Well, today I did it. I ran the Portland Shamrock run. I chose the 8K race to run, that’s 5 miles for us US folks.  I honestly wasn’t sure I wanted to really run the race since I haven’t been training for it. I also didn’t want to embarrass myself either by being the last person to cross the finish line. But I’m not one to quit something once I’ve committed to it so I had no choice but to do it.

Eric and I dragged ourselves out of bed this morning at something like 6:15am (really 5:15 w/o daylight savings) to go. Eric is such a trooper, he didn’t even have to go but being the best husband ever he went to support me. We got down to the race and I think that’s when it finally hit me.. as I was standing there ready for the 8K in the 10 minute mile or more group. I was honestly excited and terrified at the same time. I had my doubts if I could do this but I figured if I didn’t try, I’d never know.

So off I went at a nice little jog and feeling pretty good. It seemed like it took forever for the 1 mile sign to come up but I made it that far and kept going. I found a group of girls that were walking and jogging and decided then that I wouldn’t let them finish in front of me. I mean there had to be someone that finished behind me, I couldn’t be the last person. As I rounded Burnside and headed up Broadway that’s when it hit me. I really wondered if I would make it to the finish. Broadway is a slow incline for a LONG ways. Oh, FYI, it was about this time that the lead guy running the 15K that left the start link after us blew by all of use running the 8K. Oh, to have only a bit of that guys energy. I was battling with myself at that time too, super concerned about being last. I had to just keep reminding myself that my goals were to finish and to do so under two hours.

I did a lot of jogging and walking fast and jogging and walking fast. It was difficult with the drizzle of rain, the cold air, and my asthma but I was determined to do it. I finally got to the end of Broadway and headed down Hall back toward Naito, where the race started. I was feeling good, got some water and was thinking, “We’re headed down the hill, we’re almost done.” That’s when the 3 mile sign came up and I realized I was just a bit over half way. I think at that time I was like OMG! I’m going to dye right here… and yet at the same time my head was just telling me, “keep moving, don’t quit now, you’re not a quitter.” So I kept running hit 4th and kept running/walking all the way out to Barber Blvd and Naito Parkway. I can’t tell you how good it felt to turn that corner and know that it was downhill, and a straight shot to the finish line. I got a little more energy about that time. I don’t know if it was because I knew I was coming to the end, or what but I decided I was going to finish strong. I was going to jog until I couldn’t anymore… so I did. I jogged and walked and jogged and walked right past the finish line. While I was exhausted I also felt great because I did something I wasn’t sure I could do. As I was giving the guy my racing chip I asked him the time, “9:30am” he said. I just stood there amazed. My race started at about 8:05, there were a lot of people ahead of me that crossed the start line before me so I’m guessing I didn’t start until 8:15 or so.. and then to finish at 9:30.. WOW! Imagine what I can do with some training. I’m motivated now. I think I like this running stuff.

I want to say a BIG thanks to everyone that texted me, called me, sent me Facebook comments, etc. offering their support. It’s great to know and feel the support of family and friends.

Update: My official time is 01:07:44

Today I began my journey. When I got home today Eric and I headed to the gym. It was so easy I couldn’t believe it. As Eric drove us there I couldn’t help thinking, “This is so easy… why haven’t I been doing it for months?” I can tell you LAZINESS. For some reason I need to hold my hand to the fire when it comes to this whole exercising and eating better thing. Knowing that it’s on other  people’s radar helps me make sure I’m towing the line. It was really nice that Eric and I went together too. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive husband that gently kicks my but in gear when I need it.

Today I  ran 1.72 miles in about 22 minutes. It wasn’t wonderful. It wasn’t earth shattering.. but I did it. I have to say I’m really proud of myself and feel happy today because I started. I suppose to some they might think, “gosh, you didn’t go far”. To me this is a beginning, a baseline, a place to start. I would have loved to bust out and jog/run 5 miles but for me that’s not possible yet so I’ll take this little success and build on it. I think I’m going to try to get my endurance up so that I can run 5 miles by the time I head to Austin, TX in February to visit my friend Stephanie. I don’t want to embarrass myself if she asks to go running while I’m there. I’ve been thinking too that I’m going to try to run a 5K each month. I know there are a lot of them here in Portland. I found a TON at http://www.dailymile.com/events/search?q=Portland,+OR I just need to pick one each month and do it. Having that motivation and those mini-goals will help me stick to this.  I can’t wait to see what’s possible when I overcome my hangups and JUST DO IT!

Many people feel the need to come up with resolutions for the new year. I was reading a blog the other day and the writer used the word “intentions” rather than resolutions. I liked the term “intentions” because, to me, intention implies that I’m trying…. and that’s what change and improvement is all about… TRYING. No one is 100% perfect but everyone can try to give their best effort. So here are my intentions for the new year.

• BE KIND
• Journal every day
• Exercise 60 minutes a day at the gym, if not the gym.. take the dogs for a long walk (It’s all about moving.)
• Track the food I eat
• Eat no white food and keep the sugar low
• Limit TV to 8-10 pm
• In bed by 10pm and lights out by 11pm
• Continue to strengthen my relationship with Eric

That’s a long list,but I have to say I’m feeling really good about them. It seems every year that I have a list of things I want to change but I don’t really give it a 100% effort. This year is different. I’m not doing the same ‘ol same ‘ol thing to make the changes. I’m more committed than I have been in the past. I want to really get these things under my belt.

I’ve got a good way to implement them. Eric and I have been talking a lot over the holiday about how to REALLY change the things we want to change, both individually and as a couple. So here’s the plan, I’ve made separate calendar for each of us listing the “to do’s” for each of us. For each of us, each day we do all the things we’ve got on our list (3 each) we put a sticker on it and get a reward. When we have stickers for the whole week, another reward. These calendars are posted in the bathroom for us to see every day. In addition, we’ve also got our list on the frig and the mirror.

Wish us luck. I’m hoping to post more than before to let people know how I’m doing on my goals, share what I’ve learned, and keep myself accountable.

It’s hard to believe another year has pasted us by. I honesty can’t believe that 2011 begins in little less than two hours. 2010 went by so fast I can’t believe it. Just want to drop a short line to those that read my blog and say HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This weekend was a blast! It’s not often that Eric and I have Memorial weekend of, heck this is the first time in many years. It was so nice to be able to spend the day together… but also not have a heck of a lot planned. I think life gets to crazy sometimes and it’s hard to stop and pause and enjoy things. I’ve honestly been thinking about that a lot lately and how important it is to be in the moment and live life. Today in fact, I was talking with my friend Natalie’s husband, also named Eric, about the very thing. How it’s important to “go into your cave” and just “be”. I know pretty out there for me to say but as I grow older I recognize how much we’re hit with things and just “going through the motions” of life and not really living. I mean, I’m guilty of it. You know, the go to work, come home, turn on the TV, make dinner, eat, watch more TV, go to bed.. get up and do the same thing the next day.  Well this weekend was really to break that cycle and just live and do things that I wanted and not feel guilty that things around the house weren’t getting done.

Friday night we went to dinner at Jenny and Jessica’s house. Those two girls are somethings else. Both are the sweetest every and Jenny is a cooking rockstar. After I finished work we headed over for some visiting, good food, and of course dessert. I have to share a super funny story though.. hope you don’t mind Jess. Ok, so we’re hanging out in the kitchen while Jenny cooks dinner and Jessica says she’s going to make dessert but she can’t remember what the dessert is called. She knows that it’s Italian and these light, fluffy cookie like things that you top with cream. We came up with all manner of Italian things.. but none were right. Then, out of the blue, Jessica says, “I know eclairs!” Without hesitation Jenny, Eric and I all looked at Jessica with “that look” that says.. “what .. are you nuts?”. Yeah, OK. we told Jessica they’re French.. not Italian. We all had a great laugh at that and in the end.. decided to head to Pix for dessert. Yummy French macaroons.

Saturday found Eric and I in our PJs, sitting on the couch, drinking the great lattes he’d made and reading our books. Yeah, ALL DAY! It was so awesome. I loved just sitting there in my PJs all day without a care in the world and enjoying my book. I have to do that more. I remember being able to do that when I was younger but I think now I just think of so many things that need to be done around the house.. or garden.. and feel guilty taking that time for me. I wish I could do a better job of switching off the type A in me because I enjoy the break and it does recharge my batteries. Between reading my book, cat naps, and having the cat sleep on me.. the day was made and not an ounce of guilt was felt. Note to self… DO THIS MORE!!!

Sunday morning we got up and did much of nothing until about 2 in the afternoon. I

figured we really need to leave the house if for no other reason that to get some air and see the outside. We ended up hitting NW 23rd with our friend Stephanie. The three of us cruised through Pottery Barn and found some great glasses for Steph. While we were there we also checked out the various couches. I really want to sell our couches and get a four seater sectional so we looked at them. This one Steph is sitting in was one of my favorites because of the colors. Of course the cost was crazy and it’s not the top priority right now but it was fun to look. Later in the day we ended up at this great Peruvian restaurant for happy hour. Oh, wow was the food great. I wish I could remember the name of the place. It’s right across from Ben and Jerry’s and down the street from Cost Plus. Eric would know. In any case.. super good food and drinks.

Today found me hanging with my friend Natalie. We hit Fabric Depot for fabric so I can finish her quilt and then of course I needed fabric for a quilt I’m working on. As like any other time.. Natalie and I found a ton of fabric we loved and some great patterns so now I have her quilt to finish, a couple of shirts for myself, a couple for Natalie and a couple dressed for her too. I love having projects to do. After Fabric Depot we headed to NW 23rd and the Crepe place for coffee and crepes. Natalie finished the sweater she made me while we were there so now I have a new sweater. It is the MOST AWESOME sweater ever. I can’t wait to wear it to work tomorrow. I’ll take a picture in the morning and try to remember to post it so you can see it. It’s green.. of course.. but it’s not just one tone.. it’s several different strands. She made the yard.. just for me so it’s a one of a kind. How special do I feel.. SUPER SPECIAL! Now I need to finish her quilt and things.

It’s been a busy weekend and yet pretty quiet. I have to say I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m ready to get back to work tomorrow. I’ve learned a lot about how to relax.. now I just need to do it with more frequency. Perhaps I’ll blog more.. journal more.. and just be.

I guess it’s been a while. I posted that Eric and I started our own Biggest Looser but since then I’ve not posted how were doing. I’ve had a few people ask how we’re doing on it. Honestly, that surprised me. I didn’t think anyone REALLY read this blog. Maybe it helps that it’s posted on Facebook too. I don’t know.

I have to say that I am enjoying getting fit. I’m enjoying working out a bit and really liking all the cool, new recipes Eric has been trying. My goal this week is to exercise for five out of the seven days this week. It’s really the exercise part for me that’s the most difficult. OK, I LOVE sweets and that’s REALLY my weakness but exercise is too. I just find it so easy to just come home and park it on the couch and watch TV or reading.

In any case here’s the update on the weight.

I’ve lost, two weeks in a row! Weight? Yeah, a little bit. Seriously though, I’ve lost to Eric two weeks in a row.

• Week 1: Eric wins by .2%
• Week 2: Eric wins by .18%

I suppose to most that may sound bad and a bummer, not to me. Since starting this journey I’ve lost four pounds. Not bad considering one of the weeks was my birthday and I was up in Othello for my mom’s birthday for part of it to. Did I eat well! FYI.. I make a MEAN carrot cake with cream cheese frosting (mom’s birthday request). I’ve also been exercising more, OK… I’m exercising. I’m not sure it can be more when you stopped doing it entirely.