Keeping The Pace

2012-02-02T10:00:00.001-06:00

Wow! two post in one week! Unfortunately it's because running this week has had to take a back seat. I tried to run yesterday but it was pretty awful! I managed to endure 4 miles but it was all about pain management. Even my knee started to hurt which I think was from probably adjusting my gait to compensate for the foot pain. I also had this lower leg pain show up. I was a mess out running yesterday. Actually the lower leg pain was the worst of all three I was experiencing. I have had this pain before in the front of my leg from time to time which seems to happen when I increase mileage. But normally after a few runs at the new distance my leg adjust and I don't have the pain anymore. Since I took two days off to rest my foot it was a surprise to have this area hurting. The worst part about it is it is all the same leg! ugh! As I was running I thought if I could have a new left leg this run would be great! sigh! I haven't decided if I am going to run today or not. This area in the front of my leg is hurting right now so I'm not real thrilled to get out there and run in pain again. Anyone know what this could be or have had similar pain? I circled the area that hurts in the picture below. As you can see it is not my shin. It feels real good when I massage or roll it. I sure would like to know what it is. I've tried googling it but it keeps giving me information about shin splints. The pain is not in my shin but that big muscle on the front side of my lower leg.

In other news I have had to re-adjust my schedule of races this year already. The one run in Oklahoma I had hoped to run In May they moved the date up an entire month! We can't go in April while my son is still in school. The Wounded Warrior run in June was the one I really, really, really, wanted to run the most. But it too will have to be another time. We had serious time restraints this year with the time share we use for vacations and of course it happened to be the same weekend! I can't complain as I am looking very forward to vacationing in Colorado this year. The beach is always my first choice but the mountains are a close second. Between the leg pains and schedule changes life has really put a crunch in my Spring/Summer "come-back" ( y'all didn't know this was my come-back year did ya ;) ) When I look at all that is happening I could get discouraged real quick...between the pain I'm experiencing and the 180 in my race schedule things are feeling a bit challenging. Life is not going the way I would like it. It's funny how when you purpose to be more steadfast that life has a way of coming along and bumping your glass of water. Thankfully purposing to honor the Lord by being steadfast is helping me to focus through this time of disappointment and adjustment. I know that He is in the business of teaching me to live (which includes running) from the inside out. All of this stuff that is happening on the outside of my life He is wanting me to deal with from the inside out. I know He is wanting me to worship Him regardless... So I will not grit my teeth and force my way, I will not ask why, I will not buckle... but rather be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water..."But his delight is in the law of the LORD"...

Planted by the waters,

Terri

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

2012-02-01T09:17:00.010-06:00

You will never catch me running one of these!!!

I have not been able to run this week so far because of foot pain. I'm mad at myself because it's my fault my foot is hurting! I stupidly choose to wear high heels Sunday! I wore my boots to church thinking the heel was not that high but within a short time my foot was killing me!! I ended up on my feet and walking a lot Sunday which was not planned. It wasn't long before I was grumpy and limping. Thankfully my oldest daughter wears the same size shoe as I do and she kindly switched shoes with me. Really she just wanted to stop hearing me complain! Unfortunately by then it was too late. Sunday was eye opening to the fact that I can not wear ANY heels, not even a standard boot heel. And since running is a priority over vanity I wave the white flag. Really it's not so much vanity as I just own more heels than I do flats. Also being married to a guy who is 6'3 and I'm 5'3 I could use a little height. I guess it's time to go buy some FLAT shoes. So no more heels, not even my boots anymore! Good-bye boots! sniff, sniff...

I guess it means I can't sing this song anymore either :). I know this video will date me, although I was only a toddler when this song hit the charts I remember singing and dancing to it as a child :) I dare you not to dance while it plays.

Have a great week running!

His Heart Beats in Every Step

2012-01-25T11:50:00.003-06:00

Mind: (the Word)
In addition to my scripture reading I’ve been reading through; The Heart of Christ by Thomas Goodwin. The book specifically looks at passages of scripture that show how Christ love and attitude toward us is demonstrated in His life on earth and His life in heaven . It is written in old English which makes me laugh sometimes, but can pack a punch in fewer words. This excerpt talks about how Christ love is seen through the gift of His Spirit;

"...It is the Spirit which speaks in Christ's name, even as himself is said to speak from heaven, Heb. 12: 25. And when you pray, it is the Spirit that " makes intercession for you" in your own hearts, Rom. 8: 26, which intercession of his, is but the evidence and echo of Christ's intercession in heaven. The Spirit prays in you, because Christ prays for you: he is an intercessor on earth, because Christ is an intercessor in heaven. He also follows us to the sacrament, and in that glass (mirror) shows us Christ's face smiling on us; and thus we go away rejoicing that we saw our Savior that day."

Body: (health)
I have been on a mission since purging all holiday junk food to eat as clean as possible. I have had great success but have not lost ANY weight even though I am tracking calories and eating well. While I was out yesterday I got a salad from Panera Bread. When I got home and checked the calories on-line I was SHOCKED!!! This so-called "healthy" salad had a whopping 560 calories!!! and 34g of fat!!!(yep you read that right) what!?!? It had two tiny containers of a vinaigrette dressing, hardly any cheese and just a sprinkle of nuts! I still can't figure it out. Good thing I had the calories to spare that day. I'm not sure why the weight is not dropping when I am tracking calories like it's my job and eating well??? I am trying not to focus too much on the numbers for now just maintaining a clean diet.

Spirit: (running)
Running continues to go well! I laid out a 1/2 marathon plan that should have me back up to 1/2 marathon distance by mid April. I have enjoyed virtually pain-free running so far. My mileage this week is still low but building: Mon. 4mi, Tue. 4mi. and today another 4! I hope to finish out the week with 4's and a LR of 5 on Sat. Not much of a long run I know but I'm happy to be running at all. Although I still feel like I am having to push it a bit physically my spirit could run forever! I am so very thankful that I sense His Spirit drawing me into a place of worship while I do something I love so much. I never feel alone while I run as I sense His heart beat in every step...

Back to Our Regulaly Scheduled Program

2012-01-19T07:37:00.014-06:00

If this post had sound it would sound like a big Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! After our prolonged Christmas/New Year hangover life has been better this week. The holiday's just seem to come with everything disorganized, not enough sleep and too much sugar in our systems to think straight. With holiday company gone we are back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Mind: (the Word)
I have been spending a lot of time meditating on John chapters 13-17. This was Christ last conversations with His disciples before His crucifixion and resurrection. During my studies I wondered, if I knew this would be my last conversation with those that I love, if I wanted my thoughts and affections toward them to leave a lasting impression, what would I say? What would I do? I'm not sure washing 12 set of dirty feet would be on the top of my thoughts, yet this action best communicated Christ thoughts and affections at that time...I have so much to learn to be like Him.

Body: (health)
I have been really working on eating clean and already feel so much better. This was lunch on

Wednesday and was so satisfying, I think I'll have another today!Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium.(chlorophyll which gives green vegetables their color contains magnesium) Magnesium is a key player in nerve and muscle relaxation. But don't take my word for it learn about it here. http://www.livestrong.com/article/285488-magnesium-deficiency-muscles-and-nerves/

Spirit: (healing)

Running has been back on track and after taking a little over a week off. I started back Monday with a 5 mile run which was a bit ambitious because I could hardly sit down with out holding on to something on Tues. oops! Tues. I took it easy with a 3 mile run. I took Wens. off to allow some of the soreness to subside and did a 3 mile run this morning. I've got my heart set on building back to higher mileage weeks and if the Lord allows I hope to be back on track by Spring. I am thankful my foot seems to be holding out well.

Little by little one walks far.

Better Late than Never

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

Now that my mother-in-love has left I feel like I can really begin to get serious about moving forward toward some of my goals for 2012. Just a few minutes ago I purged all left-over junk out of the fridge and cabinets that made it's way into this house over the holiday's. I purposely did very little holiday baking but between gifts and other festivities I cooked for we ended up with pies, cookies, birthday cake, etc... I normally allow myself a bit of indulgence with moderation, but for what ever reason I found myself just mindlessly stuffing my face over the past few weeks! UGH! Between the big dinners I was fixing for various friends and family, eating sweets and getting in very little running my body literally feels ill !!! So it's time to detox both the kitchen and my body. Better late than never! Do you ever feel ill after eating a big meal or too much sugar? I know I do and it feels gross!!!

In other news the Olympic Trials as well as the Chevron Houston marathon has made this town a buzz of activity! I so wanted to hit up the expo and watch the trials downtown but had to take my husbands mom to the airport which happened to be around the same time. I know it's going to turn out to be a fun weekend for y'all. And what perfect race weather we have too. We southerners know how to do it right y'all.

I can't wait to read all the race reports and PR's that I'm sure are going to happen. Happy running!

I'm still Here!

2012-01-08T18:52:00.000-06:00

Just checking in to let y'all know I'm still here! My husbands mom is here visiting for another week from Oklahoma. Busy times mean no time to post. I've been reading your blogs and getting some great info on training as well as getting pumped-up for the Olympic Trials here in Houston!

It's count down time for those of y'all running the Chevron Houston Marathon!! It's been pretty warm the past few days so come prepared for some Southern humidity and hospitality! Happy running y'all !!!

2011 Reflections and Word/Verse for 2012

2012-01-01T09:26:00.003-06:00

First let me start with a little explanation...a few years ago I met the wonderful Jane through blogland. Jane comes up with a "word and verse" every New Year. I liked the idea so much that I started doing that myself. The neatest thing happened, that one little word became a simple reminder of a goal or objective throughout the year. It would also serve as a mantra in running. Last year my word was "thrive" and sometimes saying that one word to myself would help me to re-focus on the bigger picture. This year after much ~~wrestling~~ contemplation I came up with my word;

Steadfast: marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable; firm and dependable especially in loyalty
Synonyms: permanent, abiding, enduring, lasting, steadfast, changeless, fixed, unchangeable, constant, persistent, durable, stable, unbendable, unshakable, unfaltering, steady, unwavering, undeviating, firm
Antonyms: inconstant, irresolute

Yesterday during my devotions this verse just seemed to be the key one to mark 2012;

"He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers". Psalm1:3

Although it doesn't necessarily use the word steadfast, it is definitely applied!

How is this person steadfast? It's found in the previous verse; "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night"

Reflections of 2011
As I reflected back over this year, especially the last 5 months or so I really don't like what I see...I am not complaining or going into "looser-land" here but rather being very honest. It's easy for me to hide behind the curtain of this blog, only letting you see what would make ME look or sound ~~perfect~~ normal. But y'all know life can be really hawrd and it's really easy to get knocked down. I see a lot of areas where I am missing the mark. Where my actions and choices resulted in "reactive chaos" rather than obedience to the God I love. Most, if not all of what I see is the result of not being steadfast, not being firm, resolute or abiding. Allowing life's circumstances, the way I'm feeling at the moment...life's challenges, the ups and downs affect me to the point of wavering;
"...For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." James 1:6
So this year closes for me on a bitter-sweet note...I am thankful for a fresh start! I am thankful for a God who will enable me to be more steadfast this year. I am thankful for a God "who is able to do abundantly more than we ask or think"

Do you have a word you've chosen for this year?

Have Your Way...
Terri

The Heart of the Competitor

2011-12-26T07:52:00.002-06:00

The Christian school my son attends has an amazing football team. He played football this year and grew both as a young man and competitor. The team made it into the state playoffs and finished the season as district champs for the 3rd year in a row. I learned a lot about competing watching this team and the coaches. The coaching philosophy is not the norm. Its foundation is the Word of God. The philosophy is to teach players to play football or for that fact any sport from the aspect of worship. Not self worship but Christ centered worship. What I saw from shifting the focus off of self-exaltation to Christ exaltation was something that changed the way I looked at competing forever. You would think the temptation would be for the players to become complacent about wins or losses, I mean after all it's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game right? Not at all. Actually the standard was perfection, not that we can attain to it, but that is however Christ standard. They were driven by a greater cause, they became competitors in the truest sense of the word. Not being driven or lead by the score on the board or by personal success or even failure. These young men were competitors from the inside out. It was interesting to watch the ebb and flow of emotions and drive of some of the other teams they played based on the score board. A true competitor is not someone who competes for a number on a board or for a prize but rather they compete because that's what they are. Competitors. Warriors. Fighters. (Below are the nine core values used on the team)
1. Called to Love
2. Relationship Driven
3. Servant Leadership
4. Humility - Be the First to Give All
5. Live Lives of Sacrifice
6. Success is measured in how we “Close the Gap.”
7. Persevering with Eternal Perspective
8. Live with Passion
9. Love to Lose
I learned a lot about myself watching this team...I learned that although PR's are great and there's nothing wrong with striving for certain goals, pace, distance, etc...even if I achieve every goal, that's doesn't necessarily make me a competitor. It's also not the same as being competitive. Which I am not. I really find no joy in smoking someone on a race course. Don't get me wrong I love the exhilaration of crossing the finish line having accomplished my dreams, but being competitive and being a competitor at least in the sense I am speaking are different. It's in a sense a heart attitude. It's playing or running from the heart, for a cause that goes beyond ourselves, but is at the same time every bit of who we are. It's playing or running with an expression of worship.That's how I want to run with the heart of a true competitor!

As the New Year is approaching I look at my goals from the eyes of a competitor. Yes, I want that sub 2hr. half marathon, yes, I want the experience of crossing the finish line of my first marathon! I will make similar goals as last year with mileage totals and pace goals but this year will have at the heart of it;

Colossians 3:17—“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:23-24—“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Pressing on...
Terri
(the nine values listed above all have bible verses with them if you are interested in the complete list let me know and I can e-mail it to you)

If You Give a Mom a Marathon

2011-12-17T08:49:00.006-06:00

Below is a fun article I found while looking at the Wounded Warriors Half in Dallas. It appeared in Sports Day DFW and was written by Gabriella McCord. Too cute not to read.

This may be my last post until after Christmas (we will see). So just in case, I want to wish you all a very blessed and merry Christmas.

If You Give a Mom a Marathon

If you give a mom a marathon, she's going write it down in her calendar and tape a training schedule to the refrigerator. She will probably get up ridiculously early to log miles, which means she'll be lurking on facebook while the rest of the world sleeps, all amped-up on coffee, looking to chat with anyone else who might be up at that hour: other runners.

If you give a mom a marathon, she will bring home little packets of gu and stash them in her purse, her car, and her gym bag...she might leave one on the bathroom counter where one of her kids will regretfully think it's a shampoo sample.

If you give a mom a marathon, she will meet other people training for the marathon and bond with them, which will make her feel happy. (Someone "understands" her!) And that will cause her want to bake cookies - the kind with frosting and sprinkles. Her kids will love that, especially since they won't have to share with her, since she's training for a marathon.

If you give a mom a marathon, she will run - a lot - maybe more than she's ever run before. That will generate endorphins, extra energy and excitement, which will invariably cause her to hug her family more - even the dog - to the point of being told, "Please stop, you're hurting me".

If you give a mom a marathon, and the weather is bad, or she misses a run for some other reason, she will exude the behavior of a rabid, caged animal. It is safest to complement her most recently-prepared meal, offer her chocolate, and back away slowly. She will, of course, resume her state of running-induced euphoria once the training has resumed and she begins receiving ample doses of the highly-addictive "runner's high".

If you give a mom a marathon, she will reach for something bigger than herself. It will, at first, scare her, then fill her with excitement, courage, strength, and dignity. She will hang her heart on this dream through months of training, envisioning, as she folds laundry and scrubs toilets, the moment of her crossing the finish line, confident and proud. She will love that moment long after it has passed.

If you give a mom a marathon, that feeling of love, that savory taste of accomplishment, satisfaction and validation - that love will launch her heart in a new direction. It will propel her and compel her, beckoning to her in the secrets of her soul. It will make her put a 26.2 sticker on her car.

If you give a mom a marathon, it will make her fearless in the face of once-frightening situations. It will make her ready for anything life throws her. It will make her sign up for another
marathon.

http://runningblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/12/if-you-give-a-mom-a-marathon-a.html

Week 2 Beach Ball Abs

2011-12-12T07:40:00.001-06:00

I have to confess I am not a fan of core training. Even as a young girl flat abs were not part of my figure. At my thinnest weight a two-pack was about as close as I could get. I have what you might call beach ball abs. No, no, I'm not being critical...I have accepted my round tummy and have become very good at sucking it in just as someone snaps a picture. When I was pregnant with my first child I gained around 26lbs. really not that much but it was ALL tummy. Complete strangers would stop me on the street and ask me if I was having twins-I kid you not! And yes, I have had the dreaded question "when is the baby due" and I was NOT pregnant!!!

Really!?!?

When we first moved to Texas I didn't like to drive over the high bridges. As I white- knuckled the steering wheel I would repeat over and over "I hate high-bridges" After a while I started to think this is not helping me, so instead I started saying "I love high bridges" It didn't change the way I feel about them but it seemed to make them less terrifying. So this is the way I'm going to approach Ab exercises;
"I love core training, I love core training"

The hardest part of core training will be timing. When do you do your core training? Before or after your run? Do you do it 2, 3 or 5 times a week? Do you have a list you follow or DVD?

Terri

Week 1 (Recap) Baby Steps

2011-12-09T07:37:00.097-06:00

It has been a great week of running! For the most part I accomplished my two goals; consistent running and quality running. Tuesday was a fail day because I let the weather drive my schedule. I put off my morning run waiting for it to "warm-up" uhhh, it never did. It was in the 30's most mornings this week. I decided to forgo doubles as it was too cold. Here's my week in a nut shell:

Mon. 3 m. @ steady pace
Tue. off-not planned fail :(
Wens. 4 m. one word brrrrrr!
Thurs. 4 m. brrrr again
Fri. 4 m.
Sat. Tomorrow the plan is 4 m @ steady pace.
All my runs this week I tried to keep a good pace and good form. I also ran some of these runs with Shadow. He's a good running buddy. I had some VERY minor foot pain around Thurs. but on Fri's run my foot felt fine. It's a slow process back but I'm happy to be finishing a week of running without having to take off to rest my foot. Baby steps but progress none the less!
Terri

Week 1 Taking Flight

2011-12-05T09:00:00.042-06:00

Happy Monday everyone. Week 1 of my training program begins with great excitement about the possibilities ahead. Right now my primary focus needs to be toward re-build my weekly mileage. I plan to do that with, first, getting in consecutive days of running (something that has been very difficult the past 5 months). Re- building my mileage will come through extending my daily runs and doing double runs. I can tell my aerobic endurance (or VO2) has gone way down from where it was 5 months ago. I am thankful for cooler months ahead as it would be so tough to handle gasping for air in Texas heat y'all. Second I plan to work on quality of running during this re-building phase. Being alert to form as well as trying to keep at a reasonable pace.

I am continuing to watch my calories and work on loosing this weight. I'm starting my week -4 lbs already! I know a lot of people who try to loose weight through running and don't. I have been one of those people and it can be so frustrating. I think in most cases its a issue of balancing enough calorie reduction while keeping fueled enough to have quality runs. Also I know of others who want to loose weight first then start running after the weight is off. I understand this thinking as it is HAWRD (that's Texas talk y'all) to carry those extra pounds around let alone run with them. But I think just the opposite-if you can handle running at a heavier weight, that will only work in your favor as your heart, lungs, and legs will become stronger through the increased work load. As the weight begins to drop, then that extra strength gained will benefit you in speed and endurance. I don't claim to know anything scientifically but it makes sense to me. I will share more specifics about my diet in future post.

In the meantime I have a question about how you track your mileage. Before my fall I was using a Face Book app to track my mileage. This was convenient but I often thought it could be viewed as prideful. I tried Daily Mile and thought it was okay, maybe I just need to give it another try. I also thought about downloading an app on my cell. So my question is what app. do you use if any to track your miles? If you want to see some super tecky running charts then you need to check out Raina. Besides being in awe of her as a runner she uses super cool charts to track her running.

I hope you have a great week of running - pressing-on

Terri

Wind Beneath My Wings

2011-12-03T12:26:00.002-06:00

I found this quote recently "The captive bird that sits on its perch and sings, is wiser than the bird that flies against the wires of the cage, and tries to get out, only bruising its wings in its unavailing efforts." Since my fall in July I have felt somewhat like a captive bird...as I look back over the past few months I hope that I found contentment as I waited to be freed from the uncertainty of my future in running. There were days to be sure that I banged against the wires of the cage but hopefully in those months I managed to sing a little also.

Here is the update and good news on the knee. After a really hard fall in July I had to take off about 4 weeks from running while my wound and knee recovered. When I returned to running I had some expected knee discomfort but what I didn't expect was this mystery pain in the ball of my foot. I assumed the two were related since it was the same leg. Over the next few weeks as I continued running the knee pain became less and the foot pain much worse. After a month or so and no relief from the pain I went into my regular doctor but didn't get much answers on my foot. I continued to try and run building up to 4 miles, but the foot pain was getting awful. So much so that I would limp while walking and the pain was chronic. I couldn't run more than 3 days without experiencing a lot of pain and needing to take Ibuprofen as well as a few days off. By now it had been almost 3 months since my fall and I was starting to feel a great deal of discouragement. My mom came for a visit in early October and as best as I tried to hide my discouragement she saw it. Her concern was not going to be brushed under the rug either. While she was here I took off from running and steadily the pain decreased confirming my fears that running was causing the pain. It was while she was here that I made an appointment with the sport doctor. Problem was I couldn't get in for a month. After she left I continued my quest to try to get back to a normal running schedule and continued to deal with the pain. In early November (after my last post) something changed...the pain just disappeared!!! I went out for a run and I had no pain, none, my foot felt normal! I almost started crying right there on the running trail. I was free...the cage door had been opened and I was soaring!!! The pain did return a little after that but not at the level it had been. Most of all I started to have days where there was no pain at all. It went from chronic pain everyday to off and on...it was a gift straight from the Fathers hand!!! Also around this same time I had the idea to try a lower heel running shoe and after some research ordered the Saucony Triumphs-I LOVE these shoes!!! Since the lower heel promoted a more midfoot landing I noticed an immediate change in the pain level when it was there!! I truly give God the credit for the idea to try a lower profile shoe. "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him"

Finally my appointment arrived this week with the sports doc although, I wasn't sure how it would go since I had at this point been experiencing little to no pain most days. When the doc pulled up the x-ray of my foot I don't know why but I just burst forth in praise of Gods handy-work. Seeing this amazing creation I was in awe. The sport doc did a great exam of my knee and foot and basically diagnosed me with Metatarsalgia. For me this was great news. Something that can be managed with a little pad in my shoe if I need it.

Today I sit here completely pain free. I ran a double yesterday for total of 5 mile. I ran 3 this morning and will probably do another double today:) I am so excited to be able to get back to some real training.
Since not being able to run much over the past 5 months (wow it's been that long) I have put on a few pounds. This is not good as I already had a few to loose. I started Monday making some changes to my diet and have already dropped 3lbs this week!
To God alone belongs the praise for the changes that have occurred. His mercies ARE new every morning. Might I be more faithful to sing from the cage. I will update my progress on my weight loss and many more things in the coming weeks. Thanks for stopping by!

I have wind beneath my wings!!!

Keep Your Eyes on the Mountains!!!

2011-11-02T18:12:00.000-05:00

Taking a quick moment to update. As some of you might remember I tripped and fell pretty hard in July and ended up with an infected knee and chronic pain. I took off running about 1 month after the fall then started back off and on in August. Finally in September I went to see the doctor again (first time for the infection) as I was still experiencing pain in my knee but now also in my foot (same leg I fell on). I was told then that I had sprained my knee from the fall and that the foot pain was just me trying to overcompensate for the knee pain. Per doctors orders I took off a little more time and started running pretty consistently in September working up to 4 miles 5 days a week. This time my knee felt pretty good very little to no pain but the pain in my foot was getting more severe. I decided to keep running to see if it would just go away on it's own, but it got to such a level that I was starting to limp especially if I was not wearing a shoe. The location of the pain is very isolated around my middle toes and hurts worse when I flex my toes. I didn't have this pain before the fall and somewhat think the two are related. I took the past 3 weeks off and have nearly become pain free. I forgot what it was like to live without pain, feels like I've been able to take a deep breath for the first time in months. Unfortunately I walk/jogged today and the pain came right back...sigh. So today I scheduled an appointment with a sports doctor and will see him at the end of the month. I have not completely lost hope that I can run again and even looking forward to possibly running my first full marathon in 2012. I know God has a perfect plan in all this and I don't say that in anyway to trivialize how hard this issue has been to deal with. I have had days where hope has wavered and trying to figure out why God would not want me to do something I love so much has cause deep discouragement at times. I know that whatever His purpose in this is, it IS for my good, even if I can't see it. I know that my fall was not a surprise to Him in anyway but part of a certain course He has marked for me. I am no different than the next person who struggles when life feels out of control, but I am thankful that I have a God who is not only certain in His plans but also in His purposes. I pray I can glorify Him during this time. I'll keep you posted!

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip..." I believe it :)

Waving The White Flag

2011-08-28T16:38:00.001-05:00

I have been hesitating to write this post but I am going to be taking a break from blogging (not that I haven't already). In one sense it feels like defeat but yet I know that I will get back to blogging eventually. I love talking about running but lately running has been minimal at best since my fall in July. I finally went to the doctor because it just kept feeling like something was wrong. Like most "normal" people I googled my symptoms and was sure I had a serious injury. Thankfully the doc said it was only a sprain. I have been trying to get back to running this week but was cautioned by the doc to start back slowly. It has been wonderful to be back running but I have found with our new school schedule and my son in football it has been a challenge to fit it in. I'm hoping that the schedule will level out soon and I can get back to a routine that involves not just running but training! I have my eye on a half in March but don't want to say anything yet until I see how the next few weeks work out for the knee. So here I sit wishing I had time to write but instead waving the white flag on blogging for a while. I will of course pop in on your blogs and be cheering you on from my side of the computer. Until then friends keep pressing on!!!!

My Summer in Pictures (the good and bad version)

2011-07-26T16:35:00.000-05:00

The results of a bad fall during a run. The knee wound ended up
infected and I've been unable to run for 2 weeks now.

This is how Shadow feels about not getting to run

This was the simitruck we hydroplaned into
on our way to Virginia for vacation

Thank God no one was hurt but the van was a total loss

Getting ready to go sailing in Virginia

On the America Rover

Kind of describes my summer

At the beach in North Carolina

My son was accepted to this school!!!
It will be his first year in school

Having fun crabbing in Chesapeake Va.

We had a fun trip in spite of all the unplanned things that happened

The girl's started riding lessons this summer

This sign made me laugh

It's been a summer of great testing but one that has been completely covered by His undeserved grace. You know about a year ago I asked God to help me to have better responses during trials, not after its over, when hind-sight is 20/20 as they say. But responding rightly in the middle of the storm. So here I stand in the midst of God answering this prayer and I will tell you it's been a fight...I am fighting because of who He is. I know God has a perfect plan and purpose in all He does and that it is my good and His glory that motivates every action. So I fight to prove...He is trustworthy, He is worth keeping the faith, and I fight to live this moment to all He has given me. In this I find joy, strength and peace. I look forward with eyes of faith to what He has in store.

I hope to get back soon to blogging regularly and back to half marathon training!! I leave you with this poem:

Before the winds that blow do cease,
Teach me to dwell within Thy calm;
Before the pain has passed in peace,
Give me, my God to sing a psalm,
Let me not lose the chance to prove,

The fullness of enabling love,
Oh love of God do this for me,
Maintain a constant victory!

K-I-S-S -- Keep It Simple Summer

2011-05-27T09:50:00.005-05:00

We have all heard of the acronym KISS “keep it simple stupid.” Since I'm not a fan of the word stupid, I changed the last "s" to summer, and it fits great! I have been MIA from blog-land due to some major changes/responsibilities coming down the pike in our family. In all honesty most days I am struggling to keep ahead of it all. As a result many of the "normal" or regular things in my life right now are simplified down to the basics. One of those is running. I have put aside all “training plans” right now and have just purposed to simply get out and run. Whether it’s 4 miles or 8 miles, the goal is simply to run. I have a few races on my radar for the fall but I am not able to put any focus on those right now. Sadly the Rock-n-Roll Va. Beach half marathon is out for sure. Although we are still going on our vacation to visit my family in Virginia we will be going in July instead of September as originally planned. For someone who is a planner like myself it has not been easy to shift things around. The pressure to keep all the balls in the air right now has been overwhelming at times. I am trying to focus on the fact that the business of some additional responsibilities will pay for itself in a few months. I have been humbled, as I have had to trust Gods plan in all of this knowing He is working out so many fantastic things in the process. I can at times have difficulty seeing past the current circumstances I am in (especially when there are so many things happening) but in this case having simplified some other things in my life has allowed for clarity in the tasks. I’m trusting that in a couple of months the family will be thriving even more and things will be able to shift down a bit. Until then I cling to God’s sovereign purpose in our lives and trust He will give me the grace to manage it as He would have me.

And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

-Galatians 6:9.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T00:01:00.012-05:00

SOooo busy right now that I thought I would just update with photos from Mother's day. I was overwhelmed with love and gifts from my precious husband and children. We had a wonderful day just being together. The highlight was a drive to Galveston to eat at a seafood restaurant. I am blessed beyond measure...

WOW! love my new necklace!

The Mother's day booty was over the top!

At the beach! "Food to my soul"

Yes! I am a unashamed goofball :)

I will try to update this week with how my training is going and possibly some new race options I am looking at for this fall.

Melanoma Monday

2011-05-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

“Melanoma Monday” is the first Monday of May – and the kick-off of May Melanoma Skin Cancer Month. Also known as National Skin Self-Examination Day. People are encouraged to examine their skin for skin cancer.

Having lost a dear family member to cancer this past year and recently finding out about three more friends with cancer (one given 4-6 months to live) I have been painfully aware of the affects of cancer. I recently posted about loving my "runners tan" on Facebook, but, I know that sun exposure can put me at risk for skin cancer.

When my husband had cancer in 1996 and was going through treatments we met a young girl in her 20's being treated for melanoma. We had treatments on the same days and got to know her. She did not survive.

As most people do in preparation for a vacation last year, I spent a month working on a tan through a tanning bed. I see damage to my skin today from that time that I know is irreversible .

I am making a point this summer to be more careful about my sun exposure and to be more vigilant to apply sunscreen before running.

I have a doctor friend who lives in California that started this Miles for Melanoma 5k about 4 years ago. If you live in the area it looks to be a fun run for a great cause.

Do you have a particular sunscreen you like that stays on a sweaty runner? I would love to know!

The Easter Bunny Stole my Running Shoes

2011-04-26T16:06:00.002-05:00

We are back from our trip and we had a wonderful time. My only regret is that I didn't run as much as I would've liked. Family time and visits took priority I guess. Looks like week 2 for me will be a bust on the training and week 3 isn't looking much better right now. Tomorrow is a new day and I will be back at it hard!
While in Oklahoma we sort of had a curve ball thrown at us, and it may end up working against my plan to run the 1/2 in September. I'm trying not to stress about it as I can't do anything until my husband and I can talk about it. We got back Mon. night and he left today on a business trip. Waiting to talk about it will allow me some time to process this information and pray about it. I know I can find another race but this one was special. We will see, nothing is final yet. The pictures are just a few of our family from Easter. Hope y'all have a blessed week of training. Pressing on with you!

Be One With the Bunny

2011-04-23T00:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Easter y'all! If you are reading this post then my techno skills have improved! I set this post up before we left Texas to publish while we were out of town, so yippee for me if I actually made it happen. We are currently in Oklahoma for the Easter weekend, and I have hopefully gone for at least 1 run on my beloved running trails in town. I really miss those trails...many, many, miles of pouring out my heart before God. Hopefully I will not die on the multiple (real) hills this trail has. I am sure I will be enjoying the cooler weather though. It has been crazy humid here in the South!!! I am starting to realize I have a big adjustment coming this summer. Hopefully this is not going to affect my overall training goals! Every run this week I have returned home soaked, like I have just stepped out of a shower with my running clothes on. I tend to be a sweater anyway but this is dripping sweat. One morning I weighed myself before I went running, then again after my run and I had lost 3lbs!!! I know this is from sweating which tells me I have a right to be concerned about hydration this year especially. I read a blog post recently that suggest it is the post run intake of foods that best fuels your body for the next days run. The post suggested that this intake "should occur between 30 minutes and 4 hours after exercise is completed." Right now my post run intake is Chocolate milk or a protein drink. That's all I can stomach right now while trying to adjust to the heat. I know that I am talking about two different things here: hydration and fueling, but this post really got me thinking....if this is right; that proper fueling for the next days run occurs in the post run stage then would the same principal apply for fluids? How important is post run fluid intake and should this be consumed within a small window of time rather than spread this out throughout the day? I love learning from eachother and this lady knows what she's talking about. She's got me thinking and I apparently have some homework to do. Love to hear what you all know about hydrating post run?
My runs for this week so far are;
Mon. 5 miles
Tue. 4+weights
Wens. 9LR
Thurs. Off for travel

On a side note:

This is what they saw when they first came down

The Easter bunny was good to the kids this year :o) Even though my son is a teenager I think he still appreciates his mom indulging him with a basket every year. I try not to make it too kiddish which can be a challenge but I think he would miss them if I stopped. It's just one silly way to express my love to them.

Tried to be a little creative and not do ALL candy

Finally it would be completely out of character for me not to mention my Savior the Lord Jesus Christ so near Resurrection Sunday. For me personally the resurrection of Jesus is the culmination of all things meaningful, faith and fact, in establishing my relationship with God. In Luke 24:46-48, the risen Jesus gave His disciples a greater understanding of the resurrection when He told them: "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are God's provision for the perfect and final sacrifice for man's sins. God requires no other payment for sins! With this provision, mankind is granted the opportunity for new life by the forgiveness of sin and escape from its bondage. It is ours for the mere acceptance of this gift!

"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

He is Alive!!!

He Has Risen!

Week 2 of 21

2011-04-17T07:25:00.001-05:00

My mantra for this week was fight for it!

Week 1 Re-Cap

Motion:
I had a pretty successful week 1 of running and training. I had to make one slight adjustment on the schedule due to muscle soreness. On Monday I did the scheduled 4 mile run plus strength training. Based on some research my plan was to lift heavy. I did only upper body using heavy dumbbells for 8-10 reps per set. I did 2 exercises per muscle group and by the end of the workout my muscles were fatigued. I woke up Tues. morning pretty sore so I knew I had pushed the strength work. I was scheduled to have a second strength w/o on Wens. but by Thurs. night I needed 3 ibuprofen just so I could sleep without waking up in pain. I think pumping my arms during hill training made it worse also. So one small adjustment on the schedule there. Tuesdays hill work felt somewhat out of control. First issue is it's really hard to find any hills around here, and especially long ones. I decided to try a new hill, not the same one I used in February. It was short but steep. So steep that I had to go down it in a sideways fashion. Going up the hill is where I'm not sure I benefited as I should. The hill was so steep I was on my toes the whole way up struggling not to lean forward (like a hand and foot climb up). Even though I tried driving with my legs, I was lugging up that hill. The whole time I was thinking to myself; this hill is too steep! I'm going to injure myself! Even with these thoughts going through my head I still did all 6 repeats, yep, cause I'm ~~crazy~~ fighting like that. What do y'all think? Too steep? From what I understand my hill strides should be quick paced, right? My second hill workout which was Thur. I went back to the less steep hill and worked on a faster pace up it. I used my Garmin to measure the hill and it is .10 of a mile. The grade is gradual not compromising my form at all. Is this too short of a hill?

Here's what I fought for week 1:
Mon. 4+strength
Tue. 4+6 x hill
Wens. 7.5 mi (on the schedule was the same as Mon. but changed this b/c of sore muscles)
Thur. 4+6 x hills
Fri. Rest
Sat. 9 LR (building back up)

Mouth:
I lost 2lbs this week! I wasn't perfect on my diet in the sense that I probably ate too little. I could tell a couple of my runs suffered from too low of calories...ugh! trying to balance this is so hard! I need to stop fretting...( oh great! the word fretting made me think of fritter as in corn fritter...mmmm) For now I'm sticking with the plan and will try to figure out ways to fuel my runs better.

Helping to get the last of the lemon squares plated

Mind:
My favorite part of this whole plan! It has been good to get my mind back to the discipline of memorizing. During the week I was presented with an opportunity to help a family who is in need. The girls and I baked Lemon squares and Rice Krispy bars to sell at a fund raiser for this precious family that has had such tragedy in their lives recently. Before we started baking the kids and I read the story of this precious family. Sometimes trials are like rocks that we carry and other times they are like boulders, this family is definitely carrying a boulder right now. My heart just goes out to them.

The road ahead; Week 2 of 21

Week 2 will be a little different as we are going out of town for the Easter weekend. I will have to move some things around since I don't know what my schedule will be like while we are there. I might try to get my long run in the day before we leave...we'll see.
I would really appreciate any advice, or thoughts toward my training that you are willing to take the time to share. I know the next 6 weeks will be hard as I push myself past limits that I have not pushed before. I'm excited to see what is possible. I leave you with this quote from Winston Churchill.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It's the courage to go on that counts"

(and I would add not only the courage to go on, but the courage to fight for it!)

You've Come a Long Way Baby!

2011-04-15T09:40:00.003-05:00

"My boy" Ryan!

"The Boston Marathon" Those three words in the running community conjure up thoughts of hopes longed for, dreams to fulfill, the unforgettable milestones and history. Yet, it's so much more than being swept up in the nostalgia. As anyone knows who has ever qualified or fought to get there, it's the journey to get there that defines you. It becomes apart of your legacy, its the culmination of miles and miles of sweat, work and perseverance. That comes, with the very least, bragging rights.With the running of the Boston Marathon just days away my thoughts are on running friends who will be there making their own story. I can't wait to read them all!

"Bobbi" Gibb who ran unofficially in 1966 and clocked 3:27:17

Below is an excerpt from a letter written to the BAA by Bobbi Gibb the first woman to run Boston. Her thoughts say it all.

"as my pace dropped
the last two miles seemed interminable
I began to feel like a failure
and this is where I learned
the real meaning of fortitude,
to keep on in the face of disappointment,
to continue to do your best even when others are passing you. To see your hopes crushed and yet to continue. This is why I have as much respect for those who run and do not finish first as I have for the ones whose strength, endurance and training brings them first place"

"I appreciate the people who quietly and privately go about their lives and running without the thought or possibility of winning marathons, but whose balance, courage, and perseverance is heroic, perhaps more so for being unnoticed and unacclaimed. People, ordinary people, are extraordinary, whether given credit or not. Is the mountain flower less beautiful because it blooms unnoticed? I think not"

Disco was just going out of style, Jimmy Carter was president and a pair of famous New Englanders took first in the Boston Marathon. The year was 1979.

Week 1 Training Plan

2011-04-10T19:35:00.017-05:00

I have been working on a 3 fold plan with the goal being to loose 20 lbs. and run a sub 2 hr. 1/2 marathon. Part 1 of the plan I have titled "Mouth." It will be about what I'm eating, the nutrition part of my plan. Part 2, "Motion," will cover running, and strength training. Finally, part 3 "Mind" will be the things I am doing to keep my mind and heart engaged. The hardest part of putting this plan together is that my "reward half" the Rock 'n' Roll Va. Beach is 21 weeks away. That's like a lifetime y'all! Yet I know I will need every bit of this time due to the fact I have a husband, 3 children and priorities that shift in the ebb and flow of family life. Having this much time will give me the flexibility I need as a wife and mom without having to stress over a time crunch. My plan as of now is to post my schedule and the results weekly. I am doing this for both accountability as well as hopefully someone might be helped or motivated by my postings. So here it is:

Part 1 Mouth:

HELLOOOO --- I Moustache You a Question?

I know that in order to succeed on any diet it must be simple. Second, as a runner it must fuel. This can be a tough act to balance but I think with this plan I will see good results. My eating plan for this week is 3 meals and 2 snacks. To eat protein, carbs, and a small amount of fat in every meal. Below is only a sample day but one I will stick very close to.

Breakfast: Green Monster smoothie (pre-run meal) I'll discuss this decision and recipe in a later post.

Snack: 1/2 C (fat free) Cottage Cheese w/ tomato 1/4 avocado chopped.

Lunch: 1 whole and 2 egg whites chopped on 1 s whole grain bread. (a little mayo to hold it together) 1 C veggies.

Snack: 1 T nut butter on celery sticks

Dinner: 1 Protein (fish or chicken) 2 veggies (no starchy carbs)

I realize this may not be enough calories for the day so I will adjust/add more as I listen to my body. In all honesty my biggest problem is, I don't eat, then I binge, so success for me will be to eat at the right times and the right foods. Also you might have noticed no desserts on this list-gasp! Pray for me...

Part 2 Motion:
The plan here is based on my goal for a sub 2hr half. I had mentioned in a previous post about a new fancy scale that I had bought that gives you both weight and body fat percent. Well people I'm in the 30% range. Ouch! Ugh! Sigh! What this means is I am at risk for all kinds of medical issues and being 40++ this is a serious concern. I know that I need to work on building back some of the muscle I have lost over time and the way to ensure that is I am reducing my mileage for two runs a week so I can give more energy to weight training. Here is my plan, I will actually repeat this schedule over the next 6 weeks.

Mon. 4 mi. run + strength training

Tue. 5 mi + 6x hill repeats

Wed. 4 mi. run + strength training

Thur. 5 mi + 6x hill repeats

Fri. Rest with lots of stretching

Sat. Long run

I know I am being rather broad with my list here, but I will get more specific in other post's. For now my plan is to concentrate on upper body and abs for strength work.

Part 3 Mind:
This part is really the back-bone of my workout plan, the key to my success. Having my mind girded for action. How do I plan to do this? I'm glad you asked :) First is to get in the Word of God first thing in the morning. I have a reading plan that I've been using that takes me through the entire bible in a year. One of the things I love about this plan is that I repeat books of the bible several times so I get to really chew on the Word. The other thing is, I plan to memorize another whole book of the bible. Many years ago I memorized the entire book of James, all 5 chapters, word for word, it was life changing. I decided to take on this challenge again and I am looking at memorizing I Peter. As many of you know that have followed me for the past several years God has taken me through some deep trials over the past few years. I have also shared that my physical condition has a lot to do with how I ~~handled~~ didn't handle those trials. Since our move to Houston God has restored so much...it's as if I have taken a deep breath for the first time in a very loooong time. I know that it is by His strength and grace daily poured out in my life that I will have any success at all. I must have my mind fully engaged in the battle ahead. "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" I Peter 1:13

So there you have it, my three fold plan of attack; mind, motion and mouth. I would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and anything you have found that helps you keep pressing on.

Mama's Magic Running Shoes

2011-04-08T12:44:00.001-05:00

My friend Kate asked an excellent question on her last post about minimalist shoes and barefoot running. I went to reply to her post when I realized it would be embarrassingly looooong. So I decided to post about my recent experience with minimalist shoes here.

Right before my last half I NEEDED new shoes and since I had been looking into this whole minimalist thing I decided I would order an extra pair of shoes (a pair of minimalist) along with my normal Asics. I figured since running warehouse offers free shipping I would just send them back if I didn’t like them. After looking into my options I decided on the Saucony Kinvara, a minimalist shoe for the neutral runner. When my shoes arrived, the Asics I normally wear had a different lacing system and it was very uncomfortable. When I put on the Sauconys I immediately noticed how light they felt in comparison to my Asics. It felt like I was wearing nothing! How could a few ounces make such a difference? I couldn’t wait to try running in them. The first time I ran in them I was hooked! I had to make myself slow down! They changed the way my foot struck the ground and I was actually running faster. Yes! the shoes made me faster! I started calling them mama’s magic running shoes. BUT, I could feel every nook and cranny on the street. After about a week of running in them my legs were feeling a bit beat-up. I could tell they were not giving my feet or legs the cushioning I needed. I started to experience pain in areas I had not hurt in a long while. Problem was I was running out of time to find a new pair of regular running shoes and I LOVED THESES SHOES! Fast-forward…after trying numerous pairs of shoes to replace my Asics, I had no choice but to run in them for my last ½, but my legs felt pretty beat-up toward the end. Since the 1/2 I have been looking into finding a new daily trainer and have found the Brooks Ghost to be a good replacement for my Asics. The only problem is when I put on the Brooks shoes they feel like lead weights now. I also notice the tendency to heel strike in the Brooks. The Sauconys promote a more mid foot strike. So what’s my conclusion…I think for injury sake and training I am sticking with my Brooks. When I drop some weight I plan to give the Sauconys another try and see how my legs feel. I love the more natural stride the minimalist shoe promotes, and I truly believe this causes me to run faster. I’m hooked on the minimalist shoes but my legs tell a different story.

Just an added note here; with my new found love for the minimalist shoe I also tried the Brooks Launch which offers a tad more cushioning. I never ran in them because they were so narrow and hurt just to put on. If these come in a wide I may give them another try later on down the road.

I would love to know your thoughts…have you tried minimalist shoes? Do you recommend them?

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore

2011-04-04T12:32:00.001-05:00

Thank you all for your kind words on my race recap. I know that I put my faith out there very clearly. Most of my postings have more than just undertones of my faith. I hope that my postings not only have undertones but overtones and tones that bring glory to God in every way. I know that probably cost me some readers but this is who I am! Sometimes I worry that I am being too transparent, putting myself at risk for unkind comments, but running for me, is very much a real spiritual journey. Every time I run my heart somehow feels closer to God, it's hard to explain...but it just happens and I can't help but speak about it. So thank you to those of you who take the time to comment it truly means a lot to me!

So after my last 1/2 I kind of had a wake-up call. I've known that I need to loose 20lbs. and I really saw every pound in the last set of race photos. It was very humbling to see it in photo after photo. Also I learned from my last 1/2 that I can do/run better than I thought. My husband kept telling me prior to the race that I could do better than a 2:20 but I would say to myself, yea well maybe a little better, but I did MUCH better. I think I even surprised him! Imagine what I could do if that 20lbs was not there slowing me down! Imagine what I could do with some serious speed work. Even before this last 1/2 marathon I had already decided to take a break from racing for a while. To take a break and focus more on loosing this weight and getting faster. Then the other day my husband suggested a motivation race. A reward race for loosing weight and running a faster 1/2. Yep! he did, he's my biggest fan, I wuv him♥ He knew exactly which race would hook me, a race that I have wanted to run for YEARS! The reason being it is in my old home town and it ends at THE BEACH! Anyone who knows me knows that the ocean is my favorite place to be. I love every sandy, salty, fishy, aspect of the ocean and beach. I grew up on the East Coast of Virginia and My husband grew up on the West coast of California, so we share this love for all things ocean. He knew this race would be a great motivator plus I get the perks of seeing my family, most of which still live on the East coast. So with this race in mind I am embarking on a mission. My training is going to get REAL. I have time to loose that 20lbs and some. Plus ramp up my training to hopefully achieve that goal of a sub 2hr half. I can't wait to share my training ideas as I hope you will share your wisdom and knowledge with me on nutrition and getting faster. Even though I have been a runner for 20+ years I have done very little "speed work", mostly hills and fartlek type training so I'm looking forward to hearing about your experiences and gleaning from you all.

September 4th baby!

Race Re-Cap Pt.2 "FIGHT"

2011-03-29T14:58:00.004-05:00

The Mantra
Race morning started for me really in the middle of a sleepless night around 2AM Saturday morning. I was lying in bed praying about the race and issues going on when I sensed the Lord telling me He wanted me to "fight" At first my response was "no Lord" that's exactly the thing I'm tired of doing...fighting to be a better wife and mom, fighting to regain my health, fighting to loose weight, fighting to have a good marriage, fighting to raise children who love the Lord, fighting to maintain my own spiritual mindset...I don't want to fight anymore. I'm tired... This race was just another battle, a battle where I would risk failure in yet another fight...I was weary and it just seemed the Lord kept wanting me to fight. My heart was not up for this battle.

Race Day Morning
As usual I was a bundle of nerves on race morning and had no appetite. I just about threw up trying to force feed myself. The morning was unexpectedly cold and I had only brought one outfit (lesson number one). We checked out at the hotel around 7AM and drove to the start area. I asked my husband to just drop me off as it was too cold for the family to be hanging outside. The start line was a short walk and the corrals were well marked. While waiting in my corral I struck up a conversation with two gals, we chatted about race strategy and training and basically tried to stay warm. During the course of this conversation I told the gals this would be my last half for a while as I was just kind of burnt out, I felt a lump in my throat as I was telling them this and thought oh no! do not start crying in front of these women! geesh! I can be such a wimp! I noticed on the wrist of one gal she had a race splits band, so I asked her what she was trying for. She was going for a sub 2hr. half (my dream goal). The other gal who lives in Dallas and trains in the same area of the race was shooting for just over a 2hr. time. During the course of this conversation the 2:15 pace group shows up and I start to think I had made a BIG mistake to change corrals. In my mind I was hoping for a 2:20 at best, but I thought that was ambitious. One of the gals mentioned the three of us running together for the first few minutes of the start, and I thought to myself yea right you girl's are gonna smoke me! I told them that I always start races super conservatively, probably to a fault,(this is the truth) so they should go on without me. It wasn't five more minutes and the national anthem was sung (praise God she got all the words correct!) and we were lining up for our wave to start. The three of us wish each other luck and the gun went off.

The Race
Something really strange happened when that gun went off, I shot out of there like I had wings! It was like someone put a jet pack on my back and I blasted out of the start...it was the craziest thing ever! I was thinking to myself what the heck just happened! I looked over my shoulder and those two girls, who I had just told a few minutes earlier that I start out ultra conservative, were huffing and puffing on my heels looking at me as if to say LIAR!

I look over and noticed I had passed the 2:15 pace group! I was rockin! I knew that the first mile alone had 3 turns so I was working hard at taking the tangents. When I hit the one mile flag my watch was right on the mark. I was so happy to see my mileage not going way over. What I didn't know about were the inclines that would be over the next several miles of this course. I normally drive the course before, but I'm actually thankful we didn't have time to do it. The inclines were not so much steep as they were long. Thankfully on the downhills I could catch my breath. At mile 4 I saw my family ♥ I was feeling really good just some minor leg pain but I was holding a good pace.

Taken at mile 4

I remember thinking during this time, that God had been gracious and maybe this would not be the battle I thought I would have. I stopped soon after seeing my family to take in some fluid and sort of went into cruise mode until around mile 7. That's when it all fell apart.

The Fight Begins

Right after mile 7 is where the relay change over happened. I had just crested one of the largest inclines when I heard volunteer's calling out for the relay groups to switch. I saw people hugging and high five-ing. Everywhere I looked runners had reached the end of their race. The cramp in my leg seem to grow as I watched the 2nd wave of fresh legged runners hop onto the course to start their leg of the race. I felt a sense of disdain as their race was just beginning and I still had to run another 6 miles to finish. I watched the first wave of celebratory runners pile into vans as their race was over. I began to break down. I wanted it to be over. My heart was not into this race. I started to look around for some place to sit down, call my family to come and get me. I was sobbing by now, I just wanted it to be over. I was tired and didn't want to fight. I was still running but my head was down and tears flooded my view. And then the words came..."fight"..."fight Terri fight" It was in that moment that I felt my soul tap into a well so deep I didn't know it existed. I felt a wave of determination flood over me and I began to fight. God showed me a resource deep within my soul. Every step seemed to become lighter, the fight more determined and before long I was back in cruise mode.

Channeling Steve Prefontaine

Somewhere during miles 8-10 the course became very scenic. I just tried to soak in the beautiful surroundings. Multi-million dollar homes in this park like setting with ponds, bridges and blooming azalea's. My family made another appearance around mile 9 and it was so good to see them! I felt a second wind, my legs felt good and I was running like I had wind beneath my feet. I had my music pumping in my ears, the crowd support was fantastic. I was hitting the mile markers just a tad over but I was working every tangent as best I could. With the 2:15 pace group still behind me I knew at this point I was looking at a good time. I told myself if I could hold it together and could maintain this pace for another 3 mile I was going to have a time far better than I ever imagined. But that was not going to happen not without one more fight and this time it was going to get serious.

With All My Heart

The final fight to the finish line

Somewhere after the 10 mile flag my quad really started to hurt and cramp up. Even worse my legs were just done. They were gone, out of gas. I started to feel really worried because I knew I still had close to 3 full miles to go and my legs had nothing left in them! I decided to make one more stop to get some fluid and try to stretch out my leg. Between miles 12-13 the course felt really tight and congested to me this just added to the lead feeling in my legs. The twist and turns made the course seem as if it would never end. I could hear the finish line but it was impossible to see. I passed by a large group of girls cheering and I began to cry...this time because I wanted this race with all my heart. My arms were pumping hard, I had nothing left in my legs, I just kept saying over and over, fight, fight, fight!!! I was in the battle with my whole heart...it was a gift...every struggle, every pain...His presence carrying me through...I wanted to fight for it, for Him...I could hear the finish...fight! I rounded the last corner and finally I could see the finish line. I so desperately wanted to sprint but I had nothing left. I was gonna cross that finish line one way only "fight"

The final numbers:

Finish time 2:13

Overall 5202 out of 10969

Division 164 out of 620

Gender 2529 out of 6810

The pit crew!

The Lord taught me so many lessons;

1. Just when I think I can't fight another day, when I think the Lord is giving more than I can handle, I have a deep well, a living resource He has provided that is so deep I can't possibly exhaust it.

2. God can and will accomplish much in spite of my weakness.

3. And finally even if I can't see the finish line in this spiritual race I'm running, I know that it is there. By legs of faith I keep pressing on until I cross that line.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith

Rock-n-Roll Race Re-Cap Pt.1

2011-03-28T09:36:00.014-05:00

I don't think I have ever had a race where my heart just wasn't in it. Part of it was I have been feeling pretty weary, some what battle ridden from various things both physically and emotionally. In brief the Lord has been showing me some things in my life where I'm just coming up short. It seems everywhere I look in my life I'm missing the mark in some way...this has left me feeling somewhat deflated emotionally as I desire to live more fully for my Lord. Secondly I have not been feeling well physically. Beside some normal aches and pains related to training, I've been experiencing some upper back pain and neck stiffness. To add to it I've been having these strange night sweats??? that's what I call them, besides calling it ew! I wake up in the middle of the night in a puddle. I'm like who turned on the heat cause I'm thinking that person needs to be hurt! I figure it's hormonal (sorry guys) but it has left me feeling physically off-balance. So feeling somewhat battle weary we arrive in Dallas on Friday afternoon check into our hotel and head straight to the Expo. My youngest was signed up for the Kids Rock race on Saturday morning. The lady at the kids table handed her a race bib and bright orange t-shirt. She then encouraged my daughter to wear the race shirt on race day morning. At which time she let it be known that that "shade of orange was not her color" HA! that's my fashion diva! I just don't know where she get this from, blush, snort. It was my turn to get my bib and change corrals. Remember they had put me back in corral 12 with an estimated finish time of 2:40 and although I figured I would just make the best of it the more I thought about it the more I realized being this far back was going to add to the dread I already felt about this race so I decided I was going to ask for a corral change. After getting my bib I headed to the corral change table and began to ~~whine~~ explain to this teenage volunteer how I had ran my last 1/2 at 2:27 and it was a large race too and blah, blah, blah, when she just looked up at me in that teenager-ish way and said "what corral would you like mama" I blurted out "uh 8" She had no idea how close I was to going hormonal, ha!

My baby girl chasing her marathon mama!

The family at the expo

It was fun to finally see the Brooks Bus. Love the art work!

Okay so after the expo we headed back to the hotel to relax, let the kids swim and I had a date with the hot tub. I will tell you I was not that impressed with the hotel but the hot tub made up for it all! I have never seen a hot tub so small but when I turned on the jets it was like Hans and Frans two large German masseurs had entered the whirlpool. I sat my back up against the jets and melted into another world. I didn't realize I was moaning until I started to notice stares from the other guest at the pool, oops, snort!

Saturday Morning arrived too early as I had a rough nights sleep and those pesky night sweats. My daughter had asked me to run the kids race with her and as hard as her dad and I tried to encourage her to go by herself she was not going to go without her mama. She didn't know but I had planned to wear a shirt I made with the words TEAM CARISSA on it. I don't know what type of mom that makes me but I really don't care. My baby girl was about to run her first kids race and I was busting, busting I tell you with pride!!!

It's those "first" in life that make you think about the ones who are not there to share them with. Dad pinning on a In Memory of bib. In some small way we got to share this moment with our beloved George and grandpa. We miss him dearly.

Goofing off some pre-race nerves

She was smokin the finish line!

I am so thankful she didn't let us talk her out of me running with her. Running this 1 mile race with her will be a memory I will cherish forever.

She's already asking about her next race♥

After the kids race we changed clothes and headed to the Dallas Zoo. I won't go into details because this is suppose to be a race recap but I will tell you it was one of, if not, the nicest zoos we have visited. It was a warm breezy day and that just added to our enjoyment. Even though I wasn't feeling real great physically I had a wonderful time with my family.

She said she could feel the giraffes breath on her face.

He was thoroughly enjoying the breeze

At the end of this day I could have just gone home content, but I knew God had some lessons for me yet to come. As I was lying in bed Friday night awake from night sweats I began to pray and ask God for His grace and strength to run this race both in the spiritual and physical sense. It was then that He gave me my mantra for the race, it was going to be one word; "fight" This was not a word I embraced at first but was going to be a word that God would use to show me something about myself and more so Him over the course of 13.1 miles. Part 2 tomorrow.

Stuck in the Last Corral? Can't figure out those Tangents?--No Problem!

2011-03-24T08:43:00.000-05:00

This is how I plan to deal with all those issues MOSHING!!!!!!!!! Who knows I may start a whole new trend on the running circuit!!!

I can still call it a PR right????

This will be my last post until the race re-cap. I know a few of you out there looking to PR this weekend, hoping you will all have a great weekend-press on!

Tangents??? HELP!!!

2011-03-23T07:44:00.000-05:00

It looks like Rock-n-Roll Dallas might just end up a sell out! The relay has sold out already and they are offering 100 spots for the 1/2 at the Expo. I think the cap for this race is 11,000. Wow! that is pretty close to the attendance of my last 1/2. Below is the course map(s) and a question. I know the best way to run a course is the straight line approach ie: tangents. This course has, I think I counted 15 right turns alone! and a few left turns. My question may be hard to answer in this type of format but I'm ~~begging~~ hoping some of you experienced with tangents will give it a try. So I can try and keep it simple I'm just going to ask my question using the first two turns in mile 1. Okay, on the first right turn do I want to stay in the middle of the road (Young st) aiming at running a straight line (across) the turn kind of ending up on the left side of Houston St.? And then the same would repeat for the left turn in that first mile. Move over to the middle while on Houston St. and aim at the right side of Elm St. as I complete the turn? Ugh! Have I got it wrong??? I have been working on my tangents in training but still not sure I have it right. Thanks for any help! I'm pretty much over the whole corral thing now and want to just enjoy this very lively race and running in beautiful Dallas!

Close up of mile 1

2:40? Really?

2011-03-21T10:58:00.002-05:00

I'm a little perturbed, okay a lot perturbed! Got my final conformation in the mail for my 1/2 on Sunday and Rock-n-Roll Dallas put my estimated finish time at 2:40? Really? Not only that but they placed me in corral 12! I know I am not fast by any measure but come-on where do they get their numbers! I ran my last 1/2 at 2:27 and that was with at least 5 quick stops to get fluid or hug my family. It is really discouraging to my goal that they put me so far back in such a large race. I remember having to maneuver around tons of people as well as deal with those individuals who make abrupt stops right in front of you in my last race!!! I was really hoping to see a better time for this 1/2 but all I feel right now is frustrated that I am already going to be starting out at a deficit. I will have my work cut out for me! Today I am not happy about this race!

That's More Like It!!!

2011-03-14T15:04:00.001-05:00

After rest and large quantities of Vitamin C over the weekend I was anxious to get back on the road and have a go at it again. Today's run was totally FANTASTIC!!!! Thank you Tina and Kate for your sweet encouragement in my previous post. I had a great 7 mile run today with a time of 1:07. How's that for a rebound ♥

Cough, Moan, Repeat...

2011-03-12T13:32:00.000-06:00

Well, I am discouraged... It started Friday on what was to be a 12 mile training run. I left the house and drove to Terry Hershey Park which is a wonderful park that runs along the Buffalo Bayou. Since my last 1/2 in January I have been trying to work on my pace. I haven't done any specific speed work or made any specific goals to improve, I've simply been trying to pick up the pace when I run. I did a little hill work in February but it was only a few times. In my mind I think I need to give myself a little more base building time before starting any "real" speed work but I am also not wanting to get in the habit of slow running. Before I ran the 1/2 in January most of my training miles up to that point averaged in the high 10's (10:35-10:50) Since trying to pick up the pace I have been on average running 10:00-10:35 min. miles. I have run under 10 min. miles but only short distances (and it is very hard to hold). So Friday I head out hoping to average in the low 10's for 12 miles. The first 7 miles were going great and I was holding my pace even with a serious head wind and a slight cramp in my left thigh. Somewhere around mile 6-7 I had planned to stop take in 1 GU and 1 Accelerade (and give my left quad a stretch). I forgot how thin the Accelerade was and ended up squirting it down the back of my throat and proceeded to choke. I think I stood there coughing for 5 Min's. Once I could breath again I started back running and was clocking a solid 10 min. pace when at mile 8 I hit some kind of wall. I just had an immediate shutdown. I felt no energy and total fatigue. To add to it my left thigh and glut were really cramping (I forgot to stretch them from my choking episode). between mile 8-9 I had to take several walk breaks. I made it back to the parking lot and stopped before making it to even 10 miles. I just quit, totally defeated. It is hard for me to even type those words... Since then I have been feeling awful. I continued coughing the rest of the day and went to bed last night feeling just kind of puny. I don't know if I have some kind of respiratory thing coming on but I am feeling so much pressure to get out and run with my next half just 15 days away. I know the experts recommend not running especially with upper respiratory stuff, but I feel like I need to keep pushing my mileage. I am also struggling with feeling silly trying to run all these 1/2's while still being this slow. In my heart I would love to run a 1/2 in under 2hrs. I know that I need to do a lot more to ever see that kind of pace. I have really questioned my conservative approach and wonder if I really have what it takes to ever be that fast... I have decided not to run the Aquarium 1/2 in May and would probably not do this half in Dallas had I not already paid the money. Sorry to moan...I'm normally not this negative...just having an emotional time right now with my running...

Weight Loss Wednesday and boy I'm glad it's March

2011-03-02T09:07:00.000-06:00

February was an odd month for me. I don't really know why other than I took several days off at the beginning to rest after my 1/2 and the weather was really cold for Houston which lead to more days off. As a result my mileage this month was pretty low. I decided to start hill training in February and that went well. I didn't get in as many days as I would have liked but more importantly I sustained no injuries and I have seen a small increase in my speed. Loosing weight continues to be my biggest challenge. I purchased one of those fancy scales at Wal-mart that breaks down body fat percent, BMI, etc. The amount of body fat I have is crazy! Considering the total amount of weight I would like to loose this seems to be very lopsided. It really helped me to see how I need to amp up the strength training. I have been being so cautious since getting back into running, afraid I would injure myself if I didn't take it slow, but that's got to change. I do need to push myself much harder if I'm going to see any real results in weight loss and time. I found the article below you might find the tips interesting.

Four Tips To Help With Weight Loss:

Sprinkle cinnamon on a yogurt each day to burn fat. The spice is a powerful metabolism raiser; half a teaspoon a day is enough to burn an extra kilo a month.

Sip green tea. It contains a compound that reacts with caffeine to boost both fat oxidisation and resting metabolic rate by 20 per cent.

Putting tomatoes in your sandwiches will keep you feeling fuller for longer, and will make you less likely to gorge on mid afternoon snacks. The fruit suppresses the hunger hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for hunger pangs.

Drinking a glass of carrot juice a day will help you lose four pounds over 12 weeks compared with non-juice drinkers. It's high in fibre and nutrients that help burn the blubber

Photo credit: Getty Images

Feb-HILL-uary

2011-02-17T21:02:00.000-06:00

Below are two pictures of the hill I've been training on this month. My Garmin tells me that it's a 120ft hill. I have been able to do 4-5 repeats, but it's slow going. I sometime think about turning around before I make it to the top. To my surprise I have not been sore or had any issues from adding this into my training.

Distant view (arrow points to top)

My view from the bottom of the hill

I have some questions I hope some of you more experienced at hill training can help answer.

I know it may be difficult to tell from the photos but does this hill seem steep enough and long enough to classify as a long hill? I know of some other hills that seem steeper but they are short in comparison. It's really hard to find hills in Houston.
I have been running 4 miles then doing the hill repeats. I count the repeats as part of my total mileage. When done it comes out to around 5 miles total. Am I suppose to count the hill miles also?
I have played with the idea of doing hill repeats twice a week instead of just once since my body seems to be handling the training. What are your thoughts on that?

Any other thoughts would be appreciated!

King of the Mountain

2011-02-07T09:42:00.000-06:00

Today begins the start of hill training! Yippee! can you hear my excitement. Be one with the goat-lol. My plan is to incorporate long hill repeats into my weekly runs once a week for 6 weeks. We will see how it goes of course. If you have a favorite hill workout I would love to hear about it. Also any advice on form, pace, etc...would be great. Have a happy week of running!

Recap in Pictures Chevron Houston 1/2

2011-02-04T13:40:00.001-06:00

Boy I really need to loose some weight!

Uhhh, crying not make such pretty finish line picture

All happiness at the end of a looooong journey

Thirsty Thursday

2011-02-03T09:21:00.001-06:00

Something I will do different in my next race is carry my own fluids. I learned a lot about large races and water stations at the Chevron Houston Marathon. First, never assume the fluid stations/tables will be visible. I thought I would be able to see them up ahead and begin to move over, but in a race that large most of the time I couldn't see them until I was right on top of them. Maybe that's a height issue but the tables were not distinguished by balloons or signs. Second, never stop at the first couple of tables. The majority of people stop at those tables and it makes for very crowded conditions. I did overshoot a station once trying to wait until the last couple of tables. Third, if you really want to make a certain time goal then carry your own fluids. That was not my objective in this race so I didn't feel frustrated by the negotiating that went on around the tables. I was hoping to jog through the station but that didn't work out. If you are shooting for a certain time and in a big race then I say carry your own fluids.

This is what I'll be wearing next race.

Chevron Houston (half) Marathon Recap:

2011-01-31T08:29:00.067-06:00

The Morning:

I woke up at 4am because I wanted time to shower, calm my nerves and warm up my muscles. I know, shower before a race??? I wanted to make sure my body was good and awake. Which really wasn't necessary since I had a restless sleep. I began my morning ritual as any other morning before a training run except I had some serious intestinal issues. I'm not sure if it was nerves but I knew this problem spelled disaster for my race if I didn't rehydrate. The temperature outside was a balmy 64 degrees with 80% humidity. Both my husband and I were pretty concerned about me getting dehydrated because of the severity of my bathroom issue. It was at this point I made the decision I was going to need to stop at most of the hydration station on the race course. I knew they would be segmented every 1.5 miles. I also knew this would affect my time but between the humidity and a serious intestinal case I would be in trouble. We got the kiddos up and left the house about 5:15ish. I had packed a bag (forgot to tell my husband that's where the camera was)of goodies and drinks for them the night before so heading out the door went very smooth. My husband is the greatest navigator and managed to secure a parking spot no more than 2 blocks from the convention center. The convention center was a buzz of anticipation and port-o-potties=) I made another quick stop to the bathroom and headed to the start line.

The Starting Line:

I was not too thrilled about the marathons suggestion to line up at 6:15 knowing that meant I would be STANDING in line for almost an hour before my race. Who practices for that?!?! Standing shoulder to shoulder with people an hour before you actually start running??? Fortunately this did allow me to get really close to the start so I knew the time on my watch was going to be close to my actual chip time. God provided a really chatty lady for me to talk to and before long another joined in on our conversation. We talked about everything and the hour passed quickly. The cannon went off and I started my watch when my foot hit the pad.

The Course: The rain had started before the race so the roads had a pretty slick feel. I saw one guy wipe our pretty bad. I was pacing myself pretty conservatively because of the roads and hills that I knew were over the next 5 miles. The first hill was less than a half mile into the course and seemed to go on forever. At the first hydration station I grabbed a cup from a friendly volunteer and kept on running. I don't like to stop and drink, too hard to get going again. The second water station was a different story. Being in the second wave of runners the first wave had completely wiped out the station. YES! there was nothing to drink not a single cup on the table! After a few minutes of looking I was handed a cup while this sweet slightly panicked volunteer filled it with Gatorade. This was the scenario that played out over the next 3-4 hydration stations. This really affected my time. Around mile 5 I saw my family. Oh what joy this brought me! They had made such effort to get out there and stood in the rain to cheer me on. I stopped hugged and kissed each of them. From mile 5 I just tried to stay focused and not trip or slip over something. Thankfully throughout the remainder of the race most of the water stations were full and I was able to pick up a couple of cups each round. The Chevron Houston Marathon is the largest race the city puts on and there were an estimated 18,000 runners that day. A race this large means I was never alone. I was constantly running alongside a big group and the crowd support was amazing. It was not difficult to pat someone on the shoulder as you passed and offer a word of support or high five spectators, all of which I did. I knew I was not going to achieve some great time, I'm not there in my training nor was this race about that. To my surprise the heat and humidity didn't bother me that much and the slight drizzle kept me feeling good I never felt overheated. My sweet family managed to make another appearance around mile 9. Again I stopped and fueled up on hugs and kisses. When I took off after seeing them I looked down and I was clocking a 7 min pace!!! Ha! I had to cool the jets and get back into a zone. By mile 10 I knew I could finish this race. I had run a smart conservative race up to this point and I was happy. The last 3 miles were really hard, harder than I thought they would be. As I turned into the downtown area the wind had a tunnel affect and it was against me. I saw a lot of people walking and for a few minutes I though I was going to have to stop. I saw the 12 mile marker flag ahead and that gave me some hope until I looked down at my watch and it was already showing 12 miles! That messed with my head a little but I just kept going. There was one last hill and it was pretty BRUTAL. When I made the final turn and saw the finish line the tears just started flowing. I had done it! all the emotions of the past, the heartaches, the losses, were now symbolically behind me as I was seeing the finish line up ahead. Even now the tears flow... I didn't know my husband was at the finish line and could see me crying. He told me later he was choking back tears himself knowing what this race symbolized in my life. I crossed the finish line at 2:27. My Garmin show my distance was 13.27. I'm sure the course is accurate, I'm kind of puzzled about that though.

Post Race:

After crossing the finish line I saw my family right away. I gave my husband a big thank you and kiss for being such an amazing husband, spectator and supporter. I would not have made it through this race without his love and support of my running and training! The kids had big smiles and wonderful attitudes considering they had been hanging out in various circumstances for hours. I feel so loved. Kudos go to the Chevron Houston Marathon organization for putting on a well organized race and for giving the average runner like myself a very special feeling. On the way home we picked up some eats at Chipotle while I rehashed the entire 13 miles to my husband who just kept telling me how proud he was of me. I called my folks and got to talk to my brother also. I have an amazing supportive family. And to those of you who have offered your prayers, support and encouragement thank you, thank you, thank you – a MILLION TIMES – for all of your support. Finally I want to acknowledge my Lord and Savior (It sounds like I'm receiving some kind of award-dorky, I know-lol) but seriously without Him I am nothing. It is by His mercy and grace that I have a race to run at all. I owe Him my life and I am so grateful for the race He gives me to run everyday. I offer Him my every breath in praise for His greatness and faithfulness.

The Road Ahead:

I'm already registered for the Dallas Rock-n-Roll half on March 27th. I hope to begin doing some hill work and loose that stubborn 20lbs before then. Ultimately my goal is to run a half in under 2 hrs. Dallas RnR is another big race, so it will be interesting to see how much time I can shave off. I am looking at a smaller half marathon in May as a potential race to see some dramatic time improvements. I'm familiar with the area as it is in Oklahoma as well as its a very small race. Until then I am keeping my eyes on the real prize which is Christ Jesus and running His race to win!

It's Official!

2011-01-28T19:15:00.006-06:00

Picked up my bib at the Expo today. It was a lot of fun and I got a big bag of goodies. I stuffed my bag full of freebies! I also got a quick neck and back massage that was fantastic! The rain is definitely the talk of this race. We will just have to wait and see how it all plays out. Looking forward to Sunday!

Picked this up for my pup at the Expo. Since he runs with me most days he deserves an award too. What a handsome boy=)

Singing In The Rain

2011-01-27T12:02:00.018-06:00

This week has been crazy trying to figure out what I'm wearing on race day. Being new to Houston I have not had much experience with the up and down weather here. I have changed my out fit three times. I went from full length tights, to Capri's and now I have settled on a running skirt. I'm not too thrilled about showing my untanned old lady legs, but I will roast in anything more. What I'm really more concerned about is the 60% chance of rain in the forecast for Sundays race. I'm not afraid of a little rain, I'm not that much of a girly girl. As a matter of fact I ran Monday 5 miles in the pouring ran. I wore a hat on Mondays run but it was completely soaked through as well as the thin jacket I put on. I have nothing water proof to wear and it would probably be too hot if I did. Any suggestions on things you have tried with running in the rain would be appreciate?

Here's a preview of my something new for the jewelry box. I just hope I don't slobber all over who ever puts it around my neck as I choke back tears of victory.

In other news: thanks to a very sweet friends advice I have been in a more serious taper mode and have started carb loading. To my surprise I have been full of energy. Here was my Facebook status from this morning:

All this carb loading has me bouncing off the walls, but I am enjoying it a lot, really, I am, no I'm not hyper, just happy, oh I think I might dance, no wait I'm tapering no dancing, was that a squirrel, I think I need another pancake!!!

We are headed to the Expo on Friday I can't wait! Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

A Pain in The...

2011-01-25T09:59:00.009-06:00

Toe!!! Since my 13 miler 2 weekends ago I have had lingering toe pain. During that run I got cramps in the middle toes of both feet. I tried to wiggle my toes while running to see if that would help but it only caused more pain. After the run I had some mild pain for a few days in my toes but it has since subside completely in my right foot but not my left. I have a single toe on my left foot that is tender to the touch. It is not swollen, blistered or discolored just tender and I can feel the tenderness when I run. I have no other toe pain except for the 1 toe. Does any one have ideas what could be causing this??? Should I consider wrapping the toe for the race??? I just so much want to avoid going through that pain again. HELP!!!

Flat and Fast; It's All Relative?

2011-01-23T14:36:00.004-06:00

We drove the half marathon course after church today and I would not call it flat! The first 5 miles are rolling. I had heard there were some "hills" but there were more than I thought! I know in comparison to some races with real hills its all relative, but this course is going to be a challenge... I now know that my goals and ideas about this race are going to be very different!
On a positive note the last 4 miles are on flat open streets. The finish line area looks like it will be a really neat place. I am glad we drove the course today as it has given me some real clear ideas of what to watch for and how to adjust my goals.

Running: School Is In Session

2011-01-22T13:35:00.008-06:00

Today was my last long run before the half next Sunday, I got in 9 miles. After two rest days in a row I could tell a huge difference in my energy and legs. Earlier in the week the thought of running nearly brought me to tears. I don't remember a time ever feeling like that. It was clear my body was saying REST! On the way to the park this morning I prayed and ask God to allow the run today to be a positive experience. Last weekends 13 miler was just so hard, I really needed a confidence booster. As soon as I arrived at the trail I turned on my Garmin and it flashed low battery, sure enough within 1 mile it went out. Then I was having some ipod issues and the fancy side pocket of my new tights made it a bit complicated to deal with. Also I was wearing my new hydration belt that I was having to fidget with trying to find the right spot on my hips. To top it all off I had tied my shoes to tight and had to stop to readjust. Within the first 3 miles I was starting to scold myself for my many rookie type mistakes. But you know what I decided instead of mentally beating myself up I really needed to check myself and attitude. Somewhere this week it all started becoming about my time and pace. As I grew more fatigued this week my pace slowed and my frustration built. Today I had a chance to regroup my mind. The fact that my watch battery died prevented me from obsessing about my pace. I had to just run with what felt natural...I had to let go of all the expectations...I had to be taught again its not about time or distance or any of those things. Its about learning... growing... thriving. By the end of the run my gratitude for just being able to get out there, put in the miles, enjoy God creation, learn to push through pain, overcome rookie mistakes and to allow myself to just be taught through the experience was all back in place. Running is a school and I am the student. I am so thankful for what running teaches me.

Taper Trauma

2011-01-20T08:00:00.012-06:00

My running schedule this week has been pretty tough. First because I have had very low energy and secondly my left calf/shin/hip area has been super tight. My plan was to begin to taper on Saturday and not a day before. I was scheduled to do a middle distance run of 8 miles yesterday but between running at an odd time of day for me the fact it was 64 degrees when I left wearing a long sleeve shirt and tights I stopped at 6 miles. I wouldn't be so concerned if my last 13 mile run had been a good one but it was suffering the whole way. This has not made me feel very good about my ability for the race. I know I have been pushing the mileage since getting back into running in October. I have gone from about 15-20 miles a week to almost 40 miles a week in 3 months. I expect to be sore and stiff right now but I think what worries me the most is my erratic pace. I have always been able to find that "cruise" zone and hang there but I have not found it yet. I am still wrestling with wanting to have a time goal but its absolutely nuts for me to even go there. My training pace has been so slow this week. The other day I watched a short video clip by Ryan Hall about what he does the morning of a race and I knew what he was going to say. Yep, he doesn't do anything different on race morning than what he does every morning for his training run. I know that's what is missing for me because I have had such a short time of training I feel like I'm still learning what is working. You know Ryan never mentioned being concerned with what he was wearing on race day! Doesn't he know how important looking cute on race day can affect your performance-such a guy thing=) He is suppose to race the Houston Chevron (half) Marathon on Saturday. If I see him at the expo I plan to let him know that these things are also important considerations-lol

Well, sorry to make you listening to my rambling. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

The bee that hath honey in her mouth hath a sting in her tail.

2011-01-18T10:45:00.002-06:00

"A study at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory in the USA found that honey may be one of the most effective forms of carbohydrate to ingest just prior to exercise since it's easily digested and releases energy at a steady rate. Another study at the same university revealed that the sweet stuff significantly improved the time-trial performances of cyclists and significantly increased their power output.
Try it eat honey five minutes before a run for a steady supply of energy, or during races longer than 10K for a performance-boosting carb hit."
My original plan was to try some honey on my oatmeal or yogurt in the morning but I kept forgetting to try it. A few days ago I remembered to try this minutes before heading out the door for a run. So I thought I will just take a spoonful of it right now, what can it hurt. I got a regular size teaspoon out of the silverware drawer and filled it to the edges with honey. I had bought some locally grown honey that had been sitting in my pantry. First let me just say do not try this at home. I about gaged as the thick honey seemed to expand in my mouth. After a few moments of telling myself that I paid far too much money for this honey to spit it out I managed to choke it down. Not sure how I was going to react to this sugar boost I did the next wise thing and immediately headed out the door for a run. I will tell you I did feel more energy, I'm not sure if it wasn't from the rush of trying not to heav-up the honey or if I'm the perfect candidate for those drug test where they give some of the participants a placebo but I was thinking hmmmm this really has given me a boost. I felt good through the whole run, so interesting test.

I would love to know if you use honey or have tried it and what you thought?

The above title is a quote by John Lyly

"Its Just Not Pretty"

2011-01-15T12:02:00.003-06:00

That's what we say in our house when our dogs show signs of dominating one another (that's putting it nicely). Today's run well it just wasn't pretty. And not for the same reason-ahem! It was just a really hard run today. I felt on empty when I started and about mile 9 I was ready for it to be over. My pace was all over the place from 7:58-11 minute miles, just crazy. I got really bad cramps in my middle toes on both feet which stayed through the last 2 miles. I tried to wiggle them but it was pretty excruciating. I just had no energy. I manage to do 13 miles but it was one of the hardest runs I have done. I know this is good training, teaching my mind to push through pain and fatigue, but it wasn't fun. I am going to start tapering next Saturday and hope that race day will be a better experience. Happy its over and happy I got in my goal.

PARFECTION!

2011-01-14T09:38:00.005-06:00

I was in the habit of not eating before a run, but since reducing my total overall calories for the day I thought it would be wise to fuel before a run. Below is my 250 calorie pre-run fuel.

Ingredients
1/2 c Greek yogurt

(Fage is the best IMO)
1/4 c Bob's Red Mill granola

15 fresh pitted cherries.

This article calls cherries a "Super Fruit" for their inflammation and antioxidant property's. Here's a small exert; A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease.

All I know is it is Parfait Perfection!

Wednesday Weigh In

2011-01-12T05:30:00.002-06:00

I am happy to say I have dropped 2 lbs in the last week. Praise God! It feels so good to be seeing this weight come off. I really struggled with the idea of dieting while trying to build a solid training program, but so far it seems I am keeping a good balance of calorie reduction and maintaining energy for training. It can be done! It will be interesting to see how next month goes when I begin doing some hill work. I have already begun to push the pace a little harder on my weekly runs but hope that once the pounds start dropping the pace will get even better.

My running schedule for this week:

Mon. 6 Miles (done)

Tues. 6 Miles (done)

Wens. 8 Miles (done)

Thur. 6 miles (done)

Fri. Rest

Sat. 13-14 Miles

Hello Lovahhhh!

2011-01-10T11:20:00.002-06:00

My new discovery, LARABAR! I love, love, the flavors, the fact that they are a yummy low calorie snack. Also they are Gluten free and made with ingredients I would eat naturally, such as nuts and dates. You need to try these for sure. And the best part I can get them at my local grocery store, so convenient! And the taste well, hello lovahhh!!!

In other news:

Have you heard about the one night showing of the movie Hood to Coast. I am hoping to go. I remember when Spirit of the Marathon came out for one night. The theater was filled with runners. It was such a fun atmosphere kind of like a race and date night rolled into one. Below is the movie trailer.

Hood To Coast Full-Length Trailer from HoodToCoastMovie on Vimeo.

Hope you all have a blessed week.

12 MILES!!!!!!

2011-01-08T14:58:00.003-06:00

This song blasted on my ipod the last mile and I just cried. When I hit the stop button on my Garmin I thew my hands in the air in triumph. The people on the trail must have thought I lost my mind but I didn't care these were victory miles! My time was slow 2:10 but its not about that, not now anyway. I am caught up in the momentum of His love!!!

I Got Me A Six Pack!!!!

2011-01-06T08:30:00.009-06:00

This belt is so making my next wish list! This can also double as a new hydration belt right.

Okay enough of the funny stuff.

This DVD is really what I want to talk about. I was going to list my top 6 thoughts about the dvd to be kind of cutesy with my post, but I'm just too blame tired so read through the list twice okay.
1. I really think this woman is on drugs! a single 3-10lb. dumbbell is required and used somewhat like a weapon in a self defense class.

2. I should have known with names like, mountain climbers, chops, planks, rotations, did I mention planks, this dvd was going to make me WANT to take drugs.

3. Okay enough of the funny stuff. It had a lot more cardio/tone element to it than what I was expecting. Jillian says about the program that, "it burns overall body fat while also conditioning your core"

I don't think I will have 6-pack abs in 6 weeks because a lot of that is accomplished through diet. I will say you do several different versions of the plank so you use arms a lot. If you want a good Ab workout that's fast pace and tough then try the DVD.

Expectations

2011-01-04T08:52:00.012-06:00

I am watching the countdown clock for the Chevron Houston (half) Marathon tick away and honestly I am becoming a little nervous. First, this will be my first race since 2006. That race was a difficult one, a 15k and I was under-trained. Oh, I finished but it wasn't pretty. I struggled the whole way. Secondly, in all my years of racing my primary goal was to better my time from the previous race. These are typical expectations of most runners. I have experienced the joy of crossing the finish line with a personal best. But I also understand the disappointment of these unaccomplished expectations. Many factors come into play during a race and sometimes it just becomes about finishing. Expectations can be frustrated when you haven't trained properly and/or unplanned conditions are such that work against these hopes and ideas. Webster defines expectations as:

1. anticipation of something happening: a confident belief or strong hope that a particular event will happen, a mental image of something expected, a standard of conduct or performance expected by or of somebody.

Being confident and having realistic expectations is a fine line. There is a balance between being confident in your training and your expectations. I don't want to have such low expectations that it undermines all my training. Yet at the same time I need to be confident in all the hard work I have put in. I am not a highly competitive person. Often when I pass someone on a training run, I'll offer a kind word of encouragement to them. Silly I know. I really admire the competitive type. Considering my current pace on my training runs, setting a PR is not even on the radar for this race. I tried to run 11 miles on Saturday but my legs just felt empty and I stopped at 10.60. So maybe just finishing the full 13.1 is all the expectation I need to have for now. As I was running my 6 miles yesterday I was thinking how if I really push I might be able to come close to this time goal I have in my head. I am fighting not to have the expectation of a good race time. This is what I really want, a good time. Yet the reality of this expectation proves itself in my training runs to be unrealistic. My hope is that I can bring my expectations into reality while maintaining confidence in all the miles I have put in. So for now I am telling myself to consider these goals for race day;

1. Just enjoy the experience of being back in the excitement and anticipation of a race day event.

2. To use this race as a base to improve on for your next race.

3. To use this race to build my confidence in future races as I push myself beyond what I thought I could. (this one I think is really constructive in learning the balance of expectations and performance)

These three goals/expectations I think will give me a really great race day experience and not find me struggling with dangerous expectations.

So how about you? Are you the competitive type that loves smoking past people? How or what defines your goals or expectations on race day?

2010 Recap:Excuse Me While I Blow My Nose

2011-01-01T20:34:00.014-06:00

Okay this is fair warning, turn away if you don't like reading while I boohoo=) I'm going to start off with the emotional and physical side of this past year. As you know the year 2010 for my family was really tough with the cancer diagnosis and death of my beloved father-in-law. But what you might not know is that the previous year's were times of severe testing in my family. I will not go into the details because it is completely unnecessary but I will say that these were very difficult trials that effected my emotional, but more so my physical health. At one point I became so ill from the stress of these trials that I had to stop running completely. I started having anxiety attacks while running. Then, just about the time I was beginning to move forward again my husbands dad was diagnosed with cancer and died this past August. Even though I did some running this past year it was no where near the consistency or level that has been a mainstay most of my life. A lot of damage had been done from the stress and my failure to trust God in it. Running has always been a huge part of my life so for it to be such a struggle was just another aspect of how my life had fallen apart under the weight of these difficulties. Even in my unfaithfulness God was faithful through the years, but my health, weight and emotions had suffered. God brought me through it and taught me so much about my utter need for Him. Unexpectedly, our move to Houston has been like entering the promised land! God has brought so much healing through the change. As a result, my running has been getting back on track like it had been in the past. So, (deep breath here) to be able to be training for a half marathon after years of just struggling to find my way down the running trail has been a true victory! So here I sit typing with tired legs from a 10 mile run today yet with renewed strength in the path the Lord has us on. For me it has been more than just physical miles it has been triumph. And only by His grace! He is the One who underwrites my battles and through Him I overwhelmingly conquer. To Him alone belongs the victory!

So this leads me to where I am physically and what my short term goals are. First, the past few years and lack of consistent running have aided me in packing on some weight, sigh...I need to loose about 15-okay more like 20lbs. I am at a weight that is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. A lot of what I have read about running to loose weight is not very promising. I know that I HAVE to loose this weight especially if I'm going to survive training in Houston's humidity. My plan is to view food as fuel, and to eat around my runs keeping myself fueled enough to continue working on my running goals. I am a relatively healthy eater, but I can't afford to feed any of my vices if I want to get this weight off. It is not an issue of vanity, it really is the last thing I see that is a painful reminder of a time of great failure in my life and I want victory over this. It remains the last thing to put behind me. I plan to talk about this more in future post's, share some of my eating strategies and may be so brave to post before and after photos. Secondly, and the part that really excites me is the fact that I am actually training for some races this year. I have not raced in a loooong time. Considering the years I have run overall I would like to be much farther along on my training but I need to be realistic and careful. So for now I have 2 goals with my training.

1. To build my base mileage in preparation for running the half-marathon distance.

2. To run relaxed while pushing my pace. (This is not speed work. I'm trying to find my cadence...)

If all goes well with these goals I hope to begin the hill/speed work phase possibly in February. I will see how my weight loss is going and how my legs are holding up. Well my friends there you have it! It has been a tough post to share yet one I hope brings glory to God. As He did in 2010 I know He will do in 2011 and that is to bring meaning, purpose, strength, hope, and grace to my life through the victories and through the failures. He is the reason I run. I think Eric Lidell described it best when he said:

"When I run I feel His pleasure."

I wish you all a blessed New Year.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Pardon Me While I Choke Down This GU and Gloat

2010-12-14T06:55:00.006-06:00

I will not gloat, I will not gloat...okay maybe just a little. I LOVE Houston WEATHER. On Saturday I ran at Terry Hershey Park (aka) Terri's Chocolate Park=) in shorts and t-shirt. I am not missing the weather in Tulsa which is currently in the teens at all! Oh I know I will pay for all this gloating this Summer when I experience the heat and humidity I hear can get really tough. But for now the temperatures are a huge blessing. Speaking of blessing I ran 9 miles on Saturday! I have not been able to do this kind of distance since my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer last year. As you know our family had a very difficult year with his illness and death. So getting back to consistent running and some real mileage was a major blessing to me. I know it sounds silly but I was a bit emotional after I got home and talked to my husband about how good it felt to be out running again and for it to not be a run weigh down with so many heart-heavy miles. We miss him terribly but I am thankful that are moving forward and running is once again becoming a true joy in my life. On a side note I am noticing that with this great weather my hydration needs to be increased. I have always used GU because I got freebies of them in the racing bags=) So I just stuck with the GU brand. But I can only handle a couple of the flavors, the rest just have a chemical taste to me. Okay so trying to expand my horizon I decided to try a different brand and bought Accel Gel. The consistency is MUCH thinner but it doesn't seem to have as much gel stuff in the little packet as the GU. I have never felt a burst of energy after taking any gel, nor am I sure I'm suppose too...but I know for sure I am feeling like I need more fluids during my runs. I just bought myself a little 8oz fluid bottle that slips onto my SPIbelt. I put G3 in that, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't be drinking the full strength Gatorade and taking in more GU's (I've been taking one every 4miles). So I'd like to know what Gels and drinks do you use? And do you feel like it makes a difference?

The Dust has Settled

2010-11-30T08:25:00.006-06:00

After two moving trucks, hundreds of boxes, 5 weeks of company, the move is complete. We have officially become Texans! Even though it has been difficult to leave family, friends and many familiar things, I have so much to be thankful for. The move has become a time of great healing on many levels. I thought that the move would bring more challenges and difficulties but instead I have found it to be a time of growth and healing. My running took a serious back seat to the business of the move, but this past month I have been getting back in the swing of a routine and consistent running. Running in my neighborhood is a new thing for me, I prefer parks, but travel is an issue, so most weekly runs are in the neighborhood. I have discovered a park I LOVE and find my way there on Saturdays. Terry Hershey Park reminds me a lot of the River parks in Tulsa. Some of the trails are rolling with a few steep inclines, something I didn't expect to find in Texas. My longest long run so far was this past Saturday of 7 miles. It was slow going, no really I mean sloooooooow, but at least I got the mileage in. I am thankful to be getting back into the routine and look forward to experiencing the Houston (half) Marathon in January. I have not run in an actual race in a couple of years so it will be a bit challenging to negotiate such a large and unfamiliar race. I hope I can just relax and enjoy the moment. I'm sure it will be fun. Based on my current pace I am expecting to run my slowest half ever but, that's okay, a least that's what I keep telling myself=). In light of the year I have had and the many changes that I have recently had to deal with I think I have earned a break this one race. But only this one race because I have my sights on the Dallas Rock n Roll Half in March and then the Oklahoma City Marathon in April. I hope to see a major improvement on my times by then. I have been thinking about the full marathon in April, but would like to see my pace increase in the half first. we will see...if I have learned anything from this past year it's not to plan too far ahead and be flexible. Now I need to go do some dusting=)

My running schedule for this week is

Mon. 6 miles (done) in tank top and shorts
Tues. 5 miles (done) in jacket, gloves and hat (crazy weather)
Wens. 7 miles (whew!done!)
Thurs. off (thankful for this rest day)
Fri. 5 miles
Sat. 8 miles

Many blessings to you as you run the race.

I'm Here!!! I'm Here!!!

2010-09-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

I'm still here! I just don't have time to do any blogging right now. We are in the process of our move to Houston. We found a wonderful home and will move in next month. I have so much I could share about how God worked so many details out since my father-in-law passed. It was like the flood gates were open after his home-going and God just poured out so many wonderful things. My husband and I are overwhelmed with His kindness toward us. I was even accepted in the Houston Marathon lottery and will be running the half in January. So much to share but too much to do right now. I will begin to post again soon after our move next month. Below is a
picture of our beautiful new home. Many blessings to you.

Crossing the Finish Line

2010-08-19T08:59:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday evening my husbands dad went to his heavenly home. His family was by his side and he was peaceful and not suffering. Although our hearts our heavy we are thankful he is at peace. I year ago today is when he was first diagnosed with cancer. It has been a long difficult road for my family. My husbands dad has crossed the finish line, his race is complete, he is now experiencing the eternal reward, the unending presence and worship of Christ. My last words as he was taking his final breaths were, "we are right behind you." I look forward to that reunion. Below was one of my father-in-laws favorite verses.

Yet those who wait for the LORD

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31

A Day at a Time

2010-07-01T07:09:00.005-05:00

Well, this will be my last post for a while. As some of you know who are also friends with me on Facebook my husbands dad has taken a turn for the worst and now has lung cancer. As of yesterday he is pretty much bed ridden. Although it is hard to talk about, I know he is nearing the end. My life lately has been a roller coaster...between getting the house ready to sell, helping my mother-in-law, keeping up with my responsibilities as a wife and mom, my plate has never been fuller. I remember an older woman telling me back in 1996 when my husband had cancer to "take one day at a time." This is so true and really is the hardest part for me...I'm a planner. I like to know where the hills, turns, and straightaways are. Knowing what's coming and planning is not what God has allotted for my life right now. It doesn't matter if I don't like going a day at a time, I've never been more certain this is exactly where I need to be. Even in the midst of what feels like a storm I have found joy and a steady resting place in Him. This is a time where all that I know in my head and heart gets put to work in my life. Running lately has been with a heaviness of heart. The trails I run are affectionately known as "Terri's trail of tears" These trails have been a sacred place to pour out my heart before an all wise, loving God that no matter what is always good in His dealings with His children. As of right now my goals and training are on hold. I've thought about some particular races in the fall I would like to run but right now running is just a time to breath, focus my mind and pray. I don't know when I will have time to post about running or anything for that fact, but I will from time to time visit and read your blogs. Until then, may we all pursue that which is eternal and live TODAY for His glory and praise.

As Promised...

2010-05-27T16:39:00.009-05:00

My Honey relaxing at Destin Fla.

Our little mermaid

Probably one of the last rocket launches at NASA=(

The girls and I at Sea World

Oh my how I love key lime pie!

Animal Kingdom

Taken at Magic Kingdom with my parents

Hollywood Studios and Epcot

We had so much fun on vacation to Disney World but my favorite part really was the short time we spent at Destin beach. I hope we can plan more beach vacations in the future. As it looks we are definitely making the move to Houston. I will tell you I have had a mix of emotions. The company my husband works for is flying us to Houston next weekend for a chance to see the area, check out his office and meet our Realtor. It will be a short trip but hopefully one that will bring some of my fears to rest. We will have time to visit one church while we are there. My running has not picked up much since we got back from vacation. It has been a whirlwind of business starting with working on the house to get it ready to sell. I have missed the routine and discipline training for some specific race or goal brings to my life. I hope that this upcoming move will not hinder me much longer from getting back into some type of "normal" running/training schedule. I have already checked the race schedule, a local running club and several of the parks in the Houston area. I hope to get a better sense of how spread out everything is in the Houston area next weekend. It will be a big adjustment. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Pressing on!

The Bomb Has Dropped!

2010-05-19T07:28:00.005-05:00

We are back from vacation and it was tiring but full of great memories! My daughter had a odometer she carried around Disney and Seaworld. The grand total of steps we took throughout our visit to the parks was a whopping 65,000. So when I say tired I mean it! The day after we arrived home my husband was informed his entire department is moving to Houston! That's in Texas folks! Talk about a bomb dropping! The company he works for has slowly been moving all its departments to Houston and his department is the only one left. His job is very secure and has provided us a comfortable living. Unless the Lord shows us otherwise we most likely are going to make the move. I will tell you this is not easy for me, I like routine, I thrive under knowing whats around the next corner and if one word could describe me it would be cookie cutter, okay that's two words but you get the point. I don't do well with change. We have moved before and it did not go well so I am a bit gun shy about this whole thing. BUT I know I have a great God and He will help me because, He is faithful and good and has a perfect plan in all of this and I don't say that lightly! Anyway since this is a running blog I suppose I need to talk about that. My running since the week before and during our trip has been hit and miss. I have not run very much in the past three weeks and I MISS IT LIKE CRAZY!!! Now that we are back home and I have had a couple of days to unpack and begin to process this new information I am anxious to hit the running trails. Does anybody know if Houston has hilly running trails? I love hill training!!! My mind has been spinning...a run would do that some good. Well I will post pictures of our trip in a couple of days and will hopefully be more on top of my blogging this month. I have visited some of your blogs today and look forward to reading up on all these great races you all have been running. Keep pressing on!

The Trees Clap their Hands

2010-03-25T07:34:00.014-05:00

Again I have been so tardy with my posting. This is partly due to the fact I am not training for any particular race. Since postponing the marathon in April in lieu of our vacation I have dropped back on my mileage. It has been so nice not to be working and pushing myself training for a race. I have been running a lot but primarily just keeping a good base going (about 24 miles a week). The weather has been terrific and I have been running on the hilly trails near our home. This trail crosses over two main overpasses which I recently discovered are over 22 feet high. Whew! I knew those hills were hard for some reason. I love seeing all the promises of spring blooming on the bushes and trees as I run. I was meditating on Isaiah 55 recently, particularly verses 12-13

"For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace;

The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you,

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush

the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up,

and it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which

will not be cut off."

You might be familiar with the song that came from verse 12. It sticks in my head often when I am running. Like you I run year round so I get to see the changing seasons on nature. The trees and bushes turning from green to colors of red and gold. Then loose all their leaves hanging barren through the winter cold. Now the trees and bushes are pregnant with the hope of spring. In my mind it personifies these verses...deliverance, hope, joy, redemption. It is a reminder of God's infinite power, and faithfulness, and love to his people year after year, season after season.

Hope in the Certainty of Things Unseen

2010-02-19T12:39:00.004-06:00

I just could not bring myself to run another day on the treadmill and since hubby had the day off I had no reason. It was in the mid 40's when I left for the hilly trails near our home. I purposely didn't take my watch or the ipod it was just me, God vast creation and the power of prayer. The skies were gray and the clouds thick yet during my run I noticed the suns powerful rays taking over the dim mood the clouds had cast on the trail. The suns power was winning over the gray "lending hope and gladness" to my soul. I began to feel a renewed sense of hope taking over. Hope for the coming of Spring, hope for brighter days ahead, hope that I was finally moving forward in some areas I have struggled with this past year. Hope that the God of this creation will have the final victory and I praised and thanked my God. I know I am emoting but by the end of my run my spirits were renewed and I was reminded afresh why I love to run.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...Hebrews 11:1

Steady as She Goes

2010-02-16T09:44:00.008-06:00

I have been so tardy with my posting but even if I did post my recent running activity it would sound so redundant it would bore you all silly. I have been running faithfully on the treadmill and doing my weight workout since my last post. We have had a few days break in the weather but it has consistently remained in the 30's or lower during the time of morning I can get out to run. I am still getting up early to run but I just don't have the motivation this winter to hit the trails in the dark cold. This year I just feel cold all the time so the treadmill is a warm option. Plus I can sleep in a little later since I don't have to drive to the river. I am looking forward to spring!

After last summers running cycle of hit and miss due to some hip pain I put on a few extra pounds. I have the family genetics to be very heavy so I have to really watch what I eat and exercise all the time. When I don't put in consistent effort I put on weight really, really fast. I am literally the smallest person in my family for many generations. Because I struggled to maintain a consistent running schedule last year along with some stressful events I could stand to loose about 20+pounds. Since my last post I have lost about 5 lbs! I am so thankful for this as my body already feels more comfortable, more like it's normal self. I am hoping to loose the rest before our vacation in May.

On a funny note I was reading Jane's post yesterday on incorporating exercise while waiting for other things. So yesterday as I was homeschooling the kids I thought I would give it a try. While I was standing at the table during the history lesson I began to do squats and side leg lifts. My kids looked at me like I had lost my mind. They started laughing asking me what I was doing, I got to laughing so I hard I could only mumble out the word "squats" it was a classic. I think I'll try it again today. Thanks Jane for a good laugh.

"A merry heart does good like a medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

"We just want to pump you up"

2010-01-31T12:25:00.016-06:00

Do you remember Hans and Franz from Saturday Night Live? I'm dating myself. I was not a fan of SNL but the few times I watched back in the 80's when Hans & Franz came on they always made me laugh. Now that my April marathon goals have been postponed until November, the fact that we have had single digit temps and snow this winter I have revamped my fitness goals. Before we decided to take a family vacation around the same time as my marathon I was up to an hour and a half of running on the treadmill in training for my marathon. That was about all I could handle on the mill even while watching episodes of 24. As I type we have 6 inches of snow covering the ground, so obviously I am going to be on the treadmill for a while longer. Since I no longer need to be working on adding miles I decided about 2 weeks ago to add more strength training into my workouts. I have noticed as I am aging I'm not as strong as I used to be. I have been enjoying adding more weight lifting to my routine. I have even noticed in the few weeks I've been lifting I've been able to add more weight and reps. So for those of you interested this a general outline of what my running/fitness schedule looks like for this week.

M-F Run on the treadmill for 30-40 mins. (with intervals most days)
Sat. I will do a long run (hopefully outside!)

M,W, F-Upper body weighted workout
T & Th-Lower body weighted workout

I do most of my weighted workout using dumbbells. I do have a weight bar and weight bench for chest presses and leg extensions. My biggest challenge is time. Adding this much strength training adds and additional 40-50 mins. of time in addition to my running. So far I have only missed a couple of workouts because I just ran out of time or was too tired after my run. I plan to keep this schedule up as long as I am stuck inside.

Hope you all have a great week. Pressing on with you in health.

MIA

2010-01-07T10:14:00.014-06:00

Wow! if the past four weeks are indicative of what this new year will be like then this year will fly by just like last year. Honestly I still can't believe a new year is upon me. I have been thinking about my running goals for this new year and have had a really hard time figuring out how to balance life with what my desired goals are. I have had to look realistically at my responsibilities as a wife and homeschool mom and adjust my goals to these priorities. As most of you know My husbands father was diagnosed with incurable cancer back in August 09. This news set our lives on a new path and brought with it some additional responsibilities and stress. The news of my husbands dad came one month prior to our scheduled family vacation with them to Florida and Disney. As difficult as it was to tell our kids the vacation had to be cancelled they never complained or question once our decision. Running this year especially after my father-in-laws diagnosis has been challenging, but at the same time something that kept me moving forward emotionally through some very difficult times. Like many of you the physical highs and lows of running parallel life in so many ways, which is one reason why I love running. One of my desires this year was to finally run that marathon that has alluded me in my 20+ years of running. Now that my husbands dad is in remission my husband and I have had a chance to sit down and evaluated this years goals and plans. My husband is a very loving, wise and godly man. Last year was a very difficult year for both of us in many ways. We both could have used a vacation! So he suggested that we re-plan our original vacation, sooner than later this year. The time he suggested conflicts with my April marathon. I was reluctant at first to give up this goal but I know this is something our whole family needs. Our children have been amazingly mature through this whole process and my heart just wants them to have this time. The weather here has also left me stuck with training a lot on the treadmill. This was one of my biggest concerns for an April marathon. My training has been hindered by the snow storms and single digit temps. I have endured hours on the treadmill but I am no where near where I need to be in my mileage. My competitive nature just doesn't want to run an "okay" first marathon I would like to be strong and finish in a decent time. So with all that, I have set my sights on having a wonderful much needed family vacation and training for my first marathon in November (The Rt. 66 Marathon, hint, hint, Kim). I will probably run some shorter races until then and then there is always my old stand by the Tulsa Run 15k in October (hint, hint Mary Ann). So as for now I am keeping my base mileage up on the treadmill and really looking forward to some warmer weather so I can begin to see what these old legs have in them. In the mean time I will try to update weekly but it may get a bit redundant until I can hit the trails once again. Until then keep pressing on!

Still Here

2009-12-16T09:17:00.032-06:00

I am still here...and winding down from a marathon 2 weeks of painting, cleaning, organizing, cooking and shopping. Wow! am I tired. Below are a few pictures of the fruits of our labors. They by no means do justice to the hours and days my mom and I put into all that was accomplished. I love my new "treadmill room" and with the weather staying around 30 degrees for the HIGH of most days, I will definitely be getting a lot of use out of my new room. I don't have time in my schedule to do any posting this week but I plan to re-start my running journals again sometime next week. In the meantime I am reading your post and staying motivated by your running progress and success. Keep pressing on.

I still have some things to finish in the treadmill room but that will be another time and after my back has a chance to rest. I hung a couple old race photos and a old racing bib as well as a picture of the goal "26.2" for a little inspiration while on the treadmill. My big splurge for this room is a picture of a runner I purchased at Art.com. It will be captioned with the verse that heads this blog. All of that is still at the framers. I will post a picture of it when its done.

This is the office re-decorated, purged and organized!

Happy Hilly Chilly Days

2009-11-27T09:59:00.024-06:00

My mom arrives Tuesday for a 2 week visit! The kids and I have not seen her (other than Skype) for over a year. While she is here I am looking forward to sleeping past 4:30 am. The weather has been so nice this month and has not dropped below 40 for any of my early morning runs. It has been a gift from God to have such warm weather this time of year. But, the weather has started changing and just in time for my moms visit. My run Saturday was 33 degrees! I could see my breath the whole way. The day mom arrives it is going to be 29 degrees! My mom has always been very supportive of my running so when I asked her if she would mind if I went running after sunrise, she had no problem with that. I am really excited about getting to sleep in and run later in the morning for the next couple of weeks. Not only that but while moms here we plan to transform the spare bedroom where my treadmill is. I though if the room was pleasant to be in it would make my treadmill running more endurable. It has snowed as late as April around here so I figure I will be on the treadmill at some point. Mom and I love to decorate and keep busy so it will be a fun time. She will also do Christmas with the kids so they are looking forward to getting a few gifts early. My husband leaves for Myanmar on Thurs. and will be gone for 8 days. December is looking like a very busy month. My running plan through December is hills, hills, hills! I have been experiencing mild shin pain (only in my left leg) this month but nothing that has caused me to have to skip any running days. I'm running in new shoes so I have eliminated that as the cause. I sure would like to know if anyone has a good stretch for the shin? Any advice is welcome. I probably won't do much posting this month but will keep up with you all through reading your blogs. Below is a picture of the quilt I ordered and *kind of* (I'll be using my favorite color green instead)the look mom and I will be going for in the spare room. I found a twin sleigh bed at the thrift store last week for $40! I'll post pictures when it's done.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-24T11:23:00.008-06:00

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I am thankful for a godly husband who loves his family in both actions and words.
I am thankful that my father-in-law has turned a corner and is gaining some ground physically.
I am very thankful for the warmer than usual weather to run in.
I am thankful I have been able to run consistently with no pain for 3+ weeks.
I am thankful that my mom is coming for a visit in less than a week.
I am thankful that even though this time of year comes with many things that are stressful and disappointing I have a Rock, a steady place to plant my feet.
I am thankful that no one in my family has gotten really sick this year so far.
I am thankful for friends and blogging friends who keep my life interesting and offer encouragement.
I am thankful for so many blessings God has poured out in my life, most of all for His endless love and mercy.
I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgivings!

Where There's A Will There's A Way!

2009-11-16T14:24:00.008-06:00

Some of you who are also friends with me on Facebook know that my husbands father was diagnosed in August with incurable cancer and has since begun serious radiation and chemotherapy treatments. With my in-laws living about 3 miles from us, this allows us to minister and help them. Last week my father-in-law ended up at the hospital suffering from side affects of his treatments as well as dehydration. Why do I bring this up? well, only to boast in the Lord of course. As you know I set about last week to begin in earnest my pre-marathon training month. November has been set aside to "see how it goes" in the pain/mileage department. But not part of my schedule was an increased number of responsibilities. My husbands father needing to be hospitalized meant that my husbands time would be stretched between home and the hospital. My husband did several overnight stays at the hospital which meant I could not run in the mornings. He also went by there after work, so time for running became very challenging. My husband who is very supportive and aware of my goals worked so hard to try and be home at some point everyday so I could get in my run. I ran several times in the evening, well after dark, and managed to run 5x's this past week. I am so thankful for a loving and supportive husband. For children who step up to the plate when grown-up responsibilities increase. For the fact my "father-in-love" is getting better. And more than anything for the grace God gives to get me through difficulties and for His intimate care that I sense each day as I run this race. I am happy to report I have run without any serious pain this past week and the marathon goal is looking more and more like a reality. My plan this week is to repeat last weeks running schedule and hopefully feel a little stronger than I did this past week on my runs.
Mon. run 4(done)
Tue. 4 (done)
Wens. 4
Thur. 4 (Hills)
Fri. off
Sat. 5

"I Think I Can, I Think I Can"

2009-11-09T12:41:00.020-06:00

Next to the story of "The Princess and the Pea" my next favorite book as a child was "The Little Engine That Could" Who would've know how much this story would parallel my life as an adult. My life especially these past two years has been one of overcoming seemingly the impossible. If it were not for my relationship with the Lord and His Word I would not be able to reach the top of that mountain. Thank you all so much for the encouragement, advice and all around pep talk on whether or not I should make 2010 the year I see a long time dream fulfilled. First I want to answer a question asked from the last post. Yes, I have done races, many of them. The longest distance I have run is the half-marathon distance. My most common race has been the Tulsa Run a 15k. I have done up to 14 miles in training runs but it has been a looooooong time. This year my longest run has been 6 miles due to the fact I have had one pain issue after another anytime I try to extend that distance. This is one of the reasons I have been so uncertain. Thankfully it seems these issues have resolved and I can begin in earnest to work on my running. Realistically I know that if I pursue this dream I must adjust my goals and expectations. I have usually trained with the purpose of meeting a time goal or having a PR. But if I were to do this marathon I think I will just frustrate myself trying to do that. So where does this leave me? This is my plan so far. I know that the OKC Memorial Marathon sells out. It has sold out every year and this is the 10th anniversary, so I don't have a great deal of time to sit on this. In light of my current running year, my plan is to take the rest of November to see what happens when I move past the 6 mile mark. Before I can commit to this, by that I mean put down the money, I need to work on increasing my mileage this month and building up my long run distance. I feel like since I have been able to resolve the hip pain through proper stretching I can now work consistently on increasing my weekly and long run mileage. I was so blessed by your comments that I really think I CAN marathon! So here I am anxious to see how my month goes and excited for the first time in a long time to possibly be training for such a special race. I'll keep you posted!

My plan this week;

Mon. run 4 (done)

Tue. 4 (took off bc father-in-law ended up in hospital)

Wens. 4 (done)

Thur. 4 (done)

Fri. 4 (with hills,done! One more run this week to go!)

Sat. 5 (done! that last mile was sloooooow)

To Marathon Or Not To Marathon That Is The Question...

2009-11-05T11:07:00.027-06:00

So I have actually been seriously thinking about making a dream of mine to run a marathon a reality. I like most runners want this allusive distance. I want the bumper sticker that says "26.2". I want to experience that rush and all the emotions of achieving this dream. Yet, I find myself so unsure... and I think if I am this unsure then how in the world do I think I have what it takes to do this? I keep talking myself out of trying for various reasons which, I will step out on a limb and share. Reason one is I'm too old to handle this type of training now, I know stop laughing, but the truth is I have been feeling my "age" this year more than ever. Two it would require serious winter training for the April marathon I am considering. I have run through some very cold months, but most of the time I was training with someone, so the accountability got me up and out of bed in 30 degree temps, and I don't know if I have it in me to keep plugging through the cold months. Third reason is I know how hard I can be on myself to fixate on a certain time goal and having never run that type of distance, can I keep my expectations real enough to not be faced with disappointment throughout training and the actual marathon? Okay I am feeling very vulnerable letting you all in my head...Lastly I have heard that running a marathon is mostly mental so when I consider the above I'm not sure I have the mental fortitude to do it. My husband keeps telling me that the mental toughness will come with training, and I believe that because I have seen it as I have trained for other distances, but I have had such an off year running that I wonder if I can even get to that point. You see what I'm doing??? Then there is the fear of failure, which I won't even go there... I am considering doing Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This is the perfect marathon for me because the inspiration I need to run is built right into the race. I do love the feeling that personal accomplishment gives you, the feeling when you have crossed the finish line and achieved that goal, but that is not what drives me to get out there and put in the hard work. And that makes me wonder do I have what "it" is to drive me to do this? I don't know, and that worries me. Do I need to feel that "I have got to have this" feeling in order to take on this dream? My dilemma is, I am not convinced I can do it and are my desires strong enough to take on this dream now? So, the question is, to marathon or not to marathon?

Me and My Shadow...

2009-11-04T09:53:00.003-06:00

Now that my head cold is subsiding I am back on the running trail and back to training our black lab Shadow. He has managed 3 days of running 3 miles each day at a good (not too fast for his mommy) pace in a healing position. I don't prefer to run with him in a healing position because the chance of him tripping me is much greater, but there are still so many people on the trails it is best to keep him close. One of my worst falls happened from tripping over my German Shepherd on a run. I still have knee trouble from time to time from that hard landing. Other than my arm being a little tired the running is going well. Shadow has really surprised me for just being 1 years old. He seems really happy when he runs and I am enjoying having him by my side. If my arm can take it I plan to move him up to 4 miles next week. Any running advice from those of you who have run with pets would be much welcomed.

Do you Know What your Running Shoes Taste Like?

2009-10-31T13:08:00.004-05:00

Well my new running partner loves running so much he actually ingested part of my running shoe this morning. Unbeknown to me he chewed off the top eyelet section of my current running shoes!!! I use that top eyelet! I only caught him when he happily trotted past me with the insole in his mouth. I guess that was the second course. I am so sick about this I can't even bring myself to try them on to see if the damage means I have to but a new pair. They are not that old, ugh! I haven't been able to run or even walk him for a couple of days because I have had a terrible head cold. But, we will get out for a walk today! The idea of having a running partner that can eat your shoes is kind of funny, kind of...

I'm a Running Clothes Horse

2009-10-28T10:06:00.003-05:00

Okay, I will come out of the closet and admit whenever I am in a sporting goods store or running store my heart rate rises, all that spandex and thermal stuff just gives me a rush. There I said it and I don't regret it! So being the running clothes horse I am this hat is on my list of "must haves" I have pretty long hair so in the winter I am usually pulling my ponytail low on my neck to get my hat or running head band from riding up and being uncomfortable. This hat solves the problem and its pretty too. Oh be still my beating heart!

A New Kind of Speed Work

2009-10-27T10:46:00.012-05:00

My husband and I had promised the kids that we would get a dog this year. About 5 weeks ago we held up our end of the promise and got a dog, well, actually, ahem, we got two dogs. When we started looking at dogs we found two we really liked but we couldn't agree on which one so we got both. We purchased the dogs from a rescue group. The yellow lab is between 2-5 yrs. old and the black lab is 1 year. I had it in my mind to make one of the dogs a running partner. I used to run with my German Shepherd. He was a good companion, but died about 9 years ago, so it's been a while. So last night I decided it was time to start the black lab (Shadow) for a training run. He as well as the yellow lab have turned out to be really terrific dogs. The yellow lab is more of a 65lb. lap dog so she all snuggles and sugar. The black lab on the other hand is the athlete. I knew Shadow had it in him to run at least 2 maybe 3 miles but I wasn't sure how he would handle a steady no time for sniffing pace. So last night on the trails near our house we started his first training run. He surprised me and did very well! Everything was fine on the mile out, we could hear a few coyotes off in the distance, but on the mile back it had gotten much darker and the coyotes were out in number. The howling and barking was much closer and at one point Shadow and I realized we were being tracked by one or more coyotes. We could both hear something following us in the tall brush! I was freaking out and so was he! Our training run kind of turned out to be a speed training lesson. My husband told me I could not run with him on the trail again at night. I have no problem submitting to that! Shadow did great stayed on course and kept a steady pace. He's gonna make a great running partner!

Seasonal Groaning

2009-10-25T19:32:00.015-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, it just seems I am saying the same thing over and over. I continue to run my 4 miles consistently and without pain. I was planning to do 5-6 miles on Saturday but missed my long run because I let to many thing squeeze out my time, things that were not as important as a good run, ugh. The weather was beautiful this week until the weekend then it got really cold. With the time change coming and winter just around the corner my morning runs will become more challenging. The regular runners will begin to thin out making my runs more isolated combined with the cold weather it will be harder to motivate myself to climb out of my nice warm bed to face the dark chilly air. I have a treadmill but find it hard to do more than 3 miles without going crazy=). I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining I just like running in warm weather so much more than winter running. I have been actually thinking about running my first marathon in April but it would require me to put in a lot of winter miles...I keep talking myself out of it for that reason and also I'm just not sure I have the mental fortitude to run that long...anyway enough about the weather and my humdrum attitude about winter running. For now I am enjoying the fall colors and mostly seasonal weather.
The changing seasons always remind me of this verse; Romans 8:22-23 "We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies".
If creation longs for glory how much more we who are His children should long, groan, for the redemption of our bodies, which will mean we will be with Christ in glory! Next time you are out running look at the trees and all of creation and think upon this verse.

Oh, How I Love Those Trails!

2009-10-10T07:25:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I ran 4 miles of hills, slippery mud, deep puddles and I'm going back today for more! Since my husband was off work yesterday I decided to try the 4 miles I had planned for Saturday on Friday instead. I was a little anxious to see if that lower back pain would make a showing. Actually I never felt anything in my lower back but did feel a stiffness in my left glute but it was not that bad. I could tell after my run while I was stretching that this is an area that I need to watch. I ran my 4 miles on the trails near our house which after several days of rain meant I was faced with numerous obstacles of puddles and mud. When I got home I showed my shoes and socks to my husband and he said, "those trails will make you tough" he's right. After my run we got ready to go to the Tulsa State fair. We spent about 5 hours eating our way through the fair and having a really good time just hanging out together. I am planning to run another 4 on the same trails today and hoping for the best regarding this pain.

Thinking about and sending best wishes out to you all who are racing this weekend!

Trust for Today

2009-10-07T11:06:00.015-05:00

So I've been doing 3 miles consistently for going on two weeks and I have not had that lower back pain since! It really does make a difference when training is on a consistent basis. Toward the end of last week I started going back to the river in the morning to run because, I simply don't like to run in the evening! It has been a bit of a drive for just 3 miles but it has helped me to stay consistent. I am hoping to do 4 miles on Saturday and if this pain does not return then I hope to continue to step up my mileage again. Running this year so far has come with more challenges than I really care to think about. Some of these challenges I am sure are related to me getting older, but even so, the unfamiliarity of these issues has not been easy to handle at times. As I have struggled this year to have a "normal" running life, it has made me appreciate so much more the gift of running. I am so thankful for the joy running brings, the solitude, the time alone with the Lord, the opportunity to re-group and of course pray and sometimes even cry. But these challenges have also brought with them some new anxieties, thought about my running that I have never had to consider... the "what ifs." What if I cannot run with out some pain issue, what if I can't find that "normal" again... So I comfort myself with Matthew 6:34 "Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" and I press on, taking thought only on what has been given for this day and I move forward in the confidence that I serve a Great God who has a perfect plan and perfect time and perfect pace for my life.

Piper says:
Part of saving faith is the assurance that you will have faith tomorrow. Trusting Christ today includes trusting him to give you tomorrow's trust when tomorrow comes. Often we feel today like our reservoir of strength is not going to last for another day. The fact is, it won't. Today's resources are for today, and part of those resources is the confidence that new resources will be given tomorrow.
A Godward Life, (Multnomah Books, 1997) p.25

Painless=Progress!!

2009-09-29T08:27:00.012-05:00

I am crazy when it comes to self-diagnosis! Although I am usually right on spot about it, I can get obsessive to an annoying state trying to figure out this pain or that ;D. So in my normal way of attempting to self diagnose my recent back/hip pain I concluded that it was related to about three weeks of poor running habits, not running my long runs consistently, and then trying to jump right into a 8 week half-marathon training schedule. All of the above combined is why I think anytime I ran over 4 miles I was experiencing serious pain. So this week I have set a goal to only run 2-3 miles, but to do it everyday instead of my recent hit and miss schedule. So last night (its not worth driving to the river in the morning for just a couple of miles) I ran 2 miles of hills and I have no pain today!!!! This is indeed progress although small. My friend that I was helping in the morning to get back into running has had some medical issues arise and will not be meeting me in the morning for a little while, so this allowed me to move my running schedule to the evening while I work this problem out. I still woke up at 5:15 this morning on my own, but I thoroughly enjoyed that extra hour sleep. So I am happy today with my 2 small miles of hills and hoping after tonight's run to continue to be pain free. Don't you just love how running so often mirrors life in the sense that we must keep moving forward even though at times our path can be uncertain or we become weary with what seems at times very little progress...we must continue to press on, to move forward, to not be side-lined by the difficulty of the race, by discouragement, or whatever our trials are. Our theology and what we really believe about God is lived out in each and every step of this race. I pray for you today as I do myself that we can press on toward the goal...press on past that part of the race that has already been run...press on with our eye upon that which we have been called.

Run today that you may win!

Running a Race I Cannot Register For...

2009-09-27T12:35:00.015-05:00

Well, I return to my running blog after a five week break and not with the reports I thought I would have. As some of you know who are also friends with me on Face book we ended up cancelling our Disney trip due to the unexpected diagnosis of cancer in my husbands father. His dad was diagnosed with a serious high grade parotid gland cancer that has spread throughout his body. The Disney vacation was to be a family trip which included them. Although we could have taken the trip without them, it would have been hard to detached from the current circumstances. Cancelling our trip also allowed my husband more time and opportunity to minister to his mom and dad without the looming pressures of a big trip. Having to cancel the trip was extremely disappointing for the kids but they have had an experience of seeing faith and trust in an always good God personified in ways that will stay with them long after the thrill of such worldly amusements are gone. As of right now our trip has been postponed until April 2010 but we will see as time goes on. My husbands father is currently receiving chemo and will start radiation treatments in the next week or two. His treatments will continue until the end of February next year. This cancer is not curable but the doctors are optimistic that they can slow down the growth while still giving him a quality of life however long that is. As for the number of day well that is in the Lords hands and written in the book. Until then we are living life with a greater appreciation and a deeper faith in the good providence and dealings of our Great God. My husband set up a caringbridge site here if you are interested in reading the details. Be warned my husband is one for details...comes from his finance background=)

Okay on to running. My running has been pretty hit and miss these past few weeks due to two reasons. First issue that happened was I was asked by an old friend who just moved back here(actually my old running partner) if I would help her get back in shape and meet her in the morning for some runs. This messed up my mileage a bit because she was only able to run a few minutes and then had to stop and walk. My running turned more into walking with her. I wanted to do this for her because I care about her and really it was a blessing for me to have the companionship in the mornings. Second reason is I have been dealing with a new hip/lower back pain. This pain is in my other hip and is totally different. I had started my half marathon training squeezing it into my morning runs, when I started having this pain anytime I ran up to 4 miles distance. Although I have run on the pain it has been very hard. The pain is mostly in my lower back and radiates into the hip and even the hamstring. It is by far the worst pain I have experienced in all my years of running. I have been taking large amounts of ibuprofen to help deal with the pain and help me sleep. Reducing my mileage and taking more rest days seems to help reduce the pain but this means I will not be able to train for the Tulsa Run or the Route 66 Half Marathon. It has been discouraging to say the least and I cannot figure out what is causing it other than some inconsistency in my running the weeks preceding. Which it very well could be something that simple. If there is anytime I NEED to be able to run it is now, yet the Lord has seen fit to make this another thing in my life that I cannot control. I am a creature of habit and the past two plus months have been nothing but things, people, circumstances, taking over my life...would I have planned to return to blogging this way? absolutely not, but I would not change a thing right now because I know that to be in the center of His will no matter how challenging that is to me personally is really the most blessed place. I have this one life, this one opportunity to respond to this time in a way that will please Him. There will be other races but there may not be another time I can grow in my faith and trust and learn to glorify Him like this time. So where does that leave me?..right now, I don't know even what tomorrow will bring...if I will wake up and be able to run or if I will get a call from a needy friend or if someone dear to me will receive difficult news...what I do know is that I have a Loving Father that deals with me in very personal and intimate ways and will help me to do and live in a way that brings Him the most honor even if this was not what I had on the schedule for the day or the week or the month...
I do look forward to being back blogging and communication with you all and especially reading about how you are growing in your training and faith as we all run this race whatever path we are given. So for now I am running a race I cannot register for but it's the best race of my life...It's good to be back!

Im Doing The Same and....

2009-08-21T18:16:00.005-05:00

I have tried and tried to find time to blog and I have come up short on both time and the motivation to do so. I will be taking a break through the rest of August and most of September.
Hopefully I will come back in late September with lots of fun pictures of our vacation to Florida. I plan to visit and will try to leave comments on your blogs during this break. I will keep you all in my prayers and think of you often as I press on both in running and in His grace.

Grace and Peace to you all,

Terri

Calgon, take me away!

2009-08-12T08:39:00.008-05:00

It is hard to believe it's already the middle of August. Since we started back homeschooling the days are just ticking away. It doesn't feel much like summer anymore but it doesn't feel like fall either??? It is a crazy time around here and I am trying not to feel overwhelmed by all that is going on. We haven't gotten in a grove yet and it seems like nothing is getting done and things are out of sorts. I even misplaced a photocopy of my vacation "to do list" and I can't find the master list! It's almost becoming comical how upside down life is right now! For example, a friend of mine was telling me how good salt baths are for removing toxins and softening skin. So I thought I would try it. So yesterday my 5lb bag of "official" dead sea salts arrives filling my mind with visions of being like the"Calgon, take me away" lady only to discover last night that our hot water heater broke. I just had to laugh. Well on to other news...running is going better this week and I am not feeling so drained. I think part of the problem last week was I was not getting enough to eat, so this weekend I tried to be a little less strict with my food choices. I have been fasting breakfast since this difficult time has come in our lives (is it okay to share that??) and I am going to continue to do so but will be more careful to get some additional complex carbs. I have not been working on increasing my mileage but know that if I am seriously going to do a half in November I need to get moving on a more planned out schedule.
I've been enjoying reading about how everyone is doing on your training schedules and it really is a joy for me to read about how your training is going. Pressing on.

The Fruit of Someone-else Labor

2009-08-06T13:47:00.006-05:00

This is what's on the menu for dinner tonight. I would like to say that this is the fruit of my labor but in reality this was given to me by others who are much better at gardening. I am thankful for their giving spirit! I will add some chicken for my meat loving family, but will enjoy mostly vegetarian for myself. I love eating this way.

I took the day off from running because I have just felt so sluggish this week. I don't know what is wrong if anything but I am having an off week. Even after sleeping in this morning I still feel real tired...I am hoping to feel more perky in the morning. Hope you are all having a terrific week.

Mug, Mug, Muggy

2009-08-03T06:51:00.006-05:00

If muggy was a soup I was swimming in it this morning! I could hardly breath and had to stop and walk for a couple of minutes. It wasn't my best run but I still did 4 miles total. My mind was struggling this morning on some trials my family is enduring. Before my husband left for work he told me he is seeing God working in my life in good ways. That was so encouraging I shed a couple of tears. I think half my struggle this morning running was stress related. I feel so weighted down when I don't trust Him as I should, when I don't see that He is good and when my thoughts are not more eternal and redemptive in their purpose...I covet your prayers.
I plan to start homeschooling today to get a jump on my month since I figure we will need to take off about 3 weeks in September for our vacation. We will be studying Oceans, currents, estuaries, sea life, and the such in preparation for our trip. If I don't run out of time I would like to do a unit on Florida for 1 week, but I already feel like I've been overly ambitious in my schedule. This week will tell me a lot.
I had you gals on my mind and heart this morning as I was running and can't wait to read about what God is doing in your lives.
Love this song...

Blessed Is the One
Blessed is the one whose sins are overcome
Whom God has sheltered deep within His grace
Blessed is the one who trusts in God the Son
His steadfast love the sinner’s hiding place

Jesus, Your blood covers all my sin
Jesus, Your love draws my heart to sing
What a Savior, Jesus

I will always hide at my Savior’s side
I find my refuge in His sovereign care
When the waters rise, God will hear my cries
His steadfast love will hold me safely there

The Computer Hospital

2009-07-26T14:23:00.004-05:00

My computer will be in the shop this week so I will not be able to post. I will miss reading about your runs this week but hopefully the repairs will only take a few days and I can catch up with you all on Saturday. Have a blessed week!

Trails, Trials and a Trip

2009-07-22T07:13:00.019-05:00

Well, I have been extremely tardy with my posting. I have been spending a lot of my time planning our vacation in September. I am looking so forward to being in Florida. I love the tropics and the beach. It would always be my first choice for a vacation. There is something about the ocean that is in my soul. If all goes as planned we will be staying here .While we are there we plan to visit here, here and yes I am going to ride this!
My husband is planning this part of our vacation as a kind of surprise. After the almost month of trials and afflictions the Lord is taking us through this time will be a much needed rest for us. I look forward to the memories we will make.

I have been running pain free even with increasing my mileage! I know it is that stretch that is doing it. At first it really hurt to do it but now it feels good when I stretch that area. I am so so thankful to be back in the grove. I even ran the hilly trails near our house Friday and Saturday without any flair-up. The trails near our home have a certain sacredness to them. I have poured out my heart to the Lord on these more rural trails. It's nice to be back on them. I am planning to increase my mileage but very gradually and am so thankful to be moving forward again in my running.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG;
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My New Stretch with the Naughty Name

2009-07-11T11:43:00.005-05:00

Last night we went over to a friends house for dinner and an opportunity to meet a couple of men who are visiting from Myanmar. My husband and another man from our church are going in December to visit a native missionary and his family that our church supports from Myanmar. It was really interesting and helpful to hear about the customs as well as some of the obstacles my husband and this other man will face as they go. The man that my husband is going with his wife is a physical therapist and a runner. I told her about my hip and she rambled off this super long name and told me that that was a common muscle for runners to complain about. She showed me this terrific stretch that she said they call the "hooker" stretch. I call it the owie stretch. This stretch HITS THE SPOT! I was quite sore this morning before my run, I think from doing that stretch. While I was running I ran into a friend and we ran together until my mileage was done. It was fun to run with someone but I have definitely gotten out of shape for talking and running, I was asking a lot of questions so she could talk while I was trying to breath...After my run I did my new little stretch while hoping no one was wondering why I was standing like that =D I am thankful that this stretch already seems to be helping with the soreness that I experience after a run. I hope you are all having a blessed weekend!

update: I actually found a picture of this stretch on-line that was too funny not to post. My physical therapist friend told me to lean my elbow on the wall which doesn't help this stretch to look any less silly doing it.

Sisters in Arms

2009-07-08T08:06:00.018-05:00

What has happened to my life...I seem to have no free time and I feel like I am running from one thing to the next... I have been making random stops at each of your blogs but have had no time to reply. So this morning I am making myself get on the computer and catch up with you all, and that sounds so weird because just a few weeks ago I had to watch out not to spend too much time on the computer Facebooking, blogging and planning for our vacation to Florida in September. Oh well such is this season and I need to rest in it.

So to catch you all up on my schedule I have been running 3.5 miles consistently. Unfortunately since having recently increased my mileage by .5 it has re-irritated my hip. So I will hold on increasing my mileage any more until it resolves itself again. I wish I knew what is causing my hip to get irritated...It's getting a bit bothersome but I am trying to not let it take up too much of my mind right now.

I recently purchased this dvd to give myself something extra to do while my mileage is so low. I was specifically looking for a strength training dvd verses cardio because as I am getting older I'm becoming more, eehem, flabby. I'll let you know how I like the dvd once it arrives.

Yesterday mornings run started out a bit different. The first thing I noticed on my run was there were no rabbits out foraging like they normally are at 5am. The next thing I saw was a huge fox. At first I thought it was a small coyote, but it was a large red fox. This explained why all the bunnies were hiding. Their adversary was lurking around. I thought about the verses in the bible that talk about being on the alert and watchful. I thought about the instruction in Ephesians 6 for the Christian to put on the full armour of God so that we can stand firm in the battle. My life lately has had some very difficult battles. I am at war with an adversary that would like nothing more than to crush my faith. I have been reading "The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Gurnall. In the chapter entitled, The Saint's Call to Arms, he writes; "The outcome of the battle rest on God's performance, not on your skill or strength!" When I consider that it is the Lord who underwrites my battle then I can march on in the hope of His power. He also writes; "To encourage our trust, the Lord often intervenes in mighty ways on behalf of His people. Sometimes He allows an opposing force to arise, so that at precisely the right moment He can raise up a more magnificent pillar of remembrance to Himself. This pillar will stand in the very ruins of that which contested His power. Thus, when He intervenes all must say, Almighty power was here" Wow! doesn't that just make you want to want to say "Praise God." So today I am thankful for that visual picture on my run the other morning, and standing, somewhat wobbly at times but non-the-less with my face fixed to His strength, power and purpose in the battle. So let me encourage you my sisters or as my friend from Alabama would say my "sistas" in arms, in whatever battle you are facing "...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might" Pressing on with you...

Pressing On

2009-06-30T06:50:00.008-05:00

Okay this summer is already proving to be super busy. I have had very little time for posting. This past weekend I hosted a baby shower for one of our young adults. I love to decorate so I had so much fun putting it together. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and a joy for me to do for one of our young gals. Below are a couple of pictures.
I have been running pain free! I am upping my mileage this week a half mile to 3.5 This is will give my hip a chance to ease into it without putting on too much stress by adding a whole extra mile. I have a bit of a slower week so hopefully I can catch up with you all. Might the Lord be an
ever present help and comfort in your lives this week.

Running Taught Me How To NOT Spit Like A Girl...

2009-06-25T12:38:00.005-05:00

I had a couple of titles for this post, 1. Running Taught Me How To NOT Spit Like A Girl...
2. Mmmmm Protein...

Okay so this crazy title came from me simply inhaling a bug this morning on my (3Mile) run. Something black with wings flew directly into my mouth. Thankfully, I was able to get rid of him before he was able to kamikaze down my throat. I have sucked in many bugs over my years of running and it is always so gross. As a result I have become very good at spitting while running. I know, cool, right! Not really but I thought that you needed to know this about me... Right after my run when I was walking in the front door I inhaled some other gross thing that I didn't even see coming! My husband was staring at me as I walked in the door hacking and coughing trying to get that bug out of my throat to no avail. On today's menu, bugs, icky bugs. Have you ever had a bug fly in your mouth while running? Do you try and spit it out?
I say let the spitting commence.

Running 3's (part 2)

2009-06-23T07:53:00.010-05:00

I am starting to sound redundant, but some times redundancy is good. I am so excited to tell you my hip pain is almost completely gone!!! Praise God!!! I don't understand how I can still be running and yet experiencing less and less pain every day but I just thank God it seems to be working!
When I went running last Friday I decided to try a new part of the trail and ended up unexpectedly coming upon some hills. After clearing 2 hills I could see ahead of me there were quite a few more. I noticed right away from the first hill my hip pain kicking in and I probably should have turned around before taking the second one. This is exactly why I don't like to divert from my normal route...I am a creature of habit and change is well, change and I don't like change :D Who knew there was a part of the river trails that had hills! I plan to continue doing my 3's on my nice flat, REGULAR, I know whats coming, trail this week :D. I might try and add a mile on Saturday but I will just have to see how my hip is feeling. I am sooooo, sooooo thankful this is going away.
I have a very busy week so posting again will be at a minimum. Besides there's only so much you can say about running 3 miles unless you fill it in with lots of exclamation points and extra oooooooo's ;)
Have a great week of running or resting!

Running 3's

2009-06-18T07:36:00.008-05:00

I have been limited on time this week to do much posting but I did want to go ahead and post my runs so far for the week. I have run 3 miles every morning this week down at the river. I have cut back on trying to increase my mileage and have completely stop all hill training until this hip issue resolves itself completely. I do not want to end up with a full blown injury so I am being very careful not to push this pain too much. I am very encouraged that even after a week of consistent running my hip issue is actually starting to ease up. I have not felt the need to take off a day in order to allow my hip some rest. This is encouraging and the first time in weeks my hip has not caused me to take a day or two off. I have also been more purposeful with my stretching and discovered that a side bend really hits that spot. I am certainly not where I want to be right now with my mileage but I am extremely thankful to still be out pounding the pavement. I know you all have been praying and for that words cannot express my heartfelt thanks.

There's No Place Like Home...

2009-06-15T16:53:00.006-05:00

This mornings run was pretty eventful as far as weather is concerned. I watched the weather last night and knew there was a chance of rain in the morning but when I got up it was clear and just a little windy. Unfortunately it wasn't until I was at the end of my turn around that the storm started to blow in. Now I've run in the rain but not with winds this strong. There was only a light drizzle but when you added the strong winds that slight drizzle felt like needles going into my legs. I picked up the pace quite a bit. Because I live in Oklahoma the chance of a tornado is always out there and it certainly crossed my mind. Funny thing was the movie The Wizard of Oz popped in my head and the tune that plays in the background when the witch blows by on the bicycle was playing in my head also. The video below has the scene in it. It was a crazy run.

Humbling Hills

2009-06-13T07:57:00.013-05:00

Well, my perfectly planned week of running turned out to be a bust. I took the kids to the pool on Thurs. and some how missed to apply sunscreen on the top of my feet. Needless to say my fair Irish skin was glowing red and I couldn't even put on shoes. I have been sunburned many times but never the tops of my feet, owie...I jokingly tell the kids that one day mommy will have a great tan when all my freckles merge. Funny thing is I am getting real close I must have a million freckles;).
When I went out for my run this morning I had absolutely no pain in my hip at all. I thought about Jane's comment that she was, "praying that the pain in my hip would ease completely" and how her faith worked to strengthen my own. I thought about how this was the first time in many weeks I had experienced no pain what so ever in my hip. I thought about my friend Kim who is dealing with possibly a serious injury and the patience God is working out in her life. Her example of trusting Him in this has provoked me to examine my impatience toward God. I thought about how I have been begging God for things that in reality are about making my life more comfortable. And how I have been doing so much in my own strength. I thought about how I've been trying to define my life to look and be a certain way rather than being willing to accept what Gods image for my life looks like. Gods Word tore at my pride "I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake" really? is that true of me? My run this morning was very emotional but also very restoring. I ran 3 miles of hills during which I started to experience some tenderness in my hip but nothing like it was and for that I am extremely thankful.

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to the cross I cling

From the hymn Rock of Ages

Fighting The Good Fight

2009-06-10T12:51:00.007-05:00

The alarm clock went off at 4:30 this morning but I was already awake. I was anxious to get out for my morning run to see how it would go with my hip. A little past 5am I was starting what would be a very uncertain run. From step one my hip was in pain, but I wanted to push on to see if it would ease up some. My plan was to do 3 miles and that ended up being a good goal. I ran the entire 3 miles in pain but thankfully my hip issue did not feel worse but stayed at the same discomfort the whole way up and back. As I ran I thanked God and also pleaded with Him for the strength to keep going. I am looking forward to tomorrow and how my hip will feel in the morning. It's running times like these that I am convicted about what seemingly superficial things cause me to be weak in my resolves, and being more fervent in re-focusing on the more eternal prize. "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" Philippians 3:12

"Fight the Good Fight"

Run the straight race through God's good grace,

Lift up thine eyes, and seek his face;

Life with its way before us lies,

Christ is the path, and Christ is the prize.

John Monsell, 1863

Back on Track (Hopefully)

2009-06-09T20:11:00.008-05:00

I just got done catching up with all of your postings. I know its only been a week but I feel like I missed so much...Jane's part 7 of her running story, Wendy's Marathon training starting, Mary Ann here in Tulsa and I don't even know that! Kate sounds like she's gonna do a marathon! I truly have missed the connection with you all. I was so sorry to read about Kim's injury and I shared with her that I have actually been having serious hip pain ever since I ran those stair repeats that has progressively worsened with each additional day of running. It was getting so bad I was actually hobbling around for a few days and I had to stop during a run because the pain. I took off this entire week not only because of the company we had but also the pain was bad. The good news is the pain is almost gone since I've had this unscheduled week of rest. I am hopeful that when I get up in the morning I can run with little to no pain at all. It is hard for me to be laid up from an injury. I am praying God will allow me to keep moving forward with my training.
In the mean time I wanted to show you something I made a few years ago with some old running shirts. You can tell by the dates on the shirts the 5k distance was a favorite in the 90's. This blanket has seen better days it gets used a lot for picnics. It's a fun blanket to have. The moon on the Night Light Run t-shirt(upper left) glows in the dark and is my favorite for that reason=)

A Full House, A Full Heart, A Tired Body

2009-06-08T10:58:00.008-05:00

The missionary family that was staying with us this past week left this morning. The visit was as expected wonderfully exhausting. We had over 40 people turn out for the open house for them Saturday including our pastor and his wife. Our joy was overflowing as we shared our love for them and our desire to see the gospel spread to unreached tribes in Papua New Guinea.

Many nights this week I have not gone to bed much before midnight so I am exhausted. I have a commitment today to take the kids to the pool so I will hopefully get some rest this evening. Below are a couple of pictures from the open house. I have missed keeping up with you sweet ladies and look forward to catching up with you this week.

A Full Week, A Full Heart

2009-06-01T09:52:00.007-05:00

What happen to May? I don't know about you but this whole year is flying by! God has really increased our ministry opportunities this year and it sure does make the time pass quickly. I will probably have short post this week as I am getting ready to have a missionary family stay with us this weekend as well as host an open house for them. Then we have our usual young adults group meeting here as well. Even though this week will be crazy busy I feel so blessed to be able serve this way. I love ministry from my home it is wonderfully exhausting! My heart is so full of gratitude for the opportunities the Lord has given us this year.
Okay, I ran 4 this morning. It was already 70 degrees at 5am! I guess those cool mornings are gone for a while.

Its About the Journey, Right?

2009-05-30T15:18:00.006-05:00

I took yesterday off because my right calf was talking to me after Thursdays stair repeats. I wasn't expecting that. I was kinda mad at myself because I didn't realise I was stressing that muscle. Anyway I hobbled around and took Motrin on Friday. When I woke up this morning my calf was very stiff and still a bit achy. I thought I would try a run to see how it felt. I was planning to do at least 6 miles but had to stop after just 3 ugh. I wanted to do more and probably could have pushed through the pain but I just felt like that would make matters worse. So my long run turned out to be my shortest run of the week. This is one of those running times when I am reminded that running is a journey, like life it is full of lessons to be learned. I am thankful I got 3 miles in at the same time being disappointed I only got 3 in...So I must put this behind me, grow from it and look forward. Pressing on.

Hope you all have a great weekend.