19 years...

Now that I do wedding photography, the average ages of my brides are in their early 20's.

Sometimes I look at them & think, you are too young to get married.

I can say that now that I'm in my 40's... but I was that 23 year old bride.

I was a 23 yr old bride.... with a small waist....

Today, Ricky & I have been married 19 years. 

Going into 2 decades.

How did that go by so fast?

When you're 23, I don't think you really understand what lays ahead.

I mean its so exciting & I did understand that this meant forever... but its the little things.

Its really knowing how tough marriage is
... how wonderful marriage is

... knowing you have a person on your side in everything
... knowing you have a partner in the hard times
... knowing you have a friend to celebrate in the good
... knowing you have a shoulder to cry on when you need to
... knowing you have a hand to hold through every day

It's so easy to say... but so different to live...

I think in the end, its knowing you have someone to grow old with...

& here we are 19 years later....

we're not over the hill yet... though some days it feels like it with all the aches & pains...

but we still have a long path to go... God willing...

we'll continue to grow older together... continue to live Happily Ever After...

So really, the more I think about it, I am thankful for young brides... it just gives more of a lifetime to share together...

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband...

Next year - 20 years!! I already told my husband he better start planning a Disney trip right now!
I want my 20th anniversary in the Beast's castle... 

I'm nothing but a demanding wife ;) ... no comment on that one Ricky... no comment! ;)

Best race ever... that I didn't even run

Warning:  This is a long post, but I really think its worth the time :)  Just me.. just saying :)

So I got to add a medal to my shelf this weekend... & didn't even run a race.  That's pretty exciting. 

& before someone says, "You didn't earn it"... oh believe me... I earned it.

My alarm went off at 6am on Saturday, with the instructions to be at the volunteer tent at 7:15 am... now the race didn't even start till 8:30 so if I were running the race, I wouldn't even LEAVE my home until 7:45 so this was crazy that I started the morning so early.... but I was wanting to see how this all worked out, so I stopped by McDonalds & got an iced coffee & an egg sandwich & headed to an empty downtown.

The volunteer tent was right where they said it would be & they directed me to a table with tons of boxes on it.  Our job was to open these boxes & take out the medals & unravel the ribbons, get the paper off of them & get them straight.  All of this in the complete dark.  7:15 is really dark... especially with no lights.

I meet no strangers so the 2 ladies that were at the table became instant chat-buddies.  We talked about all the other races we had done in the past, our paces, our jobs, why we ended up tearing paper off medals in 50 degree weather... having cold hands & having to use them isn't the most fun I've ever had.

me & my new volunteer friends

Slowly, the sky started lighting up & everything was coming a buzz.  They were hanging the banners around, getting the drinks ready at the finish line, more people were showing up.  Runners were even starting to make their way to the start line passing us up, wanting to see what they were working for.

It was cute because a mom & daughter stopped & said, "We have a question. How long are you going to be here?"... we told them we would stay until they came across & they told us they were walking it & it was the first race they ever did.  A half marathon being my first race, I understood their nerves & excitement.  The mom told us she had hip replacement not too long ago & was nervous how it would all work out for her.  We just encouraged her & told her she was going to do great... she has a brand new strong hip after all :)

All the medals were lined up ready to go & then, we heard the National Anthem down the road at the start line.  We only had a few minutes before the Kid's 1 mile run so we headed down the block to a Starbucks to load up on more caffeine. 

I shared the news of what I learned - adding pumpkin to chai tea... I just made more people happy in this world.

We were happy to find a real bathroom in there & then headed back to the start line & got ready for a few hundred kids to come through.  They had little medals for their race too... nice ones! 

After the kids went through, it was time to wait for the first runners... the pros... the ones who blow me away.

It was about 1:12 & they gave us warning that the leader was just around the corner... & before you knew it, there he was... & it was just 2-3 minutes the 2nd place... & then it started the constant flow of runners.

I had to say, being a slow runner & never seeing the beginning runners of a race, I was surprised at how lonely it is at the finish.  I know being a back of the pack (BOTP) runner, its usually lonely because everyone has gone to the after party & finished up... well, let me tell you, its just as lonely at the beginning. I guess family members are still moving from the start of a location on the course before coming to the finish & the energy just wasn't at full speed when those first runners came through.  It made me feel better about the BOTP thing... to know the pros get the same treatment.  At least they get bagels & food without the chance of running out.

It took just about 15 minutes & the crowds were pouring in...

& let me tell you, the time FLEW by... I mean, FLEW by...

My goal was to catch all my friends that I knew were running.

The first one that came through was my blog buddy, Kristen ... I was so excited to see her in person.  I think she is just the coolest chic & I was so excited to hear her Australian accent, & I was excited when I spotted her coming & I just jumped up & down & she saw me & headed right at me... I know she hadn't even caught her breath & I just kept hugging her telling her how awesome she is.  Her first words, "OWWW" :)  ... given... she just did a half marathon with an incredible time.  I didn't want to make it seem like I was keeping her from getting her energy back & heading to the after party so I hugged her one last time & then let her go...

& then was so dang mad I didn't get a picture with her.  She told me later she tried to come back but the security wouldn't let her through. I told her that the stupid security doesn't understand a bloggers life!  She is even cuter in person & I know that she's not just an Aussie fairy ... maybe a Tinkerbell (she'll get that reference) ...

Totally snagged a picture from her Instagram so you could see how freaking adorable she is!!!

The next person coming through was another blog buddy I was so excited to see....Katie & I tried to meet up at the Ironman when she volunteered in a different location. It never worked out so I was really keeping my eye out for her.  I knew her as soon as I saw her... I mean, she was the one who looked so beautiful even after running.  Katie had injuries not too long ago & was told she wouldn't be able to run for a long period of time... but here she was doing the SECOND race of the weekend.  In your face doctors!  She grabbed her phone & took a picture of us - I'm so glad she did - reminding me that I needed to start doing this myself.  I have a feeling I'm going to be hunting this lovely lady down at more races we're at together... more pictures in the future...

Next through was my buddy Gina.  I met Gina through all the races & through mutual running friends.  I just think she's so awesome & we always just seem to find each other during races, usually as she's passing me up.  But I loved being at the finish line to give her her well deserved medal this time.  I root her on.  Us ladies over 30 need to stick together... She was telling me how the hills aggravated her back & this was her worst half marathon... but she was still proud of herself - as she should be. I told her she crossed that finish line... I didn't... so many others didn't.  Even the slowest race is something to be proud of ... I've learned that through the years....

As soon as she left, I looked up & saw someone dressed like Paul Stanley from KISS & started laughing... then was like, WAIT! I know her... & screamed DANA?... she looked over at me & started laughing.  It did not surprise me one bit that she dressed up in costume & rocked another half marathon... complete in a hot wig & make up still intact.  She is so incredibly inspiring to me. She used to be my Jazzercise instructor & I just love everything about her. Her attitude is top notch.  She knows we're KISS fans so told me to make sure we got a picture so Ricky could see... he loved it!!! I think next race, we'll have to get her husband & me & Ricky & go as the full group.... I think that sounds perfect.

Its funny because someone from Urban Bourbon took a picture of when I took this picture & put it in their video on their website... I made their video.. & I didn't even run... Now that's how you do it!

I had one more friend I was keeping an eye out for - another blog buddy...I saw Lori coming down the road because she always has the coolest, brightest running skirts!  I screamed for her as she was coming so she knew I was there & she headed my way. Bless her heart - I saw today the blisters she has on her feet... OUCCCCHHHH!!!! & she had some issues with the race, but girl always has the best attitude. She goes out with the purpose of having a good time & I love that about her. 

I knew my friend Abby was coming because she's a pacer.  That's the good way to know when people are going to cross.  She's the most amazing person.. she runs & paces pretty much every week.  My body would just give out on me.  The most fantastic thing to me about her - she's the one who hooked us up on finding Harvey Dent.  She's an aussie lover.  & God love her - one of the very first things she said to me when she crossed the finish was how sorry she was to hear about Sydney.  Good person right there...

I also got to meet the lady on the left who is part of a group we are in on Facebook... someone else to check off the list of seeing in real life

So yeah, I loved so much being at the finish line & seeing my buddies... getting to put their medals on them & give them hugs.  It was the best thing I think I have ever done in a race... seriously...

I saw a lot of other things.  Things I didn't never thought of, & things I never want to see again.

... I saw more bloody nipples on men that I ever thought really happened in a race. I thought it was something that happened every now & then. I saw at least 20 guys with shirts with blood running down. Dear Lord.

... I saw people puking all around me. No joke. Literally.  I am a chain puker so it took everything in me to hold it together.  One guy puked so hard, it was coming out of his nose & he stood up & walked to get his medal & it was hanging there until someone told him... he didn't even know.  Another fun fact - they have buckets of water to wash away puke at the finish line.  Being a BOTP, we don't push ourselves to puke level... I didn't even know this existed.

... I saw a proposal!!!!  Right behind me.  I saw a family standing behind me & didn't know how they got there & why they were standing there.  & then a guy & girl cross the finish line, I give them their medal & then all of a sudden, I hear all sorts of buzz going on & I turn around & the guy was on his knee with a ring in his hand... AAHHH!!! That was her family there - they brought the ring & videoed it. I said I need to see the video because I'm standing right in the middle of them with a dropped mouth going OHHHHHHHHH & tearing up...

The race was coming to an end & all the other volunteers left except me & one other lady.  We had great talks of being BOTP people. I told her my goal is always 3 hour half marathons - hers?  3:30 -3:45 half marathons. She's had surgery on the bones of her heels ... BONES OF HER HEELS... so she has to go slow, but she PRESSES ON!!! We talked about all the benefits of being in the back, as well as all the disadvantages.  No cheering crowd, races running out of supplies, & the finish line being empty... we both said we would stick through to the end for 'our people'...

& we did...

the crowds were gone.  The music was wrapping up, but people were still coming.  We were jumping & hollering & screaming for these people & I would clap & say, "YOU DID IT" to every one of them & they were so happy & grateful. 

Funny side story - Ricky had to work & got off at noon. His work was down the road so he came down to the race afterwards & said he was looking for me & then heard me screaming & said, "I know that voice"... & easily found me that way :)

Next thing we see was the police car closing up the race... earlier then expected.  Most half marathons are 4 hour limits - this was about 3:40... & there was one lady in front of the car.  Me & the other volunteer was screaming like we won the lottery.  When the girl crossed the finish line, I ran up to her & said the words that always hit me in my own heart... I said, "I AM SO PROUD OF YOU - YOU DID IT"... she just busted out crying... I mean BUSTED.. I lost it myself...

We were done... or so we thought...

A lady was standing near by & said her friend was coming - could we give her a medal... we didn't see anyone else & her friend said, she's on the side walk. We saw her & I told her to get over & cross the finish line & she said, "No, that's OK. The police pushed me off the street. I know I did 13.1 miles. I don't need a medal."

... Oh HECK no... I told her that wasn't going to fly - to get over to me or I'd jump over the gate & chase her down to give her the medal... she came over & I put it on her & she too just teared up. I told her to be proud of herself. It was under 4:00 & she completed it... I hate she wasn't allowed the experience of crossing the finish line.

....& we thought we were done... again... but nope...

Someone else came up & said, our daughter & wife aren't here yet. Can we get a medal for them.  They told us that the mom had just had hip replacement surgery & it was her first race.... OH SNAP... that was the lady who stopped & talked to us at the beginning.  No way was I leaving... we saw them on the side way & I motioned for her to come down the ending, even though they were taking everything down... as they were coming, I was cheering, her family was on the side cheering & when her & her daughter finished, it as just as good as the first person coming through....

I was so glad I stayed... I was so glad I got to see literally every person cross the finish line...

& then I turned around & the race coordinator was standing there & she came up to me & said, "Bend over...." & she put a medal around my neck. & she said, I want to thank you for all this hard work"....

In the end, I was on my feet from 7:15 until almost 1:00... longer then if I actually walked the half marathon myself...

But it was the most rewarding experiences of my life...

Not a bad way of kicking off a vacation.

What did you do this weekend?

Confessions...

I haven't done any confessions in awhile. 

 

It'll be good for my brain to clear it before I go on vacation....

 

I Confess....

... I got my email for volunteering on tomorrow's half marathon.  I have to be there at 7:15... wow... that's early... I haven't ran a race in so long, I forgot how early these babies start.  Especially because the sun doesn't even rise here until after 7:30. 

... I am excited about vacation but bummed... we were supposed to go out of town - to Gatlinburg - but my husband hurt his leg & he had to take time off work, causing him not to be able to take the whole week off with me.  Sucks. I was looking forward to going to Gatlinburg in the fall. I haven't been there in about 5 years.

... I am looking forward to sleeping.

... Heartburn is kicking my butt lately.  I think I have ate a whole bottle of Tums. I don't know what caused it to spur up all of a sudden.

... I'm nearing the end of my photo season & looking forward to the break.

... I can't believe the holidays are closing in.

... The time change is next week.  Let me warn you - I get so depressed when it changes.  Being dark by 5:30?  I just want to slink away into a hole until Spring.

... At least I get an additional hour on vacation. #bonus

... My 19th wedding anniversary is Tuesday... I have no idea what to get my husband.

... My dogs are going to be so happy we're not going to Gatlinburg & I'll be home a lot this week.

... It's going to be 80 degrees this weekend.  Fall & warm weather?  Just give me a book & sit me a chair outside... I'll stay there all day.

... I still want to go see Gone Girl.

... I get freaked out thinking about my coworkers coming in my office while I'm gone. #nosy

... Ebola still has me freaked out to no end.

... I want to have pictures done with me & my husband... I'm always the one behind the camera. We've been together for 22 years & we've never had our pictures professionally taken.  I may have to do a tripod / timer session.

So guys, I may be in & out next week... wish me luck on a great time off work!

 

YAHOO!!

 

Good luck to all my running friends doing races this weekend!

Talk me off of the ledge... or at least from the start line...

Remember a few months back when I started a thing called #PHM7 ... Project half marathon 7...

... & then my knee heard about it & said, Oh no you didn't... & gave me attitude that put me in my place...

Remember that?

Well, that half marathon is this Saturday.

The race atmosphere is taking over. 

Barriers are up all around downtown this morning.  I'm seeing pictures of people getting their stuff together.  Posts are all over facebook about it.

... & I'm ready to scream... or cry...

Originally, I was OK with having to back out of the race because I'm actually on vacation next week (YIPEE!!!)... & we had reservations to go to Gatlinburg... (fun)... BUT... yeah, life hates me lately.  Ricky had his knee injury & had to take time off work & the result?  We can't go to Gatlinburg because he has to work the first part of my vacation now.  (BOOOOO!!!!!)

So now, I will be home Saturday & my husband will be at work. I'll be at the house all by myself.  When there is a half marathon going on that I wanted to do.

#depressed

I did sign up to volunteer at it.  I'm supposed to be working at the finish line handing out medals.  I mean, if there is anywhere to be, its at the finish line. I love finish line emotions.

But I haven't heard anything back from the organizers.  No directions, nothing saying who to contact, where to go.  Come on people, get with it.  If I hear nothing, I wont even attempt going because I'm not going to ride around downtown roaming... & how awkward to just walk out to the finish line on my own & grab a hand full of medals... I don't want to get tackled by security.

me waiting to hear SOMETHING

But I've been having crazy thoughts... registering for the race myself.

Today is the last day to do it. I have until 6 tonight if I decide to do it.

Now, granted, I haven't gotten more then 3.10 miles in the past few months.  But I have been working out P90x style... & my goal is just to walk it - not even try to run... but just enjoy the beautiful fall weather (its supposed to be perfection) & just inhale life...

... but I know I could really aggravate my body going into something not trained.

But it's walking...

I can do that - right?

Oh poop... I don't know what to do.

Just try & volunteer?  Go for it?  Or just stay at home with my coffee & knitting & watch for everyone's race pictures?

Decisions decisions

Weigh In Wednesday: inches matter

First, you all are the best.

I mentioned where I debated posting my first week of shame in weighing in... & the 2 lb gain... & you all were so supportive in reminding me its not the end of the world... & being real is what's important here.

& I appreciate some of your thoughts on focusing more on the inches & not the scale...

I really need to do that...

I have never been a 'measuring' person. Heck, I have trouble even measuring things for cooking.  Don't get me started on how many ounces are in a cup... my brain explodes...

& the only thing my measuring tape has ever been used on is my knitting to determine if my hats are long enough...

But I need to start focusing on that more.

I told a blog buddy that I can tell a difference in my legs doing the P90X3 - when I do certain moves on the floor, I can actually see my quads popping out more & my inner thighs not touch... as much... oh yeah, they still touch... but the gap is getting smaller.

& yet, the scale is still up there.

So inches matter... & I need to give them the credit of mattering.

My point, I need to get a good journal, a good measuring tape & mark this as well.  I may include that in a monthly Wednesday Weigh-In...

Until then, there's this week's weigh in...

Let me tell you, I was just expecting the worse.  Seriously.

Truth alert:  I didn't really watch my food much this week & I probably was the laziest I have ever been. I didn't work out one time on Friday, Saturday nor Sunday.  I see that blank spot on my work out journal & I'm berating myself for it... so I was expecting another plus sign...

but here we go...

Down a half pound.

Let me tell you, after the week I had, & what I was expecting, this was a miracle to me.

I'll take it... even though my goal number is still negative from where I started... but I'm not going to be negative-nelly on this... I'm going to be thankful for any loss I can get.

How has your week been going in working out?

 

Do you measure or weigh?

I've decided I don't like my Brooks....

OK, I know age is creeping up on me, which brings more aches & pains but lately, my feet are just aggravating me.

It's nothing new - not a new injury - something that just flares up every now & then. It involves those little bones on top of your foot.  They hurt so bad.  It almost makes my foot feel like I can't bend it because those bones are just so stiff & achy...

This is exactly where my foot hurts
... & dear Lord, please know this is not my hairy foot...

I went to a podiatrist about them years ago & he said I have a small area in between my bones on my feet that allows the bones to slide & get sort of out of alignment. There's a name for it... I call it pain in my butt...

He even told me, I bet if you have a sibling, they have the same issue.  I asked my brother the next time I saw him if he has issues with his foot like that... & yep... exactly the same. How weird is that?!?!?!

When I'm on my feet a lot, like after a wedding, I REALLY can't bend my foot with the pain.  It's quite aggravating.

So last night, it was what you want for every day weather.  Beautiful grey clouds where the sun peeks through, beautiful fall colors, but still 69 degrees...

I couldn't make myself do P90X... I had to get out in the air...

I choked up my knee in the world's tightest knee brace & set out to do a 5k. I didn't care how long it took me, I didn't care if I crawled - I was going to finish 3.1 miles.  It's been too long since I've done it.

I knew if I ran, I would aggravate my knee & my back & thought, I'm just going to walk it... & it was so beautiful, I didn't care if it took me all night long...

I so enjoyed being out on the road, breathing in fresh air, getting my heart pumping...

... but my dang foot...

Always something...

But I've noticed that ever since I've been using my Brooks, I've been having even more issues.  With everything really.

My knee... my back... & now my feet.

I got fitted for these shoes, but I always say I don't understand how some young kid can fit someone when they see you run for 10 feet.  I mean, of course you can have great form for 10  feet...

Talk to me when my knee & back are aching & I'm running all limp sided & hunchback like...

But since wearing these shoes, I've also been getting blisters so I know they are doing something to my feet.

On a side note - DO NOT GOOGLE anything with the words "hurt foot"... Goodness... there are some disgusting feet out there...

But Ricky needs a new pair of shoes as well, so I think I'm heading back to the store & wanting a new pair myself.  I'm not even sure I'll go with Brooks.  Maybe back to my old stomping grounds (pun intended?) of Saucony's... maybe another brand?

I just know these ain't working for me...

 

Do you have feet pain?

 

What's your favorite brand of shoes?

Ups & Downs

Where we look at how the weekend went

DOWN // Started off my weekend with disgusting food that made me sick.  Grease is not my friend.

DOWN // Got about 5 bags of groceries... it cost $92.00!! What?  Eating healthy bites.

DOWN // Zevia - they raised the price for a 6 pack at the grocery to $6.99... 6 cans... over $1.00 each?  No way... If they go on sale - watch out, I'm stocking up.

DOWN // I worked out zero, zilch, nada... I was sick on Friday, had a session on Satur... know what - no excuses - I just didn't do it.  #lazy

UP // I did start my Saturday with coffee & knitting. That always makes me happy

Soft yarn makes me happy too

UP // I made crockpot vegetarian chili on Saturday. The anticipation of waiting for yummy food that smells delish ... makes the food taste even better.

UP // the trees were PERFECT for a photo session.  Especially because it was at a local orchard.  Apples & pumpkins everywhere...

DOWN // I can't believe how cool it was for that photo session.  Time for nose-running photography.

UP // This bride-to-be had the best outfits chosen for her & her fiancé. I love when people know how to put outfits together... some people don't... trust me.

UP // Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows on ABC Family all weekend...

DOWN// .... stupid commercials on ABC Family.  Some channels are ridiculous about them.

UP/DOWN // Made another beautiful cowl that I intended to make for Christmas - but I love it ... & want to keep it for myself

DOWN // I did not one bit of laundry... or cleaning...  #REALLYlazy

DOWN // Made out my bills & put everything up... & then went to the mail box & found 3 more bills in it. Are you kidding me?  It has to wait another week.

UP // I just found out I'm going to be off the entire week of Thanksgiving.  I'll take it.

DOWN // I hate Thanksgiving

This made me laugh

DOWN // Words can hurt... bad...

UP // Holding a baby makes the world a better place... & stronger arms... #doubleduty

UP // Baby skinny jeans!!!  I didn't even know these existed.  The cuteness is too much.

UP // Chili leftovers

UP // Lunch with friends after church

UP // Sitting in the backyard with my dogs.  They all try to rush & see who can get in my lap the first.  Happiness is being loved by animals.

UP // Walking Dead Night...  makes me happy once again I am a vegetarian. #thighmeat

How was your weekend?

Friday Five: Fitness Tunes ... from rap, to Christian, to old school 80's

Friday Five:  Favorite Fitness Tunes

I always say I'm a person who can't function without music... I really can't. Its like my body shuts down when I don't hear music.  So to pick 5 is going to be hard, but here's 5 of my favorites.

1. Kanye - Stronger

I'm not usually a Kanye fan... but a song that has the words "Stronger" & "Faster" in it... oh yeah baby...





2. Awake & Alive - Skillet

This song gets me going... It has a bit of rock N roll that makes me want to pump fist as I'm running... & its a Christian group. If you don't have this song on your play list - get it ... now

Right Here... Right now ... Stand my ground... never back down





3. Mandisa - Press On (Remix)

Well hello... a song that is based off the scripture that is my life scripture... & the name of my blog? You KNOW its gotta be on my favorites. I have actually put this song on repeat & ran the entire time to this one song.  Good stuff... with a fun 80's kinda vibe.





4. Love Inc.  - You're a Superstar

OK... come on... the name alone should make you want this song.  I heard this song in Jazzercise about 10 years ago (or longer) & it stuck with me. I adore adore adore this song!!!

Reach for the sky... hold your head up high... for tonight & every night... you're a superstar!!! Don't you be afraid....






5. Black Eyed Peas - Pump It

I have probably more Black Eyed Peas on my running list more then any other group.  But this song... I can't listen to it even on the radio without getting up & moving... get out of my way when this song is on...

So what's on your playlist to get moving?



Well this just isn't starting off good at all....

So I had to go & open my mouth...

I had to go & say I wanted accountability...

& then my weight day came Tuesday.

I actually was supposed to post this yesterday but I was like, NO, I don't want to start this on a bad note.

But then I remembered the whole point IS for accountability... & I'm real.. a real person... with real struggles... & I know there are other people who have real issues & can relate, so I said today, screw it.. I'll post it.

My first weigh-in day... & I have a 2 lb gain.

Seriously?  This bites.

Now the accountability part.  I guess I have been eating a bit more after dinner then I should.

& I didn't get to eat well at all during the wedding Saturday.  Wedding days are usually just grab & go & eat if you can at all.  Which I would think would cause me to loose weight since I'm not eating & walking like 20,000 steps in a day.   But I can attest, my body ain't normal... its like opposite world... I think it throws my body off if I don't eat & do all that moving.

So the plan this week... watch the after dinner eating...

& I really want to incorporate walking with my P90X3 ... I want to get my body used to miles because I want to start running again in January 2015...

So bam... I gained weight this week... embarrassing... not shocking...

Here's to next week!

The basics...

I've been doing the P90X3 lately...

If you've ever done these videos, the first 3 weeks are the same work outs repeated every week.  I am in week 4 & was excited to do some new videos.  Well, so far, its looking like the 4th week is more of a stretch (yoga) & back to the basics kinda moves.

Last night was my Dynamix work out... & it involved a lot of moves I have done since the aerobic fun of the 80's...

Side leg raises
Inner thigh raises
Butt raises

We all know these simple moves.

But know what... my side leg raises & inner thigh raises?  I felt like it could have been part of a video work out called P90X Extreme Burn...

...Beachbody, if you take that name, I'll sue...

But it blew me away at seriously how bad the most basic moves could make my legs burn like that.

It's so easy to get in routine & forget to work the whole body...

Like when I was running, I didn't do any strength training - & I think that's what caused a lot of my injuries to start...

It all works together.

I was upset at first about this week's videos because I felt like I wasn't getting a good 'work out'... it felt like a cop out... not a big heart thumper, not a lot of weight training...

but I was reminded, sometimes its good to go back to the basics.

.... & reminded that it's always humbling to walk funny the day after....

Do you still do basic conditioning?