To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:29)
Another long run with a partner. Sundays long run I was grateful to have "Ken" and "Lacey" to run most of my 14 mile run with and today the blessing continued as "Paula" met me for my 16 miler.
The forecast called for scattered thunderstorms and showers for the last 2 days. But again God kept the clouds taped shut for a couple hours while I ran. The bugs were a nuisance but were really not biting and the back roads were so peaceful that I almost forgot for a MINUTE that I was running 30 miles in 2 days.
But the fatigue today did not go into hiding. I felt like Weak Sauce. I could hear myself whining...
"Ugh...My stomach hurts.."
"My legs are so heavy."
"Are we done YET?"
"Is that a HILL..Oh Lord.."
It is in my Weakness that He is Strong. I humbly am reminded of how I can not do this. I feel so inadequate. 50 miles??? In 1 day.....?
Andy this past week has conquered the longest run he has ever ran. He ran 15 miles. When Andy stumbled up the driveway soaking wet and dripping he looked broken. His clothed were stuck to him like second skin and the Ipod was trashed from the showers. He looked at me with exhaustion and despair and said "Anita...I couldn't go 1 more mile, Do you ever feel like you can't go one more mile?"
OH Boy did I feel like that this morning after running with "Paula". I have ran marathons, why can't I run a 16 mile run at the slowest pace I have ever ran?
As I read this verse, this was ME. I wasn't just struggling with my energy, I was even struggling with His energy. I was struggling to claim the Finish God had already granted me.
Pain and fatigue will really hijack you physically, mentally and spiritually. I could feel the doubting demons trying to sabotage my run.
I had to remind myself I am weak in myself, I am nothing on my own. And when I recognize HIS Power in my humility he builds my strength, my confidence and all my needs.
Rundown
Time: 2:46
Pace:10:18
Distance: 16.12
I am looking for some tips!! Anyone ever run an Ultra Marathon I could really use some words of wisdom and encouragement!
Anita
Ultras take a different mindset. It's more about will than it is about fitness; both in terms of putting one foot in front of the other, and being able to walk hills in the first three miles when you feel fresh. When it's more difficult to walk the hills than run them. Eating regularly and often, especially at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteIn my ultra training this year, I'm learning to be thankful in being able to move even after six or eight hours. Too many people didn't take the opportunity, and now will never be able to. I work with people like that every day.
I'm spending more time appreciating the scenery around me. I can let my mind go fully in trying to understand something, or dwell within a mantra, or whatever I need to keep my legs moving. example: lots of my more religious running friends like Isaiah 40:28-31. If you let that go through your mind a few hundred times during a run, you understand it better, right? :)
Anyway, I've babbled on long enough. Hope it helps!
HI Fritz,
DeleteI am the slowest typer in the world and last week I responded and LOST it all! I wanted to cry but instead I shut the computer down!
I just wanted to say what a big encouragement your words were to me. There is a lot of power in words and your really stuck.
I can not stress how valuable your suggestions are to me.
I love being outside and taking in the beauty that surrounds me, it is like a fuel.
Thank you also for giving me that verse. I know it well but I needed to revisit it and seeing it again really impacted me on the new season of training.
I have a couple questions:
1. do you think it is possible to run this race and do little trail runs?
I ask this because I get nervous to go out and run trails alone for over an hour.
2. what training program do you use?
Maybe one day we can get a trail run in and you can offer me some more advise!
Thank again,
Anita