Shawshank...

So how many of you have seen Shawshank Redemption? You know, the movie about a prison starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. If you aren't familiar with it hop over here and take a peek.

The movie was filmed in Mansfield Ohio at The Ohio State Reformatory. The Reformatory has a fascinating history dating back to 1861. The grounds it would be built on, beginning in 1886, has been used as a training camp for Civil War Soldiers. In September of 1896 the doors were opened to the first 150 inmates. Who were put to work on the sewer system and completion of the 25-foot wall surrounding the complex. It remained fully operational until December of 1990 when it was closed via federal court order brought on my a class action suit citing overcrowding and inhumane conditions. 

   

In 1995 the prison was turned into a museum and The Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society was formed to raise funds for restoration. One of the events held every year is The Shawshank Hustle. It's a 7k running/walking race that goes past 5 film locations from the movie.  Included in our race fee is a tour of the prison. I can tell you that those cells are soooo small and the cat-walks are scary. *note - not a fan of heights. 

The race is fun, full of all the fanfare you would expect. The medals are amazing, there are various photo props/opportunities and the race director dresses as the warden and runs the race in a full suit.  

                                                                

I Can Do Hard Things...

Saturday I participated in a unique triathlon, the Headwaters Adventure Race. In place of the traditional swimming, we kayaked! It had been advertised on Facebook and thought "what the heck, that sounds like fun".  It was! I loaded up my kayak (which is still a challenge) and bicycle and headed out at 6am.

The first leg was running, which is my usual go-to for cardio. I was excited about my finish time of 20:57 for two miles. Still working towards a 10 minute mile, but making progress.

Next up was the cycling. That proved to be more challenging. MUCH more challenging. There were A LOT of hills and 10 miles a looong way on a bicyle. HaHa!

At about mile 3, as I began to push my bike up a hill to allow my heart rate to come down and catch my breath, I wondered how I was going to ever make it. Closing in on mile 7 I actually said to myself "Yes! You CAN do hard things"!

The cycling was the biggest challenge for me. The hills and being on the road, I'm used to the local bike trail. It was such a beautiful ride though and I felt very comfortable on the country roads. Only one part was on a busy highway and it had a wide burm. I did my best to get a little video to show the scenery, a GoPro might be a good investment LOL.

The final leg was kayaking down the Upper Cuyahoga River for 5 miles. Oh how I wish I could have taken some pictures. It was beautiful! It twists and turns and was so serene with the singing birds.

I was calculating how long I thought it would take me and figured about 2 and a half hours. But, being my first time I told myself if I could finish under 3 hours I would be satisfied. My overall completion time was 2 hours, 37 minutes and 58 seconds!! I am so proud of myself and will be doing this next year! Perhaps I can get my time under 2:30!

What a difference a year can make...

Less than a year ago I had surrendered to the thought that I couldn't lose weight. I had given away all of my "small" clothes, ditched my "goal jeans" and given up. I was disgusted with myself. I weighed the same as I did when I gave birth to my daughter, who's now 20. I had tried watching what I ate...went to the gym...and made a LOT of excuses.

Jon coming out of the mud crawl

Me coming out of the mud

Then a friend of mine told me her and her daughter were using Weight Watchers (WW) on-line. I decided to give it a try. IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!! It wasn't a "DIET"...it was a lifestyle change. I had been using most of the pieces...I just didn't have them in the right place. For those of you who don't know...WW focuses on real food...fresh vegetables, fruits and protein. If you are hungry on WW...shame on you...I ate all the time and I wasn't hungry.

Jack & I at the 7th obstacle...the slide

I've lost 30 pounds since this past September (9 months), go to the gym on a regular basis and eat when I'm hungry. I have always been an active person. Enjoyed roller skating, softball and swimming as a young person. Our family has a small farm so there's always plenty to do. Since I've re-gained control of my body...instead of IT controlling me...I've awakened a passion in myself I didn't know was there.

Jack & I ...WE DID IT!!!

Pushing my body to it's limit..then a little further is an amazing feeling. I decided to sign up for the Race for the ROC, a 5k obstacle course set for this past weekend. I ran it with my dear friend Jack (probably the reason I started back to the gym...thanks for the push buddy), my handsome 14 year old son Jon and a family friend, Sue.

Sue, Me & Jon

The course was 3.2 miles long with 8 obstacles including mud crawls, chest deep EXTREMELY cold water, round bales to jump over, cargo nets and more. I finished in 38:31 minutes, 14th out of 29th in my age bracket and 175 our of 272 overall. It was such a GREAT time. So great, as a matter of fact, I signed up for the Warrior Dash in August. It's 3.12 miles with 12 obstacles. It benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. My goal is to raise at least $250 for St. Jude's, if you would like to donate please visit my web page to contribute.

Jon & Jack refueling with some chips

A first for me...

What an amazing day it's been! Several weeks ago my friend, Teresa, mentioned they had started kayaking. I was so curious and was hoping she would take me with her one day. Well TODAY was that day. Teresa, Jacquie and I headed to a local lake and enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous summer day!

We have all been friends for years and years. We live within 15 minutes of each other but (sadly) do not take the time, make the time, to do things together. We each have 2 children, one of each with the oldest being a daughter.

  

We were sooo excited to get together and do something adventurous and physical. Teresa brought all of the equipment; kayaks, paddles, life vests and waterproof/floating cases for our phones. When we first got in the kayaks you felt really wobbly. But in no time at all I was very comfortable and stable.

We paddled up one side of the lake and back down the other. Teresa wanted to show us this lovely house with a beautiful waterfall. I was amazed at just how pretty it was. All of the houses lining Guilford lake are set up for relaxation...lawn chairs, big decks and fire pits...ahhh!

When we got close to the beach area we noticed a ball floating in the water. Teresa sped up ahead (that girl can fly when she wants to) unfortunately she overshot the ball and her wake sent the ball to the docks. She paddled to the shore and tried to retrieve it with her paddle. It made a quick retreat under a pontoon boat.

On our way back of the other side of the lake we stopped at Mark's Landing for lunch. We "parked" our kayaks between the boulder riddled shore and the docks. Getting back in is the hardest part...that's when it feels the most "tippy". I was holding mine next to the dock to allow the other ladies room to maneuver and decided I could probably jump in mine with no problem...so I did! The girls looked at me with wide eyes and just started laughing...yep Good times!

For the ending to a perfect day we paddled down by the damn and over to see the geese. The were fine with us until we got too close.

I think I've been bitten...

By the exercise bug that is.  I have been going to the gym off and on for years. During the last 3 months I have been going faithfully 3 days a week and more lately. Monday I woke up in a grumpy mood and did not feel like being cooped up in a gym. So I dawned my shoes, jacket, gloves and iPod and down the road I went. It is exactly one mile from my driveway to the second stop sign up the road. I walked the first quarter mile, ran the next 3/4 then it was time to turn around and come back.

I briskly walked most of the way while clearing my head and getting ready to face the day. I was feeling much better and enjoying the sun on my face and the cool air against my sweaty skin. I was glad I had my phone with me because the sunrise was spectacular. I had made the perfect decision and God rewarded me with this beautiful view.

I sprinted from the bottom of my hill up to the driveway of my neighbor...the goal is my driveway. The hill is pretty steep and it was a great way to finish strong. I have recently started a Zumba class two days a week in additional to my regular work out schedule. And I have to say...it is a total BLAST!

Frugal tip: running on the road is FREE, push-ups & sit-ups are FREE, walking in the mall is FREE...you can get fit for FREE

Frugality...

Frugal? Cheap? Whatever you want to call it in today's economy we have all been forced to be a little more frugal. I was raised in a modest. We always had food to eat, a roof over our head and clothes on our back.

During the late 80s and early 90s I think alot of people were living large. It was the era of easy and cheap credit and a time when "how much you had" defined who you were. I am sure our parents and grandparents who lived through the depression were just shaking their heads. Today it seems no matter where you look; government, school, business and even our own mirror...money is tight!

I have always clipped coupons, shopped sales, bought in bulk and I am a regular at Wal-mart. But lately prices have seemed to gone through the roof. To start with ice cream is now 1 1/2 qts for the same price as 2 qts (back in the day) and a can of Lysol is $5.72...are you kidding me?! And I am NOT even going to discuss the cost of "feminine products". Would you like new sheets on your bed? Towels? How about a bra that "works"? It is unbelievable how expensive everything has gotten. That has caused me to start rethinking what frugal means and how to BE frugal.

The amount of waste in this country is astronomical. I am guilty too. We all are. How many leftovers do you throw away? Do you have any clothes, appliances or nick-nacks that you are not quite sue why you purchased them? Many of them show up in a yard sale, are carted off to a local mission or passed onto friends or relatives. How much money do you think we "give away" every year?

How much do we spend every month on wants? I am not talking about lavish gifts, diamonds or fancy cars. I am referring to dinner out, cell phones, the internet and cable. These have become the norm of today, but they take a huge chunk out of our budget every month. It is mind boggling when you really start to think of all the ways we "waste" money every day.

I started back at the gym several months ago and I am seeing slow and steady changes in my body and my mind. I am ready to send my family budget to the gym! In the next few weeks I will be bringing to you my ideas to save a few dollars and even find a few that are already hiding in your budget. 

I will close with a couple websites that have helped to inspire me to be more frugal. Happy saving!

Do you think you could feed your family a healthy and nutritious meal tonight for $5? No you say? Check out THIS site to learn how.

One of my favorite blogs that offers great tips and reminders that our wealth should never be measured by our pocket book.

Biggest Loser...

As many of you know I have become obsessed with The Biggest Loser. I started watching it last year and am in awe as I watch these people not just lose weight but change their lives. I am especially inspired by Ali Vincent. She weighed in at more than 230 pounds and when she won was a mere 112 pounds. Incredible! If she can do it...I can do it. Fortunately I don't have that much weight to lose...but if I continue on the path I am it won't be long.

I have belonged to the Community Center for about 9 months. In the beginning I was going at least 3 times a week. Then baseball, school, work, etc...got in the way. I have been going again hit and miss. I know I have to make it a priority...for me! I feel sooo much better emotionally when I go. Today I was fortunate enough to be joined my buddy Jack, who works out regularly. He kicked my butt!!! I found muscles I didn't know existed, ran farther than I thought I could and had an absolute blast!!! We were at the gym over an hour and a half and it flew by. Oh if he lived closer I would be "smokin hot" by next summer :)

If I was brave (or stupid) I would post my own "before" picture to compare to the "after". But sorry...