Sunday, January 31, 2010

January 31st 2010 Running Blog

"Out on the roads there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be" - Dr. George Sheehan

Today is the end of January. That month is now over. I am amazed at what has happened in just one month that running helped bring resolve, healing, strength, a sense of achievement and peace. The beginning of the month was the kick off of a new lifestyle with friends and family. In the course of one month many adventurous things happened. I cut may hair so I could focus on running better! While I was on the roads and man who needed healing was healed in Jesus name! My daughter walked in victory as something that was going to try and steel her day of running was put under her feet and we had an amazing run in the snow, I got to be apart of that! I achieved a goal of going beyond running two miles with out stopping to three miles without stopping! Regardless of the weather I ran anyways and now understand, "There is no such thing as bad weather just different kinds of weather." unknown. I'm still learning to be faithful but this is the most faithful I've ever been, averaging running four times a week, my goal is no less than five but four is a good start. I felt my body grow stronger and stronger. In the midst of all the excitement, I experienced a great loss. Its still painful but as I ran is when I felt the most peace. Never understanding but bringing some form of resolve to the moment, and it is still moment by moment. It has been wonderful being with Jesus as He runs with me :-) Oh how I look forward to that each and every day I go to run. He is always with me however, when we run and talk...its new and good in a different sort of way.


I have set new goals. One is to do a 10k at the Peach Tree Road Race on July 4th! I look forward to training for that. I'm still working on Running through Taylors Farm and not stopping. I'm getting closer to 5-6 times a week of running therefore next month my avg. will be no less than 5! I have yet to run 5 miles but that is what I love about the word "yet" its just a matter of time so I'm going to push that up to 6 miles daily! For me it is not about reaching goals, its about maintaining them meaning, these have to be attained before the month of December so that it will just carry through that month. Only then will I have actually reached my goal!!

I did not run today. Today was a day of rest.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

January 30th 2010 Running Blog

"Just do it" - Nike

That is just what I did!

Boling Park
3.0 Miles - Ran

Friday, January 29, 2010

January 29th 2010 Running Blog

"Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don't do it." ~Author Unknown

Interesting week, needless to say I didn't give a flip about cleaning my house and now I'm flipping out! That being said, I'm sure I've run hundred miles already around my house trying to clean it!

Toni's House
100 Miles!!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

January 28th 2010 Running Blog

“I run for chocolate, sanity and because it's cheaper than therapy!” - Unknown

I do like the fact that I am not stressed out by the time I'm done running. Its like no matter the choices I made that day or things that hit me by surprise, its all worked out when I run. Its even better when my husband runs it out with me. I totally enjoyed that today. Basically, had a good therapy session minus the chocolate settled for Pepsi instead! Which everyone knows Pepsi in of itself takes care of my insanity issues, haha!

Boling Park
3.0 miles

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

January 27th 2010 Running Blog

"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired." - Isaiah 40:31

Learning to wait on the Lord...

Boling Park
3.0 m. ran

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

January 26th 2010 Running Blog

"What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose." - Henry Ward Beecher

Today was special all I could think of or believe in was that Jesus is King. I love you Olivia.

Today's run...in my heart...

Monday, January 25, 2010

January 25th 2010 Running Blog

"Every athlete has doubts. Elite runners in particular are insecure people. You need someone to affirm that what you are doing is right." - Lynn Jennings

That is totally what today was all about for me! I have a great support team, I'm blessed that way. I have friends and family who are willing to go the extra mile to make sure I get to run and encourage me to do so. But today was different. Today I needed it more than other days. My friend Lauren picked me up to run. She didn't even run, she just made sure I was able to run at Boling because it is the place I feel most confident in.
While I was running a complete stranger was running as well, and she would just say, "Good Job!" And I kept thinking, I'm doing something right for my body. I'm being good to myself. I'm doing the right thing in many different aspects and that "good job" was deeper than just running and not stopping :-) That all being said, I was able to run as long as I wanted. Therefore, I ran 4 miles under an hour!! I think because of all the encouragement and support I was able to achieve another first! I love First's!!

Boling Park
4.0 Miles Ran Entire Time, under an hour

Sunday, January 24, 2010

January 24th 2010 Running Blog

"Treadmill (n.), a primitive torture device first imagined by medieval jailers and perfected in the late 20th century, designed to destroy one's mind through sensory deprivation and monotony." The Runner's Rule Book


Oh geez...if there were any question before, let me clarify...I do not like running on treadmills!! I ran on a treadmill today only because we have car issues and due to the weather it was treadmill or nothing. So, I went to the gym. The gym has many good things to offer, however, the treadmill concerning me is just a big waste of time. They have a 5k loop on it and as I began it was like, "thunk, thunk, thunk" I sounded like an elephant stomping and for some reason the arches on my feet started burning. I didn't finish the 5k mostly because I didn't want what was happening to my feet to affect me in a negative way when I really run. I would call today an experiment, conclusion ~ don't do that again!
Wow. I just do not see how people can run on a treadmill...like, why? You have a whole world to enjoy while running...why a treadmill? With a tv in front of me, very clean enviorment, time, calorie counts, mileage, heart rates all in front of me keeping me educated; I found I was very annoyed! The bars on the sides to help me hold on was in the way. I'm just meant to run outside. I won't cut down the treadmill anymore...no need to release negativity, plus I'm sure there is perfectly good use for treadmills, just not for me.
 
Now I must go ice my arches...gggrrrrrr!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

January 23rd 2010 Running Blog

"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them. They are not barriers anymore." - Lasse Viren

Even on my "rest" days...I don't like it when I don't run...my "rest" days are the days that I fight doubt...this isn't about exercise, it's more.

Friday, January 22, 2010

January 22nd 2010 Running Blog

"Stadiums are for spectators, we runners have nature and that is much better" - Juha Vaatainen, Finland

Today I ran in Taylors Farm. Again, it was hard. I walked more than I wanted to. Trying to fight discouragement. But I read this quote and it made me smile.

Taylors Farm
3.5 miles walk/run

Thursday, January 21, 2010

January 21th 2010 Running Blog

"Love hills and they will love you back" - unknown

Today I ran in my neighborhood, Taylors Farm. As I was running the hills I would just look straight down so not to look at them but internally smiling. I was actually looking forward to tomorrow, because when I run Taylors Farm the next time I run at Boling I run really good, well good for me anyways. So, I will take that as the hills loving me back :-)

Taylors Farm
4.0 miles - walk/run

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

January 20th 2010 Running Blog

"I know what I want to do when I grow up! I want to be a Cross Country Athlete!" - Toni McAlister

   I'm sure every athlete has an amazing story of the kind of person they become and challenges they overcome as they push themselves to the next level humanly possible to attain their goals. There are others who just do something, anything and find the goals in the process. That "others" would be me. I ran for many reasons but the goal was never to go into training to become a Cross Country Runner! It was originally about control and faithfulness and it has developed into something much greater than character!
   Today I made a choice, a decision, a declaration! I want to go into training to be a Cross Country Athlete! I want to train for marathons! I'm putting my game face on now, I now know I can be faithful. I know some where within me is a true runner waiting to come out and not just peaks out here and there, its time, its time to unleash what is true within me!

I did not run today.

I had to take both my puppies to the hospital at 6:30 am. and didn't come home till 4:30 pm. Interesting day.
That being said, I proved to myself that I was commited to some form of fitness training. I wanted to be able to get in some sort of activity so my body gets used to the pattern that daily you can expect this and I did. I went swimming at 8pm. doing laps and focused on change. Here we go!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

January 19th 2010 Running Blog

"I may not be there yet but I'm closer then I was yesterday" - Unknown

Today was good, hard but good. My friend Erin timed me and I did the first mile in 11 minutes...I do not know how the heck that happened but I'm so grateful it did! It encouraged me the rest of the miles. I'm still trying to do 3 miles in my mind. I do it but every single time I'm fighting - I will or I won't. I can not accept the "won't" but I wonder up till 2.5 miles will I finish 3 miles today? Does that make sense?

Boling Park
3 miles, Ran the entire time!

Monday, January 18, 2010

January 18th 2010 Running Blog

"Meantime the Tortoise jogged stedily along on the hot, dusty road ever so slowly but surely and soon he passed the Hare who was still peacefully sleeping quietly the Tortoise plotted on nearing the goal. When the hare finally woke up with start, he saw the Tortiose just reaching the finish line far ahead he heard all the animals cheering the winner." - Aesops Fables

That was me today. Just call Mrs. Tortoise. But I must say...my "shell" is a little heavier than most! There are people out there all thin, athletic and all fit and then there is me. When I started running documented by a Dr. I was 215 lbs. on the dot, or I mean the pound, ha! And that is all I have to say about today.

Boling Park
3 miles Ran whole time!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

January 17th 2010 Running Blog

"Every run is a great run!" - Sasha Azevedo

Well, today was a good run. I kept pace with Jeremy who is recovering from and injury and we only did 2 miles walking and running but it was a good thing and I'm glad I did it. My whole thing now is doing no less than 3 miles every time I run however, today was supporting and helping just by being with him. Now, this isn't going to happen again anytime soon but for today it was a good thing.

Boling Park
2 miles walk/run

Saturday, January 16, 2010

January 16th 2010 Running Blog

"Let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us" - Hebrews 12:1 (partial)

Now, I'm not saying my hair is a sin but it is becoming a burden. When I run I can't put it in a pony tail, I could of course but it's long down my back and it feels like something is yanking on my head a bit. I sorta get a headache feeling. Does that make sense? Then, the crown of my head gets so hot and sweaty it feels like glue sticking to my head, yuck. Also, when I'm in the middle of running, because I don't want to wear it in a pony tail it slaps my face and I start fiddling with it trying to get it out of my face, its frustrating because I'm trying to focus on breathing. Not trying to make something out of nothing but maybe this blog is about me trying to justify cutting my hair because today I did just that; I cut my hair!!
Now, I didn't do the Pixie Cut (ultra short all over) but I cut eight inches off or so...I think in doing that I will now label myself as "Hard Core!" I deserve it! However, I didn't run today, to test the results but I'll find out tomorrow!

Friday, January 15, 2010

January 15th 2010 Running Blog

"Life's battles don't always go to the strongest or fastest man, but sooner or later the man that wins is the fellow who thinks he can" - Pre

I'm still very happy that I'm maintaining 3 miles but today it wasn't easy I had to push with every stride forward as if something were pushing me back, even though I did it I felt like the "little train that could"

 ...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...ah!... ouch!...Barely breathing.. end of the 3rd mile...I knew I could, I knew I could, I knew I could!! Yeah! Everytime I run back to where I started, I feel like I've concquered a mountain! Its interesting how the fables you learn growing up as a child makes its way back into my mind while I'm running!

3.0 m. Boling Park!!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

January 14th 2010 Running Blog

"Running is my Church" - Joan Van Ark

Today I was running and there was an elderly man walking to get exercise I guess. His right leg was twisted out like his foot was faced sideways. So when he walked it was like one foot going one way and the other going another. As I ran towards him I saw he was a Muslim man with the turban loooong beard etc. I was focused on running but as I ran past him we did the "nod" but he wasn't too friendly and I heard "I want you to go heal him" I kept running cuz I didn't know if it was me or a distraction or whatever, I'm just trying to breath. So I stopped so I could hear clearly and I said, "Do you want me to go heal him" I heard, "Go!" So, I ran back to him and stopped in front of him and said, stop, stop please. He did not speak English but he stopped. I pointed to his leg and was trying to ask, what is wrong with it? I said are you in pain and then he said no pain but he showed me his hip and put his hand to point this is where the problem is. I said, can I pray for you, he just looked at me and I stepped forward I just said, can I pray for you...he didn't say anything so I took it as a yes. I put my hand on his hip and he was just like stunned, so I closed my eyes and put my other hand towards heaven and said, clearly JESUS! IN JESUS NAME BE HEALED! Then I looked at him and had to close my eyes again and I began to pray for the bones and muscles that they would be corrected and I kept say Jesus and I prayed he would not just walk but run. Then I stopped and stood back and said, well did anything change? I don't think he understood so I was trying to show him how to test it. He started moving it and turning and busted out Laughing!! Laughing and talking in his language very loud and started pointing up (cuz that is what I was doing the entire time I was praying, pointing up and saying Jesus) He was laughing and smiling and then he put his hands together and was bowing and I was like oh crap, I just totally put my hand on a Muslim mans hip in public and just got scared cuz I was a women and when he continued to bow I was like well, just wanted you to run, and I'm like Jesus is King and I ran away!!! Honestly, I just got sacred. Cuz I started looking around, like we're alone...um...bye!

So a man got healed, in Jesus name I felt a little something in his hip but not like cracking and popping but he was turning it :-D

But another thing that was way cool was in my neighborhood is your either going up or down and on the way back its always up and I can never really run it, I walk. Well I was so downloaded with Adrenalin or something from him being healed I was like oh my Gosh! I'm home! I didn't even realize how fast and even the fact that I went all the way up w/out stopping...ha! I stopped cuz i was shocked! Like what just happened??!!?? So, it was an amazing day!!! I love running, I love Jesus!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

January 13th 2010 Running Blog

"You might be a cross country runner if people say...You run three miles all at once?" Steve Prefontain

I can never go back now...I can run 3 miles a day! It's in me and I must release it!

Boling Park
3 miles in 40 minutes

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

January 12th 2010 Running Blog

"Your training partners are a key to your success ,and friendships based on your runs together are strong" - Bill Rodgers

Well, today was so fulfilling, I really truly loved today. We ran at Boling and it was once again family and friends and I think we just all spur each other on! Therefore, I was able to do ~ 3 MILES BABY OH YA!!!
Today was a big deal because it would be the third time in a row I did 3 miles and it proves to me, "Toni, you can do this, you can really make this your lifestyle, no more is it wishful thinking, Toni, it is in you!" I always seemed in the past when it came to fitness things I'd quit between 6-8 weeks...NOT this time! But this time; weight, size, calories, meals etc. wasn't a goal, this time I just wanted to go the distance and just remain faithful...
Today was also a day when I realized I need to shoot for higher goals! I'm going to start with running 3 miles every time, not just a few times a week but every single time I will run 3 miles, Jesus help ;-)

Monday, January 11, 2010

January 11th 2010 Running Blog

"You've got to love what your doing. If you love it you can overcome any handicap or soreness or all the aches and pains and continue to play for a long, long time," - Gordie Howe

That is exactly why I started running, to over come stupid sicknesses...who knew I'd love it!! Today was wonderful! I ran at 7am. in 13*F weather with wind making it feel colder over patches of snow, ice and gravel that was froze solid :-) Enjoyed it so much so that I hope tomorrow is the same :-)

Boling Park
3.0 m. Ran entire time!

Think Taylor Farms may be helping....

Sunday, January 10, 2010

January 10th 2010 Running Blog

"Give thanks for what your are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow" - Fernanda Mirimontes

Today was a day of rest, in light of all the days I already had off (due to weather,) I feel like I'm being lazy or something? However, I'll keep up the good fight! Tomorrow is Monday the begining of my runners week :-)

Saturday, January 9, 2010

January 9th 2010 Running Blog

"Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue, your only recourse is to call on your spirit which fortunately functions independently of logic" - Tim Nokes

To be perfectly honest I went to Boling today and as I stepped out of the car I thought, "um, no. I'll give this thing a mile and if its still like this I'm going home!" I got on the track and pleaded with myself, "You don't want to quit! Run as fast as you can so you'll burn up and stay warm, then enjoy your run!" Thankfully I did the latter of the two and ran three miles straight no stopping!! I was really running on snow and ice patches and totally loving it!
Making footprints in the snow made my effort visibly rewarding!! Looking at the fact that it was fresh snow and not too many people's foot prinnts were on the snow made me feel like I'm paving a way. And seeing the foot prints that were there made me remember all those who went before me, encouraging me to come along.
What a wonderful day :-)

Boling Park
3 miles, ran the entire time!

Friday, January 8, 2010

January 8th 2010 Running Blog

"Wisdom consists of the antisipation of consequences" - Norman Cousins

Betcha know whats coming next ~ I did not run. It was ice where I lived and I couldn't drive to the park. That being said I thought, "hm, if I try to be hard core and run on the ice I may not get to run at all." So, I opted out for today :-(

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Janurary 7th 2010 Running Blog

"Poppies...Poppies. Poppies will put them to sleep. Sleep. Now they'll sleep!" - Wicked Witch of the West

Today was quite unique but very victorious! I'm going to be a bit "real" today. At 7am is when I prefer to run, Kailah and I both (my daughter). Well, Kailah woke up having seizure activity, twitching. Jeremy got her into bed with me and we started praying. Taking authority over what was going on in her body in the name of Jesus. It left. However, after that sort of thing happens you sleep, you sleep for hours on end. That is what happened to me the day before but without going into a full blown seizure. I kept feeling like I was going to have a siezure but I'd rebuke it in Jesus name and then go to sleep!

Well, Kailah and I both are asleep at one in the afternoon today (not abnormal) but it was as if someone woke me up and said, "Do you want to run in the snow?" I thought, (rolling over) "Its not going to snow till tonight." I heard, "Running in the snow would be fun, its not something you've ever done before." So, I turned over got out of bed to see if it was snowing. It wasn't. But I thought hm, wonder what time it would snow, because that would be fun. The forcast said at 5pm. Well, thats too late, it would be too dark. But I looked over my shoulder and I see, ITS SNOWING!! I ran and got the girls up and said, "Hey! you wanna do something you never did before??" Lets go run 4 miles in the snow!! They leaped out of bed, we bundled up and ran in Taylor's Farm while it was snowing!!

The entire time I was running I kept thinking about the "Wizard of Oz" how Dorothy and her friends are on thier way, and they fall asleep before they reach their destination. But the sleep was a curse, interestingly enough the snow broke the curse... they all jumped up and ran through the snow to Emerald City.

It was sort of an "epiphany" moment ~ that kind of sleep is part of a curse. Regardless if that is true or not, thinking about that while I was running caused me to run over half of Taylors Farm which (have I not mentioned is the Hardest place for me to run?!?) Also there are 3 huge long hills, I ran all the way up 2 of them! That is what I mean by Victorious!! By the time I was done running cuz this thought process made me run harder, my gloves, scarf and sweat shirt were OFF!!!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

January 6th 2010 Running Blog

"Every one is an athlete. The only difference is some of us are in training and some are not" - Dr. George Sheehan

Training today was a day of rest. Normally I'd be really irritated about that because it was not planned however, my place today was my home and that is where it needed to be all day.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

January 5th 2010 Running Blog

"The ancestor of every action is a thought" - Emerson

Today I had a little difficulty while running so I stopped to retie my shoe lases. My feet will let me know if the lases aren't tight enough, as a matter of fact they seem to yell! It is like they have to be "one with the shoe" or something? It was very irritating because I'm trying to focus on not stopping. Anyways, it was 1/2 way through my first mile so I walked to my second mile. If every action begins with a thought mine was based on frustration and absolute intent of running two miles! It was as if something was being taken away from me and I wasn't going to let it!

Boling Park
3 miles -
ran .5
walked .5
ran 2 back to back!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Janurary 4th, 2010 Running Blog

"Run with the Hills" - Janet Jordan

That is what I tried to keep in mind so I wouldn't focus on the freezing cold weather that seem to sting my cheeks. However, I realized I have a love hate relationship with freezing cold, windy weather! I ran the most I ever ran in Taylors Farm but by the time I was on my way back I Loved the stinging cold! I was able to run without the aggravation of hot sweat ;-)
But rolling with the hills I came to understand if you look straight down instead of the hill you're about to run up, all of a sudden you're at the top!
One thing is for sure, I was running in the most tacky outfit EVER!! It was freezing like I've already said and so I went to the end of my yard only to run back in the house to put a scarf on. Needless to say the only one I could find was a tacky hot pink with black circles on it, ugh. It was wrapped past my nose. I don't want to look like a burgle but I think I'm going to have to buy one of those masks that cover your head and face. We soon shall see!

Taylors Farm - 3.5 miles, Walk/Run

Sunday, January 3, 2010

January 3rd 2010 Running Blog

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!" - Thomas H. Palmer

Ggrrr...

I am so disappointed, I barely ran a mile and that was it. It was freezing & I was alone and I learned that I need to get beyond that so I can run regardless if I'm alone & freezing!!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

January 2nd 2010 Running Blog

"Running is a big question mark that is there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher Canadian Marathon Runner

Didn't run today. I haven't pinned down a "rest day" but I typically bounce back and forth between Saturday and Sunday. This being Saturday, I guess my "rest" day is today. Just had lots of distractions (renovating the bathroom). Tomorrow will be freezing!! I want to go but every time I think of how cold its going to be, I totally don't want to! Tomorrow will be the day that I was strong.

Be strong, Be strong, Be strong....You can do it!

January 1st 2010 Running Blog

" As every runner knows, running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are." - Joan Benoit, Olympic Merathon Gold Runner -

Our family set up a fun run, just some family and friends starting the year off right by following through what they did the night before ~ New Year's Eve Fitness Goals!

My # 1 goal is to be always be faithful, never quit, its also my #1 fear.
#2 goal is to be able to run 5 miles without stopping, maintaining that not just once or twice.
#3 goal is to at least one time by the end of 2010 be able to run my neighborhood which is 4
miles of steep hills!!

Those are my running goals which is one reason why I'm writing this blog and logging my progress. However, it is so much more than running, its a life changing experience and I'm going to write about that part of this journey as well, "My Change Through Running!" Here we go!

January 1, 2009~
Boling Park
3.5 miles
Walked .5
Ran 1
Walked/Ran 1
Ran 1

The main change today was that my family & friends came to Boling Park and we did it together. Doing something together really encouraged me and strengthened my run. There was a sence of unity and one thing I know about unity is it is powerful. I will keep that with me from now on as I run, even if I'm alone, somewhere there is someone doing what I'm doing and in a undefinded way we are unified.