sovereign and that as long as I can abide in Christ, I have a pretty awesome life.

LITTLE SISTER: Loves Her Big Sister

Just wanted to tell you that I LOVE YOU so much. You bring so much joy into my life sister.



"Free your mind, and your feet will follow."
-RW quote of the day.

LITTLE SISTER: Let It Snow!

After failing to run all week...literally-- monday, tuesday, wednesday, and thursday, I finally made it out for a run friday afternoon! After two minutes of running my favorite trail, I was filled with joy and great surprise as the snow began to fall! I ran for seven miles in the snow, seeing the speckles of tiny white pieces fall from the sky and feeling the coldness as it hit my rosy checks. With each mile, the ground beneath me disappeared as a layer of white powder took over the shades of green and brown.

It was truly a God-given, glorious day to run!

BIG SIS-finally :)

Well I have finally found a moment to get to the computer and write! I have been so busy working 2 jobs and now planning this wedding that sometimes running has taken a backseat (although I am determined to run this half marathon). The good news is I just put in my 2 weeks at my second job so I should have more time on my hands very soon. Yesterday was a pretty awesome but very busy day. My family got to meet Jesse's family which went well as I suspected it would :) Jesse and I then went to church which for me was a very "tough love" service dealing with money. By the time I got home and after eating 2 slices of pizza, I was ready for and in need of my run. With so much on my mind I decided to take the time to think and opted to run without my ipod which is not a very common thing. I was glad to have the chance to "talk with myself" as I like to say. My four-miler felt as easy as one and if it wasn't so late, I probably would have ran a couple more. Hopefully my long run this afternoon will feel as good as last night!

LITTLE SISTER: Today's RW Quote--Couldn't Have Said It Better

"Consistency requires discipline. Force yourself out the door."

Off for my long run of the week. Goal: 1 hr/6 miles.

LITTLE SISTER: When Timing Yourself, Distance is Best Calculated

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first week of training in the slopes of North Carolina. The neighboorhod I am living in this year is quite perfect for running. About 5 minutes down my street there is also a running trail...which brings me to my next point. Yesturday, we were suppose to run that 5 mile (3 miles at 8:15) and so I just went ahead and figured that a loop around the trail was 1/2 mile...so I go ahead and start the three miles and cant understand why my miles are so slow when I am running as fast as I can. So finally, I'm just shot and can't run anymore. I ask a couple walking the trail if they know how long the loop is and the man answers 1000 meters. Ok, so every "mile" I thought I was running was in fact a 2000 meter mile, rather than the most commenly known 1600 meter mile. I felt a little better about my run, yet was also glad that I wouldn't have to make the same mistake again. The trail is quite beautiful however.

Well, I decided I am coming home for spring break. Therefore we can run together a couple times and I can help you pick out your wedding dress--yay!

Here is the quote today from runner's world--I kind of liked it: "When we understand the privilege of what it means to be an athlete, we are in touch with, and rejoice in, our physical, mental, and emotional strengths and our endless possibilities."

LITTLE SISTER: Running Out of Florida

OK, intro: This is now my second blog. One that I will be writing with my sister Meg. We are training together for our first half marathon that will be in Charlotte, NC this spring. Unfortunately because I'm off to college soon, we can't train together...so we figured this would be a good way to keep eachother posted and have a little extra fun....hope you enjoy.

Well...My first week of unofficial training has gone well---that is, dependent on my own definition of the word "well." I ran 4 miles yesterday, the furthest I've ran since last spring. It wasn't too bad, but I'm still feeling slightly nervous about our first official long run-what was it, like 7 miles? Maybe the long runs wont be too bad, the speed workouts might be the ones that come out of the ground, put on boxing gloves, and kick our asses. Only time, sore knees, and passing out will tell. Well.. nothing too exciting here. Enjoying being able to eat more since I burn more calories/day-always a positive aspect of running. Having to drink more water and therefore having to pee every 20 minutes--one of the less appealing aspects. My feet have given themselves a chemical peal this past week and I am now losing much of my skin--proof that I really have been running. Today is my last Florida run and also my last run with Gator, my dog, which also makes it my last squirrel hunting adventure run. Sad day. Hopefully Florida's "snow" wont slow me down too much.

I saw this verse from 1 Timothy 4:8 the other day and I thought it was a good thing for us to keep in mind while we train. It says this: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." I think it will be cool to see how this training and journey fits in with our walk with God. You know, what can we learn from this....? Well, until next time--love you sis.