Half-Marathon Course Map

Sunday is Coming!!!

Well, today starts REST days until the half-marathon. I am giddy, excited, and a ball of nerves! I am also a little nervous that I am not running until Sunday and that's when it will count! Nevertheless, this isn't abnormal for  typical running/training schedules,

and I will listen to the professionals!

So I give you this image that I am going to be thinking about during my half-marathon!

In the next few days as I prep, I am mentally trying to not stress about any hills and focusing on getting my body in the best rested/relaxed shape it can be in. I have been to the chiropractor twice this week and will go again on Friday. After stepping funny and twisting my left ankle a little, I know my hips are better in line and hopefully everything feel better on Sunday!

God is amazing isn't He?! I get the opportunity to draw strength and rest in Him, my God is SO strong! I am sure it will be an emotional day, but I can tell you not only will I be happy to accomplish such a huge goal, but even more than that, I am excited to have the chance to be His hands and feet.

I have been really praying for a specific number of donations to come in to help Heartline Ministries in Haiti. I promise I will be off my soapbox in a few days! But, if you are still considering giving, there is the paypal link on the sidebar of my blog or I have an address you can mail a check to.

Heartline Ministries
PO Box 898

Sunnyside WA 98944

In the memo if you write either May 6th Fundraiser or Bos/Bakker Fundraiser.

Remember all donations are tax-deductible!

Thank you for blessing the women and babies of Haiti!

This past weeks running confessions~

I am very excited to share with you all that I have accomplished a huge run 14.5 miles. Yes you are reading that right,  FOURTEEN and a HALF miles!!! I finished just under three hours and that included running, walking, bathroom break, etc! I have been concentrated on adding miles and not focusing on time. But with that said again, for someone that isn't a runner, doesn't have typical runner's body, I am seriously proud of myself for accomplishing such a task that seemed impossible when looking at my training schedule! It has only been possible due to prayers and I have depended on God's strength alone! If you would have told me two months ago that I would run 14 1/2 miles and not die trying to do it, I would have laughed hysterically at you. Finishing this long run on Sunday built my confidence up so that I know that I can actually finish this half-marathon on May 6th.
I am finding too that I am actually enjoying my time out running, I enjoy running outside! Wow, didn't think I would EVER say I enjoyed running, and I don't have a temperature! Don't get me wrong, Satan has been working overtime. Sometimes I struggle trying to find time to get in runs d/t schedules, weather, etc. Especially right when I start there are times that I will hear the whispers of inadequacy and feeling pain, but I am determined to NOT turn around and let him win.

Can I share with you something even more excited than the fact that my knees are still intact after running for almost three hours?!!

WE have raised $2,870 for Heartline Ministries. THANK YOU!!!

Now what does that mean? I have mentioned before that Heartline needs $1,000 to ensure a clean and safe c-section birth in Haiti. These women deserve a clean and safe enviornment to have a baby!
There is still time to donate!! You can use the paypal button to the right, or I can give you the address to send a check! Can you imagine, we are almost to 3 safe births!!!!! You can spare $5 and skip your morning coffee!!! And it's tax deductible....thank you to all that have donated and thank you to all of you that are still planning on donating! I along with Heartline are greatful and humbled!!!

BE BLESSED!!!

This weeks Musings on Running!

Wow, can I just say I am amazed at how many miles have gone into the training for this half-marathon already!

This week I have managed to log some great accomplishments in my book!!!

Monday I ran/jogged 12.5 miles, yes you are reading that right TWELVE!

I took the kids to school, came home and then prayed while I ate my banana with peanut butter and then headed out. That took forever, but it is done! I ran more than I stopped to walk which was great! I was just under a 12 min pace which I am telling you I am not fast, but it's okay with me. Two months ago I would NEVER been able to run/jog for 2 hours and 20 min. let alone 20 min. Praise is due to God, because without Him and all the prayers being poured into this run, I couldn't do it! Being someone that isn't a runner, not to mention doesn't have the typical runners body, I have amazed myself and find myself being so thankful not just because I am one more run closer to the half-marathon, but that I didn't stroke out during the training! I have been focusing on adding miles vs. focusing on speed. I have to tell you working up the stamina and logging miles are more important to me than trying to shave off minutes on my min./mile.
On Tuesday I worked 12 hours but managed to get in two miles.
Then on Wednesday I went for a run with Laura, we did 5 miles. I have to tell you, it was interesting running with someone else. I have been rather intimidated thinking about running with other people, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. I did however want to talk while running, and when trying to talk about something I reverted to walking.....umm I needed to focus to get it done and obviously need to work on either running and talking or just listening to my music and going.
I have two more short runs this week, 4 miles, it sounds crazy that I think 4 miles is short...

One thing I have learned to love about running is the quiet time. Time to think, time to decompress all the things that are stressing you out at the moment, and time to plan out your day/week/next run. A few things that aren't so fun, especially when you get lost in thought, is tripping or getting hit by sticks! Another, I have seen two snakes, NOT FUN!! And last week when I was running I almost stepped on a snake, yes a garden snake but still, then tripped over a stick and rolled my right ankle. I am okay, but that would have been my "I hate running" day. Crossing off my 12 mile run was my I am giddy about running day. I haven't hit my I love running/"I need to run to live" day yet~ I am not sure I will feel led to log such long miles when I am finished training for this half-marathon, but who knows!

Next weeks runs will be 4 miles, 5 miles, 3 miles, 3 miles, and 14 miles YIKES!!

But on a more exciting note: 23 days until our Half-Marathon!

Please remember to bless Haiti, donate now through pay-pal or I can give you Heartline's address as well to mail a check! Another motivator, it's tax deductible!

Be Blessed this week!!!

Menu Planning and Haiti Update!

Huge Update: Praise Jesus, my heart is rejoicing!

To Date Total ($855 + this week $355)= $1210 raised!!!!

Do you know what that means?!

One woman in Haiti IS going to have a clean and safe delivery!!!

Not only that but she will get to learn about the love of Jesus and learn life skills!

This money is going to be put to great use for Heartline Ministries! Please keep donating and support Laura and I in prayer as we run our FIRST half-marathon in honor of HAITI!!!

I feel like this week is slipping through my fingers already, thus I need to make my plans now! I have my running schedule set, now I am getting my cleaning and meal schedule set!

This week and next are going to be some fend for yourself meals....spring break starts this Thursday, and I wasn't able to get a shift covered so the kids are going on vacation with my parents and then Chip and I are working! Yeah, praying for some extra money!!

Here are this weeks meals:

Last night I worked so the kids and Chip had pizza.

Tuesday: Hamburgers and Hot dogs on the grill

Wednesday: Dinner with mom and dad! Applebee's

Thursday: Chicken with veggies

Friday: I work 16 hours- I will have a lasagna dish for Chip to throw in the oven!

Saturday: I work 12 hours- Shredded Chicken in the crock pot for Chicken Tacos

Sunday: Pork steak, green beans, stuffing

Here is my mantra for my ten mile run this week:

Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.

Today's Run

Okay today I was going to run 9 miles, I didn't quite plan it very well, I started out on the treadmill and ran 4 miles, then I left the gym and ran outside back to the house. It was beautiful outside and then I saw the kids at the park. Once we got back home I looked at my miles on iMapmyRun, it said 8.43.......ummm I was already sitting on our driveway and stretching out my legs, so going back on the road to finish another half mile, well my devotion was lost. But I am pleased to say I finished an 8.43 mile run! I was able sing during part of it, amazing! I wasn't out of breath, but my legs sure did let me know once I stopped that I walked like an 80 year old! Yikes, nothing a little stretching and a hot tub couldn't fix!

Okay so this weeks runs consist of:

Monday: Work

Tuesday: 4 miles

Wednesday: 6 miles

Thursday: 4 miles

Friday: Work and 4 miles

Saturday: Work

Sunday: 10 miles

Thank you for all your prayers, please keep Laura in your prayers for her runs this week as well! It really is moving, when you step back to look at the bigger picture. You have two women, whom aren't runners and never could have imagined running, let alone running 13.1 miles all at once. And not only are we doing it, but we are doing it for a GREAT cause in Haiti! Please remember Heartline Ministries and donate!

Be Blessed this Week!!

Haiti-Support

I just wanted to update you all on how much has been raised for Heartline Ministries!

As of March 13, we have raised $855 for Heartline Ministries. THANK YOU!

Please follow the pay pal link and donate and support our running for Haiti!

Laura and I appreciate each of you that have shown your support!

Keep it up, we still have 43 days to raise support and bless the socks off Hearline Ministries!!!

Today's Run

Today I have to admit, I actually enjoyed my run~ Yes, be shocked this non-runner just confessed that she actually wait for it, enjoyed her run today?!

I did 5 miles and the temperature was PERFECT!! It sprinkled a little while I ran, which wasn't as bad as I had envisioned it being. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that we are having summer type weather in March. But let me tell you something, try running outside in the heat, my last run outside left something to be desired. I finished my run slower than normal and completely drenched in sweat, not just my face, etc., but my arms and legs too.....seriously shouldn't that be at least 5 lbs. off instantly just from sweating that much?! Anyway, my time wasn't that bad today my average mile pace was 12min. I will take that, I carried my water bottle and I could breathe!!! My legs are rather tight, but I stopped about half into my run and stretched. It was fun to see other people out running. Running outside today required me to set my pace and not depend on the treadmill to set it for me. I would like to run faster, and normally can on the treadmill, but I will take that 12 today as a success, especially with taking two weeks off due to pneumonia!
I am praying that my run tomorrow will go just as well, 9 miles!!! This will be my first time attempting 9 miles! I know I can do it, I am sure my legs are strong enough to push through....I am however praying that my lungs can handle it! I am also planning on doing my run outside tomorrow provided it isn't raining too hard.

Well, I just wanted to share how well today went! Thanks for lifting me up in prayer! It is actually pretty amazing being a non-runner being able to run/jog this many miles. All my praise goes to God for bringing me this far!

HEY! Check out Laura's Blog!!!
She just ran 10 MILES!!! Congrats Laura, I am so proud of you!

We will get there!! Let's continue to run for HAITI!!!

This weeks Running~

I thought I would update quickly as I have been limiting time on the computer as one of my things during lent. I have completely given up Facebook during lent and changed two other points in my life to add more concentration on the real reason for lent!
According to a few emails I received, posting my schedule is and should be of utmost importance. So the small amount of time I have allotted daily to emails, etc I will post! Sorry for any frustrations as of late!

I had pneumonia for two weeks and needed to be on two rounds of antibiotics, steroids, inhalers, etc. So running didn't happen during that time. Believe me I tried, but I couldn't breathe.
So this week I am jumping back into my running schedule, my body knows what to do, but is a little reluctant to jump back into the swing of things. Today I RAN 4 miles, yes that doesn't sound inspiring to my running buddies, but listen I couldn't breathe and I had trouble doing 3 the other day so 4 today was perfect!

Today-4 miles

Wednesday-6miles

Thursday-working

Friday-4 miles

Saturday-9 miles

Sunday-4 miles

Please be praying for my Saturday run, I am not going to go easy this week, two weeks off was long enough and I don't have very much time before the run, more importantly I am excited to run for Haiti and look forward to raising money for their ministry there!!!

My friend Laura that is running with me, really is rocking it, but could use all your prayers as well! You can check out her blog to the right or here is her link!

Running plan

Empty me of myself, fill me with YOUR spirit!

Again, this weeks running schedule is as follows~

February 26-March 3

Sunday: 3 miles

Monday: Work

Tuesday: 5 miles

Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: 4 miles

Friday: Work

Saturday: 6 miles

It has really been laid on me to finish well. I know that God has given me this opportunity to learn more about HIM. I pray that I empty myself of me and fill myself with His Spirit! I am wanting to not only start off well, but to finish well too! I hope you all are doing well! May you all be filled with His Love!

Be Blessed!!

Meal Planning!

Monday: Hamburger Meal...Chip's on for cooking while I'm at work!

Tuesday: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Wednesday: Tuscan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream

Thursday: Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Rice

Friday: Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Saturday: Pizza Night for the kids, I'm off to a Girls Day!

Sunday: Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Bread

Chicken Breast with Creamy Cucumber Salad and Steamed Veggies

Enjoy your week, check out Menu Planning Monday at Organizing Junkie!

Running Schedule~

I thought it would be benificial for me to post my running schedule, not only for accountability but also for prayer. If you would look at me or know my past, running doesn't fit in. I am only making it this far because of God's grace! I just have to focus on HIM and all the babies in Haiti that will be blessed by what is raised! Total currently raised: $380!!!!

February 26-March 3
Sunday: 3 miles

Monday: Work
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: Work
Saturday: 6 miles


(I will post my weekly schedules on Sunday night! Thanks for praying for this upcoming week!)

May 6th RACE DAY!!! 13.1 miles!!!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Menu Planning Monday

Can you believe that we are half way through February? It is going SO quickly. I so frequently look at my schedule and try to find even an extra 30 minutes and find it difficult most days! I can tell you having my menu all planned out, does help with finding extra time to accomplish extra tasks and plan fun filled moments with the kids. It is almost sad that I am racing to fit in fun moments but it seems as if everything is a race anymore, race to get the best deal, race to be the first one to apply for time off, etc. One of these days I won't be racing to things and we can sit and just be!
We have officially decided to list the house this summer, with that being said, I am going to be emptying my pantry to the best ability along with our freezer and planning easy meals so we can accomplish as much in the basement and around our house as well~ With that being said, this week starts operation clear out!

This weeks Meals:

Monday: Meatloaf with Red Potatoes and Carrots

Tuesday: Italian Chicken with Rice and Green Beans

Wednesday: White Chicken Chili with Focaccia Bread

Thursday: Shrimp Stir Fry

Friday: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans with Salad

Saturday:

Lunch: Mac and Cheese or Leftovers

Dinner: Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

Sunday:

Lunch: Hamburgers with Pasta Salad and Fruit (summer anyone?!)

Dinner: Grilled Cheese and Broccoli Cheese Soup

I hope you are blessed beyond measure this week!

Donations for Haiti

Okay, so after trying to get a chip-in widgit to work for donations, we now are going to use a PayPal link that will go directly to Heartline. So that being said, it is VERY exciting to begin raising much needed funds for Haiti!! The only downfall is that you won't be able to see our progress. I'll see what I can do about updating how much has been raised etc. Please feel free to use the "Donate" button on the side of my page and tell ALL your friends about it!

Thank you for your support and all your prayers as we run for Haiti!

13 miles this week!

This weeks running schedule has me running a total 13 miles, not all at once mind you but crazy to think that in just 14 weeks I will be running a half marathon for Haiti! I am hoping to have the donations button working on my sidebar this week. I am also hoping that some of you were able to check out some information about Heartline!

This snipit is from Heartline's Blog:

We’ve had a lot of babies born in our program since the start of 2012. Nurse/midwives like Melissa and Sarah, volunteer midwives, and Jen our pediatrician give their abilities and time to be the guardians of safe birth. Why? Why would professionals split their time and energy to spend months at a time here? Because they know it makes a difference. Birth can change everything.

We don’t just birth babies. We birth women. Women who spend over a year in our program and receive the gospel, learn how to exclusively breast feed and keep their babies close, women who learn to child space so they are not giving away babies that they can’t afford. Women who will hopefully have a skill, make money, send their kids to school.

Our maternity program is thug prevention. Agathe, our Haitian co-worker, teaches moms on how to raise their sons! She teaches them how to promote respect for women, respect for others, she teaches them how to model these qualities for their children. She does it by word and example. Always with a baby at her breast Agathe promotes mother/baby bonding and security.

A bonded child who is well loved and knows how to give love back is less likely to shoot others. A child who is not raised in an overcrowded house with not enough to eat is less likely to steal. A child going to school will be doing homework rather than robbery.

That’s why we stay up for a few days at a time helping women through birth. Birth is a tiny fraction of what our program is all about. It’s the prenatal care, the child development classes and the teaching that make the difference. Safe birth is only a day, albeit an important one, in that journey.

We’ve had a lot of boys this month. Boys who have a better chance at being well bonded, secure, well fed, educated and be successful contributors to their country. As I look at Harbor House and see successful teen moms I see that most times providing a map is all a woman needs. She can make the journey, she will take the right routes, all she needed was a guide.

A relationship with Christ, an empowered education on life skills, a chance to make a living can result in a healthy family. We teach women to choose men who will love and stay with their family. They can teach their boys to be those men someday. Save the families, save the country.

Beth McHoul Heartline

(*If you check out their blog you can see a picture of the women with their babies)

(http://johnmchoul.wordpress.com/)

The passion that they have for the women and children of Haiti is driving me to run this marathon! Thank you Lord for transforming me and teaching me to be more like YOU!

As average as I am I am trying to grow and have faith in what I am called to do!

BE BLESSED!!!

Running~

Here is my two cents today! I need to treat running like a job, keep going and

Enough said right there in the sign, right?! Today not only am I running, but I am supposed to go to a Tone Zone class tonight. I am not feeling the best today, but trying not to complain and stay motivated~

Pain will pass, maybe running will get easier and my quads will stop randomly twitching! lol! All in good timing, praying today ends well~

Have a wonderful day and Be Blessed!

New Beginnings and a Half Marathon

I have been working out and trying to get in shape, it is not as easy as some make it look! I am not wanting to get in shape for anyone but myself and then for my family. I want to feel better about myself and I want the message my kids see is me taking care of myself. I am finding it increasingly difficult when I tell people about my plan, I am becoming more self-conscious. So if I confess my plans here I can be transparent and kick these voices I hear from time to time. I have the opportunity to be training for something specific, not just getting fit myself. I being the non-runner I am, have signed up to run a half marathon for Haiti. I have to tell you if you asked me a few months ago if I would be training for a half marathon, the answer would be not right now! Maybe when I am in shape, okay....um guess who just signed up for their first one? Yep that is right, it's me~
I am running for Heartline, they are in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. They provide a safe and clean place for women to come and have their babies naturally and by c-section. It is also a place that the women and children in community can come to that is a safe place to learn about Jesus and to adopt life-skills. Check out their blog! It typically costs $800-$1000 for a safe and clean c-section. I am praying that God will be able to use this run to bless Heartline and their ministry serving the women and children of Haiti!

So I am praying not only that training will go well but that I can kick this negative self-talk and specifically address it. What am I allowing the devil to take control of? Am I afraid of not finishing? Well, yes, but I am putting in miles during the week and following a plan so if I continue to do the distance in training, I should make it all 13.1 miles.

Today, I went to the gym and ran inside for 2.66 miles on the treadmill and then I went outside because it is really nice weather for January, anyway I ran 1 mile in a little over 10 min. and I came home huffing and feeling like I could get sick. I didn't but I am praying I get past this 4 miles feeling stronger and like I can breathe and not vomit at the end of my run! I have 279 more miles to log before the race. The marathon is scheduled for May 6th, pray for me if you have a moment! Thanks so much!

Many of you know after I went to Haiti, my love has grown and I have tried to find ways to get back and ways to impact them, well here is my next venture for Haiti! Please pray about supporting them while supporting me in this run. You can donate directly through Heartline. I will have an application on the side of my blog for donations for Heartline! I'll post when it is up and working! Allison from Heartline is getting it ready for us to use to start raising money!

(*Me feeding one of the babies when I was in Haiti in April)
Here's to getting in shape and saving lives!

Meal Plan!

Monday: Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

Tuesday: Mac&Cheese made with Cauliflower and Veggies

Wednesday: Roast with Carrots and Red Potatoes

Thursday: Chicken with Broccoli and Salad

Friday: Vegetable Lasagna

Saturday: Out to eat with Friends

Sunday: Tilapia with Rice and Peas

This week is very simple meals~

Hope you have a wonderful week! Be Blessed!!

Weekly Meal Plan!

Welcome!

Happy New Year and I am back from an amazing vacation refreshed!!!

Here is my menu for this week, pretty anti-climatic since coming back from vacation and a cruise! My family is going to get used to one main dish and not a menu to order from. :)

Monday:Tilapia with rice and peas

Tuesday:Easy Crock pot Italian Chicken (recipe found on Pinterest)

Wednesday: Meatloaf with carrots and red potatoes

Thursday:Cafe Rio Chicken with Black Beans Corn and Cilantro Rice

Friday: Vegetable Lasagna with Salad

Saturday: Pork Chops with green beans and rice

Sunday: Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies

Have a wonderful day, enjoy your week! Be Blessed!!