26.2 Again – Week 8 of 16

Yesterday’s run was AMAZING on so many levels!

As most of you know, I am a “Special Needs Mom.” With this title comes a ton of uncertainty in ones everyday life. I learned early on that planning was nearly impossible and when I tried, it turned into utter failure for so many reasons. So I’ve learned a good bit about patience and am realizing its okay to just sit back and learn there’s multiple ways to make it to your destination as long as ya just keep going! I’m trying my best to learn to accept the things I can’t change but don’t let that keep me for having the determination to try and try again if I must.

Yesterday proved I needed this reminder yet again.

Sunday is such a BUSY day for the Brown’s household! We go from church, to lunch, to our old church to do tear down for their services that are held in a gym, back home, to softball practice with one of our kids (my hubs not me), dinner, and then finish it off with a cleaning job at my Dad’s office.  I can hardly breath on this day!

I knew when I switched over running plans, my Long Day would be a challenge. I kinda like challenges so I thought I’d give it a try.  I decided that early mornings would be the best fit to make this happen and I would see to it that I made this happen. I went to sleep trying my best to decide where to run as it would be dark outside and where I would feel safe doing so alone. I finally came to a conclusion and then found rest on the pillow.

Well….Sunday came early (2am) with a sick kiddo in my bed that kept me from sleep that resulted to a “bed” found on the couch. I tossed and turned until I finally found a few zzz’s, and wouldn’t you know it….I woke up an hour later then expected. I should have already been on the pavement! Now my whole day would be screwed unless of course I gave up the 2nd thing on my radar. After all, I thought I had a pretty good excuse with a sick kid!

So a decission had to be made!

Run??? or Church??

It’s so easy to allow something you enjoy so much to seep in and start robbing you from the thing you need! I came to a crossroad while on the couch and had to make a decision.  It was in this moment that the Holy Spirit reminded me how easy it is for me to wake up at the crack of dawn on any given Saturday and demand of myself to train yet so “hard” to get up and get going and make it to our early service that requires no physical effort other than taking a shower and picking out something to wear. It was with this thought that I realized, if I am willing to do what it takes to get a run in, surely I should be willing to do this to better my relationship with Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 4:8 says, “For the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

I didn’t want to go to church alone but one of us had to go to the 1st service so the rest of “the well people” could go to the late service while my husband or myself stayed home with the sick one. So I texted my sis knowing she had plans to be at the early service and told her I would see her there. I’m glad I made this decision!

I heard a wonderful sermon on humility and how Christ himself became a servant to those He loved by washing their feet during His last supper. The message also made me aware of how selfish I can be on a daily basis. It’s so easy to become “ME” focused in a world that tells you to look out for #1 constantly, when “OTHER” focus can literally change our world and you for the better!

I knew today was going to be a day of serving (as should every day towards other) in helping my special one feel better, as well as taking care of the rest of the family and their needs. And I knew it would be a very different day for all 5 of us from our typical Sunday routine. We all would have to adjust! I decided I had to be patient in getting to my run and be willing to seize the opportunity when the time allowed. So that’s what I did.

As soon as my husband walked through the door around 6:30pm, out the door I went to tackle the 10 miles my plan called for! And I honestly think this was the most enjoyable 10 miles I’ve done on my own. I”m not real sure where to place the credit or what I did differently this time compared to all the other 10 miles I’ve done in the past. It could be “the plan” I’m following faithfully, or the 8oz bottle of Tailwind ( you really should look into this fuel if you’re a Distance and/or Ultra Runner), or possibly the PB&J I had right before I walked out the door.  I really don’t know! However, I do know that once I got the 1st Mile over with….I felt so strong physically and mentally and enjoyed every moment of it! It really was perfect!

I have to say though, the best feeling I experienced on this day was the moment the run came to a stop and I looked down at the “HISTORY of the RUN” and there it was…..perfect negative splits that ended 1 sec faster then the required pace! This is something I really want to do differently with this marathon and a goal I’m trying to perfect.

So in ending all of this, here’s what I learned from this day and speficially this run…

• be patient in life
•  make sure your priorities are in check
•  make the most of what you can when opportunity arrives
• and leave the outcome up to GOD!

 

26.2 Again – Training Days 12-17 (Week 7 of 16)

Wow…what a week in the journey!

The kids started back to school and it allowed for a nice change in getting my runs in earlier in the days, however, I can’t decide if I like it better or not. I love the fact that I am able to get it over with so early and then spend quality time with them once I pick them up for school but I miss the sporadic evening runs with a buddy.

Here’s what this weeks “Run Life” looked like as I journeyed along!

This weeks mileage called for a cumulative of 37 miles. I am thrilled in knowing that I got it all in and did so according to “the plan”.

Sunday was a “Long Run” with 8 Easy Miles that I had to do on the treadmill due to a full plate on this day.  I would have preferred it outside but time only allowed for the indoors to be the place.

Monday was a nice “Easy” day what I enjoyed with my run buddies. We met up at our favorite route for hills and enjoyed seeing what the heavens had on display for us. Earlier this day we experience the ECLIPSE and it was so cool. Our state was one that included the path where you could see the “totality.” We had a great time chatting about all the different emotions this event created for so many of us as we experienced it at different locations. Isn’t God such a beautiful creator! He showed himself MIGHTY in the Heavens this day!

Tuesday brought me back to the treadmill for an Interval workout. I had to do a 1.5 Warm Up, then 8×600 at my 10K/5K Race Pace, and end with a 1.5 Cool Down. I kinda like intervals and I know they serve a wonderful purpose!

Wednesday was a much-needed Rest Day! Wooooo-Hooo!

Thursday brought me back to the treadmill for my Tempo Run ( 1 Mile Warm Up, 5 at Tempo, 1 Mile Cool Down). Now…..I HATE and I mean HATE TEMPO RUNS! I don’t like being uncomfortable or in “runner’s terms” running at a “Comfortably Hard” pace!

Never Have and Never Will!

So, I threw my towel over the treadmill, told myself I could not look at the mileage until I listened to 8 of songs I had downloaded on the Ipod and then told myself that each song went with a TV screen to view for sight purposes to help me get through it. Not sure if this idea helped but not once did my pace drop! As a matter of fact, when I hit the halfway mark, I bumped up the speed to finish off at my 5K Race Pace. Then I walked off with HAPPY ENDORPHINS!! Yay ME!!

Friday’s run brought me back to my usual car line run for the first time since last school year for an “Easy” 4 miles. It was a nice change from the treadmill but don’t let this foul you! Just cause the plan says “EASY” doesn’t mean your body will agree! I found this day’s run to be rather HARD! I was able to maintain my “Easy” pace but I could really tell that my legs felt the effect of all the training I had demanded of them this week.

Today ( Saturday) called for my 1st of 2  “Easy Long Runs” and the mileage needed was 6. As I’ve said in past post (and sure to say it again), Saturday is my  most favorite run day of all as it gets me up early and out the door to meet the run buddies.

I love how the dark morning comes to light all while outside on foot. There are so many different things to see and feel out there during this time of day.

I opted to venture out on my own once I hit a tad over 1.5 in the run because honestly, I just hate the route the group decided to take. This decision ended up biting me in the booty!! My “Mental GPS System” is pretty good at figuring out routes that can find my way back while hitting the mileage I need. I thought I today’s route calculated correctly in my mind. Well….. it failed on me.

My prediction was way off!

No worries though, I knew my little sis was in the area finishing up her run as well so I texted her and she gave me a ride back to my car! (I walked a good .59 extra until she arrived but I would have walked a lot further had she not came to my rescue)! She’s always been my “Big Sis” (just born 2 years later)! Some have Batman, other’s Spiderman….I have my B!!! And I wouldn’t trade her for any other Super Hero in the world! 

And this ended  Week 7 of 16!

 

 

26.2 – Training Day 10

Day 10 took place this past Saturday, and luckily it was a good bit cooler then some of the past hot summer runs I’ve been on lately, but still a tad to humid for my liking. I always enjoy my typical “Saturday Long Runs” as they usually involve meeting up with a few runners that I’ve been training with over the past 2 years. And we all know, there is STRENGTH in NUMBERS, especially when running long slow miles!

Most of the gang had to split up for this particular run due to scheduling conflicts and other’s were in need to run closer to home, however three of us could meet up and decided to venture out from our normal routes and run at one of our local (and beautiful) University. Due to this change-up, we had the honor of meeting up with some new runners who train with the local “TEAM RWB” in the area.

Their mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans through physical and social activity. If I’m not mistaking, you typically see them running throughout town with one of the members carrying our beautiful flag. I know for a fact, you will see the flag being carried by one of them anytime they participate in a race! It’s a pretty cool site to see! None of the girls had the flag on them today but it was still neat to meet up with new runners! We all were in need of several different mileage so after a quick picture along with a few laughs, we took off and ventured out on our own paths!

 

The sights are stunning and peaceful all around the campus grounds! My favorite spot (as you can tell from the pictures provided) is the Clock Tower. I loved seeing the sky change from dusk to dawn when I passed by it for the 2nd time around. It was STUNNING!

We did encounter one slight “bump’ on the course.  No worries though….we totally used this as our opportunity to call for an early walk break and take a quick selfie together;)!

And this is where Day 10’s training took me!

26.2 Again – Training Days 8,9, and 11

Once again, the days are flying by without a chance to actually sit down and write about what each training run brought at that day in time.  Since there’s not a whole lot to talk about on days 8, 9, and 11, I thought it would be best to include them together. All 3 brought me to the gym LATE at night.

Day 8 called for 9 miles. 6 of the 9 were done as 12 x 400’s at my current 5k/10k Race Pace with a 400 recovery in between. It was hard but I came away so proud of myself in realizing my body is so capable of doing the work when I get my mind out of it’s way!

Day 9 called for a 5 Mile Tempo Run. From the first stride, I realize just how tired my legs were from the intervals I did 2 days prior so I really had to remind myself, “I think I can, I think I can,” and I DID!

I love the fact that when I incorporate the treadmill for both interval and tempo runs, I am able to set the pace and then it just becomes a battle of the mind. To help fix this issue (somewhat), I took my towel and placed it over the screen in hopes that it would help me zone out by listening to my music. It worked for the most part.

Day 11 was yesterday and it called for a nice EASY 8. And that’s what it was. Not the ideal place to run but so thankful to be able to do it inside when I could.

26.2 Again – Training Day 9

 

What a week this has been!

I am nearing the end of a wonderful Summer with 3 of my kids and trying my best to make the most of this last full week with them. I’ve been sure to get in my runs however to sit and actually write about it has taken the backseat.

Training day 9 called for a nice slow 4 mile run and I LOVED IT! There was a nice drizzle that turned into a downpour right when I had the time to run. Not the weather one may want to enter into upon taking the first step, but BOY…..was it FUN!

One of the wonderful things I’ve found with running is the adventure that seems to await you. I rarely have a “same” run experience, even if the route has been ran on time and time again. I never know what I may see, hear, and experience with each new run.

With a little less than a half mile to go, I heard these words coming through my ear buds while lifting my eyes off the muddy puddles that surrounded me.

“See the sun, now bursting through the clouds, black and white, turn to color all around, all is new now in the Saviour I have found….this is living NOW!” – (HillSong)

There was so much truth the Lord brought into my thoughts while on this run all while experiencing the words I heard through this song during this moment!

Here I was…running in the midst of  gray all around; the rain, although refreshing, it kept my focus on the elements and all that surrounded me, and then within a matter of 30 mins everything that became familiar…changed! All the beautiful colors that literally surrounded me began to spring forth as the haze disappeared right before  my eyes. It was as if the Lord needed to remind me of how true this is in my life!

He can take the grayest of grays that block out the beauty that’s always been around me and reveal its true beauty in beautiful colors once I allow him to remove the haze! He wants to remake me into someone more like him, by allowing me to experience the grays of life. I’m learning the gray’s serve a purpose! They help me experience a newness of  who He is and provide the tools to change me into who He wants me to be.

As if this wasn’t enough, it wasn’t until I turned around to head back home that I saw this beautiful rainbow that reminded me of the promises that go along with it!

What a moment I had with the Saviour!

 

 

26.2 Again – Training Day 8

“Oh my soul, oh how you worry and weary from feeling you lost control…..Oh my soul, you are not alone, there’s a place where fear has to face the God you know….cause you’re not alone!”

 – Casting Crowns

This was the song that greeted me at a little before 6 while heading out to meet the gang for my Long Slow Run. I had 10 miles to accomplish early today and my mind recalled the hard 3 miles I just finished up less than 12 hours ago. The thoughts of doubt began to seep in while realizing the task I was about to introduce my “fearfully and wonderfully made” body and mind to do.

We had a GREAT crowd show up this morning, so the encouragement was there in numbers. Some of the mileage that was needed from the gang consisted of 6, 8, 10, and 13 miles. All are in training for some sort of race that will place us all over the United States. We had runners preparing for the Army 10 Miler, The Marine Corp Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Spinx Marathon, and the Mini Myrtle Beach Half.

From the beginning, I was lagging behind most of the group and the mind battle began. I had to constantly reminded myself that, “I was in training, so I must run my pace for my race and follow the plan.” It worked for the most part but there’s still that side of you that wants to be apart of the crowd and conversations that helps take your mind off the run.

I refrained from putting in the ear buds and used the sights and sounds as the main source of encouragement at this time. Greenville has so much to offer when you take the time to look, so I did. I saw many runners and cyclist out and about, a waterfall where ducks where wadding in, while an older gentleman stood along the edge to capture them in picture. There were beautiful tall buildings all around that were yet to be opened to the public. Personally, I enjoyed the sunlight that begins to reveal its morning beams through the soft green trees that lined the trail. There was a sense of Peace that was displayed to me. It was here, that I hit Mile 5 and the turnaround point of the run. I stopped for a few seconds to hydro up with Tailwind and immediately placed my ear buds in to help me pick up the pace and finish this off.

The last 5 miles was pretty much the same until I came around a corner at Mile 8 and saw a crowd filled with people. My thoughts kept me entertained while I wondered why in the world are random people standing on the side of the trail? And then it happened, I just passed “Batman” and a few of his friends.

WHAT?!? I JUST passed BATMAN?

So of course I turned myself around and asked for a picture with them. It’s not like you see this everyday on a 10 Mile run!!

I just so happened to stumble into a 5K race filled with Super Hero’s coming at me and running right with me! It was just the thing I needed to get me back on pace to fight off the temptation to give into my nagging thoughts! I honestly heard Jillian Michael’s from The Biggest Loser yelling at me saying, “GET YOUR MIND OUT OF YOUR BODIES WAY!”  I can’t think of a better way to do this then by offering up a few words of encouragement to those running in this race. So I made a point to cheer them on AND to let them know that I believed they could take the one that was ahead of them….down ;)!

I made it back to where  all of this started and realized how fitting the song I heard this morning was used to show me how God showed up on this run! Although I basically ran “alone” I honestly didn’t! I had friends in front to lead the way and Super Hero’s to make me feel like a “Rock Star” coming in for the final stretch! It was the perfect lesson in teaching me,

“….he will make a way, let him show you how you can lay this down!

Cause you’re not alone!“

26.2 Again – Training Day 7

Today’s run called for another 3 miles and since my Monday 3 miler didn’t go according to plan, I decided to see what I could do in making this somewhat of a “Tempo” run. So I snatched up my little “bike buddy” along with a handful of gummy worms and out the door we went to take on the adventure that awaited us.

We decided to change things up a bit and venture into a new neighborhood once we hit mile 2 coming out of the park. She kept me pretty entertained while chatting away at all the houses she liked and in trying to pinpoint exactly which house she liked the best. For the most part, the run was flat (until we decide to venture into this subdivision ), but I LOVE venturing out into new territory because you never know what’s around the corner! You may find something new and interesting that you love or you may end up with a one and done route!

As soon as we hit the at 2.25 mile mark, I began to realize we were steadily heading down a decent. Although I enjoyed the decent down, I realized rather quickly that what goes down will eventually have to go up, and I had a steady tempo pace to maintain. It was about this same time that I heard the song “Fix my Eyes” by “For King and Country” in the good ole ear buds that allowed me to look at this slight flaw as a challenge and accept it. So I continued the downhill decent for another .25 and then came to my senses realizing this may never come to an end! NOW was a GREAT time to turn around and head up!

I was so PROUD of this little one! She took the steady climb like a champ while I stayed focus “fixing me eyes” not on the hill but towards the flat I could see in the distance!

We both survived and I knew I stuck gold with her on this run when she rewarded me with a fresh picked flower while I was busy putting away the bike. I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift at the end of a run then a flower picked by her. The Run Life was SWEET today thanks to this one!

 

 

 

26.2 Again – Training Day 6

Yesterday called for 5 miles and I can honestly say I really enjoyed what this run offered. It started with a couple of good choices during dinner time after some not so good choices starting with breakfast ( cinnamon rolls…they get me every time!). I opted for a plain chicken breast cooked in coconut oil with a dash of seasoning salt, along with a sweet potato topped with cinnamon to sweeten it up a bit, a handful of cherries, and then a few bad carbs to burn off in the form of garlic bread and a spoonful of pasta salad.

I made my way over to Academy to return a pair of running shoes before meeting the girls to start the run. We had a “newbie” show up with one of the regulars and she ended up doing her longest run EVER! Folks, this is why you run with friends! Encouragement helps you do the things you possibly can’t do alone. So now we are pushing her for a half….and I know she will get there physically but more importantly mentally ;)!

I came to the run with a pace in mind that I felt would  give me the push I needed that fell in line with the goals I have for the upcoming Marathon. Good thing Sannie ( our GAZELLE of the group) came! I knew she’d be perfect in helping me acheive the goal while following her lead! She didn’t disappoint! And the conversation is always encouraging and uplifting!

I’ve learned a few things about myself on this particular course. The first time I took to these inclines, I basically vowed to NEVER run ICAR again. Now it tends to stay in the weekly routine (with friends of course)! Crazy…but like so many struggles in life, I too have learned a few things from the slow climb these hills offer that I’ve grown to LOVE!

The Hills make me stronger and give me a better appreciation for the flat just like the personal STRUGGLES I face constantly!  I’m learning that although I don’t enjoy the “hills of life” I do realize that they can either make me STRONGER and be seen as a means to help me GROW or I can allow them to stay at bay, swallow me up and keep me from learning a much need truth to grow from. Who knew hills could teach one so much!!

While finishing up my final mile, I heard crickets that caused me to smile and viewed beautiful skies as the Holy Spirit reminded me in thought that,

“He bestows on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy, instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:3.

I once considered this course to be filled with “ashes” yet over time, I am experiencing on foot the “beauty” it has to offer!

26.2 – Training Day 5!

Today’s training called for a 3 mile run and boy was it ever UGLY! Typically I like to try my best to keep my low mileage days as some kind of speed work or Tempo Run , but today….I wasn’t feeling it. Any of it! I’m hopeful it was due to the Saturday long run that ended with a fast pace 5K and the body is still recovering from the push I gave it. I gave it my best but the outcome was still a less than desirable speed.

The forecast called for rain all day and although it appeared the weatherman may be right, it was a beautiful day up until it was time for the run! I received a group text about an hour before the scheduled run that included my “little sis” and the “one who made me an Aunt” and I totally did not like the words I was witnessing before me. Basically, it was appearing as though I may end up doing the run solo and that was not in the original plan! And today, I NEEDED THEM! I tried my best to keep the conversation positive and upbeat in text regardless of the pouring down rain and thunder I heard while responding. Lucky for me, when the time came for us to make our final decision, the rains stopped and the humidity came. Things were looking good and everything was going according as planned!

Thank you JESUS!

So I got dressed, gathered up 2 of my kids in the car and we headed out to meet the others. I knew the company would be great and the encouragement much-needed in order to get me out the door to see this run through, and it worked!

                 WE CAME!                                                         WE RAN!                                                  ONE BIKED!

And the MILEAGE is now HISTORY!

26.2 – Training Day 4

WOW…training Day 4 brought so much excitement to the journey on a glorious Saturday morning!

The alarm sounded at 5:45am and I immediately hit the snooze button with the sleepy thoughts of sending my little sis a text explaining to her that I decided to meet her at the 5K Race around 8:15am instead of joining the group at City Park shortly. I felt the need to sleep a few minutes longer knowing I could finish off my last 5 miles later that day on my own.

Today’s plan called for a slow 8 miles and I totally forgot that I previously promised my older sister (several weeks ago) that I would come out and support my nephew and his Cross Country Team at our local High School in a 5K fundraiser event in the morning.

As I laid there in the comfortableness that my couch offered, I soon realized what all this Saturday had in store for me and my family, and unfortunately NOW was the time to start the day!

So I slowly sat up, placed my feet on the floor and headed to the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. Once I finished that up I proceeded to do all the other things needed in order to get out the door and meet the gals by 6:30am.

There is so much to love about meeting up early on a Saturday morning and hitting the pavement with run buddies. I love so many things these gals bring to my life! We get along, there’s no drama, we encourage and lift one another up, and we LOVE a good Chick-fil-A breakfast afterwards!!

Each of us run at various paces, which is perfect in so many ways. If your run calls for you to go slow, you stay back. If your run needs a good push, you can try to run with someone who can offer this challenge for ya. You always feel encouraged to do what your run needs, knowing there are NO hurt feelings to deal with in doing so. It’s WONDERFUL in so many ways!!

Often, mileage will vary as well and it did today. A few of them needed 8 to 10 miles, my sis wanted 3, and I needed 5 at the moment. We all started out together and then took to our own path when the run called for it.

This was “Part 1” of my run journey for today.

Once I finished up the 5 miles needed from this run, I jumped in the car and headed over to Hillcrest High School (with my little sis) to complete the rest of the 3 miles we both were in need of.

And so began Part 2!

It was clear from the starting line that I was surrounded by 2 types of runners!

The young studly, attractive, and pencil thin High School runners, and the “Wanna-Be”, “Think we are still that athlete”, “Let me show you I can still run”, “Somewhere between the late 20’s to over 40” Runners! From the word “GO” you immediately knew which category you fell into unfortunately!

I for one, was not used to starting a race in such a way! These kids were G-O-N-E in a matter of seconds!!!! I’m not an “elite runner” so I imagined this must be what it feels like to be apart of “their crowd!”  I’m always (and forever will be) at the back of the pack on race day with runners like me, so you can imagine how extremely PAINFUL this moment felt (at least for me)! So in that awkward moment I had to do something, and yelled out to those of us left behind, “Oh to be young again!” And we all laughed while agreeing with the reality that our younger years were definitely a thing of our past!

The race was hot and the course consisted of lots of high wet grass, some gravel, and a few sections of parking lot pavement that brought you up to the track to complete the race. (This is the course the HHS kids will be competing on when hosting the race against other schools in the Fall). I thought this was pretty neat, especially in knowing that my nephew trains on this course frequently.

The course also brought enjoyment in knowing that both my older and younger sister, my niece and nephew were all out there somewhere possibly NOT enjoying this AT ALL!

The crowd was great too!

I had my parents along with their best friends clapping and yelling out encouraging words as the runners approached and then passed by them.

Once the race was over ,we headed inside the school to fellowship and chat about our race experience, ate a few recovery food items, and then hydrate our bodies.

Shortly after that, the raffle drawing took place and it was then that we found out if we were Winners or Losers in spending what we thought would get us the items we would enjoy. I spent ten bucks in tickets and looked each item over carefully and thoughtfully before placing my tickets into the Ziploc bags of my choice. I soon realize that not only did I win…. I took home 2 baskets filled with goodies, and my niece won a basket of goodies as well! As if that wasn’t already enough, I was called up to receive a reward named as the #1 in the Female 40-49 category. And yes, I had other women to beat out for this award! (Not many…..but a few)! One of the perks you receive when you run in small local races!

I guess it’s fair to say the it definitely paid off in starting my day early in order to experience what the training for the day would offered. It certainly greeted me with some BIG rewards and wonderful memories to look back on!

James 1:7 ” Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”