I'm Still Jalking!

Sorry for the delay in updates.  It's been a bit hectic the past few weeks.  Let's see, where to start...

I ended up getting strep throat a few weeks ago, and I only missed one training day (and a day of work--but at least I had enough energy to get caught up on a ton of laundry).  I ran 7 miles at the end of that week, and felt terrible because of a few reasons:  1) didn't get enough sleep the night before, 2)didn't start running until 10am, 3) it was almost 90 degrees when I started, 4) I ran out of my liquids by mile 5, and therefore 5) got dehydrated and had to just walk the last two miles.  MISERABLE!!  So I've learned to carry a few bucks with me so I can buy a Gatorade if I'm desperate, get to bed earlier on Friday nights, and get up earlier while it's cooler.

The next week was okay, and I was able to complete 8 miles by that Saturday.  I started earlier, had backup fluids in my car, and I was able to refill halfway through my jalk.  Then, my hubby met me at my in-laws' house when I finished and "whisked" me away to Galveston Island so he could get some exercise done his way--by surfing.  The kids had a blast playing in the dirt, but Nathan wasn't too keen on getting water up his nose again (same thing happened on vacation in June).  I learned an important lesson that week:  make sure you stretch well after your run or you will suffer later...

Last week, I did my training and completed a 9-mile jalk with help.  My hubby was at a Men's Retreat that Friday night, so I took the boys and invaded my friend Kim's house again.  I got up early the next morning and did my jalk in 2 hours & 19 minutes--a personal best!!  I learned a really important lessons that week: I CAN DO THIS!! :)


This week, I ran through the neighborhood on Tuesday, terrorizing the dogs in my route with the pounding of my feet.  I even had one feisty little runt dig his way under his fence to "chase" me.  He apparently thought the path behind the houses next to the drainage ditch is his turf, and he felt threatened.  I'm wondering if there is some sort of pepper spray that works on dogs...  Anyway, my cross-training session last night was yoga in my living room after a Praise Team practice that I forgot I had, and I was a little sore this morning.  Even with a little discomfort, I was able to run my three miles today at my school.  Good side--gravel track.  Bad side--barely 1/6 of a mile around, so I had to do EIGHTEEN laps.  James helped me out by using a marker and putting dots on my hand as I passed my starting point and holding (more like stealing sips of) my Gatorade.  I currently look like I have a rare form of alien measles, but at least I got it done.  I had my brain all psyched for my 10-mile jaunt on Saturday, then I took a gander at my training schedule and realized that it's only a 6-mile week.  Next week is the big double-digit jalk!

And now, the biggest news of all!  I have officially gotten the OK from my church to start a fund for donations to be given to Matt when I run the Disney Marathon on January 9th.  Donating is easy!  Just send a check to my church, Bay Area Christian Church, and write "Boden Family Fund" or "Mandy's Marathon" in the memo line.  The money will go straight to a fund that will be given to Matt.  My goal is $1,000, but I'd love to beat that and be "forced" to set a new one. :)  So, get your checkbooks out and help a fantastic family begin 2011 in a mighty blessed way!

Address for checks:
Bay Area Christian Church
14550 Galveston Road (Highway 3)
Webster, TX 77598-1832

I can't wait to see how God blesses Matt and the kids through this.  He's already blessed me with better health, fabulous and supportive friends, and a loving family that is cheering me on to the finish line!

Until next time...