Feelin' Chalky

Saturday, June 12, 2010

I Would Walk 500 Miles (or a 5K)

So...this week has been quite an adventure!  Last Sunday marked a pretty big accomplishment in my life - one I never dreamed I would be even remotely excited about...I walked my first 5K (with great friends and family in tow)!!  The fact that I am saying "first" means that I plan to repeat this feat again...soon.  I believe the Haynes Apperson festival has a 5K, and I am hoping to walk in it with my hubby!  

We really couldn't have asked for better weather.  It was just the right temperature - not too hot, not too cold, and even though it looked like it could let loose at any minute, the rain held off until the very end.  ;)  I am so proud of all of the WW members who were there for the event - there was quite a crowd.  Here is a pic (photo taken by Renee Westbrook).


I have to say that participating in this event taught me a lot about myself.  I have been really thinking about my personal patterns.  Here is a hodge-podge of what I have learned: I rarely step out to do anything without being 100% sure that I can do it.  I am so fearful of failure that it hinders me from doing anything outside my comfort zone.  I like to watch people do something before I try to do it.  I like to be prepared 100% for what I do and if I'm not - I am a nervous wreck.  Once I do something, step out in faith, I am empowered to do it again.  Maybe I shouldn't give away all of my secrets!

The 5K went against almost all of these thoughts.  I wasn't prepared, I haven't ever watched anyone do it before, and I wasn't sure if I would succeed or fail.  I was so proud to complete that last lap that I probably could have cried.  The bar has been set.  I am now aware that I am stronger than I thought I was!  The funny thing was that I was tired, but I was OK.  I didn't pass out from exhaustion and I didn't keel over.  Imagine that!

Here's the deal - I realized this week (thanks in part to a kick in the pants from my loving husband) that I don't always have to be the best, fastest, or smartest to be successful.  I can be successful all on my own in my own time.  Success is pushing yourself to that next level - the place you aren't sure you can go.  With that in mind, I even decided to start mixing in some running with my walking.  This is so beyond what I ever thought I'd be doing that it makes me laugh every time I think about it!  I used to say, "I'm not running unless someone is chasing me with a knife, and even then it's still questionable!"  I also used to say that I only wanted 2 kids.  Funny how things change (for the better!).

This week I lost 2 pounds!  (By the way my buddy is a rockstar and lost 4 - let's all give her a round of applause!)  That brings my total to 43.8 pounds lost and sent packing!  

Here are some things I am really geeked out about this week:

CLIF Mojo Mountain Mix bars - This is the perfect on-the-go snack for me right now.  I have one in my purse at all times so that I am armed and ready.  It has so many yummy and good-for-you things in it, it will make yer head spin! (yes, I meant to spell it "yer")  Here's what's inside: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, peanuts, almonds, raisins, soy beans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, little pieces of pretzel, peanut butter, unsweetened chocolate pieces (this stuff is all organic by the way) - it is SO good and good for you - Love it!

Ezekiel 4:9 Bread - very yummy, super-healthy - found in the freezer section in most grocery stores in town.  I love the fact that it is based on scripture: "Take also unto thee wheat and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread of it..." Ez. 4:9  It is a flourless bread (is that possible? yes.) and it is organic.  The whole basis of the bread is what is called "sprouted grains."  What???  and Why???  Well, sprouting grains unlocks their potential and nutrients, so you are getting a super-charged "live" food.  For more info check out www.foodforlife.com or talk to my buddy, Jaime, who is reading all kinds of info and learning hands-on about eating "raw" and "live" foods.  She has a blog too that you can check out at: www.healthyjaime4life.wordpress.com

Peaches and Cherries - I mean, who doesn't love a fresh peach or cherry?  OK...get your mind outta the gutter!  I totally did not mean it that way.  Seriously, though, both are starting to come into season and they are marvelous!  Look for them at a grocery store, farmer's market, or organic co-op near you!

Alrighty...better get back to the kiddos...have a happy, healthy week!!

2 comments:

  1. Ezekiel 4:9 has been around a long time. I used to eat it 28 years ago! Just got out of the habit. Yes...the all or nothing mentality is definitely in the family. Proud of your accomplishments and your willingness to share. Love you Aubri

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  2. Wow! I had no idea that it's been around that long! That's great! :) Looking forward to seeing you next week!

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