epic week

Funny - I would not have used that word but I guess I did have a pretty good week.  In addition to my miles, I had two really good cross fit work outs. 
Not so epic with my  eating this week - let to much sugar slither its way on to my plate.  Today I am making some soups, do that menu planning and meal prep pieces and I spent part of the morning cleaning out my closet - that WAS an epic activity!  I am working on doing some decluttering too.  Here is a great article about decluttering.

Practicing quiet and calm

I have been working on adding a practice of quiet and meditation to my routine. 
Unfortunately, I have fallen off my daily yoga routine and I know it would be good to revive that daily practice.  
This morning I found this in my email - 5 things to practice daily:

1. Eat good food. This doesn’t mean become a vegan or do a detox fast. It means that when you buy, prepare, and consume food (and drink), make sure it is of excellent quality, procured decently, prepared thoughtfully.
2. Wear nice clothes. I thought this meant I had to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. For better or worse, it does not. It simply means to wear clothes that are clean, pressed, fit you well, and make you feel cheerful.
3. Clean up your space. It goes without saying that when we live in chaos, we feel chaotic.
4. Spend time with people you love. Requires no explanation.
5. Spend time in the natural world. Our world is good. Cold is cold. Purple is purple. Water is wet. When we touch in with what is most elemental, we remember our own basic goodness.

Of course the most important thing to simplify, trust, and turn toward is our own mind. Meditation practice is exactly this.

one foot in front of the other

I am aiming for 20+ mile weeks but lots of little things have gotten in the way lately.  Last weekend I went away with some friends.  I was able to run one morning.  But we also got in a good, long walk on the rocky beach and along the way, we stopped and lifted some driftwood - a bit of upper body work :) 
Still aiming for 20+ mile weeks on a regular basis but also trying to be kind to myself.
And there is comfort in knowing that the days are getting longer. 
For now, getting one foot in front of the other - moving, moving, moving along.

redefining healthy

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to redefine what it means to be healthy.  I thought I was healthy - thought I was making good choices about food and exercise.  But there was a little bump in the road, a side trip that I had to take, not down a terribly dark road but certainly one that I had not planned.
Now I find myself thinking about more about what it means to be healthy.  There are many numbers I watch, on the scale, on the measuring tape, on the lab reports, on the label in my jeans.  But I am also trying to pay attention to how I feel when I wake up, on my relationships, and the joy I get from family, friends, and work.  I don't think I am done redefining what it means to be healthy.  But I do know that each time I learn something new,  or read something wonderful like this, I take is as another opportunity.

did I say I like orange?

I won't be able to hide on the trail when I run in these shoes :)

new month - new practice



21 day Yoga Challenge

 The other day at Fit Club, our trainer mentioned that she was thinking of having one day a week for yoga and Pilate's.  I was less than enthusiastic.  Why not?  My daughter does yoga and is so limber and balanced.  I know Pilate's is great for the core.  Both would be a good addition to my strength training and running.  They are just so slow. 
Then I got an email yesterday morning - first day of a new month, how about a 21 day yoga challenge?  I went to the site and signed up.  I don't want to be one of those people who will not try new things.
So, I am on day two.  There is a video each day to demonstrate the poses.  The video for today is titled Happy Days - a great set of poses for early February where the rain and grey skies are beginning to shift folks to a dark mood. 
And I have to say, when I came home from a busy day and a good run, it was nice to slow down with some yoga.

Random bits and pieces

Okay - Lori tagged me and I am going to totally cheat and just answer her questions here.  I don't know that I even have 11 people who read my blog to tag so let's just say, if you like these questions (and they were fun), please answer them on your own blog and leave me a comment
I will come for a visit to see your answers :)
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11 random things

1. I play the drums
2. I actually own a full drum set (thanks to my generous son-in-law) and 4 hand drums - I think I am addicted to drumming :)
3. I know I am addicted to running and watching my miles add up on Nike+
4. I learned how to sew when I was 6
5. My favorite colors are olive green and orange
6. I like to put beets and kale in my breakfast smoothies
7. I took ballet lessons for 15 years
8. I am married (almost 30 years) to a man who writes beautiful music and makes me laugh
9. I went to Uganda last summer
10. I love to write
11. I don't really like to drive but my work has me putting a lot of miles on my car

My answers to Lori's questions:
What's your favorite movie and why?
Sound of Music or Mary Poppins - I can sing along

 

What's been your best vacation ever?
a 3 week trip to the UK with my  husband and our daughters

 

Do you go to a specialty store to buy your tennis  running shoes?
Does Big 5 count?   I saw a pair at Famous Footwear that might be my next buy for running shoes and there are a pair of cross fit shoes at REI that I have been coveting!  Shoes are my weakness and I am pretty sure a pair of orange running shoes will be my next purchase

 

What's your best running/walking  tip?
give yourself time to work up to longer distances and run somewhere that is interesting so you have visual distractions

 

What do you do to relax?
Read, play drums, watch TV

 

As far as food, what is your splurge?
Salt and vinegar chips

 

If you could have any career, what would it be?
the one I have - working with young children and families

 

Do you have any tattoos?
yes :) oh, you want to know more? 

 

Would you ever hire someone to help clean your house?
I wish I could but I know I would make myself crazy cleaning up before they got here

 

Coffee? Or Tea?
coffee black and hot first thing when I get up
a non-fat latte at some point between 8 - 10 am
Lotus tea or Luminous Lemon in the afternoon
How is that for non-committal?