A Morning Jog + Weight Lost

This morning I went for a really great jog in the crazy heat. I am guessing it was in the 90's, and my red, crispy forehead will verify the blasting rays of the sun. 

I started out feeling sluggish and lazy -- thanks to the heat and hint of smoke in the air -- but I was determined to just go slow and steady and keep moving. And that is what I did. 

One thing that has really helped my jogging is my new running pants. They are nice and slick, purchased from REI. They feel amazing, actually. I was surprised how nice they felt! Sometimes something new makes ALL the difference. 

For example, these were my old running pants. (Image below.) I had sewn them up at least 4 times, and then I just could not take the rubbing on my inner thighs anymore. (If you want someone to sew for you, do NOT ask me!) 

I was just trying to be resourceful, you know? "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without?" Right? Well, I went and did all those things nice and thoroughly. I wore those suckers out until new pants became a necessity! And MAN my new pants feel wondrous beyond description. 

Today I wanted a bit of a challenge, so I ran up the foothills road. When I was slowly staggering up the hill, I just put one foot in front of the other. I was so hot, and it made me feel heavy -- as if the sun was pressing down on my shoulders making me weak. But I did not stop. I made it to the top. And then I went back down again. 

After coming down the hill I ran a long loop, next to the river. It was so beautiful. I wanted to jump in the water so badly. 

The trails around here are so fantastic. The river is my running buddy. It listens to all my troubles and washes them away. 

 I ran on pavement and also on the dirt path, which was so nice. 

 Such a beautiful area. I just wanted to keep going and going, thanks to my slick pants. :-) 

The most beautiful thing I got to see on my run is Charles. I always like to stop to see if he is in his office. Sometimes he is, and sometimes he isn't. He was there today, so I stopped and refilled my water bottle, and chatted with him for a bit. What a blessing it is to have him so close. 

Did I mention how grateful I am to this man who makes my life at home possible? He is my hero. 

Oh, and did I mention the pain in my lower back and my hips is GONE? It is! Hooray! I will write more about that another day . . . 

But for now, how about some current BEFORE and AFTER pictures??? 

Yes, please! 

Before: 2 months ago.  After: Now, 30 pounds lighter! Woo! 

Is it not AMAZING what bodies can do? 

I cannot express how grateful I am for this body of mine. It has gone through the fire and back with me.  

I am not through with the battle yet -- I will never be through. No, not ever. 

And that is exactly why I want to take care of this precious gift of mine. 

My body and spirit, we are in this together . . . forever.  

I cannot run from my body, but I can run with it! 

ONWARD! 

Oh, and I have a new goal. I want to be able to run up to the top of Table Rock by the beginning of October. 

I can do it, right?! 

The cross at the top of Table Rock 

RIGHT! 

P.S. Don't forget to drink your 100 + ounzes of WATER!!! I am SERIOUS!