Be a SEEKER

Be a SEEKER!

I am a SEEKER.  Or at least I am striving to be a seeker.  What exactly am I seeking?  Is it the next half marathon, the golden snitch, chocolate hidden away in the house during a moment of frenzy, the perfect boyfriend, the winning lottery ticket or possibly the real me?

My life has been a series of FLATS lately.  I’ve had a friend and an uncle pass away during the last few weeks, suffered two flat tires within a month’s span, several bad hair days and a flat return on something I have been trying to accomplish for a long time – the ever elusive weight loss goal.  However, in spite of all those FLATS I am discovering I also have an abundance of HILLS that I have searched out, seemingly on purpose. 

HILL SEEKER

Maybe I haven’t fully embraced a love for the Medical Center Parkway Bridge but I have a bit of a crush.  I am seeking the day I totally kick it in the booty as I run with ease, up its steep and intimidating incline.  I’ve run it a lot lately.  It is still hard and there are times I feel my stomach churn like I want to hurl but instead I hurl myself forward, up, up and up.  It is getting a little easier and on my weeknight runs I run it straight with no walk breaks.  Believe it or not that almost seems easier.  I’m not sure when, if ever, I’ll breeze up and down that loathsome bridge with ease and grace like I see some of my runner friends do but I keep running on.  What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, right?  I know deep down that tackling that bridge, seeking it out, will only help me in the long run.  I’ll be stronger mentally and physically when it comes time to run Whiskey Hill at the OBH and all the hills at the Country Music Half.  MCP Bridge, look out!  I am seeking you out and eventually you will be MINE! (Evil laugh)

I’m also stymied yet again on the fatty front. OH!  I guess I am one that doesn’t want to let go of the weight.  Eating healthy, running like a nut and drinking enough water to float the QE2 works but it is really sloooooow going.  I have lost some.  I have dropped the embarrassing additions from the holidays and a little extra.  I’m feeling better and in all truth, I’m slimming down.  You know, it is all rearranging, toning, turning to muscle (I hope), but I am a slave to the scale.  I went home last night after a hard run that included MCP Bridge and was a little frustrated about the number the scale keeps popping up.  But I really shouldn’t be, should I?  It is just a number.  I’m healthy, strong and all that jazz.  However this is just another hill I have sought out and one I will eventually conquer.  Seek the HILL, girl, seek the hill. 

HILL SEEKER!  HILL SEEKER!  HILL SEEKER!  I’m going to chant this to myself when I want to puke, cry or stop because my legs feel like wet noodles as I run those hills and run them some more.  Seeking them out will also help me with my personal goal to increase my running speed. Shoot, after hoofing it up hill after hill, a little flat will be a breeze.

On a humorous end note I want to share a chuckle at my expense regarding the two flat tires.  As you know, we have seen more than our fair share of severe weather in my neck of the woods.  Thanks to all the hail storms, tornados and wind there are lots of houses in the process of getting new roofs.  You can imagine there are also lots of roofing nails, screws, debris, etcetera tossed out carelessly.  And you know me and my fabulous luck!  I don’t think there are many things more frustrating than walking out to get in the car and there it sits with a flat tire.  I called the wrecker service to come change the tire out and the same guy shows up, the same one that always comes to my rescue. We had a chuckle about my bad luck but he was quick, kind and professional as always.  Then I head over to the tire shop and you guessed it, the same young man waited on me from my last trip.  He of course also recognized me and we had a laugh.  The shop quickly fixed the flat and I was ready to hit the road again.  Thanks to James and David for being there to help me and get me swooshing down the opposite side of the hill with ease.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help!  - Psalm 121:1 (KJ21)

15 days and what do you get?

Tennessee Ernie Ford once sang about 15 tons and what do you get but I’m tweaking his song to 15 DAYS!  I am on Day 15 of being COFFEE FREE!  Can I get a whoop-whoop?  I’ve only had two days that I wanted a cup.  Notice the word I used there.  “Wanted” and opposed to needed, craved or must have.  I am learning to embrace green tea. It is still not my heart’s desire but the longer I drink it the easier it is to stomach and the more I am becoming accustomed to the flavor.  In fact, Saturday after my long run I met up with my runner girlfriends and a couple Diva dudes at our usual hangout and did not even flinch when I ordered green tea instead of a yummy coffee delight.  Coach had mentioned a green tea latte that was good earlier in the morning and I thought I’d give it a go.  I tried it and it was quite yummy. OH MY!  Did I just say a green tea latte was yummy?!?!??!!?  Ha-ha!  Paired with an organic low fat yogurt and fruit I had a healthy and eating plan friendly choice.  If I can just keep the momentum going I’ll be doing OK.

I’m doing well so far on my new eating plan.  I’ve even gone so far as to make my own almond butter!  I’ve fallen in love with it and it is just so tasty when I eat it with my favorite type of apple, the Pink Lady.  Pink Ladies are a bit expensive but so crisp, juicy and sweet.  And since they are in season such a short time I don’t even blink when it comes time to pay for them.  I just smile to myself because I know I’m going to be enjoying those delicious pommes later in the day with almond butter.  One thing that I also love about the new menu is all the fruit! I’ve always been a bit fruity, pun intended, and this is a pleasant addition to my daily food intake.  Apples, blueberries and the occasional once forbidden banana liven up the day.  The only drawback I see is that eggs and I are not friends and they are on the menu hot and heavy for breakfast.  When given the choice I skip them and go for the protein shake, apple and almond butter.  Hmmm….wonder if I can just always substitute?  I may have to powwow with my diet coach. 

Making my own yummy almond butter!

Speaking of 15 days, in 15 days I’ll be 43!  I am just constantly amazed that I am where I am today.  I’m healthy, happy and more fit than ever and there were times I wasn’t sure I’d make it to this birthday.  I’ve said it many times before but it bears repeating, I am in better shape, physically and mentally than I was twenty years ago.  It of course goes without saying that losing the weight I have up until this point has made a huge difference but I think the biggest boost to my self-esteem, health and over all happiness has been running.  I’m stronger in body and mind than I ever dreamed.  I’ve even signed up for another half marathon this spring.  Oh wait…maybe that is a sign of insanity….  I now have three half marathons, the relay and a 15K on the books all before the end of May.  I can and will do this! 

On a side note, my first half of the year is dedicated to the memory and friendship of my friend Ed.  Ed passed away two weeks ago and left a huge hole in many of our hearts.  He was a gentle and kind man that was full of humor, love of animals and always positive even in the face of his many health issues and disability.  I never heard him complain while he was in the hospital or rehab.  He always said he would not have chosen to live his life disabled and in poor health but it was better than the alternative.  He was also a huge supporter of my running and it meant a lot to me. Ed’s name was always written on the back of my race bibs so he could “run” along with me.  When I did well we celebrated and when I didn’t do so well he encouraged me.   Ed, the OBH is for you, dear friend.  May we run swiftly and with strength and courage.  See you at the finish line!

1956-2012

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. ~ Proverbs 27:9 NIV