Love of Running

I know that there are not many who care to read a post about running, but for the 2 of you that do, here goes.

I have always loved to run. Better stated, I have always loved the feeling of just completing a run. There are few exercises that give me the same level of workout and satisfaction. If you are a runner, you know what I am talking about.

I have had the desire to run a marathon for several years. Until this past summer, I could not get my head wrapped around the idea of physically being able to run 26.2 miles. Therefore, I had not taken the plunge. I have run 1/2 marathons, 10 milers, 10k's, 5k's etc... but still had the desire to run a full marathon (I know, call me crazy). This past spring I realized that I am not getting any younger. I decided that this was going to be the year. Run or bust!

I trained all summer. I loved training, the long runs, the early mornings, the sunrises, the quiet time with God, the improved fitness, and the list goes on and on. About a month and a half before the race I developed knee pain. Not just a little pain, but a bring tears to my eyes kind of pain. At first, it would not start until I hit 15 miles, then 13 miles, then 10. Needless to say, things were not getting better. I had PT help (thanks to my amazing sister) and increased my strength training. All of these things helped but the pain continued.  I pushed on, and was determined to run a marathon.

I took it easy several weeks leading up to the race, iced daily, and prayed a lot! Race day came and the weather was perfect. I had the best fans a gal could ask for and I felt ready.  Thank you to my sister Molly and her family, Chris and the boys, and Tammy for all your encouragement. I felt so blessed to have you there!

I was on track for the first 18 miles and praise God my knee felt pretty good.

 

By mile 21 the wheels were coming off and mile 23 the wheels were off.  I still had over 3 miles to go. I have always been able to dig deep and keep going, until I did a marathon. Hats off to those who have done one. I have a entirely new appreciating for all your determination, hard work and drive. With prayer (and Advil) I was able to gut out the last few miles. I finished (and could still stand tall). I missed my goal time, but I am so glad I took the journey.

At mile 21, I said I would never run another marathon again. By the time I got to the finish line I was already thinking through the changes I could make in training for the next one. Sound familiar runners?!

I read a couple ads the other day that made me smile. The first one was "IF YOUR RUN LASTS LONGER THAN FOUR HOURS, DON'T CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, JUST KEEP RUNNING." the other was "5:30AM. THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO BE, AND IT'S NOT IN BED." Amen! Run on friends, run on!

I Am Extreme!

About a year ago I was in a discussion with a couple people when the bomb was dropped. They told me that I am extreme. WHAT? ME? I did not take it as a compliment, and I am sure that they did not mean it as one. I will not go into the details of why it came up but the words, "you are so extreme" have been rolling around in my head on and off since.  Today, for the first time I have a sense of peace about it and even an excitement. So friends, I tell you with a smile on my face, the cat is out of the bag, I am extreme and great with it!

I read the definition and find that extreme is 1. beyond the ordinary or average 2. farthest from the center or middle. Some of the synonyms are words like greatest, highest; ultimate, extravagant, uncompromising. Wow! Wish I would have looked at it in this light a year ago.

Let me bare my heart and tell you you some things that I am extreme about....

I am extremely greatful when I think about the fact that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

I am extremely humbled that Jesus died on the cross for a sinner like me.

I am extremely in love with my husband/best friend and thankful for all that he does and for our marriage.

I am extremely in in awe of our wonderful kids. I am thankful that God has trusted us to raise them and teach them. I am extreme about their education and feel so blessed that I get to teach them again this coming year.

I am extremely picky about what our kids eat. Especially after dealing with the trials of what food can do for our behavior, learning, fitness, energy level and general health.

I am extremely blessed to have such amazing sisters, parents, and family.

I am extremely thankful for dear friends. There are some amazing people in our lives and I am great full for each and every one of them.

I am extreme black and white or uncompromising with things like faith and human life. The farthest from center or middle.

I have extremely high standards.

My heart is extremely compassionate for orphans and children in need.

When I reflect on this I am not sure that I am extreme enough in the areas of life that really matter for eternity. You see it is a complement to be passionate and unwavering about things that really matter.

Are you extreme?