Jog for Your Life

Monday, January 21, 2013

Into the 'groove' w/ ski time

This afternoon, we enjoyed family time on the new ski trails in the Valley. A new ski park

just opened up a few weeks ago. It's near Hatcher Pass off of Edgerton Parks road (for Mom

and Dad's reference.) There are groomed trails there which makes it great for the kids to be in the 'groove' and stay on the tracks. Stephen and McKinley were more steady on their skis today. This is their third time out skiing and we only had a a couple falls and they even got themselves back up. I had my skis on too, so I could keep up with Stephen. Ray decided it was best to walk so he could assist McKinley as needed. She felt really confident by the end of the skiing adventure.

It is so fun to watch them explore and discover new things. Keeps me young.

Stephen watching Daddy help McKinley up a hill.

"All aboard!"

Daddy loves coaching his little girl.

And....they're off!

McKinley loved the groomed trail.

She made it down the little hill with Daddy's help. She even said: "wee!"

On the Pioneer Loop trail, you can walk, ski, jog, sled, and bring your dogs.

We didn't bring Sage today because we didn't know if dogs were permitted.

The dog in this picture was harnessed to a rope and pulling the kid in the sled.

Looked super fun. We definitely want to try that w/ Sage and her harness. I'm sure if we hold

a piece of cheese in front of her, she'll pull strong. : )

We planned to meet our friends (the Wargos) there. McKinley was so happy when her friend (yes, it's a boy), showed up. : )

It was a beautiful, sunny and warm day. Up to 30° with no wind. There was definitely peace in the Valley today.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

One benefit to where we live is that it's right next to the bike trails, and yesterday was such a nice day that we decided to go for a walk to the creek by Russian Jack park. It felt so good being out in the fresh air and not having it freezing cold and enjoying some family time.

Blake loved being pulled in the sled by James

Me and my Teddy Bear, enjoying some time together. (I still love the carrier mom)

The creek we walked to, it really was a winter wonderland, We even saw some Moose when we were walking home.

Blake loved eating the snow, his poor cheeks were bright red when we got home.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Ray, Brandon and Kary after the Willow, AK marathon. Dec 23, 2012

-20°- -30°!!!!

Ray and Brandon endured 28 miles (a little bit farther than a marathon) the day of Winter soltice at freezing temperatures. And, I mean freeeeeeeeezing! At the starting line it was -20°. During the race, it dropped to -30° at times. Ray had all the right gear, food, hydration, etc to move forward. He and his buddy finished strong under the bitter conditions (5 hours and 15 min)

I greeted them at the finish while a friend of mine kept the kids inside.

Ever since Ray and I ran our first marathon two years ago, we became "free." Free from chronic fatigue, free from back surgery pain, free from doubt, fear, worry of setbacks in the previously mentioned afflictions. I'll always remember when I crossed the finish line after running 26.2 miles in June of 2011. I called Mom on her mission and my first words to her were: "I'm free!" The joy and rejoicing I felt was exhilarating. I knew that I could move forward with my life and know that my body was healed. I believe in miracles. I believe that we can overcome setbacks and arise stronger. So, whatever challenges may be before anyone who reads this blog; press forward, be committed and success will come.

Here I am after my 5 mile run yesterday at 5°. Don't you love my frosty hair? You know my face mask is way cooler than Darth Vader's.

Today I ran 7 miles on unplowed sidewalks that had 4 inches of snow. Always a mental challenge. I was so happy when I came upon some parts of the trail that had been plowed. As I finished my 7 mile run, my friend was waiting for me at Alcantra (Mom and Dad know this trail), to go for a 4 mile cross country ski. So, I quickly switched my running shoes and laced up my ski boots. It was actually a nice combination to run then ski. My legs enjoyed the gliding motion and it was nice to share good conversation with my friend, Emily.

Sidenote: Studded running shoes for Mari.....go to a local hardware store, pick up 3/8" sheet metal screws (only a few cents a piece.) Get 20 and put 10 in each shoe. Local running stores should be able to show you how to do this so they are put in the right places on your shoes. I can also take a pic of mine so you can check it out. They totally keep you steady on your feet in the ice and snow. No slippage like the grippers you mentioned. Good luck and let me know if it works for you.

Run strong!!

Exercising is Fun?

Not always! While the rest of the family stayed home and watched Horatio Hornblower, I made my way into the bitter cold, and nasty air-inversion. Today I felt alone. Very alone. I chose to run in the evening, after Charles got home from an over-night campout with the Scouts. I wanted to run free, without the stroller. It would have been nice, except it was so slippery. I have cleats, but I hate running with them. Anyway, the point today was just doing it. It was nasty, and gross, and unpleasant in almost everyway -- but I did it anyway. And THAT is where I need to get my mental. THAT is where strength of mind must conquer weakness of body. THAT is where I am now . . . so don't try to stop me. :-)

Brrrrrrr, and NASTY air quality . . . I had to keep the mask on the whole time the air was so bad.

5 days this week. That makes 3 weeks of 5+ days of running.

I can do this. I am doing it.

Mom and Dad's Desert Hike

Friday, January 18, 2013

Just Dance: By Daniel

Today Mommy wanted me, Sammi, and Will to exercise. So, we did Just Dance. The pictures are NOT in the order they happened, but, anyway, this is what we did.

Yes, that is Sammi in the air. We kinda went crazy.

Awesome!

As you can see, Sammi is doing the Egyptian. Sammi went bezerk! Well, that's what we did to exercise. :) :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

I don't wanna go . . .

Today the kids had early release, so my normal running routine was interrupted a bit -- I had to go in the afternoon. I decided I don't like to wait to run, I would rather just do it at the beginning of my day and get it over with! For some reason this morning I was SUPER hungry. I ate a big brownie, and I felt awful (funny how sugar does that to you, eh? ). I didn't want to go running . . . I wanted to sleep. But then I saw Beppy's post about going to the gym, and I told myself, "Get up! Get to it! You can do it!" So out the door and into the cold I went. While I was running I almost threw-up that brownie, it was nasty. I deserved it though, it was a lot of brownie -- too much. But I fought back the barf, and I kept going. It was cold, but not as bitter-cold as the morning. I was even able to take the scarf off my face at the end. How nice is that? :-)

Henry slept the whole time . . . which worked out lovely for me. Train em while they are young, I say!

I like to do push-ups after I run. Today I managed very few, since that brownie was sitting heavy . . . I'll do better tomorrow. I learned my over-indulgent lesson . . . BLAH.