A break from training

A view of Grand Teton from our tent

Well we have just got back from an amazing camping trip in the Grand Tetons, one of the prettiest places on earth. The mountain range is just stunning, the lakes are beautiful and cold and at this time of the year the wildflowers are lovely. So for 5 days I had a break from official marathon training but never fear I did do a lot of cross training. Cross training in the form of hiking and canoeing, two of the main activities on our camping trip. One morning we put our canoe on Jenny Lake and paddled across to the other side and then proceeded to hike up to Inspiration Point, a very steep hike but well worth the view, breath taking.

Paddling across Jenny Lake

If that was not enough we took our canoe to String Lake the next day and paddled across that lake, then had to do a portage to Leigh Lake and more paddling. I must say the paddle across Leigh Lake was rather a challenge, firstly my arms were so tired from carrying the canoe from the portage point to Leigh Lake, then we were faced with some rather strong wind and surprisingly big waves that made paddling rather hard for about 10 minutes. I must confess I was a bit fearful, because we were out in the middle of the lake and land seemed like a long way away. Scott kept reminding me that this was all part of the mental part of training for a marathon, you know pushing through the hard times. I know that if Scott reads this he will say I am being a bit dramatic, well I guess I am. Anyway I have had some good upper body training. Now I need to get back to some long runs again, this marathon is getting closer.

Oh yes I wanted to mention something that was really encouraging, I was out running one Saturday morning doing one of my long runs. I was on my way home and I must confess I was feeling rather tired but I was digging deep and kept running, anyway this man rode past me on his bike and he said "Looking good, great pace, keep going." Wow I was so encouraged and I immediately felt refreshed and kept going at a good pace and finished my run feeling really good. I realized the value of encouraging words, not just while you are running but in our everyday life. I realized the value of encouraging one another and I also realized that God wants to encourage each of us and we walk with Him. Sometimes it is a scripture we read, or a gentle whisper of God's voice or God uses people around us.
Hebrews 10:24 - 25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
So remember God wants to use you to encourage those around you, it could be with a scripture verse, a phone call, a meal, a cup of coffee and a chat. Don't ever think something is too small because I bet that man who encouraged me didn't know what an impact his words had on my day.

I think the thing I am battling with at the moment is the unexpected things that creep in and kind of way lay my training, like the whole family, except Scott, getting sick and the lack of sleep that goes with having sick kids and being sick yourself. I got some stomach bug and was down for about three days and then really battled to get back the energy to run. I have now recovered and I am back running, swimming and at my Monday night Zumba class.

Well that is a quick update of where I am at at the moment, the most important thing is that I am still having fun and enjoying my running.
Happy running and hopefully I will post a few more entries now that we are home a bit more.