The Latest

I am happy to report that I did make it through my first week of training for a mini-marathon.  We ran a total of 6 miles last week and I did MUCH MUCH better when I ran with my buddies. Running is a total mind game and when I am by myself, my mind makes me think that I CAN'T do it...jerk! 

So far this week I have run and done two days of cross training.  The cross training had been so much fun. I have been doing a class called Surge at the chiropractor and it is a set of 7 exercises you do for 15 straight minutes 20 seconds on and 20 seconds off at 80%.  It is intense, but I love how quick it is and the quality of a  workout it is in such a short time.  If you want to join me it is Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15 for $5! 

Tomorrow I run 2 and then Sunday back up to 3.  I get a little nervous when I look ahead at my training schedule knowing that school is about to start and the amount of milage I am going to have to run.  When school starts I am usually a walking zombie for about a month.  I have to get used to the structure, early mornings, and 10 two year olds needing me.  I love my job, but I also love to rest more then I love to run.  I am going to have to choose to RUN! (this is where I need my buddies). 

I have also noticed that I am way more hungry now. It is harder to maintain my 1200 calories because of my excercise.  I did allow myself 1400 calories on my running days, I eat a protein bar and drink a gatorade type drink.  It just crave sugar....all I want is SUGAR. Like cookie dough...which I just ate and now my stomach is in pain.  It was not worth it! 

I will let you know how the run goes tomorrow.  Keep praying for me! THanks .

Early Birds....

...get up early.  I had a much needed day of rest yesterday. It was nice to let my body "recover" a bit from the shock of making it get up and move after a few years.  I also hosted a party for some dear friends in order to start another way to raise money for Colin.  It is always nice to have friends over and spend time together. 

Jes(s) and Whitney (my sis-in-law married to Mac) were both at the party last night and we decided that we were going to wake up at 5am to run our two miles together. We all have crazy days today and knew that this would be the BEST time to run. (Yeah, Whitney has joined the team).  As I fell asleep last night a little part of me was so happy it was storming, I thought to myself it is so cool to say you're going to wake up at 5am, but then can't because of the elements.  Each time I woke up (which was too many last night), it was still storming.  My alarm was set for 4:45 and when I woke up at 4:43 (what??) I didn't hear a thing....no rain, thunder....I didn't see lightening. I knew, the storm had passed and it was time to get going. 

Liar!

We rain in Jes(s)' neighborhood and it was a really good run. It is much cooler at 5am! We started off walking, rain a mile, walked a few, and then finished running. I feel like I am getting a good feel for how I want to run the race. I don't mind walking at the beginning of each mile....it is easy when there are only 2 miles. I don't know how I wil feel when we add, oh 13.1. 

So now it is 6:30 and I am wide awake and blogging.  I know that I am going to definately need a little nap today.  I am off tomorrow and then we run three on Sunday night!!

Bike, Icecream, Bike

Today was a cross training day so I went back and forth all day as to what I would do.  Yoga, bike ride, swimming.....  As I was baking our tilapia, boiling our corn, and cutting fruit I had a thought....we could ride bikes up to Sonic and have icecream! That is still cross training right? We loaded up Camden and took a quick ride up to Sonic, rewarded myself and then rode home?  Once we all got home, I got right back on my bike and road in a really nice neighborhood that has tons of shade.  It was a good workout. We have cruisers, no gears downhill is Heaven and uphill is....well you know. I rode about 2 miles, and don't know how all you peeps ride your bikes to work, that was intense.  If you want a really good workout, pull a three year old...YIKES!   I get to cross off day three of my training, and I need to look at what tomorrow holds....

Join

I am in the process of figuring out how to use Blogspot again. I am so impressed with the updates they have made since last year.  I want to attach my support letter to this post, but so far I am not successful....anybody have suggestions?  Remember I am very technologically challenged :)

I woke up this morning just a bit sore from my first official run.  I looked at my training schedule and saw that there were only two days marked off and many, many, many more miles to run!! Little overwhelming when you look at the whole thing.  I keep remember this scripture...

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline

I have to know that God is going to give me strength to take each step and the discipline to get off my bootie and make sure those steps happen.  I am thankful that people know I am running because now they will ask....talk about accountability.  Below is a picture of where I will be running in October, and the event is sponsored by SAUL GOOD!?!?! Seriously, this is my kind of race. 

Until I figure out how to attach my letter to my blog, please email me at emilystout2003@yahoo.com or just comment below with your email and I will send one your way.  I really appreciate your prayers and support friends.  

Taking it to the Streets

This is my running pal Jes(s). I think her name should have one "s," she insists on 2.  I will give her two because she has agreed to train and run a mini-marathon with me.  Love you friend.  I had been anxiously anticipating our big run all day.  I had planned when I would eat my exercise bar and I set my powder mix out so I would have it ready after completing the run. (anal annie). I mapped our run for a quick mile through the neighborhood.  I had read the book "The Non-Runners Guide to Running a Marathon" on my way home for vacation and really liked her training schedule.  As a teacher I had to retype into Publisher and print out on teal cardstock so I could hang it up in my bathroom to mark off each training day. (anal annie)

Jes arrived at my house around 8. I changed into my cool kid clothes, got my ipod, and earphones and was ready to take it to the streets.  Before we took off I had to tease Jes(s) and tell her that I bought us matching earphones (picture above) with microphones so we could be in constant communication during our run.  She looked at me puzzled and grateful, then like I was crazy.  Those are Colin's headphones for his X-Box, but I thought the picture was hilarious.

We walked for about 2 minutes

 ran about 6 minutes

 walked 2 minutes

 then ran 5 minutes

 then cooled down for about 2 minutes

 As you can see, we are currently over the 14 minute mile requirements....first day, we will get there. 

I am so thankful for the team that has agreed to run with me in Midway to raise money for Colin. So far we have 5 possibly 6 running in October....you are more then welcome to join the team too! We don't have to train together, you can go at your own pace and then meet up the day of the big race!!

Hebrews 12.1(almost 13.1, like the mini)

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,

First steps...

So I went and bought the shoes on Saturday and walked past this watch that matched and had to add it to the running accessories.  A girl has to look cute...right?

Yesterday I did some yoga because it was a stretching and strengthening day.  I have a DVD by Bob from The Biggest Loser and did the warm up and cool down part....lame I know.  I am a little sore today, but know I need to beef up my stretching days.  Thankfully my mom and dad have the wii fit and offered it to me for the training process.  I will be doing my yoga wii fit style from now on.  It also has baseball, which Camden seems to LOVE!

Tonight I put on my sweet shoes and watch and hit the pavement.  Jess and I will be run walking three miles, 3!? We will be running at different times due to our schedules and to try and avoid the extreme heat of the day....is it weird that I am really excited about this?

I have set out to do two mini marathons before and made it halfway through training and quit.  I had hip or knee issues and the only person I was running for was myself.  This time I have made it about my hubs and Indonesia....you really can't let your husband down, and a country....talk about motivation, right? I am also trying to set myself up to win....no excuses.  Eating well, down 25 pounds, vitamins and chiropractor to make sure I am all alligned and adjusted.  (If you are looking for a chiropractor check out these guys.  Wellington Chiropratic.  My husband has been so supportive in helping me change my eating habits and focus on my health.  (I love my teammate!)

I will check back in tomorrow and let you know how the run goes. 

Hebrews 12:1
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,

If you want to know more about Wellington Chiropractic and Melaleuca I would love to share with you!!

Shaped

"Use your uniqueness, to make a big deal out of God, every day out of life."

This recent series on spiritual gifts at Southland Christian Church (I Corinthians 12), helped Colin and I redefine our focus on our spiritual gifts and taught us how to maximize them in our lives. 

If you want to know the specific message and testimony that touched our family, check out this video and fast forward to 21minutes.  Colin is going to be joining a team with Craig to do this exact trip in November.

   I must take a moment and brag on how God is using and working through my husband.  I am so proud of him and how he has decided to go to Indonesia with a team from SCC.   He has always been so jealous of the doctors, dentists, and nurses who get to go to Haiti to use their gifts to love people.  When he heard of this opportunity to go to Indonesia, he knew that it was God's call on his life to use his GIFTS to love others. 

   I can't go with Colin to Indonesia, but I do want to help support him financially and in prayer.  One way that I am going to do both is by running a mini-marathon in October.  I want to train and pray over him and his team as I prepare to run 13.1 miles....my first mini!! I am so nervous, but know I can do this and I have surrounded myself with a team to join me in raising funds for my hubs.  My personal goal is to raise $750 of the $3000 by mid-October!  I know that I can't do this by myself, but with God I CAN DO ANYTHING!  

I have bought my shoes and a very cool watch that match, loaded up my iphone and hit the pavement tomorrow with my friend Jessica.  I will be blogging (AGAIN), through this journey and hope you will pray for me, Colin and the people of Indonesia.  

Hebrews 12:1

12 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,