Pushing and striving

This morning I begin to prepare my mind for the strong winds of home and much cooler temperatures as well as reminding myself that my body will have some major adjustments as well.  While I've been able to control so much of my aches and pains due to fibromyalgia through diet and exercise, I still have flare ups especially with major changes in the weather patterns.  Therefore in the past two years of change for me,  winter still hits me especially hard.  If one doesn't deal with an autoimmune disease it is hard for them to fathom what this does to me mentally and physically.  But I will continue to PUSH and STRIVE, and honestly, I love a challenge.

The past several weeks I have been incredibly blessed [and believe me as I do realize that I am blessed  beyond measure and it is nothing that I deserve] with being here on Maui.  I love how my body reacts to all of the vitamin D, the warmth soaking into my bones and the ability to do many things that just isn't possible living on the plains of Kansas.  Often times I am asked, "why don't you move?"  Why, because I love the beauty of the seasons, I love being able to see for miles and miles, I enjoy my home, and I have some pretty awesome friends.  The cool thing is over the last 40 plus years, I have made many friends and acquaintances and each one of you are very special to me!! 

So what have I been up to?  Reconnecting with my friends that live on Island as well as with those that travel here the same time each year.  That means lots of bbq's, meals shared together in our homes as well as out in the public and very good fresh food!  I've enjoyed reading several novels as well as staying current on both of my bible studies.  I've enjoyed just being alone with my awesome husband and best friend, ever!!  I've also enjoyed having a running/gym partner the last 6 weeks, thank you Sherri!

If you find yourself wanting to push yourself or to set a goal to strive for, I am one that will never ever discourage you or say, you can't do that.  The only one that can tell you that, is YOU.  Then please believe me, you also might find out by going above and beyond that hey, wow, I can do that!

The last 6 weeks I've done two trail runs and trail running is way out of my comfort zone. Yet it is something that I can't do any where near my home and so it was a breath of fresh air to be able to do something totally different.  While I am not good at it, I still moved my body and was proud of returning without being injured.  I've ran in two races and will compete in a third on Saturday morning before leaving the island for home Saturday evening. Our races have been the Xterra Xtreme 5k/10k trail races, the Harbor to Harbor 17.3k (10.6 miles), and then we are doing a 5 mile virtual race Saturday with our monies going to help with Hurricane Sandy.

I've ran my longest run ever, alongside Sherri, for 18.5 miles, a full 30k.  In March when I was here, we ran our farthest at that time of 14 miles.  I've also been blessed to get onto the ocean and join the local paddling teams for recreational paddling. 

And now, pushing and striving....goals for 2013:

To run the distance of a marathon, 26.2 miles.  I am not concerned with my time, but definitely want the 26.2 miles!

To run the Valley to the Sea half-marathon with a new pr as I ran this as my first half ever back in March of 2012 with a 2:07:??. 

As well as pr my mile which is anything faster than a 7:36. 

Friends, thank you so much for being a part of my life as I have many passions and pursuits. I desire first and foremost to glorify God & to continue seeking HIM; to be kind, loving and a helpmate to my awesome husband; to continue on towards a vegetarian lifestyle, to fuel my passion for preparing tasty dishes and moving my body!  Yes indeed, I am blessed as I continue to get out of my comfort zone and see just what I am able to do in all areas of my life.  Thank you to each of you that believes in me and encourages me, what a blessing you are to me and my heart.  Now let us JOURNEY ON!