Jack LaLanne is an inspiration

I do it as a therapy. I do it as something to keep me alive. We all need a little discipline. Exercise is my discipline.
Jack LaLanne

Marathon went really well. I finished in 5 hrs and 2 mins. It was a rather chilly morning but SO many people came to support me and cheer me on. Finishing brought me to tears. It was the most grueling painful thing I've been thru BUT I made it!

Started on the P90X this week, on Monday. I've done, Core Synergistics, Cardio X, Shoulder & Arms, Ab Ripper X, Yoga X, Legs & Back. Tomorrow is Kenpo X, which I've done before and it's AWESOME. Lots of kicks, punches, similar to karate. It's been so wonderful so far. My body has been sore (abs especially).

On Thanksgiving, we ran the Turkey Trot (a 4 mile 'fun run'). All went well, I ran hard, averaging about 9 min miles. Another run got hit by a deer! It broke his nose, hopefully, he's ok.

Next weekend on the 11th, we're running the "Reindeer Run", money goes toward 'Toys for Tots', that one is just a 5K. It's enjoyable to run these, especially with friends and for a good purpose.

I'm feeling fantastic today. All is well.

Well....

It's been too long since my last post. I've been continuing to train for the marathon, less than 2 weeks away. At this point, I've really gotten burned out on running. I'm ready for it to be over with, honestly. It's almost like when you really enjoy something then you make it your job. Next year, I won't go for the full marathon, just the half.
After the marathon is over, I'm going to do the P90X workouts. Now, THAT I am really looking forward to. I've done a few of the workouts previously and love how they push you or push me, I guess. It'll be exciting to see more changes in my body.
I noticed something about food. I noticed that when you eat bad food (e.g. fast food, processed food) it affects your mind negatively. When I ate 'bad food' before, my emotions wouldn't be as balanced, my thoughts wouldn't process as well. I noticed this also happens if I overeat. Of course, it all makes sense just based on science. Your body wasn't meant to process all the additives that are in today's foods.
By the way, I love yoga. It totally refreshes my mind and helps me really get my rest at night. My panacea.

"Once you're beat mentally, you might was well not even go to the starting line."

This is a quote by Todd Williams. I find it so true when it comes to running or working out. My training is going well. Tomorrow I'm required to run 15 or 16 miles for my training. I have to admit, this year has been much harder mentally than last year during training for the half marathon. It's all in my head though. I just need to change my mindset. I KNOW I can do it. I am a marathoner!

To be worn out is to be renewed. -Lao Tzu

My mind and body feel exactly like this after a great run or yoga session. It's amazing how our minds and bodies can just mend together. Exercise is so wonderful for the mind, the stimulation, the ease, relaxation, clarity.
Today is a Friday. I'm going to be with all my friends tonight in celebrating another friend's birthday. Being with my friends at the end of the work week brings joy. Ah, such a fun night ahead.

Favorite words

On a recent trip with my best buds and hubby, we were discussing our favorite words. Then, we decided in order to pass the time, we'd write sentences or paragraphs using our words. Mine sounds more like a poem. Hooray! An incognito oasis caused serendipity. Hilarious.
It prompted me to look up some haikus, and I want to share some of the awesome ones I found at http://www.toyomasu.com/haiku/#autumn. Here they are: By: Dave McCroskey
the morning paperharbinger of good and ill- - I step over it
By: Michael R. Collings
Silence--a strangledTelephone has forgottenThat it should ring
By: Vince
Darkended dreamsbecome modern grapes of wrathreaping a bitter wine.
By: Ed \"Darts Vapor\" Button
alone, on the web,drops of sensitivityembrace an eyelash

That's all. I'm doing pretty good with running. It's been more difficult this year I think because a) I started running earlier and b) I was working out my g.m. which caused it to be sore the next day. So, I'm going to just work it out on other days when I'm not running as far. Ready for autumn and the cooler weather. Camping in Octobor. I love the outdoors!

Running Time

Day one of training for the marathon (Rock n' Roll) which happens on Nov 14th this year. Today is a cross training day, I think I'll bike ride if it doesn't start raining. I hope it does rain though. I can still work out inside. Tomorrow is a 4 miler day. I'm excited to be training again, focusing on running, but it's more like a meditation.
Today I thought I'd count how long I've been w/o meat in my diet. 2 months 8 days. And, I haven't missed it; I think it was the easiest thing to give up, besides the finding variety of things to eat when eating out.
Hooray!

Ode to Autumn

The smell of rain envelops my lungs, encapsulates my soul. Transport me! Cinnamon rushes in, wafting. Patchouli transcends. The ancient world floods me now. Illumination alters my perception. I envision leaves changing their colors and falling to the ground, welcoming in that cool weather. In the not so distant future...time slows down. Oranges, browns and yellows. Feet hitting the pavement. Children in disguise.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras

Throughout my life, I've had many animals, many pets. Each one has touched me in a different way. However, none have had more affect on me than the ones I've had as an adult. They've taken a special place in my heart; they are my children. I miss them when I'm away from them. I love them dearly. They make me smile, they've made me cry.
Some people don't think animals have souls; I find that absurd. Why should human beings be the only ones to have souls and an afterlife?
I've dreamt about my children I've lost. It was good to be with them again. And, in my dreams, I can touch them and hold them. Dreams put you in touch once again.

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. ~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

This picture was taken somewhere in France, by someone I don't know. My husband found a memory card on the River Walk here. This is one of the pictures of many a young couple took we're assuming on their Honeymoon. On several sites, you can list if you found a memory card along with pictures. We got no reply. So, now, I have their pictures on my computer, maybe at some time we can return them.
For now, they are a reminder to me.....I want to travel soon. I long to visit places out of the normal realm. So many places I want to go: Costa Rica, Thailand, India, Brazil, just to name a few. But, really, I want to go EVERYWHERE. So, I set a goal for myself early this year, get your passport. It's one step toward the traveling.
I love it here, don't get me wrong. But, there is this yearning to see and be in other cultures and to become part of the locals....for a few days. Even just traveling around the Hill Country, trying new cuisine, new beer (I love beer).
Today, I feel this great pull. Like, it's there, and I'm going to grab it. Soon, I'll be traveling. It'll all fall into place......

It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them! -Nietzsche

So true, right? I find I do have several opinions, not all of which springforth to mind when needed. Some of my strongest though, I have spoken about, such as too much tv (it rots your brain, I think), a healthy diet (hard to find in this day and age). Other opinions I feel strongly about, don't push your idea on others. I think it's fine to state what you're into or not, but don't expect for others to feel the same way. Of course, this is one thing that you should practice what you preach, as I'm ALWAYS telling people to do yoga. But, I feel it's for their own good. I love yoga and know how it helps in so many ways, so to me, it's like passing on wisdom. Let's see....other opinions, I think children spend WAY too much time playing video games and not enough outside playing or playing a board game. I think several parents have taken this friend approach with their kids, and it's not working. Ever notice how all these shows sprung up, like SuperNanny, etc? You know people with road rage....most of the time, I'm sure they're rushing to get home so they can plop in front of the tv, as if that needs to be rushed. It's good to just slow down, enjoy the moment because it'll be gone soon enough. Enjoy each day to the fullest. Be thankful each morning when you wake up. You get to live a wonderful life.

I feel within me a peace above all earthly dignities, a still and quiet conscience. -Shakespeare

I feel this way today, very much at peace. It's beautiful out and the birds are singing. Heat is in the air, summer around the corner.
Another Shakespeare quote to share: "And since you know you cannot see yourself, so well as by reflection, I, your glass, will modestly discover to yourself, that of yourself which you yet know not of." Isn't it wonderful when you KNOW yourself, truly know yourself? And yet.....there are certain aspects you haven't discovered. But, those closest to you reveal those wonderful qualities that you hold. My personality has been always constant. I am me. Always have been me. Not easily swayed. Never one to just do what everyone else is doing. I revel in that.

I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.

Groucho Marx said this years ago. I believe it still stands true for me today. I'm not much into watching tv. I have one regular show I watch, if I miss it, everything is ok. The world still turns. There are just so many other activities I'd rather participate in, such as reading, socializing. I'm really big on hanging out. Love it!
Of course, I do enjoy watching movies. I get excited when new movies I want to see come out. When is the next Harry Potter? I still need to read that book. Great series there.
Is it just me or does this year really seem to be flying by? Christmas will be here again before we know it. So, carpe diem!

Skinny Bitch

Just finished reading this book called Skinny Bitch that I borrowed from my neighbor. I would say I have a pretty good diet now but have always been interested in becoming a vegetarian. I've dabbled in it. Of course, being a yogi, it goes hand in hand almost. Anyway, so these chicks wrote about what is bad to eat etc, which a lot I already knew, like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, white flour/bread, etc. And, I knew that adapting to a vegetarian life style would be ideal. They've helped me to take the plunge. I'm two days coffee free. I haven't craved it, not that I much did. I just enjoyed the taste of it. And, this weekend, I'm going to Whole Foods or Sun Harvest and loading up on vegan and organic food for myself. I've been dairy free (except cheese and the occasional yogurt) for a while now. Milk just made my stomach upset, so I started drinking soy milk which I changed to almond milk. I love the latter. Especially, since I bought the unsweetened kind, mmmmm.....tastes just like almond. And, perfect for cereal. I believe I will miss cheese at first. But, I've been down this road before and once you don't have something for awhile, your taste buds change...you stop craving. This happened with me and pizza. I gave it up last year for months. I used to LOVE pizza, if it was in front of me, I'd have to have a piece. The craving went away though and now I don't crave it at all; it can be in front of me without me needing to have a bite. I'm ready to embark!

I ask you!

What is up with the random apostrophes? I mean, really. I know this is a small pet peeve of mine, but seeing random apostrophes drives me mad. They are added to show possession, therefore, operator's does not need an apostrophe unless there is an operator possessing something (e.g. the operator's phone, NOT the dog's are running around). Don't <----another example to show a combined word do + not. This is my English lesson/rant of the day.

To Thine Own Self Be True - Polonius

Day 1, never blogged before however, watched Julie & Julia the other day and was inspired. I've always enjoyed writing. I don't have a particular goal for this blog; I just intend to write down thoughts, opinions, feelings.
It's been humid as of late. We need rain. My garden needs rain. I have a lovely garden my husband just built for me. I planted 3 tomato plants: two roma and a cherry, several onions, a yellow bell, a orange bell, jalapeño, serrano, marconi, and strawberry. My jalapeño already produced a pepper for me. I used it to make salsa. My roma has several tomatos almost ready to pick as does my cherry.
Is the work day over yet.....?