getting back in the groove

Finally recovered from my cold, sinus infection, allergies, etc. so I am feeling GOOD again- yippee! That is until I went to class yesterday and Jen about KILLED the muscles in my hamstrings (which by the way were already sore from Tues, since besides last thursday is the only real workout I've had in about 3 weeks (!yikes!). The weather has begun to turn warm here, which means that the mornings are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! A little chill, but just right for walking or running or biking....so, I am re-motivated to get out there and get going! I even pulled out our bike rack and I'm going to try to install it on my car so I can transport the bikes easier to the turnpike trail to go riding. This year W should be able to ride along with me (or I can run as she rides), instead of my pulling her in the bike cart like I've had to do in the past. Since I don't have to bring the bike cart, I think I can use the rack and it'll be easier to transport everything, which means hopefully I'll do it more often :) Anyone locally want to go with me?

Got my Garmin out again and used it on a short run last weekend with the dog. I love that thing! It is so amazing and cool to know your speed, calories burned, etc while running outside. Helps with motivation too :)

Run & not grow weary

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
[Isaiah 40:31]

Isn't this awesome?!
You can overcome.
You can do it!
Put your trust in Him and He will give u the strength.

When I was running 15k's and half marathons, I would try to write these words on my forearm or my hand. Because as I was running I would inevitably get to a point of being so exhausted I would want to give up. But I would remember these words and I would repeat them over and over in my head. Just like a gas pedal in the car, my steps would increase, and my stride would lengthen and I would feel better, in fact I would feel great, and I would just continue on. It's amazing how strong the Word of God is. Its not just for church. Its for our life. If your life is being lived without it... try some, you might find that you like it :)

Run Run Run

I just finished a half marathon run on my treadmill-woohoo!!!! I decided that if I do one long run a week from now until May , then I should be prepared for the OK Aquarium 1/2 Marathon that I want to do. Since I haven't "trained " well for any other race I thought I should try to prepare so that it doesn't sneak up on me and make me nervous. With the rest of my cross training and 1 run long run a week I think I'll be ready for it both in condition and stamina. And with being "ready" then hopefully I can go out and JUST RUN! instead of being anxious about it and not feeling prepared for it.My only problem is that I haven't been doing any serious running (nothing over 4 miles) for about 3 months, so even though I tried to warm up with a 1 mile walk and some stretches, my body is now ACHING from my back to my feet- ouch! I even took "marathon Mandy's" advice and took an "ice bath" (actually just a freezing cold water bath) right after to hopefully speed the healing in my legs since I know this run was a bit of a shock to my system. Even with that, I'm still sore. Like I've said before, I'm not exactly the best planner when it comes to running. I just do it. But I am trying to take the advice of my running friends so that I can do it better instead of "just doing it". So there you have it , my story for the day. I'll keep u posted to see if I keep this up-I'll probably need to do these long runs on Sat/Sun/Mon/or Wed., but my goal is to do them Saturdays so that I can keep Sunday as my "rest day". we'll see how it goes. Talk to u ya later. (ps did I mention my stomach hurts too :( ouch ).