sixty five days

It's been a while since I wrote about running.  Not because I haven't been running - thank the Lord! - but because I don't want to bore you with the mundane ins and outs of my training.  Today I hit a road block. Partially physical, partially mental and a whole lot of spiritual.  

Last weekend I ran seven miles for the first time in well over a year.  Seven miles is the longest I've ever run.  Not a single step further.  Saturday I ran it seven miles in weather that was almost ninety degrees - and felt way hotter - not the best idea I know! I took it super slow and took lots of running breaks.  I looked back at my last years times and I ran 20-25 minutes slower.  It was kind of discouraging.  This year I've put in the time - I'm more dedicated and consistent then I've been with running. And yet I'm slower.

Then I take a minute to step back and think about my goal in running this race - it's not about this race at all!  As I was reading through my devotions - Made to Crave - I was reminded that none of the sacrifices or sore muscles is worth it when it's just for selfish reasons.  Each step I take is a thank you to my Father for creating me for a purpose, a rejoice that I'm healthy enough to run seven freaking miles, a declaration that I'm ever so slowly stepping away from worldly desires to choose Him, a time to connect and hear my Great Counselor .  None of these minutes, hours, weeks and months of work would be worth it for any other goal but to deny myself of my desires.  To say yes to Him.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."  -Hebrews 12:11

Now I'm sitting here so incredibly grateful that the Lord used my quiet time to remind me that I'm not running this race for a number on the scale, to fit in a certain size pants or to finish in a certain time.  Tomorrow as I set out to run a nice little jog around the block I want to make every step a song or praise.

Thank you for not giving up on me!

Thank you for showing me grace and direction.

Thank you for placing encouraging people in my life to remind me of truth.

Thank you sweet friend for reminding me that I am not where I was a year ago as a runner. 

Thanks for reminding me to step back and gain some perspective on where I've come from.  

Thanks for the laugh starting your encouragement with "remember that time you ran a 10k last year and threw up on the finish line...then crushed that time a few weeks ago."  

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."  -Hebrews 12:1

Thanks for reminding me that today I'm a little further along in this race that I was last year.


PS I'm SIXTY FIVE days from running a half marathon!!

Happy National Running Day!

This time last year I remember thinking I have joined the running community.  I couldn't help but not run or post about it being national running day. The last year the running community on Instagram has grown dear to my heart and supported me through spring training and my decision to finally run a half marathon.

Today I read that 1% of people in the United States can run one mile.  If you would have asked me five years ago if I would be running a half marathon I would have laughed.  Ten years ago if you would have told me that in 2012 I would cross the finish line of a 10K with a kick butt time I would have doubted it.  But if you would have told me that in 2013 I would be crossing the finish line of my very first body I would have said, "over my dead body!"  Seriously.  Let's just says that I was never in shape and was bigger then most the other girls my age.  So I'm so grateful for the support of my family, friends, and internet friends.  If you're sitting on the side line saying that will never be me, I challenge you to push the limit, start small and set practical goals for yourself (no one else).

That being said, today I ran for the first time in fives days and it was rough.  However, I was reminded that I am capable of so much more then I think is possible.  Somedays I think I've completely lost my marbles for signing up for a half marathon, but I'm so glad that on a cold March day (my birthday) I signed up for a half in September.  There is no turning back now and if I'm going to run it, I'm going to train and train to the best of my ability.  So I'm enjoying pushing through the doubt, sickness, and hard weeks.  I've learned that I can too extend grace to myself when I miss a run, heaven forbid I only run twice in a week.  But I'm starting to be ok with it and instead of focusing on the training plan enjoying the journey.

Journey to a Half Marathon

It's been a while since I've updated on my running, so I'm going to be honest: I'm in a rut.  

My pace isn't getting any better, I hurt my foot, I had finals, then I instantly was sick.

But today I got new shoes!! Well, kind of new.  

They're new for me, but I traded in my last new pair.  

So their new minus the cost.

New shoes for runners is like a new engine in a car, almost.  

Of course I had to break them in.

Although I have been sick and not been running in a week.

That sad mile and a half around the block had me breathing hard.

But I won't be discouraged, I still can't breathe easily just sitting still.

Before I got sick I was discouraged with my pace not improving.  

Mile one I go out too fast, mile two I have to break through a wall, then I finally cruise on mile three.

Mentally I feel like I should be breaking my pace below a 9:00 minute mile on a regular bases.

This year I started running three months earlier then last, plus I'm running more regular and longer.

Somehow, it just wasn't giving me that magic break through I wanted.

I tried a speed workout two or three weeks ago and got an 8:00 minute quarter mile interval.

There are glimpses of the potential I could possible reach, but sometimes feel at a loss how to get there.

People have said to use SmartCoach, but I wasn't loving the plan I got or the paces it was giving me.  

Today it worked out perfectly: the plan feels attainable, but challenges me.  

So I'm going to be moving over to that for now.  

What I love about this plan is that I can put in my race pace and see what I need to be running for easy runs.  

Then I can truly be taking them easy for my body, pushing it when I need to get the work done.

Look at that last week, hitting my half marathon at a pace that I would love.

I'm exciting to see what my body is capable of and to not feel like I'm running aimlessly.
Thanks for listening to the rants of an extremely nervous first time half marathon trainee.

half marathon check in

Since I have twenty-five weeks until my half marathon I decided to just do periodic check ins.  Last week I took a break from running cause I hurt my foot. My runs felt off and I struggled to go three miles the first day back.  Somehow I managed to keep my pace on target and even got in a four mile run.

This month I'm a little behind my goal of 50 miles, but I'm hoping to get to the finish line with out an injury, so taking this month slow to run longer is ok with me.  As I was sitting around, thinking about running, I decided to not follow a true plan until I get closer to my race, like sixteen weeks out.  I just want to get my body moving a 15-20 miles a week.  Slowly, but surely I will be race ready.  My mindset it changing over the course of the month too.  Sometimes I want to skip the in between and go from A to B.  But whats the fun in that?  

Journey to a Half Marathon

Well, I am officially three week into my half training and I've already changed plans, go figure.  I combined speed work from Hal Higdon, the pre-training plan from an app, and the base training from Train Like a Mother.  

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Ran 4 miles {I hired a babysitter so I got to run solo}

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Ran 2 miles {felt so sluggish}

Friday: Ran 6.16 miles!!! {It was awesome.  My first 6 miler since last May for my 10K. My mom braved the cold wind and rode her bike along side of me}

Saturday: Water park with my family!!! And go-karts.  That's a workout right?

Sunday: Traveling/Rest day

I finally found a workout link-up...yay! 

Little Girl Big World

Half Marathon Training {Week Two}

I have officially finished my second week of my half marathon training plan, which is kind of a big deal because I have a tendency to give up on training plans when it gets tough.  This week was no exception, it was tough.  Addi didn't want to sleep, we're both fighting a cold, our weekend was crazy, the weather did not want to cooperate, and the list goes on.  But it happened.  Week two happened.  Yes, I would have loved to have run more because my goal was to add an extra training run to the week. But I'm just happy to check week two off my list and look forward to what week three of training has in store.

 Thursday night I was bumming because I didn't get to run that third run, but instead of sitting and vegging out I decided to do some yoga.  Yep, some peaceful yoga at 9:30 PM after I put Addi to bed.  I will be honest, my nutrition has not been anywhere near what I want it to be this week, but I'm aware and plugging along.  It's a new week and I'm extending myself grace instead of giving up.  

Friday morning I got my new running shoes!  The fun part was the style I went with is also the name of my hometown.  It's funny to me.  I'm not a hometown lover.  I couldn't wait to get out.  I wasn't the most athletic girl or popular or anything.  I just wanted to get in and get out, as fast as possible.  But I'm so different from the person who left that two six years ago.  So now it's funny to be running with a little reminder of where I came from, what God has brought me though and what He has in store for me. 

Monday: Rest {long run was Sunday so I needed to recoup}

Tuesday: Ran 3 miles & Walked 2.6 miles

Wednesday: Ran 2 miles & Walk 1 mile

Thursday: 30 Minutes of Yoga {small victories!}

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Ran 5 miles {with adult running buddies and new shoes}

Sunday: Rest

13.1 {in progress}

Since I'm on my journey to running my first half marathon I thought I would blog about it.  These are moments I want to remember: victories, lows, mental battles, and goals accomplished.  This week I finished my first week of my half marathon training plan!  Honestly, I didn't want to do it.  But I got out there and did it.  A small victory.  No, I didn't crush the workout but I got the miles. 

I'm not sure if it's a new training plan thing or my personality, but I'm constantly second guessing my training.  Is it too much?  Is it enough?  I don't know.  And guess what?  I won't know until the day that I run 13.1 miles.  For now I'm making myself finish the plan I first posted on my mirror.  If I need to repeat a week, I will.  If I need to add another run to my week, I will.  But it's not a race, it's a journey. My journey. 

Monday: Ran 3 miles & Walked 2.6 miles
{Addi never wants to leave the gym after my runs}
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Ran 3 miles & Walk 1.2 miles
Thursday: Walk 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Ran 4 miles {It was amazing!
Sunny 55 degrees, capris, tank top, running outside, awesome pace}
Sunday: Rest

Happy Half Training Day!

Last weeks five mile run gave me a kick in the pants. 

If I can run five miles now, why am I waiting to start my half plan until some unknown date?

No more waiting, it starts today.  

This plan looked perfect for my first half marathon.   

It's pretty simple and straight forward.

No tempo, speed, jumping on your head. Wait?

However, I'll probably add an extra two mile run during the week somewhere.

It's actually what my weekly run looks like right now, ten miles a week.

So why not now?

Here is my plan: I'm going to finish this twelve week plan, maintain 15 miles a week for four to six weeks of summer, kick off half marathon training round two, and then half marathon race!!!

After thinking about it I decided the best thing for my nerves is to just do a round of training first.

It's exciting! By the end of May I should be able to run 13.1 miles. 

Who's coming with me?

5 MILES!!!

{A recent post I wrote to my online running group, but thought I would share here.}

Ok, I have to be honest.  I'm SUPER competitive, but in my own way and mostly against myself.  I'm 6 years younger then my sister. I wanted to run a half marathon, but she did it before me.  And was freaking FAST!! She's a gifted runner.  She has run countless halves and a marathon since.  So I sometimes sit and think, "well if I'm never going to run a half at THAT time, why do it at all?" or "I'm not going to run a full, so why train for a half?"  Destructive runners syndrome.

This group has been extremely humbling for me.  After starting the challenge our church started the Daniel Fast and I felt like the Lord was saying, "trust me, you need to do this first and the rest will come."  So I did and I didn't contribute as many miles to the first challenge as I would have liked. But at the end of it I had some such a long way in my faith and heart.

This time last year I hadn't even started my spring training, but tonight I did 5 miles doing run/walk intervals.

So I'm on Team Paprika and we slowly slid into last place. But instead of giving up and saying to myself, "no matter how many miles I long it won't be enough." I tried to consistently add to it.
 

One of the things I think that has meant the most to me is seeing everyone else's pace.  My sister seriously runs 7:XX minute miles.  So when I looked at my 8:30/9:00 minute miles last year I got discouraged because my body is several inches taller then her and "will never run that pace."  Getting to know other real people, just running for the love of it and seeing their real life, up and down paces has been amazing!  It's been humbling, encouraging, and so uplifting.  Kristin your blog post seriously was so amazing for my spirit!

Pushing a 35 pound daughter and 25 pound stroller!!! Thank you Addi for not letting mommy stop and crying when I tried to leave the gym.

Tonight I ran 5 miles, for the first time since my race training LAST May.  After that race I ran probably ten times last year.  Because I never would ___________.  My 5 miles wasn't the pace I would have loved to see last year, but as I finished it I was just as proud to finish mile 5 tonight as I was to cross the 10K race line last year.  Yes, my pace was slower because I'm starting over but I was SO proud!

Don't compare your journey to anyone else's.

Take all the encouragement from other's stories.

Keep fighting.

And be proud!

Any accomplishment is HUGE!!!

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start" -Quote by John Bingham

Weekly Run: Accountability & Goals

This week was the first week of our running challenge.

It's a small step in helping me reach my goal of making running a lifestyle.

Not just a yearly attempt to get running then hurt my body because I didn't listen to it.

This week I've loved running! 

Being so in tune with my body's nutritional needs.

Eating only fruits, vegetables and seeds I thought I would lag.

However I've felt the opposite. 

It's been freeing!

No calorie counting, no pace checking, no binge eating.

Nutrition the way God created it.

Relying on Him the way I've often ignored.

This year I want to run 600 miles and just maybe finally tackle that half marathon.

I want to be that person who has a 13.1 sticker on her mini van, or maybe I'll settle for a headband.

I'm starting to visualize reaching my goals: being able to say I ran 13.1 and running my 600th mile.

Until then I want to have little reminders around to remind me that life is an endurance race.  

It's not about finishing the fastest, but consistency and having a joyful heart.

God often places Hebrews 12:1-3 on my heart:

"Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

Life is a"marathon" and I have the best example to follow in His foot steps.

This week I ran:

Monday: 2.5 miles {10:07/mile} + stretching 

Wednesday: 2.51 miles {10:09/mile} + .29 mile cool-down

Friday: 2.15 miles {9:54/mile} + a quick yoga session

Saturday: Anticipating a 3 mile run in the sun!

A friend just gave me the 10 minute trainer program, so I'm excited to add that next week.

Follow along on the DailyMile!

Training Recap

Well last week was my first "get your butt in gear for a half marathon week."  Now I'll rewind a moment:  I've been wanting to train for a while, but my timing didn't work out due to traveling, moving, and not having a good jogging stroller.  A few weeks ago I was blessed to get a BOB and I've been putting it to good use now.  

Last week I got out four days for my runs:

Monday- 2.7 miles in 26 minutes (Pace 9:37/mile)
Wanting to do 3 miles, but my mapping was off.

Wednesday- 3.88 miles in 44 minutes (Pace 11:20/mile)
Addi and I ran to the park and back.
I walked the first little bit back since I had eaten lunch, hence the slow pace.

Friday- 3 miles on the treadmill in 28:52 minutes (Pace 9:37/mile)
Good treadmill workout on my last day at FitZone!
One mile was actually 9:18 pace, my personal fastest.

Saturday- 3.9 miles in 37 minutes (Pace 9:38/mile)
First solo run adding more miles in a while, but it was super windy!