Big Hugs!

This post is dedicated to my support system both near and far. You know who you are. I couldn't do it with out you guys. You keep me motivated and push me to do my best when I workout, not just half-assed. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Also, I started out thinking that this blog would just go by the way side and I would lose interest. I've never been one to really keep a journal, let alone online. However, it has turned out to be a great thing for me. I am working out almost everyday, even if it is just something small, becuase of this blog and the support I get from you guys not only through my blog but yours also. So special thanks to the person who "pestered" :) me into having this blog. Let me just say, you were right.

Angel Eyes...

I hate doing arm exercises! I don't know what it is about them that I don't like. Maybe becuase I don't have a lot of upper body strength compared to my lower body. Whatever it is I think they suck. However, I have decided that I need to get the upper body toned up some. So lifting my two little ones ( 20 and 30lbs) is my form of "weight lifting" and it is more fun for me cause they are usually laughing. The problem is the number of repetitions that I can do. Not many and the kids are always asking for more! There's motivation for you. Nothing like a couple pleading angel eyed kids with cartoon hearts popping out of them as they ask you to do it one more time. How can I refuse? Now all I have to do is get my butt out of bed to get on that bike. Somehow a 5am alarm isn't very appealing! F2F and NAA...wished you lived closer, I could really use the motivation.

The Mile...

I have to say that I am not really a runner. If anything I just jog if I go out. Well, for the first time in at least two years I went out jogging this morning. For some reason the pavement was just beckoning me. So at 5:30am this morning I rolled out of bed (yes, willingly!) and put my running shoes on for this event. I only went 1 mile. Yes, that's right, one mile. I know not really far but it's a start. I have to say that I use to do this all the time and had forgotten how much I enjoy going out and exercising in the morning. Especially when I get back and the house is still quiet. This is my first real workout, aside from karate, in weeks. It felt good. I can feel that my knee is a little sore so I don't know if I'll be doing that often. But I can't imagine once in a while it would be so bad. I won't even mention my time. NAA has me beat hands down I'm sure! :)

The Next Belt

Yes!!! I passed! I'm geeked about it. I am now a 4th grade green belt in AKS. I think that is so cool. I have to say that the test was not as nerve racking as I thought it would be. Usually the instructor runs you through everything that you have learned from the begining of class to date. Those of us that were testing started at our belt requirements and worked backwards to the begining. We didn't get through everything. But what we did cover we covered thoroughly. My legs and feet are feeling it today. It was also very humid out. I think my deodorant gave out about 15 minutes into class. Sweat was rolling off everyone! It was great though. Now it's on to training for my 3rd grade brown belt. Can't believe I'm this far already but I am happy about it.

As for the cycling, that has taken a backseat at the moment. With the past month being so busy I haven't had much of a chance to ride. I'm looking forward to school starting because I keep a much better routine then. And with the oldest child in school I am hoping to get out more on the bike. I need to put the bike trailer I bought to good use! Also, maybe by then the weather won't be so humid. Ugh. Talk about a motivation killer. I'm doing some exercises inside but not wanting to go for that bike ride, hike or otherwise with weather like this. Hats off to those of you who do. Feel free to pass on some of that motivation to me!

Women's Self Defense

The really cool thing about karate is sometimes I get to teach something to someone else that may help them out in the future. Last night was one of those nights. Our school held a self-defense class for those who wanted to come. Mainly women. Though last night was not the workout karate is usually, it was still beneficial. Helping others learn some techniques that would help them out was fun. Some of the women there gave some senarios that they have encountered and the instructors were able to demonstrate some ways in which you would be able to defend or escape the situation. The women that came were really interested in learning this information so that made the class much more involved and exciting. I too learned some new techniques and situations that one could be faced with. Overall a very good night.

I think the biggest thing that I took away from that class is this: BE AWARE. Karate has certainly done this for me. I know this sounds like a simple concept but sometimes I forget. Like when I am loading groceries in the car and the kids are whining that they are ready to go. Although I would like to think that all people have good intentions I know that's not true. Just turn on the news! So if I can help someone else by reminding them to always be aware then cool! So, to all you ladies out there, remember BE AWARE!