That's right. The truth is out. I am no longer running Just for the kids. I am running for me. Selfish as it might be, it is the truth. The added benefit is that I hope to be around long enough to see my great-grandchildren, but in the meantime, I will be running and seeking the Truth for myself.
I am closing this blog as I have decided to chronicle my entire journey in one blog rather than two.
I hope you decide to visit!
Running Towards Him
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Running in Soup
Another week of low mileage for this wanna-be ultra marathoner! A wonderful spasm in my neck presented itself on Monday morning and hung until until, well, it really hasn't left yet.
Thankfully, a few sessions using my pink rubber ball and some stretching seems to have it under control, so I felt like I could get a run in today.
Not sure what the problem was with my legs today. They felt dead. I've been off for a week. They should have felt rested, and yet, I couldn't pick them up. Cut two miles off the run just to get home.
Last weekend I felt very similar. Not sure what the problem is. Maybe it is running alone that is getting to me. I tend to push myself harder when I am running with others, but I am on a quest to learn how to run solo. That will be my most difficult challenge as a face my first 100 miler. Aside from the obvious physical demands.
I find that I am a bit frustrated with myself. Ever since my DNF at Hell's Hills, I've been in a slump. Thought I was ok with everything surrounding that event and I don't regret my decision to DNF, but I have noticed that the motivation is lacking, the excuses are getting more and more frequent to not run.
Not sure where this will lead me, but for now, I will just keep slugging through and try to come out of this funk.
Thankfully, a few sessions using my pink rubber ball and some stretching seems to have it under control, so I felt like I could get a run in today.
Not sure what the problem was with my legs today. They felt dead. I've been off for a week. They should have felt rested, and yet, I couldn't pick them up. Cut two miles off the run just to get home.
Last weekend I felt very similar. Not sure what the problem is. Maybe it is running alone that is getting to me. I tend to push myself harder when I am running with others, but I am on a quest to learn how to run solo. That will be my most difficult challenge as a face my first 100 miler. Aside from the obvious physical demands.
I find that I am a bit frustrated with myself. Ever since my DNF at Hell's Hills, I've been in a slump. Thought I was ok with everything surrounding that event and I don't regret my decision to DNF, but I have noticed that the motivation is lacking, the excuses are getting more and more frequent to not run.
Not sure where this will lead me, but for now, I will just keep slugging through and try to come out of this funk.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Shoe Woes
It appears that my new "what a great deal" trail shoes may not be such a great deal after all.
A few months ago, I found a pair of Asics Trail Attacks for a steal. I purchased them online and was quite pleased with the fit upon delivery. I've worn them for a few shorter runs and this past weekend, wore them on their longest run yet of 12 miles.
I noticed a few weird "aches" on the run, but didn't give it much thought until the following day. I noticed that the balls of my feet were very sore and my knees, which I've never had trouble with, have both been sore. In fact, both knees feel quite inflamed and as a result, I've been reluctant to run on them.
I believe that the shoes are responsible for this as I did nothing else different. The shoes have a metal plate in the sole for added protection which I will need on the Cactus Rose course. I am now on the hunt for a new pair of shoes. Just what my husband wants to hear. Another pair of shoes!
It has been suggested that I try the Vasque Blur. And they make a pretty red color...
A few months ago, I found a pair of Asics Trail Attacks for a steal. I purchased them online and was quite pleased with the fit upon delivery. I've worn them for a few shorter runs and this past weekend, wore them on their longest run yet of 12 miles.
I noticed a few weird "aches" on the run, but didn't give it much thought until the following day. I noticed that the balls of my feet were very sore and my knees, which I've never had trouble with, have both been sore. In fact, both knees feel quite inflamed and as a result, I've been reluctant to run on them.
I believe that the shoes are responsible for this as I did nothing else different. The shoes have a metal plate in the sole for added protection which I will need on the Cactus Rose course. I am now on the hunt for a new pair of shoes. Just what my husband wants to hear. Another pair of shoes!
It has been suggested that I try the Vasque Blur. And they make a pretty red color...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A New Day!
A nice little run through the woods can do so much for the soul! I love the dirt! Being able to come off the trail covered in dirt like this is a thrill that I suppose only other dirt lovers can appreciate!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Time for Reflection
I am beginning to notice that my evolution as a runner is similar to that of my spiritual life. Of course the two are tied deeply together, as they should be.
I am becoming more aware of the onion effect. As I move along the running trails of life, another layer of the onion peels away and a new skin is revealed. This skin is beautiful, shiny, and does not come to the surface without it's share of tears.
I am discovering that running, for me, is becoming less and less social, and more and more internal. Perhaps this has much to do with the distances that I am challenging myself with, perhaps I am just becoming a crotchety old lady...
I naturally crave the company of others, at times to a fault. I will choose to spend time with those I around me when I feel I could benefit more from spending time in the classroom of silence where the true-self is exposed.
I love running with others. I love the way that we can push one another, encourage one another, and inspire one another. This is a very important aspect to what we do. But I am discovering another layer which has begun to emerge. I need to be able to run alone. I need to become self-reliant and not look for validation from those around me. I need to truly reach my goals on my own, for my own reasons, and as a result of my own blood, sweat, and tears.
I love to glean information from others, especially those who have done that which I hope to do someday. However, in the end, it is just going to be me crossing that finish line. No one thing that any one else does will get my feet to move one after the other, in beautiful synchopy until the race is done. No one else will be able to pull the strength from the pit of my guts to press on when it is the last thing I want to do. There is only One who can do this with me; for me.
I must honor that blessing with the gift of my attention. Being ready and willing to listen to what He is trying to tell me, to teach me. And while I do believe that He works through others, sometimes, the best place to learn about what He wants us to know about ourselves, what He is calling us to, is in His classroom of silence.
As I look forward to more intense training for the upcoming fall season, my challenge will be to look inward instead of outward, yet not be afraid to ask for help if needed. I hope to realize my limitations, embrace them, and push myself through them. I intend to pray as though it all relies on God (which it does), yet work as though it only depends on me.
As a result, I may take this blog private. It has never been a place for me to boast or brag and I pray that it has not become that, but I have this nagging suspicion that perhaps the "validation card" which I need to learn to live without, may creep in through this forum. I may also decide to leave well enough alone and just post race reports from time to time.
Whatever may come, only He knows...
I am becoming more aware of the onion effect. As I move along the running trails of life, another layer of the onion peels away and a new skin is revealed. This skin is beautiful, shiny, and does not come to the surface without it's share of tears.
I am discovering that running, for me, is becoming less and less social, and more and more internal. Perhaps this has much to do with the distances that I am challenging myself with, perhaps I am just becoming a crotchety old lady...
I naturally crave the company of others, at times to a fault. I will choose to spend time with those I around me when I feel I could benefit more from spending time in the classroom of silence where the true-self is exposed.
I love running with others. I love the way that we can push one another, encourage one another, and inspire one another. This is a very important aspect to what we do. But I am discovering another layer which has begun to emerge. I need to be able to run alone. I need to become self-reliant and not look for validation from those around me. I need to truly reach my goals on my own, for my own reasons, and as a result of my own blood, sweat, and tears.
I love to glean information from others, especially those who have done that which I hope to do someday. However, in the end, it is just going to be me crossing that finish line. No one thing that any one else does will get my feet to move one after the other, in beautiful synchopy until the race is done. No one else will be able to pull the strength from the pit of my guts to press on when it is the last thing I want to do. There is only One who can do this with me; for me.
I must honor that blessing with the gift of my attention. Being ready and willing to listen to what He is trying to tell me, to teach me. And while I do believe that He works through others, sometimes, the best place to learn about what He wants us to know about ourselves, what He is calling us to, is in His classroom of silence.
As I look forward to more intense training for the upcoming fall season, my challenge will be to look inward instead of outward, yet not be afraid to ask for help if needed. I hope to realize my limitations, embrace them, and push myself through them. I intend to pray as though it all relies on God (which it does), yet work as though it only depends on me.
As a result, I may take this blog private. It has never been a place for me to boast or brag and I pray that it has not become that, but I have this nagging suspicion that perhaps the "validation card" which I need to learn to live without, may creep in through this forum. I may also decide to leave well enough alone and just post race reports from time to time.
Whatever may come, only He knows...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Pace? What's Pace?
I'll be trying to find my current pace tomorrow at RTW. Haven't run a hard 5K in quite sometime, so I am curious to see what I can do tomorrow.
Sending happy feet vibes to everyone running races this weekend, especially Adrienne in the Polish Pickle and Rick at Western States! Enjoy!
Sending happy feet vibes to everyone running races this weekend, especially Adrienne in the Polish Pickle and Rick at Western States! Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
106 at 6
That was the heat index tonight as I readied myself for my first track workout in almost a year. Crazy. But I was happy to be going! Why? Because I noted that the humidity was at a mere 31%! That is unheard of around here, so though it was hot, it was a nice dry heat and I enjoyed the run.
I also ran last night in similar temps, but my bad attitude had the better of me and I never noticed how hot it was. I was too busy ruminating on the thoughts running through my mind. A fast run was exactly what I needed to reset my thinking.
I am trying to decide upon my fall race schedule. I am going to run just a few races this next year, so I'd like to pick some that will prove to be very memorable.
One that I would really like to be able to participate in is The Shadow of the Giants. It is only a 50K, but the beautiful scenery and the fact that my family could travel with me and enjoy a vacation at the same time makes the run very enticing.
I have been in recovery mode since my DNF at Rocky Hill. I feel good and I am ready to get into some consistent training. I've been pretty consistent with my cross-training (weights, ab work, cycling) which I've been doing in the garage. It is not very fancy, but it is perfect for what I am trying to accomplish.
I would really love to be able to feel comfortable in the pool. At this point, I do not have access to one, so that makes it a tad more challenging. I may look into the pools in the area to see what would best fit my schedule.
Looking forward to a summer full of healthy training!
I also ran last night in similar temps, but my bad attitude had the better of me and I never noticed how hot it was. I was too busy ruminating on the thoughts running through my mind. A fast run was exactly what I needed to reset my thinking.
I am trying to decide upon my fall race schedule. I am going to run just a few races this next year, so I'd like to pick some that will prove to be very memorable.
One that I would really like to be able to participate in is The Shadow of the Giants. It is only a 50K, but the beautiful scenery and the fact that my family could travel with me and enjoy a vacation at the same time makes the run very enticing.
I have been in recovery mode since my DNF at Rocky Hill. I feel good and I am ready to get into some consistent training. I've been pretty consistent with my cross-training (weights, ab work, cycling) which I've been doing in the garage. It is not very fancy, but it is perfect for what I am trying to accomplish.
I would really love to be able to feel comfortable in the pool. At this point, I do not have access to one, so that makes it a tad more challenging. I may look into the pools in the area to see what would best fit my schedule.
Looking forward to a summer full of healthy training!
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