Thursday, December 18, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Ultimate Healer
Run Run Run song (YouTube video)
Psalm 71:14 "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."
I've recently been on the "comeback train" since my slight injury in February. I have been trying to get over flexor hallucis longus tendonitis. Basically it's just a nuisance dull pain in my foot when I wake up in the morning and after hard or long runs. After seeing a doctor and a specialist, who told me how to relieve this pain, my foot has positively progressed over time. God provided me with the resources to get back out and run every day. He is the ultimate healer and provider of my needs and I know this is His work in me. No runner ever wants to hear the words "take some time off from running," but I have been able to praise God every day through out this process and I know He is making me stronger. My mileage is picking back up and I am able to run workouts and long runs again, which are a few of the things I missed the most! I am so thankful that I am able to train hard and reap the benefits of this amazing gift. Unfortunately, many people are not able to do the things they love, but I pray that they find something that brings joy to their lives.
I recently heard a song by Michelle Lewis titled "Run, Run, Run." This song was dedicated to the marathoners training for the Boston marathon. Running the Boston Marathon is definitely on my bucket list and my heart goes out to the families/friends who lost loved ones or who were injured at last year's race. Sometimes bad things happen, but we can always have faith and hope to carry us through. These are opportunities to talk to God and praise Him even more.
Watching the video for this song reignited, yet again, my major passion for running. I can totally relate to running through the heat, blistering cold, snow, ice, rain, wind, etc. to increase my fitness every day. Intense runners are known as "crazy" people, but sometimes you have to be a bit crazy to fulfill a dream. I've still got a long way to go to reach my true potential in running and life, but I have faith I will get there and "I will always have hope" and will praise God more and more throughout the process.
"God is good, All the time, And all the time, God is good"
(Go see God's Not Dead if you haven't yet!)
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Latest Race...
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
God is always working in my life! I recently returned from my latest race in Boulder, CO. I had an amazing trip and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and company. I was able to travel and race with my best friend, which was truly a gift from God! We raced in the USA XC Championships at the Flatiron's golf course. This is my second year to compete in this race, and I plan to return next year! I love this race because of the atmosphere and amazing talent it brings. I did not do as well as I planned, but I feel like this was a great learning experience for me to have. (this year 39th place; 32:23..last year 54th place; 30:39)
I knew I had to keep the race conservative from the start because I was racing at altitude, which would present a few challenges. I ran in Pueblo, CO last year for the outdoor track and field national championships in the 3k steeplechase and struggled with the altitude change from Evansville, IN. I was racing at an elevation of about 4,700+ feet. This was my first time running that high up and I felt like I was breathing through a straw the whole race! Naturally, I was a little worried when I found out I would be racing 8k at altitude because of my memories from the last race. Boulder, CO is even higher than Pueblo at around 5,400+ ft, which caused even more worries. I knew how bad my last race was and I did not want to feel that horrible again! I tried not to focus on this fact, so I just trained strong and knew I was stronger going into this race. This gave me the confidence to put my worries aside.
I started the race very cautious and tried not to go out too fast. After the first 2k loop I still felt strong, so I continued to play it safe until the last 2k loop of my race. I felt my breathing pick up as my pace picked up, but I knew this would've happened even at sea level. I was a little disappointed knowing I still had energy left by the end of the race, which made me realize I should have pushed a little harder each loop. This is why I called this race a "learning experience." I am still learning (and always will be learning) how to perform out on the tracks/ courses of each race. This also reminds me that I am always (and will always be learning) about life. Life presents many challenges and it always will. Learning/ making mistakes is what makes us better people. We can have regrets, but we always have to keep moving forward and remember that God is with us making us stronger. So if life is presenting a challenge, pray about it, move forward, and watch/listen for the answers. I have been thinking recently about my future plans, as far as running goes, and I am very excited to continue striving for new heights that I've never reached before! I'll write more about my new training as I get farther along! Remember, God is always with us and provides our needs!
-LOLO-
http://photos.denverpost.com/2014/02/15/photos-usa-cross-country-championship-at-the-flatirons-golf-course-in-boulder-february-15-2014/#7
(I got in the Denver Post pics with Jenny Simpson and Amy Van Alstine the winner!)
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
God is always working in my life! I recently returned from my latest race in Boulder, CO. I had an amazing trip and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and company. I was able to travel and race with my best friend, which was truly a gift from God! We raced in the USA XC Championships at the Flatiron's golf course. This is my second year to compete in this race, and I plan to return next year! I love this race because of the atmosphere and amazing talent it brings. I did not do as well as I planned, but I feel like this was a great learning experience for me to have. (this year 39th place; 32:23..last year 54th place; 30:39)
I knew I had to keep the race conservative from the start because I was racing at altitude, which would present a few challenges. I ran in Pueblo, CO last year for the outdoor track and field national championships in the 3k steeplechase and struggled with the altitude change from Evansville, IN. I was racing at an elevation of about 4,700+ feet. This was my first time running that high up and I felt like I was breathing through a straw the whole race! Naturally, I was a little worried when I found out I would be racing 8k at altitude because of my memories from the last race. Boulder, CO is even higher than Pueblo at around 5,400+ ft, which caused even more worries. I knew how bad my last race was and I did not want to feel that horrible again! I tried not to focus on this fact, so I just trained strong and knew I was stronger going into this race. This gave me the confidence to put my worries aside.
I started the race very cautious and tried not to go out too fast. After the first 2k loop I still felt strong, so I continued to play it safe until the last 2k loop of my race. I felt my breathing pick up as my pace picked up, but I knew this would've happened even at sea level. I was a little disappointed knowing I still had energy left by the end of the race, which made me realize I should have pushed a little harder each loop. This is why I called this race a "learning experience." I am still learning (and always will be learning) how to perform out on the tracks/ courses of each race. This also reminds me that I am always (and will always be learning) about life. Life presents many challenges and it always will. Learning/ making mistakes is what makes us better people. We can have regrets, but we always have to keep moving forward and remember that God is with us making us stronger. So if life is presenting a challenge, pray about it, move forward, and watch/listen for the answers. I have been thinking recently about my future plans, as far as running goes, and I am very excited to continue striving for new heights that I've never reached before! I'll write more about my new training as I get farther along! Remember, God is always with us and provides our needs!
-LOLO-
http://photos.denverpost.com/2014/02/15/photos-usa-cross-country-championship-at-the-flatirons-golf-course-in-boulder-february-15-2014/#7
(I got in the Denver Post pics with Jenny Simpson and Amy Van Alstine the winner!)
Monday, January 27, 2014
The Joys of Running...
(*Meant to post this a while back! Enjoy!)
This morning I had one of those amazing long runs where I didn't even realize what mile I was on or what pace I was going. It's amazing what a beautiful sunrise and the opportunity to talk with God for 16 miles can do for a person. Running is such a great time to solve your problems. Whatever you're going through, no matter how hard, can be reflected upon during a run. I personally use a lot of my running time praying or just talking to God about good or bad things that are going on in my life at the time. This morning I had a lot on my mind; mostly about my future, where I want to go in my life, and who I want to be included along the journey. I kept thinking about these verses:
This morning I had one of those amazing long runs where I didn't even realize what mile I was on or what pace I was going. It's amazing what a beautiful sunrise and the opportunity to talk with God for 16 miles can do for a person. Running is such a great time to solve your problems. Whatever you're going through, no matter how hard, can be reflected upon during a run. I personally use a lot of my running time praying or just talking to God about good or bad things that are going on in my life at the time. This morning I had a lot on my mind; mostly about my future, where I want to go in my life, and who I want to be included along the journey. I kept thinking about these verses:
Romans 12:2
New International Version (NIV) "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version (NIV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
I realized that no matter what others may think is right for me, I need to do what will make me happy. I know what I want to be included in my future, but it's not up to me. God knows what my plan is and it is my duty as a child of God to trust in his plan. Our society has a picture perfect view of what everyone's life should be like. I am challenging myself to stray away from what society thinks I should do and let God stay in control because ultimately every decision is His. He knows what my life will become and He has placed certain people, experiences, and occurrences in my life for a reason. They will all lead to new and exciting opportunities. My challenge for myself is to let go and let God be in control always. I want to love more, laugh more, and let my guard down more. Life is way too short to pass up an opportunity God is giving you. Don't let others decide your future. Talk it over with God and let Him show you the way.
Place God first with every decision!
-Lolo-
USA Olympic Training Center (Colorado location)
D2 Outdoor Track and Field National Championships with my very best friend! :)
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Verses for the new year:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
Proverbs 3: 5-8 (Something I am working on!)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.
So, it's the new year! What will you change, start, or stop doing to benefit yourself and others this year? Why not pick up a piece of fruit instead of that bag of chips...or put down the coke and drink your eight glasses of water a day? There are so many things we can do to make ourselves "better" or "healthier." We don't have to change the way we eat or treat our bodies alone, we can also change how we treat others and how we want to be viewed each day. Forgiveness can be hard, but maybe that's something that will change your life or another person's life. It can change the way you feel, act, and are portrayed as a person. Remember to talk to God about your problems and ask him for the guidance and the knowledge to know what decisions to make; whether it be what to eat each day, how to exercise, or how to handle a tough situation. He is the ultimate decision-maker and will give you the signs on how to change your life this year, you just have the tough job of watching for and acting upon those signs. Whatever you decide to change or add to your life this year, ask God first. He will handle all your problems if you let Him.
Stay healthy and happy!
-LOLO-
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