Searching for the Elusive Runner's High

Tests!

2012-04-27T11:44:00.001-07:00

Lately I've been thinking about tests. Maybe because I just took a midterm, or perhaps because our memory verse this week is James 1:2-3...and then; when doing the interval training with the wonderful ladies of our running group, I made a comment that seeded a thought in my brain and germinated and grew throughout the night. The comment was this: "I hate push-ups! I haven't done any since my PT Test!" Ladies, let's face it: God designed our bodies beautifully with plans that might not have included push-ups. They aren't easy, they don't come natural, and they rank right up there with "dental appointments" on my list of "things that excite me!" But they are not impossible, and in fact, with a little effort and perseverance, they transform from trial to triumph! So what does this have to do with tests? Everything. You see, I realized that because of my PT test, I trained and disciplined myself daily, knowing that the fateful day on the calendar loomed ever closer, and on that day, I would have to prove myself and be judged. For those un-military types, a PT test consists of 1-minute push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. They even measure your waist, and yes, you get (or lose) points for that, too. If you fail any portion of the test (not meeting the minimum standard), you fail. If you get over a 90, you earn the right to only have to test once a year, as opposed to every 6 months. Well, the good news is, I got a 90. But it also proved I had a lot of work left to do! Well, what if I didn't have a PT test to prepare for? How would my daily life have changed? That is an easy answer, because AFTER my test, I became lazy. My zeal for running became dull. My commitment to nurturing my physical fitness was tied directly to that test - it was my sole purpose for running, eating right, and torturing my poor little triceps. Having nothing to strive for, I stopped striving.

How does this relate to Christianity? I'll tell you! The day you realized that you were a sinner in need of a savior and decided to follow Jesus Christ, you were immediately justified in the eyes of God. Meaning, the day you stand before God to be judged (which we all will be, believer and unbeliever, and this is the ultimate TEST), the righteousness of Jesus is credited to YOU. Gone are our sins, imperfections, lies, mistakes, impure thoughts...He doesn't see them any more! That is why what Jesus did on that cross at Golgotha is such an incredible gift! No one else could do what Jesus did for you and me, and God loves us that much, that while we were STILL wrapped in filthy sin, He sent His own son to die for our sins! (Romans 5:8) What do you do with that kind of gift? Do you forget about it when someone hurts your feelings? When you've fallen off the diet wagon YET again? How about when your children are getting on your very last nerve? What do you do when it seems like no one else understands why you are living your life this way (including your family)? That is when you find out that the trials are "tests" in this life and they are a gift. They are meant to illuminate our true character, and expose the areas we need to keep working on. A test proves your faith! When you come out on the other side of it, you realize God brought you through it! Not your worry, not your doubt, not your frantic struggling to dig your way out of your situation. Christianity is not easy. There will be trials, hurts, disappointments. Christ didn't promise that your life would be easier, or following Him would magically transform your life into a fairy tale where you get everything you ever wanted and nothing bad ever happens to you. It isn't even about you, really, at all. Our reward is not here on earth. Our goal is Heaven! Do not STOP striving, do not lose heart, keep disciplining yourself to seek after Jesus' heart! You do not want to fall below His minimum standard. Trust God on that one!

God knew that we would face adversity, pain, and suffering. (Spoiler alert: He knows everything!) He gave us specific instructions as to what we were to do when faced with trials....

Before you face a trial, remember this:

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."
-1 Peter 4:12

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
-1 Corinthians 10:13

While in the midst of a trial, cling to this:

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
- Phillippians 4:13

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
- Romans 8:18

And after the trial, reflect on this:

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result inpraise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
-1 Peter 1:6-7

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
-1 Peter 5:10

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
-2 Corinthians 4:16

So, get out there, prove yourself worthy, and do some push-ups! :) Then go read your bible :)

Suffering alongside you,

Michelle

Day 2: Sticking to "The Plan" when you are too busy!

2012-04-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

Source: getting-fit-for-me.tumblr.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Today was a busy day for me. Not in the normal sense of my housewifery duties of cooking, cleaning, dishes, diapers, laundry, and repeat...but this weekend is my reserve weekend. So, I woke up waaaayyyy before I normally would, squeezed myself (still too fluffy around the middle) into my ABU's and trekked off into the wild blue yonder for a weekend. And, I love my job. I really do. I get to counsel people about what they want to do with their careers....and have fun drawing blood in the lab....But, it keeps me extremely busy! I could easily get overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do, the amount I leave undone, and the work I dream of completing one day and find a zillion other excuses as to why I'm too busy to work out...like, "Today was doubly intense because our programs are being inspected for compliance. So now, I have someone watching, taking notes, and asking questions!" (Side note: for those of you unfamiliar with a medical reserve job, just know that we don't sit around all day doing nothing. Honest!)

So amidst all this "urgent/important" chaos, I realized I still needed to make time to fit in my physical discipline...and you'll be happy to know, I did! Against every fiber of my workaholic being, I left a pile of work on my desk, signed out ON TIME and went home so I could at least talk to my husband before running to another meeting AFTER work. And, I ran there and back (because it is only 3/4 of a mile away)!

The point is this. I easily could have not run today. I even told myself that 1.5 miles was nothing, not even a blip on my nike run tracker, not even worth it....I promised myself I would do a "long run" tomorrow...But instead, I chose to make it a priority, and fit it into my busy schedule, because it is IMPORTANT. Don't talk yourself out of doing something you know will benefit and feed your discipline. It's not worth it, and it will hinder your progress toward your goals! The only way to build discipline (whether it is physical, spiritual, or otherwise) is by practicing, choosing to do the beneficial thing. Continue to choose to make the right choices and you will be rewarded in the end. It's a promise!

To tie this all in spiritually, doing the "right thing" even when it is the "hard thing" to do is what we are called to do as Christians. Staying on the Christian path is a choice...and it isn't always easy when there is temptation, crouching like a lion, waiting to devour us! Or, better said from the source:

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
-1 Peter 5:8

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. -Matthew 7:13-14

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle on Pinterest

Day 1: Starting Over & Discipline

2012-04-13T14:36:00.005-07:00

Source: tumblr.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Starting over is annoying. Starting over denotes a willingness to admit that you have failed at some point along your journey. Failed, fell off the wagon, (or is it on?), stopped trying or striving towards your goals. I am there. I am at that point, perhaps not to the lowest point I've ever let myself drift, but my focus has significantly shifted from my fitness discipline. And now, I am ~~begrudgingly~~ picking up my will power and charging forward, because I'm so sick of starting over. (Can I get an Amen?)

My problem is discipline. It dawned on me this morning after a perfectly lovely Ladies' fellowship, where none of our many children got lost, maimed, or otherwise injured. (Success!!) Reflecting on my bible reading (or sporadic attempts at reading more than a few sentences at a time, if you must know the truth), I realized that I have not spiritually disciplined myself! Did you know that reading your Bible, praying, and spending time with the Lord requires discipline? By definition, to discipline (verb) means to, "train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way" This means, even when you don't feel like doing it. Even when you don't see results in 1, 2 or even 3 weeks. Even when no one else around you is doing what you are doing! Thinking of it was a lightbulb (say it in Gru's voice - from Despicable me, it's way more fun) moment for me!

That thought overflowed into how I approach my physical disciplines...my eating habits, running, and the answer was clear! I haven't defined my goal. Sure, I want to lose weight. Yes, I want to be able to run a half marathon (at some point), but I didn't give myself deadlines or an ultimate goal, and without a tangible target, I'm prone (as we all are) to drift along with no real aim or purpose, just living, day to day.

So, I am starting over. With discipline. And with a plan. A good friend of mine asked if I would help inspire others who want to run, and partner with her in encouraging people through scripture as we physically challenge and discipline ourselves...and I'm in. All in, so the question for you becomes, are you with me?

Here are my goals (Chose your own, or use mine to inspire you!):

1. Run: 10-15 miles a week. My week will start Monday and end on Saturday. (Sundays are free) I will run in a HABITUAL manner. Because I'm striving towards a goal...I need to sign up for a 5K! (I'll update once I pick one)

2. Lose weight: I'm starting the bodybyvi shakes again. The first week on them, I lost 4 pounds. Then I got sidetracked by two birthdays and Easter. So I will restart my challenge! (If you want to learn more about the shakes, just call me!) My first goal is 10 pounds in 8 weeks (June 8th)

3. Encourage others: This might seems silly to set as a goal, but really, I love encouraging other people. I'll do this by posting my humorous running escapades and inner-dialogues so you can laugh and know that you aren't the only one in this struggle! :)

That's it for now. I'll leave you with a scripture for today:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. ²⁵Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. ²⁷But I discipline my body and keep it under control,^[a] lest after preaching to others I myself should bedisqualified.

Time to get hooked again...

2011-04-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

I need to start running again. Need to. Have to. I actually need to search for some motivation within myself....because lately I just haven't been feelin' it. I like the alone time, but the miles seem so much longer now, the wind beats me down and even the garmin seems to mock my attempts to increase my pace.

I've downloaded some new songs to help me over the "hump"....but the excitement is short-lived. I think I need to start lifting weights again, because I felt so much stronger then!

Part of the problem is there is no one around me that will motivate ME. I have plenty of people to whom I can provide great inspiration, but where is my Shannon? The ones who are eager to run (maybe not eager, but at least willing and keep me accountable? It's so frustrating.

Help, advice, encouragement needed!

Day 30: Enter 30-day Shred Land

2010-06-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

With all the hype surrounding Jillian Michael's 30-day shred, I scooped it up at Target for $9. I am super excited about it, for a couple of reasons. First, it only takes 20 minutes. I can handle that. Dabbling in p90x, while a very effective workout, showed me that I'm not quite ready to melt that much goo. Jillian is more my speed right now. Second, it is only 30 days. I'm sure I'll omit that modifier "only" come day 4 or 5, but for now, I think that is a good goal, short enough to see, long enough to see results. We'll see.

If you've done it, share your experience, or pick it up yourself and we'll do it together! :)

Day ?

2010-06-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know what day of training it is, but I just wanted to add a quick goal: Running 15 miles each week. I was going to make it 20, since 4 miles is becoming my normal run, but I want to overachieve and surpass my goals...

Day 16: I Hate Wind.

2010-06-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Day 16 Stats:
Time of Day & Weather: Late Evening; Sunny, Annoyingly Windy
Distance: 4.25 miles
Time: 48:26
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 11:23/5:20
Calories Burned: 694
Average HR/Highest HR: 161/181
Felt: Pretty hot!

Okay. Today was like a "check mark" run. Meaning, just did it to check it off the list. Wasn't terrifically thrilled about it, just wanted to get it over with. I do like the fact that I don't like to eat "junk" after I run...because that is one of my biggest downfalls. My will power ends with a nice, soft cookie...or cake...or brownie...or last Easter's leftover candy (if that is all that I can scrounge up because I've rid the house of the "good stuff")...

4 more miles. Check.

Day 15: Guilt produces Mileage

2010-06-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Day 15 Stats:
Time of Day & Weather: Afternoon; Sunny, Hot, Windy
Distance: 5.00 miles
Time: 56:26
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 11:17/6:35
Calories Burned: 810 (woo-hoo!)
Average HR/Highest HR: 171/193
Felt: Totally exhausted at the end.

Jeff came back from his run and forced me out the door...but before he left I asked him "How long did you go?" (Which is the typical first question upon entering the house after a run.) He said "5 miles". Not like "Wow, 5 miles, that was a long run..." it definitely had a silent only before that 5. Anyway, being the competitive person I am, I wanted to prove I could go just as far, even if it killed me. Which, according to my heart rate high (193) it nearly did. But I'll blame that on the lack of proper hydration, not pure adrenaline-fused-competition.

Almost every time I feel a twinge of guilt as I ~~get kicked out the door~~ walk out the door, the baby is usually wanting only mommy's arms, Josh has usually grumpily arisen from his nap, and Luke is assaulting Jeff with one bajillion questions while simultaneously wearing out his name. I said just a "twinge" because I know that I NEED to get out there and run...and I don't feel any more guilt because I've also been cooped up with these miniature lunatics that are trying to pass as my dear, sweet, children ALL day.

Help me keep this going - I need some motivation!!

A Quick Excuse for my absence

2010-06-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been posting lately - Jeff is in Connecticut for a wedding and I haven't had anyone to watch the kids...been walking, though! Also, cleaning a lot if that counts for anything!!

2010-05-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Day 6 Stats
Time of Day & Weather: Late Evening; Sunny, warm
Distance: 4.01 miles
Time:41:32
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 10:20/5:15
Calories Burned: 540
Average HR/Highest HR: 163/181
Felt: Awesome...when I was done!

I almost flaked on this run...I put off running until "later" because when I finally got home from running errands and Jeff got home from work and then his run (which was 6 miles), it was HOT. I don't like running in the heat. At all.

We got invited to our friend's house for a bbq get-together, so I changed into my gear and went, telling myself I HAD to go as soon as it cooled down. And I kept that promise! It felt great, really. This is getting easier, slowly. I can run more sprints for longer, and although I'm not losing any weight, I feel like my muscles are being built up again.

My next challenge is how to run while Jeff is gone for a WEEK!!!! I might be doing some p90x and going on stroller runs...but I have no idea if I'll be able to get out of the house without all or any of the boys! Wish me luck....send encouragement!!

Day 5: Feeling guilty!

2010-05-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Day 5 Stats
Time of Day & Weather: Early afternoon; Sunny
Distance: 3.76 miles
Time: 39:02
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 10:22/5:23
Calories Burned: 564
Average HR/Highest HR: 167/188
Felt: Super REWARDING

Wracked with guilt over resting yesterday and not doing anything, I was determined to run for a long time today...and I also tried the "Chi" running techniques that I found on YouTube...they really seemed to help, especially on the hills! I went down the path, once around the duckpond and back the same way. It was sunny out, so I was dripping with sweat when I got finished (I never seem to sweat until the moment I stop - I like to think it's because I run so fast it dries! Ha!) I did some sprints starting at mile 3 - and apparently I was really cruising, because that 5:23 was my fastest pace yet! :)

Felt good, but my ankles and shins are tight. I'll have to look up some stretches for that. Feel much better about myself after that run, it cured my "blah" mood, for sure. Now to take these boys somewhere...

Day 4. Rest!

2010-05-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have been running for 5 days straight - and did p90x the last 2 days, so that is more than I can reasonably ask of my sleep-deprived, milk-making, 8-week post-partum body. I wanted to go running, but my sore body and wilting will were quietly making their requests to stay perched at the computer. Yesterday was a mentally overwhelming day, too - The baby is still sick and he was cranky, I was up serving as a milk-buffet from 2am - 8 am...and the "terror twins" (Okay, their not twins, but close enough at 2 and 4) were disasterizing (that has to be a word!) the house as quickly as I could swiffer it! So, I didn't run or "melt any goo" yesterday.

And the guilt rolled in like an insidious fog...hopefully ensuring that I get out there today, even if it is with 3 kids in tow! I'll keep you updated.

One last thing. I'm not "dieting" at the moment, but I am eating pretty well. Lots of veggies (which isn't hard I'm nearly vegan as is), and not nearly enough sweets! I have considering going back on south beach, but I'm already majorly overhauling my fitness world, and I'm nursing, so I want to take it slow!

Day 3:

2010-05-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Day 3 Stats
Time of Day & Weather: Evening; Cool, windy
Distance: 3.59 miles
Time: 40:36
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 11:37/6:40
Calories Burned: 442
Average HR/Highest HR: 154/177
Felt: Super hard.

Note to self: DO NOT attempt a long run after doing p90x Cardio X workout. It doesn't work out. I felt okay for the first mile, but then I totally ran out of gas around mile 2.5...I walked for a while but then I sucked it up and ran, I even ran "Watt Hill" (which is soooo steep, but mercifully short). Anyway, I was thinking at some point I probably need to incorporate some stretching into this whole running thing...although I have been stretching with the p90x, my muscles are really tight and the pain from the push-ups the other day was quite uncomfortable this morning. It felt like my chest was cracked! Ouch. The Cardio X workout was quite manageable to me, and even kind of fun, although the banana-supermans are not really working out. I don't have any core strength whatsoever right now...time to start doing those sit-ups!

Oh, and, I need to add a goal. Passing my PT Test. I'm aiming for at least a 90. When I was in shape, I always got a 89.5 - and that irks me to no end...time to hit the 90's. I'll figure out exactly what I need to get on the run, sit-ups, and push-ups next week. Please send some motivation my way, I desperately need it! (and it's only day 3...uggghhhh)

Day 2.

2010-05-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

I officially started p90x today and I'm still alive. AND I ran. 3.05 miles! Woo hoo.

Day 2 Stats
Time of Day & Weather: Late Afternoon; Cool, rainy, overcast
Distance: 3.05 miles
Time: 32:05
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 10:24/6:36
Calories Burned: 409
Average HR/Highest HR: 167/183
Felt: Super hard. Forgot my iPhone! :(

This afternoon, my husband strolled in late from work - he didn't even get to run today - long day on an airplane he said. Poor him. Anyway, I was pretty motivated to run since I had to have something to post, besides my weak attempt at starting p90x. Let's talk about that first. I got the program 3 days before I found out I was pregnant with this little guy lounging in the boppy in my lap right now so I made the decision to pick it up again after he made his grand entrance. Well, its been nearly 8 weeks since he was born, and I think that my uterus has made a full recovery and won't fall out when I do the plyo workout, so I'm going for it.

I put in massive effort, but couldn't finish almost any of the workouts. Didn't even get off the ground with a couple of them, namely the "Sphinx push-up" and all the other torturous push-up variations that guy could come up with...at least that has to help with my up-coming PT test (4 or so months and counting). Grrrrr....

So, with that under my spandex, when my husband got home, I was ready to run...and only had time for a 3 miler, since he had to leave in like 40 minutes (Hey, I'm slow!)...I forgot my phone so I didn't have any sermons or music to listen to, which left me to my thoughts...which go something like this...[first mile] i hate this. let's just forget it today. it's raining. ugghhhh my shoes are getting wet. at least it isn't sloppy rain like in texas. Oh man, this hill is killing me. If I throw the garmin waaaayyyy ahead, would that increase my time? [second mile] alrighty, just breathe, we're almost done, past halfway...let's do some sprints. i wonder if this thermal belly belt thing actually works. Jeez, i'm really hot. time to take off this jacket. wow. so much quieter without the swish-swish of the jacket in my ears. i'll have to remember i don't like wearing jackets. look at garmin a dozen times. [last half mile] that wasn't too bad. killer hill was terrible today....one last sprint and I'll be home!

Of course, sometimes I actually pray, or come up with cool ideas for crafts, organization, or blog posts, but most of the time I'm fighting an internal battle of the mind, and it gets pretty old listening to myself! Next time I'll be sure to bring my iPhone!!

Day 1.

2010-05-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Time of Day & Weather: Late Afternoon; Cool, clear sky, slight wind.
Distance: 4.1 miles
Time: 44:30
Avg Pace/Best Pace: 11:02/6:09
Calories Burned: 536
Average HR/Highest HR: 157/180
Felt: Easier than usual!

I didn't want to go running today. Not one iota. But my husbands encouragement (that and him ripping the last little piece of banana bread out of my hands and demanding that I get out the door NOW), forced me into the fresh, cool, air that is Northern California in mid-May.

My goal was to run 4 miles - the day before I ran 3 miles at the duckpond (2 laps+), and the day before that a mere 1.5 miles (in 15:15 though, at the Duckpond, so I was happy!). Today had to be a loooooonnnnnggggg day. It went good, actually, a little slow - but my inner right arm was getting chafed by the big baggy shirt I was wearing - a little irritating. Other than that, I felt pretty good. Good enough to want to run again tomorrow, and that is saying a lot!

My Goals!

2010-05-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, here we go. Technically, this isn't my FIRST day of training, I've been running sporadically since post-partum week 2 (roughly April 15th or so). I'm starting this today though, so I can be completely accountable and (hopefully) not miss any days!

With that in mind, I'm going to start with my goals. My first set of goals, anyway.

Goal #1: Weight Loss.
Long-term goal is 42 pounds. Keeping in mind I gained 46 pounds with this last pregnancy, and started about 20 pounds over my goal weight to begin with (149). I think 130 is a comfortable, healthy weight for me, and maintainable.

My Height: 5'7"
March 27, Start Weight: 197 (before birth)
May 24, Current weight: 167 (Woo hoo, 30 pounds!)
First GW: 169, met - May 22
Second GW: 159 (working on now!)
Third GW: 149
Fourth GW: 139
Final GW: 130

Goal #2: Running Distance.
Since I've started running again, the longest distance I've gone is 4.1 miles. I would like to run 10 miles at a time, ultimately, with no real time goal, yet.

Goal #3: Run a Race.
I would like to do a 5K, then a 10K, then a half-marathon. Haven't signed up for the 5K yet, I'm still scared and running pretty slow. Soon, though.

So, in preparation, we went to Fleet Feet in Vacaville, and I got my feet analyzed and married to the perfect pair of running shoes - beautiful, sleek, and simple Nike LunarTrainers. I've never seen anything like them before! They are so light, and fit like a glove. I also bought myself a pair of official running "socks" - synthetic, pink, and worth every second of my husband's chastisement over spending nearly $10 on a pair of socks. They rock, incidentally. Apparently, cotton socks can cause some serious blisters if you are serious about running. Which I intend to be!

Next thing we purchased was the Garmin Forerunner GPS with heart rate monitor. This has been by far, my #1 motivation tool. It tracks all that good info that I will be posting about each run, and shows me my course, too. Super Cool. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to train for anything!