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Citizen Confusion

In Uncategorized on July 30, 2012 at 6:07 pm
So I’ve been contemplating for a while now, blogging about a political issue that has been weighing heavily on me. Our pastor has been preaching a series called “Exposed” – basically how does what we say and how we act expose what is in our hearts? The series could loosely be based on Luke 6:45 – “For out of the overflow of our heart our mouth speaks”. So what we say is just overflow of what is really in our hearts. That verse sure put it in perspective for me. Out of all the junk that can sometimes come out of my mouth, and the mouths of other Christians, there is a whole heart full of more. It sure has made me think twice about what I say, even when no one is listening, especially when no one is listening, because that’s when I’m truly me. 
It’s an election year. You would literally be living under a rock to not have noticed. You can’t watch a TV show and not see political ads. Or even scroll through Facebook’s news feed for that matter… It’s everywhere. While our church was going through this Exposed series, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise dubbed “Obamacare” – which I refuse to call it, was upheld by the Supreme Court. The point of this blog isn’t to debate the Care Act itself, but our Pastor used it as an example of how politically divided America is. As Christians, what is in our hearts when we criticize and slam the politicians running this country? What is the overflow of our hearts? 
The most important point he made was, we (whether by choice or not) are denying the reality of a superior kingdom. We are so caught up in our earthly kingdom that we have forgotten our Heavenly kingdom. Barrack Obama is not who Christians will one day answer to. Jesus is the KING of Kings and guess what, He’s sitting at the Father’s right hand waiting to bring us home. In the grand scheme of things, your political affiliation will NOT matter. Guess what, we’re all going to be ok. If Obama is elected for another term, IT WILL BE OK. If Romney is elected, it will be ok. If gas goes up to $5 a gallon, it will be ok. If gay marriage (gasp!) is legalized, it will be ok. Our lives will go on and Jesus will still in be control. We are storing up our treasures in Heaven, let’s not forget it. Our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). 
I’m not saying you can’t support a political party, I’m just saying my allegiance is in Jesus. He is more than capable of handling our political problems. Now more than ever, Christians need to be in fervent prayer for our leaders. For they are making decisions, you and I will never have to make. Our time on this earth is short, but the responsibility we have is great. What impact is the “overflow” of our heart having on others? What do people think when they see the “overflow” of our heart? Do they see Jesus? 
This series has really rocked me and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts. I’m proud everyday to be American. I’m proud to live in a Country where we can all believe differently. And I’m thankful everyday to serve a God who is bigger than it all. Who loved me enough to create me in His image and love me even though I had nothing to offer Him. Yeah, America is great, but I’m waiting on my Heavenly Kingdom. 
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In Uncategorized on July 30, 2012 at 7:28 am
I’ve tried blogging the past few days and have come up short. I’ve started several posts and have then lost the motivation to finish them. It’s been over 2 months since I last posted and we’ve had a busy summer to say the least. Here’s a quick rundown:
May: Taylor left for a 2 month long training exercise.
June: I ran my first marathon, the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll series. I finished in 4:23, a time I was extremely happy with. That was by far the biggest physical and mental challenge I have ever been through. Everything from excitement, nervousness, feeling defeated (around mile 20), anger (that I had signed up for that stupid race), and finally accomplishment and a sense of pride in what my body had just endured. I cried the last entire mile because I knew I would finish, and finish in one piece. I ran every step of the way, determined to not walk it. Since finishing it, I’ve had absolutely NO motivation to train. So in true Cayla fashion, I sign up for another half marathon. I have 3 weeks left to train. My goal is to hit 2 hours or under. I’m finally just starting to feel normal again when I run and not completely, physically drained. I’ve changed the way I approach running and try not to be so competitive with myself. When I push myself too hard, what I love about running and training gets lost somewhere. 
Later in June, one of my dearest friends came to visit for two weeks. It was definitely the best two weeks I’ve had in a long time. We explored SD non-stop and soaked up the SoCal sun and just enjoyed each others company. 
Mid-July, we welcomed Taylor back home and Sophie has been thrilled having him home. 
I have taken on the challenge of becoming a personal fitness trainer. I’ve been studying non-stop and trying to learn as much as I can. I will take the 3-day course in mid-September. So prayers are greatly appreciated for that. Lots to learn!
I’m also strongly considering a half-Ironman distance triathlon. The 1 mile swim is an ocean swim which honestly scares me and is what has kept me from signing up just yet. I’ve been open water swimming at least once a week, but it’s a struggle for me and doesn’t come naturally. Running is therapeutic and biking is awesome, but swimming just does nothing for me. I get no satisfaction or enjoyment from it. So I’m starting to think Tri’s are not for me.
Sophie is growing and changing each day. She keeps us on our toes and the terrible two’s have about worn me out. But we are surviving! 
So there is a run down of our summer.
Over the next few months, once I’m certified and hopefully either working or continuing education, I will be over-hauling my blog into a more nutrition/fitness related one. 
Until the next post!

Hard Work.

In Uncategorized on May 25, 2012 at 7:07 am

Two years ago this month, I started Shaun T’s Insanity fitness program. It was 60 days of pure misery but it changed my life forever. (I know that sounds cliche) I never imagined I would become a runner. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run a marathon, which will happen in about a week! I was terrified of hopping on a road bike and soon I will start training for the half-ironman distance SuperFrog later this year.
There are handful of people that were and still are a huge motivation and encouragement to me. You will never know what the kind words, encouragement, and advice has meant to me.
I want to make my daughter proud and I want to establish a strong work-ethic in her. I want her to know that faith, prayer, and hard work will get her everywhere she wants to go.
Next weekend, I will be thinking of all my motivators and supporters as I run 26.2 – because I truly couldn’t have done it without you!!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I love you all!

Run. Bike. Run

In Uncategorized on May 7, 2012 at 8:38 pm

I raced my first duathlon yesterday. I placed 3rd in my age division, I was extremely shocked and very happy! I finished in 1:14:32, my transitions were slow, but I have a lot to learn still about them. To say transition area is controlled chaos is an understatement. I’m not usually one to have anxiety or panic attacks, but the minute I arrived on scene, I wanted to turn around and drive home. I was so far out of my comfort zone and I was alone. I just couldn’t make Taylor wake Sophie up at 6am to come watch me, so I told them to stay in bed.
Thankfully, I wasn’t the only beginner there and this helped me feel a little better. I had originally signed up for the triathlon, but found it extremely hard to open water swim because of my husband’s unpredictable schedule and not really having someone to watch Sophie. So a few weeks ago I switched to the duathlon part. I was so grateful after arriving that I had made that decision. My transition times were slow, I can’t imagine throwing in swim gear to the mix.
My wave started at 6:45 with a one mile run. I ran it in 7:55, my goal was under 8:00 minutes, so I made it. Next was a 10 mile bike, I did it in 34, the wind was rough and my poor legs felt that 10 mile run the day before. I have to say the hardest part of the whole race was dismounting my bike and having to run in to transition area in bike cleats, with jello legs. I’m sure I looked like a complete idiot. I managed to get my bike racked and change back in to running shoes, grab my iPod and head out in about 2:00 minutes, see slow? The run was supposed to be a 5K…but it was really 3.45, I did it in 27 minutes. I was shooting for under 9 minute pace, so I also made that. It was a repeat loop, which I wasn’t thrilled about, but it wasn’t as boring as I had thought it would be. The music definitely helped. I was a little surprised it took 27 minutes because it did feel faster, which I was happy for at the end! Overall, I told myself I wanted to finish in 1:15 and I made it, so I’m very happy with the race.
I found out last night about placing in my age division, which topped off the whole experience.
After experiencing transitions, I’m even more terrified of racing in a triathlon. I’m looking at an all-female Tri in August that looks like a lot of fun. I know I just have to make myself face my fear and do it.
So after my marathon in a few short weeks. I hope to keep training for this Tri in August and end my year doing the SuperFrog, which is a half-Ironman distance Tri that was started for Navy Seals. I know it’s a lot to work towards, but it keeps me motivated and I reallllly want it.
Can’t wait to race again!!

Sophie is 2

In Uncategorized on May 4, 2012 at 6:02 am
My dear friend Danielle took some ‘2 year’ pictures of Sophie for us. She did an awesome job and captured a lot of cute moments!

In Uncategorized on May 3, 2012 at 5:44 am
I haven’t blogged in a while, mainly because nothing has been going on! Training has been slow because I felt myself running on empty and decided to scale back for a few weeks. This past Monday was a disaster of a training day. Taylor and I set out for a 30 mile ride together, only to turn around early for a grand total of…5 miles. There was a wreck involved, but no one was injured, just mad. So we decided to try a couple mile run, again, another injury occurred when Taylor twisted his ankle. So we turned around early again. Tuesday we hiked all over the desert and mountains, and yes I considered all that cross-training. So today I decided to run from our church to the end of Point Loma, which was 6 miles of rolling hills. And let me just tell you, the first hill was brutal. But I made finished with a good time but sore toes and shins. I’m not used to running hills, so my poor shins were feeling it every time I started to descend. But it was an awesome (hot) run and I was so happy I made myself do it. I’m going to ride the next two days and run tomorrow and Saturday. Then I have my first duathlon on Sunday. I’m already nervous about the bike portion, not that I won’t be able to comfortably complete the distance, but just the unknown. It’s only a sprint distance, so that part shouldn’t be bad. I haven’t really trained for transitions and that makes me a little nervous. I keep telling myself it’s just for fun and experience. I still don’t consider myself a cyclist and have a lot to learn!
Taylor’s parents have been here this past week and we’ve been non-stop GO! Sharing a few pictures from our Anza Borrego Desert visit. We hiked up to see the Palm Springs Oasis, which is just that in the middle of the desert. So amazing!

This little hiker hiked a good portion of our 5 miles. She was a trooper!

More to come!

60 to 0.

In Uncategorized on April 19, 2012 at 3:27 am
So you know my 60 mile training week last week. Today, I finally got a 4 mile run in. I mean, seriously? Today is the first day in 5 I haven’t limped down my stairs and now I have a wicked sun burn on my left leg. But boy did I feel it while running. Felt like I had sand bags attached to my ankles or I was pulling a car.
I’ve got to find something that helps me recover after long runs. I’m so at a loss with this territory. Stretching and baths aren’t really helping. I ice my problem areas, but that’s hard to do when it’s your whole lower body. I honestly feel great during runs, but can’t walk for 5 days after. Which leads me to missing at least 1 run and ride.
Hopefully my legs won’t fail me during my 20 miles this weekend.

Defeated.

In Uncategorized on April 11, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Maybe I’m bring dramatic, but I don’t really care at this point. Parenting is h.a.r.d. These past few weeks have been mentally and physically draining. Sophie knows every button to push and pushes them often. I’m starting to realize the importance of ‘picking your battles’. But man, when everything is a battle, when do you cave and when do you stay strong? I expect a LOT from my 2 year old, but I’m that way because she is SMART. She knows how to communicate better than most 5 year olds and her vocabulary is well beyond her age. She knows how to spell her name, can recognize numbers & colors. 
Our biggest battles are sleep, diaper changing, and going out. Taylor had the pleasure of joining us for a Target run on Monday and boy was he in for it. I’ve learned that I cannot let Sophie ‘run around’. After all, she is still 2 and gets in to EVERYTHING. So she stays in the shopping cart or stroller if I can get away with it. He likes to let her run around, but Monday, she was in an extra special mood. UGH! And to top it all off, she has started biting herself if we tell her ‘no’ or she doesn’t get something she wants. She has little marks and scabs all over her hands. I spank her, she just bites harder. I mean, where is my handbook?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful she is determined and strong willed, that will serve her well later in life. If I’m being 100% honest, and judge me all you want, I don’t really like my child right now. I don’t like who she makes me be. I’m so snappy and exhausted at the end of the day, poor Taylor. Poor Sophie. 
I know all children go through this phase, I don’t think it’s just me. I just feel like we exit one wilderness just to enter another. I think I’ve got her figured out and BOOM goes the dynamite. Literally. 
And for the sake of my sanity, please don’t ask me, the mother of a 2 year old, when we will have another child. You might just get an earful of pent up frustration and anger. There is your warning. 
And just so you don’t think I complain all the time about my daughter, whom I really do love…lol. We had spiral ham on Easter Sunday and Sophie knows her meats. She is a pork girl to the core. We were sitting there and Taylor asks her “Sophie, do you know what you’re eating?” I know, we sound like wonderful parents…ha ha. Her reply was “Aww, so sorry piggy.” 
My mother and mother-in-law are my heros. Raising multiple children and they still have their sanity intact. This gives me hope! 🙂

Racerback Tank

In Uncategorized on April 5, 2012 at 8:05 pm
I saw this blog tutorial for a gathered raceback t-shirt, made from t-shirts you already own and decided I was going to transform all my old t-shirts and race shirts that are HUGE, that way I can wear them again. 
Original Blog here.
You can use a sewing machine or just a needle/thread. There is very little sewing involved, I promise. 🙂
My t-shirt.

1. Cut collar off.

2. Draw how deep you want the shirt to be. Remember it will draw up.

3. Cut out new collar.

4. Cut off sleeves.

5. You will need to make the shoulder/new sleeves.  

6. Shirt with ‘new’ sleeves, you want the straps pretty thin. 

7. Use extra fabric to create the ‘strap’ for the back. I pinned mine together before sewing. I just used fabric from the sleeves.

8. Sew a hem line across the bottom. Again, you can hand sew this as well. 

9. (Sorry about the shirt change). Now find where you want the shirt to gather in the back. I ended up cutting the back in to a ‘V’ shape as well. It’s not as tight around the neck this way. 

10. Place your fabric strap around the back sleeves. You will have to sew the two sides of the strap together now. 

11. Then cut excess fabric off. 

Finished product. This is an actual technical race shirt, so you can use this kind of fabric or just regular cotton. 

Back.

Also showing you a cotton shirt. 

Back.

Now, I probably wouldn’t wear these out like the original blog says. Because your collar and sleeves are now just open. But they will be good to run in and use at the gym or beach. 🙂

It’s All Mental

In Uncategorized on April 1, 2012 at 12:35 am

I’ve always known running is 90% mental. You’re mind is always the first to give. In fact, I’m sure most triathletes would agree, swimming, cycling, & running are all mental… Training your mind is much harder than training your body. It reminds me of something Jillian Michaels said “Your legs aren’t giving out, your head is giving out. Keep going.” But it’s so true. I’m convinced that training doesn’t matter until you are out of your comfort zone. You find out what you’re made of when you absolutely have hit that wall, and your still find a way over it. Today was that day for me. I’ve run two half distance marathons. That’s the farthest I’ve pushed myself. And that was only on race day. It’s really easy to push on race day. It’s a new course, adrenaline will carry you a long way. Training runs is where it’s just you and the road. 

I set out this morning telling myself if I could just run 13.1, I would be happy with that. Thankfully, fellow Rock Runner, Laurie, was also running the long distance. So we set out together for 16 miles. I really did pretty good most of the run. Only a minor side stitch around mile 3, but nothing bad. I was able to down 2 GU’s (a huge accomplishment for me) and had to detour to find some electrolytes. My feet really started hurting around mile 12. But overall, a great run. We actually ran 16 miles and walked 1.5 to cool down. We finished in 2:39, not bad at all. Did I really just run for 2 hours and 39 minutes? Craziness! This was the first time that I could really see myself running 26.2. I’m not quite there mentally, but I have a few more long runs to help prepare myself. I hit that wall several times today but kept running and didn’t give up. And that’s gotta count for a lot!
“You’ve got what it takes, but it will take everything you got.” <—— Words to train by.