Keep it Simple Thursday

First of all I forgot "my letter" yesterday.  The Letter was "W"

 WALK with Sheba

 

Wilderness Zoo

Next up, a couple quick points on RECOVERY. Not addiction, not after a run, rather, RECOVERY after REPEATS.

Here is a couple things I have learned:

1. Don't STOP after a fast repeat into a recovery repeat. It hurts, you should be huffing air and struggling. However, try to go into a shuffle jog. It is bad for the heart and your ability to get back into your next fast repeat.
2. I do my repeats WRONG. I go too fast on the recovery. By doing this it does not give me proper recovery to have the speed and endurance I need for my fast repeat.
3. Rule of thumb for proper recovery on repeats: Jog the same distance as your speed session.  If your doing the workout based on time, then do recovery jogs that last 50 percent as long as your fast runs; 80 seconds speed followed by 2 minutes of shuffle jog.
4. Doing these at a track where it is flat and marked it most ideal.

The Rundown:
Distance: 12 miles
We lost count of our miles. Lacey went to the track at GAC with me. We chatted a little too much.
We sure had fun though.


What Repeats are your favorite, least favorite?
How do you like them??
Anita

I CHOOSE....

When I am on the track I have to stay point focused.
If I am just willy nilly-ing it then whatever. But as of late, I have been more intentional about my runs.

When I am on the TM, the machine does all the thinking for you. The digits are smack square in your face like the devil himself.
On the Track, I have all these digits floating around.

• My target pace
• What lap I am on
• What lap I need to get to one mile
• How many overall laps I need to do.
• My pace per lap, per mile.

It is way to hard to think about anything interpersonal. Maybe this is why I enjoy running on the track. I haven't got the time or the energy to think deeper that the moment I am running in.
I have to stay so focused on the goal.
The big picture isn't decorated in primary colors. It is designed with many degrees and variation of color.
The Big picture is my Marathon in 12 weeks. That marathon  is made up of hard runs, long runs, proper diet, sleep, recovery and of course, blood, sweat and tears.

My mind wandered a bit this morning. I was questioning the purpose of my mornings target pace I set and its effectiveness.
I wanted junk miles. I wanted to go easy peasey.

 I thought of a lady that was in my addiction group the other night.
Overcome by grief and sorrow she shared her story of the deck of cards she had been dealt with. Her story was tragic.
As a small child, she was abused and abandoned. She had a series of unfortunate events happen to her throughout her life.
After 8 years of counseling, the counselor asked her this "After everything that has happened to you, many of my clients have never gone through a quarter of what you have, how come you have never become a alcoholic or an addict? What did you do to cope with all that tragedy?
She Replied "I never quit praying to God."

I Never QUIT praying to God.

I thought of myself, my story, my history. I had days I was self destructive. As a child, I begged God in prayer and tears to die. Even as a teenager, I continued to pray this prayer almost every day and night.
When the pain was so overwhelming I didn't seek alcohol or drugs as my family had used to cope with, it just seemed too easy.
Their CHOICES effected me. I didn't want the same choices to hurt someone else.

Around the track, I thought of those who have judged me. Those who know my name but not my story as one of my high schoolers always says.

In my confidence I recited:

I Choose to Survive. I will not quit, I may come up crawling and broken, but I will persevere.

I Choose to Live Clean. Garbage in Garbage out. Drugs and Alcohol. These elements destroys families, destroys lives, they confuse, manipulate and deceive. I have 1 body God blessed me with, his word tells me to stay SOBER. Being Sober helps me to stay FOCUSED.
In case you haven't noticed..I am EASILY distracted.
(This is where it gets tricky...People think if I make these choices than I am judging them. Walk in my shoes, Live the life I did...I have to look at myself in the mirror everyday, I don't have the time or energy to look at your profile. I will love you for you, not what you do or don't do.)

I Choose Myself. I don't mind being with myself day after day. I am not a social butterfly. I love people and being around people, but..I don't talk on the phone a lot. Most of the phone calls I get are from people hurting in some way. I will pray for them, try to encourage them and love on them. I LOVE these calls, being an ear and an encouragement to others has always been a love of mine.

I Choose LIFE. To live to the limits comes heartache, hardships, sweetness and victory. There is so much life out there to live. But it is going to cost you. You will have love and you will have hate. You will have friends and you will have enemies. You will have pleasure and you will have pain.

I Choose Not to Fit In. My whole life I wanted to FIT IN. I wanted to be part of something, be part of someone.
I wanted what everyone else had. I always wanted my dad to think I was a princess. I wanted him to love me as much as I loved him. I begged for my mothers love. But to a child, we take addiction so personal, I never thought my mother loved me like I loved her. As and adult, I know she did. Losing both my parents before I was 18 leaves you feeling abandoned and alone, isolated.
At 41, I am just not figuring out I don't have to fit it. I don't have to try so hard.
My heavenly Father has never left me. He was there in all my pain and all my successes.
He saw a purpose in me.
He fills the void I wanted everyone else to fill and never could.

I Choose Love. So many tears. Some days I wonder if I will ever stop crying. I miss Ariel so terrible bad. I make that 2nd turn on the track and the tears explode from my eyes. The music sifts through the air at church, my skin gets prickles, I swallow, I pray, I drop my head as the warm tears drop on the seat in front of me. In my silence I grieve. Alone. Isolated and Shunned.

I CHOOSE CHRIST. In everything, I CHOOSE HIM. I breath his security, I seek his comfort, I crawl in his arms, My heart Trusts HIM. And Him Alone.

"The Lord is my Strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my HEART exults,

And with my song I shall think Him."

Psalms 28:7

WHAT DO YOU CHOOSE??
Anita

V is for Victory.

V is for Victory

How I felt today.

 

"Austin, you get everything you can out of school, you take every class, extra class and do all the sports you can, it is the ONLY thing in your life that will be free."
Andy and Austin laughed and me in my very serious moment.
"There's mom with her random statements.." Austin teasingly blurted from the back seat of the car.
"Yup, Nita-isms" Andy added to Austin's joke.

I say it all the time. Knowledge is one of the only things no one can EVER take from you. God gave us a brain, not to abuse, misuse or not use. It is a very powerful tool.

Both my boys have been honor role all year. They work hard. I'm constantly dropping these little one liners.."You get out of it what you put in."
"Austin you should be doing as many sports as you can, It would cost me 50$ a session for a good coach."


My Secret Coach:
I would love the extra cash to pay for a running coach. Someone to hold you accountable, push you to your limits, answer your questions, design running plans, teach you and encourage you to success.

I love to be this person for others. Although, I do not have anything other than a dozen running books and personal experience to offer. This year, I have been asked again to be a coach for our local runner club. I was also very excited to be asked to help coach this years CC team at my sons school.

I have a lot of great running friends that I learn from and Austin is always "Mr. Know It All" when it comes to running these days.

It is just not the same. When Andy didn't work so much he would meet me at the track and time my repeats.
But even Andy is struggling himself with running, listening to his wife's running ramblings isn't a place he is able to go.

I can not even remember how I met Old Timer Jeff. I think at Snap Fitness several years ago. He used to come in, go to the treadmill and talk to everyone. He was always cutting up with the manager, Yusef. I would pretend like I was minding my own business but I would be cracking up at them.
Yeah, as I think back, I think that is how I have gotten to know him.
Most people will see someone running on the TM and if curious at their speed will secretly try to see their digits.  Not Jeff, "Hey Nitagirl, What's your Pace?" He would just ask boldly.

The boys and I got to the gym at 9:30 this morning. I was walking to the track when I saw Jeff out of the corner of my eye. "Hey Old MAN, What's up?"
"Hey Nitagirl, Whatcha doin today?"
"I was thinking 2 miles W/U with 400m repeats and 2 miles C/D, I was hoping to get 8 miles in total."
Typical Jeff fashion, he spews all these numbers like a foreign language. I didn't even finish my coffee, I couldn't keep up.
"Ok, so you need to do 8X400m repeats with a 400m recovery in between..."
He walked me out to the track still sharing what my pace should be, what my recovery would be, what my target pace would equate to in a 5k, what my goal marathon time would be and what I had to do to achieve that.
I was trying to catch it all. So many numbers, so much pressure.
It meant a lot to me, I thought of myself like my boys, take everything he is giving you.
He gave me a target number to hit my 400's at.
"I'm going to jump rope, if I get down in time I will come back and watch your times."

"You can't flirt with the track, you must marry it." Bill Easton

I got my first 3 repeats in solo. It was horrible. I wanted to die. The pain was in my gut. My Egg White Delight was surfacing, in my grit I swallowed it down.
I Prayed, "OH, GOD, Make it not hurt so bad.."
Then I saw Jeff standing by the fence watching the big overhead clock.
"Buckle Down Anita, Turn them over." The voices in my head screamed. I was gasping for breath on a fast break to the end of my 400m.
I tried to smile but I couldn't even breath. I wanted to blow chunks. I tried to locate the garbage's.
He never left. He just kept watching the clock waiting for me suck up the pain and RUN.
On the 7th one, I went whining to him. "It's bad, I am so bad, It hurts...."
"Nita, your doing it, Don't stop, keep your legs moving.."  He pushed me back unto the track."

I finished all of them. He was waiting for his wife so he walked unto the track to share his thoughts of my Suck.
"You did a fine job today, that was a hard work out..."

I thought 800's were hard, I was wrong. I know I am slower these days, I know I am older these days and I know I am even whinier, but that totally SUCKED.

But it Sucked in Such a Good way.
I was so grateful that Jeff took the time to coach me and share his knowledge and experience.

"The coaches main job is 20% technical, 80% inspirational." Franz Stampfl

 

Anita

Review of Athleta Running Vest

The Letter U

Ultra

 

 

My One Hit Wonder, Hungerford Ultra 50 miler. My Greatest Victory. I have never pushed my body to those limits. I ran on adrenaline, I ran on faith, I ran in 80 degrees beating sun, I ran with my boys, I ran supported by my family, mom and dad and I ran scared. I have never ran where you had to stop to eat, drink and pray. I have never felt that much pain and pleasure all wrapped together.

Time is the only factor that has prevented me from running another. I absolutely LOVE the Ultra. It didn't hurt that I placed so high on my first "Run" at it either.

 

 

"Training is the opposite of Hoping." Nike

Sunday Long Runday

Lacey and I were checking all week trying to plan for our long run. We switched our run from Thursday to Sunday due to the frigid temperature.

Danielle rocked her long run out Thursday on the TM.

 

It was 19 degrees out but the sun was softening the blow of the coldness.

I am at the frustrated stage of these cold temps. I have said it before and I will say it again. I truly believe that everyone is deceived on what Hell is going to feel like. I think it is going to feel like below freezing temps. The cold that is so cold it BURNS. That is my idea of HELL.

However, I will not know, I am HEAVEN BOUND, I think it will be perfect running weather every day in Heaven!

 

I picked up Lacey. We drove to the local middle school to park and run. Lacey pulls out this funky looking blue fanny pack thing. "Ok, I got this for $7 dollars at Walmart, I'm just gonna try it.."

I just stared at it. She had 4 packs of chews, water and her phone in there. It could have fit my water and my smallest kid in it.

 

When we got out to start running I was laughing so hard at that backpack bobbing on her bottom.

She turned around "Ok, stop it, I know I know."  she laughed along with me.

At mile 2, Lacey chuckles, "Hey, I think I am getting used to this."

 

Before mile 3, Lacey didn't take much convincing to ditch it in the park at 7 Lakes.

 

I thought the park roads would be more cleared off then they were.  

 

About mile 5, I couldn't deny it any longer. "Lacey, I gotta pee."

She was relieved because she had to go too.

 

I was leading her to a outhouse about 2 miles away.

Before we arrived, my foot hit a hole and it was too late. I lost half my bladder.

 

Laughing, we stood outside the outhouse. I looked at her to take the lead. I always get creeped out by the goofy stories of men or snakes in the bottom of the toilet thingy.

Lacey peeped in and quickly came out.

"Lacey, I am good, I will just pee in the snow."

 

With our head back in the game, we headed towards the beginning of the park.

 

My  knee was getting irritated by the icy roads. "Come on knees, just a little more." I whispered to myself multiple times.

 

Another long run under the belt. We would have liked to go faster but it was a slip and slide out there.

 

13 weeks until Bayshore Marathon.

Danielle and I are both doing Rock CF Half Marathon on March 29th. This is a first for me.

They have a great website. If anyone has ran this race I would love to hear your pros and cons.

 

Athleta Running VEST: Jammin Run Vest/Lime/xxs = 31.99 

More than Half OFF

Great Fit. Light weight and I love the bright colors.

They also have free shipping on more than 50$

Kinda Dorky, I am doing this for Melissa, I think she would look great in it!

I purchased this water bottle from Gone for a Run and it was easier to carry then it was too look at. I Also purchased this Dress from there, It is the Solstice Cowl Dress in Sapphire. It is more fitted than I would normally buy. It too was more than 50% off. I wore it to church today. My new favorite dress. It is like a jersey material. Check it out.

Guess who is taking their fanny pack bootie pack back to Walmart!

I am still laughing over that one.

 

Have A great Night, Love to hear some Reviews on Rock CF.

 

Anita

 

 

 

Scared Slow.

THE LETTER "T":

 

 

Tim Hortons, MY FAVORITE COFFEE! 2 creams 4 sugars. I like it sweet!

 

The TREADMILL!

TEN Miles And

The TRACK

TIMEX

 

Everything in my mind is so loud. My mind never turns off. The dialogue interrupts each other, debates, irritates and hates one another.
I am my best Anita when I am alone. As soon as you add another personality with me I loose control. My filter dissolves.
Then guilt is born.
I get confused on what is appropriate to say and do.
My intentions are often good, but my actions can shout something all together different. Even if my actions are good I still question myself.

This is so hard because I am an extrovert. I LOVE people. But I leave with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I take on the emotions of those I am around.
I questions the things I said, I worry about if I should have not replied or replied in a different manner.
Then I just hurt for those hurting.

I give God thanks so often for the legs he gave me to run with. The legs he gave me to RUN to HIM with.

Due to frigid temps my running partners traded in our long run outside for solo runs on the TM.
14 miles on a TM was not an option. The TM messes my plantar fascia up.

Lacey and I decided we would do our long run outside on Sunday.

10 miles on the track at Genesis was do able.

I saw Old timer Jeff at the gym. I scared the crap out of him as I snuck up behind him. I thought after I did that I shouldn't, I would die if he had a heart attack.
We some how got unto the subject of politics. He is probably the only one I could laugh with about our opposing sides.
Of course every time I said something he said "OH, that makes sense because you are a Republican!"

I was probably rolling my IT band like a Republican!  It feels so good to not be so serious. Not to offend someone or worry about what they think of you.

"Anita, You may be at the age where you are peaked....." Jeff changed the subject as we discussed how slow we both are in comparison to what we were running a couple years ago.

That sentence resided in my head well after we parted.
I don't want to be washed up.

Scared SLOW.  
Kathy M. and her girls were running at a quick clip around the track.
They invited me. One of the ladies was getting a drink by the cubbies while the other 2 kept running.
As I placed my phone, water bottle and chap stick in the cubby she smiled and said "Join us."
Intimidated I replied, "What pace are you guys running?"
"Not very fast at all, 7:49"

MY MIND WENT ballistic. "7:49...Not VERY fast! Seriously?! That is so fast, She is real funny."
Breath, think before you speak Anita...
"I wish I could, I have 10 miles to run, I don't think I could keep up with you guys."
She encouraged me some more.
"I am coming off an IT band injury, I better not."

Truth of the Matter. I WAS SCARED.

• Scared I would fail
• Scared I would not be able to keep up and embarrass myself
• Scared I would discover how slow I am.
• Scared of all the feeling of shame, defeat, discouragement
• Scared it would hurt and I couldn't handle it.

They girls laughed and invited me again as they passed me.
Shyly I declined, letting them pass me.

Then something clicked. GET OFF YOUR WHINY BUTT AND GO!

I hit the Start button on my watch, with my eyes on their pony tails I started praying.
"5 miles, God just give me 5 Miles with them."
I stayed secretly about 15 feet behind them.

5 miles turned into 6 miles.
At 6 miles, I found out they were doing a 12 mile tempo run. 2 miles w/u. 8 miles @7:49 and 2 mile c/d.

The competitive spirit was ignited. "OK Nita, hold on another 2 miles. 8 miles."
At 8 miles I brought it down. to a 8 minute pace.
I didn't end it at 10 miles. I ended with a c/d at 11 miles.
Kathy was finishing up chatting with her partner. I had to go and tell her THANK YOU.

I have been so scared to push it. I have been afraid to feel the pain. I was afraid of the pain.
Could I handle the pain?
I was so scared I have been running slower than my body could run.

Another REMINDER..RUNNING is 90% MENTAL!

Rundown:
Distance: 11 miles
Time: 10 Miles=1:18.45


BE NOT ASSHAMED: My morning verse spoke these words.
Psalms 25:20 " Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You."

I had a choice. I could either feel shamed because I couldn't keep up, or I could feel Confident in Christ and let him direct me. And above all, No matter the Outcome, whether I fail or I am successful, I do it without SHAME.
It is all Mental.

Anita

No Laughing Matter

The Letter "S"
Three Parks that all start with "S"! Seriously!

 

Seven Lake State Park

 

Sorenson Park

 

Stoney Creek

 

 

I was so excited to get my run on this afternoon.

I was a big girl last night and made my own playlist for my iPod. We got a new laptop a couple weeks ago, I lost all my music. I didn't grieve to much, because it needed a lot of repair. I still had the purchased music, I just had to create my playlist.

It was like a new running outfit, I could hardly wait to play with it.

 

I walked out of the locker room with my shoulders swinging and my legs bouncing to my new music. I couldn't get started with my run fast enough.

 

I hate peeing. It interrupts everything.

 

I paused my excitement as I entered the bathroom.

 

I should have paused my playlist.

"Oh, CRAP!" I heard my iPod SPLASH in the toilet water. I was hoovering about 8 inches above the toilet, trying to fish my iPod out of the toilet water.

Sorry for the visual.

Peeing seems so unnatural and unladylike no matter who you are.

 

If I ran as fast as I snagged my music out of the toilet I would be a ROCKSTAR!

 

I peed down my leg, I had a hand full of wet something and I couldn't stop laughing at myself.

I pushed buttons on my urine drenched iPod and was relieved to discover everything was working fine.

Everything was surely working fine...My shorts from the hoovering were saturated.

Thank God, I had printed shorts on,noone could tell I just peed all over myself!

 

These smiles only carried me about 2 miles on the TM. I had my running magazine in front of me on the TM and even that only held my interest for about 3 more miles.

 

It was a moderate 7 miler. I was at 5 miles. I looked around and saw Jenn. I thought Jenn saw me as I waved at her...She had no clue I was there.

Slightly embarrassed, I pretended like I was stretching.

My attention was directed at the lady next to me on the TM. She was full out laughing. "I want to laugh again." I whined in my head.

My body was still recovering from Mondays repeats. This Podunk 7 miler was beating me up.

This last 2 miles was NO LAUGHING MATTER.

This was serious stuff.

I hit the speed button.

"You better get this 7 miles in before 1 hour." I looked at my watch and increased my speed more.  

 

I used to run this all day long in 55 minutes. I HATE coming off an injury. And I hate getting older.

I hit the speed button again.

UGH.. Nothing was hurting, so RUN.

58 minutes. DONE.sweat dripping, red faced but ALL in.

 

Competing against my history is tough. I am my biggest competitor. I am chasing my times more than my distance these days.

No regrets. One foot in front of the next and make sure I hang onto my iPod!

 

Ramblings:

• I have been listening to the dialogue in my head. It is CRAZY in there, You don't want to enter ALONE. God is Good.
• I had a package delivered today, from ATHLETA. Check in tomorrow, I have it hidden (From Andy)!! He got home early today, I didn't get to break open the goodies and try em' all on!

"I Run Because Comletely EXHAUSTING myself is the most RELAXING part of the day."

Anita

 

More Than the Average

The Letter "R"

 

 

 

RUN

 

Road Runners

Jenn, Andy and Ken at GAC. I met them all as a coach for a running club we started. "COACH" is used LOOSLY! We continue to run together 3 years later!

 

Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

 

Some of the best therapy I get is putting on my running shoes and running the crazy down. I don't think I am much different than you. Life can really bog you down. Family, bills, personalities, work, and unfortunate circumstances tend to hold us hostage.

This week was no exception. I am very good at putting on a smile and getting through. But please don't mistake my smile for a life void of issues. I just fight very hard to not let them rule me.

This week, they were getting the best of me. Thoughts were entering my mind that had no room to live there. Terrible thoughts. I could make a joke out of them, I could even make you laugh if I worded them right. No matter how you cut it, they were Bad Bad Thoughts.

Thoughts that were entangling me. Hurting me.

 

I actually confessed my thoughts out loud. Have you ever wished you could suck your words back in? I not only shared them once, but twice. Only because I didn't like the response that I received the first time. SO why not shop around until I get the response I need, right?!

I struck out BOTH times.

This was MORE evidence I was entangled in sinking thinking. And it was holding me down.

 

It reminded me of my run this week outside. Now in Michigan it is below 0' degrees out. We have had warnings to NOT go outside. When I decided to run outside I wear LAYERS of clothing. Yes, I may be warm, However; I am weighed down. The layers are cumbersome and a nuisance. This makes for a very difficult run.

 

Stinking thinking and sin is the same way. It weighs us down. It haunts us, whispers at us and even screams at us. Yes, it is a warm place to go at times, except it is like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

 

WE are in a RACE. It is time to let things go that are hindering us from progress.

Then we must DIG DEEP, Persevere, and Not Give up.

 

Today I tweeted "Great things are not easily achieved, they take Prayer, Preparation and Perseverance."

 

1. Prayer: Asking God to Remove the things that are holding me down. To forgive me for my Stinking Thinking. Giving him Thanks for showing me, leading me and directing me.
2. Preparation: This is planning. Being intentional in my thinking, in my actions, and being aware of the "Cloud of Witnesses". My Running is always designed with a PLAN, why shouldn't my life be the same?
3. Perseverance: Tenacity, Words of POWER. This is the grit that makes you want to quit. It is NOT an option, get back up and run your race. You Can't QUIT. This world needs Tenacity. Even if you don't think it matters your perseverance matters to someone, I promise you.

 

The RUNDOWN:

Distance: 8 miles on the TM. Kept it at a 1% incline

Abs, stretch, roll,  and arms. ICE.

My plan is to get 40 miles+ this week. It should be interesting with the temps being stupid cold.

 

 

On a Personal Note:

Cloud of Witnesses: Funny, how I am able to look at my son as an inspiration to me. How does a 15 year old encourage a 41 year old? Humility? Austin has had a rough basketball year. It has not gone the way he thought it would have gone. They have lost more games than they have won. As a starter, he get's a lot of playing time but he still leaves feeling discouraged and defeated.

Austin doesn't let that break him though. He practices 7 days a week. Often 2 times a day. He works out, eats healthy, shoots every opportunity he gets. Even when you think he is in bed, you will find him doing his "5 minute workout".  

I see that boy red faced, sweaty and stinky. As I am on the treadmill, Austin's face flashes before me reminding me "If you want it bad enough you have to go the give more than the average".

 

 

What is Entangles you?
Do you struggle with Perseverance?

Who Inspires You?

 

Anita

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great minds think alike.

The Letter "Q"

"Quirky"..Just sounds funny!



The car said the temperature was -20.  Danielle (My running partner) sent me a text message while I was at work yesterday, "..PROMISE me you won't run outside....".
I was Gym bound.

Lacey and I

Honestly, Lacey and I went to Stoney Creek on Thursday for our long run. It was so cold and windy that it burned. When Lacey came to the door, I tried to change her mind. "Lacey, I have a nice membership at Genesys Athletic Club we could run inside..."
She was excited to go on a adventure. Neither of us had ever ran at Stoney Creek Metropark.
But when we headed to leave I heard Lacey's voice in the garage "Nita, Um, I locked the keys in my car, running."
I couldn't stop laughing. I was thinking "GOD, I am not a mistake, you made another person just like me."
We should have taken that as a sign. But all endorphin-ed up we called the tow truck place and within 15 minutes we were on the road.

WORST RUN EVER. I only had an inch of my skin showing. The little bit I had showing got ripped off and blasted with 30 mph winds. My fingers burned in the frigid temps. We saw multiple "Snownados" winding in front of us.
"Worst" is a strong word, how about Most Grueling. Most Frigid.


That run was still very permanent in my mind. Probably because I was still recovering from the terror it.
I also began getting sick on Friday night. I didn't run on Friday or Saturday due to scheduling, sickness, outside temps and my promise to Danielle.

I was all over the idea of going to the gym to get my 10 miler in.
Even though I was still under the weather, I reminded myself I would feel better with my feet turning over on the indoor track.

The track was packed. Apparently, everyone had the same brilliant idea.

4 miles of just getting comfortable with myself. Then it was a couple miles of getting comfortable with everyone around me. I began to pick off other runners.
Then I saw 2 very familiar runners.
Ken and Andy from our running club.
Andy has calves as big as Oakland County and Ken is a very disciplined runner.
The two of them had no idea, to my knowledge, I was behind them.
With just a few inches between each other I loudly shouted "Excuse me, coming through...." As I barged my way between them. Andy turned around like he was going to punch me. Ken just looked confused.
"OH, you are lucky, I was like, WHO IS THIS, I am going to kick her." Andy said laughing at me.
We all laughed for a minute then talked about our run. I chatted for a bit until I saw I guy I was picking off of pass me, then peeled off.

Just as I was finishing, I noticed Jenn. She too was in our club. It was awesome to see everyone, so I added another mile or so with all 3 of them. Actually, I am pretty positive it was more than 1 mile, but who is counting in great company.

The Rundown:
Distance : 11 miles GAC Track, 10m @81minutes

Week Total:
Monday: 7 miles
Wednesday: 6 miles
Thursday: 13 miles
Sunday: 11 miles
TOTAL: 37 miles

Familiar faces are so fun. Running around the track, around and around can be so mentally painful.
It was so nice to run out of the elements and inside with those like minded!

What is the WORST conditions you have ever ran?

Anita

"P" The Power of PRAYER

The Letter "P"

Prayer
Protein

Mark 9:29  And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."

 

I pray over the little things and I pray over the big things. Overall, I think most of the stuff I pray for are probably a nuisance to God. I mean the world is flipped dipped and tripped and there is little Old Nita "Dear God, please strengthen my body, control my mind and carry me the rest of my miles."

 

Even the BIG things that I come to God with are all whacked out on, the things I think are going to be the death of me, I sometimes feel like God is laughing at me. "Come on NITA, give me something with substance.." It feels so heavy to me. But just a nuisance to Him.

 

Today, I had a great day. Very busy, however; everything was falling into place. Then I was blindsided by a issue that tore me up. I am sure most people would probably roll their eyes at it. I couldn't even breath. My heart was ripped out and I was basically counseled to just get over it.

"Things will never change."

"I don't know what to tell you."

I was devastated, crushed, I still am. I know that Life is not FAIR, but sometimes it seems like life isn't fair for those of us who are supposed to just turn the other cheek. We are supposed to just allow people to behave poorly, allow people to hurt us, allow people to walk over us and then make a million excuses for them and Get Over it.

 

PRAY HARDER NITA.. Seriously GOD, I haven't quit.
Praying isn't like a sprint, it is seriously like a ultra marathon in Death Valley.

 

There are situations I can not change, I just beg God to work on cleaning out the clutter in me.

I hear the Good and Evil battling in my mind. It was 10 times easier to run on sore legs and a stiff back today, then fight off the evil that was manifesting in my mind. I would run till I passed out, puked, or turned candy apple red before having to deal with heartache and the burdens I was bearing, and still am.

 

Had I known what my afternoon would have shown, I would have waiting to run.

 

The RUNDOWN:
Distance: 6 Miles

Description: The Perfect progressive run.

Followed up by stretching, rolling, abs, arms and icing.

 

 Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ~ John Bunyan

PROTEIN: 

Muscles are most receptive to rebuilding glycogen (stored glucose) stores within the first 30 minutes after exercise. After a long, you should eat soon after, you can minimize muscle stiffness and soreness. Hydration is very important.
 A good rule of thumb for post-run food is a ratio of 1 gram of protein to 3 grams of carbs. Power bars are a quick and easy go to. I like a smoothie made with fruit, yogurt and my protein powder. This is both hydrating and refreshing. And about all my belly can handle.


What are Your "P" WORDS??

 

Anita

 



The Airhead Runner

The Letter "O"

OVERTIME: This is what I do because I can not count or calculate my miles properly! I run OVERTIME!



I don't think people really understand how hard it is to be ME. I  give people ammunition to make fun of me. I honestly do it with out trying.
I often respond with laughter, however, I am taking a roundhouse to the face on the inside.

Today was no different then any other absent minded day.
I got on the treadmill with a goal of 6 miles.
I forgot to set the timer.
Treadmill SHUT off on me at 2.39. I was punching the buttons in desperation try to prevent it from stopping. Too late. This was an issue for multiple reasons.

1. It cut off at a quirky number. ".39". How was I going to be able to add with that number?
2. I was just getting in my groove. I had my stop watch on and I was doing intervals with the track setting. This is way more thinking then I like.

Well, like I said too much brain activity mixed with sweat and fatigue. I was ready to quit. Everything was hurting. Then I stared really hard at all the numbers.
I added, then re added. "WHAT? Anita You AIRHEAD, no wonder why your tired, you ran 7 miles not 6!"
The story of my life.

Maybe I need more vitamins, more memory enhancing vitamins. I get so mad at myself. being an AIRHEAD isn't some place I visit once in a while, I LIVE THERE.

"I am free to be me" came on the Christian radio station. I listened to the words and thought of ME.
I get so down on my self. I try so hard to change who I am. The harder I try, the greater I fail. I feel like God made me without all my pieces.
There is not a moment that goes by I don't question myself, kick myself or beat myself up.

Everyone else seem to have it all together, Here, I try desperately and fail miserably. I laugh it off, because that is the best I can do.

I am who I am. Every day is a work out and not physical! I can't take myself too serious, So in light of another AIRHEAD MOVE, now I have 2 extra miles for the week because my brains and legs don't mix!

RUNDOWN:
Distance: 7 miles
Jumped rope, and lifted weights with legs. Jeff was at the gym. He always laughs at my goofy stories. I think he is a male version of me, if ever a old man could be a airhead!


Someone PLEASE tell me I am NOT the only one that cant add and run!

Anita

The Letter "N"

The Letter "N"

 

Nita

Nutrition

Nike

 

"Nita" I was never called "NITA" until I met Andy. It has always been the nickname he has called me. It is funny to hear how many people now call me "Nita".

 

A few things about Nita:

 

One of my Greatest Fears: Something happening to my kids, not real original for a mother!

One of my Greatest Achievements: Running the Boston Marathon, again lacks originality.

One of my Biggest Failures: Not getting a handle on my temper sooner. It is hard being a Hot Head.

One thing I Love about Myself: The Same thing I hate about myself, How open and honest I am.

How I want to be buried: Cremated. Creepy random fact.

One of my dreams: For my kids to grow in Christ, to honor Him and live for Him.

What I am Passionate about: The Lord, Teens (I love working with the youth), Addiction ( being loving and supportive to those that are struggling with drugs or alcohol) RUNNING..DUH!
My Favorite Color: GREEN.

 

NUTRITION: You are what you eat. I am not as disciplined as I used to be with my nutrition. But when I am training I am very intentional.

For Long runs I love my Honey Stingers.

I have gotten much better at drinking H2O. I usually drink water one way: Hot and poured over coffee grounds with cream and sugar. But they say that doesn't count.

 

NIKE: I Love NIKE. Not to Run in THOUGH!

RUNDOWN:
Distance: 11 Miles, only because I messed up my calculations. Counting, calculating miles, too much thinking, especially while running.
Pace: Goal Pace was 9 minute mile: I ran 10 miles at a little less than  goal pace and then the extra mile at a 10:48 half walk half run pace.
Weeks Miles:
Monday: 5.5
Wednesday: 6
Thursday: 10:44
Saturday: 4
Sunday: 11
TOTAL MILES: 37 miles (36.94)

Seven Lakes State Park.

 

"Never Never Never QUIT"

 

How was your Running miles this week? I hope everyone's healing from injuries, or healthy and getting their training in.

,


 

Attitude of FAITH.

The Letter "M"

MANTRA

 

Today, as I sat in my car waiting to get Alec from school a friend of mine jumped in the passenger side door. She scared me to death.

I could see in her countenance that she was very upset. This broke my heart and raised my curiosity.
"What was stirring in her, that had her so broken?"

 

I listened to her talk to me about Isis. About how savage and hateful they are. She continued to share how concerned she was for her loved ones and the direction of this world.

She was feeling discouraged and defeated.

She was even feeling like her prayers were going void.

 

Hopeless. Defeated. Discouraged..

Now, I am going to talk about something that many don't want to hear. "I wish more people were burdened like you." I said to her. "Be HOT or be COLD, but be lukewarm and I will SPEW you from my mouth."

 

WE HAVE GOTTEN SO SOFT. SO WISHY WASHY. We play it safe and just blend in with the world.

As a Christian I was NOT made to blend in, I was made to STAND OUT.

 

Now, I am going to ruffle some feathers. I am sure that no one will leave me a comment anyway. We read, but we stay silent.

 

As she sat in my seat crying and burdened with the weight of the world on her shoulders, I spoke very frank to her. I said the things that are not popular.

I spoke of SATAN and JESUS.

This is where many of you quit reading.

 

"The road is NARROW. Continue to pray, God's word asks us to be perseverant, To not give up, He says that it is going to be hard, but to not give up..

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE? If this world is going to HELL in a hand basket, WHY bother?

• 1Tim 4:12 "...Be an example of the believers in WORD, in CONVERSATION, in CHARITY, in SPIRIT, in FAITH, in PURITY."
• 4:16"For which cause we FAINT NOT : but though our OUTWARD Man Perish, YET the INWARD man is RENEWED DAY BY DAY."

DON'T QUIT 

Dig DEEP

Persevere

ALL DAY LONG

Stay Strong

 

• 4:17 "For our light AFFICTION...which is for the moment.."

 

PRAY, Never QUIT praying, but its more than praying, It is LIVING a LIFE that is screaming GOD like, Christ LIKE.

Be that change you want others to have. Be the HOPE others need, Be the STRENGTH people need when they are weak. Be the LOVE that people are missing.. Be the JESUS that people need.

 

Fine, you may be not received by some. But so many others need to see that HOPE in YOU. our

They need to see your FAITH, They Need the HOPE that Christ brings..

 

I honestly have no idea if I lead people to Christ, I pray every day, I do this Blog in hopes that I can share the gift God has given me. In Hopes, that I can lead just one person to Christ through my FAITH, MY LOVE, My Testimony..

And I may be like the gal who jumped in my car, I may NEVER know if my prayers are answered or if my ridiculous blog posts encourage 1 person to know Christ. I may NEVER know my words, my actions or my Faith encourages 1 Person..However;

 

YOU DON'T QUIT, Never Give UP, Stay STRONG...

I just have to have Faith that one day, maybe 1 person...But I may never know...

 

 

The RUNDOWN:

Distance: 10.44 miles

Temp: -1 degrees, My eyelashes froze together, the snot in my nose froze to a painful state. My brother called and said it was a good thing that I didn't pee my pants! So I guess it could have been worse!

I Ran with Lacy out at Seven Lakes State Park, it was quite nice all things considered. The sun was very welcoming against the little bit of skin I had showing.

 

 

I would love  if you took a minute to share your thoughts on this post.

What would you tell this gal that was so burdened??

 

 

Anita



 



 

Lust For Life: "L"

The Letter "L"

Lust For Life, Lois, Lacey, Leeanne, Lighthouse

 

 

Aunt Lois, She kicked Lymphoma this past year. Many of my followers prayed and encouraged her in her journey. I was so encouraged by so many that left her comments on "Running against the Odds" Facebook page. One of the most tenderhearted people I know.

 

Lacey: A great runner, may actually be more quirky than me! We are training together for her 2nd marathon, She will be running Bayshore Marathon in May with me!

 

Leeanne, This is my Sister in law. She is another great runner. She ran CC in high school and has been running ever since. It is on my bucket list to run a race with her. Leeanne lives in Florida, that sounds like a great destination race place!

 

 

Lighthouse, I love this Lighthouse in Mears/Hart Mi. When we vacation at Silver Lake Sand dunes, I always go running to the Lighthouse. Many runners take the same path to the Lighthouse.

 

LUST FOR LIFE!

The RUNDOWN:

GAC: Track

Distance: 6 miles, 1 mile w/u 400m repeats, easy400m jog recovery,1 mile c/d

Our Days are Numbered. Many days I am in LOVE with Living.

 I had to Laugh at the track today in a total state of confusion.

When I stepped unto the track everything seemed odd. People were running and walking clockwise. I looked around to see if I was confused, I knew I was but I was hoping that someone could clear this up. This sign about plowed me over as I stared at the runners not watching where I was going. I didn't even know where I was going. This totally messed me up. I almost left and headed to the TM to do my repeats.

The markings were all backwards. The clock was backwards. AHH!

With a Laugh and a chuckle I chose to just do it. It was going to be a run full of suck anyway, so it was time to just SUCK IT UP with a SMILE!

Running repeats do not make me smile. But Living Life does. That means you have to expand yourself, stepping out of your box, experiencing pain and growing through it.

Life is full of pain. This world will eat you up and spit you out. I know that with all pain there is a purpose. I also know that with all pain I have experienced great blessings. God has recovered me, healed me and blessed me beyond my dreams.

Running this week the song LUST for LIFE sang in my ears. I Laughed out Loud, I smiled from ear to ear. I reminded myself that in the snow resting on the trees alone, I was blessed. I felt the brisk February air against my cheeks and it was like The Lord himself refreshed me with a kiss.

It was like time stood still in His perfection. I fell in Love with Life, The Life He gave me.

 

How Was YOUR Wednesday RUN??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Bizzard of 2015: Snowed in

"Letter K"

KENSINGTON METRO PARK!- Where Lacey, Danielle and I did I official Bayshore Marathon kick off last Thursday, 11 miles!!

 



Staying focused on the goal is always the key to my training. I get so distracted.
One of the strongholds that can effect my training is not having my emotions in check. Running helps me balance the chaos that storms inside me.

A new goal this week for me, was to add another day. Friday, before I got out of work I had to take the reigns on my excuses that challenged my goal.
I did it! My run was cold and dark. The run was great, once I wrapped my head around it, the biggest victory was conquering change not actually running.

 Ecclesiastes 3:4          

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;"

The Distraction of Emotions: Sunday, I wanted to run 10 miles at the track at the athletic club.
The problem with grief is, it comes in waves. It blindsides you.
It was the early afternoon, the track was busy. With my music in my ears, I was looking forward to my run.
POWERLESS. I was held powerless to the intense sorrow that took control over me. I lost my breath, tears exploded down my cheeks. "Ariel, My sweet sweet Ariel, Please come back to me, I miss you so." My lungs gasped for air, I was left breathless, my legs buckled underneath me. I felt so weak, so helpless.
"Oh gosh, people are going to see me crying, stop ANITA, snap out of this."
Everything was so clouded over, I couldn't see where I was going, I wanted to run away, I wanted to cry in loud wails, I had no ability to go any farther.
"You can't cry, you can't, You CAN'T" I continued to argue with this weakness. I had to get disciplined over my emotions and not let them direct me.
Grief is so intense. But I knew I had to be stronger. I had to overcome the pain.
"OK Anita, you have 5 minutes, then you have to focus, you can't be a cry baby."
It just hurts so bad, so very bad. I knew I couldn't go into memory lane. I couldn't entertain any more thoughts that would hold me hostage to my emotions.
I began to pray.
"Please Lord, strengthen my heart, guard my emotions. Untangle the madness that is so intense right now. Please, please."
The pain was too much.

" A man's heart deviseth a way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

10 miles. I needed my path free from distraction. I had to be stronger than my emotions. My emotions were making me weak.
Emotions trip people up when not managed. My mind gets so afflicted when I don't control my emotions. They speak to me, they argue with me, they create confusion and they even create strife. Emotions take advantage of insecurity and whisper lies, distracting us when allowed to manage us. "The Heart is deceitful.."

SNOWED IN:

"Nita, I am so sorry, I have to take your car, my 4 wheel drive isn't working, I am sorry, you are going to be without a car today."
It was 6 am and I was already preparing myself for my run to be outside.
12 inches of snow or something close to that.

I think it took as long to get dressed as it took to run. After dressing in 3 layers of clothing, I felt myself doing the pee pee dance. There was no way I could wait.
I was doing a work out before my feet even hit the snow.
I could feel myself beginning to sweat, all the layers were bulging and sticking. I had to get going.

I can't say that it was a speedy run, I didn't hit any records and I am not sure I even broke a sweat. I will say it was a beautiful run. Stunning.
I didn't see a lot of cars on the back roads. They ones I did see the people looked at me like I was crazy. I was extra cautious jumping into the snow banks. I had snow up to my knees and icicles down my eyelashes. It was just perfect though!
RUNDOWN:
Distance: 5.5 miles


I know that God gave us emotions, Many times emotions are great, but for me I have to train not just my body but also my emotions. Emotions become so  intense that they will take rule over us if we are not careful.
I have had my share of loss, more than anyone should have to deal with by the time I was 18, I was not wise enough to manage my emotions and they lead me to so much hurt and pain.

Anita