Run On

I know, I know...writer's block.

Just in case you care:
Rest on Monday
Medium run in am on Tuesday with cross-training/speed work in pm
Medium run in am on Wednesday with core/strength building in pm
Tempo run in am on Thursday
Speed work and strength training on Friday
Long run on Saturday
Easy run in am on Sunday
Rest on Monday

Also, this week, I am packing in the protein, veggies and fruits. I am carbed out! I must also concentrate on hydrating appropriately. I need to make sure a "pee attack" doesn't happen in the middle of a race and that is becoming more of an issue now that I am carrying water bottles on my hips. I plan to hold off on bottle two on my next long run and see if this helps.

Oh, and I did have one exciting thing happen to me on my last long run...a dog chased me. I have never been interested in hurdling but I definitely think I may have a future in it!

I will update my blog more eloquently next time but, for now, run on.

New and Refreshed

Well, as in all things in life, this morning's run was crafted ahead of time and all I had to do was show up.

It all started yesterday when I was fully prepared to run 17 miles on my normal loop. I was called back to the YMCA for an "emergency" in the kids' room, which is where my kids hang out while I run. When I got back, I discovered that there was, in fact, no emergency at all. Now, normally, this interruption would have shattered my ever so scheduled life, but I took it in stride and decided to push my long run back one day and do some speed drills at the gym. Little did I know...

I woke up this morning ready and excited for my run. I started my pre-run routine at 7am with a planned start time of 8am. Everything seemed to run smoothly...the kids got up, ate breakfast, got dressed and started playing before I left. Everyone planned to wait on me to get back to go to the late service at church. I started running and there was a calm peace that fell over me. I felt good. I felt strong. I felt excited. Still, little did I know...

Someone met me there. Someone planned for me to be there. Someone waited on me this morning. This morning's run had nothing to do with running...it had everything to do with an intimate love affair that I have had for years. I have fallen in love with my Maker and He romances me like no other. The sun was bright but not hot, the wind was subtle but not overpowering...but that wasn't the key...it was the silence that was breathtaking.

Often, I find myself caught up in life and the busyness that it brings. This morning, my Lover brought me to Him...just to be alone. From the start, I wasn't in control of my path...I had a guide...a Trustworthy, Loving, Fair guide. Looking down, I saw blades of grass standing up straight...looking up, I saw trees with all their fortitude reaching to the sky. I heard crickets and bees buzzing around me. I saw a bull with strength in its horns. Everything around me was worshiping...and I was invited to this party. My focus, my breathe and my strength all depended on where He wanted me to be at that particular moment. Sometimes those moments brought chills, sometimes tears...but all of them brought renewed strength. It was a breathtaking reunion.

Yesterday I had a close friend tell me that, when I am around, I light up the room. Now you must understand, this light has nothing to do with me...it is all about the God that lives inside of me. I am honored that God chose to chase after me...and there is no compliment greater than someone recognizing His love for me. If you ask if I am bragging...I am. I wear my Light prouder than any pair of running shoes I own.

Sometimes, in life, little do we know that Someone is orchestrating an intimate date that requires nothing more than for you to simply show up.

Prepare and Attack

Went for my long-run yesterday after a full week of heavy mileage...this time I was ready. Preparation was the key. A wise runner learns from his/her mistakes; therefore, I mapquested my route this time and made sure I had plenty of water strapped around my waist (see blog below).

My goal: 15 miles.

I started my run with a steady slow pace. As the miles passed, I felt strong. I actually felt like I was holding something back...don't worry, I gave the crowd what it wanted at the end. I think the best way to describe this run is to give you "Mile Markers"...

One hour after eating- Gun time
Mile 1- Slow pace, nothing too fast, no burn out planned
Mile 3- Typically when I actually have my breathing down to silent and controlled
Mile 7- First water bottle (Executed perfectly...I was warned this might take some practice to perfect...naw)
Mile 10- Turn around point...Picked up my pace...Felt good (This is called a negative split to any of you non-runners, which is not a lifestyle I comprehend)
Mile 10- Spit out old gum, Put in new gum (Yes, I actually have this planned in my runs...mile 10 is when the old piece starts to dissolve...a new piece of Orbit Mist Peppermint Spray to the rescue...running + chewing gum=multi-talented)
Mile 12- Second water bottle
Mile 13- Pumped my fist in the air in response to a "Newspaper Guy" cheering me on...It is always great to have spectators
Mile 15- More energy?? Good. There are always more streets. Took a detour and sprinted the last 1.5 miles.

Beautiful run. Confident mind. Strong legs. Steady feet. 16.5 miles...complete. Today was supposed to be a rest day so I took some time to work on my speed. Warmed up with a tempo mile and then sprinted 100s on out. Nike really is going to regret not sponsoring me...I was crushing the Berlin times today.

For this week of running, I think Danny Green sums it up perfectly, "Yeah, (I) did it, but did you see how (I) did it?"

New Race, New Mindframe

So...I have gotten comfortable with the smaller races and I typically train for a specific time in those races. I have an 18 mile race at the end of September and my goal is simply to finish. I have been building my mileage for a few weeks now and today was a test of my racer's mind. I got lost. First problem. I didn't hydrate well. Second problem. I came to a point in my run, mile 12 to be exact, when I had to decide whether to push or quit. My stomach was cramping, my scenery was unfamiliar and my end was nowhere in sight. Now for the mental war.

At first I thought, "Babycakes...I run this mileage often...this is nothing." Then my mind starting wandering. "Where am I?" "I am cramping every time my feet hit the pavement." "The cramps are too unbearable." "The hills are too big." "The distance is too long." And..."I think I am going to quit." Then my runner's mind kicked in..."Quit??!! Heck no! It will take you longer to walk back! The end is surely close...you came to run 14 miles...now do it! Take this hill slowly and catch up on the downhill. Your feet won't fall off...your lungs will endure...now focus and finish your run."

At mile 14 I saw familiar roads and I knew the YMCA was approximately one mile away. I decided to run to the light closest to the YMCA and reward myself with a cool down walk the last quarter mile. My first stop was the water fountain!! It was cold and refreshing! (I will now invest in a water belt.) Time to cold soak my muscles in preparation for another week of training.

I understand that everyone that reads this blog is not a runner but this same mentality can be transferred to anything physical...if you commit, you will finish. Your body will not fail you. Your mind will not submit. Hold your head up and look toward the goal...finish strong...and be proud.

I am, in fact, a runner.

Just a start...

So...I decided to start this blog after stumbling across several running blogs from other area runners. My speed is not what qualifies me...my passion is my drive. I run at least five days per week and I try to keep my mileage between 28-34 miles/week. I run at a moderate pace for most of my runs.

I am 29 (30 in October!!) with three children (ages 3, 5 and 10). I work full time and have only two more weeks in an evening MBA program at Wake Forest. WAHOO!!!! (Try reading standing up at your kitchen table just so you won't fall asleep!) I then plan to pursue a completely different career path and start training for the Chicago Marathon next year. My forte is long distance running but I must admit I like a good sprint every now and then! I typically run in the morning but train in the heat when necessary. I started running three years ago when my little girl was born. I was VERY tired of carrying weight on my body and simply started running for weight loss. Slowly I became addicted. I started walking/jogging. Then simply jogging. Now I would like to say that every now and then I actually RUN!

I will try different things with my blog...they won't ALL be about running...but I do plan to post some general information about my daily workouts/runs. I do have other things (three that breathe to be more precise) that occupy my time and will refer to those along the way as well!

I will update the blog periodically so stay tuned...ENJOY!