New Bike, Exciting Day!

Today was a day spent with my sister Lori her husband and their son Ryan who will be in the 6th grade next year. We went to Tampa to try out some road bikes out and we ended up staying practically the whole day. The day went well Lori bought a new bike and I ended up getting one as well and will pass along my old bike to my nephew. My bike is a Specialized Roubaix . I am looking forward to training on the bikes but we all have a lot to learn yet but this journey will be a great one! On the upcoming blogs I will make sure to take some pictures for everyone to see.  

My run tonight called for a brisk 3 minute walk,  jog 18 minutes and another brisk walk for 5 minutes. I made it through and was pleased that I ran the 18 minutes with out passing out!!!!!! BUT it was rough at first  when I started out my knees were SHOUTING but they settled down thank the Lord. I am still not where I need to be with this whole thing but I know the longer I do the training and stay the course the easier it will get .  

Looking forward to sharing about the new bike and the training side of it but I am ready to close for now I can barely keep my eyes open need to get some rest.

Karen

21st Day Of Training, Bring It!

Thank goodness its Friday and I am so glad!!!  Today it was just to cold for me to run outside so right after work I went to the gym and got in my time. I am into my 21st day of training and I am following my workout schedule to the exact detail. I am still enjoying this challenge and it's great to see how different each day is with all of this.  

It was good to see that Lori finally let us know how things are going with her  so it looks like she is getting closer to getting back to where she needs to be! Keep it up LOLO!

Gotta run I am so sleepy right now so its time to get some zzzz's!

Karen

It's LORI checking in!!

Greetings!!  I'm b-a-c-k...sort-of.  

This is Lori, Karen's sister that she's been ditzin' on this blog for not training.  

Yes, I've been out of my tennis shoes for the last 2 weeks due to a knee injury and I have to tell you that I MISS WORKING OUT!   Talk about feeling like a lazy slob...ugh!

I feel like I can get back at it. My knee's better. Still scabby, but better.  

The bruising started at my knee and worked it's way all the way down to my ankle. 

How weird is that??  No swelling today so that's a good thing.

I never would have imagined that I, Lori B. DeMello, would miss exercising. 

Gosh, that's so weird to say...I MISS EXERCISING!! But it's true!  

SO, I'm going to get back at it this weekend.

Karen, You go girl with your exercising self.  I'm proud of your consistency. I'm shocked to be honest, but proud of YOU.

I think there's something to say for pushing yourself to DO HARD THINGS; to do more than you think you can. It's addicting in a way, right? Or maybe it's just being hard-headed...I'm definatley that. Either way, I've got to get with it and start hitting the pavement. 

I don't like how I feel, so it's time!!

Here's to ya Karen:)

Lori D.

Kicked My Butt!

Tomorrow is my day off from training and my body is telling me that to! I got up early this morning and got it all in but it was tuff for me my legs were heavy and knees achy but sometimes I guess it just happens but I hung TUFF and got it done and I love that!!!!!!!! Once I was moving further into the workout it did get a bit better but just not enough :-). So needless to say I am going to enjoy having tomorrow off but will look forward to starting it up again Saturday.

Ok gotta run...

(this picture was taken in Greece this summer FUN trip!)

Karen

Training In Mom & Dads Neighborhood!

Later this afternoon me & Dad went to Brandon to a meeting that turned out to be a very productive one for In The Field Magazine (Marion/Levy). Right now there are some things going on that need immediate attention but its going to take some time so between now and then we just have to keep pushing through these challenging days and stay positive. 

Running really seems to help me clear my mind and even though I am listening to music when I run I am still able to let all the stress and concerns from the days just pass by, at least for that amount of time which is refreshing. God always seems to be on the fore front of my thoughts, I always have a chat with Him and He knows exactly what is going on in every aspect of my life. I am thankful that I know Him and I have to thank my parents for that. 

Ok back to my training update! My workout went well tonight, I ran in my parents neighbor hood and it was nice to have a change of scenery even though I was using the street lights to brighten my way! My training consisted of 5 minute run, 4 minute walk and repeat that 4 times so the total distance was about 2.5 miles which was great and I felt good but glad it was over all in the same. Today was a long day so I was just ready to get done and go home and cook on the faithful George Foreman grill :-). 

Gotta close for now but stay close...will shout at you tomorrow.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 corinthians 9:24

Karen

A Big Deal For Me! Got It Done.

Well I think the video says it all!  I am excited about todays results and looking forward to every new day in this journey.

Have a blessed day.

Karen

Awesome Florda Day, Just Perfect Weather!

Finally we are back to normal with our Florida weather! The cold snap we endured last week is finally over and I am so glad. To me it was just crazy that it was to cold to train outside and I instead went to work out on the treadmill indoors. Today it was 75 degrees....perfect!

Today I wore my new Forerunner 404 (Garmin Watch) it is awesome but even more awesome if I can work the crazy thing. I thought I had it down but obviously NOT! This watch is a GPS enabled sports watch with wireless sync and it does so much more than that. Tonight I am going to read up more on it so I can be sure to have it down for tomorrow. I have also been wearing my Nike+ to track my distance and pace and it is very easy to operate but I have noticed its a bit off so I am going to have to get that straightened out as well.

Today I completed my regiment , it was better than yesterday.....Thanks Goodness! This running thing has become addictive and I look forward to everyday that I go out to see if my level of fitness has increased and the way I gauge that is the distance that I am able to achieve without having to stop and walk and other little things. Tomorrow I am not sure if I will be running before going into work or will I run after work but either way I will get it in for sure.

Gotta shout out to Jolly....."Keep Training Girl""

Going to do some reading to do before going to bed.

Be Blessed,
Karen

"Keep running in its proper perspective: It is just an activity that has a meaningful place in our lives"

Today started early for me I had to be at the office at 6:15 a.m. but I made it there at 6:30. We were attending a trade show in Hernando county and I was really pleased with the turn out so I am looking for great things to come from it down the road. I was actually thinking about getting up at 4:45 a.m. to get my training in early but decided to get it in when we got back into town and I did just that.

My training called for running 7 minutes, jog 6 minutes, run 7 minutes, walk 6. My breathing was totally out of order just was not easy and it might have been because it was chilly outside and it just made it a bit more difficult. My legs felt they were so heavy as well but the further I got into my run it eased up a bit. I have been reading in one of my running books that there are not so good days and then good days just like anything else but you just push through those times so that is what kept running through my head......Come on Karen push through this and of course I always ask for Gods help!

Gotta Run,

Karen

"Life Is A Journey LIVE IT!"

Ready For Warm Weather NOW!

Again COLD weather so I am training indoors for the 3rd day in a row and I am so ready to be able to train outdoors. They say its suppose to finally warm up and get back on track and it can not be soon enough.

Good workout today I ran two miles this evening and I was able speed up my pace this evening a bit on the treadmill towards the end of my workout and I felt ok but not the way I think I should feel but time will tell as I progress. I wish I could be at the point of running a full 5k now but again this is a process and its a daily commitment so I will continue to press on. Tonight I also added some spin time on the stationary bike so that was a nice addition to my routine.

Lori is still sore from her road rash fall from this past Saturday but she is ready to get back at it as soon as she is able. I am going to see if she will give an update on for everyone.

I am ready for a nice relaxing night and looking forward to a good nights rest so I am going to close for now.

Be Blessed!

Karen

14th Day!!!!

Correction! Today is the 14th day for me I stated in the video it was my 13th. (just a bit mixed up!!)

Today I trained on the treadmill after work. The weather is just to cold to get out 

in for my taste! Its COLD and tonight is supposed to be the coldest night this year with some areas getting down in the 20's and that is cold for us Floridians. Training indoors is definately different than outside but its good for me to change it up a bit so these last two days have been good so now I am looking to continually change some things up instead of going to the same place everyday so this will be something I will be working on. 

I have been reading a book called the complete book of beginning running and it has proovin to be very informative for me at where I am at with this whole training thing, and the book motivates me as well and that is a good thing! I know now I am going to have to start doing some cross-training and part of that will be on my bike but I have just got to get my butt into gear and make it happen.

Lori seems to be recovering from her knee injury but it is still very sore and If you saw the video you would understand whey it would be sore!!!! YUCK....She will be back to working out soon though I just know it.

Gotta Run!!!!

Karen

"Every run is a journey. You never know what you'll find.".

12th Day, Training Indoors!

It was to cold to go to the track today so right after work I went over to my sister Loris and used the treadmill. It was not the same as being outside and when I was completed with my regiment I was a bit dizzy for some crazy reason but go past it quickly. I like being outdoors instead of inside but I am thankful that I was able to use there machine I am determined not to miss any days of training. It was windy and just plain cold!!!!! We are looking for it to get down to a low 28 degrees tonight so everyone please remember our strawberry farmers during this time.

Gotta Run and  Be Blessed.

Karen

11th Day of training today I felt ok but I am not where I need to be and I am some what impatient but I understand this is going to take some time but its time that I am willing to put in. I will keep it up though.

Just found out yesterday that the next 5k will be February 14th. The Plant City Church Of God is putting this on and the proceeds will benefit Sould Out and Operation Compassion. I hope to be much further along by then :-). If you live in the area make sure to sign up and participate, the website is www.strawberrydistancechallenbge.com and the cost to register is $25.00.

Gotta Run, lots to do before tomorrow.

Be Blessed.

Karen

I want to say THANK YOU to my Sistah Karen for helping me through my trauma yesterday.

She offered to hang back and stay with me after my fall, but I told her to GO ON and I'd meet her at the finish line. It was her 1st 5k, and I wanted her to give it her all.

I was ticked-off & hurting, but REFUSED to stop. I was determined to make it to the end, and I did (which probably wasn't very smart considering the swelling and bleeding that was going on..). 

I am PROUD of you Karen, (a.k.a. Karo-Quatro)!!

You are faithful to your training, even when I haven't been able to join you. 

Keep it up, because your NEXT 5k will be on February 14th right here in Plant City.

Sould' Out Youth MInistries is sponsoring the "Strawberry Distance Challenge" on February 14th, and I'm signing you and Ryan up.

Thanks again for a great time (road-rash & all) yesterday. It's been fun being a part of your training. Sure do wish our older Sister, Kellie, lived close so she could be a part of this!

I'll be hitting the pavement with you as soon as I can heal my knee, so keep on keeping on!

Here's to no more ROAD-RASH:)

Lori D.

Jan. 17th, 09 5k Bolt Run!

With 11 days under my belt of training for the 5k (3.2 miles) the day was here yesterday Saturday January 17th the 8th annual Bolt run! As you all already know my training is really 8 weeks worth but this run came earlier than that so I decided to just do it and I am glad that I did.

It was COLD, COLD, COLD. When I woke up this morning at 5:45 a.m. it was 35 degrees and for us Floridians that is cold and with the wind blowing it made it even colder. I picked Lori up at 6:30a.m. and I noticed we had one less passenger and that would be my 11 year old nephew Ryan, he decided to spend the night with some friends and that decision was probably a smart one for him because he would not have liked the weather.

The run started promptly at 8:00a.m. sharp but the anticipation for me was really overwhelming! First of all I had NO idea what to expect, all I knew was to go and pick up my packet then get my ankle bracelet so I could get my time then.....wait. Me and Lori did meet a few people who were pretty much in the same boat as me so that made me feel like I was not the only newbie. Eight a.m. came around and we were out in the road in front of the ice palace like a bunch of cattle then all of a sudden we were off then the fun began :-). The run was down Bayshore Blvd. so that made for some nice scenery and I felt like I had a nice pace going which made things easier. But the trauma happened when we were about a mile or so into the run and Lori fell down on her left knee and it was some bad road rash! The road was rough with a lot of uneven pavement and that is what brought Lori down, but she got up and ran and walked and at the same time wiping her knee with a tissue since blood was streaming down her leg pretty badly. She was determined to finish though and that she did but boy is she sore, I am thankful she did not hurt herself any worse.

I am glad that I finished the run but its not over yet, I still have to complete my 8 week training so I can run it through with out stopping. ( I walked probably about 5 to 7 minutes total but through out the rest of the time I ran) This week I will be adding spinning to my work outs and building that up then onto training to run further distance so I have a lot to work towards but believing that I can do this! I feel really good about training and my body is feeling much better as well so the results are showing up in many positive ways. 

I am signed up to run the Disney 5k in March but I am hoping to find a 5k to run before then so as soon as I get that figured out I will add the countdown clock to this blog. Gotta run and get some things done around that house and get to bed so I can get up early to get my training in before my day begins.

Have a blessed day today and stay thankful.

Karen

Saturday BOLT 5k Run January 17, 2009

Great day today! I will share the video tomorrow so make sure to check it out.....Good Stuff!!!!

Karen

Early & Cold Morning Today! 10th Day

Rolled out of bed this morning at 5:15a.m. and got my gear on and pushed out the door to get my training in. I have a full day today with being in Marion/Levy county all day and we are to leave the office this morning at 7a.m. Again by the way the temperature was not in the 40's t was 34 degrees, that's cold.

This morning my heel was feeling some pain but after about 5 minutes into it my heel eased up and I am thankful for that but this run seemed tougher for me than normal but I have a feeling it might have been because of the cold weather. I did make it through and for me that is what its about to make it through when you feel like you would rather just say I will do it another day or train when its not so darn cold! I am determined to continue this journey and reach the goals that are in front of me.

Tomorrow is Friday and I am taking the day off from training since I have gone 4 days straight and its my day to rest my body. But Saturday is right around the corner and I am excited about this being my first 5k. I do understand that I am not where I need to be yet to run the whole route and I am sure I may have to walk some but I am ok with that. My goal is to do the best that I can and just plain FINISH!

I may check in tomorrow but not sure yet as to what the day will bring but I will upload pictures and video on Saturday with the outcome looking forward to it and excited.

Have a blessed day!

Karen

The 10 day of training...It's Cold outside!

It's Cold this morning! If you have watched the video I mentioned it was in the 50's but I was wrong it was about 44 degrees so I stand corrected! I had a good morning with my training and I made the goal of running for a full 10 minutes and I am proud of myself for making it through without passing out :-). I am really excited about tomorrow morning and getting past the next hurdle but it is going to be really early for me since I need to be at the office at 7a.m. to leave and go to Ocala/Levy to work on the magazine.

Today started out good at the office then right before lunch it went a bit down hill but I managed to pull myself together and tried to put things in perspective and be thank full for where I am right now! There are days when it seems like the pile of crap/stuff is so high you can not find your way out but I know God is faithful so I have to get the junk off of my shoulders and push through it.

I am currently still at the office finishing this blog and the time is 7:00pm, I had to get some things together for tomorrow and sign some checks but I am getting ready to leave and check on my horse before going home.

Hopefully Lori will come out of her hiding place and fess up! :-) Bring it Lo Lo.
Oh and congrats to my sister Kellie for shedding 5.2 pounds, you rock joo-joo bean!

Got run,

Karen

Tuesday Morning Training.

This is a short blog!!! Gotta run to an appointment but the training I think went well this morning and it was a good thing I ran early because we have been hit with the rain but it is much needed.

Looking forward to tomorrow though, my training is getting tougher but I am looking forward to the challenge.

See you on the next blog and thanks for following me with this adventure.

Karen

Early morning workout 8th day of training.

I started my training early this morning, I have a 6:00 meeting afterwork and it is suppose to rain so my best bet was to get my butt out of the bed and get it done! The start of my run was tuff, my body felt it weighed a 1,000lbs but around 5 minutes or so into the run I was feeling much lighter and ready to complete the remainder of today's training. My knee felt better and my heel as well but I have to say they are both still ticking me off, I am being carefull though to not over due it and make it worse. I tell you I am here to testify that my body is not my 20 year old body that is for sure but its my problem that I have created not being in shape and I am a living example of it and feel it every day that I hit that pavement.

During the training though I listen to my ipod shuffle while sporting my new Nike earphones that my sister Lori bought me! They are so perfect for running by the way they fit around the ears so here is a shout out to my sister "THANK YOU LO LO". But during this time there is a lot of time to reflect on things. I personally understand from my friend Todd about the time with God during your training, for me it just seems to happen and its a great place for me to be. It's funny how during a strenuous time (workout) that my personal time with God kicks in and I have needed that for a while. I have tell you I chat with Him and let Him know where I am at and what I need His guidance on and I am believing for a break through in so many areas especially this training stuff but I have to remember to listen!!

Well I have to run, I am in the process of getting my desk cleared before this work day is over.

Catch you tomorrow.

Karen

Sunday January 11th 7th day

The above picture is Troy and Todd Collins, long time friends that now live in Nashville TN. They came down to participate in a marathon a few months  back in St. Pete so me and Lori went to see them and cheer them on. The truth of the matter is that is where the bug set in hard they have been an encouragement to both of us! ROCK ON BOYS........ :-)

Yesterday I was suppose to train but I decided to opt out not only was my day full but I decided it would be good to take a day off in hopes that the swelling and stiffness in my left knee would go down and also give my heel a break. I am not sure what is going on with my knee so I decided to go and buy a knee brace to see if it will help.

The weather today was awesome and when its that good you can not help but want to just be outside and enjoy it. I went to the track this morning and got my training in and I got it done along with wearing the knee brace. I really felt like I had more stability when wearing it but the true tale will be in the morning for me which brings me to that.....I am going to have to train in the morning instead of after work, I have a meeting after work so it leaves me no time to get it done then. 

Today after proofing the magazines I decided to go to Dicks Sporting Goods to buy some running shorts and a few other things. My thoughts from the beginning was to not put any money into this thing unless I felt I could be serious so I bit the bullet and spent a few dollars. Glad that I did, they were having a sale so my timing was good.

I am going to close for now, time to get some sleep and I am hoping that I will get past being SORE!!!  Lord help me......... :-)

Till Tomorrow,

Karen

Friday Morning Day SIX

As you know from my earlier blogs I am not a morning person especially to get up and train but today since I was up I decided to get to it. I was concerned that I would have a difficult time getting my training in since we are scheduled to go to press today by 5 with three publications so my best choice was jut to get it out of the way. It was nice though I have to admit it even though it was early the weather was perfect! I may do this early thing more often.

As I was running listening to some music there was a lot of things running through my mind and the one that stuck out was the Bible story about David and Goliath. David was a young man but had the opportunity to gain a reward if he defeated Goliath and he did just that. I really could go on with that story because there are so many points that can relate to this journey that I am on with this marathon deal but my time is limited this morning with getting to office but I did share a bit on the video so check it out.

My knee and heel acted up slightly but they both are coming around so I am pleased.

Gotta run for now have a great day,,,,,,it's FRIDAY

Karen

5th Day of Training!

Well its the 5th day in training for a 5k and I am still a long way from being in shape. I took two days off (Tuesday and Wednesday) of this week. I needed a break to let my knee and heel rest and I am glad that I did, my left knee was stiff, sore and slightly swollen so it was nice to give it a rest.

Lori met me at the track after work, her goal today was to run 2 miles and she did that with no problem and of course she did not walk at all, she ran the whole way. I am not at that point yet and it only motivates me to get there but it is not going to happen overnight, its going to take some time and dedication to get there! I can think of many things that I could do instead of getting out on the track that are much more enjoyable but it all comes back to health and Lori shared about that in an earlier blog.

Well that is it for now tomorrow brings another day with another workout and I am not sure when I am going to get it in but I will make sure it happens.

See ya,

Karen

Day 4 Of Training

Instead of running early before work I decided to run after I got out of the office which is better for me since I am not a morning person by no means! My first six minutes was a bit tough for me, my thighs were stiff and felt really sore but the longer I stayed out on the track the better they felt. 

Tomorrow is a day off from running to give my body a chance to chill out which I am looking forward to it :-). But if possible I may get on my stationary bike and spin a bit just to get some type of workout in. But Wednesday its back at it for another 4 straight days and I am sure that I will have some serious news to share then since the training will be stepped up a bit more.

Gotta Run,

Karen

Day Three, it was a tuff one for me!

It's day three on this training adventure and it was a tough one! Not sure what was going but I can tell you this my body is shouting at me asking what the heck are you doing this is totally out of character for you. I have been battling a heel spur on my right foot and have been battling it around 7 months but it has gotten better over the last 3 months but for some reason today into my 2nd lap it was really rearing its head. I ask God to please help me with this and as always he is faithful, for the remaining run the pain subsided. I have slacked off from taking my calcium pills but have started back consistently the last couple of days along with my daily intake of vitamin's so I am really trying to get myself back on track. On a positive note the burning and numbing in my legs did not happen today so it looks like I am getting past that which is awesome since its not a good feeling.

I am excited to see the changes that I go through on a daily basis as I train and am looking forward to attaining goals that are set in from of me.

Lori ran this morning before Church and I ran after Church so she did get her time in today.

Gotta Run!

Karen

Day Two & Pushing Through!

                                     

Day two in this adventure of training to get in enough shape to run a 5k and already my body is screaming STOP IT! I woke up this morning and as soon as my feet hit the ground I felt it and felt it good. I am sure that the next few days will be even more painful but I am going go on this journey and make it through.

Ok so this morning my phone was ringing and it was my sister Lori telling me to get up and get dressed I am running over to your house and then we are going to run at the track. But first I had to go to hole in one donut to get my breakfast burrito and coffee, I promise I ate NO donuts :-), then off to the track. This day called for 5 minutes of walking, 6 minutes of jogging then another 5 of walking. Today was actually easier than yesterday....Praise The Lord!  I am going to let Lori share a little bit now.

I have to say that I am impressed with Karen's "drive" to get in shape! 

We have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes & cancer in our family, and I am determined to NOT let these effect me as I age; this is my wish for both of my Sisters!  

As I jogged over to Karen's this morning I had my time with God, thanking him for the desire to exercise and for the ability to exercise, and just running through my thoughts with HIM about my holiday weight gain:( His word to me was to "get healthy to glorify HIM"...that it's about staying healthy to serve HIM, not to satisfy me. Right on!!   

It was fun spending time with my Sistah this morning, and I will continue to push her as I expect her to push me!!  We can do this, yes we can:) 

 

So here's the plan: January is the Tampa Bay Lightning 5k, the Disney Princess 5k run in March, and the MORE magazine half marathon in New York City in April..oh yeah, and for Karen, the Sould'Out 5k Strawberry Classic in March (I have to work this event & can't run it)!  

Run Sistah Run:)

Till Next Time,

Karen & Lori (lo lo)

First Training Day

Today was the day I decided to get started on this training thing, I gotta say I have always said I hate to run and that is the honest truth! But not to long ago when some close friends came down to compete in a triathlon it grew on me and then with my sister Lori egging me on I decided to get my lazy butt up and start to train. My first goal is a 5k which is 3.2 miles and to some that is just plain simple but to an out of shape chick like me its like the thought of climbing Mt. Everest!

 I started out with a run walk this morning and during the run I literally thought my legs were going to melt off my body but I stuck with the program that I am following and made it through! A verse in the Bible kept slapping me in the face "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" I tell you I held on to that but each time around that track I kept thinking Lord you gotta help me and He did, as always he is faithful. 

There are a few runs coming up that I would like to attempt but I am not going to share those dates yet, I will do that at a later date. I want to make sure they are achievable for me before I let that go :-) 

See ya,

Karen