the end of the year blog...

so another year has passed...this year has flown by!! As I mentioned in a previous post, so much of my year has been focused on training, it feels as if it has flown by!! I can't believe that in 2 weeks from today I will be at the starting line for my first marathon attempt--and attempting to complete one of those "life long" goals I have!! That is so scary and satisfying at the same time!!!

I mean I am scared at the thought that I might not actually finish the marathon--anything could happen on the course--a pulled muscle, twisted ankle, broken knee (that is how I refer to my constant knee pain)...I could get 20 miles out and then my body might tell me that is all that it wants to go--I am praying for the health and the willpower to get through it all!!

Last Saturday I completed my final "long" run before the marathon--18 miles--I did the same course to East Nashville and back, and I could not believe how much better I felt when I was running! I truly felt ready to go the 26. Now a week later and the mind games have begun, and I keep thinking negative thoughts, and the fear is creeping up in my bones. Basically thoughts like..."well you completed the training, but you haven't done the marathon yet and you probably can't go 26.2" types of thoughts. I am trying to replace those thoughts with positive ones though, and thoughts of truth like "I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me" and the thoughts that no matter what happens, I have still accomplished a hell of a lot just by sticking with the training regimen. Now that has not been easy!!

I am really looking forward to 2007...of course I have like 5-6 resolutions, and I pray that I stick with them...but ultimately I just want to relax and enjoy life more, enjoy tim, our sweet dogs who can be crazy maniacs, and not worry so much. Fear is so annoying and can hold you back so much. It is so cool that a core verse of the Christmas story is "and the Angel came to them and said Do Not Be Afraid"...I pray that I recall that this year in every situation that I experience fear for any reason.

I hope you have a great New Year's celebration...some of our closest frinds from Orlando are here to enjoy it with us, and I am so grateful. We are lazy bums and can just relax around each other, and that is refreshing.

And they say that they like my cooking, so that is always a bonus!!

Happy New Year!!

Leigh

the real purpose

so I was in Niketown in Denver a few weeks back, and saw this quote...

"The real purpose of running isn't to win a race, it's to test the limits of the human heart." - Bill Bowerman

I love that quote; as I am a perfectionist and competitor to the core, it has been such a lesson for me to think of this marathon as something not to win, but to finish. And dang, I love winning, I hate HATE HATE losing. Much mre emphasis is needed on that--I hate to lose. Ask my husband. :) (PS: he is a GODSEND!!)

I am still battling a knee injury, and my arch on my right foot has been bothering me...and I am less then a month away. I so want to push myself in my last month of training, but I have to be disciplined to think about the real goal--it is not my time, or who I beat to the finish...it is FINISHING that is the victory. And finishing well.

This is a test of my heart, and my mind.

I am honestly glad I am doing this, and I can not wait to go to Phoenix...but man this is incredibly challenging!!

visiting East Nashville...

so Saturday was the big 18 mile training run...I was very stressed out before I went running, and it was 20 degrees when we started...usually I do not look at the course map until right before I run (out of laziness)...

18 miles is a long way...we ran 9 miles in one direction then turned around and ran back...

so for my Nashville friends, here is a "word picture" of how far that is...

I started at David Lipscomb University and ran to the Bongo Java in EAST Nashville and back.

Yeah that boggled my mind...I ran through Belmont, up Music Row to the Musica (they might as well just re-name it the naked statue), down Demonbeun over the bridge to 2nd...up 2nd past all the bars through downtown to Union/Woodland...past the Titans football stadium...went down Woodland to 11th , the road Bongo is on...ran down past Bongo to Shelby and turned around and ran back.

needless to say, it was a challenge!!

And for my Orlando friends...it is about the same distance from my old house to the Orlando Airport...

Only one more long run before the BIG race...Dec. 23 I have 20 to run...man I will have no guilt over-indulging this Christmas!! :)

Hope you are havng a great day!

Leigh

it is COLD out there!!

Well...this summer when I started training, and the Nashville humidity was strangling me, and I sweat like a pig while I was running, or just walking to my car...I made the "declaration" that I would be so disapointed if I complained when it was cold out. Because struggling through ten miles of hades in the August heat of Tennessee...well I thought that was the epitomy of pain.

Ao I am choosing not to complain about the 28 degree weather I have been dragging my butt out to run in. I will just mention that it is colder then...well I have no neat analogy to share...let's just say this morning, I drove over to the park in Franklin to meet Suzie at 5:45 am. I left my half glass of water in my Jeep, so I could get a swig when I was finished with the 6 miles. when I got back, the water was frozen solid. FROZEN. that is how cold it was this morning!!

So less then 40 days until the big race, and my trip out to Phoenix. I can't believe it. I am starting to go through the end of the year "lists", like where has the year gone and what have we done with it...and I can't believe that since June 1, so much of my mind share, strength and thoughts have gone towards my training and this race. I barely remember the time leading up to my training...it has over taken me.

Literally...I have been training 6 days a week, and every day I have had to think about when I would work out, how I would feel, what should I or shouldn't I be eating, why if I am doing all of this training am I not losing weight, will my other 2 dogs be mad at me because I can only run with one of them, why am I always so TIRED, and how can I handle spending this much time away from hanging out with Tim? all of these thoughts go through my mind daily...and in the mean time, in August, I changed roles at work!!

Most of the time I feel like my new team at work thinks I am a work robot or completely unsocial because I am holed up in my office like a zombie and am not very social. I have had days that I am happy to stay awake all day--getting up at 5 am and running or swimming before work wrecks me; and we work in a hole with no windows, and it is very dark; so most of the time I feel like I am in a cocoon. (I don;t know how to spell, is that right?)...trying to learn a new job, fight fatigue, and keep at it the next day.

WOW I think I just over-shared. But that's been going on in my mind. Today when I was running I was thinking that the real accomplishment is probably overcoming the training, not even running the race. Boy it will feel good to cross the finish line.

So lace up your running shoes and join me...I am sure this blog is an inspiration!! :)

No, honestly it is great...I signed up for the Country Music half marathon today...so it can't be that bad!!

Thanks for your support, comments and prayers...I appreciate you!!

Thanksgiving in Denver...

Tim and I just got home tonight from a week long trip to Denver, where we stayed with my cousins Byron & Melinda for Thanksgiving, and my mom and dad were out there as well to hang out with us. Then Tim and I stayed to watch the Winter Wonder Slam Tour on Sunday night, and it was a great show!

It was such a nice time--it was the epitomy of relaxing...we just sat around, enjoyed each other, ate too much, and relaxed. Each day there was no rush, we all just settled into the day, hung out...we went to downtown Denver to catch a little Christmas spirit and watch the lighting of all of their important buildings, and we shopped (just a little--for about 1 hour on 1 day, which was perfect), we went to the Aquarium...oh yeah, and we ate. I think I gained some good Holiday weight! Although I did run while I was out there...I did a tough 11 miler on Saturday, but my Dad and Byron joined me so it was much more bearable...the marathon is getting way too close for comfort!!

Saturday was particularly great because the Bulldogs beat Georgia Tech for the 6th year in a row...you know it!! It was a come from behind win-15-12!!

Tim made a new best friend, Logan, who is my 4 year old 2nd cousin, and he is amazing...he is so full of life--I wanted to bottle it up in a jar and bring it with me everywhere we go, just so I can remember him and the joy that he brings...

It was a great Thanksgiving...I have some pictures I wanted to share...



Tim and I outside of the Aquarium


Tim and Logan


Tim and logan getting up close to the Fish


Shooting pics of Toby Mac from the front of the stage...

Vacation was GREAT!! It makes working hard feel well worth it to have time away with your family!!!

Hope you all had a great break!!

Leigh

can't believe my eyes...

I have just tallied my latest fundraising total...and drum roll please...I am only $36 from my goal!!!! HOLY COW!!!! I had a bake sale at work last week, and it was amazing, and I got a $200 donation from out of no where this week...I am so stoked!!!!

I have never raised money before for a personal endeavor such as this...so it is really cool to be coming to a close...now I just have to run the darn marathon!!! :) (I am attempting 16 miles this Saturday!!)

WOW...I could be done in ONE more donation...want to donate?

http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt

That is he link...it is cool on that page there is a bar showing the financial progress...maybe if you donate the money to hit the goal, the page will have fireworks or something. That would be cool....wait a minute...we could do that on hearitfirst... :) (as all the programmers run screaming!!)

Well I have been "under the weather" this week, I called in sick today...and boy I honestly was bored enough that I wanted to work!! I am demented I know, I just enjoy working. well...off to bed...I hav to run 6 at 5:45 am tomorrow...and my throut just mysteriously started hurting again... :)

Leigh

where has this year gone...?

is anyone else as tripped up that it is about to be November? I can't believe that this year has FLOWN by. only 2.5 months till the big Race...wow.

So, in typical Type A/anal/planner/organizer fashion...I typically set goals each year and on each Birthday for myself...today as we changed the clocks again, I was surveying my goals, and wondering how I am doing...and isn't it silly, because I am only judging against myself...but I am proud of what I have done so far...as I get older, my journey becomes more and more internal rather then external...trying to figure out who I am and what I stand for. That can be painful, but it is good...

well i know that the next 2 months are going to go by in a blur...Tim and I have several trips coming up, so time will really start to fly...anyway...running is going well...I did a tough 14 this weekend, but happy to say the knee and the shins are getting much better...and I finally swam a mile last Thursday night in about 45 minutes, it was freakin hard, but I was really proud.

let me know how you are doing..shoot me a message!

14.5 miles...and being able to "See The Morning"

Today I ran 14.5 miles...wow, it was tough. I told my mom I had a street fight and the street won!! It is amazing that you can start the run, and go for a certain distance and feel so great (today it was about 8 miles)...then start to wonder why on earth you are running in the 1st lace. The great thing about our training is that we run out to the halfway point, then turn around and run back to where our cars are parked. So basically, around the 8 mile mark, I was pretty much screwed, and realized I had to get back to my car...so it was me and my iPod and my weary legs pushing it out for 6 more miles...I finished, and I am proud...but I am also in pain!

But the best thing about this morning was the 1st 3 miles...we started at 6:45 am, it was about 38 degrees, and the sun was slowly rising over the Tennessee pastures...it was beautiful...one of our artists is Chris Tomlin, and he put out a new record called "See The Morning", and his message is all about hope ... and the joy in knowing that God is faithful and has the sun rise every day and all things begin anew and afresh each morning...and running out in the farmland today, I knew what he meant...it was good to know that God was with me, and to experience it in a visible way as the sun rose and the fog lifted and the trees were all different beautiful colors...it was a good reminder for me.

And then there is always that comical moment...or rather, the humility that has come along with this training...coming home, getting in to an ice bath with 22 pounds of ice (thanks tim for buying the giant bag!), and crying like a baby because the water was so cold...ask Tim, he got a GREAT laugh out of that.

Hope you are doing well...

LH

need a little advice...any ideas?

hello reading public, what is up? I just got done watching my beloved Bulldogs take a beating from the Vols...oh well. It's gonna be a long season, unfortunately we started 5-0 so people believed the hype about us...tonight the truth came out...we ain't that good. anyway...that is not the point of this blog...

OK...here is where I need a little help...I have to raise $1000 more for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...and I need some fundraising ideas.

Do any of you know of any ideas for how I can get the last $1,000? I need some "low hanging fruit" (thanks Kat for the phrase) ideas--things that I can accomplish with minimal effort/investment.

I plan on sending some postcards out to my family members who still have not given...but beyond that...I am struggling.

So idea people, please send along some thoughts...My deadline is November 10th...I am in the home-stretch

So any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

Leigh

PS: I ran a 10k today in 71 minutes, my best time yet! My knee and shins are still hurting though... :( but I made it!

What do sore legs look like...

very sexy... :)



This has been the story of my life lately...4 ice bags, and I ice 3-5 times a day...

sweet...

What I love about Running...

So.....the bad news is that I am injured. I have tendonitis in my left knee and shin splints, much worse in my right leg, but really in both. So it has been a PAINFUL 2 weeks...I have had ice on my legs non-stop...even at work! But it has given me time to reflect about why I love to run...(note: about 4 months ago, there was nothing I LOVED about running...but it sure is addictive!!)

#1: The feeling of accomplishment when I finish...for a girl who loves to achieve, it feels great everytime I finish a daily jog...

#2: The feeling of FREEDOM when I am out running...seriously, waking up early and jogging, listening to my favorite music on my iPod...helps me feel FREE to do whatever I want...and be the peson who I want to be...

#3: Sweating...a good sweat really makes me feel accomplished...

#4: The Community of Runners...it is like a little world of people who speaks their own language...it is nice to be a part of it!

#5: The Confidence...when I am done running my long runs on Saturday, I feel confident that I could accomplish anything I choose to do...

Anyway...there is something spiritual to me about running, and I think it is because it encompasses that whole list above...I love it.

I have to "aqua jog" in the pool this week as part of my recovery from the splints...that leaves a little different feeling then running does (ie: boredom)...but I hope to be fully recovered in a week to 10 days!

Leigh

PS: here is a recent photo of Tim & I...

Down but Not Out...

So I have had a really rough September overall...the 1st week I was on vacation...and it honestly did not feel very "vacationy"...I ran throughout the week in Florida, but during my 15k race, I started to get a wierd feeling in the front of my right ankle...in typical "Grandy" fashion (Grandy = maiden name), I was stubborn and pushed through it...then we got back to TN, and I immediatly got a crappy head cold, that basically knocked me out all last week,,,I could only run 2 days...but then last Sat I ran 12 miles...again through the wierd ankle pain, and I endured my normal knee pain that I have been having since July...

Well on Tuesday, I could not bear teh pain and went to the DR...come to find out, I have tendonitis in my knee and shin splints in my right leg (and probably in my left too, just my knee seems to over-shadow that pain)...

So the worst thing about it is that I am ordered to rest and not run for a few days...who would have ever thought that I would be mad that I am told to NOT run? I really think I have been abducted by an alien these past 4 months...

Anyway, my worst fear was that this would kill the marathon, but my doctor, my coach, my mentor and my mom all told me I would be all right. Yes I needed 4 opinions. :)

So I am going to introduce myself to the pool this week and the elliptical machine...I have to keep my cardio up in order to stay in shape...

I have spent the whole day watching football (Go Dawgs!!), and have thought about all the athletes who suffer set backs, and how much character it takes to lsten to your coaches and do what they say so you will get better...pray for me that I will listen and actually rest...I keep wanting to push it, because I was so happy where I was at with the training, but I have to rest...UGH!!

Hope the web audience is doing well...

:)

Leigh

12 Miles...I am having nightmares...

Most of you know me, and you know that I am self-proclaimed "OCD" - obsessive compulsive. So when I am dedicated to something, it consumes my thoughts, I want to be perfect at it, and it drives me insane. Well, Tim can attest to this--I am OCD about my marathon training schedule. I hate to miss a day or to slack off.

So this week I got sick. I mean, literally, every day this week I legitamitly could have called in sick to work--and probably should have--I have had a sinus infection, complete with head pressure, a runny nose, tiredness...all things you hate about having a cold. I was in a bad mood all week, and just because I am OCD about work, I was too stubborn to call in sick.

But I did decide to take it easy on my training, because basically, I felt like I was gonna die every day when I got home. So I only ran my 5 miles on Wednesday--I took Monday off (supposed to run 5 miles) and skipped my Tuesday/Thursday cross training. So, along with having the cold of the century, mentally I am freaking out because I am missing my training...and I have to run 12 miles tomorrow. 12 freakin miles. Farthest distance yet.

So last night, I literally had a NIGHTMARE about the run...I dreamed that I was in Chicago with Suzie/Suzanne (my running partners), and I had a warm up suit on over my jogging clothes, and I literally could not get them off my body...so I started running with warm-up pants on and my regular jogging top, and was so hot and uncomfortable...and then Suzie/Suzanne took off so fast an I lost sight of them and was completely lost in Chicago. It was ridiculous. I woke up sweating.

So I need to chill out...

12 miles at 6:45 am...sweet.

I will let you know how it goes!!

Leigh

Feelin' sick...

So I came home from work early today, I have a major head cold...it is annoying...going on missing 2 days of training...does not help that I am so OBSESSIVE about training, and to miss some days makes me delirious...anyway...so I have been trying to sleep, but my dogs are making that impossible...so I decided to take this quiz I found through MySpace...

You Are An ISTJ

The Duty Fulfiller You are responsible, reliable, and hardworking - you get the job done. You prefer productive hobbies, like woodworking or knittings. Quiet and serious, you are well prepared for whatever life hands you. Conservative and down-to-earth, you hardly ever do anything crazy. You would make a great business executive, accountant, or lawyer.

What's Your Personality Type?

I thought it was interesting!!!

Road Race results!

So I ran in my 1st road race on saturday, and I am sorry I have not blogged about it sooner--thanks to everyone who has asked and sent me messages--I have been on vacation and living in the land of dial-up...and I have little patience for that...so I figured I would give it a try this morning...

The race was a lot of fun--I did 9.3 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes, that 11.3 minute miles, which was an improvement on the 12 minute pace I usually trot at...that made me happy...and I had a bunch of friends come and cheer me on and Tim's parents--that made all the difference in my energy level--knowing when I would round a corner I might see them, gave me motivation and a skip in my step! I am always humbled when I receive support from the people who care about me, and it was awesome to see everyone and feel so loved...so thanks guys!!

The funny thing about the race was that my competitive side kicked in in it's entirety...I try to keep telling myself that the finish line is 1st place, that as long as I finish, I am #1...well growing up in sports, and being as hyper-competitive as I am, running against all of those people really changed my mind...and then people would pass me, and I would remind myself...finishing is first place. Nah, I don't buy it. I think that had to do with the quickening of my pace as well!!!! This whole training and marathon has been the biggest mental challenge of my life--if I make it about being #1, there is no way I will ever finish the distance...it has beeen a huge learning experience...and for those of you who REALLY know me, you know how vain I am...I catch myself checking out everyone's body type, and hand-picking the people I can beat based on if I think they look out of shape or not...I am sure I looked like an easy target to those thinking along the same lines as I was!!

Anyway, great experience, I am looking orwad to my next race, not sure when it will be, but leading up to the January marathon, I want to get into 2-3 more races.

Well I am off, thanks for your support. For those of you who asked, my fundraising is going well, I am about 2/3 of the way to the goal of $4,000...every donation counts though!!! So if you plan on giving, please send it my way! We visited Tim's Nana earlier in the week and she was so sweet and gave me $10 for the race and told me the rest of her giving goes to Breast Cancer Awareness, but she wanted to help out in any way that she could...man that $10 blessed me so much!! It really was a great moment, and as Tim said to her, "Nana this is the most special $10 we received". Thanks Nana!!

LEIGH

My 1st Road Race...

My 1st Road Race...
Hey all...this Saturday I am running in my 1st ever road race!! Tim and I are driving down to Orlando tomorrow for a much needed vacation...and I signed up for the Miracle Makers 15k on Saturday...I think it is 9.3 miles! I am excited!!!! It will be tough since this will be longest I will ever run alone, without myy faithful running partners, Suzie & Suzanne...or my dog Jackson (he did 7 miles with me last Saturday!!)...but I am excited!! Some of my friends in Orlando are coming down to the race to cheer me on, so that will make it all worth it!!

Life is good...God is faithful...this training has been all consuming and an uber challenge mentally, as well as physically...but I know that God has been with me every step of the way. My left knee really aches, and there are days when I feel totally beat up...but it really has been amazing. I can not encourage you enough to take a step towards one of your lifelong goals today...you won't regret it, no matter how insane it seems! (come on...me running a marathon is at best a ludicrous idea!!)...

anyway, let me know how you are doing...

Leigh

Everyone's Chipping In...

Hey guys, it's Friday morning, and I actually have a day off from running today, to rest my legs for 10 miles tomorrow morning! WOW...I am actually quite nervous about it...I ran my normal 5 on Wednesday, and thought about the fact that I would be running double tomorrow...ok I need to stop psyching myself out about it!!!

Anyway, I was thinking about Leukemia this week, alot actually...it effects SO many young people! The Leukemia society sent us these facts...

Did you know:

--Every 5 minutes someone is newly diagnosed with blood cancer (Leukemia, Lymphoma, etc).

--Every 10 minutes someone loses the battle...dies.

--And leukemia still causes more deaths than any other cancer among young people under the age of 20.

WOW. This is a cancer that is killing people our own age...and at a staggering rate...

Just think...in the amount of time that I spent watching the LAGUNA BEACH (sweet!) marathon last Saturday (sadly, about 6 hours of it), in the 360 minutes I was vegetated on the couch...36 people died of Leukemia. wow.

And if you consider my husband's Star Wars or Lord of the Rings (extended editions, of course!) marathons...about 10 hours of viewing pleasure or 600 minutes (for those of us counting)...60 people died of a blood cancer during that time.

Those stats are wild...

Most of us will go to a movie this weekend, or spend time eating out with friends...just think about what the $10 bucks you spend while you are eating out can do to help fight this cancer...would you consider matching your entertainment spending this weekend to donate to fight the cancer that is killing the most young people in America?

How about just $10? That is a mere sacrifice...we are such a blessed country...let's all give so we can find a cure.

Even my pretty beagle is helping out...


You know, I know we all have causes that are dear to our hearts...so if this is not the cause that makes you want to donate or be active, I understand...but I encourage you to be active for whatever cause that motivates you this weekend...give back. It really is a great feeling. Running usually does not feel great in the middle of it, but when I am done, I feel so accomplished and satisfied...you can to by being active for the charity of your choice.

I hope that these stats make you think...if you want to give, please go to the link below...

www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt

or if you want to donate, but not online, send me a message, I will give you my address.

Hope you have a GREAT Friday! :) Thanks for reading...
Leigh

The older I get, the less I know

The older I get the less i know...I used to hear that phrase when I was younger, and did not believe it. I always thought it was false humility...but now that I am OLDER, I know it is true...

It is amazing to me how we are all helpless without Christ...It is amazing to me at the same time that he is in perfect control.

I was running last night with Suzanne, and we had a good conversation...she was talking about a situation in her life where she felt like she was wrongly judged, and the person judging her was knee deep in her own wrongs when she pointed the finger at her...and I have had a similiar experience...it is just such a frustrating place to be in, because you want to respond, but how do you in a loving manner, maturely, and the way Christ would? I certainly do not have the answers...but a few years ago, I certainly would have thought I knew how to handle it...

I am so lucky that God is in control of all of this...even when I cling to it myself and try to manipulate my circumstances and being, he is still in control. that really makes me feel better...

how are you doing today?

PS: I got a DQ Blizzard tonight...it was awesome...just wanted to share!

The Italian feast

Yep...I am planning a fundraising dinner on Saturday, August 19th at my house...my mom and Aunt Ginny are coming to town to cook an entire italian meal from SCRATCH...you better believe it...they are AMAZING in the kitchen...

Wanna come? Are you in Nashville and near? Please feel welcome!

It is a fundraising dinner, so it is $10/person...it is seriously wierd to invite people to my house and ask for money...it took me 4 days to create the invite because it was so awkward...but hey, it is to find a CURE...so it is worth me asking!

Also...what is $10? That is easy to blow on a typical night out to dinner...and you won;t get my mom's cooking at any restaurant!!

Be there or be square...

Random musings from this weekend...

So here are a few random tidbits from my weekend that I felt compelled to share...

--So Tim and I went out to dinner last night, and we wanted to try something new...now let me set this up properly...Tim and I love food. I mean LOVE it. We get giddy about restaurants and over indulgence. So recently we began to stop going out to eat during the week, so we can save our money and go to nicer restaurants then Panera or Pei Wei for our Saturday night dates...the old standby is Cheesecake Factory...but this week we were adventurous, and tried a new restaurant...

Well anyway, Tim orders Enchilada's, and boy is he excited...so he takes 2 or 3 bites, and looks at me a tad funny...he thought he recognized the taste...he is mentally going through all of the Mexican restaurants we frequent...takes 2-3 more bites, and just looks downright disappointed...he then tells me that it tastes exactly like his "Chicken Enchilada Suiza" by Lean Cuisine...EXACTLY like it...what a downer when you wait all week to go out to eat...then realize that you paid $13.99 for a Lean Cuisine...

I told him to look on the bright side, that maybe, JUST MAYBE, this restaurant GAVE Lean Cuisine their recipe, and they were the "Founding Fathers" of that Lean Cuisine meal...just maybe...(PS: that didn't really cheer him up)

--Walmart...makes me mad. I am not kidding you...I enter happy, I exit Mad. I needed lightbulbs, and I was on the food center side...I asked 3 employees where the light bulbs were, and I got these responses...
1. "Over across the store...on the other side"...ok thanks, that clears it up for me...
2. "I have NO idea where they are, I really don't"...wow, thanks
3. "Walk to the end of this aisle, turn right, and you Might run into them"...well at least that got me started...

Anyway...Always Low Prices certainly comes at a cost...

--OK the last random musing...My dogs are freaked out by hot air balloons!! It is HILARIOUS!! They will not go outside when they see one...it is so funny...and they wimper. You have to see it...but it is great.

All right, thought I would share...got to go wreck my mind and watch Entourage...

Leigh

8 miles down...

I had a great morning this morning, God shined on us and brought us slightly cooler weather, and we embarked on an 8 mile journey through the Belmont area of Nashville...man the scenery on a run can sure make a difference!! I actually felt so good this morning, it was amazing to run the same route we rn about a month ago for the 1st time we did 7 miles, and not feel beat down and like I was going to die a slow miserable death...today I actually had ENERGY!

I am telling you...if you ever want to chase your dreams, it is worth it! This whole experience has been a great mixture of humility and empowerment...there are more days then not that I do not want to get out there and jog, (and at my pace, these jogs are glorified walks!!) but it is such a great feeling when I am done. I am learning so much mentaly and physically, it is insane--I got a lot more then I bargained for by signing up for this journey!

Well the running is going well, and my fundraising has been slow but steady...it has been fun to receive support checks and support NOTES in the mail...everytime I get a letter of encouragement I hang it on the fridge...it is fun to hear what others have to say!!!! I got a donation from my a lady who works with my friend Kelly's (my roommate who passed from Leukemia) Mom this week that was so inspiring...Leukemia has touched so many lives, and I believe now more then ever that it is a cause worth fighting for.

If you feel the urge, and want to give, click here:
http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt and you can give online. This week I am going to donate 1 day out at lunch to the cause...

Thanks for reading and in advance for your encouragement!!!!

LH

PS: A highlight of today's run was running past Emily & Bethany's yard sale...they cheered me on like a real race!! :)

I am getting old...

I am getting old...it is so funny because whenever I say that, people blow me off...maybe because I still look exactly the same as I did on the day I received my driver's license...God has blessed me to not age too drastically...so I have moments like this all the time...I went to look into a gym membership tonight and the 1st thing the lady said was "what school do you go to so I can give you your discount"...I should have asked her if she meant high school or college... :)

Anyway...running is going great, it is so amazing...I want to share more often but gosh I am tired every night! The reason I title this blog about my age though is this...

My knee hurts! Yep,, it is aching...when I walk up and down stairs, and put too much weight on it, it aches...so this is the same knee that I had surgery on when I was in HS...about a year after I got the driver's license...so let's do the math MySpace friends...I got my license 15 years ago!!! The surgery was 14 years ago...that makes me certifiably OLD. It is insane to think about that! I graduated college 9 years ago...yes COLLEGE (Go Dawgs) not HS...

So this blog is really a waste of time...just here to tell you I'm old...my knee aches...but I am trying to make it!

8 miles this Saturday...going for an all time distance record of 8! Wish me luck!

Leigh

PS: My age might prohibit me from remembering writing this blog...

Pretty As A Picture...

So here is a story...on Friday, I got up and went running about 5:45 am, because it is hotter then...well let's just say Nashville is having a heat wave. Anyway, 5 miles was the goal.

I was at mile 4.5, with only a half to go...and let me set up the visual...when I run, my face gets beat red, I sweat like a Gorilla (just imagine a gorilla sweating...?)...anyway, what I mean is that I am soaked head to toe. I am getting into runner's apparel...so that means Short Shorts. This is not a pretty site...please believe me. So basically, I am just gross.

Well, I am in my neighborhood, and I hear a car comng from BEHIND...I could tell tey were going slow...and as the HOT Yellow pimped out Ford Mustang rolled by me, I see the man in the passenger seat lean out his window, look at me...take out his camera phone...and snap a picture.

I mean CMON!

So start checking your random Friend Requests to see if they display a picture of a runner ... and see what their caption is and report back. :)

Have a good day!

Leigh

6 miles to start the weekend!!

I kicked off the weekend this morning with a 6 mile jog with my dad...6 MILES!! I am so excited! I really felt good, and happy to accomplish it!! I am visiting my parents this weekend, with my closest friends...it is great.

I spent the rest of the day chillin on their boat...what a great start!

It feels real good to accomplish small goals on this journey to 26.2!!

Leigh

PS: Have a great weekend! I honestly do not think I have ever been so happy to have a 4 day weekend in my life!! :)

5 miles and struggling...

I have hit the 5 mile mark and I am struggling. I had a rough week running. It probably did not help that it was literally 750 degrees in Nashville this week, and no matter what time I ran, I felt like the earth was melting beneath my feet...

So I read this article in People this week (and unfortunately I can't link to it online) about the New York City Cancer center hosting a "Prom" full with DJ's, ice cream and fun for the kids at the cancer center. The photos were AMAZING...to see these kids who are struggling with cancer smiling and dancing was inspirational...it was an encouragement for me to keep at it. My heart ached for these kids...it was nice to see them having a great time...

So I have to run 5 miles on Monday, Wed & Fri this week...and Saturday is the luminous 6 mile mark!! Wish me luck!

And hey...if you feel like donating financially to my race...you can here : http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt
I have a long way to go physically and financially to meet this goal! UGH!!

:)
Leigh

All Dogs Go To Heaven

Today was a long day...I woke up with a start at 6:15 am by hearing the phone ringing, and on the other end was my Dad. I knew something was wrong immediatly...him and my mom are taking care of 2 of our 4 dogs (the girl dogs...the 2 boys are at the "farm" (ie outdoor kennel) ) while we go to Chicago for a summer getaway...

Anyway, he shared the news that our sweet, sweet dog Molly left us during the night to go to Heaven. It sucks to be quite honest, she was a good girl. Molly has been on and off sick all year, but still this felt sudden...when we dropped her off she seemed healthy, and ok...so it was a sad day. And I really just wanted to see her 1 more time...it was hard that she was not at home, but I realize that was a blessing as well.

For those of you who don't know, Molly was a leader dog for the blind who lived with my grandmother (Nana) for 11 years until she passed away; my Nana left Molly to Tim and I to take care of. So she has a special place in our entire family's heart, as she stood by Nana's side for years and offered unconditional love and communication to a woman who could barely communicate or get around. And Molly was patient and kind, and completely "selfless".

That might be an odd word to describe a dog, but Molly was the most un-selfish dog on the planet (esp. compared to my others!!)...she really never begged for attention (only some food sometimes) and she kept to herself--but she always kept an eye on Nana...and then me! It was so odd to me when we 1st brought Molly home that she never really let me out of her sight--she would be across the room, but she would always be near, ready to help, or come if I called. I was never out of her sight. She was an amazing dog.

As I was running on Wednesday night, I prayed that God would teach me to be selfless; and now I realize that he had a wonderful example of selflessness right at my feet for the past 2 years. I hope that I can be like Molly someday...quiet, patient, always keeping an eye out for the people I love, and kind-hearted.

I truly believe that Molly is up in Heaven right now, hanging out with my Nana, and they are keeping each other company.

Man she was a good girl, and I am going to miss her.

Yesterday Tim and I went to Lexington, KY, where I went to grad school, for our friends wedding. It was a blast...but I never knew how hilly Lexington was!!!

When I lived there, I worked out pretty regularly, but at the time I was working for the athletic department, so I had use of all of their facilities...so I rarely ran outside...so last night we scouted a 3 mile course...and I was freaked out!

People say Nashville is hilly...not so much compared to KY!!

So I basically ran downhill for the 1st mile, then straight uphil the next 1/2 mile...then turned around...yep, the last mile was on a slope...I thought I was gonna die.

Add that to the time change...Nashville in in Central, Lexington in EST...so we were meeting people for breakfast, so I gt up at 5:45 am (on a freakin Saturday) to go uphill.

Well last thing, my body is SORE!

Well despite all of this, I am proud of myself...this is a much bigger time cmmitment then I thought, but so far so good!

and I got new shoes! See below!!

I love them...my mom and dad got them for me! They are great!!

Is it too soon to call me a Runner?

Is it too soon to classify myself as a Runner?
There is something about being called a "runner" that I always admired...I think it is because I have always had this fear that I could not be a runner, that I was not capable...but last night I ran 3 miles and walked 2...it was a great feeling of accomplishment!! Matbe when I run 6 miles, I will call myself a runner...for a long time that has been my goal to be able to do that...so I will let you know when I hit that milestone!!

Anyway, I am running with these 2 cool girls, Suzanne and Suzie, and they are awesome. It is a very pressure-less environment, we are not trying to win any world records, we are just trying to finish together. That is a really nice feeling for my Type A personality...I vowed that I would not make this a competition, as I do with most things in my life...so it is nice to be running with 2 like minded girls and can chat and get to know them. And honestly, without the accountability, I would have run probably a mile last night, because I was so not in the mood!!

We had a cool conversation about redemption last night...about being in the desert and waiting for the Lord...it was refreshing to hear their stories and know that we all go through trials, and we are not isolated when things are tough...and the redemption story that Jesus always redeems us...even more then we realize.

Well I need to get to work...thanks for those of you who have chosen to support my race financially, that has been a huge blessing, and a huge surprise to see how many of you who gave. if you feel like the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society is one that you want to support, you can give by clicking this link:

http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt

If you would rather mail a donation, message me and I willl give you my address.

I pray that you see God's redemption story in your life today...

Leigh

PS: 7 days until I see Madonna in Chi-town!!!!

Taking the Plunge...officially

Tomorrow I am taking the plunge...and I feel crazy, scared, afraid...and excited. Two weeks ago I signed up with Team In Training to run a Marathon and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...yes that is the 26.2 mile marathon kind...and yes I have to raise $4,000 to help in the effort to find a cure for cancer. The marathon is on January 14th in Arizona.

What motivated me to do this? (Tonight I am in a paralyzed state of fear, so I am even second guessing my own motivations!!)

Ok...my motivations...for those of you who know me, I am a total over-achiever, perfectionist, passionate person...and those qualities extend to my job and my husband and my dogs...but then it stops. I have been going through a series of crisis where I have realized that I am not doing anything beyond my little happy home to make a heck of a lot of difference in this world; I am selfish with my time, with my heart, with my giving, with everything...I live in a solar system that orbits around a white middle class upbringing that craves comfort over challenge, and craves stability over risk. I am 31 years old, and I feel like my days and nights are passing by and I am not "giving" back to anyone; and certainly not making a difference!!

So last September, I went through a period where God began to plant seeds of empowerment in me...it has been this unfolding of layers of fear and insecurity, where he has gently been urging me to use my gifts/talents for others, not for my sake; and he has reminded me (almost daily!!) that I am empowered to make a difference; that He has equipped me; that I just need to trust Him (imagine that) and He will take me on this journey. I have also learned from so many around me that we have a responsibility to make change and to make a difference where we can...

I can blame a lot of this on a movie called the Constant Gardener, which I highly recommend to others...

Why the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society? On February 1, 1999, my college roommate, Kelly Walsh Goebler, died suddenly of sudden onset Leukemia...also known as Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L)...she decided to skip a Superbowl Party with her husband Jerry (they were married for 3 months), and he came home to her vomiting and rushed her to the hospital; it was too late, as the Leukemia had overtaken her and she passed early in the afternoon on the 1st. To this day, that was the worst time of my life; I want to give so others do not go through the same pain Kelly's family and our friends experienced.

Anyway...so tomorrow I am off, and start my training. I am freakin' scared to death of Failure!!!!!!!! I tried to get Tim to give me permission to quit already! I am so afraid that I will not be able to complete the run, or raise enough money...but I am going to take it day by day. I have to cross train tomorrow, run 2 miles on Friday, and 2 more on Saturday...and on Sunday I get to REST! Glorious REST!! :)

I would love it if you would help me through kind words, prayers and encouragement...that would be great...

Or you could donate? And help find a cure for cancer? Maybe you can donate $1 per mile, so $26 dollars? You can actually donate online...here is my website...

http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt

So that's my story, I am taking the plunge!!

Know any good running shoes? I am starting with some pretty cool addidas...