We HAVE A MARATHON!!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105

San Diego Rock n Roll Full Marathon: June 3, 2012! Almost 4 months sooner than I had originally planned.

I can't remember EVER taking this long to fill out a form and hit the 'submit' key.  I'd fill it out, then have a "Oh, wait" thought and do more research. I am now fairly versed in San Diego average June temperatures and elevation changes, among other random facts I suddenly felt compelled to learn. Finally, I hit 'submit,' which was the final step, and the FIRST step toward my marathon, all at the same time.

God is so very good! This date fits beautifully into our plans to take a family trip to Southern California, meaning Dave and all four kids can be there to encourage me over that finish line. And, it came with a freebie ticket to Sea World for me, and discounts for my large family...a savings that was bigger than my marathon entry fee. My inner skinflint was absolutely gleeful. Now if I can get the time share week my parents are letting us use to line up, I will be all set! I have faith, God won't let a single detail slip by.

I am officially in the first of an 18 week training program. Thanks to my compulsive nature and desire to run long distances on weekends, I am already half way to the 26.2 mile mark.

So off I go. Lots of miles between here and there to be run. I have banned myself from complaining about this undertaking that is 100% my own doing, and to constantly seek the lessons the Lord is teaching me along the way.

And hey...since I am also planning to run the Denver Rock n Roll marathon in September, I will get the awesome 'Heavy Medalist' medal...love my bling!! Could it get better?

And I thought skiing was a cold sport....

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
 
I don't ski much anymore (well, really, at all). My skiing days were mostly high school, college, and before kids. The price of skiing now is so high that for a family of 6 it would be cheaper to go to Disneyland (almost). Now my LEAST favorite part about skiing is being COLD, and getting wet, then even COLDER.

Yesterday I decided winter running is more brutal than skiing. Met my running group for a 6:30 AM 12 mile run (a few of the runners who have a marathon coming up met at 5:00 AM in order to get 20 miles in).

Here is my car thermometer when I arrived. The temp was the same when I was done.

It was very dark and cold as we took off. I had three layers of Under Armour cold gear on, which was about right. We honestly felt pretty good after a mile or so. About an hour into the run, though, when we tried to get a drink from our water bottles we were carrying, we realized how cold it really was...they were all frozen! All of our chomps, blocks, skittles, hard as rocks in the packs we were wearing!

We kept going, made it the full 12 and to the house of the runner who was hosting an oatmeal breakfast. After about five minutes inside, teeth began chattering as we started to thaw and our cold, damp clothes felt clammier and clammier. My pony tail was an icicle....seriously, how do you sweat when it is this cold?

Brutal, yes, worth it, yes.

Frosty's Frozen 10 Mile Race Report

Therefore, since we have been surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Yesterday I ran my first 10 mile race. Wasn't really sure what to expect. I've done half marathons and other distances, plus my weekend runs are usually at least 10 miles, so the distance is not a problem for me. Which is probably why I was so surprised the race was so hard. This is going to sound like a serious downer, but as always, the Lord works everything for good for those who trust Him.

First of all, I found out the day before that this smallish, local race with such a cutesy name and t shirt is actually very hardcore, and the official race for Colorado (ie meaning the winner is officially the fastest in the 10 mile distance in our state). I don't think I have EVER been at a race with so many ultra lean and mean people. Really there were very few 'recreational' runners, no walkers, etc. I don't remember seeing ANYONE who was even marginally overweight. I found this group of under 400 people to be very intimidating.

The weather was very warm for January (40s at the start, 60 by the end) which was a nice surprise. Thanks to hubby and Johnny being there, I was able to re-focus on my own goal. This was just another training run for me, a step toward increasing my race experience and working toward my marathon goal. So I popped my ear buds in, turned on my music, and tried to tune out the runners.

I am still struggling with starting races too fast. My plan is always to run the first mile at about a 10 minute mile, then begin eeking further and further under the 10 mark as the miles go on. In spite of that, my first mile was 9:30. I justified it with the scattered down hill sections (duh...being a point and back race, that of course meant I had to run back up those big hills at the finish line). The course was otherwise what I call 'Colorado flat.' There is flat, and there is 'Colorado flat,' which means rolling hills and no big killer ascents. I always feel bad for out of state and sea level runners who travel here. They must think our mapping people are idiots!

It occurred to me in the second mile that I had failed miserably preparing the day before. I had been very busy all day at work, and came home to a house full of kids and activity. It had been a hard week, and I was feeling very bad for our college daughter and her friends who were staying at our house over night so they could go to a friend's funeral that day. Add to that trying to get three teenagers out the door by 9 AM for a downtown Catholic youth rally (which turned out to be a huge blessing). Still, after a crummy night's sleep I woke up stressed, tired, sad, and dehydrated. Not a good way to start a 10 mile race.

All in all I struggled most of the way with feelings of wanting to quit, something I have never done. Though I had my water bottle with me, I felt dehydrated and had muscle cramps the whole way. It was an isolated trail run, so no bystanders, no one cheering, it would have been good to have someone to run with. Good thing my Running Coach is always there.

But I didn't quit, and I finished in 1 hour 39 minutes, about a 9:55 per mile pace. And once I crossed the finish line to my awaiting hubby and Johnny, it all hit me how much I love running, and how much this tough race with some of the best runners in my state had taught me. Best of all I wasn't in last place, which was my fear in that hard core group! I placed 13th out of 28 in my age group, and 246 overall out of 380 runners or so (which included a huge population of young, tall, skinny, fit male runners. Compared to a 40 something, short woman...let's just say they have an edge). I can live with that!

I learned some big lessons. First of all, no matter how long or how short, races are HARD. Since this distance is not a problem for me, I took it for granted that the race would be easy, so I didn't give it much thought ahead of time.  The adrenaline rush, the butterflies, the other racers, and the fact that I run harder and faster set races apart from even very long training runs.

Second, I learned first hand the value of hydrating the two days before a race. Because I have always done so, I don't think I knew just how bad it is to forget! It was several hours after the race that I felt re-hydrated, and that was after drinking a lot of water and low sugar sports drinks.

Third, I decided I really DON'T like racing listening to my ipod. Training runs, sure (on the treadmill especially). But in races I prefer to focus on the trail and surroundings. I learn a lot from watching other runners, too (and there were excellent examples on this race!). I think using my Ipod caused me to feel further isolated.

Fourth...There is NOTHING like crossing the finish line, tired, sweaty, joyful crying...to my awaiting family. NOTHING. Whatever full marathon I choose, it must be one my family can be there for. No fun destination can outweigh family support!

Finally, I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. No doubt in my mind it was the Holy Spirit who kept putting one foot in front of the other.

Crazy....just crazy!! I love running, even this tough race!! Because I feel stronger and even more prepared having persevered.

Cross Training: My Weak Link

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7


Given I work full time during the school year as a school nurse, have a large and very active family, and am running 5 days a week, cross training is easy to put off. However, this is by far my favorite cross training activity:

It's a tough routine, a little over 60 minutes, but it's a great strength and stretch in one workout. I also add about 15 minutes of very basic Pilates core exercises. I've been doing this about 2 days a week for a long time, but really need to bump it to three.


Many people are stunned to learn that running is NOT a muscle building activity. It is actually a muscle WASTING (catabolic) activity. Marathon runners can actually experience an increase in body fat percentage, though their weight may not change. This is due simply to the wasting of muscle mass. It is very important that runners do some for of strength training to offset this process.

An ugly little running secret: People who start running, and a few months later find extra pounds on the scale are told by non-runners "it must be muscle." Nope, it must be eating more than you are burning off running. In a 10 mile run, based on my age and weight, I burn off roughly 750 calories. That's about a Big Mac and a few fries, not super-sized. It is very easy to eat and exceed the calories burned during running.

Granted the increased glycogen stores the leg muscles hoard for the demands of the long run also causes water retention in the legs, which can show a few pounds on the scale as well.

Running DOES tone muscles, and make them tight and fit. That's what leads to fit looking 'runner's legs.' However, runners with big muscle-bound legs are also doing a lot of lower body weight lifting. Since that's not a look I aim for, my yoga and Pilates, with some squats and lunges, works perfect.

Said by one who would rather run 15 miles than do a 20 minute weight routine. I am currently running in the morning and doing Yoga and Pilates two days after work, and on Sunday. I really should add some weight training in as well, and plan to do that by March or so. A big mistake runners make is to try to do too much too soon, which always ends in injury.

A New Outlook on Running

Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  1 Cor 9:24-25

Getting up at 6:00 AM on a cold, dark Saturday morning takes discipline. Yawning, stretching, fumbling for coffee as I pull on my Under Armour Cold gear, I think I was awake by the time I got in my car to drive 30 minutes to the trail. But just like I knew it would be, it was oh-so-worth-it.

Another wonderful long run with my women's distance running group. 11 very challenging, VERY hilly miles in the Denver foothills, but absolutely beautiful. Cold air, snow on the ground, but no ice on the trail...it really doesn't get any better.

Today I felt a little more in 'tune' and confident within the group. I was able to keep up with their pace, and ran the whole way chatting with two other women. I can honestly say this is the very first long run that I wasn't constantly checking my watch, wasn't wishing the miles away, and truly just enjoyed the run, beauty of nature, and the company of other runners. We talked about our families, about running, about our goals, races we've run, races we hope to run. We pushed each other to run up the hills, some of which were 2 miles long, and steep. But mostly we just had a good time.

The beginning of the run was mostly flat and a little downhill. Anyone who runs in Colorado knows that downhill means one thing:  UPHILL is just around the bend. So as the downhill became steeper and steeper, we could see the uphill looming in the distance. Add to that a bit higher altitude than my normal 6000 feet, it was a great workout. And it did not disappoint. Many of the group had planned to only run 9 miles, some closer to 20, my training plan called for 11 miles. About half way through, on a very steep ascent, I began to think 9 miles would be plenty. However, about mile 8 my trusty second wind kicked in, and finished my 11 miles, feeling like I could run more. With a race coming up next week, I decided to keep to my11 mile plan.

The best part of my Saturday long runs? Coming home to my family and the wonderful Starbucks Mocha my beloved husband has gone out to get me, and a hot shower, followed by being generally lazy for a few hours, or maybe the whole day.

I really do love running. Some days I wonder, but today I am sure. Thank you Jesus!

Just a little bit of runner humor....

Running in a Winter Wonderland

 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things. Isaiah 40:26

Absolutely beautiful, but a tad chilly and very icy at 23 degrees. Note to self: Yak Trax don't do much good sitting on my dresser and not on my shoes.

Here's my trail, love all the bunny tracks. Some days the beauty of God's Creation overwhelms me. We are truly blessed to live in Colorado.

Nothing to do with running but....

I am a Bronco fanatic, and I absolutely adore Tim Tebow. Turns out my Running Coach is his Coach, too :)

Best part of all? In the playoff game against the Steelers, when Tim threw the game winning touchdown pass in over time, his official yards passing for the game was 316. If that isn't cool enough for you, his average distance per pass was 31.6 yards. And just to show God doesn't skimp on details, the view ratings maxed out at 31.6 million during the game.

Running Group Meeting

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.  Proverbs 13:10

Today was the annual meeting of the women's running group I have joined. It was really great to see how organized the group is, and the members are very welcoming and friendly. In addition to the long Saturday runs, I will be joining them when they begin their track training at a local high school. They have a running coach who works on speed drills, I'm really excited about it!

Meanwhile, the amount of wisdom, experience, and advice that God has brought into my life through this group is both humbling and empowering.

First Group Run

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isahiah 40:29-31

7:15 AM, 21 degrees according to my car thermometer....

I did it! I ran with my group! And I loved it :). It was extremely challenging, a very hilly 10 miles, lots of ice on the trail, and only 23 degrees at 7:30 when we started off. The group consists of women ages 20s to 50s and 60s, all distance runners. Most have done marathons, some have done ultras and centuries,most are faster than me, a few are about my pace, a few maybe took it a little slower. That was the hard part: Following my own pace. Not sure why, it really isn't the 'ego' reasons most would think it would be. It was more a matter of not wanting to hold anyone up, not wanting to get behind and get lost (that was key!), and maybe a LITTLE bit of not wanting to be the slowest.

In my races I usually finish in the top 30% overall and for my age group, so I'm just a tad faster than average.

I think this is going to be good for me. I hope it is going to help me evolve my running from purely a train and race activity to something more social and enjoyable, I could really use that. And, I think this group is going to help me reach my full marathon goal.

I'm super glad my Running Coach coaxed me out of my isolated running world!

Running: A Lesson in Patience

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5:22-23

Honestly I am very blessed. Since I don't believe in jinxes, I am comfortable saying I have not yet had a significant injury. A few aches and pains, but that's it. But those darn aches and pains can be, well, a pain. Especially when I stubbornly stick to my training plan rather than cutting back on miles or intensity. Note to self: that doesn't work.


Through my various aches and pains I have learned a very valuable lesson: Self Control. No matter how great I feel, I force myself to increase my running gradually, never more than a 10% increase in distance per week (which, until a runner reaches 10 miles, means less than a mile a week). This approach has helped me to see my longest run yet of just a little over 14 miles, a number I will be exceeding in the coming months, by quite a bit.

I cringe when I see brand new runners increasing their distance quickly, running 6 days a week, on steep inclines, etc.  I've learned the hard way that if I preach caution to them, they are only annoyed. Then, without fail, they end up with a nasty case of runner's knee, tell me that if I don't stop running I will need a knee replacement, and decide running is a fool hardy activity. I truly believe that done correctly, running is very safe and healthy.

It never ceases to amaze me how much grace God is showing me through my running. After all, my Running Coach is His Son.

The Loner Who Joined a Running Group

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14


I'm a bit of a homebody. My husband is by far my best friend, and spending time with him and our kids is my favorite thing. Never been a big one on Bunco (tried it), MOPS (tried that too), or even group bible studies (and I love Jesus!!). Just not really a 'joiner.'

But, running for 2 or 3 hours at a time can get pretty lonely, even for a loner. Not to mention I tend to stick to the same trusted route, because it is very well traveled and safe for women...gets a tad boring.

After much thought, last fall I decided to join a local women's running group. A big step for me! Received a welcome letter and a calendar in the mail. There is a subgroup that trains for long distance, perfect for my weekend long runs. AND...all ability levels/ Fast runners, slow runners, walk/runners. And all ages!

Sounds perfect! Except, as of January 1st, two months later, I had YET to join this group for an activity or run. Busy schedules, college daughter home for Christmas Break...with four kids I always have a 'busy' excuse.

Until yesterday, January 2nd...I officially committed to run with the distance runners this weekend.

Today just happens to be my birthday. Life is full of surprises, full of "I never thought I would..." events, twists and turns. That's what happens when God is in the driver's seat.

It feels weird stepping out of my comfort zone, but one of the things running over 13 miles has taught me, is I can do it! I can do anything thanks to my Perfect Running Coach.

I really CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!!

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.  Phillipians 4:13

January 1, 2012...it seems it is about time I begin blogging my amazing journey. Not sure why I have waited, but it probably has to do with the continued disbelief that I am actually doing this to begin with. I've never been what would be considered even remotely athletic, but I have found something I can do...I can run, and I can run FAR. I'll never win a race, but I will finish as many as the Lord allows me to run.

And let me say this right now...

I have been an off and on 'runner' for years, since high school. During those years my running was more or less a means towards general fitness, never more than 3 or so miles at a time. There were years during which I didn't run at all, but always maintained a pretty regular exercise schedule. I always returned to running, my 3 or so miles...but would get board, or listen to the people who warned me I was doomed to arthritis if I didn't stop running. While finishing my Master's Degree in Wellness, I learned A LOT about running. Turns out it doesn't sentence you to a wheelchair or early hip replacement! Who knew?

March 23, 2010, is the day I went from being an off and on runner to a full-on RUNNER. I have not missed a week of running since, not even vacations. And three miles was the STARTING point, a distance that I now consider a warm-up run.

With my loving family cheering for me at the finish line, and my wonderful husband clicking away the camera, I've had some amazing experiences at races.

The Firecracker 5K, July 4, 2010 was my very first race. I was so proud and thrilled to cross that finish line!

May 15, 2011, on a 32 degree rainy morning I lined up to run the Colfax Half Marathon.

I crossed the finish line 2 hours and 15 minutes later, feeling quite proud! It was a hard run, but run I did, the whole way. No walk breaks, which was my main goal.

My first medal...not ashamed to admit I run for bling!

October 9th, 2011 I ran my second half marathon, the Denver Rock 'n Roll, in 2 hours 11 minutes:

And it was on this very day I decided I would move on to the full distance of 26.2 miles.