Let's Face It...

I'm probably [certainly] never going to finish first in a race, 5K, ultra or otherwise. So why do I run?

I discovered today during my long run a little more about what running is to/for me. Isn't it great when you're constantly learning? Such a blessing.

Today was supposed to be 9miles. I started out and forgot my house key (Goose had just dropped me off, had him pull a U), had too much crammed in my spibelt and had to stop several times to adjust, and got a rock stuck inside my shoe and had to pull the darn thing off to fetch it. My first mile was brutal. It was more like intervals; all stop/go. I was irritated and I didn't want to go 8 more miles.

A few more miles in I realized, this run today, this distance; it will be a first for you. It's not something that's easy for you but you're still doing it. [Yep, I said you, because I was talking to myself, silly.]

That sooo goes against everything that I am. All things come easy to me, duh. So really pushing myself past the point of comfortable complacency is new. It's kind of exciting, too.

Today I stopped comparing myself to other runners. I'm a middle of the pack runner. I'm not an elite athlete who is going to break any records. But I love running. I love this new feeling of rising to the challenge and enjoying the ride up. I love the way the breeze feels on my face. I love how my body gets to a point of floating where I don't feel a thing and each step feels light as a feather. I love spending time with God and marveling at His presence all around me. I love digging deep, kicking it up a notch, and feeling a high. I love that it's mine. It doesn't have anything to do with school, my boyfriend, my family, or anything or anyone else. It's me and the road and it's my run. I can choose what to do with it and what I want to get out of it. I love that.

Anyway. I really love running and where I'm at with the sport. I'm enjoying trying out new distances and starting a run thinking "Can I finish this?" Embracing the uncertain now has a warm, calming sensation that it never before held.

So, I arrived at the house and was disapointed with all the stopping/starting I had to do in my first mile. I ditched my jacket and kept running. I got in an extra 1.5M bringing my grand total for today up to 10.5M. Yep, that's a record for me and I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty amped on it.

Gotta find joy in all things, big&small.

When I got back I bundled up and walked out into the water, Gatorade (and choco-no bake protein bar) in hand. It's hard to tell from the picture but it was super windy and wavy out. I appreciate that I can walk into my back yard for my ice bath. And let me tell you, it's mid/late October in upstate NY. That lake is cold!


Now it's time for my afternoon nap in the sun. Spoiled, much?

Little Fish, Big Pond

Confession: In this big, bad [new to me] blog world I feel like a teeny, tiny fish in a great, big body of water. I feel woefully inadequate in terms of [knowledge, experience, mileage, writing ability, blogger etiquette... shall I go on?] This blog circle, specifically the running community, seems like jolly old chaps with an impressive rap sheet. It can be kind of intimidating at times.

All of that being said, the wonderful, super organized with colorful charts and excel spreadsheets, humorous, kind, and super driven Andrew over at Running Man Wannabe has tagged me with "The Versatile Blogger Award". If you don't read all of Andrew's hilarious stories, heartfelt musings, or motivational pieces about his first 5K, YOU SHOULD.


That being said, with this honorable award I am to

1. Thanks and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award to other bloggers.

Well, first. Thank-you Andrew. I am flattered that you ever glance in the direction of my blog. It is much appreciated and I thoroughly enjoy your thoughtful comments. His blog is linked above.

Next:

Uno: One of my favorite accounts from the Bible is in Luke 8:40-50 where Jesus is walking through a crowd of people and one, old, sick beggar woman reaches out to touch the edge of his garment and is instantly healed. She trembles in fear as Jesus asks who touched him, but He then proclaims "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." I appreciate this verse because she reached out to touch Him even though she was afraid. I think that He is always reaching out and extending His grace, but are we always taking a chance and reaching toward Him?

Dos: Two years ago Memorial Day, we had to put our family dog to sleep. Brittney was 18 and a half. I was 20 at the time. She was my dog my entire life and that was one of the most difficult, most trying times of my entire life. Never, ever underestimate the type of comfort a family pet can bring to your entire existence and being. If you've never had a pet- get one.



Tres: I took Spanish in high school and college but wouldn't consider myself fluent by any stretch. I [already] resolved for 2011 I am going to become proficient in the language [writing, reading, speaking] so that I can further myself in my career. ESL students are on the rise and having a psychologist who can empathize with the diversity is a pro.

Cuatro: I have a silly sense of humor and LOVE those little cat pictures with the little fuzz balls doing something cute and a clever caption on it.


Cinco: Distance running is the FIRST [yes, the very first ever] thing in my life that I have stuck with that was a challenge. So much comes easy to me that when something is at all difficult I throw in the towel too quickly. It's a breath of fresh air and it is teaching me to apply patience, perseverance, and struggle to other areas of my life. It has also taught me that the reward is far sweeter. Some days, I have to run a distance that I've never run before. During my run, I'm scared, I'm hurting, and I want to quit. I'm fearful that I won't be able to finish [no matter how many times I tell myself I CAN] and when I inevitably do finish, it is so much more fulfilling knowing I had to bust my ass to get there.

Seis: Goose and I got rid of our television [Oh yeah, we both call each other Goose, my real name is Sarah by the way] three years ago this coming February. We have A) Saved a butt load of greenery and B) not missed it for one second! We read all of our news online and even my trashy t.v. shows like Desperate Housewives are avaiable for viewing on the net. Plus, we donated our television so we have more space for all of Goose's musical gear.

Siete: This coming winter my Grandparents have been married for 54 years. How amazing is that?! I admire and look up to them more than I will ever be able to express. I spend as much time with them as I can and love talking to them and soaking up all that they know. And after 54 years, they still look at each other with that knowing twinkle in the eye, they still hold hands while walking and driving, he still holds the door for her and pulls out her chair, and she still rubs his neck while they watch a movie. I want to have that, forever. Relationships are such a vital part of our lives.
And lastly, to tag a couple of bloggers who I find to be more than versatile;

The hilarious and super REAL Emz over at http://royalpitatoias.blogspot.com/
My sweet Southern belle at http://welcometosuzannesmanor.blogspot.com/
[now, you have to post something!]

This Too Shall Pass

[Warning: This is just a stupid nit-picky kind of rant. You're welcome to skip it.]

I love the phrase "This Too Shall Pass". Really, I do. Once, when I worked at a bank this wonderful, elderly women came in to take care of some business regarding her husband's death; they had been together for 62 years. I wanted so badly to offer some comfort and when I said to her that "this too shall pass" she thanked me.

I think the phrase provides much encouragement and perspective.

HOWEVER...


It is NOT intended only as a "don't worry, buck up, you'll get through the tough stuff" kind of a saying. It applies to everything. If you haven't before, familiarize yourself with the story. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_too_shall_pass or http://pravstalk.com/this-too-shall-pass/]
All things shall pass.

Nothing is our own. Our riches and wealth, they will pass. Our troubles and tribulations, they will pass. Everything that we have here on this earth will eventually pass, it is not ours to keep. Now, instead of finding conflict with this, rejoice. It is so comforting and so wonderful to remember that in the end, it is all His.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21, KJV

It is a powerful reminder that all that we have and all that we do is because of Him and in honor of Him. I would be and could do nothing without Christ and I am eternally grateful for that fact. So, all things shall pass.

And that helps me keep things in perspective. That insanely awesome new gadget, that will pass to. So remember the "THIS" in 'this too shall pass' means everything, not just what you want it to.


----------------------------------------------------

Last night at Borders I scored a new daily devotional and also a workout/diet log. It is kind of cheesy, but I like, no, love and need to plan things out, keep track, and organize things. I do most of this online [mostly mapmyrun] but I wanted something in my hand that I could pre-plan some more meals/recipes. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today is speedwork. Woot Woot.

Blog Illiterate

How do I find someone's blog from my follower list?

ie) I click on their little icon and it talks about them and the blogs they follow but how do I find their blog?

This is only difficult for a few people, why?

Hmh, I want to learn more...

Just my musings

I wanted to start out by saying I think my yoga mat (next to my toothbrush) has carried the most bang for its buck. I scored my beautiful little pink girl a couple of years back for like $10. I use it ALL the time.

I stretch, do yoga, relax, you name it. Inside, outside in the grass, on the dock, at the gym/studios. It has traveled with me to the Adirondacks, Florida, California, and states in between. I love my little yoga mat and all that it has done for me.

It feels good to have something tried and true.

Next: Check out Beth's giveaway on her blog. You can score some sweet gear; ie. lululemon, need I say more?! Not only because she has a fabulous giveaway going on, but simply because she's a phenomenal blogger; entertaining and extremely educated. Worth the read.


I had a busy day today. Mostly full of fun things like shopping, napping, going to an expo at the House of Guitars, and a bit of schoolwork. Nevertheless, there is only so many hours of sunshine anymore, so I sucked it up and went for my run in the dark tonight. It was 49 degrees and a bit breezy. I hate running at night. I've only done it before when I had to get in an oober quick jaunt, tonight was 6miles.

All I will say is Geesh, if you want to simulate some potential race day anxieties, send your ass out at night, in the dark, by yourself on a rural road, you'll get a sense of anxiety alright. More like, straight fear!

Alas, I made it safe and sound and am able to check my run off my list.

Off to catch up on some Americas Next Top Model ReRuns... yep, I'm lame.

The Zone

I've been in the zone lately.

A good zone.

My goal is to write once a week at least because my energy has been so focused in other locations but I don't want to lose site of my blog entirely.

This past week I was on. I completed all of my runs [8MLR, 3MRR, 3MSW, 4.75MTR]. I made it through, I pushed myself, I paid attention to hydration and stretching a lot. I did one day of strength training, two days of yoga, and my spin class. And, I'm PMSing. What now!? I felt accomplished, motivated, and challenged. All things that I love.

My eating however was out of this world. I craved sweets [and general crap] in a big way. I wasn't happy with this area. I would like to do better with this next week. [GOAL]


I have a break from school and plan on focusing on my health/wellness and pounding out some assignments ahead of time.

Oh yeah, school. I'm thinking I'll finish my two years of my M.S. and transfer right into my Psy.D. program. I plan ahead, obsessively.


This is a 'recovery' week so my 'long' run tomorrow is only 6 miles. I'm okay with that.

I'm going to head to my lovely and local Fleet Feet on Sunday to score a spibelt. I hate, hate carrying things on my person while running. I follow the hide the water in the bushes plan for hydration and drop sunglasses/headbands/etc. off under guardrails until I'm ready to retrieve them. I just don't enjoy carrying things- even belts. But, I really would like to attempt to snap some shots of my actual race (we get to run the bases of Tropicana Field!) and bring my phone on my longer runs, just in case.

I also want to score some shotblocks to try out. As of yet, I've only hydrated with water and have never used any alternative fuel source. Think it'll help for the half? Well, we're going to try it out ahead of time.

Bad, bad blogger

Where does the time go?

Goose went to the ATL for a couple of days so I was extra busy with house and dog chores. I also started a new program as (supervised) counselor for a group of students transitioning from HS to...Lord knows where, I guess that's the point of the group. That has filled up my mornings more than I am used to and I just have NOT been spending time on my computer like before.

Lo Siento.


I hope everything is fabulous in your world today.

I have been too lax on my weekday runs. I did my 8M run yesterday. I finished. My legs felt heavy but I attribute that to no running the previous week, just a righteous spin class the morning before.

Must. Stay. Focused. Must. Stay. On. Plan.

I pray I will get more time for my blogging world, checking up on mis amigas more often and finding inspiration in all that you guys are.

Hopeful schedule for this week:
Sunday: 3M recovery run, yoga at night
Monday: off
Tuesday: Speedwork
Wednesday: Hydrofit, weights
Thursday: Tempo Run, maybe weights
Friday: Spin
Saturday: 6M

When making your
choice in life, do not
neglect to live.

- Samuel Johnson