confidence-building run.

this was yesterday's run.

i'm psyched.

this was a tough run, but i pushed through.

we ran "hospital hill"

only my second time to run it,

but i could feel the difference.

all the hill running/strength training has really helped.

9:12, 9:05(warm-up), 8:22, 8:20, 8:04, 8:32, 8:31, 8:41, 9:02

i couldn't believe i was powering up that hill at tempo pace.

felt awesome.

note to self:  remember this run!!!

transitions & growing

lots of changes going on lately.
feeling lots of growing pains
in so many areas of my life.

life can be challenging sometimes.
but i have to remember it is just a season, and it will pass.
" The only way to navigate this Road is to fix our eyes on where we need to go — to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the Way." (taken from the fca devotional)

“Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart.”

-Hebrews 12:1-3 (HCSB)

Today i will keep my heart fixed on HIM.

School this semester is going to be tough. Both classes are very time consuming and require tons of studying.    i'm already feeling overwhelmed and the semester has just started.  i joined a bible study and am excited to be part of a group and grow spiritually.

my running has been going fabulously. i'm feeling like i have new legs. i've really been running/training hard. alot harder than last cycle, and i'm sure that has to do with having friends to run with :) friends who are alot faster and push me.  we've pretty much decided to run the bakersfield half marathon before the full in march.  this will give me an idea of how fit i am, and what pace is realistic for modesto.

last week went something like this:
1/17  rest day
1/18 speedwork  3x1/2mi, 1x1mi    7miles total  (3:46,7:48,3:53,3:39)
1/19  easy run  9.5mi avg. 9:31pace
1/20  MP run  8.0mi.  avg 8:56
1/21  strength/core
1/22 tempo  8.0mi total  (7:55, 8:05, 8:15)
1/23 long run  10 mi  avg 8:56 pace
42.55mi week

1/24 rest day
1/25 speedwork  2x1mi, 2x1/2mi   6 mi total  7:38,7:29,3:39,3:23
1/26 easy run  10mi  avg 9:30 pace 
planned 50 miles this week :)

the big 40

Wow!  i can't believe i just typed that.

40 years old today.

i don't feel 40 :)

but then again, what does 40 feel like?

i only know that i feel fantastic.

much more alive and part of LIFE,

rather than being on the sidelines,

watching everyone else.

i have lots of hopes & goals for this year.

one of them is to qualify for the boston marathon.

the magic number is 3:50:59

(unless they change it, but that is another story)

that is 8:47 avg per mile for 26.2 miles.

seems kind of out of reach right now.

but i know i can do it.

with 9 weeks until the modesto marathon

i'm excited.

i want to run a good solid race.

i don't want to die at mile 18.

i feel strong.

been running hills &

doing more speedwork than i have ever done before.

been consistantly doing my strength/core work twice a week.

and i'm loving my little training group.
they have welcomed me with open arms
and i'm so thankful to find a group that i've "clicked" with.

recap from last week:

mon: strength/core  1 hr

tues: 6 mi total, w/4x1/2mi (3:41, 3:53,3:53,3:42)

wed: 7 easy...9:23avg pace

thurs: 8 mi w/hills @MP...8:52 avg.

fri: strength/core  1 hr.

sat: easy run 10 miles...9:32 avg

sun: long run w/killer hills  15 miles 9:09 avg pace.

46.43 miles for the week. 

today.

lots of stuff is swirling around in my head...
lots of random stuff...
so i'm just gonna spill.

*first day back at school after the break.  two classes this semester: organic chemistry & statistics.
both teachers seem awesome, but ask me again in a couple week.  stats is going to be a tough class.

*officially registered for modesto today.  used my birthday money...thanks grandma :)

*training started...and i'm super excited.  love running with my new little group. got my training plan and have been staring at it all day.  lots of dreams and possibilities on that little piece of paper.  it kinda feels like when i get a new pair of shoes  :)

*and had an awesome run this morning. 3 mi warm-up, 4x800, 1 mi cool. ( 3:41, 3;53, 3:53, 3:42).  6 miles to start the day.

*have been trying to think of my "word". 
when i used to scrapbook...i would read this blog...
a few years ago...she talked about picking out a word...a single word.
a word that might have special meaning...one that maybe you aspire too...
one that speaks to you...challenges you...or has possibilities.
last year i chose the word run.
running was something i had grown to love,
but it also was a reminder to run to god.
run to HIM for everything.
when i'm sad,
when i'm happy,
when i'm excited...or lonely...or thankful.
i am a free and changed person because of HIM.
so...
this year...i'm not sure of "my word".
i've been praying that God would put a word on my heart...
so i'm waiting patiently.
well...i'm trying to be patient :)

*trying to clean up my diet...really be strict with my eating.
only giving my body good fuel. hoping to lose maybe 5 pounds before the marathon.

*the hood to coast movie is tonight. getting excited!!

*wishing i was at the beach :)  i miss the sun.

i've decided...

that my next marathon will be...
MARCH 20, 2011
Modesto Marathon
ummm yeah...
that is in 11 weeks.
am i a little freaked out???
yeah! i am.
but...
i'm also completely excited  :)

training starts immediately!!!!