Life in August

August, post-triathalon, has been pretty eventful for us.  Liz started the new school year with her kids (as well as signing up for a grad school class at UMass Lowell!).  I also have started a Biblical Studies class through R.C. Sproul's Ligonier Acadmy online.

We have been to Connecticut twice, first to meet our new niece, Emma!!  The second time was to visit Liz's friend from her days in youth group, Jennie, who is home from Uganda after being there in the mission field for 7 years!  She was having a reception with her husband so her family and close friends could celebrate her marriage.

While we were in CT, Liz and other family members made the decision to participate in a Thanksgiving Day 5K race near their home in CT.  This is exciting!!  Liz, myself, her brother Micah, her mom and dad, and who knows who else is going to do this with her!

Two weeks ago, Liz and I went to our fourth Red Sox game since we started dating (sadly...the first was the only win we have seen live).  We spent the day in the city.  And what a day it was!! A picnic lunch on the docks by the harbor, walking the shops of Quincy Market, sitting under a willow tree in the Public Gardens, trying a new restaurant, and trying to ignore (however unsuccessful) a guy sitting next to us at the game until he left early (which we probably should have, too...).  All in all...it was a day well spent.

Lastly, this past weekend was the Kickoff Retreat for our youth group at church.  This year, Liz and I were both able to go and it was a lot of fun.  We both did the cooking, which people said was amazing (the deed and the food both!)...which also meant getting up early after a very late night two days in a row.  But recovery has happened and we are both stoked for what God has for us and the rest of the group this year.

Each step we have taken in each chapter of our lives that has unfolded this past month, we have never stopped thanking Jesus for giving each moment to us, each breath, each day.  We have been able to marvel at so much of His Grace and Creation whether it be a newborn niece, the beauty of Boston, or just time to spend talking to a kid from youth group.  Everything we have done, we have prayed we do to present the Glory and Light of Jesus Christ.

And we continue to do so.

--

Peace, God bless,

Scott

#376

WOW!!!

Today started with quite a moment. I was wide eyed and ready to go at about 4:30 this morning. I continued to tell myself "don't wake up Scott until the alarm goes off" As the alarm went off at 5:45 I immediately started to shake him and say IT'S TIME FOR THE RACE!!!! After a 1/2 bad bagel, an upset tummy, forgetting the camera, and waiting for my friends, we were off! Once we got to the race I was overwhelmed by where we should go, what we should do, and why the heck am I not getting my free T-shirt. So, we got our numbers (mine being 376), got our free stuff (no t-shirt though), and set off to prepare ourselves. After some confusion and frustration, we finally got our bikes and gear to the right place. I went to the bathroom, Scott prayed for me, and I was off. I stood in a sea of swim caps (mine was bright orange) and was ready to go. After standing on some very sharp rocks for about 25 minutes, my color was finally called up to the mats. We walked into the water, waited for the horn, and off we went. It started...I was swimming...I was beginning my first triathlon. Dawn was amazing, she stayed with me the whole time and encouraged me as I went. The swim was pretty good, I took out some girl by mistake, got kicked a few times, but it was good. I ran out of the water and thought "this race is MINE".

BUT THEN...

I got to my bike, tore open my gup pack and started to chug it down "NASTY". Spit that into my towel, threw my stuff at Scott, and I was off to race! As soon as we exited the bike area we hit a hill. I thought, man if this is the hill that we have to go up, I am golden. Well, good news, that was just a minor hill. Sara and I struggled but made it through 15 grueling miles of hills and sweat. I am convinced that there was not nearly enough down hill for the amount of uphill that we were doing. It just didn't seem to match up. Sara was awesome. Even though her butt was being kicked, she was so stinkin' encouraging. After every 5 mile lap, I would pass Scott. Then, I would start to cry because I was tired and didn't want to be racing anymore. Then, I would think of the few words that he said to me before the race. "If you remember one thing today, remember that I am SO proud of you." So, after each lap I would continue to repeat, "I am proud of you" over and over and over and over. Finally, the biking came to an end!

Then,

Me and my strawberry jello legs started to run. It felt nice to be off my bike. But running...really. Off I went. I passed off to be with Erica now, and boy is she a patient person. I honestly think that on the first hill that we ran up, that I ran it at about 3 mph. After a few spurts of walking, we got our running legs on. The best things that I ever saw was the finish line. As soon as I was in the home stretch, I gave that last run every piece of me that I owned. As soon as I crossed the finish line, Scott was waiting to give me a hug. I broke down, I cried, I was a mess.

BUT...

I had 3 incredible teammates that helped me through
2 amazing parents waiting to cheer me on
1 fabulous family friend who came all the way up to see me
1 wonderful church friend there to cheer me on
and 1 frabulous, amazing, supportive husband who made me feel like a million dollars.

This race was amazing, I have been able to share the story of Lydia with so many people through doing this. My teammates named their team Lovin' Lydia. Her story and her life was SO worth the struggle that I had today. She was such a fighter and she taught me to fight like I never have before. Tonight, I get to go share her story again at camp, and I just can't even wait.

I love you Lydia Eileen and today was all for you!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, you're only a day away!

TOMORROW!!!!

All of the sweat...All of the I don't want to's...All of the I know I can's...


TOMORROW!!

So today what am I doing. I am feverishly cleaning my house (because my parents are going to be here of course), I am trying to relax, I am eating salty foods more than normal (YUM!), I am staring at pictures of my gorgeous niece and reminding myself of what she taught me. It is INCREDIBLE what I have learned from this girl and her short but AMAZING life!

On Thursday, I received a Lydia Pin in the mail. It was especially made by the beautiful Megan for the race. It was quite a moment. I sat and just cried. All I could say was, "I miss her, I'm going to finish this for her." And those are in fact my continual thoughts throughout today.

I Miss her and I'm going to finish this for her.

4 more days.....

I am 4 days away...it's crazy.  This week has been a good week of light workouts, healthy eating, and no soda! (For those of you that know the Thompson family, NO SODA! Crazy!!!)  I am so ready for this race to come.  Sometimes, I get all twisty knotted in my stomach thinking about it, but I am SO excited.  I have some amazing friends and family that have been supporting me in so many ways.  It's been so good talking to different people, getting their tips, listening to their stories, and being encouraged.  Last night, I went up the hill on my bike and didn't almost cry (this is a good thing). I am ready, bring it on! 

 Please continue to pray, especially for my body, it's very tired.

YAH TEAM!

So we are just under a week away from hearing some noise that is telling my to jump into the water. Today, was a good practice run again. Even though I was not at my best physically, I had a blast. Micah is needless to say...amazing! I love seeing him and spending time with him, especially doing something healthy and beneficial for us. I feel like when I see him, we just are. We chatted, we sweat, he gave me pointers, we ate. IT WAS AMAZING! I love my family and miss them so stinkin much.

Please continue to support this cause. If you have any questions please ask. I am so excited for Sunday and can't wait to finish what we've started!

sick...boat pulling...running

So today started off as one of those days that just started off as a bummer. I didn't feel well when I woke up this morning. I was just in a blah mood and I didn't want to think about going to work. It was a rough day at work for my co-workers and I don't enjoy being a part of that. I had moments of feeling better and moments of feeling worse. At the end of the day, I was excited because it was time to go to camp...I LOVE camp Thursdays. We got to camp, and there was nothing for us to do. We made our rounds, got our mail, chatted with a few people. While we were talking to the incredible Bill Krueger he received a phone call. "The boat is stuck and we can't get it started" Scott and I got to jump into action...it was awesome. We got on the pontoon boat and found our way to the lost campers and lifeguards. We tossed them a tow rope and the adventure began. Scott drove the boat, and I help onto the tow rope. Pulling a boat = not an easy task. After a few bumps and bruises, we made it back to the dock. It makes me miss camp and the wonderful silly adventures that you get to have on a daily basis. When we got home, I told Scott that I was going to go for a walk. It was gorgeous out. I ended up running an almost 4 mile run...i wasn't tired I was just bored. While I was running, I was thinking about the first run that I did after Lydia died. I was home in CT the morning of the memorial service. That was the run that started to push me to do something for a purpose. It has been so incredible to watch how faithful God is and how much He is pulling me through each day, moment, and work out. There is no possible way that I thought I was going to be able to run after a day of feeling like poop and pulling a boat to shore. God is SO good.

In other news, I got a letter from my grandmother in the mail yesterday. When I was little I used to write to her all the time, and she would always write me back. In her note yesterday she said, "FINISH the race like you want to". I know it doesn't sound big, but she gets me. She gets my heart and my desire to do this race. It is so much more than finishing for myself, it is SO much more than that!

In other news (yes again more news) Micah is coming to run a mini-tri with me on Saturday. I initially asked him to run the actual tri with me but he can't because of a prior commitment. I do have some amazing friends that created a relay team that are running with me during the race. Earlier this week, Micah asked if he could run with me this weekend. I am so excited to spend some time getting my sweat on with him.

God is so good, I am so nervous, but I have AMAZING support and my faith is growing so much in these past few weeks. I am continually reminded (because it is written on my bathroom mirror) of the verse, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

Please continue to send support, we are doing so well and it's for such a fabulous cause!

more details I say...

For anyone that is planning on coming to the trialthlon to see my amazing friends and I get our sweat on, the details of where to park, stand, scream, yell, and jump are all on the website.  Please look at http://www.marlboroughtri.com/ to get the info.  Can't wait to see you there!  

what a day

So today was the day when I kicked butt...I finished it...I did the whole thing...I didn't drop one sweat drop. That didn't happen. I couldn't swim today because I would have been swimming alone (not a good idea). That was the first thing. Then, I also haven't been feeling so amazing the past few days. That didn't help either. I was wishy-washy about even working out today, I'm jsut so tired. But, I got my tired butt into my car and started to drive to the path. I decided to at least do the 15 mile bike. I did it, but I wanted to be done. I decided to run, at least a little. I started to walk and then I would run. I would fight with myself back and forth about how far to run or even if I should run. I would think to myself, I can do this another day. Or, the humidity is getting to hot. It was not fun. I ended up beating my brain and getting the run done. It was hard, it was not fun, and it was very sweaty. It was not so fun, but I did it. I DID IT! Now, I just need to add the swim and then I am golden. It's hard, but it's worth it. I always have to go back to why I am doing this. It's for my beautiful niece who taught me to fight hard...really hard. When I think about her life, I can't help but push myself further and harder. She is so amazing and I miss her, I really miss her.
Now that I'm crying, I think I am done writing for now, please keep praying and sending in the support!

Details

A bunch of people have asked me the details about the tri that I am doing.  Here is the link www.marlboroughtri.com, check it out.  Tomorrow is mini tri #3, I hope to do the whole tri tomorrow plus a little.  Then, start to back off for the next few weeks.  We'll see what happens!

MAIL TIME

Yesterday was one of those dreary. almost rainy, just want to go home kind of days. When I made it home, I was done for the day. I was tired and exhausted. Then, Scott came up from getting the mail. The only mail we got was the first support check. I am SO excited, God is so faithful. It is driving me to work harder and want this more. Bring it on!

Mini-tri #2

This mini-tri went AMAZING. Yesterday morning I was needless to say a little worried. I figured that because I hadn't worked out all week, I was going to die. Apparently, last week, my odometer was measuring in km and not miles, therefore, I thought I did a lot better than I really did. This week, I got it all straightened out. I swam about .3 miles, biked 10, and ran 3.5. It was great. During the bike my leg cramped and I thought I was out for the count. I fought through it remembering, this is for my fabulous niece and my Jesus, what more could I fight for. After a close to puking ride I got off the bike and didn't ever see how I could run. Then, I ran...and it was great. I felt so good and am so excited for the actual day to come. I know it will be hard, but I also know that I have it in me.

Bring in the support, CHS can use it! Thanks for all of your prayers, they are very appreciated!

HEAT!

This heat really is making working out a big challenge.  I want so badly to be running, yet the thermometer keeps telling me it's about 105 outside.  Yesterday, I went for a walk, a slow leisurely walk, I was dripping when I came in.  Today, I hope to swim and maybe bike.  I am keeping my head up, I know I will find time and the place soon.  That's all that I wanted to say.  In good news, the heat is helping my kids garden at school grow wonderfully!

Mini-tri #1

So this morning I got myself out of bed and attempted my first mini-tri. I have never exercised with 2 different exercises in a row before, forget 3. So, Scott and I racked the bikes and drove to a new rail trail that has a lake. My friend Erica met us there, and off we went. After a good few minutes of walking through nasty long seaweed, we made it to open waters. We swam about a 1/4 mile, we biked for about 10 miles, and ran/walked 3.5 miles. Needless to say, I'm POOPED! It was good though, I did a lot more than I thought I would. It's so good to have people encouraging me and to remember the reason that I am doing this. Everytime I got tired, I just thought about Lydia and her strength and the strength that I find in Jesus. It's so good to experience all of these moments. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined running any race, forget a tri. So here's to having Jello legs, feeling proud, and ready to push myself a little more. I must also mention how proud I am of Scott for sticking by me with the biking and running (he's a keeper!).

Blogging my sweat away

So here goes our blogging life. I wanted to share about my triathlon adventures and our family.

Friends,

On August 20^th my family was blessed with a wonderful gift. My niece Lydia Eileen was born. Our excitement quickly turned to worry; Lydia started having seizures as soon as she was born. The first time I went to see Lydia she was in the NICU and I was with my brother Micah. As I was meeting her for the first time, her little face started to turn blue. We watched nurses race to make her breath and get her levels back to a safe level. Soon, we learned that she would be diagnosed with something called Zellwegers syndrome. It is a rare genetic disease that causes her to seizure often and struggle with breathing. On April 28^th, after 8 incredible months, she went to be with Jesus.

Lydia was a fighter and a blessing from Jesus. I personally learned more from this little girl’s life, than I have from anyone else. Her life has pushed me to be the best that I can be in Jesus. It has reminded me that I have been blessed with so much and therefore, much is expected of me. I have a body that moves, and heart that works, and lungs to breath. While Scott and I were in Connecticut for the memorial service, I decided that I wanted to use the body that I have been gifted with to serve Jesus. I made a choice to run to share Lydia’s story and use the body that God has blessed me with.

On August 1^st, I am going to be running my very first triathlon in Lydia’s honor. My goal is to finish! While completing this triathlon I am hoping to have 2 things happen. First, I am hoping to share Jesus’ love through sharing about my niece. I want her story to be known and for Christ to be celebrated in her life. Second, I would like to raise support for the scholarship fund in her name at Christian Heritage School. CHS holds a special place in my life and also in the life of my brother and sister-in-law. By supporting this scholarship, it will allow more children to have a wonderful education that might not normally have the chance.

So now I am asking you, please consider supporting me as I train for the triathlon. Here are a few things that I am asking for…

*Pray that God would give my body the strength to finish the whole race.

*Consider pledging me for the race to support the scholarship fund in Lydia’s name.

Starting 1 month before the race, I am going to start blogging with my training. Please read along on www.dolhamfamily.blogspot.com

If you want to learn more about Lydia’s amazing life please go to her blog at www.lydiaeileen.blogspot.com

If you are encouraged to support me through a pledge, please contact me.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It is good to know that I am using the body that God has given me to glorify him.

In Him,

Liz