Kim the Lifeguard

It is finally warming up in Arizona! Kim's training for the upcoming lifeguard season which begins in March!

Response to 90 for Nan

Perhaps more to come . . . 

Jimmy has started FOOTBALL!!!

Timp Half

http://timphalf.com/ 

Log onto the site above and register NOW!!!!! 

This is the official invitation for all Post family members to take the challenge of participating in the Timpanogas Half Marathon.  

Race date: Saturday, July 27, 2013 

Why: For Nan!  

This summer, Nan turns 90 years old. She has worked hard to get there. Are you willing to work hard to cross a finish line for her?
Think of all she has done for you. Think of all the struggles she has endured. Think of her love, compassion, unselfishness and her positive "I can" attitude." Are you willing to struggle one step at a time as you walk, jog or run 13.1 miles in the beautiful mountains? By the way, the course is all downhill. 

The goal: Get enough family members to sign up to equal 90 miles for Nan.  

My vision: To have Nan at the finish line to cheer/ welcome us all "home." Who doesn't want to run to the finish for Nan? Have I convinced you yet? If not, don't worry...I'll keep trying. ; ) 

Deadline to register: Soon! If you want to save $, register by Valentine's day. What a sweet gift for your Valentine. Pay for them to sweat and earn a medal! : ) Ray and I are registered. Can you feel the love? 

I guess you've figured out that we are committed to come to Utah this summmer! Yes, we have our tickets reserved. 

We will be there for Nan. Where will you be? 

Smiles and miles,

Kary

Power House

 Part of my "pre-run" routine :)

Mom's Steps

You go Girl! 

Week 7

 Yesterday's run marked the beginning of week 7. It was a beautiful day, and a lovely run, except for the fact that I ate a bean burger for lunch and my guts were killing me. Ouch. I can't complain too much now, the weather has warmed-up, and the trails are clear. Now it is about finding my moxie to run faster and harder. I have turned to listening to music to distract my mind from thinking too much. Less thinking, more running. If I think too much, my mind can keep me from progress. My favorite song right now is called "Stronger". When the chorus of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" comes on, it makes my heart soar. Love it. Other song favorites . . . Firework, Beautiful, Keep Your Head Up. 

 I loved this sign along the way. 

Which way do I want to go with my life?
Strong and Healthy, or Weak and Lazy?
Only I can choose which way to turn. 

 Everyone was along for the ride. Grandma and Grandpa were out there, too. It was lovely. 

Week 6 Day 5 Running Picture - another evening run. 

After having 4 babies, I am not worse off . . . 

I Am Stronger. 

That is my new motto. I want a shirt that says it. I'll have to look into that. :-) 

Running Date

Yesterday I had a running date with Ray. 

It was a warm, sunny day. Felt like Spring, but I know we have a ways to go before that becomes a reality. 

We really enjoyed being out in nature together. We talked the first 8 miles, then it was focus time. We still had 5.1 miles to go and we had to make it back on time to get our babysitter home. Sure makes you run faster when you're paying $5 an hour to go on a run. 

Here's Ray on the snowy trail through the forest.

Mile 11. We're going to make it. I love running through trees ( not into them. )

Uphill at mile 12. Back on the road.

Ray by the lake near our home. 

We ran a half marathon distance (13.1) together. I would not have gone that far yesterday without Ray. He really keeps me going. I'm grateful for his strength and encouragement. The song he dedicated to me on our engagement night, "Follow Me," still applies today. 

Almost Didn't Go . . .

 Yesterday was a busy day of running around town. I got home and thought to myself, "I'll just do an indoor workout today, or something." It was getting later, 5:30ish, and then I got a call from Charles who said he was out running (he runs around his work on beautiful trails). How could I let a day go by where he ran, and I did not? How could I not get my 5 days in, when I have committed to it? Charles got home and said, "Go! Just Go!" And so, since I am an obedient wife -- I set out into the almost darkness, and I ran. I ran hard, and fast . . . to beat the pitch-black-darkness. I felt good. I could run faster in the dark? Weird. Maybe it is because I was scared? Maybe it was because I was running to beat something? Maybe it is because I hate being alone in the dark? Yep. That was it. I was "scared running" . . . nothing quite as motivational as fear!

 It was so nice to come home, and be home . . . I barely made it before total darkness occurred. 

I felt good though. 

And instead of eating 3 pieces of pizza on a Friday night movie night -- I ran. 

That is right . . . I EAT running. And boy does it taste good! 

Yum! 

Super-Trooper

Mom sat with her feet propped-up on a stool, as I took a needle, and popped two big blisters on the bottom of her feet. We let them ooze-out, and then corn-starched her feet, and out the door we went. That's right, she went even though she was in pain! And she of course said the thing she says every time, "I probably won't go very far today because . . . . " And then she does go far, and makes it happen. Silly Mommy. She is doing it! She just got new shoes yesterday, to help with the blister problem (she had old shoes). Let's see where these new shoes will take her! Go Mom! 

Rest Day & Top Ten list

Today was a day off of running for me.  I take 2 days off a week.  Generally, it's Friday and Sunday.  I like to leave Fridays open for date night and I like to leave Sundays open for keeping the Sabbath day holy.  Rest days are so essential for recovery.  I also become more motivated to run again once Saturday rolls around.  So, remember, it's good to take a break.  5 days of running a week is fantastic!

As I've been running lately, I've been thinking about why I run.  So, here it goes.....I will post my top ten reasons for running right here on the jog4your life blog.  Aren't you glad you stopped by this blog today?  Sure hope so.


Kary's TOP TEN REASONS FOR RUNNING:

1.  Running makes me feel free!

2.  I desire to be young for my children so I can keep up w/ them and play w/ them.

3.  It makes me feel perky.  I love endorphins!  Who doesn't need energy?

4.  I'm so grateful to have my health back.  I want to show Heavenly Father my gratitude by becoming stronger for Him so I am better able to serve Him.

5.  It keeps me fit.  I believe running is the best way to lose weight and maintain it (along w/ moderation in eating.)  

6.  Ray and I both enjoy running.  Going on a run with him is always fun because we get to go on trails through the forest and mountains.  Lots of adventure.

7.  I love to be outdoors and breathe the fresh air. Watching the sunset, the snow fall or hearing the birds sing, makes the run so fulfilling.

8.  I often receive personal revelation/inspiration on my runs.  I call them "revelatory runs."  I often get ideas on what I can do to help my children or how to fulfill my callings in the ward.  Sometimes, I am prompted to know who needs my help or just to feel peace in my life.

9.  I like to listen to a variety of music when I run.  I like to 'dance' to the music when I'm running.  Just the other day I was listening to Celtic Thunder on my run (hoping for some upbeat Riverdance music) and I got it.  My feet felt like they were clogging all the way home.  I felt like I could move with happy feet.  Now, there's a good movie!  "Happy Feet!"  I think I should put a few of those songs on my running playlist.   :  )

10.  Running keeps me moving forward.  I always want to be progressing/improving in my life.  Goals are so good.   I always like to have a running event to train for so that I stay motivated.  So far, I have registered for 3 events this summer.  There may be more.  I just want to be a 'finisher!'


What are your reasons for running?  Walking?  Swimming?  Hiking?  Biking?  Etc?

Stepping it up . . .

Mom's steps for the day  . . . you go girlie! 

A Lovely Day for a Run

 Daniel and William came along for yesterday's run.   It was a beautiful day. Warm, sunny, with the smell of early Spring in the air. Sammi stayed home cause she has had a bit of a cough. She missed out! It really was such a marvelous day. 

Brothers. :-)

 Daniel rode his bike and William ran THE WHOLE WAY = 4 miles. Grandma was out walking with the double stroller, in case William got tired, but he said, "Mom, I am running the whole way!" 

 And he did! He just kept running and running -- faster than me, I might add! 

 It was a beautiful running day, just lovely . . . it was the kind of day that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Gotta keep your head up!

Out for a morning walk

 John check out the fitbit! 

Week 6 Day 1

 I am on to week 6 of running! I have run at least 5 days a week, for the last 5 weeks. Now that I have gained some strength, I am ready to focus on my real issue, and that is food. I am living proof that you can run your butt off daily, and still have a bootie -- if you don't watch what you eat. It is time to turn my attention to TOTAL health . . . I am 33 now, time to get with it, I should say! 

Today's run was good. Foggy and cool, but fairly pleasant. Mom was out there with me, pushing the stroller with Henry. 

A little health tip: 

Did you know that 10 grams of sugar = 2 teaspoons of sugar?

 Look on the back of your cereal boxes, granola bars, juices, etc. The max sugar you should have in a day is 24 grams of sugar. (Equal to about 2 granola bars.) 

Good to remember . . . no wonder my butt is not shrinking, eh? I am guessing my daily sugar intake is around 75+ grams. 

Also, do you have a headache? Consider the amount of sugar you may have snarked that day. I hate label-checking more than anyone, but it is good to know what we are putting in our bodies! 

They'll be nice to us, if we be nice to them. :-) 

I love running past the swimming pool dreaming of warmth . . . 

 Forward! 

Groundhogs Day Run

Like Punxsutawney Phil, our February 2nd shadows predict an early Spring. Let it be so! 

My first run as a 33 year old was good. It was a beautiful day, sunny, and warmish. And best of all, Charles came with me! Trying to keep up with him was a challenge, and I couldn't keep up most of the time. But he did double-back to stay with me -- which of course makes me feel like a total wimp. But I still like having him along, because he is cute. :-) 

He liked it so much, he is going to run again today! Yea Charles! 

Wow, Johnny!

Frostbite 5K

Celebrate good times, come on!

Today was Mari's birthday.  So, as I started my 5K race today, I dedicated it to her.  Happy Birthday sister!  

The temperature in Willow was a pleasant 25°.  The only downfall was the deep snow on the trail.  4 inches of punchy snow.  Lots of twisting and turning.  I felt like a drunk driver (now don't get any ideas that I've ever experienced that.)  But, it was so challenging to stay on a straight path.  

As I saw the sunrise on the frozen lake we were running on, I was in awe of the beauty surrounding me.  The beautiful scenery made it all worth it.

Here I am at the start of the race.  Ray and the kids were my cheerleaders.  Stephen and McKinley loved burying their legs in the snow and playing on the playground while they waited for Mommy to come across the finish line.  They were also excited for the carnival events after the race. 

 Cotton candy was the sweet treat of the day. Hooray!

Nearing the finish.  Stephen ran out to greet me and encourage me to the end.  Thanks Stephen!

Victory!  Ahhhhhh....celebrate good times, come on!  :  )

I am happy to report that I earned a 3rd place ribbon in the women's division today.  Even though there were only 20 runners in the race, it felt great to receive an award after all of the struggle through the  snow.  We CAN do hard things.  We are stronger than we think we are.  Remember Henry Ford's words of wisdom:  "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't...you're right."

Beautiful Day

 It was above freezing and beautiful today. A little taste of Spring. Loved it. It was so nice to have the sun shining on my face. I ran free without the stroller today, it was pleasant. It was day 4 of week 5. 

And my last day running as a 32 year old. 

Goodbye 32 . . . HELLO 33! 

Going Home

 Running away from it all for a while sure makes you appreciate going home and being with your loved ones. 

Today, I went on a 6 mile run after Ray got home from work. It was a pleasant 35 degree day w no wind. I even took my gloves off after mile 2. As I ran down Wards St ( where my dear friend Crystal use to live), I noticed this new home was completed and available for purchase. So, I think the Nortons should consider moving back and live there. : )

One of the best parts about a run is coming home. When I arrived home, the kids were playing in the yard w Daddy. It made me so happy to see him outside enjoying the new snow w them. Today was a good running day.