Re-cap from Racing

Hebrews 12:11-12

"11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."

Hello! It has been a while since I have posted, but I am hoping to have more time now that I am on summer break. My good friend encouraged me to blog more, so hopefully I will be more consistent with my posts! In this post, I mostly want to share more about my return to serious racing since January. I did a few 5k's in the Fall, but I really started to focus on running faster times from January-May. I was able to compete in a few indoor/outdoor track meets and even jumped into a half marathon for the first time since 2014! First of all, the only way I am ever able to accomplish racing/running fast times is because of my amazing God. He provides me with the strength and power I need to keep pushing forward. I talk to Him before, during, and after every run, workout, or race. I strongly encourage you to do the same, even if you are not exercising...just talk to God and just see if you feel empowered! Now on to the PR (personal record) list!
My first PR of the year came from racing a 5K at IU's indoor track. I knew I could run around 17:30 (previous PR 17:43) based on my fitness at the time, so I went after it and ended up running 17:24 and placed 1st. I was super excited, but felt like I still had more in me, which tells me I could have run much faster. I hung onto the back of the pack until the last few laps and ended up winning...so lesson learned...if you feel good, go! A few weeks after my 5K I ran a 3K at IU again. My goal here was to break 10:00 (previous PR 10:08). I ended up running 9:59, so barely made my goal, but placed 3rd overall. After having competition to help me PR, my coach encouraged me to try to PR a few times in workouts, which I run by myself. This scared me a little. How was I supposed to reach a personal best time on my own? But then I reminded myself that I always have a running partner. Just because I cannot see God, doesn't mean He's not there! So, I tried a 1500 first. I PR'd by one second, running 4:50. My dad was nice enough to come to the track in 30 degree weather to time me so I wouldn't have to look at my watch too much. Whoo! That one was hard. I struggle with shorter, faster distances, so this is something to continue working on this summer. After improving a short distance time, I went up in distance...to the 10K.
I was able to try out a track 10K for the first time since college at Washington University. I was super nervous because I felt like I "forgot" how to race a 10K. This is a long race for the track, and I knew it would hurt. I ended up cramping up horribly early in the race and could hardly breathe by the end. God's presence and strength is the only way I was able to finish that race. I ended up running over 36:00 (previous PR 37:00), when my goal was around 35:50. Not what I wanted, but I knew I would have another try in a few weeks. Shortly after this race, I tried to gain another "workout PR" in the 800. I was completely by myself this time (except for my spiritual running partner!) and ran a one second PR of 2:27. The Friday after I ran my 800, I raced another 10K. I still didn't feel amazing during my race, but was able to run 35:53. I was so happy to have finally broken 36:00. Then, a week after I ran my best 10K, I ran the Indy Mini Marathon. I didn't really have a huge goal for this race, knowing I was running on tired legs from all the racing I had been doing. Let me just say, this was an awesome race...the crowd, support, accommodations, course, and of course meeting Meb were all great. There were around 35,000 runners competing, and I was able to get into the Elite field, which meant I was in the first wave up front. This helped tremendously with the start of the race. I ended up running 1:21:08, which was exactly the same as my previous PR in better conditions. I was 15th female, and 100th overall. You could say I was pretty happy with this result.

 

Me and Meb post-race!

So, looking back at my results, I realized I accomplished 6 new PR's within 5 months. It wasn't always easy, and I always have bumps along the way, but I am so thankful for the support I continue to receive. I hope to continue on this path for years to come. God has blessed me in so many ways, and I truly believe running is the best way for me to build my relationship with Him. This is my favorite time to talk to God and this is where I find the most answers. If you are looking for a way to build a better relationship with God, try running! Or even simply walking and focusing on your thoughts and prayers is a great way to become closer to God. As you can see, I am a big believer in exercise and taking care of our bodies. God gave you this body, so take care of it! Always remember that it is possible to gain physical AND spiritual fitness. Enjoy the benefits of each and get moving!

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!

New

New Updates coming soon! It's been too long!!

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!)

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!)

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: 

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! :)

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-

Just the Beginning...

I am a runner by faith! God gets me through every step of every day, especially while I'm running. He is my strength and shield and I know He has great plans for me. Running is a GIFT and I am thankful I am able to pursue this gift each day. I am so blessed to be able to lace up my running shoes each day and hit the road to clear my mind, rejoice, pray, think, sing, exercise, relieve stress, etc. etc. etc. Running has shown me so many wonderful things in my life so far. I never thought I would be considered "a runner" until my senior year of high school, and now I can't get enough of it. Prayer and running are the first two things I wake up thinking about, so I know this is supposed to be a major part of my life! I'm ready to see where I can go from here and I am excited to see where God lets this take me! 
Run Strong!