Sucess!

Yesterday I did my second Couch to 5km session. It was pretty hardcore but also, surprisingly, a little easier. In fact, I ran 7 out of the 8 runs (didn't run the 7th). I was really struggling in the last one but I pushed on and ... I did it! I surpassed my goal of running 6 in this one. The only thing that was a real bother this time was my shins. I suffer from shin splints and it took a lot of grunting to finish the last 60sec run. Once I was home I followed some advice given to me by a friend and iced my shins for about 20mins (you rub vigorously up and down with an ice pack). That really does the trick. Thanks for that Julie!

There is definitely something satisfying about setting a goal and then reaching it. Sunday will be my 3rd training session. I have decided that I WILL run the 8 set bursts. That really will be something to be proud of. Then it will be on to week two of the challenge.

On a lighter note, this afternoon we are heading off to a friends' 30th birthday party. We're going bowling and then having a BBQ at the Sandgate waterfront. I am really looking forward to it. This will be the first time in months that some of our friends have seen Presley. What a nice surprise they'll have now that she's walking and 'talking'. I will, of course, give a full update in my next posting. Until then, have a terrific weekend and remember, you can do anything you set your mind to!

My mission

I am a woman on a mission ... well at least that's what the song says.

A few days ago I was issued a challenge. I accepted, whilst trying to fight the panic that was rising in my body. The challenge? To run the Gold Coast 10km marathon. I can hear you all gasping because as you know, I am a little challenged myself when it comes to hardcore physical exercise. However, as I said, I did accept the challenge. So how do I begin to scale the mountain now in front of me? Well, I was given the name of a podcast "Couch to 5km" that if I follow right, in 10 weeks I should be able to run 5kms WITHOUT STOPPING! The way it works is that you train 3 days a week (so for eg mon wed fri, tues & thurs as your 'free' days, with sat & sun as your big break) for 9 weeks. The system is set to pumping music and you do a 5 min warm up walk, then do bursts of run, walk, run, walk etc until you have done 8 run bursts, then you finish with a 5min warm down walk. The whole thing is done is done for you (voiced over the music is someone who tells you when to start running and when to slow down to walk) all you have to do is follow the instructions.

I decided that wed (24th Feb) would be my first session. I set my alarm for 6:17am (if you're wondering about the odd time it's because I have this thing about setting it for a common time eg 6:15. I feel as though I get that extra couple of minutes sleep whilst still awake before 6:20am. Don't ask). Anyway, the alarm went off and I opened my eyes. My first thought was, 'no one would know that I didn't get up and do my run' but I forced myself to get out of bed. In this situation I usually find myself thinking like Trinity from the Matrix, when in the opening scene she flies Superman style through the window and lands on her back at the bottom of the stairs, whipping out her guns she says "Get up Trinity, get up" (conquering the fear and stuff like that). Anyway, I digress. So, I get my gear on and set out. I start with the warm up walk and then start my first 60sec run. I felt quite good. I slowed down for my 90sec break, and that's when the heavy breathing kicked in. Then I started my second 60sec run ... more heavy breathing. By the end of it I was wishing I had stayed in bed. The 3rd run burst I just walked, but I ran for the 4th & 5th, resting in the 6th, ran the 7th but was really unable to do the 8th. I was sweating like crazy, gulping down air and praying for it to end. But ... I did it. I ran for a total of 5mins! I have no idea what distance it was, but I felt good.

Tomorrow will be my second session. And I'm hoping that I can do 6 out of the 8 runs this time. When I do cross that finish line in July (the GC marathon) I know I will have accomplished something great. But first I have to get through tomorrow's session. Lord give me strength!!

It's a wonderful life

This is my gorgeous family. My husband, Rob, is a wonderful man whom I love very much. We have been married for nearly 6 yrs (April 10th 2004). My beautiful daughter, Presley, is 14mths old and a real joy. I can't imagine my life without her.

Today was wonderful, one of those days that makes you sigh and be glad that this is your life. It started with a lazy morning (as most of our mornings begin), Presley joining Rob and I on our bed with her milk. She loves playing on our bed and I am glad that she is able to do it every morning. After reluctantly getting up, Pres was fed breakfast, dressed and we headed out for a walk. It was so nice to out in the sunshine, and lovely to get out as a family. After getting home we slipped into our usual routine. This involves playing with Presley, changing her nappy, feeding her, playing with her, getting down on the rug to play Shape-O (currently her favourite activity), feeding, nappy change, bed.

There was nothing spectacular or unusual that happened today but I felt contented with my lot. And that is why I had a wonderful day.

It's raining, it's pouring!

I love the rain. I love it's smell and it's sound. I love the way seemingly mature and grown up people suddenly turn into little kids as they dash through it, giggling and laughing. How, although it is a darkened sky, you know that when the rain ends there will be glorious sunshine. The way the grass seems to grow right before your eyes and leaves glisten with drops. How you can hear the earth being nourished by the rain.

So although it has rained non stop all day, and there have been moments of panic as water sweeps in through windows or under doors, I feel as rejuvenated as if I myself where the one being fed today.

What is love?

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

BBQ lunch pirate style

It has been raining here since late last night. A very welcome relief from the oppressive humidity. This morning our little family ventured out to the Redcliffe waterfront. Although it was raining there were still plenty of people about. After a stroll and a milkshake we headed over to Burpengary for a BBQ lunch. It was to celebrate the 5th birthday of our friends' little boy. It was pirate themed, and although we didn't dress up others certainly got into the spirit. We had a really nice time, although we had to dash so Rob could get to work.

I always am amazed at our how uplifting it can be to visit with friends. And these friends in particular always lift our spirits. They are generous, kind and will do anything for us. Love you Suz and Shaun!

Not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I look forward to it with eager anticipation.

Saturday

What happened to make today so special? Well, nothing spectacular but the fact that I was at home with Pres. It's amazing how those couple of days away from her has made me appreciate the time I have with her. I didn't even get out of sorts changing her dirty nappies!

This morning Pres & I went to the grand opening of Beautiful You salon. A friend of mine has just opened up her own shop (having worked from home for a few years). It was great to see how excited she was. The week just gone was her opening week and she said it went really well, full appointments and plenty of walk ins. All I can say is, go Toni. What a fabulous opportunity and I know she'll do well.

It takes courage to step up and turn your dreams into reality.

www.beautifulu.com.au

Ch ch ch change ...

That last couple of days have been interesting for me, and our little family. Thursday saw me re-enter the workforce. Due to unplanned and unwanted circumstances, the very hard decision was made for me to go back to work. It was something I agonised over for many weeks, but in the end it was lesser of two evils that won me over. All I can say is: my MIL is wonderful, and I thank her very sincerely from the bottom of my heart for agreeing to look after Pres on Thursdays, and to my wonderful husband who approached his boss and has been able to get every friday off so he can take care of our little munchkin when I am at work. That is been a real relief as I was uncomfortable with the idea of putting Pres into daycare. So, what a wonderful provision for all of us. We all win.

Work turned out to be not as daunting as I thought. I imagined all sorts of scenarios, none very positive, but it turns out that I slotted right back in. Now I realize that I'm only doing casual work and on call work, but when you have been out of the game for 18mths or so it can be a very daunting prospect. My first two days went as well as I could have wanted.

When I took leave from work in 2008/2009, I was adament that I NEVER wanted to return to teaching, but when the going gets tough... I'm not sure that this is what I want to return to in a full-time or permanent way but it is fulfilling a need for the moment.

A big thanks to all those who sent words of encouragement on my first day. You may never realize what a boost that was to my spirit that day.

2010 ... A new beginning

A new year, a chance to change, a reminder that there is a fresh tomorrow. So, with all that in mind ... welcome to Snowdrops and Garlic. This is going to be my space, a time for me to reflect and allow you to follow my journey. I hope that my musings, ramblings and raves will bring a little bit of me into your life.