Run with Patience

Yesterday was the first time I have really been tempted to walk. After 4 miles my legs were so tired and my knee was throbbing, I didn't want to go another mile. However, I knew that if I walked I would feel like a failure. I kept thinking about Hebrews 12:1 which states in the last part, "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." I know it isn't talking about a physical race, but the concept still applies. If I try and sprint the whole race I will never make it. I know that I have to pace myself and be patient. Hebrews goes on to say, "Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." I know that unless I am depending upon Christ I can do nothing. I can not finish a race without him. You really learn a lot about yourself when you run. I have learned that if it were not for Christ and the friends he has placed in my life to help me then I could not run this race. I am so thankful to have a Savior who knows what I need and how to take care of me. We completed our long run for the week and none of us walked. It was quite an accomplishment. I ran farther yesterday than I ever have before. It was amazing.

P90X Experience

Last night we were supposed to run, but the temperature dropped and the wind was blowing. (Dramatic pause) We decided to take it easy and do a work-out video. We chose P90X plyometrics. The first 10 minutes were great and easy then I figured out they were only a warm up! It amazes me that even after all the running we have done there are still muscles that don't get worked out. I am just here to say that we worked them out last night! Now I know why they call it a prayer squat, because I was praying I would be able to stand back up! At the 30 minute mark I think my legs weighed 50 pounds a piece. It really was a great work out though. We finished the hour and then because we hadn't tortured ourselves enough we decided to do the Abs Ripper video. We made it through our work out and we were exhausted. I went through 2 bottles of water! It felt good though. It was a nice change. Tonight will be 3.5 miles and I can't wait to get my run on!

Extra Motivation

Saturday night as I was driving past the neighborhood where I run a cougar walked across the street in front of my car. I was so stunned. I have heard them before, but have never seen them in the wild. It was huge and he was not afraid of my car. He pretty much took his time walking across the street. The last few nights I have been on point while we were running. I like to have a plan in case of emergencies, but I really don't know what I would do if we came face to face with the mountain lion. Last night as we were running we passed a house and heard a loud noise. All 3 of us jumped (we are a little edgy now). It turned out to be someone wheeling their trash out to the curb. Someone told us we should carry wasp spray because it shoots farther than mace. However, I would prefer not to see him again. We completed our runs faster than usual this week. I think the cougar gave us a little motivation and an adrenaline rush. Our distances so far this week were 4 miles on Sunday and 3.5 on Tuesday. Tonight we have a 2.5 miles run and then a 5 mile run this weekend. We also throw a little cross training in there just to keep it interesting. 

Quite a Change

So, this week has been amazing. Today the sun was shinning and there was a cool breeze, it made for a nice little run. I finally broke down and broke out the shorts. Yes, I said bye, bye to my hot pink sweats. It’s weird to think that last week I was freezing my tail off and today was the complete opposite. All in all it was the perfect running day. We had our best 3 mile time today. I have said it before and I will say it again, "I am so thankful to have such and encouraging running buddy, she makes all the difference". Well, I think it is time to log out, we are hitting the pavement early tomorrow (by early I mean that the sun will not be up....that's a part of the day I didn't know existed before I started running).

3 for 4

I am very excited to announce that not only did Running Buddy and I get to run last night, but also we had a third person join our little group. I think we talked her into running with us for good. Let me just say that Running Buddy number 2 did amazing! Last night's run was incredible. I didn't realize how much I missed running these last couple of weeks. I finally figured out what I love most about running. It’s definitely not the pain in the muscles or even running in and of its self. What I love about running is the exhilarating sense I find in accomplishing a goal. Whether my goal for the day is 2 miles or 20 miles, nothing brings more satisfaction than to know I have finished and finished strong. The 3 of us ran our farthest distance last night, 4 miles, it was amazing. 

Alternate Route

Well, it's been a little chilly in my corner of the world. All the snow and ice have made running outside pretty much impossible. Running Buddy and I had good intentions of running last night, but we both discovered we had a fear of falling on the ice. However, I am still working toward my goal. Right now I have taken an alternate route. Lets just say my stationary bike and I have become very close! Even though my dogs look at me like I’m retarded for peddling in place, it has been a nice little change of pace.  

Week of Firsts

I am combining two days of running into one post today.

My First First - Getting Chased by a Dog: Friday night I ran by myself. It was quite the experience. I had run about a quarter of a mile when all of a sudden a dog started chasing me. It was a huge Alaskan Husky. Not only did it chase me, but it also started running around me in circles and jumping up at me. It scared me half to death. I kept running and tried to think of what I could do. Being closer to my neighbor's house, I decided to run there. I stopped fast and the dog looked at me. I picked up a big rock and threw it at him and he kind of backed off for a minute then I sprinted like the devil was chasing me. When I got to my neighbors yard her "bark brigade" chased him back down the street. Thanks to my great neighbors I got to finish my run! I think I should carry mace or something when I run by myself.

My Second First - The 2 Mile Trail Run: Saturday morning Running Buddy and I took an alternate route. We went on a trail run. I have been on this trail several times, but have never run the whole thing without stopping. However, Saturday morning we made it the whole 2 miles. It took us a little longer because of the difference in the terrain. I can't wait to do that one again.