Training

Well, I went to the gym this morning to get some run time on the treadmill but 5 minutes in I had such excruciating pain radiating thru my right calf and knee I had to stop to stretch then resume but the pain wouldn't ebb.  I noticed my muscles are developing in a way that pulls on the knee.  Time to change plans.  Off the treadmill and onto weights.  Today was a legs day but without putting too much strain on the knee.  Hip abduction and induction, leg press, leg curls.  After doing my rounds on the Nautilus machines, it was time to hit the bike to get some more cardio in.  I could only do 3.25 miles on the bike because unfortunately the club childcare was closing so I needed to get the munch-kin and head out.

I think it's time to set an appt with my orthopedist to get a plan in place to get the muscles going where they need to go.  Ugh!  I wonder what she'll say.  Please let it not to get the orthotics that cost several hundred dollars and are not covered by insurance.  Well, whatever the case, I am not going to be sidelined by injuries.  That has happened so many times to me in the past that I am done...just done with letting things stop me from accomplishing my goals.

Any advise or suggestions?

Fourth of July

I am amazed by the emotions that came up during the singing of God Bless America at church last night.  Tears filled my eyes.  Our military don't get the respect they deserve for what they do.  Their job is thankless and takes them away from family and friends for long periods of time.  They risk their lives on a regular basis for people they don't know.
I am not saying the wars they are sent to are right or wrong but they have a job to do and they do it selflessly.
I encourage you to go to anysoldier.com to get an address of a soldier serving overseas in Iraq and Afganastan.  Please go and get an address to send them a letter to encourage them.  Let them know that someone back in the states cares for them and appreciates what they do to keep us safe at home.
Have a wonderful Independence Day with your family and friends.  Enjoy your picnics and fireworks.  I know I'm going to!

Holiday weekend

This morning driving to work I was listening to the radio and they had a military officer on talking about what Independence Day means to him.  He was deployed to Afganastan a month before 9-11 and just got home last Sept.  That's 9 years away from home.  His wife was pregnant with their first child when he left.  He talked about how much he believes in what he does and when he got home he received a standing ovation from the people in the airport.  And the part that made me tear up..."It's all worth it when a child I've never met says "Thank you for what you do for me".  

What does Independence Day mean to you?  Is it a time to have fun with friends and not have to go to work?  Is it filled with tradition and food?  What does your holiday look like?

As I heard this mornings story on the radio I had to ask myself when was the last time I thanked a soldier for their service and the choices they made that brought them to that place.  It is their sacrifices and choices that allow us to celebrate Independence Day. 

This fourth of July, I will be saying extra prayers for our soldiers and will be saying the pledge of allegience more as well.  When was the last time you said it?  My 5 year old said it every time he saw a flag for months.  It was a great reminder of what we are supposed to be.  Granted every McDonald's you pass has a flag and if you have a lot of fast food restaurants in your route it could get a smidge old but it was such a great reminder.  And I love that he always ended with "And God bless our country". 

May you have a fun and safe fourth.