12 Mile Run

   With the holiday yesterday, I did not have time to blog, but I am excited to say that I ran 12 miles on Saturday. It took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. I felt strong and so proud of myself. I think I will sign up for the Erie Marathon! I ran less miles all week for a total of 15 miles then I also walked 8 :)

Ran 2 miles in 20 minutes 49 seconds

    I ran 12 miles total this week and walked 8 miles for a total of 20 miles although my longest run this week was only 4 miles. I started out intending to run 6, but I was tired; it was windy and the dirt path seemed harder to run on. I had read that running on a dirt path is a little easier on your knees, but it is a little hilly too. I ended up walking the last 2 miles back home. I did however have my best 2 mile time ever. I ran it in 20 minutes 49 seconds. I have a personal goal of running it under 20 minutes someday soon. The funny thing about all this running and walking is that I think that I look better, yet the scale shows that I went up 1 pound. I better start watching what I eat. I read an article that said to take apicture of everything before you eat it, then you will have a visual document of your eating habits after the week. Maybe I will try that.

I am getting my kids to exercise

   I ran 9.6 miles on Saturday for a running total of 17 miles for the week plus 8 miles of walking. That was a great week for me :)
     I read once that a person needs to do something 60 times for it to become a habit. I had an epiphany while running a couple weeks ago about getting my kids to walk or run. I decided to track our walking and offer a cash incentive at the end of 100 days. Jim and Emily wanted to do it as well. It was to start April 16th, but I ended up starting it early since they seemed excited about the idea. I had always thought that if they saw me run and the fact that I really enjoy running, they might want to try it too. Occasionally, we would walk as a family, but never that consistently. The six of us walked around 40 miles combined this week. Let's see if after the 100 days, it really is a habit, and they continue without the cash incentive.

My Running Meditation

    When I run, I sometimes think about where I am headed in life and all that I want to accomplish. I have ideas for books that I want to write and goals that I want to reach. Other times, I just enjoy the run and try to relax and clear my mind. When the run gets too hard, I focus on an issue I want to resolve. If I begin to think about stopping before my planned running time, I just repeat the word "push" over and over. It sort of works like a running meditation. That is how I felt at the end of my 8 mile run yesterday, but I made it. My legs were tired and my toes were cramping, but it felt so good when I finished. I ended up running 12 1/2 miles and walking 7 miles this week!