My Safe Place.

Katie, Megan, Me, and Kelli...Being Camera Dorks!

I had a night away to MT Pleasant with the Glitz girls. We had a class for work at Soaring Eagle.  As I sat in the conference room I tried so hard to pay attention. But the closer the clocked ticked to 3 pm the antsier I got. I have a hard time sitting still more that 20 minutes.  This structured sitting coming up to 5 hours now was making me feel like I was going to burst  into convulsions at any minute.  First my foot twitches, then I am flipping my hips back and forth on the chair then  I take my shoes off. I  bring my legs into my chest, five minutes later I am grabbing a chair to rest my legs on. My Legs are SCREAMING to MOOOVE. Up, down, shifting, flinching, I am struggling to pay attention now.  I keep looking at “Katies” watch thinking “Doesn’t this guy know I have reached capacity”, like a little kid, my window is closing….”Hang on Nita…you’re going to get to go and play in just a few.”

"Simon" The Skater Hair Educator!

Once the meeting ended 40 minutes late I couldn’t get to the room fast enough to change.  I had that perm-grin plastered on my face. The excitement of running in new territory consumed me.  It was getting dark so I knew that I had to get my shoes on and go.  The girls were hungry so that was even more incentive to hustle the gear on and get out the door.

The roads were very flat. For a Sunday night it was surprisingly busy outside. I ran into oncoming traffic on a 5 lane highway.  Beggars can’t be too choosy. There were 3 foot shoulders that lead to a sidewalk about a mile into my course connected to the highway. The sidewalk came as a welcomed sight, getting off the highway in the dusk was a good plan.

This was a bank I was trying to get the temperature..I got the time! Temp was 59 DEGREES!! So warm!

Starbucks: 1.37 miles from Hotel.

Tim Hortons: 3.27 miles from Hotel

Can you tell what businesses caught my eyes!

I was in my zone. The place where I felt free.  Where I could be me.  Comfortable in my own shoes, my own head and my elements.  I was free, free to be me. I felt unleashed.

Darkness was seeping across the sky quickly and it was barely 6 pm.  But the darkness was covering me with even more love. I was running back to the hotel now, my legs were moving to their own dance. Methodical, Rhythmic and Consistent.

 Running is a place where I fall in love all over again. My relationship with running is like a second marriage. It has its ups and downs. It has its hard times and its victories.  There are times when I do not have the energy to do what I have to do and there times when I am totally on top of my game. 

My running is fueled by God. Even in my marriage God has to be my foundation for it to have success. My marriage to Running is the same.  

Running is my Safe Place. Where I escape. Where I am accepted when I feel insecure and alone. Where I find peace. When I feel inadequate and incapable It is a place that I find Gods presence and hear his voice. Running strengthens my relationship with Christ. It is just me and God.  It is so raw and intimate all on the same course.
2 Cor 4:8 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ..."

Before I went running I left feeling drained. My mind was struggling and weak. I didn’t like the person I was today.  But with every mile beneath the soles of my Brooks I began to feel fulfilled again. Rejuvenated and restored.  I knew it was not the shoes, or the pace, it wasn’t even  the atmosphere, it was God taking that stoney heart and replacing it with a heart of flesh.

John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full".

*****************

MONDAY....
Andy came home early from work. I was excited because we have not ran together in over a week. It was looking like rain but I was going to hold out for him to stretch and go out together.
Even though he got his stretching down to a little over 15 minutes by the time we walked out the door it was pouring out.
Back inside we went. Andy had kept looking at the radar which was a clear picture of rain but I didn't want to believe him. There was no denying the rain so we changed and headed to the Gym.
Side by side we ran on the DREADMILL. I just ran a steady pace nothing really to sweat provoking. But less than 5 minutes into it Andy yells. " I can't do this, I can't just RUN I will go nuts, lets do intervals."
I briefly thought about it and decided "Why Not".  It might be kinda fun to run together like a running partner, doing the same routine only different speeds. This is the benefit of running on the Dreadmill with someone. You can train together and be completely different runners who run different paces.
As we finished up I was thankful to be home in my other SAFE PLACE~


THE RUNDOWN
http://www.dailymile.com/people/AnitaH4#ref=tophd

 Anita

Upper Cut of Faith

 

I don't talk much about my other passion but it is woven into me like the vessels of life. Addiction. It is an EPIDEMIC.
This post goes out to those who love someone who is struggling with Addiction. Someone who is pulling you down with them.
There is so much confusion in Addiction, Please if you are a loved one of one suffering from DRUGS or ALCOHOL please do not give up on them. Learn how to love them with out getting caught up in their chaos. There are some awesome books and great support out there. I have many resources and will help you and support you as well. Isolation is not Helpful.

UPPER CUT OF FAITH

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;” Job 13:15,

                     

Never, Never, Never, Give up

Many of us feel as if we are in a boxing match with Satan.  We feel like we are being kicked and hit with barely enough time to catch our groundings. We are praying for the bell to ring just to catch our breath and have a chance to find our bearings.

This is how I believe Job must have felt.  "Though he slay me,  yet will I hope in him,"

Round 1 Job loses all his material possessions, Round 2 Job loses all his family, 10 children, Round 3 Job is stricken with a nasty illness consisting of boils and sores, Round 4 his wife quits on God asking Job to "Curse God and Die".  One blow after another...............

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;”

One blow at a time, we feel we are beaten and battered by life. But are we coming back with our own jabs? They may not feel forceful but all it takes is a little uppercut of Faith to knock Satan back. It takes a small hit of Hope to confuse & disengage the Enemy. We do not need a lot of talent and skill, all our supplies will be added onto us from Christ, because we can do all things through Him. If we place our Hope and Faith in him he will fight for us and supply us with the tools to persevere. 

We may not see a jab of heartache coming our way but if we Put or Hope in him, He will never leave us nor forsake us.  

Dear Father God, As we may feel the pains of life circling around us let us remember to place our hope in you. That you have Vision that surpasses all our understanding.  That your desire is for us to have faith that you are in control and that we just have to Trust you. Help us to fight the fight fulled armored with your words of Truth and Mercy.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Anita

KISS...Keep it simple s*****

Strawberries, Spinach, Greek Yogurt, Shaklee soy Protein, Orange juice

I am going to sum everything up in 5 sentences!! 

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."

What I did today:

1. Got up and Got kids off to school with minimal discomfort from preteen!
2. Sheba and I went to TIM HORTONS and got my coffee and her donut hole which went well with my reading in Exodus!
3. RAN...DUH! 
4. Lunch with a Beautiful friend, God has blessed me with.
5. Drove out to Pickney with Mom and boys to watch Austins Basketball team get slaughtered by St. Marys!

Thoughts on my run:

1. Trying to figure out what to wear for 42 degree weather.
2. Decided to run hills and NOT look at pace.
3. I rolled my ankle pretty good, looked like a flying grape trying to catch myself and my pride on 4 miles into run.
4. My left bootie all the way down to my knee was hurting, Still soo sore. 
5. Listened to the song Slumber by Need to Breath TWICE. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_ze7QVYKg 

 The guy is lulled to sleep by the monotony of his job (symbolized with the fish trapped in the fish bowl) The Lamb (Jesus) wakes him up from his slumber, the guy then goes and spreads the word to his co-worker to follow him(in waking up from her slumber). In the end, they both (as the fish) are seen following the Lamb. Lot of allusions to Lambs, being fishers of men etc. I like the video. If you want to see the band singing, go see them in concert.

Foods I ate today:

1. Jenno O Turkey sausage..yum
2. Banana
3. Trader Joes peanut butter bars
4. SMOOTHIE
5. Corn beef from crock pot with veg.

Rundown:

1. PACE: 8:06
2. TIME: 1:21
3. DISTANCE: 10 miles
4. Took time to smile through the wind, rolled ankle, and quad pain because running brings more joy to me than even all of those put together.
5. Thinking about my brother, Bobby in Florida and so proud of what an incredible husband he has been to my sister in law in her heartache and loss. 

ANITA~

How to turn 13.1 miles into 14.40!!

BUST!! 150:32.....14.40MILES!!! Garmin time.

"Maria V"Ecc 3:1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens... maybe it just isn't time for this race yet... Love you!!!!! (Facebook)..My father also gave me this same verse when he heard my results!


SOO thankful for each of you that posted and took the time to show me love and support. I have read your comments more than once. They mean soo much. Even though my goal was not achieved it was a reminder that I am encircled with some amazing people. I am so thankful for all the awesome words.

Well there is a first time for everything. And today was a FIRST!. The first time I ever got LOST during a race! I didn't even get lost 1 time, it was like 3 times and to the point I jumped in some random persons truck and she brought me to a half mile of the finish line!

It was supposed to be simple. Flat course. Perfect weather. Qualify for ING New York City. Goal time 137:00.  Ba ha ...What it was..was an adventure!

Carrollton  Michigan.The population was 6,602 at the 2000 census. This is a little town I had never heard of out in the boon docks. Michigan's farming community. Blink and you will pass it.
I was in their  school picking up my registration and saw the The Class of 1992 pictures in the hallway.. This was the year I graduated, we had a small graduating class of under 200. Carrollton High had about 35 students! 

I love people. The more people the more I feed off their energy. I am like a parasite..I feed off the excitement of others. I am a total EXTROVERT.

When running Chicago there were over 1 million spectators!

When running Boston there are so many spectators that you have to stratagize your pace or you could get carried off in the excitement and have potential to bottom out. 

Even when running Detroit you want to puke and die coming out of the tunnel but the mass of people cheering you on gives you a bolt of energy and pep bringing you back into a respectable pace.

Problem ONE at Carrollton ..there were no people! Ok..a few but no one running around me but a few stragglers. Less than 150 people ran this race total. I didn't have but a couple runners next to me to cheer on or be cheered on by and they were in their box.
The lack of people lead to another problem. I always have someone to follow. Someone who knows the course. Taking a wrong turn has NEVER been an option. 

Problem TWO. Poorly marked course. There was a road "Capital rd" that half marathoners were supposed to turn down. Yeah..totally missed it. I thought it was a water station. I just kept following the path. I am sure it was marked but when I am running I am in a zone ..blind but not deaf. I need VERBAL communication too. I have ran races where you split off from the marathoners and there is someone YELLING at EVERY runner. Never got that.
To make it worse I actually came to a 4 way stop and had NO idea which way to go. I had to stop and look behind me hoping someone behind me knew. The runners about 100 feet
behind me pointed the direction to go.

I was coming to mile7 and knew there was something wrong. I had this strong head wind coming towards me and was hitting a wall. I was ahead of pace which was good because this was holding me back a bit. But this was where I missed my turn. I was frustrated and hurting. I came around this loop at about mile 12 and got real confused asking the couple standing here if this is where I turn for the half marathon. They replied "Yes". And even laughed and said if you kick it into gear you can catch the girl in BLUE.
There was NO one near me. The girl in Blue was about a half of a mile ahead of me. So I missed my stinking turn and ended up somehow back to the couple! Totally irritated I said to them "I am running the half, where am I." They said, I am so sorry, those A******* were supposed to tell you to stay on the bike path." Yikes! Looks like I wasn't the only one upset.I looked at my Garmin and had ran 14 miles!!! They felt terrible. ING was by NOT gonna happen AGAIN.

The issue was now HOW DO I GET TO THE SCHOOL!!! And NO one KNEW!!! He pointed to a truck and a guy on a bike about 50 feet away. I wasted MORE time telling them the story all over again . I looked desperately at the guy on the bike and ask him if he could give me a ride to the finish line. He  point apologetically to his flat tire and said "I am so sorry I wish I could."  Then the lady in the big truck said, " We are waiting for someone also but we will take you there."

"..Entertain Angels Unaware."Heb 13:2

As I got into the truck they were so sweet. They felt terrible. I had peace with it at this point. Trying to Laugh through the Tears.
They dropped me off a little less than a half a mile from the finish. I put it in high gear to give the family a strong finish. But as I saw them I knew they knew something went terrible wrong.

Andy was HOT...Mad Hot. He had already gone looking for me and came back to the finish line. While he was at the finish line he witnessed a few people confused on where to finish. This only confirmed to him that if the course was like the finish my wife is probably lost.

HERE IS WHAT I CAN TAKE FROM MY ADVENTURE:

1. Running in the country is beautiful. When I realized I was not going to make my time and I had been lost to many times I decided to soak up the Beauty that God had given me. I took time to find gratitude even in my loss. I was after all fortunate enough to even run and have this opportunity. I was blessed to have family that believed in me and supported me.
2. This girl runs better with people ALL around. I think I am a big race kinda girl. I don't think I will do any more small runs. I really don't like getting lost and I really like having people smiling and pacing with.
3. Victory isn't always about getting the prize..It is how  we Define ourselves in the race. I felt so defeated, I was so frustrated, I just wanted to just QUIT. But I finished the race making it the WORST half marathon I have EVER ran!!...But I finished it. I finished for my boys to see, WE DO NOT QUIT. When things don't go as plan we follow through and keep our head up.
4. As for ING NEW YORK.."Melissa" my Boston Angel sums it up best."Lottery here we come!!"
5. I have an incredible family. They get up at 5:30am, dress for the cold and follow their mother off on her crazy dreams..NO complaints. They make signs and pray for their mom. They race all over the course trying to find her even when she doesn't show up at her scheduled time. Then when they see her 20 minutes late plastered with a fake grin they embrace her with love and support filling her empty love tank once again.  What can a more girl ask for?
6. "Debbie"  "Nita~You are never lost. Temporarily misplaced maybe, but never lost"...No "Debbie" I wasn't lost you are right. I was right where God wanted me to be. I do not know why. But it is bigger than me. I have Peace. I still want ING..but I have Peace.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Phil 4:7

Anita

"Sometime you have to do it scared"

Fear:
I have them. Some justified, some NOT. I know that Fear can not live side by side of Faith. I try to keep control of my fears. Recognizing them is the first thing.
What am I afraid of?
What will I do if my fear comes true? Worst circumstances.
Is my fear healthy?
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
I have many different fears. They are like an army. Usually I can control them and manage them. I can keep them in check. But occasionally one of my fears get out of line. When this happens I don't run smoothly.
This may come as a shock to you but one of my biggest fears are people!
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
I love people. I am an extrovert. The more people the more I saturate the energy and emotion. But as we all know people are not always the easiest to love and get along with.
Take the woman at the school parking lot. She looks innocent enough, until you look at her to let you out of your parking spot you have been in forever. And instead of her letting you out she screams profanities at you with your kids and the kids you car pool with in the car. I wanted to love her...

Or have you ever done something nice for someone only to find out you did it wrong?!

And heaven forbid someone ask you what "you think" about something and you find yourself in the boxing ring being verbally attacked. 

So you do what I do. I set boundaries. The fear factor of being hurt by people or hurting people can leave us defenseless. Boundaries are not just to protect my heart but also to prevent ME from putting myself in a bad situation. 
There is a lot of power in positive thinking. Negativity can quickly steal our joy and hinder us from being a positive influence in others. Setting boundaries enables us to have more control on this.

I sometimes wish there was an infomercial that says " A dose of Good attitude, take One a day Guaranteed positive results or your money BACK!"

It is possible to control our thoughts, regardless of what we've been led to believe. As soon as a negative thought comes into our mind, purposefully make it a point to replace it with a positive one.

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corin 10:5

Stop letting other people's negative attitudes influence Mine. This may mean we need to stop hanging around with people who do nothing but spout negative stuff.
I heard it once said that it takes 8 positive statements to cover up 1 Negative comment made to us!!

So yes, sometimes people scare me. I get afraid of what people may say. Or even what I may say! I have been known to open the jaw and let the words come out faster than the discernment that should have reigned my tongue in.
Then it is "I" that is overcome with guilt and voices of remorse floating in my head.

Having fears are pretty normal. Letting them dictate your life is not. Setting healthy boundaries is a important step to protect your heart and having more control over your thoughts and responses to life.

I have to take my fears to God daily. I also have to ask HIM to help me set up boundaries. The problem with boundaries are that you can set them so ridged that your "fence" can not breath. Not only does Nothing come in but Nothing goes out either. We we designed to love and interact with others no matter how scary we are!

The little man is getting sick..So mama made him some chicken noodle soup~

 

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Baked chicken pulled apart

1 box chicken broth

2 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 cups chopped carrots

2 cups chopped celery

1 tomato chopped

Cook on stove on medium heat for 1 hour
Cheat...BUY a HERB already cooked chicken in your grocery store and remove skin and de-bone.

Anita

Indian Springs. This is where "Katie" and I meet to run! Beautiful!

When I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.  ~T.S. Eliot

When  I was 18, I moved out and in with a woman whom I babysat for. "Becky" was a total Coney waitress!  Skin tight jeans..you know the ones our mothers used to say looked "painted" on, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, and in between flipping eggs she was doing scratch off lottery tickets. "Beckys Cafe" was where I got my first job and had my eyes really opened. Becky and I would leave the house at 4:30 am and get to the coney where I both waitress-ed and bussed tables. Becky drank about a pot of coffee a day. As a matter of fact it seemed like everyone drank coffee but me! This is where my love of coffee stemmed!

At first, to try and fit in it was hot cocoa..then as I matured it was mixed with half coffee. Over time I removed the cocoa and added cream and sugar....A lot. And to this day I am still a cream and sugar kinda girl!

Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven.  ~Jessi Lane Adams

But this morning I added something different. With my eyes half closed I grabbed the liquid creamer and poured, only it came out clear, a little frothy looking. I stood back, thought for a minute "Hmm that doesn't look right." I took the container and turned it around in my hands to notice that I just poured egg whites in place of creamer in my coffee!! AHHH!! "Oh well" I thought.  I actually laughed to myself thinking "As much cream and sugar as I put in my coffee I will never even notice." And I didn't!!

"Justin" Our guide at Indian Springs, He was wearing Vibram 5 Fingers!

This was the start of my morning. I had a good morning with the boys. I made them breakfast and all three of us lunch. I was going on Alecs' field trip today. And the funny thing was that the 4th graders were all going to INDIAN SPRINGS! Where "Katie" and I happen to be running this morning. When I told Alec I would meet him there because I was running, he responded "UGHH, mom, you are gonna SMELL"
So when I went upstairs to pack my clothes I sprayed everything down, including myself and added some body spray to the gear!. I had to remember a little more than normal. And if you know me at all you will know that "remembering" anything is a bonus.

We had a most amazing day for being outside at the nature center.

Justin was showing kids how to use a "PROBE" ..doesn't HE KNOW YOU CANT GIVE A BUNCH OF BOYS A PROBE?? you never KNOW WHERE THEY WILL STICK IT!!!

So when I got to the park at 8:30 this morning to meet "Katie" let it be no shocker that I forgot my Garmin!! I remembered the extra "Stink" spray but forgot my watch!
So we ran without it! We ran with nothing beeping at us, nothing pacing us, and nothing taunting us. We just ran free. Free to enjoy the elements more. 8 miles on the paced trails soaking up our surroundings like a second cup of coffee. It was perfect. Great company and a great day for a run!

Alec looking to see if he brought anything up!

Running Tips

Check the weather – fall weather can be a little tricky.  One day it can be gorgeous with lots of sun and the next day can be really windy and cold with some flurries.

Dress in layers.  You can never have too many layers! This time of year the temperature can really vary from hour to hour and from in the shade to in the sun, so when in doubt, dress for colder weather with layers that you can shed as you warm up.

Protect your eyes and skin. The sun's rays are less direct this time of year, but they are still plenty strong to cause damage or sunburn. Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and all exposed skin with at SPF of at least 30.

Find a Fun Run. It is time for Turkey trots and Santa Runs. Find some running buddies and sign up for a fun run in the dark, dressed up or doing something for charity but Enjoy!!!

Anita