Oceans

I'm a few days late on this, but I had the most incredible run the other morning. And the crazy thing is, it was on the treadmill. I'm sure I'm in the top percentile of all runners when I say I hate the treadmill. It hurts my knees, and when I run at home, its even worse than the gym...instead of watching my treadmill TV, I stare at the tractor because its in the workshop. Borrrrrinnnnnnggggg.

For this run though, I tested out running to a new song. Its been a favorite for a while, and I thought it would give me strength to press on. I'm a little less than a month from my race now, and I'm hungry. Starving, really. I WANT this win. I've wanted it for a year now. A lot has changed since last year. I'm not moved in my house yet like I thought I would be- which is actually why I thought I could sign up for this race- because I would have plenty of time to train. ....Surprise! I thought I would have extra time to run since I was finished giving my free time to painting and pulling up floor and....whatever else has taken my time to renovate my house. (COMPLETELY restore it, I may add!)

So this run, though. I'm trying to figure out how my negative splits can time out for my race. The more I run, the better I get at racing. I don't mean that as in, 'I'm getting in better shape.' Well, duh. No, I mean I need to stop going out too fast and wearing out too soon in my race.

So for this run, the song is "Oceans" by Hillsong. Part of the lyrics are- 

• "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

  Let me walk upon the waters

  Wherever You would call me

  Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

  And my faith will be made stronger

  In the presence of my Savior"

This really pushes me when I'm feeling weak. Yes, I run and work out as much as I can, and I would say I'm in pretty good shape. Yay for me. That's me pushing myself to succeed. But none of this could be done without my Savior. I am nothing. I am a lazy couch potato who loves pizza. I pray for strength and perseverance. 

I'm pretty stubborn by nature, but I'm also weak. If I haven't had enough sleep, I'm hungry, its hot, its windy.....those all also pretty good excuses for a walk break. If you catch me in the right mood, I can push on. If not....oh well. Its too hot to really run this much, even if it is a race. 

Everyone finds inspiration from different things. I'm happy I've found that this song pushes me more to be stronger and better, and remember to rely on the Lord for strength and stamina. 

I ran 3.1 this day, and my splits were 9 minutes, 8:30, and for the last mile, I ran at an 8 min pace for the first half mile, and then each .1 mile, I increased the speed by 1. For the last .2 mile of my "race" I ran at 7:30 pace until I was done. I love finishing my runs pushing myself every now and then, to know I can do it, and to prepare myself for when its actually a race. 

With all the knee pain I've suffered in the past and having to taking breaks from running to rest my IT band, I'm so thankful I can run without hesitation now. I could say my clean diet with paleo and drinking plenty of water is giving me that, but I know its also a gift from God. Thank you, more than I could ever express.

Good Reads

Does anyone else start 4 more books before they finish their current one? I can't help myself! Maybe its the inner ADD I try to keep bottled up, letting loose. 

So here's what is in my current 'book bin.' ...I have a bin beside my bed. Anyways.

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. My former Sunday School class (from when I lived in Oklahoma, I still get the email updates) read it, and it took a long time before I finally decided to pick up a copy for myself. I usually read this at night, but I probably shouldn't- it gets me too pumped up! Mark challenges us to dream, dream BIG. Inspire God in your life and reach for ridiculous miracles you feel silly for even thinking of, much less expecting. He will having you praying circles around any situation you are facing, and bring you to a deeper relationship with God. 

I've told several people I would let them borrow this but...I may have to re-read it a couple times first! Its pretty brilliant.

This devotional by Joel Osteen is definitely not for nighttime reading! Joel is so talented in light people on fire. Not literally of course, but spiritually! Some people I have talked to said they didn't like Joel because he wasn't a good preacher- he was just a good inspirational speaker. I have to disagree! God put Joel in his position for a reason, even if it is just to encourage people. But think about this- if a non-believer is flipping through the channels, who are they more likely to stick to and watch- Joel, or somebody like Charles Stanley? Now don't get me wrong, Dr. Stanley is incredibly wise, and I enjoy watching his sermons. I even have his edition of the Bible! But to someone who doesn't believe in God, he's probably about as boring as watching paint dry. Whereas Joel hits home on a lot of his sermons. Everyone can relate to what he talks about. This book is no different. I love starting my day with this little jewel! Each page is a different day of the year, and the devotionals are short enough that you can read it pretty quick and move on- perfect for people like me who have busy mornings! 

What? Its interesting! Beginning with anatomy, this book breaks it all down. I've flipped through it a bunch, but I'll let you in on a little secret...Its taking me a long time to get through the anatomy! I took equine anatomy in college and this feels exactly the same. It feels like death. But to be a personal trainer is so much more than 'getting big' and knowing how to do all the different exercises. When you're training different populations (the elderly, working around special injuries, college athletes, etc) you have to know how the body works. So, now you know what the nerd does in her spare time! 

I also have different binders I've started writing in on different topics. I have iRun for all things running, Eat Clean, Live Lean for everything nutritional, and I actually haven't named my weightlifting book yet.Any time I come across useful information, it goes in the book! 

One book I will forever read, over and over and over again, is this beauty right here.

As I mentioned earlier, this is an awesome version of the Bible! It has all sorts of add ins- the "Life Principles" are Charles' way of explaining how to get the most out of life by living a Holy life. I know I can turn to the Bible for any problem I'm facing.