Still running!

I am still running! I began week 2 of the 9 week Couch Potato to 5K program and it felt good. Well, it felt awful while I was doing it, but great afterwards! :) And that's the way it is for me. I increased to 90 second runs and felt pretty good most of the way. I do possess a good amount of determination, even in the face of great pain...er...jogging! :)

My sister challenged me to run a 10K when we're back in the US. I told her I would need more motivation than a simple challenge. What about running a 10K in DISNEY? :) Bring it!

The best part about starting to jog? I've heard from so many of you that have been inspired and are now jogging! We can do it...to be healthy and feel good! We're all worth it! And if this fluffy chick can break out and run, truly anyone can! :)

So, here's to completely the entire program! Here's to seeing myself running a 5K sometimes in the next few months! I know I can do it! I know you can, too!

You did WHAT????

Now, nobody fall over from the shock, but I went for a little jog this morning! Yep. Outside, even. Why is that so shocking? For a number of reasons, really. Not the least of which is the fact that I'm a little more than slightly chubby and have never been a natural runner. :) Other reasons on the list include cross-cultural issues. No one in our neighborhood jogs, male or female. So, we wondered what it would be like for me to just head outside for a jog. I decided to make sure I was out and back before things really got crazy out there. I passed only a handful of people on my way.

How did this come about? First of all, I gained more than 20lbs while we were in the States. All that, and I was doing cardio 5-6x/week since February. I knew I needed to kick it up a notch. I read about my friend Joanie hitting the pavement and felt inspired. Thought maybe it was the jet lag talking, but then wouldn't you know, Joanie contacted me and invited me to join her in the challenge.

So, after careful planning, and locating one of Scot's old t-shirts that cover me sufficiently, I downloaded a recommended podcast, and off I went!

The Couch Potato to 5K run comes from Cool Running.com
and it's a great plan to work you up to running a 5K in 9 weeks. I didn't kill me, though I wouldn't say I felt great. Here's an excerpt from a message I sent to Joanie, my accountability partner:

Well, Joanie, I did it!!!!! I just got back from my first Couch Potato to 5K morning. I feel like I might die and I don't think I'll stop sweating anytime soon, but I did it...and I think I did it pretty well.

Ahhhh...the sweet smell of garbage in the morning! Seriously, I think I should get bonus points for the handicaps I face exercising outside here. No sidewalks, chewed up/half paved roads, hills to beat the band. Ever read the Psalms of Ascent? Yeah...there's a reason someone was righting about going UP to Jerusalem!

I got out of the house about 6:40, which was a little late. 6:15 should be my goal. By 7am, I was beginning to see an increase in traffic. I only saw one person I know, and I saw him while I was walking, so I don't think I destroyed my neighborhood reputation. Well, they'll just think bad things about Scot if they think anything at all!

....When I trained to run a 5K before, I never got to the point of feeling like a real runner. I completed the race, jogging the entire way, but it was a struggle for me. I'm and doubt I ever will be a natural runner, but nothing makes me feel so darn good about myself all day as running! Even while I'm dying with each heavy step, I feel good inside about what I'm doing for my body! Once I get to the 5K part (which may take me more like 18 weeks!), I might not keep running. We'll see. But to prove to myself I can do it, and that I'm worth it. It's so important to me....

Just thought I'd share my accomplishment for this morning! All that, and still dealing with some minor jet lag. Not too shabby! ;) If you are on the fence about starting something because you aren't in great shape or you think it will be too hard, I'm encouraging you to do it! If I can do it, anyone truly can! :)

We're home!

Thanks for praying! We definitely felt your prayers as we sailed through check-in with 20 bags and security on both sides of the ocean. We had no hang-ups or problems and we were greeted by dear friends with 2 cars, a trailer, and pretty flowers! Even the guys at our favorite local grocery store were happy to see us! We were greeted with the Arabic "Thank God for your safe arrival" greetings all over the place.

It was a hard goodbye. Many tears were shed as we parted ways yesterday morning. Rest assured, there will be more shed as time passes. But, the good news is that we all felt right at home here. What a relief to be in our own home once again.

Our friends tooks us out for lunch and as we flew through the city, I reflected on our first few days in Jerusalem in 2004. We felt so overwhelmed by everything that was different. Everything looked unfamiliar and strange. We couldn't communicate in either of the major languages. Shopping was scary.

This time? It felt comfortable. I didn't recoil from every car on the road with the death grip on the dashboard! We saw many familiar faces, and I actually wanted to stop at the store to say hello to the employees!

Yes, God has called us to be here. The goodbyes will never get any easier. In fact, they will always break our hearts. But this is home until God changes our direction. And that's a good, peaceful feeling. Thanks for praying!

We snapped some pictures as we said goodbye to family and friends. Thought I'd share a few with you before I turn in for the night.