Slow and Steady She Goes

Week 4 has begun.  Run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes, walk 2 1/2 minutes, run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes.  Warm up and cool down not included in these times.  Slowly I am chugging along and trying to make progress.  Breathing today was easier than I expected and my calves burned during walking but I didn't notice it during my running (jogging).  My biggest challenge today was keeping my phone from dropping because I was using my husbands headphones since mine broke and also keeping the music what I wanted during the run.  I still found myself looking at the timer to see how much time I had left during each run, but I managed to keep my head in the game and complete each one and I was really doubting that I would be able to when I started. 

Channeling my inner Pioneer Woman

After watching my taped Pioneer Woman yesterday I thought I would give her Pot Roast recipe a try.   We had roast, mashed potatoes and this wonderful blackberry cobbler with ice cream.  What a great meal.

In case you missed it...
Brown onion and carrot in olive oil over medium high heat and remove.  Sear  chuck roast that has been liberally seasoned with salt and pepper in same pan.  Remove and pour can of beef broth in pan to remove seared goodness in the bottom.  (She was able to return it all to the same pot and return to the oven, but I don't have an oven proof dutch oven to I transferred it all to a baking dish.) Add fresh rosemary and thyme to broth. Bake at 275 degrees for 3 hours.  Serve with bread and mashed potatoes.

The cobbler is the recipe I have used my entire life, but I never even considered blackberry, but boy it was so good.

Melt 1 stick butter in pan in 350 degree oven.
Meanwhile mix 1 c. self rising flour, 1 c. milk, 1 c. sugar. 
Pour into pan over butter.  Sprinkle mixture with berries and dust with sugar.
Bake 45 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve while warm with ice cream.  Don't hate me because it is so good.

3 Weeks Complete

No this isn't me, but it was one of the few blonde running figures I could find on google so I chose her.  Three weeks down and so far I have survived.   This week consisted of 90 second run followed by 90 second walk and three minute run followed by three minute walked- both of these repeated for two rotations.  Total time is 30 minutes with warmup and cool down.  I have really been proud even though three minutes of continuous running (jogging) is not even close to where I need to be, but I am trying really hard to stay with the program and not do too much too soon.  I'll keep you posted.

RUN

Meal Plan for the Week

Pesto chicken with rice, vegetable

Spaghetti

Stuffed chicken and mashed potatoes , vegetable

Taco Soup (pumpkin or banana bread day)

FF smoked sausage / Mac & cheese

Potato Soup

Homemade Calzones

Week Two

Week two and I have completed day one of three.  So far so good! 

The Bucket List - 5K

You have heard me say it before, but I truly want to run a 5K.  I have prepared for one before and something always happen and I have fallen off the wagon.  This time I want to finish this!!!  I want the bumper sticker, the t-shirt, and the proud feeling of accomplishment it will bring.  I have started my training and the hubby is even doing it too!!  I used to run years ago and I hope my muscles will eventually remember that this is not an attempt to kill them :)   I just want to stick with it and do it once and for all so please send me any words of encouragement that you see fit. My primary goal is not for weight loss, but that would be a big fat BONUS!  November 19th...I have to do this!

Lucy

My kitty Lucy doesn't get enough face time so I thought I would post a photo of her sleeping like an angel.

September

Today I came home from work early because my son is sick.  I noticed on the way home that leaves are just starting to turn and make an entrance of yellow in the sea of green.  I know it won't be long before the other colors emerge and it will become the patchwork quilt that God graces us with each year.  Maybe it is because I am a fall baby but I always embrace fall.  I love the changing of the seasons and I am so thankful to live in an area that truly experiences each one so I try to savor them all and do little things for each one.  There have been times in my life that years have gone by and I felt like I wasn't even aware of the changes because I was so busy, stress, or otherwise caught up in things.  I try very hard at this point in my life to really take in the beauty and wonder that God provides for us and take time to truly appreciate it. 

Some things I look forward to this month:

Pulling out a few items of fall decor to add a touch here and there.  I am past decorating every room seasonally.  I am in the "less is more" season of my life.

When the coolness sets in I will make my first batch of soup in the crockpot - probably taco soup.

Pumpkin candles and pumpkin bread time will arrive soon....maybe even pumpkin pancakes.

I plan to sign up next week for the 10 week 5K training program.  I hope you will make me keep my word.

I do not look forward to the sinus infection that I usually get with the changing of seasons.  I am taking my meds and staying hydrated and keeping my fingers crossed.

Starting my new "Our Daily Bread" devotion for September.  Oddly I do most of my devotions and prayer time in my car waiting to go into work, but it is a time I am alone and focused and it seems to work so I stick with it for now.

I knew God was right when he told me that now was not the time to return to school just yet.  I know if I had I would not be writing this post because I would be working on homework.  I am sure He will let me know if/when he thinks it is the right time.