Ok, now that you have some background information, how about we talk about the initial reason for this blog? The actual race! The Spartan 5K!
How this race idea came about is rather amusing. See, this is something I've had on my "bucket list" for quite some time...probably because I was told when I was younger that I wouldn't be able to do things like this. And, well, to be perfectly honest, it was HARD! HOWEVER, I used to teach line dance lessons once upon a time and when I was dancing 6 nights a week, you couldn't really tell I walked any differently than anyone else. But, yeah...I'm that girl that will show you I CAN when you tell me I CAN'T. Hahaha!! So, one of the Master Sergeants I work with came into my office about 5 weeks ago and said "Spartan 5K. March 22/23. You in??" I looked at him and said "Are you CRAZY?? I just saw what y'all did with the Tough Mudder this weekend...I can't do that!!" He said, "Yes you can, and I'll tell you why! I watched a man in a wheelchair make it through the Tough Mudder. If he can do THAT, you can do THIS. Besides, I'm gonna be right there with you through the whole thing...and if I have to throw you on my back or walk beside you the whole way, then that's what I'll do. But I promise you that I will get you to the finish line!" It took me a few hours to make the decision to do this, because I knew my road ahead was going to be tough, and quite frankly, I was afraid. I was mostly afraid of failing at this, but I was lovingly reminded that I'll always fail if I never try. THAT was one principle that I was raised on too, and I was encouraged to try everything! Interesting that through this experience, it's bringing me back to my roots.
So - on to training! Keep in mind that I have NEVER stepped foot on a treadmill before, nor have I ever done any form of endurance exercise like walking or running. When I got on the treadmill for the very first time, my goal was 1/4 mile for the first week...and I REACHED my goal!!! My pace was roughly 1.2 mph and I even set it for "rolling hills" knowing that when the race came, I would be dealing with some rolling hills. Lol! But I learned something in the process. This journey was going to be as much of a mental journey as a physical one. Why? Because the entire time I was walking, I had to tell myself "pick your feet up, put your heels down, stand up straight, etc" - things that most people do automatically. These don't come "automatic" for me right now, but if I don't do them, my leg muscles will burn out fast. So, I'm trying to keep up with the treadmill, trying to maintain motivation to keep from quitting (walking is NOT one of my favorite pastimes, just saying!), AND mentally coaching myself while I do it. It's TOUGH! My arms are also getting a workout because I'm having to really hold on to maintain my balance on the treadmill and keep from falling. So - my whole body is sore when I'm through...but surprisingly, I think it's a GOOD thing!!
The plan was to maintain 1/4 mile for a couple of weeks, then move up to a 1/2 mile...then 3/4 mile...and so on. I am currently up to 3/4 mile at a pace of 2mph. It's painful...the actual bones and joints in my feet hurt...some days, really bad. My legs and arms are sore. But, somehow, I seem to be managing well. This past weekend we had drill...and I announced my journey to the Marines during formation. I just wanted to share my excitement with my Marine family after I had made some announcements. They all cheered for me!! I even had a couple ask me if they could be on my team!! When I told them I wasn't doing this to win, only to finish, and that I was probably going to walk the entire thing, they responded with, "That's OK, Ms. Kati. We'll be walking right beside you!" I'm so blessed!!
To think, the people I so greatly admire believe in me so much that they think I can do this...AND they are willing to help me get there. I'm...just incredibly humbled. I don't have any other words. To feel like I'm part of the team is truly the best feeling I could ever ask for! Thank you for the push, MSgt Vest!!
So, as they say at the races, "And away we go!"
Monday, December 16, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
"What's your name, little girl? What's your name?"
Hey y'all!
In my last post I talked a little about my new journey, how I was born and how exercise is very difficult for me. More importantly, understanding that it's OK to make me a priority...to take care of me, so I'm ABLE to care for others...is probably the single hardest thing I've ever had to learn. But, isn't that true for most moms?? Actually, I think women, in general, have a difficult time with this one. I've only learned that this is OK THIS year...at the age of 40. Up until this year, I had always seen that as selfish. What I'm learning is that it's actually selfish to run yourself into the ground to where you can't function for anyone.
That brings me to finding a name for this blog! That alone was difficult because it forced me to think about ME...and the intent of this blog! I originally intended on doing this just for my race in the spring, but then I thought, what if I had other stuff I wanted to write about? What if blogging got "good" to me? What kind of name would I use indefinitely? So, I put it "out there" for suggestions. The name chosen was suggested to me by a retired Marine 1stSgt (I modified slightly because people seem to have a problem with the spelling of my name.) and was well-liked by "the majority". But let me explain why I chose it and why it means so much to me.
My Grandpa served in the Marine Corps nearly 35 years. He retired a LtCol and was truly my hero in life. I remember him contributing to a book (or a few) on the Marine Corps, but specifically one about "Chesty" Puller because he served with Chesty in Okinawa and Korea. Yes, he used to tell me the stories. Grandpa always told me I had bulldog in my blood because I would never give up on things that I was passionate about. He, my Granny, and my Mama taught me that there wasn't anything I couldn't do...I just may have to do it differently than most people. I was singing the Marine's Hymn at age 3, and at age 5, my Grandpa was calling cadence to me as I marched up and down the driveway (as part of my physical therapy!). True story!
So, I spent my life wishing I could wear a uniform I knew I could never put on.
Fast forward to today. I just celebrated 5 years with the Marine Corps as a special staff officer to my battalion commander. My title is "Family Readiness Officer" and I'm the information and resource person for our Marines and their families. Prior to this, I'd spent about 6-7 years with the Army National Guard, serving in different capacities from a volunteer status to a regional paid staff position. With the help of the Wing Family Program Director for the state Air National Guard at the time, we formed an organization called CARTT (Community Area Resource Team for Troops). The intent for CARTT was, and still is, to enable a community distanced from a military installation to provide similiar support as an installation would to its military community - to almost mimic a military installation in ways. When I had outgrown my position with the Army National Guard, my friend, a Colonel I worked with, came to my office with the job description that I'm currently in, laid it on my desk and looked at me and said, "Kati, as much as we love you, we're your step-family. The Marines are your home...and it's time for you to go home." I will never forget those words, partly because it is so true, and partly because of the man and the soldier it came from. This man was one of my prayer partners and he, along with all the others I worked with were, and are, truly family to me. So much more than just co-workers.
"Home." That's what the Marine Corps is to me...probably because of my Grandpa and being raised with that desire in my heart. I have FAMILY in the Army National Guard (and I'm proud to say my stepdad retired from there!) and in other branches of service...and I LOVE them ALL. But, home for me is the Marine Corps and these men and women are truly family to me in more ways than I can ever explain. It's a small world and an even smaller Corps. To be considered as "part of the family" as a civilian is the biggest honor I could ever imagine. For me, it's like a dream realized, even though I don't wear the uniform. In a way, I'm walking in my Grandpa's shadow and I only wish he could see me now - that he could be here to experience this WITH me. The best I can do is to take care of my Marines and families the best way I know how and to the best of my ability...because that's the example my Grandpa set for me. He was THAT kind of Marine.
So, that said, "SemperKT" (originally, "Semper Kati") comes from the term "Semper Fidelis", which means "Always Faithful". I was truly humbled and honored that my friend, a retired Marine 1stSgt, suggested this name for my blog. In her words "All your friends and Marines know they can ALWAYS count on you, so there you go!" Means more than I can say...so, I'll just stop here.
Now, moving on to the journey...training for the Spartan 5K.
Stay tuned, y'all! It's gonna get good! :-)
In my last post I talked a little about my new journey, how I was born and how exercise is very difficult for me. More importantly, understanding that it's OK to make me a priority...to take care of me, so I'm ABLE to care for others...is probably the single hardest thing I've ever had to learn. But, isn't that true for most moms?? Actually, I think women, in general, have a difficult time with this one. I've only learned that this is OK THIS year...at the age of 40. Up until this year, I had always seen that as selfish. What I'm learning is that it's actually selfish to run yourself into the ground to where you can't function for anyone.
That brings me to finding a name for this blog! That alone was difficult because it forced me to think about ME...and the intent of this blog! I originally intended on doing this just for my race in the spring, but then I thought, what if I had other stuff I wanted to write about? What if blogging got "good" to me? What kind of name would I use indefinitely? So, I put it "out there" for suggestions. The name chosen was suggested to me by a retired Marine 1stSgt (I modified slightly because people seem to have a problem with the spelling of my name.) and was well-liked by "the majority". But let me explain why I chose it and why it means so much to me.
My Grandpa served in the Marine Corps nearly 35 years. He retired a LtCol and was truly my hero in life. I remember him contributing to a book (or a few) on the Marine Corps, but specifically one about "Chesty" Puller because he served with Chesty in Okinawa and Korea. Yes, he used to tell me the stories. Grandpa always told me I had bulldog in my blood because I would never give up on things that I was passionate about. He, my Granny, and my Mama taught me that there wasn't anything I couldn't do...I just may have to do it differently than most people. I was singing the Marine's Hymn at age 3, and at age 5, my Grandpa was calling cadence to me as I marched up and down the driveway (as part of my physical therapy!). True story!
So, I spent my life wishing I could wear a uniform I knew I could never put on.
Fast forward to today. I just celebrated 5 years with the Marine Corps as a special staff officer to my battalion commander. My title is "Family Readiness Officer" and I'm the information and resource person for our Marines and their families. Prior to this, I'd spent about 6-7 years with the Army National Guard, serving in different capacities from a volunteer status to a regional paid staff position. With the help of the Wing Family Program Director for the state Air National Guard at the time, we formed an organization called CARTT (Community Area Resource Team for Troops). The intent for CARTT was, and still is, to enable a community distanced from a military installation to provide similiar support as an installation would to its military community - to almost mimic a military installation in ways. When I had outgrown my position with the Army National Guard, my friend, a Colonel I worked with, came to my office with the job description that I'm currently in, laid it on my desk and looked at me and said, "Kati, as much as we love you, we're your step-family. The Marines are your home...and it's time for you to go home." I will never forget those words, partly because it is so true, and partly because of the man and the soldier it came from. This man was one of my prayer partners and he, along with all the others I worked with were, and are, truly family to me. So much more than just co-workers.
"Home." That's what the Marine Corps is to me...probably because of my Grandpa and being raised with that desire in my heart. I have FAMILY in the Army National Guard (and I'm proud to say my stepdad retired from there!) and in other branches of service...and I LOVE them ALL. But, home for me is the Marine Corps and these men and women are truly family to me in more ways than I can ever explain. It's a small world and an even smaller Corps. To be considered as "part of the family" as a civilian is the biggest honor I could ever imagine. For me, it's like a dream realized, even though I don't wear the uniform. In a way, I'm walking in my Grandpa's shadow and I only wish he could see me now - that he could be here to experience this WITH me. The best I can do is to take care of my Marines and families the best way I know how and to the best of my ability...because that's the example my Grandpa set for me. He was THAT kind of Marine.
So, that said, "SemperKT" (originally, "Semper Kati") comes from the term "Semper Fidelis", which means "Always Faithful". I was truly humbled and honored that my friend, a retired Marine 1stSgt, suggested this name for my blog. In her words "All your friends and Marines know they can ALWAYS count on you, so there you go!" Means more than I can say...so, I'll just stop here.
Now, moving on to the journey...training for the Spartan 5K.
Stay tuned, y'all! It's gonna get good! :-)
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start!
Hey y'all!
Ok, so I'm SUPER NEW at this whole blogging thing (like,this is my VERY FIRST one!), but I'm about to embark on a really big journey and thought I'd write about it. So, bear with me...I'm learning as I go. :) The theme for the page?? I chose the "Star" theme because it reminds me of "reaching for the stars"...to always strive to make my dreams come true.
So...the "really big journey" is that I'm going to participate in the Spartan 5k in the spring!! Now, you're probably asking "Why is this such a big deal??" Well, allow me to explain...
Although I have never been "officially" diagnosed, I have minimal Cerebral Palsy, meaning I simply walk with a limp. I was born 4 months premature...to the date, actually. Guess I was just too impatient, a sign of things to come!! As it turns out, because I was so premature, the motor skills part of my brain didn't form correctly, so I was born with what the doctor's called "Cerebral Palsy-like symptoms" (Yes, I have brain damage! haha!). Basically, my brain tells my leg muscles not to straighten out all the way, but they CAN with lots of exercise and physical therapy to "retrain" them! My mama, Granny and Grandpa (who retired from the Marine Corps after 35 years of service) raised me to believe that I could do anything anyone else could do, I just may have to do it a little differently than most people. "Adapt and Overcome" they told me. Those who told me I COULDN'T do something...only made me work harder to SHOW them I COULD...one way or another! Haha!
So, the more I exercise, the better I walk. Once upon a time, I taught line dance lessons and when I was dancing 6 nights a week, you couldn't tell I walked differently at all! Life happens and time for exercise significantly diminishes...and, well, if we're keeping it real, becomes increasingly more difficult (and painful!) the older I get! Couple that with a severe car accident, childbirth, and emergency surgery...and well, exercise just fell by the wayside over the years. Then, it just became natural that I put me on the "back burner" to take care of my home and family and everything else.
Fast forward to today. My career (which I will talk about in my next post) is one in which I provide resources and assistance for a great bunch of people! I'm also the mom of a teenage boy and my house tends to be the "hang out spot"...and I wouldn't have it any other way! However, this doesn't make it any easier for me to learn how to make myself a priority. I am currently 40 years old and have learned that I NEED to make myself a priority in order to continue to be of service to others. So - that's step 1...realization. Step 2 is actually putting it into action. With the help of some extended family and some great friends, I am finally beginning to put it into action. Little bits at a time...
Stay tuned for the rest of the story! :-)
Ok, so I'm SUPER NEW at this whole blogging thing (like,this is my VERY FIRST one!), but I'm about to embark on a really big journey and thought I'd write about it. So, bear with me...I'm learning as I go. :) The theme for the page?? I chose the "Star" theme because it reminds me of "reaching for the stars"...to always strive to make my dreams come true.
So...the "really big journey" is that I'm going to participate in the Spartan 5k in the spring!! Now, you're probably asking "Why is this such a big deal??" Well, allow me to explain...
Although I have never been "officially" diagnosed, I have minimal Cerebral Palsy, meaning I simply walk with a limp. I was born 4 months premature...to the date, actually. Guess I was just too impatient, a sign of things to come!! As it turns out, because I was so premature, the motor skills part of my brain didn't form correctly, so I was born with what the doctor's called "Cerebral Palsy-like symptoms" (Yes, I have brain damage! haha!). Basically, my brain tells my leg muscles not to straighten out all the way, but they CAN with lots of exercise and physical therapy to "retrain" them! My mama, Granny and Grandpa (who retired from the Marine Corps after 35 years of service) raised me to believe that I could do anything anyone else could do, I just may have to do it a little differently than most people. "Adapt and Overcome" they told me. Those who told me I COULDN'T do something...only made me work harder to SHOW them I COULD...one way or another! Haha!
So, the more I exercise, the better I walk. Once upon a time, I taught line dance lessons and when I was dancing 6 nights a week, you couldn't tell I walked differently at all! Life happens and time for exercise significantly diminishes...and, well, if we're keeping it real, becomes increasingly more difficult (and painful!) the older I get! Couple that with a severe car accident, childbirth, and emergency surgery...and well, exercise just fell by the wayside over the years. Then, it just became natural that I put me on the "back burner" to take care of my home and family and everything else.
Fast forward to today. My career (which I will talk about in my next post) is one in which I provide resources and assistance for a great bunch of people! I'm also the mom of a teenage boy and my house tends to be the "hang out spot"...and I wouldn't have it any other way! However, this doesn't make it any easier for me to learn how to make myself a priority. I am currently 40 years old and have learned that I NEED to make myself a priority in order to continue to be of service to others. So - that's step 1...realization. Step 2 is actually putting it into action. With the help of some extended family and some great friends, I am finally beginning to put it into action. Little bits at a time...
Stay tuned for the rest of the story! :-)
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