04/01/2008 18:52
Run to Win!!!
Now that we’re running this race together, let’s pick up the pace just a bit, ladies, and remember--we’re running to win!
As Paul said to the Corinthians: “run, that ye may obtain.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24
As with any race, the preparation involves self-discipline on the runner’s part if he hopes to come in first, or in the case of long distance—if she hopes to finish the race at all. Self-discipline is an exercise that reminds our body that the Spirit is the one who’s charge. We as believers follow the Spirit of truth, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” ~ Romans 12:1. But those who don’t follow the Spirit of truth, follow the flesh. “they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” Philippians 3:18b & 19
Just like any exercise, we are strengthened by the continuing practice of it. And when we cease to exercise we become lethargic. So why don’t we practice self-discipline? The reason is because we’re conditioned to take the easy way out. When we condition our bodies to tend to difficult tasks, we grow into disciplined human beings. Take for example a child whose mother ensures his room be kept spotless his entire life by teaching him good habits. Chances are, that as the child grows, these habits will branch out further than just his bedroom. My point here is that if we become disciplined in the small things of life, we will also learn to discipline ourselves further.
Ever notice that the first three days of any change program are difficult? The reason is that we are flexing a muscle that’s been at rest for too long. As we begin to move that muscle on a daily basis, we strengthen it to the point where it becomes painless activity.
Dictionary.com describes discipline this way: “To bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.” The keyword here is obedience. It’s important that our bodies are obedient to the Spirit. When God speaks, we move—without hesitation.
Excessive weight gain, yielding to addictions, and sloppy Bible reading habits are often signs that we lead undisciplined lives. Controlled eating, fasting, exercising, addiction control programs, and strong devotional habits are all signs that the body is under subjection. Paul says, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
~ 1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB
Practicing self-denial is one way to add strength to self-discipline. Try to incorporate little reminders every once in a while, so your body remembers that it’s not in control. If a pool is too cold, jump in. If French fries look delicious, choose salad. And if a must-see TV show is on in five minutes, retreat to a corner with a good book in hand—perhaps that’s a good time to read the temptations of Christ. (Matthew 4:1-11)
In preparation for ministry, Jesus fasted 40 days. Moses and Elijah are also recorded as fasting for forty days in preparation for the work that God set before them. Denying a hunger within us increases a hunger for spiritual food. However, it’s important that when we do fast that we aren’t doing it for the purpose of losing weight, but rather that we’re doing it for the purpose of gaining Spiritual strength and communion with God.
Once we do train our bodies to yield to the Spirit, the fruit of self-discipline will naturally be evident in our lives. We’ll then be able to incorporate wise eating plans and because of self-discipline, we’ll stick with the plan.
I remember standing in the kitchen a few years back. It was shortly after I had started to bring my body into subjection by practicing denial and good eating habits. There was a bag of chips sitting on the counter with a slogan that caught my eye: “Betcha can’t have just one!”
Picking up the bag, I noticed that the smell was every bit as tempting as the slogan. This carb lover was all too familiar with the scent of salt and vinegar, and the way that it tantalizes the tongue. So what did I do? I remember smirking, and with a reply of my own, I said, “Betcha I can!” Sure that chip was good—but the discipline gained was far better!
You want to challenge my body? I say, “Bring it on!” Because I know that when we challenge our bodies and win, we reap the benefits that come with self-discipline.
This month I’d like to challenge your body! Make choices throughout the month that are good for you despite how they feel. Keep a running list of these disciplines to look back on. They don’t have to be many, but keep adding to the list as you go along. Looking back on the list will serve as a measure of progress to further motivate you. Choices should include disciplines that benefit our spirit, body and soul. They may be small disciplines like hopping in a pool with your kids, jumping on the bike for a spin, fasting through one meal, or eating your brussel sprouts (yuck), but they are seeds of disciplines nevertheless! Keep planting those seeds, and soon you’ll discover a rich harvest of peace in your life.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” ~ Hebrews 12:11
By Darlene Schacht
04/01/2008 10:23
March 411
Another month has come and gone. I can't believe it is April today. March was a tough month. I lost a total of 5 pounds. I didn't eat on plan 4 days out of March and I only exercised 11 days out of 31. April is going to be different though. I can feel it. I have race #1 out of the way and race #2 is this Saturday. March was also a great month because I reached my pre-summer break weight. My goals for April are to reach onederland by May 1. It's going to take some serious, serious hard work. Not that I haven't been working hard but, I could put more effort into it. I know I could. Other than the usual stresses of school and family life I don't have any big events coming up and I am not planning on traveling anywhere this month which is always a good thing. I signed up for another 6 weeks of running class. Then in July the half marathon/marathon training classes start. I think me and another girl from my class are going to do that together. She is running a half marathon in November too. It looks like I have big goals and aspirations for this coming month. Last night I went to class and did a lot better than I thought I would considering I was still working out the aches and pains from the day before. I can tell my speed is picking up because I can stay up with the gazelles at the front...lol.
That's really all I have for now. My "rock" class is about to start.
XO,A
03/31/2008 10:27
We did it!
I am back from the 10k in Austin! I had a great time! Click here to see the pics and Shannon's wonderful run down of the day's events.
I will definately be doing that race again next year. It wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be. The crowds were a little intimidating at first but you get used to it. The starting line was right out side my hotel; very handy. I was pleased that my shins didn't bother me one bit. However, I am pretty sore today from the hills. But it's a good kind of sore. We finished in an hour and 40 minutes, not to shabby.
Race #2 is this Saturday. It's a 5k I am doing with my running class. Hopefully we will have more cooperative weather.
Hope everyone had a great weekend and thanks for all the well wishes and good lucks!
XO, A
03/27/2008 22:29
Till Sunday...
10K BOUND!!!! I am heading out.
This is going to be my last blog until I return from Austin. I get back Sunday but I can't promise you I will get a chance to blog; for sure Monday though, seeing as I have the day off.
I am getting off at 11 tomorrow. I am going to come home, change, go tan, pick up Peter for a lunch rendezvouz., go to the bank, gather my things and wait for my BFF MG to get here. We should be leaving Big D around 2, which would put us in Austin between 5 and 6. Just in time for rush hour!
Saturday we are going to hang out with readytochange and have a girlie day. The race is Sunday morning. Needless to say I will be up at the butt crack of dawn!
We should be leaving Austin around noontime (or a little later) Sunday and be back in Big D bewteen 3-4. Depends on how many times we have to stop at S'bucks. Hehehehe
Have a great weekend ya'll!
That's all I have for now. See ya when I get back!
XO,A
03/26/2008 09:14
Wednesday Weigh-In
BAN 216.5!!!!!! 1.5 pounds down! Woohooooo
That brings my total to 62 pounds! I am 7.25 pounds away from half way!
Have a great Wednesday!
03/25/2008 18:49
Where has my day gone?
Where has the day gone?
7:00 -- Woke up, ate brekkie ( 2 morningstar sausage patties with 2 go lean 7 grain waffles), showered, got dressed left for school.
8:30 -- Arrived at school.
10:50 -- Left school
11:10 – Came home did a few domestic things like making the bed and picking up a bit.
11:45 – Made my lunch: turkey/hummus/lettuce sandwich with 3 oz. of an avocado and left over roasted cauliflower. Reconciled bank statements and did laundry.
12:30 -- Peter calls for our usual “lunch time” rendezvous.
12:45 – Leave for gym.
1:00 – Get to gym, 30 min. on elliptical 449 calories burned.
1:30 – Strength training, 30 min. 375 calories burned.
2:00 – Leave gym head for the Buck’s.
2:10 -- Arrive at the Bucks. I got a Grande Iced Skinny Hazelnut Latte (so yummy).
2:16 – Drive to local craft store to pick up stickers for my calendar.
2:25 – Exit craft store and clean out glove box in car while waiting for 2:50 to roll around to go get my massage.
2:47 – Leave for massage place.
2:50 – Arrive at massage place.
3:00 – Go to massage room and get a very relaxing and much needed massage. My massage therapist compliments me on my weight loss!!! Woohooo
4:00 – Leave massage place.
4:15 – Arrive at home, let dog out, unpack gym bag, turn on computer, more laundry.
4:30 – Kids arrive at home talk with them; fiddled with stupid mp3 player that is misbehaving.
5:00 – Still fiddling with mp3 player (will have Peter look at it, still not working). Restart pc 5 times.
5:30 – Started this post.
5:45 Ended post to go make me some dinner because I am starving!!!!!!
The P.O.A. for this evening is to go for a short run, tan, finish laundry, catch up on my fellow EP’ers, watch BB and wait for my sweetie to get home because he is working late. (momma doesn’t complain because she likes the O/T$$$$)
Have a great evening ya’ll!!!
XO, A
03/24/2008 17:25
I tell ya what...
if I never have to answer another phone again it would be too soon. The phones at work today have rang off the wall. At least every 2-3 minutes ALL DAY LONG until about 4. I have had a so-so Monday. I was fuming this morning when at 10 my boss told me that my professor was coming today at 11 for my site review (insert scream right here), then in the same breath she said we need to order lunch in (as usual) AND that blahdy blah was on their way here to pick up their tax return that was sitting in the file room waiting to be assembled. I wouldn't have been so bothered but when my professor comes for the site visit there are 3 very important forms that have to be signed and filled out. When my boss told me all this I looked at her and said I didn't know she was coming, no one told me and my boss said "sorry, I thought I told you". WTH!!!!!!! Long story short, lunch got ordered, tax return was done and my forms were prepared and ready for my professor when she got here.
Tonight I have my running class and then off to tan. That's about it, I think. I feel like I am forgetting to do something. I have school tomorrow. Speaking of school, I decided to go to graduation.
Thanks everyone for all your encouragement! Love you guys!!!! ((((HUG)))))
Hmmmm what else, guess that's all for now folks!
XO,A
03/22/2008 23:09
Oh yeah, Oh yeah!!!!
I AM THERE!!! 217.5 BABY!!!! BAN 217.5!
What a great way to start my Saturday (even if I was up at 6:30 in the morning). I had big plans to go for a run this morning. My legs and bootay were not having it. Lunges do it to me everytime. I even needed Peter to pull my up off of the toilet this morning. Yes its that bad. I don't care though, that 217.5 made those lunges well worth it! Some may wonder why this # is so important to me and let me tell ya why. I fell of the wagon during the summer and 217.6was the lowest weight before I gained some back. So there ya go. What a relief to be back where I was. ONWARD AND DOWNWARD!!!
I think my metabolism must be increasing because I have been ravenous today. I don't mind it though, I like to " feel" hungry. Its a sure sign that yes Andie you may eat! unless its after 9 then I just go to bed hungry.
Must get back to studying now. All homework is complete and 2 tests to take tomorrow. Fun Fun!
XO,A
03/21/2008 17:09
D-U-H!
I completely forgot to post my weigh in results for this week. BAN 218! That makes my total 60.5! Woohooo
I have had a pretty good day so far. Work started out a bit rough but improved as the day went on. I have good news I AM getting my own client. This is great because it opens doors up for me in my company so I don't have to be a "receptionist" the rest of my life. I would even consider staying there and working full time if the benefits package was right.
My running class last night was really intense. We had to do "drills" on the football field. I loved every minute of it. We did lunges (which my coach had me do in front of everyone because my form was perfect), grapevines, high kicks, butt kicks, highs skip, low skip and running backwards. We went almost 4 miles last night. I think my coach said we went 3.8 something when we got back to the store. Let me tell you I am feeling those drills today. I am so sore. I wish we would do those before every run. It really helped me to get warmed up.
Tonight I am going grocery shopping and starting my home work so the ENTIRE weekend isn't wasted with my head in the books.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!
XO, A
03/19/2008 21:06
A couple of things...
Let me just say that because I consider you guys my cyber family an apology is in order. I feel just awful that I haven't been showing the love to you guys like I want to. I have good intentions, really. It seems that every time a get a free moment something sneaks it's way in and steals my TIME and my energy! Grrrr. I think it is called work, school, teenagers that don't behave them selves and family. With that said I am so sorry I haven't been around much. Until after April 15 I don't really see a change in that. It's totally thrown a kink in my plan having to work all day Monday and Wednesdays. Anyway, I don't want to complain, I am thankful that I do have something to occupy my time and mind. Being so busy has taken the focus off of losing weight and has really made eating right and exercising seem "normal", like its just something I do if that makes sense. The rest of my week (til Sunday) is going to be cram packed. I have a test to study for tonight. Tomorrow I have school all day and then class in the evening. Friday, I have work and hopefully I can meet up with Taebo.Diva for coffee (POETS MEETING) Friday. Saturday I need to do 3 chapters of econ hmwk and a test; also a test for bus. math and a hmwk. Not to mention my usual domestic duties. We are having everyone over Sunday for Easter. Still don't know what we are going to have for dinner. Today I got my graduation info packet. Still not sure if I am going to walk since I didn't get my A.A.S., but I still finished my 2 certificates, I just don't know. The certificates just don't seem that important.
I guess that's all for now. I must go to the electric beach and then STUDY!
XO,A
