So remember that 2k race that I'm preparing for? Let's just say that sometimes 9-year-olds are wrong. It's not a 2k...it's a 2-mile. A real runner wouldn't even post such insignificant data, but let's go back to that most important part...I'M NOT A REAL RUNNER!
That said, I have committed my life to this, and I've even surprised myself. I've been on that damned treadmill every night, pushing myself harder than I EVER have. I even ran 1/2 of a mile last night. If you don't know me, then you don't know what a huge accomplishment this is! If you do know me...well, you are probably laughing right now, but deep down you know how proud you are!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Goal Like No Other...
I'm a writer. I set my goals according to queries, deadlines, proposals and completed manuscripts. In my writing and in my corporate management life I'm an overachiever, but in the department of physical activity, I've been a little squishy on laying out a plan. I'm a great goal-setter, but I'm a terrible goal-finisher. So, I've learned over the years to lay low on setting goals that have anything to do with exercise. That plan was fine until earlier this week when I was faced with a pair of nine-year-old deep blue eyes and a plea that was, quite frankly, a little bit unreasonable.
Our family had been talking about the pending spring months and all the outdoor activities that would fill up the weekends. (Yes, with 100 inches of snow on the ground, we Wisconsinites are still hopeful that day will happen soon...but it's not looking too good yet!) Noah started talking about the two 2K races that he runs in May...one in Door County...the other in Stoughton. Jeff, a long-time runner, has always been the most obvious choice to assist Noah in his training. Two years ago, they began a rigorous schedule, and breathless Noah crossed the finish line two weeks in a row. Noah got a bright idea this week that this exercise should now become a family sport. I threw up my arms and shouted, "Count me out!" And then I looked deep in his eyes to see I wasn't going to win this battle. "Mom, aren't you going to run with me and dad this year?" And I froze! How do you say no to that? So, I said yes and then regretted my decision for the next three days.
Let's take a step back and recall that I am not a runner nor do I have a desire to be. I tried to run one day in high school. The scar on my hip is proof that was a bad idea! I do a lot of things, but running is not one of them. HOWEVER, as I can see my 40th birthday rounding the corner later this year, I'm starting to notice that my youthfulness is packin' up and leavin' town.. For that reason alone...and of course for my 9-year-old...I'm setting a goal like no other in my life and I'm ready to push way beyond my limits.
I'm on a weekly plan to train for a 5K should I want to go that far. Seriously, that would be stupid. I'm hanging back with the 9-year-olds and will only be competing in the 2K. Translated to American measurement...that's only 1.242 miles. For beginners, you say? That's exactly my point. At 39-years old, I'm a beginner and I'm completely freaked out about this, but I'm setting a goal with hopes of accomplishing it in 10 weeks. On May 10, the day before Mother's Day, I'm running in the Blossom Run in Egg Harbor (Door County). Come hell or high water, I will be there with my son, running by his side -- most likely panting a lot harder than him and sweating through my new sporty running clothes.
I cordially invite you to stand at the finish line and watch me crawl across before passing out on the damp grass.
Our family had been talking about the pending spring months and all the outdoor activities that would fill up the weekends. (Yes, with 100 inches of snow on the ground, we Wisconsinites are still hopeful that day will happen soon...but it's not looking too good yet!) Noah started talking about the two 2K races that he runs in May...one in Door County...the other in Stoughton. Jeff, a long-time runner, has always been the most obvious choice to assist Noah in his training. Two years ago, they began a rigorous schedule, and breathless Noah crossed the finish line two weeks in a row. Noah got a bright idea this week that this exercise should now become a family sport. I threw up my arms and shouted, "Count me out!" And then I looked deep in his eyes to see I wasn't going to win this battle. "Mom, aren't you going to run with me and dad this year?" And I froze! How do you say no to that? So, I said yes and then regretted my decision for the next three days.
Let's take a step back and recall that I am not a runner nor do I have a desire to be. I tried to run one day in high school. The scar on my hip is proof that was a bad idea! I do a lot of things, but running is not one of them. HOWEVER, as I can see my 40th birthday rounding the corner later this year, I'm starting to notice that my youthfulness is packin' up and leavin' town.. For that reason alone...and of course for my 9-year-old...I'm setting a goal like no other in my life and I'm ready to push way beyond my limits.
I'm on a weekly plan to train for a 5K should I want to go that far. Seriously, that would be stupid. I'm hanging back with the 9-year-olds and will only be competing in the 2K. Translated to American measurement...that's only 1.242 miles. For beginners, you say? That's exactly my point. At 39-years old, I'm a beginner and I'm completely freaked out about this, but I'm setting a goal with hopes of accomplishing it in 10 weeks. On May 10, the day before Mother's Day, I'm running in the Blossom Run in Egg Harbor (Door County). Come hell or high water, I will be there with my son, running by his side -- most likely panting a lot harder than him and sweating through my new sporty running clothes.
I cordially invite you to stand at the finish line and watch me crawl across before passing out on the damp grass.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
February 2008 Update...
February started out with a flurry (literally...I live in WI where we've had record snowfalls!) of activity. My New Years resolution was to send 20 queries a month to various publications. Well, I hit my goal, but what I failed to keep in mind is the amount of work that goes with that when some of them are accepted. And, thankfully many of them have been! So, no complaints, but oh the work I have ahead of me for the rest of this month.
A few highlights...
A few highlights...
- I am part of a team of writers for a new book that will be released this summer. More on the details of that later...
- I will be hooking up with Casting Crowns when they are in Madison onMarch 7 and will be doing an interview with front man Mark Hall. That article will come out as a cover feature for Credo magazine in December.
- My interviews with Matthew West, RE:Zound, Natalie West, Delirious? and Ever Stays Red will be posted on CBN.com through March and April. Sanctus Real and Avalon are already there.
- I am working on a "Behind the Music" series with my local church to bring web/telecasts of some of my favorite music artists to the teens.
Oh, and all this writing on top of my daily eye stress led me to the doctor today. He sent me home with contacts! It's true what they say about turning 40...everything goes downhill. I'm trying to look at the bright side. With my new cute little glasses, I do look much more like an author!
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