the winner for the sponsor giveaway of awesomeness…..
TONYA S – I am in love with Jenna Lou’s clutches. I’m hoping I’ll get one of those eventually!!
tonya…. send me your address and i will ship you a BIG box of happiness!
email me. 🙂
SO…. how did your holiday weekend go?!
did you black friday shop? did you eat too much? did you bake and cook all day?
do you feel crazy like me? do you feel like you couldn’t be more behind?
i am pretty sure that is not what jesus wanted christmas to be.
actually i am 100% positive it is not.
i am trying to get myself focused on the important parts of christmas and letting the other stuff go.
it is almost all “other stuff” but so much it has to get done anyway.
but i want to be in God’s word, listening and taking action this december.
instead of feeling like an out of control mess.our thanksgivings were each good… and very yummy.
don’t you love a big meal that you didn’t have to make ALL yourself?
i love sharing that with family and coming together.. sharing the load.
LOVE it.
i think it tastes so much better too!
we got our tree up… the kids put all the ornaments on…while KU played in the background on mute… we watched Elf and i made a fun dessert for them too.
i am hoping it helps my christmas “cheer” kick in. i got up early for my run yesterday morning…. so lovely.
those sunrises even when it’s super cold are so worth it.
i listened to another andy stanley sermon. he just makes sense. you should check him out.
i just download podcasts of north point ministries onto my phone and that’s it.
i feel like he’s talking to ME.
and that he is very caring. 🙂
if you have wondered about kansas really being flat…. now you know.
ha.
i was a mile and half into my route and this was my view.
crazy isn’t it?
and then about 30 minutes later going back the other way…
a dude just comes up from behind me OUT OF NOWHERE and passes me.
i about had a heart attack.
WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
sheesh.
he was fast…. and wearing tights & cold weather gear…clearly a real runner… not a weirdo chasing me.
whatever… i was running too.
just way slower and at the end.
Gina in Louisville -What do you wear to stay warm when you go running and it is so cold?
Flower Patch Farmgirl-Andy Stanley.
Let’s put him on the “good” side of our list.
Not the peaches and pets side.
rachel b. -Seriously. Those glasses are adorable. Where did you find them?
Lisa M -Silly request, but can you share how you download those podcasts to your phone please?
Terri -I laughed out loud at work when I read about the other runner coming up behind you out of nowhere.
elizabeths -After reading about a dude coming up behind you out of no where do you ever worry about being abducted? Seriously, there is nothing out there and where would you go for help. Just sayin..but it is a beautiful site.
kris saia -Yes, it IS flat… but it’s also beautiful! We live in a hilly area around Topeka, but I’m coming to love the scenery of western Kansas. Very calming — It makes my blood pressure drop. 🙂
April R -thanks for taking time and sharing your tree, your family, and silly waffle dog in the face pictures.
thanks for sharing the sunrises and the beauty of Kansas (I can’t see the sunrise in my neighborhood for the trees and houses).
And thanks for sharing ’bout the serious-fast-runner-out-of-nowhere dude
made me smile and lightened my heart (is that weird?) have a great week 🙂
tonya -i love how different the different parts of ks look! i’m about 100 miles ne of you in the flint hills…there’s nothin’ flat up here! 😉
Melissa -Andy Stanley is a favorite of mine. I listen to him during my walks. I listen to some sermons over and over. I listened today to Follow:fearless and Follow:followwear AGAIN. I go back to those over and over.
Crazy pic I cant imagine how flat it is out there. I live in the “endless mountains of PA”
Tracey Garcia-Love the pics of the kids all together—so weird to be reading your blog since Annie was in kindergarten and then to see them looking so grown up. Crazy how fast that happens!
Rachel S -Well, I’m a little bummed that my name isn’t Tanya S, but after hearing in a sermon that it’s much harder to “Rejoice with those who rejoice” than it is to “mourn with those who mourn”. So I’ll choose to be very happy for Tanya! 🙂
I hosted thanksgiving for the first time this year, so it was fun but exhausting. My husband and I also did our first Thanksgiving day 5K run/walk. He ran and I walked but ran at times. Even though I wanted to stay in bed that morning, it felt good!
Way to go on your #32!
Stacy P. -Love that you love Andy Stanley. Our family goes to a “strategic partner” church of North Point Ministries–meaning we have Andy on the big screen for our sermons each Sunday. He really is a great speaker….and very welcoming. The church is also that way. I download the sermons I’ve already heard to listen again. I can always learn something new.
And as for the flat Kansas picture—that is crazy. Bundle up and enjoy your runs! Love the blog. 🙂
Necole@seriouslysassymama-I got back to the gym today after a two week absence. I run at home when it is warm. I do not do cold weather. I love Christmas, but for the first time in my life, I hope it goes by quickly. I need to try one of those sermons while I am at the gym.
beth larson -just sayin hi and wanting you to know how much I love your photos and words and getting a peek at your sweet family life. xo
p.s. Kansas really IS flat isn’t it? haha
Heather S. -Those glasses look great on you. They are like, perfect for your face shape or something.
Looks like a great, relaxing Thanksgiving weekend!
i have been wanting to share my workouts and health stuff i have been doing this summer.
but at the same time… feeling nervous to share.
because who am i to talk about health and diet?
what do i really know?
but it was put on my heart this morning during my run that it was time to talk.
because everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to getting healthy.
you may be super tiny & fit and run 20 miles a week and if that is you… you won’t get much from this post.
but chances are… many of you are not and you wish you were.
wishing you were stronger.
wishing you were lighter.
wishing you had more energy.
wishing for control over what you eat.
i am just going to share some of what i have been thinking about and doing for me & you can take it or leave it.
and that goes for anything i have ever said on this blog.
i am not your boss.
🙂
OK… back in april when i ran the half marathon… it was really great.
i mean yes i got super sick right afterrds, spending a lot of time in the bathroom.
BUT it was still an truly awesome experience!
i felt so empowered that i really did that.
i really finished!
but then i saw all the pictures & i couldn’t get over that the person i saw in the photos did not match how i felt.
it really bugged me.
i trained and trained for that dang half marathon and i gained weight!
it was not muscle.
don’t give me the old “muscle weighs more than fat” response.
i know that statement is true but this wasn’t case here.
i was eating whatever the heck i wanted…. and running.
so it wasn’t doing anything as far as getting lighter.
and that sucks!
because that was really hard training for that.
i didn’t feel strong physically.
and i felt unable to make any good food choices…. just so stuck in my habits.
then i saw how Rachel was working so hard on her health.
WOW!! i was inspired.
i was following along and wondering what was she doing that was working so well.
#1 she was eating VERY well and #2 she was working with her brother Jonathon who is a personal trainer.
so i emailed him.
🙂
and we have worked together all summer via email.
he has told me what kinds of foods i should be eating and how often and how much, etc.
and then how to workout.
and guess what?
it has been working!!
i have lost 10 pounds since May.
it’s not a huge amount but it’s not nothin’ either… it’s a clothing size for sure.
i have really enjoyed the accountability of having the emails with him and discussing what to change.
i needed that to keep going.
he has been a great help to me! Super encouraging. Easy to talk with.
but there is no secret magic thing in what he told me.
you already KNOW what he told me…. EAT RIGHT and EXERCISE.
but seriously i had no idea what to eat before.
i just ate anything.
bottom line: there is no magic… you have to decide if you want it or not.
then when you decide you do want that healthier body then YOU do the work.
and it is HARD!
no one else can do it for you.
you are the only one.
Rachel said something that stuck with me all summer.
she said that getting healthy & staying healthy had become a “Non-Negotiable” to her now.
things that are important to us will be non-negotiables.
if we want a strong marriage we have to fight hard for it.
if we want to have kids that aren’t complete brats… we have to do the hard work of parenting well.
anything worth keeping requires HARD work.
so getting healthy…. is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
God gives us one body.
and i want to take care of mine that best i can.
believe me… i fail often.
i eat the cupcake (and then a few more later)
but i am doing that much much less than i used to.
i am still fighting to knock out that voice calling me to sweets practically all the time.
i feel a slave to sugar some days.
(this is the longest post ever)
SO… i have been working at making the healthy choices all day long.
the first thing to change was to be drinking a ton of water.
A GALLON of water every day.
not kidding.
that is a lot of water!
i have stuck with that all summer long.
at least 5 of those big giant water cups a day.
so that is my BiGGEST tip for you this week.
drink water… a LOT of water.
there is no room for soda and pop if you have to drink a gallon of water a day.
i thought that since i didn’t know how to eat prepare healthy foods… maybe some of you don’t either?
so as often as i can i am going to share a new recipe i find and try.
my favorite snacks & drinks too.
this is my first snack tip…
of course this isn’t practical to buy all the time. ($$ it’s cheaper than a fast food meal though!)
but i am a busy lady and a somewhat poor planner at times.
so this snack tray of veggies at my Dillon’s stores is a great way to eat my veggies without having planned ahead.
and a fat free dressing would be preferred but it’s not an option so i just don’t eat much of the dip.
just a little.
but hey…. before this health kick… i had never bought a veggie tray unless i was having a party.
and now i eat a whole veggie tray for a snack!
(and it fits exactly in the console of my Suburban so obviously it was meant to be)
and last tip for the week…
get moving.
ANYTHING is better than nothing.
go for a walk. or a jog. or do both.
go for a bike ride.
run up and down your stairs.
alone or with friends… or your kids.
don’t be so hard on yourself.
it is O K to not run fast…. it is O K to take your time…. but just get out there.
who cares who sees you! Go GO Go!
and if you can….
listen to a good sermon while you are out moving around.
today i listened to North Point Ministries message called Follow: Fearless. (#19)
i thought it was great.
i was crying… God is so cool. He has such awesome plans for us. He knows everything about us.
it was such a great run because of what i was listening to!
i am going to try to challenge myself to find great sermons to share with you often!
(feel free to share great speakers in the comments)
SO…. sorry that took so long.
see why i haven’t written it out?
i really don’t feel qualified to be giving health advice…. but we all have to start somewhere.
taking care of ourselves is a NON-NEGOTIABLE.
“God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 (The Message)
what do you think?
what do you struggle with the most?
what do you want to change?
Rene -Thanks for sharing…I know I just need to make the commitment, but so worried I won’t stick with it. Love the idea of listening to sermons while exercising! Pastor Zach Terry in Huntsville has some great podcasts…my sister attends his church & recommended him to me.
Laura -You look great! I’d love to hear more about the food you are preparing for you and your family and how you control any cravings you might have.
Breeanna-I think God’s timing is perfect in the fact that I read this post today. I’ve struggled with weight since high school and now that I’m getting older, I feel like I have wasted so much time being a slave to sugar like you said. I crave it and it makes me feel good. It makes me believe that by eating it, I will be happier. It really is evil. I’ve started “getting healthy” many times, but ended up giving up. A few weeks ago I decided to start again because I have to change, there’s no option. I would love to listen to a sermon while working out, I never thought about doing that before. Thanks for being so open and inspiring. You look great!
Melissa -Thanks for sharing! I struggle everyday with my (over) eating. I need to make it a non negotiable. I quit smoking in feb after smoking for 25 years and i have gained a ton of weight. I made myself a promise that I would get healthy but I keep breaking it.
Jamie -Good work!! I enjoy Greg Boyd at Woodland Hills http://whchurch.org/sermons-media/sermons. He doesn’t mince words and at one point lost a large portion of his church attendance b/c he “offended”, so be advised for potential controversy or huge challenges :). He always had a way of keeping me engaged and challenged. Also, my pastor at Redemption Hill, Alex, is good at making the Word real and applicable. http://www.redemptionhillup.org/sermons-series/. But, I have a hard time listening while I do anything else because I always want to take notes. How do you handle that??
Jen -Coming back with one more question: what’s the case you use for running with your iphone? Do you have an iphone 5? Do you like the case? Thanks!
Here we go..again |-[…] was on Meg’s blog this week, reading about her journey to better health. And I was inspired to get back to it. I […]
Amy M -“i am still fighting to knock out that voice calling me to sweets practically all the time.
i feel a slave to sugar some days.”
I feel exactly the same way. Good to know I’m not alone. Thanks for the post. I’m trying to make slow, gradual changes into healthier habits and making my health non-negotiable too. Its hard, but to quote one of my favorite movies…’the HARD is what makes it GREAT.’
Kari-Last weekend my mom introduced me to cherry tomatoes, cut in half, salted with a little Italian dressing drizzled all over. My life will never be the same now. You’re welcome.
Libby -LOVE this post! I hope you post more like it! I miss Rachel:( I lost 90lbs in 2012, doing WW and started moving…I ran a full marathon in Feb! I have to make smart choices everyday! It’s never going to be easy for me…but I do it, one day at a time, with lots of prayer!
Larissa -Thanks so much for posting this. I have been waiting on this post since you mentioned it would be coming.
I started a pretty radical diet a month ago under doctor supervision. It’s pretty much protein shakes and then one real meal a day. I have a lot to lose and try to tell myself that this is just for a season and then I can go into a more balanced, healthy eating plan.
I am not a runner, but I have been walking and trying to do some strength training.
You look great and congrats for your accomplishments so far!
liz -thanks for the encouragement! i’m glad you took the time to post this!
Jill R. -Thank you thank you thank you for sharing! This is exactly what I needed to read on this exact day! More please!
April R -Thank you for the inspiration 🙂 healthy soul and healthy body
I listen to North Point too 🙂 most recently we listened to their series “You’ll Be Glad You Did” and “New Rules for Dating.” One of my favorites is their series on Christianity.
Paul Washer preaching from Heart Cry Ministry is intense. Francis Chan has some great sermons too.
tara-love how hard you’re working…
i’m working hard over here, too.
you’re right…it’s not rocket science…
it’s eating right and exercising. period.
i’m a slave to sweets, too, but coming off of them has helped me so much!
i feel SO MUCH BETTER.
proud of you!
Also, you know my hubby is on staff with a strategic partner of north point, right?
i love that series that you mentioned!!
i cry in every sermon….
grateful!
Allison-I went running after reading this, thanks for the extra push!
Anna Marie -Meg, I actually like that you aren’t an expert on the topic. It gives me hope and you say it all from a point of view that is so similar to mine. Please, PLEASE keep sharing your tips. I am at a point in my life (I turn 30 in November) where I am ready to make some huge changes in the health department. I am overweight and I never exercise. I have had a treadmill for almost 9 months now and have only used it once. Ridiculous! I am done with excuses and I need change. Thank you for making the changes seem simple by giving easy tips. Water, veggies and exercise…YES…got it. Thank you!
I look forward to more tips.
Necole@seriouslysassymama-I struggle with what I eat just like anyone else. I love carbs. My kids are all in school starting last week, so I am home by myself and only have to cook for me. That has made it soooooo much easier. I am a lite eater, so sometimes I will just have two eggs toast and some carrots, and that will be my meal till dinner. I know you should eat three meals, but I am not a three meal person. I just found some great bars that are like a meal, so I eat those also. I need to eat like I did before kids. I can just consume so much more food now, and always ate because I was bored. Not anymore. I keep myself busy, and exercise 3-4 times a week. I want to be a good example to my three daughters.
Wendi-Thank you SO much for sharing!! This is a struggle for me too, many similarities. I love the way you share in such a real way. I can’t wait to hear more specifics on what you eat, what your workouts are, and if you cook separate meals for your family. When do u treat yourself? Also, I have a 3 year old who looks like she could be Annie’s sister 🙂
Katie -I have commented and maybe even emailed you before about my desire to call myself a runner. I don’t think I will ever feel like I am one of those “people who run”…mainly because I jog at a ridiculously slow pace and feel like I am going to die the entire time…but this post was just the kick in the pants that I needed. I have been feeling EXACTLY as you described, but putting off doing anything. The stupid thing is, I do this ever 6 months. Starting in January through May I lost about 7 lbs and was up to running 3 consecutive miles…and then work gets busy, and I quit and gain the weight back. So this week I am back at it. It is hard, and I get hungry…and did I mention that I work at a bakery!? Hello, hard! But I am determined, and mostly I just wanted to say “Thank you!” for this post. I needed to hear this. I needed it to be from a real person and not from some 80 lb, blonde six pack that eats nothing but flax seed and tomatoes. I love that this post cake right after the dessert post. Thank you for being a real, inspiring person. Thank you…and good luck!
Jenn-I had struggled with being overweight, most of my life. I love saying “had.” I don’t struggle anymore because I decided that I wanted to be healthy and it was non-negotiable. You are so right, once you decide that…its a lot easier. I had to work hard to break old habits, but once they were broken and I changed the way I looked at food I was good to go. I have been able to keep the weight off for 3+ years. You are right on, water, water, water. We are usually thirsty, not hungry. And ya gotta move! Great post! You are doing fab! Way to go on loosing 10 lbs…AMAZING!
katie jones -Thank you for sharing! Please continue!Been running/weights/tabata/videos ect…..but gotta get the eating under control. I get tired of salad and chicken breast! So please share all the workout/food tips/mind over matter tips/sermons you have. I think we are all in this together and need each other!!!
Lynette -Thanks so much for this post! I just wanted to let you know of a great preacher I am listening to on my way in to work – I listen to him on Bott Radio Network, but there are podcasts online – his name is Adrian Rogers. I have been listening to him for almost a year, and I can tell you he has changed my life! I actually look forward to driving in to work now.
Destiny-Hey Meg,
Thank you for posting about this. It’s always such a struggle for me and I’m so encouraged by the tesimony of others who deal with the same issues. I think you would love this book by Lysa Terkeurst called Made to Crave. It’s about craving God more than food. 🙂
cassie -allistair begg preaches in cleveland. all of his sermons are excellent … the scottish accent doesn’t hurt either. http://www.truthforlife.org/
Cassandra -Love love love this!!! thank you for the reminder of all the things i know to be true. I just had baby #2 three months ago & am just struggling w/ getting active & the eating is so-so. so thank you for this & reminding me my body is God’s!!
happygirl-It isn’t magic. It’s hard work. Expend more calories than you consume. No magic. Thanks for sharing you hope and experience.
Beth -Meg, a great app to download for sermons is our church here in the DFW area called The Village Church with Matt Chandler. Here is a short link to one of my favorite clips from years ago: http://youtu.be/VuGYh6QDNYY
I cry almost every Sunday! 🙂
Katie G -These teachings are great-http://www.xenos.org/ministry/care-group. Very helpful for parenting!
Mary Margaret -Thank you for sharing this. I inspired by your commitment to get healthy and want to begin to get healthy too. I just turned 40 on Saturday and now is the time. Love your blog and being inspired by all that is here. Way to go Meg!
Tere -What do I think? I think you are amazing. And I think I want those chocolate chip oreo bars that I can see below this comment box, as I type.
I struggle with grazing. All.day.long. Then I think, I haven’t eaten today. And honestly, your sentence “but then i saw all the pictures & i couldn’t get over that the person i saw in the photos did not match how i felt.” Hit me hard. real hard. tears hard. Because, I am shocked every time I see myself in the mirror. I still see myself as thin (well, at least smaller) and younger. But the reality…well, you’ve seen me, you know.
I want to change….my health, my endurance and the longevity of my life. I read your post, and Rachel’s too, and cried. I’m crying now.
Today’s a new day. Thanks for your continued inspiration. Thanks for sharing (and keep it up). Thanks, friend, I needed this. xoxo tere
Tracy Fisher-OMGoodness…. Meg… you hit me over the head! Loved the post. Not too long. Totally real. So funny because I lost 15 pounds over the summer on Omni drops (no lectures please… it’s a fad that all the girls in my area are doing). But the funny thing is I don’t feel like I have lost anything now. I thought I’d be happier and skinnier. Now I’m just grumpier that I have more to lose…haha. But I do feel so much better and am starting another round in October with some friends for another 15 lbs. This is a journey. It’s really not about weight. I love how you said it is about health. Yes, my family deserves US moms… and our healthier attitudes. Bless you for sharing. You go girl!!!! Proud of you :). -Tracy
paige-girl. i did the same thing. ran two 1/2’s in 2 years & for crying out loud, i gained weight. like what?
so i realized that at age 47 ( 46 at the time) that it was not ever going to be easy & i really wanted to feel good about myself. SO i got back into mixing it up with cardio. 3-4 times a week i drive my tail 20 minutes GAG each way, to the gym. i am well aware each time i make that commute ( to a little hole in the wall cheap womens gym) how much quicker & easier it would be for me to go for a quick run. appears that my body plateaud with running. i’ve lost 22 pounds since january by doing this AND eating wiser breakfast & lunch. and whatever everyone else is eating for dinner.
hoping to maintain this plan. and yes, trying to drink more water. apparently i need to crank that up!
Jenn-Good for you Meg – you are taking control of your health and that is AWESOME! Keep on keepin’ on :). I can’t believe you drink a gallon a day holy moly – I tried that for a week and it was so hard! I am impressed.
cindy -Thank you for the encouraging post….please take the time to write more on this. It really helps!
stacie bowers -Thanks a whole bunch, Meg!!
You inspire me.
I started my own little “get moving” plan as soon as the big 3 started school a couple weeks ago, but I continue to struggle with food.
I’ve been searching for a good audiobook to start to get me out and moving when I don’t have a friend to meet me. Bloom by Kelle Hampton maybe. I don’t know yet!
Please keep sharing about this stuff. I really appreciate inspiration. I wish I could just go for a run with you.
I’m so sad I’m not going to the Blue Lily reunion to talk to you till the wee hours of the night again. You’re so so awesome!!
Thanks with love, Stacie
Talysa-Meg, could you tell more details about what you are eating? Such as foods you cut out, foods you added, are you “low carb” or “paleo” etc.?
Heather -Great post, it is definitely a motivator and inspiring for others who are hesitant to get on track with taking care of their bodies! Can’t wait to “hear” more on this subject! Two great podcasts I would recommend are: Bay Community Church (bay community.com) and Loxley Church of God. 🙂
Danielle-Thanks. I needed to hear this again. I do not make a lot of healthy snack choices. Wish I had read this before I had those fish sticks an curly fries for lunch… 🙂
Karen -Thank you so much for sharing. In January 2012 I finally made the decision to start losing weight. I was 360lbs, 5’8″ and was totally miserable. I started using the myfitnesspal app on my phone and logged everything that went into my mouth.I walked or rode by stationary bike 4-5 times a week. By November I was down 65lbs. Since then I have completely stopped doing anything. I did play softball with my church this spring so that was my excuse not to walk. Thankfully I have not gained but 5lbs back but I can tell the difference in how I feel. I have got to get motivated again and get back on track. I still would love to lose another 80lbs. Thank you so much for the motivation!
Sara -LOVE your blog and you look great! Check out Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church. He is awesome and has many great sermon series to listen to online! There is a great nutritional center in our area (Mpls/St. Paul) that hosts a radio show. You can listen to any of their previous radio shows via podcast. They have great topics and talk a lot about eating real food to lose weight and heal our bodies! http://www.weightandwellness.com/
Sarah L -Thank-you so much for this post! I have read your blog for awhile but have never commented until today. I think that God led me to read this late last night as I was laying in bed as I have been struggling with feeling tired, lethargic and just overall blah. Your post has given me a kick-start to try to begin some life-style changes.
Thank-you for sharing your story and what has worked for you! I would love to have you write more suggestions or tips that you find along the way, as well as any work-out suggestions….esp. anything that can be done at home.
melissa rice-Thank you for this. i don’t like fad diets or something that is “revolutionary” at the time ie…. south beach atkins hcg grapefruit diet not eating after 7 or 3 or noon!!! i totally agree with your trainer eat less move more and eat what is good and pure whenever you can! i think it is alllll about moderation in food and moving everyday! it is a lifestyle but you can have your cake and eat it too. just a small piece and then go for a walk or jump on the tramp with your kids. You are REAL meg and thats what everyone wants.
Tanya -I’ve been reading forever and you’re great Meg 🙂
I’ve always thought so!
Library Momma -My husband and I started following Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live guidelines and we both have lost substantial weight in a very short period of time. It is not a diet, it is a lifestyle change and waking up to what you really are doing. Thanks for sharing all your thoughts I totally agree with the water, drink, drink, drink! I have to make a request personally from your blog, the running advertisement at the bottom many times expands making it tricky to move on the page or read anything. It can be extremely distracting from the great content. I just thought I would share, maybe it is not an issue for other readers.
Cat -Thanks for sharing – it is quite a vulnerable thing to do, isn’t it? I started running a couple of years ago and have been surprised at how much I enjoy it and it has really helped me get over hang-ups from my school days and the idea that I am just “not one of those people who exercise”. For me, that is just not an option as I approach 40 in a world desperate to sell me fat, salt and sugar in ever-more tempting combinations and force me off my feet and into my car. The amazing thing, in fact, is that we are not all obese!! Food is an idol for me – cooking it, eating it, reading about it, watching shows about it – and like any other idol, I need help from God to put it in its proper place. This is a work in progress, needless to say. There is not much out there on this topic this but I did find this sermon by Crystal Munson at Mars Hill Church which I found very illuminating http://marshill.com/2010/09/21/why-gluttony-is-a-sin/ I recommend any woman who eats and has a body (haha!) to give it a listen. It will challenge and encourage and shines a spotlight on the lies the world tells us about food and our bodies. Now that all 3 kids are back to school/preschool this week, I am getting back out there after a few weeks off. I, too, have sought the advice of a PT just to show me how I can improve my fitness and get the most out of my runs with out having to go for hours and hours, 7 days a week; exercise – like food – is a good slave but a poor master!
Mhairi-Hi Meg! I’ve read your blog for a long time, but I thought today’s post really prompted me to leave you a comment. YOU are the reason I got off my butt this year and decided to run. I have never run- ever. And I ran my very first race a 5k this June. Here’s a little side-blog I wrote about getting ready for this race. http://runmidwife.blogspot.ca/
So, you’ve already got one person behind you (literally- I can’t run a half marathon yet!) and it’s awesome! 🙂 xo
Thanks for being an inspiration!
karen -Wow, this is so timely for me and thank you for sharing. I have absolutely no discipline in my diet and exercise, and that overlaps in sooo many other area! I will be following along and thank you for the encouragement!
p.s. I love your pictures also. 🙂
Lee Ann -Thank you sooo much for sharing this! September is my month! 🙂 I have been working out SO hard. I have gained SO MUCH muscle this year. And….I’ve eaten like crap and gained fat as well. I KNOW it’s my diet, I just haven’t been willing to do anything about it. But now! NOW is the time!
Sara Torbett-Thank-you for boldly sharing this!! I am figuring out, for the first time in my life, what healthy looks/sounds like for me. How I need to make it a daily priority. I’ve been trying to run/walk during my little girls nap times and I admit-it is extremely hard to be disciplined about it when that’s a tiny break I have all day. But I always feel awesome afterwards! We are so weight obsessed in our culture…it is so, so refreshing to hear you talk about HEALTH. Thank-you for inspiring Meg! (and I need to drink more water tomorrow!)
Stephanie -One of the best books I’ve read on nutrition is ‘Deep Nutrition’ by Dr. Shanahan. Just in case you were interested. It’s pretty fascinating.
Carol -Listen to Perry Noble at newspring church! He was some must listen to messages! You won’t regret it!
Amber Willis -Thank you thank you thank you!!!! This is just what I needed at this time. I just signed up for a 90 day challenge to help get this baby weight off (ummm she just turned one) Wow it was so much easier with baby #1. Anyway, I have been praying for God to help give me strength and encouragement. This is what I needed right now 🙂
Kendra -Your post is totally me! I ran my first half in the May Prairie Fire. I had lost weight before thr marathon and people kept asking me how much while I trained. I hadn’t lot any. None. Because I was eating whatever I wanted. And now, I’m training for the full in October and I’ve actually gained some weight. I’m with you! I only get one body, I need to treat it with better food. (;
Great post.
Fay -This was great Meg. Thank you!
Brenna Marie -Thank you for this post. Eat right and move more! I think we have all been inundated with dietary information since the 1980’s no fat slogans that eating has become either good or bad. I like the common-sense approach that you have taken – you have taken out the all or nothing factor that has gotten me into trouble for years! Thanks Meg for letting us share in your journey!
I really like listening to Pastor Steven Furtick at elevationchurch.org
Brenna
Christine Ishmael-I’m laughing because as soon as you finish your post on eating healthy/exercise the post below is “cravings” which I have, all the time, which I need to get over and get in shape, thanks for the kick in the pants/reminder kind of post! 🙂
Kathleen -Been following your blog for a couple of years and love it, but have never commented. Felt led to comment today – thanks for this post! I think it is what I needed – I have three littles and want to do a better job of eating healthy and exercising. So please keep your tips coming! I love the idea that taking care of our bodies is non-negotiable…that is awesome! Inspires me to get moving and not eat any more of the cookies I just made. 🙂
Felicity -Meg I just wanted to say how timely this post was. I have been inspired by your running story previously and have signed up to do my first race ever, a half marathon. In Febuary. Mostly I feel like I’ve made a ridiculous choice and what the heck was I thinking I like chocolate and I like to sit on the couch and who cares if my tummy is really wobbly I’ve had 2 babies in the last 2.5 years. And then I think that really, I want to live freely, and I want to be gentle and kind with my body, and I want my whole being to be submitted to The Lord. So I run, and sweat and then walk a bit, and then run a bit more. I’m pretty tired, but that could just be the baby who won’t sleep 😉 and I know that I shouldn’t put sugar all over my cereal and eat chocolate for lunch, and I know I need to change that too.
So talk as much as you can about exercise and being healthy, because I need all the help I can get! Do you want to be my personal trainer? You can email me and tell me that. I’m doing a good job.
Felicity x
Kirsten J -Yep, you obviously struck a chord here. I saw your Tweet yesterday and was inspired to get moving. I seem to do better with a clean slate/get moving change when the kids get back to school. Mine starts Wednesday, but I’m liking this September 1st thing….
thanks!
Alicia @ La Famille-Thank you for this post. Honestly, I just feel gross about myself right now. I AM four months post pardum and I know it takes time to lose that baby weight, but I think its just that I WANT so bad to work out and sweat and there’s just not time! I’m just so tired all the time. In july my hubby and I did a big food overhaul and that has helped a lot I’ve lost a ton of inches and about fifteen pounds since july 1st, but eating that well is hard too. I am just frustrated. I feel like other people seem to lose it so fast and I’m just scared I’ll be stuck here at this weight. I just realized this is a really personal comment…more like an email. Hmmmm…must be feeling share-y today. Anyway, GREAT JOB on your venture! Keep it up! I find for eating healthy, the only way I can do it is to plan. Keep us posted on your results! Also, what’s your health goals?
missy -Your post came on the day my husband & I have recommitted to our health. Just what I needed this morning. Had I read it two days ago it wouldn’t have affected me the way it did today. I’m off to fill my water bottle.
Debbie -Thank you! Please keep posting on this, and specifics! You are awesome!
Jen -One quick question: clicked through to Rachel’s blog! Love her story and would love to follow her on IG but can’t seem to find her at IAMRACHELREEVES. Can you help? What am I doing wrong? HAHA
Couldn’t manage to leave a comment on her blog either! Can you say “Tech challenged?” 🙂 Thanks!
Jen -Perfect post, Meg! You know, I noticed in your latest Craft Weekend group photo that you looked thinner. Good for you for doing this for YOU, and consequently for your family, too. I never feel guilty about a workout because I am setting a positive example for my girls and I want to be active with my family for a LONG time. Eating healthier had a ripple effect on the fam, too.
This healthy thing is 30% exercise and 70% diet. I am a group exercise instructor and had the exercise thing down, but recently have been focusing on a better diet. I have seen positive changes. This 36-year-old wants to be an even healthier 40-year-old. Preach on, sista and keep going!
Jen -I’m so glad you shared! I have noticed that you are thinner and wondered what you are doing! I have been through much the same journey-I’ve lost 50 pounds since January (doing Take Shape for Life) but I’ve slacked off a bit since I reached my goal so this is a great incentive for me. I appreciate you being vulnerable and honest!
Great sermons: Mark Driscoll, Mars HIll Church in Seattle. His Peasant Princess series on Song of Solomon is PHE. NOM. E. NAL. Now, he takes some getting used to-he swears occasionally and he’s a little crass at times but if you can get past that, I believe God is really using him. (I know he’s controversial and I’m not here to debate that! So please don’t anyone jump all over me!) 🙂
Happy exercising! You are inspiring! 🙂
Jen
Kristin S-And, just downloaded that message. Can’t wait to listen. On a run/walk! After 16 months of injury, I’m slowly getting back in.
Kristin S-Meg, thank you for being so vulnerable. I know that was big ol step of faith and your honesty flowed through it all.
It is hard.
You didn’t even have to say anything. I never thought you looked overweight. Ever. But in recent posts, I can tell that you had lost some weight and the long hair is sassy too!
For me from age 33-37, I worked out all the time and lost no weight. It was the food. I know it was. So, I started running and started eating smaller portions and salads for dinner. Slowly, slowly 50 lbs came off. And I felt better.
It has to be a personal choice and seeing a picture of myself did it for me too. Sigh.
Press on!
Anne -Hello Meg
You spoke to my heart today! Thank you for the tip about listening to sermons… I find it really humbles you and gives you determination at the same time. Another tip I find that works is to stay off the recipe section of pinterest HA HA:)
God truly knows what I need and today I needed you to speak to me. Godspeed to both of us on our journey! Anne
Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis-It’s so funny that you shared this in the way you did! Last year I started doing the C25K training (and I am so not a runner) all b/c of a post you did similar to this about feeling the need to be healthy. That post compelled me!
So I did it along with another friend and we ran a 5K. I have never felt better physically…until about 8 months ago when we moved… again! And I can count on both hands the number of times I’ve ran. I’m back to feeling, well, yucky. I feel the extra inch that’s been added back to my back side and my side sides.
So again Megan, your post has compelled me. It’s hard to love God with ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength when you ain’t feelin’ too strong. It all works together. Thanks for sharing even though you didn’t feel qualified:)
~Melissa
Elaine-Thank you for being brave and sharing.
Thank you for motivating me to believe I can make the changes I need. It isn’t easy, but it will be worth it!
Have a wonderful day….
You should be VERY proud. Not just in the numbers. Remember- a scale means nothing in comparison to a happy life and slimmer pant size.
Looking forward to hearing more from you. KEEP ROCKING! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!
Michelle -In the 7 study Jen Hatmaker connects NT passages about our body being a temple to the OT instructions for building/caring for the temple and then makes a statement along the lines ‘if he cared that much about the old temple … How much does he care about the care of your body?’ It was a huge moment for me and pushed me to call a spade a spade and confess gluttony in my life and start addressing food and exercise. I have also lost about 10 lbs so far and it feels great! I am reading Made To Crave and it has been really great- very encouraging and convicting. Wishing you well in this Meg!
Heather S. -Sister – I am with ya! You DID look great in those Craft Weekend posts, so I knew you were up to something! I am currently int he role of *supporter* for a friend who is working hard to get in shape. She, too, is a runner and all that running was NOT adding up to weight loss at all. So, we took it up a notch. We joined a gym together. We go to a 6:00 am class three days a week (we force each other out of bed at 5:15 to make it on time) and two other days we run on our own. Her journey is making me work harder on my health. I would be considered to be in perfectly *fine* shape – in that wonderful area of *normal.* The problem is, I don’t want to just be normal. I want to be strong and lean and this summer I have only lost 4 pounds, but I have seriously toned up and it is a beautiful thing to see one’s legs in shorts or a skirt and not cringe, KWIM? So – you keep going and you keep encouraging us! Great job, Meg!!!!
btsoi-I was nodding in agreement through your entire post. I finally got to the point where I decided to do something about this body I was not happy with so I started doing yoga and some walking/jogging. It’s disappointing when you look in the mirror and it doesn’t match how you feel. But I’m pushing on, and I’m trying to eat healthier, with smaller portions (I’m so used to “finishing my plate” – aka eating until I’m full and then some). I’d love to hear more about your journey! And listening to sermons while running? What an awesome idea!
jamie -thank you so much for this post! i am so proud of you! this summer i have found that buying already prepared fruits and veggies is the way to go for me! if the fruits and veggies are already cut up i will gobble them. my new obsession is orange cherry tomatoes from our local farmer’s market! i went yesterday and they didn’t have any {boo}. my daughter goes to an amazing church and i listen to the podcasts. i’ve cried during each and every one because my heart is so overwhelmed with truth.
sometimes i lay in bed at night and listen to several in a row and before i know it what felt like 15 minutes was actually three hours!
paradoxchurch.com/messages/
ktg -Post baby weight. Not to give excuses but before kids I had a flat stomach and trim everything.
2 kids in 2 years…
For four years I was not getting enough sleep, then needing the energy for a 13 hour day entertaining children alone. Food was the fuel I needed to stay awake and take care of everyone.I felt so low energy all the time!
I lost 10 pounds with my fitness pal for food checks and running/ballet for exercise. An observation , as soon as I went on vacation where a fridge was stocked with sodas I got back into the habit and gained 5 pounds in a week! Sugar is what I struggle with the most. I want to add more natural foods.
Val -Hey Meg, love your blog, love what you have to say, LOVE Craft Weekend! but alas, as I live in Australia I can’t see myself attending anytime soon. But seeing your pictures makes me feel like I’m there (almost), so thank you!
I heard a quote a few months ago, “you can’t out exercise a bad diet,” how true! I’ve been on a daily walking regime (30-45 mins p/day) and did NOT lose an ounce!!! You’re right, it is hard word and takes dedication. I so want to lose 10kgs to feel better in my clothes!!!
Keep writing Meg, you inspire me – thanks!
PS – love the tip about the sermons,
Southern Gal-I had noticed you looked slimmer in the Craft Weekend photos. Good for you! I needed to read this. I turned 50 this summer, am heavier than I’ve ever been and I started running two years ago!!! I know it’s diet (and some issues with steroids I took this summer for an arm injury), but it’s been so hard. I have been drinking lots of water – not quite a gallon. Now I’m just tired of feeling like a blob. After years of cooking from habit I need someone to tell me what to cook and how, just like you. Thanks again for posting this.
Robyn -Check out Craig Groeshell at Lifechurch.tv. The church is based in Oklahoma and is fabulous! Podcasts are available for free on iTunes.
The Orchard-Thank you for that post. I am a runner and have been for 25 years, (I turn 40 in a few months) but I have been injured a lot this past year and my running has really slowed. I am not as fast as I used to be and I feel sluggish when I go out, so now I hardly go out. It is so not like me! On top of that, I eat what I want, but it is not always healthy, and now that I am not running as much, it is starting to catch-up with me and it doesn’t feel good physically or emotionally! And, I don’t drink water. Like hardly ever, even when I get back from a run!
This post is the reminder I need! Thanks for taking the time to write it out and share your experiences.
My first goal will be to start drinking more water. Second goal, get back out there and run. As you said, it doesn’t matter how fast. Just getting out there is better than nothing!
Good luck with the rest of your journey and please do keep sharing!
<3
Jennifer -This post is so timely for me – thank you! Just this morn I was writing my best friend in WI (I live in Australia) and telling her how I currently have no commitment, no motivation and no plan; but I hate how I look and feel. The perspective that my health is a non-negotiable, and more importantly the fact that Gos gave me one body and I have an obligation to take of it, are fantastic. Can’t wait to see the recipes and read more posts. Keep up the awesome work!
Alisa Muir-I am finally at the point where my health is a non negotiable.
So please please please
Share more of these kinda of posts.
it is such an inspiration.
I just had surgery 12 days ago and starting this week I am back working out. Hopefully back to using that unused gym membership.
Back on myfitnesspal.
I need to put this on my priority list.
Just like I do my kids health.
xoxo thanks for sharing.
Kelley -Thanks for the encouragement! I needed the reminder of “my health is non-negotiable.”
Great speaker- Robert jeffress, his podcast is called “pathway to victory”- I learn a lot from him
What do I want to change- I am 7 months post baby- and although the weight is technically gone, the body is NOT the same. I am learning this mom thing- but I still want to be healthy and be strong. Need to find time to workout with baby. Want to get back to running, but afraid of compromising my milk supply (TMI?) so not sure where that all puts me. Just know I am feeling motivated for something! Now I need an action plan
Melissa shepard -Oh!! I have been waiting on this post!! How awesome meg!! You should be so proud of yourself. That IS alot of weight… when u arent that big to begin with… I crave sugar and soda…. why is it so hard? Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels tho.. right? Thx for sharing meg! I must drink more water! You are the bomb!
we have had a FULL week with more excitement still to come.
life skills being taught….
waffle was naughty and completely dorky as usual. he got on the couch while i was still home! how is he smart enough to know not to get on when craig is home and that i won't do anything? it's crazy. he slept with his leg up in the air for a long time.
the kids tried to dress up the chickens with american girl doll clothes. but realized chickens don't have arms to make it work. it was funny to try though.
one of these days those chicks will be gone & we will know that they learned how to hot wire Barbie's car…
i like having lunch with my kids. i wish i had done it with my older kids. i didn't know that was a thing that people did. your kids would love it if you showed up too. (with no other siblings… just you… and fast food)
campfires are pretty much the best thing ever. i have tried my best to keep all s'more ingredients stocked all all times at our house.
mother's day was a very nice day. i try very hard to keep expectations VERY low and that helps to keep the day flowing well. i was treated to homemade cards by the little girls…. and cashed in that free coffee immediately.
after church i went in my bedroom and shut the door and relaxed while my family made the entire lunch. what a nice treat to come out to a completely set table AND food.
then i went straight back in my room while they cleaned it up.
best mother's day i have had in many years.
gardening this year in pots only….this is a huge relief to me. the thought of gardening was LOOMING over me and i wasn't excited about it. but this is perfect!
lauren is done with high school. forever. it's so crazy how fast that passed! we are so proud that she made it through with excellent grades and can't wait to see her future unfold.
her graduation is sunday afternoon. it's been an emotional week….
this is what happens on a daily basis here. if we don't do the dishes every 18-24 hours… it looks like this. NO JOKE. we even ate on paper plates that day!
i sported pigtails today. after a 3 week break…. i went out for a run with my friends this morning.
it was short & sweet but felt so good to remember that i did still know how to run. :)
as i drank my second cup of coffee i looked down and realized i was a rainbow of colors.
so… we have a very busy weekend filled with parties to attend & to give, basketball, shopping, cleaning, rainbow cake making, graduation cermony and grandparents coming.
s -Love the kitchen sink pic…I keep up with the dishes but not so much the clutter and piles…sigh
misty-meg, you have to read this blog post http://lullabylubbock.blogspot.com/2013/04/rainbows.html
Kristen loves a rainbow as much as you 🙂 She is another fave blogger of mine & I messaged her about your blog too. I think you’ll love her sweet post
Rachel S -I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you I’m addicted. I love how you show your real life, (with real messes in kitchens), the Scriptures, life with kids, the crafts (oh how I’d LOVE to be able to come to a craft weekend!!), the photos, etc. I have 3 kids and my oldest will graduate next year. It’s already hard on me, so I look forward to hearing how you make it through the change in seasons. So thank you for sharing your life with us! 🙂 Have a happy day!
miranda -Love your post today I laughed at those crazy chicks~~ and congrats on everything!!!!
Whitney-Oh my goodness, how is she old enough to graduate! They are growing up (too quickly) before our very eyes! Congratulations Lauren! Excited to see what the next step for her is!
mary -Love that you showed your dishes. my three kids are under five and this is how my kitchen looks after 24 hours of no doing dishes. Refreshing to see real life with kids. I used to panic when there would be a knock on the door when the kitchen looked like this, I am learning more and more that this is real life and it is good to share real life with people. Thanks for being real it helps me continue to be authentic too.
Victoria -Congratulations on the graduate! I know you guys must be proud.
Loving the littles dressing the chickens up in clothes!
Mindy-Oh, those chicken pictures make my heart happy – and the verse from the message makes it happier yet!
Connie -Congratulations to your daughter!! Thanks for the honest picture of your kitchen….nice to know I’m not alone!
Kari-congrats to lauren! that is great…
glad to see mine is not the only kitchen that looks like that 🙂 my oldest is playing 60 baseball games this year – youngest playing also – add in all the other end of the year stuff with a dance recital in there too and it’s been CRAZY! have a great weekend!
Vera-My three year old boy (who happened to be naked at the time) saw the chickens in the car and said “MOMMY! Get my clothes on! I want to go to that family’s house!” 🙂
colleen -Such a great post… I love the part about keeping expectations low on mother’s day so you can enjoy it. Congrats to your oldest graduating from high school.. how wonderful that she let you announce it on the blog… 12 years of school done.. not a small achievement for her or for you.
Love your spirit as well as your ability to “roll” with whatever life gives you!
Colleen
Barb -Hi Meg, could you please tell me what translation of the Bible you have? Thanks for the beautiful post! Barb
Tiffany-I love that you and your family love those chickens so much! I’m so glad you had a nice Mother’s Day too. Congratulations to Lauren! What a beautiful young woman (must take after her mama!).
Hubby is gone on a 4-wheeling weekend, so I’ve got the single parent gig going on. I hope to plant our flowers tomorrow, and hit up the Children’s Museum Sunday. Not nearly as exciting as your weekend, but I love my family time!
I hope you enjoy yours this weekend too!
Kori -Animal teeth always crack me up!
I had lunch with my son weekly if not a couple times a week when he was younger and loved it…it was a great way (better than volunteering in class, I think) to meet more of his friends and see what *really* goes on at lunch – both with the kids and the playground staff. He loved when I got there to stay and hated when I tried to make it a ‘going out’ lunch…he wanted to eat and then be able to run off to play, not be stuck with me in a car!!
Hope you have time to catch your breath in the coming days…
🙂
Michelle from Australia -My Dad has shingles 🙁 My daughter who has been vaccinated against chicken pox got them this week. Blisters, itchiness and one upset girl who couldn’t go to school. My son goes into hospital next Monday for surgery. We asked him what he wanted for a treat dinner the night before his operation. He said SMORES. We had them at Yosemite NP last year. So I went out and got ingredients as close to SMORES as you could find in Australia. And we are all ready for SMORES tonight and tomorrow. Here’s hoping we get through next week with God’s help and grace.
Tiffany-My son just turned 17, i am mentally wigging out about graduation next year. Dogs are smart! Waffle had got your #. Please photograph the Chicken Run, hilarious. Its so hard not to vent with your girls, but God is right there is a dofference between venting and back-biting, sigggh. How did none of your kids get your eyes? They are striking! Enjoy your weekend, im off to have another malibu-bu. TGIF.
Jennifer-Love all your pictures…and that Waffle….he is a hoot! 🙂
Sara Torbett-What a lovely post! The chicken pictures and Waffle’s close-up made me laugh :). Congrats to Lauren! I imagine it’s a bittersweet time for you…..I hope all your graduation festivities are lovely (I’d be bawling like a baby…..I’m tearing up at the thought even and I still have two tiny babies! Oh dear)
Your flowers are gorgeous…and who has time for massive flowerbeds when there are crafts to make and meals to cook? We don’t-we use flower pots too. 🙂 This weekend we’re getting some family pics made..wish me luck (two babies under two)
Kerry @ Made For Real-That looks like our dog. Exactly! Love the potted plants and love having an older set and younger set of kids as well : )
Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails}-WOW, Congratulations Lauren! Seriously where does the time go?! My oldest(9) is at a two day sleepover and Im getting ready to take my baby girl(ahem…7) to gymnastics. I remember the days of crying in the church nursery thinking “I’m NEVER gonna sit in another adult service ever again…I’ll be here FOREVER!!!” I blinked and those days are gone. But yet theres so much great stuff to look forward to also.
Have a wonderful weekend! Keep the tissues close by.
Amy-I try to eat with my boys at least once a month at school. Of course, little sister is usually with me. But they love that. One likes to go off campus, one likes to have it brought to him and eat in the cafeteria. Hilarious. But it’s always fun. Of course, despite saying I’d shoot for once a month, I think this second semester I did it twice. And that includes this week. {ouch} By the way, love that pic of Lauren. She’s beautiful!!!
Hanny Norton-van der Valk -congratulations to Lauren, well done. Here in the UK it is still quite cold and I.ve just put the heating on to warm it up a bit. Also still having a lot of rain. We were hoping to go sailing tomorrow, but the winds will be too strong, so I probably will do a bit of gardening. I hope your weather is a lot better. Have a lovely time Sunday, you must be so proud of your daughter.
amy jupin-i’m totally tripping that lauren is graduating.
waffle is a dork and i love him.
annie looks like she’s in middle school and i want it all to stop.
the growing, the maturing, the time slipping by so quickly.
love you meg.
sally -Awww, your daughter is so beautiful!! Congrats to her and so happy we got to see her. 😉 I’m sure you are proud! I just read depressing news in the local newspaper about the economy and I came here and now I am smiling and Happy!! That is why I LOVE your blog…I leave happy!! 🙂
Shelly Massey-My happy moment this week was when the canvas of your wet watercolors photo arrived here! HAPPY DAY! I smile every time I walk by it. Thank you!
Janelle -I adore your messy kitchen picture. Wish more people would share those 😉
Heather Simnitt -My eye caught “basketball.” Basketball? In May? Really? It’s all baseball and soccer around here now. And recitals – oh the recitals! Last week piano, this week ballet. After that it’s all planning for vacay. It’s T-11 days! So READY!!!
shar y -Oh, how I cried when my first child graduated. Happy and sad all at the same time.
And, the chickens in the Barbie car, funniest thing I have seen all week. What a hoot!
thanks!
Nancy -I love the honesty of your kitchen picture. I have been reading your blog forever but I am not much of a commenter. My youngest is graduating from HS and I have a grad party pin board – http://pinterest.com/nancyhts/graduation/
Enjoy!
Cathy-Hey..hey what are you doing taking pictures of MY kitchen.. he he.. our kitchen always looks like that.. I have to stop ask myself, “why when I fill the dishwasher are there still dishes left that won’t fit”
Jessica -High school graduation, how exciting!!! Congrats to Lauren!
Tonya -Congrates to you and your daughter. my oldest son just graduated from College. Take tissue with you to the ceramony!!!
well…. i did it! it is hard to believe that i actually have done 13.1 miles. but it's TRUE!!
whoop whoop!
let me recap the weekend as it went down.
on friday, mr. duerksen left with four of my kids for a bball tournament out of town. so to begin my girls weekend i got a full 24 hours ALONE. um…yeah…that rocked! then…craig accidentally took my car keys so i couldn't even leave my house and you know what? it was such a blessing. i HAD to stay home and just be alone. ahhhhhh.
i did laundry, cleaned the chicken's box and watched crazy stupid, Love. (i love that movie!)
:)
saturday morning i put on my favorite shirt to bring good vibes my way…. ha!
my friends picked me up since i had no car. and we took off for our road trip! as usual… talk talk talk all the way there.
we picked up our packets with our bib inside it and shopped the expo a little. i bought sporty sunglasses…you know i needed them after all that fashion wear all winter. i hate the way the sport sunglasses look. so much. but i can wear them with my hat so it was needed.
they had this wall with the names of all of the people who died in the OKC bombing. the people the race was honoring. the first 168 bib numbers were given to them. it was emotional.
one of the best parts of marathon training is getting "CARB LOAD" the week of the race. and believe me… i did.
we went back to our hotel and right to bed. our wake up time was 4:00 AM. oy veh. i slept terrible as expected and leaped out of bed at the alarm. my roommate was pretty surprised by that. 🙂
we geared up with all our running stuff…gummy energy chews, wipes, kleenex, money (? we didn't know??), body glide, hair ties, hats, sunglasses, our bib numbers, ipods, phones and layers. we waited in the cool air for 35 minutes for the "every 15 minutes" shuttle that was suppised to be there at 4:30. blah.
then headed to a sunrise service at The Survivor Tree. again… emotional.
it's hard to see but that is because it was completely dark outside…it was 5:30 AM. we sang worship songs… Bless the Lord Oh My Soul and Amazing Grace were too hard to even sing. i was too choked up. i just closed my eyes and listened.
the pastor read from Jesus Calling and it was just so appropriate.
we made a stop at gear check.
(use gear check if you do a race… super easy and convenient)
we made one last pit stop… porta potties….gross.
then we found our pace group and waited. with 10,000 other people. they had 168 seconds of silence for those who died in OKC. i cried. and prayed. i was getting VERY nervous with all the unknowns… can i do this? am i safe? what if i get hurt? what if i fall? you know… all that stuff that Satan loves to put in your mind when big things are happening. i texted craig and kimberlee. i needed one last boost of love before i took off. they gave it to me. :)
some of my friends are conscience of their time when they run. these were free tattoos you could put on to know your pace. i was not remotely interested. i can only do what i can do at that moment. not anyone else's time.
the gun went off and we stood still for a looooong time because we were SO far back in the line 14 minutes after the gun went off we crossed the start line and began our first half marathon!
and it was fun!
there was loud music. people in their driveways all along the way. some had water… some had beer…. donuts… signs… all SO SWEET!
then the hills began. geez louise. there were so many hills on this course. we didn't train for that. but we did it. i mean come on….LOOK AT THAT HILL!!!
and that wasn't even the bad hill that everyone told us about.
the sun was coming up as we came through this tunnel. it was beautiful light… i wished i had my big camera. (and that i was not running… ha)
firefighters were all through the race. which made me tear up every time we came up on them. they were sweating like crazy walking with all that gear on… what amazing men!
we ran right past the capital building. that was really cool. and the sun was just behind it… GORGEOUS.
we hit the halfway mark and decided on taking a picture. try # 1 try #2 we were honestly smiling.
i repeated to myself so many times "God's spirit is with you" "present your body as worship" and "Glorify God with your body"
i made it 9.5 miles before walking!! that is AMAZING. i had never run more than 8 miles before that… so i had my personal best that day.
around mile 11 i was feeling a little delirious. and i said to my friend "have you seen Taledega Nights?" and i quoted this line.
i know i know. ricky bobby and carl naughton jr. are complete blasphermors through that entire movie. but… i quoted it because as i was dragging and weak..
i said "well….i am picturing my jesus in running shorts and nike frees…running beside me"
we giggled a bit and decided Jesus probably would have been way faster than me.
i walked a bit, ran a bit, walked a bit and then at mile 12 an older man on the sides controlling traffic, looking like morgan freeman, leaned in towards me and did a quiet clapping and said quietly
"let's go. let's go. run. you can do it. let's go"
and it was so quiet that i just listened to him.
i ran.
and suddenly there was the finish line way up ahead!!
i turned to my friend and said "i am so glad you made me do this! THANK YOU so much!"
i meant it. it was such an awesome morning!
i took out my headphones and took it all in. people were all cheering and screaming for the runners. it was so cool. big races are such a positive atmosphere! every runner feels like a rockstar.
and there i was. done. THIRTEEN MILES. 2:46:48 it's not fast but i don't care one single bit. i did it. (nice glasses…..)
after we caught our breath, regrouped, ate oranges, bagels and bananas to refuel, we headed to the memorial again.
MANY people ran for those they lost in the OKC bombing. the memorial had all kinds of sites like this.
we made it to the shuttles.
i was beginning to feel sick.
then i got sick.
and i was miserable.
my body was in full-on-freak-out mode.
it was not pretty.
my friends let me sleep for awhile and after an hour and a half i was better.
i rallied.
i ate a quick lunch and then it was time for massage.
it's what we do. we run hard and then we go to the spa. the best way to run a race. period.
then dinner and a DELICIOUS drink to celebrate! i am so proud of all of us!!
we trained hard for months. with 15 kids between the four of us…and all of our jobs…and busy lives…
Andrea@KnittyBitties-I loved reading this Meg because one week from today I’ll be running my first half. My stomach already lurches if I think too much on it, but it’s going to be amazing and great and fun and I can’t wait. I did 10 miles yesterday and felt really good, so 13.1 should be cake, right?!?! 😀
Congratulations on training and following through!
XOXO,
Andrea
tara-oh how i remember the half that i ran in ATL…..
crazy awesome and crazy hard.
i laughed when i read that you imagined jesus running beside you in shorts and nike frees. i am sure he was there beside you..i need to quit imagining him in a white robe and try your imagination.
hilarious.
Carrie -This made me cry. So proud of you.
I am part of a full/half/5K organizing committee as part of my job ans runners never cease to impress me. Love their spirit and determination and sense of humor. If I didn’t have fibro I think I would try it. But I’m just not tough enough!
Momofthree -Great job! I am training for my first half marathon at Niagara Falls in June and watching as you trained has been inspiring:)
Did you talk anywhere on the blog about your running playlist? On my shorter runs I have been happy with no music but now for the longer distances I really think I would like to have some music to help me along. I’d love to hear what you were listening to!
Katherine @ Grass Stains-Had to add my congratulations and tell you how proud I am of you for running your first half, Meg! (And even if you never do it again, it’s something to be incredibly proud of!) 🙂 Way to go!!
Lora-I teared up many times reading your post. Congrats to you!! I especially love the part about the Morgan Freeman man cheering you on. That’s so great! Since he played God maybe that was God’s way of cheering you on 🙂
I’ve been to the OKC bombing sight and walked around the fence with all the memorials stuck in it. It was completely silent. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was very emotional.
Yay for you!
Leslie-As I read that I felt so proud of you! I read your blog all the time and you are such an encouragement to me! 🙂 How excited to ACTUALLY do it!!
Jenn-Wow! I’m sitting here crying. You may or may not know this, but you ran for your kids, your husband, those that died that horrible day, those that died in Boston another horrible day, those that were hurt, you ran for those of us that read your blog and you ran for you! I’m so proud of you! You rock! And Jesus was with you in running shorts and Nike frees and he’s proud of you too!
Alicia @ La Famille-CONGRATS!!!!!
I’ve run four halves…two were to get me back into shape after babies. I’ll have to start thinking about another now! It is SUCH a rush every time. SO SO worth it!!
Congrats again!!!
Andrea T -I havent been by to read in awhile…busy, back to work. something made me drop by. i am so glad i did. i am wiping away the tears. just the motivation i needed! CONGRATS!!!!!!! what an amazing accomplishment!
Heather R. -RoCk oN!!! You should be so proud of yourself! Great job!
Krista -So proud of you MEG!!!!! Thank you for sharing!
P.S. Your pace is just fine 🙂
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to run/ walk for nearly 3 hours but I’m working on it!!
denise@victory rd.-meg, tearing up.
i just love every bit of this- even the photos that don’t do the reality justice.
i love your honesty.
the beginning the day in worship, and continuing in worship as you ran (and as you blogged).
i related to the not sleeping, and jumping up at the alarm, and to the texting for one more dose of love. praise God for those relationships that nourish us.
and i loved that you all ran for okc.
but my FAVORITE part (when i really teared up) was when “morgan freeman” spurred you on. makes me think of the Spirit nudging you so you finish well (which from my experience if more for my good, than God’s).
and WOOT WOOT!
maybe someday i’ll join you and run my own 1/2 (yikes).
amanda d-Congratulations! Smiled through the whole post … “God’s spirit is with you”
“present your body as worship”, and “Glorify God with your body” – made me teary. I’m going to say it when I’m on the treadmill b/c I always feel like I’m dying when I’m running. 😉
Lori Austin -This post made me BAWL!!
So proud of you.
That’s all (heading for tissue). 🙂
Lisa -I’m so sorry you got sick! ugh! I have done 2 half marathons and both times I got totally sick after too. Not sure why that is cause all through my training I felt great! So glad you did it and had a great time. 🙂
Talia -Congratulations! You ROCK girl! Well done!
Amy -Beautiful and inspiring, Meg! I will never run but I LOVE the enthusiasm my running friends have 🙂 You did it!!!!
Mindy W-Well, I’m proud of you. Just plain bursting my buttons proud of you.
Kimberly Parker-My cousin ran in the same race! I’m proud of you both!
beth larson-Meg…I am smiling and crying and so happy for you! What an amazing accomplishment Girl! My body really and truly was not made to run- but it would be my proudest accomplishment if I could ever do one. : )
Proud of you and for you!
p.s. I ordered one of your prints and framed it for my BFF for her birthday and she loved it soooo much! It’s the sunflower with the words I am here to serve with JOY. It’s so her- xo
a -Awesome!
I ran my first (of two) half marathons a couple of years ago and I was so proud of myself. I called my dad and told him I had finished and my time and he said “Isn’t that usually the time for a full marathon?”
Jill -Congratulations! It’s been fun to read about your journey on your blog.
~ A fellow runner and fan in San Diego
Valerie @ Chateau a la mode-Meg, can I just say I am so, so proud of you. I wish I knew you in real life to give you a huge hug. You rock girlie. May I also take a minute to let you know my husband is a firefighter and I got a tear in my eye with the photo of the firefighters. They truly are heros. They really are men and women who would lay down their lives for others and not think twice about it. xo
Tracy Fisher -i am so very proud of you! -tracy fisher
Katey-Your post brought tears to my eyes several times. Wow. So powerful. I’m glad you did it. Thanks for sharing your awesome adventure. I loved reading about it and seeing your pictures. God is Good.
Cari-This had me in tears. For one, I am originally from Oklahoma. Things like bombings always seem so much more “real” when they happen in your home. Secondly, I am freaking OUT about attempting my first 5K next week. Freaking.Out. I have convinced myself I’m just a big girl and it’s okay if I walk a lot of it. I need to change my attitude. Thirdly, so proud of you for reaching your goal! What an accomplishment!! Way to go!!! Thank you for letting us “run” this journey with you.
Debbie Hargadon -What a great recap and nice post. Thanks for all that you share!
Rebekah-GO MEG! You made me cry, and almost — ALMOST — made me want to run. Not quite. But almost. 🙂 Way to go!
shiela-believe me….once you start doing some kind of marathon, you are hooked for the rest of your life! keep running & keep inspiring sssso many gazillions of people around you…way to go! too many lives are waiting to be touched by your example. every sweat/trials/hills…they are all good & will make you stronger. to God be all the glory! He is the one that allowed you to accomplish more than you could ever imagine.
Wendy-You are such a motivator! I want to do this. thanks for posting about it. I love the Taledago Nights quote. So funny!
Tracy -Congratulations, Meg, to you and your friends! YOU ROCK!! so inspiring.
Robin Canter -I don’t know you but feel so happy for you and am so glad you ran this race and had such a positive experience. Pretty darn good girl.
Cathy-Ok.. you made me cry.. I am so happy for you.. maybe that little guy was your running angel.. only you could see/hear him.. say run… now I have a quote. Run Sally Run.. Dick and Jane. I would love to try a half.. considering I don’t RUN to start with that would be a big thing..
Janelle -Oh you made me teary eyed! Thanks for the inspiration…I think you’re right, I can do it too 🙂 Any tips for how to start??? Did you do Couch Potato to 5K? Number of days per week?? Amount of time spent running? Would love to know how you got started when you get a chance!
nora -Congratulations! But I must say – you did not run 13 miles, you RAN 13.1 MILES! That .1 counts!!!
Thank you for the awesome recap. What a wonderful race.
mary liz cawley -Love this post … brought tears to my eyes the whole way through. Congrats on 13.1 … you rock. I especially loved the “Morgan Freeman” man quietly cheering you on … LOVE HIM
kathy -And you trained through a horrible winter-that is the most impressive part to me! I loved the reading from Jesus Calling. Thanks for passing on some inspiration 🙂
Hannah-CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so so awesome! most of my friends are BIG runners…so i signed up for a half last year…just so i could be in on the girls trip! ha! i wasn’t fast…but you can’t explain the feeling of accomplishment when you are done! not sure if i will ever do it again…but like you…i can say…i did it! love how you take pictures along the way!!! :):)
Gale -CONGRATS!!! SO proud for you – and I lived in Norman when that bombing happened. So sad and terrifying and something I will never forget. My Okie heart is so blessed to see those pictures and know you were part of it.
YOU ROCK, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
sallie -WooHoo! You did it! Congratulations! I’ve been following and checking in to see how you did! Amazing accomplishment! Wonderful words about your journey and race day! I love that you had the chance to worship before the race! You and your friends are an inspiration!
Leslie-WOW!! Congratulations to you and your friends – what a true accomplishment. I was teary when reading about the moments of silence and the pictures of the memorials. Thanks so much for the recap – glad you shared with all of us 🙂
Heather -This is so beautiful, Meg. You did it!!! What a moving experience. How awesome is that Morgan Freeman guy? So cool. One day when my baby is a bit older, I’ll get back to running. You’re my inspiration!!! 🙂
Terrie-What a great post Meg! I’m so proud of You! And the rest of your group too…Go Angie!!
How stinkin’ emotional…I’m not sure I would have made it…
Shoot I teared up just reading this and thinking about how emotional it would be.
What an accomplishment…with family, friends and God..we can do anything!
Praising Him for all your Blessings!!
Hugs!!
Jenni -Thanks for posting. I knew you were training but didn’t realize it was for the OKC run. I grew up there and was a senior in high school when the bombing happened. Now I live in California where no one quite gets the impact of what happened there. It was a nice surprise to see this today.
And way to go! You inspire me!
Jess in Chicagoland-Meg, congrats on finishing your first half marathon! Reading this post of yours was such a huge inspiration for me and I got chills as I read all about it 🙂 I’ve been on a running journey of my own for the last year and a half and am currently training for my first 5k (it’s on June 16, eeeeek, haha). I’m a little nervous, but I know I can do it! Thanks for sharing your experience… it is quite the wonderful accomplishment! <3
misty-I wish I would have known you were there! I would have LOVED to have met you!! {I’d rather meet my favorite bloggers than any celeb} My mother in law & her sister run marathons. They are so amazing. I would love to be able to run an entire marathon one day, or actually, even the 1/2 would be fantastic. Isn’t the memorial so moving? We went last year & I couldn’t hardly sit through the part where they play the phone calls. I still remember sitting my my math class & hearing what had happened… I was in 7th grade, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
So excited for you! What an awesome accomplishment!
jodie -You are amazing! So proud of you ans your friends. You are all an inspiration! !
beki-Wow, Meg, that was powerful! You’re my hero 😉
Barbara -YAY MEG!! I’ve been checking here the last couple of days to see if you posted about the run….great job! So very happy for you!! Way to go!!
Mary-so rad!!!
what an amazing accomplishment!
xoxo
Jan B. -That was a great recap. Way to go! Very inspirational.
Linda -You are amazing and inspiring! Thank you!
Jenna -Tears! What a race to run … An amazing tribute. Congratulations!!
tonya -that pic of the firefighters totally did me in! so proud of you and your girlfriends for training so hard and accomplishing your goal!!!
Kathy-wow wow wow I am SO proud of you! I have been thinking about training for one of those but so on the fence … now you have me thinking even more about it … GREAT JOB!!!!
Heidi Durant -You did rock that! So awesome. Last month, a friend and I ran NINE 5ks. It was insane, but when I crossed the ninth and final finish line, I was so proud if myself and us! Loved your training posts and running attire. Moms can and will run!!
Lindsey -Way to go! What a great accomplishment!
Heather -I cried through this whole post. You inspire me. Craftily, Spiritually, as a Parent, Style-wise. You’re rockin it! 🙂 Good Job Meg!
Angela A-Congratulations Meg! Such an amazing accomplishment and amazing day. So thankful you had so many to cheer all of you on–even the Morgan Freeman dude!
Kristin S-Yea Meg, yea, yea, yea!!!
So proud of you!!!
After a year injured, I long to run again. I’m a run/walker and really do enjoy it and miss it – as do my growing thighs. I have hope of returning but am content if it isn’t God’s plan.
Maybe, someday, I’ll walk/run a half. I want to!
tinaehb3 -This brought tears to my eyes 🙂 This is definitely going on my list of must accomplish!!
Carrie-I am racewalking my first post second baby event on May 12. Prior to her I have 6 marathons and several halfs under my belt. She is almost 2 1/2 so it has been awhile and I am nervous. I racewalk and I look nerdy doing it, but I am evidently good at it. I wish my knees would let me run. I am hoping to keep a 12:15 pace, slower then what I used to do, realistic now I suppose. My husband against my getting back into this as it has involved some watching of the kiddos while I do my long training on the weekend. I have not shared that I already have a race picked out in September!!
Colleen -Congrats to you and your running friends! Quite an inspiration you are…maybe I will try for a 5K first! Well done.
jenny -You’re such an inspiration! Congratulations!!!
Amy K. -SO PROUD OF YOU… that you did it, but especially how you have spent the past week using the whole thing to glorify God!
Tiffany-God is so good….(then u say) ..All the time. I am very happy for you, this is an impressive accomplishment! Rockstar!
Hannah Lesley-There is nothing cooler than running a race. I am convinced of it. You should be so proud of yourself! I’m proud of you:)
ann-Congratulations Meg! I am so proud of you and being a runner myself, I know what hard work that was! Yea! Go you! Isn’t amazing that so much of our physical body has to do with our MIND! (Having God give you strength helps, too!!) Hugs, Ann in Park Ridge
Courtney-Congratulations! I got a little teary reading this too! I ran my one and only half a couple of years ago and it was amazing! My body freaked out afterward too and I felt horrible! I love the encouragement you got toward the end and how you kept yourself going! And super impressed that you ran that far before you walked! Super inspiring…thanks for sharing!
melodee-you are amazing! all of you girls are! congrats!!
Jeanelle -I just wept when I read what the older man said to you at mile 12…God is just the best. So glad you made it. You’re awesome.
Kelly-I’m getting emotional for you! I know what it means to mentally and physically do something you didn’t think you would ever be able to do! Such a HUGE accomplishment! Congratulations!
becky @ farmgirl paints-i am so proud of you meg. seriously running a marathon seems impossible to me…but YOU DID IT! rock star. love the mantra you said to yourself.
Connie -Congratulations!
Leann -Congratulations to you and your friends!!!! You are all AMAZING women in my book.
Rachel B. -I was tearing up reading your post! What an amazing opportunity! What an example of Philippians 4:13!!!
Mia-AMAZING! You are an inspiration to all of us who have never run a half marathon. Clearly, those runs in 17 degrees weather paid off!
Tiffany clark-GOOD FOR YOU! You’re so amazing! I’m so happy you did that for yourself! I didn’t realize how emotional it would be, but reading this post, now I get it. Wow.
Carol S.-Remember I hung up my running shoes after my first 5K….but am sooooo proud of you. Loved all the pics and stories. Adored Morgan Freeman’s encouragement at the end, and the Jesus in the tuxedo clip really made me laugh. Haven’t seen it but I need to memorize that line…cause I like my Jesus to party a little, too. Sigh, great work Meg, thanks for sharing the journey.
CathyC-Good for you Meg! That is super-awesome!!!!!!! You should be so proud!!!!!!! 🙂
Mary-Way proud of you! Big congrats!
Had to chuckle about Jesus in running shorts…I have a feeling he was smiling too!
Rach-Congrats! It must have been an amazing feeling of accomplishment!
chrissi -inspiring post. thank you, i loved it.
Anne -I’m so proud of you!!! Way. To. Go. And you look adorbs in those running glasses. Don’t tell yourself otherwise, cause its just not true! Congratulations to all of you.
kim-i’m so proud of you , meg.
this post made me choke up.
(which isn’t something that happens for me a lot).
picturing the morgan-freeman-lookalike quietly encouraging you made my throat swell up, and tears well up.
and the special sights at the memorial. the bibs.
so amazing.
i remember the day of the bombing, i was super young, and spent the whole day watching the news (unsupervised). i think it is incredibly special that you did this.
and you’re right. now you can always say you did it. 🙂
it’s a good feeling, isn’t it?
Lori H -Love this story Meg and I am so proud that you did it! And here I am, worried about an 8K with my lately-rebelling 50-year-old body. Haha.
tracy dickinson-way to go! my sis has done the okc half and it was pretty amazing. i am training for my first half in november! now you need to do a full…!!!!!
Stephanie -I’m totally wiping tears away. 🙂 how amazing for you! I love that you leaned on God and wanted to present your body a living sacrifice.
I lived in OK before the bombing. That memorial is so moving. I would love to go back.
I ruptured my Achilles’ tendon almost 2 years ago while on a run and it still bothers me. I don’t see a half marathon (or even a mile run! Lol) in my future.
Good for you! So glad to see the update!
Jenn -Meg, you made me tear up by the end of the post. I ran my first two half marathons last year and am so ready to do it again after reading about your experience. You did rock that half. Way to go!
Melissa-So proud of you! Sounds like you did amazing and soaked it all in – perfect! Stinks you got sick afterwards.
tiffany gardner-YAY MEG!!! I was totally standing on a street in my neighborhood (by the beer guys) cheering you on! I kept telling my husband… I have to cheer on my blog girl… he said .. is that creepy??? Maybe… but I said I would be there and I was!! My hubby and oldest son ran the 5k. The run was awesome… the day was awesome … our city is awesome. So glad you came!!
Lynette-Great job, sounds like a pretty cool experience!
Lisa M. -So wonderful Meg!! I’ve been checking for this post all weekend and all day today 🙂 That is so awesome that you took pictures throughout the race to save those memories. I love your mantra “God’s spirit is with you….” Thanks for sharing. I ran a 5 mile race last fall and I had just started training in September. After about mile 3 I kept asking myself, “Why? Why am I doing this?” but then when I was done, I was so glad and I will probably do it again, but honestly? Give me a 3 mile run any day and I’m good 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS on reaching your goal!
Ashley E -Great job Meg!!! Sad I didn’t get to see you, but that’s life. 🙂 You should do the Route 66 1/2 in Tulsa this November…. 🙂
jamie -oh my gosh. i better hurry up and wipe my tears before my kids come down here and see me crying. what a beautiful recap of your race experience. i am so proud of you my imaginary friend! what an amazing accomplishment!
stephany @ home is what you make it-Nice work!
I refuse to run for longer than 1 hour at a time, so I train for 10k’s.
Maybe I’ll decide that I would like to run for longer than 1 hour at a time someday, but for now that is good.
Right now I am training for a 10k at the beginning of August…and it is in the park i run in all the time, so I can practice the route from my house!
Does anybody go for a run during Craft Weekend?
Sarah Wolfe-Awesome! Makes me want to do one too… eventually 🙂
i knew i had to run this morning and the first thing i thought when i opened my eyes was “NO.”
but i did it. two of my buddies were there and we ran five miles. the middle felt good and then suddenly i said “HOW ARE WE NOT DONE YET!?!” i just wanted to be finished!
but i feel so good now!
we are still running in 20 degrees. we have every bit of us covered except little bits of our faces that our masks don’t cover. we wear two or three layers on top, pants, heavy socks, gloves, a neck guard, a hat and sunglasses. and we are freezing!
i can’t wait for warm weather!!
this summer i would LOVE to be MEG’S SUMMER OF SHORTS.
it’s been a long time since i have worn shorts. i owned one pair last year. and i didn’t like wearing them. so if i want to WEAR them then i will have to DO SOMETHING about this… like more exercise. but all this fun workout gear makes the thought of that more bearable.
Stephanie-What keeps me motivated is a race & a training plan! Right now I am training to run a marathon (first time ever!) I am following Hal Higgon’s plan mostly but tweaking it to better fit me. Yay for you for running in 20-degrees! 🙂
Bobbie -I take ACE, appetite control and energy. It helps tremendously with losing weight and maintaining your weight when you reach your goal. The ingredients are all natural so it’s safe too. I also play some softball in the summer but that is about it. I hate running!
Lindsay -ok. i TOTALLY hear you about the “summer of shorts”. half the problem is that the shorts on the market are TOO SHORT! and since i’m tall, the shorts are even shorter (or so they look).
i’ve found a really cute pair that i like and are completely manageable…i ran a half-marathon in them, quite comfy. and i think cute! http://www.zappos.com/adidas-womens-speedtrick-2-in-1-short-tech-grey-zest
and above all else…remember that GOD gave you legs that are strong and capable and beautiful even if they don’t look like the people wearing all these “booty shorts”
and squats. my trainer has me doing about a bizillion squats every week. i have muscles i’ve never seen before!
Melanie-weight training! gotta tone those muscles. (i too never wear shorts)
Cheryl E. -WHAT?!?!? i”m not the only one who HATES (and thus refuses) to wear shorts? I don’t care if it is 95 degrees outside, I will not wear shorts. BUT, I am tryng to get over it. Trying…. trying….trying……
Maybe we should just be happy with what God gave us, huh?
Jenn A. -Squats and Lunges will help a ton! And I agree about fake tan!
Tracy -Power yoga can really tone your legs and you can do it home. Just go to yogadownload.com. Get a friend to do it with you. It’s fun!
If you want to wear shorts, wear them!! No one cares what your legs look like…they’re too worried about how their own legs look 😉
Eryn -Just remember, it’s always harder to restart so don’t give up now! 🙂 Push through the pain and your body will thank you. I HATED running with an absolute passion last year and while it’s definitely not my favorite now, I can manage to finish a 5k in a semi decent time and I’m proud of that! All this motivation makes me wanna go for a run now! Keep up the good work! 🙂
Kari-So funny! I never wear shorts either. Ever. My kids are old enough now to ask me why. Maybe I should make this a goal too – I am starting a FAST diet program tomorrow – a family from Omaha started it – they have lost a bunch of weight together. I think at this point I need some accountability – turning 40 and eating too many carbs has caused me to put on a few pounds in the last 6 mos and now none of my clothes fit! Having a job where I sit most of the day doesn’t help either….
Good luck! Kari
Becky-Fake Tan – top tip for wearing shorts – brown legs ALWAYS look better in shorts – so get the fake tan out and get the shorts on – you’ll look awesome – also all that exercise and healthy eating advice is worth listening too as well !!!!
Leah J -I’m very impressed with your dedication to running! It sure helps to have running partners to get you out there! I was also going to say, like the above commenter, that slimming down mostly depends on our diet, 80 % vs. 20% exercise! Put those 2 together, and you’ll be rockin the shorts by summer! Sigh…. Now if only it was as easy as it sounds.
Melissa -I love to swim, though I think I could use some helpful friends like yours. I struggle with making time to do it. Just recently started back again and I am only able to swim about half of what I could just a couple of years ago. Goals help keep me motivated so I’m shooting to be able to swim a month-long marathon in May. 26.2 miles in 31 days.
Tiffany-Sorry I can’t help you out on this one. I suggest having more kids. I burn off everything I eat by chasing after Henry. 🙂 Good plan, right?! 😉
Nikki-Insanity!!! I hadn’t worn shorts since my oldest was born (she’s eight) and last Spring I did Insanity and the muscles came right out! Everything *lifted* lol. I started with Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred, though, which I feel made me more ready for something crazy like Insanity. I give these two programs credit for turning me into a workout lover 🙂
Carrie-You know it doesn’t matter, if you want to wear them, wear them!! Honestly! You are in great shape from exercising so wear the shorts! But if you want some extra crosstraining, Jillian Michaels can kick some butt! Her yoga workout leaves me shaking sometimes.
Jeana -Oh and I second…third the lululemon recommendation!!
Jeana -I set a goal to buy 2 new pair of j crew shorts for the summer as my reward for working out enough to look good in them ha! I love Pilates and eating well, minus a major sweet tooth, lots of water and I just started running…I want to keep it up. Good luck!
Krista -I dream about little running shorts and skorts too…. I bet you’d rock them if you tried! Keep it up, you are an inspiration!
stephanie -Have you ever been to lululemon? The only thing nike i buy anymore are my shoes.
Kimberlee Jost-Great question on what keeps someone motivated. Loved reading these answers!
I could use a little fountain of motivation these days.
I would say that knowing that I will spend 50 percent of my summer life at the pool come June has a lot to do with it.
I echo Amy and Taryn—you have awesome legs. You should show them more. 🙂
amy jupin-you listen to me, missy!
you have GREAT legs.
flaunt the heck out of those things!
i do not want to hear any of this capri business this summer.
put on the dang shorts!
that’s an order!
(xoxo, heehee)
Heather Simnitt -Squats and lunges can really tone your booty and legs, but it also causes a “bulk up” effect in my legs, so I keep that balanced with running and pilates. I really found that last year my legs were just finally starting to look really good toward the end of summer when I had been wogging (walking and jogging) with a friend three mornings a week and then doing Jillian two days a week. During the winter I alternate running on the dreadmill and doing Jillian’s kickbox fast fix. I’m sure I haven’t lost a stinkin’ pound because even though I eat fairly healthy overall (drinks 48 oz of pure water a day, veggies with 2 meals, greek yogurt for lunch, etc) I seem to always give in to a sugar craving most days after dinner. I’m learning to indulge moderately – a couple of Dove chocolates after dinner seems to do the trick. I’m sure you’ll be just fine donning some shorts this summer – all this running has GOT to be producing some rock hard quads and hammies, right?
Liesl -I agree about the shorts–I only wear Bermuda’s that cover the majority of my thighs! I’ve added Zumba to my walking routine along with cutting out snacks after dinner and eating more fruits and veggies. I’m trying to listen to my stomach instead of my eyes. You can do it Meg!
Amy Petz-My new energy level keeps me motivated. I don’t like how I feel when I don’t work out. Hiking is awesome. Zumba is my go-to, but only with the right instructor. I Zumba 4 days a week and hike 2 days. I am at a point where I think I need to incorporate weights, but don’t know where to start.
You look great and should wear shorts! Love the inspiration you provide!
Jen -This is going to be my summer for shorts too! I just lost 30 pounds and have ten to go. I bought a fun pair of shorts Saturday when I was at Goodwill dropping off all my “fat clothes”! I’m looking forward to wearing them!
Roganne-I really like the insanity DVDs except that every time I finish a workout I wish I could reach into the tv and slap Shaun t in the face! But it feels so good after! (And by after I mean several days after!)
Tracy Fisher -thank you for motivating me! -tracy
shar y -Under health and fitness, Pinterest has tons of exercises for toning. But, I think you are looking very fit!
Alice H -ZUMBA!!! Do it! Before I had my last baby I was down to my lowest weight since my older babies and my body was in such great shape! I was eating better and doing Zumba at least 4 times a week. It was amazing!! I then started doing Step and Body Pump 2-3 times a week.
You just need to wear shorts!! I bet your legs look better than what you give yourself credit for!!
Kristin S-I didn’t wear shorts for 10 years. Ten!
But I started again a few years ago around age 40. Backwards, I know.
But I was also running and running makes my legs look good so I ventured out.
I haven’t been allowed to/able to run since May 5th last year due to injury after injury after injury. My legs look awful and my body is fluffy.
No decision on whether or not shorts will be on my legs this year. Guess I need to decide soon…. spring is close.
Amber D. McNabb-Too funny, last year was the first year ever that I refused to don a pair of shorts. I seriously need to get off my fanny and do something about this. Thanks for the inspiration!
Stephanie C -You need some Lululemon in your life!!
Taryn Jost-All i’m gonna say is, Megan no matter what, you have ALWAYS had great legs. You WILL totally rock those shorts! Love ya!:)
Katie Beth -I seriously just sat down after a treadmill run…like I am still sweating and breathing hard. I am not someone that is ever excited to run, but the feeling when I am finished is what keeps me going. It is much better than adding up the days since I have ran and thinking about how much harder it is going to be next time. I am just now able to complete the 5K on my treadmill without a break to walk, and I am super proud of that accomplishment. My husband and I are doing the Color Run, Kansas City in June! I do hate treadmill running, but I hate being freezing cold even more. But bring on the Spring! I can’t wait! I have some new running shorts to break in!
Beth-You really are dedicated and should feel great for running in that insane weather. I’m in my last week of training for an 5k and even down south in Sweet Home Alabama, we’ve had some wild – cold and rainy – weather. It’s so easy to want to make an excuse. But I can’t complain since you’re running in 20 degree weather. Wow! Happy running!
Angela A-What keeps me motivated to exercise: trying on pants and putting on my swimming suit in the middle of winter to play at Great Wolf. And what keeps me motivated while exercising is definitely music.
My favorite form of exercise is swimming but mostly I left weights and run. And I am just trying to not eat the empty calories. The yummy ones. Sigh.
Leah-I am totally in love with Pure Barre. It’s a Pilates/ballet type exercise. It’s painful but amazing! I lost all my baby weight right away and totally owe it to going to the barre before and during pregnancy. Can’t wait to go back. Have to start getting a little more sleep first;)
Moriah -I totally needed to hear this post today. Thanks. Just started running(today) and I am thinking “why on Earth and I doing this, I hate it.” Thanks for the inspiration!
RunStandStill -What keeps me motivated to exercise: The payoff – losing weight, looser fitting clothes, more clothing options (a fit body looks better in more styles) and just taking care of my health. Also, like you, I need GREAT music on my ipod to exercise.
What is my favorite form of exercise: I have to constantly mix things up – a cardio session, weights, throw in a spin or zumba class, walk outside with a friend. I like variety.
What should you do to get your body ready for shorts: In my experience, I can’t do it all with just exercise. I’ve heard that diet is 80% of weight loss success, and I believe it. I can undo the benefits of my exercise session with one bag of potato chips. Suggestions include drinking loads of water and meals focused on healthy protein and veggies. Since a person can’t ‘spot lose’ the extra weight or fat, losing overall pounds and lowering body fat helps legs look more toned and lean. I also think adding weightlifting/toning to an exercise routing is very beneficial, for multiple reasons.
Best of luck – you can do it! You will rock those shorts, mama!
someone asked the question back on that question post….
"what is in your purse?"
i was shopping yesterday and thought "dang this is so heavy…"
now i know why.
i think it's time to clean it out just a bit. ha ha ha
so… craft weekend is today. again. 🙂 i just LOVE when it comes around each month. we have such a lovely time…making stuff…eating stuff…making new friends. i heard that there are TWO cheesecakes this month. its official…diet starts monday!
these are some of my instagrams from this week.
for our run on monday it was 38 degrees! stinkin' cold!!
your job is to bless. BE a BLESSING. ok God…i will try my best. (1 Peter in The Message)
talby and annie made a double batch of cookies. i was so glad. for the cookies….and also the dough.
i am considering switching to cheer…purely for the label. they know me. they know my needs.
i was in charge (self appointed) of getting the pb m&ms for craft weekend. guess what kimberlee had to buy more of today?
ha!
it was senior night at lauren's volleyball game. the parents went out on the court and everything. they won their games that night with POWER and confidence….so fun to watch.
there is a new happy wall at the craft house this week! the house and the rooster were from the sparrow mercantile. and the print too…she made it for me special. :) but i hear she may be making them for her shop too. lucky you.
a closer-upper. i love wrapping the hoop with scrap fabrics…adds a lovely touch. and doilies. they are so granny chic.
i got the best gift ever today. i felt so loved. i felt completely understood and my heart was full…i cried a lot.
and now i think the chickens are SO totally happening.
🙂
have you heard this song Home by Phillip Phillips? i am loving it.
the swag is all in it's place waiting for all the crafty girls to arrive. we have so many grrrrrrreat sponsors! dayspring, crysatl b, paris print ship, broward patch, stampin' up, amy butler, kari machal designs, limeade designs, matthew mead, pam garrison, knitty bitties, bake it pretty and 31gifts! amazing.
and this picture had to be big…because it's SOOOOOO happy!! this is my car on my way over to the craft house this morning. i love fridays of craft weekend! because i get to buy lots of flowers with no guilt whatsoever!
hope you have a wonderful friday. follow me on instagram and you can see craft weekend on IG firsrt!
Michelle -I would love to read “The Message”, but when I searched for it, there were tons of books by that title. Who wrote the book you are referring to?
Michelle -I would love to read “The Message”, but when I searched for it, there were tons of books by that title. Who wrote the book you are referring to?
Flower Patch Farmgirl-I thought that Old Navy return was a bag of DRIED BEANS at first. And I thought, For the Love of Pete, Lady!
haha.
You were making me feel good about the state of my purse, with your bag of beans.
Adrienne -My gum is always all over my purse too 😉 looks like y’all are having fun!!
Brooke-Do you know what I like about you? You dont’ try to show everyone how cute and organized your purse is…..or you don’t lay it all out in order. You just keep it real. Thanks for that. I am not going to lie, I want my swag and every other month’s swag at craft weekend. I guess that means I should work for you…so i get one of each swag. Oh man, i wish I had some talent to bring to the CW team. I don’t.
Hope you have an awesome time this weekend!!
mama lola-hope you’re switching sides when carrying your purse!!! how do you fit all of that in your purdy blue bag?
happy crafting!
Trudy-I want to come to craft weekend just to absorb all the good, colorful vibes! And please know you ARE a blessing to so many!
You need to check out the First Friday in Kansas City next month. All the vintage shops downtown (West Bottoms by Kemper) get together and have their shops and flea markets open at the same time. Not only do they have some way cool stuff to buy (I snagged a super shabby chic chandelier!) the inspiration is amazing!
Carrie -Courtney (and sally, below), she talked about it when they first moved. Look in the archives at the end of February and early March.
Su@TheIntentionalHome-I want those hoops and I want that print too. And I am trying to figure out how to wrap fabric around the outer loop???
Jennifer Davis Wood -I had and have the biggest crush on Phillip Phillips and you just reminded me of it! Got to go look up some Phil youtube now:)
Jill-Have you ever had the Peanut Butter and Jelly M&Ms? They are AH-mazing. They are special limited edition…so anytime I see them on the shelf, I stock up. And then hide them so I don’t have to share. 🙂
Southern Gal-We watch AI so we have definitely heard the song and love it. In fact, my son made me play it again today. I say “made me” because he loves it too much and played it so much I banned it for a while. (Then all he did was sing it, especially the ahh-ahh-ahh parts, so I lifted the ban. ;))
I love reading about Craft Weekend.
Courtney -This is all beautiful, but I checked back today because I was curious as to whether you were going to answer as to why your family is living in the rental? I assume this was a business decision to keep your home set up for craft weekends? It is confusing to some who may have missed an explanation somewhere along the way.
sally -So wondering if you are going to explain what is going on with your house situation? No offense, but it is starting to seem odd that your family lives in a cramped rental with one bath while you reserve your beautiful home for down time and craft weekends. Are we missing something?
ko. s-I love your posts! Especially when they are filled with so much random goodness! That’s a lot of stuff in your purse lady! I was at a women’s tea last weekend and we were asked to decorate a hat with whatever was in our purses, lo and behold I had a toy gun in my purse! I was the envy of every table! Ha! On a different topic I’m so glad to see you run in what my hubby calls fashion sunglasses! He thinks I’m nuts for doing it 🙂 Hope its a lovely weekend! Looking forward to seeing all the crafty goodness on IG!
Tiffany-I love so many things about you… but that purse? Oh my. I would die. Can I organize for you when I come for CW next month? 🙂
Tracy Fisher -Ever just had one of those days. Sprinkling outside. Crying inside. PMS? Hormones? Feeling left out of a group outing? Just hearing the words CRAFT WEEKEND cheered me up! I am signing up soon. I swear!! -tracy
mum of all trades-Finally the inside of a handbag that looks like mine! Whenever people show the contents of their bags, its always so clean and streamlined. Love the flowers for the craft house.
Maura -Do you make a double batch in your kitchen aid? I always do a 1 1/2 batch but have been afraid a double batch is too big?? I would love to make more cookies!
jackie grandy-I love all the color in this post from the awesome Hunter boots, to the craft wall and lastly to that amazing photo with the oodles of flowers and pumpkins. I love this time of year so much. The colors are so vibrant. Have a great craft weekend and enjoy the cheesecake. Feel proud of yourself that you ran in 30 degree weather! Just so you know, I wouldn’t be doing that! I’m a total wimp when it comes to cold weather.
xoxo,
Jackie
Jocelyn Pascall-Love the Hunter boots! Have a GREAT weekend!
christy -What a fun, happy post! Love all of the color! Thinking Craft Weekend needs to go on my life list.
Not that you asked me, but I think you should definitely add chickens to your life! We have 4 & they are fun, and silly & YES, they are fast! We let our free range in the yard (sometimes) & chasing them around to put them in the coop is hilarious fun. We have one “prodcution red”, one more peach & 2 that are black & white, but different from one another. They love to eat meal worms as a snack, they go NUTS!
Kimberly-Ever since I discovered Hunter boots I’ve wanted yellow pair! Love!!
Emily -Why is it that Orbitz gum NEVER stays in it’s pack once you open it!!??!! That purse looks like mine!
Megan-You are amazing, and I hope to come to craft weekend sometime!! I would love it.
Sierra -Oh man, I seriously laughed out loud when I saw what all was in your purse. 🙂 Isn’t it funny how much stuff we can cram into them? haha Also, that is a super happy backseat! 🙂 Hope you ladies all have a great weekend.
Leah-Question for you: Is there some secret way to get Instagram photos to your blog? Right now I’m just manually saving them from Facebook or wherever I’m posting and then inserting to my blog. There must be a better way to do this!
april-LOVE LOVE LOVE the hunter boots and happy flowers…..I hope you have an amazing weekend girl! xoxo
Terrie-That has to be the happiest backseat ever!!
Have a wonderful time at Craft Weekend!
🙂
Gretchen -Love Home, the words just speak to me. It sounds crazy, but some songs do that. It also makes me think of my late husband, and the home we made together, and the one he is making for the day I get to see him again. I just love it. It is on repeat all the time. Have a great craft weekend!
a few months ago my running buddies and i decided we'd sign up for a 10K to keep us motivated.
it was hard to keep running some mornings but most of the time we made the effort.
this weekend….we did it!
i am sure you know how hard it is to have time with girlfriends. so instead of just never seeing them….we meet up to run.
and to distract us from the running we talk about what is going on in our lives.
we each ran the whole 6.2 miles….no walking.
woo-hoo!!!
these are positive, encouraging, Godly women that i love. we support each other. we lift each other up. we are happy for each other when good things come. we pray for each other. we want to see the best for each other! they are so special to me.
i am so proud of all us for sticking with it and working hard.
when we were done…we weren't even exhausted. we all agreed we could've kept going.
sweet.
our post race tradition is starbucks and the spa.
this time we could only do starbucks because we had to get back home for our kids' swim meet. but next time…
we are going to the spa.
and there IS a next time.
10 miles.
in the fall….it's ON!
and there is talk about a half marathon but that scares the heck outta me right now.
some of you have asked me about specifics on my personal running gear….
let me tell you that this sports bra has been A W E S O M E!!!
i used to have to wear two sports bras to run…until i found this. it's my fave. it's available on amazon even….i got mine at Dicks Sporting Goods.
it's not cheap…but it's about the same as having to wear two before….and it's totally worth it.
josy -Anyone who can run and talk at the same time is a superstar in my book!
Julie -I’ve been doing the double-sports-bra thing for years, and hated it. Based on your recommendation, I swallowed the money guilt and went right out to get that bra. I don’t usually do that, but I figured you wouldn’t steer me wrong. After my “long” run this morning, I can safely say that it is everything you said it would be. I really really appreciate it. Thanks for being a running inspiration to me.
Jennifer-Hey Meg…love this post. Congrats–that is so awesome! I turned 40 this May and have been feeling this sense of urgency that I need to get back into some sort of work out routine. I have for the past few years since my son was born just put it on the back burner. Your enthusiasm has motivated me to get more serious about getting my booty in gear. 🙂
JoLynn -So inspirational! I am overdue right now for baby #4, but running looks fabulous! 🙂 I would love to get into it once I recover. Do you have an iPhone that you listen to music? I am really behind the times when it comes to technology, but would love to buy something good to listen to tunes on for motivation. Thanks and keep up the hard work! 🙂
Christina-That is sooo great! You have been very inspiring to me with all of your running. Congratulations on doing this race!
karen-I didn’t even know running skirts existed!! yay! I have pink adidas trainers and I’m certain they give me wings!
On a side note, I just saw the orange You is…throw pillow you make on Pinterest!!! I am inlove!! I am in the middle of making my homeschool room and just painted it SR robins egg blue and that pillow would be the happy in the room!! WOuld you consider making one for our room?? You are so gifted!! And where did you even find cursive writing fabric??? I think I have a crush! karenevoy@hotmail.com http://oakhillsacademy.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/reclining-dad/
Tiffany -So awesome!!! Congrats on 6.2 miles, I always say running is not for me. Maybe I need the cute skirt? Nah, bur some inspirational friends would certainly do it.
Tanya-Congrats Meg!
I just ran my first 5k race weekend 2 weeks ago. I loved the energy. Pretty great…and addictive. My sister treated me to a LuLu Lemon outfit for race day! WOW 🙂
Yay for running!!!!
shiela-that was quite ssstrange that my previous comment got erased for some reason…? don’t feel like re-typing everything again & if this message gets “erased” as well…then, oh well!
Emily B-That is awesome! You look amazing! Races freak me out. But you’ve been (your 100 mile month), and are continuing to inspire me to keep running! Thanks for that.
Megan-Absolutely amazing! I am just starting on 5k’s and am so thankful for the inspiration you are!
elz-Congratulations. Be careful, I started with 5 and 10ks and now I’m a half marathon runner! You know, you can easily run twice as far as you’ve run before. Meaning, you gals are ready for a 1/2 marathon! Don’t be afraid to walk when you run (walk 1 minute every 10 minutes or so), it’s actually better for your muscles in the long run (ha ha, pun!). It keeps you fresher longer.
Ashley-Congrats! I think you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to add mileage, once you get past that 10K distance. It is daunting, of course, but seriously once I did seven miles it seemed like oh heck, what’s another mile? Good luck with the 10 miler, and I say go for it. Find half to sign up for! You can do it!
Kimberly Dial-So awesome! Congrats to you & your friends!
steph-way to go meg!!!!
so proud of you girls.
i always find a race gives me a kick in the pants and running is easier when i schedule it in.
so if i’m training, i’m more inclined to get out there.
sometimes i just ‘train’ pretend so that i get lots of mileage in.
i’m so sneaky! ha ha!
i love it though too… and i love running with my BFF.
we call it “coffee time” without the calories. 😉
right now i’m training for my third half marathon.
it’s on father’s day.
i’m sorta freaking out but excited too… in a barfy kinda way.
make sense?
ha ha ha!
i’m encouraging YOU to do a half too!
you will love it!
honestly!
lots of hard work but such a great feeling afterward.
if you want some training tips ever, feel free to email me.
i have always followed a very easy training plan.
only involves running 4 times a week.
3 shorter runs during the week and 1 long run on the weekend.
doable, for sure!
there’s nothing like the feeling of finishing the half too…
like having a baby without drugs.
super crazy hard… think you can’t do it… then it’s over… and you feel like a million BUCKS!
awesome!
roganne-you are so inspirational! i totally hate running. if i have to run, it is usually only because i am being chased! great job!
Kristin S-So proud of all of you! I’ve never run with a group because I love the alone time but I like this concept for encouragement.
I got achilles tendonitis in both feet (waaaa) four weeks and two days ago and haven’t run a step since. It is HARD. I miss it. I feel like a crazy, psycho woman missing running. I mean, I miss ice cream, but running?!?!
Thanks for the tips. I’m always on the hunt for a good sports bra. The cross back ones always seem so complicated but yours has a zipper! Brilliant. I get mine from Title Nine.
Run for me!
amy jupin-soooo proud of both you and jana!
this takes time and dedication–to running and to each other!
way to go girls!
p.s. va-va-voom! hotness.
Katie Jones -How did you get started like did you do a program or something?
Also still wondering about your devotional you were reading last week??? Which one is it????
Heidi Jo the Artist-So proud of you! 🙂 I have a ways to go, but I keep chugging along each week. Really hoping to try out that sports bra. I wear two when I run right now, and sometimes I think I need three, so I definitely know what you mean!! What headphones do you like? I remember you said you listen to music most of the times you run by yourself. I’ve got cheapies right now, but want to invest in a nicer pair that will stay in my ears well. I wish I had a lot or even ONE girlfriend that liked to run in my area. My brother runs a lot and between him, you, and another person online I know, you guys really inspire me. 🙂 I’d run with my brother, but man I got the short end of the stick and have super short legs compared to him and even if I was in pristine shape he would leave me in his dust… Trying to get my hubby and my oldest son to run more. My oldest son really wants to get a medal; my brother has gotten several and that is great encouragement for him. I really need to push it up a notch though, did lots of walking over the weekend so that made me feel better than doing nothing. I started doing stretching and some yoga over the past month. Every morning I had bad back pain the day after I would run or walk lots. I can’t believe how much of a difference it makes. Last night I was in a lot of pain from walking so much over the weekend and I just did the stretching even though it was painful, and wow felt pretty good this morning. So that is my advice if anyone ever asks you about backpain. 😉 Have a great week!
Suzanne-Great job, Meg! I am starting the Couch 2 5K program – I really LOATHE running. But I really need to get in shape, and I set a goal of running a 5K, so….
april-You look sooooo great!!! Congrats on the race! xoxo
April R -Yeah you guys! 🙂 That’s so awesome!
and I can see how those shoes would make running happier 🙂 super cool!
happygirl-You are a ROCK STAR! You look great. Good for you. 🙂
Jenna@CallHerHappy-I need to get back into running. I was in a running accident a couple of years ago, and I’ve had a hard time starting up again. Prayers for me? I’ll say some prayers for you that keep getting more awesome!
Jenna
callherhappy.com
Londen-congratulations! I will do any kind of workout but hate running, always have. you are looking quite fit btw!!
Seriously Sassy Mama-I so love to run. I just started, and hope to run a 5k in a year. I actually like running by myself. It gives me time to listen to music, think, and talk to God.
Jennifer-Congratulations! That is quite the accomplishment. I’m not a fan of running, but I go to a bootcamp 3 days a week and we do lots of running. What keeps me going…..friends. You are so on the money with that. They motivate and empathize about the pain and being tired. Thanks for the tips on the running gear. I agree the Under Armour bra is the best and have wanted to know which shoes you had…so cute!
Laura Wilder -Wow Meg – Awesome AWESOME job! Just yesterday I was checking back in your posts about running music. I just started back up again after a long hiatus. 🙂 It makes me feel free.
Sandy -Way to go! That is awesome! I want to be a runner but I am no good at it. I’ll keep CrossFitting and working on my running. …
Terrie G-Oh.My.Gosh. I’m almost embarrassed to show my age…I was one of your dear sweet running friends’ youth group leader! LOVE that girl!! She has such a sweet spirit about her! I’m so happy that she has sweet, wonderful, faithful, Godly women like you in her life! Puts a smile on my face!
Congrats on your accomplishment!!
Holly-congrats Meg! That is awesome! We are doing a color run here in Nashville in October. You need to see if there is one close to you because you would LOVE it!
Ashley-I am so proud of you…and in awe of you. That is a LONG run, a REALLY REALLY REALLY LONG run in my book. Great job friend!
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our thanksgivings were each good… and very yummy..jpg)
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i got up early for my run yesterday morning…. so lovely..jpg)
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if you have wondered about kansas really being flat…. now you know.
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Gina in Louisville - What do you wear to stay warm when you go running and it is so cold?
Flower Patch Farmgirl - Andy Stanley.
Let’s put him on the “good” side of our list.
Not the peaches and pets side.
rachel b. - Seriously. Those glasses are adorable. Where did you find them?
Lisa M - Silly request, but can you share how you download those podcasts to your phone please?
Terri - I laughed out loud at work when I read about the other runner coming up behind you out of nowhere.
elizabeths - After reading about a dude coming up behind you out of no where do you ever worry about being abducted? Seriously, there is nothing out there and where would you go for help. Just sayin..but it is a beautiful site.
kris saia - Yes, it IS flat… but it’s also beautiful! We live in a hilly area around Topeka, but I’m coming to love the scenery of western Kansas. Very calming — It makes my blood pressure drop. 🙂
April R - thanks for taking time and sharing your tree, your family, and silly waffle dog in the face pictures.
thanks for sharing the sunrises and the beauty of Kansas (I can’t see the sunrise in my neighborhood for the trees and houses).
And thanks for sharing ’bout the serious-fast-runner-out-of-nowhere dude
made me smile and lightened my heart (is that weird?) have a great week 🙂
tonya - i love how different the different parts of ks look! i’m about 100 miles ne of you in the flint hills…there’s nothin’ flat up here! 😉
Melissa - Andy Stanley is a favorite of mine. I listen to him during my walks. I listen to some sermons over and over. I listened today to Follow:fearless and Follow:followwear AGAIN. I go back to those over and over.
Crazy pic I cant imagine how flat it is out there. I live in the “endless mountains of PA”
Tracey Garcia - Love the pics of the kids all together—so weird to be reading your blog since Annie was in kindergarten and then to see them looking so grown up. Crazy how fast that happens!
Rachel S - Well, I’m a little bummed that my name isn’t Tanya S, but after hearing in a sermon that it’s much harder to “Rejoice with those who rejoice” than it is to “mourn with those who mourn”. So I’ll choose to be very happy for Tanya! 🙂
I hosted thanksgiving for the first time this year, so it was fun but exhausting. My husband and I also did our first Thanksgiving day 5K run/walk. He ran and I walked but ran at times. Even though I wanted to stay in bed that morning, it felt good!
Way to go on your #32!
Stacy P. - Love that you love Andy Stanley. Our family goes to a “strategic partner” church of North Point Ministries–meaning we have Andy on the big screen for our sermons each Sunday. He really is a great speaker….and very welcoming. The church is also that way. I download the sermons I’ve already heard to listen again. I can always learn something new.
And as for the flat Kansas picture—that is crazy. Bundle up and enjoy your runs! Love the blog. 🙂
Necole@seriouslysassymama - I got back to the gym today after a two week absence. I run at home when it is warm. I do not do cold weather. I love Christmas, but for the first time in my life, I hope it goes by quickly. I need to try one of those sermons while I am at the gym.
beth larson - just sayin hi and wanting you to know how much I love your photos and words and getting a peek at your sweet family life. xo
p.s. Kansas really IS flat isn’t it? haha
Heather S. - Those glasses look great on you. They are like, perfect for your face shape or something.
Looks like a great, relaxing Thanksgiving weekend!