Lesson #19: Ice Cream Stop

During my high school days, I remember one specific run in my hometown. While I was running, I saw three older ladies walking for exercise. When I finished my run and was driving home, I happened to see these same three ladies pull into the local ice cream shop! I remember thinking how funny it was that I saw this irony.

Well, I have to admit that I have become those old ladies! Last night, I went for a 30 minute run and then took an hour-long cardio/interval class called Strike with my roommates. After class, we decided to stop at Wendy's for a frosty treat!!

I guess this doesn't quite follow the guidelines for post-workout nutrition. Should I mention that I had 10 chicken nuggets too?

This is why I run.

Lesson #18 Gotta Have My Gu!

So, I recently ran a 10k at Sycamore's Pumpkin Festival. I love these small-town races. I also love the kind of people these races attract. Let me tell you about one such person.

The gun went off and I hadn't taken even 10 steps past the starting line when a middle-aged, squatty man was frantically running against the flow of runners back towards the start! Not only was he running and pushing through the mass of runners, but he was doing so right in the middle of the course. Wow. Brilliant.

What was this guy frantically running back for? To pick up his Gu packet. I know this because I stepped over it. Did I mention that this was a 10k race?

Now, I do not claim to have loads of running knowledge, but I am pretty sure that the necessity of a Gu packet during a 10k is not a necessity at all.

Oh, but I do love the frequent laughs that fellow runners bring me.

Thank you, Mr. 10k Amateur.

Lesson #17 Addicted to Endorphins?

My friend made the comment recently that she thought she was addicted to endorphins. I thought about this comment. Is it possible? If so, is that a bad thing? We are not to let our bodies be controlled by anything because they are not our own, according to I Corinthians 6:19. But then again, we are to take care of the bodies God has entrusted to us so we can fulfill the work He has called us to. Nonetheless, I think it is quite possible that I am addicted to endorphins or the "runner's high". Let me explain. :)

I recently ran the Chicago marathon on 10-10-10. It was not a pleasant experience due to the heat, once again. (3 out of the last 4 Chicago marathons have been run in 80 + degree weather!) I couldn't get enough fluids and hit the wall around mile 16. My legs cramped up and I just steadily got slower and slower. I pretty much hated the idea of running during the last half of the race. I was actually upset with myself for doing such an insane activity where I actually pay $130.00 to inflict pain upon my body.

A couple days after the race when I only had 7 toenails, armpit chaffing/scabbing, and couldn't walk because of my ongoing plantar fasciitis, I was actually quite content with not putting my running shoes on for a VERY long time.

It has now been 2 weeks since the race and 2 weeks since I last ran. Am I still content with the idea of not putting my running shoes on? Ha! Not at all.

Now I can't remember the intense misery I felt during the last 8 miles of the marathon. I can't remember how much I just wanted to be home in my pjs like most people on an early Sunday morning. These emotions and feelings come to me after every 26.2. I say "That was my last marathon!" My friends and family just laugh because they know me too well. I will soon go and get excited about what race I can conquer next. This is madness! Is it like child-birth? You can't remember the pain? I actually told my friend Christina to call me a week after the marathon to make sure I didn't sign up for another one yet. haha. (She is a good friend and she did call.)

Does this prove that I might be addicted to endorphins?

I still can't run b/c Mr. Plantar Fasciitis is still my unwanted visitor, and so I've tried other forms of exercise. In the past week I've done the elliptical, bike, swam laps, took a cycling class, a strength class, and a cardio kickboxing class. But after every one I leave with the feeling of "eh, that was okay." Don't get me wrong, my muscles were worked and I am even sore, but nothing quite compares to how good I feel after a run. These other exercises are SO great in addition to running, but I just am not satisfied with them being a substitute to running.

I don't deny the insanity, but I do enjoy my love/hate relationship with running. I just can't seem to survive without it. Some of you reading might feel the same way about swimming or cycling, or *gasp* even scrapbooking! But I argue that running is probably one of the best activities you can ever do. So, go get yourself a dose of endorphins; I dare you.

Hmm- I wonder if Mr. Plantar has left yet...

-Keep on Running

Lesson #16: Dying to Selfishness

During my senior year of cross-country at Cedarville University, I received a major disappointment. My coach took me out of the National Championship meet to run another girl. I had earned the spot, but due to politics, I got bumped to the sidelines. I worked hard for 4 seasons, took my role as a team captain seriously, and was having my best season yet; this was completely unjust. It hurt. The night after I found out, I remember going out to the track to run, cry, and pray.

It was especially hard going to the National meet only as a cheerleader. I can still clearly picture the team lining up for the race. It took all the strength that God could give to hold back from crying. I desperately wanted to have my uniform and running shoes on and wanted to join my teammates in the quest for a top finishing place. The team placed 2nd that year. Yes, it was MY team, but it didn't feel like it.

God taught me A LOT about being selfLESS that season. My best friend and teammate, Christina, went to the coach on my behalf to express her sadness and frustration with his decision to take me out of the race. She even refused to run the race herself, but I talked her out of that choice. :-) When the girls went up to receive their 2nd place awards, Christina came straight to me and gave me her trophy. Are you getting a picture of selfLESSness yet?

This trial gave me ample time to pray and spend with God. I didn't understand why He was allowing this in my life. But I did understand that I was going to be refined through this process, whether I liked it or not. Even though it was very difficult to watch my team race without me that day, God gave me undeniable peace and joy through the hardship. I realized life cannot be all about me. I was forced to give up something I worked hard to get. I was forced to be selfless. But in the end, it taught me that I should desire to be selfless.

My friend Christina will ALWAYS stick out to me as a great example of someone who lives by Philippians 2:3-5-

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus."

Oh, may God help as I desire to take my eyes off myself so to see the needs of the students, friends, family, and even strangers around me. Life is not about what I want. This race is ALL about dying to my own selfish desires and being like Christ, being selfLESS.

Lesson #15: Easy is not being alone

Easy doesn't mean less. Easy doesn't mean taking short-cuts. Easy doesn't mean doing it alone.

On Saturday, I had this new thought about the concept 'easy'. After a month off, I'm slowly getting back in shape with my endurance. As of Saturday, my two weeks back to running consisted of a 7-miler as my 'long run.' So on Saturday, I was hoping to make it 10 miles. After too much time away, I decided to join my running club for this hot, humid morning run. We all started off together on the route. Some were running 15 miles, some 12.5, and some 20. I was the lone soul thinking about doing 10. When we got to the 5 mile point, I had a decision to make. To turn around and do the last 5 by myself or to continue on with the fellow runner who was doing the 12.5 mile loop. Maybe out of stupidity, but mostly out of determination, I decided to do the 12.5 loop. The positives of this choice including having a bathroom stop and most importantly, a companion so I didn't have to run alone. It was this decision that made me realize the easier choice that day was the 12.5 miles instead of the 10. The longer distance was easier, which only makes sense because I had someone to endure it with me.

This thought has me reflecting on all the promises in God's word about how we don't have to endure alone. He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb.13:5). We can be strong and courageous for the Lord God is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9). When we go through the deep waters, He will be with us (Is.43:2).

I'm thankful once again that I never have to run through any of life's hardships and trials alone. God is a forever companion who never grows weary and who never slumbers. The times that I do try to handle something alone, without his help, are NEVER the easy times. It is only easy and bearable when I realize I need Him walking there right beside me because after all, His yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

Lesson #14: Chocolate Milk in the fridge

I have discovered a new favorite post-run drink: chocolate milk! I recently learned that chocolate milk helps aid with recovery and replenishment after a high-intensity or high-mileage run. It is high in carbs, protein, calcium, and water content. You don't have to buy the fancy 'Muscle Milk' sports drink to get these benefits. I have found that Dean's 1% lowfat chocolate milk is VERY tasty, and this is coming from a non-milk drinker. :)

My protein pancakes and glass of chocolate milk made the perfect post-run breakfast today.

So, go buy yourself this sweet treat and keep on running my friends. :)

Lesson #12: I loathe the treadmill

Here are the many reasons I strongly dislike the treadmill.

#1: I don't like feeling like a hamster.

#2: I don't like the intense perspiration that falls from my face, neck, back, and legs while in a confined room with limited air flow.

#3: I don't like how 3 miles feels like the time it takes to run 10.

#4: I don't like looking down and realizing I've only been running for 5 minutes. ugh. Am I done yet?

#5: I don't like how I can't spit on a treadmill.

#6: I don't like missing the beauty of God's creation.

#7: Read below...

Yesterday, I decided to try the treadmill because of my foot issue. I didn't know how far I would make it and so staying in one place seemed better than getting stranded miles out from my house and having to limp back. Now, I think I would have preferred the latter.

If I want to make it through a treadmill run, it is critical to have music. The ipod I used didn't have a clip and so it has to sit in the cup-holder on the treadmill. This means the headphone string has to hang between my body and arms. Well, As I was adjusting the speed of the treadmill, my hand hit the headphone cord. Can you predict where I'm going with this? Yup. The ipod jolted up, the cord detached, and it hit the moving treadmill and became a flying object in the abyss of workout machines. It took me a couple seconds to pause the treadmill so that I also didn't fly off while trying to retrieve my ipod. While doing so, I forgot my headphones were still on my head and the cord was now wrapped around the handle of the treadmill. As I jumped off the treadmill, the headphones came painfully flying out of my ears and now also hit the belt. I picked up my ipod, grabbed the headphones, and avoided ALL eye contact with the fitness machine novices who had their ipods securely fastened to their shirt. As dignified as possible, I quickly hopped back up as if nothing happened.

Yet again, I gained another reason why I loathe the treadmill. I'll take honking cars, barking dogs, and pavement any day.

#7: The dangerous hazard of flying musical technology.

Lesson #11: Only of little profit

I haven't been running due to the nagging issue of plantar fasciitis. 2 weeks of NO running has seemed like a year and I honestly can't remember how good it feels, but I miss it greatly. Instead, I've been swimming, doing elliptical, cycling, taking strength classes, etc. All of these are great activities, but nothing quite compares to running for me. Anyone with me on this? :-) I'm confident that this too shall pass and I'll be back on the road again, but until then, I've received a great peace in a perspective from the book of Timothy.

I was once again reminded in Timothy 4:8 of this much needed verse: "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Every time I read this verse it hits me hard on the head. All the hours I put into bodily discipline will only benefit me for a short while...that being the time I am on earth. Now, I argue that bodily discipline teaches you about spiritual discipline and it enables one to actually fulfill the calling God has given them on this world. So, it is important. But, our time on earth is quickly fleeting, like the withering grass. The hours I spend training for races, wiping the sweat off my face at the gym, and inhaling chlorine as I attempt to swim laps, will not account for anything when I stand before my Savior in Heaven. This verse tells us that the spiritual discipline of godliness will profit me in ALL things! That phrase 'all things' means now and the life to come in glory with Him. Doesn't it put everything into proper perspective? Really, if you miss that 6:00 a.m. morning run, it will be okay...God's word says so.

I was just at the gym for 2 hours. Have I spent two hours in God's word and in prayer today? Can you think of the possibilities if I did? I typically feel more frustrated and shamed if I miss a workout than if I miss a day in bible study. It is time to reverse that thinking and let God's word and prayer be my endurance and strength builder.

Let's be fixing our hope on Him.

Lesson #10: Dynamic Stretching

I believe I may have unclear with my tip on stretching in lesson 9. Here is my attempt to clarify and give you some helpful information. I had stated that static stretching, or stretching without warming up, offers no value to your body and can possibly lead to injury. Before every race, I jog 1-2 miles slowly to warm up my muscles and then I stretch. And I always stretch for a good 10-15 minutes after every run. If you are looking for something to do before you run, please see the link below to learn about 'dynamic stretching.' This uses movement to loosen up muscles and increase blood flow. I hope this helps as you continue on the run!

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-241-287--13442-0,00.html

Lesson #9: New Runners

Here are some tips for new runners as you enter a race.

* The race bib goes on the front of your shirt, not on your back.

* Less is Best when you dress. Your body warms up very quickly in a race and you will soon be despising that long-sleeved shirt.

* Stretching before a race or stretching before warming up offers you no value. Your brain might feel more prepared, but your body doesn't receive any benefit. Look into dynamic stretching if you want to do something before the run.

* If you want accurate timing and placing, only enter races with chip timing. Take this tip from me; the one who has been running for several years now, and due to a horribly organized race, realized the importance of chip timing.

Run on!