I love the way God works. Yesterday at church Pastor Dan did a topical study. It was on 1st Kings, about Elisha and how he had been very discouraged by being down by the river and being fed by ravens (just a very small part of his life) and through out his life there were many times when he was discouraged by life and people, like Jezabel, who persecuted him. One thing that was pointed out was that God was working in Elisha's life during those discouraging times, growing Elish'as faith and glorifying Himself through Elisha's story.
I woke up this morning with a stiff knee..... I haven't run in 3 days because of a crazy schedule so it wasn't from exercising too much. As the day has gone on my knee has gotten much worse while sitting and walking around at work. I was really discouraged since today was supposed to be my 6 mile day. We have a therapy laser at work so I used that which helped a little but after a little while it felt warm and was getting swollen. So that means no running. I'm not sure how long i will be out but its very frustrating! But I do know that my God is in control and He knows why. Maybe I need to just sit and be still and know that HE IS GOD and that through this He is growing my faith in Him and glorifying Himself! Pray for me please!!!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Running Our Race
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." -1 Corinthians 9:24-27
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
- Hebrews 12:1-3
Like long distance runs, Paul tells us that this life is not based on the speed we run our race, but having perseverence in our run and to finish it faithfully! It can definitely feel like we are weighed down sometimes, and having any extra weight while running we all know makes it much harder, but Hebrews says, “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles” and run the race set before us. Through reading our Bibles, praying , fellowship,fixing our eyes on and trusting in Christ we can run our race the way He wills! I pray that He gives you the strength to run your race for Him alone!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
- Hebrews 12:1-3
Like long distance runs, Paul tells us that this life is not based on the speed we run our race, but having perseverence in our run and to finish it faithfully! It can definitely feel like we are weighed down sometimes, and having any extra weight while running we all know makes it much harder, but Hebrews says, “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles” and run the race set before us. Through reading our Bibles, praying , fellowship,fixing our eyes on and trusting in Christ we can run our race the way He wills! I pray that He gives you the strength to run your race for Him alone!
For The Long Run!
Today is my 5 mile speedwork run. Since it's only week 2 of training it won't be too bad...I hope =)!I am actually looking forward to it! I have my book, my iPod, and the TV, because like I said I prefer the treadmill on longer training runs. I know I already wrote a post about running on treadmills so this is going to be a little tangent from that.
The Woodway Treadmill is a phenomenal treadmill! I just really found out about it and what it is exactly for, when I had my personal training assessment at Villa Sport. So the, jingle, for lack of a better term coming to mind, for this particular treadmill is "Woodway, For The Long Run." That probably tells you a little right there. As you can see from the picture the Woodway treadmill has rubber slats and wire-reinforced lateral belt design that provides the smoothest, most precise and most comfortable running surface. I loooove this for long runs. It is soooo much easier on my knees than regular treadmills, because the rubber is MUCH thicker than a normal one. I don't really use it for short runs because I do need to be used to running on harder surfaces too but to spare my knees from too much it's nice. The one that I use does have a TV connected to it which is great as well! If you do have access to one try it out, it makes such a difference and has a ton of different programs much different from the ones on regular treadmills!
This weeks Bible verse:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
-Philippians 4:13
Friday, September 17, 2010
Where Do You Find Your Motivation???
I changed the name of this post 3 times before I felt lead to write about motivation. I should start by saying that no matter where I run, what time it is, or even how I feel, if I'm not motivated I can't even run 20 feet.
When I first started really running the best motivation was the newness of the challenge...could I REALLY run 3 miles without walking?? And the adrenaline and motivation would gush out of me as I ran with all my heart. It was, I guess I can say "easy" to run hard. At the beginning it had a lot to do with wanting something of my own. Everyone around me had a hobby or "thing" except for me... The first few times I ran I really felt like this was going to be mine. Something I could do on my own and have the people closest to me cheer me on. That was my motivation. After the "newness" died out a little and the days came and went and I needed to stick to my training plan but there were shows on TV, or I had a long day at work, or any other excuse that snuck its way into my brain, I searched and searched for something that would motivate me to run, and not just run, but to train hard.
I am sure we all go through days of sitting on the couch with our running shoes on but not tied yet, wondering why the heck we are doing this and hoping that something... ANYTHING would come across and motivate us to get out there. To be honest for me its usually something different each time that gives me that little push I need. An idea for you that has spurred me on when I least wanted to get out there is something I live out, its to "run your hardest when you least want to be running." And to tell you the truth it works. I don't really know how, and I am sure some of you think I am crazy but try it. Next time you are thinking "not today" JUST GO. And see what happens! It feels sooo inspiring when you are done and kind of becomes something I love doing. I guess it takes a little self discipline but you should have at least a little if you run at all!
Another thing that I have found helpful, even when I am excited to go running, is reading articles about inspiring runners,( check out some of the articles on www.runnersworld.com) or even when I see someone running on my way home from work! See to those of you who run around 5:45pm...thanks you motivate me! =)
The past week I have been very motivated because I have just started a 16 week training plan for the Phoenix Rock & Roll Half Marathon on January 16th that I will be running! Soooooo excited that every time I run I know its for a purpose! It's an easy time of being motivated when I have a race I have to train for and have already paid for. Its the times when you are just doing maintenance runs and feel like nothing is ahead that it gets tough. The all time BEST motivation though, better than all the things I stated above is truly wanting God to be glorified by my running. Though I started out with not the best intentions, God has done an amazing work in my heart! A quick tangent--Some of the best advice I have ever gotten from another sweet sister in Christ is 'Take God on all your runs'. Really, praying before the run that anyone that might see would smell the aroma of Christ, anyone I might talk to would hear Him in me and anyone that might need Christ would be shown who He is, and the possibility that He might use me in my running to bring them into His fold is SOOOOO AMAZING! It truly makes me want to run and shout His name. I pray that He would use you in your life, no matter what it is you are doing, to further His kingdom. He is the one who is giving you the endurance, and wisdom, and strength to run. He is a great God!!
This weeks memory verse. (Every week for the 16 week training plan there is a different verse to memorize! Enjoy!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
When I first started really running the best motivation was the newness of the challenge...could I REALLY run 3 miles without walking?? And the adrenaline and motivation would gush out of me as I ran with all my heart. It was, I guess I can say "easy" to run hard. At the beginning it had a lot to do with wanting something of my own. Everyone around me had a hobby or "thing" except for me... The first few times I ran I really felt like this was going to be mine. Something I could do on my own and have the people closest to me cheer me on. That was my motivation. After the "newness" died out a little and the days came and went and I needed to stick to my training plan but there were shows on TV, or I had a long day at work, or any other excuse that snuck its way into my brain, I searched and searched for something that would motivate me to run, and not just run, but to train hard.
I am sure we all go through days of sitting on the couch with our running shoes on but not tied yet, wondering why the heck we are doing this and hoping that something... ANYTHING would come across and motivate us to get out there. To be honest for me its usually something different each time that gives me that little push I need. An idea for you that has spurred me on when I least wanted to get out there is something I live out, its to "run your hardest when you least want to be running." And to tell you the truth it works. I don't really know how, and I am sure some of you think I am crazy but try it. Next time you are thinking "not today" JUST GO. And see what happens! It feels sooo inspiring when you are done and kind of becomes something I love doing. I guess it takes a little self discipline but you should have at least a little if you run at all!
Another thing that I have found helpful, even when I am excited to go running, is reading articles about inspiring runners,( check out some of the articles on www.runnersworld.com) or even when I see someone running on my way home from work! See to those of you who run around 5:45pm...thanks you motivate me! =)
The past week I have been very motivated because I have just started a 16 week training plan for the Phoenix Rock & Roll Half Marathon on January 16th that I will be running! Soooooo excited that every time I run I know its for a purpose! It's an easy time of being motivated when I have a race I have to train for and have already paid for. Its the times when you are just doing maintenance runs and feel like nothing is ahead that it gets tough. The all time BEST motivation though, better than all the things I stated above is truly wanting God to be glorified by my running. Though I started out with not the best intentions, God has done an amazing work in my heart! A quick tangent--Some of the best advice I have ever gotten from another sweet sister in Christ is 'Take God on all your runs'. Really, praying before the run that anyone that might see would smell the aroma of Christ, anyone I might talk to would hear Him in me and anyone that might need Christ would be shown who He is, and the possibility that He might use me in my running to bring them into His fold is SOOOOO AMAZING! It truly makes me want to run and shout His name. I pray that He would use you in your life, no matter what it is you are doing, to further His kingdom. He is the one who is giving you the endurance, and wisdom, and strength to run. He is a great God!!
This weeks memory verse. (Every week for the 16 week training plan there is a different verse to memorize! Enjoy!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Treadmills Can Be Fabulous!!!
Am I crazy? No...well maybe, I just prefer running inside on the treadmill for runs longer than 5 miles. This would seem crazy to some and for some reason I can't really pinpoint the reason why I prefer a treadmill to the beautiful landscape of Colorado. Could it be the a/c? or being able to watch a movie on the touch screen treadmill at Villa Sport-which is the Athletic Club I belong to? Maybe its the guilty comfort in my subconscious of knowing that I can stop at anytime and not have 3 more miles to get to the car? =) Well at any rate, today I conquered 6 miles for the first time in 6 months! Praise God!! And I did it all on the treadmill!
I know to many runners just the word "treadmill" makes them think of a boring and tedious run. But it really doesn't have to be!! One of the best tips and encouragements I can give to someone who either has to use a treadmill, or just wants to give it a try but is discouraged by how bland it seems is bring a few things to keep you occupied i.e.- That great book you've been reading, your iPod-preferably with a great mix dedicated to your running, a magazine of some sort, a Kindle or iPad-if your blessed enough to have one =) etc. Today that's exactly what I did. I first watched a movie for 2 miles, then got a little bored watching the Julia Roberts girly movies so I picked up my new Runner's World magazine and was intrigued by some great motivating articles and by the time I looked up I had gone almost 4 1/2 miles! Also the placement of your treadmill- I ran on one that looked out to the pool and to beautiful Pikes Peak-, It feels soooo good!
Whether rain or shine, sleet or snow,day or late at night (no I'm not the mail man =) ) you can always run on a treadmill! Well I guess not if you have to drive to the gym and there's 4 feet of snow outside but you get my jyst right? Especially living in Colorado where sometimes running in -5 degrees is just not smart, I can go run on the treadmill where I can still wear shorts and a tank. I also love that there are pottys just around the corner, not that using trees isn't fun, but this way I KNOW no one is going to sneak up! Hahah. They have great training plans on most treadmills where you can pick hills, speed, distance, mix or just quick start. If you have one at home...well....even better!!!! How nice and blessed you are!!! Hmmm Christmas present one day??!!
Another thing I have noticed about myself is that it takes some getting used to. Getting your speed vs. the treadmills speed and all that takes some getting used to so try to figure out how you work with the treadmill before doing a long distance, its very different and knowing that it kind of propels you in a way since the belt constantly moves is weird. Also once you get the hang of it, put it on a 1% hill grade to combat the lack of air resistance from not being outside. Try it! I encourage you to try and see what you think! Let me know!
I know to many runners just the word "treadmill" makes them think of a boring and tedious run. But it really doesn't have to be!! One of the best tips and encouragements I can give to someone who either has to use a treadmill, or just wants to give it a try but is discouraged by how bland it seems is bring a few things to keep you occupied i.e.- That great book you've been reading, your iPod-preferably with a great mix dedicated to your running, a magazine of some sort, a Kindle or iPad-if your blessed enough to have one =) etc. Today that's exactly what I did. I first watched a movie for 2 miles, then got a little bored watching the Julia Roberts girly movies so I picked up my new Runner's World magazine and was intrigued by some great motivating articles and by the time I looked up I had gone almost 4 1/2 miles! Also the placement of your treadmill- I ran on one that looked out to the pool and to beautiful Pikes Peak-, It feels soooo good!
Whether rain or shine, sleet or snow,day or late at night (no I'm not the mail man =) ) you can always run on a treadmill! Well I guess not if you have to drive to the gym and there's 4 feet of snow outside but you get my jyst right? Especially living in Colorado where sometimes running in -5 degrees is just not smart, I can go run on the treadmill where I can still wear shorts and a tank. I also love that there are pottys just around the corner, not that using trees isn't fun, but this way I KNOW no one is going to sneak up! Hahah. They have great training plans on most treadmills where you can pick hills, speed, distance, mix or just quick start. If you have one at home...well....even better!!!! How nice and blessed you are!!! Hmmm Christmas present one day??!!
Another thing I have noticed about myself is that it takes some getting used to. Getting your speed vs. the treadmills speed and all that takes some getting used to so try to figure out how you work with the treadmill before doing a long distance, its very different and knowing that it kind of propels you in a way since the belt constantly moves is weird. Also once you get the hang of it, put it on a 1% hill grade to combat the lack of air resistance from not being outside. Try it! I encourage you to try and see what you think! Let me know!
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