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...
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Reflections on First Half-Marathon: His Strength & Presence
Well, I'm overjoyed to write that I completed my first half-marathon... the Egg Shell Shuffle at Busse Woods! It was an amazing experience. In the days leading up to the race, I was quite nervous. I was battling a little sickness and wasn't sure how my body would hold up. Also, I was replaying my last race in my mind where I ended up in the ER afterwards and had concerns about repeating that folly! I had never run more than 10 miles in my life and now I was embarking on 13.1. These feelings sum up the big theme throughout my training. Too often in my life, I trust my own strength and abilities. I believe God has been working on me to embrace my own weaknesses and limitations to be able to lean more on His strength.
It was quite chilly upon arrival at the race. Getting there early didn't provide many advantages as I waited for over 30 minutes out in the cold. But the weather warmed up, and it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful morning. I kept telling myself to start slow and don't push it too hard, too early. The first 4 miles I held steady at an easy pace and then at mile 5, I started to pick it up. Usually in a race, I try to find someone ahead of me who is running strong but not too fast that I can't keep up with. That's what I did, and it helped me to focus and get in a groove.
I really began to enjoy the run about the halfway point, and there were some precious moments between God and myself. I love being out in nature and listening to worship music so those two elements help me to spend time with Him when I run.
The last 4 miles, I felt great. I was quite surprised that I didn't hit a major wall and really sensed God's strength and presence throughout the run. My last mile I ran at 7:53 and finished up the half-marathon within my target goal at 1:47:27. I praise God for His goodness in my life and the gift that running has become to me. His strength and presence were rich that day, and I look forward to this continued journey of running for His glory!
It was quite chilly upon arrival at the race. Getting there early didn't provide many advantages as I waited for over 30 minutes out in the cold. But the weather warmed up, and it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful morning. I kept telling myself to start slow and don't push it too hard, too early. The first 4 miles I held steady at an easy pace and then at mile 5, I started to pick it up. Usually in a race, I try to find someone ahead of me who is running strong but not too fast that I can't keep up with. That's what I did, and it helped me to focus and get in a groove.
I really began to enjoy the run about the halfway point, and there were some precious moments between God and myself. I love being out in nature and listening to worship music so those two elements help me to spend time with Him when I run.
The last 4 miles, I felt great. I was quite surprised that I didn't hit a major wall and really sensed God's strength and presence throughout the run. My last mile I ran at 7:53 and finished up the half-marathon within my target goal at 1:47:27. I praise God for His goodness in my life and the gift that running has become to me. His strength and presence were rich that day, and I look forward to this continued journey of running for His glory!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Grateful
I'm two weeks away from my first half marathon and am feeling very grateful! The training has been going very well and for the most part, I've stayed injury free until some minor ailments crept up earlier this week. Nothing major (I hope), but I'm trying to be smart and take some extra rest days.
I'm learning a lot about become a longer distance runner. I use to go out hard at the beginning and then watch my time splits decrease as the miles added up. Now, I'm starting slow, building confidence with each mile, and have been able to maintain more consistent time splits.
Spiritually, God has been working on my heart during my runs. I'm remembering how weak and utterly powerless I am in my own strength and seeking to be more aware of my total dependence on God and His strength in running... and in life. During my long runs, I've been listening to the gospel of Luke, and it has been a joy to soak in God's Word in larger doses at a time.
Back in February, I signed up for the Chicago marathon in October. I can't wrap my mind around running 26.2 miles yet, but I am looking forward to the challenge and all that God will do through the marathon experience!
I'm learning a lot about become a longer distance runner. I use to go out hard at the beginning and then watch my time splits decrease as the miles added up. Now, I'm starting slow, building confidence with each mile, and have been able to maintain more consistent time splits.
Spiritually, God has been working on my heart during my runs. I'm remembering how weak and utterly powerless I am in my own strength and seeking to be more aware of my total dependence on God and His strength in running... and in life. During my long runs, I've been listening to the gospel of Luke, and it has been a joy to soak in God's Word in larger doses at a time.
Back in February, I signed up for the Chicago marathon in October. I can't wrap my mind around running 26.2 miles yet, but I am looking forward to the challenge and all that God will do through the marathon experience!
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Shoes
 |
| Asics GT-1000 |
Sometimes you got to go BOLD! I bought these a month ago courtesy of the recommendation from the friendly and helpful staff at Dick Pond's in Schaumburg. I've been a long time New Balance aficionado but decided to try something different. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out how much I like them.. both the style and feel.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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 :)
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 :)
What This is All About...
Over the past year, something shocking has happened in my life... I have begun to run. Not only to run but to actually enjoy running! I am quite surprised myself at this turn of events. Now, I am by no means a highly skilled or gifted runner, but I am really enjoying this journey God has me on.
Running has awakened something deep within me. I believe God is doing something when I run. There is a sense of life and freedom when I'm out there hitting the streets. I believe that I'm running for a purpose and that there is more to all this than I even realize. And as I run, my heart's desire is to run for God's glory.
The purpose of this blog is to document the journey of this rookie runner and also explore how running impacts my relationship with God. I'm very curious myself to see where this journey goes!
Running has awakened something deep within me. I believe God is doing something when I run. There is a sense of life and freedom when I'm out there hitting the streets. I believe that I'm running for a purpose and that there is more to all this than I even realize. And as I run, my heart's desire is to run for God's glory.
The purpose of this blog is to document the journey of this rookie runner and also explore how running impacts my relationship with God. I'm very curious myself to see where this journey goes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)