Monthly Archives: May 2013

May31

My name is Sarah, and I am a runner.

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As proud as he’d be of my accomplishments, this is likely the type of reaction my ranting and raving about running would incur.

My workout on Tuesday was like turning a corner for me on this journey to fitness. I almost feel…reborn. Born into a runner. Today I ran for 20 consecutive minutes. Sure, I only covered about a mile and half, but I’ve NEVER run for that long before in my entire life! And maybe it wasn’t easy, but it was possible, and I knew it. For once, I knew that I could do it.

Oh no! I’m turning into one of those obnoxious people who talks about how much they like exercise! I’ve always hated those liars, but…. it turns out they’re not lying. If you find the right sport or activity for you, it can actually be fun. And I do look forward to branching out into other things like more lifting, cycling and dance, but for now I’m content to just lace up my shoes and run.

And this is where things all come back to Joey. All of you who knew him will remember how single-minded he was. When he was excited about a new interest, it was all he could talk about or think about – whether it was building freak bikes, learning a new instrument, or just discovering an interesting part of history (like the Mayan civilization). Read the rest of this entry →

May28

Coming into Focus

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810television_0I had a really good run today, and as so often seems to be the case, I learned some things. But before I get into that, I need a minute to celebrate not one, but TWO 10-minute running intervals! That’s two repetitions of my longest-ever running times. I’ve run for 5 minutes; I’ve run for 8; but something about running for 10 minutes took me into a new zone.

Side note: Our living room tv has been broken for about 3 weeks now – they’re delivering the new one tomorrow – but because of that, we were forced to watch WAY less tv. It’s been really good for the boys, and it’s helped me begin to appreciate the quiet more. I even took off my headphones for the last half or so of the 5k I ran a couple weeks ago and just listened to the wind in the trees and the sound of my feet on the road, and it was pretty great. Read the rest of this entry →

May18

I did it! For real this time!

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photo-2Today I did something that one year ago would have seemed impossible. I ran & walked a 5k in 46min & 47sec! That’s faster than any of my treadmill training runs! I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the time clock at the finish line.

I entered the Big Bubba’s 5k Dash on the advice of a consultant at the YMCA. It seemed like a great opportunity to practice running outside and get an idea of what a race is actually like before my big memorial race in Austin. Plus the proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and I love the idea of helping kids. So I registered thinking, “Even if I just walk it, it will be good practice.”

I kept playing it down, thinking this would just be another workout for me, so I was a bit taken aback to find that this became an extremely emotional event.  Read the rest of this entry →

May14

Here I come!!!

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Playing_With_a_Fire_Bird_by_princess_phoenixFlights have been booked for me and Mama Jello. – We’re heading to Austin June 21 through the 23rd so that I can run the Keep Austin Weird 5k and carry Joey’s ashes to the finish line with me. Which means I have a finish line to reach, on an actual day just over a month away!  I know it’s going to be a very emotional run for me, but I also believe it will be healing.

Today at the gym, I found myself sandwiched between two other runners, and to be honest, at first I was a bit intimidated, but then I realized – I’m a runner, too! I may be slow; I may not be able to run as long or as far as these; but I am doing this. And it was so exhilarating to recognize that, and to hear Joey’s voice singing, “You have it, too; you have it, too; you have it, too…” Read the rest of this entry →

May3

Keep on spinnin’

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IMG_0553Yesterday, I took my first ever spin class. I’ll admit I wasn’t able to keep up entirely with the instructor, but I’m pretty proud of the fact that I managed to keep that wheel moving for 30 minutes. More than 24 hours later, my quads are still pretty sore, but in that really good, making-my-muscles-stronger kinda way. When the instructor called out, “And…that’s a workout!” I practically burst into tears of pride and joy. Working out is totally my therapy. It’s the way I keep taking one step (or one revolution) at a time.

Then yesterday afternoon I went to the salon to get my roots touched up and a trim, and I think this is the best my hair has looked, yet. But then, I think this might be the best I’ve looked in a long time, too. There’s still a lot of work to do, but isn’t that life? None of us ever arrive on this earth. We just keep taking one more step on the journey, hopefully moving toward a better us.

This isn’t a Joey post, I know. It’s a Sarah post. Because Sarah has to keep living. Joey is free.