Halloween Fun cont.

The Fall Festival at church was fantastic! My husband made white chicken chili and I made gluten-free cornbread to share with everyone! There were all different types of chili, cornbread, chips, and spooky, Halloween desserts. Joe and I volunteered at the donut eating contest. (We had multiple ones at a time.) It was a sticky, fun mess. Joe decided that he wanted to do the contest too. He won! After volunteering we did some of the other activities. My favorite was racing my husband through a maze while balancing a gourd on our heads. He won on both occasions, but just by a hair. The first time, he leaped through the air to the finish and the second time, his gourd was on the verge of dropping so he speed walked bent over, hoping it would help keep the gourd straight. I did not see any physics behind it, but nonetheless it was so goofy to watch!  I could not stop laughing! He knows how to have fun for sure! The children were so cute in their costumes! I wish I would have dressed up too, but I do not know what I would have been.

Oh well, maybe I will dream about it in my sleep!

Halloween Fun!

Last night, my husband and I skipped out on our town's Trick-or-Treating night to celebrate his new job and go grocery shopping. (The latter is quite silly, but at least we were together! Lately, we have not been able to spend time together with our busy schedules.) I regret that I even bought Endangered Species Chocolate to share with the children who would have come to our door. Oh well, at least there is plenty for us and my students.

Last year, I ran in Gahanna,OH at the Fright Night 5K, but unfortunately, this year, I will not be able to. My husband and I are attending a Fall Festival at church. I am sure it will be great! Now that I am running again, I am dying to participate in a race. I can not wait until the local Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving!

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

This morning, after almost three weeks, I decided to go to the Y to workout. The stress fracture in my left foot has healed well enough to start back into running. Oh my, my legs and arms are sore today. I only ran 3 miles and lifted weights but it feels like I ran a 1/2 marathon with no training. I will have to slowly get back into running and lifting weights. I registered for another 1/2 marathon in the spring. This time, I will listen to myself.

Take the Pledge - End Fat Talk!

As a teenager, my mother would always say as my sisters, brother, and I left the house to go to school, "remember who you are!" I remember often times just rolling my eyes as I hurried down the front door steps. While in junior high, high school, and college, it was hard for me to remember such simple, profound words. To say the least, I forgot who I was. I became someone I no longer knew.

Now, a few years later, I am beginning to more fully understand my purpose in this life, who I am, and who I am becoming. I am grateful for a loving mother who tried to instill in me that I was someone. I hope to instill in women, young or old, everywhere that they are of great worth! They do not need to change who they are because they are not perfect. They are beautiful just the way they are!

Please visit this site End Fat Talk to take the pledge! I already did. I hope you do too!

Swimming in the Deep Blue Sea!

Yesterday, I felt as though I was swimming through paperwork, lessons, and all sorts of trouble from students. It was Monday, so maybe that had a lot to do with all. But, honestly, I was dog paddling just to keep up. I could not wait until my husband could pick me up from school (we only have one vehicle). My husband arrived and like always we talked about our day. However, before I could mention about how my day went, my husband asked if we could go swimming at the Y. I sat stunned in the passenger side of the car. I could not believe it! He wanted to know if we could go swimming, especially after the day I had? I could not help but laugh and say, "Yes!"

I am so glad he asked! We had a great time :) We'll be back for sure!

Listen to Yourself!

I made a mistake but a lesson well learned - listen to your body.
After running the Dayton Air Force 1/2 Marathon, my left knee became sore. I gave it a few days to rest, but then quickly started back up running, walking, biking, and weight lifting. I needed an escape from the stresses of teaching and difficult situations. I continued to experience pain but ignored it and kept going. I soon realized that I was beginning to feel pain in my metatarsal bones. I thought that maybe I just tied my shoes too tight or needed new shoes.

However, yesterday, as I was going up and down the stairs at school, I could not bear it anymore. My foot and knee were in immense pain. (Of course, I do not believe in elevators!) I called the doctor and was able to be offically diagnosed. I have a metatarsal stress fracture and runner's knee.

I keep asking myself, "Why did I not listen to my body?" I felt pain, but thought of excuses for the pain. Now, I am in more pain and injury than I would have been, if I would have just listened. Sometimes, I forget that it is alright to rest and take care of myself. I am amazed and grateful that our bodies know more about us than we think. This life is truly not sprint but a marathon - maybe an ultra-marathon at that!

Fall Favorites!

I love everything fall! The changing of leaves to flamboyant reds, yellows, oranges, and browns; eating warm carrot cake muffins, pumpkin pie, and oatmeal;  wearing longer skirts, long sleeved blouses and riding boots (oh, also big, baggy sweaters too); running or walking through crisp breezes on early mornings or evenings; making piles of leaves and jumping in them; and snuggling up with a blanket and book.

I was reminded of my fall favorites today as my husband and I realized that on Friday we will be asked to park about three or four blocks away from our apartment to accomodate visitors this weekend. This weekend is Oktoberfest in our town. People come from all around to participate in the 10K race, eat good German food and drink lots of beer. My husband and I do not drink, but we enjoy participating in the 10K race that ends at the corner of our street. It is an incredible sight! This year, I will be running in the 10K race with a few friends. I am excited! I hope that my knee holds up for me. After running the Dayton Air Force 1/2 Marathon, it has not quite been the same. I am hoping it is just runner's knee. If all else fails, I can run/walk the 10K.

Summer is truly drawing to a close and fall is entering again for yet another season!