Wednesday Morning Biff...

Another post about running, but with a twist (or a biff).

              I had just taken off on my early morning run. My left calve / hamstring was screaming at me because it has been injured for quite some time.  As I ran a little bit further the pain started to subside and I was getting into my groove.  The birds were chirping, the sun was starting to peak over the horizon, the scenery to the left of me was beautiful, and my new bright lime green shoes felt great! I said to myself with a sigh, "peace..."
           With out warning (with this kind of thing there is never a warning) the front of my shoe clipped a boulder jutting out of the ground, it sent me flying with my momentum going forward and down quickly. My quads tried to activate and save my body from hitting the ground. I was pretty much in lunge position for a few steps and than.... Skid... I finally hit the ground and went sliding into a thorny weed, I stopped inches from a barbed wire fence.  I lay there for 2 seconds looked around, realized I survived and popped right up. You know like in the movies where some one falls and than quickly gets up and says, "I'm okay!" That was me this morning. Fortunately no one was around to witness this glorious event.  If they were, I probably would have laughed even harder than I was already.

         I quickly brushed the thorns off my back, arm, and legs and kept moving. I was hoping my quads were strong enough to handle the force so I did not sustain any further injuries. I figured running it off was better than hobbling home.   This all happened before the end of my first mile. Into my second mile about 3 minutes later I started giggling, than 5 minutes went by and more giggling came. I thought it was hilarious, I had just biffed it and I was still moving!

                                                        

           Now that  I think about it, it is kind of a bummer no one witnessed this graceful event, because I could have been someones early morning commute entertainment. The story to tell the co-workers when they got to work!  The story would go like this, " Dude, I was driving to work this morning when I saw a lady running, all the sudden out of no where she went flying,  slid into some bushes and almost hit the fence! It was awesome! Serves her right for running!"

Yup, you gotta love running! 

My Wednesday Morning Run....

This morning I went out on my usual Wednesday run.  I was tired and my body felt like it had rubber bands tied all around it. I was so tight! Especially in my ankles and feet.  I had been searching for a while on the answer to perfect running form. I had felt good running form before, but it has been so intermittent that I have not been able to find my running relaxation state in quite some time.  I decided I needed help so what did  I do, I went to the Lord and asked for help. I got on my knees and prayed that I could find my form so I wouldn't have to focus on it so much beyond my morning run. I have been looking for answers for over 2 years so I have definitely done my research. Now I just wanted to know how to put it together.  About 2 days ago I was at my parents home for a family dinner and as I walked in I saw a book sitting on the table. I thought to myself I think it is time that I read this book. It was Born To Run ,I  bought it for my dad about 1 year ago.  So I picked it up, took it home, and started reading.
I was hooked and I absolutely loved what I was reading and was so agreeing with what Chris Mcdougall had to say.  I kept asking myself, "why I waited so long to read it!"  What amazing stories of endurance and overcoming challenges.   I wasn’t impressed with the swearing, but my mom took care of that, she took whiteout to all the inappropriate words so my young eyes would not have to view them.  I was eating all the words up and loving it! I came to a chapter towards the end of the book that I knew was not the truth.  The whole chapter was about evolution and how we evolved from an ape type of man. How our bodies evolved and made changes over millions of years. I applaud these scientists who are trying to discover the truth on where we came from. The body is amazing and if I didn’t know the truth I would want to know.   I do know the truth though and I know where we came from. I wanted ( want) to write Mr. Mcdougall and thank him for his wonderful findings, his inspiration to make this journey, and to find some type of truth. He was searching for answers. I want to let him know that the answer to his question, "where do humans come from?" can be found in the quote by Leonardo Da vinci, “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” Our foot is a masterpiece not because we evolved from the ape man but because we were created in the image of a loving Heavenly Father.   That kind of perfection, beauty and art could only come from a personage who is great and perfect and loving.  He loved(s) us so much that he wanted to give us what He has.  
I also want to answer the question posed in the book about why we were created as endurance creatures and not with other types of speed or physical strengths as other mammals might have.  I came to know the truth of the answer this morning on my run.  I had heard talks and quotes on this subject so many times before, but this morning it hit me so powerfully that it brought me to tears. In the middle of my run I was crying! Crying out of joyfulness that I knew the truth.  We were made as endurance creatures because that is what we were sent here to do! We are here to endure. Just as running an ultra marathon where you go through different pains, trials,  emotions, joys etc. That is what life is all about!  Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ speaks to us and teaches us through symbolism and what better way to symbolize endurance than through running.  We are endurance creatures! We came this earth to gain a body like our loving Heavenly Father and we came to endure, to overcome, to gain self mastery. We came to find our perfect form, to learn to do what our Savior would do, and move forward without fear, to put our trust in Him who sent us here and to learn how to find our way to that finish line  which is with our eternal families and our loving Heavenly Father.

Redo of the Redo.....

Okay I have finally found it.  I have been trying to create a certain feeling in my living room since the day we moved in. I feel I have finally achieved it.  I have found my feng shui! 

When I put the blue tones in my room after the chair redo, I felt like there was a little battle going on between the blues and the reds. 

I found my self unsettled as I walked passed the room.  I wanted a peaceful, joyful feeling in the room. So I went back to the drawing board. I went back to my original room inspiration.  Everything flows in the room below. Nothing to harsh or contrasting. Contrasting can be fun, but that was not the feeling I was going for. 

Country Living Magazine French country inspiration. 

I felt like something else was missing, and that was texture. I needed different textures and patterns and simply more cohesiveness. 

The final product is just below but first here are some before pictures:

This is the first decor of our room when we first moved in. Not bad. 

Of course this was the redo. I couldn't take the blues. 

Now for the final product. The Redo of the Redo. I wish I had a better camera because it looks so much better in person. I feel at peace and settled when I walk in the room.
  The changes I made were, covering the side table. I layered it with a cream fabric for the bottom, red and cream plaid for the middle, and a natural burlap on top. The burlap added a great new texture to the room.  I also added two stenciled burlap pillows to the room. Last but not least I added accessories. Accessories are like jewelry fro the room.    It is just what the room needed.

I hope you enjoyed it! Come back soon!

Reconsidering......

I am already thinking about changing my Living room up a little. I am not sure if I am digging the vibrant blue.  I may be posting a new after picture sooner than later.  We will see!

Chair and Living room makeover

I am done and I love it!  I have been talking for months, if not years about doing something with these sturdy but not so pretty wingback chairs.  I have had them slip covered for 5 years and I just couldn't take the tucking and re-tucking every time we sat on them anymore.  I thought about painting the chairs at one time, but thought the fabric may be to crunchy.  My next thought was a more customized slipcover, but I didn't want another slipcover.  So I googled upholstery for wingback chairs found several tutorials and thought "if they can do it so can I!" I did do it, but it was not easy and there were times where I wanted to quit, but we pushed on with soar fingers, bruised hands, and tight forearms.  I am so grateful for my moms awesome sewing skills. I can sew but some things are just beyond my skill level. So thanks Mom! 

I love the chairs. There is no perfection in them.  You can definitely find things that could have been done better. But hey I am no pro and I am happy with the finished product!

When we finished the chairs. I added some new pillows and a table quilt into the mix to give the room a whole new feel. 

Before

 

 

 The process. 

After

 

 

Living Room Before

 

Living Room After

 

Mothers Gift

Last night we had  our yearly family PJ party. Every year my Mom gives us a little gift with a poem to go with it.  This year she gave us a few gifts though. She printed the poem "Desiderata" and framed it for us. I don't believe I have ever read it before. I am so grateful to have read it and now I can hang it in my home.  So many true statements to live by. 

Please enjoy the poem below.  

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, 

and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender, 

be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; 

and listen to others, 

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, 

you may become vain or bitter, 

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; 

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, 

for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals, 

and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love, 

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, 

be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here. 

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, 

whatever you conceive Him to be. 

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life, 

keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world. 

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

---

Black Hawk Soccer.

We are nearing the end of yet another great soccer season.  Jilllian really came out this season and played hard. She scored several goals this season, and really came out of her timid soccer playing shell.  She loves soccer and she loves her team.  

Way to go on a great season Jillian!

My little pilgrim

Baden is doing so well in school. He has made huge improvements in his speech. He was so cute last week when he came out with his little pilgrim hat on. I love this little boy.

Thanksgiving / Turkey Trot

Yet another Thanksgiving has passed. It was a great day! I made my potatoes the night before so I could get up and run the Turkey Trot.  This was my first race since I started running in minimal shoes. I loved it! I ran faster than I have run in a long time. I ran in my Vibram five finger shoes, and my time was 48.22 for a 10k.  My legs are a little sore, but other than that I feel great! 

After the race I went home, cleaned myself up and we headed to my parents house for a relaxed, yummy Thanksgiving meal.  

We went to the park afterwards and met more family. We had dessert, the kids played, and we had great conversation.

I love Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for a wonderful family and the many blessing that I have been given. 

My Dad and I after the race

Mom and Dad (Jennifer and Larry)

My Mom and I after the race. 

Running Shoe decisions???

I know this topic excites everyone, so I thought I would share. 

I am looking for a new running shoe. Below are my 3 top choices. All 3 are completely different so if I had a bazillion dollars I would buy all 3. 

Below are slight descriptions of each. 

The Newton MV2. Their newest most minimal model in the Newton line. They are 5.2 ounces I really haven't liked Newtons in the past but maybe I will like these.

The New Balance Minimus Trail shoe.  No I would not be using this for trail running. These come highly recommended.  They are 5.5 ounces. They do have a little more cushioning in them and they still have a slightly raised heel which I feel is a con. 

These are the Zem 360 rounds. They are 2.5 ounces with a very thin rubber sole. I have read that these are the shoes that come closest to barefoot running.  Since barefoot running is the only way that feels good to me this might be the perfect shoe.