C25K

6 weeks ago I downloaded the C25K (couch to 5K) app onto my phone and began my running journey. I spent 2 weeks on week 1, so I am currently on week 5. The goal is to get someone (like me) from couch potato to running a 5K in 9 weeks. I know several people who have used the C25K program to get started with running/get into shape. I do not have a strong desire to be a runner, but I do have a strong desire to get into shape.

At first I told no one (except Aaron of course) that I was going to do this. I kept it to myself because I didn't want to be embarrassed if I failed. As I got into a routine, I decided it would be great to have some friends praying for me, praying that I would be able to accomplish this challenge. I also decided that I should participate in a race at the end of the 9 weeks that would give me something to work towards.

Here is the truth on how this C25K is going for me. It is HARD!! I am ridiculously out of shape!! But the good news is, I AM DOING IT!! I am putting on my shoes, getting my keister out the door, and I am accomplishing the run for the day. My running is really jogging, and I am 100% positive I look crazy while running! I am struggling through my current week, trying to get to the 5 minute mark and failing. I am getting back out there and trying again!! I am discouraged that I have barely lost any weight, but encouraged that I am feeling great and that my body is getting in better shape (though it still looks out of shape). How am I doing this?? I am relying on the Lord. I am getting my strength and courage from Him. I am singing praises to Him while I run!! "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

So that race I mentioned above...it just so happens that I will complete the C25K the week of Thanksgiving, so what better race to run than the Turkey Trot. YES!! I am going to run the 5K at the Dallas Turkey Trot. I love the name Turkey Trot as I will probably be trotting along. I will be there, for better or worse. I may be the last to cross the finish line, I may not be able to run the whole thing, but I am going to give it my best effort with the Lord's help! The cool thing about the Turkey Trot is my sister and brother-in-law will be running as well, and quite possibly some others of my siblings.

I plan to continue running even after I finish the C25K, to keep in shape, to continue in my weight loss journey, and to stay in a groove.

God is good! He is my strength and my help! To God be the glory!!

Dinner Disaster

We had some excitement at our house last night and let me just tell you, it wasn't good excitement. Jason didn't take off walking or anything like that. I was heating up some olive oil in a frying pan so I could cook some pork. It started to get really smoky, but I just turned on the vent fan and continued to let it heat up. Aaron commented that he thought something was wrong, and I had never seen oil smoke like this before, but I kept right on with what I was doing. I was starting to dump the chunks of pork in the pan when the pan when the oil in the pan went up in flames. It looked like a Pei Wei grill on our stove. I was so grateful that Aaron was home!! I am terrified of open flames like that, and had he not been home, I'm not sure what I would have done. We probably didn't do the right thing in the way we put the fire out, and Aaron could have been hurt pretty badly, but we praise God as our Protector, that He kept us and our home (and our neighbors home) safe from the flames. The pan was destroyed, the house reeked (and is still not smelling the greatest) of smoke and burnt oil, and the smoke alarms were going off for a good while. I took Jason outside to get him out of the smoke and away from the noise, and to calm myself down. After putting out the flames Aaron went right back to watching the Rangers game like nothing major had just happened.

There is a silver lining at the end of this story. Only one piece of pork (that one piece was char-broiled in just seconds) made it into the pan, so I was able to cook the rest of the pork for dinner. I made rice, broccoli and a sweet and sour sauce, and it was delicious. As for what went wrong??? I really am not sure. I cook with oil often and this has NEVER happened. Maybe it became too hot before I put the pork in the pan?? Regardless, I NEVER want that to happen again!! I am purchasing a fire extinguisher today for our kitchen!

Fall Fun

Our Sunday School class had a fellowship at the Express Clydesdale Barn. The barn is BEAUTIFUL!!...and the Clydesdale's are absolutely GORGEOUS!! They are HUGE!! We are new to this ss class, and we had such a great time getting to know everyone better. Josh, our ss teacher, is the general manager of the Express Clydesdale's.

Here is Jason petting one of the Clydesdale's, Ace. Jason showed no fear petting the horses.

We took a ride in the stage coach...lots of fun! Prince William & Princess Kate rode on this stage coach this past summer.

So we took a ride in/not on (I was too afraid I'd fall if I tried to climb on top) the stage coach.

Jason and I in front of the barn

We had fun!!