Politics

Harrison, my 6 year old, has a new idol, Senator John McCain.  {Boy, I hope that sentence doesn't cause his Grandpa Smith to suffer a heart attack!} 

I started noticing that Harrison had this special interest in Mr. McCain last week.

"Mom, can I play on the computer?"

"Yes, why?"

"I need to get on nick.com and pick the President."  Apparently Nickelodeon is having kids vote for the President on their website.

"OK, who are you going to vote for?"

"John McCain!"

"Why do you want to vote for him?"

"Because he's from Arizona!"

So we went on nick.com and voted for McCain-Palin.  I wonder how many other kids are voting for that ticket.

So yesterday we had our weekly family dinner at my Mom and Dad's.  Out of nowhere, Harrison exclaims,

"John McCain, John McCain!"

Everyone looks at him as he tells my brother Gavin's new friend that's a girl he hopes McCain wins, as I hold my breath and pray that doesn't offend her.

She asks Harrison why and he says, "Cause my Mom likes him, that's why!"

I didn't know that kid understood the Conservative Talk Radio that I listen to!  I am continually amazed at how bright Harrison is.

Todd  worries that Harrison is going to be sorely disappointed November 5th.   Me too.  

So we had a talk with him.  We explained that John McCain may not win and someone named Barack Obama would be the President.  We further explained that {hopefully} it would be OK and we would support him. 

I hope, for Harrison's sake at least, that McCain does win.  

Randomness

This week is Fall Break!  I am a little depressed because I had envisioned this week going a little differently than it's reality.   Although, it hasn't been so bad.  We have gone to the outdoor mall and played on the playground, spent more time than usual with Todd, and we went to the library by our new house and checked out books and DVDs.  I made rolls twice and the kids were huge fans.  I am a novice baker, but the rolls turned out pretty well.  Tonight we went to Chilies because I hadn't cooked dinner.  I checked out a book at the library and couldn't put it down.  Before I knew it, it was 5:30pm.  Tomorrow someone is suppossed to come to check out the garage door opener.  It was acting funny earlier and now it is not.  I feel dumb having someone come look at it now, but three days ago, when the appointment was made, the door was not working.  Oh well.  I think that I will try and organize Harrison's closet while we wait for the garage person.  Afterwards maybe we can go do something fun.  Friday we are going with Janette and Janalee to a Pumpkin Patch.  

My running is continuing.  Today I slept in and Todd had an early morning meeting with a client.  I was a little mad at myself for sleeping late and thought that I had lost my chance for a run.  Instead, Todd saved my day when he came home after the meeting and I got to get a run in!  I am doing the run/walk method and my time has actually DECREASED!!  I ran 3.5 miles in less than 40 minutes.  A few months ago I ran 3 miles in 38 minutes.  I know, I know, I am slow - but I am only "racing" myself.  I am very happy with any improvment, no matter how small.

Today a very exciting thing happened.  I surpassed my goal weight!  June 1st Todd and I started to keep track of our weight-fat percentages and body measurments.  I wanted to lose 15 pounds.  Since June 1st I have lost 16 pounds!  I can't believe it!!  I have to say I am very happy with myself.  The weight loss has to be attributed to the running, because my diet has not changed that much at all, I am ashamed to admit.

Todd asked what my new goal was going to be.  I told him it was to run the marathon.  However, I am going to add better nutrition to that list too.  I am positive that better nutrition will help me run stronger.  

Marathon Memoirs #2

Seven Miler Today....

I was nervous/excited to run today.  

Upon walking out the front door, I gave a silent prayer of gratitude for the cooler weather.  The crisp air breezing across my skin was the perfect way to start a longer run.  I've decided that running at the gym is a thing of the past.  I believe the treadmill was easier for me to run on and was giving me a false sense of running level.  I ran on a mixture of asphalt and dirt today, it is the ground that I will be running the marathon on, so it is great for training.  Also, there was some wind, and that is good to train in.  The treadmill has a sleek surface and there is no wind inside a gym!  Another upside to running outdoors is the scenery.  My brother-in-law often remarks how ugly Arizona is, he is from Utah, but I strongly disagree.  I love Arizona's great, big, blue sky, it is breathtaking.  I also love the desert with it's small mountains and unique foliage.  The desert is a pretty place to run in.  Another perk of Arizonan living is the close vicinity to ranches.  I ran past many farm animals today.  It was rather fun seeing the cows and horses staring at me.  Much more interesting than the TV at the gym!

While I was running, I spotted Todd and the kids at the park.  So I ran over to them and took a little break - this was about four miles in.  It was nice to spend some time with them.  I am so glad it is finally cool enough to take the kids to the park.

The last three miles were a little rough.  I felt dehydrated and a little tired.  Next time I need to take water and some energy gel packets.  I think that would help a lot.  I walked a little - maybe 1/2 mile during this time.  I felt like my walking break energized me an didn't take away from my speed.  I am considering run/walk training now.

Today we celebrated Alyssa's birthday!  She is 3.  I made Yellow rice, rolls, salad, and cupcakes.  My Mom, Dad, and brother came over.  Mom and Dad spoiled her and so did Gavin.  After dinner I manipulated my parents into decorating the family room and kitchen.  They really have a talent for home decorating.  Their home is beautiful.  Our place looks like a "home" now with pictures on the wall!

Feelings of gratitude crept into my mind today as I ran and prepared for Alyssa's dinner.  I am so grateful for my husband, kids, and other family members.  I am so grateful for a body that can run.  I am so grateful to live in this beautiful country.  I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent his Son to save us from death and from the heartache that accompany this life too.  

It was a good day.

Marthon Memoirs #1

So, this Monday I started my training program for the Desert Classic Marathon, which takes place at the end of January.  This entire summer I have been gradually adding mileage to my runs.  A month ago I was going 7 1/2 miles in 70 minutes.  I felt strong.  A month later, after a missionary homecoming, excessive fat and sugar intake, closing on a house, moving, and cleaning an old house, plus executing everyday Mom duties have taken a toll.  

This Monday, according to my training program, I was supposed to jog 40 minutes.  Monday's experience  was like pulling teeth with no anesthetic. P. A. I. N. F. U. L.  L.  I wanted to cry, scream, throw a fit.  "How can I run 26 miles in 4 months if I can't run 40 minutes now" I thought to myself.  I was pretty devastated the rest of the day.

Tuesday's workout consisted of 30 minutes of cross training.  I decided to take a walk in my new neighborhood.  One of the perks of living in this community is the many walking trails it offers.  I had a great walk!  Those doubts about my running are still lingering in my head though.

Wednesday's workout assignment was Six Quarter mile runs at a 2:05 min - 2:15 min pace.  So, it is basically running 1/4 mile fast and then resting a bit, an then repeat 5 more times.  I did this at a different gym than I usually do.  I was going the Mountainside at Greenfield and Brown but now I am going to the one in Gilbert.  Their treadmills are older and are harder for me to run on.  This workout was difficult, even though it shouldn't have been.  Thankfully I managed to push through. 

Something remarkable happened to me on Wednesday.  I was really starting to feel sorry for myself.  Until I reminded myself why I had decided to run this marathon in the first place.  It wasn't to lose weight or be the fastest runner.  It was to help myself grow and to allow myself to do something that makes me happy.  I imagined how amazing I will feel at the end of that race.  Then I realized that everyday while I train I will have the opportunity to feel amazing.  It is not just the marathon itself, it is the entire marathon process that will make me grow.

Running - or in my case very slow jogging :) - enables me to come home from each run feeling like I accomplished something great for myself.  It energizes me and makes me a more confident person and mother.  Every morning run is like this great big self- esteem booster.  

After realizing this, I was so excited for my thirty minute jog this morning.  I had trouble sleeping even.  Finally it was time and out the door I went.  I started off pretty strong, but by the mile and a half marker I felt tired.  Knowing I still had half of my run in front of me, I was a little disheartened.  However, Miss Diana Ross, The Supremes, and my pretty pink ipod helped me out.  

I don't know why, but "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" gives me a rush.  It certainly put more energy in my step.  Gratefully, this song was followed by Queen's, "Another One Bites the Dust"  and "The Eye of the Tiger" from the Rocky IV soundtrack.  {I have a pretty eclectic  song list}.  These great songs pushed me to the end.  Even though I didn't run as well as I would have liked, I drew on my run all day for emotional strength.  

Running, cheaper than therapy!

I think every person should have their version of running; maybe sewing, baking, reading, whatever...this endeavor has really helped me.

Tomorrow I have 20-30 minutes of cross training and Saturday  is a 7 mile run!

**I am following the training advice from the book, "Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon" by .