AWANA Games

AWANA Games is a half-day of fun and competition. Teams of kids from AWANA clubs around town meet up in a gym and compete against each other in a series of games that include running, bean bags, balloons, tug-of-war, and noodles. They are many of the same games that are played at AWANA each week. The kids have a blast.

This year, we had 3 kids participate in AWANA Games. Two participated in Sparky Games, and two participated in T&T Games. Does it seem odd that we made 4 participants out of 3 kids? The answer is that Jersey #2 was able to participate in both events. Being a 2nd grader, and a younger sister, has its privelages. 2nd graders (the oldest Sparky's) can "play up" to help form more participants for the T&T games. Since her older sister was signed up for T&T Games, Jersey #2 was recruited too.

Last Saturday, we loaded up the whole family and went to the Games.

This was the largest AWANA Games event we have attended. It seems more and more churches are offering AWANA. More and more clubs are participating in Games. We saw many folks we already knew, from various other kids programs around town.

There were 4 circles set up in the gym. Each circle had the ability to hold 4 teams. Our kids were on Green teams. The AWANA colors are Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow.

I managed to get at least 1 good picture of each kid participating in a game event.

At the end of the Games, awards were given. There was a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place for every circle.

For T&T Games, Jersey #1 was on a 1st place team. Jersey #2 was on a 3rd place team...

For Sparky Games, Jersey #2 was on a First place team, and Jersey #3 was on a 2nd place team. They also received a patch for their AWANA vests.

Sometimes there are clubs who do not have enough players to form an entire team. When that happens, kids are recruited from one team to another to help out. For T&T Games, Jersey #2 was recruited to help another club. The incentive for being a good sport about switching teams is that the player receives the awards for the team they are on, AND for the team they came from. In this case, Jersey #2 received the 3rd place awards from the team she was on, and the 1st place awards from the team she belonged to originally. Getting double awards just made her day!

Jersey #4 was a restless spectator. She looked for every opportunity to leave the stands and go to the restroom, or to seek a snack from the concession stand.

Jersey #5 started was a happy spectator originally. He clapped. He cheered. He climbed up and down the bleachers, pointing out each of his siblings.

But, a few hours later, he was a sleepy spectator, unable to endure the entire event. He fell asleep on the bleacher, mid-clap, and had to be carried to the van when Games were over.

Running Shoes

I finally bought a real pair of running shoes.

Yes, I am way late on this. Running shoes are expensive. I had no idea how truly valuable they are.

But, I knew that I wanted some. Most running information I have read talks about a good pair of running shoes being worth the cost.

So, I decided that I would take my birthday money this year, and buy myself a pair of running shoes.

My birthday was a month ago. I finally made it to the store to buy the shoes this week. I have been that busy.

I went to a store that was recommended by a friend. It happened to be near the church where the kids go to AWANA, so I took the opportunity to shop after I dropped the older 3 off for AWANA Games practice.

To say I was impressed is an understatement. I had no idea that running shoe shopping could be this cool.

The store folks were awesome. I admitted right from the start that I needed running shoes. I had never bought them before. And, the folks who tell me I need them also told me to come to this store. The sales lady was thrilled. It turns out she was the owner. Her niece fitted me for shoes, while she talked me through the process. It was process.

First, they had me take off my shoes and walk on a treadmill for a couple minutes. They had a camera set up to monitor my gait while I walked. It was no shock to me when they informed me that my arches collapse as I walk, because I walk inward. Yes, my parents have noticed this my entire life. When I was younger, I ran really funny. I would like to say that I have improved in that, but I think I still run funny. The shoe lady says it is my pronation that is my problem, and that there are shoes that are designed to remedy that. The shoes will keep my arches intact, which will align my knees and hips, which is suppose to reduce risk of injury.

All of that sounded awesome. When I started trying on the shoes, I learned that she was speaking the truth.

I still can't believe that a pair of shoes can support my heels and arches this way. My feet feel so good in my new shoes. I wore them out of the store, just like a kid. I wore them all night at work. I actually wondered if I could wear them to bed.

I can't wait to try them out on the track.

5K

I DID IT!

I RAN A 5K RACE!

I followed the Couch to 5K training program. It worked! In just 9 weeks, I was able to go from sedentary beginner to being able to run 3.1 miles. I am amazed! And proud! I feel a great sense of accomplishment to set such a goal and complete it.

I thought it was very convenient and appropriate that my 5K debut race was a pro-life event....a fundraiser for Right to Life. That certainly fits my values.

My family went with me to cheer me on. It was a great family event. They had a jumper and games for the kids, so they were very busy having fun while I ran the race...

They did take time out of their play to watch me cross the finish line...

Overall, the race went very well. I was already confident I could run 3 miles total, because I had done a couple of those long runs as part of my training. I was not sure how much different the course would be, since it included a dirt path instead of concrete. Uneven ground is tougher on the knees and ankles, but I managed just fine.

I was very nervous about being so slow. I was afraid the entire event would be over, and everyone would go home, and I would still be running. I was hoping that the walkers wouldn't all pass me up. It turns out, I did not have much to worry about. Yes, I was slow. Yes, the majority of the runners left me in their dust.

But, very few walkers passed me up. Most who did were doing a run/walk interval throughout the race. In the first mile, I did get passed by a 3-year old boy. Twice. He had to stop off the trail to use the restroom, so I passed him briefly. He then sprinted past me, yelling to his Mom, "let's run!" He didn't keep up that pace. He and his Mom ducked out early, and he finished in a stroller. I liked his enthusiasm for running though.

The course was neat in that it went out for the first half of the race, then looped back for the 2nd half. So, it wasn't long before I could see the runners returning, making it look like I was still part of the group. There was also a 1 mile run/walk event. That race started at a different start point, 30 minutes after the 5K began. Everyone finished at the same finish line. So, even though all of the 5K runners were faster than me, I actually finished the race with some of the slower 1 mile runners. There were plenty of walkers after that, so I was not even the last to finish. I appreciated that.

I am so pleased that I ran an entire 5K race. I had so much fun too. I want to keep running regularly, and sign up for more races in the near future.

I can't believe I am actually saying this:

I like running.

Running: Weeks 8-9

Well, my crazy-busy lifestyle has seriously interrupted my Couch to 5K training. I was just not able to fit in all the workouts this week. Considering The Referee and I are taking turns working across the 7 available days in the week, we hardly made it out to the park to run. Thankfully, I am at the end of the program. Weeks 8 and 9 are all long runs. I decided to combine them....sort of.

Week 8 is three workouts, running 2.75 miles each.

Week 9 is three workouts, running 3 miles each.

A 5K is 3.1 miles.

I am already signed up for my first 5K. So, I wanted to make sure I could actually run 3 miles before I go.

So, I jumped ahead at the end of this week, and ran 3 miles on Saturday, instead of the scheduled 2.75.

It went well. I am very proud that I accomplished it. The Couch to 5K program really works!

I noticed that my legs were real sore and weak afterward. I am not sure if it was because of the distance, or because of the sporadic workouts that week.

My plan is to keep working out to those walking/jogging DVDs at home, regularly, and go for long runs when our schedule will allow. Hopefully, that will keep my fitness up enough for my big race.

Running: Week 7

I am going to the distance now!

This week, I switched from the time training schedule, to the distance training schedule. I had to play a little catch-up, but I finished the training week well.

Week 7 of the Couch to 5K training program includes this workout:

• 5 minute warm-up walk

• 25 minute jog (2.5 miles)

• 5 minute cool-down walk

I had to vary my workouts a bit, in order to build up to the 2.5 miles. Last week, I ended at 1.25 miles, because I run slow. I ran 2 miles for the first workout of this week. I was able to run 2.5 miles for the 3rd workout of the week.

I am so proud to be able to run 2.5 miles. I am also proud to be able to catch back up to the training schedule this week. Switching to the distance training, and not worrying about speed has been a good choice. I like that much better. It turns out that I have endurance, but I lack speed. Endurance works. I'll take it!

I am so pleased with my progress this week that I felt confident enough to register for a 5K race. I still can't believe I am actually running like this. The race is in a few weeks. I'll have completed the Couch to 5K training program by then. The walkers begin the race a half hour after the runners, so I am hoping that the head start will mean I will not be the last to cross the finish line. There are bound to be folks who walk slower than I run, right? My personal goal is the run the entire 5K, and complete the race.

As disappointing as it is that my body didn't just up and drop 50 pounds the instant I started running, I am pleased with the progress that I am noticing in my body shape. I can tell I am becoming more fit. It is a slower progress than I hoped or expected. But, it is a steady progress, so I am trying to focus on the positive and not complain. Last week, I noticed that my upper arm muscles are becoming more defined. I attribute my triceps mostly to lifting Jersey #5, but clearly running is helping too. This week, I am pleased to notice a decrease in the "love handles," that area in the lower back, above the butt. It is nice to see some size decrease in other areas than just my bra!

Running has changed me. Last night, while in the midst of all that bad news stress, I decided to go for a run. That is a first. I ran a mile just to alleviate the stress I was feeling. I only stopped because it was getting too dark to be safe out alone. Running that mile worked wonders to help me relax and sleep well, in spite of all the thoughts racing through my head.

I did not realize that running could be so life changing.

Running: Week 6

I just completed Week 6 of the Couch to 5K running training program. I actually took longer than a week to complete these 3 workouts, because I spent 4 days sick in bed. That set me back on my time line....and also in my strength. Thankfully, my body has recovered, and my runs are back to normal again. The first workout after being sick was a really tough one. That was the workout where I realized I really am a runner now. As soon as I was feeling better, I could not wait to get back on the track. Even though the run was really tough for my weak body, I was so glad I went. Something has really changed in me.

Week 6 had 3 different workouts planned out, after the 5 minute warm-up walk:

• Workout 1: Jog 5 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Jog 8 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Jog 5 minutes
• Workout 2: Jog 10 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Jog 10 minutes
• Workout 3: Jog 25 minutes

As I went through these workouts, I started considering actually running a 5K. I walked a 5K for a Walk for Life fundraiser for a local pregnancy crisis center this week as well. I knew my running workouts had changed me, because walking a 5K seems easy. As I scoped out the course, I wondered if I could run such a thing?

I thought about how slow I am. According to the training program, a 10 minute jog should be a mile in distance. I take about 16 minutes to run a mile. So, clearly, I am not going the distance. I suppose I should have followed the distance categories of the training instead of the time categories, but the podcasts were set to time. A friend who runs, recommended I focus on the distance, and don't worry about the time. This week, I decided that is what I will do. There is a gap between where I am in distance, and where the training program is for this week, but I think I can manage it. I already know I can run 1.25 miles. I've gotten that far. Next week, I will aim for 2 miles.

I have 3 more weeks left to complete this training program. Conveniently, the 5K race I want to run as my race debut is scheduled shortly after that. Perfect timing!

Running: Week 5

Week 5 of the Couch to 5K running program brought about two big realizations:

1) I am slow
2) I feel awesome!

I am hoping the first topic will fix itself with time and training.

So, I will just focus on the second topic. This week, I really felt like a runner during my workouts. It was so cool. In addition, I just felt good all week long, whether I was running that day or not. I felt good in my clothes, because they all fit (or sometimes hang loose). I even felt good out in public in my swimsuit. I engaged in more activities with the kids. Overall, I trusted the muscles in my body to do their job. I simply felt stronger.

I did not take a look at the Week 5 workout in advance of going to the park. I was surprised to hear the Podcast announcer mention I was on Week 5, workout 1. That immediately had me questioning, why he numbered the workouts. It turns out that week 5 had 3 different workouts...and the 3rd had me jogging for 20 minutes straight! Oh my!

After a 5 minute warm-up walk, the workouts looked like this:

Workout 1: 5 minutes jogging, followed by 3 minutes walking. (3 times)
Workout 2: 8 minutes jogging, followed by 5 minutes walking. (twice)
Workout 3: 20 minutes jogging

It was during workout 2 that I truly felt like a runner. It was also that workout that taught me that I was only jogging at the pace of a 16 minute mile...and the training program is for a 10 minute mile. So, I am not covering the full distance. I did not let that get me down. I looked back across the past 5 weeks and realized just how far I've come. I have increased strength and stamina more each week, so I expect my speed to pick up in time too. If not, I will have to make my own music selections and run longer to get further.

I started the Mountain Dew weaning program too. I've cut down my intake by 1/4. I noticed results immediately....the good results, not the headache results. Between the running program and cutting back on the soda pop calories, my weight continues to slowly drop. 9 pounds lost in the past 6 weeks. It is amazing the difference 9 pounds can make in my attitude!

I am actually needing to buy a smaller size now. Unfortunately, it is only a smaller bra size. That figures!

The Couch to 5K program is a 9 week program. I am already over half-way there. I am such a goal-oriented person, so this is very exciting for me!

Running: Week 4

Running! I'm still running! I am still dragging myself out 3 times a week, to complete the Couch to 5K running plan. Who would have thought that I would have stuck it out this long? I have never desired to be a runner before. Dare I admit that I am actually enjoying this training? I am really, really enjoying the results. Fitness results. Weight loss results. Overall feeling good, results. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment from completing the workouts each week.

I've just completed Week 4...

5 minute warm-up walk
Followed by this interval twice:
3 minute jog
90 second walk
5 minute jog
2.5 minute walk

Week 4 was a big jump in jogging. Previous workouts had me jogging a total of 9 minutes. This week had me jogging 16 total minutes. I am surprised I could do it.

When I jog for the 5 minute sessions, I can really feel the muscles in my legs and torso getting a workout. My knee is not bothering me at all when I run now. I increased my distance to 2 miles each workout, versus the 1.5 miles I was covering before. I still land heavy when I jog.

I went online and watched a video about proper running form. I was surprised to learn that my stride is not as off as I thought. The stride I thought I was suppose to have is what happens when you run as fast as you can, as if someone is chasing you. Jogging as a workout is a much shorter stride. So, my jogging is more real than I originally considered.

During the 2nd workout session of the week, I picked up my pace a bit to pass a guy who was walking the track. I didn't want to catch up to him and then stop jogging and walk, because my walking pace was slower than his. I didn't want to keep catching up to him and then slowing down. That is annoying when folks drive that way, so I am sure it is annoying during a workout. I was nearing the end of my running interval, so to give myself a longer space ahead of him, I tried to run faster. I learned that I can run a little faster than my current pace. I also learned that it is very challenging to do so. I was really breathing heavy and sweating more....and it took much longer to recover my breathing and heart rate during the walking portion. Whew! That was a wake-up call for how I need to keep working towards better fitness.

I went online and found a 10-week program for slowly weaning off the liquid crack (Mountain Dew). I just dread that withdrawal headache, so I am hoping a slow process will help. I am thinking that if I can stick to a running program for 4 weeks, then maybe, just maybe, I can eliminate Mountain Dew from my body.

Maybe.

I haven't started it yet. I'm still contemplating. Feeling this good about running is certainly inspiring me to consider the idea. Clearly, we don't see runners guzzling Mountain Dew regularly (or at all, that I am aware of).

I'm working up the courage.

Running: Week 3

I made it through Week 3 of the Couch to 5K training program.

The Week 3 workout routine started out with a 5 minute warm-up walk. Then, there were 2 sets of the following intervals:

• 90 seconds jogging
• 90 seconds walking
• 3 minutes jogging
• 3 minutes walking

I admit I was a bit nervous about actually jogging for 3 minutes. It turns out....much to my shock....that the 3 minutes were easier than the 90 seconds, somehow.

It seems that I am really awkward early on, but my body finds a stride eventually, so it is easier to continue jogging. I also notice that my leg muscles get tight from my hip to my ankles for the longer intervals, versus just my lower legs getting sore for the shorter intervals. This is all so new and fascinating to me. I do not know what to do with this information, yet. It is all just data. Observation and data collection are just my nature. I am a scientist.

I collected some other data this week during my workouts...

I am slow. The Referee completes 5 laps (approximately 2.5 miles) during the workouts. I complete 3 laps (approximately 1.5 miles). So, I am slow. It is a good thing we tag-team so that one of us is supervising the kids on the playground while the other one runs, because it seems we would not make good running partners. He would lap me in no time.

I am actually jogging faster than I walk though. I noticed that when I am in the jogging intervals, I am actually passing by other folks who are walking along the track. That is a relief to me, because I was seriously starting to question if I was hardly moving when I jog.

The second workout of the week is the hardest. The 3rd workout is the easiest.

I am glad I am doing this. I like "training."

Unfortunately, the scale was not my friend this week. The numbers refused to budge. So, no weight loss (and thankfully, no weight gain either). My sister dropped 7.5 pounds in 3 weeks by counting calories. I dropped 5.5 jogging. ???

Then, Jersey #1 commented to me yesterday that I was looking really skinny. I tried not to laugh, but I have NEVER been told that before. She meant well. I see now that she has no idea what defines "skinny." I tend to discuss body size with her in terms like slender, athletic, and healthy. I want her to have a positive body image. I thanked her for being so sweet, and told her I was glad that she could tell I was exercising my body into better shape.

I really do feel a fitness improvement, and that is awesome!

Running: Week 2

Week 2 of the Couch to 5K training program was a bit adventurous, due to weather, but I am happy to report that I completed the 3 workout sessions.

The workout routine added a minute more of running this week. After a 5 minute warm-up walk, there were 6 intervals of 90 seconds of jogging followed by 2 minutes of walking. I ended with at least 5 minutes of a cool-down walk, followed by leg stretches.

I surprised myself by being able to jog for 90 seconds at a time. The 4th interval was the hardest one each time, but the others were good. I can tell that my leg muscles are getting stronger, because my knee is not nearly as sore after each workout. My lower legs still become quite tight by half-way through each session, so I keep wondering if I will ever learn how to run well.

This week, I learned that I am slow. In the 25 minute workout sessions, I am only covering 1.5 miles distance. Well, a 5K is 3.1 miles, so I am only near half the distance right now. I am hoping that my pace will improve the more I train. I took a peek at the future training schedule, and I started to panic about how I am ever going to get to the point of being able to run continuously. I calmed down after I convinced myself that I am just going to take it 1 week at a time, and see how it goes. I am seeing improvements in my strength and fitness every workout.

Thunderstorms threw off my run schedule this week. After not being able to run for 3 evenings in a row, I decided to get up early Sunday morning, and complete my last session for this week, before church. I am not sure if it was the extra rest between runs, the fact that I am now 5 1/2 pounds lighter, or if morning workouts are really that much better, but that 3rd workout session this week was the best! I am finally able to pick up my feet a little bit.

I dropped 1.5 pounds this week. That brings my total weight loss for July to 5.5 pounds. One of the nice things about focusing on the training program and learning to run, is that I am not letting the slow weight loss discourage me.

I am really loving the changes to my body already. My regular clothes are all loose. I had to tighten my bra to a new row of hooks this week, which made me laugh thinking about how many women have told me that is the first area where they lose weight. The other area I've noticed a difference is in my swimskirt. The built-in shorts are so baggy that I started wearing another swimsuit bottom underneath to keep from showing anything improper. I'm not sure how much running it takes to drop an entire clothing size, but I am looking forward to that day.

Running: Week 1

I am still running!

Yes, I am actually surprised at myself.

I am surprised because I am getting better. I am surprised because I actually like it. Who knew that could happen?

I am learning to run by following the Couch to 5K training program. The Referee and I actually started it last week. I re-started it this week, after making a few changes. Last week was very random with the way I was timing the intervals and picking which days of the week to run. I needed a more controlled schedule.

It turns out that there are folks who have organized music to match the intervals on the training schedule, onto podcasts. It also turns out that The Referee had an Ipod Shuffle to lend me. I emailed him the link to the specific music I wanted (the Christian music podcasts), and he loaded it all up on the Ipod for me, and taught me how to use it. With the podcasts, there is a guy (whose voice sounds a little bit like Mr. Rogers) who will cue me when to run and when to walk. He also announces the songs he selected. Music is a great motivator for me. Plus, having someone cue me to walk and jog is like having a personal coach. I don't have to try to watch the clock or count steps or anything like that. With music playing in my ears, I am not driving myself crazy listening to my feet hit the pavement or listening to myself breathe. Instead, I can focus on the music, and learning to run.

I also caught a glimpse of how running outdoors, while listening to Christian music can be a bit of a time of worship as well. When I wasn't caught up in my own awkwardness, I was actually getting caught up in the words of the song, or thinking about some of the recent prayer requests at church. I took the opportunity to pray for a few elderly folks who are battling health issues right now. I will also admit that I threw in a few selfish prayers there too...

Um, God, if I am trying to run to get healthier, and I am listening to praise music and focusing on your many blessings while I do it, you wouldn't let lightning strike me down right here, right? I know that thunderstorm is getting awfully close, but I only have two more intervals...can my efforts overcome my stupidity?? Please...

(Ok, well it is no surprise that my selfish nature gets in the way of my worship. I'm a work in progress, and I've got a lot of learning to do.)

Back to the running program....I decided to just pick 3 days to run, instead of running at random, based on our mood or schedule. Just knowing which days I was running and which days I was not, put me at ease. I like order and control.

Armed with the music and the schedule, I decided to start again at the beginning. I will just consider last week a practice week. I see now that I did not complete the actual workout last week, and let's face it, I was a clod!

Week 1 consists of 5 minutes of a warm-up walk, followed by 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking, for 20 minutes (8 intervals). I also added a 5 minute cool down walk, and a leg stretch at the end. This same routine is repeated all 3 workout days of the week. I actually noticed myself improve each time, which was inspiring.

Day 1: I am not even sure that I could qualify my movements as "jogging." I sure got my arms a swinging to try to heave myself off the ground, but my feet were practically shuffling instead of jogging. By the end of that workout, my lower shins were extremely tight, and my right knee was really sore. (My first thought was, "Oh no! Fat people often have trouble with their knees and ankles....I better get into better shape quick before I injure something that inhibits running"). I was very sore for the next 2 days.

Day 2: My knee was still sore, but I was ready to workout again. I did much better with the workout this day. It helps that I was not racing a thunderstorm this time. I decided that I feel like a "real" runner with my headphones in my ears, and my music/coach telling me what to do next. I also like the place where I run. There are a lot of people out and about. People of all ages and fitness levels, walking, jogging, running, and today there were a couple soccer games going on in the field that the track goes around. I smile at the kids and the dogs as I pass them by. Yep, I am a social creature, and I like to be around people....even when I am barely running, and everyone is a stranger. It works for me. I stretched better after my workout, and I took a shower when I got home. I was actually less sore this time. My knee is healing.

Day 3: I am not even sure I know how to run. I always ran funny as a kid. I used to throw one leg out further than the other. Technically, I am only jogging.....well, I am shuffling...right now anyway. But, I am sure there is a technique I am missing. So, I started to watch the feet of folks jogging/running past me. They seem to be lighter on their feet. I started trying to run more on the balls of my feet. I was surprised to learn that I was gaining the strength to lift up my feet more. Still awkward, but the strength is gaining. I like that. I am so proud of myself for completing all 3 workout days this week! The jogging part did get easier each day.

The biggest inspiration has been the way my clothes fit. I always knew that running was a good way to exercise, but I really had no idea just how good it really was. It turns out that running forces the body core to really tighten up. Fast. Well, my body core, specifically my abdomen has been very mistreated by 7 pregnancies in the past 10 years, so any level of tightening is a big improvement. And that is just what I have noticed: a big improvement. I am amazed. All of my clothes fit me better already. Incredible.

To add to the joy, the scale is also showing improvement. I lost 2 pounds last week, and 2 pounds this week! 4 pounds lost since July 10th...wahoo!

Here's hoping that things continue to improve next week...

Couch to 5K

I am sore this morning. The Referee and I started learning to run. We are seeking to improve our fitness level. Get in shape. Lose weight. Etc.

I do not think I even had a fitness level before. Well, not entirely, because I was real active in sports in high school. But, I'm not in high school anymore. Either is my fitness level.

I am not a runner either. Actually, whenever the topic comes up, I usually joke that I don't run...even when chased!

But, then, I happened upon this Couch to 5K program on the internet. If I understand it correctly, the program was designed by the folks at Cool Running. So, I hope I am crediting the right folks.

The idea of the program is to get people off the couch and regularly running at the level of a 5K (about 3 miles), in just 2 months. The program starts so basic, that the first week is mostly a walk and jog routine.

I will admit that I tried to start the program a few months ago, and failed miserably. I was shocked to learn I no longer had the coordination to run, jog, or get my body moving as fast in reality as it moves in my mind. Second, I have a need for some major bra support, and that was a painful lesson to learn. Thirdly, I also need good arch and ankle support, because weak ankles and poor coordination do not go well together. I have always been a klutz, and I do not see that improving much.

But, as the months went by, and I continued to workout to my walk-at-home DVDs, I gained a little improvement to my movement. I also found good supportive shoes. And, when I accidentally stumbled upon an extremely supportive bra, my life was changed forever.

As The Referee and I discussed health and fitness, I mentioned the Couch to 5K program for him as well. We decided to work the program together.

The first night we ran, we took turns running (jog/walking) around our neighborhood, with one of our older daughters riding their bicycle next to us. It did not take long to realize that would not be a very safe option. A couple days later, we drove over to nice park that has a big field with a sidewalk "track" around it. We took turns jog/walking the track and supervising the kids on the playground equipment. That environment is wonderful.

Sadly, my fitness level is so low that I am taking 2 weeks just to complete the 1st week level. The program is divided into 9 weeks. On week 9, we run 3 miles, 3 times that week. At first, that was hard to imagine. Now, it seems possible.

For the 1st week, I went 3 times to work out, but I was unable to keep up the walk/jog pace for the full 20 minutes. After the 2nd time I went to work out, my ankles and shins were really sore. I skipped the following evening and went to bed early instead. I think my body was in shock. The rest helped. I can already tell my ankles are getting stronger.

Last night, I went to work out for what would normally be the first workout of week 2, but is instead the 1st workout of me repeating week 1. I am stunned at how much my ability to jog has improved already. I was strong for the first half the workout. I am amazed. I am no longer whining about being so out of shape that I can't even complete week 1.....now I am inspired to actually keep going. Wow.

Even though I never wanted to be a runner, I am drawn to the idea because of it being an efficient way to keep in shape. I know many folks in their 40's who are maintaining good fitness by running a few days a week. I see how it works.

Focusing on fitness instead of weight loss is so much more fun. I did not lose a single pound the entire first week. The Referee gained 2 pounds, I think. He was bummed. I was encouraged because I was already starting to feel better, and my clothes were fitting better somehow. The Referee agreed that was true of him too.

Starting a couple days ago, the numbers on the scale are now dropping daily. It is small drops, but it is drops. I will take it!

....But....I am not ready to discuss my addiction to Mountain Dew! I am going to need a whole different program for that.