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 Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (700-731)

700. Family Camp!

701. Books, blankets and snuggles.

702.Butterflies emerging from their cocoons.

703. The bright green on a grasshopper.

704. The smell of tomato soup cooking.

705. Fresh green beans.

706. Apples right off the tree.

707. Cool breeze unexpected on a long run to give me energy.

708. Crow of a rooster in the early morning/

709. Thumbs up from a stranger while running.

710. The smell of hay in the barn.

711. Sunrise over the lake.

712. Deer (buck) drinking from the still pond.

713. Fog on the lake.

714. Geese flying overhead.

715.Encouraging words from those I love.

716. Geography songs.

717. Warm laughter from like minded moms during a meeting.

718. Hundreds of birds flying together in harmony.

719. Purple mums.

720. Tassels at the top of corn.

721. The smell of apples cooking into sauce.

722. Leaves crunching under foot.

723. The smell of the Teavana canister when opened. YUM!

724. Fresh maple syrup.

725. The smell of coconut oil.

726. Hard working boys.

727. New mowers.

728. Soil prepped for fall/winter.

729. Fuzzy caterpillars.

730.The jump of a frog.

731. Basil and Rosemary drying in the shop.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (663-699)

663. Baptism of my dear 7 year old.

664. Hot sunny days.

665. BWCA

666. Canoe rides.

667. A wink from across the room.

668. Sand between my toes.

669. The quack of a duck.

670. Fireflies.

671. Thousands of twinkling stars.

672. Big fluffy clouds.

673. The sound of jars sealing.

674. The smell of fresh dill.

675. Sailboats.

676. Whispers from the other room.

677. Song birds morning greeting.

678. Rain so soft you can hardly feel it.

679. Red reflecting through the house from a colorful sunset.

680. Cool summer nights.

681. BLT's.

682. Juicy peaches.

683. New shrubs with flowers.

684. Fresh cut garden flowers for the table.

685. Bubbles escaping from fermenting sauerkraut.

686. Hint of pink on the top of the sedum.

687. New school year beginning.

688. Happy dances that are close to requiring a helmet.

689. Super hero capes and masks.

690. Zucchini bread in the oven, filling the house with a wonderful aroma.

691. Cords on the piano in the other room.

692. Girlfriends.

693. Giant slides.

694. Evenings at the beach.

695. School in action at the park.

696.  Hiking and silly faces with number 3.

697. Ripe tomatoes.

698. Orange blossom honey.

699. Sun rays filtering through the clouds.

Summer Baseball

What do you do on a hot day mid summer? Watch baseball of course! With three active boys we love anything outdoors and/or any game that involves a ball. What could be better than a Sunday afternoon outside watching baseball? With tickets for our family and 2 extra we were blessed to have grandpa and grandma join us.

Of course the boys were delighted to get their photo taken with Madonna the team mascot!

 It was a hot day, but with the help of some shade from our trusty umbrella and a lot of water to keep us hydrated fun was had by all.

Post game the kids were able to go down on the field and run the bases (always a big hit for our crew)!

 

 

There is something extra special about being down on the field. 

What a great day! I am constantly reminded just how blessed we are to have opportunities to enjoy some family time. My heart is full.

Baptism

“Baptism is faith in action.”  ~ Watchman Nee

 Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
 
After accepting Christ into his heart a couple years ago, our oldest was baptized today in an act of  public obedience to God and what He calls us, as believers, to do.

Before he was baptized he quoted one of his favorite verses. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My heart is full and my cup overflows. I am so proud of the young man that Noah is and cannot wait to see what God has in store for him.