My thoughts on running...

In the last week or two, it seems that Spring has finally decided to make an appearance and it looks like she is going to stick around for a while!  I love winter but I'm so ready to shed the winter coat, hat, and gloves and spend some time outside in the sunshine!  This past week I've had the best company run along side me!  Take a look...


Sara and Mommy

Ana and me

I think it is easier to keep moving when you have a friend next to you but more often than not, I run alone.  And, I actually enjoy it.  I try to go early (7:30 early, not 5am early!) in the morning and its so peaceful.  I listen to all the different varieties of birds talking to each other and just soak in the fresh smell of new life popping up all around me.  Here are a few examples...

 

 

 

 

all photos taken with my iPhone

 

I run on the Old Plank Trail that goes through downtown Frankfort.  I can pick it up pretty close to my house and its so convenient.  Not only is it great physical exercise but its awesome for the mind as well.  I spend a lot of time just thinking, talking to God, or making mental notes of my "to do" lists.  It really is a great way to start the day!

Here is what my Saturday and Sunday walk/run looked like this past weekend:

Saturday: 5min walk, 2min run, 1 1/2min walk, 5min run,1 1/2min walk, 5min run,1 1/2min walk, 5min run,1 1/2min walk, 5min run, 7min walk.

Sunday: 5min walk, 2min run, 1 1/2min walk, 7min run,1 1/2min walk, 7min run,1 1/2min walk, 7min run,1 1/2min walk, 9min run, 5min walk.

I'm not fast at all. I mean, really, really not fast but I'm moving forward so that's a plus. I have a friend who runs and she has given me some great advise (thanks Lisa!) that I tell myself before I go out.       Lisa also likes to drink margaritas with her breakfast buffet. That example may come in handy too!

*The hardest step for a runner is the first one out the door.
*You will never regret going.  You will regret it of you don't.
*You are moving faster that the person sitting on the couch.


Those words have gotten me moving more than once and I do really say those things to myself to get myself out the front door!  My first 5K is coming up quickly, May 25th to be exact, so I've got to keep moving.  I'm actually looking forward to my run tomorrow morning! 

 

We heart Michigan

We exit early at Route 49 in Chesterton and make our way through the last few miles of Indiana, heading for Michigan.  This drive is one of the main reason we do that!  It is beautiful.  Any time of year, its photo-worthy.  Just  imagine what is looks like when the trees have leaves!  Gorgeous.  

 This is what awaits us at the end of that road!  Beverly Shores, IN  They are restoring some old homes from the worlds fair in this area, right on the lakefront.  I'll save that for another post.

 Our car is practically on auto-pilot heading straight for Redamak's in New Buffalo, MI!  Casual, beachy atmosphere and good greasy burgers make it a tradition for this family.  

We drive a bit more, meandering through the string of towns just past New Buffalo:  Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert. We see sights like this!  I LOVE this fence.  The house on the other side isn't so bad either. ;)

We are nearing our destination that the girls have been asking about since about 10 minutes into the drive.  The road leading up to Cherry Beach is a dead end... 

...and check out the beautiful property on the way:

 Even the trees here are cool!

 Two happy girls at the lookout at Cherry Beach, MI.

That is part of the SIXTY-THREE stairs that lead us down to the beach.

Wonder how old he is?

FINALLY!

View looking North:

View looking South:

They found lots of flat rocks to skip.

Jessica, age 11

Sara, age 8

LOTS of pictures were taken. :)

We made a stop at the always popular Oinks!

 Check out the collection of old ice cream scoops attached to the ceiling!

Its the start of another beach season and that makes us happy! 

Have you ever been to Michigan?  Where are some of your favorite places to visit while there?

I did it...TWICE!

So, a couple months ago I coerced asked my awesome cousin Ana to run a 5k with me in May!  I got a great deal through Groupon for two entrances to the Color Run at Toyota Park in Bridgeview and thought now was the time.  I have never run a 5k and really wanted to find a way to get motivated and get some exercise into my weekly routine.  I started the Couch to 5k training last week!  Once you see the schedule (link above), you might not be so impressed with what I've accomplished thus far, but its a start!  I've done the first 2 sessions of week one.  I bought a new pair of running shoes over the weekend that I will try out today!  They are really pretty, and hopefully will make me run like the wind, or something like that.  :)  Here goes...

Chalkboard Wall

We have a chalkboard in a basement and about a month ago it was getting full so we decided to start over.  We love having this wall because my sister and I love to draw!  It looks really cool!  See for yourself:

We like the things people have drawn, even the Kevin stinks(Kevin is our dad).  I'm ending this post with a picture of the whole chalkboard wall. By the way, this post was done by me, Sara, the youngest one!  Maybe I can post a little more often!