Couch to 10k

January 2011...that's when I started running. I used to run...let's say "run"...last summer. I say "run" because I would only go when I could convince my sister (who just had a baby) to go with me...and then we would only run for about 15 min. and come home. It felt good to go out though...running through the park, getting that heart rate up...feeling a part something.
I don't consider myself to be a "runner". I still have those moments when I say "AHH!! I've only been running for 15 minutes!!!" and wish I could just quit. BUT I DO have those moments when I can't wait to get on that treadmill and erase the feelings of the day. I don't run fast...I don't run for long...only 2 miles every other day. When I started I couldn't run for 10 minutes. I would force myself to stay on for a half an hour...walking, then running, then walking and walking and walking...haha!! I record my progress every run and every run I get faster and stronger. My first recorded day I ran 1.3 miles in a half an hour...well...mostly walking. Now I RUN 2 miles in a half an hour.
My biggest hurdle in this is my the fact that I have splints of all kinds and Achilles Tendinitis. I stand on cement all day at my job and it has taken it's toll on me. I also broke my foot a few years back and it still comes back to haunt me. I used to be so sore that I couldn't walk!! I would sit with a bag of frozen ravioli on my legs just so I could get back on the treadmill.

What I learned was to STRETCH really really stretch before you start. Another thing I learned is to take it slow. I decided that instead of getting a good time on the treadmill...that I would start slow and work my way up at a healthy pace. That's where I am now. A slow, but healthy pace...that's enjoyable...not painful.

Some friends and I are planning on running a 10k marathon in the fall. I have a lot of time to prepare...I'm still kind of nervous...and it's not even that far!! Haha! Right now it seems that way. My goal though...is to run 5k everyday and FINALLY consider myself to be a runner.

As for now...runner in training is ok with me.
  

Yellow Roses for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a day for L-O-V-E...but a kick in the teeth for those who are not in love. Everyone around you seems to have that special someone...



but it's ok
because LOVE comes in many different forms...we are MADE to love. Do you ever notice, when you do something nice or special for someone...that you get a little BOOST. Like a hug from God. Love is like a boomerang...you throw it out there and it comes back to you...you show love to others...you feel good about yourself...you feel happier.
If you're single this Valentine's Day...and you haven't a special someone to love you...show love to others. You'll feel loved in return.
Compliments are like getting a big box of chocolate...getting a seat on the bus is like getting a bouquet of flowers, so give up your seat to someone in need...buy presents for the people who love you...you're family and friends, even if they don't buy anything for you...it doesn't matter...today is about showing love to others.
Enjoy people...enjoy friendship...enjoy family...enjoy laughing...ENJOY YOURSELF!! Everyday...love others and you will find happiness...

How to Paint a Room Yellow...

Step 1: Colour
The first thing you need to do is choose a colour. There are SO many diffenent types of yellows. Yellows that stretch more to the green side (like golds and lemon colours) and yellows that stretch more toward the orange side (butter shades). Yellow is considered to be a warm colour but can be treated as a cool colour by adding a touch of green.
VERY IMPORTANT when choosing a colour...is to remember that colour IS light. Wtihout light, there would be no colour. The lighting in your room is critical to the colour. Natural sunlight is the biggest factor...lots of sunlight will wash out a colour and sometimes bring out unwanted undertones. Minimal sunlight can darken a colour making it more saturated (darker) than you had expected. Before you decide on a colour in the poorly lit colour station at a hardware store...grab a bunch of colour chips and bring them home to the room you are painting. At some stores you can even buy samples of a colour to test before you commit to it.


Step 2: PRIME
If you have chosen a light colour of yellow, start with a fresh white primer on the walls.
If you have chosen a bright or deep tone of yellow than ask for a TINTED primer. Yellow (along with reds and oranges) are the trickiest colours to paint. This is because the pigments used to make these colours into paint are man-made...colours like ochres, browns, black and white are all derived from nature...therefore are thicker, heavier pigments that cover better.
It is easier to go from white to light yellow to bright yellow...then to go from white to bright yellow.
Allow the primer to dry 1-3 hours.

Step 3: First Coat
Apply your first coat of paint. The trick to dark colours is to pay attention to the dry time. The darker the colour, the more pigment added, the longer it takes to dry. If there is a label on top of the can indicating the colour, base and pigments added...pay special attention to the ounces of tint added (oz)...a bright yellow could have 12 to 14 oz's of tint. Allow for an hour an ounce. 12 oz's means 12 hours of dry time before your second and third coats.

Step 4: Additional Coats

Step 5: Cure time
Latex paint cures in 30 days (oil cures in 6 days)...which means that you're colour hasn't fully darkened until it's been up for a month. Keep the walls from any "high traffic" conditions until the paint is cured to avoid chipping.

Yellow is a vibrant, fresh, happy, inspring colour...and when done right it makes a room feel fun and creative.

Enjoy!!!