Day 400: What Running Taught Me in 2013
I just past the one year mark in my running journey. I can't believe it was only last fall that my journey started. Over the last 12 months, I have run four races, recorded running 187 kilometers (on dailymile.com), and learned some really cool life lessons while on the road.
Lesson One: Running is an individual sport, but an individual doesn't run alone.
The first (and best) thing I did when I started running was to ask if anyone in the group wanted to run with me outside of the group runs. You see, I knew this running thing would be tough for me. I was (and still am) over weight and injury prone. I knew that my chances for failure were high. I needed someone to hold me accountable for the mid-week runs. I needed someone to talk to while running. I needed a running buddy to kept me from feeling alone.
The same thing holds true in life. We are all living our own individual lives, but none of us are living our lives alone. Each of us need friends to hold us accountable, to talk with us and encourage us. Life is tough and the chance for failure is high. Meeting together every now and then in a group isn't enough. Daily interaction with a buddy is where growth happens.
Lesson Two: Set a goal and celebrate it! No matter how small.
This wasn't my first rodeo. I have taken up jogging before, and exercising, and eating healthy, and every other New Year's resolution that has ever been made. And I have failed spectacularly! So what made this time different? I set a goal with a reward and then celebrated it. It wasn't a big goal. I only had to stay in the running program for four weeks. That's it! Run three times a week for four weeks. And because it was the beginning of the Couch to 5K program, most of that "running" was really walking. Simple right? By the end of week two, I was ready to quit, but I had a reward waiting for me if I stuck with it for two more weeks; my first pair of running shoes. Not cross-trainers, not tennis shoes, running shoes.
I did it! I ran/walked for four weeks and got my shoes. (I love those shoes.) Then I set another goal for four more weeks. This time I got clothes. (Winter running gear.) The next goal was a race (with an injury thrown in there for good measure). None of these were big, but they were motivating.
Now, my big motivation is a glass of chocolate milk after every run. Chocolate milk is a luxury that I have not afforded myself since the days of school lunches. Every run is a celebration of simply being able to run.
Lesson Three: Be inspiring.
Okay, so this one happened late in the year and actually will probably end up being a goal for the next year. After my third race, I started running into other people, some of them runners, who wanted to know why I run. So, like any good storyteller, I told them about my journey. Each time it was a little different depending on who I was talking to and how much time we had to talk. But each talk ended the same way, "You are an inspiration." Wow, me? An inspiration? Well, I guess that is part of my motivation for writing this blog. I wanted other beginning runners to know that although running is hard it is do-able. But an inspiration?
In hindsight, that's what motivates me to run. During the race I missed due to injury, I saw runners encouraging other runners. Runners going back out to run with a slower runner. People cheering for everyone including the last place finishers. That's what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a runner who encouraged other runners, who would run with a slower runner and help them get to the finish line. I wanted to be there cheering for the last place finisher simple because they finished the race.
So, as 2013 ends and 2014 begins, I vow to run with a friend, celebrate every run, and be inspiring. My year of struggling to learn to run is over. My year of encouraging other runners has begun.
Looking forward to being inspiring,
Lisa
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Day 349: Words
Day 349: Words
Tonight I sit here at my computer, after running 8 km, and marvel at the fact that it has been almost one full year since my injury and the beginning of this journey. I have run a total of four races this year; my last one was on November 2nd. I ran a 3 mile trail at Starved Rock for my birthday (a bucket list item checked off). My next season of running is planned and the details will be finalized after the first of the year.
So, what do I write about? My joints are no longer plaguing me. My run times have improved from dismal to respectable. My distances are slowly getting longer.
So, what is left to talk about in a Runner's Journal?
The Runner.
This weekend I attended a women's retreat through my church. It was excited and exhilarating. And it left me with a lot to think about.
Words. Messages. Spoken and unspoken language. This was the topic.
What does this have to do with running?
Everything!
I discovered this weekend that running is one of my messages. The things I say about running influence others; runners and non-runners alike. The things I write here in this blog influence others. Words, both spoken and unspoken, are powerful!
Listen:
Two doctors, both with the same level of education, same field of study, same injury, same diagnoses, 25 years apart. One doctor says, "Quit! Give up! You'll never be able to do it." The other doctor says, "We can fix that! You'll be up and going soon." One doctor spoke death. One doctor spoke life. Twenty five years were lost because one person said, "You Can't."
Words. Are. Powerful.
My question to both you and me is: Which doctor am I? Do I shout, "Quit!", "You can't!", "Give up!" or do I shout, "Let's go!" "You can do this!"
Tonight I choose to keep journaling. To keep writing about running. To keep telling my story as it unfolds both on the road and at home.
I don't know what this next year of running will bring, but I do know it will be worth sharing.
Learning to speak life while running down life's road,
Lisa
Tonight I sit here at my computer, after running 8 km, and marvel at the fact that it has been almost one full year since my injury and the beginning of this journey. I have run a total of four races this year; my last one was on November 2nd. I ran a 3 mile trail at Starved Rock for my birthday (a bucket list item checked off). My next season of running is planned and the details will be finalized after the first of the year.
So, what do I write about? My joints are no longer plaguing me. My run times have improved from dismal to respectable. My distances are slowly getting longer.
So, what is left to talk about in a Runner's Journal?
The Runner.
This weekend I attended a women's retreat through my church. It was excited and exhilarating. And it left me with a lot to think about.
Words. Messages. Spoken and unspoken language. This was the topic.
What does this have to do with running?
Everything!
I discovered this weekend that running is one of my messages. The things I say about running influence others; runners and non-runners alike. The things I write here in this blog influence others. Words, both spoken and unspoken, are powerful!
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose
Listen:
Two doctors, both with the same level of education, same field of study, same injury, same diagnoses, 25 years apart. One doctor says, "Quit! Give up! You'll never be able to do it." The other doctor says, "We can fix that! You'll be up and going soon." One doctor spoke death. One doctor spoke life. Twenty five years were lost because one person said, "You Can't."
Words. Are. Powerful.
My question to both you and me is: Which doctor am I? Do I shout, "Quit!", "You can't!", "Give up!" or do I shout, "Let's go!" "You can do this!"
Tonight I choose to keep journaling. To keep writing about running. To keep telling my story as it unfolds both on the road and at home.
I don't know what this next year of running will bring, but I do know it will be worth sharing.
Learning to speak life while running down life's road,
Lisa
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Day 306: The Journey Continues
Day 306: The Journey Continues
In September 2012, I started my running journey with the Southfield Running Group. With Bob Coyne leading, a group of us completed the Couch to 5K program. It was toward the end of this program that I injured my ankle and thus started this blog.
Today I completed my third race and set a new PR for the third time. Now, I do realize that at some point I will plateau with my times and make smaller and less frequent speed gains. So, today I officially switch my focus from speed gains to distance gains.
Just a week ago, I ran 8k with my running partner Daisy. That was exciting and for the first time ever, I have started to consider running a half marathon and maybe someday a full marathon.
Wow, I can't believe I just put that in writing.
So, the journey continues as I move into training for longer distances. I plan on completing the Joliet Run 3 in 2014 before moving onto longer distances. Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter in this journey.
Here's to meeting goals. Setting new ones. And never giving up.
Lisa
In September 2012, I started my running journey with the Southfield Running Group. With Bob Coyne leading, a group of us completed the Couch to 5K program. It was toward the end of this program that I injured my ankle and thus started this blog.
Today I completed my third race and set a new PR for the third time. Now, I do realize that at some point I will plateau with my times and make smaller and less frequent speed gains. So, today I officially switch my focus from speed gains to distance gains.
Just a week ago, I ran 8k with my running partner Daisy. That was exciting and for the first time ever, I have started to consider running a half marathon and maybe someday a full marathon.
Wow, I can't believe I just put that in writing.
So, the journey continues as I move into training for longer distances. I plan on completing the Joliet Run 3 in 2014 before moving onto longer distances. Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter in this journey.
Here's to meeting goals. Setting new ones. And never giving up.
Lisa
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Day 275: Running Blues
Day 275:
Two weeks ago I ran my fastest run and felt great! Since then my runs have gone down hill. I have had a cold, cramping calves, and tonight an unhappy digestive tract. Running is hard! And sometimes down right depressing.
It seems that no matter how much personal growth I make, I am still so far behind my fellow runners their dust has already settled by the time I catch up. Every setback, no matter how small, seems devastating.
It's times like these that I am glad I spent so much time memorizing Bible verses as a teen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 comes to mind. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." I have to remember that I run not just to meet some arbitrary goal or to keep up with all the "cool" running kids. I run because I can. I run because I enjoy the feeling moving fast. The wind in my face, the sun shinning down, the fresh air of the trails, and even the solitude of running alone.
It is the unseen pleasures of running that matter the most. These are things that can't be measured by clocks or distance.
I think I just needed to remind myself of why I run. Maybe if I start my next run with these things in mind, it will go better.
Remembering why I run,
Lisa
Two weeks ago I ran my fastest run and felt great! Since then my runs have gone down hill. I have had a cold, cramping calves, and tonight an unhappy digestive tract. Running is hard! And sometimes down right depressing.
It seems that no matter how much personal growth I make, I am still so far behind my fellow runners their dust has already settled by the time I catch up. Every setback, no matter how small, seems devastating.
It's times like these that I am glad I spent so much time memorizing Bible verses as a teen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 comes to mind. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." I have to remember that I run not just to meet some arbitrary goal or to keep up with all the "cool" running kids. I run because I can. I run because I enjoy the feeling moving fast. The wind in my face, the sun shinning down, the fresh air of the trails, and even the solitude of running alone.
It is the unseen pleasures of running that matter the most. These are things that can't be measured by clocks or distance.
I think I just needed to remind myself of why I run. Maybe if I start my next run with these things in mind, it will go better.
Remembering why I run,
Lisa
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Day 255: Running for a Building
Day 255:
I need your help! I have set a few tough goals for myself to meet before the end of the year in preparation for running a 10k in the spring. One is to be able to run a 5k in 40 minutes or less and two is running 17 plus km a week. So, to make this a little more fun, I added a new challenge: run 250km by December 31, 2013.
Here's where you come in. I am asking everyone I know to donate 10 cents for every km I run between now and December 31st to the Southfield Church building fund. Yes, you heard that right! Southfield is finally ready to build a home base! I am so excited!
I have spent a lot of time over that last two weeks trying to come up with a fun and creative way to contribute to the building fund. My family and I don't have a lot of money for fluff so, we really don't have anything to give up.
So, what do I have? Baby blankets, funny stories, and running.
My first idea was to sell baby blankets, but I felt guilty asking for money for something I have always given away to celebrate a new life. And well, my comedy relief is really not ready to be taken on the road. So, that leaves running.
Then Pastor Dennis threw down the gauntlet by offering to donate 40 pounds. What a great idea! I can't guarantee I will ever lose weight, but I can run 250km! I will run one kilometer for every $1,000 we need to raise. If 40 people donate 10 cents a km, that's a total of $1,000 raised. That's my goal!
Getting ready run for a building,
Lisa
If you want to check out Dennis' challenge, go over to FieldNotesToday.com: http://www.fieldnotestoday.com/2013/08/im-donating-40-pounds-toward-our-new-building.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogs%2Fqjon+%28Field+Notes+Today%29&utm_content=FaceBook
I need your help! I have set a few tough goals for myself to meet before the end of the year in preparation for running a 10k in the spring. One is to be able to run a 5k in 40 minutes or less and two is running 17 plus km a week. So, to make this a little more fun, I added a new challenge: run 250km by December 31, 2013.
Here's where you come in. I am asking everyone I know to donate 10 cents for every km I run between now and December 31st to the Southfield Church building fund. Yes, you heard that right! Southfield is finally ready to build a home base! I am so excited!
To Donate click on the link below:
I have spent a lot of time over that last two weeks trying to come up with a fun and creative way to contribute to the building fund. My family and I don't have a lot of money for fluff so, we really don't have anything to give up.
So, what do I have? Baby blankets, funny stories, and running.
My first idea was to sell baby blankets, but I felt guilty asking for money for something I have always given away to celebrate a new life. And well, my comedy relief is really not ready to be taken on the road. So, that leaves running.
Then Pastor Dennis threw down the gauntlet by offering to donate 40 pounds. What a great idea! I can't guarantee I will ever lose weight, but I can run 250km! I will run one kilometer for every $1,000 we need to raise. If 40 people donate 10 cents a km, that's a total of $1,000 raised. That's my goal!
Getting ready run for a building,
Lisa
If you want to check out Dennis' challenge, go over to FieldNotesToday.com: http://www.fieldnotestoday.com/2013/08/im-donating-40-pounds-toward-our-new-building.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogs%2Fqjon+%28Field+Notes+Today%29&utm_content=FaceBook
Monday, July 22, 2013
Day 238: Reflections
Day 238: Reflections
It's Monday night. My race was Thursday night. I think I have finally recovered from the race and am ready to start training for the next one. But before I do, I want to look back at that race one more time.
The Joliet Sundowner 5k fell during yet another heat wave. The temperatures had been in the upper 90's with humidity almost as high all week. The sky actually threatened to storm for awhile, but by race time the sun was back out and the humidity had returned.
The race went off without a hitch and thanks to some great planning by the Joliet Park District, the water stations were fully stocked even for us slow ones. I finished the race with a time of 46:32! My best time so far! I met my goal of running a 15 min mile and fell short of my overall time goal by half a minute. I'm pretty happy!
As I think back on this race, a few things stand out to me. First, the heat. Yes, it was hot, but I was in the shade during the race. So, for me, it wasn't bad.
Daisy said the heat got to her around mile two. It probably would have gotten me too if it wasn't for a few other runners on the course. One gentleman stopped to walk with me a few paces then as he started running again shouted back to me, "If I don't make it, tell them I died happy!" This made me chuckle.
There was a mom and daughter in pink shirts that had been close by since around the first mile marker. They had remained just in sight in front of my for most of mile two. As the second mile marker approached, the little girl started to lose it. She was ready to quit! Frankly, so was I. As I ran passed, I shouted to her, "You're two thirds of the way there. Not far to go now! You can do it!" In my head, I was saying the same thing to myself. The pair stayed nearby the rest of the race and even passed me when I suggested we race to the finish. Encouraging her was like encouraging myself.
The last and greatest part of the race was the end. (Of course!) Not for the reasons you would think though. As I came into that final stretch and the mom and daughter pair took off, one final song came on my ipod shuffle. Right before my cheering squad could be seen and heard I hear in my ear, "It's the end of the world as we know it. It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine!" Yep, good ole R.E.M. is there to sing me to the finish line. So, while my friends are cheering, I'm singing in my head, "It's the end of the race as we know it, and I feel fine!"
So, here I am at the end of the race, feeling fine. Where are you at the end of your race? Do you feel fine? Are you like the guy who said during the race I died happy? Are you the little girl needing someone to tell you to keep going, the finish is just around the corner?
I know runners are always comparing running to life, especially our spiritual lives. So if this season of life right now was a race, where are you? Are you running happy? Are you chasing someone/something that is just out of reach? Are you ready to quit and need a little encouragement? Are you the one shouting encouragement to others? Where is your cheering team?
Thursday night, I was feeling fine. Monday night, I'm back at the second mile marker needing some encouragement as I go about the task of setting new goals for the next race.
Thinking about goals,
Lisa
It's Monday night. My race was Thursday night. I think I have finally recovered from the race and am ready to start training for the next one. But before I do, I want to look back at that race one more time.
The Joliet Sundowner 5k fell during yet another heat wave. The temperatures had been in the upper 90's with humidity almost as high all week. The sky actually threatened to storm for awhile, but by race time the sun was back out and the humidity had returned.
The race went off without a hitch and thanks to some great planning by the Joliet Park District, the water stations were fully stocked even for us slow ones. I finished the race with a time of 46:32! My best time so far! I met my goal of running a 15 min mile and fell short of my overall time goal by half a minute. I'm pretty happy!
Daisy said the heat got to her around mile two. It probably would have gotten me too if it wasn't for a few other runners on the course. One gentleman stopped to walk with me a few paces then as he started running again shouted back to me, "If I don't make it, tell them I died happy!" This made me chuckle.
There was a mom and daughter in pink shirts that had been close by since around the first mile marker. They had remained just in sight in front of my for most of mile two. As the second mile marker approached, the little girl started to lose it. She was ready to quit! Frankly, so was I. As I ran passed, I shouted to her, "You're two thirds of the way there. Not far to go now! You can do it!" In my head, I was saying the same thing to myself. The pair stayed nearby the rest of the race and even passed me when I suggested we race to the finish. Encouraging her was like encouraging myself.
The last and greatest part of the race was the end. (Of course!) Not for the reasons you would think though. As I came into that final stretch and the mom and daughter pair took off, one final song came on my ipod shuffle. Right before my cheering squad could be seen and heard I hear in my ear, "It's the end of the world as we know it. It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine!" Yep, good ole R.E.M. is there to sing me to the finish line. So, while my friends are cheering, I'm singing in my head, "It's the end of the race as we know it, and I feel fine!"
So, here I am at the end of the race, feeling fine. Where are you at the end of your race? Do you feel fine? Are you like the guy who said during the race I died happy? Are you the little girl needing someone to tell you to keep going, the finish is just around the corner?
I know runners are always comparing running to life, especially our spiritual lives. So if this season of life right now was a race, where are you? Are you running happy? Are you chasing someone/something that is just out of reach? Are you ready to quit and need a little encouragement? Are you the one shouting encouragement to others? Where is your cheering team?
Thursday night, I was feeling fine. Monday night, I'm back at the second mile marker needing some encouragement as I go about the task of setting new goals for the next race.
Thinking about goals,
Lisa
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Day 230: Ready for Race 2?
Day 230 - 38.29 total km
Ready for Race number 2? After tonight's run, I do believe I am!
Ready for Race number 2? After tonight's run, I do believe I am!
Daisy and I did a little prerace run along the race course tonight and ended the night with a glass of chocolate milk. It was a great night to run. Hot, but not too much humidity and the hint of a breeze coming through the trees. We finished in just over 46 minutes and my goal for Thursdays race is to finish in 45 minutes. I think I am actually going to make it!
The other great thing about tonight was I finally found my rhythm. For about the 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile, I so wanted to quite. My body was refusing to work and my brain was not convinced running was a good idea. Then, all of a sudden, everything fell into place. My body stopped protesting and my brain decided this was a great idea. That is until around the 2 1/2 mile marker. Around that point all I can think about where on earth is the finish line! (I swear it moves just to mess with me.)
Anyway, now to rest up for Thursday's race! Good luck to all those racing this week!
Lisa
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