Still Insane.

       Well we are about a week into Insanity Workout. It is as tough as I thought it would be. Maybe I should say it's as tough as everyone said it was. The fit test was crazy and made me sore the next day. I was nervous about starting day 1 if I could barely make it through the fit test.
    

     I know..this box is innocent looking enough,but don't be fooled. Inside is alot of pain and sweat.It came in a nice looking package,neatly packed,brightly colored to make you feel positive about all the pain you're
 

  
 about to endure. The first day was plyometric cardio circuit. They weren't lying. I lived through it then but when I did it at 4:00 am this morning I just about puked,which actually, I heard many people say happens. At least I wouldn't be the only one.My legs and back were very sore,but I pushed thru,and was feeling pretty good about how I was doing...until...the "rest" say.It's really just a break from cardio.I know my legs are small and weak, but after slow squats and lunges, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to walk the next day.My legs have been sore for four days now,At some point I have to become accustomed to it.There were people in worse shape than me that have made it all sixty days.We took before pictures. I can't wait to see the after pics.I hope there is a big difference.There has to be.I have never worked out this hard.I have changed my diet,and I'm careful to eat the right amount of calories to fuel my body.After seeing the before pics, I'm not so sure I want to share them We'll see.

                      Emily's birthday is Sunday.We got her a new bed that we'll give to her on Friday.She is really going to like it.We all have had a cold this week.Caden got the worst of it.Praise God we have not had H1N1 symptoms.God is good.We are still waiting to hear if the church wants us to teach CPR.They said they thought it was a great idea and seemed positive about it.We'll see.I'm working today.I am trying to keep in mind that I am blessed to have a job.God has been good to us.And off I go...

Insanity !!!

     I've been going to the YMCA lately.Katy and I both have.I have been lifting heavier weight trying to get ready for the  workout dvd we ordered.It's called Insanity Workout, from the same folks who make P90X.I think the website is Beachbody.com under Insanity on the right side.It's a 60 day workout program that is super intense.There are no weights, but plenty of plyometrics.Seeing the results of lots of people convinced us to try it.We are not normally suckers for buying stuff on tv.They talk about the people exercising on the video even need to stop and rest because it's so tough.People have mentioned losing weight,but most talk about losing body fat.I guess you don't lose a lot of weight because of all the muscle you gain. I'm not overweight by any means.I'm 5' 11" and weigh160 lbs.I hope to get some muscle definition and lose some body fat. At some point, I will post some "before" pictures and eventually the AWESOME  "after" pictures. It will be difficult to distinguish between me and Superman, but side by side you'll be able to tell us apart.I hope I have the "berries" to finish the 60 days.It will mean changing my diet too.No more Cheetos( I really love Cheetos). We are also going to cut out what little dessert we have at night.It isn't really about calorie restriction,more about healthy eating or cutting out empty calories.It will be more difficult for me than Katy.We eat very healthy any way, it's just those few things I don't "need".I'll keep ya posted.

        Our church will be opening the new building soon.We have only been going there about three months, but are very excited about it.This is the new sanctuary.God's hand is really on this church.A group just came back from Africa and the missions are a big concern for the church.We are blessed that God brought us to this church.The worship is awesome and the messages are convicting, and humbling.We hope to do our part soon by teaching CPR classes at the church.We may not have a lot to offer, but we can use what God has given us.

    I have been convicted to memorize scripture lately.Scripture that applies to my life, or the lives of people around me so I can share the news of Jesus and His gift.In light of the events and headlines lately,I see end times events happening and am convicted to tell people what I know.Here's my latest verse:
 

     

Random thoughts,driven by fatigue.

   - I worked out yesterday and today.Holy crap I'm in worse shape than I thought.

   -We're having pizza for dinner.Pizza is God's gift to those of us who will never be vegetarian.Sorry little helpless animals,but sausage is so yummy.

   -My kids are costing me a fortune in clothes.

    -I don't like people dying at work.Why am I powerless to help so many people ?

    -My wife is a hottie.

    -I FREAKIN' LOVE COFFEE !!!

    -I am very frustrated with the new facebook.

    -God is good...All the time.

    -Obama is the worst president this country has ever known.

    -This country is being weakened by the politicians in office who think they know what is best for us.

    -I can't wait for Jesus' return.He is coming soon.If you're not so sure...ask me how I know.

Reality check

         HEY,I FEEL OLD!!!!!!!!! Yes I feel old.I am determined ,now that I'm feeling better, to begin getting serious about training for a race.I'm hoping that race will be a half marathon.I'm taking inventory of all my aches and pains. I know, it really sounds like I'm feeling sorry for myself.Maybe I am, but there will be positive posts in the future,I promise. I have decided that it is my lot in life to be sore all the time.It is something I am going to just have to live with. I have arthiritis that I have suffered with since I was a kid, but even though I don't get actual arthiritic pain all that often, I wonder if that is why I feel stiff ALL the time.

             I am considering testing for a fire dept again.I am praying about it and asking God to open or close that door.I am starting to change the way I workout now, and go back to how I was doing it before.Hard intense exercise for about an hour each time.I try to do a modified crossfit type workout.When I was doing it before,I felt great.I lost some weight, I wasn't stiff all the time, and I felt stronger.My wife enjoyed the benefits too ; ).When I was in high school, I could bench press 200 lbs.I could now...ok not really,but the point is that I'm going to work toward that.Maybe it won't take that long to get there.After all, I am older and wiser. Ok ...just older but it will help me....maybe.

          I got results back for my cholesterol screening yesterday. My total was 200. HDL was a 2.6 ratio which I guess is really good. Trig are supposed to be under 150 and mine was 47.I've been taking fish oil for some time now. It has helped with both my cholesterol and my joints since it is a natural antinflammatory.My fasting glucose was 84 mg/dl so I think I am still beating my genetics when it comes to diabetes.My family is a train wreck of health.So far I have beat most of it despite al my complaining.

          Emily has played two soccer games so far.I'm proud of her.She gets a little better each time she plays, but more importantly, she is having fun and being active.So far we have all avoided being ill for the most part.That's pretty good considering we are all around sick kids all the time.Katy and me at work, and the girls at school.We all got our H1N1 vaccine. Thank you Lord for helping us to get it.I'm at work today.Haven't transported any flu patients so far.I'll keep my fingers crossed.Happy running. And off I go...

Frustrated

    So here I sit at work feeling terrible.I've had this sore throat for three days now.I have had the same kind of sore throat before.It's very strange.It starts  scratchy and really hurts during the night,almost like strep.The next day,it's scratchy again.I have felt kinda icky today but I don't really feel sick.Anyway, I worry because I was a smoker for 12 years.I quit before Katy and I were married,so I guess it's been since 2001 since I smoked.I was a pack a day smoker.Sometimes I still crave them...weird.The point is ,and I do have one, is that I worry about getting cancer.Anytime I have atypical symptoms for anything,I worry.I don't want my children to watch me go through that. I need to be here to protect them.So I'll call tomorrow to see the doctor, since I have had two similar episodes.Katy won't let me forget.If you're the praying type,pray for me.

     When I'm feeling better, I'm determined to start putting in some miles.Even if the miles are treadmill miles.We're afraid of swine flu so we decided to not take our kids to child care at the gym.Maybe we know too much being in the medical field.Most people are misinformed by the stupid media.I'm afraid for my children.Perfectly healthy people are dying from the H1N1.So running is not only healthy, but a great stress relief still.I want to get back to 25 miles a week.Last week I did 5 miles at 1900 hrs at work and then 6 miles with Katy the next day.My legs were really sore while I was running,but I pushed through it.My quads hurt like crazy for three days.That's never happened before.I really am set on running a marathon someday.I looked for a 10k I could run, but there aren't any on this side of town.It's a matter of convenience really.No child care,and even if we could find someone,they would have to be at our house early.

      The YMCA is opening near my house soon.I would like to use that to get back to XT and do some  strength training too.I have finally come to terms with never being even a hint of the muscular physique I have always hoped for.At this point in my life, I'll be happy with looking fit.So thus begins a new quest.When I'm feeling better,I am going to give myself three months.For three months I'm going to be strict about what food I eat.(translation :no junk food),and be diligent about running,increasing miles and strength training.We'll see how it goes.I'll try to blog about my progress.And off I go...

The mind is willing,but.....

         I ran five miles this evening.It felt awesome.I have not been running as much and I can really tell the difference mentally and physically.I think if I could get more sleep, I would run more.That's the excuse I'm using this week.I've gone from 20-25 miles a week to 8 miles/week. Man I suck.I will look today for a race to train for,and blog about it next time.That will hold me accountable.Well, I'm not sure any one even reads this blog.I think Katy does.{hello sweetheart}It is cooler now so I don't have to contend with the heat.I thought asking the church if they would sponsor me to run the PF Changs half. We could get a whole team from the church and raise money and awareness for Vision Abolition.For those not familiar,it gives a place of refuge for women in Africa escaping the sex trade industry.The church is big enough I think we could raise a lot of money.I feel like I want to be involved some how.We can't go on a mission trip because of our children,so I want to help in some way.I'll pray about it and see where God leads me.

           Emily is enjoying soccer.I really need to get out and practice with her.I don't want her to get discouraged before she has a chance to enjoy it.Soccer goes right along with her little personality.She is so full of life.I know,most parents say that about there kids.Cade has started sticking his feet in the toilet when he goes potty.Need less to say, he doesn't get "privacy" any more when he goes.Becca...well we're praying for patients.

          We took a six year old to Maricopa County Hosp tonight for level 1 injuries.I hate kid calls.It makes me want to go home and hug my children.We needed to start an IV on her.Kids don't understand.All they know is that I'm sticking them with a needle.I think she's going to be fine.It's Fall now so the drowning season is just about over. Those are the worst calls.Some medics go home afterward because it can be hard to handle.That's one reason why there is a high turn over rate in EMS.I'm surprised there aren't more alcoholics.People say we have a strange sense of humor.That is true, but I think it's a survival mechanism more than anything because it's universal.EMS is like no other job for sure.Where else can you take care of some one who just took off a greater portion of there face with a bullet, then go eat lunch 10 minutes later? Man I love being a medic.Anyway,it's late.I'm heading to bed.I hope to sleep tonight.Running calls all night is one thing that sucks about being a medic.The other is the firefighters, but that's another blog.Run in the morning...WooHoo!!!And off I go.....

       

Time to make some changes.

        I ran 4 1/2 miles today on the treadmill.It felt great! I have been a slacker lately,and I have not been running. I think mostly because I've just been tired.At the risk of sounding like a complainer, I'M TIRED. My job is largely to blame.For those of you that don't know me well, my shifts are 24 hrs. I've been doing it for 13 yrs, you would think I'd be used to it by now. Anyway, it's time to make some changes. Katy and I have vowed to get more sleep, and to eat better.We eat a very well balanced diet,but lately I've been "snacking" more than I should.I think I eat for comfort sometimes,like self medicating.That is a very bad habit.I don't have weight to lose,but I want to avoid diabetes.I wish they would make Cheetos vitamin fortified.How awesome would that be if they were good for you.

         I still have not reached my running goal of 10 miles.We're on the fence still for the 1/2 marathon.I think I'm going to look  into running another race,maybe a 10k.Having that to work toward will give me motivation.I feel like I hit a plateau that I need to get past.I will try to blog my miles more in case someone cares.

      Katy is awesome.We are making an effort to pray together more.We are hoping God will honor that and bless our family in unexpected ways. We still are tossing around the idea of adoption.On one hand it would be nice to have the freedom to date more and be more "husband and wife" instead of feeling like"mom and dad" ALL the time.On the other hand there are so many children out there that need love that Katy and I have to give.God has not taken the desire away from us.We are trusting His timing, and plan for our lives.God is good all the time. Scripture for this week"For it is by Grace you have been saved through faith; and that is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8 And off I go...

Slacker!!!

Katy and I are so busy these days. It seems we can't nurture any real friendships because everyone else with kids is just as busy.What happened to the days of backyard BBQ's,watching the kids play while the adults enjoyed a beer with friends and had an uninterrupted conversation lasting longer than 36 seconds. I know the day will come when our kids will be out of the house, and we will miss all the chaos.It will be bitter sweet for sure. I am blessed.Thank you Lord for my family,and trusting me with them.

So far I haven't run today.I haven't been very motivated this week.What I have been is tired. I don't know why some days I feel really good and others it's a struggle just to be verticle. I feel like I could run this afternoon, but it's 94 deg out.We'll see.Maybe I will tonight. Katy is struggling with her piriformis issue.She was doing really well for awhile, but I think it will come and go. I think we will wait to see how she does before we sign up for the half marathon together. By the time we get rid of both of our chronic pains, we will have to get racing stripes on our walkers. I wonder if Geritol would sponsor us for the marathon. I can see us now in our polyester jogging suits,thick at the waist from our Depends,stopping every six minutes to stretch. Maybe Ensure will come in pill form by then.  Regardless of how long it takes, we enjoy exercise time together.We'll keep on keepin' on.And off I go...

Almost there

Yesterday was a good running day.I was able to run with Katy,which is always fun, but we ran 9.5 miles.It was actually by accident. We had intended to run only 8 miles, but with our warmup and distance back to the house, we made 9.5. I entitled this almost there because my first running goal is a distance of 10 miles.We are running on Sunday for my long run day.I'm hoping to get 10 miles for the first time. I think my next goal will be a 10k race.I've never run one.Then I would like to get under a 7 minute mile.My last mile time was 7:31.

We are loving the church we are at. Sunday Mike talked the power that is available to ALL christians. The same power that raised Christ from the dead, is available to believers. I think it's time I start acting like it.He described how some believers, when faced with a problem in life,will take a step back, instead of taking a step forward in faith,and trusting God to show he really is soveriegn over all. I want people to see His presence in our home and family. It's time I step up to be the dad and husband He's called me to be.

Caden is doing well with his potty training. It won't be long until we're doing pull ups at night only.Sweeeeeet!!He is a funny boy.I'm proud of all my children.We are praying for Katy's grandmother.She is ready to go home to the Lord.We are visiting alot so she knows she is loved.

I'm gonna look today to see if there are any races coming up.I don't think we will make it to the Race for the Cure this year.I'll blog next time about what I found.And off I go...

Feeling pretty good !!

I remember when I lived in my apt in Mesa.Katy would come over,and we would work out.Here i was, almost 30 yrs old, just quit smoking,and beginning an exercise program. It truly was pathetic to watch me walking, yes I said walking on the treadmill and sweating and half dead after 10 or 15 min. Later, after we were safely married, Katy tells me how funny it was to her, and by funny I think she meant sad and "Oh crap I'm in love with a loser." Anyway, the point to his is how far I've come. This morning I ran 6.5 miles in 58:40, and I felt great. Katy is always supportive and encouraging when it comes to me and exercise.I seem to have this , "love/hate" relationship with exercise.I have times when I do it consistantly, and others not so much. Running is that way some too, but I really miss it if I skip a day.Today was a really good running day.I'm proud of myself.I've been working hard and I'm beginning to see good results.

Emily should be starting soccer soon. She's pretty excited about it. Becca is still a grumpy teenager, but we love her and I know she is under alot of pressure. I am going to try to find something we can do for father/daughter time.There is a really fun kid in there that comes out sometimes.Caden makes me laugh everyday.His new thing now is"My penis is a hot dog."This, of course, while he pulls on it.Long live Sniffy!!!

I'm back in BSF. I'm hoping to get a spot soon.I will enjoy having the structure of a study, and I'm expecting to see God do great things in my life, and to see Him move thru our family and really make His presence known.My first scripture memory verse is Acts 4:12 "For salvation is in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven,given among men,by which we must be saved."Anyway,each day I'm healthy, and I get to spend with my family,is a good day.And off I go...

My first blog

This is my first blog. This blog is mostly for me, kind of like a journal I suppose since not many people are likely to see it. If you do, feel free to leave a comment, or advice on running which I could always use.

       This blog is mostly about my running, but I love my wife and kids so much that I can't resist including funny stories. My kids make me laugh everyday. Katy and I have an exceptional marriage that is Christ centered and always will be.

       The thing I enjoy the most is running.Ultimately, my goal is to run a full marathon before I turn 40. Call it an early midlife crisis if you will, but it is something I have to do for myself.  I grew up eating a terrible diet that just got worse when left to my own devices. There was a time  when I could put away a whole pizza in one sitting, and did quite often. Throw in large amounts of alcohol and smoking, and you got a life primed for a heart attack. I met and married Katy, who is the poster child for fitness America.( I guess opposits do attract)With her help I quit smoking, but it was when I reached 190 lbs, I decided it was time to make some lifestyle changes.I won't bore you with the details, but that is how I started running.Now I weigh 165 lbs. I am really hoping to avoid diabetes, or stroke which run in my family.Katy and I are training for the half marathon together. She is temporarily sidelined for back pain, but recovering quickly.Maybe we'll run P.F Chang's in Jan, we'll see. We have a great time running together anyway. Some days are great running days, and other days suck, but they're all fun. And off I go...