Every single day is to be celebrated, life is a journey, not a destination.Yet  Monday morning is greeted with yearning for Friday afternoon. However, Saturday and Sunday are only 2/7 of our life, and we overlook 5/7 of life's daily joys! Jesus tells us to do everything as if we are doing it for Him, every day. We are sons and daughters of the King of Kings. Find the magic in every single day, Jesus loves you, that alone is enough to be joy-filled.

Holy Week

Lord Jesus Christ,
take me along that holy way
you once took to your death,
Take my mind, my memory,
above all my reluctant heart,
and let me see what once you did
for love of me and all the world.

We adore You O Lord Jesus Christ, and bless You.

Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

No truer words. I have no idea what the future holds for me and running, but I know for sure that God holds my future in His perfect plans.




Meanwhile, in honor of our new Pope Francis, I have been contemplating my favorite prayer.

 Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Happy Feet

8 weeks (and 28 days after the return date) later, I decided the Brooks Ravenna's were just not the shoe for me, they just didn't feel right. So back to the running shoe store for me. After trying on various shoes of similar support, I decided on the Saucony Guide 6.

When reading reviews on the Guide 6, the biggest complaint I saw (really the only complnt) regarded the obnoxious color selection. Not sure what it says about me, but I am THRILLED with my new neon pink shoes.
Cautiously optimistic....

Time Marches On....

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ...A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3

So much has happened since my last blog. I suppose I felt compelled to draw inward for the past several months. Scripture tells us that there will be times that we will laugh, cry, reach out, draw in, embrace, let go, break down, build up.

Last August I experienced the bittersweet joy only a parent can understand of bringing my oldest two children to college. Within a few weeks life settled back to our 'new' normal with just four of us at home. I love to visit my college kids, and love their trips home. Setting the table for all six of us is such a simple pleasure, and an immeasurable blessing. Mostly, I love seeing my college kids happy, thriving, and emerging as smart and competent adults. It is an equal joy to see my third born 17 year old daughter flourish and mature as the "new" oldest, and son number four, at 10 years of age, continues to keep me young. And, I even see the bright future that awaits my husband and I as our children grow. It really is all good!

On the running front, by August I was extremely frustrated with persistent IT band pain in my right knee. Then, along came pain my my left knee. I finally went to a well known orthopedic/sports medicine group. I was terrified waiting for the x-ray results. Praise the Lord, my knees were given a clean bill of health. However, that didn't change the fact that I had runner's knee combined with IT band issues. So off the physical therapy I went!

During three months of PT to address muscle imbalances in my quads, glutes and hips  I was benched from running. Thanks to my stationary bike, I was able to maintain a decent amount of cardio fitness. Daily strength and core exercises, stretching, icing and doses of patience have finally led to a resolution. I had no idea runner's knee and ITBS can take up to a year to heal! It has been a two steps forward, one step back process, at times I wondered if I would ever run again. One thing I knew, I would never give up.

I am now a devout cross trainer incorporating my bike, strength and core training plus yoga stretching. My foam roller is my best friend, but I really love "The Stick" for digging deep in my quads and calves, working those nasty knots and tightness out.

I've also changed shoes, after it was determined the Brooks Adrenalines I've run in for over a year are now too supportive for my gait. I'm trying to adjust to Brooks Ravennas, but I'm not convinced they are the right shoe. Anyone reading this: no matter how sure you are that your shoes are correct for your gait, if you start having pain, consider having your gait re-analyzed. Over the last year I have gone from being a moderate pronator, to mild on one side, and stable on the other side. I honestly didn't know something like pronation can change.

I am very gradually increasing my distance, running 3 days a week and spin/cycling 2 days, with continued dedication to my core and strength work. If the Lord is willing, I should be back to marathon training in mid-June, with plans of running a half marathon in August, and a full marathon in October, quite possibly with Team in Training (that's another story!). Though I have a lot of miles to add back to get to my previous level of training, thanks to the strength/core and cross training I have done faithfully for over 5 months, I feel like a stronger runner now than I did at the peak of my marathon training.

God has surely shown me that every step I take really does come from Him. His will be done.

A "Lifetime Runner" or "Once in a Lifetime Runner?"

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

This seems to be the decision most distance runners eventually face. There are a few hardy bodies out there that for whatever reason can run marathon after marathon without flinching. The majority of us "mortals," though, aren't that lucky.

Now that I have dealt with this nagging IT band pain on the side of my knee, including three trips to the sports chiropractor, I find myself at the point of having to make a decision. Do I push on and train for my second full marathon  I am planning to run in September, or drop to the half marathon? The pain is not severe, and in fact doesn't flare up until about mile 4 or 5 of a run. But it's there.

Since I DO NOT want this to be my last marathon, and I want to be a "lifetime runner," the decision was obvious. Half marathon it is. And the fact that I am mentally relieved should tell me something. The physical and mental commitment required to train for a full marathon SHOULD NOT be undertaken when feelings of fatigue and burnout are present. My first full marathon was a wonderful experience, and I want my second one to be even better!

So, a few more days rest, a trip to the chiro (still not sure if this is helping, probably blog material for later), then a greatly reduced training schedule for the half marathon sounds wonderful right now.

My overall game plan is to address the root of my IT band woes: weak quads, hip and glute muscles, and a basic neglect of strength training. I have begun some fairly easy/non knee-stressing leg, glute and hip work. Once I am pain free, Jillian Michaels will kick my butt further into shape (love her DVDs), and I plan to do P90X beginning in October.

I want to transition to a 3 day per week running schedule with two low impact cardio days (elliptical or bike/spin), plus 5 to 6 days per week of P90X. I am hoping this will make me a better trained runner in the global sense. I know several marathoners who use this approach, and they seem to have far fewer injuries.

A learning process for sure!

Does the Chiropractor Really Help??

But test everything; hold fast what is good.  1 Thessalonians 5:21

This Sunday will be exactly 4 weeks since my marathon, and marks the end of my 'official' recovery period. I feel great, though my legs really are just now feeling normal again when I run. My current quandary is the benefit of seeing my sports chiropractor for a slight nagging right sided IT band issue I have developed. Not painful per se, just nagging.

How do I know if the treatments actually help, or if the tried and true principals of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) did the trick? I always wonder that after seeing him for treatments, how do I know if it did any good? Or would it have healed on its own?

I am faithfully using my foam roller twice a day, icing after runs, and using my stick, plus 3 days a week of yoga. And the roller and stick hurt, so I know they are digging in and getting to the knots and tightness! I think at this point I am going to see if this works. Since it hasn't gotten worse, and in fact I think it is getting better, there is reason to be optimistic.

Oh, and for anyone interested, I have officially lost one toenail, plus two half way down. 

Tomorrow is a 10 mile run, at sunrise before the temperatures climb into the triple digit range, a range that is wreaking havoc in beautiful Colorado. Running in the heat is bad enough, but the smoke from the horrible fires that are ravaging our state can't be good either. I've retreated to my treadmill a few times over the last couple of weeks, praying the Lord will deliver us from these fires by sending rain and the cool weather we normally enjoy in this wonderful state.

Easing Back In

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30

After a full 7 days of no running, I began easing back in this week. A three miler, and a 4.5 miler so far...on lead legs. I was shocked how hard these runs were, but well aware that it will take a full 4 weeks to recover from the marathon.

I am continuing to be cautious, I have a tight knee (not actually painful, and nothing that I couldn't run with, but I want it to heal completely), and my toenails are either lifting up from the beds or black and blue. So much for my summer pedicure dreams. Oh well, I actually consider them a sign of the grit I never knew I had.

I did take the plunge and register for another marathon on September 22nd, the Denver Rock n Roll. It's about 14 weeks away, with my current recovery plan I should be ready to slide into the training schedule in a couple of weeks and fit two 20 mile long runs in before the marathon (one would be fine, though). The good Lord willing, my goal is a spring and fall marathon per year, with a few half marathons sprinkled in. Given my midlife-marathoner status, who knows how long this will be realistic, but I have seen so many runners in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s at my races that I will just take it one marathon at a time.

Love John Bingham Quotes!

"What you do now is up to you. You've seen what you can do. If you've stuck with the training program, you've seen yourself filled with joy and blinded with frustration. You've overcome your fears. You've been humbled by both the strength and fragility of your body. You've found your limits and gone beyond them."

One Week Later, and the Benefit of Hindsight

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

A whole week has passed since my marathon. My body feels good (though my first run will be in two days, we'll see how good it feels then). My main issue is toenails. Even worse than I thought! So far I haven't lost any, but was filled with shock and horror about three days after the marathon when three of them started oozing bloody watery fluid out from underneath the nails! I had never heard about the lovely blisters that form UNDER the nail on the nail beds. GROSS. And ouch.

After coming down from my giant runner's endorphin high and back to reality a day or two later, I remembered that really, I'm nothing special. Many, many people run this distance, many run even further (and I have no Ultra-marathon plans, 26.2 is far enough for me). I saw a Marine running the same marathon in his fatigues and boots, carrying all of his gear in an enormous back pack. Saw another Marine running carrying a huge American flag on a heavy pole, waving it proudly the whole way. I saw countless runners with "cancer survivor" on the back of their shirts. The first group across the starting line was the wheelchair athletes.

The reality is I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, nurse who loves her Savior with her whole heart. The ONLY special thing about me is Jesus, and the work He does within me; I am the daughter of the one true King. Whether it is running a marathon, or making dinner for my family, if I do it as though I am doing it for Jesus Himself, that is what matters.

Maybe by sharing my journey others can be inspired to meet whatever challenge they face in life. And hopefully they will see the mighty power, strength, love and compassion that Jesus is ready to pour into them.

Meanwhile I am at a crossroad: do I run another full marathon? Or should I settle back into running half marathons, which are challenging as well, but far less demanding? I feel compelled to run the full marathon in Denver on September 22 (my home turf!), but am not sure why. I've done it, I know I can do it, and I know it took a physical toll on my body (as evidenced by my toes). Yet I think I have another marathon in me!

I think I will pray and see what Jesus has to say about it.

Race Report: San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon DONE!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

I can say it...I'm no longer a marathoner wannabe, I'm a MARATHONER!

We started out our journey to San Diego with two nights in Las Vegas. I was probably the most disciplined person over the age of 21 that city has ever seen. Early to bed, eating salads and low fat/high complex carbs, drank one beer (because it was free!), wearing my flip flops instead of high heels; I wasn't exactly the life of the party. But it was fun and relaxing, especially the pool.

Friday we arrived at our condo in the beautiful hilly country side about 30 miles northeast of San Diego. A beautiful 2 bedroom condo with easy access to the pool and hot tub, quiet and relaxing with lots of trees and flowers. A hot tub that would become a good friend of mine! We really enjoyed the lovely sunny weather which stayed in the high 70s to mid 80s, just perfect.

Saturday we drove into San Diego for the marathon expo and to pick up my packet at the San Diego Convention Center. It was cloudy and a bit cold in San Diego, which gave me hope for similar marathon weather. The crowd was huge, with over 30,000 runners plus spectators.

A highlight for me was seeing John "The Penguin" Bingham at the expo, a runner and author I like to follow, almost as much as my guru Hal Higdon.

I spend most of Saturday feeling sick to my stomach (having irritable bowel syndrome is NOT great when you are a distance runner, but it seems many of us do), to the point I broke down and bought Imodium. Horrifying race photos of people who have had an unfortunate accident during their marathon haunted my thoughts, which just made my stomach churn that much more. I pretty much stuck to bagels and bananas most of Saturday, except a small pasta lunch. Complex, low fiber carbs in hopes of not having one of those horrifying pictures of my own! Plus, I just did not want to waste time in the port-a-potty lines along the course.

I did manage to sleep a little Saturday night, which surprised me. I got up at 3:30 AM for our 4:15 AM departure to get the starting line by 5:00 (race start: 6:15). I was surprisingly calm, and mostly just felt bad for my poor husband and kids who had such a long morning ahead of them. I managed to choke down half a bagel and a hard boiled egg, and was relieved my stomach seemed to be on board with the rest of me.

My family (all four kids and hubby) dropped me off at the starting area, which did not allow any parking (think airport passenger drop off). At that point they headed to get some early breakfast then to the shuttle area which would bring them to the finish area (this course actually starts at the San Diego Zoo and ends at Sea World, which are about 9 miles apart). So I was on my own. I had plenty of time for a pit stop at the port-a-potties, which was about a 20 minute wait. I met some really nice runners in line, including a woman who is a three year lymphoma survivor, running her second race since her remission. What a remarkable woman, and she gives all credit and glory to God.

I made my way to my corral (the 4:40 finish time group), chatted with the pace group leader and met several women also running their first full marathon. It was 6:45 by the time I crossed the starting line (the race started in waves, with about 90 seconds between each corral).

I started out with the pace leader, but soon realized he was running significantly faster than our anticipated pace. Turns out his strategy was to run fast at first so that he could slow down toward the end when the group was tired. This is NOT a strategy I use or even agree with, I personally feel that when I start too fast it hurts my finishing time. So, I and a few other members of the group fell back a bit, at about a 10:20 to 10:30 pace (with a goal of staying just under 10:42 to finish in 4 hours 40 minutes). Gotta love my Garmin!

The first few miles were absolutely thrilling, as I enjoyed the oxygen at sea level (I really did notice a huge difference, compared to my usual 6000 feet running at home). However, the best advice I read was to NOT get too excited about the advantage training at altitude would afford me, as this only really helps the lungs. Regardless of altitude, the LEGS fatigue at the same rate. I do think the increased oxygen carrying capacity I have thanks to my altitude living did help my legs, though, as they had more to work with.

The course is billed as being 'flat,' which I personally would agree with coming from Colorado. However, it was what I call 'Colorado-flat,' meaning a lot of rolling hills and minor inclines. Miles 9 through 11 were mostly uphill on the 163 freeway, though I felt fine the whole way. Overall the course was much flatter than anything I run when I am home (Colorado is the best training place, and yes I am biased!). I do know that people from truly flat parts of the country were a bit dismayed that this course was not indeed 'flat' as in 'flat as a pancake,' and I can see where they may have been caught off guard.

I didn't carry water, as part of my strategy was to use the water stations. This worked perfectly, I mastered chugging water from a cup without stopping and felt well hydrated. I had my trusty Shot Blocks in my Spibelt. I popped one in my mouth every 30 minutes, plus I did use on salt tablet at mile 14.

By mile 13 I saw my family on the side cheering for me! Oh my gosh the joy I felt was overwhelming, I ran by and gave them high fives and felt tears in my eyes. I was halfway done, felt great, and had my family to support me. It just cannot get better. I continued feeling really good through about mile 18. The only issue I had was my sock was bunching up in my left shoe, which was annoying but was NOT going to make me stop. I just ignored it. My calf was feeling fine, as was my knee (which had NEVER bothered me, until taper began).

By mile 20 fatigue hit hard, and I pretty much felt numb from the waste down. I could tell my left foot was forming nasty blisters at this point, but ignored it (endorphins rock). The last 6 miles were mostly flat and along the shoreline, with a mile or so loop on a small island right by Sea World. The last 4 miles were brutal, but I was so determined that nothing would stop me. I dug deep into myself to places I never knew existed. I pictured my family at the finish line, and remembered the St. Sebastian medal in my pocket. I kept asking him to pray for me, and I knew that Jesus was right there the whole way.

Funny thing, by this point I caught up to my 4:40 pace group! I ran past my husband Dave, 18 year old son and 10 year old son at mile 26, who joined me for the last 0.2 miles. Holding hands, we crossed the finish line together, and my daughters were there smiling and cheering. I love this picture they snapped  just after we crossed the finish line (at 4 hours 39 minutes! Just under my 4:40 goal!):

I got my medal, and cried tears of relief and joy.

After finding the rest of my family, and putting my flip flops on, we boarded the shuttle back to our car. My legs were exhausted, it was funny watching the other runners limp up the shuttle steps like I did.

Back at the condo, I went straight to the pool and fell asleep on a lounge chair. I did do a couple of ice baths later that day, my legs were absolutely dead meat, especially my quads. Stairs were just about impossible. But by Tuesday (48 hours after the marathon), they were so much better I was able to enjoy a day at Universal Studios with my family. Next up this week: Sea World and the beach, before we make our way home this weekend.

All in all, I couldn't be happier. I have a ton of pics to post once I am home.

Next Time I Walk Into My House I Will Be A MARATHONER!

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  Psalm 91:11


Leaving bright and early in the morning for California, with a fun stop along the way in Las Vegas (nothing like a little hot weather and pool therapy to stay loose!). I couldn't be happier with the weather forecast in San Diego on race day:

Today was a light 3 mile run, with a quick 2 miler in the morning before we leave (which equates to 4 AM). I feel good, I think taper has been a positive thing. A few twinges/aches here and there, but nothing alarming. At this point I am more worried about race day logistics of finding/getting to the starting line, and finding my family at the finish line! And, of course, just GETTING to the finish line is a pretty big priority.


Time to finish packing, I can hardly believe it!

Toenails are for Sissies!

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

This being the weekend, it was time for my weekly long run. "Long" being relative, my 13.1 mile run today would have seemed exhausting just a few months ago. But today it felt like a break compared to last Saturday's 21 miles. Next weekend is only 8 miles, as my legs continue to rest up and rejuvenate during this taper period leading up to my marathon. My marathon, which happens to be two weeks from today!

My feet felt awesome since having replaced my old worn out shoes ("old" also being a relative word, got them in January....ran in them for four months, put over 500 miles on them).

Oh how I would love a pedicure, but alas, I have at least three toenails that are partially lifting and look like they would like to fall off (a dirty little marathon training secret). Not all people training for marathons lose toenails, but some are doomed. I appear to be in that group, I have done literally everything and tried every trick to maintain my pretty toes. Oh well, my bruised and damaged toenails are nothing compared to the pain and suffering Jesus endured for me. He has assured me He will NEVER leave me during this journey, but He never promised it would be easy.

Now it is time to focus on a much greater joy, and source of pride. My son Joshua is graduating from high school May 25, and will be headed to college this fall to study Mechanical Engineering. I am so very proud of him, and all of my children.

And who am I kidding? I'm looking forward to the upcoming two weeks of majorly decreased mileage. Maybe my toenails will cheer up, too!

Let the Taper Madness Begin!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Indeed, 3 weeks from today my feet will cross the starting line of my first marathon. I can hardly believe it.

To date I have had two 18 mile runs, a 20 miler and my final long run of 21.22 miles yesterday. Yes, my training plan stopped at 20 miles. But my brain just had to know I could go further. Crazy how mental running is.

I ran the 20 miler two weeks ago with friends from my running group. Four hours of talking, laughing, encouraging, sharing and holding back tears on the killer 12% incline we hit during mile 19 helped pass the time. And once we got to the top of that hill, we all three cheered for Jesus, the One Who deserves all credit and glory.

Yesterday, though, I had to do my 21.22 mile run alone. It took me exactly 4 hours, and I felt pretty good when I was done. Today I feel great, even managed a 5 mile recovery run just to loosen up a little. Truthfully, I don't know which is harder. Running that distance, or staying with it for 4 hours. A little of both, but it was good mental preparation for the marathon I am about to run by myself (well, me and 50,000 other runners!).

Today is Mother's Day, my beloved family gave me what I asked for....new shoes and a sun visor. My Brooks Adrenalines have not failed me, and I replaced the outgoing pair with the exact same model.  This is my third pair of Adrenalines. I was happy to get over 500 miles out the outgoing pair, especially considering how many of those miles were on concrete and rough terrain.

So bring on taper. Crazy woman that I am, I'm already concocting my plan to run another marathon on September 22 here in Denver...16 weeks from my June 3rd marathon. Which means I have to do the standard 4 week recovery running, then slide back into a marathon plan at the midway point. CRAZINESS! I am so hooked.

In the spirit of my tired and achy feet, which were very glad to see the old shoes retire:

Now to stay steadfast and not start doubting myself. I have trained hard, and trained smart. My training WILL see me through. Most of all, Jesus will be with me, so I can't go wrong.

Race Report: Platte River Half Marathon

Fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

All week the weather reports for today, April 15th have been a conflicted jumble of rain/snow/thunder/lightning/zombie apocalypse. Seriously, I went to bed last night unsure of whether I would be running this race. My deciding factor would be accumulating snow. With 7 weeks till my full marathon, I have no desire to suffer a klutz-injury from falling (and I've been prone this winter). After listening to howling wind and snow pellets hitting the bedroom window most of the night, I was very surprised to see clearing skies and snow covered grassy areas, yet clear pavement in my neighborhood. So the race was on!

I had been debating for weeks how to run this race. Conservative as a training run, or race pace. The debate being whether it would be wise to actually "race" this race, with a marathon in 7 weeks, and risk a race related injury. So I asked Hal Higdon himself, whose plan I am following, and he advised me to race it just to test my fitness level leading up to my marathon. My previous fastest half marathon was 2:11:00, which was just about a 10:00 minute mile average, so I decided to try to do a bit better than that this race.
 

Lining up at the starting line, I saw some members of my running group, which was awesome and inspiring! It was a chilly but sunny morning, so spirits were high. As the race began, I started with a pretty solid 9:45 pace, and was able to stick between 9:30 and 9:45 until mile two...the first major bottle neck. And I do mean major. The trail squeezed down to the width of a city side walk, with rails on each side, as we passed under a major road and began to wind along the river. This lasted for at least a half a mile, during one point we slowed down to a 12 minute pace at best. Finally, it loosened up, and we began to spread back out.

About mile 5 the wind began to really pick up, to a full-on head wind for the rest of the race. By mile 6 the clouds came back, and it began sleeting/snowing. It remained cold and windy for the remainder.

For the first time ever, I raced without carrying my own water, the goal being to practice my marathon strategy of using the water stations. The best part was the friendly faces of members of my running group who were volunteering!

I was able to maintain a 9:30 to 9:45 or so pace throughout, until mile 13 when the wind really began to howl, to the point I was holding my hat on! This, coupled with running over the only truly big hill of the race, in the form of the 8th avenue viaduct which crosses over I 25,  slowed me down a bit in the end. At one point while on the bridge, two other runners jokingly asked if I wanted to hold hands with them so we would not blow over the rail, the wind was so strong. Finally after crossing the bridge and turning the corner, the finish line was visible. I finished at 2:08, with an average pace of 9:48 per mile.


I am quite happy with how I did. I am sure that minus the bottle necks and head wind I would have been faster, but improving my time by 3 minutes was good enough (this time).

Based on the McMillan pace calculator, a 2:08 half marathon should equate to a 4:30 full marathon. We'll see, I'll be happy just finishing!

I'm glad I ran the race, even though I wouldn't describe it as enjoyable, nor is this a race I plan to do again. But for a formally fair weather runner, I have seriously toughened up this year. I think God is showing me that my hard training is paying off, and that I am stronger than I think I am, because HE is with me.

First 18 Mile Run!

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. John 19:17

Yesterday marked my longest run to date: 18 miles! To say it was tough is an understatement, but honestly, much of that is the mental aspect of running for over 3 hours. Thankfully a friend from my running group was able to join me for 13 of the miles, and it was a beautiful day.

Considering I had to do this run on Thursday, just 4 days after my usual Saturday long run day (last week was 16 miles), it went well. My legs were a bit fatigued, but not as bad as I feared they would be. The hard cold truth is my schedule is not my own, I have a family and obligations that dictate when I can run. With Easter weekend at hand, it just made sense to get the long run checked off the list early this week.

I LOVE my hydration pack! It seems impossible I can sip my way through 2 liters of water and not have to stop to pee along the way, but that's what happens when you live and run at altitude, in such a dry climate.

The front has two really nice pockets, one holds my I phone, one holds my gels and shot blocks:

The back is pretty compact, and is comfortable for a small woman (well, this small woman...but other small women say the same thing):

As for the run itself, I took it relatively easy with few brisk walk breaks to eat my shot blocks and drink water.  Hopefully race day adrenaline and running at sea level will help!

My next long run is actually a half marathon on April 15, it seems odd that 13.1 miles is considered a 'cutback' distance in my marathon training. Then it's back to 18 miles, and my first of two 20 milers. Marathon Day is 8 weeks from Sunday!

When I was running the last 5 miles alone, I tried to remember Jesus, and the walk He endured up that hill, bearing MY cross and MY sins. Suddenly my 18 mile run through beautiful trails on a 65 degree day didn't seem so tough.

Redirecting

You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them... Exodus 20:4

Perspective is a funny thing. To my non-runner friends, my training schedule sounds monumental. However, compared to my veteran marathoner friends, it's pretty fledgling as far as marathon training goes.

But for me, reaching the point in training during which I have two long runs per week is a big deal. Wednesday has always been a 'sorta long run,' flanked by two shorter runs on Tuesday and Thursday.  From this point on, Wednesday's runs are anywhere from 8 to 10 miles long, with Tuesday and Thursday being 5 miles. This Saturday is a 16 mile long run, which I will be increasing by two miles per week from here on out (with a cutback weekend every 3 weeks). This will allow for two 20 mile runs before I enter the taper phase of training plan. My weekly mileage will peak somewhere around 40 to 45 miles, assuming I don't need to miss any weekday runs for extra rest.

I am reminded this Lenten Season that first and foremost in my life must be God. Period. No debate. However, it is so easy to try to check Jesus at the curb with the rest of the cheering crowd. It's so easy to make this all about ME. Running becomes a false idol.

Well, it's NOT all about me. It's all about HIM. My Lord and Savior Jesus, who by His very grace I am blessed to have two legs, two feet, and the strength to do this. Without Him I am nothing. Without Him, I can't do this. He is my Running Coach, plain and simple. He will give me one more breath, one more step, one more mile, until I reach the finish line. I rely solely upon Him.

I love this prayer:


Run by my side, live in my heartbeat. Give strength to my steps. As the cold surrounds me, as the wind pushes me, I know you surround me, as the rain cleanses me, I know you are touching me, challenging me, loving me. And so I give you this run. Thank you for matching my stride. Amen

Marathon Under 12 Weeks Away!

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

I can hardly believe it, the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon is just under 12 weeks away! I have that bizzare feeling of "I can't wait!!" mixed with "What am I DOING??"

My training is going very well (thanks Hal Higdon!) and I have met my new best friend, the 'calf compression sleeve.' I am currently running in black sleeves:

But in true Rock n Roll Marathon spirit think I will go a bit wild in neon pink!

Seriously, with people dressed like Elvis and Joan Jett at these races, how bad they can look?

The calf sleeve provides just enough compression to really feel good and supportive during my long runs, and for recovery after. My calves feel great, and I like that they aren't an actual sock.

I ran a beautiful and relaxing 12 miles last Saturday early morning, with an experienced marathoner from my group (thanks Pat!). I asked her a hundred questions as we wound through historic neighborhoods in downtown Denver (Cheesman Park area). Gorgeous tree-lined streets and beautiful mansions make for some nice scenary.

Now that I am under the 12 week mark, the miles are really picking up each week. I continually pray that Jesus will keep me strong and injury free, and that I will trust my training plan and stay with it.

Sometimes You Just Gotta Say....

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.... a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up..." Ecclesiastes 3: 1 and 3


I have a calf muscle that started with a dull ache last week (have done a lot of reading about this, turns out extreme cold below 20 or so degrees lends itself to calf muscle pulls! I was only wearing one layer of UA cold gear tights on my legs, should have had two more layers on). I don't think I am someone who can run when it is much below 25 degrees without consequence, I have definitely learned my limits this season.

Anyway, today is day three of no running while I use the tried and true principles of RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (it feels almost normal today, yay!), and I realized something... I needed the rest body, mind and spirit. It especially occurred to me this morning, when instead of meeting my running group for a 7 AM run, I slept until 9:30, then laid in bed drinking the Starbucks my lovely hubby brought me. Probably because I stayed up late watching movies with my family, instead of going to bed early due to a 6 AM Saturday alarm clock. That, after going out for Mexican food last night with my family...something I would NEVER do the night before a Saturday morning long run.

I've decided that my achy calf was just relaying a message for my whole body. Missing a run or two isn't a big deal (especially since this was my cutback week, I obviously needed it)...but failing to miss a run or two when my body needs to could very quickly become disastrous to my marathon training, on more than one level.

Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:1-4

On Saturday morning, February 11, a virtual run was held in memory of Sherry Arnold, the Montana wife, mom, and teacher who in January was abducted and killed just a short distance from her home on an early morning run. Though her killer has been caught and has confessed, her body has yet to be located. Women runners around the country feel so acutely the pain and anguish of her family, and the outrage that a woman is not safe to go outside and revel in God's creation on a morning run.
 
My running group participated, as we all put on the memorial bibs and headed out at 7:25 AM on an arctic cold 10 degree, snowy morning...thankful to have a group to run with and stay safe.

It was one of those beautiful Colorado mornings with a blanket of snow, and air so cold it forms glittery crystals. But it was COLD. Once again I ran with a frozen water bottle!

I was blessed to run with two women who run a very similar pace to mine, and also have a little more marathon experience than I do. I was planning a 15 mile run, but the ice and cold slowed our pace enough that I ended up running just shy of 17 miles. We ran about 5 miles to Cherry Creek State Park, then ran through the snow covered park. A highlight was the small herd of deer running across our path, looking so graceful compared to how our cold and cramping legs felt!

During the last 4 or so miles we realized it was warming up, enough so we took our gloves off as we continued on. The sun had broken through, and the biting wind calmed. After arriving back to our cars I had to laugh when my thermometer read a balmy 19 degrees at that point...what a warm up!

It was grueling and wonderful all at the same time, in a way that only long distance runners can understand.

And still, I am not quite sure how my mountainous high altitude arctic training will relate to my sunny sea level San Diego Marathon on June 3, but runs like yesterday assure me I can do it.