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!

Lesson #8: Something Greater

On April 14th, Team World Vision had a special event with Josh Cox, the American record-holder in the 50k. Josh and several other people are running the Comrades marathon (56 miles) in South Africa on behalf of World Vision. Their goal is to get 1000 children sponsored through the race. He was sharing about his passion for running and how when he runs just for himself, only he benefits. He challenged us to use our passions for something greater then ourselves. He shared that it took him awhile to discover how, but he has finally found a way to use his passion of running for something greater than himself.

In college our team would shout "Run for Him" in our huddle before lining up at the start of a race. It took me 2 years to finally grasp that phrase and make it true; to truly be running as worship to my Savior. I've been able to run 3 marathons to raise money for World Vision-running for a greater purpose, a great good beyond myself. I'm now humbled to be in a season where God is allowing me to combine two passions, running and encouraging others, into a fitness ministry at church where women are gathering to be intentional in taking care of the physical bodies God has given them. This is so energizing to me-God is amazing!

I pray my ambition is to run with zeal and with eyes that look beyond myself. He must increase, I must decrease. John 3:30

Lesson #7: Thoughts from Boston

The Boston marathon is rich in history, known for its hills, requires a qualifying time, and is sought after by thousands of runners. There is much I could write about the marathon, but what stands out the most is the enjoyable people I met and/or observed. I've heard it said that people in the northeast are unfriendly, but I learned that is not the case during marathon Monday! Let me introduce some of these people to you:

-The numerous people on my flight from O'Hare to Boston who were wearing the Boston marathon jackets and the one guy reading the book How to Run Your Best Boston as he waited to board the plane!

-The Wampanoag Running Club from MA that welcomed me into their group for a pasta dinner and gave me a seat on their marathon bus because after all, I was Jack Bailey's sister.

-The guy who has done over 100 marathons.

-My old-man bus buddy with great stories who was running Boston after a 15 year break from marathons.

-My teammate who met up with me around mile 6, gave me a high five, and was on her way.

-The guy who started talking to me during the race b/c he saw my jersey that listed the Chicago-area towns of my running club. We shared our race goals, chatted, and finally split ways at a water station.

-The Wellesley girls at mile 13 who lined the street cheering, shouting, and holding up signs that said, "Kiss me, I'm Jewish" and "I want fast babies."

-The 3 very old men I found myself running next to for a mile. I was thinking, Surely I can beat them?

-The little kids lining the course who wanted high fives from the runners.

-The big kids who wanted high fives from the runners.

-The spectator Dad who cheered me on up the second big hill by saying "you look strong!"

-The college boys who only watch the race to see girls in spandex and make vulgar comments about their body parts. If I had more energy at mile 24, I would have slugged the jerk who spewed something inappropriate.

-The new friend I made at the finish as we congratulated each other and found out this was the first Boston and fourth marathon for both of us. We kept talking as we made our way through the heat blankets and snack bags and both had to turn around because we missed the medals!

-The friendly volunteers along the whole course. Thank you!

-The ladies with thick Boston accents who let me borrow their phone to find my brother.

-The nice man who helped me walk through the hotel after my shower because I was looking pretty pale and ready to pass out at any moment.

-The very helpful people from my brother's running club that took care of me when I was sick from dehydration. I had hands getting me a drink, a puke bucket, salt-tablets, and pretzels all at the same time.

-The lady in front of me at the restaurant who congratulated me on the race and asked if I was from the area. When I said I was from Chicago, she said, "I can tell."

-The other lady who said "great job on finishing the race. You deserve to eat whatever you want!"

-The very friendly airport security man who talked to me about the race.

-The fellow-runners I saw at the airport on the return trip home who were walking and limping slowly down the airport terminal. We shared the smile of mutual understanding. :-)

-And last but definitely not least...my brother Jack and sister Alicia who took very good care of me before, during, and after the race!!

Overall, the Boston marathon was a successful and fun trip. I've quickly forgotten the pain I was experiencing the last miles of the race and now can't wait to get back for a chance to run a better Boston! I do love that city.

Lesson #6 Swift is the Booty

So, this post is dedicated to my good friend Ru. A while back, one of us came across a verse that made us chuckle, yes, I just said chuckle. Now, we took it completely out of context, but how could we not? It just too good to ignore and irresistibly appropriate for running. Here it is...

Isaiah 6:1b "Swift is the booty, speedy is the prey."

A runner's goal is to have a swift booty, obviously. So, in order to show her support, Ru made a sign with this catchy phrase and held it proudly and enthusiastically at the 2008 Chicago marathon. It made me smile. You can look up the real meaning of that phrase, but you'll find it is not as fun as our interpretation. Maybe a new team verse for the Harvest women's club? ha!

Lesson #5: Where's my Identity?

So, with the Boston marathon looming just 4 days away, I thought I would reflect on the LESSON I learned in the fall at the Chicago marathon. Yes, it was a big lesson and so it deserves all caps! I had been training hard, putting more miles in than my other two marathons, and was feeling strong. I was eager to get my chance at finally qualifying for Boston. I had to run a 3:40 in order to qualify...keep that time in mind b/c it becomes humorously amazing at the end of this story. :-) Well, 5 weeks before the race, something went wrong with my IT band, and I was having intense pain on the outside of the knee. For those 5 weeks leading up to the marathon, I couldn't run more than 6 miles at one time...not promising for 26.2 mile race. I was told I could get a cortizone shot, but other than that, I didn't really have enough time for therapy. So, instead of joining my World Vision teammates on the long runs, I became a water girl, helping provide the water for their 20 miler, the one that I should have also been doing. (But, now I am ever more appreciative of people who volunteer their time to give us runners water!) I also became an avid pool runner...receiving lots of weird looks from the old men during their morning lap swims.

Well, here it is...I was devastated. How could this be happening again? I was mad, angry, confused, discouraged. Thinking, "what am I going to do if I can't run this race?" "What will people think about me?" Here we find the major lesson I needed to learn. RUNNING CANNOT BE MY IDENTITY. The sad news is that running had become my identity. People know me as the 'runner girl.' I couldn't let them down. Really? I was actually only letting myself down, no one else. Well, after that finally hit me on the head and I realized how spiritually ugly and injured I had become, I was finally on the uphill out of my valley.

After doing all I could do for 5 weeks which included pool running, icing, ibruprofen, and ultra-sound, I decided to at least start the race and see what happened. I pulled out all the 'stops' I could think of; pain-killer, heat, ben-gay, IT-strap, and ipod! The ipod was only for an emergency situation, b/c personally, it seems like cheating to race with music. Remember, this is a personal opinion. :-)

Now, let me tell you about my awesome God! I ran the first 13 miles with my training buddy. Along the way, I was praying and saying verses out loud to encourage the both of us. Can I just tell you the power I experienced after quoting scripture and praying? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The pain would come, I would pray or say a verse, the pain would go away. I am not making that up or trying to be super-spiritual. I've never experienced the strength of the Lord in this mighty way before. This happened several times. Well, at mile 13, I was feeling increasingly strong. My training buddy decided to keep her steady pace, but I was ready to keep pushing and actually picked up my pace! Remember that I hadn't run more than 6 miles at a time for the previous four weeks. I was now at mile 18, still feeling good and now with no pain at all. I decided 18 miles deserved some music and so Israel Houghton and other worship pushed me on. I couldn't explain why I was STILL feeling strong at mile 20, mile 21, mile 22....it had nothing to do with my own strength. A wise friend told me during my injury, Don't pray to God to give you strength; pray for Him to become your strength. Exactly.

Before the race, I told family and friends that I had no idea what to expect and was ready to embrace the fact of dropping out. I had completely let go of my goal of finishing in 3:40. Well, after mile 20, I kind of thought I might be within reach, but forced myself NOT to look at my watch! The last 6 miles were surprisingly enjoyable; I wasn't cramping or questioning my sanity. I was going to make it! I rounded the corner for the finish and as I crossed the line, I looked down at my watch. 3:39:29. Remember my goal time of 3:40? Yup, only 31 seconds to spare. I found it unbelievable, humbling, and actually humorous. Did I deserve it? No. Was I able to go and boast in myself that I qualified for Boston? No way. I could only boast in the Lord. And I think He wanted it that way all along. :-)

Lesson #4: Encouragement

During my college XC days, we picked Romans 15:5-6 to be our team verse one season.

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One GREAT thing I've loved about running on a team is the great encouragement you get from teammates. Everyone on the team knows what it takes to get through a race or hard workout and this brings a special bond. I was reminded of this tonight at a track workout. I joined a running group only about 4 months ago, but they are so encouraging to all. The people in the fastest group are cheering on the people in the last group-it doesn't matter. My pace group started with the fast group for one of the repeats and as they were all whizzing by, they were encouraging me to keep up with them. Wow.

Lately, I've been thinking about how I need to open my eyes to really see people around me. If I claim to be a follower of Christ, then shouldn't I be encouraging others, like He so evidently did while on earth? On the way home from my workout, I was making a mental list of people I pass daily...all people who need encouragement, just like I did tonight on the track. I listed roommates, family, small group girls, students, co-workers. But then, what about people I don't really know? The cashier at the grocery store, the unfamiliar face I pass in the hallway or at church, my neighbor, etc. I can bring glory to my Father by offering a smile, a simple hello, or truly asking someone how they are doing...because after all, I'm pretty sure that is the least that He would do.

Lesson #3: Gotta Go!

If you are a runner, you do not reject the porta-potty, but rather embrace it. We've all had the eyes bulge, the chills come, and the immediate discomfort when you realize I gotta go NOW! Sometimes, the porta-potty is just not an option and we runners cannot be afraid to make an 'environmental bathroom stop.' Today was one such day where I had to go to the trees and thorny bushes in order to find relief. I could not care if the kayakers saw more than they anticipated on their afternoon ride because I had a run to finish. But my mind was writing this letter as I frantically searched for a bathroom...

Dear Busse Woods,

Why do you have bathroom facilities but never unlock them? And where have all your porta-potties gone? If you are going to only use your bathrooms as decoration and never as a functional part of your park, at least provide some porta-potties.

Sincerely,

Runner

Lesson #2: Go behind the Fishermen

I recently spent a week in Florida and loved every minute of my beach runs, well, almost every minute. I enjoyed the waves crashing, the cool breeze, the sun rising over the water, the feel of the sand, the fishing line at my throat...what?? So, every day I passed a group of 8-10 old men who gathered at sunrise to catch some fish. One morning as I approached the fishermen, I realized they were camped out pretty far back from the water. I decided to run in front of them and their poles. Foolish choice. I definitely got clotheslined, right at the neck, by one of the fishing lines! Didn't even see it. Very startled and now embarassed, I made my way around all the poles stuck in the sand and continued running. I KNOW the old men saw me, I heard one say "there goes another one", one say "Morning", and thought to myself, I bet they get joy out of seeing idiots like me run into their lines. No warning given, thanks old men.

As my savvy, east coast, experienced beach running brother said, "You always go BEHIND the fishermen!"

Lesson #1: Hills

Today I went out for my last solid long run before the Boston marathon which is only 2 weeks away! I had two tough and encouraging teammates to run with for the first part of my run. We ran some good hills in preparation for Boston. The presence of my teammates helped to push me up those hills. I said goodbye to them at mile 11 and continued on for the last 10 miles alone, and found my attack on the hills was extremely lacking. Would I have pushed harder if my teammates were with me? Yes, most likely. Why did the hills seem so much more challenging? Because I was alone. This made me think about the trials in life that come my way. I was not created to battle hard times alone. Sure, I can attempt it, but I will be weak and want to give up. God has surrounded me with fellowship and encouragement in the body of Christ. I need people to walk with me through trials b/c their presence will help me to keep pushing. When I battle life's problems alone, I lose my zeal and perseverance, just like on today's hills. I joked with my teammate, Mark, that I want to record his voice cheering me on for when I hit those Boston hills. Sometimes we just need someone to say, "Come on, Sarah-you can get through this!" How about you? Are you attacking any 'hills' alone?