Be Proud and Look Around

As many of you probably noticed, my name was not in the results for the US Cross Country meet. Unfortunately it was not because I ran so fast that I didn’t get a time:) I am currently on the DL (disabled list). I decided not to travel to St. Louis because of a foot injury. I have been off for about two weeks and will hopefully be back running in about another two weeks. Obviously I was very frustrated when I first had to stop running, but there is little to do but to accept it and move on. My sister reminded me that our purpose is to always strive to be the best we can be, and I can do that whether I run or not. So…the plan for now is to dwell on truth, especially on the fact that God knows the plans for me and that they are good (Jeremiah 29:11), and then march forward with enthusiasm and perseverance.

I have always wanted to be a “Regular” somewhere, and I guess I am officially a “Regular” at Lifetime Fitness (not quite what I had in mind…) Although I do not hope to cross train indoors the rest of my life, I have been encouraged and inspired by those around me. Being in the pool and on machines confines you, but also makes it so you can work out alongside people with a variety of goals. I have found myself in the pool a lot during the Water Aerobics class where there are at least 2 generations separating me from the others. Their workouts look very different than my own; people are typically floating on noodles, following the instructor’s directions, or chatting. Despite the dramatic difference in our age and workouts, I realized we have a lot in common: We both are in the pool taking care of ourselves, looking to better ourselves, and taking pride in our efforts.

One of my most inspired moments at Lifetime happened this week when I was doing 6-minute aqua jogging intervals in the deep-end of the pool. A rather elderly woman joined me as I was halfway through the workout. She lowered herself into the pool via a mechanical chair and paddled over to the deep end. She floated in the deep-end and did toe touches and other mobility exercises. As I was huffing and puffing she would tease me with insensitive but friendly comments like “Looks like you are running out of steam” or “So you are starting to torture yourself again?” After I finished my workout, I chatted with her a while. She shared her entire pool routine; how she would wake up and the first thing she did was put her suit on and come swim, do 40 toe touches, etc. She clearly beamed with pride. I was so impressed with her ambition and all that we had in common. Her motivation is to make sure that she maintained some mobility and to get out of the house, while my motivation is to work as hard as I can to maintain fitness so I can have a smooth transition back to training and run a fast 5k, but we both were proud of what we were doing and were able to encourage the other. After my interaction with Eileen, I have been excited about the fact that no matter who is around me, I generally have something in common with them and can acknowledge them and encourage them to be proud of their endeavors. For now, while I am working out at Lifetime, I hope to acknowledge those working out around me and to affirm them so that they can take pride in their workout to be the best they can be!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

Be PROUD and Look Around!

Action Vs. Evaluation

I have been back in Minnesota now for about two weeks. It is good to be back home (especially when the weather is almost 50 degrees and sunny in February!) I ran my first race of the year a day after I returned. I ran a 3K at my Alma Mater, the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse. It was strange lining up with Gophers alongside of me and not wearing an “M” on my chest and having my old coaches Gary Wilson and Sarah Hesser there, but not coaching me. Although it felt odd, it felt great to get back on the track and be surrounded with people that I love. I was reminded of the joy that comes along with racing. I felt overwhelmed with the opportunity to be in an environment where it is encouraged to be intense and to be the best that you can be. Also, it was so wonderful to be surrounded by a number of people that I care about and that continue to encourage me. I certainly get nervous, but I am trying to celebrate the fact that being nervous simply means that I care about something and that I have the unique opportunity to channel my excitement into a performance. I ran with my teammate, Jamie Cheever for much of the race. I ran a 9:29, which is a PR by a few seconds. Although it is only a few seconds, I was encouraged because I did not modify my training for the race, so I entered the race feeling tired and without much speed work! I am looking forward to more races to come.

Next on the docket is US Cross Country Championships in St. Louis this Saturday, February 11^th. It is an 8K Cross Country race. Honestly, I am a little anxious about this distance; collegiate races are 6K for women. While I was at Lifetime Fitness doing pull-ups I had a bit of insight into how I want to approach this race. I was doing 2 sets of pull-ups. In my first set I was focused on how many I was trying to complete and evaluating if I was going to be able to accomplish the reps. On my second set I decided that I was going to focus not on the number of reps I wanted to get done, but on pulling really hard and being powerful. During my second set, I found that my pull-ups were more quality and that I got through them with much more success. I realized that when I focus on the action involved rather than constant evaluation of where I am at and how I am feeling, the process is much more successful and enjoyable! Rather than trying to preserve energy and worry about getting to the destination, I have to believe I will get to the end goal and aggressively focus on doing the action necessary for that moment. This weekend, that is going to be my mentality. I am confident that I can run an 8K well. Now all I have to do is to enter the race with an aggressive attitude and focus on each moment and race. I asked Dennis what a good strategy was for running an 8K, and he just said, “You just have to race.” I had to laugh at this seemingly uninspired advice, but in reality, that is all I have to do: start the race and be an aggressive competitor each stride. My verse for the week is 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.” I am not called to be timid, and am eager to run for God’s glory with power, love and self discipline as a good soldier would! To God be the Glory!

Here is a link to the US Cross Country webpage.

The Simple Life

I am still in sunny San Diego. I have had great weather, had some great workouts, and had a lot of time to reflect on my life. Jamie Cheever has been here for the last week and it has been such a gift to have a training partner. We are both staying in my sister’s studio apartment. There is no kitchen; we have a microwave and refrigerator, a toilet to toss our plate scraps in, and bathroom sink to wash dishes. It has been an inspiration to see how simply you can live! (see pic)

It is not only the studio that has been an inspiration to live simply, but also my daily routine. It is fairly simple, and I think it is benefiting my training. I acknowledge that this lifestyle is like a vacation, but want to consider how to bring some of it back to my life in Minnesota. My day here generally consists of waking up, doing a short devotional or bible study while drinking coffee and eating a few handfuls of cereal, and eventually heading out for my first workout of the day. I come home, eat, shower, go to a coffee shop or sit on the ocean and read a book, and maybe take a nap. Then I go for a second shakeout run, stretch, roll out, do some core strengthening exercises, and make dinner for when my sister returns.

After a workout with Jamie, we were sitting on the beach and acknowledging how beneficial it is to be able to devote time to training and not have to practically run to the next commitment.

I think my mother said it first, but I didn’t take it to heart until a friend, Alisha Kaiser, said “There are many good things in life, but only a few GREAT things. You need to consider what the great things are.” I have a tendency to be passionate and excited about so many things in life and have a hard time passing up the good things! I consider that I can just keep “pressing on” and continue my same lifestyle until summer and many of my commitments will end. I told Dan, my boyfriend, about my ideas. After making sure it wasn’t him that I was going to cut, :) he reminded me that the next few months, with upcoming races, are important for deciding if a running career will be a part of my future. He reminded me that I can’t do 500 things if I want to be really good at one thing. Thus, as I prepare to return to the great state of Minnesota, I am trying to consider what is best and precious and what is not. It is uncomfortable, but I think it really is necessary. I will keep you updated on the progress! I am off to spend my last day in California with my sister (I guess she can be considered a priority:).

California Update #1

Although I said that Minnesota might be a running mecca, I have to admit that running out West has been awesome…too:) So far, my time here has been a major gift. I flew into Las Vegas, where my sister picked me up and we drove to Zion National Park. We hiked for two days before heading to our final destination: San Diego. I can’t even communicate to you how beautiful this park is. If you ever get a chance, GO SEE IT!

It has been a breath of fresh air (literally) to come to a new place; it is really helpful to have a little change in my life to refocus on my training. There are times that I forget that each workout has a value and that each one requires a unique intensity for a specific goal. I lose sight of what I am working toward; for now, my focus is towards running a 5K PR to qualify for the Olympic Trials. While in Zion, Dennis had me do a workout on the track. It couldn’t have worked out any better because there was a track across the street from where I was staying. Besides climbing a few fences, it was a perfect situation: the track was set in the mountains, the sun was rising, and the surface was quality. Before heading to the track, I committed myself to being intentional about visualizing an actual race scenario and using positive affirmations throughout. My workout was 24 200’s with 45-second rest. Throughout the workout, I envisioned where I would be in a 5K race and how I can break it down so that it is manageable and so that I remain positive. As the workout progressed, I found myself truly getting excited to race and more committed to the workout. After completing the workout, I truly believe that I am one workout closer to running a 5K PR and one step deeper into a passion for competing and training.

I am so thankful for the workouts that rejuvenate and excite me. I will admit that stepping onto a track in the middle of the mountains with the sun rising is enough to motivate anyone, but I am also convinced of the power of focusing on personal goals to inspire purpose and motivation.

Happy New Year

Happy 2012! I have not exactly kept my blog up to date and I apologize! As for a brief update, I am still continuing to train. Winter in Minnesota has been so amazing. I think Minnesota should be the new winter running Mecca! Last week I ran on the track and the day before I ran on trails along the Mississippi River, which runs for endless miles! I didn’t anticipate that weather would be this great when I booked a flight to San Diego, where my sister Annie lives, to get some quality training, but I am leaving on a jet plane anyway! I figure a little sun won’t hurt, and as Dennis, my coach, says at least I can improve my tanJ

I am healthy and I continue to love running and training more than ever. At times I feel like I am stuck in the doldrums of base training; no races to look forward to in the next few weeks, but trying to stay focused on what is ahead. Fortunately there is a glimmer of hope with the New Year. The turn of 2012 signifies that the racing season is coming and I can hardly wait!

Something else that is worth celebrating is that I cannot call myself a nomad anymore. I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to house-sit in South Minneapolis near Lake Harriet with one of my best friends and training partner, Jamie Cheever. Living out of my van and with my parents was certainly an adventure, and I have no complaints, but it has been so wonderful to be near many of my peers and have a place for people to gather. Anyone is welcome to stop by and visit or go for a run! I am right by Lake Harriet, part of a chain of lakes that can keep a runner busy for a while. I have two additional roommates who I have greatly enjoyed getting to know; Megan is also a runner and Sean is a full time Best Buy employee (He is the only “Real Person” in our house.)

Living in the house has many advantages, but the best part is living with people that challenge me to be the best person I can be. In a book I am currently reading, it discusses the nature of a true friend. In summary it says that we define friends in many different ways throughout our lives. As children we consider a friend someone who will come and ask to play with you, or who will stand up for you. As teenagers, a friend is someone that likes the same things that you like and agrees with you. Eventually, however, you realize that a true friend is the person that “encourages you to be all you can be, challenges you to become the-best-version-of-yourself, and vice versa.” The author says, “If you want a litmus test for choosing friends, use this question: Will spending time with this person make me want to be a better person?” I am so blessed to have a roommate that trains with me daily. Some how, although we are very competitive, we both truly want the other to be the best she can be. Jamie encourages me to do my best in all aspects of my life: emotionally, spiritually, physically, nutritionally, etc. I challenge everyone to consider whom you surround yourself with and if you encourage others to be the best they can be. This can apply to your training partners, but also to people in all walks of your life.

A new year is always cause for personal reflection. My personal goal in life is to live in a way that brings glory to God. This year, and for much of my life, I have devoted a lot of energy to running. I wrestle with the question of what in the world is the purpose of this all, and how can running bring glory to God? Is it worth the cost of going to bed early and missing out, making little money, not teaching, or missing fun outings for a workout? Can I really justify it? My sister, Annie, sent me a letter a few weeks ago with a book that was incredibly encouraging. The book states that everyone is called to holiness- it is our essential purpose. What is holiness? It says, “to be holy is to become fully the person God created you to be…to become who you were created to be, to become the-best-version-of-yourself.” He argues that holiness is for everyone, and I totally agree. I was so encouraged after reading this, because I believe that we are all made so uniquely and simply by pursuing a real and authentic life while trying to do your best at it, is all we can do. It is pretty humbling, but God doesn’t need you or me, but gives us all unique gifts for the good of all and for his glory. It is so awesome to imagine that if we all really encourage others to be the best-version-of themselves, we will all play the role we are created for, and will collectively live fulfilled lives and bring glory to God. It is scary and uncomfortable to think that we may not always know the purpose of what we are doing, but I think it is truly the most satisfying life when we strive to live to the best of your ability. For me, this means I will continue to write my life story so that everything I do, I will do it with all my heart, mind, and soul.

With this New Year of 2012 I am considering what in my life I can change to strive to be the best-version-of-myself and how I can encourage those around me to be the best they can be. Happy New Year everyone!

BE YOU!!!!

Quality Time

(My visit in California- Jennie, Me, Annie)

Last week I spent time in San Diego, California visiting my sister Annie. Two of the days I was there we had the opportunity to run together. Not surprisingly, we had the best conversations, listening and encouraging each other, sharing good advice. After these sessions, I found myself reflecting on the influence running has had on my family and likewise how my family has influenced my own running.

While running isn’t the only thing that my family has in common, it is one of the more unique activities we all enjoy. My first run ever was with my mom and sister, I remember being so proud that we made it an entire mile! As I got older I would run more regularly with them, I recall my mom threatening me that if I was going to cry, then I couldn’t come (Don’t ask why I wanted to do an activity that regularly made me cry…I guess runners even start out a little insane!). Eventually, the runs became an opportunity to work hard while enjoying each other’s company. I have many memories of early morning runs with my mom and sister, times full of tears, conversations, prayers, singing, and silence which created an unspeakable unity. To this day, I have found that running with my 52 year old mother ensures that I run easier on the days I need to recover while simultaneously being able to spend time together catching up. I have also enjoyed the gift of running with my dad. When I was younger he would come home from work and ask if I wanted to run. My goal on these runs was to really impress him, ultimately becoming a workout for me. His work ethic never ceases to amaze me, the last time I biked with him I swear I had lactic acid in my legs after 20 minutes and was vowing to never bike with him again (although I will probably forget how painful it was and try again next summerJ).

Even as we’ve grown older, my family has continued to enjoy running. On the few occasions each year that we’re all in the same state (and healthy) we enjoy a shuffle together. There is no competition involved, we simply enjoy the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time together. This summer, my sister Bekah and brother-in-law Jeff were married. With everyone in town, friends and family gathered the morning of the wedding and went for an easy run. It was such a thrill being able to start out the day with a group of people I loved, while concurrently taking care of our bodies and building anticipation for the day. Running with my family has gone beyond just a way to promote physical activity; it’s the time where we’ve forged a special unity.

It’s incredible to reflect on the influence that running has had on my family. Even if running isn’t something you can enjoy with your loved ones, I encourage you to find something that you share with family and friends. There is an unbelievable power in spending quality time with those you care about the most.

Pressing On

Well folks, it’s Tuesday afternoon and I had a little bit of time to reflect on my first Ten mile race this past Sunday. People say it’s helpful to set three levels of goals: a lofty dream goal, a reasonable goal, and a highly achievable goal. I can at least say that I hit my highly achievable goal down to the second; I crossed the line at 60 minutes exactly. Someone asked me if I had planned that, and I promise I didn’t. I was dreaming of running a little bit faster but despite my disappointment I learned a lot and have a few reflections:

First, preparing for the race was a blast. I used to dread the feeling of race anxiety and the idea of wasting my life away being nervous. Now I consider it a huge blessing feeling the anticipation and preparing for an event where I get to work with my heart, mind, and soul. The night before the race I stayed in St. Paul; between trips to the bathroom and pretending to read, I spent most of the night praying time would pass so I could go to bed and wake up ready to race. The Ten Mile started at 7:02 AM, so morning came very early. I awoke at 4:30am and felt like I was the only soul awake. I ate breakfast immediately, had a cup of coffee, did a short bible study and then went for a walk/jog. The air was still and crisp, the moon was bright, and I felt privileged and ready to go. My coach Dennis picked me up and we were off to the hotel where the Elite athletes gathered. I was amazed by how calm and collected everyone was. A large group of former Minnesota athletes warmed up together through the dark the early morning. I found myself relaxed and enjoying the prerace routine. Soon enough it was time to report to the line, I was ready to go.

“Runners take your mark… Go!”

We were off! I was taken a little off guard how fast we started. I wish I could tell you our first mile split but I didn’t wear a watch. As with a lot of races it’s hard not to be fast the first mile, but it’s especially true for the TC10 as it’s mostly downhill (unlike the rest of the course). My plan was to start out relaxed but unfortunately it didn’t feel as easy as I had hoped. I decided I should settle down a little, but before I knew it, the pack was gone…and I was in no man’s land. Long story short, I had my eyes on the pack the rest of the time and ran almost 8 miles by myself…. It was a pretty long race.

Results: 30th/ 60:00/ 6 min/mile (Place/ Time/ Pace)

People ask if my race was a mental failure, and I will be the first to admit that there were moments that I was a “mental midget” (a term my former coach Sarah Hesser likes to use). But I also am willing to say that Sunday was simply not my day. Thanks to a discussion with my sister, I think I can conclude that when I am at the correct fitness level, being mentally tough will come too.

So how did I respond? Well, first I felt a little numb, then I felt dumb (because I was far behind the group of people that I was racing), and later that day I felt confused… (I can’t think of another word ending in “umb”). I questioned what I was doing; How am I to make this my future if I am working really hard, and not even close to my competition? After calming down a little, I realized (with the wise counsel of many) that this early in the next phase of my running, I don’t yet have a broad enough body of work to evaluate if I should or shouldn’t run professionally. I firmly believe this is what I want to do and transition to new training takes time.

My theme for the next few months is the verse James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because trials lead to perseverance, and perseverance will finish its work so that you will be mature and complete lacking nothing.” I will persevere. I will trust that with perseverance in my training, I will grow physically, spiritually, and mentally, and I will be mature, complete and ready to battle when racing.

I hope this blog can serve as support to anyone feeling discouraged or in a state of frustration. I encourage you to persevere, because God uses your situation to promote your reliance on him, making you mature and lacking nothing

Press on!