Car headlights from four different cars come to rest in front of my house at five-thirty in the morning. Women emerge from all of the cars. I am sure if my neighbors are up at this time it looks like a Mary Kay convention is about to happen on my front lawn but no it is just a group or as my husband so fondly refers to us a gaggle of runners.
Let me introduce you to these remarkable women who have decided to take on running and a journey that will hopefully not just challenge them physically but spiritually as well. The Runninmama's (my pet name for the group). Jenn of course you know from previous post, is "coach". She has a wealth of running knowledge and is an amazing motivator and her patience must be as deep as the sea. Look at what she was able to get me to do. Debbie is an inspiration, she started running in August with me, in her late fifties and is an amazing force. These two ladies and myself began this group but we are not the end. We now total eight awesome women with other women inquiring about joining us. New to running is Leanne, Janine, Cindy, Becky and Dee. These women are the reason I get up to run so early in the morning. Their can-do attitude and cheerfulness make the start of my running days incredible. I can't wait to share more of their journey and my own in running. Ladies I am so proud of you.
These women came to running because of watching from the sidelines and seeing the changes it made in mine and Debbie's life. I know that I talked about running almost as much as I talk about the Colts. Yes, I had to sneak that in! I talked about the high that I got from running, the increased energy it gave me, the friendship I had made with Jenn and Debbie. And of course, I talked about the dress sizes I lost too. Excitement about running even when I was injured flowed off of me like a waterfall. If you were close to me you were going to get splashed.
What I have pondered about my excitement about running leads me to think about my excitement about Christ. Do I talk about Him with the same enthusiasm? Do others see joy and peace in me because He is a part of my life? I don't know that I can always answer yes to those questions. I know that I have a habit of inviting everyone I meet to my church including the police officers who in the past year have pulled me over. But is that really enough? I want others to see my love for God as something they want too. I don't want to just tell them about it, I want them to see it in me and desire it. I know that in saying that people who know me will also be able to see how far short I fall of the mark. They can see me stumble and that I don't always live up to the person God desires me to be. But they will also see the grace and mercy God gives to me in my mixed up life. So, with that, what do others see in you and your life?
Showing posts with label Marathon training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marathon training. Show all posts
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
My running life update
I won't be running the White Rock Marathon as planned since I had an injury that too me out of running for almost three weeks but I will be cheering on those who are taking on this challenge this weekend. The weather should be wonderful for a run.
In the weeks that I haven't been running I have been swimming and doing core exercises. Hopefully this combination will make me a stronger runner. Thank you to those who have followed my running life. It isn't over. I plan to run the half marathon (13.2 miles) in February in Ft. Worth and maybe I will run a full marathon this spring.
I hope that my running has inspired others to get out and do something they thought was impossible.
Peace,
Donna
In the weeks that I haven't been running I have been swimming and doing core exercises. Hopefully this combination will make me a stronger runner. Thank you to those who have followed my running life. It isn't over. I plan to run the half marathon (13.2 miles) in February in Ft. Worth and maybe I will run a full marathon this spring.
I hope that my running has inspired others to get out and do something they thought was impossible.
Peace,
Donna
Monday, November 23, 2009
Down for not exactly the count...
I know that I have neglected writing about running lately. I want to fill everyone in. I have successfully run my twenty miles last Saturday. IT WAS AMAZING. Just knowing that I could run that far blows me away. But that is where the happy ending comes to an end.
All during the run, I had pain in my foot. But then I have had some sort of pain through the training. Runners have pain and I have learned to run with it. On Tuesday, I was supposed to run seven miles, I made it two. My foot hurt and I had trouble wearing shoes. Time to go to the doctor again. Let me just tell you, I am hardly ever sick but since I started training for the marathon, I have had the swine flu, shin splints, and odd pains in the base of my foot. I have seen my doctor more during this training period than in the past five years. And now I was going to see him again. Like any other slightly techno-savy person, I looked up foot pain for runners. On that list was stress fracture and my pain fit the majority of the symptoms. I guess I could have just self medicated and diagnosed but I went to the doctor. My x-ray armed doctor told me not run and instead cross train.
So with that, I am swimming. Can I just say I severely dislike swimming? I mean no offense to my fellow athletes (I have decided after all my injuries I can say I am an athlete) but I do hate swimming. I now drive to the next city, slide into a swim suit that isn't the least bit flattering, put on goggles that leave round marks on my face for hours afterward, and swim back and forth. The only thing to look at while swimming is the bottom of the pool unless you are looking up briefly to grab air so you don't end up on the bottom of the pool. Okay I will stop with the pity party and complaining now.
The race is in four weeks, I go back to the doctor on Wednesday to find out what I need to do next. I haven't crossed White Rock off my list yet. There is a great passage in the book of James on perseverance. James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything."
Okay, I am certain that James wasn't talking about training for a marathon but you work with where you are at so I can see the relationship between my training for the marathon and my walk as a Christian. In life, we are faced with trials, the loss of a dream, the loss of a child or spouse, a missed opportunity, financial troubles, who knows what trials you will face in your life. But if you keep your focus on Christ and look at the trials as an opportunity to grow then the trials in your life can lead to joy. Sounds a bit easy doesn't it? It isn't. I know this first hand. When trials head my way I respond one of two ways, I attack back or I cry and go into my own pity party. I'm sure you know what I did this last time. Yep, tears galore but after a good crying jag I had to look at the situation differently.
Yes, I have a set back and my first response was to give up but I'm not. I have to continue to persevere until the end. I may not run this race but I will know that I did everything in my power to succeed. This is the same with my Christian walk. I want to do everything in my power to do what God has created me to do and be. I don't want to let my life situation stand in the way of attaining that. With perseverance, I know that I will find joy in this experience. Though this trial I am learning patience, endurance and the ability to continue when life gets tough.
All through the Bible there are examples of men and women who didn't accept difficult times passively but instead face it with a courageous perseverance. Endurance can't be learned passively from books, lectures, the wonderful preacher behind the pulpit or even blogs. It has to be learned by living it and trusting and obeying God. It is then that trials can bring joy and glory to God.
All during the run, I had pain in my foot. But then I have had some sort of pain through the training. Runners have pain and I have learned to run with it. On Tuesday, I was supposed to run seven miles, I made it two. My foot hurt and I had trouble wearing shoes. Time to go to the doctor again. Let me just tell you, I am hardly ever sick but since I started training for the marathon, I have had the swine flu, shin splints, and odd pains in the base of my foot. I have seen my doctor more during this training period than in the past five years. And now I was going to see him again. Like any other slightly techno-savy person, I looked up foot pain for runners. On that list was stress fracture and my pain fit the majority of the symptoms. I guess I could have just self medicated and diagnosed but I went to the doctor. My x-ray armed doctor told me not run and instead cross train.
So with that, I am swimming. Can I just say I severely dislike swimming? I mean no offense to my fellow athletes (I have decided after all my injuries I can say I am an athlete) but I do hate swimming. I now drive to the next city, slide into a swim suit that isn't the least bit flattering, put on goggles that leave round marks on my face for hours afterward, and swim back and forth. The only thing to look at while swimming is the bottom of the pool unless you are looking up briefly to grab air so you don't end up on the bottom of the pool. Okay I will stop with the pity party and complaining now.
The race is in four weeks, I go back to the doctor on Wednesday to find out what I need to do next. I haven't crossed White Rock off my list yet. There is a great passage in the book of James on perseverance. James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything."
Okay, I am certain that James wasn't talking about training for a marathon but you work with where you are at so I can see the relationship between my training for the marathon and my walk as a Christian. In life, we are faced with trials, the loss of a dream, the loss of a child or spouse, a missed opportunity, financial troubles, who knows what trials you will face in your life. But if you keep your focus on Christ and look at the trials as an opportunity to grow then the trials in your life can lead to joy. Sounds a bit easy doesn't it? It isn't. I know this first hand. When trials head my way I respond one of two ways, I attack back or I cry and go into my own pity party. I'm sure you know what I did this last time. Yep, tears galore but after a good crying jag I had to look at the situation differently.
Yes, I have a set back and my first response was to give up but I'm not. I have to continue to persevere until the end. I may not run this race but I will know that I did everything in my power to succeed. This is the same with my Christian walk. I want to do everything in my power to do what God has created me to do and be. I don't want to let my life situation stand in the way of attaining that. With perseverance, I know that I will find joy in this experience. Though this trial I am learning patience, endurance and the ability to continue when life gets tough.
All through the Bible there are examples of men and women who didn't accept difficult times passively but instead face it with a courageous perseverance. Endurance can't be learned passively from books, lectures, the wonderful preacher behind the pulpit or even blogs. It has to be learned by living it and trusting and obeying God. It is then that trials can bring joy and glory to God.
Monday, November 9, 2009
214 Miles
Eleven weeks ago I could run maybe two miles without stopping. In the past eleven weeks I have run 214 miles in preparation for my first marathon. Let me tell you every one of those miles tells a story of its own. Some of those stories are fun and others are full of pain.
This past weekend I ran eighteen miles. During a long run many things can happen both good and bad. The beginning of this long run was amazing. My legs were pumping and eating up the ground like a kid does chocolate cake. I had an amazing attitude and was laughing and talking to my running mates but by mile twelve everything changed. No, it didn't happen all at once but that is where the struggle began. My endurance was taxed and I started to doubt if I could finish. Now at mile sixteen, I stopped dead in my tracks. I didn't want to run anymore. My body was exhausted and I just didn't believed I could run another step. The call to quit echoed through my mind. I hated running at that moment. What on earth was I thinking to try to even run a marathon. Who did I think I was? Superwoman? Ever feel like that? You doubt everything you are trying to do? Usually this is where I will stop, flop on the floor and say I'm done. I didn't this time. Jenn was there to talk me into running. Okay actually she said "You can't quit. We only have three more miles. You'll be mad if you don't finish."
I needed that pep talk. If she hadn't been with me, let me tell you I would be writing this and the title would not read "214 miles." I looked up how far that was from my house. It is like running to Oklahoma City from Joshua, Texas. It's okay to be impressed. :)
Okay I will never qualify for the Boston Marathon but hey that isn't my goal. My goal is to finish the race and if I finish dead last that doesn't really matter in the big picture.
I have found that the more I train the more I desire to learn about running and fitness. I subscribe to running magazines, read articles about running and stretching online. I devour everything I can find to prevent injury. This makes me think about being a Christian. Have you noticed that when you are reading your Bible daily, taking time to meditate on His word that you hunger to know more. I know that there are times when I struggle to fit God into my schedule and it is during those times that I lose sight of what an awesome Father He is.
How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! Psalms 92:5
Scripture taken from Holy Bible: NIV
This past weekend I ran eighteen miles. During a long run many things can happen both good and bad. The beginning of this long run was amazing. My legs were pumping and eating up the ground like a kid does chocolate cake. I had an amazing attitude and was laughing and talking to my running mates but by mile twelve everything changed. No, it didn't happen all at once but that is where the struggle began. My endurance was taxed and I started to doubt if I could finish. Now at mile sixteen, I stopped dead in my tracks. I didn't want to run anymore. My body was exhausted and I just didn't believed I could run another step. The call to quit echoed through my mind. I hated running at that moment. What on earth was I thinking to try to even run a marathon. Who did I think I was? Superwoman? Ever feel like that? You doubt everything you are trying to do? Usually this is where I will stop, flop on the floor and say I'm done. I didn't this time. Jenn was there to talk me into running. Okay actually she said "You can't quit. We only have three more miles. You'll be mad if you don't finish."
I needed that pep talk. If she hadn't been with me, let me tell you I would be writing this and the title would not read "214 miles." I looked up how far that was from my house. It is like running to Oklahoma City from Joshua, Texas. It's okay to be impressed. :)
Okay I will never qualify for the Boston Marathon but hey that isn't my goal. My goal is to finish the race and if I finish dead last that doesn't really matter in the big picture.
I have found that the more I train the more I desire to learn about running and fitness. I subscribe to running magazines, read articles about running and stretching online. I devour everything I can find to prevent injury. This makes me think about being a Christian. Have you noticed that when you are reading your Bible daily, taking time to meditate on His word that you hunger to know more. I know that there are times when I struggle to fit God into my schedule and it is during those times that I lose sight of what an awesome Father He is.
How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! Psalms 92:5
Scripture taken from Holy Bible: NIV
Monday, October 26, 2009
One terrible run doesn't mean the end
Do you ever have those days where nothing seems to be going right? Saturday's long run was mine. I woke up after a restless night to run 16 miles. I don't know if it was nerves or what but I couldn't seem to make myself eat breakfast. I knew I needed it to sustain myself but I just couldn't. I ate a GU and stretched a little and waited for the run to begin. Of course things weren't going good for Jenn either, she got pulled over by one of Joshua's fine police officers while dropping water off at the water stops. Maybe we should have just called it quits and crawled back into bed.
Once we started running I kept thinking "Okay Donna, you can run this. Just take it in segments." Normally this works Saturday it didn't. By mile five I had to stop to go potty, and by mile six I had a blister the size of a dime. I still had ten more miles. I felt defeated and deflated. How was I going to run a marathon when I couldn't get through a 16 mile run?
Needless to say my running mates ran well ahead of me and this played more with my mind. They ended up finishing the run almost two miles ahead of me of which I ran by myself at a pace a box turtle could have passed.
I kept thinking what am I suppose to take away from this experience? What am I suppose to learn? Was the lesson to quit or keep running?
I struggled with this over the weekend with pain in my left knee so severe I couldn't walk. Hopelessness pulled me down and Monday morning came and I still wasn't able to bare weight on my leg or run the four miles scheduled. Look out pity party. I was having the biggest one of the century and no one wanted to join me for it. Ever have those days?
Needless to say, I needed to find my focus and I turned where I always turn to Jesus. I know, just like a Christian to turn to Him when things are tough. Yep, sure is, that is why He is Father and I am His beloved.
The verses I read that pulled me up are:
Once we started running I kept thinking "Okay Donna, you can run this. Just take it in segments." Normally this works Saturday it didn't. By mile five I had to stop to go potty, and by mile six I had a blister the size of a dime. I still had ten more miles. I felt defeated and deflated. How was I going to run a marathon when I couldn't get through a 16 mile run?
Needless to say my running mates ran well ahead of me and this played more with my mind. They ended up finishing the run almost two miles ahead of me of which I ran by myself at a pace a box turtle could have passed.
I kept thinking what am I suppose to take away from this experience? What am I suppose to learn? Was the lesson to quit or keep running?
I struggled with this over the weekend with pain in my left knee so severe I couldn't walk. Hopelessness pulled me down and Monday morning came and I still wasn't able to bare weight on my leg or run the four miles scheduled. Look out pity party. I was having the biggest one of the century and no one wanted to join me for it. Ever have those days?
Needless to say, I needed to find my focus and I turned where I always turn to Jesus. I know, just like a Christian to turn to Him when things are tough. Yep, sure is, that is why He is Father and I am His beloved.
The verses I read that pulled me up are:
"When times are good, be happy but when times are bad, consider God has
made one as well as the other." Ecclesiastes 7:14"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
So with the rain coming down on my window and the world looking gray I am not going to stay with my pity party. God has better plans for me. What does he have for you? Have you allowed life's frustrations to prevent you from succeeding?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I did it!
Saturday morning the alarm sounded at four and I pushed myself out of bed. After dressing and eating oatmeal, I taped my shin and my foot, pulled on my running shoes and headed to Jenn's house. It was a crisp fall morning made perfect by God for runners I am certian. The run went smoothly
It is amazing the beauty you can see when running early in the morning before the day is tainted with traffic and the rushing of people. At 5:30 in the morning when we began our run there was a peace. While we were running this morning I actually saw actually saw a coyote upclose. It was amazing to see this creature sprint across the street just a few hundred yards from where I was. This led me to this verse.
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
In rereading this verse I thought about just this morning how often God blessed me. He blessed me with perfect running weather, wonderful friends who inspire me to run longer and he blessed me with His abounding love for me. He gave me two strong legs to run fourteen miles and a willing spirit to continue even when I wanted to give up.
How has God blessed you today?
It is amazing the beauty you can see when running early in the morning before the day is tainted with traffic and the rushing of people. At 5:30 in the morning when we began our run there was a peace. While we were running this morning I actually saw actually saw a coyote upclose. It was amazing to see this creature sprint across the street just a few hundred yards from where I was. This led me to this verse.
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
In rereading this verse I thought about just this morning how often God blessed me. He blessed me with perfect running weather, wonderful friends who inspire me to run longer and he blessed me with His abounding love for me. He gave me two strong legs to run fourteen miles and a willing spirit to continue even when I wanted to give up.
How has God blessed you today?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
104 miles to Wichita Falls
Water dripped from the brim of my hat and my shirt clung to my body, never mind that my running shorts were plastered to my legs and water soaked my socks making my feet squish with every footfall. The rain came down at first in a slow easy pattern only to pick up the longer I ran as if taunting me to stop. Pain radiated down my right leg and my pace was slow compared to other days. But the wonder of running even in these conditions is amazing and the sense of achievement is like a drug to me. After running for five weeks, taking it easy this week due to pain has been difficult but today I was able to run and I rejoiced in the fact. God is good.
I have done 28 runs! For a total of 104.00 miles = 167.74 kms. I am astounded by the fact that I have covered that kind of distance. With that amount of miles, it is like traveling from Ft. Worth, Texas to Wichita Falls, Texas. Absolutely amazing!
I am encouraging all to get out and do something they didn't think they could because if I can run over 100 miles everyone can get up and do something they never thought was possible.
I have done 28 runs! For a total of 104.00 miles = 167.74 kms. I am astounded by the fact that I have covered that kind of distance. With that amount of miles, it is like traveling from Ft. Worth, Texas to Wichita Falls, Texas. Absolutely amazing!
I am encouraging all to get out and do something they didn't think they could because if I can run over 100 miles everyone can get up and do something they never thought was possible.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hills and Valleys
Okay, what I didn't expound on with my "Ten Miles and Counting" is the fact that I have somehow injured myself to the point I haven't been able to run since Saturday. Today, I thought I would try to see if I could run. I had rested my foot for several days, iced it and worn a bandage. I mean really shouldn't it be better by now. I was desperately missing running with my running buddy Jenn. I know you nonrunners and saying "Oh geesh it is her head that is injured not her foot." So back to my story, I woke up, got my husband and three kids off to school and suited up for an easy run. Three miles was on the schedule and the weather was cool and breezy outside.With my Ipod on, Garmin watch strapped on wrist, and shoes double knotted I took off down the street. The first mile is always horrible but I didn't have any pain in my foot until 1.30 miles and then the pain came back with a vengeance. What was worse is I had to walk that far home with pain radiating through my foot.
Okay so what is the point , I would love to say that I came up with this little lesson on my own but really it isn't mine. After my horrible run this morning I called Jenn in tears. She, in her wonderful Texas accent, said "God doesn't lift us up to put us down." So right now in my sorrow at hurting and not being able to do what I want to do, I know that the race is not over. Isn't it the British that say "Chin up Ol' girl." I'm going to stay positive, go to the doctor and pray for the best. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated too by the way. So now, I have climbed out of my valley or at least I am determined not to stay there. The view is better at the top of the hills.
Okay so what is the point , I would love to say that I came up with this little lesson on my own but really it isn't mine. After my horrible run this morning I called Jenn in tears. She, in her wonderful Texas accent, said "God doesn't lift us up to put us down." So right now in my sorrow at hurting and not being able to do what I want to do, I know that the race is not over. Isn't it the British that say "Chin up Ol' girl." I'm going to stay positive, go to the doctor and pray for the best. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated too by the way. So now, I have climbed out of my valley or at least I am determined not to stay there. The view is better at the top of the hills.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ten Miles and counting
Saturday morning the alarm went off at 4:15 am. I reached over turned the radio off swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched. I had ten miles to run and it was up to me and my attitude to accomplish it. After dressing and eating a light breakfast, I embarked on my journey to meet my running buddies and slay the ten mile run. The sun was still asleep as were most people on this beautiful morning, and except for the occasional dog barking or a car passing by the peace of the morning was a gift from God and it only got better when two hours later the sun rose as my ten mile run came to an end.
The first three miles are always the hardest for me but after that I get in my groove and just run I am able to accomplish so much. While running this past Saturday, I couldn't help but thank God that I have the ability to run. When I say ability I don't mean the talent. Trust me, my running buddy Jenn, is always giving me pointer on how to run better, "Shoulder back, tummy in and tuck your hiny under" When I am running with everything pulled back, in and tucked under I don't feel all that graceful. The ability I am talking about it the actual movement that I am blessed with. Even in the aches after my long runs I rejoice in the fact that I can run with two strong legs to keep me moving.
The first three miles are always the hardest for me but after that I get in my groove and just run I am able to accomplish so much. While running this past Saturday, I couldn't help but thank God that I have the ability to run. When I say ability I don't mean the talent. Trust me, my running buddy Jenn, is always giving me pointer on how to run better, "Shoulder back, tummy in and tuck your hiny under" When I am running with everything pulled back, in and tucked under I don't feel all that graceful. The ability I am talking about it the actual movement that I am blessed with. Even in the aches after my long runs I rejoice in the fact that I can run with two strong legs to keep me moving.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Running gets easier...or at least today it was.
Okay, I ran 3.5 this morning which was a piece of cake up until the steep hill but even that wasn't horrible. I put my head down and plowed forward.
Why was running so easy today? Well mentally, I knew 3 miles or even 3.5 wasn't going to be as hard as my Saturday long runs. So I did little whining today which was an improvement. I have a four mile run on Tuesday that I am now looking forward to. Until then...
Why was running so easy today? Well mentally, I knew 3 miles or even 3.5 wasn't going to be as hard as my Saturday long runs. So I did little whining today which was an improvement. I have a four mile run on Tuesday that I am now looking forward to. Until then...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Attitude is everything
The alarm clock glowed 4:00 and of course I had only slept in short jaunts all night. I woke up every hour to roll over and look and the clock, groan and close my eyes again and wait sixty minutes to repeat. The anxiety of having to run seven miles played with my mind all night. Have you ever had one of those nights? You know you need the sleep but it just alludes you.
At four, I turned off the alarm, crawled out of bed and went about my daily ablutions before running. I ate a Fiber One bar. Those are so yummy. Then I hopped in my car and dropped off our water at our three mile mark.
Jenn and I started out on our run and I thought okay, seven miles, you can do this. It doesn't matter that your have never run that far in your entire life. You did four this week by yourself. What is three more miles? Oh my goodness THREE is a very large number when your attitude slips. I would love to say this was easy but that would be a huge lie. It was hard and I really wanted to just give up. Doesn't that sound familiar. I kept thinking if this is hard what will 26 miles be like? Am I totally insane for even trying to do this? Jenn kept talking about attitude and more than once she told me to dig in and run. Walking isn't an option.
I wanted to yell at her that I had nothing left to dig into, but that would have taken more energy than I had left. After five miles, we stopped for water and stretched. We were meeting two other ladies to run the final two miles with. I got a second wind and was able to run out the last two miles without complaint.
This run brought the realization that this wasn't going to be a stroll in the park. It was going to be hard and I am going to have to "dig" deep within me to find the mental attitude to keep running. This is like writing. Often writers want to give up when they meet the middle. I fall directly into the category I am in the middle of my novel and I want to chunk it and start over. You see starting the run is easier than getting through the middle and the end is wonderful because the finish line is in sight. You can relate that almost anything in life that you struggle to finish. When things get tough we don't "dig" down we walk away and say we will do it another day. That wasn't an option today.
What stops you in your journey? Is it the difficulty of the task? Boredom? Where are you "digging" down to to finish the task? I have repeated over and over the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". It has become my mantra while I struggle to run those miles. I wouldn't say that God wants me to run 26 miles, but I know that even in the journey to complete this I can turn to Him for strength.
By the way, I have to share that I have gone down two pant sizes since I started running but I have only lost three pounds. So not significant weight loss but my body is changing which is really the most important factor for me.
At four, I turned off the alarm, crawled out of bed and went about my daily ablutions before running. I ate a Fiber One bar. Those are so yummy. Then I hopped in my car and dropped off our water at our three mile mark.
Jenn and I started out on our run and I thought okay, seven miles, you can do this. It doesn't matter that your have never run that far in your entire life. You did four this week by yourself. What is three more miles? Oh my goodness THREE is a very large number when your attitude slips. I would love to say this was easy but that would be a huge lie. It was hard and I really wanted to just give up. Doesn't that sound familiar. I kept thinking if this is hard what will 26 miles be like? Am I totally insane for even trying to do this? Jenn kept talking about attitude and more than once she told me to dig in and run. Walking isn't an option.
I wanted to yell at her that I had nothing left to dig into, but that would have taken more energy than I had left. After five miles, we stopped for water and stretched. We were meeting two other ladies to run the final two miles with. I got a second wind and was able to run out the last two miles without complaint.
This run brought the realization that this wasn't going to be a stroll in the park. It was going to be hard and I am going to have to "dig" deep within me to find the mental attitude to keep running. This is like writing. Often writers want to give up when they meet the middle. I fall directly into the category I am in the middle of my novel and I want to chunk it and start over. You see starting the run is easier than getting through the middle and the end is wonderful because the finish line is in sight. You can relate that almost anything in life that you struggle to finish. When things get tough we don't "dig" down we walk away and say we will do it another day. That wasn't an option today.
What stops you in your journey? Is it the difficulty of the task? Boredom? Where are you "digging" down to to finish the task? I have repeated over and over the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". It has become my mantra while I struggle to run those miles. I wouldn't say that God wants me to run 26 miles, but I know that even in the journey to complete this I can turn to Him for strength.
By the way, I have to share that I have gone down two pant sizes since I started running but I have only lost three pounds. So not significant weight loss but my body is changing which is really the most important factor for me.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A mile stone passed.
Okay, this morning Jenn didn't show up to run so I was on my own. Going back home and crawling back in bed crossed my mind more than tourist ships pass the Statue of Liberty. I stayed. I ran. I completed my four miles.
What I took away from this morning was the knowledge that I can complete my daily goals on my own. Not that I don't want to run with Jenn, I love to listen to her constant chatter while we are running, but I know that I have the will to do it on my own. I am told running is a mental sport and I won a small battle against my mind today. I am looking forward to a day off on Friday. Yeah!!
What I took away from this morning was the knowledge that I can complete my daily goals on my own. Not that I don't want to run with Jenn, I love to listen to her constant chatter while we are running, but I know that I have the will to do it on my own. I am told running is a mental sport and I won a small battle against my mind today. I am looking forward to a day off on Friday. Yeah!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Three miles and attitude.
Okay, at five this morning when the alarm went off I wanted desperately to take the alarm clock and launch it like Peyton Manning in a football game. Running wasn't on my agenda this morning when I was curled next to my husband sleeping snuggly wrapped in all the covers (yes, I am a cover hog). No matter how I felt when that alarm went off I had to go. I had made a commitment not just to myself but to others, not to mention I actually told many people that I was running a marathon in December. If I didn't get up and run no matter how many times I recited "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" I wouldn't be ready to run the miles needed to complete the marathon. But really I wanted to just rest.
Yes my legs were... stratch that... are tired and my feet are a little sore but I know that I have to keep going. Jenn (the best running buddy on earth) has told me after week two you hit a wall. Great....I thought I hit a wall already when I wanted to quit running on Monday, but she urged me on. This will probably be a mountain. I have a seven mile run on Saturday. Seven miles sounds like forever right now but soon that will be just a small step taken toward my goal.
Yes my legs were... stratch that... are tired and my feet are a little sore but I know that I have to keep going. Jenn (the best running buddy on earth) has told me after week two you hit a wall. Great....I thought I hit a wall already when I wanted to quit running on Monday, but she urged me on. This will probably be a mountain. I have a seven mile run on Saturday. Seven miles sounds like forever right now but soon that will be just a small step taken toward my goal.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Training for a marathon
Okay, I have decided at the age of thirty-six to take on a marathon. You may be asking if I have ever run long distances before. No. Never. I have ran at the most three miles up until last Saturday when I ran five. You have no idea the accomplishment that was. I wanted to include you in my journey to the Whiterock Marathon. And what a journey it should prove to be.
I mean look at me I am not a super athlete; I am a suedo-middle-age mother of three. I wasn't an athlete in high school or college. I mean I passed my college tennis class with a 70 if that tells you anything.
So for my progress so far, I ran three miles again today and did the same yesterday. Monday's three miles was hard I will confess and at less than a quarter of a mile to the end I wanted to quit but my wonderful running buddy Jenn M., who has six marathons under her belt, is a drill sergeant. Okay, not really, she is actually supper sweet and I think I'll just start calling her Miss Motivator. She made me run through my whining and urged me to the three mile mark. Today, however, the three mile run was great. I just hope that continues.
On today's run I did get to see a skunk and an armadillo which if you haven't seen an armadillo in person they are a bit scary at 5am. They sort of look like a prehistoric rodent. Ick. The skunk was quite an adventure too. It crossed the road right in front of us and are even scarier than an armadillo. I almost climbed on Jenn's back to escape it. Uggh. Oh well, I am sure there will be plenty of adventures on the way but hopefully not involving stinky varmint.
I mean look at me I am not a super athlete; I am a suedo-middle-age mother of three. I wasn't an athlete in high school or college. I mean I passed my college tennis class with a 70 if that tells you anything.
So for my progress so far, I ran three miles again today and did the same yesterday. Monday's three miles was hard I will confess and at less than a quarter of a mile to the end I wanted to quit but my wonderful running buddy Jenn M., who has six marathons under her belt, is a drill sergeant. Okay, not really, she is actually supper sweet and I think I'll just start calling her Miss Motivator. She made me run through my whining and urged me to the three mile mark. Today, however, the three mile run was great. I just hope that continues.
On today's run I did get to see a skunk and an armadillo which if you haven't seen an armadillo in person they are a bit scary at 5am. They sort of look like a prehistoric rodent. Ick. The skunk was quite an adventure too. It crossed the road right in front of us and are even scarier than an armadillo. I almost climbed on Jenn's back to escape it. Uggh. Oh well, I am sure there will be plenty of adventures on the way but hopefully not involving stinky varmint.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)