Doing the run.. But running this race can be harder then I thought

Hello World

I am about to Rant tonight.. Let me say before I rant. This is directed at nobody, this is something that is stirring up in my heart, and I feel that I must blog about it.

I've been sharing with you my journey from couch to 5K. It's going so well and I am so thankful that I am healthy enough to try and train for a 5KM run. I am also running a race with my generation and for the younger generations of this community and Nation. My heart yearns to see the schools in our town/country and their students find the "truth" and hunger for more of God. I am on my knees for my generation. One thing that I am praying for and struggling with is a generation who has a huge distaste for commitment and lack of trust.

What is wrong with committing to something? Why do we find it so difficult to do so. I can see a pattern in our youth today because of our generation and the past generation failing to commit. Where is the consistency that needs to be? What have we done?

Why are we so afraid to commit?

I know for a fact that I too have a huge issue with commitment as well. We started Mikayla out in Soccer a few years ago. However, we barely made it to many of her games, because we had so much other stuff on our plate. Then we put the kids in Gymnastics last fall. We only missed a few nights but ended up not returning for the winter session, as it was just too much. Too much from what?? I don't get ourselves. Yes our schedule is pretty hectic with BG clubs on Wednesdays, small group on Thursdays and Piano and youth on Fridays. However, why am I so wishy-washy when it comes to certain things.

I know that our generation struggles with this and I just can't understand why? (I'm sorry if I step on toes today, this is not directed at a single person, it's just an observation that I've made in the past 7 years).

We need to be an example to the younger generations. I think it's time that we "rise up" and take a stand. Show them what it is to be committed and live in integrity. I want to be this person, I want my babies to know that their mother keeps her word. I see future leaders that struggle with committing 1 day a week to serve, I see parents struggle sending their children to hockey, soccer, youth, or special events that their children want to take part in, because they just don't feel like it. I'm there, I know what a hard day is like, however we need to teach the next generation what true priorities are.

You may be thinking "Wow, Heidi's had a rough day". Not so.. I'm just concerned for the future of my children and our "youth" of our nation. God has such a plan and I don't ever want to cause anyone to stumble, including my 3 beauties. I hope this "rant" makes sense. I just want to do what's right.

My husband has been in full time youth ministry for almost 6+ years now. It's by far a tough job, but so rewarding. To see future leaders have a passion for change, to see future leaders HUNGRY for more. I just pray that we can ALL be a good example, watch them grow and fall deeply in Love with Christ.

THAT brings me to another thing. If we TRULY loved Christ, would we not walk around with a Smile on our faces? Would we not Love our neighbors as our self. Wouldn't we be selfless? When we hear that it's time for a prayer night, wouldn't we be excited to go to it, instead of staying at home. Now, in all honesty when a prayer night happens, I usually stay at home with the kiddo's, BUT I am praying, just at home. However, a lot of the times when we hear "prayer night" we roll our eyes and don't step foot in the door. HOW are we going to change the world if we stop praying? If we truly loved Christ wouldn't we BE THERE excited and passionate about prayer? If we truly Loved Christ wouldn't we get off Facebook or shut the TV off and open our bibles?? Hey, I'm talking to myself here, I want to hear from God SOOOOOO bad, but yet can't get off the computer to "listen" and "read his word". Funny isn't it? I want to stop thinking about "ME ME ME" all time. I'm so sick and tired of having "pity parties" for myself and I'm beyond frustrated about how Christianity is perceived by our culture. It's time we move forward, it's time for a change. Today is the day we walk away from our legalism and start doing what Christ has commanded us to do. John 15:13: "This is my commandment love one another a I have loved you" This is it. We should be concerned for others, love others and stop worrying about ourselves. THEY (people) will know Christ by OUR LOVE>>> Are we loving people today?

Let's be serious, We can act like a Christian, it's so easy to "fake it". God wants MORE, he wants more from you and he wants more from me. Who's with me? If we stand up today and say "Time for a change" THINK at what God can do?? It's exciting, thrilling and amazing!!

O.k long rant is over.

Can I just say that I am so thankful for the church that God has placed Larry and I in. Beautiful people, beautiful family of God. I am truly blessed and they are truly family. Seeing Preston growing up with some buddies and a young girl all together, is really cool. Watching Mikayla grow up with the encouragement to be an encourager. INCREDIBLE. People loving on Bennet is wonderful. Someday my babies will CHANGE this World for Jesus. Bethel will have a HUGE role in their lives. We are BLESSED.

Tomorrow Mikayla is hanging out with Courtney, my running buddy and Mikayla's BG club leader. I am so excited to see my daughter build a relationship with such a role model. It's pretty cool to see :)

Thank you all for reading. I hope this doesn't sound negative. I feel VERY passionate about what is stirring in my heart. It's time I shared it with the World.

Love the Lord with all your heart!

Heidi

God is Good. I just want to do

Week 2 Day 1 Complete

I am enjoying the Couch to 5 K program very much. It's very difficult but I'm really really enjoying it.

Yesterday was a struggle to get out and run. However Courtney arrived and out I went. I was very nervous about the jogging for 90 seconds but I could do it! 90 seconds doesn't sound like a lot, but for someone who hasn't ran in years, 90 seconds can feel like 24 hours.

Courtney and I DID it we completed Week 2 Day 1 and I am honestly very proud. I am hoping that we will continue to do this and get VERY healthy!!!

I am gaining weight though. But I'm hoping that it's just "muscle" gain. I'm trying my best with the exercise and eating, so I'm going to count this as what I previously said.

Well I don't have much to say again- which is amazing..

Everyone keep going, do what you need to do. You can do it!!

Heidi

Restarted and excited

Hey there everyone

After a week break from any exercise due to an injured toe, I have restarted my exercise routine. I have started Couch to 5K again, with a runny buddy. My friend Courtney has joined me on this journey and she's a GREAT encourager and wonderful running buddy.

Mikayla and Courtney ran with me yesterday. It was fun and the time FLEW by!! I look forward to watching Courtney and I run to the 5K.

I am excited to see what I can do..

Larry and I have started our new business too. We do our first Paid photo shoot on Saturday. Looking forward to it!

This isn't very long, as I'm just touching base.

Thanks again for your encouragement, I couldn't do this with out you.

Heidi

Finally Moving and now I'm loosing

Hey World

Zumba was FANTASTIC! It is very hard to follow, but I am going in with the attitude to have fun and get moving. It's dancing, it's salsa, it's MAJOR sweating and the heart is beating. I love it and am hoping to go back next week.

I have started the couch to 5K. Like I said, the first day I couldn't complete it. HOWEVER>>> Yesterday I completed the whole run. I was getting ready to go out and do this, when Mikayla asked if she could come. At first I thought, "It's probably too much for her" BUT REALLY it isn't, so I agreed. Such a special moment. She was hilarious, cheering me on when she knew I felt like quitting. Reminding how GOOD this was for her and I. "Mom this is so important to keeping us healthy" What a girl. I really thank God for her. She NEVER stops moving. She's a GREAT running buddy. I seriously am looking forward to doing our runs together. A great Mother/daughter moment.

Today I've already had a 30 minute work out on Wii Fit plus. SERIOUSLY!! There is this "skateboarding" game. My heart is pumping, and sweat is coming. I love it. It's tons of fun too

I weighed my self this morning. I am down 2.2lbs. Whoo-hoo.. It has begun again. I'm almost out of the 230's! 21lbs to go and I get my week-end away with my hubby!!!

If I can do this... ANYONE CAN!!

Thanks again for reading. Look forward to posting again real soon


Heidi Kozlof

Try something new today

Hey Everyone

Well I did my first couch to 5k yesterday. It was a struggle, I was running in the rain, hoping that would make me feel a little better. I start off on a walk, my warm up, the the lady in my ipod says "RUN NOW". I'm off, I'm feeling good, I'm running I'm running and then I start to feel my breathing start to get heavy. "I think I can I think I can" is running in my mind. 60 seconds is up "Walk now" the lady in my ear says. "This isn't too bad" I think to myself. Then by the 4th run time, I was starting to doubt myself. I kept going.. Gotta do this, Gotta do this. I did 2 more runs, then walks and I seriously couldn't do it. I decided to head back home and do the run as the girl in my ear YELLED for me to do. I got home and was exasperated and a little sad that I didn't complete the whole "Week 1 Day 1" routine. My Loving husband reminded me that I should start slow. I won't move on to day 2 until I complete day 1. Which I am doing tomorrow. When I looked at my ipod I only had 1 more run to do, then walk, then cool down.. I was ALMOST THERE!!! I know Tomorrow I will push myself just a little.

Today I checked my blood pressure and I seem to be back to normal. I am thinking that I was just a little stressed that morning and had a coffee a few hours before I went to see the Doc. I've actually had a lot of fun today. Larry's day off, so I went on the Wii fit for an hour. There is this skateboarding activity that is a great work out. Tons of fun too.

Tonight I'm trying Zumba with a few girls. I will see what I think tonight, it's my free night. If I enjoy it, I may join. It's Monday evenings at 530. My girlfriend says it's a blast. I am wanting to try anything that will get me moving!!!

My new goal for this week is to drink my 8 glasses of water. I really stink at that. I am also working on a meal plan, so that we don't just "eat out" and eat "junk". I'm excited about this "journey" again.

I weighed myself and was back to 233lbs. IF I can hit 199lb my Mom is willing to send Larry and I away for a week-end. She's giving me some incentive to keep up the great work. I love it, Bribing me!! It works for Mikayla, it works for me. LOL . I also have another incentive of $1.00/lb. Right now I'm and $0.00 so that's just not going to stick with me.

Zumba tonight, running tomorrow (morning if possible)

Something else that I am working on is my devotional life. I think that is the MOST important part of my whole journey, is spending time chatting with God. I think if I can get THAT in order, I can also get ME in order too.

Thanks for reading. I really appreciate all the facebook messages and "comments" from you. It really does encourage me to know that I have "cheerleaders". I too am cheering all of you on, who also wants to get your health back. I believe that my body is the temple of Christ. It's time that I start treating it with respect and love.

Enjoy your day. I'll let you know how Zumba goes tonight.

Love and Joy

Heidi

My eyes were opened

Hello world.

My journey began April/Mayish. My weight is practically the same. I haven't really been trying and I have been just plain lazy.

On Friday I went to the doctors to get my ear looked at. IT's been plugged for over 3 weeks, and I was getting very frustrated and I just felt plain ill. When they took my blood pressure, it was high. I keep thinking, "It must have been my coffee" or "I have been stressed with all the illness in my home". These excuses are probably the reason, but even still I really do need to get my butt in gear and get moving. What if I actually do have high blood pressure?? AT 30!!! The only person to blame here, is ME!!

When I started this "Get healthy" walk, I had said I want to do a 5km run in May. I am still there. I still want to do the Where is Frankville? run. However, at this point I am NO WHERE near that goal.

Many of my friends have suggested couch to 5km. I tried it once, and it was tough. Last night I was thinking about this 5K run, and really really really want to do this. For my birthday my hubby was kind and gave me an ipod touch. I went on to the app site and there it was. An application for this. My ipod will be my "coach".

My girlfriend has started the program, and is doing AMAZING. Yesterday she ran 20 minutes without stopping. I am so proud of her, and she has inspired me to DO THIS! She told me that it's HARD.. But if you keep at it.. You CAN DO IT!! I go with that. Keep at it and DO IT!!!

Today after church I am going to do my first run. I am just a tad frightened at the thought of breathing REALLY HARD. With that being said, "I can do this, I must do this (for myself and my family) and I look forward to going to my first run someday soon.

Thank you for all of you that support me. I do appreciate your love

Sincerely

Heidi

Humble Pie

My husband surprised me tonight with a birthday party. He had sent out invitations last Sunday, before my birthday. How do I feel?? Embarrassed, silly, humble and blessed.

What have I learned about myself this week?? That I can be totally honest, and even "selfish" but yet I have friends that don't look different at me and Love me for who I am.

Larry had me so convinced that I'd be having a nice evening with a couple tonight, that I was so confused when people started arriving after they had. My jaw dropped and I told Larry he was "bad". LOL But inside I was excited and still a little "shameful" about my horrible attitude on Monday.

I just want to thank Larry for his sneaky ways. I want to thank EVERYONE for making me feel special. Tonight is a night that I will not forget.

This is a short little note to say that I am eating some humble pie tonight. :)

Life is great!

Heidi