Reminder

Such a good reminder...never forget this message!

Have a Blessed Weekend! Remember these words!

Endurance

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13

This verse spoke to me this morning in a big way. It relates to running, but it also relates to life in general. We are tested each day in different ways. Some days are harder and more complicated than others. We must keep a strong faith in order to get through those days. God has made us all strong and gives us the strength to overcome tough days or periods of life.
I think about running when I read this verse because running is a sport that takes great strength and determination. It can be so easy to give up during a hard workout, or even during an easy run some days! I know that I could not get through my workouts and runs without my God with me for every step. He helps me power through and overcome, especially on the days when I am struggling. He gives me the endurance I need to achieve great goals. He will never give me more than I can handle. This verse is a great reminder to strive for greatness and use the gifts God has given me. God is with me always and provides the strength I need for every situation and task I am trying to accomplish. I want to use this strength to be an inspiration to everyone around me.
Be a positive example for others and share in those moments of great endurance and achievements through God's unending strength. Never give up on your gifts and dreams. God will help you achieve great things as long as you trust in His plan and remember He will never give you more than you can handle.

***Feeling inspired while watching the Boston Marathon! Such an inspiring race and I hope to be there one day!***

-LOLO-

"Cast off the Troubles of Your Body"

"So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body."
-Ecclesiastes 9:11

For those of us who worry too much about things that God is in control of...

Yes, you have aches and pains. You worry too much about them. Hasn't God given you a body that is able to heal over time? He has blessed you with His healing power. Be grateful for this body and remember those who are worse off than you. God still allows you to do what you love every day. Honor Him and let His blessings fall down on you. Use this gift of running to bless others. Let it humble you every day. ALWAYS be thankful for this gift. Trust in his healing power. "Cast off the troubles of your body!" Let God stay in control of your healing. Let Him take your anxieties away! Thank you Lord for the wonderful gift of running. Always run with His joy in your heart.

(Flickr)

Thoughts for the Year...

Goals for 2015:

-Let God guide my every step..He must be given all the glory; I cannot love the gift He has given me more than Him (thanks Ryan Hall!)
-Get back into Elite running shape and become stronger than ever before
-Listen to my body..aches, pains, tiredness, irritability, hunger and assess the best options for each day
-Keep balance in my life: new job, church, family, friends, running, etc.
-Inspire as many people as I can through the gifts God has blessed me with
-Keep stress levels down/remember that I don't have to do everything all at once
-Take each day one step at a time and cherish every moment
-Love more: others and myself
-Place God first every single day

P.S.
If you haven't read Running With Joy by Ryan Hall...do. I'm not even finished yet, but I've already learned so much and want to make so many changes in my life.

Have a great start to the new year!

Lolo

Also, I am so excited to be a part of Team Nuun!! I can't wait to get back to tough, sweaty workouts and races and help represent! :) This stuff is amazing!

Sometimes You Need a Break...

Proverbs 23:18

"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

I had an amazing 2014. I took trips, spent tons of time with wonderful people, and ran A LOT. I didn't hit all of my goals while racing, but I made many memories and learned a lot through the good and bad times. I hit a mileage high for many weeks during my summer/fall training...85 miles! I managed to still run over 2,000 miles through out the year; even with my spring setback. I had some amazing workouts that I didn't know I was capable of; and some that I struggled to finish. God got me through every good day and every bad day, whether it was during training or just life in general. 

I also learned that sometimes you have to take a step back from training. During my November half marathon, I started to feel some major hip pain. Of course, I finished the race when I probably shouldn't have, and after taking a 5 day break, the pain was still pretty intense when I ran. Finally, I decided to see someone about it and the pain is slowly going away, but manages to pop back up randomly. After praying (A LOT) about healing and continuing to run, I feel like God is telling me my body needs a good rest. God created us to do amazing things with our bodies. I've realized that to keep my body strong and healthy, I have to take better care of it. I know that running is a gift I've been blessed with, but I can't take this gift for granted. I've also been blessed with the ability to take care of myself and make decisions based on my future. I know God has a plan, and I trust Him. He knows what He is doing and I shouldn't worry. This is not the end, it is just time for a new beginning and a fresh start. In the meantime, I will be able to focus on my new job working with students! I am nervous, but once again I know it is not my plan or my will, it is God's will for me. 

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope your new beginnings bring you much happiness! Remember, God has a plan for all of us and we must let Him guide us. God is Good!