I'm BACK!

WHOA! It's been way too long since I blogged. But, my life has been a little hectic for the past several weeks. I've literally been RunDown ~physically and mentally. I took some rest days, ran my long run of 9.75 miles (I claimed 10 miles) on September 11th. Ran again on the following Monday and took another six days off. During those rest days, I started to get very discouraged. I did get my doctor to sign off on physical therapy and the first therapist I saw was a bit arrogant and not a very good listener. He told me my ankles have too much mobility and I'm probably not made for distance running. Perhaps I should just shoot for 10Ks. Then he told me, that I'm too slow. For my fitness level, I really should be running about 8-9 min/miles. OK, needless to say I left that office with no intention of returning, but he did get into my head a little bit. I did find another PT who's started working with me on some strengthening and stretching and some wave and laser treatments. My response has been pretty good. The pain in my shins are gone, but I still have some soreness in my lower ankle area after my runs. So, I'm going to work hard in PT and continue stretching and icing and on Nov 13 I will be completing my first half-marathon.

Ok, so let's fast forward a few weeks and let me give you the real news, the best news. I AM A RuNNER GiRL! OK! I'm in the double-digits. Yes, yes, YES. On, September 25, I ran 11.5 miles, and it felt great. It's cool to say yeah, I ran 11.5 miles on Saturday (Hee-Heee). I'm really proud of myself and my accomplishment right now.

Like I said earlier, there has been so much going on lately. I've been in a funk. I've been so tired lately and my legs always seem to bother me. It's been getting me down about this upcoming race. Two Sundays ago, I caught a sermon on the radio, and the minister talked about the need to renew your mind. He gave some points about controlling your thoughts and how negative things can creep in and discourage you, and that we have the power to control what we think about. Renewing your mind takes effort. It's work to fight off negativity and discouragement. I literally have to stop and say not my will, but Your will. God, what am I being led to do or what are you speaking to me right now? And, when I remove the clutter, he does speak to me. I only hear him when I choose to listen.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Renewing my mind is a constant act of will on my part. Running 10 miles is easy, compared to controlling my thoughts and trusting God's got my back. But just as He would have it, when I'm frustrated or things are getting the best of me, He shows up. Just today I had two reminders of why I should maintain a thankful heart. His grace is sufficient. I believe that.

Grateful Journal

I'm grateful for the lessons in life - big or small.

I'm grateful for my mother.

I'm grateful for my mother-in-law.

I'm grateful for my health.

I'm grateful for a renewed mind.

I'm grateful for clean sheets on my bed.

I'm grateful for a good night's rest after a little talk with Jesus ~ he always makes it all right.

Today, I challenge you to renew your mind. Let go of the little things that in the end don't matter. Cherish the time you have with those you love. Forgive those who hurt you or disappointed you in any way. Life is too short and too full of things you can't change. You can't make up for time you lost being selfish. Purpose your heart to love and respect people. God created us to love each other. It doesn't matter what someone else does or doesn't do, but it matters what you do and how you respond. Respond in love ~ it makes all the difference.

Stay tuned for my update on my 4-mile easy run in torrential rains!!!! I'm a RUNNER for sure........

R.E.S.T.

OK, so I had to follow my own advice, listen to my body, and take a REST break. and right now everything below the knees are straight tripping. Six days and no running and I'm tripping. I didn't even get to do my first track workout on Saturday (tear, tear, long sob). Week 3 was indeed a beast and the hill workouts just stressed my already tight gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar fascia ~ in other words, the big calf muscle, the deep one underneath the big calf muscle and the bottoms of my feet. Hills are stressful because the require muscular strength and you have to change your running gait just a bit to overcome the incline. You can not run anywhere in this city without three or more hills. And guess what? I picked the hilliest, first half marathon I could find. YAY! ME! This race prides itself on the hills and the big one at the 12-13 mile finish which I did run(without stopping) prior to everything locking up on me. But, this is just a little set back. I just have to change up my strategy a little.

I had one of my bi-weekly appointments with my chiropractor today for some soft tissue work and I'm awaiting a call back from my orthopedist so I can go back to physical therapy. YEP! I love my great insurance. Without it, where would I be (probably a couch potato or on the elliptical reading a book)? And, because I have this great exercise science background, I know what to request in my treatment course. So, doctor's nurse please call back first thing in the morning. I know it was a holiday Monday and all, but I need to get moving on my PT eval and treatment plan. I can't stop running.... I told you guys earlier that runners are crazy and this is more than a sign that I'm a real runner even if I haven't hit my double digits yet.

I'm about to heat and stretch before bed and I'm actually going to run in my compression sleeves tomorrow morning. No speedwork or hills, hopefully just a good run and a very good long run on Saturday ~ no less than 8 miles.

Grateful Journal

I am grateful for graham crackers with cream cheese and strawberry preserves.

I am grateful to see my mom turn 61 and still no wrinkles.

I am grateful for family.

I am grateful that I don't need to be right all of the time.

I am grateful that I can still see the good.

I am grateful I'm learning how not to sweat the small stuff ~ it just doesn't matter.

I am grateful for my running group.

I am grateful for prayer.

Today's inspiration comes from a blog I read over the weekend and I fell in love with the acronym P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens). Jesus said in Luke 18:27 "What is impossible with men is possible with God." I'm praying ya'll. I'm praying for healing, health and strength, my family, financial blessings, and my friends and the desires of their hearts. And where two or three are touching and agreeing, God will show up in the midst. Let's pray ya'll! And, I'm going to run on too. Lacing up the Brooks, it's going to be a good run!