Can you believe it, 4 days to go until my big race. I feel nervous and excited at the same time. I feel like I am ready for the challenge but there is always that fear of the unknown. Can I actually run 26.2 miles? Will my body hold out? Will I trip over someones feet? I just know that I need to go out there and be confident that I have trained hard and that God is on my side.
The reason I titled this post "bittersweet" was because on Monday morning my very precious and dear Grandpa died. He had been sick for quite a long time. He had always been so supportive of my running and always such a great encouragement to me. He was a very gentle and sweet man. He had a very big heart, always willing to help other people, nothing was ever too much for him. I remember how he cut out hundreds of paper hexagons for me so that I could do a patchwork quilt. They were so exact, everything my Grandpa did was with excellence and patience. I loved the way that he never rushed anything, he enjoyed the small delights of life. I really think that my Grandpa lived his life to the fullest and I am so grateful that he is not suffering anymore and that he is safe in the arms of Jesus now. But I do feel sad that I will not be able to share this marathon running experience with him. I do know that while I am out running on Sunday he will be in my thoughts a lot. He was such a wonderful Grandpa and I miss him.
Saturday was my last longish run, I did 11 miles (which actually just didn't feel that far). It is amazing because when I started training for my marathon 11 miles seemed so far. I had a good run on Saturday, it was a beautiful morning running, very peaceful. Running really is such a joy for me and I just love being out enjoying the beauty of God's creation. As I have said before, running is a great time for me to think. On this run I was mostly thinking about the marathon and praying that it will go well.
On Sunday I did an 18 mile bike, again I went out early in the morning. I must say it was one of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen. The colors were stunning, the sky just seemed to light up. I just wanted to stop and enjoy the beauty of the day. And I was reminded of this scripture Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." That really was a moment to be still and know that God is in control and that we can rest in Him.
It is now Wednesday and I am mentally and physically preparing for race, I have done quite a bit of reading up on what you should do a week before the marathon. The best news is that I should eat lots of carbohydrates, apparently pancakes are great and easily digested. The bad news is that I am not really hungry at the moment, I think it is because I am a bit nervous. Hopefully I will feel like eating soon. Maybe I should just make a big plate of pancakes, the girls would be very happy with that for breakfast. Mentally I am just praying and trusting that God will be with me. My goal is really to go out and have fun and hopefully get a good time.
My ankle is still a bit sore but I am still able to run without too much pain. It is going to be a case of just pushing through. But I am going to try and rest it this week. I did do a Zumba class on Monday and I did a 5km run on Tuesday. The 5km run on Tuesday was very easy and I felt really good. Now I think I need to force myself to relax and rest. It is rather hard when you have been running so much.
My next concern is the weather, there is a forecast of snow towards the end of the week. I am really praying they got that wrong, I really don't like running when it is really cold. The 9 news weather says Sunday should be clear and dry just a bit cold. I hope that they are right. I have decided to run in my bright orange running shorts and running shirt. I have some bright orange hair bands as well. I think I will paint my nails bright orange, may as well have some fun.
My next post will be a detailed blog about my marathon. I appreciate all your prayers and encouragement. I am so grateful for my amazing family and friends. I feel incredibly blessed. Thank you to my darling and wonderful husband, he has been a great source of encouragement. Thank you to my three precious girls, Amy, Emma and Chloe, they have been such stars especially on days when I have done my long runs. One of the girls, can't remember which one said "I hope you win Mom!" I did have to tell her that there are about 15,000 runners and I am not going to win but I appreciate the vote of confidence. I am also grateful to my dad and mom for all their encouragement over the years. I am really blessed to have the most amazing dad and mom. I really wish they could be here to see me run.
Well time to rest and relax!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Goals and Obstacles
Last week I was chatting about goals and obstacles at the end of my blog and I was tested on that this week. I felt good after my 20 mile run and my 10km run. On Monday morning I woke up with a bad head cold, I couldn't breath and I just felt horrible. So I decided that a days rest wouldn't be so bad. I guess I owe my body one days rest after all the running on the weekend. The problem was that one day rest turned out to be a whole weeks rest. I didn't feel good and decided not to push myself with only three weeks to go until the marathon. Those of you who are seasoned runners will understand how frustrating that was for me. The weather this week was perfect for running and all I could do was lie on the couch and look at the stunning weather. Oh so upsetting!
I didn't want to take any medication so I tried to stick to just healthy eating, lots of water and blueberry tea with honey. Oh yes and lots of handfuls of fresh blueberries, they are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
Friday afternoon was rather frustrating, I had to take Emma to the doctor, she a high fever and sore throat. Then I had to fight traffic on the way home. By the time I got home I was desperate to get out and run, so I did a short 6km run, it felt so good to be out running again. My legs felt good but it was hard to breathe.
Saturday morning I slept in a bit, feeling like my body still needed some rest. But at 8am I decided that I really did feel up to running 11 miles. So off I went and actually it was a good run, I did feel a little tired and lacked the energy I usually have but I am glad that I pushed through.
So after this week I am reminded of a scripture from Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
I know that God is in control and that He loves us. So even though it was a tough and frustrating week, I have a peace in my heart because my God is faithful. He knows when we need rest even better than I know. My mom had to remind me about that fact as well, that rest can be good. Thanks mom for always knowing the right thing to say and for being so encouraging. So I feel like this was a good rest time and now I am focused on staying healthy for the next few weeks. I am glad that I am toning my training down now and that the end is in sight. I am keeping my eye on the goal, the finish line and hopefully a good time.
So while I was out running today, I was trying to think about what outfit I should wear for the big day. I think I am going to chose a couple of outfits. Then I am going to get my girls to chose their favorite. Then I will make a decision. I guess it does also depend on the weather. I am really praying that we will have good weather, you know not too hot and not too cold. No rain and no snow. We all know that Colorado weather can't be trusted, we could get all 4 seasons in one day. But I don't plan to run with an umbrella or a snowsuit.
Not much training this week, so not much to report this week. Thank you once again for reading and for being so encouraging.
I didn't want to take any medication so I tried to stick to just healthy eating, lots of water and blueberry tea with honey. Oh yes and lots of handfuls of fresh blueberries, they are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
Friday afternoon was rather frustrating, I had to take Emma to the doctor, she a high fever and sore throat. Then I had to fight traffic on the way home. By the time I got home I was desperate to get out and run, so I did a short 6km run, it felt so good to be out running again. My legs felt good but it was hard to breathe.
Saturday morning I slept in a bit, feeling like my body still needed some rest. But at 8am I decided that I really did feel up to running 11 miles. So off I went and actually it was a good run, I did feel a little tired and lacked the energy I usually have but I am glad that I pushed through.
So after this week I am reminded of a scripture from Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
I know that God is in control and that He loves us. So even though it was a tough and frustrating week, I have a peace in my heart because my God is faithful. He knows when we need rest even better than I know. My mom had to remind me about that fact as well, that rest can be good. Thanks mom for always knowing the right thing to say and for being so encouraging. So I feel like this was a good rest time and now I am focused on staying healthy for the next few weeks. I am glad that I am toning my training down now and that the end is in sight. I am keeping my eye on the goal, the finish line and hopefully a good time.
So while I was out running today, I was trying to think about what outfit I should wear for the big day. I think I am going to chose a couple of outfits. Then I am going to get my girls to chose their favorite. Then I will make a decision. I guess it does also depend on the weather. I am really praying that we will have good weather, you know not too hot and not too cold. No rain and no snow. We all know that Colorado weather can't be trusted, we could get all 4 seasons in one day. But I don't plan to run with an umbrella or a snowsuit.
Not much training this week, so not much to report this week. Thank you once again for reading and for being so encouraging.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Finally 20 miles
- New sporty haircut - check
- Bright orange and cute running outfit - check
- Bright orange nail polish to match the outfit - check
- A perfect Colorado morning for running - check
- Running 20 miles and feeling great - priceless
Saturday was the day, the day to run 20 miles. I must admit I was a bit nervous on Friday night as I felt rather tired and not sure that I would be able to wake up early in the morning. But Scott bought me a runners magazine and I was reading it that afternoon. They were talking about the value of running in the early morning. So even though I was tired I was motivated to get up early and do this run.
Well I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for my long run. I followed my usual morning routine; breakfast, coffee and time reading my bible and praying. Now I am ready, water bottle filled, GU in my pocket, sunglasses and of course my music. I sneaked out of my quiet house, everyone is still fast asleep and enjoying a Saturday morning sleep in and I must confess as I walked out the house I wished that I was still snuggled in bed asleep.
But as I walked down the road (part of my warm up) I looked up at the sky, the sun was just rising and the sky was the most beautiful pinky color and I had such a sense that God was with me as I began my run this morning. As I looked at the sky I was reminded of the words of a song by The Afters called Light up the Sky "You Light, light, light up the sky. You light up the sky to show me, you are with me. And I, I, I can't deny, no I can't deny that You are right here with me....." Isn't that just so encouraging to know that no matter where you are whether at work, school, the grocery store or a mom at home or out enjoying a run God is with us and has His hand upon us.
Anyway the sky was just stunning, it looked like pretty pink cotton candy and I must say at that point I felt really encouraged and excited about my run. About two miles later I was again aware of the beauty of Colorado, the sun was lighting up the mountains in front of me and I thought wow I am so blessed to be out running at this time of the morning.
I set myself a few milestones to get to as I ran, my first stop was at the top of the golf course. I just had a quick drink and refilled my water bottle. Then I ran out to the Soda Lakes beach, it actually went easier than I expected and I made to the lakes about 15 minutes ahead of what I thought I would do. So again a quick drink and refill the water bottle. Off to Morrison from there and it just started to drizzle, I must say I was praying that it wouldn't rain too much. I didn't feel like getting super wet, fortunately the rain held off for awhile longer. I ran through Morrison and then stopped for a drink and some GU, a nice (as nice as GU can taste) blueberry flavor. So now I was energized and ready for the run home. As I started running out of Morrison, a song came on my iPod; Blessing by Laura Story and I had to laugh because the chorus says "What if your blessings come through raindrops..." and it started to rain again.
From Morrison to home I just felt great and just enjoyed being out and accomplishing a goal. As I was almost home I saw my neighbor out running. It is always nice to see someone you know when you are out running, well we were able to encourage each other and keep going.
I was so happy to see my house, 2 hours and 45 minutes later. Everyone was now awake, Emma had helped Chloe to get dressed, Scott had given the girls breakfast. So I was able to sit for 30 minutes with my feet soaking in warm water with Epsom salts and watch a triathlon on TV. I decided maybe next year I should try a triathlon, just an idea at the moment. Anyway my feet felt great afterwards.
So after a nice warm shower, I treated myself to a nice cup of coffee and warm white chocolate chip cookies, what a nice treat.
I think last time in my blog I mentioned that my right ankle had been a bit sore. Well I have been putting ice on it and I did take an Ibuprofen and that really helped a lot and now my ankle is so much better and didn't even ache today. So hopefully it is healing up well. My toes are also much better, Vaseline and the socks with the toes are making a huge difference.
I found this interesting piece of advice in my latest running magazine. "More seasoned marathoners might race a 10 km the day after a long 16-20 miles to simulate running the final miles on tired legs." Ok so I am not a seasoned marathoner but I decided to give this a try. So I woke up early on Sunday morning and did a 10 km run. Let me tell you the first 2 km were just awful, my legs were so tired and I just didn't want to run but I pushed through. It actually got easier and I ended up enjoying my run, so hopefully that is a good sign for the marathon.
Unfortunately I have a bit of a head cold at the moment, so I am taking a lot of Vitamin C, eating lots of blueberries and drinking blueberry tea and it does seem to be helping. I took the day off yesterday and today I think I will just do something easy like some rowing. Tomorrow I will get back to my schedule.
Well the time is ticking by and I am excited to do this marathon, feeling confident that I can finish it.
I found this quote in a book I was reading "Better to keep your focus on the goal rather than on the obstacles." Tamera Alexander. So I am keeping my eyes on the goal of finishing this marathon instead of looking at all the things that can go wrong. I think in life we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and know that He will lead us through those obstacles or He will give us the strength we need to deal with the obstacles. I am so aware of God strengthening me each day and I am so grateful that God is my hope and anchor.
May God be your strength each day.
Thank you for reading.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Running, the great leveler
I had all sorts of funny comments and good stories going on in my head as I was out running today. I thought I must get these down on my blog and now that I am home they all seem to have left me. Maybe I need something to eat and then I can try again. Excuse me for a few minutes...
Ok I have had something to eat and a shower, I think my brain is functioning again. So this is what I was thinking this morning: A very wise man once told me that "running is the great leveler." In other words sometimes you feel great when you are out running and other days are just plain hard and you finish your run feeling kinda of despondent. Well that is how I felt last week, my training had been going fairly well, I decided one hot afternoon to do a bit of speed work, you know just a quick 6km run, well it was going well until about half way.I looked up and saw two ladies running towards me but as they got closer I realized it was just one lady, and then everything around me just seemed fuzzy and I got so dizzy. So I just ran home, no sense in waiting around to faint on the trail. I got home and had a pounding headache and just felt awful. After a lot of fluids and some rest I started to feel better. I think I just got dehydrated as it was about 98 degrees at 6 in the evening. I did recover from that and have since run a number of times and have felt fine. But is always scary when you are out there and just don't feel good. I am realizing more and more that you need to listen to your body, don't push it if you are not feeling good. Anyway I certainly hope that I have a good day on October 9th.
So these are some of the things that I think are working for me, I get up early on a Saturday morning and have half a cup of coffee and a small bowl of granola and a banana and I spend about half an hour just eating breakfast and reading my bible and praying. It is a great time in the morning, everyone is still asleep, so no one needs anything and I just have a bit of quiet before setting out on my run. This routine seems to be working for me, so I think I will stick with it for marathon day. The other thing I like to do is set my clothes out the night before, I have a number of cute running outfits now and so I keep trying different combinations each time I run, to see what I like best and then I will use that for marathon day. I am also trying out some different socks, I got some socks that have toes. I want to see if that helps with some of the callouses I have got between my toes. (Gross I know) anyway I have done one training run with them and they seem great and my toes don't hurt as much.
On my long runs I been taking GU with me and trying that out, well I can't say I love the taste, but it does help with the energy levels. I have developed a new word for describing it, "gloopy," because that is how it feels as it goes down your throat and it is especially bad once the GU has gotten warm. But as I say it does do the job and I know that is what they have on race day, so it is good to get your stomach used to those things before race day.
Generally my long runs have been going well and I really enjoy being out on the trail in the early morning, just enjoying the peace and quiet and also the sense of accomplishment when I complete the long runs. I also head out on a Sunday morning on my bike just to add some cross training and that has been great and is helping with the fitness levels.
The other thing I really enjoy with the long runs is listening to K- Love, a great Christian radio station and it is amazing how encouraging it is. I will be running along and one of my favorite songs will come on at just the right moment I need some motivation, or I will hear a song that one of my girls really enjoys and I will think about them and use that time to pray for them. One of the songs that I am finding so encouraging at the moment is a song by Matthew West called "Strong Enough." Here are some of lines from the song which really make me realize that God is strong enough. "Lord right now I'm asking you to be, strong enough, strong enough , for the both of us." and "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and I don't have to be strong enough, strong enough." Even though running is not a spiritual thing, I know that God is with me and He is giving me the strength to push through. Perseverance is one of the biggest lessons I am learning and I think it is something we need to learn in every area of our lives because lets face it, life is not always easy but God is strong enough.
Here is one of my favorite scriptures about perseverance, Romans 5:3-4 " Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope." Wow isn't it wonderful to know that God is working in our lives and developing our character. So whatever you may be going through right now please know that God is strong enough and He loves you.
So I continue to press in and enjoy my running despite a few aches and pains that I guess go with running long distances. I have painful right ankle and sore toe but I am trusting that my ankle will heal quickly. Today I am trying to rest as much as possible so that I am refreshed for tomorrow when I shall attempt to run about 18 miles.
Oh yes, Scott bought me a new and very cute little MP3 player, so I have loaded a running play list on to that, so instead of listening to the radio tomorrow I can listen to a lot of my favorite music. The thing I like about this MP3 player is that it can just clip to my running clothes, much easier than an arm band or making sure that I run with shorts that have a pocket. Ok I guess that was a bit useless information.
Thank you for reading. Mom and Dad if you are reading, I love you lots. A big thank you to my amazing husband and wonderful kids who put up with all my running, you guys are wonderful and I love you so much.
Oh yes and in case you are wondering who the wise man is, from the beginning of the blog, that would be my dad, he always used to encourage me with that, especially if I had had a bad race, tomorrow will be better, don't give up.
Ok I have had something to eat and a shower, I think my brain is functioning again. So this is what I was thinking this morning: A very wise man once told me that "running is the great leveler." In other words sometimes you feel great when you are out running and other days are just plain hard and you finish your run feeling kinda of despondent. Well that is how I felt last week, my training had been going fairly well, I decided one hot afternoon to do a bit of speed work, you know just a quick 6km run, well it was going well until about half way.I looked up and saw two ladies running towards me but as they got closer I realized it was just one lady, and then everything around me just seemed fuzzy and I got so dizzy. So I just ran home, no sense in waiting around to faint on the trail. I got home and had a pounding headache and just felt awful. After a lot of fluids and some rest I started to feel better. I think I just got dehydrated as it was about 98 degrees at 6 in the evening. I did recover from that and have since run a number of times and have felt fine. But is always scary when you are out there and just don't feel good. I am realizing more and more that you need to listen to your body, don't push it if you are not feeling good. Anyway I certainly hope that I have a good day on October 9th.
So these are some of the things that I think are working for me, I get up early on a Saturday morning and have half a cup of coffee and a small bowl of granola and a banana and I spend about half an hour just eating breakfast and reading my bible and praying. It is a great time in the morning, everyone is still asleep, so no one needs anything and I just have a bit of quiet before setting out on my run. This routine seems to be working for me, so I think I will stick with it for marathon day. The other thing I like to do is set my clothes out the night before, I have a number of cute running outfits now and so I keep trying different combinations each time I run, to see what I like best and then I will use that for marathon day. I am also trying out some different socks, I got some socks that have toes. I want to see if that helps with some of the callouses I have got between my toes. (Gross I know) anyway I have done one training run with them and they seem great and my toes don't hurt as much.
On my long runs I been taking GU with me and trying that out, well I can't say I love the taste, but it does help with the energy levels. I have developed a new word for describing it, "gloopy," because that is how it feels as it goes down your throat and it is especially bad once the GU has gotten warm. But as I say it does do the job and I know that is what they have on race day, so it is good to get your stomach used to those things before race day.
Generally my long runs have been going well and I really enjoy being out on the trail in the early morning, just enjoying the peace and quiet and also the sense of accomplishment when I complete the long runs. I also head out on a Sunday morning on my bike just to add some cross training and that has been great and is helping with the fitness levels.
The other thing I really enjoy with the long runs is listening to K- Love, a great Christian radio station and it is amazing how encouraging it is. I will be running along and one of my favorite songs will come on at just the right moment I need some motivation, or I will hear a song that one of my girls really enjoys and I will think about them and use that time to pray for them. One of the songs that I am finding so encouraging at the moment is a song by Matthew West called "Strong Enough." Here are some of lines from the song which really make me realize that God is strong enough. "Lord right now I'm asking you to be, strong enough, strong enough , for the both of us." and "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and I don't have to be strong enough, strong enough." Even though running is not a spiritual thing, I know that God is with me and He is giving me the strength to push through. Perseverance is one of the biggest lessons I am learning and I think it is something we need to learn in every area of our lives because lets face it, life is not always easy but God is strong enough.
Here is one of my favorite scriptures about perseverance, Romans 5:3-4 " Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope." Wow isn't it wonderful to know that God is working in our lives and developing our character. So whatever you may be going through right now please know that God is strong enough and He loves you.
So I continue to press in and enjoy my running despite a few aches and pains that I guess go with running long distances. I have painful right ankle and sore toe but I am trusting that my ankle will heal quickly. Today I am trying to rest as much as possible so that I am refreshed for tomorrow when I shall attempt to run about 18 miles.
Oh yes, Scott bought me a new and very cute little MP3 player, so I have loaded a running play list on to that, so instead of listening to the radio tomorrow I can listen to a lot of my favorite music. The thing I like about this MP3 player is that it can just clip to my running clothes, much easier than an arm band or making sure that I run with shorts that have a pocket. Ok I guess that was a bit useless information.
Thank you for reading. Mom and Dad if you are reading, I love you lots. A big thank you to my amazing husband and wonderful kids who put up with all my running, you guys are wonderful and I love you so much.
Oh yes and in case you are wondering who the wise man is, from the beginning of the blog, that would be my dad, he always used to encourage me with that, especially if I had had a bad race, tomorrow will be better, don't give up.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A break from training
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| A view of Grand Teton from our tent |
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| Paddling across Jenny Lake |
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.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Time to Think
Well I am sorry that I have not kept up to date with my blog, but my dad and mom were visiting from South Africa and so I really wanted to spend all my time with them. They went back to South Africa last week, so Thursday was rather a sad day for me. But I have bounced back and have so many wonderful memories to cling to. I just want to add that my dad and mom are amazing, they are the most wonderful parents in the world. They have an excellent marriage and both of them have hearts that just shine for Jesus, I couldn't ask for better role models in my life. So dad and mom I love you so much and thank you once again for coming to visit us, it was an amazing time.
Okay so back to training for the marathon, October 9th still seems so far away but I know that it is going to be here before I know it. I have had some good runs while my dad and mom were here. The one morning we went out really early, all of us again. But I was running out in front for awhile and I ran past this most beautiful garden. It had all sorts of wild flowers just growing together, now to a professional gardener it might not have been perfect but to me it was so pretty and it got me thinking. Before I carrying on about what I was thinking, I just want to say that running for me is a great time to think and pray. So what was I thinking, I was thinking of the beauty of those flowers and how they were all so different, different colors, sizes and shapes and yet when put together it is something beautiful. And you know that God sees each of us as beautiful and He is doing beautiful things in our lives.
That reminds me of a song that we sing at church by Gungor called "Beautiful Things" Here a few lines from the song "You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of dust. You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us." and Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time." So I want to encourage you that you are special to God and He created you and you are beautiful to Him and He has placed you where you are for such a time as this. I think for a lot of us it is a season to bloom where we are currently planted.
So as you can see running not only keeps you fit but it really is a great time to reflect on God and pray and seek His heart for your life and for the lives of others.
One of the most special runs I have had so far was an 11 mile run last Monday, my mom came with me, she was riding the bike and keeping me company. It was wonderful for me, to just know that she was there, we didn't chat that much because well it just takes up a lot of energy. But I was so glad to have her with me and now she can picture where I run. As I have said time and time again family is such a huge help when training. My mom was just super encouraging and a huge blessing in my life.
I have been battling a bit with a sore toe, which you would think "Oh a little toe, how can that bother you?", but trust me it has. I have tried strapping it and rubbing vaseline on it before I run. (I read in some running magazine that vaseline really helps to prevent blisters.) I really don't want to stop running at this point as I feel like I am making such good progress. So I have decided to just push through the pain, keep strapping my toe and wear flip flops when I am not running. Oh the joys of runners feet. My husband told me that runners have the worst feet. Seriously I am hoping that it will clear up and I will be pain free soon. I battled with the same thing last year when training for the half marathon and it did get better.
I am still keeping up with the cross training, zumba, swimming and even a game of tennis with my dad last week and I am embarrassed to say he beat me 6 -1 and he made me run like crazy on the court but it was great fun. I would love to play more tennis, it is great work out and it is much more social than running. But as my dad will tell you, I need to get my serving right.
Yesterday I was so grateful to my friend Dana, she watched the girls for me so I could do a 10k before it got too hot. It was a good run, time wise, but I did feel like the heat drained me quite a lot. I do know that it is good to train in different weather conditions. Although tonight I had to draw the line, I was going to do a quick 6k run and I was only a short ways into my run and I looked up and there was the most amazing display of lightening but really a bit too close for my liking. So I ran as fast as I could home and just as well because we had rather a big storm.
At this point in my training, I am doing 3 to 4 shorter distance runs during the week, a half hour of swimming and then an hour of Zumba on a Monday and then a long run on Saturday. Sunday I have a rest day or hike with the family. And I am feeling good, I know that I have just got to keep up the discipline that goes with this kind of training. Happy running everyone.
Okay so back to training for the marathon, October 9th still seems so far away but I know that it is going to be here before I know it. I have had some good runs while my dad and mom were here. The one morning we went out really early, all of us again. But I was running out in front for awhile and I ran past this most beautiful garden. It had all sorts of wild flowers just growing together, now to a professional gardener it might not have been perfect but to me it was so pretty and it got me thinking. Before I carrying on about what I was thinking, I just want to say that running for me is a great time to think and pray. So what was I thinking, I was thinking of the beauty of those flowers and how they were all so different, different colors, sizes and shapes and yet when put together it is something beautiful. And you know that God sees each of us as beautiful and He is doing beautiful things in our lives.
That reminds me of a song that we sing at church by Gungor called "Beautiful Things" Here a few lines from the song "You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of dust. You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us." and Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time." So I want to encourage you that you are special to God and He created you and you are beautiful to Him and He has placed you where you are for such a time as this. I think for a lot of us it is a season to bloom where we are currently planted.
So as you can see running not only keeps you fit but it really is a great time to reflect on God and pray and seek His heart for your life and for the lives of others.
One of the most special runs I have had so far was an 11 mile run last Monday, my mom came with me, she was riding the bike and keeping me company. It was wonderful for me, to just know that she was there, we didn't chat that much because well it just takes up a lot of energy. But I was so glad to have her with me and now she can picture where I run. As I have said time and time again family is such a huge help when training. My mom was just super encouraging and a huge blessing in my life.
I have been battling a bit with a sore toe, which you would think "Oh a little toe, how can that bother you?", but trust me it has. I have tried strapping it and rubbing vaseline on it before I run. (I read in some running magazine that vaseline really helps to prevent blisters.) I really don't want to stop running at this point as I feel like I am making such good progress. So I have decided to just push through the pain, keep strapping my toe and wear flip flops when I am not running. Oh the joys of runners feet. My husband told me that runners have the worst feet. Seriously I am hoping that it will clear up and I will be pain free soon. I battled with the same thing last year when training for the half marathon and it did get better.
I am still keeping up with the cross training, zumba, swimming and even a game of tennis with my dad last week and I am embarrassed to say he beat me 6 -1 and he made me run like crazy on the court but it was great fun. I would love to play more tennis, it is great work out and it is much more social than running. But as my dad will tell you, I need to get my serving right.
Yesterday I was so grateful to my friend Dana, she watched the girls for me so I could do a 10k before it got too hot. It was a good run, time wise, but I did feel like the heat drained me quite a lot. I do know that it is good to train in different weather conditions. Although tonight I had to draw the line, I was going to do a quick 6k run and I was only a short ways into my run and I looked up and there was the most amazing display of lightening but really a bit too close for my liking. So I ran as fast as I could home and just as well because we had rather a big storm.
At this point in my training, I am doing 3 to 4 shorter distance runs during the week, a half hour of swimming and then an hour of Zumba on a Monday and then a long run on Saturday. Sunday I have a rest day or hike with the family. And I am feeling good, I know that I have just got to keep up the discipline that goes with this kind of training. Happy running everyone.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The value of cross training
Sorry I haven't blogged for awhile, life has been rather hectic and not with marathon training. My first big news is that my dad and mom arrived safely from South Africa and I am blessed to have them with me for three weeks.
We have done a big camping trip with them up to Turquoise Lake near Leadville and there I did some cross training, a lot of canoeing and a hike up to Hanging Lake. Hanging Lake is one of my favorite places, it is a tough hike up to the top but the view at the top is so amazing. It totally makes the hike worthwhile. As you get to the top, you are treated to the most amazing blue green lake that looks like it is suspended on the mountain. I was so proud of my dad and mom, they did such a great job and actually my kids did a great job too, well done girls.
I have also added swimming to my training, so every Monday I am swimming 50 laps at the local rec center and then taking part in a Zumba class. I know it is good to have fun while keeping fit and Zumba certainly is a party.
Today was the true test of cross training, Scott, my dad and I decided to do a 50km (30 mile) bike ride from our house, to Chatfield dam and then home again. Sounds easy, well that is what I thought, I guess I just assumed that I have been doing a lot of running and that riding 50km shouldn't be a problem. Oh how wrong I was! The bike ride started with a steep climb up to the top of Fox Hollow golf course, so far so good. Ok it was rather humbling to have my dad riding right behind me, in fact he even passed me up the hill. And I really felt like I was peddling my heart out. Anyway I did have a bit of an emotional breakdown about half way through the bike ride, my dad and Scott were far ahead of me and there was a really steep hill in front of me. I just felt like I couldn't keep going anymore and I guess I just felt like wow if I can't bike ride this distance how am I going to manage running a marathon.
Well I caught up with Scott and my dad and they encouraged me, I had something to drink, had a good cry and then wiped my eyes and got back on my bike and kept peddling. As Scott said it is good mental training for the marathon. I think in life we are faced with difficult situations and we have a choice to make, do we just quit, or do we keep going. I really believe that God wants us to keep going, keep trusting in Him and know that "we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength." Philippians 4:13. I kept repeating that scripture over and over again as I as out there riding. And do you know what, I finished that bike ride and felt so great afterwards, so my advice to all of you whether you are training for a marathon or a 10km run or even just going through some tough times right now, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and run the race He has called you to run and don't give up the reward is worth it.
I must also add it was a real blessing to be able to bike ride with my dad. He has always been one of the people who has inspired me to never give up. I did sleep for about two hours that afternoon.
So over the past few days I have enlisted the help of my whole family in my training program, we have done some family bonding time, my dad and mom on the bikes, Amy and Emma on their bikes, Chloe in the stroller which either Scott or I push and it has been so fun to all be out together, enjoying the beautiful scenery and actually just being together. The photos in this post are from our last 10km run up the South Platte trail just below Hudson Gardens.
So as I have said before I think it is so valuable to have the whole family involved in your training, it really does motivate you to keep going. Next week I will be able to do a few long runs as my dad and mom will still be staying with us, so I have some baby sitters.
An encouraging scripture for the day:
Hebrews 12: 1-2 "....let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith..........."
We have done a big camping trip with them up to Turquoise Lake near Leadville and there I did some cross training, a lot of canoeing and a hike up to Hanging Lake. Hanging Lake is one of my favorite places, it is a tough hike up to the top but the view at the top is so amazing. It totally makes the hike worthwhile. As you get to the top, you are treated to the most amazing blue green lake that looks like it is suspended on the mountain. I was so proud of my dad and mom, they did such a great job and actually my kids did a great job too, well done girls.
I have also added swimming to my training, so every Monday I am swimming 50 laps at the local rec center and then taking part in a Zumba class. I know it is good to have fun while keeping fit and Zumba certainly is a party.
Today was the true test of cross training, Scott, my dad and I decided to do a 50km (30 mile) bike ride from our house, to Chatfield dam and then home again. Sounds easy, well that is what I thought, I guess I just assumed that I have been doing a lot of running and that riding 50km shouldn't be a problem. Oh how wrong I was! The bike ride started with a steep climb up to the top of Fox Hollow golf course, so far so good. Ok it was rather humbling to have my dad riding right behind me, in fact he even passed me up the hill. And I really felt like I was peddling my heart out. Anyway I did have a bit of an emotional breakdown about half way through the bike ride, my dad and Scott were far ahead of me and there was a really steep hill in front of me. I just felt like I couldn't keep going anymore and I guess I just felt like wow if I can't bike ride this distance how am I going to manage running a marathon.
Well I caught up with Scott and my dad and they encouraged me, I had something to drink, had a good cry and then wiped my eyes and got back on my bike and kept peddling. As Scott said it is good mental training for the marathon. I think in life we are faced with difficult situations and we have a choice to make, do we just quit, or do we keep going. I really believe that God wants us to keep going, keep trusting in Him and know that "we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength." Philippians 4:13. I kept repeating that scripture over and over again as I as out there riding. And do you know what, I finished that bike ride and felt so great afterwards, so my advice to all of you whether you are training for a marathon or a 10km run or even just going through some tough times right now, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and run the race He has called you to run and don't give up the reward is worth it.I must also add it was a real blessing to be able to bike ride with my dad. He has always been one of the people who has inspired me to never give up. I did sleep for about two hours that afternoon.
So as I have said before I think it is so valuable to have the whole family involved in your training, it really does motivate you to keep going. Next week I will be able to do a few long runs as my dad and mom will still be staying with us, so I have some baby sitters.
An encouraging scripture for the day:
Hebrews 12: 1-2 "....let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith..........."
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