Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace is my song for today. I have it 2 times on my Iphone/pod. I have Elvis singing it and the group 'Il Divo'.
A few years ago, Jay and I were able to watch 'Il Divo' in concert in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It was wonderful to me. They are a group of Tenors and they are all men, of course. That's why it wasn't as wonderful for Jay to be at that Concert. It was mostly screaming. older women (like me) sitting around him. Oh, well...................that's life. :-)
I am going to go walk after I write this. (hopefully at least 4 miles). I've got to do it today, but it has been such a hot day. I'm waiting for it to cool down. I need to start going in the morning again.
This picture is of me in the Hartford, Conn. 1/2 Marathon. This was when Rocky was living in Springfield, Mass (close to Hartford). We did this one together, too. Again - it looks like I'm hurting here. I guess that's how I look at the end of any of the races I've been in. :)

Sunday, Aug. 30th

Today was a very nice day. We had church in the morning and then Jay and I went on a Sunday drive in his car. (after eating lunch of course).
He had the top down.
Jay has a Mazda convertable. It's really a cute car. He drives it a lot in the summer. It's only a a couple years old. Around this time a couple years ago - he got it for my Birthday.(he said) But it really was for him! His Birthday is only a few days later - September 1st. It's a stick shift - so I'd really rather not drive it anyway.
I'm glad he likes it so much.
Anyway, we had a nice drive down to the Columbia Gorge - then over the Vantage Bridge and then we took the back way to Ellensburg.
When we got home I went for a walk. It was still quite hot at 6:00. But I only went about 3 miles. Boy, I need to step it up if I'm going to do a marathon. Tomorrow I'll do at least 4 miles! I think I need to do 20 on Wednesday or Thursday. That's the plan.
The song for today is: 'Better in Time' by Leona Lewis. It's a hot song right now. Everyone is playing it. Yes, I like it. I've been playing it a lot lately, too.
Oh, the picture is one from the Carlsbad 1/2 mara. in January. Just a random picture........ I can't find the one I have of Jay's mazda. I'll have to post it another time.....I'm tired.
P.S.  I finally found it - scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see it.

Love, love, love it

I posted yesterday's pictures(below) of my walk/jog around the Columbia River in Wenatchee. It was great....as usual.. I felt like I was much faster. Well, I was... I did it all in less than 2 hours. That is good for me! I felt better and was able to run/jog more. So that makes me think that I may be ready to do a Marathon in 2 weeks. Yep, that's right. :-) My daughter and I are going to do the Salmon, Idaho Marathon. Staci has been after me about this - so we finally decided and paid the registration fee. Now I'm commited - there's no backing out. Well, actually I could, but I'll try not to back out!
Salmon, Idaho is a relatively small town - so this marathon will only be about 250 people or so, but that's fine by me!
My family might be a little embarrassed when I come in towards the end. But what can I say! I'm trying and I will do the best I can( at least).
Our son, Rocky says that he is tired of me talking about it and I should just do it and get it over with! So I guess I will. :)
Okay now, for the song of the day. I had so many that I listened to on my way to and from Wenatchee and during the walk - that I had a hard time choosing.
I have a lot of favorites and most of them are on my Iphone.
Anyways, I've decided to choose 2 Chris Daughtry songs: 'Home' and 'What about Now'. He's a relatively new artist for me and I like his style. Yes, he's one of those American Idol Stars from the past, but he's great. I also listened to an interview on the way home - with him and Gayle King.(Oprah's friend). It made me like him even more! That's why I chose his songs today. He's also got a new album and there's a few great songs on that, but I'll have to listen and tell you my favorites on that later. I need to download a few to my Iphone. Yes, life is good ....when you have good music to listen to on your walk!

Your Song - Elton John

Today I've been thinking a lot about my husband. I do take him for granted. He has been there with me through thick and thin, better and worse, health and sickness, joy and pain, - well you get the idea. He's been a great husband and father and been married to me for 31 years. Wow.....that says something, doesn't it!
Yesterday he gave me a beautiful vase full of Roses and a wonderful Card! I have to post what some of the card says - because it really sums up how we feel about each other.
'What we share together is a beautiful partnership. From the joy and passion - to the gentle caring of our family and home- - it means everything to me - to have you as my wife, my true companion, and my forever friend.... And on your birthday, I hope you can feel all the love I have for you in my heart. WOW.......most people that know Jay - think that all he does is joke around.(especially the people at church!) But no, he does have a wonderful heart and I'm thankful that he is my husband. He has always been a magnificent Provider. That has really blessed me all our married life - as I haven't been the healthiest of gals. I have had some health problems, but I'm trying to get past all that - and the walking is helping. Today I only did 3 miles, but I'll do more tomorrow. I've had some things to get done today.
Well, to get back to Jay and I. My song for today is 'Your Song' by Elton John. It was our song when we got married. The words : ' How Wonderful Life is, while you're in the World' - that sums it all up for me. I love you, honey.

Having a great 50th Birthday.

Wow. I'm having a great Birthday today. It's so nice when people remember. I guess being on Facebook helps. :-)... But my parents did come yesterday - bearing gifts and food! and then they took me out to Lunch at Mamma Yum Yums in Ephrata. Then I have some friends taking me out to lunch in Moses Lake today! I feel so blessed. And I'm sure my husband and kids will remember. :-)
Anyways, I had a great 4 mile walk/jog this morning. I was contemplating being 50 years old (1/2 a century) on this planet. It was a little depressing, but then 3 songs came on my I PHONE as I was walking. I'd like to mention these 3 songs. They each hit home with me today. Two of them are by the group -5 for Fighting . They are: --"The Riddle and 100 years.
Then the 3rd one is by Nickelback - 'If Everyone Cared'.
The words "I'm Alive" are sung quite a few times in that one. Just listen to the song if you get a chance. It carries a powerful message to me. So do the other 2 songs. That's how I feel. I feel so blessed to be alive right now and I know I have a relatively short time on this planet (less than 100 years) AND.... I know that there's a reason for the world........you and me....you and me.....(The Riddle)
Well, that's my preaching for today. Now I think I might even start adding a song for the day - and not just report on my walk/jogging adventures. I love music - all kinds of music. I've played the organ and piano for Church functions for years. And I do love that I can do that. I think over the years I've heard and played a lot of different tunes - so I might get off on thinking of a certain 'Song for the Day'. I have a friend that posts 'Quotes of the Day' - so maybe the song idea isn't too bad.
Anyways, 'til later......Chow......

Here's a picture of our daughter, Staci - and a picture of her darling family.(taken about a year ago.) I just can't tell you how blessed we feel to have such a wonderful daughter. And that family of hers!!! I could go on and on. Chad is such a great Son-in-law. Oh! And those grandkids. I just adore each of them so much.
Anyways, I thought I'd put pics of her and her family up - since she just came home to go do that 10k with me. We are talking about a Marathon, but I think I talked her out of the Pocatello one. It was just so dang Hot when we did the 1/2 mara last time. So we are looking at doing another one later in the Season.
Yesterday I did the 10 miles around the river again - so I'm taking a break today. Mom and Dad came over and took me to lunch. They also brought some nice gifts for my Birthday. What a great day for me. Loved it....

Snoqualmie Railroad Days

Staci and I had a great weekend. On Saturday, we both participated in the 10k at Snoqualmie, WA. I, of course, was much slower than her - but I have to remind myself that I'm twice her age. I still didn't feel as good at this race. (for some reason) Some days are just like that. But I had a very nice gal from Snoqualmie that ran most of the way with me. So it wasn't so tough to get through the race - she was a great pacer for me. Although at the end - I told her to go on - I just couldn't keep up with her. I guess I need to do more running in my daily routine. I'm trying..... My daughter wants me to go to Pocatello, Idaho and run the Marathon with her in 2 weeks. I really don't know what to say about that. I don't think I'm ready. It's toooooooo soon!

We'll see..........

August 21st

I did walk yesterday - 4 miles. For some reason - on my walk- I encountered a lot of mosquitos and they ate up my legs. I've walked that same walk a million times and never had a problem with mosquitos. (Mais ce la vie')

I had a really great day yesterday. I went to Spokane to pick up Staci from the Airport (later)- did a little shopping and went to Pinehurst, Idaho to visit my Sister and Brother -in-law - Pauline and Jim Sainsbury. Pauline is turning '60' tomorrow - so I went to wish her Happy Birthday and give her a present. She is like a sister to me. She is wonderful. When Jay & I got married, we lived by Pauline and Jim for about 5 years or so. Pauline helped me out a lot and taught me a lot as a new Mom. How great it is to have good, close family like that. I love them and their family so much. This picture is of her, of course, since I'm talking about her! And That is her daughter, Jodi, in black next to her.

Staci and I are up and getting ready to go to Snoqualmie, WA - for our 10k run tomorrow. Well, I'll post about it when I get back.

August 19th

Didn't walk today. I really didn't feel like it. (not a good excuse) But I will definitely get up in the morning and go. I thought I'd post another picture of the Wenatchee walk around the Columbia River ('the loop'). This was on my I Phone - taken a couple months ago. It's always beautiful - in it's own way.

Well, I will pick up my daughter (Staci) tomorrow from the airport in Spokane and then on Saturday - we will do the 10K in Snoqualmie, WA. Maybe I already said that on this blog. I guess I'm tired. I'll come back another day. :-)

August 18th..

Yes, I got up early and drove over to Wenatchee to walk 'The Loop'. And I had a pretty good walk/jog - except that my Ipod didn't work. Some how I erased all my songs the last time I hooked it up to the Internet. (yesterday) Well, I came home and fixed that!! Anyhoo.... I found out today that 'The Loop' is really 10 miles around - not 11. There was a reader board that I looked at today that had a new map of the walk around the Columbia River and it said it was 10 miles. Okay...Okay... I guess I can handle that. So the other day I walked 20 miles - not 22. Oh, well.........

I've decided to tell you a little story about my younger years. This is a story that my Dad has told everyone (for years) much to my chagrin. It explains a little bit about my athletic ability. :-( I was in track my High School years and my parents (and probably others) wondered why. I wasn't that good at it and for some reason I chose the long distance running. Many times I was one of the last ones to make it to the finish line. At this particular race that my Dad talks about - I was definitely the last person to come in. Infact, the race was pretty much over and everyone was waiting for me. My Dad said that I could have just quit, but I didn't (and I guess everyone thought I should have). I was that far behind!! Anyways, I made it in and I got a standing ovation from the crowd for finishing. (Pretty sad, huh) My Dad loves to tell that story, because it says that I'm not a quitter, but in reality - it also says that I wasn't a very good runner. Oh, well..........that's okay. I still like to walk/run and I'm glad I can do it. I'll just keep plugging along.

Oh, I forgot to say that I'm from a family of athletes. My siblings are all very good at sports and they are (or have been) teachers and coaches - like my Dad.

So yes, I'm kind of the black sheep in that way. But I actually don't mind. I can live with that. (now) :-) I'll post a pic of my Dad....

August 17th.

I walked/jogged four miles today. I just did it around the farm here. I felt good - so I think I will walk/jog 'The Loop' tomorrow. I want to be ready for the 10K this weekend.

I've spent most of the day - trying to fix the wireless router that is linked to my computer here. It just isn't working and I've tried almost everything. But I'm taking a break and I have one more guy(technician) I could call. I hope he will help me. I'm not that great with computers, but I'm trying!!! I still remember the days that we didn't have computers. I can't believe how far we've come. I would never have imagined all that we can do now - with technology. I do love my Iphone. It's wonderful. How did I live without that device???

Well, that's my random thought for the day. And here's a picture out my backdoor. Not quite as beautiful as the Wenatchee Trail, but it's okay.

Gotta start walking again....

I've taken 3 days off - not good. I'll start walking again in the morning. I guess the 22 miler made me think that I deserve a good rest, but I don't know if that's how I should be thinking.
I notice that I'm not losing any weight (in fact I've gained 2 lbs.)
So if I want to lose some weight, I probably should be keeping at this every day.
Anyways, I've decided to post a few things about my family today.
I'll probably do more later, but why not get started now!

Jay and I have 3 kids - Rocky, Greg, and Staci. I can't believe they are soooo old already (30,29 and 25). Rocky is a brilliant, single Doctor working at the House Ear Institute in LA. Greg is an amazing businessman in Oakland and married to adorable Heidi who is finishing her Art Degree. And our daughter, Staci (The World's best mother) lives in Idaho Falls and is married to Chad Larsen. He is an exceptional teacher and they are parents to the three most beautiful grandchildren in the world! (Weston, Analee, and Kallista)
They are all in these pictures that I have posted of us on the Beach this year and at Greg & Heidi's wedding last year.
Grandkids are so wonderful. I will have to post more pictures as I go along. I can't help myself, but I must do some kind of bragging on this blog! Heaven knows that I shouldn't do too much bragging about my walking. There are so many out there that run, bike, do triathlons, etc. -
I really can't hold a candle to all those athletes. I just have to do what I can do.....:-)

August 15th

This picture is before the Seattle Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon in June.


Well, It's been two days since my 22 mile walk. :-) I really haven't been that sore.


I feel about the same as I usually do after the 1/2 marathon. So this is good news for me. Maybe I will plan to do a full marathon in October. :) I'm looking into it!


Next week my daughter is coming to visit and we(her & I) are going to run a 10k in Snoqualmie, Washington. It looks like a good little race that we can do together.


Staci (my daughter) has been training to do a full marathon at the end of this month in Pocatello, Idaho. I know, I know, - why am I not doing that one with her??? Well, I don't feel ready and when we did the 1/2 marathon there (2 years ago). It was soooooo hot and we both got really sick after that race. I think it was because of the heat!! So I'm not excited about being a part of that one. Even tho,


I might go and cheer her on and help babysit the kids while she is running.


Anyways, all is well. I'll report later on my walking this week. ta,ta.

August 13th 2009 - A break through day for me!!

Well, I finally did it! I went twice around 'The Loop'. (The Apple Capital loop trail in Wenatchee) This is a big deal for me. It was 22 miles. I've never gone past 15 miles at one time - in all my born days. I wanted to do this before I turned 50. Now it makes me think that I maybe could do a full marathon! It was tough, I must say. And I have a huge blister - not on my foot - but in a very weird place. Under my Right arm - where my Sport's bra must have rubbed. Ouch... it hurts. But still I'm elated!! I did what I've always wanted to do - go twice in one day around that trail.. Okay..... Okay.... I guess that's enough, but I haven't even talked to anyone about it yet. I will post a few pics of the day....Yes, I feel good...I just can't walk very well right now.

I'm going to make Jay take me out to dinner tonight!!! Yeah!!

Wenatchee Apple Capital Trail Loop

I must tell you about my most favorite place to walk/jog.
Yes, There is a beautiful paved trail around the river in Wenatchee. You can start at any of the parks along the trail and it passes through both Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. It is a loop of 11 miles (so I'm told). I've walked it many, many times in the last few years and I never get sick of it. In the Spring, Summer and Fall, - I try to go at least once every 2 weeks.
These last couple months, I have gone once a week.
There are two bridges that you use to cross over. One is a foot bridge (close to downtown) and the other is a highway bridge (but it has a walk path on it) North of town.
I can't tell you how much I love this walk. I have encountered many creatures and people on this walk. I guess I could tell those stories later. But I would love to walk this path everyday. Only problem is: I live an hour's drive away. So this is not possible.
I try to walk at least 4 miles every other day, either on the treadmill or around our farm out here in Ephrata, WA. We live out here in the Columbia Basin and it is like a Desert - especially right now in the summertime. Something about walking around the water and seeing mountains nearby - really make it better for me!
The last time I walked the loop was last Saturday - Just 3 days ago. I'm already counting the days 'til I can do it again. Today I walked about 4 miles around the farm - it was okay. Just not the same. I'll live.......:-)
P.S. There is one more foot bridge (smaller) that is by Confluence Park.

My first 1/2 marathon - Vernona, Oregon

See what I mean. I wasn't lying about the big yellow slicker!!

The last pic is of me at the finish.

:-(

Okay - 2 more 1/2 marathons to tell you about.

The 6th one was in Carlsbad, CA
This one was done in January of this year. My son (Rocky) did the full Marathon and I did the 1/2. My time wasn't any better, but I still felt good about it. I jogged most of it. It was so beautiful along the ocean there in Carlsbad. Rocky now lives down there in LA - so it wasn't too far for him to go. Jay and I spent the day(two days) before touring San Diego. What a beautiful city, I liked it a lot. It's kind of fun to make a vacation out of the races we go to.
The 7th one was the Rock & Roll Marathon in Seattle
This was the inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon and 1/2 for Seattle. It was in the latter part of June 2009. There were 25,000 people! That was a little much for me. But it still was a great race. We ran along the West side of Lake Washington and ran right into town on the freeway - then looped around to run into the SeaHawks Stadium. There were bands all along the way, but one band was in the tunnel that we ran through and that was sooooooooo loud and crazy. The sound was reverberating (sp?) off the walls. I felt like I did okay. 2 hours 40 min. Oh, well............
One thing I have to say here, tho, is that I have been to the New York City (ING) Marathon to cheer on my son - as he ran the Marathon. And that was a much crazier race than the Seattle one. Because there were 39,000 people in that one. Oh, the logistics of it all! Unbelievable.
It still was great to be a part of it, but I'd much rather be in these smaller mara's like Sunriver or Chelan..

Next 1/2 Mara's!

The 3rd one was at Sunriver, Oregon
Yep, that's right. It was beautiful! We did the 1/2 Mara around the Golf Course there and some of the housing. It was in the lovely, tall, Pine Trees. A gorgeous day at the end of June 2007. I did it in about 2 hours and 36 minutes. That's about normal for me. No I'm no wonderful athelete, but I'm okay for a Mom and a grandma that just started this a year or so ago. Yes, I felt wonderful after this one, too. I know it is good for me.
The 4th one was in Pocatello, Idaho
I did this one with my daughter who lives in nearby Idaho Falls. Yes, she left me in the dust, too. And she even was a few months P.G.! It was a very Hot day, as it was at the end of August 2007. She had more reason to be sick afterwards than I, but we were both sick and tossed our cookies at the end of the race. (I really think it was the heat). Still it was an experience. :-)
The 5th one was in Chelan, WA
Now this one was much closer to home. It's only a one and a half hour drive away. My parents went with me to show support - as my husband was busy and couldn't make it. It really was a pretty setting for walking/running, also. We went around the Lake on the highway. I did it in about the usual time, but thoroughly enjoyed the day with my folks.

My past 1/2 marathons

Well, I'll do a quick run down of my past 7 - 1/2 marathons. I'm very glad I did everyone of them, but some were better than others, of course.
The 1st one was in Vernona,Oregon.
I just picked it out of a hat, because the timing was great(I was ready to do a 1/2 mara) and it wasn't too terribly far from us. It was a small town going West out of Portland . It was a very rainy day and on muddy trail the whole way. I had to grab a big yellow slicker out of the back of our car and Boy! did I stick out - I didn't have the proper attire either! I had very thick cotton sweatshirt pants and top on and they both got very heavy and weighed me down.(because of all the rain). You can tell - I had a lot to learn about being in races at that point. Anyways, I did finish and for the next two days or so - I felt better than ever! I could do it! I could go longer than a 10K! I had never done anything this long before - WOW....
The 2nd one was in Hartford, Conneticut
Yes, that's a long ways away from home. But our son happened to be living in Springfield at the time. He was doing his 3rd year of Medical School there at the Bay State Hospital. So he wanted to try doing a 1/2 mara with me. Well, he left me in the dust in the first 5 minutes!
Still I think my time was much better at this race, because the conditions were better. It was an ING marathon and was run very well. And it happened to be a really great day. I'm pretty sure it was in October 2006.
I guess I will have to finish the other 5 - 1/2 marathons on another post! I'm getting lengthy:-)

I love to Walk......

I'm starting this blog - mostly for myself - as I don't expect anyone to read it. But I do want to make a journal or document my walking experiences. This is a hobby that I love and in the last few years - I've been able to give it more attention.

I'm turning 50 in a couple weeks and I want to keep myself going with this hobby. My ultimate goal is to do a marathon, but I'm quite afraid of that . And the reason is: I've done 7 - 1/2 marathons and after each one I'm totally, physically drained and exhausted! I don't think I can go another step!! So why would I do a Marathon??? Still, I know that is something I want to conquer eventually.

So I'm trying to hold myself accountable - by doing this blog and reporting all the walking/jogging that I'm doing and plan to do.

8/12/09

I think it just might work. Since I posted the above comments- I have walked at least 4 miles everyday around our farm here in Ephrata. And tomorrow I plan to do 'The Loop' in Wenatchee.

So far so good. This may be the way to keep me motivated!!! (knock on wood) :-)