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!