core

I ended last spring with a 13.1 mile run in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Finishing that run was rewarding and enjoyable enough to immediately sign up for another half in October.  But I knew that my summer training would have to be more well rounded.  My legs were the only parts getting a workout, and they were getting tired of dragging the rest of jello me around.


So I committed to a hellacious 13 week program of core training.  Six days a week, 60-90 minutes a day.  Yoga, plyometrics, kickboxing, weightlifting, crunches, etc.  "Each and every exercise in the Core Synergistics workout recruits multiple muscle groups to build and support the core (lumbar spine and trunk muscles)".   I have been sore all summer long.  I wish I could say that now I am in perfect shape.  But that will take more than a mere summer.   I can tell I am getting stronger.  My posture is better.  I can do exercises that I couldn't do at the beginning of the summer.  My endurance has improved.  And last night, during my return to running, my sister in law told me that my gait was better.  There is hope.


My life was also in need of some core synergistics.  This summer I faced the truth that I am a complete and utter morning person.  I am literally useless after about 6 pm - just tired and discouraged and dragging around.  So I reoriented my schedule.  I started getting up at 4:45 or 5, working out, straightening the house, making lunches, reading to the boys, before we all headed off for the day.  Then I let myself zombie around in the evening and am strict about my 10 pm bedtime.


I wanted to read more this summer.  Interestingly, the random books I have read all somehow fit the core theme.  The Dirty Life, a memoir of farming, food and love and The Wilder Life, my adventures in the lost world of Little House on the Prairie, both were enthralling as they talked about simpler times and practices.   What Alice Forgot unfolded the story of a woman realizing what was really important in her life.


The best thing I did for my life core was to buy Naked Spirituality, a life with God in 12 simple words.  It was just the foundational nourishment my parched, little soul needed.  Those words stay with me in my visits, my driving alone, and my full family time.  The ideas I am learning are inspiring and refreshing.


This summer I was more intentional about taking initiative for the relationships I needed to nurture.  I was more protective of my time and energy.  I tried harder to be present with my boys who are growing like summer weeds.  And though it was far from a perfect attempt, I can see glimpse of strength and depth that weren't there before.  There is hope.


My summer ends next weekend with our annual Labor day trip to the beach.  Can't wait for the break and the ocean.  And then another season begins, exercising, worshipping and living from a core that's a little bit stronger....