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!