On the run...

This morning we headed out the door to attend our very first trail run. I really wanted to run the 9 mile trail run by myself but due to my half marathon being a week away. I decided it would be better to do the three mile run/hike with the kids. I didn't want to take a chance twisting my ankle. My foot is still killing me. My half marathon might end up being a disaster.

It ended up being really cold this morning. The boys were not happy about being cold. They gave us these cool wrist bands to wear. After we got ours on we headed back to the van to try to stay warm until the race started.
A small group turned out for the trail run. The boys turned out to be the youngest to run the 3 mile run. Landon did an awesome job. He started out in the front of the pack. I kind you not. He was even in front of the rush running guys. The little guy managed to run several hundred feet at super fast speed. He ended up stopping because he was thirsty. Logan only managed to run for a few seconds when he had to stop because his legs were hurting him. Dilemma...Landon wanted to run but Logan wanted to walk. So, Landon ran into front of me, I was in the middle, and Logan was behind me walking. Logan was very complaining. It was not easy for him. The little guy is only 5. The majority of the run we ended up just hiking.

Towards, the end of the run. Landon decided to go on ahead of us. He managed to find his way back to the finish line. I was worried he would go the wrong direction but he didn't. Landon said as he approached the finished line. He was running right next to a real runner. Landon said he waved and said "hello, goodbye". The little guy took off in a full blown sprint to the finish line. He came in before the runner. Landon was so excited.

Logan and I managed to finally get to the finish line and we made a mad sprint to the finish line. After, the race they had a nice assortment of fruit, drinks, and cookies. Yes, cookies. This is the one thing that kept Logan going. He wanted his cookies. I think he had about five or six cookies at the end.

The cool thing about the race, they gave everyone a plague. For each run, you get a sticker to put on the plaque. The kids will be able to earn three more stickers to complete their plaques. They can't wait. Logan asked if we could go back next weekend to earn another sticker.

Landon and Logan ended up being the youngest runners for the three mile race. The guy asked who were the youngest runners. One guy said he was at the age of 31. Another person said "12". I finally made Logan hold up his hand and Landon put up his hand. So, at the age of 5 and 7. They were able to get these special water bottles from Pak Rat.

Here are the boys plaques to hang up in their rooms from the big race day. The boys are so proud of themselves.

Also, I had so many people come up to me and said how proud they were of the boys for doing the three mile course. It wasn't easy but so worth it. I had several runners come up and tell me that Landon's a natural at running. He started off the race strong and finished strong. I felt a little bit out of place at first but everyone loved the fact that I'm getting my kids involved at running at a young age.

trail run

I signed up the boys and me for a trail run in the morning. Landon just asked if the race is in the morning. I told him yes! The little guy is so pumped for the race. He is hoping to come in first place for his age group. I told him not to be to cocky about it. We don't know how many people will be there tomorrow to run. I just hope my foot doesn't act up while on the trail.

Arch Problems

Due to my knees killing me during my last long run. I decided it was time to get new running shoes. I decided to go with a different of running shoe one that would give me more cushion and arch support. I was busying running around the park and I started to noticed my foot was killing me. Oh, no! My big race is coming up in a week half.

This morning, I drove straight down to the running store. The sales guy was there and I explained my new shoes were killing me. I took off my shoe and explained it was my arch area of my foot. He took the time to explain to me that my feet are not use to my new shoes. The old running shoes really did fit differently. He said my arch was is probably not very flexible and that's way its all inflammed. He recommend shoe inserts to correct the problem.

So, here is the plan. Day one wear the inserts in my new shoes for 2 hours, second day for 4 hours, and third day 6 hours. After the three days are done. I'm suppose to go running with my shoes and inserts. If that doesn't reslove the problem he wants me to come back to the running store.

I must say my foot is already feeling better.

Oh, I just hope nothing else goes wrong before the race...

The jogging stroller...

I'm no longer running with my running partner during the week. Our schedules were not matching up. We're still planning on running together on the weekends but that's it. I decided to try running with just Leah in the jogging stoller. Not easy. I bought a really cheap model and it not easy to push. My daughter weighs over 30 pounds which makes it even harder. After the first lap around the lake, I wanted to stop but I decided to push myself one more time. Leah was starting to tired of the stoller and I was ready for it to end. I figure if I run with her during the week. It will make my long runs easier because I wouldn't be pushing her.

Also, after I picked up Logan from school he wanted to head over to the sand park. Instead of just sitting there watching them play. I decided to just run up and down part of the trail in front of the park. I could watch the kids the whole time and get in a good run. I figured I was running for about 30 minutes than I decided to walk back and forth a bunch of times. Leah was getting annoyed with me. So, I decided to stop walking and sit down with her in the sand and we played together.

Being a mother isn't an excuse anymore for me. I'm going to have to come up with more creative ways to get my runs in.

weight lifting

Building muscles builds a stronger body and mind. Each every time, I'm lifting weights. I feel like I'm going to die but in the end I always feel amazing. I ended up taking a break from C.E. becuase I just got way too busy. I finally decided to recommit myself for this week. I'm working on the push curcuit for this week. I'm not running too much this week because my half marathon is coming up and I want to give my legs enough of a break to be ready for the race. I really wasn't wanting to work out but I decided to go ahead and do it. I just told myself it's 30 minutes. That's no big deal compared to running for 2 hours start around lake fayetteville. It was no big deal. My friend called crying in tears during part of my workout. So, I ended up taking a little bit of a break but it was worth it. Everything is about finding balance. It's very easy to get off course. I'm going to try to jog with Leah this morning around Lake Bella Vista. I really need to start running during the day. We will see how that goes...

Getting Scared...

Less than two weeks until my big race.

13.1 miles...

I picked up new shoes yesterday. I decided to go with a shoe that would give me more support and will hopefully take care of the knee pain.

Also, when you go to try on new shoes make sure to shave your legs. I was really embrassed when the guy was trying to help me with my shoes. I was mortified. Lesson learned.

I tired out my shoes this morning and love them.

No excuses...

Running...cleanse one's soul. After a stressful morning trying to get Landon off to school. I loaded up Logan's bike and Leah's stoller and headed off to the walking trail. The alarm clock didn't go off this morning and Landon ended up missing the bus. I told myself it would be fun to go for a quick run with the little ones after dropping of Landon at school.

It ended up raining all night long. It was still drizzling a little bit this morning. By the time, we made it to the trail. It wasn't raining anymore but very foggy outside. The kids really enjoyed it.

Now, it's not easy to run pushing my 30 pound daughter in her stoller while Logan was riding his bike. I don't personally like to talk to much while I'm running but it didn't stop Logan from asking a hundred different "why" questions. Also, he kept on wanting to stop to look at different nature things.

We only managed to go around one time. I figured Logan probably got more execrise than I did but that's okay. The kids really need to get out of the house and get more exercrise.

Setting the example...

Just becuase you have little kids doesn't make it an excuse to not execrise.

Also, I decided not workout due to my knees still hurting. Let me tell you. It was by far the worst day of my life. I felt so depressed, lonely, and fustrasted. I love how I can go out and run and come back feeling awesome. So, if you're having a bad day don't turn to a bowl of icecream for comfort. Go out and run. You will be amazed how quickly you're mood can change.

Pushing One's Self

Yesterday, I did a 11 mile run for the first time ever. I'm not sure if I'm a long distance runner. Running isn't easy. It's hard: mental and physically.

I noticed about a week ago that my shoes had seemed to be worn out. I thought I would be able to get a good six months in my running shoes but I have learned a hard lesson. Towards the end of the run, my feet were on fire and my knees were killing me. I had to walk the last mile of the run. I tried to push myself to run but my knee was acting up. My knees only hurt me when my shoes are too worn down. I'm going to have to get some new shoes tomorrow. Hopefully, that will slove the knee pain.

I ended up hobbling around like an old man. I could barely walk. I ended up with my legs up and iced for most of the evening on and off. I'm feeling a lot better this mornig. My knees feel a little bit stiff but hopefully it wouldn't last for too long. If the new shoes don't work, than I'm just going to focus on 5k and 10k's runs.

My half marathon is coming up in two short weeks. I'm going to be focusing on tapering off and taking it easy until the big race day. I also need to find new shoes and break them in. I'm little worried about running all 13.1 miles. What if I end up having to walk the last part of the race. It might happen.

Also, I discovered after running 11 miles your body gets all sweaty. It was so werid. New things you learn about running long distances. Also, my stomach started to bother me during the run and it still is giving to trouble. So, strange.

I know I have the will to run my half marathon. I just hope my knees don't give up on me. It's hard to push yourself when you're knees are on fire.

lara

running towards the end of the world...

11 miles
one sore knee
two sore feet
skin all salty
super hot and sweaty

Almost ready for my half marathon!

Run For A Child

The first picture is of my running partner and I waiting at the start line. The other three pictures of me sprinting it at the end of the race!

Day 120 results

I just finished Day 120 on Chalene Extreme! I did take about a week and half off from the program but I still managed to lose some inches off my body. I'm so lov'n my new body. It's really starting to show. I'm thinking about starting all over with the program but focusing on lifting heavier weights.



Day 0ne Day 120



waist: 31", 29"=2"

hips: 37.5", 34"=3.5"

Abductors: 37.5", 34"=3.5"

Chest: 36",33"=3"

Right Arm: 10 3/4", 10 1/2"=.5

Left Arm: 11 1/2", 10"=1.5"

Right Thigh: 22", 19"=3"

Left Thigh: 20 1/2", 19"=1.5"

weight: 137, 127=10 lbs

Body Fat Percentage: 26.57, 22.8%



Total inches off my body=I lost a total of 16 inces and 10 lbs off my body.

run for a child

Age Group Race Results:

#9

Lara Scheele

Bella Vista AR

31

188

Chip Time: 58:15.5

Gun Time: 58:33.4

0:17.9

9:24/M

31

Taking A Break-Bad Idea!

Due to the fact, I have been super busy. I decided to stop working out to my C.E. workout dvd's. Big mistake. It's been about two weeks. I have been so busy with the preparedness fair, canning, and having family in town. I decided to cut back on my workout videos. I was running around in circles trying to get everything done.

I started to notice my arms weren't as firm and kinda getting jiggly. I was so upset with myself. I have lost a lot of muscle tone. I decided to work out this morning to my video. I started out trying to use my 15 pound weights but they're way too heavy. I ended up using mostly 5 and 10 lbs weights. Talk about a big disappointment. I'm going to start over the 90 day program with C.E. This week! I have a good feeling, I'm going to be super sore.

So, I took break and I'm so regretting it. Also, my running isn't going as well as I hope for. I noticed I just don't have the speed or energy anymore. I decided this morning to go back to drinking my post-work protein shakes again. Oh, I made a shake this morning that was awesome. I used a little bit of my homemade canned grape juice. Yummy! I really need to get back on track with my nutrition and vitamins.

My half marathon is coming up in like less than three weeks. I don't feel prepared for it all. Oh, it's going to be a hard race. I'm thinking at this point. I'm just going to focus on crossing the finish line and not worry about my time.

It's so hard at times to find a good balance between all of my responsibilities.

Before and After

This is me at my heaviest weight! I got this picture back and was shocked how big I was in the face. I weighed about 150pounds. I'm weigh now about 127!

It's really important to take pictures and document your progress. This picture was taken back a couple of months ago. I believe this was my second 5k race which was around May 1st! I just started to get the running bug in my system. I also just started working out to Chalean Extreme program! Here are my friends from church who I was training and running the race with me.

I don't look two hot in either of these two photo's of me from the race. I'm wearing two shirts but still! I look so fat and see my double chin. Yuck!

This picture was taken just the other day from Run For A Child 10k race. I'm so much happier with my body. Look no more double chin. I'm really creating the body of my dreams. It's all up to me! I'm the only one who can make the necessary changes to change my body and soul, and mind!

Now, I'm a lean mean running machine. My body is awesome. I'm kicking butt. I'm really sore from yesterday's 10k. So, I'm going to take it easy this week. I'm going to take a break from C.E. program this week. I have to get things ready for the preparedness fair this weekend. If anyone wants to help me make garnola for the fair. Let me know! I need help!

Run For A Child

My first 10k run turned out to be a lot of work and fun. I'm so tired at the moment. I can barely keep my eyes open to type this up. The Duggars ended up being at the Run For A Child event. They were filming for their tv show. I personally have never watched the show before but the family seem very nice in person. Michelle Duggar ended up giving me a medal at the end of my 10k run. So, I guess I was able to see a celebrity up close. I managed to keep my pace about 9 minute mile. I really wanted to be able to do a 8 minute mile but I'm not that fast yet! I'm getting a little bit nervous about my half marathon which is coming up in a couple of weeks. I can't say I loved the 10k but it was a good accomplishment. Another good thing about running is I'm getting smaller which each run. The weight is still coming off and I'm feeling great.

9th place for my age group

58:17

Bella Vista Fun Run

This morning, I had the honor of running in the first ever 5k run in Bella Vista! The course ended up being very hilly and difficult. No wonder, they have never done a 5k race in Bella Vista it was soooooo hard and hilly. I haven't been good about training on hills. We did a pre-run on Thursday night which we managed to run in 30 minutes. I decided if I can finished the race under 30 minutes I would be very pleased with myself.

The race started off with a good start. I decided to hold myself back and finish strong which is what I did. The hills were such a killer. I didn't stop one time but I think I should of stopped and walked a couple of times instead of constantly running. I'm not sure. I need to check it out. I managed to come in sixth place for the women. My time was okay not bad but okay. 28:27! I'm planning on running a 10k on Monday. I'm hoping to have a good run then not too many hills at that run.

The kids were able to take part of 1k! I decided to run pushing Leah in her stroller while Leroy went with the boys. The boy's cousin was able to join the kids. They came down for the holiday weekend. Landon is a natural born runner. The little guy took off fast. They had the course marked wrong and wasn't able to finish the race. The little guy was upset. He cried like a baby. I saw several kids starting to line up again at the start. They decided to restart the run due to the confusion on the course. So, I ended up running another 1k. I managed to get a better time this at 4:58 minute. Not bad. Landon was right in the front of the pack. He came in 5th place. This was his very first race. He was very proud of himself. He did stop a couple of times to walk but he still finished the race strong. I'm so proud of my little guy. I might have to start signing him up for kid's runs.

5k 28:27
1k with a stroller 6:00
1k just me 4:58

Three girls on the run!

Tonight, we decided to do a practice run of this weekend's 5k race. I discovered a lot of things about the course. It's going to be hard. It's mostly all hills, a dirt road with huge rocks, and no shoulder to run on. We had to run up this huge hill. The other two girls decided to walk part of it but I didn't! I keep on running. I'm not sure how I feel about practicing on the course before race day. Do you recommend it or not? I'm going to be very happy if I can do it under 30 minutes. This is not a beginners course.

Just Do it

My running partner decided to bail on me at the last moment! It's okay, I totally understand when things come up at the last moment. I decided to go for it by myself. I usually always run with someone but tonight I didn't have that option. I decided to hit Lake Bella Vista by myself. I had my husband's keys with a small pocket knife attached to it. I figured that would give me enough protection incase something happened by myself on the trail.

Before running, I decided it would be a good test for me to push myself. I was by myself which was really weird. I made the decision to push myself as hard as possible. I would do a pratice 5k! I started off on fire!!!!!!!!!!!! I managed a 7 minute miles! I was seriously tearing it up. I have been running a fairly slow pace for the past two weeks. I was super shocked to discovered I was making great time. I ended up making my best time ever: 23:53! That's right!I was running about 8:00 mile pace or less! I feeling so AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I decided to finish running around the lake as strong as ever. I never did slow down. This is the best part. I finished around the lake which is a total of four miles. I did it in 31:53! I still managed a close 8 minute mile. I even picked up the pace at the end and finished strong.

I decided to walk around the lake one more time to cool down. It was so hot outside! I still couldn't believe it. I ended up passing my frined Eunice like four times around the lake. It was very funny! I was almost done when my knee started to act up! Now, my knee is killing me but it was so worth it.