endurance.

ENDURANCE [en-door-uhns, -dyoor-]

The ability to withstand hardship or adversity.
The ability to sustain a prolonged and stressful effort or activity.
To undergo without giving in.
To regard with acceptance and tolerance.
To continue in the same state.
To remain firm without yielding.
To last.

This morning I tackled my first double digit distance since early December.  I was so excited to run 11 miles!  I enjoy the long distance runs, so much that I get anxious and excited the night before. You know that feeling when you've got something fun planned the next day and it's hard to fall asleep?  That's how I get before long distance runs and races.  Is that weird?

We started nice and early, just before sunrise at 7:25 am.  As painful as early morning runs can be, my body is at its best that early.  Maybe because it hasn't had time to realize what I'm going to do ;)  Actually, my body knows exactly what I'm about to do.  I would compare it to a dog getting ready for a walk, WHAT?!  I know, who compares themselves to a dog?!  

Seriously, every morning when I start getting my running gear ready, it's like my body knows what is about to happen.  Like a dog seeing its owner get the leash, when I start putting my running gear on, my body starts preparing and getting excited... we're going for run!  Silly, but it's true!

Chad and I set out early this morning and tackled a pretty difficult route.  A lot of different hills, all different variety and difficultly but a beautiful scenic route.  I was very excited and a little nervous, it was my first double digit run in a while.  How would I do?  

When it comes to distances my difficult distance is 8 miles and my favorite distances are miles 10-13.  
8 because it's not necessarily a short or long run, it's just annoying.  And I'm pretty sure you think I'm insane saying my favorite distances are those between 10-13 miles, but it's where I am really comfortable, it's around mile 2 or 3 where things click (breathing & stride) and I switch over to autopilot.  I can just soak it all in.  

Chad, as I have mentioned before, is great to run with because he is better than me.  His pace is a few minutes quicker so he's able to slow down to run with me but push me to have conversation and keep pace.  Today I wasn't sure what our pace was, I just wanted to complete the hills and do well.

When I trained for Chicago, it was just about endurance.  Every milestone was a first, it was about completion.  The marathon was almost completely flat with minimal hills.  Training for The Flying Pig is a bit different.  Because of its hills, it is extremely difficult.  All of the hills are in the beginning of the marathon and it becomes about leg strength and mental battle.  So this time around, training is not just about endurance but leg strength.  

This mornings route was challenging but mile 8 was the hill I was dreading, a full mile of a steady incline.  Just when I started to doubt, the perfect song came on my ipod, don't you love that?!   "Beneath the waters/I will Rise" by Hillsong United is what started playing as I was climbing up this hill... as I approached the top of the hill it went into:

No power can stand against You
No curse assault Your throne
No one can steal Your glory
For it is Yours alone
I stand to sing Your praises
I stand to testify
For I was dead in my sin

But now I rise...

I just love how the Lord blesses and encourages me on long runs... 

Chad and I finished great!  9:09 minute pace - my body felt great, muscles nice and warm, legs and abs burning.  I love a good long distance run.  

cold weather got you down?

These freezing temperatures really have got me down... I haven't been able to run outside and have been forced to do videos and weights inside!  It's torture I tell you :)

My body is itching to get outside AND tomorrow morning I'll be back out there!  Temps will be rising out of the single digits and that's perfect!

The one positive thing about being in these last 2 days, I am caught up on my running laundry!

Some of my favorite winter running gear:

1) Nike Thermal neck warmer
2) Reebox Cold weather brim hat WITH ponytail hole!
3) Brooks thermal top with side pockets

For those of you who braved the bitter cold these last two days, bravo!  You are amazing!  See you on the road tomorrow morning :)

"Your friends don’t understand what you see in running. They just see how running drags you home early from the best parties, and how it kicks you to curb the next morning before the crack dawn. They just see the missed lunches, curious stares and constant mind games. And if they don’t see the other stuff by now, odds are they never will."

~NB

Beautiful, sunshiny days...

The last few days in Cincinnati have been so beautiful!  Sunshine and bright blue skies sure make logging miles a lot more fun!

With running 5 days a week, some of my routes can get super boring... predictable boring.  I typically enjoy the majorities of the routes around here because there's so much nature and scenery to look at but even that sometimes just gets boring.  Saturday I got brave and decided to take a different way... in my year of running, I've NEVER turned LEFT out of the back of our subdivision.  So, I took a risk and found a beautiful new route with some really awesome scenery, hills, and a creek!  It was perfect!

Erin and I took on the new route, sunshine, and 18 mph winds Saturday...  on the return, the wind was definitely a huge challenge.  I honestly felt like I was running in place.  A very strange feeling pushing against that strong wind!

Erin and I after our 5.5 miles

I'm soaking in this awesome weather because this week we're going to get hit with SINGLE digit weather... Seriously, I don't know if I'll be braving those mornings but I will try!  Those may be good mornings for a Jillian Michael's workout DVD ;)

For the last few weeks, our Pastor has been preaching on Davidic Worship.  What worship is about, explaining the 7 ways of worship; why we dance, raise our hands, shout, kneel... it's been a great time of teaching and learning about Kingdom focused worship.  Entering into worship knowing God will meet your needs because He is Jehovah Jireh. 

Today, Pastor Shawn mentioned a side note about David and when he danced before the Lord.  David danced with all his might before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14&15).  He was so free in his dance that he embarrassed his wife (2 Samuel 6:16).  He did not care- he was going to worship his God with abandonment.  The house of God was to be a place of worship without boundaries.  He danced for approx. 9 miles... when I heard Pastor Shawn say 9 miles I thought to myself; "I know exactly how far 9 miles is..."  I know how much focus and sacrifice getting to 9 miles takes.  

The thought of dancing before the Lord for 9 miles reminds me of why I am able to run long distances in the first place...  The Lord graciously meets me each morning for my run.   He is my strength each day to take on 3, 5, 10, 11, 18, and 26.2 miles.  It's in my miles He reminds me of the endurance this race takes, that He is in charge, He will match my stride, be my strength, and guide my steps that lead me to victory, accomplishment, and honoring Him!

On my runs, I listen to worship music.  The Lord always meets me on the road and speaks to my heart.  Through running, the Lord has given me a new understanding of relying on Him to be my strength, what it means to wait on Him, and that worship is about awareness and understanding what you're doing.  Worship has nothing to do with denomination and everything to do with His Kingdom.  

  

On a completely opposite note... Have you ordered your GIRL SCOUT COOKIES yet?!?!?!  I've ordered 4 or 5... ok 6 boxes and cannot wait to put my thin mints in the freezer and bash on those delicious cookies!

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What are your favorite Girl Scout cookies?

What weather do you enjoy running in?

Do you ever get bored with your running routes?

What is your favorite worship song?

Your 2013 Goals and Resolutions!

There are times my alarm goes off and I cringe...  how is it ALREADY 5:00 am?!  Somehow those 8 hours at night go really FAST!  99% of mornings, I hit snooze... like 3 or 4 times... before dragging my butt out of bed!  I throw on running clothes, get downstairs, eat a banana, and stretch.  This gets me out the door by 6:05 am... ok, 6:10 am.

While I'm running, I never think about getting back in bed and sleeping!  It's the craziest thing in the world, how I am so tired but once I get that first mile in, I'm feeling like a champ!  The rush I get from running really is so awesome!   Especially in the winter.  Snow, wind, ice... layered with thermal gear, face masks, hats, ear protectors, gloves, butt warming pants, 2 layers of socks... people look at me like I'm crazy!  The other day a lady yelled; "Get a gym membership!"

Sometimes, that first step out the door really is the most difficult!  That's why I'm so thankful for the friends that have joined my running group!  Talk about GREAT accountability!  When I know other people are showing up at my house around 6 am, that kicks my butt in gear real fast!  Kudos to those of you who are in the gym at 5 am!  I do not know how you stay motivated to get to the gym, you are amazing!  I love that I don't have to get in my car to think about my decision to go to the gym... I step outside and BAM, I'm at my gym :)

I read this stat the other day and was really surprised...  Are New Year's Resolutions just a set up for failure?

In small group last night, Daniel asked us what our "goals for 2013" are.  He was saying one of the scariest things about verbalizing your goals and resolutions are the fact that whoever you tell will most likely hold you accountable, or at least ask you how it's going.

Setting a goal like:  "I'm not eating sweets all year" is just setting yourself up for failure! Be realistic... you will eat sweets and sweets aren't bad, if you're eating them in the right way in the right amounts.

I do love hearing the goals of my friends and family, there is nothing like the feeling of attaining a goal that seems so far and distant.

As you prepare for 2013, all of the goals, desires, passions, and resolutions... I hope you're surrounded by friends and family who are going to be your biggest fans and stand beside you, encouraging you to keep going!

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What time do you wake up when you work-out/run?

What are your goals for 2013?

Would you rather run/workout at the gym or outside?

Running anniversary!

Today is my ONE YEAR running anniversary!!!

One year ago today is when I made the crazy decision to run the Chicago Marathon with my sister-in-law, Nicole.  It's the day I hit the road, refused to stop moving, and ran my very first mile!  This last year has been very exciting.  So many milestones, goals, and accomplishments.  I am very thankful for all of my friends and family who have continually encouraged, supported me, and prayed through what at first felt like an unattainable goal.

The Lord has used my time running speaking to me - allowing me to feel what relying fully on the Lord feels like.  To know what "The Joy of the Lord is my strength..." means.  He meets me during every run, no matter how short or long the distance.  He has given me wings, energy, health, and passion!  I will continue to honor Him and Praise Him as I continue to run this race!

Top 20 things I've learned from running...

20)  Rest & recovery is very important

19)  There is no drug like adrenaline

18)  There is something wonderful about a soaked shirt, dripping sweat, and shaky hands

17)  Endurance is as much mind as body

16)  Water is good

15)  There are a lot of bad drivers out there

14)  The feeling after hitting a milestone is priceless

13)  You are stronger than you think...push one more mile just to prove yourself wrong

12)  When it comes to hills: what goes up, must come down... and then back up again.

11)  The wind will NEVER be at your back and if it is, fear the return

10)  Body glide is a wonderful thing - chaffing happens in the weirdest places... and it hurts

9)    There are no small milestones... celebrate every victory

8)    Abs really are made in the kitchen

7)    There is always a pile of running laundry to do

6)    There is nothing like the feeling of race morning

5)    Carb loading is so fun

4)    There are bad running days, never give up

3)    Though you can go alone, it's nicer to have friends by your side for long runs

2)    Push through the wall, it's easier on the other side

1) - Philippians 4:13 - I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!

It's training time!

January is here and that means 17 weeks until the Flying Pig Marathon!  Training started this week and if you know me, you know nothing makes me more excited than an organized schedule :)  Our first long distance run was this morning.  Sunday runs (aka long distance runs) are my favorite for many reasons but training wise, it is my favorite.  I truly enjoy logging long distance miles.

Many people thought after the Chicago Marathon I'd stop running... are you kidding me?!  I love it way to much to just drop it!  There really is nothing that can replace the feeling you get after a long run!

One of the many things I've learned in my time running and what I consider to be the key to my success as a runner is the importance of friends... friends who don't just love you and support your goals but those who are willing to inspire, push, celebrate, sacrifice, and be with you the entire journey.

During my training for the Chicago Marathon, I was so blessed by the amount of amazing friends who came beside me, supported me with words of encouragement, prayed for me, and those who met me at crazy early morning hours, took on heat, rain, and insane hills to push me and help me meet milestones.

Meet some of my running buddies for the 2013 Flying Pig Marathon...

BJ and Chad are friends I went to school with.  

Chad I've known since elementary school and BJ I met in Jr. High when he moved here.  

These guys have always been great friends!

Chad and BJ (along with many others) were big supporters when I started training for Chicago last summer.  They both slowed down their paces BIG TIME to watch me meet goals that they had achieved years (many, many, years) before me.

BJ and Chad are soccer superstars and super talented... Chad is also crazy fast!  I am very thankful for the years of friendship we have!  I'm also thankful that this time around, for my second marathon, I'm closer to their pace and they don't have to slow down (as much) for me :)

We kicked off our 18 week training strong... our 8 mile run felt great and we even tackled some decent hills.  They are great to have conversations with on the road, know how to make hysterical jokes that will make the run even more difficult, and hearing Chad and BJ trash talk to each other is always a blast!

Here's to another successful training season!

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Are you training for anything right now?

Do you still keep in touch with any childhood friends?