Thursday, March 29, 2012

71 Days Till my Birthday!!

One of the most important days of my year is fast approaching upon us! What is it? MY Birthday!! It is in 71 days! Those of you who are new in my life, forgetful or just simply just senile, I will remind you that my Birthday is a BIG deal! I never let it pass without much fanfare, attention, and hype! I tend to like to celebrate for a week. Last year the theme was 24 presents, one for each year! One of my friends got me a $24 gift card to shaws, a combination of my birthday request for 24 things and My favorite past time the grocery store! (I am a odd one) So what is this years gimmick, the theme, what do I want from YOU? Well I thought you would never ask? ;-) I do not want any presents or material gain for myself. I have a goal and with that goal there is a deadline! Please consider donating $25 dollars to my fundraising page for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! I am still pressing on, still running, with the finish line on my mind. My half marathon training is my quarter of a century goal, and I need your help! My goal is to reach or surpass my goal by May 1st! Lets do this! Think about me and my Birthday! More importantly think about the people battling cancer!

I got all Tech savey and made a box to click to donate, but Just in case here it is again! "Why yes! of course Take me to your donation page ASAP!"

Thank you to those who have already donated, it is like a 5 hour energy shot without of the chemicals! and Thank you to those who will donate and plan on it! I very much appreciate your support and love! Have a great Weekend!! I'll be running! ;-)

Friday, March 16, 2012

In Her Shoes

I love shoes. I love an excuse to purchase new shoes. One of my favorite movies is In Her Shoes. A quote that always sticks out to me and I identify is this:
"Maggie Feller: Look, if you're not going to wear them... don't buy them! Leave them for someone who's going to get something out of them.
Rose Feller: I get something out of them! When I feel bad I like to treat myself. Clothes never look any good... food just makes me fatter... shoes always fit."

I can always spot a deal and find an excuse to buy new shoes. What does this have to do with my journey in half marathon training you ask? I am glad you asked! It is time for a new shoe purchase! I just need to save up a little, because these will be my most expensive shoe purchase ever. The Jimmy choo of runners? Jimmy choo is probably still more expensive but we can pretend. My sneakers hurt my feet, and so I plan on heading to a running store to get fitted for running shoes that will be great support for my feet. I am serious, and what do you do when you are serious about something? You get the right tools! In this case the right shoes! I am fully committed, and so a bit of a halfway prize! I will take a picture!

When I think of running there are various movies that have a inspirational moment. This movie is in that Club. The character Rose is betrayed by her sister and boss, and has a time of self pity, but decides enough is enough! She starts dog walking and realizes how out of shape she is and makes it her goal to be able to run up a mountain of stairs. As time goes on she achieves this goal, gets a confidence boost and feels like she can take on the world! Nothing can keep her down any longer!

 I feel like I am at a turning point, I am making that choice to press on and to quit the settling game. I am excited about achieving this goal. I can do this. Some days I doubt and freak out, but I just need to keep a positive attitude and keep on going! Training for a race takes endurance. I am focused on that and working to strengthen that. A verse that I am clinging to these says is found in Hebrews 12:1-2 it says: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I am so encouraged and blessed by the encouragement I have received from everyone. My jaw drops each time I get a email notifying me of a donation. I am humbled and blessed that I can play a part in helping others in this way. It means so much that you guys believe in me enough to support me through your donations. I often think of my mom when I am training and think of how proud she would be if she was alive. She did not have the same cancer as this cause, but I know she would support all cause to help fight cancer. I know she would be so happy to know I'm taking steps to be more healthy and gain confidence. So as I run I think of many things, I often think of my mom. I hope somehow God has let her in on this new journey I am taking!

So friends thank you for reading, supporting me, cheering me on and encouraging me. More updates and thoughts to come! I am looking forward to practice tomorrow! I also am looking forward to that email that says I just received a donation to my page! Here is the link again!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ma/rnr12/arakestran