I Promise I Ran This Week Plus a Race On the Horizon!!

Ok, I did run this week even though it didn't make the blog.  I ran 5 miles with Kim on Wednesday and felt great.  Yesterday I only did 3 miles -- a little pathetic, but I'm not beating myself up over it.  Part of my lack of motivation has been the lack of races ahead in my future.  I had previously hoped to run the Star City Half again this year, but it's on the same day my parents arrive from Texas.  Not only that, but the registration has increased this yea.r  $49 is still a decent price for a half, but I'm just not feeling that kind of money for a race right now.

Tonight I found the perfect Fall race to get my butt back into gear.  On October 22nd there is a 10 Miler in Roanoke.  The race benefits Alzheimer's which is a cause near and dear to my heart.  I am REALLY excited to know that I have a good race on my calendar again.  I'm off to go make a training plan. :)  Have a great week!!

Miles this Week: 8
Miles this Month: 15

No Blogging = No Running

Well, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that my lack of blogging reflects my lack of running.  My hubby was out of town all last week, and that made it really difficult to run in the evenings.  On top of that I started a new job, and was T-I-R-E-D when I got home each night.

But here we are... Mathis is home again, the house is clean, and I'm ready to turn over a new leaf.  I've got a few weeks of work under my belt, and the weather is starting to cool off ever so slightly.  I'm thinking that all these things combined will help me get my butt into gear and find a good schedule.  I feel like a broken record... it's been hard to find my running mojo over the past month, but I'm not feeling that guilty over it.  I'm in this for the long haul, and I know some months will be less miles than others.  I definitely have the itch to be running, and I'm hoping to pick up a new schedule this week.

Hope everyone else is running well -- you are all my inspiration!!!

THE Verse

My sweet, sweet friend Laura sent me THE VERSE last night, and I'm going to be memorizing it over the next few weeks so that I can claim it over and over again during my half-marathon in the mountains!! :)

"We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul--not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us." 

Colossians 1:11-12 from the Message

Slow and Steady

I am not a fast runner.  But I am a runner.  And I am so proud to be able to call myself a runner.  A few years ago, I hated running.  There were times in college I doubted I'd ever have the ability to run even just a few miles.  I was amazed at the handful of times I ran the Beartrail (2.25 miles), and when I ran my first 5K.

Over the past few months, I've become enamored with running.  I think about running multiple times throughout the day, I spend hours each week pouring over various running blogs, and I jump for joy when I see my Runner's World magazine in the mailbox.  I plan my days around getting my training done, and I'm signed up for (at least) two big races in the next 12 months.  I am a runner.  :)

Today I ran at the rec center, because we have seen gusts of wind up to 60 mph today.  As I ran on the track, I grew slightly frustrated because other runners kept passing me up.  I know my pace is slow, but I'm a beginner and it should be slow.  However, even though my mind knows this, my pride gets in the way.  I start comparing myself to others, and whenever this happens I'll always fall short.  I had to remind myself that I'm running for me, and not for anyone else.  And the exciting thing was that most of these runners came and left before I finished.  So while they were fast, their runs were short.  I ran for a total of 50 minutes, and I was proud of that.  I've come such a long way from beginning my running journey, and I have lots more to look forward to!

I read this on another runner's blog, and I love it!!  I can relate to so much of what it says.  Hope it encourages you as much as it encourages me.  Run on!! :)

running has changed my life for the better.  it has given me something to always strive for and to look forward to.  it has taught me that i can do anything i set my mind to, and that i am tougher than i thought i was.  it has introduced me to some of my very best friends.  it keeps me sane, focused, dedicated and happy.  it has made me stronger, both physically and emotionally.  it has taught me that hard work pays off, but the things worth working for don’t come easily. 

Miles: 4.5?
Time: 50 minutes

Miles this Week: 12
Miles this Month:  16.5