#12 - run a marathon!

MyDouble check! On the way to check this one off the 30 before 30, I managed to check it off twice. So here's a marathon of a post to recap this goal! 

On October 20th, I ran my very first marathon in Chattanooga, TN. Our training program had us scheduled for a 26 mile run in town, so I figured I'd just sign up to run a "real" marathon. 

I signed up for the marathon some time in August and even from sign up, I wondered why/ how I could run it without my awesome running group. Over the past 6 months, I've grown to love and appreciate that group and each individual in it.

So the week before the run, I decided I would "try" to convince Steve to jump ship/abandon the group and go to Chattanooga with me. Little did I know, I had done a better job convincing Tracy (our group leader) to jump ship.... That was a huge suprise! So by the end of that Saturday (the week of the upcoming race) Tracy and Steve were in. 

Tuesday after our morning run, I get a text from Tracy that said Pam was in! Awesome. She is such a strong runner! Then later that night or the next Belinda joined us. Me heart was overwhelmed with excitement. We found out Jackie, another group member had already signed up and then Erica and Kevin joined the group, so 8 of our 10 group members headed to Chattanooga for the marathon!

We picked up our race packets, enjoyed great fellowship, and prepared for the big race! It was chilly Sunday morning. We assembled, said a prayer, and then...  We ran... A long way!

Here's the thing about marathons... They are very long. Our group has always stayed together (for the most part). It's one of the things I really love about our group. We ran the first half and hit the half split right on pace around 2:30 hours. It was a "little" hilly. We had been over 3 bridges at that point. Then... The monster hit me. It started to warm up quickly, we hit a stretch of highway that would never end, and around mile 15 we hit the biggest monster of a bridge I had ever seen. By the end of that bridge, my stomach was in knots... Here's more info than anyone needs, but I would have loved to been able to get anything (and everything) out of my stomach and that point, but nothing would budge... I started to fall back from the group and my amazing pace leader Tracy stayed back with me. The next 10 miles were hard but we ticked them off, one by one. Tracy encouraged and God enabled me to finish! Around 25 we met up with Erica and Kevin and ran to the finish with them. Pam, Jackie, Steve, and Belinda finished before us, and I was ever so happy to see their faces when we sprinted to the finish! 

These people will always hold a special place in my heart! 

After the first marathon, my original goal marathon was just on the horizon. In between I had the opportunity to run the Los Angeles Rock and Roll half marathon. So now, I had a marathon under my belt and a rock and roll half, so physically and mentally I was ready for the Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon! 

Race morning started around 5 am. I never sleep well before big races... Excitement, anxiousness, emotions, and this time what seemed/smelled like a fire on our room around 2 am... 

Thankfully we survived :) my amazing husband shuttled us (Mike and Jenny Meier were running the full as well) to the start line. Took a bathroom break and settled into my corral. About 15,000 people ran the half/full that day. The atmosphere and crowd support in Savannah was great. 

For the first time in 6 months, it was just me (aside from the other 15,000 people running - but you get the point) at the start of a long run. I missed my group and prayed for each of them as I started running. They too were running another marathon today! 

The first 10 miles went by pretty quickly. We were still on the course with the half marathoners, so I had to dodge (or they had to dogdeme since I was following the run/walk method). We solo off from the half group around 11 and hit the highway... Ugh. I hate highways. It was starting to warm up pretty significantly when we hit the highway, so it took a lot out of me. We only ran about 2 miles on the highway, but I knew I would have to retrace those highway steps on the way back to the finish (mile 22-24) another ugh... On my way out on the highway, the elite runners were already on their way back... Geez. They are fast!

After I left the highway, I knew Adam and my mom were just around the corner (around the corner for a marathoner means around a mile but it encouraged me). I saw their faces before they saw me... Waved at them at 14.5 and headed on toward Savannah state university. Their students really came out in force to cheer and encourage. Everyone was great! Somewhere on Savannah State's campus, I took my 2:30 : 1 intervals down to 2:1 (the first number is how long I run and the minute is a walk break - it works for the long runs... Just trust that I wouldn't want to just run...) 

I got another opportunity to see Adam and Mom at 17.5 where I picked up a banana and hug and headed on... Around mile 19, I entered a big park, Mike and Jenny were around 21 on their way out the park and have a sweet encouragement. They were booking it!

The park was hard. I really began to pray. Prayed for my group. Asked God why I decided to do this race instead of the one with them because I really need any one of them to give me a swift kick at this point. In the park, I took the run down to 1:30. I also took this opportunity to pray to God that he remind me why I ran. He did. 

It's to be a witness for him. He didn't give me the gift of encouragement to just hold it in and not share it. I also asked him to give me someone to help get me through these last 6 miles... And he did just that.

Right as I approached mile 20, a man came up from behind and asked if he could walk with me for a second. I smiled and said, "of course!" Thanks Lord!

We shared our names and I shared with him my strategy for the end of the run. He was encouraged and jumped on board. This was Shelby's first marathon and his first time over 20 miles! What a blessing. I told him that I had just asked God to give me some one to encouraged and bam... There he was. 

We prayed, shared scripture with each other, talked about Run for God, shares stories about our families... God was def present and running with us. 

One mile after another, they kept falling off. We stuck to the 1:30 : 1 all the way in. His children came running up to him around 26 and his oldest ran in with him. I may never run into Shelby again but I am incredibly thankful that God designed our running paths to cross.

As I hit the final turn to run in, I pushed with everything I had left (which was very little at this point). Grabbed the medal and lots of snacks, took some finish line pics, and headed to hug my amazing hubby and mom! 

I'm sure somewhere down the road, I'll run another marathon, but for now I am happy to finish and think I'll stick with half marathons and under for a while :)

Running to His Arms - Why I Run...

Sunday while in worship in church, the team led Hillsong's "Forever Reign". I have renamed the song "Running to His Arms." The song is more of my hearts cry for Christ. I imagine one day running as fast as I can into God's arms, arms wide open, awaiting me! Makes me smile and cry to imagine that sweet moment. So every Sunday this song is played, I am reminded of the many reasons I run and this blog will share a little into my heart for God and for this amazing tool he has used to draw me into his arms.

First off, I run because God allows me to. I acknowledge that without him, I am nothing. I never want to allow running to become an idol that comes in front of God. I want my running to glorify God.

I run because God used running as a tool to bring me back into his arms.
I run because a good habit is always better than a bad one.

Running is my therapy. Running is my stress relief. I run to release any frustration that has been building in my life, heart, and mind.

I run for my health. You can see my physical transformation from running here on the blog.
I run because I like to eat. I do NOT like to diet... and I don't diet. If I want a piece of cake or cookies or pizza... I have it (in moderation).

I run with friends and family. Running has been an amazing way to build wonderful relationships (real ones, lasting ones, ones I will cherish forever). Some of my greatest memories now are from stories shared while running.

I run to inspire others. No not everyone likes running or will run, but I hope that my story encourages others and says "If I can do it... you can too!"

Sometimes I just need to run alone (or run with my dog Charlie -who can't talk back to me). Those runs are usually short and sweet!
I run to hear the birds chirping. I run in the rain. I run to see the sun rises and sun sets. I run and take in the beauty of God's creation. It forces me to slow down and realize all the beautiful blessings surrounding us every day that we're just to busy to see as we speed by.

I run fast some days. I run slow some days. Some days God just forces me to walk. I find that some of the sweetest times are when I'm yucky, in a bad mood, forced to slow down... and then God teaches me and reveals to me something beautiful.

I run because it is a challenge. Each run is different. Each run has a start, a journey in the middle, and a finish line. Most runs are training runs for a bigger goal. You just have to put in the work to get to where you want to be.

I run because I love to. I seriously love every step (ok maybe not every step...) and if ever there comes a time when I lose joy in running... I'm sure God will show me a new path!

I was once running away from the bad choices and habits in my life. Running then was a survival tactic. Now I run as a reminder than with Christ I can do all things. I no longer have to run from the hurt, habits, and pain of my past. I can bring it all to God (usually during those early morning runs) and he always embraces me with arms wide open!

May = MIA... But I so Grateful, Thankful, & Blessed

Ok... so I have been on blog hiatus... Slammed busy but this business has reminded me of how wonderfully blessed I am.

I could write an entire book on all the wonderful blessings God has given to me. Let's just face it. I wouldn't be alive without him! So every breathe, sight, sound, job, friendship, gathering, celebration... everything is because of him!

I am so thankful and grateful for my life. I am blessed beyond measure. I am no way worthy of all the wonderful things I am about to write about which makes me even more grateful for each of them!

After the Run for God goal race, I had a wonderful opportunity to rest and relax at the beach. It was beautiful and amazing! We also had some great company!

I began working at Fitness for Women on Wednesday, May 1st! I am absolutely loving it. God gives each of us specific gifts and passions. He also places people, experiences, and challenges in our paths to prepare us for the plan he has for our life. When you are using your gifts and talents in the place God has designed you for, you can't help but love what you do.

Now will every day be perfect... No. God doesn't promise perfect, but his plan is perfect. I'll continue to meet new people, experience and learn new things, and face challenges. God has gifted me for this specific time and place, so I can confidently trust him and his plan each day!

So here's just a few of the reasons I love this new position:

• I get to pursue my passion. God used running as a tool to draw me closer to him. He also created a passion in me to share that gift (and the gift of overall health with others). I get to give people a tool to health every single day. Now I can't make them work out. Just like I didn't have to run every day, but I can at least help them find the right fit and find some friends to hold them accountable!
• I work with a great group of ladies! Seriously... the staff is top notch. I am very thankful for them. I have to admit... I was a little concerned with a staff full of women, but these girls are like a family!
• It's a really positive atmosphere to work in. Each day on our 11 am conference reports we begin with a prayer. I love that! We also focus on successes. We share wins and almost wins and don't point people out for not meeting goals. There are also tools for success shared and thoughts to encourage our teams. Best part - this call (of about 25ish people reporting) lasts less than 10 minutes. Productive, positive, and to the point. Perfect!
• I like going to work everyday and the days go by fast. Monday - Thursday I work 9-7... kinda long days but they don't feel long. I'm pretty busy for the majority of the day, and it just flies by!
• I know I am following after God's plan for me. I can see that his perfect plan has designed this for me and I am thankful every moment for his grace, mercy, and perfect plan for me.

This first month has been full of new things. I have learned a great deal in this first month. I'm also thankful that even in the transition, we have had a great May. I am excited to continue to learn and lead the staff to insure Fitness for Women is the best place to get and stay healthy in Columbus! I also want every lady to be encouraged, supported, and comfortable at our facility. I want the children that visit our fun center to enjoy their time in a safe environment. There are so many wonderful things happening, and I look forward to more!

I promise to be a little more present from here... This Summer is full of running excitement! I'm training for a marathon on November 9th, and I'll be sharing some of those thoughts over the next few months. I'm going to spend quite a bit of time focused on improving my running! I'm running the Columbus Road Runners Summer Series to keep me accountable and work on speed.

I also want to share more "real life" stories and encouragement from this new position as well as other "Run-ins with God's presence." I am continually reminded that he is present in every situation! All I have to do is be open and aware (and get out of the way when he instructs me to)!

Excited, Grateful, Thankful, & Blessed!

Exciting New Chapter

What an incredible year 2013 has been so far and I'm sure the rest of the year will be just as (if not more) exciting than the first four months.

Here's a praise report from the last few months (and a little back into 2012...) God has truly blessed our lives so much!

• In December 2012, Adam and I bought a home! Yay!
• A little before that, I changed jobs (which made the home purchase a little more difficult, but God always has a plan). I started working as a Sales Rep for Med Away Disposal Services and River Mill Data Management.
• Adam and I celebrated our first anniversary :)
• In February, I began facilitating our life school class - Run for God. Awesome, sweet, amazing journey.
• Just a few short weeks after the class begin, I began a new journey to pursue my passion for fitness. I met with some local fitness professionals to learn about pursuing a career or part-time position in fitness. They recommended I start with a group fitness cerfitication... so I signed up and started studying.
• I signed up for a marathon... still hasn't fully set in... training starts in a couple of weeks and the race is November 9th!
• I studied and took my group fitness certification. Feel like it went great, but still awaiting the results...
• Today, 58 Run for God Participants completed the goal race! More on today's race in a future blog but for now, here's our group photo!
  

When I finished the group fitness certification test, I wondered when I would get the opportunity to use it, how would I find someone to shadow and learn more, am I really sure this is for me?

But Got in his awesome design has opened a new door and is giving me the opportunity to use my work experience and passion for fitness in a new career!

Starting May 1st, I will begin a new position as the General Manger for AC Fitness for Women (a women's only health club). I am so thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started! During the month of May, I will get to shadow the current General Manager. What an awesome way to ease the transition.

Can't wait to begin and share this new chapter on some future blogs!
I am so thankful to Butch Barwick and the entire River Mill Team for the opportunity to work there. Although it may have been a short run, God allowed me to meet some really great people, learn from each of them, and grow personally and professionally.

And one extra sweet little blessing from God, we are on our way to a weekend get away at the Beach! So thankful for a little rest and relaxation. Icing on the cake...  we are heading to the same place that began the Run for God journey... Here's a few photos from our last beach trip.

At the Back Porch for dinner with Jullian. She's the one that told me about a running/bible study program going on at her church.

Visiting with our sweet Aunt Boo Boo and Uncle David. We are staying at their condo in Panama City Beach. If you ever need a condo, let us get you in contact with them!

Beach photos with my love

Pre-Race Jitters

With our Run for God goal race tomorrow, I think it's time to tackle those pre-race jitters.

I remember my very first race... January 1, 2011. Life changing and terrifying! First off, the race was in Atlanta (wasn't sure where to go), the weather was not as pleasant as I would have liked...

The red pin... that's where the race was...

And like anything new or different, sometime we just get nervous because we don't know what to expect.



Here's my very first bib number - nerves and all! (and yes... this was about 35 pounds ago)



So how do we overcome those pre-race jitters. Here's a few suggestions:

• Stick to your routine. Imagine race day as just another run on a new route with a few friends (OK maybe more than a few...) Don't try to do anything extra special on race day. Watch your diet and be sure to get rest the night before.
• Mentally prepare for the race. You can do it. Say it over and over again if you need to. Think positive.
• Relax - yes that seems hard with all the excitement around you but breathe through the nervousness and excitement. Side note - you're going to need that oxygen during the run.
• Break the race into segments. For our 5k race, break it down into 3 1 mile chunks with a .1 victory stretch :) Running the smaller segments will help you mentally overcome the race.

Hope those tips help. Here's a few more photos from my very first race for your entertainment :)

Run for God - Week 10 - "Test Run"

With Race day only 2 days away (6 days away as of our class Sunday), I can feel the excitement! Sunday we had an opportunity to "test run" the full 5k distance and our class rocked it.

I would love to tell you in words how awesome it was to see each person complete the 5k distance, but I just couldn't do it justice. See, as we "run the race" God has planned for us, we change... he transforms us... he empowers us. Christ is in us, with us, for us, before us... His love is perfect and will never change.

So as I watched each person round the corner and run toward our mock finish line Sunday, I reflected on the journey. I thanked God for each individual, for their journey, and for allowing me to be a vessel to deliver his sweet love and encouragement. There are also so many wonderful testimonies of God's perfect love, his strength, and his glory in this journey. I would love to share some of those testimonies but for now (until those individuals give me permission...) I'll just share some pictures. I would love to share every picture, but there are over 100... here's some of my favorite pictures from Sunday!




Race Line Up

And they're off!

This is the point where we both look at each other and say, "They're gone... now what?"

 

1st Place guy and gal

 

And here are some pictures of big smiles as they finish the "test run"

 

 

This is my Mom who completed her first 3.1 miles on Sunday. So incredibly proud of her!

New friendships made :)

Final "pep talk" as we end our Run for God class

 

 Our goal race is this Saturday. I am looking forward to sharing more then! If you are following along for the workouts, this week's workout is Run 3 miles (workout 1), Run 2 miles (workout 2), walk 20 min (workout 3).

 

I'll leave you with one of my favorite versus and the one I wear on my wrist as a daily reminder:

 

Hebrews 12: 1-3

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Run for God - Week 9 - The Next Step?

With only 10 days until our goal race, I can already feel the excitement and buzz for it. Wait... The excitement has always been here! I remember what it felt like in January as the participants started to sign up. I was excited about every single person! When I would see a new addition, I prayed about their journey and thanked God for every single individual. Now as we reach our goal race, I am still thanking God for every single person. I can't wait to see each person cross the finish line (so I better run fast...), hug their sweaty neck, and share in the joy of completing the race.

 

This past Sunday was a real treat. It seemed as though we may get another "rain cleansing", but the rain and skies calmed as we met. When we left for a run, overcast skies, and we had a great 30 minute run. We also had a really good discussion about keeping Christ in the forefront of every aspect of our lives: our family, our hobbies, our work, our everything! Think about a pancake vs a waffle. We want God's grace, love, and leadership covering every aspect of our lives like syrup covers and seeps into a pancake. We don't want to put God into "compartments" of our life like waffles.

 

This upcoming Sunday is our last class :( but I'm pretty positive that it is not the end!

 

 

 

For the last couple of weeks, many of the participants have been asking me "what's next?" Now I'm a planner, so I thought about what was next in January before the class ever started. What I have learned, however, is that God's plans are always bigger and better than my plans.

 

He is equipping and preparing each of us for our purpose in his kingdom. He is always doing that. He gives us gifts, experiences, and passions that prepare us for his service.

 

Here's my thoughts (in an email to the class) as I have prayed about the future:

 

There are quite a few people in this class that are equipped to lead another 5k Run for God program. If that interests you, please let me know and I can help you there! I could see an entire team of people coming out of this group to lead. I also could see a "next step" class coming out of this study like a 10k training program. This next step could run in conjunction with the next 5k program (and the 10k group would just run longer) It also wouldn't be far fetched to start a training program for a half marathon. Some of you could go that path. Finally, there might not be a next step for Run for God... Maybe a group run each week comes out of it or just some great new relationships. What ever happens, I pray that you continue to pursue physical and spiritual health.

 

I am encouraged that so many of you want to continue some sort of journey that has been initiated by Run for God! I know that God is and has been at work through this entire journey. I thank him daily for allowing me to be a part of this journey. I am humbled that he has allowed me to see his hand at work in each and every one of you! I'll share more about my journey in a future blog post, but I am so thankful that God has allowed me to grow through this journey as well.

 

I have also encouraged each individual to develop at least two goals: a physical goal and a spiritual goal. As we conclude the class this Sunday, we are going to share, encourage, and empower each other to pursue God's call for our lives.

 

If you are following along in the workouts, this week's workout is a 5 min warm up, 30 minute run, 5 min cool down and stretch.