I'm back...

Well, I surely have procrastinated a LOT regarding my blog-writing. Not that I have a lot of readers, but I do want to make a committment to write frequently. I do have some updates to share! First of all...I'm still not back to running yet. After my hip flexor injury, my knees flared up--really bad. I've had injections of EUFLEXA and STEROIDS...and on some days i do better than others. My P.A. thinks I might even be able to begin my running program if I continue improving. Considering I have bone spurs and cysts in both of my knees, I'll take that as a positive!
Being the wild girl at heart that I am, I didn't let my inability to run keep me from being an active person. In fact on July 29th, I took a HUGE leap of faith and signed up to be licensed to become a teacher of Zumba. Yep. Zumba. WHO KNEW???? I guess God did. I feared I wouldn't pass the class, but I did. I began my first classes in September, and it has become a new ministry for me. So far this year, I've lost a total of 50 pounds. With the holidays approaching, my plan is continue exercising and make the best choices available when it comes to FOOD. I have a new mind set, and although I've not been perfect (who is???) I think I can say that for the first time in my life, I've not let my setbacks keep me from getting back up, and trying again. I have more to share about my Zumba class, but I'll do that again, real soon! Just wanted you to know that I'm here, walking in His steps, in my (zumba) shoes....Love and Hugs, Kathy :0)

Sidelined, but NOT out of the game!

Hey 12 followers! Everyday I tell myself "I'll update my blog today", and then everyday...I get really busy and seem to run out of time. Sound familiar? To the 12 of you who check out my posts, I do apologize for the several week delay of my meandering thoughts!  UPDATE on my running progress, long over due, so here it goes!

Somewhere about 3 weeks ago, I had made it to the three mile mark, being able to run 3 miles with no walking breaks in-between. Yes, I am feeling great about this huge victory, let me tell you!  A friend of mine noticed me huffing around the indoor track and asked a simple question, "Do you run the same direction every time?"  "Yes", I responded--then, "why do you ask"? She goes on to inform me that she had heard you should switch directions when you run on a track, as you use different muscles for each direction. That made a lot of sense to me, why didn't I know that, I ask myself, lol!  So I switched directions. I'll try to explain what happend. Somewhere about the 2 mile mark, I felt this burning, searing sensation in my left hip. I thought I had a severe cramp--although I'd never had leg cramps that high. I stopped momentarily and tried to stretch it out, but that didn't seem to work so well, so (being the tough girl I am lol) I finished my 3 miles limping away and in quite a bit of pain. It seems the right side of my body was quite used to running 3 miles and taking the turns as they came. The left side of my body had never done the couch potato to a 3K training thing. I haven't been to the doctor--but I have talked to two personal trainers (not my own, but I wish)...both of them say that my symptoms and pain sound like a torn muscle. Three weeks later, I'm still feeling it. I walk a little better with my hip muscle in the grip of my left hand...but I do feel I am healing. I am down, but not out!!! I will admit that the morning after my injury I cried like a baby. Just when I felt I was really making progress, and actually beginning to ENJOY working out--bam! The only place I ever ran to before this project was to the table. So I've had to switch up my work-out routines as I recover. I can still ZUMBA with-out the jumps and the left side of me doesn't rotate quite as easily, but I'm hanging in there. I did carefully run on an outdoor trail this past Monday, and pushed myself to do 2 miles...but I'm not back up to speed yet, and I know I must be patient and let my body heal.

Today is Thursday, and I plan to go to a Zumba class this evening, and keep moving easily as I can, and persevere. I really want to run a race with my 6 year old grand-son in July. I'm keeping my eye on that goal!  I am determined to see this through, and even with an injury I am in better physical shape than I was before I began. I take comfort and encourage ment from God's Word--from verses like Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand....

I have no explanation for how I am continuing other than I feel God's presence spurring me onward and upward! Last week, I was privileged to visit my son in NYC, and also got to enjoy his gym membership as a guest at LIFETIME FITNESS center. OH MY what a glorious place. A sweet trainer there really helped me (thanks Marie). I used some new machines--and my oh my loved the hot tub and steam room. Who knew???? Life is good, even with an injury--and so I continue on, in HIS steps, and in my shoes. Limping for the Lord, you might say, haha. Stay tuned. God isn't finished with me yet!  Kathy

MY SHOES!
OK, lesson learned. Those NIKE shoes I talked about earlier--definately not for runners. On a good note I was able to return them for a full refund at KOHL's...and I was honest about having tried them out on an indoor track. The clerk was so kind--and laughed as he replied "Yeah, those shoes are just not what you need if you are a serious runner". Really! I wish someone would tell NIKE that. I mean--they advertise these as running shoes right? NOT!  So I asked some runner friends of mine, and ended up with a pair of Brooks, along with an extra insole, purchased separately, but worth it. Last Monday and today, I ran 3 continous miles. Never ran 3 miles at one time in my life. I have a few families who are still working out at our indoor track--but most have either decided to stay outdoors, or they have other obligations with their children--such as soccer, baseball, flag football, and who knows what else, haha. It's all good. I'm doing my best to stay committed and active. I'm learning the meaning of perserverence in a very real way and also continuing to focus on two other aspects of my physical wholeness: 1)healthy food, and 2) spiritural growth & reflection. I'm reading "NOT A FAN"...and realize more and more that followers of Jesus are called to follow Him...not just sit on the sidelines. I want to be a follower in every aspect of my life, even if it's difficult. As for food, I made the best turkey chili tonight. I was starving, lol, after my run, and unfortunately had two bowls of my healthy chili topped off with some greek yogurt. Black cherry greek yogurt spells DESSERT for me! My chili recipe has four different kinds of beans: black, white, dark red kidney's, and red beans. Dang. I forgot my BEANO before. I'm thankful I won't be leading a group tomorrow, lol. Signing off, in His steps, in MY shoes...my new Brooks!

Making Strides...

Hey readers! Strange, but I posted about our 1st week of March--and I realize I used a different email last week by mistake, who knows where it was sent? Oh well! I'll begin again, and see if I can find a copy of my other post in between. Verse for the week: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

I'm not sure what this verse may mean to you--but as i was running this week, I imagined myself on the last mile of a marathon--and envisioning myself crossing the finish line. I am working towards a goal--and although I am far from being a long distance runner, I am a lot closer than I was six weeks ago as I jogged 60 seconds, walked 60 seconds. Faith is a gift from God--it is believing in what we can NOT see, but living out our lives as if it is reality.
This week of workouts: Monday March 5th: Noticible decline in attendance. The faithful were there--those of us who are training for our 5k race. I ran two miles (consecutive laps), first time to ever accomplish such a FEET (pun-intended) lol. Honestly I was quite emotional as I finished that last lap, and as some of my parents and kids cheered me on (Thanks Wolfe Family)...I can't tell you how much that helped--and how AMAZING it felt! 

Wednesday May 7th:  We had more show up to work out together, and we not only walk/ran on the track, but also did our Dance X video tother. I repeated two consecutive miles of jogging on Wednesday, plus walked another mile--then joined in the video for another 30 minutes of exercise--and my feet were feeling it (ok--my entire body was feeling it)...

Lesson learned: I paid $54 for those Nike shoes a couple of weeks ago. If anything, they are worse than the shoes I already had when it comes to support and cushioning.  I asked a friend who is now an avid runner and she explained to me that there are some good brands of running shoes to be found--more expensinve (figured that) but much better for the human feet. I plan sometime next week to go to a local busines "FLEET FEET" and run on a treadmill so they can see my "gait" and reccomend shoes that will work best for me. I know this is a MUST DO...and I continue to learn more as I continue on my journey. I also weighed today, and dropped 4 pounds this week. That alone encourages me to keep running--and keep exercising! 

I had posted last week about my first Zumba experience. LOVED IT...Loved it so much I went to Mrs. Leigh Sextion's Saturday class, and loved it some more! AWESOME FUN--I sweat profusely, but it doesn't really seem like exercise, just dance, praise and fun! The gym was full, so I am assuming this is new news only to me.  So lesson for this week:

1. Don't buy cheap Nike shoes from kohl's if you are serious about running--bad move
2.  Have fun with exercise.
3. Keep going--in His steps, in MY shoes!

Love and More Later...Kathy

Leap Day...

Leap Day--busy day--stormy day...& Zumba day! I've had a pretty good experience this week...here's the scoop so far:
Monday (February 27th): Our groups met on the indoor track. I pushed a stroller for a mile, and with a friends help (thanks Angie) I was able to run 1 1/4 miles (20 laps) before I began walking again. Most of our group completed 3 miles! I feel we are getting closer and will soon register for our first 5K race. That is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G to me!
Tuesday (February 28th): Sunny warm February day--changed as soon as I got home from work, and Jude and I headed to Riverfront park, walked 2 miles. I have not yet accomplished the skilll of jogging with an infant in a stroller, but his little sweet smiling face kept me going at a good pace. We then made our way to Walmart, and I "sprinted" through the store to complete my list and get home to make a healthy turkey burger on whole wheat. YUM.
Wednesday (February 29th): New experience--Leigh Sexton from Celebration Church--came and led our group in Zumba, and it was even more fun than I had heard it would be. I've been wanting to try Zumba for some time now, but just never made it to a class. Let me encourage you--don't wait. I feel I had ran three miles by the end of the session--I think my muscles will make themselves known by morning, but I'm so glad I did it, and will definately seek out ZUMBA class again real soon!  Wednesdays are always busy days. I worked through lunch, then rushed home and made kraut with turkey weinners. Healthy and good dish, and kraut has zinc which is supposed to help with leg cramps. Don't know about the outcome of leg cramps, but let me share that my tummy hasn't stopped rumbling since my late lunch/dinner. Seriously, I'm glad the music was loud and the moves were fast. I'm just sayin'. Also wanted to comment on the new Nikes I purchased over the weekend. Gray with neon green trim, and two other people had on same shoes tonight haha. I'm not sure they are the best running shoes for an over-weight person, will report more on that in the days to come. Onward and Upward we go...step by step...getting stronger and more confident in my faith (thank you, Lord for your strength)...more confident in my ability to do it again tomorrow! Until then, signing off, in His steps, but in my shoes! Who knew?

Side tracked! First, I must apologize for failing to WRITE last week! It isn't that I wasn't writing, haha. In fact, I spent most of the week re-writing our VBS handbook and schedule for VBS 2012. This year's handbook is actually called our "Flight Manual", and I was able to condense a lot of the content. I must say I am very pleased with the outcome--but I missed blogging! So here is last week's experience, somewhat condensed (smile):
Monday February 20th:  Aerobics video scheduled for 6 pm, so I came early to work on my walk/run program. Ran another mile, and added a couple of extra laps for good measure. Next we began our kids aerobic video. Piece of cake, right? WRONG! By the end of the video I was exhausted.These kids videos are great workouts for kids and adults alike. Those people aren't foolin' around!!! I'm sure I looked like some of the participants on Biggest Loser by the end of the night. Perhaps I bit off a bit too much.
Tuesday morning February 21st: I was able to get out of bed. It didn't kill me after all! LOL, I was so tired the night before, I barely showered and literally fell into bed. The only downside effects from my extra-exhertion were leg & feet cramps. Have you ever had your toes going right, your shins sinking in--while your calf muscles were screaming "help"???? Please don't suggest putting a bar of soap in my bed. It may work for some, it does NOT work for me. I do take an increased dosage of magnesium--and have added zinc and potassium to my daily regimen, and I keep drinking water. Keeping my body hydrated is also key. OUCH!
Wednesday February 22nd: WOW--what a turnout we had for aerobics. Once again, I ran my mile before our aerobics session--and added another quarter mile in between walking a few more laps, for a total of two miles. Once again, I had a tough tim finding the energy to finish the video with our group...but I didn't quit! The video we used was called "Fitstix for Kids"...and once again, it just about kicked my booty. Onward and upward though. Lost 4 pounds last week, so it definately paid off!
Thursday February 23rd: So much going on at the office that our staff was not able to exercise together :-(. It was a beautiful warm day, so I made it home, grabbed hubby & grandson, and off to Riverfront park we went. I did pretty good on my own, jogged as much as I could. Music definatley helps me stay focused and helps me not pay so much attention to my loud breathing...which must be pretty loud from some of the other joggers I passed, and who passed me. They looked at me like "poor girl--she's dying" kind of look. LOL, but I sure feel better!
Friday-Sunday: Friday is the day I visit my mom, and take her to run errands, as I run a few of my own. Grocery shopping with a 76 year old and a 6 month old takes a lot of my energy. I'm learning to do some bends and stretches along the way, and look for ways to get a little exercise as we go. Walking up and down stairs to take in mom's groceries, and taking Jude (6 month old) a little faster around the aisles while we look around has become a fun way to stay active. Twice on Friday, I had unexpected situations arise. The kind that can quite frankly catch you waaayyy off-guard and challenge your Christianity. Ever have things like that happen to you? Yeah, I guess we all do. I felt like I handled each circumstance the best way I could have. Becoming a healthier person can't be just about your physical self. One's spirtual self is challenged as well, and if both don't grow together, then you become OUT OF BALANCE. I want to be whole, so I can be of help to those I love and be an example to others. I also know that if I'm to stay BALANCED Spritually, then I must exercise my faith as well. Oh--and side track note--I bought a new pair of running shoes on our "Friday Fun " day--shopping seems to help balance me as well (hum). Back to the present--this week's verse is:
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
If we want to be strong spiritually, then forgiveness needs to be part of our daily routine. I'm not saying it's easy. Just like running a mile isn't easy. It's just necessary.  God made a way for us to become healthy and whole. He gave His Son Jesus, and Jesus became our example. So I'm working on the inside AND the outside as I go...in His steps, and in MY shoes a pair of new Nikes. I'll let you know how they hold this fat mama up--back on the track this evening at 6 pm with my friends. Can't wait!

Wednesday Workouts. LOVE them! We began aerobics this week, using a video instructor. This week's video is  called "Dance X for Kids". It was a lot of fun for parents and kids alike, and it was also a great workout for your arms, legs, shoulders, even has some Irish toe dancing for you to experience (note to all women, wear your best sports bra for this kids video, or you may knock yourself out).  We will definately use this video in our routine agian, and if you are looking for a fun way to incorporate fitness with your kids at home or another group setting, I definately reccomend it. It was exhilarating to see over 40 children and adults on our gym floor doing the "pony trot" and the "hand jive". Exercising is so much more fun when you do it with people you know! So far I've not had any big explosions again--so I am thankful that body is cooperating. Did I say thankful? Yes, very thankful, LOL.

Since many of us are preparing for our first 5K race, we came early and continued with our walk/run program. This week, we jogged 2 minutes, walked 2 minutes. I couldn't have done this three weeks ago, so we are definately making progress! WHOOT!  I also had an appointment with a specialst this week who is going to help me with my eating plan for the months ahead. My counselor is a gal from Boston who now lives in Carter County. Talk about culture shock, haha. We connected immediately and I look forward to our weekly meetings as I chart my progress (yes, hopefully calculating pounds lost).

There is no time like the present to start making those little changes that will affect who you are and what you can do in your future. I am beginning to believe I can change my future for the good--and I know where my strength comes from. It is super-natural, not something I could drum up on my own. I watched a video clip from Loui Giglio this week...he recorded the sound of stars in the universe, the sound of whales from the sea--and referred to Psalm 48 as Scripture once again came alive and brought science and God's creation onto a common ground--you can hear God's praise being immitted from all creation.

                                I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E!!!      A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

 If you haven't seen it, please take 14 minutes click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zWKm-LZWm4

How Great is our God. Onward and Upward, keep your eyes on the Lord and join in His praise as you keep running toward the prize...

Love and Hugs,
Kathy

Badlands Bogg-I think I can safely say I survived it. I think it's time to talk about the 100 million plus times I've started a program for good health (i.e., diet & exercise)... and dropped out about the third week. I'm the classic textbook case of fatties, haha. Life happens--I get sick, someone in my family gets sick--my schedule gets disruptetd--along with a million and one other excuses, and that's all it took. I got knocked off my schedule, and it was just too difficult to pick back up.  I must admit I struggled all this past weekend. I had recovered from the flu--but man oh man we had really cold weather. It was too cold to get out and try to get to the gym to exercise. I didn't want to--so I didn't. I ate more, made excuses for enjoying a long Saturday of having the "munchies", and spread another layer of excuses onto my guilty self. I knew Monday was coming.

Monday, for me, meant scheduled exercise time that I was committed to LEAD. Before we began, I had my parents and kids pray for me, I admitted I had struggled, and I feared this work out was going to be so hard--I wasn't sure I'd be able to keep up. There I said it, (and dang I forgot to take my Beano, Lord, please protect me tonight!) By this point, it was time to begin, do or die, whichever came first, and I surely thought it would be death (but guess what, I lived to write about it this morning).

We began our stretches, followed by our 5 minute warm up walk--and the new series begain. Jog 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds. Jog 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds. IPOD on. Breathe. Praise music with a good beat started playing, and I shifted my focus to praise, prayer and encouraging children and parents in my group. I can do this....I thought to myself. One parent, two parents, passing me by--each with a word of encouragement. "No Giving in, and there's NO turning back", we began to quote to one another as we made our way through the routine. Before I knew it, we had finished our segments and was on our 5 minute cool down. 

Wow, for the first time in a long time, I was able to get back on track after a "bad-lands bog" detour. Re-set. Re-calculating. I can't tell you how WONDERFUL I feel this morning! Here's the truth: set a goal and start working towards it. You may not always hit the mark, but patience and perserverence will pay off.  I've lost 10 pounds. Me. Couch potato Kathy, and I'm moving forward. Perhaps people will care more what we have to say as Belivers when our "walky walky" truly matches our "talky talky"--just sayin'.I'll close today's entry with our Scripture verse for this week--man did this SPEAK into my life:

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."  Hebrews 6:11-12

Love, Hugs & Happy Valentine's Day, too,
Kathy

Stuck in the muck. A phrase from one of our songs...and where I seem to be today. Let me explain. Yesterday, I came down with my 2nd round of a gastro-intestinal virus. Just when I was feeling so confident, BAM, home to bed--nausea, body aches, fever...ugggghhh! One of the pitfalls of my profession, exposure to every virus that comes and goes. I usually NEVER get a virus twice in one season though--and I do wash my hands, RELIGOUSLY, (pun intended). So I'm home for the day and on the way to recovery. I missed last night's training session, and will miss my workout with co-workes today. What to do?

Trust. When we are in places where our courage is tested, we can lean on God's promises. I believe everything happens for a reason, even when we don't understand. God cares, and HE is our Protector, Deliverer, my Comforter. Since my physical self will be unable to train, I will focus on my spiritual self and reflect on His blessings today. More time to pray for those I love, more time to pray for those who are in training for all types of challenges that life presents. I am choosing to live courageously. It will be a challenge to pull myself up and start over tomorrow, but with God's help I will do it. He is the source of my strength, and I have hope. If you are reading this today, be of good courage! With Jesus, we always have hope.
Love and hugs,
Kathy
God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us....2 Corinthians 7:6

Dear Blog--Have I mentioned that I'm a 54 year old beginer? To begin this day, I thought I'd recap on last week's sessions--there are a few occurences in the process I think worthy of noting:

1) Monday January 30th: 1st day of training. Lot's of SWEATING.  Mia, (age 7) runs past me, then stops abruptly to comment, "Wow, Mrs. Kathy--your sure sweat alot!". I smiled and replied, "Yes Mia, I sweat a lot because I have extra pounds on my body and it is more to carry around the track, and I have to work harder to run. Therefore, don't overeat like I have, and always exercise, and you won't ever have this problem!" HAHA, she smiled and ran off, I think she lapped me at least four times during that first session.

2) Wednesday, February 1st: 2nd day of training. It was only day two, but I do believe it seemed a little easier! I felt so good after we finished our 30 minute walk/jog routine. We dismissed to the gym floor to stretch and cool down. I'm not an instructor by any means, but I've participated in enough aerobics classes to know the stretches, breathing techniques, and cool down times. As I confidently led a stretch to the left side--all 43 participants followed like clockwork. I'm doing pretty good at this, I think to myself. Now to the right...and then it happened. I passed gas. Seriously. Thankfully, only my co-worker Angie was behind me and the other 42 sitting in front of me. I looked at her ane mouthed the words, "Oh Angie, I just passed gas"! trying not to laugh hysterically. She looked up so sweetly and said "I know, I heard...". OH GYM FLOOR PLEASE SWALLOW ME UP RIGHT NOW, LOL. Lesson learned. I will make sure I have BEANO or GAS-X in my system on work out days from this day forward. Check. I am not quitting, no matter what.

3) Day 3, Thursday, February 2nd: Just Angie, Penny and myself, and we played the "Amazing Grace Race CD" as we begin 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking in preparation for the next week. It was invigorating and I made it through stretches, with no gas. YES!

4) Day 4, Monday February 6: Caught up on my blog. Last night we ran 60 seconds and walked 2 minutes. We had a few less people, but our faithful parents and kids were just amazing as they all ran their own race around that track. Soon we are going to incorporate different kinds of exercises into our program times. I must say that I am encouraged by our progress. One thing for sure, I have never been so encouraged than to run/walk with children and parents at my side. We support and encourage each other. The kids love the running segments, and the rest of us are pushing through them. One of my parents participates, and leaves our session to go to a Zumba class. When i grow up, I want to be like her. You rock Billy Jo. Onward and upward, in HIS steps, in MY shoes...

I forgot to mention that along the way, I'll share verses from Scripture that inspire me, and hopefully you, too as we go! The verse that inspired my blog tittle is I Peter 2:21..."To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." Following, in my shoes, and my feet are complaining, lol!

Hi! My name is Kathy Martin. I am a Children's Minister by profession, and wear many other hats along the way, like most of the women I know. Today is my first post. Last week, I began a new health program for children and parents--it coincides with a musical we are doing in the spring, called "The Amazing Grace Race". A friend mentioned it would be great to blog about our progress, so here goes. Last week we began a series of warm-up/walking/jogging intervals. 90 seconds of walking, 30 seconds of jogging. I am about 50 pounds overweight, and see this a new beginning for myself in several ways: 1) be a healthy role model for kids; 2) give God a healthy place to dwell in me; 3) encourage others to make healthier choices. So, here we go, in HIS steps, but in MY shoes! Last week for our first workout, we had 23 participants, and about 43 for our second meeting. Tonight, we increase our interval level--90 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of jogging. I'm not a runner! So far, I've kept up. Stay posted, more to come...Love and hugs, Kathy