Running is a Journey

Saturday means long run day.  

I knew I wanted to run more than 11 miles (which is where I've been so far on my long runs).  I wanted to get at least a half marathon, and if I could get more than 14 miles even better (because 14 is the longest distance I've ever done).

I did a reverse run of my usual long route and added an extra lap at sugarhouse park.  I was feeling pretty good and got the thought to end my run at the temple.  I knew I could do it.  

It was a rainy day, but the beginning of my run was clear.  There was a little sprinkle for a bit.  Then it was clear again.  As I was running to the temple though it was raining a little more.  I loved it.  The raindrops were getting in my eyes and I was getting so wet, but I was too happy to let it get to me.  I enjoyed every moment of it.  I even got a thumbs up from a greeter who was standing outside one of the buildings.

I got to the temple and took a moment to enjoy the beauty of it.  I had a guy take a picture for me.  Then I looked at the temple and almost cried.  There is such peace and wonder that comes with LDS temples.  

My original plan was to stop my run at the temple and then do a cool down walk home.  Because it was raining and because I felt really good, I decided I would just run back home (plus I was a little shy of 15 miles so I want to make sure I got there).

I got to the last stretch home, sprinted, and ended feeling accomplished.

My finally mileage was 16.5!  That's my new farthest.  And I did it with an average 9:32min/mile pace.

I thought to myself.....I'll definitely be able to run a marathon.

Running definitely brings me a sense of peace and happiness that nothing else does.  It's the perfect time to talk to God, feel the Spirit, and clear my mind of the worries I have.

Today I stepped out the door knowing I was going on a journey.  Not just one of distance or running, but of something more.

The more I run, the more I learn.

Runaway Girl

Eff It

The other day I had the opportunity to talk to my former cross country coach.  He gave me some great advice about life.

Tell yourself "F*** It".

I'm not one to say the actual word out loud (even to myself), but I'll say "Eff It" for sure.  It's a little less harsh haha.

I really have tried to apply that to my life and let go of a lot of things.  Just eff it and move on.

Today I needed that.  I was going to go on a long run, but I was tired and decided to nap because I just wasn't feeling it and knew I still had time to run later.  I stayed in bed longer though and started losing motivation.

EFF IT.

I got out of my bed and went for a run, even if it was going to be shorter.  I was going at a pretty good pace but wasn't feeling my healthiest.

EFF IT.

I need to enjoy my run and just let go.  I kept going and decided that I was going to run up the 900 South hill so I would run more than 3 miles.  The hill wasn't super easy, but.....

EFF IT.

I wasn't going to let a stupid hill stop me!  So I didn't.  I turned the corner and kept a good pace all the way down 1300 east.

I ran down a hill and then had one last mini incline before I turned the corner to my final stretch.  Incline? 

EFF IT.

I kept my pace strong, turned the corner and started running down hill towards my house.  I had a smile on my face as I saw the sunset and I remembered that God is always with me.  That running is a spiritual experience.

EFF IT.

God gave me this gift.
I wasn't going to slow down and I was going to get faster.  I was almost done anyway.

I got to my house and was at 3.9 miles. 

EFF IT.

I was going to make sure I hit 4.0 miles.  So I kept running around my street in circles until I got it.

That was my run.  And I'm SO happy that I got outside today.  There's no reason to not run.  I've got the time. I've got the strength.  And I've got the health.

So EFF IT.

Runaway Girl 

Sun Run

The weather today screamed "GO FOR A RUN!".

I was already planning on running far since I didn't have anything else planned today and the weather helped my motivation.  I wore shorts and a t-shirt.  And it's December!

As usual.  My run made me happy.  

Today was 11.5 miles at a 8:51min/mile pace.

Not too bad.  I'm not going to stop running.  And I'm not going to stop improving. 

Runaway Girl

Healing

Today was the day I needed.  My original plan was to take a nap after work, but the air quality wasn't bad, and those are the days when I need to take advantage of being able to run outside.

That was a much better plan.

Today's run was particularly important to me.  I finally decided on what route to take, but ended up switching it up a bit so I would run even longer.   

As I was running I was reminded of why I run and why it's so important in my life.  Lately, life hasn't exactly been the best.  I've made mistakes and I'm certainly not perfect.  I have a lot of things, both big and small, that I want and need to change.  I didn't want to be weak. 

So today.....I was strong.  There's something about putting on running clothes, tying your running shoes, and just getting outside.  Especially when you are stressed, sad, or frustrated.  I was able to clear my mind and just enjoy the run.  It's my sort of meditation.  

I ran 7.4 miles today at a 8:14min/mile pace. :)

I could feel that I was healing from whatever 'darkness' had entered my life.  I could feel the happiness that comes from knowing what is true and right.  I knew this is where God wanted me to be.  He had something to teach me. 

When I run, I am always reminded that life is amazing.

Today I ran for healing.  

Runaway Girl

Crap

So I forgot to write about my awesome run over Thanksgiving Break.  

It wasn't that awesome.  Haha.

My family decided to be active on Saturday.  My brother-in-law and I were going to run, while everyone else walked/jogged.  

Well I kept up with my brother-in-law at first, but as we turned to go up a brutal hill I knew my stomach was going to kill.  I made it up the hill, but I had to walk.  I wasn't happy about it.  I was in a lot of pain.  I felt like passing out, throwing up, and I couldn't really breathe all that well.  It lasted way longer than I expected.  Gah.

I finally got to a point where I wasn't so weak and started running again.  I still didn't feel too well.  Eventually I saw my brother-in-law, but I ran a little longer so I could at least get 3 miles in.

This wasn't an ideal run obviously, but it's a bit humbling I guess.  It just means I need to make sure I don't let myself get down. I can't let this be a reflection of who I am.  I had one day of weakness and that's okay. 

So I run to be faster and not let one moment bring me down. :)

Runaway Girl