tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505372796884818322024-03-15T19:59:32.981-07:00RUNNING Against the OdDsAnitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.comBlogger1428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-32610444719843240882024-03-14T17:41:00.000-07:002024-03-14T17:47:04.307-07:00Race: Recap: Recovery: Repeat<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Roboto Mono;"> You can't be too scared to fail, or you will never even try. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I boarded the airplane alone like I do every time this time of year to see my brother and sister. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And also, to do "A thing"!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEierKjWroxQwULSnrcrz30q7_ld2S6hoKOZPW6aIHSOwB0x9L5YJtNjsGMAqTOvK4frdY0zhH6RhUQWssmfUujSJE8HRzRAoLxybZ25nlNCG9ttMCUc-9DjOIczQpa9qIl-RSofoMtj9BtZrnr_pyLBeyc8YrPh4jvwPKuXrzw-XimXxve1gWZlkE9kWXI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEierKjWroxQwULSnrcrz30q7_ld2S6hoKOZPW6aIHSOwB0x9L5YJtNjsGMAqTOvK4frdY0zhH6RhUQWssmfUujSJE8HRzRAoLxybZ25nlNCG9ttMCUc-9DjOIczQpa9qIl-RSofoMtj9BtZrnr_pyLBeyc8YrPh4jvwPKuXrzw-XimXxve1gWZlkE9kWXI" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i>Leeanne and I did a 5K the day before the marathon. </i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Montserrat;"><u>To do a THING: Treasure Coast Marathon. RECAP</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stuart, Florida. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I went into this marathon broken. No speed work, shin pain, and lacking confidence. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I also walked to the starting line solo. I knew NO ONE, I drove with my brother-in-law. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It was 5:50am and I could feel the Florida humidity resting in the air moisturizing my fears even more. As I tried to settle into myself, I heard my phone buzz in my fanny pack. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Where are you at?" It was my brother. He had gone to the Oliver Anthony concert the night before; therefore, I had spent the night with my sister, her husband was running the half marathon and was going to the starting line early. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I looked around and responded with my location and was so stoked that I found them! We prayed together and I jumped back in before the gun went off. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I told myself from the very beginning I would give my all. I was aiming for a 3:50 marathon but hoping I would have a little extra room. The goal was to qualify for NYC Marathon, I would need a sub 3h:51. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Some things I told myself:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This is going to HURT. </li><li>Focus on the prize not the pain. </li><li>You cannot half a$$ this Anita. </li><li>You are capable, The Lord will see you through, but you are going to have to fight. </li></ul><div>The course was rather flat, with 2 very large bridge crossings. The marathon was also an out and back, with the bridges in the first 5 miles making them also the last 5 miles. </div><div><br /></div><div>GO! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrtOiOj_X01WbiQRftgShDlaXm7i_Abhd3lwa64vIJae49CEXq6F2yw2s0aieZJi3O0inwADGA2OXMQEMhtgEg5tw8R-1W6WfYR4Uecr0fSZQ5pHjSlk_i3FIwyur3-FCETYSFchWDk4BN1sjf0EoZV8S4X10qc0zw2nbW-eQ3f0wiwNDVoMEVRfJBUiU" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrtOiOj_X01WbiQRftgShDlaXm7i_Abhd3lwa64vIJae49CEXq6F2yw2s0aieZJi3O0inwADGA2OXMQEMhtgEg5tw8R-1W6WfYR4Uecr0fSZQ5pHjSlk_i3FIwyur3-FCETYSFchWDk4BN1sjf0EoZV8S4X10qc0zw2nbW-eQ3f0wiwNDVoMEVRfJBUiU" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I prayed the 26.2 miles of pavement would not wreck my shins as I headed out with the other 200 runners. The runners were all so friendly and I found myself chatting with several runners with similar goals. As I settled in, I found myself running with this gal who looked like she could be related to me.</div><div>We exchanged names and as we asked each other questions I discovered we had a lot in common. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We had almost the same goal time, by only a minute.</li><li>Both our names started with an "A"; her name was Amanda. </li><li>Amanda was originally from Michigan! </li><li>And Amanda was a Jesus follower. </li></ul><div>I believed I had just been given an angel to help me to the finish line. As we chatted I got more and more attached to her. </div></div><div>Caught up in the excitement of my new friend I was surprised to see my brother and sister on the course cheering me on! </div><div>Bobby and Leeanne would be waiting for me every few miles! As I approached mile 11, I called them, and they had a cold bottle of my mixed energy drink waiting for me to swap out. </div><div>It was a perfect hand off. </div><div>I fell back a little in the exchange, but I was able to catch up. I was apprehensive to try my drink as it looked my white Pepto-Bismol. </div><div>IT was GOOD! </div><div>And in the full sun it was like magic energizing me. </div><div>At mile 17, I was feeling pretty good but knew the end was near. I had been taking in nutrition and drinking at every stop. 4 aid stations ran out of water! As we approached 20 miles my legs began to feel heavy and I had already lost a full bladder, peeing all down my legs. I knew stopping was not going to be an option. The temperatures were in the high 70's, we were beginning to pick off runners when my side began to ache so bad. I dug my fingers deep into my side stitch trying to relieve the pain as I watched Amanda slowly break away. </div><div>I also watched her heading up the bridge. In significant pain, I coached myself to walk for 10 seconds, bring down my heartrate, catch my breath and get back at it. </div><div>And I prayed. </div><div>I looked down at my watch, less than 5 miles to go. I looked up, sweat beading on my skin I clung on to the shadows of Amanda. </div><div>Breathless, exhausted I caught her at the top, "WE made IT, I'm up, I'm up..." Just those few words depleted me. </div><div>I tried so hard to embrace the victory of making it up that bridge, but I could see the next just minutes away. </div><div>I tucked in as close as I could to Amanda. She would call out my name to make sure I was still with her. </div><div>Worn out, I whispered "I'm here...."</div><div>I took a gel hoping it would be like sorcery and I would be foot loose and fancy. </div><div>Truth is, it sustained me. With a mile to go, I fell back again. I looked at my time and knew I couldn't fall apart. I didn't have time to slow down, I could see the finish line and knew the course was over. </div><div>I had to GOO. </div><div>That finish line came 2/10ths over. I wasn't sure if I was going to puke or pass out. </div><div>My stomach knotted up and my vision blurred over as my brother was shouting at me! I gave the best smile I could as I tried to stay upright and crossed the finish line. </div><div>I DID IT. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxGVoprIXAQUehKzGK-AJW1n_UIAfhitBuvLYe03SwnTivfYGMaeILKHKvZaIlveQBOKuCFnDgD3kZ7BKLB67Pwtc0WPEni6RiKsMF4anMOVry4Iv_0kZfhpTVJgSvUEqhlXuDqj_C3L-xKSTZHanG4WFuJvMkenRk81O34LhBF9zHNqbZmxLq8RrPDA4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxGVoprIXAQUehKzGK-AJW1n_UIAfhitBuvLYe03SwnTivfYGMaeILKHKvZaIlveQBOKuCFnDgD3kZ7BKLB67Pwtc0WPEni6RiKsMF4anMOVry4Iv_0kZfhpTVJgSvUEqhlXuDqj_C3L-xKSTZHanG4WFuJvMkenRk81O34LhBF9zHNqbZmxLq8RrPDA4" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Roboto Mono;">"We Entertain Angels Unaware." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqlml3DZKOndXPbiFeSb6SDcoQ8rI4wLbGzQ8ojPmsqF89IEdpLMfjgj9ZOFSjKWDQEnw4tmhu-8h4iFj1wkBtv5FzuFeqqjEmeoW4zLcnFWEpTme4C_D7E_fNp6cyCBvBMl2ugiXHLWKYaVLe2HIFXSXW26OLho7DR5ouNX2S0rvJl4lxxe-9-8nuFbI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqlml3DZKOndXPbiFeSb6SDcoQ8rI4wLbGzQ8ojPmsqF89IEdpLMfjgj9ZOFSjKWDQEnw4tmhu-8h4iFj1wkBtv5FzuFeqqjEmeoW4zLcnFWEpTme4C_D7E_fNp6cyCBvBMl2ugiXHLWKYaVLe2HIFXSXW26OLho7DR5ouNX2S0rvJl4lxxe-9-8nuFbI" width="180" /></a></div><br /></span></b></div><div>Amanda and I ran together almost the whole race. When was leading I would yell "YOU got this Amanda...." </div><div>And when Amanda was leading, she would turn her head back to locate me and encourage me too. </div><div>Then there was my brother and sister in love, they were all over that course and even went into a grocery store to get me Gatorade. </div><div>Blessed, Favored, Loved, Humbled. </div><div>The Lord made a way when I questioned all my abilities. It was more than what I had though. I had to fight; He would provide a way, but I had to do the work. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Montserrat;"><u><b>Recovery</b></u></span></div><div>Everything hurts and I am dying. I am 11 days out and I am still on the struggle bus! Tight hamstrings, fatigue, and minor aches and pains. </div><div>I have brought my miles down, walked instead of ran and even got a massage that was so painful I yelped! </div><div>Ice, roll, stretch and remind myself this is all my "A" race in JUNE. </div><div>This is training. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><span style="color: red;">March 4-10th</span></u></b></div><div>Distance: 62 miles</div><div>Elevation: 2,734</div><div><br /></div><div>I am TAPERING for Blackbeard's Revenge 100K in the Outer Banks. ALL pavement! </div><div>This is going to be a fun race! And another training run for Kettle Moraine 100. </div><div>The last couple weeks I have been reminded that victorious battles are won with pain and perseverance. They are won NOT in fear but in faith with fear. I go into battle with fear, but it is FAITH that leads. If it doesn't scare you a little, then I have to question the battle. </div><div>The Lord provides a way for victory in our battles, but we still have to FIGHT. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Peace, Not Pieces, </div><div>Anita~</div><div><br /></div></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-50983531691368415372024-02-26T17:40:00.000-08:002024-02-26T18:19:56.185-08:00Really Good at Stupid<div style="text-align: left;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXoM88awR-CeZ35EBNunQVM-zfrIreXO7KRH21nsLfMiWgY15kWmmTj5NurTYQz2yt5VhtVd9L6mYReGs2qDeQeBNgtlIikIkEiiDFiaqPtfWPxtQmBp9Kh0OSgWtm2IlalO45GPWxRiyN3G5ak4MpcdGc8t0lXKte2ebXpIA9WWxdn6DbEEEMA6bYhs8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXoM88awR-CeZ35EBNunQVM-zfrIreXO7KRH21nsLfMiWgY15kWmmTj5NurTYQz2yt5VhtVd9L6mYReGs2qDeQeBNgtlIikIkEiiDFiaqPtfWPxtQmBp9Kh0OSgWtm2IlalO45GPWxRiyN3G5ak4MpcdGc8t0lXKte2ebXpIA9WWxdn6DbEEEMA6bYhs8" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep Moving, let's not get Stuck on Stupid cause that's CRAPPY!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I texted a friend of mine last week, "We do stupid well." </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's the truth. If you followed in my footsteps, GOOD <span>CHANCE you would want your money back. Sometimes my program works, and sometimes it doesn't and MOST of the time it doesn't make sense no matter which way you cut it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU0bUO6hm-gloK1BFa8l-BmWYGksUTiABROayt95riqzC7Gn7iqN5by0ZnkZ7hdZQJEmb8HFTVSbIKPqBxs-Tshwp40w1RWSG-v_fzzoygQxM9x80jxHiDK2qqI5tLsv-5EhJ2AZ66j_VaP1LQZNOSqL4f4218syCoO1wwWMFojKnZgGR6d3KTjOhqItQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU0bUO6hm-gloK1BFa8l-BmWYGksUTiABROayt95riqzC7Gn7iqN5by0ZnkZ7hdZQJEmb8HFTVSbIKPqBxs-Tshwp40w1RWSG-v_fzzoygQxM9x80jxHiDK2qqI5tLsv-5EhJ2AZ66j_VaP1LQZNOSqL4f4218syCoO1wwWMFojKnZgGR6d3KTjOhqItQ" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>I find myself humbled, icing my shin and thanking God that He carried me through a peak week of training. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;">EVERY RUN is a gift at this point. Finding the balance of stupidity and foolishness is a bit confusing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Clinging to "good training" has many different perspectives and opinions. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As a woman of faith, an athlete for Christ my perimeters will never make sense to most. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Saturday night The National Anthem played as I got ready to race a 25K in Midland after running 20 miles of hills that morning. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I closed my eyes and prayed. The song faded away to just the silent whispers to the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I prayed for protection as I navigated in the dark, to stay upright and steady. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I prayed for perseverance after running 20 miles and that the Lord would protect me from injury and from myself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I DIDN'T pray for speed, or to place or to have a killer race in the eyes of others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The whole thing was STUPID!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I knew I had to see what I could do with Treasure Coast Marathon THIS Sunday. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My shins have been getting better, however, I am NOT running pavement or doing speedwork. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUVZEjNWcQbCTIxE7ZcdGD5GqEEXrmO09t2nKVHnTVY90nomQIhkAq-hcmgG2wB17aJ_1mNBfKMbn8RgMet9J2zUoBQFJq7K0NDlyFRwn2SuqjUAGYEWtG-ykEs8s1sl891VNHFPb_-AuENfY6NtPQkL3i2nmchgxdjh5W4-P6lUrUy6Qpy2A9JSJuCCw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUVZEjNWcQbCTIxE7ZcdGD5GqEEXrmO09t2nKVHnTVY90nomQIhkAq-hcmgG2wB17aJ_1mNBfKMbn8RgMet9J2zUoBQFJq7K0NDlyFRwn2SuqjUAGYEWtG-ykEs8s1sl891VNHFPb_-AuENfY6NtPQkL3i2nmchgxdjh5W4-P6lUrUy6Qpy2A9JSJuCCw" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 miles Saturday morning. Let's not get "Stumped" on stupidity!</td></tr></tbody></table> <br />(Hills are speedwork in disguise.)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Backroads, trails and hills are all I can do. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Goal, to qualify for NYC. which in turn would have me also qualify for Boston. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Roboto Mono;"><u>SNOWMOON 25K: </u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Roboto Mono;"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXEzKB0V6YTeKmOUoFKqaZLQzZCmf-54gbO9Al7zl9hIsF9-UTte6CfDdgRmnzjwQzTrci8JU2IOJhbZHUmusEANAU39l4HpXtNZzFhWkHEiY3e0NjC_heaEnAa8w6S95km6SY8EAWKVFAzwbWSRw6gT9BG9N8a41ojmHwOZ0JlAI4l5qqmioE9FKA4-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXEzKB0V6YTeKmOUoFKqaZLQzZCmf-54gbO9Al7zl9hIsF9-UTte6CfDdgRmnzjwQzTrci8JU2IOJhbZHUmusEANAU39l4HpXtNZzFhWkHEiY3e0NjC_heaEnAa8w6S95km6SY8EAWKVFAzwbWSRw6gT9BG9N8a41ojmHwOZ0JlAI4l5qqmioE9FKA4-I" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I planned to run a 9:30min/mi. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I claimed that to many...and I truly believed my own words. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It didn't <i>feel </i>STUPID when I crossed the starting mat and found myself a few yards behind Andy. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I heard my watch beep...I cautiously looked...8:34min/mi. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I stayed hidden in his shadows. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy was running with 4 of our friends so when one of them noticed me, the cat was out of the bag. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I told him I would try to stay with them as long as I could. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't have the energy to chat, I was trying really hard to feel if I was crossing over into a different degree of STUPIDITY....EGO and PRIDE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">STUPIDITY is often perspective, but EGO and PRIDE is the hidden ugly that is battled in your own darkness. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I made a vow to myself "stay behind" to keep the EGO man down. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the GRACE of God, I was able to stay with Andy. We finished together. The finish line wasn't what I was dreaming. It came with a nasty fall from Andy that left his body looking like a 6ft pretzel. I had romantic thoughts of glorious smiles and hand holding maybe even a cute little kiss at the end. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Not even close. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our friends, Amanda and Shane were so sweet waiting for us with big smiles and holding out <b>vacant </b>high fives. It was a finish of suffering and STUPIDITY. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz29Ev0Qgfpc0xtpby1khoiVLS2EAKSVRJqLmmwX8xEYP9DFkQpfzBe5tIiKjhjwXQleF5_Uw3Lld8SoOk3P9_e-Vbnx5N1b0RbmdVyMUYKff_0bO-K2TSp4Vf_ZfGWnaLhfBQDlPNhZA1LSeiBhi3pE8-H_kO8cT0VRzfu8pxfsDhS_iSCVSECYV5p7c" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1179" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz29Ev0Qgfpc0xtpby1khoiVLS2EAKSVRJqLmmwX8xEYP9DFkQpfzBe5tIiKjhjwXQleF5_Uw3Lld8SoOk3P9_e-Vbnx5N1b0RbmdVyMUYKff_0bO-K2TSp4Vf_ZfGWnaLhfBQDlPNhZA1LSeiBhi3pE8-H_kO8cT0VRzfu8pxfsDhS_iSCVSECYV5p7c" width="175" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heartrate for the race. I was very pleased. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ANDY actually KILLED it! We both PR-ed Snowmoon, with the best conditions I ever remember. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It would cap off my day of 35 miles, with me hitting the 25K at the pace I would <b><span style="font-size: medium;">need </span></b>to maintain at Treasure Coast Sunday. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>TRAINING & STUPID</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Montserrat;">"Stupidity is a gift from God but one must not misuse it." Pope John Paul II</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have made so many stupid decisions in my running career that if it was a course I would get a A+! But the truth is I have learned a lot from them, often because the lesson was so painful. Sometimes it doesn't APPEAR stupid but when once the fog lifts your knee deep in stupidity. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Montserrat;">"Stupidity is a talent for misconception." Edgar Allen Poe </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">It seemed like a brilliant idea until it wasn't. I am usually chewing on this in the middle of an ultra. When my suffering is screaming at me, and I am rethinking my choices. A talent for sure when I find myself back in the saddle again!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Montserrat;">"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity." </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">EGO and PRIDE. These two are best friends that like to beat down humility. Ego will find a back door for anything stupid and make it shine. </div><div>You become your own god. Unteachable and unreachable. You do things because you CAN not because it's actually beneficial. </div><div>Last weekend, I planned on running a marathon to a 50K in the morning THEN the 25K that evening. But the more I thought about it the more I realized "WHY". Just because I COULD didn't mean I SHOULD. More is not always better regardless of what the commercial says. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOUkkfUQIQPCqn0VsULJpwELuBKDnMq-HDm7soBRdGVQ4ZuyRD28580x6M5Ok5rJ6kMHCfpZgIAAk6xYaZRF91AW1XAHmxqmXXvMl-c3oKU39M7WYTNusBd0ni9WpyvWWrVGRtsfEVEcBi7i3Kb3R37p4Is5lq-MTF0DDVRVBTUVzM7wSk0ZXOUg0eWZs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1063" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOUkkfUQIQPCqn0VsULJpwELuBKDnMq-HDm7soBRdGVQ4ZuyRD28580x6M5Ok5rJ6kMHCfpZgIAAk6xYaZRF91AW1XAHmxqmXXvMl-c3oKU39M7WYTNusBd0ni9WpyvWWrVGRtsfEVEcBi7i3Kb3R37p4Is5lq-MTF0DDVRVBTUVzM7wSk0ZXOUg0eWZs" width="263" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>"It is a wise man who know where courage ends, and stupidity begins." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">AHH. This one is brilliant. Not much can be done under the spirit of fear, courage though can take you to places you can soar and places you can sink. </div><div>Such a fine line. A line I am still learning. We all have a different breaking point, a different point of reference, a different point of pain and different tools to navigate through it all. </div><div>And different isn't always wrong because it looks wrong to us. Courage is the same. It takes me more courage to line up to a 5K and race it then a 50K! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Roboto Slab;">RUNDOWN: </span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><i>"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but he who hates reproof is stupid." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><i>Proverbs 12:1</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">AM I teachable? I would like to think so. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Feb 12-Feb 18= </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">STEPDOWN week. SHINS</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Miles: 44miles</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Elevation: 2,166</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">The step down proved itself. I iced every day, some days 3 times, KT tape, Compression socks and prayer. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Feb19-25</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Don't get Stuck on Stupid</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Miles: 74miles</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Elevation: 4000ft. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">I stayed off pavement. trails and backroads. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">Saturday was a BIG run day. I went for a walk today, but very little running this week. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;">SUNDAY is Treasure Coast Marathon. It is on pavement. I could really use some prayers! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Satisfy;">In Peace, Not Pieces,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>Anita</b></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-49040835494978424912024-02-12T17:16:00.000-08:002024-02-12T17:16:20.384-08:00A Thorn in my Side<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Roboto Mono;">"Stay steadfast in your hopes and dreams, but flexible in how you reach them." Collier Lawrence</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Roboto Mono;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_b1RVlDtcEn3QiSRJp6HXquWXzeLrRloCSTxNg7_3PXLa2in77id7BWM3MFgpoWy_uaHC96hU4VUeqCPl2dLVn7T8D7OyGNl6rRo8cLE4sVt2uYeWQceClzv_ky15HFScgxy-WNxf_7ymMZ8eaYqr_SgmwQDeFjQwHN376_aa5DtM264fD1Jw5dOxCak" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_b1RVlDtcEn3QiSRJp6HXquWXzeLrRloCSTxNg7_3PXLa2in77id7BWM3MFgpoWy_uaHC96hU4VUeqCPl2dLVn7T8D7OyGNl6rRo8cLE4sVt2uYeWQceClzv_ky15HFScgxy-WNxf_7ymMZ8eaYqr_SgmwQDeFjQwHN376_aa5DtM264fD1Jw5dOxCak" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I have been embracing my love, TRAILS this past week. Truth is, I have been struggling with a minor injury for months, pavement pounding is my nemesis. A Thorn in My SIDE.</div><div style="text-align: left;">My training is a cluster due to races both on pavement and trails. I have come up into embracing the weather and hitting the trails rather than road running for my 100k in March. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Kettle Moraine</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">100 miles in JUNE is the "A" race. All races in between are training runs that will help me build milage and confidence. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Kettle Moraine is going to be tough with over 8000 ft of elevation on trails in Wisconsin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">THE TRAINING thus far:</span></b> My injury has me dropping my miles and only running 4 days a week. I have been doing extra drills for my shins, icing, KT tape and compression socks. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I added myself to my prayer list and have been taking extra time in conversation with the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Lord giveth and The Lord taketh. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every mile is a gift from HIM. I ask him to direct my paths, and I trust Him with great affection knowing He knows the plans for me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am running a marathon in Florida the beginning of March with the aim of trying to qualify for NYC Marathon, 3:51 is the time I would need..God willing. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy asked me when I was going to do speed work. </div><div style="text-align: left;">NOT going to happen!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I cringe at the idea of suffering around a track in agony as my shins are in anguish. </div><div style="text-align: left;">SO..This week I bought some new shoes and did speed work on the trails. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>RUNDOWN:</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>"A THORN in my SIDE"</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDuhOQVY0EwIs0cA26Tkr9ui9BLdN_HRGVgmBgwOjsjuGBpeiCoPnCsU1p1ypvylYBf6yP57R9srFdgpToJM8moeywfYuT9AoFIpl0KK4BgnW6GfvzrDNzmK8lI2A-oCaKgxgCDzLycU7mtSV0idLYo5K_pqft5osgpYTGiPLJVFpzEBCAUwRA-OayJM8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDuhOQVY0EwIs0cA26Tkr9ui9BLdN_HRGVgmBgwOjsjuGBpeiCoPnCsU1p1ypvylYBf6yP57R9srFdgpToJM8moeywfYuT9AoFIpl0KK4BgnW6GfvzrDNzmK8lI2A-oCaKgxgCDzLycU7mtSV0idLYo5K_pqft5osgpYTGiPLJVFpzEBCAUwRA-OayJM8" width="247" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last week, I ran multiple different trails taking advantage of the weather. The trails were in great shape however, I was shocked at the pickers that covered the trails at Holdridge. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Also last week, we spent the first portion of our run ducking, dodging and doing trail clean up from a windy winter. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, was no better when it came to those bristles and thistles. With the sun blazing we took advantage of the day when we hit the trails to run the East Loop at Holdridge. I was not sure how the run would look, it was my third day on, and we ran Holly Rec the day before with Andy pacing the sweat out of me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We were not talking a lot, keeping pace a little faster will do that to you. It is the most magnificent feeling running in the woods swerving where the path leads you, around trees, through the orchard, over the ridge bordering the lake, so glorious. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">BOOM</span></b>!! The first of 4! I would <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>FLIP</b></span>, <b><span style="color: #38761d;">DIP </span></b>and <b><span style="color: #073763;">TRIP</span></b>. I encountered the ground multiple times. My consistent pace kept getting interrupted by roots, rocks, branches, and dodging thorns. I would jump to my feet to try to regain my pace but my quest to keep pace fell apart each time I stumbled. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My last tumble, I checked for my phone and I was relieved to have it, but I never bothered to check to see if I still had my sunglasses. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I did not. I recalled a thorny branch had caught me when I tripped, it stole my sunglasses! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH5jlfZp_onZBVXa9mljxnI12_2Fe64AiMz64nK6NfLV0lIcchB6ieW-upYHanqP2L1_32uqTl-I6GEay9KbytlcKNea15bnT8jGIbZQM4NDGK9G4iCP3iOZHGLPflYGQP203UVxvoB5VVRCQHYXR1ATGmIyxfV1Umjf9gzDegbHTBogaSlt_UbgOIfCI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH5jlfZp_onZBVXa9mljxnI12_2Fe64AiMz64nK6NfLV0lIcchB6ieW-upYHanqP2L1_32uqTl-I6GEay9KbytlcKNea15bnT8jGIbZQM4NDGK9G4iCP3iOZHGLPflYGQP203UVxvoB5VVRCQHYXR1ATGmIyxfV1Umjf9gzDegbHTBogaSlt_UbgOIfCI" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We finished Grubers Grinder, then went back out for more trails on the West Loop. We ran making it up as we went. As long as I kept moving, I could keep adding more, our elevation would be close to 1,900ft. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When we finished, I knew I had to go back to the East loop to find my glasses. Thankfully my running partner has a keen sense of direction. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We went trail blazing off Hess rd. cutting through prehistoric thorns. The barbs were over a half inch long. They were snagging everything they could, digging in their spikes making it hard to go more than a few feet at a time. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But my favorite GOODR glasses from Colorado were found! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Montserrat;"><u>COLLISION: "Thorn in my Side"</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Montserrat;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We all have that THORN in our side. That place of annoyance, that problem that isn't getting resolved, that person that snags your thoughts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, I had to go RIGHT into those thorns. The only way to-- was THROUGH. A painful reminder that if you care enough about something sometimes it is going to hurt to have success. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You will recover from the pain of trying better than you will recover from the pain of regret. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs38Nmp8OmaPE_VWK8ZIGeVWMJgFqbLgc18XHDavPm3yIEhtIyCVyhkMK-I8MdXtWSKVhMXy_LkXSaz_qZ5DttvYaRQv6nnCowS3wzPTkA_3W7RjYxGHjSXj1nfBrH_vwUlqIbDoBFDZMYx6vpbTq8QtdxzFP3OuKO-S8tEGn7bdfHk524xjV6Upi1Wog" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs38Nmp8OmaPE_VWK8ZIGeVWMJgFqbLgc18XHDavPm3yIEhtIyCVyhkMK-I8MdXtWSKVhMXy_LkXSaz_qZ5DttvYaRQv6nnCowS3wzPTkA_3W7RjYxGHjSXj1nfBrH_vwUlqIbDoBFDZMYx6vpbTq8QtdxzFP3OuKO-S8tEGn7bdfHk524xjV6Upi1Wog" width="180" /></a></div><br /><b>RUNDOWN:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Feb5-Feb11</div><div style="text-align: left;">Distance: 60miles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Elevation: 5000 Ft</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-8510321268453945692024-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:002024-02-01T18:28:27.557-08:00Valiant Warrior<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmJOwtf38jdJVQIudlBfEFCttqrXXFhx4BeqEfKLUy70Y88FfKW3_CQoxo6SVax7BIM3LpPOjR0eTWg4weyAKAWlvWiNGfOUklKdLSNQXfsAQBGLl4cBBD3XqzcqdNriUh6o6dgw9f7EvP8XOpAX66Lp0Q0XFlL3_UjBepXFR_mHqpdgBjA9FjaP1dE4o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmJOwtf38jdJVQIudlBfEFCttqrXXFhx4BeqEfKLUy70Y88FfKW3_CQoxo6SVax7BIM3LpPOjR0eTWg4weyAKAWlvWiNGfOUklKdLSNQXfsAQBGLl4cBBD3XqzcqdNriUh6o6dgw9f7EvP8XOpAX66Lp0Q0XFlL3_UjBepXFR_mHqpdgBjA9FjaP1dE4o" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I walk out of this little restroom with oversized scrubs and a larger-than-life gown that I look lost in. I was finally getting my MRI of my pancreas. Cancer follow-ups for my BRCHA gene are more rare but just as weighty. MRIs are not my favorite and dealing with insurance was more of a battle I had before the procedure. Insurance companies do not want to pay for the preventive but will pay for the thousands and thousands of dollars for cancer. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The techs were very nice as they escorted me to the trailer outside the building to do my MRI. I was very pleasant, a response to feeling nervous and anxious. I noticed the techs looking directly into my eyes, studying me. I confidently looked back at them, fearless. </div><div style="text-align: left;">This was NOT a new experience, it was not an enjoyable experience either, but it was necessary. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I laid back on the tray trying not to get tangled in my gown as he prepped my IV. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I HAD A BAD FEELING. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I clenched my fist as he directed me and felt the needle pinch into my skin and then I felt a warm sensation and a little pull. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew he over did it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I took a deep breath and smiled. His partner looked at me and I winked. He knew I knew. </div><div style="text-align: left;">After a couple minutes the tech tells me he is going to try again. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He is looking up and down my arms and I am just laying there smiling trying not to make him more nervous than I can tell he is. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He picks a vein on the side of my arm that no one has ever tried. I just waited for that to fail, and I didn't have to wait long. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I smiled and tried to relax him, "Third times a charm." And then I prayed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought if he pokes me much more, I am going to spring a leak!</div><div style="text-align: left;">He poked me again and it was bad, I gritted my teeth as I felt my arm bruising, he worked it a bit more and I prayed "PLEASE LORD!" </div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I tasted the metal. IT worked, finally! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took everything in me to not ask to reschedule. I wanted to QUIT. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It hurt and my confidence in him was depleting. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Each poke I was not bouncing back with RESILENCE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And my attitude was getting sour. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"The Lord is with you Oh valiant soldier." Judges 6:12 </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Learning to have RESILIENCE in the face of adversity can be very challenging. I am walking around with 8 toenails and one that is about to fall off any day from tripping 6 times in a race I did in the beginning of January. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But Resilience is not a nomad and doesn't travel alone. </div><div style="text-align: left;">She travels best with PERSISTENCE, which is the ability to intentionally pursue a purpose regardless of opposition, delays and disadvantages. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They go HAND in HAND. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have had to learn to not only recover from a setback but also find the endurance to continue and NOT GIVE UP. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You can NOT persist without getting back up and sometimes getting back up we are a total HOT MESS. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have felt beaten up, tattered and frayed like an old rag doll but not in my strength but HIS I have crawled back out of the grave. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I operate in an identity shaped by the LORD, I am capable of great and mighty things. I no longer see a raggamuffin but a valiant soldier. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can get up in my fragility and failure. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>"How frail is humanity, how short is life, how full of trouble..." Job 14:1</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Job had it right! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Trouble is inevitable. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Adversity is inevitable. </div><div style="text-align: left;">However, it produces strength, physical strength, emotional strength, and spiritual strength. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our challenges do NOT define us. Whether we are victorious and successful or we fall short. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord positions us victorious when we seek HIM, trust HIM and give HIM the Glory. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When the tech poked me for the third time, I knew that if I gave space for my crisis, it would not make the situation any better. Yes, it HURT, I was uncomfortable, nervous and lacking a lot of trust. </div><div style="text-align: left;">RESILIENCE has been my word all week. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew it came down to my REACTION to the unfortunate circumstance. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is how we respond to challenges that helps create resilience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OH Valiant Warrior, GET back UP and get back at it!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Do it ugly, tattered, beaten and broken but don't QUIT!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">And Keep Smiling!! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5WzkD7tSNaG8qySvL4-MtbsD2ryWq4N8IXXE_ydkCK8IdKuLgBryzyA6xsMiqDmqtl25mSEYeht4PEgvsbV_UVVt1p3K0rkX7Q6TYo6mFxWmFOv5aGTnKyW5CloXNMXsXfqro2kY52Kfi8ZryC8rmgHMmAgIjdg5IrEQFZUeDK9Oy2_3RbhjxsEpt8kQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5WzkD7tSNaG8qySvL4-MtbsD2ryWq4N8IXXE_ydkCK8IdKuLgBryzyA6xsMiqDmqtl25mSEYeht4PEgvsbV_UVVt1p3K0rkX7Q6TYo6mFxWmFOv5aGTnKyW5CloXNMXsXfqro2kY52Kfi8ZryC8rmgHMmAgIjdg5IrEQFZUeDK9Oy2_3RbhjxsEpt8kQ" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 of us girls went rock climbing, some of the walls were 40ft high. We were all scared and sweating from anxiety. The goal was to make it to the top. we were there cheering each other on with encouragement till we all conquered it or did our best! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>RUNDOWN: </u><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0mXBHPuIl9tQ5RxAFyHHxZ5DiHOuJG2Vvq0VH9bJQM9GQPdNamhfb3uT75NtFai8ktBPxibCKmlwCxR5Gki20MGG5lW7SyjYBfB-VVIR2hb7AFDZOV1Ux8dHRkXVljWs7wGVHdeM_GZqYP-DqLPK_sTAF6PvZM61TSEzldvfJPQ-45YZ-KwdNrqdEOf8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0mXBHPuIl9tQ5RxAFyHHxZ5DiHOuJG2Vvq0VH9bJQM9GQPdNamhfb3uT75NtFai8ktBPxibCKmlwCxR5Gki20MGG5lW7SyjYBfB-VVIR2hb7AFDZOV1Ux8dHRkXVljWs7wGVHdeM_GZqYP-DqLPK_sTAF6PvZM61TSEzldvfJPQ-45YZ-KwdNrqdEOf8" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Girls weekend of adventuring! Stoney Creek.<br />We conquered our fears rock climbing.<br />and ran in a new place. <br />Valiant Warriors. <br /></span> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">WEEK of Jan 22-28th</div><div style="text-align: left;">MILES: 62.39 miles OOPS, overshot my miles again. </div><div style="text-align: left;">ELEVATION: 2,350</div><div style="text-align: left;">This week I have brought my miles WAY back. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I hit 3 parks in 10 days, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Kensington</li><li>Indian Springs 2x</li><li>Stoney Creek</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Roboto Mono;">"THEY ARE JUDGING BECAUSE YOU KEEP STARTING OVER, I'M CLAPPING BECAUSE YOU NEVER GAVE UP."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">In Peace, NOT Pieces, </span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><b>Anita</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-72255441234445351932024-01-23T04:29:00.000-08:002024-01-23T04:29:25.999-08:00"OH WELL" <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Montserrat;"> "I'd rather have a life of 'Oh Well's' then 'What If's'". </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am just not sure how I feel about turning 50. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Where did time go? My mind says I am still 15 years old but the rest of me is in complete disagreement. </div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I decided to EMBRACE it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I decided to set BIG goals. </li><li>I decided to go for the GUSTO. </li><li>Go Big or Go Home. </li><li>There is always more life to live!</li><li>I like the idea of at least trying. No regrets. </li></ul><div><b><u><span style="color: #274e13;">2024 Running GOALS:</span></u></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A race a month</li><li>A race in EVERY increment. </li><li>Maintain 50 miles a week. </li><li>Qualify for New York City marathon.</li><li>Give God the Glory. </li></ol><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>10Miler: The Crim August</li><li>1/2 marathon: </li><li>25K: Snow Moon Race February </li><li>Marathon: Treasure Coast Marathon Florida March </li><li>50K: </li><li><strike>50mile </strike> Yankee Springs January</li><li>100K: Black Beards Revenge Outer Banks March</li><li>100mile: Kettle Moraine June</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVtn4SCWIwVO7wGdojvq-6BK_c5PdpWatsTcDsFhWT7ODPjDekSGr_nbMaB-f-_eiUiMPJK1Ge38--ZRApAAlfEUdFmMJ4qrvYf01DyViAuOqf166KikFjFX5RWnr-6t21QHyGQzaRErO69JHHT41IMGXDk5lusUGpqM1BHsWk3_tRehaCG--x5At3X-4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2996" data-original-width="2716" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVtn4SCWIwVO7wGdojvq-6BK_c5PdpWatsTcDsFhWT7ODPjDekSGr_nbMaB-f-_eiUiMPJK1Ge38--ZRApAAlfEUdFmMJ4qrvYf01DyViAuOqf166KikFjFX5RWnr-6t21QHyGQzaRErO69JHHT41IMGXDk5lusUGpqM1BHsWk3_tRehaCG--x5At3X-4" width="218" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Montserrat;"> "I'd rather have a life of 'Oh Well's' then 'What If's'". </span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every obstacle serves a purpose. So does every success and every failure. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Even if I FAIL, even if it ends UGLY, even if...I TRY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am just going to GO for it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am going out in FAITH. One step forward, a little fear but a whole lot more FAITH. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am going forward not looking for failure or flaws rather the potential that Faith can deliver. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's not about ME getting the glory; it's about GIVING HIM the Glory. No matter the outcome, the Lord gives purpose to it all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's strange to see this 50-year-old woman staring back at me in the mirror. My wrinkles are adding up and getting deeper, the gray hair is surfacing boldly and yet I find myself laughing through it all. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Life has not been easy for me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But I laugh. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I mentioned my wrinkles to a friend a couple weeks ago. They responded, "Quit Laughing Soo MUCH." </div><div style="text-align: left;">My wrinkles are not proof of a life of defeat and discouragement, they are an illustration of ZEAL. A biproduct of my Faith and Love for the Lord....</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of Joy. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Of Faith.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of Love. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Of Dreams. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So here we go, all in, everything I have and even more, Everything He has for me. Even IF I fail, I won't have regret not trying!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><u>Scriptures of Encouragement:</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Roboto Slab;">Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." </span></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Roboto Slab;">Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." </span></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Roboto Slab;">Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in well doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Roboto Slab;"><b><u>RUNDOWN: </u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Week of Jan 15-21</u></div><div>Distance: 66 miles</div><div>Time: 11 hours</div><div>Elevation: 1,010</div><div>Longest Run: WALK BRREAKS/ INTERVALS</div><div>Indian Springs 24.10 miles. 16 miles with Andy, 8 miles solo. This was a hard run. Winter running is full of stinking thinking. I gave myself a walk break every 2 miles to crash the mental chatter. This walk break was brief, but it did the trick! It gave me something to look forward to, it changed my running pattern, and it helped to encourage me to keep going! </div><div>I OVERSHOT my mileage considerably BUT here is why...</div><div>I have a sweet friend, a mom who works full time training for a marathon. She needed company for her long run-on Sunday. This weather is tough training weather. I knew that Andy was there for me on Saturday and vise versa, and this allowed me to finish with success. Even though I didn't need more milage I knew the company would help her. </div><div>Running is more than using your legs, its about using your gift for others to be successful to you. </div><div>Iron Sharpens Iron. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLqXq0zLmSr-BtCy9Rc1rhsOZG43sECqMP3xtl1X-kwixW9Ha4IgfFkqDKTPQy38BOMZk2_7s5pGFZapj9HA5gj3LDaapFbuGba1RXR81c4cpMh9R-1e01-oQnAiOMb9BvSCEk8sglB0hjgzgobSArj_qwh_HrggYRc5YYxY_QLVOJlzjSyAevn1CFqVo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="960" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLqXq0zLmSr-BtCy9Rc1rhsOZG43sECqMP3xtl1X-kwixW9Ha4IgfFkqDKTPQy38BOMZk2_7s5pGFZapj9HA5gj3LDaapFbuGba1RXR81c4cpMh9R-1e01-oQnAiOMb9BvSCEk8sglB0hjgzgobSArj_qwh_HrggYRc5YYxY_QLVOJlzjSyAevn1CFqVo" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Montserrat;">"Faith expects for God what is beyond all expectation." Andrew Murray</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In Peace, Not Pieces, </div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: large;"><b><i>Anita</i></b></span></div></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-64940959969638714822024-01-15T16:45:00.000-08:002024-01-15T16:45:21.579-08:00RUNDOWN! 2023 <p>The RUNDOWN of 2023 had a lot of surprises for me. I met goals and created goals halfway through the year. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Races for 2024</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFsT16YAtA96BmNetm-HD3hT2tayQMbtrWV3T1XoQQBhCGg9_9Rq9Y2XEtVn6DVjhSy-Ji1gibOJ1-b4s44mK0OH6VGBeFOJAqcLGYVh_-JUPYv2SDlnTxP6u4i8SMs9JMNdYfzwzUU2GZM3ytD6jB6xRwQViK2-3F6dfLqUJ7le1wqnNgkhxuXu2VzPI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFsT16YAtA96BmNetm-HD3hT2tayQMbtrWV3T1XoQQBhCGg9_9Rq9Y2XEtVn6DVjhSy-Ji1gibOJ1-b4s44mK0OH6VGBeFOJAqcLGYVh_-JUPYv2SDlnTxP6u4i8SMs9JMNdYfzwzUU2GZM3ytD6jB6xRwQViK2-3F6dfLqUJ7le1wqnNgkhxuXu2VzPI=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>January:</b> Out with the Old 5K, Lake Apopka 30K<br /><b>February:</b> Snow Moon Trail 25K, Winter Loops 1st place female, 21.75miles<br /><b>March:</b> Pot o' Gold Female Masters 31:39 4 mile<br /><b>April:</b> Trail Weekend 50K<br /><b>May:</b> Flying Pig Marathon, High Ball to Thurmond 50miler <br /><b>June:</b> Loopty Loops 38miles<br /><b>July:</b> Bastille 15K, Red Moon 25K<br /><b>August:</b> Crim 10m<br /><b>September:</b> Run Rabbit Run 50miler, Atwater Growler Gallup<br /><b>October:</b> Monster Dash 1/2 marathon<br /><b>November:</b> Flying Monkey, Turkey Trail Trot 10K, Black Toenail 1/2 marathon<br /><b>December:</b> Run Like the Dickens 10K</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjteEo80sUfqfRWPAU1czC9wQ9ysgIlLOlXiCNRV_2wJYjMNe-H92yUoC2udynhPzceq4noiUsysrOHR90fgl4womf63jd7jAPBpfHW5YSW6NmlGqguzZfiJ6seHgAZJryRueMQKA7EgZAjK6sKEwLo2XQDpfnOAAs2zaRXHJrk7nMOSwwCcKwFUQwz_tY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjteEo80sUfqfRWPAU1czC9wQ9ysgIlLOlXiCNRV_2wJYjMNe-H92yUoC2udynhPzceq4noiUsysrOHR90fgl4womf63jd7jAPBpfHW5YSW6NmlGqguzZfiJ6seHgAZJryRueMQKA7EgZAjK6sKEwLo2XQDpfnOAAs2zaRXHJrk7nMOSwwCcKwFUQwz_tY" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Total Days active:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">244 days: No, I do not run everyday! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Total Elevation: </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">159,121</div><div style="text-align: left;">August I ran over 20,000 feet preparing for Run Rabbit Run in Colorado.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mt. Fairweather in Alaska is 15,325 ft.</li><li>Mount Bear in Alaska is 14,831ft.</li><li>Mount Rainer in Washington is 14,417 ft.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Total Distance:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> 3,120</div><div style="text-align: left;">The MOST milage I have ever run and WILL ever run again. This was stupid!</div><div style="text-align: left;">July was my highest milage, My superpower is running in the heat, 317 miles. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1,316 miles to visit my brother in Stuart, Florida</li><li>1,964 miles to the Grand Canyon</li><li>The Appalachian Trail is 2,198 miles long.</li><li>The East Coast Greenery is 3000 miles long from Maine to Key West Florida</li></ul><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>My Longest Race: </b></span></div><div>Highball to Thurmond, 54 miles. It was a 50-mile race I got LOST at! </div><div>2023 GOAL was to run shorter races. Oddly enough, my yearly milage depicted the training of a 100 miler. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsOnClbAHkR5Si_1DMPnrrDSPcC_36gTt-Nq7HDU2josXoVXeWD1G3PaRRSTzMM-FKQ6sY60CW-SrEOwVu7-N7g7FRlG4C53-5jJkULP3izvVe18G45uJfWS-XBFl4VcaYLGDXy2WHg8nYagWHsmC-9Clvr3AHt2HI5LYVjDl_6WR-95RteCrMgjh2S7o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsOnClbAHkR5Si_1DMPnrrDSPcC_36gTt-Nq7HDU2josXoVXeWD1G3PaRRSTzMM-FKQ6sY60CW-SrEOwVu7-N7g7FRlG4C53-5jJkULP3izvVe18G45uJfWS-XBFl4VcaYLGDXy2WHg8nYagWHsmC-9Clvr3AHt2HI5LYVjDl_6WR-95RteCrMgjh2S7o=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Hardest Race:</b></span></div><div>Run Rabbit Run. The hardest part of this race was losing my phone. This messed with my head space so bad I struggled to stay motivated. I found myself discouraged and a disaster. </div><div>I had confidence it would show up, However, by the time I TRULY BELIEVED that I had to drop a gear to finish before dark, that was my goal. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;">Silliest Race:</span></b></div><div>I pace the Crim every year, 10min/milers. I love getting dressed up and encouraging others. The crowds at this local favorite are full of hype and even in the August heat we are all having fun...ish! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;">Inspirations:</u><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: underline;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioaWeItx-AUoWniNojgqYEuizt86EyRRRPgMTUWMKtjuQK99d-Z1iz3l1T0VpkPQysxuOtNbY6wvWstXNAPJ3_H8M2uILOnVbuYoQ9hzQioY3B-mawjknOGNB668dIho8VE5ZCNRrgJFKKO5DDG0Q_XFsL7S6cJNSlwj8SwBYWxoGdB3py_MNK_BNpsag" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioaWeItx-AUoWniNojgqYEuizt86EyRRRPgMTUWMKtjuQK99d-Z1iz3l1T0VpkPQysxuOtNbY6wvWstXNAPJ3_H8M2uILOnVbuYoQ9hzQioY3B-mawjknOGNB668dIho8VE5ZCNRrgJFKKO5DDG0Q_XFsL7S6cJNSlwj8SwBYWxoGdB3py_MNK_BNpsag" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: times;">Andy challenges me to step out of my comfort zones, we hiked the Grand Canyon last year backpacking and camping each night, afraid of heights I conquered so many fears. </span></td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Andy! He proved you can turn 50 and still set PR's! Watching Andy work so hard always challenges me and motivates me. He encourages me without a lot of fluff. Andy doesn't sugar coat his words, testing me to work with my abilities not my emotions. </li></ol><div>I have plenty more inspirations, truth is, all my running partners inspire me in different ways. I could say something about every person I run with. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><u>Favorite Shoes:</u></b></span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Trail: Altra Timps, Topos Atmos</li><li>Road: Saucony </li></ol><div><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;"><u>Nutrition: </u></span></b></div></div><div>POUCHES, Applesauce w/Chia, Baby Food with protein. Roctane Gu Expresso, </div><div>Post RUN: COFFEE, Recovery Smoothie</div><div>Run Supplements: AG1, Gu Recovery Protein, Collagen, Tart cherry juice. </div><div><br /></div><div><u><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Hardest Training RUN/ROUTE:</b></span></u></div><div>I did 20 miles on Fox Lake rd. I ran some with friends and finished solo. It was a little sketchy out there by myself, this only made me pick up my pace. Focused and hyper alert gave way to one of my best efforts out there. I was sore for almost a week! </div><div>About 2500ft of elevation. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><u>States I Ran a Race IN:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_gUC6200YC__iqBYUVxxqHXuniO0HLCUPbCGAwnIfj7TKNeRDUfdi9wOV2T9jZzLPcc_akt-wkd-y-SWClnmKecHiWdbFIamUpdA9FkJ7H3_ugw294b0gAfeAQHPw-6vMZHJuy1S-IGnU6Wd_XX-QmqhrUQSnpYz2dlck0EJe5qTwqP5CjkpvTwuv7sg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_gUC6200YC__iqBYUVxxqHXuniO0HLCUPbCGAwnIfj7TKNeRDUfdi9wOV2T9jZzLPcc_akt-wkd-y-SWClnmKecHiWdbFIamUpdA9FkJ7H3_ugw294b0gAfeAQHPw-6vMZHJuy1S-IGnU6Wd_XX-QmqhrUQSnpYz2dlck0EJe5qTwqP5CjkpvTwuv7sg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></u></b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Florida: Lake Apopka 30K</li><li>West Virginia: Highball to Thurmond 50mile </li><li>Tennessee: Flying Monkey Marathon</li><li>Colorado: Run Rabbit Run 50mile</li><li>Ohio: Flying Pig Marathon </li></ul></div><div><p><b>"The Spirit helps us in our weakness" Romans 8:36</b></p></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>2023 GOALS:</b></span></div><div>Last year's goal was to NOT run any races OVER 50miles. And technically I did that until I got LOST and turned my 50 miler into 54! </div><div>I also SET a goal 3/4 of a way through the year, to run 3000 miles. I do not look closely at my overall training and decided to check it out only to discover that it was possible to run 3000 miles. </div><div>(And still have a life)!</div><div>A great reminder we can set goals anytime we want. Setting goals flippantly gives us a reset. I had moments when it was fun, and I had moments when I thought I was a little ridiculous and so was running! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2jOOpSx7gDRrlCXlAY7KrclOukD7uIzKMKDKvtP9kzBDCkh5K9a_MfHugV8v4_snj95h2yOhCMhu7qrzNts_4rNg2wc6yMZwE3GzNR6YwvvnTr7MjXqACNlcCd78Wy6aGGeQk-jRl0qqCxNbxGCtjHVxTjsblierdyMhQYMITHRywKQycO1dNXHPPh4I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2097" data-original-width="1164" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2jOOpSx7gDRrlCXlAY7KrclOukD7uIzKMKDKvtP9kzBDCkh5K9a_MfHugV8v4_snj95h2yOhCMhu7qrzNts_4rNg2wc6yMZwE3GzNR6YwvvnTr7MjXqACNlcCd78Wy6aGGeQk-jRl0qqCxNbxGCtjHVxTjsblierdyMhQYMITHRywKQycO1dNXHPPh4I" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I close out my recap of 2023, I end with humble gratitude. Every day is a gift. </div><div>The Lord gave me this gift to reach others, to love others, to encourage others. </div><div>This is how He has me communicate with others. </div><div>I run ONLY because HE has given me breath in my lungs, passion in my soul and His strength in me to Run for Him. </div><div>I can do nothing without Him. </div><div>That is the beautiful reasons why I run but there is also the Brutal reasons why I run. </div><div>Running heals my broken places. I can step out of my disruptive thoughts and run them out. Not every run is heavenly. But every run I feel heaven healing. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Shadows Into Light;">"Your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.' Kara Goucher </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, Not Pieces, </div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: medium;">Anita</span></div></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-33977840135017416362023-12-28T17:49:00.000-08:002023-12-30T05:40:41.808-08:00Unsteady<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKJRZffJd96cx_dtOZzkNgj8bk-Kw15FK9ifhOjaONrkvF09hJqQygLe7sJnFuBLo2I4hQSp1eAgtsO-0i2JqHAa6TmKPgZAfVKeicLHGre0cZ8YE8jiEeC7i7HYuPW2gS--IQVvkt3Qe8apGi2CBttyGvkjGgYCGIw0Farv6jaD1xADIFl_LDYWPZSFY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKJRZffJd96cx_dtOZzkNgj8bk-Kw15FK9ifhOjaONrkvF09hJqQygLe7sJnFuBLo2I4hQSp1eAgtsO-0i2JqHAa6TmKPgZAfVKeicLHGre0cZ8YE8jiEeC7i7HYuPW2gS--IQVvkt3Qe8apGi2CBttyGvkjGgYCGIw0Farv6jaD1xADIFl_LDYWPZSFY" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>"It's not even about being negative. It's about being unsettled, unsatisfied, unfinished." </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Satisfy;">Kevin Spacy</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everywhere around me someone is sick. Covid everywhere, the flu, sinuses, allergies and all kinds of funk everywhere. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It seemed inevitable that I would get something, especially working with the public in such close proximity. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My 50th birthday fell on a workday, and I felt like I had dodged a few bullets. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Around 7pm our receptionist told me I had a visitor. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I walked up front and screamed "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR"!! It was my brother from Florida!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Bobby wasn't supposed to come in until late the following day for Christmas. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so stoked. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The following day, Thursday morning, I continued in my morning routine, coffee, bible, and then my brother comes out to join me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It was going to be a great day!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Until my stomach began to churn. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I began to feel <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>UNSTEADY</b></span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;">A very rapid decline in my health and a very mortifying display of bodily fluids knocked me out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shamefully, I locked myself in the bedroom where I found Andy was also sick. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I laid in bed in a fetal position, sad at the timing but slightly crazy with laughter at the timing as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;">So <b><span style="color: #351c75;">UNSTEADY</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did what I do often. PRAY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Lord, please heal my body, recover me, redeem me, please remove this sickness so I can enjoy my brother...."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And YES, less than 24 hours later I was back in the saddle! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">RUNDOWN</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took 5 days off from running without a care. I was so excited to spend time with my brother. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I did. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5yQH7iNLD7hq4ld5GXPScgTPutGM4tXj28uMwnAumDlTcHVOTKy_QWfqMv2mLKf5Xv7xgEHfb-AiyqoDGwsBJQawSu-j8IgOoWe_W7rpFrjDVqlUXRqpzdMAozIhFoGAeTfy4Nq-FIclb-f6qxZZs0tpKNGfzNW5Y-R9y764dCod-D06t-2j81mFInS8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5yQH7iNLD7hq4ld5GXPScgTPutGM4tXj28uMwnAumDlTcHVOTKy_QWfqMv2mLKf5Xv7xgEHfb-AiyqoDGwsBJQawSu-j8IgOoWe_W7rpFrjDVqlUXRqpzdMAozIhFoGAeTfy4Nq-FIclb-f6qxZZs0tpKNGfzNW5Y-R9y764dCod-D06t-2j81mFInS8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Christmas day everyone was gone. I felt physically well by emotionally I was wrecked. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">USTEADY </span></b>yet again.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I laced up my shoes and went out for a THERAPY SESSION. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I did all I knew, RUN and PRAY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought my legs would feel foot loose and fancy, but they were heavy, and sluggish like my mental state. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I prayed harder. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I ran harder. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I ran longer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found this little smile cracking. I changed my mental dialogue. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I WAS BACK. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">HEALING. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our WEAKNESS can be turned to STRENGTH. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When my battles are waged in FAITH, I can conquer both physical and emotional illness. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Yankee Springs 50 miler is in 10 days. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to test out my trail's legs. I haven't been on the trails in weeks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>PLAN: 2 WEST Loops with the Lake Loop. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first loop, I felt <b><span style="color: #351c75;">UNSTEADY</span></b>. A feeling that was not foreign to me this week. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was scared. Cautious. Guarded and watchful of roots and rocks. The trail was slick and wet camouflaged in leaves and mud. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I clenched my fists prepared to fall. </div><div style="text-align: left;">One mile, two mile, three miles and I was still upright. 5 miles later I had made it through the loop without falling. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I headed back into the trail for my second go at it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was stronger. More confident. </div><div style="text-align: left;">STEADY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy gave me a goal to finish my last loop. I had to STEADY my thoughts and control my body to even consider achieving his goal. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I did it, and never fell!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From being sick to not running for 5 days I reminded myself the hardest thing is starting back again. </div><div style="text-align: left;">From lacing up my shoes to heading back on the trails, when we first get back out there, we may feel a little UNSTEADY but that is still better than being unwilling. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is better than quitting. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is better than throwing in the towel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Go out there <b><span style="color: #351c75;">UNSTEADY</span></b>. Just GO. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, not pieces,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-27683660618032999072023-12-13T04:49:00.000-08:002023-12-13T04:49:22.057-08:00A season of Grief and Joy<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;">Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything. C.S. Lewis</span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv7bVfK_aNKkUrJfgwZ7VLPtt_OCyjt1m_T460RLWtX6ZO65IzhjXe54UoJp_dKJIJQ_b9EhI-xAJfKE3BepEBJEn4CgenrInKSWxasDenyLvZtulvOEZzRfMw_dy8oxnkZthtvdik5_yLFg9r1A9ZtT3aEoDOp8azu0ED21L3xsRrBH6g7IoOzbywkfc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3963" data-original-width="2528" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv7bVfK_aNKkUrJfgwZ7VLPtt_OCyjt1m_T460RLWtX6ZO65IzhjXe54UoJp_dKJIJQ_b9EhI-xAJfKE3BepEBJEn4CgenrInKSWxasDenyLvZtulvOEZzRfMw_dy8oxnkZthtvdik5_yLFg9r1A9ZtT3aEoDOp8azu0ED21L3xsRrBH6g7IoOzbywkfc" width="153" /></a></span></span></i></div><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span></span></i><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">December is just hard. I think too much. I hurt too much. I pretend too much, and I try too hard. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">I try to smile, to laugh... to ignore my aching heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #525252;"><span>The Christmas mu</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span>sic is playing. Everyone's laughing and smiling. For that matter I am too. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span>But the right tune, the right instrument, at the right time, plays a different record that echos in my heart, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span>Like many of us, we are navigating through such a joyous time of year and yet suffering with a gaping hole of grief. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">Every day I feel the waves. The all-consuming tug pulling my heart back into a slumber. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">It has been so long. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Andy, today was the day I pulled the plug and killed my mother..." It was a little dramatic but at that moment that is how I felt. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">December 8th. 1992. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">Andy responded with a pause "No, today is the day you removed her from life support, supporting her life.." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">I thought to myself quietly, "Whatever, it still sucks, it all sucks, it sucks so bad, I want my mom." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">I am almost 50 years old and during this time I feel like a little orphan. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have a client Jan, last week she tells me, "This is a really hard year, it has been 25 years since I lost my mother, it just hit me harder this year than normal." She shared this with tears in her eyes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">I ran a little more. I prayed a little more. I cried a lot more. I remembered a little more. I stayed busy a little more. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>I did more to overcome more. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">But what helps most is feeling. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">Writing. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thinking. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">Crying. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">Missing. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>The Rundown: </u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is Joy. There is Happiness. There is laughter. I embrace all the good <i>in </i>the bad. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>The Lord hears the brokenhearted. I know this. I feel this. I believe this.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Life presents it all. Christmas has a special way of stirring the emotions. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Let us show more grace this holiday season. Many are suffering battles we know nothing about. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>My clients sit in my chair and share heartfelt stories. They share sadness, grief, and pain that no one but their hair stylist knows. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>If grief is warring in you, if you are battling, please know I am holding you tightly. I may not be able to fix you heart, but I can love you and I am sorry. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our hardships and hurts do produce perseverance and strength and stamina for existing in this broken world. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">We can still have sadness and have JOY. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but Joy comes from within. It is being mindful of things we allow to affect our mood. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">JOY is intention. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;">I can still feel loss, hurt, sadness and grief and still share Joy. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>"Ask and you will receive so that your JOY may made be full." </b>John 16:21</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b><u>Week of Dec 4-Dec 10</u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Distance: 67 miles.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>12 runs this month</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>111 miles for December. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>4000 feet of elevation for the month. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Training for <a href="https://switchbackendurance.com/races/winter-challenge/">Yankee Springs </a> 50 mile: January 6th<span style="font-size: 23px;">. </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">In Peace not Pieces, </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Anita</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 23px;"><a href="https://switchbackendurance.com/races/winter-challenge/"><br /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-30365705220443470262023-11-26T18:18:00.000-08:002023-11-26T19:34:58.892-08:00Suffer Well. Race RECAPs<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIbrzz-T_QQ_i06MXKWBe1_OLio1ii5FBgweOjgc3Bg3N-x8sVgldFsqHg9WSLQFoyr3QOZPhekaUoJUrKI-tX5xvj7lCO8Thkciu1o8U8XL5KfSJuapUNqGITy-OPde4vWjStMsX_H4LSj6zhZG48kpxJEd5yTWONVx5zO9bUl_981hxQyTSKyLZyYyg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIbrzz-T_QQ_i06MXKWBe1_OLio1ii5FBgweOjgc3Bg3N-x8sVgldFsqHg9WSLQFoyr3QOZPhekaUoJUrKI-tX5xvj7lCO8Thkciu1o8U8XL5KfSJuapUNqGITy-OPde4vWjStMsX_H4LSj6zhZG48kpxJEd5yTWONVx5zO9bUl_981hxQyTSKyLZyYyg" width="320" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Satisfy;">"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasions to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much can be done if we are always doing." Thomas Jefferson </span></b></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy and I watched an older movie with Justin Timberlake called "In Time". The basic story line was that time was a commodity, when you ran out, you died. You lived every moment with intention. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Time was valuable. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think of my dad, such an amazing man. "The man takes the drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man." Addiction took him in his early 40's. He never saw his daughter graduate, walk her down the aisle or be a grandpa to her boys. Gone too soon and left time filled with tears to many. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I think of my mother, a beautifully broken soul. "One day at a time." was not enough time for a woman that didn't want to live on this side of earth. No drugs, alcohol or man could give her the time to heal her wounds. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Addiction takes time from you, it robs you, lies to you, deceives you. I still find myself choking back the tears of time lost. Years destroyed. Moments I questioned my purpose in all the pain. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided years ago I would live out this life. If the Good Lord had me suffering, I would suffer well. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I would not let my broken beginnings pave the rest of my time.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew how to suffer, I would suffer well and suck it up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I would pull up my bootstraps and dig in. I would fight. I would go down fighting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">SUFFER well. </div><div style="text-align: left;">There is something in the back of my head that scares me. I feel like I was born to suffer. I fight life like I am training for trials. The harder I prepare, the stronger I get, the easier the trial should be when it shows up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Even getting cancer, I felt like I had trained my whole life for it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I would find myself running with my fists clenched. I was so mad at cancer, so determined to fight it, ready to suffer because I felt like the Lord had prepared me from my beginning. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I remember a day that running 3 races in a month was a lot, this week I ran 3 races in a week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">RACE 1: FLYING MONKEY 26,2</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">November 19th. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I flew solo to Nashville where my girlfriends picked me up for a race weekend. The race was the TOUGHEST marathon course I have ever ran. Consisting of over 3000 feet of constant hills. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My girlfriends themed the marathon Wizard of Oz , I was the scarecrow. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The first half of the marathon I stayed with the girls for fun and encouragement. The second half of the race my suffering numbed out and I felt strong. I came down a hill at mile 20 and was ready to drop a gear. I could feel my body switch gears from fun mode to race mode. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The last 5 miles my pace dropped and I began picking runners off. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I finished smiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqsCYKGd2-u2uX3xKLvshgwTg675PtJ2Q4MxRQp9pdYuUq9YvXUeAFHvtynFolBuBd7oxlMo4FbOd60D8JczwjkIfOC2afKe0Ue5PjjDcLui_gyFhEY5zdLvBz1RPKtw84Mk9TrMpGaXHtNPOGs7kEzmAj8fInxKZi6RFp4caD1P3zZTcktxQK91lLFBo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqsCYKGd2-u2uX3xKLvshgwTg675PtJ2Q4MxRQp9pdYuUq9YvXUeAFHvtynFolBuBd7oxlMo4FbOd60D8JczwjkIfOC2afKe0Ue5PjjDcLui_gyFhEY5zdLvBz1RPKtw84Mk9TrMpGaXHtNPOGs7kEzmAj8fInxKZi6RFp4caD1P3zZTcktxQK91lLFBo" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">TIME: 4:14:08</div><div style="text-align: left;">PLACE: 2nd place Masters</div><div style="text-align: left;">OVERALL: 68/245</div><div style="text-align: left;">GENDER: 12/80</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHwLlO8dXNt86FrMHY-j3fF99YL4Z20swISRKM1axp0bcpu6co87wrK6_I0_1in0qGM6ls62NJOde-Qj5ZgaspW51EocsiUrx8XwMVeetVQdTM4P2zBn9VUtRjv7yIYaciO_lG-KmNwoXJPiK4nnUltJjGOuv7TBjvLOzJUO3CXsGrThpL6dFIuV8GVYY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHwLlO8dXNt86FrMHY-j3fF99YL4Z20swISRKM1axp0bcpu6co87wrK6_I0_1in0qGM6ls62NJOde-Qj5ZgaspW51EocsiUrx8XwMVeetVQdTM4P2zBn9VUtRjv7yIYaciO_lG-KmNwoXJPiK4nnUltJjGOuv7TBjvLOzJUO3CXsGrThpL6dFIuV8GVYY" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Erica was 2nd OVERALL, we both got handmade flying monkeys for awards. </i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKCyNIWdk0QnVOhWTEfvQbtM0iGNPmonf_VX3iGVnR5-N1f0MF4AJNC_amN_PSxWqLKMKYJZS5_PVqE9dx7WUXgNfDztEQOFGDybTQ_GG_YuawyxuaaRUI-UN9DbieEjiXo3eAe8sa-ncJq_YFHlclhtydoDwJn2dsVEgo1gfBfgmXLB9eu43U1Yi0RRw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1224" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKCyNIWdk0QnVOhWTEfvQbtM0iGNPmonf_VX3iGVnR5-N1f0MF4AJNC_amN_PSxWqLKMKYJZS5_PVqE9dx7WUXgNfDztEQOFGDybTQ_GG_YuawyxuaaRUI-UN9DbieEjiXo3eAe8sa-ncJq_YFHlclhtydoDwJn2dsVEgo1gfBfgmXLB9eu43U1Yi0RRw" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your shirts are personalized with your nickname! One of the best race shirts I have ever gotten!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">RACE 2: Turkey TRAIL Trot</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">November 23rd Thanksgiving</div><div style="text-align: left;">My sweet daughter in Love hates running. "I will do it because I love you and I get to be with you.." </div><div style="text-align: left;">Shelby, Andy and I ran the turkey trot together. We had fun frolicking in the woods at Stoney Creek. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I never looked at my results, because all I cared about with being with Shelby, I didn't care about pace just time spent with her. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9CfvDLcgQV3wVydhpOLSDmy33SUqFzjDm1TY6Q47zZbo1dRVrDQzA3D7NxCYK7tZhQ51DTk9XwGR_T3FiFFNve8yNPXlO0Z7TU1Kv6MbyK6y1q_ozzxn9NYli5wV54636cenrhdR-enWOzD-e8H8N_wF-2f2gQookBf6heoIuS4AfF_xZJQVvfPtR7yI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9CfvDLcgQV3wVydhpOLSDmy33SUqFzjDm1TY6Q47zZbo1dRVrDQzA3D7NxCYK7tZhQ51DTk9XwGR_T3FiFFNve8yNPXlO0Z7TU1Kv6MbyK6y1q_ozzxn9NYli5wV54636cenrhdR-enWOzD-e8H8N_wF-2f2gQookBf6heoIuS4AfF_xZJQVvfPtR7yI" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">RACE 3: <span> Black Toenail 1/2 Marathon</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">November<span> 24th. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy and I have a warped idea of dates. He signed up to race this and insisted I do the same. My thoughts were to just try and beat last years' time of 1:59. I had just run my marathon 5 days prior and was still in the hurt locker. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Several of our running friends were there as well. Half marathons are hard for me. It literally takes me 10 miles to warm up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When we took off I was by myself. About a quarter mile in, I see Andy blow by me. I picked up my pace to try and catch him. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was cutting in and out of the trail around other runners. I would jump off the trail to get around larger groups of runners trying to keep my eye on Andy. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught up to Andy, running next to him for about a minute before he even spotted me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We laughed, briefly chatted and I told him I would "TRY" to stay with him. Truth is Andy is really strong on the trails and I was questioning my life choices again. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I tucked in behind Andy desperate trying to stay on his heels. It took everything I had to not go head over heels, I felt so wobbly. He would see a runner, pick up his pace and I would panic. I fell back a couple times wondering when I would just let him go. </div><div style="text-align: left;">At mile 10, I felt myself settled in. I had my music playing and I had been praying for miles. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We came out onto the road, a gal had been running in my shadow for a couple miles presented herself. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"You can pass us if you want, your doing great.." I spoke to her. </div><div style="text-align: left;">She replied "You guys have been doing all the work, thank you..." She then took the lead and moved on. </div><div style="text-align: left;">That just didn't settle well with me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I could tell Andy was just holding pace. Andy knew ...."Nita, GO!! GOO race this..." </div><div style="text-align: left;">I fought him for a few minutes but before I got passed again, I took off to catch her.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught up to her, but she was struggling, as I passed her I said "STAY with me, stay on my heels..." </div><div style="text-align: left;">She replied, "I will." </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am not sure when she fell back but I caught up to another runner. He turned around and did a double take, "ANITA! I run with you at Complete Runner..." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh28AylPPrFqwko63xVQBVHN4BoRhqOQqOCLNTyMc9tmgsIL5nIpflGAw_WS7ndZ0y_d19ky5oKFOW8c0fYJDNmBAx9UdgaLQNsQ-jIOs7LC26a3Ij8F4eJnYM81jQUiuIkWmrGruGqH2LprlzKj1YZnQUGhqz1Pt6-j3UoAAXdqdgq2vAwqsCR4Lk1iv8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh28AylPPrFqwko63xVQBVHN4BoRhqOQqOCLNTyMc9tmgsIL5nIpflGAw_WS7ndZ0y_d19ky5oKFOW8c0fYJDNmBAx9UdgaLQNsQ-jIOs7LC26a3Ij8F4eJnYM81jQUiuIkWmrGruGqH2LprlzKj1YZnQUGhqz1Pt6-j3UoAAXdqdgq2vAwqsCR4Lk1iv8" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"STAY with me, let's GO, you got this...." I cheered him on. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And that is what I did all the way to the finish. I kept trying to grab runners to the finish, encouraging them because it encouraged me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I finished alone, breathless, trying not to vomit and the tank was empty. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE9Ufl2yx5CHK_LspehgMqNW5YEDADGxWA_kyPN5i0_ZcwlUikji2qI_QBQQ_VsrF-btLzBXVLbKG-4_EU-jcOzH1dsyfHooHMgwwmvPx-LZD_JG4n0k2O798H1pG1FgYpA3-d1Qdo7V5V_D2nfVSQQi1cPRvONoBOaLvW1tzpYgC8BiVTye0Ltum5584" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE9Ufl2yx5CHK_LspehgMqNW5YEDADGxWA_kyPN5i0_ZcwlUikji2qI_QBQQ_VsrF-btLzBXVLbKG-4_EU-jcOzH1dsyfHooHMgwwmvPx-LZD_JG4n0k2O798H1pG1FgYpA3-d1Qdo7V5V_D2nfVSQQi1cPRvONoBOaLvW1tzpYgC8BiVTye0Ltum5584" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7xD4ZdG6oDt6pc4Uf-ZGzYSsVSkbKsvnsBrdjx_5iH3bLxlOSbdrH1yhlXgEj4hdk_Gji2GwV-kfyPI_DqjbrhTmYd8RE5EFxgtoJV2hXjgen6tioqPBVNB9_XaHYm2g6UEjlCsOpI4QbLjboeN2bl3uUc34nP_VcMopluWRyA1L89IawjxZDFZq8wjY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7xD4ZdG6oDt6pc4Uf-ZGzYSsVSkbKsvnsBrdjx_5iH3bLxlOSbdrH1yhlXgEj4hdk_Gji2GwV-kfyPI_DqjbrhTmYd8RE5EFxgtoJV2hXjgen6tioqPBVNB9_XaHYm2g6UEjlCsOpI4QbLjboeN2bl3uUc34nP_VcMopluWRyA1L89IawjxZDFZq8wjY" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I raced it for Andy. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I beat my time. </div><div style="text-align: left;">TIME: 1:53:52</div><div style="text-align: left;">PACE: 8:42</div><div style="text-align: left;">OVERALL:36/182</div><div style="text-align: left;">GENDER:7th</div><div style="text-align: left;">Division: 1/7</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfvUM5tjfW1TWmDEp49W5frbMU8KgaMxVQP4ATmdfIIrzobm8duOpotxiQxDKJ0_MrLsl9v_TKfJwSGI9JH3S4_wSLpqTrUU6YHxWesDOaYBlt3UuNQNUBGYRzvNTppIRpVBFFHCCGZVjjB8GSFDAUMG4NsmaMD1UZ2e8Sa2nvC6B5RvVwZLc3Zd8k0Fg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="904" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfvUM5tjfW1TWmDEp49W5frbMU8KgaMxVQP4ATmdfIIrzobm8duOpotxiQxDKJ0_MrLsl9v_TKfJwSGI9JH3S4_wSLpqTrUU6YHxWesDOaYBlt3UuNQNUBGYRzvNTppIRpVBFFHCCGZVjjB8GSFDAUMG4NsmaMD1UZ2e8Sa2nvC6B5RvVwZLc3Zd8k0Fg" width="177" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: #741b47;">SUFFER WELL.</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001002" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span data-offset="5">"Count</span> <span data-offset="6">it</span> <span data-offset="7">all</span> <span data-offset="8">joy</span>, <span data-offset="9">my</span> <span data-offset="10">brothers</span>,</span><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001002" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><i> </i><span data-offset="11" style="font-size: 17px;">when</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span data-offset="12" style="font-size: 17px;">you</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span data-offset="13" style="font-size: 17px;">meet</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span data-offset="14" style="font-size: 17px;">trials</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span data-offset="15" style="font-size: 17px;">of</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span data-offset="16" style="font-size: 17px;">various</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span><span data-offset="17" style="font-size: 17px;">kinds</span><span style="font-size: 17px;">,</span></span><span class="verse" data-last-offset="11" data-ref="59001003" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span class="verse-num" face=""Gotham A", "Gotham B", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"> </span><span data-offset="1">for</span> <span data-offset="2">you</span> <span data-offset="3">know</span> <span data-offset="4">that</span> <span data-offset="5">the</span> <span data-offset="6">testing</span> <span data-offset="7">of</span> <span data-offset="8">your</span> <span data-offset="9">faith</span> <span data-offset="10">produces</span> <span data-offset="11">steadfastness</span>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"> </span><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001004" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span data-offset="1">And</span> <span data-offset="2">let</span> <span data-offset="3">steadfastness</span> <span data-offset="4">have</span> <span data-offset="5">its</span> <span data-offset="6">full</span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001004" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span data-offset="7">effect</span>, <span data-offset="8">that</span> <span data-offset="9">you</span> <span data-offset="10">may</span> <span data-offset="11">be</span> <span data-offset="12">perfect</span> <span data-offset="13">and</span> <span data-offset="14">complete</span>, <span data-offset="15">lacking</span> <span data-offset="16">in</span> <span data-offset="17">nothing." James 1:2-4</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">We can profit in our trials. Life will make you bitter or better. Fight the good fight. Put on your armor and remind yourself the Lord doesn't put you through something He doesn't see you through. He makes a way when there is no way. Your strength may fail but the Lord's strength is unwavering. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Keep training. Be weary in well doing. When you do it all unto the Lord, give Him all the Glory, Honor and praise and you will see your strength in your suffering. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">The Lord uses all things, even the passion of a ragamuffin like me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, Not Pieces,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001004" style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span data-offset="17"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001004" style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span data-offset="17"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse" data-last-offset="17" data-ref="59001004" style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: "Sentinel A", "Sentinel B", "Gentium Plus", Ezra, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span data-offset="17"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-56160070460864690532023-11-13T17:16:00.000-08:002023-11-13T17:16:08.604-08:00Another Day!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. The are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWDhpDsbuI-0Po68RL6fB3RZj-3rYNS5dlNeKw1gmq3jqQv7F-D2SkdrBkO4wvW8mtmiLI3t_QkgDev5Z11ZGB18EZwMMh0_cK-dN-tBI_37Lcg68J78dh_7nSwx2Hm5NcBkiHrPKuB0xg0ST0khGEifsax0BlmIT91haqe5qC1EkLHx1FPPewOZx2Ew" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWWDhpDsbuI-0Po68RL6fB3RZj-3rYNS5dlNeKw1gmq3jqQv7F-D2SkdrBkO4wvW8mtmiLI3t_QkgDev5Z11ZGB18EZwMMh0_cK-dN-tBI_37Lcg68J78dh_7nSwx2Hm5NcBkiHrPKuB0xg0ST0khGEifsax0BlmIT91haqe5qC1EkLHx1FPPewOZx2Ew" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe one day there will be no anxiety when I walk into a Dr's office to get blood work. The nervous laugh will dissolve, and the tough girl performance will be no more than a memory. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe not. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But for today, I do all I know how to do, <span style="font-family: Roboto Mono;"><b>run </b></span>and <span style="font-family: Roboto Mono;"><b>pray</b></span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Running 20 miles before my 4-year checkup gives me a small amount of control. For just that little bit of time I can run free, I can <b><i>control </i></b>my own suffering. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can embrace my breathlessness with comfort. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can relax in my elements of madness. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can keep my fear and anxiety trampled down by the steady pounding of my feet. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can swallow down that lump in my throat, blink back my tears and just run. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUhr1GEe7-4GLJz1fWQTgZv20Oh73Ej6A51T3Qf7dro1wh222CntUhoqNlCZSGqqpL9VuOhScDz80fDuW8D9bepIK9hVn0Tb1y28VidB-y8E-ZTM_QIMnWGav0215k6gV5CKljk-JWxlNCZAo8sQPuOjdDgkkpkxc6FSF-RQDisW-mqCs-1gkETV3mKNU" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1018" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUhr1GEe7-4GLJz1fWQTgZv20Oh73Ej6A51T3Qf7dro1wh222CntUhoqNlCZSGqqpL9VuOhScDz80fDuW8D9bepIK9hVn0Tb1y28VidB-y8E-ZTM_QIMnWGav0215k6gV5CKljk-JWxlNCZAo8sQPuOjdDgkkpkxc6FSF-RQDisW-mqCs-1gkETV3mKNU" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Rate of reoccurrence for the first 5 years for TNBC. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>My oncologist, Dr. Cotant and I have this little game we play every time I see him for my checkups. </div><div>I smiled as we played our little game waiting for him to ask, not about how I was feeling rather about my run. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Anita, how far did you run today?" Dr. Cotant asked smiling knowing the question wasn't "Did you run?" rather "How far did you run?" </div><div style="text-align: left;">I responded with a smirk, "20 miles, almost 2000 feet of elevation.." </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I waited for his smirk and laugh, and like sorcery, he looked at me and laughed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I brought the office donuts; little did they know it was my celebratory gift to them. I have made it, 4 years. This stupid cancer is a living nightmare. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Every day I celebrate. I have made it <b><span style="color: #800180;">another day</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My 4 year date was the day of my surgery in October, but today Dr. Contant made it official! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge5vwamd34sFUVjk8dIrsKQ3K9FP239OOebBr3FkTEAB3kICyNhjy8gbdMWHFxaH8hMslkt2o9QhR1gSjWz93gg2wgNXII2CWcpEaNPzeE0-_UtNYQE8g0qMkKX8NyI34mqV21jByi5YRNcExzm0S4HccHFg1Jn1ziApmrJ8ZhkVCGqjCYWTWrJbc4k1Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge5vwamd34sFUVjk8dIrsKQ3K9FP239OOebBr3FkTEAB3kICyNhjy8gbdMWHFxaH8hMslkt2o9QhR1gSjWz93gg2wgNXII2CWcpEaNPzeE0-_UtNYQE8g0qMkKX8NyI34mqV21jByi5YRNcExzm0S4HccHFg1Jn1ziApmrJ8ZhkVCGqjCYWTWrJbc4k1Q" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">"Those thick veins look great but they like to roll" But my gal was all ready for them! A quick POKE and the blood was flowing. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Another Day. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is no amount of suffering that can compare to feeling like you are going to die. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Begging God for another chance. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Bargaining with God for do overs. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pleading. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Desperately seeking another go at this thing called life. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Watching people get their panties in a wad over the mundane as you just pray for another clean bill of health. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Just begging for another day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Another day</b> </span>to practice forgiveness. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Another day</span></b> to practice grace. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Another day</span></b> to tell someone I love them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Another day</span></b> to share kindness, to love the unlovable, to give grace to those who have hurt me and to seek forgiveness to those I have hurt. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Another Day. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="color: red;">"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. The are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdZi4Rrc5Ke6Mb2Oxo2ABXbv9u9CtvLZcPNeYd8_r4qdvyzBBX2qEZvVUdoguP5QF91wAeOzvbazOqYa8GDF7c-ynLbqVSQRSwW5BxynlNpWHk5AtO81uL6DnOr3fkJVdZdPBnk3T8fgRqK9I3DEwUiUN4UijkxLbS2ePo9vLQInwYOJ7qNZCfGI5hbHw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdZi4Rrc5Ke6Mb2Oxo2ABXbv9u9CtvLZcPNeYd8_r4qdvyzBBX2qEZvVUdoguP5QF91wAeOzvbazOqYa8GDF7c-ynLbqVSQRSwW5BxynlNpWHk5AtO81uL6DnOr3fkJVdZdPBnk3T8fgRqK9I3DEwUiUN4UijkxLbS2ePo9vLQInwYOJ7qNZCfGI5hbHw" width="212" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">The Lord isn't finished with me yet, I continue to run for Jesus with His power, and His strength I go. </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />4 years later and I have <b><span style="color: #800180;">Another Day. </span></b>By the grace of God go I. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Count it all JOY, I have <b><span style="color: #800180;">Another Day. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace not Pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-20411470791723062622023-11-06T18:11:00.001-08:002023-11-06T18:11:14.949-08:00Power.<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"> "What, then, is to be done? To make the best of what is in our power and take the rest as it naturally happens." Epictetus </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilINUotl65lucMvMYr354kZxdy6EgIQ213gObvSkws7abdzLh43qye4qWdaHNranFcGs0mYJS468fxcA6ilfrvpuEJB7LdGxES1Ug7RTPNZm1hYLK8YZeuOL6V14Lp4IeeHIgU6B1CmHidv6SZBy1oMECHZM8FB-xrsXE1zbQdN9XqsLZH6utuwombzHk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilINUotl65lucMvMYr354kZxdy6EgIQ213gObvSkws7abdzLh43qye4qWdaHNranFcGs0mYJS468fxcA6ilfrvpuEJB7LdGxES1Ug7RTPNZm1hYLK8YZeuOL6V14Lp4IeeHIgU6B1CmHidv6SZBy1oMECHZM8FB-xrsXE1zbQdN9XqsLZH6utuwombzHk" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A friend of mine came over this afternoon to run. She barreled through the door with eyes wide opened. I was confused by her look when she said "LOOK!" as she pointed outside. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The sky darkened, the wind whipped, and the skies opened up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My mind was racing how we were going to run when she said "You don't need to run..." </div><div style="text-align: left;">I replied, "Yes, I do, I have goals..." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have <b>no power </b>when it comes to the weather, but quitting was just not an option. We gave it a few minutes as she laced up her shoes and we headed out. The rain had settled down to a soft drip and within the mile it had stopped with the sun beaming overhead of us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u>SHOW UP: The Power of Resilience </u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of life is about just showing up. No excuses. No procrastination. Just get it done. As soon as I make room for an escape plan you can bet, I plan on the escape. I may not be able to control the elements, but I can think with pause and find my POWER in resilience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u>My Power lies in my OUTLOOK. </u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">No stinking thinking. There are days we feel like there is literally a black cloud over our head and finding that small ray of sunshine seems hopeless. </div><div style="text-align: left;">In those cases when you have exhausted all possibility of butterlies and rainbows just do it in a slumber. Do it as an overcomer. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You are the sunshine. You bring accountability. You bring consistency. You don't always have to show up all giddy, I have shown up a mess and even finished a mess, but I showed up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u>My Power lies in my Faith. </u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The closer I come to 50, the more I feel my physical power fade. The aches and pains of life are taking their toll. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been running for over 20 years now by the grace of God. This is the gift he has given me for His glory. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He has protected me in danger. Boston Bombing. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He has redeemed me. Multiple injuries and breast cancer. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He has pulled me out of the pit. Deep depression and darkness. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is His power in me when I want to quit, when I want to cry, when I feel discouraged, dark or defeated to get back out there in HIS POWER not mine. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">MY POWER Scriptures:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><b>"The voice of the LORD is powerful, The voice of the LORD is majestic." Psalm 29:4</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><b>"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Cor. 12:9</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><b>"He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power" Isaiah 40:29</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Roboto Slab;"><b>"For this purpose, also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." Col. 1:29</b></span></li></ul><div><b><u><span style="color: #990000;">RUNDOWN:</span></u></b></div><div>YEARLY RUNNING GOAL: 3000 miles</div><div>Total miles 2,600 miles completed.</div><div>October miles: 287</div><div>The last couple months I have pulled myself away. I have had to settle down. Calm down. Quiet down. The calmer you are the clearer you can think. I find myself moving more with intention and less with emotion. </div><div>I am a tangled mess. I have to unspool the tangles. Running helps me do this. I am such a free spirit but life is broken, and the simplicity of solitude heals. </div><div>I need His voice to cover the ones that say I am not enough. His voice to tell me I am not defined by my failures. I need His voice to tell me I am strong, I am capable. I am enough in HIM. </div><div>My power fades. </div><div>My power is broken. </div><div>My power is messy. </div><div>My power is a failure. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is His power that is immeasurable, unmistakable, unchangeable, and unfathomable. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Peace, not Pieces,</div><div>Anita~ </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-4780881217383747372023-10-26T18:41:00.005-07:002023-10-26T18:41:54.060-07:00MIGHTY<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Montserrat;"> "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.." Marianne Williamson </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-sjLkKnIa04fCJu_LrRUJfoZiUuGHnnRkA-RUyNktpyfRE-fsN0-3JyvaGNSUTO8leFhhzn-5I2BeLadlWXUvpAuK5stxFCbs0lFnIlqSibetqRfbv-nGuQTXGdLntlIJiV3aF2Lud7eNf5qMVCqhBitxUnsINzzfFf_AWIyh7GsWlorgqFw-spRb3Q0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-sjLkKnIa04fCJu_LrRUJfoZiUuGHnnRkA-RUyNktpyfRE-fsN0-3JyvaGNSUTO8leFhhzn-5I2BeLadlWXUvpAuK5stxFCbs0lFnIlqSibetqRfbv-nGuQTXGdLntlIJiV3aF2Lud7eNf5qMVCqhBitxUnsINzzfFf_AWIyh7GsWlorgqFw-spRb3Q0" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Shelby ran in Tawas with us. My </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">heart </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">was overflowing with </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">love</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">. </span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Anita, how long are you going to keep running like this?" A client of mine jokingly asked me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I laughed, because that's what I prefer to do whenever I am asked this question. </div><div style="text-align: left;">They responded with intensity, "No, No, seriously, you cannot keep running like this, your body is going to break down." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have several different answers on speed dial. I have asked myself this question many times. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The answers depend on the audience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If it is THE LORDS will for me to no longer run, I have always prayed the He would give me peace to leave my running behind. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Many miles of running. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Many seasons of running.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Many injuries from running. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Many Praises to the Lord in my running. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Many races, many faces and many places. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>But the Lord continues to keep me running. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After I laughed to my client, I walked in front of them and said, "I am not afraid of my body falling apart from running, it actually is the best way to have my body fall apart, I am more afraid of being afraid of living in fear. " </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I had many more words, words that were deeper, heavier, however, I thought it was best to keep it light with laughter. I added some joke, poked fun at myself and jumped into another subject. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: medium;">"Call onto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which though knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you would have asked me 20 years ago if I would still be running, I would have told you NO. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Over 2 decades of running compiled of victories, failures, friendships, experiences and destinations I could never have dreamed of. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can look back over the last 20 years and see God made a way when there was no way. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The glory was not me being in the limelight, The Lord was in the LIMELIGHT and always gets the glory. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It has nothing to do with miles, or pace, or where I place, it has everything to do with humility in those miles and giving GOD all the Glory. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My bravery has NOTHING to do with where I run, or how I run, my bravery is in full faith that I fully trust God no matter the outcome. If it looks like a failure to man often it is a victory to the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord has given me over 20 years of GREAT AND MIGHTY things I would never have known if I never stepped out in faith. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am reading in Exodus chapter 1:20 <b><i><span style="color: red;">"So God was good to the midwives and the people multiplied and became VERY MIGHTY."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just a few verses back Exodus phrases the growth of the nation as <b><i><span style="color: red;">"exceedingly </span></i></b><span style="color: red;"><b><i>mighty.</i></b></span>" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All this MIGHTY talk counseled me. When we put the LORD first, without FEAR from our surroundings and live our faith out loud, we are MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving against the grain in a world that is morphing into mayhem is MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Living in faith with both compassion and conviction is MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Finding security in Christ alone is MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Being brave to feel EVERYTHING even when it hurts is MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Learning to stand alone in a world that is populated with people is MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Allowing the mundane to be monumental is MIGHTY. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Brave friend. It just takes a step of courage and a call unto the Lord. He has great and mighty things for you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, not Pieces. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Satisfy;"><b>ANITA</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-35816698540695685102023-10-19T18:56:00.001-07:002023-10-19T18:56:13.417-07:00Somewhere in the middle of NO where<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha3J4fsEZAgVuImZk9YvbA859QHcoz4nTuEOllyKFTCMUY4v1_gejQW8w1P4e_Jd1yX4GNGfymsTuKoOfggMCChqlB3r-ToLicHl2x8mD5vZZ2TS44onJNrEfQHUOugZ5egMXExThWcAs5ns4AZ0eJcOGw-8GKbF5rT5lPbt-a5k1F3_Vq1oWNK9nsnW8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha3J4fsEZAgVuImZk9YvbA859QHcoz4nTuEOllyKFTCMUY4v1_gejQW8w1P4e_Jd1yX4GNGfymsTuKoOfggMCChqlB3r-ToLicHl2x8mD5vZZ2TS44onJNrEfQHUOugZ5egMXExThWcAs5ns4AZ0eJcOGw-8GKbF5rT5lPbt-a5k1F3_Vq1oWNK9nsnW8" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Montserrat;">"Bless me, even me also, O my Father.." Genesis 27:34</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another rainy day. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Another cold damp day that the dreariness leads to weariness. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I set goals to prepare for these days in hope that I could prevail in times of dread like today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't have a lot going on today. My phone wasn't ringing, my calendar was open and my head really was more active than my legs. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to just RUN. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After an early morning in the word flipping through Genesis, I took my empty coffee cup to the sink and started to get ready for the next few hours of running. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It left me with many thoughts I needed to think on. </div><div style="text-align: left;">********</div><div style="text-align: left;">I ran and ran, my wheels were turning. Thoughts were colliding with the scriptures I read on DECEIPT, GRUDGES, BLESSINGS, and REDEMPTION. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could totally relate on so many levels. Some of the people in our lives we thought we should trust duped us or deceived us. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We cried bitterly, as Esau did in Genesis when his blessing was stolen. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And a seed is planted, a seed of bitterness from that first tear and a grudge against them develops...</div><div style="text-align: left;">Friendships dissolve. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Families separate. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Jobs are lost. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Moments turn to bitter memories. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And hearts are broken. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I ran the backroads in Holly I had no idea where my legs were taking me. I had no knowledge of my limbs I just circulating thoughts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mile into miles I ran. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Genesis 48:15-16 "The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who redeemed me from all evil." </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">These were the words of Jacob.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The brothers reconciled over 20 years later. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Out of a wounded heart our thoughts can turn evil. Two brothers with over 20 years of grudges. Vengeance and grudges are entertained but the Lord can redeem. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We can't camp there. The road off the cliff is fun for a while, but I had to reign in back in. </div><div style="text-align: left;">On these thoughts I began to feel my legs sore from running. I was aware of my heavy breathing and breathlessne. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I Smiled. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been redeemed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As I ran all by myself, with only my thoughts I smiled. I have so much comfort and peace all by myself. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord redeems. </div><div style="text-align: left;">His redemption gives us peace. </div><div style="text-align: left;">His redemption removes the shackles of bitterness.</div><div style="text-align: left;">His redemption shines grace upon us to give to others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>RUNDOWN:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Roboto Slab;">"Mastery requires endurance....Mastery is not merely a commitment to a goal, but to a curved line, constant pursuit....Mastery is in the reaching, not the arriving." Sarah Lewis</span></i></b></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Roboto Mono;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SOMEWHERE in the MIDDLE of NO WHERE is where I ended up <b>without </b>a plan <b>just a goal.</b> I knew I wanted to run long and slow. <br />It happened gradually...<br />With that being the case, I really didn't map out a course. I ended up with more miles that I wanted and when I discovered I was going to be running over I knew I needed MUSIC. <br />My wobbly legs got a second wind. I found myself running and smiling. <br />Even as the drizzle wet my skin and a head wind hit me, I was still smiling. <br />REDEEMED.</span> </span><br /></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, Not Pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i>ANITA</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-19937710162918572822023-10-15T17:36:00.007-07:002023-10-15T17:51:39.785-07:00Don't Flinch<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1JRSE7YL9ic2SrLewq5w1GUK5kecEseEvuEyzEbUmlSP0qnGYQKp5Owfgoo8inBH58tBUT8vJTtLAV3J1SxUdJMRQ7jcaVolWu4VD9G-QQ2BVpqFnYUyrfZ74iB9adOrHzBzNmmlX-UV7o-rpRYIRmRnsjxPnFyumqqMFBFt_VuMlGxcMP0LaHEHw4qs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1JRSE7YL9ic2SrLewq5w1GUK5kecEseEvuEyzEbUmlSP0qnGYQKp5Owfgoo8inBH58tBUT8vJTtLAV3J1SxUdJMRQ7jcaVolWu4VD9G-QQ2BVpqFnYUyrfZ74iB9adOrHzBzNmmlX-UV7o-rpRYIRmRnsjxPnFyumqqMFBFt_VuMlGxcMP0LaHEHw4qs" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, Andy and I went over to our oldest sons house to help mount his TV. Austin, he is a rowdy man. I think you can figure out where he received his rambunctious behavior from. </div><div style="text-align: left;">A younger Anita used to love to box. I know, hard to imagine. I had a little bit of crazy in me back then. Becoming a mother, I had to retire the gloves. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But "Boy Wonder" about the same age I was when I took up boxing, took up martial arts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He loves to wrestle, grapple and throw his 200lb weight around. </div><div style="text-align: left;">At his place yesterday, he threw a low thigh kick at me, "OUCH" I yelped. A couple more kicks, and down I fell onto the couch. Truth is he has NO IDEA how strong he is. There was a day I would have got right in there. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But instead, I waited....</div><div style="text-align: left;">And with his back to me I threw a weak roundhouse to his buns, SMACK!! He didn't even <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>flinch</b></span>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.</b></span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red;">–1 Peter 4:16</span></b></span></span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Austin knew his mom would not quit. He knew I would not let him get the last move in. HE KNEW. </div><div style="text-align: left;">That is why he didn't flinch. Even with his back to me he knew it was coming but he was not AFRAID.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought of this with my day-to-day grind. I know that I am going to face trials. I am going to have hard days; life is going to sucker punch me. But to live<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <b>F</b></span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">linching </span></b>in fear is not showing Faith in Christ. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Part of the reason Austin didn't <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">flinch </span></b>is because he knows he is much bigger, much stronger and much more capable than his little mother at protecting and defending himself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Flinching Chickens</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have 6 chickens, a motley crew of hens, I love them, I feed them, I visit them, I have a safe home for them, I take very good care of them. When I walk into their coop, they come to me but when I bend down to touch them, they <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">FLINCH</span></b>! I am crushed, "I am here to LOVE you little ladies..." I sing softly to them. But they are filled with fear. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes even we are so filled with fear that we even <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">flinch </span></b>in areas of safety. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Fear can do that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIoOnLopIroR_nMnlrfN8Z39N1z4q79Wn4_G0zuJCutV6HUWr62ZUDIYt_tOVUm4CZVszt81ebXWIABXVhh3US1rKuIDvLog7o9SHX_TX4Ng7PMBSkIasovnLQZAwV8jzH8wTCu6Z-67c-IVvgp1rDOoxP2eHg5UPoSofi173Nvf_tLMsrYoijGyT31A4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIoOnLopIroR_nMnlrfN8Z39N1z4q79Wn4_G0zuJCutV6HUWr62ZUDIYt_tOVUm4CZVszt81ebXWIABXVhh3US1rKuIDvLog7o9SHX_TX4Ng7PMBSkIasovnLQZAwV8jzH8wTCu6Z-67c-IVvgp1rDOoxP2eHg5UPoSofi173Nvf_tLMsrYoijGyT31A4" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>"I ask that He strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of His glory through the spirit." </i>Ephesians 3:16</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Never <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>flinch</b></span>. The Lord strengthens you. </div><div style="text-align: left;">These days maybe not as much physically but spiritually I am being restored and redeemed so I do not have to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">flinch </span></b>with life throws its punches at me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay strong in the Lord, He is your strength in your struggles, you do not have to <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>FLINCH</b></span>, keep your Fatih. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, not Pieces,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-8426782203855177092023-10-09T17:00:00.003-07:002023-10-09T17:00:53.222-07:00The Place of Vulnerability. <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">“Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.” Brene' Brown</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqsewD46dqawjsHjYhnhF68yNnv5r9Nk_UAfAIyhEAWV9F_k4mm0OnFUC7IsmlzJ97CvZB6MbFJWDdyje1HVqEBHH6WuolEzgngChNF6RaguI2-sWQ58ZwvArhSR1tpDsMTVrU_2hiOZWwauuBBsK5BCJ3pNk3xnSv_pp-S2uvqWW4oL2WLeySH3kabuI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqsewD46dqawjsHjYhnhF68yNnv5r9Nk_UAfAIyhEAWV9F_k4mm0OnFUC7IsmlzJ97CvZB6MbFJWDdyje1HVqEBHH6WuolEzgngChNF6RaguI2-sWQ58ZwvArhSR1tpDsMTVrU_2hiOZWwauuBBsK5BCJ3pNk3xnSv_pp-S2uvqWW4oL2WLeySH3kabuI" width="180" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vulnerability. </p><div style="text-align: left;">What is this place? Is it an actual location? Is it a destination? </div><div style="text-align: left;">Some foreign land? </div><div style="text-align: left;">A place that frightens most people and a place that has left many broken and never the same. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Vulnerability scares me. It is my land that I protect with all cost. I have invited others into my very sacred place with extreme caution and realized too late that my space was abused, and I invited the abuser in. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My fault. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My weakness. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My misjudgment. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My bad.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Vulnerability is like a land that is exposed in the darkest of nights. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The deepest of wounds. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The sunniest of skies and the cheeriest of moments. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The spaces of extreme. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Vulnerability cannot be retracted and can be defined and judged in its intense form with ease from others. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Vulnerability is often a place of regret because of this. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Misjudgment.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Confusion. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Disorganized chaos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Vulnerability is a place I have licked my wounds, ripped my scabs and still...heart wide open bled out over and over again with the intention....</div><div style="text-align: left;">To Love. To Believe. To Hope. To Trust. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes it is reckless, feeling like I am going off the deep end but if one person can see that land with LOVE, with FAITH, with HOPE then I will share that Place of Vulnerability. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhb1E5IoVLxlTceWclqzQKevuJdrk8yf4cdUUlqd_na9lHVgiMO1gJSrJ58mnvowaQQoz8-bEong3o6--wvLZ-Ei9AOBhs4LoueO3qJJsOnCYzNnMmRk_ULsN6P9my3OmScRlvBZ4JwdcC3xmSClCWAphLhLKsODlHZv9bDwp-feEyhVhtr1rFnh3a0_U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhb1E5IoVLxlTceWclqzQKevuJdrk8yf4cdUUlqd_na9lHVgiMO1gJSrJ58mnvowaQQoz8-bEong3o6--wvLZ-Ei9AOBhs4LoueO3qJJsOnCYzNnMmRk_ULsN6P9my3OmScRlvBZ4JwdcC3xmSClCWAphLhLKsODlHZv9bDwp-feEyhVhtr1rFnh3a0_U" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: helvetica;">Vulnerability in the darkest hours and the deepest pains. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>It is dark and quiet except for our feet crushing the limestone on the Hennepin canal. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was pacing Erica over the weekend for her first 100 miler. Erica is strong, a mother, a wife, an incredible athlete. She knows pain, my kind of pain. She grew up in darkness that made her resilient, strong, dangerous and risky. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwoWPtQATReTtmJTvGc0JMXWSotulctFjzQAUPYeVzu6NcaiNRue_4OY_j4TghxOtPWMz10soVAPMjDO21p1TnC-uJXntkMyEyat4SgtE3UKdBxbIMxarcz3mKJn8K82vzSzTVdmZcgTtj12nIOu7cT6JvhMgZFlx4iPYWVvL5Bxsh-ZvBDx6eCpWgQb4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwoWPtQATReTtmJTvGc0JMXWSotulctFjzQAUPYeVzu6NcaiNRue_4OY_j4TghxOtPWMz10soVAPMjDO21p1TnC-uJXntkMyEyat4SgtE3UKdBxbIMxarcz3mKJn8K82vzSzTVdmZcgTtj12nIOu7cT6JvhMgZFlx4iPYWVvL5Bxsh-ZvBDx6eCpWgQb4" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At 10pm, I jumped in again to trade pacing with her husband. Her armor was cracking. She had been running effortlessly at a 9:30min/mile for over 70 miles. However, when she arrived this time at the aid station, she was almost an hour late. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was so dark we both needed light. This is the place of vulnerability. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As we ran the chill in the air left me shivering. I kept myself hushed. I walked next to Erica under the moonless sky, the trees looming over us, wanting to feel her pain, wanting to carry her pain so I could help her better. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But I couldn't. All I could do was stay beside her. Pray for her. Listen to her. </div><div style="text-align: left;">All I had was my light and she had her own light. She trusted me weeks ago to be beside her, truth is she is a much better runner than I am. </div><div style="text-align: left;">What I could give her was a place of vulnerability. A place where I could only give me, and she seemed ok with just that. This is the place that scares me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Erica finished like a rockstar! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy and I snuck out of our hotel room a few hours later for a 6-hour drive home. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The drive home was quiet, but my thoughts were loud. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As the minutes turned into hours I had not heard from Erica. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought many thoughts and struggled to take mine captive. That place of vulnerability began to tug a little. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The place in the darkest of nights. In the cold, quiet path down the Hennepin canal that I spoke vulnerability. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Did I share too much? Did I say too much?</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found myself settling down the closer we got to home. The Lord wrapped me in His security with peace and soon Erica texted with such love I knew it was from the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">"<span face=""Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" 2 Cor. 10:3-5 </span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana;">Just be who God made you to be Anita. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am made to be vulnerable. To give myself freely, openly and transparently. Not everyone is going to like you, understand you, accept you, and the list goes on. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But when we do things with LOVE we have succeeded. And you will accept others in that same place. There is peace in that. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Taking our thoughts captive helps drown out the noises so we can hear the melody of love, peace and grace. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We all come with a light. Sometimes that place of vulnerability drains the batteries. And sometimes that light burns out and darkness covers you. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Take time to Pause, Rest, Recover and daringly turn your light back on. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Shine the way you were meant to. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Be who God made you to be. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Confidently. Boldly. With a Reckless Love Shine on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. </i></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Phil. 4:8</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace not Pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnBw52Tp1anRsCT-b8S_gcTbKTWZ0glkP61SDNbTKiUEE0lBPXzBq4FDjxcSQGIWcUKaBP2BGbOgvggrr76Xog5qHN4lAhOn_EG9RkfeTcdnnl7Vtg1zEPfQQLpGjiOE-RLOAMvQFKSRLpzy9wk6jpVzJGKM9oogUW-r6IOZPanOv0GsJplZDlL6MhAQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1584" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnBw52Tp1anRsCT-b8S_gcTbKTWZ0glkP61SDNbTKiUEE0lBPXzBq4FDjxcSQGIWcUKaBP2BGbOgvggrr76Xog5qHN4lAhOn_EG9RkfeTcdnnl7Vtg1zEPfQQLpGjiOE-RLOAMvQFKSRLpzy9wk6jpVzJGKM9oogUW-r6IOZPanOv0GsJplZDlL6MhAQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-61735198431904354762023-10-02T17:03:00.004-07:002023-10-03T04:08:35.465-07:00Run Rabbit Run 50 Recap: BE Magnificent<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHVBTPw1phyWqZOZ2p7N5Q7JMkVc-C9BG4w7TUI4xJkY3Y2UJHNzq7meEv_AOWNU4fkPRmhtQhZ1BaD7x0z1q6VjycZwqaTDtZCMm0zZgEEyZjk_Yl89S4UZXxcKwZRknzlXcBO2TrZGeiT1h1Kyuk70We_p6s6_YOzyukMlbh7_UsBd0ub5Cc_N-uKrs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1570" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHVBTPw1phyWqZOZ2p7N5Q7JMkVc-C9BG4w7TUI4xJkY3Y2UJHNzq7meEv_AOWNU4fkPRmhtQhZ1BaD7x0z1q6VjycZwqaTDtZCMm0zZgEEyZjk_Yl89S4UZXxcKwZRknzlXcBO2TrZGeiT1h1Kyuk70We_p6s6_YOzyukMlbh7_UsBd0ub5Cc_N-uKrs" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How do you recap a race that you are still processing? A race that you trained harder than you have ever trained for a race? I trained for RRR for 9 months and felt so ill equipped within the first 10 miles. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>A Few Details:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The crew from Michigan Running: Sarah, Amanda, Shane, Joe, Shirley, Mark and myself. </li><li>My brother and sister in love flew in from Florida, we shared and Airbnb in Steamboat together, the rest of the crew were in an Airbnb together a block from us. </li><li>We came in on Wednesday, stayed one night in Grand Lake. We went to Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday on the way to Steamboat. </li><li>Our Airbnb was located less than a half a mile from the finish line. </li></ul><div>THE RACE PLAN: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Saturday September 16, 6am start</li><li>Elevation starting at 6.886 feet</li><li>Original plan was ALWAYS to finish in sub-14 hours. The cut off for the race is 15 hours. I should have stayed in that original plan and saved myself a lot of grief and discouragement. At dinner the night before the race, the question of "Race plans" got brought up. Sarah, casually mentioned that "Ultrasignup" gave an estimated time for her and I around 12 hours based off of our running history. That seed <b>gently </b>landed in my little pea brain and <b>totally </b>lodged in Andys brain. </li><li>I would NOT see Andy for the first 22 miles, there was NO access to the first 3 aid stations. I would see him at the Dumont Aid Station. </li></ul><div><b><u><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Let's NOT die on that Mountain"! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTOBtA70cUSkfgmNgonEYrC8jKg3GmkJHhNAt2uj5QAsXugYAP6EbCLGsUVjkzXmFugZJQQcYFZXFPylHNuRvp5eFK8xM3vGDtwqLW1fKfard1cFQqriPFkKdgoEJ-WrYAanvzxmJfoVi1oDz8ysGu-RcoPj4cccwqkapp1WiVS1oy5pPV7GZFCm46-rY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTOBtA70cUSkfgmNgonEYrC8jKg3GmkJHhNAt2uj5QAsXugYAP6EbCLGsUVjkzXmFugZJQQcYFZXFPylHNuRvp5eFK8xM3vGDtwqLW1fKfard1cFQqriPFkKdgoEJ-WrYAanvzxmJfoVi1oDz8ysGu-RcoPj4cccwqkapp1WiVS1oy5pPV7GZFCm46-rY" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /></span></u></b></div></div><div>Praying started at 5am in our Airbnb. Several friends had reached out to me with scripture and prayer. I opened Hebrews that morning humbly seeking the Lord. Or maybe even desperately. </div><div>At the start of the race, we gathered together in prayer yet again. </div><div>At 6am promptly we headed up, up, up. </div><div>The race starts at the bottom of the mountain where you take the service drive up 6 miles to the top of the ski slope. </div><div>Off we went heading up. the first mile I was sucking wind at a 14min/mi. </div><div>All 7 of us running the same race but in different places. I had my headlamp on and even though I couldn't see the mountain my lungs could feel the suffering. </div><div>I knew I couldn't walk, I just tried to stay in line with the other runners. </div><div>"ANITA"... I heard that sweet voice of Sarah. I was so happy to have her next to me. </div><div>Sarah and I tackled that 6 mile service drive enjoying the sunrise and chasing back and forth with Mark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEger2Jp2-94Elyd5skjr85zKleyzMoR37T5bBJ9De1uTG7Jhz05RJFRMAJc6pYfAWiNt1M1weqyOLP4QgrZR86TLm5aZWuClIiGQtvrPzY01HYQNf00sooesRpPLkLqVr63P9wgk-4J-NSUWd7dZeAMs2AisLSMEVyOzo-0WBjAss-P5bzUanbXkxcMASw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEger2Jp2-94Elyd5skjr85zKleyzMoR37T5bBJ9De1uTG7Jhz05RJFRMAJc6pYfAWiNt1M1weqyOLP4QgrZR86TLm5aZWuClIiGQtvrPzY01HYQNf00sooesRpPLkLqVr63P9wgk-4J-NSUWd7dZeAMs2AisLSMEVyOzo-0WBjAss-P5bzUanbXkxcMASw" width="180" /></a></div><br />. We were finding some laughter as our lungs and legs were grieving. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi_YAQ4DSOJ_ypJMAKkk7jN2-ZodtdJFVJfpffy8evNF9kfQdazW1NYMZ0wc4NBBYbaZi5vPIhSfbJeYqgL80xoXhHdJ0hz5rTXmcJ9xPiA4IdzB6i5RL8hnhLamAA71s1fiMi9xbN1ARMCRvhwCesPOeIEiyVg_0EEW0TLcbl0fhAxGbioSdtSGiWjlc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi_YAQ4DSOJ_ypJMAKkk7jN2-ZodtdJFVJfpffy8evNF9kfQdazW1NYMZ0wc4NBBYbaZi5vPIhSfbJeYqgL80xoXhHdJ0hz5rTXmcJ9xPiA4IdzB6i5RL8hnhLamAA71s1fiMi9xbN1ARMCRvhwCesPOeIEiyVg_0EEW0TLcbl0fhAxGbioSdtSGiWjlc" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each mile my confidence faded. I just wanted to get to the aid station at Mt Werner, elevation, 10,372 ft. We would climb almost 4,000 feet in 6 miles. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We made it with full on smiles and I was praising GOD! We </span>didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> stick around we headed out quickly to the next aid station about 6 more miles away. </span></div><div>From Mt. Werner to Long Lake SO much changed, it had to change, or I would never have made it off that mountain. </div><div>I couldn't catch my breath. I would run for about 5 minutes and I was winded. Up and down we ran. Finally, I humbly admitted defeat. </div><div>Sarah was pacing us for a 12 hour race that I was never going to make.</div><div>I felt like a wuss.</div><div>I felt weak. </div><div>I felt old. </div><div>I felt washed up, discouraged and defeated. </div><div>"Sarah, I can't finish this race and maintain this pace..." I told here she could go, but I knew at that pace I would not be able to finish. </div><div>I would DIE on that MOUNTAIN! </div><div>Sarah without pause responds with "...Ultrasignup estimated our time based off of our race history, none of which were ever races at this elevation....." </div><div>I felt the wait of the world come off my shoulders as this brilliant nugget of information enlightened me! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_czUYSoIAHQgfVS9sz64KTsWBT6kbVoexd-EfdWdfI_I2RTSrAHsownv_KLVkbOdXew8OYbeOLZqfbvSssPIoxYWg2BsdxRSz_Pv_h6LvpUOAALmSFEuCNRQy3rd0B9dRImN7KzIynnYxWt-ZBcUPa1yJjxmViJY_1nP3HegaQXS68Mtn0ORzOlXEYs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_czUYSoIAHQgfVS9sz64KTsWBT6kbVoexd-EfdWdfI_I2RTSrAHsownv_KLVkbOdXew8OYbeOLZqfbvSssPIoxYWg2BsdxRSz_Pv_h6LvpUOAALmSFEuCNRQy3rd0B9dRImN7KzIynnYxWt-ZBcUPa1yJjxmViJY_1nP3HegaQXS68Mtn0ORzOlXEYs" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div>YES! DUH! </div><div>"Sarah, let's have a great race with moderate suffering and smiles!" I responded, not exactly that poetic but something like that. </div><div>I did say, "Sarah, Let's NOT die on this mountain, figuratively and techniquely"! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LONG LAKE: 13.2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGmeLZuevBnboXnB-w-me8GR18GXskhZJYtCqfW21gKk891U64uFA5Dl81_e9hVGXwtSoIKHXodvRvMQFNn2HfrqoBHcph4j-huWgSTyanuVJEhEjSystWUHSjimE6jo1cao2u8NJ3V1svF5jWYUpeHFVzOzRTTq1zOY3T3OkgdhUripJ7W1GcrwQEsAU" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGmeLZuevBnboXnB-w-me8GR18GXskhZJYtCqfW21gKk891U64uFA5Dl81_e9hVGXwtSoIKHXodvRvMQFNn2HfrqoBHcph4j-huWgSTyanuVJEhEjSystWUHSjimE6jo1cao2u8NJ3V1svF5jWYUpeHFVzOzRTTq1zOY3T3OkgdhUripJ7W1GcrwQEsAU" width="180" /></a></div><br /></span></b></div><div>We dropped a little elevation, 9,946. We were running trails, big rocks and steep inclines, beauty that left you breathless. We found a rhythm. The heat was rising and the sky was open and clear. </div><div>We came into the aid station stoked. We saw Joe, Mark was just a few minutes behind us and as we left the aid station we had caught up to Shirley. Shirley got to enjoy a hour early start for turning 50. She had this smile that could clear a storm. </div><div>Seeing all my friends filled my heart and ignited my spirit. I even snagged a little video of us at about mile 14.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDSDnI2kbkh6WKmF9EKKzCmRIKMO4A2cd1O_KxLTtPXMmjuc9wCyOWAvdV8N2Nj_RUWXSAZEGSpE5RtVGXw7fcY2A4L96uELW6RgVSJ08c-fkY7py_nNVuT2iJXYPeqNuOrZSru3lZpHJp9f4Zze1mZV8Q9zbxHfzFBqSqQ5oCTm86LJTnKgFl3TjRfoE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDSDnI2kbkh6WKmF9EKKzCmRIKMO4A2cd1O_KxLTtPXMmjuc9wCyOWAvdV8N2Nj_RUWXSAZEGSpE5RtVGXw7fcY2A4L96uELW6RgVSJ08c-fkY7py_nNVuT2iJXYPeqNuOrZSru3lZpHJp9f4Zze1mZV8Q9zbxHfzFBqSqQ5oCTm86LJTnKgFl3TjRfoE" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div>BUT....I would lose that smile very soon. </div><div>As Sarah and I came off the mountain we had a guy on our heels. We had ran with many groups and most of them passed us but He didn't want to. The trail came out of the woods and opened up into a massive lake. The trail narrowed with tall grass on both sides. You could hardly see your feet and I kept tripping on my legs due to the groove in the trail. We were running at a good clip when I fell so hard the earth shook. This was NOT my first fall and it would not be my last. But this one knocked the wind out of me and I just paused in my fragile position trying to locate my brains. </div><div>The guy behind us checked on me and he headed out down the trail ahead of us. </div><div>Sarah and I were heating up and she was actually sharing her salt drink with me. Out of the blue Sarah had her first breakdown. She was so strong and happy I never saw it coming. We were about to make a river crossing when I said, "HEY! Let's remember why we are here...." I went to grab my phone and quickly joined Sarah's emotion when I discovered my PHONE WAS GONE. </div><div>I knew I had lost it just over the last 3 miles. But we had to keep moving. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNKL1LpmSgLDd9gPiJ0R4QbUP2-JJDTEhMhwkrvBW42bc0cxhAebTK8W_kF_5w0npY1NU6K7sPVwGcPVp0FFbu8aDPD_vzrprwx0Dac_lOHZPn5jgsBW2jK9r55BtsZP5aE_rYiTL8uuliODgUd2FfAZBOOxMjeISCRdrxA0Jxkw6JRV_0RCTYGaoa6Xk" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNKL1LpmSgLDd9gPiJ0R4QbUP2-JJDTEhMhwkrvBW42bc0cxhAebTK8W_kF_5w0npY1NU6K7sPVwGcPVp0FFbu8aDPD_vzrprwx0Dac_lOHZPn5jgsBW2jK9r55BtsZP5aE_rYiTL8uuliODgUd2FfAZBOOxMjeISCRdrxA0Jxkw6JRV_0RCTYGaoa6Xk" width="180" /></a></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BASE CAMP 18.4; 9,950 elevation</span></b></div><div>Poor Sarah had to listen to me ask every runner about my phone! I couldn't find my rhythm; I was distracted and mad at myself. </div><div>When we came into the aid station, I was ridiculous asking everyone! The course is an out and back so my hope was someone on the way up or back might find it. We were filling up, eating and pretending we were GOOD! The sun was baking us, we were struggling but we kept on smiling and laughing. </div><div>My smile dulled quickly. </div><div>"Sarah, I was born broken...." I beat myself up more than the mountain was doing. I just want to see Andy at mile 22, DUMONT. </div><div>I needed a hug. I needed to be comforted. I felt everything in my body leaking out. </div><div>Sarah was a joy, she was patient with my chaos and strong leading most of the way to Dumont, much stronger than I felt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwMrKmtH7pkbNfcA4sNh47-oKqIwPlLV17MRPoXqNBwkKJamMZO8vcPsflRuhV6pkQjYBVEmf9mx0tIOH_AxcgiW9EMY2TCAl_71cDC693nV27L-xVFkN_yhZ1yFdI5rrfKa4SOD1heV593nTL6pEK0ED5wyv2KyRebv8ZssZLA1vrcS84NUKuIlkUb1E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwMrKmtH7pkbNfcA4sNh47-oKqIwPlLV17MRPoXqNBwkKJamMZO8vcPsflRuhV6pkQjYBVEmf9mx0tIOH_AxcgiW9EMY2TCAl_71cDC693nV27L-xVFkN_yhZ1yFdI5rrfKa4SOD1heV593nTL6pEK0ED5wyv2KyRebv8ZssZLA1vrcS84NUKuIlkUb1E" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">DUMONT: 22.3 9,508 elevation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBi3CdHN5sV_9-rbwQkw9tJ9MHLJa3glUvIuZepBpIDeZ_X_yeDo0MSfMPuxRCcOeiI3OZ4hTy8thOG-Ch7LqKi1Zm8pFPM369x20zGhePSTcjGDNv-lx2tT_nPyBtSaOWrhqi1ToZUYF-g2OdPPZ0Zv2gKlYludiBRbTTKxsTVbrEl8IwyxM6YoXJIs" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBi3CdHN5sV_9-rbwQkw9tJ9MHLJa3glUvIuZepBpIDeZ_X_yeDo0MSfMPuxRCcOeiI3OZ4hTy8thOG-Ch7LqKi1Zm8pFPM369x20zGhePSTcjGDNv-lx2tT_nPyBtSaOWrhqi1ToZUYF-g2OdPPZ0Zv2gKlYludiBRbTTKxsTVbrEl8IwyxM6YoXJIs" width="240" /></a></div><br /></span></b></div><div>The closer I got, the more I began tremble. By the time we reached Dumont I was a MESS! Andy was waiting for us at the trail head shouting and cheering us on. The tears burst out, without control. I NEVER CRY. Blubbering like a baby I shared of my lost phone. Andy got a little upset and Sarah actually calmed him down. He flipped the script, wrapped his arms around me and comforted me. My brother and sister-in-law had never seen me like that. Alec was sweet but they were all confused at how bad I looked. </div><div>Andy handed me my Buckeye that my dear friend Debbie gave me to remind me she was praying for me, this helped cheer me up. </div><div>I got it together, everyone was great we pushed out to head to Rabbit Ears, our highest elevation where we would turn around and head back the way we came from. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgflvQAKnX-wJtchRLefaTqT0K28GsvGvAX__tElJTicAzYNVJZDkTg8lziYMhy_JpXTgORw58Mnw-6bJU21cArQm6YnfYeFWC5tDCHUj8H_f7rvK16MltouumSikaK2WN-8dkOGC0xDwAr2-PABeL8zlbpzYYJ7UINog2iES0tKAthwpfxqh-ISW0prCk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgflvQAKnX-wJtchRLefaTqT0K28GsvGvAX__tElJTicAzYNVJZDkTg8lziYMhy_JpXTgORw58Mnw-6bJU21cArQm6YnfYeFWC5tDCHUj8H_f7rvK16MltouumSikaK2WN-8dkOGC0xDwAr2-PABeL8zlbpzYYJ7UINog2iES0tKAthwpfxqh-ISW0prCk" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Buckeye gave me this, Debbie to remind me she was praying for me. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>I would also get to see my family again! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">TO RABBIT EARS: Mile 25 10,534</span></b></div><div>This would prove to be the HARDEST 3 miles of the whole race. It was PURE SUN and I was not feeling so bright! </div><div>Sarah was ahead of me and I could hardly walk, there was NO running. This stretch was narley. The last mile was sandy, it curved just enough so you couldn't see how close you were to the top. </div><div>Sarah made it to the top 5 minutes before I did. I would get about 15 feet WALKING and have to stop!</div><div>I would just lean on my poles as my lungs cursed me and my heart beat so hard it felt like a jack hammer. </div><div>I prayed and convinced myself I would NOT cry anymore. </div><div>I heard Sarah laughing at the top, I pressed on to see her and be with her. </div><div>BY the GRACE OF GOD I made it! I touched the mountain, found next level joy and got my playing card to prove I made it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO5FKDt2tqm2nbiTSA5D_3AZFuwcoLthT2iH1zJ63QzMaEvV9be-bU0mr6Copm-wK0UX60AV0wd6Wc9oiTH-pQK6g41cosYir5ltP_Idou6uqFZhnga8LyoW1N9kmYWcIn-O9rE7aSxSE7bOkkm4PZID6uS0CtJbtbtiJ-z3KK8vczsWAb7Uk_EVvbhbQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO5FKDt2tqm2nbiTSA5D_3AZFuwcoLthT2iH1zJ63QzMaEvV9be-bU0mr6Copm-wK0UX60AV0wd6Wc9oiTH-pQK6g41cosYir5ltP_Idou6uqFZhnga8LyoW1N9kmYWcIn-O9rE7aSxSE7bOkkm4PZID6uS0CtJbtbtiJ-z3KK8vczsWAb7Uk_EVvbhbQ" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We took a few photos and headed down!! I was stoked!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> DUMONT: Mile 27.7</span></b></div><div>I was ALL shades of happy when I saw my family again. My family had smiles as they greeted us and helped us. I told Andy the goal went back to the original 14 hour goal!! He said he figured; he had been tracking us. </div><div>Sarah and I filled up, ate up, and cheered up! We were halfway done! We got to see all of our gang at Rabbit Ears coming down to Dumont. I was so happy to see them all doing well. I was praying over everyone to finish. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8dxoAmidmrVCpWEJ8yq_r5sgT7dTBWpXVIsNT9ZWij0QtsCoJzdLvUUxbzh5nSUHbCpaP6Wbd_OyqjTRONsN7Jp5PCmMoQ5kvuJA4wstwwUSB2_7IZ_1ojHVSXytLG0kD2Af-X_0q5gnRaOy2_3lkBkvwOdeQwJd5pfXKuRU8BIdCJY2JgWajmeKFUX4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8dxoAmidmrVCpWEJ8yq_r5sgT7dTBWpXVIsNT9ZWij0QtsCoJzdLvUUxbzh5nSUHbCpaP6Wbd_OyqjTRONsN7Jp5PCmMoQ5kvuJA4wstwwUSB2_7IZ_1ojHVSXytLG0kD2Af-X_0q5gnRaOy2_3lkBkvwOdeQwJd5pfXKuRU8BIdCJY2JgWajmeKFUX4" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">LET'S GOO! Keep the FAITH too the FINISH <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA_nDcMNW3nQOKqZKiwz7fTLehCoKuLBoYl887KMt9BSN4VxE53gdnZ6exiskvfBKk5kEr5nuoHN-3736KLtfP2k25jLdn84hJ_LSi0s7OmETv2eg11WE-UuKnsBul3pRXA1xIB3j0qzw_4RmEz7CV--D7ntNnmCUy0AowbPCH2llQuuPQLJmnBKNYD94" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA_nDcMNW3nQOKqZKiwz7fTLehCoKuLBoYl887KMt9BSN4VxE53gdnZ6exiskvfBKk5kEr5nuoHN-3736KLtfP2k25jLdn84hJ_LSi0s7OmETv2eg11WE-UuKnsBul3pRXA1xIB3j0qzw_4RmEz7CV--D7ntNnmCUy0AowbPCH2llQuuPQLJmnBKNYD94" width="180" /></a></div><br /></span></b></div><div>I got so excited knowing we were heading to the finish line. I had hope I would find my phone around the lake. </div><div>The trail looked so different coming back. We had removed all our extra clothing. I had fallen 3 times, Sarah once. </div><div>We saw some hunters with llamas that I would find out later had an elk on the back. I thought they were part of our cheering stations! Silly runners, the lack of oxygen is the my excuse. </div><div>I got excited as we came out of BASE CAMP, mile 31.6, we hit a 50K. </div><div>We were breaking it down aid station to aid station. This also meant I was near where I lost my phone. </div><div>Sarah used her phone to send Andy our location and try to map out where my phone was. He then would text us that we were so close. </div><div>BUT THEN he texted us and said we passed it! What? How did that happed we thought. I was so bummed. He told Sarah to just RUN and let it go, the phone was GONE. </div><div>I totally believed we would find it. Even when we didn't find it I STILL believed. We knew I had lost it when I fell but we had searched all through he tall grasses. A guy at Long Lake aid station actually went out on his motorcycle to look for it. Our friends even confirmed they saw him out there.</div><div>I let it go but believed someone would find it. </div><div>Andy calls Sarah around mile 39 to tell us SOMEONE had my phone!! </div><div>"SARAH, it was NEVER about me losing my phone, it was always about YOU. I had to trip, fall, scrape myself up and lose my phone for you to see The Lord work through my faith. Sarah, it was always about you...." </div><div>You see this is actually the SECOND time I lost my phone with Sarah in a circumstance I should NEVER have found it.</div><div>Sarah was struggling, I prayed over her and over all my friends. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrOiKoUhW9WjOscoGIyAh2AtMFGk0e8CQ5UKmsMQZaPa0UXVQUO-MyYbfE97U-HDqk8ZlJw9qQ7UiwwoW6SutCNWgPq6vdH1-Z2TipC0YQDt8FLHNjOy9G64L9aqveWFZMgM5ot-V0aJSLQpTVhgWtGvujfhw9HiUMoY5HCuuhnphae-IX4RfTL33upzo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrOiKoUhW9WjOscoGIyAh2AtMFGk0e8CQ5UKmsMQZaPa0UXVQUO-MyYbfE97U-HDqk8ZlJw9qQ7UiwwoW6SutCNWgPq6vdH1-Z2TipC0YQDt8FLHNjOy9G64L9aqveWFZMgM5ot-V0aJSLQpTVhgWtGvujfhw9HiUMoY5HCuuhnphae-IX4RfTL33upzo" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Just LOST Lake..But also Lost Phone! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>My legs felt good, I was still struggling to run long distances, but we had some good running segments. We knew that once we got to Mt Werner it was all downhill. We wouldn't have to worry about another water crossing or roots and large rocks, we would no longer be hidden in the forest. The mountain gathered around us with its vastness but would soon open up. We were so miniscule, just dust in comparison. The mountains etched greatness as the sun began to set, I knew we had to pick up the pace to get out of the woods before they came alive with heartbeats much stronger than ours. </div><div>We made it to Mt Werner, we had 6 miles to go. "Sarah, I think we can make it by 7:30pm..." I was now in total race mode, horses to the barn. </div><div>Even though I felt good, Sarah began struggling. "Sarah, Stay with me...." I picked up our pace and made sure she was with me. We made it a mile down and took a walk break. Not long, "Let's GO...Come ON Sarah..."</div><div>We did this all the way down. The last mile, I kept losing her. I yelled LOUDER, "Stay with me Sarah..." I would hear her voice holler back. Once I didn't see her or hear her and I stopped, I panicked and shouted again and again looking for her, "SARAH, SARAH...." "I'm Here..." I hear her voice respond.</div><div>I smiled. She was with me. </div><div>I came down that mountain passing runners right up to the end. I was flying off the step when I could see the finish, "ANITA!! ANITA...." I heard Andys voice, "NO WAY...ANITA, Let's GOOO"...</div><div>Then I heard my brother "THAT'S my SISTER, LOOK thats my SISTER...." </div><div>I was smiling so big as I came into that finish.</div><div>Andy hugged me but all I could think of was Sarah, "SARAH, Sarah is coming.....Get Sarah..."</div><div>A minute later comes the most beautiful gal comes into the finish with pure joy she finished. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjErrJqMmGQie8CXRQCoXpcd5I9STJN57TRrjfC73NfrvGiH1ZnZv1hUlLGeK4VXRbBSJC0z2ne3kHY-1VMzRubNKscnh8tg_vVcq2kIy9aHlfTMxoO7Mv8Nn8BjgD4gW3stIVrr_6kBEw00W9LXcecO30Qk87-9-Z7mqulMollAO1NAFX4Ihlv6TM98AU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjErrJqMmGQie8CXRQCoXpcd5I9STJN57TRrjfC73NfrvGiH1ZnZv1hUlLGeK4VXRbBSJC0z2ne3kHY-1VMzRubNKscnh8tg_vVcq2kIy9aHlfTMxoO7Mv8Nn8BjgD4gW3stIVrr_6kBEw00W9LXcecO30Qk87-9-Z7mqulMollAO1NAFX4Ihlv6TM98AU" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><b>BE MAGNIFICENT!!</b></span></div><div>We DID IT, 13hours 28 minutes. </div><div>It will go down as my hardest 50 miler to date. </div><div>There is something so remarkable about being at the end of ourselves. This is the depths of WHY I run. SO I can be so depleted, so vulnerable, that I know I need my God to occupy the places I am empty. </div><div>It is FAITH that gets me to the finish line when I am vacant of my human abilities. </div><div>The Race director told us to BE MAGNIFICENT. </div><div><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Being Magnificent</span></b> had NOTHING to do with my race time. </div><div><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Being Magnificent</span> </b>had everything to do with keeping my FAITH. </div><div><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Being Magnificent</span></b> meant "Fixing my eyes on Jesus" to get me to the finish line.</div><div><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Being Magnificent</b> </span>meant there was MORE than a finish, there was friendship. </div><div><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Being Magnificent</span></b> meant I had to master "Self" and have FAITH in my Masters outcome for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Congrats to ALL my CRU. Everyone finished! Everyone crossed that Finish Line. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL_vJHR_JJ2ck1JvTVT2eVJ0KzgpHI44f5ZbS5awvhaT_4WQvpLJYd7w75ecBTLA38APdoJB16QCfjuZYhnFzFS_iyQU8YFzWJ5XyhEz56MnF0XX_XNyVQWfNZLbUHIdsE4k6DtEtlHVLGJQSvHiwF-OFL7mjCWB2D6-lcH-TvAW7-jtYNgzSdX7jjwAo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1570" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL_vJHR_JJ2ck1JvTVT2eVJ0KzgpHI44f5ZbS5awvhaT_4WQvpLJYd7w75ecBTLA38APdoJB16QCfjuZYhnFzFS_iyQU8YFzWJ5XyhEz56MnF0XX_XNyVQWfNZLbUHIdsE4k6DtEtlHVLGJQSvHiwF-OFL7mjCWB2D6-lcH-TvAW7-jtYNgzSdX7jjwAo" width="320" /></a></div><br />In Peace not Pieces,</div><div>Anita</div><div><br /></div><div>NOTE....The man that found my phone was the guy that was behind us when I fell! I had told him along with about 25 other runners I had lost my phone, he remembered where I fell because he was behind me!!</div></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-79466210482920616152023-09-11T18:31:00.005-07:002023-09-11T18:39:49.782-07:00Stupid Honest. RRR T-5 days<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.” </span>Psalm 121:1-2</b></span></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0a0a0a; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_THJZYJmRJjaOL2WajPPy2pR92Tn70hOzvGRlSzNhsIFUl0DmES_37bI5D5XlfXLr2GmrlBGQr3Tu4blxISctacaepehJYeTKT6sM7_NXiYuZf7hA1cJgk9QnzHUwZfiTZ4GiCZOGKW7a1H3oMwD83ym1NaoxRCYy6w1sggkGWtaUJaWKTTuFDXp3oFc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_THJZYJmRJjaOL2WajPPy2pR92Tn70hOzvGRlSzNhsIFUl0DmES_37bI5D5XlfXLr2GmrlBGQr3Tu4blxISctacaepehJYeTKT6sM7_NXiYuZf7hA1cJgk9QnzHUwZfiTZ4GiCZOGKW7a1H3oMwD83ym1NaoxRCYy6w1sggkGWtaUJaWKTTuFDXp3oFc" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">Run Rabbit Run 50 is just days away. My nerves are on tilt even knowing I have everything covered. I have trained my little heart out for the last 8 months. </div>But I am still a wreck. I am scared. And I am stupid honest. I have had 3 melt downs in 10 days. That ugly place where you lose your breath, where your insides are cramping, and I feel like I am going to puke. At one point I couldn't find some flight info and at another point I couldn't find my registration. Both times I thought the room was closing in on me, massive panic and tears were about to erupt. I was in full on emotional breakdown. <br />BREATHE. CHILL OUT. <br />I asked Andy last week to be HONEST with me and share my STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES going into the race. I needed to know.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwHqT6zicEYB-r3OchASKqyu6el0YX7W0aLxffKQll0qhbFhljJFxdycuPS_OVqi9PUuvFeKR-cNpBMV3jA90diP-BEKz2h8uy8VunVYKpwzBi9pn2NzzalyciTs4vbdDFbENakTNP2_Mq991rn8AePjyXcgRc9EobkbNhfbEwduhsMcWekljwjxxa1d0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="397" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwHqT6zicEYB-r3OchASKqyu6el0YX7W0aLxffKQll0qhbFhljJFxdycuPS_OVqi9PUuvFeKR-cNpBMV3jA90diP-BEKz2h8uy8VunVYKpwzBi9pn2NzzalyciTs4vbdDFbENakTNP2_Mq991rn8AePjyXcgRc9EobkbNhfbEwduhsMcWekljwjxxa1d0" width="149" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><u>STRENGTHS</u></b>: Experience, mental fortitude, solid training....<br /><b><u>WEAKNESSES</u></b>: The Elevation, the Altitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicmijcflYIvZWnjdE8uo9qUgzKoCx94O-3edBLjFb7u2yCbnJWexGFF9l0ycH186dHAiSKtu4Z2cvt0aOQBYERzOipo6tOY2P39t1hbLbc_rqFI638S2i8_TlV-NXHvKXbZqUrz4s2ywIJv-5HNcAjXw4P0fYm7E5BX-iiHVBKm6s4JXZsCTJEkGtt4N8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1179" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicmijcflYIvZWnjdE8uo9qUgzKoCx94O-3edBLjFb7u2yCbnJWexGFF9l0ycH186dHAiSKtu4Z2cvt0aOQBYERzOipo6tOY2P39t1hbLbc_rqFI638S2i8_TlV-NXHvKXbZqUrz4s2ywIJv-5HNcAjXw4P0fYm7E5BX-iiHVBKm6s4JXZsCTJEkGtt4N8" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">I thought about Andys honesty and before giving more space to fear my heart actually settled. I have one strength Andy forgot to mention. <br />One strength that covers all. <br />I have one strength that has power to not only run the mountains but MOVE the MOUNTAINS!!</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSrE3nlI4-cSJaiynB7O1zlhiv3ZGarVU8-ZQ3NM6rNqpBI3313JypJT_I0payJKZLJ3P8xpWrh7tqZKBEaCqQ8cuXXxMSvreZJ_ObJmkavn3P-oCY0sORGMhXkH64S8uGU-xNKcg--2MUTEQEnLAszsdGHCwSvyh0ukyQslr9St0n84i1mOlDjP-rbY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSrE3nlI4-cSJaiynB7O1zlhiv3ZGarVU8-ZQ3NM6rNqpBI3313JypJT_I0payJKZLJ3P8xpWrh7tqZKBEaCqQ8cuXXxMSvreZJ_ObJmkavn3P-oCY0sORGMhXkH64S8uGU-xNKcg--2MUTEQEnLAszsdGHCwSvyh0ukyQslr9St0n84i1mOlDjP-rbY" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">2 Corinthians 12:9 He said, "My Grace is all you need. My power works best in WEAKNESS.: So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, s that the power of Christ can work through me. </span></b></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">I know my weaknesses. I know my strengths; I have gotten very familiar with them. But if the Lord leads me into weakness, it teaches me to depend on Him. I can see those mountains ahead of me. The mountains that represent what I have already conquered. One step at a time. One mile at a time. I can see the mountain, but I want to experience the invisible. Faith to make it over them when my strength is gone. Faith to run when I am weak, when I am tired when I am at my weakest. </p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">I am stepping out in fear and in faith. That fear is what makes me tremble in self. But that FAITH is what conquers mountains! SO I am taking that leap of faith in full reliance on the one who created the mountains to carry me over them in victory! </p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">BIG SHOUT OUT to JAZZ and JOEL. Andy and I went camping over the weekend. We went to support our friends trying to qualify for Boston. Congrats to Jazz for qualifying and Joel for a PR of over 20 minutes!! Also Kathy M and Christina for also qualifying! Watching the grit of these athletes truly inspired me!!</span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCK2fMQbosPxOa-E0FJ4ID-xXx4OHXcHg6LCrd9jbvXEBjmvUHoRcvdBiAqjXV-ZmiOz0KZrjgh7Cmh9hU404lYLtXTn9H2bVE3W-UdkxYFzAEFe1gTJWEPaxncbTUBQom5pewUzPRYCL4s3UeQqtyxst93vAxxSFe-vgGQUE-KQSoCOF3ggqbUWf-clo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1570" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCK2fMQbosPxOa-E0FJ4ID-xXx4OHXcHg6LCrd9jbvXEBjmvUHoRcvdBiAqjXV-ZmiOz0KZrjgh7Cmh9hU404lYLtXTn9H2bVE3W-UdkxYFzAEFe1gTJWEPaxncbTUBQom5pewUzPRYCL4s3UeQqtyxst93vAxxSFe-vgGQUE-KQSoCOF3ggqbUWf-clo" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUR Crew: Will, Donny, Joel, Jazz, Erica, me and Andy!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />In Peace not Pieces, <br />Anita</p></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-53602373899620878932023-09-04T17:51:00.001-07:002023-09-04T17:51:12.825-07:00"Whoops...Whoops..." <div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMhm6RpACtYUb3wGuQY-Xd2lrS56ZsJTStCtaaFqs9BQx0xKrWjk8IPXZbueKC635r-x1t4dVZO8ZbiKDJRRYggRqutvR3FELvaJZEEUlQruD-HAbF4e1PVwRDhSgvh7tNQPEXKcs1UlavkzLJD6fetEm-ns_ARPlrrTNAhh7mydfTKF0o1TRhLBdUcXE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMhm6RpACtYUb3wGuQY-Xd2lrS56ZsJTStCtaaFqs9BQx0xKrWjk8IPXZbueKC635r-x1t4dVZO8ZbiKDJRRYggRqutvR3FELvaJZEEUlQruD-HAbF4e1PVwRDhSgvh7tNQPEXKcs1UlavkzLJD6fetEm-ns_ARPlrrTNAhh7mydfTKF0o1TRhLBdUcXE" width="180" /></a></div><br />Today, I worked half the day on what many people would get done in minutes. Numbers are not my thing. Even today on my run with Christina and Lynn we all found ourselves laughing at how our significant others enjoy numbers, but it is a place of torture for us. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been following Hal Koerners training plan for 50 miles, his plans I have followed since running Cloudsplitter in 2015. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIV6EpbICbObZLw8wRDVwSl0Xh3ycemDvPa6wurrquGkNnQ2dMbxxyucRfqc1KocLiZpx_5xK35EHcbIYplndl-sa5_JWca-AySH-SbBNiHgsG0x0EhtwdGoJBCMjL5NJFa4GMLG0xEso4tbFuShuMH9abuNvGzsYalwHSzy9owf1Cc54F6z7MOpnGWXc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIV6EpbICbObZLw8wRDVwSl0Xh3ycemDvPa6wurrquGkNnQ2dMbxxyucRfqc1KocLiZpx_5xK35EHcbIYplndl-sa5_JWca-AySH-SbBNiHgsG0x0EhtwdGoJBCMjL5NJFa4GMLG0xEso4tbFuShuMH9abuNvGzsYalwHSzy9owf1Cc54F6z7MOpnGWXc" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;">For Christmas Andy gifted me this book with a registration to Cloudsplitter 100k. </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This afternoon, I got out my pens, my highlighters, my old school running journal and began calculating and making my own little grid to add to Hals. I wanted to see how far off I was from his plan. </div><div style="text-align: left;">When I got all done calculating my miles and double checking with my Strava I was very satisfied with my training for Run Rabbit Run in 2 weeks. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pleased and proud of all my work I showed Andy. I handed him what I had been working on and stood back waiting for him to smile in approval and even praise me for my nerdy work! </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I waited...</div><div style="text-align: left;">And shivering with excitement I watched him intensely....</div><div style="text-align: left;">AND THEN...a smirk and a eyebrow raise...I smiled bigger and thought, "He thinks I am so cool"! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy studied it, realizing what I had been working on, he says, "hmm, WHOOPS, whoops...whoops..."</div><div style="text-align: left;">I giggled because the graph I gave him was 16 total weekly miles of Hal Koerner, then I added a column that showed my miles for that week. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I may have overshot a few weeks by a few miles BUT I didn't have very many weeks I was under milage. And even my under milage weeks were only missed by a few miles. Those were usually recovery weeks from my overage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9O-acSw1Z78DhiHzKZS26GT_ySomWV-1tpwqFSMSW60EB2TEutgtmlGHg-z2Szmh1cpIdR0MitJxxl79a9FSMGh3uYDct_arrLx3--LD4cjgz0Wz9oRTOOKPyyPUeXL0Cwo1Y98MXO_wWM6mQ-pyOCVDEs1fSUStQ4JgxJkgtORNisqhzD_bpiUGRK9o" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="485" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9O-acSw1Z78DhiHzKZS26GT_ySomWV-1tpwqFSMSW60EB2TEutgtmlGHg-z2Szmh1cpIdR0MitJxxl79a9FSMGh3uYDct_arrLx3--LD4cjgz0Wz9oRTOOKPyyPUeXL0Cwo1Y98MXO_wWM6mQ-pyOCVDEs1fSUStQ4JgxJkgtORNisqhzD_bpiUGRK9o=w243-h320" width="243" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the course of the last 16 weeks of training I have had several <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"WHOOPS".</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;">16 weeks of training for me has had its fair share of mishaps, misdirection's and even misjudgments. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I ran many miles with friends, and I ran many miles solo. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I ran happy, I ran sad, I ran angry, and I ran miles where I felt all those emotions in one run. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But one thing always remained, I RAN GRATEFUL. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>AFRAID: Fragments of my mind. </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji";"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to overcome some weakness I have. I had to face my fears and challenge myself to train them away. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I chose Run Rabbit Run because it frightened me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was afraid of the elevation. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was afraid of the terrain. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was afraid of the lack of oxygen in the air. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was afraid of the training. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was even afraid of my age and if my body would be strong enough to train my weaknesses. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But you become unstoppable when you conquer your weaknesses, your fears or anything that people cannot take away from you. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Your mindset, your character, your entire being. I can train my body to run all day long but if my mindset is not healthy my body will not overcome my fears, my insecurities, even my failures. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My fears didn't dissolve, they just no longer manage me! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Being Unstoppable.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #073763;">Run with your legs to be fast. Run with your mind to be faster. Run with your heart to be unstoppable. - Aalaynah Thompson</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">My greatest challenge is when my mind is turbulent. I cannot trust myself. But when we learn to weaponize our fear we can deal with it and overcome it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, I was able to run with 2 fearless ladies! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so excited to run with Christina and Lynn. These two ladies are more than just runners, they are incredible humans. We talked about some of our fears today with honestly and transparency. Sometimes it is scary to be so transparent, we bonded very quickly. </div><div style="text-align: left;">They are overcomers, and unstoppable. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCtS7e4xfrEiAT9GkQ9KV5gnOThRRzFydw2-zqeKxLhat70v_lez_4xczp_KRuRp4DD6zdxwbppoCEvz19l3aW0bO1Xz85qBHncsjRYGTR28zxnUTX8b_YnJMJB_ch_Lkoeuf60ha9yJfqxF1t-0DawViw1VCAYBbn3QsBz_GVjUB9ht7I9nv8I7n-NI8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCtS7e4xfrEiAT9GkQ9KV5gnOThRRzFydw2-zqeKxLhat70v_lez_4xczp_KRuRp4DD6zdxwbppoCEvz19l3aW0bO1Xz85qBHncsjRYGTR28zxnUTX8b_YnJMJB_ch_Lkoeuf60ha9yJfqxF1t-0DawViw1VCAYBbn3QsBz_GVjUB9ht7I9nv8I7n-NI8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana;">Conclusion: </span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: verdana;">"The Lord your God is in your mist, A mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you by His love.." Zeph 3:17</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether it is fear or failures, or whatever the fragments of my mind are. No matter what the training plan is or how I missed the mark I am reminded that in my limited abilities I am directed by the Lords LIMITLESS grace and love for me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace not Pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-45690904188989355672023-08-31T18:40:00.003-07:002023-08-31T18:40:45.456-07:00I GET TO BE.<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #596172; font-family: Nunito, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.7px; line-height: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 24px 25px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px 20px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: 1;">Never forget to express your gratitude for the gift of life. ― <strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: #242323; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-size-adjust: 100%; transition: all 300ms ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Debasish Mridha</strong></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLos7wtcCWnVJv6XRbMhPJuX-t2G0GsmAtJUyuBnR2wlUyXyqkqhQqHz6527t2zVtaOBXPXQmof1yfAstiQxqV7ZjlVkKCoWUomjDh136QfNQHCPCkG2_3zWrY5daVq1jTF0I0VhLwb_Z-Re4u4wS3JPwirqvW07p6vLao7akENI24R2wCcqyWmZRycmY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1570" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLos7wtcCWnVJv6XRbMhPJuX-t2G0GsmAtJUyuBnR2wlUyXyqkqhQqHz6527t2zVtaOBXPXQmof1yfAstiQxqV7ZjlVkKCoWUomjDh136QfNQHCPCkG2_3zWrY5daVq1jTF0I0VhLwb_Z-Re4u4wS3JPwirqvW07p6vLao7akENI24R2wCcqyWmZRycmY" width="320" /></a></div><br />I heard the quote, <b><span style="color: red;">"Life is meant for the living."</span></b> My initial reaction was confusion. I just wasn't sure what it meant. </div><div style="text-align: left;">4 years ago, I would line up The Crim, determined that cancer would NOT steal my streak and I would give everything I had to finish. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I ran that Crim 10 miler smiling the whole time. I cheered on the other runners; I ran it in my true Anita fashion. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But not 10 minutes in the car from Flint to Holly I was fully passed out. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Depleted. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Empty. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Wiped out. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It literally took every ounce of everything I had to give my very best. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicYv_Q5gJxHZeLfl9mDpxh1p7JwWToe5TyOhfg0Lk3imeDLQ8KcVBHH7ZERwgZfKiaSIfLatRzyW0rLhRjM3KLssq6UKMoMOUE9rli2iuuIn06_3PJABmt1FxodvJ0skbBWaIm4Hoz80tKYuLAS5zD6MpyjSPN1TYGKORQRSFhehJBCQ_QeaF2pQX97RA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicYv_Q5gJxHZeLfl9mDpxh1p7JwWToe5TyOhfg0Lk3imeDLQ8KcVBHH7ZERwgZfKiaSIfLatRzyW0rLhRjM3KLssq6UKMoMOUE9rli2iuuIn06_3PJABmt1FxodvJ0skbBWaIm4Hoz80tKYuLAS5zD6MpyjSPN1TYGKORQRSFhehJBCQ_QeaF2pQX97RA" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That was my lesson. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last Saturday, I showed up with my everything. I would be pacing the 10min/miler in a full-on clown costume. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVE </span></b>PEOPLE. I would shout, holler, cheer and encourage as many runners my little lungs and legs would allow. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I would line up REMINDED GOD gave me another CRIM. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsygcZ_my6oU2K8FH61pKlBuOBQfLzo0ETJ6EwI8LcxwbFO9XwzlYqL_N2mtaxTEv3hQ9rnVZWQodJw85AnfLCppuEoVfQl-U3-4ce0ILqhFvXteOczXfKnkZbW1dQrtN_JFI4sRoaQQ9Oynn64Kdj6uG4MI7wWc7qjsmKtJuELj2teraMYge61W81hhI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsygcZ_my6oU2K8FH61pKlBuOBQfLzo0ETJ6EwI8LcxwbFO9XwzlYqL_N2mtaxTEv3hQ9rnVZWQodJw85AnfLCppuEoVfQl-U3-4ce0ILqhFvXteOczXfKnkZbW1dQrtN_JFI4sRoaQQ9Oynn64Kdj6uG4MI7wWc7qjsmKtJuELj2teraMYge61W81hhI" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes our journey forward circles us back. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I had dove deep inside myself backtracking to 2019. Chemo didn't save me. Running didn't save me. My doctors didn't save me and my attitude didn't save me from DEATH. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The awful truth is, I should have died. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, all those things "HELPED" save me BUT truly it was THE LORD that saved me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He chose to give me breath. </div><div style="text-align: left;">EVERY day is a gift. A MORE valuable gift. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was more than just a shadow that humbled me to the real truth. The truth that I am living today because the LORD made a way when there was no way. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Because of HIS grace I have another breath. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Because of HIS mercy I get to be a mom, I get to be a wife, I get to feel happiness and I get to feel sorrow. I get to experience the good, the bad and the ugly. I get to BE....</div><div style="text-align: left;">I GET TO BE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I get the gift to LOVE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I get the gift to FORGIVE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I get the gift to LEARN. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I get the gift to GROW. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AND I get the gift to RUN. I got to run Saturday because the LORD healed me 4 years ago. I was given a second chance on life. </div><div style="text-align: left;">EVERYTHING from HIS healing, from HIS grace, from HIS mercy, from HIS redemption is a GIFT.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is HIS gift to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I GET TO BE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am not aimlessly wandering. I am pursing life as a gift. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I GET TO BE. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I AM HIS. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">"Know that the LORD, He is GOD! It is He who made us, and we are His, We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." Psalm 100:3</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>HIS PURPOSE.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><b>And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My life is God's gift to me. I want to live it for HIM. I choose JOY. This does not mean everything is hunky dory, this doesn't mean I don't have bad days, emotional days, days I fall on my face, moments I fail, times I lose my testimony, it just means I am TRYING really hard to embrace the Gift He has given me to live life for Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;">With Love. </div><div style="text-align: left;">With Gratitude. </div><div style="text-align: left;">With Humility. </div><div style="text-align: left;">With JOY. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">RUNDOWN:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Training program had me at 57miles for last week- I DID 56. with 4200 feet of elevation.</li><li>This weeks the plan is 50miles- I am currently at 34 miles for week 3,500 feet of elevation. </li><li>T-15 days for Run Rabbit Run 50m </li><li>Tapering is showing lil aches and pains, knee tweaks, piriformis, and even ITband. </li><li>I have been running trails about 75% of my runs to prepare for Colorado. </li><li>I will quit running trails next week to prevent injury before the race. </li></ul><div>In closing, I am so thankful the Lord has given me the strength, healed me and set my feet back to race and run. </div><div>I am humbled that He loves this little ragamuffin so much he gave me another breath. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Peace, Not Pieces,</div><div>Anita</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-67091256428658801312023-08-21T18:59:00.005-07:002023-08-21T19:09:47.190-07:00Mostly Dead, but slightly alive<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"> "Most dead, but slightly alive." The Princess Bride</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"></span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_bRf0yyHFtJESxo7LwDskPhTVy5aahRO-aH3d6ssNro_O_vU8zs3Hr1dRQDjreXVSw9Xmn6d2DGSIBuwRmG9_tqGriTe9nCKDAnf-m0Qxlf5g9t58b5z5s87lhMEWGF8sdv7rGh4WS6rHzEysQ9uqDLGAwMZpag4OgYY747Gq4aVl1evkKQNyZClktB0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_bRf0yyHFtJESxo7LwDskPhTVy5aahRO-aH3d6ssNro_O_vU8zs3Hr1dRQDjreXVSw9Xmn6d2DGSIBuwRmG9_tqGriTe9nCKDAnf-m0Qxlf5g9t58b5z5s87lhMEWGF8sdv7rGh4WS6rHzEysQ9uqDLGAwMZpag4OgYY747Gq4aVl1evkKQNyZClktB0" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Silliness and suffering. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">A little more than 3 weeks away from my 50 miler in Colorado. I was supposed to start my taper last week but after adding up my miles Sunday realized I failed miserably. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My ultra training plan had me running 57 miles. I ran 90. OOPS. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: red;">HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN??</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If someone told me I would be running 90 miles I would have panicked.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But when I take one day at a time, one run at a time and just live in the moment I am free to feel the feels THERE. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But if I think too far ahead, I get anxiety, or the feeling of being overwhelmed and even scared, I will take those feelings into a run that has not even happened yet, sabotaging tomorrow's victories. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's like the saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." </div><div style="text-align: left;">Staying positive and embracing the run that I am in allows me to NOT dread my runs, I get excited to suffer in a weird way!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently, I had almost 60 miles before I entered my girls weekend a few days ago.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I planned a night 50K with the girls for a training run. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AIRHEAD Anita MOMENT. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPh5ukQciwGq8Kb-EUq6xB3bQrp0RIbvcUBKRWNNi5O84TvRzOCmtuR7_7qKnxoxSK49av4WE1SJbhPpc9v185_tQ09IQ6enGaBk5oA7ZGF5tVFytD62eBQ4cUiQxC02pL707Q48MB6fuBN4InC8f--8l0KksvjoyT2pKOoNPPchUtcNd4OpuqR3UWtnw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPh5ukQciwGq8Kb-EUq6xB3bQrp0RIbvcUBKRWNNi5O84TvRzOCmtuR7_7qKnxoxSK49av4WE1SJbhPpc9v185_tQ09IQ6enGaBk5oA7ZGF5tVFytD62eBQ4cUiQxC02pL707Q48MB6fuBN4InC8f--8l0KksvjoyT2pKOoNPPchUtcNd4OpuqR3UWtnw" width="180" /></a></div><br /></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sarah planned a 12 mile route to run 3 times. If you add these numbers up you will know that is 36 miles NOT 31 miles which makes a 50K. But we didn't put that together until the 2nd loop. </div><div style="text-align: left;">5 of us girls took off at 9:50 pm, it seemed like a good idea when I planned it, however within a few miles I was not feeling so confident. </div><div style="text-align: left;">On that first loop, we had laughed so much that I had to pee 3 times and in those 3 times unbeknownst to me I LOST my phone! </div><div style="text-align: left;">When we came into change, eat and go again, my heart crumbled. I reached for my phone and the pocket was EMPTY. I thought I was going to throw up. It was as dark as the ace of spades, and I had NO idea where I lost my phone. It was midnight, I was using someone else's phone to call Andy to have him try and locate my phone. My phone was going directly to voicemail and Andy answered the phone expecting someone to tell him his wife was in the hospital. After calming him down, he said my phone was last pinged at 11:05 but he couldn't locate it but within a 7 mile radius. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was sick.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We took off for the second loop and I didn't even realize my legs were exhausted. I didn't realize my heart was beating out of my chest, I didn't realize a lot of my misery, fear included. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Erica was confident she knew where it was. All I could do was pray and feel guilty for my lack of faith. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We <b>had </b>came across these reflectors at the 3-4 mile mark, they were actually hanging CD's in the trees. I thought they were cool and on the first loop stopped to take a picture and go pee, this is where the girls were convinced I lost my phone, but this was not in that radius. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Erica sees the CD's hanging and picked up her pace to find my phone, and low and behold there was my phone! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvy8i1BOL6jPlyhBL0r0MEtK0gd0Q7p1VrwDq3i-e0N7BnaSX4Ks9b4tbezF8W8FMyRMr7H0m6KYJL_G4cawmpkAdgd5hhZTzxU-MFcA63oCKyOaz3GB10lqHoLR-rhEIKqwbg2NGitvsD3VInM5etFWmqU3neeN9fm25GRUQRm6KTCUjQxACRot4mEF4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvy8i1BOL6jPlyhBL0r0MEtK0gd0Q7p1VrwDq3i-e0N7BnaSX4Ks9b4tbezF8W8FMyRMr7H0m6KYJL_G4cawmpkAdgd5hhZTzxU-MFcA63oCKyOaz3GB10lqHoLR-rhEIKqwbg2NGitvsD3VInM5etFWmqU3neeN9fm25GRUQRm6KTCUjQxACRot4mEF4" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so thankful I just sat on the ground and thanked the good Lord. </div><div style="text-align: left;">As we moved closer to mile 15, I was doing the math on our loops and verbalized my math. We were all rather excited, it was like we had 6 free miles! </div><div style="text-align: left;">We finished our 31mile run around 4am. We were all tired, sore and HUNGRY! </div><div style="text-align: left;">We felt dead, but slightly alive and ready to finish out our night with APPLE PIE! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I had made an apple pie and that is what <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDi_YINnjLntoPY2jHVBnH8-cOJBG_fujVZQCXXTTkZ3Jn0dBTFHHu8C0uWXl73buTebXUmZqXqtNKTKgx_k87L2TK7pOZHhcea49WKBxh6vCwaIs_kCSZQp21f1cnQXAi8pdTkKopMlnaUSX9J7z4B5ilY7s0-XXe9mEF9GulI3leyQQcoHwzolOPCjE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDi_YINnjLntoPY2jHVBnH8-cOJBG_fujVZQCXXTTkZ3Jn0dBTFHHu8C0uWXl73buTebXUmZqXqtNKTKgx_k87L2TK7pOZHhcea49WKBxh6vCwaIs_kCSZQp21f1cnQXAi8pdTkKopMlnaUSX9J7z4B5ilY7s0-XXe9mEF9GulI3leyQQcoHwzolOPCjE" width="180" /></a></div><br />drove our last miles back to the cabin! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>"MOSTLY DEAD, but Slightly ALIVE." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghQMh72dJ6IiGYR2j9uzP_f4bglAGIPk92bcS8m1FAyMb3CktcWyQSRg5TIWDMW8e27kAylfsd3dgsKCa9ysznmxmOXbxza6T1ZfW_GNQMI2ikqOa-QCMLozvo94p0hepUyyutVjXLx2ay_UocwMcZ0CpPPoBVns6T9DzTVE6fZ-Cocyeu5J3hceQ-RWs" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghQMh72dJ6IiGYR2j9uzP_f4bglAGIPk92bcS8m1FAyMb3CktcWyQSRg5TIWDMW8e27kAylfsd3dgsKCa9ysznmxmOXbxza6T1ZfW_GNQMI2ikqOa-QCMLozvo94p0hepUyyutVjXLx2ay_UocwMcZ0CpPPoBVns6T9DzTVE6fZ-Cocyeu5J3hceQ-RWs" width="180" /></a></div><br /></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was how I felt at 5am when I finally fell asleep. </div><div style="text-align: left;">This is how I felt at 9am when I woke up searching for the coffee pot. </div><div style="text-align: left;">90 miles and over 6000 feet of elevation for the week can really beat you up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was reminded not to trust the way I saw myself when my mind was turbulent. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pain is temporary, be gentle with yourself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I had several miles in that 50K that I was struggling and couldn't put my finger on why, I would later figure out it was because I had overtrained for the week. And with that "slightly alive" feeling I can hold fast to faith, gratitude, and hope. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Faith the Lord will make a way. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Gratitude that He took care of me this far more that I could ever imagine. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope that I will continue to persevere. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Rundown: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though my body is ready for recovery and rest I am different shades of HAPPY! </div><div style="text-align: left;">LET THE TAPER BEGIN!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">This week I only need 57 miles. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is going to be GLORIOUS!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">OH... and I Hennipen here we go to pace a friend this October....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peace, Not pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita~</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-58492524669535373852023-08-14T18:12:00.002-07:002023-08-14T18:57:59.327-07:00Keep Fighting<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdbAYc0c3GWHf_3_4ps7Ud0nA7B9dblWtQCVYmy-BHjHKmaZRAk7xZlVDVZpnvkjM3Gv0WHEBIsOK8al9F25ufrNbKRcx1ZP1IotPMkIhPLWPP6KRzqJxe_lkAde3V-CHom59gw_5AMmIFLMiy0AZ3SvMgPMqFBxd_njNIWyq7gKL_DdUW4BzX8lj2d3s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdbAYc0c3GWHf_3_4ps7Ud0nA7B9dblWtQCVYmy-BHjHKmaZRAk7xZlVDVZpnvkjM3Gv0WHEBIsOK8al9F25ufrNbKRcx1ZP1IotPMkIhPLWPP6KRzqJxe_lkAde3V-CHom59gw_5AMmIFLMiy0AZ3SvMgPMqFBxd_njNIWyq7gKL_DdUW4BzX8lj2d3s" width="180" /></a></div><span face="-apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>1st Timothy 6:12: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."</b></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes I get a little cocky, its probably my Napolean complex. I was coming down a nasty descend that was washed out when my smile was wiped off my face. With almost 10 miles in, I was bee bobbing down the trail acting all foot loose and fancy. Confident but cautious I was dodging the roots and skipping over the rocks when my toes connected with a rock. Everything happened so fast, a million thoughts run through your brain when you know your in crisis. FEAR was the overwhelming emotion and prayer, a million prayers in a split second. I landed in a THUMP, the earth shook, my right shoulder skidded across the dirty path, I threw that right arm out to protect my head from the rock in the middle of the trail I was landing towards. I managed to twist my body quick enough and did a head plant in the soft black dirt missing the rock by inches. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I laid in the dirt trying to collect my thoughts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I felt myself covered in dirt, in my hair, in my nails, in my pack, my shoulder was bleeding, my knee lost some layers of skin, but nothing hurt! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I had a quirky smile with dirt all over my face in TOTAL gratitude. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I stood up expecting something to be broken or injured other than my pride of course. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And laughed, "LORD, thank YOU!" I said over and over as I looked at the catastrophe that should have happened. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was a little timid to continue running down that section of washed-out trail. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Go, Anita, wipe yourself off and go with confidence, the Lord continues to protect you, keep fighting..." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><u>"KEEP FIGHTING" </u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We are not defined by our circumstances. </li><li>We are not defined by what OTHERS say about us. </li><li>We are not defined by our past. </li><li>We are not defined by our failures, our mistakes, our mishaps or our misfortunes. </li><li>We are not defined by our name. </li><li>We are not defined by our age. </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I REFUSE to allow myself to be a quitter. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I will get busted up and bruised but I am not a quitter. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have had both godly people and ungodly people attempt to "break me" so I could experience a "break through".</div><div style="text-align: left;">The tears might look like I was broke but the LORD protects and redeems. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether you feel physically or emotionally burdened you have to keep fighting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have all been broken and bruised especially on this side of eternity. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But we have to keep FIGHTING. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I picked myself up and told myself to NOT give up!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Life is going to want to keep you down, dust off the dirt and keep fighting. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't ALLOW people or circumstances to get the best of you, you are <b>not </b>a victim, you are a OVERCOMER. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't allow the family history of addiction to own me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't allow being parentless at 18 to make me a victim. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't listen to the doctors tell me multiple times to quit running after multiple surgeries. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't quit running when I got breast cancer and went through chemo, radiation and several surgeries. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't QUIT believing God loved me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I never QUIT on GOD. I knew despite my unfortunate circumstances God still loved me and was doing "Great and mighty" things "IN" me - in the miry pit. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">You are NOT a Victim, get up and FIGHT! Don't give up!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFvpIQiR-OcaPeiAvBquLyjbegFHQmAi96h7a2_FHA-nQMJprxdDLB54-SoDtLY5ObJMpaKloIgWS2bVRQEiVW34VhiCkB_T2zvUXCUiraFIlpqtcSMrqUftDdFHU17-2yFc7ngz5ulH1P7bPkwtMQhDEi5rBlAU8JMbyt2ul4eh8FR_GqrpQFLPtTu8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFvpIQiR-OcaPeiAvBquLyjbegFHQmAi96h7a2_FHA-nQMJprxdDLB54-SoDtLY5ObJMpaKloIgWS2bVRQEiVW34VhiCkB_T2zvUXCUiraFIlpqtcSMrqUftDdFHU17-2yFc7ngz5ulH1P7bPkwtMQhDEi5rBlAU8JMbyt2ul4eh8FR_GqrpQFLPtTu8" width="227" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">"<span style="font-family: arial;">You gotta get bruised</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>before you get mad</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>You gotta fall down before you fight back</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>Was feeling so weak</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>But baby I'm strong</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>Little did I know</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>I'm a Champion</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b>I'm a Champion." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: arial;"><b><u>Biship Briggs</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"> "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Ex. 14:14</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pick your battles. You don't have to go to every argument your invited to. Sometimes the greatest fight is the one in ourselves. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep fighting to be a better you. Let people say what they want about you. Let it GO. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #073763; font-family: verdana;">RUNDOWN</span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguct6lUnLORVSpTf6yiiZcpiRbfkRRdnAtpgBMuaS9Nkg8Bo0JGtXONOg_XOX0jCkHgAY2ssE-0AFsQiJ6kAY9FMGbt8XgoVxGIKUj3rS0E4JX8L4kMDde1qA6hBJ9g2HWUyye3TynF6uVdM8Qj9i_E_3CKais7pR-iX-0xPv19NX_-Xk2gA6sCXXN8GY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguct6lUnLORVSpTf6yiiZcpiRbfkRRdnAtpgBMuaS9Nkg8Bo0JGtXONOg_XOX0jCkHgAY2ssE-0AFsQiJ6kAY9FMGbt8XgoVxGIKUj3rS0E4JX8L4kMDde1qA6hBJ9g2HWUyye3TynF6uVdM8Qj9i_E_3CKais7pR-iX-0xPv19NX_-Xk2gA6sCXXN8GY" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">T- 32 DAYS until RUN RABBIT RUN 50 miler. As I look at my training plan, I find myself getting more and more excited. Last week, I had a stepdown week in miles but a step up week in ELEVATION!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This 10 mile marker had "fell down", I had to laugh because I was totally relating! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I ran in 3 parks the last 3 days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Trail running isn't fast running, but I am not training for speed, I am training for endurance and strength. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The trails have been washed out, buggy and humid. I have chosen to run some of the harder trails for stronger training. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have ran in the middle of the heat to prepare for the heat of Colorado. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The best way to prepare for the elements and terrain of Colorado is to suffer in the closest conditions I have here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>Last week:</u></b> 62 miles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>Elevation:</b></u> 6000 feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Trails, Highland Recreation, Independence Oaks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Joshua 1:9,</span> </b></span><b style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Have I not commanded you? <a href="https://www.jollynotes.com/bible-verses/be-strong-and-courageous-bible-scriptures-be-strong-and-very-courageous/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, background-color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Be strong and courageous</a>. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.</b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>In Peace, Not pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita</div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-61242062421489047262023-08-10T18:27:00.000-07:002023-08-10T18:27:01.721-07:00From Wilderness to Wilderness<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">"Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." Psalms 103:5</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe I like the woods because it is hidden. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe I like the woods because it is quiet, it is serene, it is concealed, it is secluded. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am more confident in the confinement of nature; I can hear myself think more clearly and I can hear the Lord whisper to me in the silence. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is a place of rescue and a place of reassurance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With less than 40 days until Run Rabbit Run 50miler, I am now revisiting my training over the last 8 months. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I have put in over 2000 miles. </li><li>Accomplished at least a race a month. </li><li>Managed to stay injury free.</li><li>Maintained at least 50 miles a week.</li><li>Focused on elevation more than ever. </li><li>And managed my running and not let my running MANAGE me. </li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpb9KFCRHihSnHUBh11TkwcoYsVCG60kyGNhM6PsEbqCXXbCFaIaz5QHjkcCy-0sIcKIasku6PzQt7f1rSa4HqgMfN78OrFBlZRFei9Uk84N9J011r8eqejkOp1YwuRqK93zEOmYxO9uOlYzvBXFIiAt4BZZvPxYlLL1DGMMVho1auox-ZDbHFLZbtDuY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpb9KFCRHihSnHUBh11TkwcoYsVCG60kyGNhM6PsEbqCXXbCFaIaz5QHjkcCy-0sIcKIasku6PzQt7f1rSa4HqgMfN78OrFBlZRFei9Uk84N9J011r8eqejkOp1YwuRqK93zEOmYxO9uOlYzvBXFIiAt4BZZvPxYlLL1DGMMVho1auox-ZDbHFLZbtDuY" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The crew going out to Colorado for Run Rabbit Run. We did a training run at Independance Sunday after church. </i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have put in all the work I can without being overworked. I am a wife. I am a mom. I have work, responsibilities, friends, family and my relationship with the Lord. There has to be proper order. While I LOVE running and racing, it is what I LOVE but it is NOT who I am. </div><div>Maintaining balance comes down to THIS: MY FAITH over FEAR. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHFIufBPRqBMxjeSoGbSnY_EfAQb-HLvL0wKcpftn593pdVwA38luKKlIfd9mUbO41cEVAsIXDWpikF8dNKlKbIZ-Fs7gNhBWW47JgamAixKYUZN-c52Dop689OUg6zF4IC7tl47bwwcwbxUdF9uNo_4u-q4x_oo6KsXZplFiLTje9Pp5zNN85EV167Ro" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHFIufBPRqBMxjeSoGbSnY_EfAQb-HLvL0wKcpftn593pdVwA38luKKlIfd9mUbO41cEVAsIXDWpikF8dNKlKbIZ-Fs7gNhBWW47JgamAixKYUZN-c52Dop689OUg6zF4IC7tl47bwwcwbxUdF9uNo_4u-q4x_oo6KsXZplFiLTje9Pp5zNN85EV167Ro" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><b><u><span style="color: #274e13;">FAITH OVER FEAR</span></u></b></div><div>When I am out of balance, I am living out of fear that fear drives me to change the order of things. When I am fearful, I will put my faith on the bottom and try to control my outcome. I will find myself putting running in front of everything else not trusting God for His outcome. </div><div>I will operate in my strength, in my stamina, in my goals and in my plan not trusting God for His plan in the gift He has given me. </div><div><br /></div><div>With my "A" race fast approaching I am recollecting my training with PEACE. </div><div>I have had my doubts in my training the past several months. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKJ_Cqv4yn9VNJAeaCQSNgVDTQQpZN61fQtcNYan9Ce-ec-yp3FAd7PG8Kwi8sRQc40Fy5uaIPbELurA6o6GzVtLzKKv-H3vtbM7A-xQBev5tttVfgKXHiHel4IM9fH_SzfyqfiqKzD_ga1lT82oy9lli23vxk9XjXCjHu0FvJlFAp5ZLShpbCjlzVdQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="550" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKJ_Cqv4yn9VNJAeaCQSNgVDTQQpZN61fQtcNYan9Ce-ec-yp3FAd7PG8Kwi8sRQc40Fy5uaIPbELurA6o6GzVtLzKKv-H3vtbM7A-xQBev5tttVfgKXHiHel4IM9fH_SzfyqfiqKzD_ga1lT82oy9lli23vxk9XjXCjHu0FvJlFAp5ZLShpbCjlzVdQw" width="225" /></a></div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Getting lost at Highball to Thurmond</li><li>Getting older, 49 is quickly vanishing. </li><li>My body is getting older, and recovery is getting slower.</li><li>My fast pace is no longer achievable. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrW8aFt9hz_jBb5cIuuvfiMqCY5vQVflZQvWtTPqaXoXFUWb8sMZ1yHah6Fq-uu5zRXalucjRQreB4bGN5Sc7Lxcrlw4mnXNkr-qhV8_TjxCG_GkDx0CKC9jP5X8fyNn4CFTtTNZ8Z0xd39J76LFGSqP2reRYWW5Wjca5MW6Zy_mkMtqK0Mj3Gy-nAo5k" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrW8aFt9hz_jBb5cIuuvfiMqCY5vQVflZQvWtTPqaXoXFUWb8sMZ1yHah6Fq-uu5zRXalucjRQreB4bGN5Sc7Lxcrlw4mnXNkr-qhV8_TjxCG_GkDx0CKC9jP5X8fyNn4CFTtTNZ8Z0xd39J76LFGSqP2reRYWW5Wjca5MW6Zy_mkMtqK0Mj3Gy-nAo5k" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Danielle, Mark, Joe out at Highland Rec today.17 miles and over 2,100 feet of elevation. </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></li></ul><div>I am so GRATEFUL the Lord remembers our faith and not our doubts. </div><div>Situations and circumstances can dilute our faith leaving us watered down with doubt. </div><div>BUT the Lord rebuilds our doubts, strengthening our faith when we faithfully seek Him. </div><div>Life will distract and derail us when we let FEAR drive us. </div><div>BUT when we LET go in FAITH; that is when our spirit finds PEACE in the wilderness of doubt and fear, then we can pick up our tent and move out!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><u>Renewed from Fear</u></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are many stories in the bible where men of God ran to the wilderness. Fear took them in a direction of hiding. David ran with fear from Saul. Saul once his mentor, once his encourager, once a man that David looked up to, suddenly became his enemy. Saul became his pursuer chasing David from wilderness to wilderness and cave to cave. David struggled with doubt, but the Lord renewed him through his faith. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Psalm 103 is a praise for the Lords Mercies written by David. </u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">103:2 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">3. Who pardons all your iniquities, </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Who heals all your diseases;</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">4. Who redeems your life from the pit,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">5. Who satisfies your years with good things, </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">So that your youth is renewed like the eagle." </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eagles live long and mysterious lives, they are a symbol of strength and speed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord renews me, taking my fears and my doubts. He draws me out from Wilderness to Wilderness </div><div style="text-align: left;">and from Cave to Cave. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And He wants to do the same for you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bless the Lord, O my soul. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In peace, not Pieces, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anita~</div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-84880741124880911222023-07-31T18:24:00.003-07:002023-07-31T18:49:36.964-07:00Good Training. <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: arial;">"You may want something beautiful and fear it at the same time, you may find it both beautiful and ugly."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: arial;">Tristine Rainer</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmGkZj-Yn3qlaoxMf5hmtlwlRiCpKvlT4SfU0jcjQrVW1xDQr15tYspuqjjM07o_u1mYXUnJZoAoG5uUhvHEO6PQ9CkT-Jv46hKfRL_Wv5gnAnQbdrs40p-iNmUjZ1k-NRTHHisRsuciQbHDzQeIYj47bPEuGTfQsy5-3OrqBIFvbNvM9XUEa-n1RStD4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmGkZj-Yn3qlaoxMf5hmtlwlRiCpKvlT4SfU0jcjQrVW1xDQr15tYspuqjjM07o_u1mYXUnJZoAoG5uUhvHEO6PQ9CkT-Jv46hKfRL_Wv5gnAnQbdrs40p-iNmUjZ1k-NRTHHisRsuciQbHDzQeIYj47bPEuGTfQsy5-3OrqBIFvbNvM9XUEa-n1RStD4" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have these thoughts of adventure, exhilarating, and frightful all wound up together. Races in different places. I love the things that make me tremble, the dreams right on the edge of brilliance and foolishness. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy always says that it has something to do with my childhood. I am sure he is right, growing up with addiction your adrenaline is pumping pretty high. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And while I don't drink or smoke or toke, I do love the temptations of fear and failure that adrenalin can birth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Run Rabbit run is now less than 7 weeks away. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am feeling pretty healthy physically, and more confident in my training after this week. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Total miles July 24-30th</div><div style="text-align: left;">Total miles: 76.02</div><div style="text-align: left;">Time: 14H 24min</div><div style="text-align: left;">Elevation: 4,200</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>75K: "It's Good Training</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This week the trails have been overtaken with bugs, the humidity has been as thick as snot and the rain has wreaked havoc on the trails. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But its all "good training". Learning to suffer gives you both experience and tolerance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A friend of mine was doing a 50K up north and also running a 25K.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was running the same 25K and looking for a 50K. I opted to just run local. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My running partner created a 15.5 mile loop. We invited everyone in our running group for our epic "Groveland Grit 50k". I arrived at 6:32am, a couple minutes late and laughing when I didn't see any other cars but ours and a whole lot of rain. </div><div style="text-align: left;">No Takers. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"It's good training" I said at some point of our run. </div><div style="text-align: left;">"You think everything is 'Good Training" was the response. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: red;">Groveland Grit 50K</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: underline;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHqEv_WI30_P5ctduk6p7ddp7duU7R3SR_Z0XEvExCyUUurtw2WX4E70-JR4YZForl-k6JalqOjq1hpW0bEOHyTMG327zcw_JDO6iMUdLiTKqBgT0SUv7df9I4TcixGiPgtxR8hj-0lGHkKMSoaGYtzj-ajZE2U1PiZNm9VnooPwx8HUJ5x4G14EQYAWI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHqEv_WI30_P5ctduk6p7ddp7duU7R3SR_Z0XEvExCyUUurtw2WX4E70-JR4YZForl-k6JalqOjq1hpW0bEOHyTMG327zcw_JDO6iMUdLiTKqBgT0SUv7df9I4TcixGiPgtxR8hj-0lGHkKMSoaGYtzj-ajZE2U1PiZNm9VnooPwx8HUJ5x4G14EQYAWI" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;">I started training with BABY FOOD a few weeks ago! I showed it to a friend of mine, Sarah and she even tried it for her 50K. I am a real food runner; I don't do a lot of gu's. I prefer whole foods and this had fruit, yogurt and chia in it. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Truth is I think suffering is good training and that is what I did. It rained on us for almost 3 hours. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My running partner killed over 30 bugs. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy road his bike to run with us and changed his mind it was so nasty out. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I fell 2 times in 3 miles and 3 times in 5 miles, giving a lot of concern to what the next 25 miles would look like. At that rate, I would have body parts in the woods and would need to borrow Andys helmet to run in to protect my brain, that I am pretty sure wasn't working right in the first place. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Regardless, we finished, 31 miles with over 3,600 ft of elevation. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Most people might chill out and put their feet up in order to do it again at 8:30 that night. Me, well, I wasn't passing up the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon with my daughter in love. It was a active recovery before I had to lace up my shoes again. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>Red Moon Run 25K</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This would be my FIRST race I ever ran in a PROM DRESS! Sarah and I decided since we both ran a 50K we would just have fun at the 25K. She stopped at a Goodwill and for 10$ found us both prom dresses! </div><div style="text-align: left;">We did it and even smiled crossing the finish!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0w2ye7F0mp7oGxF8Ujb7vVtQyeQKassDwqeUqp3lfgDUK5AVux3FWBWiFSbR3Cbbt_5DBLk7yL5WnIliGidVZWcx3BDHTqPGt8J6OCqbhfi9wx4gUwPAZoNH5QpTmDbg_AgensmNCsY7LXT_DSbpHo9G_wXpsuccXTdoW7kOL6wbFX5hfOINxlkkNt1g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0w2ye7F0mp7oGxF8Ujb7vVtQyeQKassDwqeUqp3lfgDUK5AVux3FWBWiFSbR3Cbbt_5DBLk7yL5WnIliGidVZWcx3BDHTqPGt8J6OCqbhfi9wx4gUwPAZoNH5QpTmDbg_AgensmNCsY7LXT_DSbpHo9G_wXpsuccXTdoW7kOL6wbFX5hfOINxlkkNt1g" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>RUNDOWN:</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #23221f; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f; font-family: inherit;">This scripture is in a chapter of Hebrew labeled "The Race for Faith". I have found great </span><span style="color: #23221f;">encouragement from the words in this chapter. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">The scripture in context is referring to the discipline of the Lord. Discipline is for our good. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">When the morning started for my 50K, I went to the Lord in prayer. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">When I finished, even though I was scraped up, bitten up, sore and tired I went to the Lord in prayer, with thanksgiving and humility. He still kept me strong and steadfast. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">When the National Anthem played right before the race that evening, I went to the Lord again in prayer. First with gratitude, then asking the Lord to help me persevere with strength and endurance. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">"It's Good Training." Yes, I was hurting, and it didn't exactly feel-good winding my wobble sticks up again, but I knew I needed it for my training. And I knew it would prove itself beneficial for Run Rabbit Run. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">Life is like this. Life doesn't always feel good. We are all training in life. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">Life "entangles" us. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">Life has hostility, hurts, and hang-ups. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;">But detouring from some of life's pains doesn't teach us to rely on the Lord. When I fully rely on the Lord to walk me through the fires of life it doesn't feel good, but I can count it all<b><i> joy that I am suffering. (James 1:2-8)</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: arial;"> "You may want something beautiful and fear it at the same time, you may find it both beautiful and ugly."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">For every pain I have felt, for every good idea gone bad, for every tear shed, for all the sweat, suffering and struggles I have endured it is all Good Training. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is all part of the risk of living. Because Life is Meant for the Living. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">In Peace, not Pieces, </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Anita</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #23221f;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-80338370445889210422023-07-24T18:27:00.001-07:002023-07-24T18:27:17.133-07:00Keeping up NOT Competing<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana;"> "We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong, the amount of work is the same." Carlos Castandeta</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSaj2uyl3Ys8WI-yjat7FePV2Ro66ZDTz2sIbbVazRdhfZqOJG6LBccsSsqgp05DTpOCOX1fZNFGnzF7kALkpg0OIzr1ldsVcutIXmPsUaKApAlhR3mnJB6p1gGt2_5O9M7OJbVmXuIScSNabXktpdHLvNjkMNDi5f5uLzlFIYE5CjiZA2WXDmQBaXU04"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSaj2uyl3Ys8WI-yjat7FePV2Ro66ZDTz2sIbbVazRdhfZqOJG6LBccsSsqgp05DTpOCOX1fZNFGnzF7kALkpg0OIzr1ldsVcutIXmPsUaKApAlhR3mnJB6p1gGt2_5O9M7OJbVmXuIScSNabXktpdHLvNjkMNDi5f5uLzlFIYE5CjiZA2WXDmQBaXU04" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Us four standing up all cheering for Amanda at Ode. <br /></b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few more than 50 days till Run Rabbit 50 miler. I am approaching peak week here shortly, consisting of even more miles, more sweat and more suffering. </div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the time when training and life become a balancing act. Life doesn't get any easier at 49 trying to juggle work, training, family, and daily adulting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The problem with 49 is that I am working harder to just maintain my level of fitness and still dream BIG. At 49 seeing "gains" is a place I can journey as long as I lift the requirements I had in my yesterdays. </div><div style="text-align: left;">At 49, I have to be more intentional about my recovery, both in rest and nutrition. </div><div style="text-align: left;">At 49, I have to embrace my training with contentment. Finding joy even when I miss the mark. </div><div style="text-align: left;">At 49, I have to learn to give myself more grace on my runs. I am learning to let go of being so hyper focused on my pace and learning to let those numbers go. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh04qBq8imIrm0yo1nl5pZuI4KA2OLYJQastokhkFhpikUn6VfPPSFr5wrr2TA6ORdR7rU23MbE46PGhrJ2TMolcWXrdollF7wqT49FRwwR2cxr3IGEC3zR_ARelFvcKjUDV_hMPykjRKVuS-PM5mUmR4rpsZRkyDhmo2Zva6IOB2jOeravM3r2oVlC2Rk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh04qBq8imIrm0yo1nl5pZuI4KA2OLYJQastokhkFhpikUn6VfPPSFr5wrr2TA6ORdR7rU23MbE46PGhrJ2TMolcWXrdollF7wqT49FRwwR2cxr3IGEC3zR_ARelFvcKjUDV_hMPykjRKVuS-PM5mUmR4rpsZRkyDhmo2Zva6IOB2jOeravM3r2oVlC2Rk" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend, Andy and I were at Holly Rec camping, volunteering and running. One morning we slept in and didn't start our run until late morning. By the time we started we were already sweating just from tying our shoes! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy wanted 8-10 miles but of course all I heard was 10 MILES! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am sure we were both dehydrated BEFORE we started running. On average a man should be getting about 15 cups of water a day and women are recommended about 11.5 cups and the truth is the only way I really like my water is with coffee beans in it! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy and I were more prepared for our run carrying hydrations vest and salt tabs along with nutrition. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The sweat quickly soaked our clothes and mentally began playing head games with us. It is so easy to beat yourself up when you feel miserable and are struggling. Learning to crash the chatter of negativity and give yourself grace is where running in the heat makes all the difference. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">"In THE HEAT of the Moment"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">RUNNING your perceived effort is where your attention needs to be not your pace or your milage. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is said "When the temperatures climb your pace shouldn't." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana;">5 tips for running in the heat:</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>It takes 10-15 days to acclimate to the heat</li><li>Wear light colored clothing</li><li>It is normal for your heart rate to spike as our bodies are trying not to overheat, allow yourself about 10% pace drop in the heat. </li><li>Run early or run late</li><li>Hit the trails! The temperatures are always cooler in the woods!</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a catcus but you don't have to sit on it." Joyce Meyer</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>All the tips in the world can be given to you but it's what you entertain between your ears. I continued to encourage Andy as we fought for each mile and tried to convince him how good he was doing in the heat. But the bottom line is-we were SUFFERING. </div><div>I am at that point in life I am just trying to KEEP UP. I am not trying to break any records and I am not trying to get myself BROKEN. </div><div>With Run Rabbit approaching I am trying to find a balance with even my suffering!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbVZ417DtU5kSDNvY-pRDJQoIw2rx0U7CoqQ0I8CKzego5tygl08_wnkMBf8csE4Ije_3VHfuPCugUtYQkceGUoqap1WiF9F3zpCRLNHkUW-TmPEj0JxExKxwsUB4u1_k42vyq8IiunlE5q2jaTEU7-N6N8Dax38EyJ1mcgo0aRQNxU26S8_0OylQl8WQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1137" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbVZ417DtU5kSDNvY-pRDJQoIw2rx0U7CoqQ0I8CKzego5tygl08_wnkMBf8csE4Ije_3VHfuPCugUtYQkceGUoqap1WiF9F3zpCRLNHkUW-TmPEj0JxExKxwsUB4u1_k42vyq8IiunlE5q2jaTEU7-N6N8Dax38EyJ1mcgo0aRQNxU26S8_0OylQl8WQ" width="221" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todays notification! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;"><u>"Keeping UP not Competing" </u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: red;"><u><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis9HJITzmcBvcAqDVee-bBruSkmhQwV9Hv6VE4iVDp11h0GIqT-6AOBPybDdST9u85GLt0UllxhJW3uuu41Iq-CINlGEaQpdi3_zC7RekLzj5DkE1JPa5JFlMZtraAmFpXYpGsGTCvV1-3SOMSG5vRQCEn3fjdtOu72ALyeujh9I7HDnH2MrPa9SBoPv0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="1024" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis9HJITzmcBvcAqDVee-bBruSkmhQwV9Hv6VE4iVDp11h0GIqT-6AOBPybDdST9u85GLt0UllxhJW3uuu41Iq-CINlGEaQpdi3_zC7RekLzj5DkE1JPa5JFlMZtraAmFpXYpGsGTCvV1-3SOMSG5vRQCEn3fjdtOu72ALyeujh9I7HDnH2MrPa9SBoPv0" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Shirly, Mark ad Sarah all running Run Rabbit 50M</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></u></span></b></div><div>This weekend I was with the group I would be traveling to Colorado with. We have a large crew running the 50 miler. </div><div>They are all doing epic things and are mostly all younger than me. I am fighting for miles and fighting my age with everything I have, </div><div>Today, when we ran, we really didn't have a solid plan. Maybe it was a <i>Monday thing</i> but there was a lot that was lost in translation! </div><div>So we just took off to run. When we made it back to our car we decided to run the stairs at Holly Rec to get to 10 miles. </div><div>I had asked my running partner how many times the runners had to run the stairs to get 50 miles. </div><div>It sounded a little competitive coming out of my mouth and I quickly said, "I am not competing I am just trying to keep up..." </div><div>Even after we had shut off our watches took off our vests and even headed to the car to leave, I knew I needed more. </div><div>I was hot, I was gross with woodsy stench, but I was back by the steps and we were challenging ourselves for another mile of hill repeats, another 7 times climbing with over 1500 feet of elevation for the day! </div><div><br /></div><div>I have some incredible runners that surround me. I am inspired and motivated by many. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tina P, who ran her first 100 miler a few weeks ago!</li><li>Amanda S who ran a backyard marathon this weekend getting over 44 miles and looked amazing!</li><li>Andy, my hubby who I love having next to me running, watching him come back from injuries and not give up. </li><li>Christina B who just ran over 200 miles last week, training through cancer treatments and crushing it. </li></ul><div>I could go ON and ON with runners who inspire me, motivate me and encourage me. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>But most importantly, I need the LORD to encourage me, strengthen me and prepare me. I love RUNNING, but it has to be onto the LORD. I give HIM all the glory for all the miles. </div><div>I am humbled every run, praising HIM even in my suffering. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Peace, not pieces,</div><div>Aanita</div><div><br /></div></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537279688481832.post-16293486029678843792023-07-13T17:59:00.005-07:002023-07-13T19:11:49.031-07:00The Leap<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: verdana;"> "By my God I can leap over a wall." Psalm 18:29</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHV31aT2ggB9WwvKHmMwT0i7qehqgD9Fh9roMuByfM4LfnIEDR96GnQAk4bTW2b8NflHzfEsq8ILs7hJ4ZxY8yoAunvl9OUgVmG9npHvy3URPYsyMuHLXouQUcVw9rzO9gv50A9jdCJf9TQTfL7MA2FJOlnJ2OpT_SSTAFQs0OHVCt4FKOjnf19CamZPc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHV31aT2ggB9WwvKHmMwT0i7qehqgD9Fh9roMuByfM4LfnIEDR96GnQAk4bTW2b8NflHzfEsq8ILs7hJ4ZxY8yoAunvl9OUgVmG9npHvy3URPYsyMuHLXouQUcVw9rzO9gv50A9jdCJf9TQTfL7MA2FJOlnJ2OpT_SSTAFQs0OHVCt4FKOjnf19CamZPc" width="180" /></a></div><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We all have these walls we are trying to overcome in life. If you are on this side of the living, we will be presented with walls that want to block us from an abundant life. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of those walls I have created and even confused with terms like "boundaries". We can be our own worst enemy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul class="b_vList b_divsec b_bullet" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; list-style: none; margin-bottom: -4px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px 0px -4px; padding: 0px;"><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." - Saint Augustine</span></b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">The truth is I have had many barriers created by me or created by life. Some I have conquered on my own efforts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, but there have been some walls I could not leap over. And yet I made it over...</div><div style="text-align: left;">"BY my God I can LEAP over a WALL."</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, we met out at Fox Lake RD to run the 6-mile loop at least 3 times. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew it is going to be hard. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew it is going to hurt. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew I was even nervous I wouldn't be able to keep up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><ul class="b_vList b_divsec b_bullet" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; list-style: none; margin-bottom: -4px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px 0px -4px; padding: 0px;"><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"If we cannot believe God when circumstances seem be against us, we do not believe Him at all." - Charles Spurgeon</span></b></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the barriers we have to jump over, we create. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Discouragement, fear, anxiety, control, forgiveness, contentment...</div><div style="text-align: left;">This morning, every mile another hill loomed in front of me. Some of the hills were so high I could not even see the top of them. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I prayed. Just a quiet prayer, a simple prayer, nothing religious or extravagant. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Quite simple really, "Lord, get me up this HILL...." </div><div style="text-align: left;">I see myself heading over, I feel myself one step closer to the top. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am not sure if I "leaped" over the hills today. But I made it not just over each hill but also each mile, 21 miles and over 2,500 ft of elevation. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was 4 of us running. It was a great dynamic. We laughed, we encouraged one another, we helped one another, and suffered together, although Erika looked fresh as a daisy! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scientists and professionals can look all day at what our heart can do and what our lungs are capable of. Sports doctors have told me I couldn't and shouldn't run years ago after my FIRST knee surgery. What if I let that wall stop me? </div><div style="text-align: left;">The wall of surgeries. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The wall of injuries.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The wall of cancer. </div><div style="text-align: left;">SOO many walls I have LEPT over....BY MY GOD. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Trusting on HIS strength, HIS power, I have leaped over walls that many have said are not possible. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Power of faith is Immeasurable. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Power of faith is incomprehensible. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul class="b_vList b_divsec b_bullet" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; list-style: none; margin-bottom: -4px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px 0px -4px; padding: 0px;"><li data-priority="" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." - Thomas Aquinas</span></b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhulqo878nDTSjlbsBoNMFtTKDJKHXhYuGsdBNH7WArsCbnTAEKeS0IRSkBCbrorq_5bwdVsvg59teOakfMWMSpFmaBoI2Hr7Amw-PNfcEPpEaadSWFR6k0xAuyw3V0eVNufiMM4mqSrodj8rS1RaAsom29_gu76PNgfEPJOh60t3rJLVD5O6-VRswlVoA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="926" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhulqo878nDTSjlbsBoNMFtTKDJKHXhYuGsdBNH7WArsCbnTAEKeS0IRSkBCbrorq_5bwdVsvg59teOakfMWMSpFmaBoI2Hr7Amw-PNfcEPpEaadSWFR6k0xAuyw3V0eVNufiMM4mqSrodj8rS1RaAsom29_gu76PNgfEPJOh60t3rJLVD5O6-VRswlVoA" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">In Peace, not Pieces,</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Anita</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373617950052883061noreply@blogger.com2