Motivational Monday: Appointments I Intend To Keep

I just read my last blog post, dated July 6.  I guess can't use the same opening line about my absenteeism. 

My summer schedule has just changed…again…and this time, I’m more determined to put myself, and my fitness FIRST.  I’ve always heard the advice that you should write your own self into your calendar or appointment book, and keep your obligations to yourself just as you would anyone else.  Good advice, but it’s so easy to fall into the trap of tending to others before yourself.  The truth is, if I am not well (mentally or physically) my care for others will not be all it can be either.

So – here’s to my first Monday on the new schedule. 

UPDATE:

1.    I am done flushing fire hydrants for the city of La Grande.  I had planned on running in the early mornings before work, but that quickly fell away after days spent in the heat and the sun.  I didn’t want any more outside.

2.    We are in the process of moving – our house closes within two weeks, our move-in house is vacant and we have keys!  We’re sort of becoming squatters (but with permission).  J 

3.    I will have new running routes to map out, and far fewer trees and shady places to run. (Note to self: get more sunscreen!)

4.    In August I will not only be nesting a new home, but a new classroom.  I have to keep these in separate mental compartments and only deal with one at a time or I will go mad!  The school is in the process of an asbestos abatement project, so it’s on lock down while all the tiles are removed – I can delete it from my brain for now, but the minute I have the go-ahead, I will go paint my classroom before new flooring is installed.  After the floors are in, I will be a flurry of teacher-crazy as I decorate and prepare for my new little flock.

5.    I spend way too much down time on Pinterest looking for house/school ideas.  I saw something at a rummage sale that was clearly a Pinterest thing that is on my list of crafty projects to make – and I resisted the urge to spend $25 to bypass the craftiness and just buy it already!

6.    I have made a new goal of spending WAY less time on the computer.  I’m even working toward Technology Free Sundays (with the exception of checking in on the Bingham Family Blog – don’t want to miss news of a heart donor for Lindsey!)

So – I ran today.  It felt good, although a bit rusty.  In the time I have been off, though, I have completely reversed the foot issue that I had been having.  (I think that may be a complete post for later).  The dog loves me again.  My muscles are thanking me, and my brain is happy.  I have made an appointment with the road again tomorrow, and it’s one I intend to keep.


QUESTION: How do you manage your fitness when everything going on in your life seems crazy?

Running On Empty

As you may (or may not) have noticed, I’ve been absent from my blog.  I’m feeling sort of absent from my life right now, as the transition from school-year work to summer-work has shaken up my schedule.  My beer-man hubs is up at the butt crack of dawn to make sure the tri-county area is able to toss back a cold one with their summer BBQ’s.  Once he’s up, I’m up – whether it’s 3:30 or 6:00.  So…the days drag on.

In our personal lives we’ve lost two friends, Riki Anderson and Chris Fox Kohl.  I have a school family whose lives are in peril – with two children in a hospital – one waiting for a heart transplant, the other on a pacemaker (Lindsey & Gage Bingham).  All their children have the same heart abnormality, and most likely all of them will require heart transplants.  I can’t imagine it, and it weighs heavily on my mind and my prayer life.

Our house sold in five days, which normally would be a really awesome thing…but now, as we search for housing closer to my work, we’re finding we don’t have much to choose from.  I keep telling myself the right thing will present itself – as it always does, but it still sort of nags at the back of my mind…Oh yeah, we may be homeless!

I know that running is a reducer of stress, but I’m not such a hard-core runner that it’s become that kind of habit.  I envy folks who run every day like clockwork.  I still have to talk myself into it every damn day – and lately, I’ve been a slacker.  I’m not worried about the upcoming marathon, although, perhaps I should be.  I know I can drag my sorry butt over the finish line if I have to, but I also know I have a few more months to prepare.  I also know that I’m gritty and stubborn and I will do it if it kills me…I just would prefer not to die from it – I have work to do! 

I know I would mentally feel better if I drug myself out every morning, but with low-grade depression it’s harder to leave the house.  My sweetie and I have been getting out in the hills, and encouraging each other to get back on track, step by painful step.

Oh – the drawing for donors has been extended.  I need MORE donors – even at a few bucks a go!  Right now, I have more prizes than donors, so I’m going figure out another way to market this thing.  You may see me outside of Safeway hawking raffle tickets, we’ll see.

So today I ran.  I’m in that sweaty afterglow that I must remember TOMORROW when it’s time to go again. 

Memorial (Motivational) Monday!

Cancer is a big, stupid, bully - the kind that steals your lunch money, stalks you on facebook and makes crank calls.  (What I really want to say about it contains way too many expletives!)

Last week North Powder School lost one of its own - Riki Anderson, second grade teacher, and woman extraordinaire.  I feel cheated not to have known her longer.  I only knew her while under the ravages of cancer and chemo, and I have to say, I can’t imagine what she was like healthy!  She was such a dynamo – a devoted teacher and mother, she had a wicked sense of humor, and was a positive role model in every way.  She taught through chemo-sickness and hair loss, and kept an upbeat attitude – never wanting the children or her workmates to worry. 

We will gather in grief on Wednesday to celebrate the life of this amazing woman, to share stories, hugs and tears.  Riki was only 42 years old.  She leaves behind three daughters - a senior in high school, a first grader, and a three year old.  AND - many students who loved her dearly.


Cancer is a bully.


My last several runs have been tearful.  The road is where I work out my troubles and try to find balance.  The miles I'm logging are working toward my goal of a marathon to raise money for the Children's Cancer Association.
Today, I ask that you make a donation to one of the numerous cancer programs out there.  Cancer needs to be stopped.  Children with cancer need to grow up.  Children whose parents have cancer need healthy parents to raise them.  Mothers with cancer need to see their children graduate, marry, and have children of their own.  


Let's keep working together to end this disease.


Rest in peace...
Riki Anderson 
Dad (BobWard)
Aunt Carolyn
Keith Tannehill
Suasn Moon
Pam Still
Jack Carey...


Who do you add to the list?

Motivational Monday - and Memorial Monday

I was going to say 'Happy Memorial Day,' but if you have lost loved ones, you may not be feeling too happy today.  Loss is tough - we can mourn the folks who are no longer sharing this daily walk with us, AND we can also remember them fondly and laugh over old memories.  

It's only fitting that I'm doing this marathon in support of a cancer organization.  I lost my father, my aunt, and a dear friend to cancer.  They were adults - and while that doesn't make it easier, I know there's got to be so much frustration and a feeling of unfairness that goes along with having a child with cancer.   When I look at my little kindergarten friends and think about our friends, Will and Julie, who lost their son at the age of 6, it just makes me weepy.  No child should die before the parent – I know my grandparents wrestled with this when my 51-year-old father was dying.  I didn’t really get it–the fact that we are always our parents’ babies, no matter how old we are.  

Oh yeah, this was supposed to be motivational.  How’m I doing? 

I had recently heard on the radio that Kelly Clarkson’s song, Stronger, had become an anthem for folks undergoing cancer treatment.  I can see why!  It’s upbeat and motivational.  My sister Cherrie sent me this video clip – just as I was beginning to ponder the Motivational Monday blog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihGCj5mfCk8

And of course - the making of the video is just as good, or better!  :-) 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo5bAj39v4k&feature=related

Think good thoughts of those you’ve loved and lost.  Keep fighting whatever battle you’re fighting.  We’re all in this together! Now get out there and kick some booty!


OH - and I just got a big fat donation from the ladies at Bodywork Spa & Skin Studio - I'll post more when I have more details, but it's a good one!  Don't forget to donate any ammount before the drawing on June 30th!

Drawing for Donors!

Drawing for Donors is officially underway!  This is an un-raffle raffle, because if I had an actual raffle, then your donations to The Children's Cancer Association would not be tax decutible.  So - this is a thank-you gift giveaway - a way to show my apreciation for your donations toward this wonderful organization.

I'm filled with gratitude for the folks who have donated items for my Drawing for Donors!  I was feelig a bit disheartened at first, but through social media, friends have rallied to donate items to make this giveaway really fun.  I so appreciate this community!

I'm still gathering items, but this is what I have so far.  

Drumroll Please:

1/2 Hour Massage from Angie Miller!

$25 Gift Certificate from El Erradero!

                  This could be yours ~ from The Potter's House!

                                

                                     

 

Matted art print from local artist, Denise Stone

$10 Gift Card from the Sub Shop!

Yummy bath stuff and body butter from Whispering Pines

My sister, Cherrie Ward donated all these necklace/earring sets!  Thanks, Cherrie!

I (Karen Tannehill) am donating a few baked-goods: 
*Huckleberry Cheesecake,
*3-Layer German Chocolate Cake, and
*Cookie of the Month - That's Right:-12 months of cookies!

There will be more prizes announced as they come in.  I have a few mysteries yet to be revealed!

Please share this post with your facebook friends.  I have just edged over the $2000.00 mark on my way toward raising $5000.00!  I would love to reach that goal, and dare I say, even pass it!

Drawing to be held Saturday, June 30th!

The Friday Five: True Confessions of an Average Gal

I've really been feeling frustrated about my physical condition.  I have been working really hard at strengthening my core and then, on Sunday, I popped out my lower back.  Argh!  These are the moments I feel my age.  I know it’s just a minor setback, and I trust all my medical professionals to get me back on track.  They’re all pulling for my marathon success, and they want me to be healthy and strong. 

Still…one little lift (that I SWEAR I used my legs for!) and my week was shot to Hell!

Oh well – here’s to another Friday, and another chance to get back on that horse and ride!

True Confessions…

1.  I prefer wearing yoga pants for eating and lounging, rather than yoga.  When I was in Vegas, I referred to them as “Buffet Pants!

 2.  I’m somewhat envious of people who have workout buddies.  It seems like a great idea, but I can’t imagine actually working out with someone else.  Maybe I just don’t play well with others.  I like the freedom to take off when I feel like it, and run as long, short, fast or slow as I feel like.  I think I also really appreciate the time alone in my own head.  I communicate with people all day at work, so my workout time seems like something special, just for me.

   

    3. I'm starting to worry about reaching my financial goal of raising $5000.00.  You would think I’d be more worried about running 26.2 miles, but no – it’s the money.  I know that nothing bad will happen if I don’t get there, but I will feel like I’ve let down the organization (Children’s Cancer Association).  I can only donate so much, so I’m hoping for either a whole bunch of little donations, or a couple more REALLY BIG ones!

 4. I know that no matter how much I read and learn about running a marathon, nothing will truly prepare me.  I just have to listen to my body and keep working at it.  I’m concerned more with the mental part of the marathon than the physical part.  The more I hear about hitting ‘the wall’ the more I am concerned with finding way to power through it.

 5. I am almost done with the school year, and I’m looking forward to having less things competition with my time.  I can really focus on cross training and building my stamina.  I hate when work gets in the way of my playing!

Stay tuned - I'm just about ready to post about my giveaway:

Drawings for Donors!