My First Running Skirt

2016 Hot Chocolate 15K ... 14 degrees at Finish Line!

After my hubby's heart attack in December 2012, we launched into a desperate change of lifestyle. Nutrition and fitness were the chosen shovels to dig our unhealthy selves out of the poor physical pit. He liked running. I did not, but knew I had to get moving. 


I joined a dance fitness class which met three times weekly and hid in the shadows of the back row, each week, wearing long sleeves and long athleisure pants hoping not to embarrass myself. I was overweight and weak and, by the first 20 minutes, out-of-breath, but I kept at it determined not to be a statistic of failure.

Although I did not notice the physical changes, by spring my body was getting stronger and leaner! Hubby was going out for a run and to his surprise (and mine), I asked to join him. Something short of a miracle happened, that day. I did 3 miles feeling strong and enjoying being out with him with the sunshine on my face! We kept running, together, on the days I wasn't doing a fitness class. We weren't fast and our form incorrect, but we were moving!

That's me in the doorway wearing the blue Heartbreaker Skirt
with a few members of the local running group!

Summer cooled down to nice running weather through November. It was during this time, I stumbled upon a Facebook promotion of the Holiday Challenge led by Running Coach Jenny Hadfield, co-author of Running for Mortals. Each week runners, walkers, fitness enthusiasts logged miles and "miles." Each mile walked or run counted an actual mile. A "mile" was earned for each 10 minutes of exercise (cycling, yoga, dance fitness, etc.). Weekly challenges were issued with prizes to be won or randomly drawn from our group of challengers.

One such week the requirement to win the prize was to post why you should be chosen. The prize was donated by Skirt Sports® founded by Nicole DeBoom. What an eye-opener! I never knew there was such cute, stylish and modest fitness clothes for someone like me. The models on the website were real women with curves who were running and active!

Something rose up in me. I popped my knuckles and crafted a paragraph to capture the attention of Coach Jenny's elves as to why I needed either the sports bra or the running skirt. By Sunday, I had received an email stating I was the winner of the blue Heartbreaker Skirt!

The staff at Skirt Sports® was helpful and didn't crush my shaky confidence, but supported me in choosing the right size...a smaller size than what I would have ordered. Then, I nervously waited for the thing of beauty to arrive hoping it would fit and I would look decent.

Holy Cow! An Oscar trophy dipped in gold could not have been more treasured than my first running skirt. The shirred skirt draped off my healthy backside in a flattering way and offered the coverage across the crotch I needed. The two pockets under the skirt were genius! I didn't even know I needed them until I started stuffing them full of, well, stuff! The description on the website read: You're a heartbreaker... dream maker... and we know that you were born to rock this skirt. My response? YES, I AM!



It's 2017, and Hubby and I are still running and walking and hiking, together. He makes me smile when he says, "I've been chasing her skirt for a long time!" Now, I have many more Skirt Sports® skirts for him to chase, but my first skirt holds a special place in my heart.

Sweat PInk Summer Instagram Challenge RECAP

From July 1 to July 10, I participated in the Sweat Pink Summer Instagram Challenge sponsored by FitApproach and fellow Sweat Pink Ambassador Sister, Jill Conyers, sharing photos with other #sweatpink sisters! Such a fun, healthy and active bunch! Here's the recap of my ten days...

 Day 1: Fave Summer Snack
I like cooling off on the inside with Edy's Outshine Pomegranate Popsicles! That's #pinksnacking!





Day 2: Fave Workout Gear
I love running in skirts! They are cool, comfy and provide the modesty I require when I #runlikeagirl! I have several skirts. If you're interested, check out Skirt Sports!


Day 3: Fave Vacation
My fave is always my last vaction. This pic was on a hike up out of Keystone, Colorado, last summer. Once in sight of the mountains, my body and mind relax. I just had to use one of my fave quotes by John Muir.

Day 4: July 4th
Spent the morning with Terry hiking 2.7 miles in Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee! We learned about the bloodiest 3 days of the Civil War in December 1862, when 81,000 troops gathered and almost 25,000 died.



Day 5: Fave Yoga Pose or Stretch
I don't know what this thing is called! I think I saw Coach Jenny Hadfield do it on YouTube. In this pic: left leg crossed over right leg which is bent and being held behind the knee with left hand (usually both hands, but I had the camera in my right hand). Allow left hip, glute and IT Band to open up. Then, change legs. I prob made it sound so confusing! But, it hurts so good like a #bendypretzel!


Day 6: Sweat Pink in Nature
If by "in nature" you mean... "Outside Pool" on a Sunday for a Preacher's wife while helping my vacationing neighbors... HA! This is my #dayofrest after I fed my neighbors' animals.







Day 7: Fave Way to Sweat Pink
...is during my fun Zumba zweat hour with fun friends! Zumba fitness has and continues to make me stronger for running. I tried to draw attention the sweat drops all over my head! 


Day 8: Fave Book
My current fave read is by author and seasoned leader, Jodi Detrick, who believes "If you have the heart, you can learn the skill." Develop 10 Leadership Qualities for Enduring & Endearing Influence. I did a review on this blog. See Book Review at Book Review: The Jesus-Hearted Woman.



Day 9: Sweat Pink with a Friend
Terry, my [best] friend & hubby, of almost 29 years and I went for a run! He is my inspiration and motivation!







I did a blog post for Newbie Runners and posted the pic of my Brooks Pure Glycerin lightweight runners with the Sweat Pink Ambassador Shoelaces!




Day 10: Fave Summer Activity
For the final post of the challenge, I chose to go barefoot! #nakedtoes #southerngirl #chickenmcnuggettoes #crinklecutfriestoes #summertoes #happytoes and #sweatpinktoes!!!


Thanks, Jill & Fit Approach, for 10 days of summer fun in the sun!

Smiling at 50: New Year's Goal Accomplished!

(photo by Dane Allen)

I did it! Actually, we did it!

Before the clock struck 2014, my friend snapped a pic of my goal for the new year to run a 10K, 6.2 miles. If for no other reason but that photo, I had to accomplish this goal. 

(photo by Giovanna Gomez)

I downloaded one of the free 10K training plans from Coach Jenny Hadfield and made my plan of attack allowing for injuries, schedule and weather. As fate would have it, Tennessee experienced one of the coldest and longest winters on record further proven by our gas and electric bills.

Another reason to accomplish the goal is my age. I will be the big 5-0 years old on June 28 at 8:08am! That's half of a century! Crazy!

My honey was the epitome of encouragement at every step. His words spurred me to get up and go for it when I wanted to stay snuggly and warm in the 20 degree weather. He warned how I would regret not cross-training in Zumba.

Our ImpACT Challenge 2014
Race Bib I wore on my back
for the 10K

Further drive came with the ImpACT Challenge 2014 online group of like-minded friends pursuing weekly fitness and nutrition challenges for a healthier lifestyle. Each week starting in January, we set personal ACTion goals with several challengers deciding on either a 5K or 10K in or near April. 

A 10K is not run just once, but run many times in training prior to the actual event. I chose to run intervals building anaerobic threshold, strengthening muscle and endurance; thus preventing injuries. My "run" is really more like a slow shuffle and I'm a newbie at running so these are truly baby steps forming me into a better athlete. It sounds weird to classify myself as an athlete, still a hard-fought category I have right to claim.

Race swag, bib & chip

On April 12, 2014, together we decided to run "our" race the way we trained and not in competition with any other person or time. My legs were tired from the over-zealous session of Zumba the day before. It's only 6.2 miles, but it's my first; therefore, it feels like 26.2.

The best feeling was to cross the Purity MOOsic City Dairy Dash 10K Finish Line with my hubby, hand-in-hand! My time was slower by several minutes. The next best feeling was to have family and friends cheering us at the finish line!

(photo by Emily Allen)

Now that my New Year's Goal has been accomplished, I've been asked what is next. There are a couple more items, my honey and I want to check off the Smiling at 50 List, but we believe we will continue to run toward more finish lines!







During the timeline of the ImpACT Challenge, I became an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador! Another goal reached! More on that, to come!

Smiling at 50: My Wonderful Report!

I have lived in pain for several years.
Plantar Fasciitis. 
There haven’t been many mornings where I could stretch without pain and tenderness in my right foot and heel. Going barefoot is almost intolerable. Wearing flat shoes would leave me feeling hobbled in just a few hours. High heel shoes are easy to wear because the ball of the foot bears the weight. Forget about jumping out of bed or rising from a chair and walking normally. What causes it? Don’t really know. I’ve prayed for healing for years.

Last week I began training for a 10K, which involves running, walking, strength training, and cross training. I knew it would be tough on my foot, but if I could push through the pain of each first mile, I could do the training and, ultimately, the race.

However, this week a sharp tugging in my left shin presented. Shin splint. Between this new development and my old issue, I painfully struggled through Zumba Fitness and went home defeated and feeling crippled.

While soaking my leg and foot in a hot bath, I cried to God, one more time, to heal me. “I can hardly walk. I’m empty of myself. I’m empty of pride. I have no Plan B. I believe in Your divine healing.” Later, the thought flew through my brain that when I wake up I could be healed. I giggled to myself, “Now, that’s childlike faith just assuming I’d wake up pain free.”

This morning, I stretched and quickly realized something was different. No pain! I’ve walked stiff-ankled out of habit for so long, I had to be intentional about walking correctly. Every step I take is in victory! I give God the glory for healing! Tonight, my foot is fatigued from being up most all day, but there is no pain! Oh, and the left shin…there’s no pain in it, either!

I waited until now to reveal my wonderful news, because I had to be certain! There is still slight swelling and some stiffness, but I choose to believe He is faithful to “complete that which He started” (Phil 1:6) in me!

What are your thoughts about healing?

Smiling at 50: Training Week 1

I did it! I completed week 1 of training for a 10K using Coach Jenny Hadfield's FREE Training Plan! HA! That read like a commercial. This plan employs a clock rather than odometer. I ran for 5 minutes and walked for 1 minute to recover breathing repeating for a total of 7 times.

Presuming a weekly post like the following would be boring for others to read and as triumph yields to monotony, I'll break it down, this once:

Sunday: Rest

Monday: 
4.25m (48:31) 11:24 pace per mile
I felt excited and focused on time rather mileage. Before I realized it, I was at 4 miles! That evening I joined friends for Zumba as cross-training.

Tuesday: 
4.35m (48:53) 11:14 pace per mile
It was super cold. But, I shimmied into my cold gear and did it. Again, another evening for some cross-training Zumba! Afterwards, we celebrated a year with our instructor, Michelle, for being brave and starting the class! I'm thankful for her and the cardio fitness, for it has made my body stronger to be able to attempt a 10K.

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 
5m + a few more feet (1:00:46) apprx 11:11 pace per mile! 
The day of rest was good for my legs! I felt strong and recovered quicker during the 1min walk and decided when mile 5 was approaching, I'd push the time of running 1 minute and recovering 1 minute.
The app on my phone went wonky during mile 4 and logged a 7 minute mile. HA! There's no way. Good thing I was on a mile-long track. I did pause the app for a quick pic of the ice in a frozen puddle.

Friday: 
With 85 days until the 10K, I chose to go at an easy pace during 45 minutes of Zumba and added about 15-20 minutes of strength training.

Dianne, Arvetta, me & Pam
(Mike snapped the pic)

Saturday: 
Instead of running the training plan, I ran with some members of 'Boro Divas & Dudes Running & Cycling group in Murfreesboro, TN for 3.5m (48-ish mins). This was the first time for me to run with a group. I was nervous, but they made me feel at ease. In an effort to bring awareness to road safety for walkers, runners and cyclist, we joined others around the USA putting one step in front of the other in memory of #megsmiles, a young mom who was killed while out on a run, this week. Talking while running wasn't something I've ever done. We talked about the motivations, events, issues and Meg's family. Afterwards, I came up with "When you see us on the street, give us 3 feet." Cheesy? Perhaps, but it's the law in Tennessee.


It's Sunday. 
I've officially registered for the Purity Dairies Moosic City Dairy Dash 10K on April 12, 2014, in Nashville, TN. Now, I'm nervous. This is real.

83 days to the 10K.

Well. So, it turns out I'm NOT Super Woman.

1. Make the bed
2. Make breakfast
3. Pack their lunches
4. Feed pets
5. Run
6. Clean house
7. Do laundry
8. Finish the gift list for Christmas
9. Un-decorate the house
10. Pull tubs of Christmas decor from attic
11. Finalize menu for Thanksgiving
12. Write Center of the Pie blog posts & recipes
13. Prepare guest room
14. Grocery Shop
15. Shower, Shave, Shampoo!
16. Dinner with friends, tonite.
17. 
    

...And, that's just today. Does she sound familiar?

Yep, I'm one of those overachiever list makers who, when discovering something to be done that wasn't originally on my list of To Do's, will go back and add it to my list just so I can mark it off as being completed. It only intensifies during the holidays! Knowingly, as if on a suicide mission for Santa, I will create a overly long list of tasks to accomplish before crashing into my contour pillow and clean sheets before midnight. (CRUD! That wasn't on the list... 17. Change sheets)

Oh, sure, at that point is when the Holy Spirit reminds me I haven't read my eDevo and Bible or prayed, yet. 

I really do love reading the Bible, especially the Old Testament partly because it reveals the personality of God. Take for example the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. God, who in a mighty display of nature, gave the busy leader of Israel ten specific directives in the earshot of the people. The Creator commanded the attention of an entire, busy nation.

In a similar account, Elijah was busy about doing God’s work; predicting famine, raising the dead, calling down fire from heaven and having 450 prophets of Baal slaughtered, when he is threatened by a nasty lady (the Super Evil Woman of her time). In fear and spiritual exhaustion, he runs for the mountains on the backside of the desert.

Sleeping in a cave and depleted of his own reserve, Elijah experienced a powerful wind, earthquake and fire caused by God, yet, was not in any of them. Then, the Creator gently whispered something to catch the attention of a solitary man. No longer busy, he simply sits quietly with the Father receiving supernatural strength and wisdom.

When I need God to speak into my life, my Creator knows just when and knows just how to capture my attention and settle my busy, self-asserted-Super-Woman self.

Take some time to read Exodus 19 & 20 and 1 Kings 19. Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas!

~"Sam"