Time flies...this I know

Today was the Tyler Rose Marathon and in ONE year from now, I will be running that race!  It seems like a long way off but I know that time will fly!  So it begins...training, visualizing and planning!

I must admit I wasn't encouraged driving to church and seeing a walker at mile 9 right in front of our church. The small hill, which in a car goes seemingly unnoticed, looked like a mountain this morning.  I pray that next year it will only be a mole hill!!!  I can hear my friends cheering me on now as I cruise right up that hill like it never existed!

This isn't my first event like this but it will be my first FULL marathon.  26.2 miles!  My last event was over a year ago.  (time has flown by since then)  I can't believe it has been that long since I crossed the finish line in my first sprint triathlon, my third half marathon and another 10k all in one month!  March of 2010 was an exciting month for me. Breaking barriers in my mind and accomplishing goals!  So much fun.  I want to feel that excitement again!  Somehow, hurting physically from achieving such a goal makes me feel so alive.  The pain humbles me, reminding me that it is not by my strength but His that I even breathe!  I run because I can.  Because I am physically capable of moving my body in such a way.  I am thankful for that!  I run to prove to myself that anything is possible through Christ.

I am not really a runner at all. I am more of a wogger. It looks like I am walking but I am jogging! I use what I have and make it work for His glory not my own.  I love the look on people's faces when I share with them that I have run a half marathon. (three all together, the first two run/walking the last one running for the complete 13.1 miles) I don't look like the typical runner so I usually get a look of shock.  It isn't at all about me.  It is about what Christ can do through me.  I exist to point everyone I meet to Him.  I pray that through this new goal I use every opportunity to do just that!

Anybody want to join me????

40 things to do before I turn 40

I have found over the years that I work better when I have goals to work toward.  Specific, measurable goals. I will turn the big 4-0 January 26, 2013. So I have 15 months to get those things done that linger in the back of my mind.  Forty is a big year for me as my son will graduate from high school and my husband and I are going to Hawaii that summer for vacation.  I want to look and feel my best for both occasions. I also want to push myself to live my life outside of the everyday drill. My list isn't complete yet.  Forty is a big number!  If you have any suggestions, I am open to hearing them.  I may or may not do them but I am open to hearing them. Here is my list in no particular order of importance:

1. Run a FULL marathon

2. Lose 40 pounds

3. Organize all the papers in my house

4. Complete and publish Save the Butter Tubs

5. Complete and publish Lose on Purpose

6. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

7. Get a better memory!

8. Be a winner! http://www.nanowrimo.org

9.Create a space I love to write in!

10.Learn to crochet a flower.

11.Get more sleep!
12. See Yosemite!
13. Visit the Redwoods.
14. Spend Christmas in the mountains.
15.Simplify and organize my wardrobe
16. Break the 22 year habit of eating breakfast in the car on the way to work.
17.Clear out unused items from my home.
18. Display keepsakes
19. Sort the children's keepsakes
20.Finish scrapbooking all the pictures I have printed!
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