Peddling the Prairie Path and Praising the Lord!

Earlier in the summer, I emailed some of my active friends that enjoy a challenge—I asked if anyone would be interested in a reasonably paced 30ish mile bike ride. For some time now, I have wanted to ride the Wheaton, Geneva, Batavia Triangle on the Prairie Path.

I did not get many responses except from one person that wondered, “Are you crazy?“

So I leaned on grandson, thirteen-year-old Grif writing him a letter while he was a camp, handpicking him because I thought he would be patient with me if I could not keep up with his speed.

I received a message on the answering machine when he returned, “You know what you asked me in the letter you sent? The answer is, ‘Yes’. Set it up with my mom and me.”

Today hubby would be in town and not traveling. I wanted to have someone on call in case of an emergency—not expecting any but trying to be a good cautious grandma. Pride goes before a fall. With about a mile left on our ride, I went over a curb. After quickly getting up, I thanked God for His grace . . . over and over.

Grif more than proved his value as my biking partner by his conversations, patience and encouragement and his aptitude at putting the chain back on my bike.

Grif led, I followed. I walked up a few hills that Grif peddled. We both felt the thrill of speed as we went down hills.

We shared a nice lunch together at Shane's Deli in Wheaton.

We had beautiful scenery along a river and lakes. We enjoyed seeing birds and chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits.

Later we had a Dairy Queen treat!

We got lost—just a bit but found our way again. We had the sun and the wind in our face and we persevered uphill for a very long stretch. Tomorrow we will both be able to sit comfortably again. I fell but I got up again.


We covered lots of miles!

I have a couple of battle scars on my face that will heal soon but we also have grins on our faces.

God’s good gifts overwhelm me!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Hope Springs Eternal

My Team’s great results!

Dawn’s time: 31:26.1
D’s pace: 10.08
Rank in age category: 41/87

MaryBeth’s time: 31:26.2
MB’s pace: 10.08
Rank in age category: 42/87

Lois’s time: 32:10.2
L’s pace: 10.22
Rank in age category: 19/47

Nancy’s time: 35:08.6
N’s pace: 11.19
Rank in age category: 56/79

Good friend, Lois finished and then came back and finished with me--a true friend indeed!

How about this? I am honored. The tortoise shirts that we received were especially for me.

Hey! I finished.

My time: 41:40.6
My pace: 13.25
Rank in age category: 8/13

Next year I will do better!

My Fantasy!

The Tortoise and the Hares

Two Weeks Left to Train

For the Run for the Animals

(in which the animals will not be allowed to run
but they can train)

My Walking Partner Lois, next to Coach Dawn— also L's recently Adopted Sister, then L's Baby Sister Mary Beth, and L's Younger Sister Nancy and on the end, lucky me, that gets to join this training convent of sisters.

This photo is staged to disguise the identity of the tortoise. Bet you can't guess.

Ten Years, Ten Reasons

It's official. I made it around the park today, 2 miles at a slow jog. I am training for the Run for the Animals. It is a local 5K/10K that is part of the local Taste of Wheaton. Yes, sadly there is no more Cream of Wheaton—the name has been changed. It is no surprise that I will do the 5K—not the 10K. Grandson Kent—the only grandchild (thus far) that enjoys running will do the 10K.

Every year I wonder, Why I am doing this? So I make a list to remind me. Last year I really had decided to quit but I cannot—not yet.

1. Because it is a tradition worth keeping. The first time I ever participated in this 5K (any 5K—any run that was more than to the mailbox or the corner) was on the wedding day of my youngest son. I have attempted to participate every year since. He will be married 10 years on June 5th.


2. The weather has been fantastic!


3. I have a 20% off coupon for new running shoes at Dick Ponds.


4. I want to speed up my metabolism. I am participating in a very small, Biggest Loser Challenge with my sisters.


5. Because I can—praise God! Dr. E. told me that I might not be able to jog again when I broke my leg nine months ago. Granted what I do is not a full out run or even a jog for most people but it is faster than walking—just a bit. I am so happy and thankful to be able to do this!


6. To encourage my grandkids. I want to help them know that they are only competing against themselves.


7. Because my walking partner is training and I don’t want her to leave me in the dust. (I know that sounds like a contradiction to #6. Oh well.)


8. Because I have a practice schedule and it does feel good to cross it off.


9. Because I have a couple of reunions this June with people that I have not seen for awhile. I don’t want to overhear them saying as I did in a dream lately, “Brenda sure has put on some weight since I last saw her.”


10. Because I love to hear my hubby say, “I am really proud of you, Babe!” He is my 5K chauffeur, drink holder, picture taker and encourager.

Still sweating or is that glowing. . .

Run for the Animals, is a 5K & 10K held the first Saturday of June as part of the Cream of Wheaton celebration. This year the Cosley Foundation was raising money for River Otters, Bobcats and aviary habitats. As noble as that is, I must admit that it did not factor into my decision to participate. I also only noticed today that it is not called a Run/Walk.

So as I review the situation, I am thinking that probably this was my last year as a participant. Some people exercise because it is healthy and for all of the right reasons but I must admit that I am more motivated by the social aspect. Today, I shuffled alone as my walking/jogging partner, Lois, was out of town. I did not see one other person participating that I knew, although as I read through the results list, there were a few—it is just that they were so far ahead of me and half my age! There were no family members or friends to cheer or call my name because frankly they really do have much better things to do and it wasn’t as if this was my first time or that I was a true competitor and possibly they had already gone home by the time I passed by. It was unseasonably hot and humid. I stopped at all three water stations for a quick drink whereas some years I have never stopped. And I walked one stretch. What a wimp! So this one didn't quite meet my social requirement. It was way more serious than that! I finished 11 out of 14 in my age group—not even close to the middle which is always my goal at a disappointing 38:49.9. That is one mile in 12 minutes, 29.9 seconds. I always thought a 10 minute mile would be good goal.

But then again, I finished.
And I lost a couple of pounds during my sporadic training.
And it felt good to participate.
And my dear hubby told me at least ten times that he was proud of me.
And same hubby went a got a large Jamba juice for me while I participated and had it to me within two minutes of when I finished.
And I have a new long sleeved t-shirt.
And when I slept in the car as we drove home from Ohio today, Bob thought it was because of the 5K.

Perhaps next year, I could pay for the registration fee for a few of my friends and ask them to let me dash across the finish line right before them so that I do not come in completely last. But then there is a limit to what even good friends will do. Anyhow, I can still happily participate in the aptly named Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and those proceeds go to feed the hungry.

It is a good time to join the cheerleading squad. Grandson Kent ran the 10K this year! I am still proud that I signed him up for his very first 5K several years ago. Today, Kent finished at 49:59.9 which was 136 overall and 2nd out of 6 in his age group. He told me that he also had to walk some and that he threw up and still finished with a great time! Now that is worth cheering about!

Top Ten Reasons

I started training for the 5K Run for the Animals.

1. The weather has been fantastic!
2. I bought new shoes and they really are fast.
3. My picture on this blog was taken almost one year ago on Father’s Day. However, the picture of me at Grandparents Day last week shows a decidedly fuller face and I have not had Botox.
4. Because I can. “Use it or lose it” is ringing through my head especially since I entered a new decade.
5. To encourage my grandkids. I would hope to help them see that they are only competing against themselves. One time, Steven did not run in the 5K because there was no hope of keeping up with his brother, Kent. Kent is tall and lean and a running machine. I told Steven, “I would rather participate and finish dead last that just be a spectator.” Now, I know that is stretching it just a bit. I really want to finish in the middle somewhere. And when I am really bad at something, I want to practice in private before going public. I have been walking at 6:30 am with my walking partner and then after she leaves, I go back to the park and practice. I think I will wait a few more weeks before I suggest that we start training. By then I should be at least able to make it around the park with her.
6. Because Bob’s office is officially, as of today, in our home. When he is not traveling, I want to impress him. I am a bit concerned about him finding out what I actually do all day.
7. Because I have a practice schedule and it does feel good to cross it off.
8. Because I love to hear my hubby say, “I am really proud of you, Babe!” He is always my chauffeur and encourager.
9. Because I need a new swimsuit. This June, my Rupp girl cousins are getting together for a few days at Devils Lake in Michigan and most will be in their suits all day.
10. I made a doctor’s appointment for a physical in mid June. I still have some pounds to lose or I will have to break this appointment. It has been a long time since I have been to my doctor. Bob has been nagging –yes nagging–me to do this–using the excuse that if he retires we may not have as good of health insurance. I don’t believe for a minute that he is actually going to retire but I am a submissive and obedient type of person.

Trotting the Turkey Trot

My biggest fan--also my only fan.

I am thankful for my good hubby!

Whether to sign up for a Turkey Trot is not nearly such a big decision as which Trot to join. We opted for the closer, and earlier start time, in Naperville so I could get home to prepare the Thanksgiving Day meal. I like it alot that race is not in the name. It is a Trot. Surely anyone can do a trot—even if they are a bit overweight and have not trained regularly, right? After all—it is a trot—for turkeys—like me.

My walking partner, Lois and her sister, Nancy decided to coach me through the Trot. Lois is much younger than I and her sister is even younger. It is a bit humbling to be in the company of these girls that are pure, lean muscle for something resembling a race. I am not sure why they took me on. . . I hope that I make them feel exceptionally fit and strong by comparison.

I panted and answered questions in an average of four word sentences (up one word since two weeks ago) and went my good old steady trotting pace.

Here is what Lois and Nancy did:

• They laughed lots!
• They commented on weather, homes, thanksgiving, relatives, and costumes.
• They got tickled at themselves.
• They sang their whole repertoire of Christmas songs—even a few notes in harmony.
• They talked on their cell phones—several times. “What did we ever do before cell phones!”
• Nancy’s husband, Pat, called after finishing the race (for him it was a race vs. a trot) in 22 minutes. Nancy responded, “No, no, we are only about to the 2nd mile marker. Well, we are going pretty slow—” then glancing at me and seeing that I was still able to hear above my pants, corrected herself by saying, “Moderate. Yes, really moderate.”
• They removed their sweatshirts without ever skipping a beat.
• They took pictures.
• They did an add-on story about three sisters: LuLu, MuMu and Sissy.
• They laughed lots!
• They each told a scary story stretching it into the long version about not being able to find their kids for a few brief moments yesterday.
• They talked about weekend plans.

We all smelled the pancakes and knew we were close to the post race breakfast. And then we were at the finish line. How quickly the time passed! This was definitely my most amusing 5K! Sadly, I set a new record for my slowest 5K. In addition this was a very flat course with not even one bump. So next year, I will weigh 20 pounds less. I will train religiously. I will be able to laugh and sing and go faster. I will. . . Whew. . .I have at least 6 weeks until New Year’s resolutions come due.

Okay, for right now I will be glad. Of the trotters in my age bracket, I am in the middle 31/68. For today, I can celebrate that I did the Trot! I will give thanks for all of my body parts that still work. I will give thanks for friends that sacrifice their own run times to keep me entertained. Life is good—very good!

I Turned a Corner, I Really Did!

Today for the first time ever, I thought of something while I was out doing my thing in the park. I thought in whole paragraphs. Before this all I ever thought were two word repetitive phrases.

The tree, the tree, the tree
Keep going, keep going, keep going
The marker, the marker, the marker
Almost there, almost there, almost there

Other days I tried to pray. About all I could do was say “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you Jesus,” which is sincere and heartfelt and three words but I’d like to do better.

I tried other things. Ellen tells me to listen to books on CD. I tried it. I bounce too much. The CD skips. I have to stop and fix it. Then I have to start over. When I am pushing myself to make it to the next tree, I miss a whole chapter. (I am listing an iPod on my Christmas list.)

I have been practicing when I “jog” with Lois. I have been answering her in 4 or 5 word sentences when she talks. (i.e. We ate at Chili’s.) I have been asking questions with as many as 7 words to keep her talking (i.e. What did you do on sister weekend? What Christmas presents have you bought?) I mentioned to her yesterday that I was talking more. She noted that was true and also noticed that I am panting a little less.

But today, I turned a corner. Twice while “jogging” on the south side of the park by myself, I surprised myself by getting to the east side without thinking of my usually marker. I realized that I had been thinking of something other than just jogging.

I hope it happens again! I hope I wasn’t walking.

Choosing a Turkey Trot

24th Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
http://www.elmhurst.org/whatshot/default.asp#TurkeyTrot
Cost $25
No chips.
Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.
The Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot exists to support the food pantries of the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation, the homeless shelters of Dupage PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter), and needy families and seniors identified by the United Community Concerns Association.

Naperville Turkey Trot
http://www.napervilleturkeytrot.com/
The race will be chip timed.
Cost $30
November 22, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.
Benefits the Naperville Noon Lions Club.
The Lions Club is an international non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1917. It remains a service club whose primary focus is to help the vision and hearing impaired. Helen Keller challenged the Lions Club to become "Knights of the Blind" in a crusade against darkness. Supporting that charter, the Naperville Noon Lions Club provides funding for glaucoma testing and visual correction. In addition, the Naperville Noon Lions Club provides hearing and sight services to students and adults who cannot afford them. The Lions also help people with diabetes and issues affecting children.

I am going to do (notice how I avoid the word run or jog) a Turkey Trot because I think it is a good thing to do. I exercise better when I have a goal. I like the camaraderie. It is always fun to get a new shirt.

Here are the pros that I came up with for Elmhurst:

• I like it that the proceeds go to feed the hungry. (It seems so appropriate for a Thanksgiving Day Run—that reason alone holds a lot of weight with me and makes me want to do Elmhurst.)
• I like how some people dress up in costumes. They make me laugh.
• I have done it before so I know that I can do it.
• The terrain is very level—not too hard for me.

Here are the pros for Naperville (and they are big ones):

• It starts at 8:00 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. (I am having guests for Thanksgiving dinner.)
• You get a chip, so that you know your real time.
• It is closer.

You decide, Lois. Let me know.

Dr. Larson, Here I Come

Nicole’s blogs from October 31 and October 30 reminded me that I ought to go to the doctor. I only go to the doctor whenever I get my weight to a certain point. As soon as I am there, I make an appointment for a physical or whatever complaint has been bothering me. Dr. Larson is one of those people that cannot give blood because she doesn't weigh enough. She always reminds me that I need to lose weight. I nod and tell her I am going to work on that. I never tell her that I have been starving myself for a long time to get to the prescribed weight so I could come and see her. If I ever have an emergency, I cannot go to Dr. Larson because I may need to be weighed so I go to Urgent Care where no one knows me. It’s been more than two years since my last physical. I have had two reminders for a mammogram and one reminder that I am due for a bone density test. I am exercising and starving. When I lose 7 more pounds, I can make my appointment which is important because I need to do that while I have good insurance before Bob retires which is another subject altogether.