How much?!

I track my runs on mapmyrun.com. Every time I run, I go in and record it. Well, at least since I started training for the half marathon. One of the cool features it has is to show the percentage increase from one week to the next. As I ramped up my training, it was really cool to see big jumps. It also helped me understand why my 12 mile run was so hard. I'd increased my mileage 21% over the previous week, which was already a large increase over previous weeks. No wonder I was tired!

Today is the last day of April. It shows me, right there on the little calendar, how many miles I ran each week, and how many total I ran in the month of April.

Ready for this?

92.4 miles.

Yes, you read that right.

I ran 92.4 miles in one month!

Holy cow. That seems a ridiculous amount of miles for one month.

After hearing this, 13.1 doesn't sound so bad. 13.1 miles in a morning? Piece of cake. I ran 92.4 last month.

Or something like that. :)

Day 24

Something you wish you could change

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Article of Faith 11

No, I have no interest in changing this article of faith. In fact, it is my favorite. If I could change anything, it would be to live in a society where all believed and lived this principle. We believe different things. We want different things from life. Priorities are different for all. Why does that have to mean one of us is wrong and one of us is right? Truth is truth, so many times one is wrong and one is right, but I am not trying to force anyone to believe as I do. Why do so many try to force their beliefs, their political agendas, their priorities on others? So much of the misery in our society comes from one group trying to force others to conform to what they want. If we could all learn to be more understanding, more accepting of differences, more tolerant of what another chooses, we would all be much happier. To put it more succinctly; live and let live!

Can't we all just get along?

Day 23

Favorite book

Do you want my favorite book? The one I read over and over again and never get tired of?

The one I laugh and cry at every time? The one that will never have a movie adaptation that will be good enough because it never lives up to the brilliance that is the book?

I first read Pride and Prejudice when Jenn was

supposed to read it in high school. I was hooked

from the very first line.

Or do you want the best book I've ever read?

The one that makes me learn new things about myself and about life every time I read it? The one that constantly teaches me and enlightens me? The one that makes me think?

Not only do I own multiple copies, when I went off to college I stole Dad's copy from the bookshelf to make sure I could have it and read it any time I wanted. I still own that copy.

My favorite book is not the best book I've ever read, but I still love it. But because it's the best book I've ever read, that one gets a mention too.

Day 22

Something you wish you were better at

I could practice more. I SHOULD practice more. I loved the piano lessons Scott surprised me with. I wish I played well. I know I could play better than I do. Somehow it never seems to make the cut in my to do list for the day. I want my kids to be able to hand me a piece of music and ask me to play it so they can sing it, the way we did with Mom when we were kids. Those are some of my very best memories as a child. I know life will never calm down enough for the time to suddenly appear for me to practice. If I want it, I need to make it a priority. Maybe that's exactly what I need to do; simply make playing a priority.

Day 21

Your favorite night

I have no pictures to add, no funny story to tell, nothing especially interesting to relate. I've had a lot of really wonderful days and nights in my life. How can I pick just one? I did; tonight.

Nothing special is happening tonight. I'm just sitting at home. We had dinner together, read scriptures, and will probably watch some Bones tonight after kids go to bed. Like I said, nothing special. But I'm here, I'm with my family, we're all safe and happy. I'm not living in anticipation of something coming, I'm not wishing I could go back and live a day over again, I am simply content and happy with where I am. Can you get a better night than that?

Day 20

Somewhere you would love to travel

Day 19

You when you were little

I'm still looking for the picture I want. This will be updated when I find it.

Saturday

Two weeks to go.

That's it!

That's all I have until my half marathon.

The good news?

I ran 12 miles this morning. 12!! All 12 jogging, no walking.

And I ran 26.2 over the course of the week. I ran a marathon this week!

The bad news?

Today's run almost killed me.

About 9 miles in I wanted to quit. It was muggy and humid and I was miserable. Even though it wasn't even 8:00 in the morning yet!

About 10 miles in I almost stopped all together.

10.5 miles in I almost started crying.

I had to literally, out loud, talk myself through the next half mile.

And I prayed. A lot.

I got through my run. Barely. But I still need to add another 1.1 miles to that.

I know I can finish. I just hope I don't finish feeling the way I did when I finished today.

Day 18

Your biggest insecurity

That I'm not strong enough.

Day 17

Something that has made a huge impact in your life recently

This one is easy. February 9, 2011 my father passed away. There is so much I could say about this, about my life here in Texas, how it's changed without him, how I feel now that he's gone, about my gratitude and my pain. This could be a very long post. It won't be. Somehow, more than two months later, I still find it difficult to talk about.

Love you, Daddy.

Day 16

Someone who inspires you

Let me start with the obvious; I am a runner because of Jenn. Who, in their mid 30s, after having 5 children, takes up running and becomes a marathon runner? Jenn. I say again, I am a runner because of Jenn. She inspired me to take up a habit that has made me happy. I will forever be grateful that she has been able to inspire me to better myself. But there's more.

Jenn is one of the most amazing women I know. She is smart; a college graduate. She is talented. She is thoughtful and generous. She is kind and giving. She has a craft room full of things I'd never know how to use, and she does amazing and beautiful things with them. She is a fantastic cook, and has a great eye for presentation. I watch her strive to be a great mother. I see her commitment to the gospel and her testimony, and I watch as she constantly tries to better herself. She holds her large extended family together, always offering a place for them to gather and feel loved. She understood that having lived with my father for almost two years before his passing, that his death was particularly hard on me and called to check on me frequently. She is so busy with so many things, but still manages to give her kids all the opportunities for growth that she can afford and pack into her ridiculously busy schedule. I'm not sure there isn't anything this woman can't or doesn't do. She inspires me in so many ways. I wish everyone were lucky and blessed to have a big sister like Jennifer. I am so grateful that I do!

Is this normal?

I STILL hate a 3 mile run.

Seriously, there is nothing about it I enjoy.

It's hard. I don't feel like I ever find my rhythm. I almost always end a 3 mile run frustrated and feeling out of shape.

Today I ran 6.2 miles.

I LOVED it!

It felt fantastic.

I wanted it to continue.

I felt strong, confident, happy.

I am dreading my 4 mile run tomorrow, but I'm almost giddy at the idea of my 12 mile run on Saturday.

Is this normal?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!

Day 15

Something you want to do before you die.

There are a lot of things I want to do before I die. When I really think about a bucket list, and what's on it, one thing comes up more times than anything else; travel. I want to travel. I want to see the world. There are so many places I want to see and visit. I couldn't even give you a short list. The places I want to go are varied and wide spread. If I had unlimited money and time, I would go on a tour of the world. I wouldn't want to come back until I'd explored every corner of the globe that interested me. You may never see me again.

Day 14

Someone you couldn't live without.

Who else would pay the bills, warm my feet, maintain my car, fix my computer, google random things, laugh at my lame jokes, tolerate my mess, encourage my running habit, keep me honest, offer to wash my back, put up with my inconsistencies, share my load, father my children, make me roll my eyes, keep me entertained, love me unconditionally, teach me to laugh at myself, take up more than half the bed, beat me at scrabble, steal the covers, keep me humble, pick out my shoes, drive me crazy, and make me fall in love over and over?

Day 13

Favorite band or artist:

Day 12

Something you love:

YUM.

Day OFF

By "day off" I do not mean I took a day off. I do not mean I got to sit around and be lazy. I mean I am taking a day off from my 30 day blog list. No worries, I will be back on it tomorrow. But today I was up at 5:00 so I could run 10 miles (10 miles!?!) before going to an Easter social at Scott's work. Then I dealt with errands, car stuff, getting Becca to and from a birthday party, followed by 4 hours (yes, 4) at the school carnival. I'm tired. I'll blog tomorrow.

(Did you catch that I ran 10 miles today? First time ever! Half marathon, you are mine.)

Day 11

Something you hate...

See this? It's called a BLINKER. You turn it on BEFORE you make a turn to alert other drivers that you will soon be turning. You do NOT turn it on as you're in the middle of your turn. Nor do you turn it on a quarter of a mile before your turn. If you think about the distance between two telephone poles, that's about the distance before your turn you want to use your blinker. It gives other drivers enough time to anticipate your turn without making them wonder if you're ever really going to turn. Blinkers, people. Use them. I really hate it when you don't.

Day 10

Person you do the silliest things with.

DUH.

Day 9

Person who has gotten you through the most

I thought long and hard about this one. My first thought was my mother. She has been there my entire life; quietly teaching, never judging, always there with an ear or a shoulder or advice when asked for. My second thought was my husband, who has been a great source of strength to me for the last 16 years. Ultimately I chose someone else; someone who is there in my darkest hour, who has never let me down, who is always standing with arms wide open, ready to carry me when I don't have the strength. In the end, this ended up to be a very easy choice. When we talk of the ONE person who has gotten me through the most, there is only one answer.

Day 8

SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH

Day 7

Your most treasured item

So treasured is the wrong word. Used might be the best. Addicted might be another... I love my phone. I LOVE it. When I spent hours in the rehab center with dad, it kept me entertained. When he died, I had much needed information at my fingertips. I read my scriptures far more often because of it. I keep in touch with my friends far more because of it. I can check my email; get the phone number, address, or email address to anyone in the stake; play scrabble with my brother; take pictures and video of my kids at any time, even if I forgot my camera; check the caloric content of food when I eat out; let my kids practice math facts; light my way from one dark place to another; read books; keep a diary; make notes to myself; the list is endless. My phone is so much more than a phone. Mostly I love having the scriptures at my fingertips. I've read the New Testament, the D&C, the Pearl of Great Price, and up to 3 Nephi: 10 all this year. Mom would say I'm addicted. I will fully admit I was a very bad date when we went out to lunch. I have good days where I'm not on it much, and bad days where it's never out of my hand. It's just so useful! I don't know how I ever survived without a smart phone. Is it my most treasured item? No. Is it pretty dang awesome? You betcha.

Day 6

A person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Would you believe I don't have an answer to this one? There are people I admire, talents and traits and abilities of people I wish I had, people who are close physically to others that I love, people who inspire me, people who are better than me, people who live or vacation in places I'd love to go, the list goes on. I loved Angela's post about the woman in the wheel chair. I've been thinking about this post since I first looked at the list, and still I draw a blank. Is it possible I am content enough with my own life that I don't wish to trade places with anyone?

My trials are my trials, and my joys are my joys. I don't wish to take on another person's trials or joys even for one day.

Day 5

Favorite Memory

OK, so I'm not actually going to share my favorite memory. Knowing this was coming, I've thought a lot about what I wanted to say. I agree that choosing just one memory as a favorite is hard and maybe a little ridiculous. I have been blessed to have many wonderful memories, and picking just one doesn't work. I also don't want to give a list of top 5 or 10 either. But I am going to post, I just won't tell you the details. Instead I'll share what I learned.

I remember the day clearly. I remember how scared and overwhelmed I felt. I was worried I'd be consumed by the panic and dread I was feeling. I remember being alone in my bedroom and dropping to my knees to pray. I remember before I could utter a single word, an overwhelming and all encompassing feeling of peace came over me. The fear was gone. The panic was gone. And I knew, without a doubt that there was a God in heaven who was my Father, who knew me personally and intimately, who watched over me, who loved me, and who was guiding and directing my life. He knew what was best for me. He knew what my life was to be. He knew that what seemed overwhelming to me at the time would be one of the greatest blessings I would have in this life. I am grateful every single day that I was blessed with that experience. To know that my Father in Heaven loved me enough to send the Comforter in such strength to me in a time of such need has given me peace in the many years since. I trust God. I trust His path. I trust His timing. I trust that He knows me and loves me. When you put your trust in the God of Heaven, how can you ever go wrong?

Day 4

The person you have "liked" the longest. Is that just like, or is that "like" like? Sigh. These aren't as easy as one might think. OK, I'm going with like like.

Cute, isn't he?

Day 3: Cast of your favorite TV show

Like Jenn and Kathryn, I thought about putting Castle. I love that show. But even though it's been off the air for years, my favorite is still Alias. I loved the characters and the chemistry and even the ridiculous story lines. (Although I will admit a decided decline in story telling when JJ left the show.) Will, who is not pictured here was tragically underused. Sark was my ideal villain. And Jennifer Garner just speaks for herself. I love her! It may not be a current show, but it is still a favorite.

DAY 2; someone you used to be close to.

OK, this one just makes me sad. I thought of several people I could have chosen for this. Angela or Rachel from high school, Laura or Brooke or Julie from past wards, Amanda or Chelsea or Marissa or any of my laurels who have continued on since my move, really I can think of at least a dozen people who would qualify whom I miss. I guess it shows I have done a poor job of staying in contact with people I love. But the person I chose is someone I'm still in contact with, just not nearly as much as I would like.

Meet Squirt, AKA Melody. Melody was there for me in ways no one else ever has been. She was really my best friend in so many ways. Like I said, we still talk. She mailed a Valentine that arrived on Valentine's day, which also happened to be the day of my father's funeral. She has a knack for knowing just when to be there, and just what to say. I miss our girls nights out, pedicures on Saturday afternoons, fondue nights, and her legendary parties. Distance changes things. I can call, of course. I can email as much as I want. But it's not the same. Shirley misses her Squirt!

DAY 1

1. I take a picture of myself once a month. I also weigh and measure my hips and waist. I wish I'd started this a year ago. I've lost about 30 pounds since I started running, but I don't have a definite number because I didn't weigh myself at the beginning.

2. I'm training for a half marathon, to be run 5 days after I turn 35. Jenn, I still blame you.

3. I miss my father every single day.

4. I LOVE Texas. I could live here the rest of my life and be happy.

5. My favorite fruit is mango. That's new. It was raspberries for a lot of years.

6. I often feel like the least of my siblings; the least talented, the least smart, the least capable, the least lots of things. I am so grateful to be part of a family that helps me be a better me.

7. Wearing pretty colors makes me happy.

8. One of my many guilty pleasures is slightly racy quasi "mystery" novels. I should read good literature, and I enjoy it when I do, but every now and then I just need the equivalent of a popcorn movie.

9. Speaking of popcorn movies, I love them. I'd take a decent action movie over a chick flick any day of the week. And most comedies bore me.

10. I have almost as many lip glosses as I do shoes. And I have a lot of shoes.

11. Insomnia SUCKS.

12. My biggest regret in life is not finishing college. There isn't even a close second.

13. My kids think I'm the best cook ever. I love that they think that. It makes me happy that they love my cooking. They'll learn one day that I'm a passable home style cook, but I'm not even the best cook in my family.

14. My eyes aren't one definite color. There is some blue, some green, and some gray. They can change tint depending on my mood.

15. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't know the correct use of they're, there, and their; or to, two, or too; or your or you're. It's not hard. Oh, and a lot is two words, not one; and an apostrophe goes where letters are taken out, so it's y'all, not ya'll. Just sayin'.

A follower, not a leader

Since so many others are using this to get back into blogging, I suppose I should do the same. So hopefully I'll blog every day for the next 30 days. After that, no promises.

The challenge is to post for 30 days using these prompts:

day1 - yourself with 15 random facts

day2 - you and the person you used to be close with

day3 - the cast of your favorite TV show

day4 - the person you have "liked" the longest

day5 - your favorite memory

day6 - a person you would love to trade places with for a day

day7 - your most treasured item

day8 - something that makes you laugh

day9 - person that has gotten you through the most

day10 - person you do the silliest things with

day11 - something you hate

day12 - something you love

day13 - your favorite band or artist

day14 - someone you could never imagine your life without

day15 - something you want to do before you die

day16 - someone who inspires you

day17 - something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

day18 - your biggest insecurity

day19 - you, when you were little

day20 - somewhere you would love to travel

day21 - your favorite night

day22 - something you wish you were better at

day23 - your favorite book

day24 - something you wish you could change

day25 - your favorite day

day26 - something that means a lot to you

day27 - you and a family member

day28 - something you are afraid of

day29 - something that always makes you smile

day30 - someone you miss