2/25/08
Today I ran 5 miles with Mark Brucker and Kalib Wilkenson. It felt great since the weather was in the low 50’s. We started out as a big group and the funny thing was, we were all wearing white t-shirts. There were about 7 of us all wearing white. What are the chances? We went out rather slow toward apple tree and then we did two loops in the woods. When we started running back the pace slowly started to pick up and once we hit east campus we were really moving. Below a 6:30 pace, that’s for sure! It felt great to be moving that fast considering how out of shape I am. I am happy to say that I hit 30 miles last week on 6 days. Ran 6 on Saturday! I got 19 miles in the week before, 19 before that and 12 the week before that! Things are certainly looking bright and I have the Lord to thank. He has blessed me and I owe Him all the glory. 5 miles on the day!
2/26/08
Well today was an interesting run as I got experience rain and sunshine in the same run! I went out with the guys for the first 3 miles and then they turned around for a workout while I continued beyond apple tree and down along wards road. It was pouring by the time I hit wards and continued for several miles. As I turned around the clouds started to slowly clear and the rain quickly dissipated. As I hit the intramural fields I saw Ashley. I caught up to her and I said “how about that rain?” and she was like “what rain?” Haha. She didn’t even get hit by a “drop of rain” I finished up my run with her with a total time of 41:16. 6 miles on the day!
2/27/08
Today I ran on my own since we had a team meeting at 4:30. I decided to run toward camp Hydaway and experience some hills. Something I have experienced in over a year and half. It is sad but I was eager to get back out there and tackle those tough climbs. I started towards camp Hydaway and it took me approximately 7 minutes to get to the top. I was reminded how much I hate hills but at the same time there was an enjoyment that I hadn’t experienced in what felt like forever. Instead of immediately heading toward Hydaway, I went down the road until I met up with the monogram. It is truly amazing how big that thing is! When you see if from school it doesn’t look that big but up close you are reminded that it is definitely the size of a football field. I turned back and went about a mile and a half toward Hydaway. I ran for a total of 42:12 and 6 miles on the day.
2/28/08
Today I decided to run over at Blackwater creek for a change of scenery and I was definitely feeling those hills from yesterday! My legs felt sluggish and I never seemed to get into a rhythm. I ran along the bike path so I could get a decent idea for what kind of shape I am in and judge effort with the pace. I ran 6:37 for the first mile and ended up averaging about 6:42 a mile. I held pace surprisingly well considering how cold and crappy I felt. I am definitely starting to get in shape and my legs are finally starting to turn over. I am so thankful that the Lord is allowing me to run again. It has been a long and painful year and half but I feel that God has taught me so much through all of these trials. I think God has shown me that I need to depend on Him for my comfort and security. When I ran in high school and my first two years of college, I never took the time to fully rely upon Him for my strength. I have always had great health and success in running and God showed me how He can take that right out from under me if I don’t take the time to trust in Him. Since I have gotten back into running again, it has inspired me to read about running more and think about it whereas when I was injured, running was really the last thing I wanted on my mind. Tonight, I decided to watch the entire (yes, the entire!) 2008 Olympic Trials for a little motivation. It was so great to watch my hero Ryan Hall tear up the course in Olympic record time with such ease. He made it look like he was out for a Sunday jog while the rest of his competitors struggled valiantly to keep up. A quote that has been inspirational to me was in a recent video he released, Ryan said that in the upcoming Olympic trials, “this is my vision for Nov. 3, that everything would fade away, all the accolades and rewards, and everything that is at stake. And that in my minds eye, be just me out there running with my God, praising Him in my sanctuary. If I can praise God with all my body, mind and soul on Nov. 3, then I will walk away from the finish line satisfied, no matter what the outcome. And that will be a satisfaction that no one can take away from me” What a powerful quote and has truly inspired me to go out there and run for the Lord. Ryan is a great example of what God can do for someone if they put their faith in Him. Other than my legs feelings sluggish it wasn’t a bad run! 6 miles in 40:13!
2/29/08
I decided to take it nice and easy today since my feet were hurting a little from going fast yesterday. The road to recovery is going to be long and slow but as long as I am running I don’t care. I just want to keep building my miles slowly and be able to run everyday comfortably. I ran 5 miles today at Blackwater and it felt pretty good. I also took it extra easy today because I am going to be doing a 7 miler tomorrow, which will probably be the longest run I have done in months!
3/1/08
Today is the perfect day to go out for a long run! The weather is in the mid 50’s and a very calm breeze. You can’t ask for much better than that! I ran at Blackwater because this is certainly my favorite place to do my long run. I love being able to run and enjoy the quiet nature around you. My feet felt pretty good for the most part. I ran first mile and half on the trail and then did 2 miles on the bike path to give myself a change of scenery. I was a go a little under 7 minute pace so I ran out for 24 minutes and then turned around. I finished a little under 48 minutes and boy did it feel great! I am so thankful to the Lord that he has allowed me to get out there and run. It has been so long since I have been able to consistently run and boy does it feel good to be back! This has been a great week and 35 miles on the week!