Wednesday, March 31, 2010

March 31st 2010 Running Blog

"Snakes are not a big risk for Trail Runners." - Tilton (Runners World Complete Guide to Trail Running)

Ran at Thomson Park today. We took Kailah's dog with us because we're trying to train him to run with us. About mile number 3 Kailah runs back to me with her dog in her arms about in tears screaming "SNAKE!" She was truly frightened. However, the look on her face and how she was carring her dog was...well, funny! I started laughing, I know thats insensitive but that is just one of those things where you'd have to be there to enjoy the moment ;-)

Thomson Park
4.0 Miles Ran/Walked

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

March 30th 2010 Running Blog

"Some people run to get in shape......we get in shape to run!" - Unknown

I had two breakthroughs today! Didn't really realize they were a wall for me but I broke through regardless! One was breathing and the other was learning what strides are, I practiced both. People kept telling me to breathe out with your mouth and in through your nose. I tried but as I would do that unconsciously I would breathe in and out of my mouth, the result - panting. So today I did a mile real slow to practice it and when I breathed through my nose, it felt like a head rush like when you drink a slushy too fast. But I kept thinking, "everyone else is doing it?" Or at least I thought everyone was doing it, found out later that everyone is not doing that :-) In the mean time I would catch myself not doing that and try again. I felt like I was fighting something. I stopped and walked about a 1/4 of a mile and stopped again for a brief moment....now keep in mind, if I did that before I would be highly discouraged but I went in with the attitude of practicing. Well, I thought what if I took off running as fast as I can? Wondering if something would click? Asking God if He would help me be swift, I did. Right about the time I usually slow way down I started breathing through my nose and out of my mouth but pushing it out. Well, I realized, "I'm still running fast" HOLY COW!! I'm running! Then I realized my head wasn't hurting and I just kept going. There was a few times I slowed down and "panted" why? I don't know? But for the most part I was able to breathe the right way consistently....I figured it out! It just started to flow, wasn't like going into some kind of fight. So I did another mile!

I was about to do my fourth mile and decided to slow down and do it with with Kailah (she was struggling) and while we were walk/jogging she told me about strides. I didn't know what they were so we started practicing them. From one land mark to another we would stride. When we did that I was even better!! I didn't realize I could do all that simtaniously. I felt like I had great victories.
One key I think helped me the most today was knowing, I was not going in there to put in miles without stopping. I was going in there to figure this thing out, even if I had to walk and process this with my mind and body. But one condition I did put on myself was; whatever happens I will do four miles. If it weren't for that, I would have walked away, missing the fact that I broke through into some other level!!!

Boling Park
4 Miles Ran/Walked (proud of it!)

Ps! Here are some great articles on Strides. I'm not talking about a "Stride Workout" I'm talking about speed work when you're running. Thanx Janet :-)

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263--12544-0,00.html#
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/economy.htm

Monday, March 29, 2010

March 29th 2010 Running Blog

"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second." - William James

I'm learning to find my second wind. This week I'm going to gain control over my breathing. Currently, my breathing is along the lines of panting. But today I've started breathing "left, right, left, right" Breathe out starting on your left foot and then on the next set of left and rights breathe in. Took it real slow and focused on that. It may sound so easy, for me it is a challenge waiting to be overcome! I don't want my breathing to slow me down and in all honesty...it is.

There is a race comming up this Saturday. I'm really excited about it. I've not really gotton to put all my energies into a race. Up till now its been more a supporting roll for my family. Well, they are good and supported :-) Now, I want to race. I want to not stop and be well under 48 min. I say that because on my first 5k I was almost 50 min. and I walked and jogged. That was five months ago. It will be interesting to see what happens Saturday. So, I'm taking this week to focus on breathing and getting ready for this race :-)

Boling Park
3 Miles Ran

Sunday, March 28, 2010

March 28th 2010 Running Blog

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine

You know gifting doesn't have to be some supernatural, talent oriented personal thing that everyone wants but only a few have, like singing, painting or writing. A gift may be just as simple as the gift of health. I run into people all the time who say, "That's great I'm glad you're running, I can't." They go on to say things regarding different sicknesses or injuries that prevent them to run. When I hear that I get so sad for them. How awful not be able to run because you do not have the health in order to do so. Now that I've run just a little I have found that it is not just about running. There is a freedom that you get to experience through running but due to the sicknesses and injuries you are unable to be free in that sense.

Now, I began to really think about this. I was thinking those who are able to run need to take that into consideration when they don't push through or blow it off. They need to give it their very best because there are those who can't. Take advantage of the fact you have a the gift of health to run and run!

I was also thinking, know what? I'm a Christian. God has given me the Keys of the Kingdom one of which is to heal those who are sick!! It became a challenge to me. God is a good God, He gives good gifts. I'm a gift giver :-) I have seen many miracles in my day...why not now, why not to those who want to run but can't? I don't want to give less to these people than what God has given to me. That would be selfish.

I think Steve tapped into something beyond running, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." I must ask myself...Who already made the sacrifice? Who is the gift? To give anything but the best I have in Christ is withholding the gifts He has for others. My challenge ~ every single time I hear of the various reasons people can't run, I'm going to take time to stop and pray for them to be healed!! Running is liberating and so is Divine health!

Day of Rest ~ Didn't run.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

March 27th 2010 Running Blog

"I know how that pancake feels when you pour the syrup all over it."  -Wright,James C,Jr

Take the syrup and replace it with sweat!! Today we had an awesome time running!! I loved it!! Even though it was a "fun run" type thing I ran as hard as I would as if they weren't there. We invited friends to run with us at Boling and afterwards we served them pancakes at our house!! We made from scratch pancakes, yummy pancakes (well Thomas did). Funny, the guy who came and made those wasn't really there to cook, but me an my awesome cooking used a box recipe. Everyone decided to eat his instead :-) I love running with friends, I don't think I have ever made that unclear!! Today ~ I will not forget. I love my friends!


This is Thomas, he made them from scratch! Soooo Good!

Oh, we had eggs and coffe too :-)

Boling Park
3 Miles Ran

Friday, March 26, 2010

March 26th 2010 Running Blog

"Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!" - Unknown

The only "running" I did today was running errands :-)

Did not Run

Thursday, March 25, 2010

March 25th 2010 Running Blog

"Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer" ~ Vineyard  http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/David_Ruis/10243/

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.

I do not have an explanation of what exactly happened on that track today but I was full of energy and knew I could run miles and miles. Repetitively I heard the Prayer of St. Patrick being said over and over in my heart as I ran. I knew of that prayer years ago but in no way was I thinking about it? At mile number five, I recognized God is trying to say something. I felt I should go home and get more clarity on the matter and so I left. I do not know what will come of today. But I defiantly want to walk according to His will, therefore I must know it before I walk it.

Boling Park
5 Miles Ran (could've run more, choose not to)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

March 24th 2010 Running Blog

"If you do something long enough and consistantly enough you will yeild results" - Jeremy McAlister

Jeremy's words to me because I was discouraged. I did not plan to run. I had a guest visit me all the way from Kenya and I had set apart my whole day to be with her. Into the night I cleaned my house just because I was so excited to see her and wanted it to be perfect. My time with her was wonderful what a pleasure she is and a blessing to our family.

However, she left before it was dark. I thought hmm...I can get in a run! So, with my family we set out to Boling Park where I could barely do two miles!! It felt like I was carrying someone? I sat on the bench and felt like crying. Jeremy sat next to me and encouraged me, I love him. He went on to say, "you're off your schedule for running, you're off your groove. You didn't sleep well or plan on running today anyways?" I said something along the lines of I think I'm way far behind than what I should be. So we just sat and looked at the track and he said, no. When I first started I couldn't get to the 1/4 mile marker with out stopping, gasping for air, You couldn't even run! You walked and stopped! No, you are right where you are supposed to be, this time next year you'll be a better runner but its something you have to do consistently you will get the goals you want you just got to keep being out here and sometimes it may be just two miles.....but you were consistent! I felt so much better :-) Tomorrow, getting back in the groove. Reguardless of the results I know I will try my hardest and be faithful!! Therefore like Jeremy said, I will get results (faster & longer)

Boling Park
2 Miles Ran/Walk.......

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

March 23rd 2010 Running Blog

"Get-Ur-Dun" - Some Red Neck Guy??

Today was really good! I'm glad I did more than three, hopefully this is the end of the three's as we know it ;-)

Boling Park
4 Miles Ran

Monday, March 22, 2010

March 22th 2010 Running Blog

"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears" - Glen Clark

I am convinced that the better runner you become is evidence of how much you've overcome. I'm not talking about a runners goals of distance and time. I'm talking about something much more deeper within that is being exposed as you put one foot in front of the other. There are matters of the heart that you can not write or speak of because of the ramifications to others who you aren't even aware of at the time. When those words are released they can cause pain that beyond what you have gone through, regardless of the matter they come by. You know deep inside it is so personal that it wouldn't be beneficial for others to take in.

It is in times of running that God , while I am in motion can pin me down to heal these areas. If I tried to talk it wouldn't even make sense to me, just words rambling. Therefore, I would look to someone else to help me comprehend what it is I'm going through and in the end it doesn't sustain. However, when I'm running God brings clarification in a way that when I stop and walk off the track and am filled with joy and peace because those places of injury have been healed. Who knew that 1,2,3+ miles running with God could heal a broken spirit? When He gets to the heart of the matter, I realized that holding onto certain situations caused bitterness leading to all kinds of jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fear. There is a heaviness lifted when you choose to let God heal you. And through personal experience, you are able to run faster and longer!

He does it so softly that the "still small voice" you hear while you run say, "Don't quit! You can do it! Your doing great!" is also saying words that are penetrating your heart, speaking life. Then you can look back on those areas and smile...it is done :-) even though it may not be over, its settled in your spirit the fruit of which is peace.

It isn't in your effort because God knows how much you've tried and failed. Its His kindness sharing with you things you aren't even unaware of that brings a freedom little by little, one mile at a time. It is then that you can breathe, and I'm not talking about oxygen alone. But when you feel choked and tied up, you begin to run and your running gets hard. It is there that you finally give it to Jesus (because He is the one that paid the price, you don't have to) and then you are suddenly free!! This type of freedom releases a physical energy; and you are able to run an extra mile, 2 or 3 you didn't think you could attain...yet. You've come to the end of your trail and are excited because you have just run a 10K!! That 10K is evidence of overcoming!!

Oh ya, the fact that it was spitting snow, were like gifts from God ~ Thank You Jesus ;-)

Boling Park
10K RAN!!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

March 21st 2010 Running Blog

"Little by little one walks far” - Peruvian Proverb

In more ways than one, someone can walk far...

Did not run ~ day of rest

Saturday, March 20, 2010

March 20th 2010 Running Blog

""Toni, if you can get through the winter it will be easy for you, Its harder to breathe in the winter. I see you running all over the place when spring comes!" - Janet Jordan

Yeah! Spring is here! Today is the first day of Spring, I beat the winter and learned to love it! Today I went running on the Thomson Trails. Which by the way are very hilly and I ran 2.5 miles!! At one point I stoped to breathe and the other point at the end I stoped, screamed and ran backwards the other way back down the trail!

Why...??? Because there was a Garter Snake enjoying the trail as well!! Seriously, I was scared. I don't do snakes. I ran the rest of the way with Jeremy.

I looked it up online thats how I found out it was a Garter Snake. They aren't dangerous and they like being in the woods near a stream which was where we were at. I could remember it because of the bright orange stripe down its back. Do you know when I ran he ran too but he didn't slither off in a straight line. He was fast but he ran like his whole body was going in "S" shape form as he surried off the trail.

Defliantly a memerable first day of Spring! I'm getting better!! Sorta didn't "feel" like running after seeing that snake, I guess if I'm going to be a trail runner I better get over it, huh?

Thomson Park
2.5 Miles Ran

Friday, March 19, 2010

March 19th 2010 Running Blog

"While other's are dreaming of success, winners wake up early and work hard to achieve it."- Unknown

After running two days in a row of six miles, I thought, "Oh! I probably need to run less today." Which has felt weird because in my head I'm thinking, "Hey! I'm on a roll!" But I just had this feeling that I should only run three miles and I did. But in me I wanted to keep running, I sat on the bench thinking, "What if I did one more lap?  What if I came back later and did one more lap? Oh! I could just go to another place and do one more mile!" Those were the thoughts that floated around in my head today...

Found out this is called a Recovery Day. I don't think however my mind has recovered from the last six miles...it still wants to run!! Tomorrow I'll get up early again and run!!

Boling Park
3 Miles Ran

Thursday, March 18, 2010

March 18th 2010 Running Blog

"Sweat cleanses from the inside. It comes from places a shower will never reach."- George Sheehan

I do not recall any time in my life that I have ever sweat so much. But one thing I know that has cleansed me from the inside out is my judgment towards women running in their swimsuits! That has been the hardest and longest run I have ever achieved, way harder then yesterday! I so wish I could wear one! From  this moment forward my opion of modesty has been thrown to the side! Its not even Spring. The real hot has not yet arrived. After today I think running at 4am. won't be a problem ;-)

Boling Park
6 Miles Ran

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

March 17th 2010 Running Blog

"Oxygen is overrated" - Janet Jordan

After running three miles, stopping to gasp for air....suck it up and run three more....Yes I did!!! Besides, you can breathe during the cool down :-)

Boling Park
6 Miles Ran :-)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

March 16th 2010 Running Blog

"Enjoy your pain, you've earned it" - Unknown

I ran today. Not as long as I wanted but I ran. Towards the end of mile two my thighs started yelling at me! Saying,"Hey! Stop! Who do you think we are? Wonder Woman?" I didn't stop but I didn't go past three miles either. I took mile # 3 very slow.

I think it was because yesterday's run. I put everything I had into those legs-to be first and today they weren't hav'n it. What was weird was I didn't have any pain when I started. You think as soon as I took off they'd be speaking to me ("listen to your body") Nope, it was all good then suddenly it wasn't.

I couldn't help but feel good about it :-) It was a great reminder of yesterdays run! I'm really hoping that happens more often, it was so cool! Today I felt like I'm doing something right!!

Boling Park
3 Miles Ran

Oh ya. I found out that we'll be out of town or something on the 4th of July. Meaning- I'm not going to be here for the Georgia Peach 10k Race. I'm not bummed, I'll just find another one!

Monday, March 15, 2010

March 15th 2010 Running Blog

"You have to know you can win. You have to think you can win. You have to feel you can win." –Sugar Ray Leonard

I was determined to run four miles! That is very challenging for me. When I run four miles I am so excited I feel as if I have conquered a great mountain. It doesn't matter what that day holds, it will be a wonderful day! Today I was running in Boling Park and glad to know within me that I was going to run four miles today, it was going to happen today!

There was a lady there and she looked in much better shape and she seemed in a better fitness level than me. I had never seen her before, ever. Well, for some reason, one that I didn't understand she would run ahead of me then slow down and when I caught up to her she would run faster and be ahead of me again. It was rather odd and I wondered why she was doing that? This was at my 3.5 miles. She kept doing it over and over and then I started to get irritated about it. I didn't like that I felt that way. But I started thinking what if I beat her? What if I kick it in gear and run out the rest of the way...no slow running, but pure running with everything within me? That is just what I did. At first we were neck and neck then I just started sprinting like I have never done before!! Ever!! I looked back and saw she was running but there was defiantly a distance between us!

At first all I could do was not feel light headed because for some reason there wasn't enough oxygen! I don't know where it was but I could not get enough of it in my lungs (made me nervous.) Finally, I started getting oxygen and was walking it out because my legs were quivering, she was still running and I had to leave or I would say something encouraging like, "way to go!" Because that is what you do at Boling, whether you know them or not you run and encourage people. That is one reason I love to run there :-)

I was late and had to go drop Meghan off at the Y or she would be late for her class. I did go back because Kailah had to run six miles and as I drove up Kailah came out and all of a sudden I smiled really big. I began to think, "hey! I just ran and raced! And I won!" Then my friends Janet and Zack came out and I told them! The more I said it the more happy I got!! I did not know that was in me...to run out my four miles after I was at 3.5!!! I now know I can sprint out the last part of four miles!! That is amazing to me!! Wow :-)

I always assumed it was just going to be something between me, myself and I but I now know I can win! I can win something beyond myself :-)

Boling Park
4 Miles Ran

Sunday, March 14, 2010

March 14th 2010 Running Blog

“A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.” - Pre

I fell, I fell in bed and didn't get up till 7 pm. I was thinking why? My conclusion - I was lazy. No one's fault, no one to blame but me. However, its not like I didn't try... to blame someone else :-)

Did not run.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

March 13th 2010 Running Blog

"Look where you want to go, not where you don't, if you don't want to hit that big rock, don't look at it."  - Stephanie Ehret (won four ultras outright (male and female), and has been the first female in 21 races)

Today was a fairly simple day. I'm learning to know the terrain of where I run by checking out trails so I can enjoy the adventure but be safe at the same time :-) Jeremy and I went to a trail called Blanket Creek. Online it looks awesome but when we got there it was closed due to weather. Typically for a runner that is laughable, it wasn't even raining but this trail is actually for Mountain Bikers and the runners are just asked to go the opposite way. Other than that my day was filled with busyness I can not account for.

Did not run

Friday, March 12, 2010

March 12th 2010 Running Blog

"Good things come slow - especially in distance running."- Bill Dellinger, Oregon coach

Today was a good day, sorta silly but good. On my third mile I thought I saw a snake- no, it was a fat frog but I tried not to run over it and in doing so tripped all over the place. I scurried around trying to look normal and see if anyone saw that. There was an elderly gentleman and that was all but I was so embarrassed I was trying to explain how that happened, in the midst of how goofy that even was I just started running again.

One thing that was neat too was seeing these groups of older men. I see them all the time but they are always bundled up and today they looked like normal people not eskimo's :-) They look like cute little Grandpa's. If ever you get to run at Boling early in the morning these cute little Grandpa's are great cheerleaders!! Very sweet, kind and encouraging. There are often a couple of them that say as I pass, "So! Are you going to do 20 miles today?" I laugh and say, "Yep!" There is this one man who is always like, be careful you don't want to hurt yourself. When I pass them, most of the time they smile and say, "good job, don't quit." There are times when its conversational and they mention the weather etc. I wonder if they know how much that helps when you're out there trying to do one more mile. Just a smile and a thumbs up gives you more energy.

So, today was good but mentally I was forming a plan. My plan - when I get to five miles I'm just gonna stay there awhile that will be a huge victory! I'll probably stay there for months to work on speed. Right now its all about distance, Distance, Distance, Distance...I was really hoping by now that I'd be running four miles a day. It is hard to run four miles right now. Its like occasionally I can do it but most other times I can barely lift my legs after the third mile. Today I ran three miles, stopped briefly to catch my breath and ran another mile. Maybe thats how I need to approach this. Stop for a minute, breathe, run!

Oh! And one more thing! Running is not meant to be miserable...I dressed totally wrong today and that won't happen again. I was sweating so bad it was gross! Part of the problem was being over dressed. I typically unlayer anyways but didn't have that option today. So now I do not care how cold it is when I get out of bed and into the car ~ short sleeves for me buddy! Maybe I wouldn't have stopped to catch my breath if I was dressed accordingly??

Boling Park
4 miles Ran

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 11th 2010 Running Blog

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Today was a great adventure in the great outdoors! I went to Boling to Run and Kailah thought it was a good idea to run in the woods, there are trails in the back of Boling Park. No hesitation....Sure! Lets go!! Almost two hours later...after running through creeks, mud, hills, ponds, bridges, dead ends, just everywhere. I realized, yep. This is where I'm supposed to be, but some of those trails that are less traveled by end up in front of a dead tree :-)

Boling Park
Ran and Hiked ~ wow.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 10th 2010 Running Blog

"You must run softly, let your feet float, and then respond. You don't conquer the trail. You react. It is a dance and you're following the trails lead. And as with a dance, the more you give in, the better it gets. " - Dangny Barrios (Runners World Complete Guide to Trail Running)

What a day! How wonderful it was to run in the pouring rain today and by no means was it a light rain. There were parts of Boling Park that were completely underwater. It was such a delight to run through them. At first I tried to run around them, the puddles were higher than my ankles and the sand and mud were thick below them. Then I heard a little voice say, "um...you're already soaking wet, enjoy the puddles!" Suddenly, my heart filled with joy and I stayed on track running through every puddle not swaying back and fourth to dodge them. The puddles were long like down the track, it wasn't like a couple feet in width or length. I ran down paths of water and the mud was so soft and gentle; making my feet feel like they were running on pillows. It was a day of play! I had this burst of freedom I had not felt before while I ran, I think it went beyond adrenalin. I have always experienced some form of freedom but today was a like a burst into a different reality. I felt like a child, so excited about playing in the rain and making splashes in the puddles. I don't even think I grasp all that actually took place out there but, there were at times a stillness within me that was taking this all in.

I ran and smiled and I ran and smiled some more! And boy did I run fast! I was unaware of how fast I was actually going. I was putting forth so much energy that as I headed into the third mile my body just stopped. Like literally stopped in its tracks! I quickly went down my body list:
Head ok -Check
Shoulders ok - Check
Back ok - Check
Hips ok - Check
Knees, Ankles and Feet ok - Check

I was perplexed as I stood there thinking what is wrong? I have no pain? Then once again I heard a voice say, "running in water is vastly different than running on gravel alone." So I took off my jacket and shirt (I had on 3 layers on today,) I took a deep breath and ran out my third mile :-) When I was done with my third mile in my heart I wanted to run forever but I just stood there. I didnt' walk anything out I just stood there. My youngest Daughter Meghan started honking the horn and kind of woke me up from that daze. She had been in the car the whole time waiting. I was out there alone, Kailah didn't come with me today. Nobody was out there, it was just me and the Lord, I'm pretty sure there were angles having fun too :-)

I was so happy, Meghan thought I was crazy. When I sat in the car my body was burning! My clothes were wet but the wetness on them was warm. I said, "holy cow Meghan! Feel my legs!" You could seriously touch my legs and through wet clothes heat was radiating from them! Very bazaar!! Man, today was a special day, I hope this won't be the only day this kind of thing happens. It wasn't just about rain, puddles and mud....this was different....very magical. I will mark this day down, March 10th 2010- running, a day of play I had not experienced since I was 5 yrs old.

Boling Park
3.0 Miles :-) Ran & Played :-)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 9th 2010 Running Blog

"Grin and Bare it" - Unknown

Running today was great! Like medicine to my whole body :-) But just found out I'll be without a car for the rest of the week AGAIN!!!

3.0 Miles Ran

Monday, March 8, 2010

March 8th 2010 Running Blog

"What counts in battle is what you do once the pain sets in." - Unknown

Pain...an understatement. Not from running. I stepped out of the car and somehow got an instant migraine. My eyes and head were in alot of pain. I ran better with my eyes closed. I fought for every step I took! I was only able to put in a couple miles but at least I got something done today. Tomorrow will be better :-)

Boling Park
2 Miles Ran

Sunday, March 7, 2010

March 7th 2010 Running Blog

"Hills are speedwork in disguise." - Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic Marathon Champion

Um...maybe that is why I was nodding off in church today? Yesterdays run? Who knows? But, I was so tired, after church I came home and took a nap all day :-)

Didn't Run

Saturday, March 6, 2010

March 6th 2010 Running Blog

"I have met my hero, and he is me." - George Sheehan

I inspired myself!! This may not seem like much but you had to be in my shoes today to understand how huge today was for me. I did 4.5 miles and only ran 1.25 straight BUT it was twists turns up and down hills it was so exciting! My body was totally fine and I really believed I could run the whole thing, I know I can! But I had to physically stop. Like stop in my tracks and lift me feet off the ground. It was like my toes and the balls of my feet were freaking out in pain, it was a stinging hot feeling going back and forth between numbing and throbbing. So, my thought was hmm...I don't want to cause unnecessary damage. But I was so happy! For the first time I saw how much I progressed! All the trails were clearly marked and I looked up to see, wow! I just ran a mile and it seemed like nothing! Had been running up and down hills and what I realized were my feet just weren't accustomed to running down hill...they'll get over it! I know running this will help make me a better runner! I was so pleased with myself ~ today was a good day!
 
Leita Thomson Park
4.5 Miles ran/walked - ran 1.25m.

Friday, March 5, 2010

March 5th 2010 Running Blog

"I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!" - William Arthur Ward

I so looked forward to running today. I was happy and little vibrations within me cheering Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!! I ran late but even towards the end of the day I walked away with accomplishment and this feeling of - what a good day this is going to be, laughing because it was turning to night haha :-)

Boling Park
3.0 Miles Ran

Thursday, March 4, 2010

March 4th 2010 Running Blog

“Rest: the sweet sauce of labor” - Plutarch quotes

Um...ya. Thats a bunch of junk..."sweet sause?" Let me tell ya, I had to stay distracted all day to think about not running, "day of rest" ~ not when you love running, not possible. I'm sure it may be possible, but then I would question the degree someones love for running!

Tried to rest...tried....

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 3rd 2010 Running Blog

"The footing was really atrocious. I loved it. I really like Cross Country; you're one with the mud."  -Lynn Jennings

Well, I'm running in my new "Trail Shoes" ha! I just like the way that sounds :-) There is a huge difference! In my other shoes my feet always stayed warm and dry. While it was "slushing" my feet were soaked and numb because they were frozen! There was mud and ice all over the place! Need to clean my car after that run! But over all I give the shoes an A because there is no pain. They are called Brooks Shoes. Breaking in shoes isn't so bad, I heard someone say, "oh, ouch that gonna hurt but don't worry it goes away after your shoes gett adjusted." Man, when people say things like that I just quietly ask God, "if thats true, can You please make it not true for me." Fortunatly breaking in shoes wasn't painful.

I ran at Boling today and it was strangely odd. I felt like I was doing leg lifts? I would run a mile and have to stop and breathe my thighs felt like I was doing quad reps or something? So, between each mile I stopped for a moment to rest my legs?? I've decided to take Thursday off and we'll pick this up again on Friday. I'm just so happy I can run with no pain :-) Yeah!!

Boling Park
3.0 miles Ran

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

March 2nd 2010 Running Blog

"Remember the second most important thing to choosing the right shoe, is choosing the left one" - Unknown

Well, I did go out and buy those shoes where they do all kinds of testing on your feet and when it was all said and done I found out I'm a trail runner :-) I knew I didn't like running on the road but I'm so glad God confirmed by creating me with high arches!

Let me clarify by explaining what a man who represented Poland in xcountry explained to me:

He said I have a high arch which makes sense that my feet go into the kind of pain it goes into when I didn't tie my shoes tight. I was creating a support for my arch unknowingly. I was tying them so tight I'd get little scabs on the top of the foot! He showed me which muscles and tendons counter connect with the bones and why if one part doesn't have enough support it will cause pain in a totally different part of the foot or leg ~ isn't that crazy??
Also, like any muscle when you work it, it creates little tears and heals at night. Well, cuz my arch is high, my feet relax while I sleep and the muscles heal in a relaxed state. So when I stand on them in the morning and walk around, its like tearing them again. He showed me exercises I could do to heal it! There is actually a sock for that, you sleep with it. Its basically a sock but at the toes there is elastic and you snap to your knee so its bending you feet and toes in a flex position all night....he showed me enough exercises where I thought I'll try those first, I can't imagine sleeping like that :-/ He was saying after I run I need to stretch out my arches...isn't that interesting?

Apparently, my arch is not seen on the monitor because it isn't deep. But because of the things I told him he physically checked my arches and they can be deceiving like I have flat feet but I don't, isn't that weird? He said everything else about your foot is good. The way I stand and everything is equal and there is no extremes. So, now he got me trail running shoes and it has supports to the back of my arch and so I'm going to be breaking them in tomorrow :-) He said I should not be running on the roads, its not good for me ~ I knew it! He said the races I need to be in are trail races and those aren't very often and usually start as 10ks so, I'm no where near that, a goal I need to work on :-)

Janet who knows how my runs are said that if a do a road race its ok because I don't do them frequently enough to cause the kind of issues he is talking about, I agree. Once a month is vastly different than running daily on the road. I feel like I have a wealth of wisdom.

Boling Park
3.0 Miles Ran

Monday, March 1, 2010

March 1st 2010 Running Blog

"One shoe can change your life" - Cinderella

Today will be an interesting but good day...why you might ask? Because I did my three miles regardless of the cramping pain in my feet and legs. Imagine at the quarter mile mark feeling throbbing in your arches then at the half mile mark feeling pinching in your heal then the rest of the time a cramping so painful your running with a limp because now the pain is shooting up the sides of your legs!

I so wanted to stop and walk but suddenly out of nowhere it was like some sort of vision of a down load on a computer screen where all the hundreds of running quotes I've been reading on a daily basis flashed before my eyes and the message was clear ~ push through your pain ~ That being said I finished the mile but stopped to take the insert souls out of my shoes. I had bought some not because my feet where hurting while I ran but because my knee's and feet started hurting after I ran to the point of limping and icing at home :-/

I bought these inserts a few days ago and when I walked it was like heaven! My feet felt like a cushion bouncing on clouds or something. There was no pain when I took my shoe's off at home and I could walk comfortably around the house, which was awesome!

On the day of the race my legs and feet fell just wonderful but I remembered after today I walked it! I didn't run. That being said, running and walking are as different as night and day when you are wearing inserts! Oh geez...lesson learned. But when I fixed my shoes and tied the laces to practically no blood circulation (which is the way they love) I finished out my miles with minimum throbbing. At mile number three all pain was gone, thank God!

I know I needed to replace my shoes weeks ago but I didn't want to part with them. I love my shoes...it was some kind of weird attachment? Anyways, today, I'm going to a store where they test your feet and buy shoes only for running. I think I'll get a pedicure while I'm out as well. I've decided to not throw away my first pair of running shoes. I'm going to keep them in storage and one day look at them again when I can actually do a marathon and remember the equipment that started out my journey :-) Don't worry, I won't keep all my shoes, I'm not that sentimental - I hope.

But in addition to this day being interesting, my alarm didn't go off which I was late to the track and on the way home I drove off into a ditch and hit a wall of dirt. I'm fine, the car is fine, the visor fell into my face as I turned a sharp corner, I turned too fast and when it hit me I lost control of the car. When I finally stopped, I smiled...why?? BECAUSE - I got my three miles in today!!! Yeah!!!

Boling Park
3.0 Miles, Ran