Running? It's Been A Busy Week!

Well, so much for my trying to get a couple 4 milers in this week! It's already Friday and besides last Sunday, the 5K race I ran, I am sorry to say I have only ran once. On Wednesday I ran outside in beautiful warm weather and put in 3 miles. That's all I had time for! I am hoping to maybe run tomorrow, but it looks like another busy day. I might not be able to run until Sunday. Maybe I can try to sneak in 4 miles then. I guess we'll see.

Also, today when I checked my email, I received yet another reminder about the half marathon event I was hoping to run again. It is just about a week away. I do hope my friend's training is going well. I am looking forward to being part of the cheering committee since I won't be running myself!

And although I've been busy this week, I'm okay with not getting my run time. I have been busy about the Kingdom and I know my Father has wanted it that way.

Running and Post-Race Status

It's over! It comes and goes so quickly. I am so glad I signed up and did it. And yes, I beat my PR by 37 seconds! And what's more, I even managed to get a second place medal in my age group! Hot dog! It was so much fun to beat my personal best and place. But I must say, it wasn't a good feeling kind of run. It was hard. I might have started out a little too fast. Whatever it was, I found this run to take much effort. Good thing it was a flat course. I also found myself feeling a bit dry or dehydrated in the beginning of the race. That was weird. I am wondering if all my indoor running this past week, where I sweat a lot more than if I were running outdoors in cooler weather had anything to do with that. I usually don't grab a drink during a 5K, but I did this time.

My finish was okay. Not quite the sprint at the end of a race I usually pump out. But I finished and did better than my last best. I am very pleased and thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to have run this race.

What's next? I heard about a 10K in April. Maybe I'll look into that. We'll see if my body cooperates with some increased mileage. Maybe this week I'll try to get in a couple 4 milers to see how I do. I like the challenge a 10K would bring. And if I can't do the half marathon for now, a 10K sounds good to me.

As for the rest of the day, I'm going to relax and bask in the glory of a sweet personal victory of "running in such a way as to win."

Running and Race Day Jitters

It's a beautiful day and the sun is up and shining gloriously! But there is frost on the grass and cars so it is not as warm as I would like it to be. I prefer not running in layers, but if I have to layer up, I have to layer up.

I am sipping on my coffee, trying to wake up. I'm feeling a bit of the jitters. But I do have some consolation in the fact that the race course is relatively flat. It is now time to "just do it!"

I pray for God's grace and strength. I run this 5K for Him and seek to do my best. I'm looking forward to posting later today that I did beat my own PR. That is what I'm shooting for. We'll see...

Running and Competition

Competing in a race has a tendency to bring out the best and the worst in a person, or should I say, athlete. At least it does for me anyway. For instance, as the race day approaches, I find myself getting a wee bit nervous. If I dwell on the race too much, my anxiety heightens and I can be a little on edge. That does not fair well for those closest to me. I find myself looking at external circumstances, like the weather or how I'm feeling physically, how much sleep or rest I'm getting, whether or not I'm eating and hydrating adequately, etc... If there seems to be a glitch in any one of these things, that gives way to more mental and emotional concern I find myself stewing over. Then there is the anticipation of wanting to do better than my last time and the impending disappointment if I don't.

Feelings of nervousness can choke out the joy and the fun of any sport. It breeds a tense disposition instead of a relaxed feeling. And if I'm not relaxing, my body is having to use up energy that could be tucked away for race day. These are the kinds of things I need to keep in check.

On the other hand, competition can bring some wonderful things to the table of your life. Competing calls for faithful preparation. Who wants to be in a race and not do their best? Who signs up only to be apathetic or indifferent towards their performance? Who wants to make a complete fool of themselves?

So you get to work on that wonderful quality of self-discipline. You get to set goals and work on improving them. You learn to bridle your worry and trust in the strength the Lord gives. You take to heart Scriptures you've made life verses such as Proverbs 21:31; Psalm 147:10-11; Psalm 33:16-18; Psalm 44:3-8; Psalm 60:11-12; Phil. 4:13; Isa. 31:1 and others! You attain and achieve areas you did not think were attainable or achievable, and while rejoicing in God's grace, confidence is gained.

Competition? Bring it on. In the final analysis it seems to come down to competing against myself anyway. Yes indeed, God challenges me to "run in such a way as to win." And there are those I will run faster than. But there are also those who will run faster than me, lots faster than me. I just really want to be a winner against my last best and make it my new best. For me, that is what it means to "run in such a way as to win." And a winner needs a good competition to make that happen.

Feeling a bit tired at the moment. The cold weather kept me indoors for a third time this week. But I got in a 3 miler and am praying hard for warmer weather on Sunday!

Running and Gearing Up

I am getting really excited about the 5k coming up this Sunday. Now, I feel motivated! Perhaps it was one of the things I needed to do. I haven't ran in a race since the fall so I'm really looking forward to it!

I am hoping to beat my PR. That is my goal. It will be interesting to see the course layout. I have no idea if it is hilly or not. I am also wondering how the weather will be. It is supposed to warm up, but then I also heard there may be a chance of showers. Whatever the course, whatever the weather, I'm in, and gearing up to do the best I can!

Because of Tuesday's snow, I ran indoors yesterday and did 3 miles on my treadmill. It was a great run! I felt I had lots of energy and focused on sticking to the same challenging pace throughout the entire 3 miles. I am hoping to run outside tomorrow. I'll rest on Saturday and be ready to go on Sunday. My daughter is coming with me to cheer me on and I asked a friend just last night to run it with me. It's always a blast to have someone you know run the race too. And then to see a familiar face at the finish, cheering you on, that'll do it ever time -- you find yourself kicking it up to high gear, giving that last small part of the course everything you got and more!

Gearing up. Webster defines "gearing" as "to make ready for effective operation." Well, I sure hope it will be an "effective operation!"

Running and 5k Registration In Motion

I decided not to waste one moment. After checking out the events calendar on the Fleet Feet website, I saw a 5K race for this Sunday, March 26, and it's practically right down the street from where I live. So, I'm in! Paid the fee and ready to go! This means I'll probably not do any cross training on Saturday. That's okay. I'll just get 3, 3 milers in this week and try to do my best on Sunday!

I'm excited I found a 5K so close to home and just in the nick of time!

Running and More Confessions

So did I cross train on my bike yesterday? The title of this post answers that question quite clearly. Yes, it's confession post #2! As for excuses, I'll list probably the top three:
1) It was the Sabbath -- the Lord's day of rest!
2) I had to get a school newsletter done!
3) It got cold again!
Nice excuses, huh? What about plain ol' giving in a 2nd time in just a matter of days to the "I don't feel like exercising today" syndrome! I even had the opportunity to go swimming. My younger sister gave me a call and asked if I wanted to go swim some laps with her on Sunday. My excuse to back out of biking due to the cold was maybe legit, but to back out of an opportunity to swim in a heated indoors pool? I think it's called being lazy! I flat out turned her down! Oh boy, I must need some motivation! Especially since it's cold again and snowing on the first official day of Spring! I got to keep remembering the difference between the dedicated runner and the casual jogger!

I did run inside today. And I actually felt good on the treadmill. I ran 3 miles and my pace was pretty decent. I even did my upper arm strengthening routine. So, I'm not being too much of a loafer. Just didn't get that 4th day of exercise in this past week. And I don't know about this week. I think I should keep to the same plan -- run 3 miles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, then try that bike ride cross training thing again on Saturday. I need to pray for motivation. Maybe I should look into running a 5K race in the next few weeks. Races are always good for motivation. Just to be in a crowd of other runners for a few miles is so much fun! I'll have to go to Fleet Feet's web site and see what's coming up.

It's late now and this first day of Spring is almost over. And you should see the snow coming down! It's amazing! God is a God of wonder and mystery. What could be more appropriate to one's "confessions" than to see a blanket of snow and be reminded, "Though your sins are as scarlet, I will make them white as snow." Of course my mere "running confessions" are not the kind of "confessions" as in repenting of sin. Instead, they are but admissions of not measuring up to a standard I hold myself to. God has not bound me to a certain exercise regime per se. Although, He does require good stewardship with the physical aspect of my being. So then, that ought to always be my motivation. I want to be disciplined, but not legalistic. I want to be dedicated, but not ensnared. I want to be free to run, not a slave of running. So, I'll keep setting my goals, and when I'm not measuring up to my standard I'll give myself a little grace, go for the goal the next day, and be okay with it unless it becomes some huge pattern. And if that happens, perhaps that could border on the kind of sin that does call for some serious confession and repentence.

Running Confessions

Ok, here it is -- a full fledged confession to pure laziness and giving in to the, "I don't feel like running, today," syndrome! This is my dirty laundry of how I gave in this past Friday! I had planned on running 3 miles on Friday, but when Friday arrived, for whatever reason I decided to be a Loser, instead of a Winner. Shame on me!

Ok, so you think I'm being too hard on myself. Well, "real" runners have to be hard on themselves. It's what separates the dedicated runners from the casual joggers. And dedicated runners set goals and stick to them. It's a frame of mind. An engagement of the will. You set goals and you go for them. No dilly dallying around. A dedicated runner looks at the goal, or the course, and says, "Gitter Done!"

So, what I put off on Friday, I set out to do yesterday. Loser on Friday, yes; but Winner on Saturday, yes! That means I should do my cross training bike ride today on Sunday, since I was supposed to do that on Saturday. So, will I be a Winner today? I guess my next blog will reveal all.

Running in Spring Grass

Today I was back in the wonderful outdoors running my 2nd 3 miler for the week. It was a great sunny mildly warm/windy day. For whatever reason, it was a tough run. Every step seemed to take so much effort. But I finished.

I knew I needed to run on the grass to soften the impact which may be contributing to my problem. So I did. I ran in the new fresh sprouting green grass with my new shoes. Oh well, I think getting them to look not so new was inevitable.

The problem with running in Spring grass isn't that it is green, but that it is coming up thick and high. The neighborhood landscaping folks have been busy mulching, not mowing. But it is due. Time to mow. I had to keep a good keen watch at every step. I was afraid of stepping in a hole covered by grass or rolling on a hidden rock/pine cone or whatever else I couldn't see.

Fortunately, I didn't take a tumble. But it was not a "good feeling" run today. It was hard. With the grass as tall as it was I had to work harder at lifting up my feet and legs with every stride. That takes more out of you. But I did finish without stopping or giving in to sneaking in a little walk here and there.

Staying vigilant to observe the grassy terrain took away that relaxed feel you get when you run. It also made it hard to focus on prayer or reflection of any substance. I kept thinking, "I just don't want to fall. Watch the grass, keep watching the grass!" And that's what I did the whole entire run.

I know it won't always be like this. I'll get used to running in the grass. I'll soon know where all the dangerous holes are, the grass will get mowed and Spring will turn into Summer -- where the heat moves in and the grass won't grow outrageously tall and thick.

1Peter 5:8-9 says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." When the spiritual grass is thick and tall, you can be sure that Satan is crouching in it looking for an unsuspecting soul to pounce on. But I will, by faith, resist him and keep on running the race of faith without falling.

Running Inside - It's Been Awhile

I have had a tough time trying to jot down my blog thoughts the day of my run. Here I am again posting the day after my inside run yesterday.

Yes, I took to the treadmill and accomplished 3 miles. I have been spoiled by my last 7 runs that took me outside. Running inside is just not my cup of tea, but it is better than nothing. Besides, treadmill running is easier on the body and fortunately I didn't experience any problems after my run. I was being a sissy because it was too cold and very windy outside. I also did my upper arm free weight exercises - something I had planned on starting last week, but never did.

One thing I gave thought to while on the treadmill was that I will have to incorporate some cross training since I don't think I can run two consecutive days in a row. Biking of course will be more convenient than going to a pool to swim laps - at least until our subdivision pool opens at the end of May. I also thought about doing a full triathlon this summer again. Last summer, I was part of a team. But I may do a whole one just for the pure pleasure of the challenge.

I don't really know what to think of my "runner's gut" problem. In my reading up on this phenomenon, it seems that it isn't an issue for bikers and swimmers. So, maybe I'll have to stick to triathlons instead of the longer runs. I'm not sure I'm willing to settle for this or come to this conclusion yet. I sure love running the long miles. I am curious to see how my body responds to a long and rigorous bike course. Maybe I'll pick a day this week to get back into the saddle of my bike. If I run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, then that will leave Saturday as the opportunity to hop on my bike and go for a ride. Sounds like a plan! We'll have to see if the weather cooperates 'cause I can't really ride my bike inside.

Running Beyond the Goal

Well, yesterday was just too nice to pass up running! I wasn't planning on doing another 3 miler, but I couldn't resist. My goal for the week's total was to get in 3, 3 mile runs, not 4, 3 mile runs. But I decided to go for it which brought my week's running total beyond my original goal of 9 miles to 12 miles.

Was it a good thing for me to run beyond the goal? I'm not so sure. It seemed that my past problems with the "runner's gut" thing sneaked up on me. I was really disappointed. I had been doing so well. I think it was the fact that I ran two consecutive days in a row without giving my body a chance to rest and recover. I had read that runners with this phenomenon should only run every other day. Maybe I'm only going to be an "every other day" runner from here on out.

Maybe running beyond my goal was a good thing in the final analysis. It definitely showed me I'm not ready to place that much running stress on my body even though mentally I feel ready to. It also places a responsibility upon me to look into some medical advice.

The other thing is that since I got new shoes, I haven't been running in the grass. I think I'm going to have to start running in the grass again, even if that means getting my new shoes full of grass stains! Oh well. And I need to remember to hydrate adequately.

Just when I think things are working out nicely, something occurs that causes me to call upon the Name of Jesus with matters of my running. He is after all the Lord of all, even the Lord of runners!

Running and Interesting Interruptions

Yesterday I ran later than usual. It was about 4pm before I got my 3rd 3 mile run in for the week. But I did get it in and made my goal for the week which was 3, 3 mile runs. I do think I will stick to running 3 milers for next week also and then perhaps the following week kick it up to a couple 4 milers. I want to continue to make sure I'm not pushing myself too hard or too fast. However, since I'm feeling pretty good running I feel a little tempted to go farther.

About the interruptions. The first occurred even before I began running as I noticed one of my neighbors walking towards me. So, I halted my take off and chatted for a while with my neighbor. 20 minutes later, I started my course.

Overall, the run went well, but I think I have more energy when I run earlier in the day. About 3/4's into my course and as I passed by the last lake I noticed a teenage male sitting in the grass writing in a notebook. Without a word, I passed by him only to take a few steps and stop in my tracks at the thoughts that came to my mind about the teenager. The thoughts were "what if this kid is totally depressed," "what if this kid is considering that life is just not worth it," "what if this kid is writing down his last thoughts." It was quite the interruption to my run. Without thinking about my next few actions, I took the thoughts and walked toward the teen. I made my presence known by saying hey, and asked him if he was doing homework. He said he wasn't so I just flat out asked him, "You're not sitting here all bummed out about life are you? You're not writing a final note, like a suicide note because if you are, I just want you to know that Jesus Christ loves you and died on the cross to save you and give you life. I don't know if you know Him but He wants you to know this." The teen looked at me and with a smile said, "No, I not bummed out. I promise." Then he took his hand up to his neck and pulled out a cross necklace from under his shirt and showed me the cross He wore. He said, "I know Him." I told him I was so glad and shared with him the thoughts that came to my mind as I ran passed him. I told him I just couldn't ignore them and had to take the chance. I told him I understood how hard it is to be a teen in today's world and that teens are checking out of life all the time to escape the pain of it all. "You just never know," I said. He then said, "Thanks for taking the chance and stopping. God bless you."

I took off running again to finish the 3 miles I had set out to do. As I ran, I was glad to have been interrupted in such an unexpected way. I don't know how God will use those brief moments in that young teens life, but I know he left that place knowing that he was noticed by the God of the universe who loved him and valued him enough to halt a stranger's run and tell him so.

Running interruptions. Sometimes, it's just a God-thing. I pray that I will always be willing to stop in my tracks, when for the sake of a soul, duty calls.

Running and Puddle Dodging

Today was one of those days where there was an early morning rain and then for the rest of the day it looked like a torrential downpour could occur at any moment. Yes, it looked like rain and it smelled like rain. But there wasn't any rain. Just dampness in the air and remaining puddles on the ground.

I decided to take my chance and run outside. After all, it wasn't raining. There wasn't even any wind to cause worry about mulchy dust specks flying into my eyes or my mouth like Monday's run. It was in the 50's too, another plus factor.

I am happy to say, I made the 3 mile run without a sprinkle of rain falling on my head. In fact, the dreary and damp day made for a relatively quiet run. The roads were quiet. The sidewalks were quiet. And I think I saw only one dog out in their back yard.

The quiet run did my soul much good despite the puddles I had to dodge here and there. At times I felt tempted to run right through the puddles. My new shoes brought me to my senses though. How could I get them all wet and dirty?

My run went well. I felt good all around - my pace, my shoes, my ability to keep a prayerful attitude. As I dodged the puddles I found myself praying that those I were lifting before the feet of Jesus, those running on their own spiritual course, would be able to dodge the things necessary to finish the race.

When I thought about and prayed for my fellow brethren trying to dodge the things that would otherwise tarnish the character of Christ being conformed in them, I wondered how many would really finish? How many would get weary of the puddles and just run right in them, bringing shame to the Name they bear? How many would just give in, cave in, or just plain quit?

The race of faith requires we do some puddle dodging. To be sure, storms are looming and puddles will appear around the next bend. What will we do? For the sake of Christ, His Name and His Kingdom, I hope we'll get good at puddle dodging and remember this promise: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." 1Corinthians 10:13

Running, Wind and Fresh Mulch

I managed to get in my first 3 miler for the week! It was 51 degrees outside, but the blustery wind made it feel cooler. Fortunately, the sun was shining and I did work up somewhat of a sweat.

Today as I ran around the loop in our neighborhood, the landscaping folks were out mulching everything in sight. At first, I didn't seem to mind the scent of fresh mulch, knowing it was all a part of Spring's arrival, but half way through the run it was becoming too strong for me! At one point I was sandwiched between two mulch dump trucks, one ahead of me, and one behind me and I practically tasted the stuff.

The wind didn't seem to help matters either. Instead of blowing the mulch smell away, it seemed I was running amid a swirl of mulch particles in the air that gusted my way at the wind's will. A pair of running goggles or at least some sun glasses would've really come in handy! At times I actually ran with my eyes closed, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, with a quick squint to make sure I wasn't running off course or worse yet, run into a pile of mulch!

My favorite part of today's run was going up the final hill at the end of the course when suddenly I felt myself nearly swept up by a blustery force that made each step seem effortless. Running with the wind to my back at the end of my course made the run through "mulch meadow" worth it.

I am reminded that though the scent of mulch can be a bit overwhelming, I know that it does good for the ground around the trees, bushes and flower beds. It is a helpful ingredient to those things that would ultimately come back to life after the dead of winter. 1Corinthians 2:15-16 says that believers "are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life."

I suppose it is safe to say that to some who have rejected Christ at my efforts to make Him known, I smell like an overdose of mulch. Overcome by it's odor, they cannot see the need for it (Him) or the benefit of it (Him). Hence, "the aroma from death to death." Nonetheless, I am a fragrance of Christ to God, and to those who receive Christ at my feeble attempts to proclaim Him, I know the scent is sweet and savoring -"an aroma from life to life."

Thinking on these things as I ran gave me an appreciation for all the mulch those landscapers were throwing down on the ground as I passed them by. I can only wonder what God may be trying to speak to them as they scooped it up, shovel after shovel.

Running and Sticking to My Guns

This afternoon I stuck to my guns and continued to take it easy, running those "gem" miles of just 2 1/4. It was 40 degrees, a bit chillier than the warm weather I had to run in earlier this week, but still warm enough to brave the chill and take the run outdoors.

My run felt good, my pace steady. Cardiovascular and respiratory-wise I felt in good shape. An easy 2 1/4 mile just doesn't get me huffing and puffing like a 4 or 5 miler. My shoes are being broken in, slowly that is, but being broken in none the less.

I am sticking to my guns of working back to where I left off slowly. Though tempted today to do 3 miles, I forced myself to stick to 2 1/4. My weekly total brought me to a mere 6 and 3/4 miles. Humbling no doubt when my goal used to be 15 - 20 miles a week. But I need to remember how bad I felt when I was down with strept and give mercy to my body so I don't go back to that place.

I will say that after 3 days of running this week I am feeling better about how my body is handling things. I am feeling well all around, like my normal self again and I am so grateful to the Lord. I guess I didn't expect things to be going as well as they are.

My hope is to bump things up to 3 miles next week for at least 3 days. I also want to get back to my upper arm strength training with my free weights. I don't do much, but it is more than I am doing now and for the past 26 days which has been nothing!

God is sticking to His guns too. As Creator of all, He has begun His regular routine of the turning of seasons. For today as I ended my run, I saw one of the first signs of Spring - sprouts of crocus coming up from the ground. I am thrilled.

Running in the New

Today was another gorgeous day outside. It is the very first day of March, a brand new month. It was an early tease of Spring days to come. Yet, I know it will probably get brisky again before Spring is really here. But I'll take these warm Spring-like days over the wind and cold any day, especially when trying to get back into the swing of things.

I kept to my easy 2 1/4 miler course. I felt good in spite of feeling a little on the sore side yesterday. My pace felt like it had a little more of a pick up than what it felt on Monday. But I didn't push too hard. I am still wondering how my body will handle my getting back into the swing of things.

It has been a few hours since I've ran, and I'm certainly not feeling as energized as I usually do after running. But I suppose that is to be expected.

Whenever my runs aren't as vigorous as usual, it seems so much easier to engage my mind in prayer. As I prayed over this, that and the other, and then left them with Jesus, I felt like the inward pounds of care and concern just shed away as I ran. I noticed this as I ran and while running the verse came to my mind that talks about "newness of life." The context of this passage speaks of our baptism into Christ Jesus, our being "buried with Him into death" and then, just as "Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father," it speaks of our resurrection, that "we might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-11)

Whether I am "walking" or "running," I want to experience this "newness of life" that is rightfully mine as a child of God. Today, feeling like I'm having to go back to square one, starting back slowly, coming back from what kind of seems like "the dead," I am reminded that after death for the believer, a glorious resurrection is always on the horizon - a "newness of life." So with that, I am believing for "new" runs to come as I slowly but surely persevere.