Down but hopefully not out...

Well, I knew in some ways that this was inevitable.   Marathon training definitely takes a toll on the body.  I had a little bit of cold last week, and it got a lot worse the last few days.  My big concern was tightness in my chest.  I was more worried about my heart because I wasn't coughing or feeling any congestion in my lungs.

Anyway, I went to immediate care on Saturday because I couldn't ignore it any longer.  After the initial exam, the doctor didn't notice anything so he ordered for chest x-rays and an EKG to be done.  Fortunately, the EKG came back normal, but there was congestion developing in my right lung.  So I'm taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis and won't be running for a while.  The last couple days, I've been really wiped out and feeling awfully weak.

When I do start to feel better (hopefully very soon!), I will need to be careful with easing back into training.  If I rush back too soon, it could make things worse in my lungs.  So I know the next week or two will be a challenge as I wait to get back to running.  I know I will lose ground in building my fitness and readiness for the marathon.  But the important thing is to try and get to the starting line on October 13 as healthy as possible.

I am discouraged by this news, but I have to believe that there is a purpose in all this and that God is up to something.  So I've been re-surrendering this marathon journey to Him and asking for His will to be done and for my heart to really be open to Him.  If you are reading this, I'd appreciate your prayers for God to bring healing to my body and for wisdom in how to know how to adjust my training plan.   Thanks!

Marathon Training Update (Week 6)

This Week's Recap:

Runs: 3
Total Miles: 21
Long Run: 9

Very thankful for the lighter week especially with this heat.  Hoping to do a couple runs in Tuba City next week and then will have to tackle a 14 mile run the following weekend.  I've sensed God's presence more and more the last few weeks as I run and am really grateful for this gift of running!

Marathon Training Update (4 weeks)

Week 4 Recap:

Runs:  4
Total Miles:  28 miles
Long Run:   11 miles

4 weeks completed of the 18 week training program.  I've been quite surprised at how difficult the first 4 weeks have been.  I've felt sluggish and less motivated than usual, and it is not like my weekly mileage is that much higher than before I started the training.  I was reflecting on all this last week and believe God showed me something very significant.

The first few weeks of the training I've been relying more on myself and not feeling that sense of dependence and need for God.  I've felt self-confident because I'm running at distances than I've gotten comfortable with.  Through this, God brought me back to a place where I know that I need to trust Him for each and every run.. no matter how short or long.  Each run is a gift and a challenge, and I know I need His strength to complete it.  As I've been coming back to this place of dependence and realizing my need for God for each run, it really has made running so much sweeter and life-giving.  I'm more encouraged and excited for this continued adventure!

Marathon Training: For Children & Youth in Bolivia

This week, I began training for the Chicago marathon in October.  It's funny how I told myself years ago that I would never run a marathon.  Never say never!   Running has truly become a gift to me over the past year.  But I want to run for more than myself, and God has put it on my heart to run the marathon for children and youth in Bolivia.  Will you consider joining with me in support of children and youth in Bolivia?  My goal is to raise $780 to provide for one month's care for 26 children at our partner church in Bolivia.  Any donation, small or big, would be greatly appreciated!  Read more here...

In Between...

Right now, I'm in between training programs after I finished the half-marathon in March and in a few weeks, I'll begin the 18 week training program for the Chicago marathon... excited but also nervous!  I've been able to consistently get in 4 runs a week and have increased my base run to 5 miles.  So it has been very encouraging getting in a rhythm of training and staying injury-free (really grateful for that!).

Today, I ran a 5K race in Glen Ellyn because I wanted to get an idea of where I'm at in my training.  The weather was perfect for running... cool and not too wet.  The first part of the race was completed downhill which made for a deceptively fast first mile.  I felt good throughout the race and was thankful to finish the last mile strong.  I ended up with a 20:42 time (6:41 overall pace with mile splits of 6:30/6:59/6:38).  I was very encouraged by today's race, and I'm thankful that God allows me to continue to experience this gift of running!

2013 Running Goals

I read in a recent Runner's World magazine to keep it simple and choose 2 big goals for the year.  I like that.  It fits well with what I was planning.  So my goals for this year are to complete my first half marathon and my first full marathon.

Half Marathon:  I have already signed up for the Egg Shell Shuffle at Busse Woods on March 30.  Last week, I began the 12 week training plan and so far, so good.  I'm excited about this first running adventure of the year.  My goal is just to finish and try my best to let go of any time goals.  But I know myself too well.  As the race gets closer, I'm sure I'll have a time goal in mind that I will be striving for.

Full Marathon:  The second goal is to run the Bank of America Chicago marathon on October 13.  I can't believe registration is so early (mid-February), and I've heard it fills up fast.  As long as no major injury comes up in the next month, I plan on registering!  (gulp in my throat)  It's interesting how I told myself I would never run a marathon and how people who do marathons are crazy and dumb.   Now I'm one of those crazy and dumb people :)