MLK Day

What did I do with my MLK day...or Records Day as my district announces it? I slept until 8:20 and that was nice. Once up I did my 6 Week 6 Pack and then decided it was best to do my 5k training right then. So I took to the frigid streets (24 degrees with a windchill that made it feel like 10) for training day three. One major problem of running outside, in Michigan, in winter was the snow-covered roads. Shortly after my warm up walk began I realized this wasn't going to be easy. It was literally like walking/running on sand. So today was snow-resistance training.

I found one block in our neighborhood that was fairly clear and ended up doing circles after a while. Even without the extra resistance, today was tough. I'm chalking it up to the cold temperatures...and the little icicles that formed on my lashes from the cold, which made my eyes water like mad.

Last week at school we read another book about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, had the opportunity to watch some great interviews with Rosa Parks, watch Dr. MLK, Jr's I Have A Dream Speech, and then followed it up with an art project.

A few years ago I drew a picture of Dr. MLK Jr and wrote, "I have a dream..." across it. The kids traced their hand and wrote one dream they had for the future. Most of them came up with great ideas! But of course there was one, "A million dollars," and one even more bizarre, "To play every winter sport,". Sigh.

Today I came across a quote that was Tweeted and ReTweeted on Twitter that I'm quite a fan of. If there is school tomorrow ("Ice Day, Ice Day, Ice Day") I'm going to put it up for the kids to think about: "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." -MLK, Jr. "

And that's all she wrote, folks.

Waiting

It's Saturday, a snowy Saturday. The hubs and I made our way to a local shoe store for their Sidewalk Sale--a momentous event. After trying on what seemed like 15 pairs of shoes...oh wait, it felt like 15 because it was!--I finally settled on a new pair of Sauconys at a very reasonable price. They were $45 dollars off their normal price, the price they will be again on Monday. Thanks to a Visa giftcard for Christmas I spent nothing out-of-pocket. One of the perks of this store is their 30 guarantee. You can wear them inside and out and if they don't work for you, you can take them back for an exchange.

I had my eyes on a very cute pink and paisley (on the tongue) pair of Sauconys but they did not fit me. The ankle was too high and the arch the same. I was this close to sacrificing comfort for looks. Instead, I purchased what I consider to be a very unattractive pair. Ho hum. They have a white mesh thing on top that almost made me say no. But they're comfy and very light.

Now on to the waiting. I'm waiting for all of this hard work to start showing itself. Granted, my pants a fitting less snugly but there is nothing drastic. I should probably take some time this evening to reread my own blog posts from last year at this time, I know I should be more grateful but gosh, I'm working my tail off to stay pudgy!

I've now completed 15 days of Jillian Michael's Six Week Six Pack, still going strong with my Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday yoga, and have only just begun my 5k training with Podrunner-successfully completed 2 days.

But when will it start paying off? Last year I just had so much excess fat that it took forever to turn to muscle and begin to tone. I'm 20+ pounds lighter and smaller but it doesn't look like I've done a darn thing.

I know there is a big phase of frustration but I don't like it. I am, of course, going to keep going. But I just wish I had more--or less!--to show for my work. Stupid thighs and still pudgy belly, c'mon!

I'm done complaining now. I should be thankful I'm able to do all of this and I am doing it. I know it's only a matter of time before things catch up. Persistence.

5K

And so it begins. I met at our local high school with a coworker and did my first, full-length, run with Podrunner. And I made it-I didn't collapse, I didn't die, and I feel great. Because of my Master's schedule I will be on my own on Mondays to do the run but we'll run together on Wednesdays and Fridays. I'm excited. She's more advanced in the running department than I am but she's willing to put up with me.

Can I just say, I love being able to touch my toes. With straight legs. With my hands flat on the floor. Thank you exercise.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.