Christmas Eve

This morning was a memory I shall never forget. Something always to be treasured in my heart. To be looked back upon and have a smile creep across my face. Unplanned adventure is always the best adventure, at least that is what I have come to believe. I was extremely blessed to go on the most beautiful morning run with both my father and my sister. There we were the three of us trying to balance on the slick road headed out the flat. The sun was just beginning to rise behind the clouds revealing a clear blue sky above. As we turned back at the hill we were greeted with breathtaking beauty. Fog rose above our quaint little town nestled amongst the wheat fields while the sun cast rays through the clouds. Our God is beautiful, our God is good. Dad said that when times are not so wonderful we need to remember that our God is good even then. How true. He is in control, our lives are not our own. I hope when I am 75 I can still close my eyes and hear the sound of our footsteps on the icy road, the love of my fellow company, the mist lifting from my little town, the sun's radiating glory, and the peace of God I felt on this Christmas Eve morning. All praise and glory be unto the God of this universe!

Change of Pace :)

Two girls (karisa and noel), 6:30 am, dark, rain, 1.5 mile campus run. It was lovely dodging the puddles and feeling the cold rain drops hit my face. I was thankful to be alive!

Dead week

Saturday Madi and I got up and went on a little run about 2.5 miles. Felt really great to run outside. This morning I ran 3 miles at the gym. So....close....to...break!!!!

Working out did not help work out the stress level...

I ran and rode the bike after my early morning workouts this morning. It felt good, but did not help lower my stress level unfortunately and I had a bad sideache while running so I struggled with praying because I was focused on my breathing to help get rid of my sideache.

Add: 2 miles running and 3 miles biking

Wednesday I ran 2 miles during my fitness conditioning class which helped work off the soreness from early morning workouts and then Friday I ran with Riss 3 miles, which was a good escape from life and wonderful to spend time with my beautiful and encouraging sister and best friend :D

Add: 2 miles running and 3 more miles if you didn't already add mine with you ;)

Sunny in December

It was sunny today and I had a bad day and combined it made me want to go running SO bad! So I texted Noel and we ran 3 miles together. It was a super good stress relief for a very not so super day.

5 mornings left!!

Add another 3.25 miles for this morning's run. Wednesday didn't happen cause I devoted it to school work and I didn't have to work at the gym in the morning. Speaking of, I only have 5 mornings left of 5:30-6:30 am work!!! Yay! I'm really excited for that, but...I did like running in the morning. Highlight of not working at 5:30 in the morning--I get to shower at my house, NOT a locker room. Noel has now agreed to take over my morning shift at the gym. Bummer for her, but yet it will be much better living ON campus cause she can go back to her dorm. I am also giving my two weeks at Spoons this week, so very soon I will be down to only 5 hours a week guaranteed of work. Anyways, break is so very close and I think I may be writing the last 12 page paper of my undergraduate schooling--EXCITING! That's all. Keep posting mileage. Later.

In the midst of it all...

Today I ran 3 miles after not having run about 3 miles on Thanksgiving Day. In the midst of this crazy semester I've found it hard to be consistent in my exercising. I'm looking forward to next semester and break where I can actually work out every day cause I won't be struggling to just stay awake. So...6 miles running for me :)

Working off Thanksgiving Food

Add: 2 miles running and 2 miles biking

Day Three

I ran .55 and walked .55 miles. :D

Day Two

Umm...not a lot to report. Keeping up on prayer, walking, bible reading. :) Add a mile!

Determination

Today I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. It was Monday and I was tired and I didn't do much running last week. I ran a warm up mile and then decided I had time to run 2 miles at 7:30 min pace. I was really tired after the first, but I told myself "You set this goal, accomplish it, you can do it!" I had to repeat that over and over...I had to be determined. Somewhere in the last two years I feel like I have lost my determination in some areas of my life and maybe I was an overly determined person, I don't know. What I do know is that running in a way gives me the confidence that I still have determination and I CAN be determined about other things in my life. So I run for determination--in my spiritual life, in my job, in my schooling, in my actions, in my life.

Day One - The Hardest Day

I fast walked for 16 minutes until my shins gave out. So add 1 mile walking! :D One day down and a lifetime to go, one day at a time!

Saturday wake up run

Well I got up this morning and decided in order to be productive today I needed to run. Also I knew it would help motivate Zach to go to the gym :p lol So I ran and biked a bit, which I haven't done for about three days I think. I was going to get into a habit, but failed to. Thanks for posting dad :) I am excited to run with you when I am home too. During Christmas maybe we can go on another snowy run like we did last year :) I definitely agree with you about running helps you pray like you are suppose to. It helps me too! If I am physically out of shape then I fall spiritually out of shape too :/ hmm...I will have to work on that one. Well off to start the homework.

Add: 2 miles running and 2 miles biking

Elk Hunting and Dark Running

Well two weeks ago I shot a spike elk. Due to our handy dandy mechanical tools we hauled up the hill and then up a tree and placed it straight into the pickup bed. The following week I scouted and spotted while the rest of the party looked for elk. It was a great day on Friday since the snow had made for excellent tracking. However the next two days were rain filled. During this time the light has been sleeping when I woke up to run because of the time change. Running in the dark is very familiar to me and sometimes I wonder if I really don't enjoy it more that way. Pacing seems to be less of a concern and praying is easier without visual distractions. This morning the stars shown brightly as I left the house and just a hint of light was creeping over the horizon when I returned. When I run I am discovering that I am better about remembering to pray as I should. Thank you Lord for my dark running times.

Add: 13 miles running; 10 miles hiking.

Its been awhile...

So, sorry it has been so long since I updated our mileage. Noel, your the only one that has been on here so, I guess thanks for continuing to post. I wish I could remember what I ran, but I can't remember all of it, thus I shall just guess and probably underestimate. I think in the last three weeks about 20 miles of running. I'm really looking forward to running at home!

Novemeber 14

Add: 1 mile running and 3 miles biking

Add: 1 mile running and 4 miles biking

New start

This is my new week...starting fresh for awhile. My roommates and I are going on a sweets diet, so no sweets for awhile. We didn't set a time, but maybe until Thanksgiving. I also want to be disciplined and run or exercise everyday. I ran this morning before my workout class.

Add: 2 miles running

October 29

Add: 2 miles running

Longest Run in a Long Time!

This week Madi and I went on two long runs. Monday was a 2.25 treadmill work out with a 7 min mile :) Tuesday Madi and I went 4.5 miles and Wednesday we went 7 miles. I feel great aerobically, but my knees start to kill me after about 3 miles! Hopefully, they are just trying to get used to the hills and the pounding. Road runs are significantly different from the flat treadmill. Today I had less than 20 minutes so I ran 2 miles with one at 7 min mile pace. So add 15.75 miles. Don't forget to be drinking water and getting sleep (preaching to the choir).

It feels great to be out there running long runs again. I wish I had more time to do it and better places to run. Running has been a major part of who I am as a person and has taught me many of my life lessons. It also is where I spend the majority of my time in prayer. I worship God in my running...must take after my dad :)

Running Against the Wind/Puppy Go Home

Well I ran 2 miles at the end of last week. Then on Sunday Duke and I took off to run the triangle. At the halfway point the darkness revealed a second chocolate lab running with me down the gravel road. We ended up home with two dogs so I had to drive the pickup back to return the puppy. Ran 3.9 miles. This morning with the wind blowing I took off for a jog. I had my ipod playing christian tunes and Duke and I ran with great ease out the flat but at the 1 mile mark we turned to face the wind. It slowed my every step as it pushed me back. Straining I leaned into the wind and with lower brow fought my way back home in the growing sunrise of the morning. Running, praying, and straining to return I remembered the words of the Lord, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." God seemed to say to me if life is sometimes difficult we should be reminded to look at Christ as our example and push forward.



Add: 7.9 miles

Do you check this everyday Riss?

This is for Riss in case she checks this blog everyday to see if someone has posted their miles (oh and guess for me too so I don't forget lol). Today I ran after early morning workouts. We just did a circuit today, so I figured I wasn't too tired to run right afterwards. My run started off bad because I got a terrible sideache. However, Riss, I still remember you telling me a long time ago, what you learned about from Mr. Monaco about how to get rid of sideaches. So I monitored my breathing and eventually it got better and I was able to run the two miles I wanted to :)


Add: 2 miles running

A new week!

Today is the beginning of my week of turn around! My goal is to eat good and workout everyday. I am excited and it felt really good today to finally run. I ran on the treadmill, but it was really hard and I got tired fast. So I decided to bike for awhile and read a book called "Echoes of His Presence" for my Life of Christ class.

Add: 2 miles running + 4 miles biking

Last Week

15 miles last week total. Did a five mile and four mile outside cause Madi and I are starting half marathon training. We shall see....

To Andrew I will some of my Gumption. Karissa already has my sweat glands. Friday 2.5 on the treadmill. Saturday swam 625 meters at the pool and took my first run on an elliptical covering 5 mi but burning the calves so much that I've been sore this week. Ran 2.1 on the treadmill today. Sure like the new background on STRIDES!!

Gumption

Gotta get the gumption to get outta bed sooner. :D

Some girls glow. . . I SWEAT!

I've been working out pretty good this week. Monday--3 miles, Tuesday--too tired after Sunday's all-nighter, Wednesday--2 miles, Thursday--4 miles and lunges. I am envious Dad, of your run the other morning. I love getting my running done first thing in the day, but lets just say looking at a bunch of sweaty athletes is not as lovely as looking at the stars. Not to mention, running at the gym makes me sweat big time! This morning my entire shirt was soaked cause I didn't where a tank top underneath. I put my sweatshirt on afterwards and about an hour later when I gave Trev a hug goodbye he was like "Is that sweat?" referring to my damp back. I was like, "Yep, I sweat ALOT . . . and I stink too." He was like, "yeah." Haha. Good thing he loves me anyways. Thank you Dad for your sweat glands and your "sweaty smell." :) Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

October 9-12

I ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill on Saturday. It was very warm in the house causing my wife to mention how much I smell LOL! Then I ran again this morning and it was heavenly. First off Jack Frost visited and the ground had a slight coating of white. The air was cool as the dog and I left the house at 5:30 for our outing of 3 miles. The stars overhead shown brightly displaying the glory of the Lord's creation. Orion, the Big Dipper, & Casciopia brilliantly postured themselves among countless other astronomical lights above. It seemed as if God was somehow close around me in the darkened light before morning. At His prompting I turned my ipod off and ran towards his wonder. Praying as I went I marveled that he had given this special morning to me, to be with Him, to commune with Him as friend. Prayer came easily and I hardly felt tired as we returned to the house. Thank you Lord for your love, friendship, and forgiveness.


Add: 5.5 miles & 120 push ups if anyone cares (PR for consecutive ones)

:(

Sad to say my running will be put on hold for a few days as I work to get over this cold and get caught up on life and homework. I am exhausted in every way possible...but I have to be healthy for Thursday because I am suppose to give blood which I am really excited about. I kept trying last year, but I always waited to long or it didn't fit in my schedule, but I am making it work this time :) Hopefully once this week, weekend, and beginning of next week are over I can start running again. Thank goodness for fitness and conditioning class, it's not much of a workout, but helps me feel a little better...Love you all!

Hi!

So I just figured out how to get here, and I would like to say that I haven't started yet. That seems to be my relationship with working out..."not yet." However, I am really excited to start working out. I am so glad we are doing this as a family, and it will give me something to work towards :)

I am off to class to learn about babies being born, so I'll talk more later! Love to everyone :)

October 6- 8

Ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill Friday after running 2 miles in town on Thursday. It was dark when I ran outside so I ran in town where there are street lights. The moon was a sliver and the weather was warm.






Add: 4.5

Broke Detox...haha

2.25 miles and some more lunges :) Tonight I broke detox, not feeling any different and well I really wanted to go to a coffee shop to do homework which requires buying some sort of caffeinated or sweetened drink. So 4.5 days of detox not really sure what it did. However, eating fruits and vegetable is always healthy :) I would just prefer to eat my dairy and peanut butter along with it!

Forgot how much I like things other than running!

This morning I still felt very tired while running, so after 2 miles I decided I would do something else. I ended up doing lunges, triceps, biceps, abs, and wall sits. It was such a nice change of pace. I really enjoyed. So--try something different for a day if you are tired of the same-oh-same-oh :)

Can't Run in the Sun :(

Today is beautiful! I should be outside right this very moment but instead I'm indoors about to begin a few hours of physics...sigh. I wish I was running outside instead. Its kind of a bummer that I never run outside anymore. Tuesday, Madi and I were going to go running when I got back from work at 6:45 am but it was still dark...so we didn't go. Since our schedules are so different I can never run outside anymore cause I have no one to run with. Sad.

Anyways so Tuesday I ran 2 miles and this morning I ran 2 miles. Both times I have been extremely tired and unmotivated which is probably due to a lack of sleep and a lack of protein from detox. Speaking of detox, when I get done I'm eating a WHOLE loaf of bread! Haha. It wouldn't be that bad if I could stay home and cook, but on the go meals are repetitive and lame. However, I did discover a GREAT SMOOTHIE! I blended up ice, orange juice, and a banana. It kind of made for a frothy orange juice. I could have it everyday its so good! You should try it :) As for detox making me feel any different...nope. I am still tired, still have the same amount of energy. We shall see what the second half of the week does.

Recipe for the BEST SMOOTHIE ever!
Ice Cubes
1 Banana
8 oz Orange Juice

October 1-5

Friday I woke at 5:30ish and went down to run on the treadmill. I choose to do intervals since my run the day before was a tempo run. The intervals were between 6 and 8 mph for the middle mile and 5.5 and 7.5 for the two half miles warm up/cool down sections (2.4 mi). I held up pretty good but running in the house always makes me sweat like crazy. Saturday and Sunday I hiked a lot during buck hunting - I estimated about 4 miles a day conservatively. Tagged my deer, a forked horn, Sunday about 10:00. Lousy shooting but got the job done. Ran again this morning at 5:20. The moon was a beautiful crescent and the outline of it could be seem forming an illumination around the whole globe of the moon. Made me very conscience of God. Ran 2 miles in town.

Add: 4.4 mi running & 8 mi hiking

6:00am

Today was Tuesday morning 6:00am workout, they gave us a break today so it wasn't as hard as most mornings which was nice. We worked on deceleration for our sports and proper jumping, turning, and lunge form. Then I ran two miles, during which I worked on memorizing my verses. I was tired and only going to run 1 mile, but I was surprised when I looked down and I was already at 1 mile. The time went faster than I expected so I just ran two. Then I did some assisted pull ups with the band, which by the end of the year I want to be able to do unassisted. I am excited to work toward this.

Add: 2 miles running

1 Week of Sickness

Well, after being sick for about 1 week and doing no form of exercise at all, aside from getting out of bed and setting up weights for work, I was going crazy. This morning I ran for the first time and did 3 miles. Surprisingly, I wasn't really tired at all! I'm hoping to run every day this week. Madi and I have decided to change our half marathon to January so we have more time to train. So for now, I will just be doing more base training.

Also, I have decided to do a body detox for the week. My friend Maria told me about it and suggested that I try it. There are five rules 1)no alcohol 2)no caffeine 3)no added sugar 4)no animal products 5)no gluten. The detox is meant to cleanse out your colon and I'm hoping it will maybe provide a solution to the gurgling of my stomach all the time. So basically its a lot of fruits, vegetables, beans, 100% juice, and mission corn chips for one week. Also you are supposed to drink a ton of water. I'll let you know if it actually works.

October 2

Add: 2.5 miles running

October!!

Hello! Well yesterday I ran 2 miles and then this morning I got up and ran only 1 mile and did some weight lifting. My hamstrings are super sore and tight...a good feeling, but my legs don't want to move :p I am learning to memorize scripture right now and I was working on James 1:2-6, Matthew 7:7-8, and Psalm 56:3-4. I have realized that the time I spend worrying or stressing about other things, if spent in memorizing scripture, can be very productive! Also a quote I found on my facebook page today that was a great reminder to where I am at in life is this:

Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have—and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.

It doesn't fit exactly, but it reminds me that sometimes giving up something up and accepting change, is the best thing for me. Its hard for me to see it that way, but God sees the future, the big picture, and he knows that me giving up what seems most important is better for me in the long run. I should not underestimate what God can give me in the midst of this change and vulnerability. God is good :)

Add: 3 miles running

September 27-30

Knowing that this coming weekend is deer season I set about to get some early mileage in. Sunday I got up and ran the triangle and prayed for the church family. Weather was warmer than normal and wind was calm. Monday I ran the flat at 5:30 had to avoid a collision with Jodi Harden and her dog. Tuesday the weather was warm and I ran on the treadmill maybe a reaction to the near collision. Managed a bit of speed training and went 2.10 miles before going out to see the dog. Took Wednesday off. Today was a three mile jaunt past the cemetery. Running for the most part in the dark made it easy for me to pray. Prayed for all my family and especially for Trevor who was practicing before scouts today. The run brings my mileage for the week to 11.

No fitness class today :)

Well this morning I didn't have my fitness and conditioning class at 8, but we were told by Monday to email her a workout we did. I only have the class twice a week, but I am learning how to use equipment in the gym and lots of new exercises to work different muscles! I love it! Anyway so I went to the gym at 8 this morning and ran and did some weight lifting. This afternoon I had an email for this blog and got really excited. I am so glad we are doing this together. I can't wait to be done with volleyball so I can run on a regular basis and add to our goal! Don't forget to add your miles everyone! Love you all!

Add: 2 miles running

Portland, OR - Portland ME = 3,216

Hey family, WELCOME to our blog!

I want to start off by saying, I am SO excited about this! My favorite part is that even though we are all separate living out our lives, we can share a common goal. While the purpose of this blog is to log and total workout mileage, it can really be much more than that. If you have a thought of the day, scripture, prayer request, exciting news, a funny story, or just need to vent...whatever it be, share it here on the blog. I have supposedly invited everyone to be an author, so you should all have the authorization to post hopefully. You may post your mileage daily, weekly, bi-monthly...then I will total the mileage and it will appear in the left hand side. I have created three categories for mileage: running, biking, and other. "Other" can include elliptical, walking, swimming, hiking, you name it. Also when you post put your name in the Label so we can search by each person's post on the left hand side.

So...here is the challenge: Portland, OR to Portland, ME by April 2012

That is 3,216 miles or 536 miles per person. If everyone did 1 mile a day it would take us about a year and a half. Now, we don't have to each cover 536 miles, we are doing this as a team and some of us enjoy more mileage than others. My point however, is that even with as little as one mile a day we can complete this in a year and a half!

I've entitled our blog "Strides" because that is how we are going to accomplish this goal. One stride at a time. As we are making strides in our physical health I hope we make strides in life as well--emotionally, relationally, mentally, spiritually. That is what this blog is about...making STRIDES.