Saturday, July 31, 2010

July 31st 2010 Running Blog

“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.” - Wilma Rudolph

Today was good too! I went out to meet with the Foot Hills Running Club and my level of people weren't there. I was thinking, "Did I miss something?" I was there early and there weren't many people. So, I just started running. It was a mental run. But slowly I started seeing more runners and Janet and her family so that is always nice. I guess because I was set on doing four miles with the club that seemed to be all I could do. But there were parts in the run where I paced with people, they didn't know it. I found that I'm better when I run with people. Well, I stretched and sat down drinking and breathing and then I saw our running leader. I jumped up and was like HEY! He was running so I caught up with him. I told him I was there waiting and nobody showed up. He said it was that he didn't get in till after midnight or 1am. From a two week long vacation. He would normally never do that. But he showed up and that's all that mattered to me. It shouldn't have mattered but like I said, it was a "mental"run. Then, guess what!? I stayed in pace with him the entire last mile!! Yep! I realized, I do better when I have someone to run with.

Oh! and guess what else! From January 1st to today July 31st I've run 492.44 Miles!!!! Jesus is King!! The issue for me is that I didn't quit!! I didn't!! I was soooo afraid that this would be some kind of "fling" and I'd do it for a few months and move onto something else....I didn't, I stuck with it and am confident this is apart of my life!! I say this with tears in my eyes because I overcame not  quiting, there were so many times that if I had a bad week I would be scared that I may not go back to that park. Jeremy can testify the tears that came on those days ~ that has been a giant in my life. But it is so true, these miles would not have happened if it weren't for my friends and family cheering me on the whole way, I am so thankful to all of you :-)

Oh ya, I also did a full circuit of weight training on machines! Busy little bee today!

Boling Park
5 Miles :-D

Friday, July 30, 2010

July 30th 2010 Running Blog

"It takes patience to become the best runner you can be. Top athletes realize that running is a long-term sport. It is set up for people who value delayed gratification and who like hard-earned success." - Anthony Famiglietti, two-time Olympian and six-time national champion

Today I did good. I also had help with a friend from High School!! Funny how life comes around. Anyways, she went running with me today and helped me move forward, God knows I wanted to stop. When it was all said and done, I did a new personal record :-) Five miles in 55 minutes! Yeah! 555 I love the #5 :-)

Boling Park
5 Miles

Thursday, July 29, 2010

July 29th 2010 Running Blog

"We run because it makes us feel like winners, no matter how slow or how fast we go." -  Florence Griffith Joyner and John Hanc, Running for Dummies

Today was xtraining day, left alittle shaky.

Palates
1 Hour
Power Pump
1 Hour

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July 28th 2010 Running Blog

"Jesus is my running Coach" - Kailah McAlister

Kailah has been, over all looking on the bright side of things and xtraining doing her therapy/exercises. But she posted that quote and it made me smile and thought, you know what? Jesus is my running coach too!

Today I just took my time. No family was there and I was just gonna put in some miles hoping six but wasn't gonna stress if I didn't. While I was running, for some reason my legs were having a difficult time. It was however and reminder to me to practice running with correct form. So, I practiced. After mile four I stopped and stretched my thighs, rested a moment took a swig of water and went on to do another mile. Well, I was just real tired after that so I rested again then started running one more time. But the last mile was a flop in my opinion.

But what was neat was I would be reminded in the back of my mind (because my mind wonders) "Lets work on your posture, don't forget to breathe, keep your shoulders straight, tighten your diaphragm" just real gently and quiet periodically through the course. So, I am in agreement with Kailah, "Jesus is my running Coach!"

Boling Park
6 Miles

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

July 27th 2010 Running Blog

"Don't be concerned with what you can't do. Work on what you can do - then count your blessings." - Alan Robinson, 56-year-old partially paralyzed marathon runner

Today is an encouraging day :-) There is a runner who I admire as a runner. I've never said anything other than "morning" to him as he swiftly runs past me. Anyways, I made a comment as he was finishing and I was passing that he looked like a wet towel. Then he said, "That's nothing compared to Saturdays race." He ran the same one I did. But he said something that Really encouraged me. He said that he gained more time than his personal goal. I was shocked and FINALLY I felt a true relief on my time. I told him about my heart and he said it was a adrenaline. I was just really happy that I wasn't the only one, I knew other people were slower, but I also didn't know how much they typically do. But, he's a really good runner! He said, "He didn't know what it was about that race but it was harder." So, I don't feel bad. I have been trying to remain positive but in the back of my mind I keep replaying it, which is not good. So, I can honestly say to myself...You did it to the best of your ability and did really good...and now its true.

Also, today for the first time at Boling which is a more challenging surface than a track Meghan ran a mile without stopping (We ran it together.) I asked her and when I saw the smile of achievement...we high fived and I said, "I cried when I did my first mile and then Janet hugged me."  We both laughed and it has just started out to be an overcoming day. A day where you can believe in yourself!!

Boling Park
5 Miles

Monday, July 26, 2010

July 26th 2010 Running Blog

"Running is a gift I give myself almost daily. Even at days when everything seems to go wrong, I treat myself on the satisfaction of a lap of 30 to 40 minutes." - Arthur Blank: businessman and runner

Today Jeremy and Meghan came out to run with me. Well, they are learning to run for themselves, whether I am there or not. One thing about running in the morning with them is Jeremy has to be back at the house a certain time, where as I can usually stay for a couple hours if that is how long it takes for me to reach my goal. So, I didn't do all the miles I wanted to do today but that's ok, I still treated myself to a run and it was nice cuz my family was there :-)

Boling Park
3 Miles

Sunday, July 25, 2010

MAH00808.MP4

July 25th 2010 Running Blog

"The answer to the big questions in running is the same as the answer to the big questions in life: do the best with what you've got." - Unknown

I am trying my very best. I feel however I'm shooting a gun with blanks. I was watching a video of me from running yesterday and towards the end of the race I'm running hunched over. Also, on the video as I'm running I notice it was as if there were heavy bags under my clothes like I was running with extra sacks carrying something, bouncing. I looked totally worn out but not in a good way. I've gotta get this weight off! I feel as if I'm trashing my body. Today when I woke up....geez...my back hurts! You'd have to see the video to understand, my weight on my lower body was yanking on my back throughout the run. The run was mostly down hill and flat so it shouldn't have been so taxing on my body. I woke up thinking....there is nothing to my core other than fat. I had no strength. I work so hard. My body expects it now everyday and will not drop this weight. I've been eating healthier than ever....Lord, please help me. :-(

Day of Rest

Saturday, July 24, 2010

July 24th 2010 Running Blog

"Jitters are actually good for a short race. Adrenaline will rev up your engine. Think of it as fuel." - Lucinda Seares-Monica, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist

That is so comforting! I didn't expect me to be jittery before the race! I totally was! I was hoping nobody saw but Jeremy and Meghan did. I didn't know they were watching. But a little ways after I crossed the starting line it went away :-) I was totally praying.

At the 1 mile marker I was like 10:11 but I was so happy cuz I didn't get to start when people did I had to wait in the crowd for people to move forward, also there were lots of people who I almost stopped because they were really slow in a line so I had to wait going around them to clear and what not. Which was totally cool cuz I realized I ran under 10min!! Yeah!!

My over all time was 36:28 Which is longer than my last 5K but I knew that I knew that I knew I did my very best! Even when it came to the pre-race day. Sleeping, Eating, Resting and Drinking...I did the best Toni McAlister has ever done :-) Oh I did experience chest pain and I stopped to walk till it went away...too dangerous for me, but its all good, maybe it was the jittery thing? Oh well, I'm better than what I think I am ;-)

Etowah River Run
5K
 

Friday, July 23, 2010

July 23rd 2010 Running Blog

"When you put yourself on the line in a race and expose yourself to the unknown, you learn things about yourself that are very exciting." - Doris Brown Heritage, 5 time World Cross-Country Champion

I'm resting today because tomorrow I am running a race. It will be the first time I've done this without my family, so it ought to be interesting ;-)

Rest Day

Thursday, July 22, 2010

July 22nd 2010 Running Blog

"The answer to the big questions in running is the same as the answer to the big questions in life: Do the best with what you've got." - George Sheehan

Today is get ready for the race day. I'm doing a 5K this Saturday called the "Etowah River Run" I'm so happy about this race because it runs through....(drum roll please)...Boling Park!! Yeah! Anyways, I found out how the race ends so I ran in a way where I finished the way they are setting up the finish line :-) I'm also doing a Palates Class, Just getting toned up a bit to run well. I heard it was a fairly easy race, so that is good for me.

However, what is not good was Kailah was going to run it too. Last year she ran it, it was her first race she ever did. Her time was aprox. 45 minutes. She had never run a race before or practiced for that mannor, she was extremely out of shape. So, she was looking forward to seeing her improvement after a year of training. We were gonna run together since she was one of the main reasons I was inspired to run. It's sorta been "our thing." I actually didn't feel like running it at all after the news of sitting a season out but she has encouraged me to do it. So I am. Tomorrow I will rest so I'm not worried that I'm pushing myself today.

Boling Park
5K
Palates Class
1 Hour

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

July 21st 2010 Running Blog

"Tough times don't last but tough people do." - A.C. Green

Well, final report from the Dr. was Kailah needs to sit out this season. He's really trying to protect her growth plate so it isn't stunted. But, he gave us much hope, its only for a time. When she stops growing there won't be this issue at all!! So, in the mean time he has given her bunches of core/xtraining exercises to do. He said when this is all said and done you will be a better runner! Leaving his office there were no tears, but joy. We, both know, she will be a stronger person and runner through this....so will I.

Today was speed day. I did a warm up and two miles of intervals then a cool down. Ok. that was screeching hard. When I was done I bent over for something and sweat ran off my chin like a stream of fluid...it was so gross!!

Boling Park
4 Miles

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

July 20th 2010 Running Blog

"There ain't no shame looking at a good runner's back. Now, if the runner sucks, that's something else entirely…" - The Rage, Training Tips

Haha I am around better than "good" runners and yes, I look at their backs :-)

Today was xtraining day. I did a power pump class and did 30 min. of swimming laps :-) Can I just say, swimming laps is hard. I rested alot! I do feel like my whole body got a work out though not just parts of it.

Power Pump
1 Hour
Pool Laps
30 min.

Monday, July 19, 2010

July 19th 2010 Running Blog

"We may train or peak for a certain race, but running is a lifetime sport." - Alberto Salazar

Today is Monday, my long day. I did eight miles. I know that sounds all great and everything but because my left ankle was in so much pain, it started out a walk run that ended up lasting the entire eight miles. Now, the walking was less and less towards me reaching the end of the eight but I'm not proud of them. I even fiddled with my shoes a couple times but when it became numb (hallelujah!) my left hip started hurting. Maybe I slept on it wrong or something? I don't know but now my right heal really hurts, I'm wondering if it is because It had more pressure on it from this morning.

Also, as I was running it felt as if something were pulling on my legs. After about a mile I realized... oh! Something is! My sweat pants were under my heals as I ran. I totally have been procrastinating getting new running shorts and today that procrastination ENDS!! I'll be going to Target or Dicks or something to get them today.

I was trying to encourage myself. Cuz I wanted to push through this thing. But that is when I stopped to walk. I thought my time and distance does not affect a team of people. So, what are you doing? I thought about how Jeremy injured himself and Kailah and I certainly did not want to be the next person in that Dr's office!!

But what I really wanted was to run 13.1 miles then walk out what I couldn't run. However, due to yesterdays weather, I had to take Brandon and Britney home today verses yesterday and so had to back for that. But now with them gone, the late nights and "party all day" (j/j) days not here, its time to get focused again.

Boling Park
8 Miles

Sunday, July 18, 2010

July 18th 2010 Running Blog

"A teacher is never too smart to learn from his pupils. But while runners differ, basic principles never change. So it's a matter of fitting your current practices to fit the event and the individual. See, what's good for you might not be worth a darn for the next guy." - Bill Bowerman

Day of Rest

Saturday, July 17, 2010

July 17th 2010 Running Blog

"The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can't dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon." - Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

I DID A MARATHON LAST NIGHT!!  A Movie Marathon with my niece and nephew, Brandon and Britney :-) So guess what I did today?? And am still doing?? Sleeping!! Yawn....

Day of Sleep :-)

Friday, July 16, 2010

July 16th 2010 Running Blog

"During the hard training phase never be afraid to take a day off. If your legs are feeling unduly stiff and sore, rest; if you are at all sluggish, rest; in fact, if in doubt, rest." ~Bruce Fordyce (I am learning to obey this rule.)

I'm tired, its all good I have my wonderful nephew and niece that I love spending time with so that being said...I'm tired :-)
 
100 Lunges with 5lb. weights (the right way)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

July 15th 2010 Running Blog

"Part of the challenge of the marathon is pushing past what you think is physically possible. You can do more than you think you can." - Christine Hinton, a Maryland running coach

This is hilarious! Someone totally said that to me today. Today was my xtraining day and I thought I'll do weights then a power pump class (they know what they are doing) I did a warm up mile then went onto weights. So while I was trying to use the weight machine I was doing it wrong, but not enough to cause injury.

Then the fitness lady who works there helped me and I told her about everything and so she transitioned into a coach type mode but was very laid back. She pulled out the recent Runners Word Magazine (I already read it) but she started telling me the best core exercises I could do and a lady she trains with who competes in 1/2 marathons all the time. This lady has really good running times is gonna work out with her tomorrow just on core. She's preparing for a 1/2 and she said I was more than welcome to do a session with them so I could see the correct way to strengthen it and be more prepared. She said, that I can accomplish now my goal and "you can do more than you think you can!" I was so encouraged by that. Its nice to have hands on training :-) I guess I do better that way ;-)

But there was a guy they had come talk to me that trains for all that too and he said he knew Oak Ridge and he said there are ALOT of hills and that is what I need to mainly focus on. I shared with him everything that I've been doing and he said I was doing good but to use my neighborhood as hill training day. I told him how torturing it is!!

Oh by the way, I haven't sent in my $$ yet but I'm gonna do a 1/2 Marathon in Oak Ridge Tennessee! I have personal reasons as to where and why that particular Marathon which I will share at a later time.

1 Mile Treadmill
1.5 Hours Core

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

July 14th 2010 Running Blog

"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character." - T. Alan Armstrong

Well, today was speed day and I gave it everything I had but am not too happy with it. I ran too late in the morning and it totally made we weak, then it was basically the clasic tale of "The Tortoise and the Hare." Except this time I was the Hare. I did a warm up and that was draining then I ran the fastest I could run and had to come to a complete stop cuz I couldn't move or breathe. That went on only a few more times and that was all I could do! I want my hard work to pay off, but I wonder....am I?

Boling Park
3 Miles

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

July 13th 2010 Running Blog

"I run because my feet, body and soul have a story to tell that goes on for miles and miles." - Melissa Ortiz

Today was my x-training day and I did everything I was scheduled to do but the really good part was after I was done I laid in the lazy river at the Y then rested in a jacuzzi....soooo deserved!! I kept thinking I am so blessed. What a wonderful life I have and I just wanted to tell Jesus thank you :-) I went running alone but what is nice; is having friends there. So, I'm not really alone.

I did a lot today and so immediately as soon as I could I was replacing the calories I burned with food. So, hopefully that will help my body function a little better. Kailah thought maybe she could do the weight lifting class but they really work on your hips as you lift weights so she couldn't finish. I'm tell'n you, this class is hard and I'm gonna go so far as to say...most men couldn't cut it in there! Therefore, we will be working with free weights and machines.

4 Miles
Power Pump 1 Hour
Zumba 1 Hour

Monday, July 12, 2010

July 12th 2010 Running Blog

“You can't run from your problems. But you'll both feel a little lighter when you get back.” - New Balance

Today's run didn't happen. It had to do with the Dr.s Nurse calling about no running till the problem is fully diagnosed. I run but it has almost always been with Kailah. So, we just rested till the appointment both of us nervous. She had been having pain in her hip and long story short no running for a month and maybe longer depending on how well therapy goes, it could be longer, ugh. This totally sux!

Taking all of this in was hard to say the least. Part of me wanted to run to release stress and the other part didn't want to run at all. I just wanted to stay with her. I kept thinking of all the times I said, “Kailah! You have to push through the pain!” I thought she wasn't giving it all she had. I would compare it with the pain I had (crying pain) and “If I could do it, so could she!” she'd be like, “I am mom, I am” Oh geez....so as a “Mom” I feel like crap. Trying to fight the thoughts of “Its this bad because you pushed her too hard. You didn't listen, You didn't take her to the Dr. sooner, What kind of Mother are you?” The word of God talks about taking our thoughts captive....still trying....

Then this other awful feeling came in that I was gonna be by myself and that Kailah was no longer a reason I could rely on in getting out there. If I was having one of those days where I just did not want to get out of bed a thought always pushed me out of bed and it was, “You don't have a choice, you've got to get Kailah out there.” So, I think this is a little test (I don't like this) Will I continue to do it without her? Like do it well. There are so many times I did things and totally pushed myself because I wanted Kailah to see that if I could do it she can too. Like I'd run as fast as I possibly could if I knew she was watching cuz I was hoping that if she could see her “frumpy” mom it would be a sinch for her. Now that's not there.

This has been like carrying a heavy weight. This makes me sad. You'd have to understand who Kailah was before she started running to understand why this is so important. Then my connection with this affects different aspects of my relationship with her. When all this is said and done, we will both be stronger in other areas beyond physical healing but this initial report was overwhelming. So, regardless of what is going on Jesus is King and I'm believing for a full healing! 

Kailah is so sweet though, she said, "Mom if I can't run I think I'll go crazy! What will I do?" It showed me she's not quiting and first thing in the morning she's already planned for us to go lift weights cuz she read it in an article for injured runners, that is injury is simply a good time to strength other areas of your body so you can be a better runner. So, this is just a bump in the road and getting strong in other parts of our body will help us get over it.

Did not Run

Sunday, July 11, 2010

July 11th 2010 Running Blog

"I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens

Day of Rest

Saturday, July 10, 2010

July 10th 2010 Running Blog

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." - Bagehot

This entire week has really stretched me in questioning what I can and can not do. I got a lot of negitive reports that are not worth repeating but I wanted to sit out for a few weeks because it was so alarming to me. From people "trying to help" discouraged me. It really makes you feel like you can't. However...that little smile inside that nobody see's exept God grined in a way at the end of the day and it says, "watch me" haha but on a positive note...I ran with the Foot Hills Running Club at beginners level and was the last person (of course) but bet me it doesn't stay that way ;-) Tim, the coach was really nice and the other people runner were kind too. That makes any run a good run! 3.1 was done in the trails, they let me pick where to run since I was new :-)

Boling Park
4 Miles

Friday, July 9, 2010

July 9th 2010 Running Blog

"Don't run anyone else's race except your own." - Joan Benoit Samuelson (Gold Medal Olympic Women's Marathon)

Taking time to focus on MY race. Still tossing around what race I want to enter but I am definitely putting a plan together to help me be successful in my race. For some reason, I don't want to stop. I want to run straight through, like no walking. Now if I have a bathroom issue that doesn't count :-) haha its called the "Toni Running Logic" ~ bathroom breaks don't count! BUT I'm still trying to figure out my body and running diet so I don't stop. Its just when I get to five miles my body is stronger than my will. I've incorporated two different cross training days plus I have a hill, long, speed day and still kept my rest day. So, with fingers tied behind my back....lets try this again!!

Sequoyah Trails (Hill Day)
3 Miles

Thursday, July 8, 2010

July 8th 2010 Running Blog

"Often I feel like I can just run forever. If someone told me I had to run for 10 hours, I probably could." - Mika Brzezinski, Co-Host, MSNBC's Morning Joe

Had some sobering moments today. I'm gonna take some time to asses what is going on with my body. Rethink some realistic goals.

2 miles
Power Pump
1 hour

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July 7th 2010 Running Blog

"Slow-but-sure has always worked for me, in running and in most other arenas. I wouldn't mind being a Carl Lewis or Usain Bolt, but I've found little payoff in attempting to be what I'm not." - Amby Burfoot, Runner's World Editor At Large

:-) I have had plenty of opportunity to look at amazing runners as my inspiration. If I could correct anything it would be to be the best "Toni" could be and not compare my growth with their journey in a way where I feel defeated. It is very intimidating to put yourself in that situation. Therefore, I'm taking myself out of that mindset and doing just that I feel lighter :-) I know how fast and long I can currently run. I have (in this years blog as proof) shown improvement and have wonderful stories of freedom through running. So I will be happy with that.

Boling Park
Speed Day > Ggrrrrrr....on the way out the door and to deal with a last min. "issues" missed run.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

July 6th 2010 Running Blog

"Hurt so good, come on baby make it hurt so good cuz sometimes love don't feel like it should, you make it hurt so good" - John Cougar

haha ok today was xtraining day and let me tell ya it was so painful, several hours later....still hurts! They kept playing this song "Hurts so Good" and I gotta tell you, listening to that song and my teeth gritting, seriously, the perfect song for today! I was thinking, "Ha! thats an UNDERSTATEMENT!" Wow. I am so sore.

I did it hard. I decided on Tue. to xtrain cuz that is when the lady teaches Power Pump (pain to the 3rd degree) then Zumba. So, I only did 3 miles at Boling. I'm wanting my body to understand this is its lifestyle. I think that is a good xtraining day. This is not easy that lady has us like in a flying position or like a ballet where one foot is on the ground and the other is back in the air and your arms are stretched forward and in the position you have weights and you are doing curls!! It really hurts like I have to stop and bend down, its soooo painful. Then like your head is on a ball but the rest of your body is straight out from chin to knees flat as a board, it feels like a spanking (cuz its your bottom that makes to stay in that place) but your doing weights with your arms and then you start to do lifts with your bottom, with dumbbells on your hips. It stings so bad. I had to not do certain things cuz my body started shaking. If you've ever done Cardio Kickboxing she does that with weights. But I noticed today, my legs weren't affected at all, which I was happy cuz it made me feel like they were strong cuz of running. I'm not like all excited about it like running. If I hurt like in a good way while I run, I feel like I'm accomplishing something. So, I just kept telling myself, "Toni, this will make you a better runner, you will have more balance, your core will be tighter and you'll loose more weight so you can go faster, so just hang in there." Then zumba was exhausting. So, thats enough for today!

Boling
3 Miles
Power Pump
1 Hour
Zumba
1 Hour

Monday, July 5, 2010

July 5th 2010 Running Blog

"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come: Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home." - John Newton, "Amazing Grace"

ok so maybe it wasn't as bad as all that but it came pretty dang close! So here's what happened. Nobody wanted to run the trails with me today but Jeremy said I could go he was at Boling but just didn't want to go in the back woods. So, I was totally confident and went back there and loved it, ran the whole time. I knew eventually I would run to a little white church. I even fell on my face, grass in my mouth and kept going! I got to a gate type clearing and saw a grave yard but I didn't see a church and there was a large sign that said NO TRESPASSING So I figured the church would be just a little bit ahead and I kept running but the hills got REALLY steep I had to walk at that point but then there were parts of the trail I didn't feel were clearly marked so after a few of those I started getting nervous. Then I ran into a couple spider webs so I stopped to get a stick and knocked a really large one down. The trail area kept getting darker and darker then I started feeling creepy (probably cuz the spiders) So, I'm running with a stick in front of me and now its not fun. I'm thinking this should never be like this for me so I turned around. At that point I was frustrated to tears cuz I just knew that dang church was just around the corner and once again I can't get to it!! I made my way back and decided to look at the grave yard closer and I ran a little and then saw the church. I was not happy but, I wasn't going back into the woods. So I started running up that road. It seemed to take Forever! I started praying for safety, I didn't feel safe.

I came upon some houses and at the third house I went to ask for directions but just then the Marshell drove by and I like totally ran to it waving it down, I didn't realize it was the police but man! I was soooo happy. I told her my dilemma and she was so helpful and instantly the "unsafe feeling" I had was gone, I told her I was upset and started praying to Jesus to send something to make me feel safe (I thought He would reassure me by telling me I had angles with me or something) Thank you God for the cops. Oh by the way, I did have my cell and called Jeremy but I just didn't know where I was at so it wan't the most helpful. Because I had it, I thought I'll be fine. Anyways, do you know what the police lady said?!? She said, this isn't her area and she never goes there. She said she had a "feeling" to go there so she did but didn't see anything so she left but then she had a strong feeling to go again and then I came running out. She said I looked like I just got beat up...she said in side, "oh lord another domestic dispute" I told her what I prayed she laughed and said the Lord works in mysterious ways. She helped me get bugs out of my hair....she said, get in and drove me to Walgreen's Jeremy picked me up. He was laughing everyone was. He told the cop, "its ok, no matter what she does in the car, walking, running she gets lost, its just the way it is." I just smiled, embarrassed.

Well, when it was all said and done Jeremy said I was out there for about an hour. I'm gonna guess (cuz I got lost)

4 Miles

Sunday, July 4, 2010

July 4th 2010 Running Blog

"We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it." - William Faulkner

Happy 4th of July!! It also falls on a Sunday ~ meaning I must make myself not run today :-p But celebrating freedom with my family is a wonderful destraction. A good way to practice freedom is go for a long run, it always makes me feel free ;-)

I want to also honnor all the men and women who sacrified thier lives so I could live mine. Words can not describe, even the word "freedom" what you have provided for me and my family, Thank You.

Day of Rest

Saturday, July 3, 2010

July 3rd 2010 Running Blog

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Did something new today, challenged what lies within me so to speak. I love where I'm at (wish I was better at it) and love the course its taking. But I'm exploring a new ground, not commiting to it but peeking at what may be.

I ran with Jeff Galloway's Marathon Training Club today as a guest. It was their easy day, four miles. This was run and stop and run and stop like the "stop" was waking. It was intervals. Anyways, everyone was so laid back and kind really informative and I felt comfortable there. I was able to keep up but keep in mind it was a VERY slow day for them. They all are sucessful runners and just being around them listening to their stories I realized...I can do this if I want to....it would change ALOT of things. For example ~ You can't run everyday! What in the World! Only 3x a week!! Are you kidding me??

Geez...running is not about racing to me although I enjoy 5Ks its my time. Its time I spend with the Lord and friends and family who come out, its about, I guess you could wrap it up in relationships in heaven and earth :-) However, I can't deny the fact that I'm interested in a Marathon. We shall see ;-)

Atlanta
4 Miles

Friday, July 2, 2010

July 2nd 2010 Running Blog

"Pain is weakness leaving your body" - Marine Corps

Maybe that explains today? I did four miles today but then turned around and did one hour of Body Sculpting class (weights). But in both for brief moments I felt pain but then nothing. It was raining at Boling, YEAH! And maybe that was it, cuz I was soaked when I went to the class. There were parts of that class my arms were screaming in pain and then nothing....I was even yawning at the end....I'm totally tired and fix'n to pass out but I feel like I didn't do much.

Boling Park
4 Miles
Body Sculpting
1 Hour

Thursday, July 1, 2010

July 1st 2010 Running Blog

"Winning is not about headlines and hardware [medals]. It's only about attitude. A winner is a person who goes out today and every day and attempts to be the best runner and best person they can be? Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up." - Amby Burfoot, Runner's World Editor At Large

What a delicate day. I haven't even run yet. I woke up with back pain. The kind you can't stand up straight and you sorta limp your way to the bathroom. I was supposed to go running this morning so I had to cut that out. Kept thinking about what could have caused this? As I began to process it a whole bunch of other things came into my mind. Sorta like reminders. Reminders of what I overcame thus far and why, and what affect it had on me as a person. It became so emotional. Kind of like soul searching. So, I haven't even run today but I'm reminded weather I do or don't, I am someone who overcomes!

We shall see.....if nothing else maybe a walk ;-) Thank you Jesus for Ibupofen!