As I’m writing this the Marine Corps Marathon is just a little over two weeks away, I can’t believe another 20 ish week training session is about to end. Every marathon training session is different, with its’ own challenges, rewards and lessons to be learned.
This is my fourth summer training for a marathon- I can’t believe I’m getting ready to do this for the fourth time! Crazy for the girl who used to claim and loudly “I only run if someone is chasing me.” Not anymore!! And it hasn’t been that way for quite some time. My running feeds my soul in unique and special ways, and every time I lace up my running shoes and slip into my running clothes, it’s like coming home. Like this was the person I was meant to be all along, but was too scared of failure to try. I’m so glad I took my very first running step, so grateful for the life running has given me! Run a Marathon Change your Life?
you bet it has!
This season I lesson I’ve learned more than any other is joy! This was my very first season running using the run/walk method- I was little scared to try it out, not knowing what to expect, and this was a whole new group of people ( I really didn’t know anyone in the group except for Dana). But as I’ve gone through this season- from learning how that interval function on my watch works, to hot runs when we changed the interval (gasp!!), or when we miss calculated on our 18 mile run and ended up running 19 instead (oops! can’t do math when we run), and on and on, I’ve found new joy in running!
The biggest joy to me this season by far has been my early morning running partners! All 3 of them are training for their first marathons (Amy’s is Sunday, Stacy and Dana are running Marine Corps with me) and I’ve gotten to relive the excitement and anticipation of a first marathon all over again through their eyes. Those Personal Distance Records are so sweet, the first time we went past 6 miles on an early morning run was an experience I wouldn’t have missed sharing for the world. Or that first rainy cold morning when I ran with Amy, in long sleeves- with some giggles about how crazy or hard core we were.
It’s been a season of enJOYing running in a whole new way, and it’s been a delight to my heart, what my heart and my spirit needed this summer. My sister moved away in March and a dear friend in July, so my spirit was little sad- but you know what God knew that- My God is big enough to know what I needed, and in a way only He could have orchestrated filled my heart and my life right up with my early running girls.
The greatest joy is yet to come- seeing Amy cross that finish line on Sunday is going to make my heart burst- I already warned her I would be weepy! And getting to experience Marine Corps with Stacy and Dana is going to be so, wonderful, I’m sure I won’t need the plane to get home from DC I’ll be able to float here all by myself!
Hoping you find your own joy my friends!
Run on Friends,
Heather
“Sometimes we need endurance to experience the best kind of fun” Kristen Armstrong
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Training Update and Happiness
In 32 Days I will be running my fourth marathon! I can hardly believe it is so close! Just weeks away, hard to believe there (as I’m writing this) that there are just two more long runs left before the taper. This week is a drop back to 12 and next week we tackle the last “stupid long run” i.e distances that would be advisable to drive in one’s car. :)
Last week Dana and I tackled the 20 mile, if you can do this you can run a marathon, run! It was Dana’s very first 20 and she rocked it. We had the perfect weather overcast, with a chill in the air and a light mist for some of the run. I felt really well throughout most of the run and felt at the end I really could have gone further, which is a great way to end a long run in my opinion. Having worked hard enough, but not so hard that you left it all on the trail, that’s for race day!
The next day our two other training buddies tackled their own long run (Amy’s last before her taper of 22 and Stacy who ran the 22 with Amy because she’s a great friend!) They did awesome too!
So training and morning running continues at least for a few more weeks, and it’s been going really well. I’ve covered 750 miles this year so far! I need to get out the map and see where I could have gone with that number.
Now on for the weekly happiness:
1. My morning running girls- I can’t express how much of a blessing these wonderful ladies have been in my life this season. We run side by side sometimes talking (okay a lot of the time talking) but sometimes just drawing quiet strength from being near one another. And when one of us is struggling with a run, the others are right there with encouragement and support. We’ve shared so much on these dark morning runs, so much yet to be shared, and I’m comforted and at home in their presence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes on cloudy days.
3. My new work schedule- They changed our allowable work schedules to 9 hours 4 days a week and half day Fridays! So I decided to try it out and so far so good. I like the quiet hour at the end of the day to get things done.
4. My Mom- yesterday was her Birthday and I’m reminded time and time again how blessed I am to have her. I’m so glad I got to know her as an adult friend! She’s awesome!!
5. My Bible Study- Learning so much about God. And the other ladies are incredible.
My life is so full, rich and blessed!
Last week Dana and I tackled the 20 mile, if you can do this you can run a marathon, run! It was Dana’s very first 20 and she rocked it. We had the perfect weather overcast, with a chill in the air and a light mist for some of the run. I felt really well throughout most of the run and felt at the end I really could have gone further, which is a great way to end a long run in my opinion. Having worked hard enough, but not so hard that you left it all on the trail, that’s for race day!
The next day our two other training buddies tackled their own long run (Amy’s last before her taper of 22 and Stacy who ran the 22 with Amy because she’s a great friend!) They did awesome too!
So training and morning running continues at least for a few more weeks, and it’s been going really well. I’ve covered 750 miles this year so far! I need to get out the map and see where I could have gone with that number.
Now on for the weekly happiness:
1. My morning running girls- I can’t express how much of a blessing these wonderful ladies have been in my life this season. We run side by side sometimes talking (okay a lot of the time talking) but sometimes just drawing quiet strength from being near one another. And when one of us is struggling with a run, the others are right there with encouragement and support. We’ve shared so much on these dark morning runs, so much yet to be shared, and I’m comforted and at home in their presence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes on cloudy days.
3. My new work schedule- They changed our allowable work schedules to 9 hours 4 days a week and half day Fridays! So I decided to try it out and so far so good. I like the quiet hour at the end of the day to get things done.
4. My Mom- yesterday was her Birthday and I’m reminded time and time again how blessed I am to have her. I’m so glad I got to know her as an adult friend! She’s awesome!!
5. My Bible Study- Learning so much about God. And the other ladies are incredible.
My life is so full, rich and blessed!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Reflections
I've spent much of the past 10 days or so in a reflective thinking mood. Most of it due to anniversary dates I wish hadn't come. I hate the word anniversary for sad events, somehow in my mind, I think they should only be for happy things.
First of course was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. I spent much of that Sunday this year reflecting and praying. I watched some of the memorial coverage and thought of how one day (just a few hours in reality) had forever changed the world. But more than that as I listened to the names read, and saw those families with their fingers tracing the names of loved ones, I was struck all over again that this event had forever changed those families. Forever thankful to our military and our first responders who are heros always.
The second anniversary date happened on Monday, with the 5th (how it world has it been 5 years) of my friends Angela and Shayne's precious daughter Christi's death. She was just 9 years old and she died of a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. I met Angela through the blog she kept (and still does) about Christi and her family. Is it unfair that Christi died in my mind- you bet it is! But Christi is 100% cured, healthy and happy in Heaven, no doubt of that.
In an awesome irony I found out that my running buddy Stacy knows Christi's family too! Her Mom worked with Angela on some education committees. Did Christi have something to do with us becoming morning running partners. So closely matched in temperment and personality, so much in common, running the same exact race (without even knowing it first). I know God knew exactly what I would need this training season, He knew I would need some morning running partners so He sent me Stacy, Dana and Amy. In the hot humid summer we have had having these ladies to run with has literally saved my training. I know there is no way I would have gotten in near as many runs as I have without them to meet me. God in His infinite wisdom knew what I needed, and He gave it me.
So on Monday when we finished our run, we stood in the still, dark morning and blew kisses to Heaven for Christi as I told her we loved her and we missed her, and Stacy asked for her to send us some strength.
My ultimate reflection these past two weeks, is that life is short, we never, ever know what tommorrow is going to bring- so we should enjoy the miracle of the momement. Thankful for momements this week that have brought me joy!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Enjoy what you have while you have it." Christi
First of course was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. I spent much of that Sunday this year reflecting and praying. I watched some of the memorial coverage and thought of how one day (just a few hours in reality) had forever changed the world. But more than that as I listened to the names read, and saw those families with their fingers tracing the names of loved ones, I was struck all over again that this event had forever changed those families. Forever thankful to our military and our first responders who are heros always.
The second anniversary date happened on Monday, with the 5th (how it world has it been 5 years) of my friends Angela and Shayne's precious daughter Christi's death. She was just 9 years old and she died of a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. I met Angela through the blog she kept (and still does) about Christi and her family. Is it unfair that Christi died in my mind- you bet it is! But Christi is 100% cured, healthy and happy in Heaven, no doubt of that.
In an awesome irony I found out that my running buddy Stacy knows Christi's family too! Her Mom worked with Angela on some education committees. Did Christi have something to do with us becoming morning running partners. So closely matched in temperment and personality, so much in common, running the same exact race (without even knowing it first). I know God knew exactly what I would need this training season, He knew I would need some morning running partners so He sent me Stacy, Dana and Amy. In the hot humid summer we have had having these ladies to run with has literally saved my training. I know there is no way I would have gotten in near as many runs as I have without them to meet me. God in His infinite wisdom knew what I needed, and He gave it me.
So on Monday when we finished our run, we stood in the still, dark morning and blew kisses to Heaven for Christi as I told her we loved her and we missed her, and Stacy asked for her to send us some strength.
My ultimate reflection these past two weeks, is that life is short, we never, ever know what tommorrow is going to bring- so we should enjoy the miracle of the momement. Thankful for momements this week that have brought me joy!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Enjoy what you have while you have it." Christi
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Weekly Happiness
Things that are making me happy this week:
1. Sweatshirts- I love a soft comfy sweatshirt, and now it is cool enough to wear them.
2. Long hot showers after cold rainy runs.
3. Friends who make my life good, rich and full!
4. My nephews- their giggly little voices on the phone never fail to make me smile! I love you Braydan, Dylan and Peyton!!!
5. Having only 6 weeks left until my marathon- To me the race is the reward for all the training, it's the fun part (well mostly fun anyway!)
6. Honey Crisp apples- my favorite!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
1. Sweatshirts- I love a soft comfy sweatshirt, and now it is cool enough to wear them.
2. Long hot showers after cold rainy runs.
3. Friends who make my life good, rich and full!
4. My nephews- their giggly little voices on the phone never fail to make me smile! I love you Braydan, Dylan and Peyton!!!
5. Having only 6 weeks left until my marathon- To me the race is the reward for all the training, it's the fun part (well mostly fun anyway!)
6. Honey Crisp apples- my favorite!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday Happiness
I've decided to make Tuesday my day that I list things that are making me happy! Tuesday seems like a good day to do it.
Things that are making me happy today:
1. Being on Vacation! I can't remember the last time (if ever) I've taken a vacation in the fall- I always take a week in July and one at Christmas, but rarely at any other time of the year. So this is nice- it's a stayaction so no agenda.
2. My parent's Keuring- love!! I think I've had 3 or 4 Chai Teas since I arrived on Monday and I'm drinking another right now.
3. Reading- I'm finishing "The Help" and about to start "Marathon Woman"- and I can read all day if I feel like it.
4. My nephews- Both spent the night last night and we had a relaxing morning together, and they came back this evening for dinner. And a walk with the dog while they rode their bikes. So much fun!
5. Cool Weather- I know this is just a fall tease but being able to walk the dog in long sleeves today was a treat!!
Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday too!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Things that are making me happy today:
1. Being on Vacation! I can't remember the last time (if ever) I've taken a vacation in the fall- I always take a week in July and one at Christmas, but rarely at any other time of the year. So this is nice- it's a stayaction so no agenda.
2. My parent's Keuring- love!! I think I've had 3 or 4 Chai Teas since I arrived on Monday and I'm drinking another right now.
3. Reading- I'm finishing "The Help" and about to start "Marathon Woman"- and I can read all day if I feel like it.
4. My nephews- Both spent the night last night and we had a relaxing morning together, and they came back this evening for dinner. And a walk with the dog while they rode their bikes. So much fun!
5. Cool Weather- I know this is just a fall tease but being able to walk the dog in long sleeves today was a treat!!
Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday too!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Monday, September 5, 2011
Giving Back and a long weekend of running
Runapaloza 2011 is offically over for the weekend!
Yesterday I had the opportunity and privelage of giving back in some small part to the running community who has given so much to me. I paced a group for the quarter marathon 6.55 miles at Emerald City. It was an awesome race, well organized, well supported and a huge medal for all finishers. I had a blast sharing the miles with my friend Kim, who was the perfect pacing partner. We were able to encourage others along the way and that's what pacing is all about. It was so much fun to see so many first timers out there including Ben from Fleet Feet. He did great in his first half marathon finish. Congratulations Ben!
Then today I ran For the Health of It, Four Mile race in Westerville. The temperature sure had changed from Saturday- it was perfect running weather in my opinion. I was delighted to be able to run with my friends Hannah, Stacy and Libby. Libby was recovering from an awesome half marathon the day before, and we were all "supposed" to be taking it easy. Thanks Hannah for making the miles fly by!
Well apparently cooler weather makes me run faster because my offical average pace was 11:46 per mile. Not too shabby after having run 16 and 6.55 miles respectively the two days before. So run/walk is apparently the way to go for me, I haven't run a 4 miler for time in so long that I'm not sure if this was a Personal Record or not. I would guess close if not one. Add that to the PR I ran at the 5K in July, and I'm loving the run/walk method! I can hardly wait to see what happens at the Marathon in October.
And now I get to extend the holiday a bit longer. I've been enjoying the afternoon/evening here at my parent's house with my two nephews Braydan and Dylan!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Life is for Participating, not spectating." Kathrine Switzer
Yesterday I had the opportunity and privelage of giving back in some small part to the running community who has given so much to me. I paced a group for the quarter marathon 6.55 miles at Emerald City. It was an awesome race, well organized, well supported and a huge medal for all finishers. I had a blast sharing the miles with my friend Kim, who was the perfect pacing partner. We were able to encourage others along the way and that's what pacing is all about. It was so much fun to see so many first timers out there including Ben from Fleet Feet. He did great in his first half marathon finish. Congratulations Ben!
Then today I ran For the Health of It, Four Mile race in Westerville. The temperature sure had changed from Saturday- it was perfect running weather in my opinion. I was delighted to be able to run with my friends Hannah, Stacy and Libby. Libby was recovering from an awesome half marathon the day before, and we were all "supposed" to be taking it easy. Thanks Hannah for making the miles fly by!
Well apparently cooler weather makes me run faster because my offical average pace was 11:46 per mile. Not too shabby after having run 16 and 6.55 miles respectively the two days before. So run/walk is apparently the way to go for me, I haven't run a 4 miler for time in so long that I'm not sure if this was a Personal Record or not. I would guess close if not one. Add that to the PR I ran at the 5K in July, and I'm loving the run/walk method! I can hardly wait to see what happens at the Marathon in October.
And now I get to extend the holiday a bit longer. I've been enjoying the afternoon/evening here at my parent's house with my two nephews Braydan and Dylan!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Life is for Participating, not spectating." Kathrine Switzer
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Scenes from Saturday
Let's see how many S's I can use in this post. :)
Sixteeen- As in 16 miles that is! Stacy and I conquered her first 16 miler today! We met early to beat the heat that decided to invade Columbus today. We actually had a great run- the heat only really started in earnest during our last 3 miles so I was glad we got out early.
Then it was on to breakfast at Scramblers no picture here because I left my camera in the car. Suffice it to say the breakfast was delicious and the company even better.
Then we headed on over to our favorite running store Fleet Feet so that Stacy could have the opportuntity to meet Kathrine Switzer. The courage she had to stand up the status quo brings tears to my eyes. And did today! The race that changed the world- I would say so. She really made the sport I love possible for us women. It was an honor to get to meet her this weekend. She is amazing!
After all that I came home and watched the Buckeyes in the 'Shoe beat up on Akron!
I have had the best day!! Running, friends and football! Life is good!
Sixteeen- As in 16 miles that is! Stacy and I conquered her first 16 miler today! We met early to beat the heat that decided to invade Columbus today. We actually had a great run- the heat only really started in earnest during our last 3 miles so I was glad we got out early.
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| 16 Miles DONE!!! |
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| The Race that Changed the World- Who says I can't run Boston- we'll just see!! Love her courage! |
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| Stacy and I with a Running Legend! |
I have had the best day!! Running, friends and football! Life is good!
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