I was massively ill on Sunday and haven't been like that for a long time, so getting back to running has taken it's time. Tonight, I ventured out. I wanted to enjoy the sunset, Christmas lights in the neighborhood, and to really work on my form. I planned on a slow, easy run, about 30 minutes. But I hit the watch, covered it up, and ran. Felt awesome. Through streets, on sidewalks, by a park, and a couple schools. Just me and streets. I love the feeling it gives me. To just run. At any time, I can put on my shoes and go. I don't need all the gadgets, just roads. It's freeing and exciting. You get to experience the world through different eyes. You see the kids playing hockey when it's 40 degrees out. The random little ones playing with their Santa lawn ornaments. The cats in the windows staring and me and judging me no less. The few strangers who smile when you pass as they walk their dogs. The "stop and stares" from male drivers (which are few and far between). And all the while, it's just me and road. My mind gets to wander, to pray, to get away from what life has waiting for me when I return. I have found nothing yet like running. You can make it a challenge or an adventure or a fun run. Anyway you want it, it's yours.
Somehow at the end, I am relieved, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer anything. It's like, "okay, the run is over. Now I can do X, Y, and Z."
At a time when the world is all a buzz and everything is go, go, go, I took 45 minutes to JUST RUN. As Robert Frost once wrote, "And that has made all the difference."
Run On!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Runners can't be stopped
I ran the St. Louis Rock and Roll Half Marathon this past Sunday. It was my 7th half marathon....not my worst time, not my best. A few things hit me while I was running this 13.1 mile course.
#1. Runners are a unique breed. If you have ever run, you are a runner. You are unique. You have legs, you have stamina, strength, ability. There were even wheelchair participants in the race....runners.
#2. Running is always there. I got sidelined in late September with a back injury. 2 weeks no running whatsoever. My nightmare! But I learned some valuable lessons through that trial. God took that opportunity to show me that he should be #1. After all, he gave me the ability run and he can justly take it away if it replaces him. A Nike Ad I saw once says, "The roads are always open." They are. Put your faith and hope in something solid and real...like Jesus. Make him your priority today.
#3. Runners cannot be stopped. As I looked around on Sunday and took in the atmosphere, I realized that runners are crazy, stupid, insane, noble, courageous, worthy, loyal, and determined. Let me give you some examples -
1. My friend Nicole had a problem with her tibia and was in a boot not long before the race. She slowly got back to running order and was determined to run the race. She did, she finished with a great time and rocked it!
2. My friend Jaidra, who I vb coach with, rolled her ankle (we're talking black, blue, and huge - Cankles anyone?) 1 week before the race. She was on crutches, ran 3 miles the day before and finished her first half with an impressive 2 hour finish.
3. My brother Ryan didn't really "train" per say for the race. A few 3-5 milers here and there and he finished with a 2:20 time. Impressive. I wonder who else can just show up and run 13.1 miles?!
4. My uncle Marty just finished the Chicago Marathon at the young age of 60. He is truly an inspiration. He decided last minute to run the half and had a 2:11 time. Nice.
5. Scott, Medals for Mettles guy, finished his probably millionth run and I'm sure donated his medal to a child in need. He made me awesome signs for Kailey Wilmarth when I raised money for her in April. What a heart he has and truly worthy cause.
6. Guy running for the Determination American Cancer Society and had about 50 ribbons in memory of and in honor of those affected by cancer. He ran for them.
7. Lady on the side of the road wearing her race day bib, cheering on runners. She was wearing a boot, but she still came and did all she could do.
8. Several pregnant ladies running- this will be me someday!!
9. Old guy after the race told me I was his pacer. An honor but I feel bad I affected his time =)
10. Ladies running with signs for their friend who died from cancer. "We miss you Annie and love you." Almost made me cry.
11. And finally, yours truly, still technically injured with a ligament strain. "Shouldn't push it" is what the doc said although I was cleared to do the race.
**I also want to note that my friend, Carrie, recently ran the Denver Rock and Roll after having her 3rd child in January and being a stay at home mom. There really are no excuses. Great job Carrie!
How is this possible?! I think what it comes down to is your drive and passion. If there's a will, there's a way. For me, it's several things. I run for One, as in the title of this blog. I run because Christ gave me the ability and as Eric Liddell put it in Chariots of Fire, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." I believe before that he said, "God made me fast." God did no such thing in me, but that hasn't stopped me from lacing up my shoes and hitting the road. My love for Christ drives me but I am solely inspired by his unconditional love for me which I can freely accept.
Running is my release. It brings me back to life. When I don't know what else to do, I can run. I ran for the American Cancer Society because Dad told us that we have been given much and thus much is asked of us. I ran for Kailey Wilmarth because she was an amazing athlete and I wanted to run because she couldn't. Both of them get to run in heaven today (it may sound corny, but I like to believe it=). Pain cannot stop running. Death cannot stop running. Sickness cannot stop running. Injuries cannot stop running. Odds cannot stop running.
If you are a runner (meaning you've run at some point in your life...maybe to your car in a storm or to catch a bus), then you cannot be stopped. You have the power to do whatever you want. What drives you? Where is your passion? What can you do that no one else can? What is your 'release'? Remember, the roads are always open....
Happy running =)
#1. Runners are a unique breed. If you have ever run, you are a runner. You are unique. You have legs, you have stamina, strength, ability. There were even wheelchair participants in the race....runners.
#2. Running is always there. I got sidelined in late September with a back injury. 2 weeks no running whatsoever. My nightmare! But I learned some valuable lessons through that trial. God took that opportunity to show me that he should be #1. After all, he gave me the ability run and he can justly take it away if it replaces him. A Nike Ad I saw once says, "The roads are always open." They are. Put your faith and hope in something solid and real...like Jesus. Make him your priority today.
#3. Runners cannot be stopped. As I looked around on Sunday and took in the atmosphere, I realized that runners are crazy, stupid, insane, noble, courageous, worthy, loyal, and determined. Let me give you some examples -
1. My friend Nicole had a problem with her tibia and was in a boot not long before the race. She slowly got back to running order and was determined to run the race. She did, she finished with a great time and rocked it!
2. My friend Jaidra, who I vb coach with, rolled her ankle (we're talking black, blue, and huge - Cankles anyone?) 1 week before the race. She was on crutches, ran 3 miles the day before and finished her first half with an impressive 2 hour finish.
3. My brother Ryan didn't really "train" per say for the race. A few 3-5 milers here and there and he finished with a 2:20 time. Impressive. I wonder who else can just show up and run 13.1 miles?!
4. My uncle Marty just finished the Chicago Marathon at the young age of 60. He is truly an inspiration. He decided last minute to run the half and had a 2:11 time. Nice.
5. Scott, Medals for Mettles guy, finished his probably millionth run and I'm sure donated his medal to a child in need. He made me awesome signs for Kailey Wilmarth when I raised money for her in April. What a heart he has and truly worthy cause.
6. Guy running for the Determination American Cancer Society and had about 50 ribbons in memory of and in honor of those affected by cancer. He ran for them.
7. Lady on the side of the road wearing her race day bib, cheering on runners. She was wearing a boot, but she still came and did all she could do.
8. Several pregnant ladies running- this will be me someday!!
9. Old guy after the race told me I was his pacer. An honor but I feel bad I affected his time =)
10. Ladies running with signs for their friend who died from cancer. "We miss you Annie and love you." Almost made me cry.
11. And finally, yours truly, still technically injured with a ligament strain. "Shouldn't push it" is what the doc said although I was cleared to do the race.
**I also want to note that my friend, Carrie, recently ran the Denver Rock and Roll after having her 3rd child in January and being a stay at home mom. There really are no excuses. Great job Carrie!
How is this possible?! I think what it comes down to is your drive and passion. If there's a will, there's a way. For me, it's several things. I run for One, as in the title of this blog. I run because Christ gave me the ability and as Eric Liddell put it in Chariots of Fire, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." I believe before that he said, "God made me fast." God did no such thing in me, but that hasn't stopped me from lacing up my shoes and hitting the road. My love for Christ drives me but I am solely inspired by his unconditional love for me which I can freely accept.
Running is my release. It brings me back to life. When I don't know what else to do, I can run. I ran for the American Cancer Society because Dad told us that we have been given much and thus much is asked of us. I ran for Kailey Wilmarth because she was an amazing athlete and I wanted to run because she couldn't. Both of them get to run in heaven today (it may sound corny, but I like to believe it=). Pain cannot stop running. Death cannot stop running. Sickness cannot stop running. Injuries cannot stop running. Odds cannot stop running.
If you are a runner (meaning you've run at some point in your life...maybe to your car in a storm or to catch a bus), then you cannot be stopped. You have the power to do whatever you want. What drives you? Where is your passion? What can you do that no one else can? What is your 'release'? Remember, the roads are always open....
Happy running =)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What I've been working on....
Okay, so I'm a frequent now at Goodwill. It's just plain smart shopping! I don't always buy and to find decent deals, you have to go 2-3 times a week. I'm sort of a fanatic. When I do find something, it's usually great! My husband's birthday gifts were Goodwill and Pinterest inspired....all for around $2 a piece!!! Also, fyi for you Target lovers, Goodwill often gets Target's clearance items with tags still on them! Hello $4 Mossimo black dress!!!!
Here's what I've been up too - Birthday gift for Nathan. Going in his music studio
Purchased - Young Reader's Bible from Goodwill $2
1 Black Frame - gift card from Kohl's - FREE (had the other two frames)
I printed vintage looking drums on certain Bible verses that I cut out. I chose one from Psalms, Romans, and I think Luke. I saw the idea on Etsy but knew I could make it myself. I'm so pleased with the outcome!
Here's what I've been up too - Birthday gift for Nathan. Going in his music studio
Purchased - Young Reader's Bible from Goodwill $2
1 Black Frame - gift card from Kohl's - FREE (had the other two frames)
I printed vintage looking drums on certain Bible verses that I cut out. I chose one from Psalms, Romans, and I think Luke. I saw the idea on Etsy but knew I could make it myself. I'm so pleased with the outcome!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Without training but with Christ
I am not allowed to run right due to my back injury. Back strain or something is what he tells me. Cause = not sure, but need to give it a rest as of right now. This past week was pretty humbling. Can't run, hard to sit, difficult to put shoes on, and the list goes on. I feel, as I've stated before that God is using this time to teach me about him being 1st. Getting to know him all the time, not just the time when I need him. On another note, today marks the 2 year anniversary since Dad died. How could we be 2 years out from that time of my life? It seems surreal, but I am thankful for this time.
What do these 2 things have in common? Running and race and dad passing away? Not much on the surface, but before Dad died, he told my mom for me to remember "patience." Patience when you have nothing else. Patience when I was worried, frustrated, and at my wits end. Which all happen a lot! Dad knew that I would need encouragement in the little things in life that I always make into huge, boulders. Patience has been my mantra this past week. I can't run right now. So what....I'd rather be able to run the rest of my life and take 2 weeks off right now to get re-focused and centered on what truly matters.
What if it were all gone? What if I could no longer run? What if I lost the very thing most dear to me? Um, excuse me, what if I lost my dad?! Does it suck? Yep. Is it fair? Nope. Does life go on? Yes. Can life still be great and rewarding despite death and pain and suffering? I have learned that the answer is definitely a YES! But how can this be when you've lost your father and piece of who you came from? Well, the power and blood of Jesus Christ covers all the crap this world can give me. Christians will ultimately experience the same pain everyone experiences....we just know where who to lean on when we have nothing else.
What do these 2 things have in common? Running and race and dad passing away? Not much on the surface, but before Dad died, he told my mom for me to remember "patience." Patience when you have nothing else. Patience when I was worried, frustrated, and at my wits end. Which all happen a lot! Dad knew that I would need encouragement in the little things in life that I always make into huge, boulders. Patience has been my mantra this past week. I can't run right now. So what....I'd rather be able to run the rest of my life and take 2 weeks off right now to get re-focused and centered on what truly matters.
What if it were all gone? What if I could no longer run? What if I lost the very thing most dear to me? Um, excuse me, what if I lost my dad?! Does it suck? Yep. Is it fair? Nope. Does life go on? Yes. Can life still be great and rewarding despite death and pain and suffering? I have learned that the answer is definitely a YES! But how can this be when you've lost your father and piece of who you came from? Well, the power and blood of Jesus Christ covers all the crap this world can give me. Christians will ultimately experience the same pain everyone experiences....we just know where who to lean on when we have nothing else.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Training....to a screeching halt, but with some revelations.
5 weeks to go. 35 days or so and I am injured. BIG TIME. Tried to pick up a laundry basket on Saturday morning and couldn't stand back up. Diagnosis: disk strain. 2 weeks, absolutely no running. Wha?! How in the world am I going to do this. I forget what sweat feels like. I hate it. I hate everything about it. Less food, little exercise, zero sense of accomplishment. But I am hard on my body. Way too hard. I don't take breaks...well, I am now!
I haven't been in the Bible recently. My mind is sidetracked. I "find" other stuff to do like things before God. In a way, I am self centered. It's always about my workout for the day or getting stuff done for school. Truth is, I have the time. I don't make the time. Anybody feel me? God takes a back seat. And now, when I need healing and want him to hear my prayers the most, I keep thinking, "Why should he bother?". You didn't care about getting to know him when things were going "your" way. I believe God can teach me something through this, if I let him. If I take this time to slow down and truly get the center of my life back in the center.
The Lord speaks to me in various ways and often times, it is through songs. There is a song on Christian radio and XM right now called, "Fall Apart" by Josh Wilson. I don't particularly care for the song but it has been on non-stop since my injury. I even started the car and my Christian station was on and I turned it to XM, saying out loud, "I bet Fall Apart is on right now." Yep, of course. Thanks God for the wake up call!!!
Here are some of the lyrics:
Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise
Now it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart
I don’t know how long this will last
I’m praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing that
Has ever happened to me
I don't think this is the best thing that has happened to me. But I do believe that God has gotten my attention and said, "Hang on sister. You need me. You can't do this all alone. It's okay to take a break. Give yourself some credit. But I want you. I want the best of you. Not the last minute prayers, only call on me when you need me best of you. I want all of you because I made you and you are mine."
I give thanks to all who have remembered me in prayers recently. I pray that this injury passes me quickly. I also pray that you will take the time this week to get to know your heavenly Father just because He loves you and cares for you so much. Okay, sorry for the sap. But I'm being reflective. Thanks for reading.
I haven't been in the Bible recently. My mind is sidetracked. I "find" other stuff to do like things before God. In a way, I am self centered. It's always about my workout for the day or getting stuff done for school. Truth is, I have the time. I don't make the time. Anybody feel me? God takes a back seat. And now, when I need healing and want him to hear my prayers the most, I keep thinking, "Why should he bother?". You didn't care about getting to know him when things were going "your" way. I believe God can teach me something through this, if I let him. If I take this time to slow down and truly get the center of my life back in the center.
The Lord speaks to me in various ways and often times, it is through songs. There is a song on Christian radio and XM right now called, "Fall Apart" by Josh Wilson. I don't particularly care for the song but it has been on non-stop since my injury. I even started the car and my Christian station was on and I turned it to XM, saying out loud, "I bet Fall Apart is on right now." Yep, of course. Thanks God for the wake up call!!!
Here are some of the lyrics:
Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise
Now it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart
I don’t know how long this will last
I’m praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing that
Has ever happened to me
I don't think this is the best thing that has happened to me. But I do believe that God has gotten my attention and said, "Hang on sister. You need me. You can't do this all alone. It's okay to take a break. Give yourself some credit. But I want you. I want the best of you. Not the last minute prayers, only call on me when you need me best of you. I want all of you because I made you and you are mine."
I give thanks to all who have remembered me in prayers recently. I pray that this injury passes me quickly. I also pray that you will take the time this week to get to know your heavenly Father just because He loves you and cares for you so much. Okay, sorry for the sap. But I'm being reflective. Thanks for reading.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Training week 4
This week was horrible! I was gone 3 nights until 10pm and training was so difficult with a schedule like that! Still got most of it though =) One and pretty much the only perk to being part-time.
Monday - 3.06 miles - 6x400 run (made it longer) morning run in 27 minutes
Tuesday - CX - Jillian Michaels fat burner w/o weights - 45 minutes
Wednesday - 5.75 miles in 57 min. (supposed to be 6 mile run. I got bored =)
Thursday - CX - Ran 1.7 miles in 17 min; lifting 15 minutes
Friday - REST DAY!!! Much needed!
Saturday - 6 miles - 1 hour. It was probably little over 6. I ran on our new bike trail and it was awesome! I went down 31 minutes and back so probably just barely over 6. I'll take it!
Sunday - Jillian DVD w/ weights 45 min. Going to feel this one tomorrow!
Tomorrow starts week 5. Only 5 more weeks left of training! I am running a 6k in St Louis next Sunday morning and get to finish at Busch Stadium home plate. Who else can say that?! Love it! Here's to happy running!
Monday - 3.06 miles - 6x400 run (made it longer) morning run in 27 minutes
Tuesday - CX - Jillian Michaels fat burner w/o weights - 45 minutes
Wednesday - 5.75 miles in 57 min. (supposed to be 6 mile run. I got bored =)
Thursday - CX - Ran 1.7 miles in 17 min; lifting 15 minutes
Friday - REST DAY!!! Much needed!
Saturday - 6 miles - 1 hour. It was probably little over 6. I ran on our new bike trail and it was awesome! I went down 31 minutes and back so probably just barely over 6. I'll take it!
Sunday - Jillian DVD w/ weights 45 min. Going to feel this one tomorrow!
Tomorrow starts week 5. Only 5 more weeks left of training! I am running a 6k in St Louis next Sunday morning and get to finish at Busch Stadium home plate. Who else can say that?! Love it! Here's to happy running!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Training Week 3
Oh my, we've been busy. Volleyball games started, Nathan is preparing for fall kick-off at the church. So neither of us is home right now, however, this Labor Day weekend, we have been quite productive! I bought a bunch and I mean a bunch of craft project materials. I'm now obsessed with Pinterest and if you aren't on it, don't be. It's like a drug. I can't stop "pinning" things. But I have made some headway in my projects category and will post pics soon!
Okay so back to running, the real reason you're here...
Monday - 3.20 mile tempo 4x800, 27.40 I was flying. Felt good.
Tuesday - Ripped in 30 Jillian Michaels DVD Week 3 27 min
Wednesday - 4.60 miles, 46 min on treadmill. ( I feel the need to mention that I usually run outside in the morning, but Tuesday on the news they reported some old guy picked up a young girl during daylight hours at gunpoint and drove her to the nearest Metro station - 1mile from my house - and took her phone and left her there. So Nathan is worried so that means I got up at 4:25 am! to go to my gym and run, come back, shower, eat, head 40 minutes to work. I supposed to run 5 but 4.6 at that hour felt fine enough!
Thursday - yay September! Eliptical 25 min, treadmill 15 min run/walk, lifting 15 min
Friday - Ripped in 30 Week 1 - 35 min
Saturday - 9.48 miles, 1 hour 32 min. Supposed to be 10 but apparently I forgot to double check Map My Run!
Sunday - Bob Harper's Kettlebell workout 45 minutes
Now, I need to rest. I'm tired from typing!
Okay so back to running, the real reason you're here...
Monday - 3.20 mile tempo 4x800, 27.40 I was flying. Felt good.
Tuesday - Ripped in 30 Jillian Michaels DVD Week 3 27 min
Wednesday - 4.60 miles, 46 min on treadmill. ( I feel the need to mention that I usually run outside in the morning, but Tuesday on the news they reported some old guy picked up a young girl during daylight hours at gunpoint and drove her to the nearest Metro station - 1mile from my house - and took her phone and left her there. So Nathan is worried so that means I got up at 4:25 am! to go to my gym and run, come back, shower, eat, head 40 minutes to work. I supposed to run 5 but 4.6 at that hour felt fine enough!
Thursday - yay September! Eliptical 25 min, treadmill 15 min run/walk, lifting 15 min
Friday - Ripped in 30 Week 1 - 35 min
Saturday - 9.48 miles, 1 hour 32 min. Supposed to be 10 but apparently I forgot to double check Map My Run!
Sunday - Bob Harper's Kettlebell workout 45 minutes
Now, I need to rest. I'm tired from typing!
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