A New Year Begins

Hi everyone,

It's a little hard to believe that my last update was over four months ago and I'm so sorry I didn't get another post out after announcing the postponement of the Battling Back 2014 Challenge!

Very, very sadly one of the men, the heroes, who had inspired me to Battle Back, passed away just days after my last post. Dr. William Lee Graham, my best friend's father and the man I know and love as Dad, lost his courageous year-long battle with cancer on August 9, 2014.

Dr. Graham had joined the US Navy on Pearl Harbor day, the day the US joined WWII. A great American Patriot, a great American Hero; faithful servant of his country and his Lord and Savior, at whose side he rests; an inspiration to his family and all those who's lives he touched, including mine.

After rightly taking some time out to focus on him and his beloved family, I returned to my workout regimen. However, the injury that had caused the postponement was proving as stubborn as I was in recognizing it's existence and I soon realized that only total rest would allow it to heal. If I hadn't taken a complete break I risked needing surgery to fix the muscle.

Complete immobilization of the arm was out of the question, but I rested it as much as possible. I moved house the first week in November and I was pleasantly surprised how the arm held up, despite all the lifting I had to do.

In the weeks since then I've continued to rest the arm as much as possible and will now slowly, very carefully begin what will be a long rehab. To that end, on this, the first Monday of 2015, I've this evening completed my first workout in around 3 months. I'm understandably a bit tired, but the arm seems fine as of this moment :)

I'm not yet ready to reveal any of the details of the rescheduled challenge, but what I will say is that due to the injury it won't now be water based. That decision was one that took some time and indeed a lot of prayer to make, but I know that it's one that had to be made, just as the postponement did. Even if the arm heals completely, a single long distance swim would be too risky.

So, as a new year begins, I reaffirm my commitment to you, to my Lord and Savior, to my heavenly inspiration and indeed to me too, that I WILL continue Battling Back. At this very moment I'm unsure how often I'll update this blog, but I'm aiming to do so at least weekly.

Thank you so much for your continued love and support. It truly means so much to me!

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2014 ~ Halfway There

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by today, I'm truly honored to have you here. In today's post I'll be sharing my training notes from the last couple weeks and also giving some thoughts about where I'm at. If it's your first time here, and/or you'd like to catch up with everything about this year's challenge, you can find all the related posts HERE.

I can hardly believe that I've been training three times a week for almost 14 weeks, having started on Friday, March 28, 2014 and there are now 14 weeks until the start of the challenge. I'll say more about that a little later, but first here are the training notes...

Friday, June 20, 2014
1 mile/ 48 laps completed. I decided not to push myself too much today. I know, that's rare for me, but as the weeks are flying by and the challenge getting ever closer, I have to listen to my body. Especially because a friend of mine who has been both a national level swimmer and then a coach, warned me that if I were to get the troublesome left bicep checked (which I'm not going to do) and there is a tear, I'll need to rest up COMPLETELY for six weeks and then slowly rehab. That would mean that I can't do the challenge this year, but I'm determined that it WILL go ahead.

I KNOW it's a risk, but at this stage I'd rather bring the start date forward, if need be and turn the training miles into actual challenge miles, than to take a complete break and have to start over. Cumulative totals: 21-3/4 miles/ 1044 laps. I'm finally through the 1000 lap barrier! YAY!

Monday, June 23, 2014
I felt well rested after a really relaxed weekend and the niggly bicep seems to be behaving. Yay! The weather is finally warming up and so today's cardio was a bit harder than others, but I got through the 4 mile Walk At Home workout and still felt great afterwards.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014
1 mile/ 48 lap swim. Not many people manage to fall UP the stairs, but it seems I'm one of them LOL. On my way to bed last night I missed the top step and fell pretty heavily into the bathroom doorway. I was carrying my laptop at the time so my first concern was for that! Only when I'd checked it was ok, did I see and indeed feel all the grazes and bruises, including one on the left bicep! Typical LOL!

I was understandably very sore when I woke this morning. As a result I didn't even know whether I'd be able to do much in the pool at all, so for the first time I got into the water with absolutely NO target distance. It was in effect a "free" swim and whatever I could do would be a bonus and would get me closer to the challenge itself. As I progressed I decided that I'd get to a mile and then stop, no matter how I was feeling. Yep, I truly am listing to my body!

The prayer I said while still in the water was even more thankful than others. I'd felt not only everyone who is supporting me, but also my Ultimate Lifeguard's presence by my side encouraging me. Cumulative totals: 22-3/4 miles/ 1092 laps.

Friday, June 27, 2014
Because I was still feeling the effects of the fall and also having an early meeting this morning I decided to swap today's usual pool session for a 4 mile Walk at Home cardio workout. It went well and I'm pleased to have gotten through what has been the roughest week yet since I started training.

Monday, June 30, 2014
After a well earned restful weekend, I was pumped for today's cardio workout and felt great afterwards.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Thankfully the soreness from my fall has eased and I'm feeling great, and even the sometimes niggly bicep feels good! The bruise on the bicep from the fall is still looking angry, but because of my underlying autoimmune condition I take a long time to heal, so I'm not concerned about that at all.

I still don't want to push myself TOO much, but having taken it easy for a few weeks and because I'm feeling so much better, today's aim was to complete 1-1/4 miles/ 60 laps in the pool. I'm very pleased to say I DID it and by the end I STILL felt great!!! Could I have done more? Perhaps I could have, but yep, I am still being careful!

Today's swim also rounded out the cumulative total to TWENTY FOUR MILES/ 1152 laps! Am I proud? YES! Am I determined to give this my all? HECK YES!

Taking a SHORT break!
Last weekend when I looked ahead to this short working week, I had thought that although it's a very special holiday for us Americans on Friday, July 4th, that I would still hit the pool early and do a session. After all I've worked out every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the last 14 weeks, including on other holidays, so why should this be any different?

I mentioned it to a friend, Mike, and as we talked, he told me how well I'm DOING, how well I've DONE and how he and indeed everyone know how DETERMINED I am to give this my all. It was then that I decided that I WILL take Independence Day off! I deserve an extra rest day and the fact that it is America's birthday and I've reached the half way point in my training means it's a doubly good time to do so.

There will be a celebratory post made to the blog on Friday, but I'll write it and schedule it for publication tomorrow.

To end this rather long post, I once again want to thank all of YOU! Your encouragement and support truly does mean so much to me. Each of you is an inspiration! THANK YOU!!!

God bless,
Em

Step by step 2014 ~ Catching up

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry I've not posted anything to this blog for over a week, it's been a really busy time for me, but I promise I'll not slip up again! I have been keeping to my training schedule, I promise! If you've missed any of my previous notes about this year's training, you can read them all HERE. Here are my notes from the last couple weeks...

Monday, May 26, 2014
It might be a really important holiday today as we honor all military who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but I didn't take one from my schedule. I'm really enjoying Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home workouts and I felt great after today's Four Fast Miles.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014
I had hoped to complete a two mile/ 96 lap swim today, because it will be my only aquatic session of the week. However, when I got to the sports center the pool had unexpectedly had to close for a short time, so instead of starting the session at 2:00 pm, I didn't get into the water until 2:30 pm. During the delay I tried to keep my limbs loose and warm, and also stay focused mentally. I managed the former, but with the later start I knew that I may not keep my focus completely.

I'd completed the first mile, once again keeping count of the number of laps easily, when I made the decision to drop the total to 1-3/4 miles/ 84 laps. Physically I felt great, but the delay had affected my concentration a little. I completed the revised distance in just 90 minutes, so I was happy. Perhaps more importantly, for the first time since starting my training, I was ache free!

Total distance now covered... 14-1/4 miles/ 684 laps!

Friday, May 30, 2014
I gave today's cardio session, another Four Fast Miles, my all, upping the pace as much as I could. I'm really enjoying the workout.

Saturday, May 31, 2014
The weather has been somewhat mixed here, most days have seen showers of rain, so having had to drop to just a single swim session this week, I was really pleased, when I checked the forecast earlier in the week to see it was due to be a DRY day. I thought I'd make the most of it and head to the coast. It meant an early start, a 5:00 am alarm, but I knew it would be worth it.

The day was very relaxed and I was a little surprised on the way back when I realized that I'd walked around EIGHT MILES! It really didn't feel that far, and despite some minor sunburn it was a great day! Here are a couple of my favorite pix...

The Marine Lake at Southport...

Red pine trees line the edge of the dune on the approach to the beach at Formby. Feeling the warm sand on my bare feet was also a highlight! :)

Monday, June 2, 2014
Wow, another month gone by already! Perhaps unsurprisingly my legs felt heavy yesterday after such a long walk, and to a degree that was still true today, but I was determined to get through the Four Fast Miles and then rest up. I did just that! By the end I felt tired, but very happy.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014
I'm back to two swim sessions this week and hope to complete 1-3/4 miles/84 laps this afternoon, although I am a little achy still.

Arriving at the sports center I was happy to see the pool was open, unlike last week! I got into the water just before 2:00 pm and got into my rhythm quickly, perhaps too quickly, because around lap 30 I again began to feel the slight niggle in my left bicep. As usual I tried to ignore it, push on through the discomfort, but it was tough.

When I paused for a drink break after completing the mile/ 48 laps, I admitted to myself that I'd be unable to reach today's target, instead aiming for 1-1/2 miles/ 72 laps. I've said from the beginning of my training that I have to listen to my body, because every session is critical to being ready on October 10 to start the challenge. I perhaps should have stopped at the mile, but I'm also stubborn and I would NOT have been happy with that at all.

The last half mile was very tough and by the end of it I admit that I was in pain, but I'd gotten through it and while still in the water I dropped to my knees and prayed, thanking God for getting me through another session.

As soon as I got back to the house I dosed up on anti-inflammatories and rested my arm as much as possible.

As soon as I woke this morning (Thursday), I strapped it and have rested as much as possible. As I write this, late in the afternoon, I've taken the strapping off and it just feels a little niggly again. Did I push myself too far yesterday? Perhaps I did, but I'll not really know until I get back into the pool tomorrow morning. I am still aiming to complete another 1-1/2 miles/ 72 laps tomorrow and I'm determined to do so.

Thanks again everyone, your support really does mean SO much to me!

God bless,
Em  

Step by step 2014 ~ Doubling up

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by, I'm honored to have you here. Today we continue looking at my training notes as I continue to prepare for the Battling Back challenge in October/ November 2014. If you'd like to catch up with all my other training notes from this year, you can do so HERE.

Friday, May 16, 2014
The slight niggle I felt in my left bicep after Wednesday's 1-3/4 mile swim had eased a bit by this morning, so I knew today would be a very important day. It would be the first time during my training that I've had 2 pool sessions in the same week. I say pool sessions, rather than swims, because today won't be swimming. Instead, it will be an "Aqua run" session, that has been gifted to me by the sports center where I'm training. If you're wondering how you can run in the pool, you're not alone! I did too until it was explained to me, but the process, in theory, is easy. In reality it is anything but, as I was to find out...

Before getting into the pool I was given a belt with a large foam pad on the back, which acts as a float once you're in the water. The belt also has hooks on it which will attach to the lane markers in the deep end, thus keeping you pretty much in one place.

I climbed down into the pool and slowly made my way to my space on the line, then attached the hooks to the marker. Moments later the session began with some instruction of the moves we'd be using. I'll admit that they took some getting used to, but even then at slow pace, I felt the resistance of the water and knew this would be quite a workout!

The 45 minute session was interval based, a few minutes at standard pace, followed by a 30 second sprint, with 5 reps of each. YES, this is definitely a hard workout! The instructor then changed things up a bit, told us to put more power into the work as opposed to speed. The central part of the session involved foam dumbbells. They might be light out of water, but they definitely aren't when being pushed deep into it! The last 20 minutes involved a power/ sprint interval set.

At the end of the session I was tired, but very happy to have tried it and while Aqua running might not form part of my weekly training regimen, it might feature occasionally.

Monday, May 19, 2014
Today's cardio session was another Leslie Sansone "Walk at Home", this time a fast four miler, which is completed in around 50 minutes, including the warm down and stretches afterward. It was the first time I've done this particular session, which is interval based, bringing some "boosted walking" in, which in truth is jogging.

My hydration levels weren't as good as they could or maybe should have been, but I had a drink on hand and found I could continue the walk while drinking if need be. It's another great workout and I felt tired, yet very happy at the end.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014
The weather here the last few days has been great, warm and sunny, if humid at times and so I've been making sure to keep my fluid intake up. Today's target in the pool was another 1-3/4 miles, or 84 laps, ahead of what will be a second swim session of the week on Friday, when I'll be aiming for 1-1/2 or 1-3/4 miles.

I quite surprised when I got down into the pool how warm it was, but it was a nice surprise. I stopped after 1/2 a mile/ 12 laps, for my first brief drink break, having once again taken it poolside. Yep, I've learned that lesson now. Within a half lap of starting again I felt a slight cramp in my left foot, but wasn't concerned about it, because I've experienced it a few times before. Today however it stayed with me for a little longer than previously, so I delayed the next drink break until 30 laps in.

Thankfully the cramp didn't return and I was able to push on. At around 50 laps, just over the mile, I felt the now familiar niggle in my left bicep, but once again it was manageable and I paced myself for a little while before kicking on, with the end in sight.

As has become my routine, I switched things up for the last 2 laps and really gave it my all. Touching in at the end of lap 84, I knelt in the water and said a prayer of thanks, before standing and once again reaching for my drink. Climbing out of the pool, my legs felt ok and I was very happy to have achieved another target.

While I ate and relaxed later in the evening, when I'd usually be writing up this week's training notes, I realized I should by now have broken through the ten mile total distance barrier. Calculating it, I happily discovered I'd not just done that, but today's swim had taken the total distance to ELEVEN miles! Yep, I'm proud!

Friday, May 23, 2014
Knowing I'd be out early this morning, I repacked my backpack last night, then had a relatively early night, trying to get as much rest as I could. When my alarm sounded this morning, at 5:00 am, I felt as if I'd only slept for a few minutes, but I felt good, or as good as you can at that hour, LOL. I hit snooze a couple times, then got up at 5:20 am.

I was out the door around 20 minutes later and on my way to the sports center, aiming to get into the water just after 6:00 am. I knew today's swim would be tough, it's the first time I can ever remember swimming twice within a few days, except for a few gentle ones on vacation and so it proved.

Having been warm on Wednesday, the pool was cooler than I thought it would be today and perhaps that affected my rhythm, but it was more likely because it was so early and I'd not eaten anything since last night. I know I should have, but at the same time I've gotta be careful of cramping more than I'm able to cope with.

Every lap was slower today, every stroke tougher than they have been, but never once did my determination waver. When I felt the niggle in my bicep less than half way through the swim, I used it to keep me going. I KNEW it would be tough, it has to be or I'll not make progress. I've not missed a target in the pool yet and I wasn't going to today. I WAS going to do 1-1/2 miles/ 72 laps. I had to.

I did! The prayer at the end of the last lap was perhaps more thankful than any that I've said so far. I was SO grateful and yes, proud of myself for having gotten through it.

As soon as I got back to the house, even while coffee was still brewing, I strapped the troublesome muscle up and it remains so now. I'll rest and relax over the weekend and be ready for Monday's workout.

Thanks again for your support everyone, it truly does mean so much to me. Monday's blog post will be a special one, marking Memorial Day, so I hope you'll join me then. In the meantime enjoy your weekend, whatever you're doing.

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2014 ~ Best week yet

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by, it's an honored to have you here. Today we continue our look at this week's training notes. If you've missed the previous notes from this year, you can see them all by clicking HERE.

Friday, April 25, 2014
Following on from Wednesday's lifetime best swim, today's workout was tough. My muscles were still a little achy, but I was determined to push on and complete the hour. I did so, making sure I stayed hydrated throughout the workout, drinking more than a liter of water during then immediately after, having skimped a bit on this at times.

By the end of the workout, I was really tired, but proud to have completed my most strenuous week yet and very much looking forward to the weekend rest period!

Saturday, April 26, 2014
Today's rest day was very relaxed. The weather was typically spring-like, at last, so the sun was out one minute and it rained heavily the next, so I couldn't do anything outside in the yard. Instead, I went through some things and found the album that holds the photos from the high school battlefield trip. I looked through them quickly and the memories, which haven't faded much at all over the years, came back. I plan on scanning and uploading them to Facebook tomorrow.

Sunday, April 27, 2014
After a relaxed morning spent with those closest to me, I headed up to my studio this afternoon and opened the album. Even as I began scanning the first of the battlefield trip photos and noting the content so I could caption them later, the years melted away. The photos are over twenty years old, so not exactly delicate, yet I handled them with as much care as I had my Grandmother's album a few months ago, out of respect for those who served. Some of the photos in Gram's album, those of her father in his military uniform, are almost 100 years old. Once I have her permission, I'll share some of those images with you too.

Throughout the hour or more it took to scan the photos of the trip, I was filled with the exact same emotions that I'd felt during it, fear, trepidation and distress. I was back there, walking over the fog enveloped battlefields, through the muddy trenches and bearing witness at the memorials and cemeteries. When the last image was scanned, I silently said a prayer for all who had served, all who had lost their lives.

I then returned to the living room and began the process of captioning the images, checking a few details online so the descriptions were as accurate as possible. I'm only sharing one of the photos with you today, I'll share the others as the weeks go by, but if you'd like to see them all before they appear here, you can take a look at the Facebook album High school battlefield trip.

Monday, April 28, 2014
I had thought about changing up today's workout to something more challenging than the "beginner" dance workout I've done since I began the cardio sessions, but because I'm planning to increase the distance of the swim on Wednesday, I kept to the hour. I did push it as hard as I could and very definitely felt tired afterward, but very happy to have completed another session.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Having achieved lifetime best swims during each of the first three pool sessions, today I aimed just as high, so to speak. When I did the math for the challenge itself last week, I knew that the maximum distance I'd swim during one session would be 1-3/4 miles, or 84 laps. I've not swum that far in over 20 years and if I do it without pausing, it would be another lifetime best.

In the minutes before getting into the pool, just before 2:00 pm today, I realized that I'd be crazy to do the total without pausing. I know that some of you might think I'm crazy anyway and at times I think I am too! I pushed off from the wall at the start of the first lap and was soon into my rhythm. I had been unsure when my first pause would be, but it came at the end of lap 6 or 1/8 of a mile, when I needed to adjust my swim cap, worn for the first time today. After only about 20 seconds I pushed off once more.

The next brief pause, for the same reason, came at the end of lap 12 or 1/4 mile, followed by others at 18 and 24 laps, the 1/2 mile point. From here I pushed on and did a longer stint, the next pause coming at the end of lap 32.

The pool was quieter this week and once again my thoughts turned to all those who are supporting, encouraging and inspiring me. A few times I did almost lose count of the laps, but only momentarily and I continued to push on through the water.

Making the turn into lap 46, my thoughts went back just four weeks. At this point then I'd been 2 laps away from the finish of the swim and as brief as it could be, I smiled at the achievement of then and now. At the end of lap 54, 30 from today's target, I briefly thought about beginning to count down, but instead decided to continue counting upwards.

At the end of lap 60, still with a 1/2 mile to go, I again smiled very briefly and then pushed on. By now I was feeling the burn in my shoulders and a very slight twinge in my left calf when I pushed off, but it didn't deter me, I continued in the same rhythm.

At the end of lap 72 or 1-1/2 miles, last week's end point, I kicked on, determined to give the remainder everything I had. From lap 78 I did decide to count down the last 6 laps and then changed stroke for the final 2, as I've done during each session.

Standing up at the end of lap 84, having reached my goal, I coughed and for a brief moment struggled to catch my breath. The moment I did, my back to the pool, I said a prayer of thanks to God for getting me through the swim. Climbing out of the pool, my legs were understandably heavy my muscles protesting, but I'd done it. I'd achieved a 20 year best and yes, I'm once again, proud and determined to give this my absolute all!

God bless
Em

Step by Step 2009 ~ part 4

Hi everyone,

Please pause for a moment and pray with me for the families of the five British service members who lost their lives over the weekend in a crash in Afghanistan and also all those lost during the tornado outbreak across the US...

Heavenly Father, in blessed repose grant eternal rest to those who have passed away. Gracious Lord, we ask that you enfold their families and friends in your ever loving, comforting arms and grant them a sense of peace amid their grief and sorrow. In your Holy Name we pray ~ Amen

Today we continue our look back at the Step by Step journal from the 2009 challenge. If you've missed the previous posts in the series you can read them HERE, the link opens in a new tab.

December 12 - Walk minus 16 days! I completed another 12 mile training hike this morning. I can't believe there are, weather permitting, only another five 12 milers to do, as well as 4 shorter ones.

What a difference a day makes. The weather today was a total change from yesterday, the sun was out and it was even warm enough to not wear my coat.

I'm REALLY looking forward to tomorrow's rest day. It will be a day of COMPLETE rest. I've not been able to sleep in for two weeks, as although last Sunday was a rest day, I was up really early to meet a friend. So tomorrow...

I explained some of the "physical" aspects of my training route yesterday. Today I'll explain some of the "mental" aspects. What I think about while getting ready to go out and while I'm out there.

Tiredness has been an issue some days and was somewhat this morning. Do I really want to get up, before 6:00 am and get out there; wouldn't I rather stay in bed, in the warmth? The instant answer that comes to mind is YES, I would rather stay in bed. That thought only stays with me momentarily though, I then think of the main reason why I'm doing this; to show my support for all those in the military, those men and women who give their all for peace.

As I leave the house, the thought of the 12 miles ahead of me can be quite daunting, even in the better weather, such as today. As I set out, I think back to the Battlefield trip I did during my 10th grade. I'm back on those battlefields, striding out, with the boy soldiers. They faced total uncertainty; I'm only facing 12 miles. I say to myself, "come on Em, they did it, you can too."

This is also the time that I think about all of those who are supporting me. It means so much to me knowing that you're all with me. This is why you may well see me saying "we", as opposed to "I" occasionally ; as to me, I'm not alone when I'm out there.

As I turn the corner of one road into another, after around a mile, the road stretches ahead of us. At this point, I'm concentrating on the surroundings as there are a few streets to cross. Safety is always uppermost in my mind. To make the journey more manageable, mentally as well as physically, I split it down into smaller sections; this is usually to the next visible bend in the road.

As I approach the three mile point, and safety isn't so high a priority, I'm thinking about everything that still needs doing. These where today's thoughts:
* Emails and phone calls to possible sponsors.
* Start getting kit together (I'll give a detailed kit list in another post).
* Further training, how many days are left.
* What I'll include in today's "blog" post, which is how I think of these posts.
* The date I'll switch back to UK time, and how I'll make that as easy as possible for myself.
* I also listen to what's around, the noise of the traffic, but also the birdsong coming from the trees.

Nearing the midpoint, I usually check the time. I can do each six mile half in exactly an hour. Am I on schedule? If not, I speed up a little. I'm lifted, mentally, as the midpoint approaches too. Here now, safety again becomes a priority, as the road no longer has a sidewalk.

With around a mile and a half to go, I'm back my neighborhood. I know that in around 20 minutes, the day's training will be over. I'm lifted mentally by this. Physically, we're feeling a little tired. Getting home, I'm filled with a sense of achievement. Another training session completed safely.

So far during the first two weeks of training, I've not yet felt creative in a composition sense. As I've concentrated on the physical and mental side of everything that needs doing. To be able to compose any sort of verse, whether it be for a client, or a friend, I need to be totally relaxed.

Today, for the first time, while out training, I began to put a few lines together in my mind. I'm intending to use tomorrow's rest day to see if those few lines become any more than that; to see if I can compose the first of what I hope will be a number of verses to commemorate this very special event.

December 13 - Walk minus 15 days! Rest day today and I'm determined to totally relax and enjoy it, as there aren't many left!
I've today completed the composition of the first verse for the hike, "HELPing my HEROES", after getting the first few lines while training yesterday…
As I stride out
to begin this epic journey
I know I'm not alone;
for I'm surrounded
by memories, by HEROES.
Memories of battlefields
long since visited
but with me, forever.
The cold of that February
took me back then
as it does now.
I'm walking with those boys,
HEROES one and all.
I feel what they felt;
fear, anxiety and dread,
but camaraderie and
comradeship too.
For I'm doing
what I believe in,
HELPing my HEROES
© Em L. Fairley
Composed today, Sunday, December 13, 2009
The capitalization in the verse is representative of the way the charity, “HELP for HEROES”, uses it on their wristbands.

December 14 - Walk minus 14 days! I can't believe how quick it's going.... Yesterday's rest day was just that. I was able to totally relax for the first time in a long time.

December 15 - Walk minus 13 days! Today was by far the worst I've felt during the last two and a bit weeks. Waking up this morning I felt as if I'd not gotten any sleep at all. I was physically, as well as emotionally drained. So much so that part of me didn't even feel like going out. That is SO unlike me.

As time went on, and I'd gotten through all the phone calls I had to make, I decided that it's better to get out there, even if I only do a few miles. At this stage, with only 13 days to go, it's the consistency, rather than the distance that matters. I decided on 6, as I knew that would make me feel better mentally.

Having said that, almost as soon as I got out there, my mind went back to this last Sunday, and to Major Phil Packer. He won the Helen Rollason award at BBC Sports Personality of The Year, after completing the London Marathon, in 13 days. This is despite the fact that Major Packer lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan with the British Army.

If Major Packer can do that, I can do 10 miles today; I don't have an any sort of excuse! For more on Major Packer, take a look here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_ ... 409139.stm
As for me, as I approached the halfway point today, I began relaxing. With that, the theme for a second composition came to me. Shortly after, the first lines did too, as well as the ending. It was only the middle lines I couldn't quite "see" without writing them down.

As soon as I got back, I completed the composition
"With Pride and Honor"Since time began
wars have been fought.
Battles have been won,
battles have been lost.
But through it all
since time began;
whether soldier, sailor,
airman or Marine.
Each has served,
many have died.
For their country,
for their flag.
They have given their all.
With Pride and Honor
© Em L. Fairley
Composed today, Tuesday, December 15, 2009

December 16 - Walk minus 12 days! After completing today's 10 miles there is only another 3 similar and 3 shorter sessions left! WOW I can't believe how quick it's going!

I'm feeling really comfortable and relaxed now, so much so I was able to compose another verse this morning; it's about those of us doing the hike.

"Band of brothers and sisters" As we all signed up for
the H4H Christmas Hike 2009
we were strangers.
Right now, many still are;
much like when signing up
for military service itself.
Soon, all that will change,
Em, Seb, Bea and Zach,
Cj, Alex, Jake and Pip,
Dani, Graham, Emily and Terry.
All united, in service for
a cause we all believe in.
We will become
in such a short time,
like any military unit;
a close and strong
band of brothers and sisters.

© Em L. Fairley
Composed today, Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

As promised in a much earlier post, I've also now added the verses to the Verses page on the blog.

In Wednesday's post I'll be sharing the latest training notes from this year's challenge and also some of the battlefield trip photos from the high school vacation to the Somme, so I really hope you'll join me then.

God bless,
Em 

Ultimate lifeguard

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by, I'm honored to have you here.

In the majority of my posts, I've focused mainly on the physical aspects of my battle back to fitness and the challenge ahead. Today though, I want to say some more about both the mental and spiritual side of it, which is equally, if not more important, than the physicality.

In the Challenge announcement and training post, I spoke about how I'm now both mentally and spiritually stronger than for a very long time, if ever. I couldn't have set out on this journey if I wasn't ready in that way. Indeed that's the main reason why this year's challenge is taking place almost five years after the last, because if I wasn't where I am now in those respects, I'd risk failing to reach my goal and that is not a risk I would ever take.

In the majority of posts to the blog, I've mentioned all those who are inspiring, supporting and encouraging me. I know I'm never alone, each of you are with me. Jesus is too. Despite my mental/ spiritual strength, determination and yes, stubbornness, I couldn't do it without any of you, or Him.

Before each and every training session, I spend a few minutes in prayer, asking Him to strengthen and support me, to protect me from injury. Then, soon after I'm done, or in this Wednesday's case immediately I'd completed the last lap and was still stood in the pool, I say a prayer of thanks for getting me through the workout, and for everyone who is inspiring, supporting and encouraging me.

After I'd shared Wednesday's post and story of my latest achievements in the pool, one of my friends, Larry, posted the photo below on my Facebook wall, saying he thought is was appropriate for me, given the challenge. Thank you Larry!

It is appropriate for me, but it's SO true for all of us. Jesus Christ, IS our ultimate lifeguard.

God bless,
Em

Ultimate Sacrifice

Hi everyone,

Today, Good Friday, we remember the ultimate sacrifice that our savior, Jesus Christ, made for each of us on the cross at Calvary more than 2000 years ago...

When thinking of the term "Ultimate sacrifice", my thoughts also turn to those who have fought for our freedom and lost their lives doing so. They too have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Please, if you will, join me in prayer...

Heavenly Father, today, as we remember the ultimate sacrifice of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, we give thanks and praise for the blessings you've bestowed on each and every one of us. Gracious Lord, we also give thanks to everyone who has served in the military, and remember those who themselves paid the ultimate sacrifice. Ever loving Lord, we ask for your protection for all who continue to serve in the military. In your Holy Name we pray ~ Amen

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2009 ~ part 1

Hi everyone,

Before we look back at the first set of entries in my journal from 2009, please pause for a moment and pray with me for everyone at Fort Hood, Texas, following yesterday afternoon's events...

Gracious Lord, in blessed repose, grant eternal rest to your faithful servants who lost their lives, and lay your strengthening, healing hands on those injured. Father, we pray for your guidance and strength for those treating the injured on site and at Scott and White hospital and all those investigating what happened. Enfold everyone involved, their families, friends and the wider community in your ever loving, comforting arms and amid the shock and distress, may there be some peace and restfulness. In your Holy Name we pray ~ Amen

The original "Step by Step" journal was posted to a discussion board on Facebook in one of the groups that I was admin of at the time.

November 27, 2009 - 31 days to go!
I have today been asked to walk Hadrian's Wall, England, in just 31 days time. A distance of 85 miles in 6 days, in the depth of the British winter (we're camping). The offer came via email from a complete stranger, Seb, and I must be mad, but I've accepted the challenge!

The charity I'm fundraising for is the UK based "HELP for HEROES", which helps injured military personnel. It's a cause close to my heart. As you will all know, I'm a proud supporter of the military.

We will begin the walk on December 28, 2009 and finish on January 2, 2010. What a way to see in the new year!
Always,
Em

November 28, 2009 - Walk minus 30 days!
I thought long and hard yesterday before accepting Seb's offer (which came from nowhere) of a place on the walk. Things I had to consider where:
* Am I mentally, as well as physically strong enough to do this?
* The walk starts in just 31 days (then) and I'm not currently training.
* 84 miles over 6 days, at an average of 14 miles a day.
* CAMPING in the depths of a UK winter, with temps below 30° looking at the long term forecast.
* The oldest on the team by some 9 years.
* Though I'm based in the UK, I live by US central time, so would have to readjust to UK time. No good hiking with jet lag!
* I'll be away from all those I love for 6 days over New Years. This will be really tough.

There are so many reasons why I SHOULD do it:
* This will give me the chance to get out there, and do something I love doing.
* I was really upset at having to postpone in August.
* I had planned to do this very walk in May next year.
* This offer has come completely as a surprise. I didn't even know Seb until I got the email from him.
* I'm a proud supporter of the military.
* I've been a supporter of the charity, "HELP for HEROES", since it was formed. I didn't even take my wristband off when my daughter was born.
* I know I'll always regret it if I don't do it.
* Even though I'll be away physically from those I love, I'll be with them, as they will be with me.

I did my first training session today, a 12 mile hike that I finished in just 2 hours! When I woke at 5:00 am, I felt exhausted. Thankfully, I went back to sleep. I was woken just after 6:00 by a text message from Seb. I was out the door by 6:30 am. Fully determined to give this EVERYTHING I've got.
I CAN do this! I WILL do this!

Thanks to everyone for your support!

November 29, 2009 - Walk minus 29 days! Rest day.
Slept in this morning, I'd finished the 12 miler yesterday by the time I even woke up this morning!

Yesterday afternoon, I started sending messages to friends, informing them of the hike.

I also started looking into travel arrangements yesterday, and I'll only change back to UK time in the days before Christmas, when I'll be resting anyway.

Thanks again for your support everyone!

November 30, 2009 - Walk minus 28 days!
Yep, this time in just 4 weeks we'll be well into, and maybe almost finished day 1!

I've this morning done the same 12 mile training hike as I did on Saturday (- 30 days). Did it in just UNDER 2 hours this time, too.

I've now worked out a rough schedule for my training, right up until the hike starts:
Mon 11/30: 12 miles (today)
Tue 12/1: At least 10, maybe 12 miles
Wed 12/2: REST DAY
Thur 12/3: 10/12 miles
Fri 12/4: 12 miles
Sat 12/5: 12 miles
Sun 12/6: REST DAY
Mon 12/7: 12 miles
Tue 12/8: 4 miles
Wed 12/9: REST DAY
Thur 12/10: 12 miles
Fri 12/11: 12 miles
Sat 12/12: 12 miles
Sun 12/13: REST DAY
Mon 12/14: 12 miles
Tue 12/15: 12 miles
Wed 12/16: 6 miles MINIMUM
Thur 12/17: 12 miles
Fri 12/18: 12 miles
Sat 12/19: 12 miles
Sun 12/20: REST DAY
Mon 12/21: 12 miles
Tue 12/22: 6 miles MINIMUM
Wed 12/23: REST DAY - back to UK time
Thur 12/24: REST DAY
Fri 12/25: 6 miles MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Sat 12/26: REST DAY
Sun 12/27: Travel up north
Mon 12/28: HIKE DAY 1
Tue 12/29: HIKE DAY 2
Wed 12/30: HIKE DAY 3
Thur 12/31: HIKE DAY 4
Fri 01/01: HIKE DAY 5. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Sat 1/2: HIKE DAY 6 - FINISH
Sun 1/3: Travel home - SLEEP
Mon 1/4: Back to US Central time
Even looking at it like that, I'm tired! But, I'm also immensely proud to see what I will have achieved.

If you'd like to take a look at where we'll be hiking, take a look here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian's_Wall
Thanks again for your support everyone. It really gives me even more strength and determination, knowing you're all with me.

In my next post, I will be revealing the nature of this year's challenge, AT LAST! Thanks for your patience in awaiting the reveal! I'll also be sharing what my training at this point involves and how I see it developing over the coming months.

God bless,
Em