Just Singing in the Rain.

Ezekiel 34:26 "... and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing."

 

As winter slowly comes upon us  Michiganders, we try to hold off all our complaints till after Christmas. Most of us would be happy if winter ended by January. We get tired of the poor driving conditions, the poor drivers, the wind, the snow, the ice and the fact that it takes so long to warm up after being in the chilly elements.

But we have had a beast of a summer. It is nation wide. The heat has affected everyone and we are all being baked together. So it is funny we go all winter long waiting for warmth only now we are all complaining about the heat!

 

 

I was up at 6 with Andy making Austin his lunch for basketball camp and preparing for the day. My morning was also shared with Weather Bug. I kept looking at the radar hoping it was going to clear up. The skies were dark and angry. It did not look good. I so badly did not want to run my 7 miler in the confinement of the gym. 

I decided to give myself to 8:30am to make a decisions. With my cell phone glued to my hand I made a cup of coffee and grabbed my bible to sit on the porch for some quite time. As I finished reading Deuteronomy Chapter 28 I looked up to investigate the sky. In that 20 minutes it had rained, thundered, sprinkled and paused. I didn't jump up and take off because the radar had red dots all around Holly. I instead grabbed my computer and emailed my bible partner "Kelli"

I had to make my move. The temperature was cooler at 72 degrees but the forecast said 85 degrees for the high.

Do I go? When do I make my move?? It's  only rain...for now...

RAIN RUN..there was no way you could slice it, You were gonna get wet! I would rather feel like a drowned rat than a dying dog in the heat! But to be on the safe side I packed my gym bag and drove to the gym. That way if it got to worse out I could finish my run at the gym.

I made it to the 3 mile mark with mist and drizzle but as I made that turn to head back in I realized I was running INTO the rain, this was no drizzle. 

It was coming down but I was loving it. I was smiling and running. I picked up my speed as I heard the thunder over my ear buds. I was drenched, the water was ripping off my chin and my shorts were stuck to my legs like cellophane. But I was loving it. I looked out of the corner of my eye and suddenly I added a little kick to my run with the black cloud of doom just a blink away! Ahh.. I prayed quickly asking God to put a hedge of protection around me. 

 

And with that I finished the entire run, all 7 miles, water logged, dripping, drenched and feeling blessed! The dark cloud of doom dissipated and just added more rain to my run.

Michigan weather is fickle. We sometimes have to make "Our Move." Rain Runs are invigorating and refreshing. They make you feel like a kid again outside playing in it. It puts a child like smile on your face, dance in your step and a song in your mouth.

 

"Remember even though the outside world might be raining, if you keep on smiling the sun will soon show its face and smile back at you."

Anita

Whats your Plan?? Being prepared

These boys came together for the FIFE camp..all going to elementary school together yet different JH schools. Reunited!!BTW..They all stayed the night too!!

My oldest son turns 13 this month. We signed him up for his first basketball camp. FIFE camp. He has wanted to do this camp for a couple years and this year it worked out that we could send him. We have kept it from him for weeks. Sunday we snuck out and bought him these Jordan Basketball shorts that he wanted and placed them on the couch with a note. The note read  "Austin here are some shorts to wear for your first day at FIFE CAMP Monday!!!! Have Fun, we love you, Dad and Mom~"
I wish I had videoed his response. He was jumping and screaming and shaking with excitement.
But boy did that put a curve ball in my running plan on Monday. No 6am running for me. I had to get Austin to camp at 7:35..It didn't start till 8am but he likes to be early!
By the time I got back home it was 8 am and 82 degrees out. I had to plead with Alec to ride his bike while I ran. At that point I was even trying to convince myself to go running! The air was soupy and my skin didn't take any time at all to get clammy and sweaty. I felt like I was running in a swamp the air was so thick. The first couple miles I was chatting with Alec but that took too much effort as we were being challenged by hills and humidity at mile 3. He was such a good partner. Alec would ask ME how I was doing and offered me sips of water.  Such a sweet soul. I tried to remain positive but this was not fun. I was trying to find gratitude and realized "Hey there are no bugs." Now that is something to be thankful for on our leg through Seven Lakes Park.

When you run in this heat you have to question your quality of work out.
Are you just getting miles in with 100% effort and yet the results are less than extraordinary??
That is what can happen when it gets to over 90 degrees. You spend so much time trying to catch your breath, take a drink or find yourself walking and wonder "Why and I doing this."
I was glad I got 5 miles in with Alec but they were just junk miles.

I decided I was going to go for a second run..A recovery run at the gym.
Andy got home early and together we were gong to partner up on the treadmills doing REPEATS. 
I felt redeemed as I punched in 8.8 a pace that invigorated me.
We did 6 -800 meter repeats.

The sweat was dripping off my brows and chin yet my skin was chilled from the AC. I would look at Andy and wink at him as I increased my pace. Then he would do the same to his treadmill. We challenged ourselves, each other and the treadmill!

Running in the heat is great to challenge yourself and learn what kind of endurance and stamina you have.
But running in the heat can also be dangerous.
There is a certain point you have to ask yourself:
"Could I get a better work out at the gym?"
"Could I be more productive inside or outside?"

We have had a heat spell. It is good to know your elements and getting acclimated to the heat is important for racing. But too many runs in over 90 degrees and humidity may not be helping you increase your speed or distance. You are not getting that quality run a lot of times and it takes your body often times a lot longer to recover from the draining temperatures.


I am running with "Sarah" after work today at Clintonville park where Andy has a baseball game. I am a bit concerned because it should be 98 degrees. This is my off day from running so I am not putting too much effort into it. I am going into the run with No Expectations, No Strict Plan and allowing myself to be Bendable, Adjustable and Willing to Change if the heat becomes over whelming.


Run Smart...But Run...Make no excuses. If you are training do not cheat your training making the heat your exit plan...GET UP EARLIER!!
The weather is not a surprise so PREPARE for it!
 ~If you have a plan you are more likely to follow through with it.
~Set your clothes out. This to helps you stick to the plan.
~You are worth it. so make it happen!!

Has everyone been safe in the heat?
What tips do you have for running in the Heat??? Whats Your PLAN?

Anita

Inspiring Woman of my week...

My running schedule goes from Sunday to Sunday. Most people do Monday to Monday.
I haven't ran since Thursday. And Thursday was Double up day! This is my recap!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

 "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

"Katie" and I finally got together for our first run since before Memorial Weekend. I was so excited to catch up with "Katie" and get all the details of her first Marathon experience. I trained her for 16 weeks watching her run, designing her weekly plans, giving her training tips from nutrition to physical therapy when she got injured to helping her pick out her marathon outfit! She did incredible.
While we both ran the same marathon but we had totally different experiences which is not uncommon at all. Bayshore Marathon was my 3rd marathon and her 1st.
I loved listening to the excitement in her voice as she gave me the recap. I had a perma-grin for our entire 8 mile run. I was even laughing while we were fighting off our bug attack. The deer flies were at a all time high!

DORK!..yeah..thats me!

Directly after running though I had to hustle and meet "Sarah" (from camp)at 10! I was really late and she was really sweet for being so patient. I was very excited to get to run with her. I was curious on how my body was going to respond to running another 4 miles especially with the temperatures rising fast. We met at Independence Oaks, a place I have never ran before. It took a while to get our groove on because we discovered very fast neither of us are navigational wizards! We got lost or confused more than once. Stopping, turning around and in the beginning even leaving the North entrance because we couldn't figure out where the path went! We ended up running farther than 4 miles because it was so cut up and we kept getting lost. We laughed at one another when we came to a fork in the road both of us guessing which way to go. "Stay to the left," Sarah kept saying. It sounded good to me! The trails were beautiful. They had a rough terrain with jagged pebbles but we ran on some of the paved paths also. We even ran on the road on our way back to he car because we got slightly turned around and didnt want to get so lost we turned a 4 miler into a 10k!
Independence Oaks is very scenic. It has more wetlands but the bugs yet the were not as bad a Indian Springs with "Katie".  Independence Oaks has more than 10 miles of of hiking trails available.
There are 6 loops and 1 trail.

The RIVER Loop: 2.2 miles Paved and flat

Lakeshore Loop: 2.4 miles Packed dirt/ moderate elevation changes

Springlake Loop: 3.2 miles Packed dirt. challenging, steep elevation changes

Rockridge Loop: 1.6 miles Packed dirt moderate to difficult elevation changes

Ted Gray Loop: 1 mile Paved flat

Habitat Trail: .8 miles teaching trail

"SARAH"..we were probably lost here!!

It has been a great week since Thursday. My double partners in running were both one of the highlights of my day. I am so blessed to have people in my life that are passionate, encouraging, and a asset to myself. We have such an opportunity to help build others up. People are like jigsaw puzzles sometimes we have a piece missing and others supply the piece that can help build you and encourage you.
"Lori" a dear friend of mine that I do not get to see very often was also one of the incredible people God blessed me with this weekend. She came into the salon to have me cut her beautiful Terra cotta red hair. She was a huge encouragement to me. She too has a strong faith. "Lori" laughed at me when I said something like "Woman scare me." She responded " Anita, I know, woman should build each other up more than they do..."  Proverbs 12:18 "Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing."

Here were 3 woman, Katie, Sarah, and Lori who God placed in my presence who were such a blessing to me this week!

“Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can.” – D.L. Moody

Anita

Finding the courage to Climb.

 Isaish40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak"

This morning I was feeling weak. My legs were sore from Sunday and Mondays run. There were no excuses that were going to keep me from not doing what I had to do but it went with out saying..It was going to hurt really really bad.
The very things that make you stronger are often so painful.
They say "What doesn't kill you makes your stronger."
The pain is usually temporary but it is also the most memorable. We try to avoid it at all cost.
When running if you want to excel there is always PAIN involved.
Harder, Faster. Stronger.
Today was HILLs.
I decide very early I was going to run 5 miles of pure pain doing hills then run 2 miles at a easy pace later in the evening. 1 day-2 runs.
I am not a fan of running hills. They hurt. My buns and legs burn. My lungs feel like they are being compressed. And the sweat burns my eyes. Oh, I can think of a hundred more reasons why I am not a fan of Hills.
But they work. They make you stronger. They make you better. That is all good when you are on top of your game but when you are already weak it takes a lot to get you moving into the Hurt Locker.

This is the look of pain...Ohh the agony.

I finished my 5 miles of hills this morning. It was every bit as bad as I thought it was going to be. There was no denying what had to be done to condition my body for the races coming up.

This is what it looks like when you reach the TOP!

When running and life collide:
ACCEPTANCE: "I accept the things I cannot change and have the courage to change the things I can."
It takes a lot of courage to accept the pain the is woven in our lives.Sometimes we want to throw in the towel with out even making a step. We see the Pain and Run in the other direction!
We get so worn out by life and the circumstances involved. We get tired and weighed down putting things aside that need to be taken care of or just flat out ignoring the reality of our lives because we know it is going to cause pain.

There are mountains we all must climb in life. We get tired just thinking about the climb. But the hills of life are like the hills of running. They will challenge you. They will see what you are made of. They will make you stronger, more prepared for the other obstacles that may challenge us in the future..And there will be MORE!

Find the courage to do what has to be done for you to be the person you were meant to be.

 
Anita

Some of my new Favorites!!!I

I thought I would share some of my new favorites.

I Look Like a Bobble Head!!

My first favorite has been my longest. I got them as a gift from Andy when we were in Traverse City running Bayshore. I have always wanted a pair but thought the only ones you could wear would cost you your first born child!
 At Running Fit in Traverse City they had a sale on their running sunglasses. Andy Surprised me and bought my a pair. They were under 40$! I absolutely love them! They are light weight, clear, and flexible. They are a perfect fit for my smurf size head and Andy's big old noggin!

"Danielle" my running partner gave me a gift bag with goodies in it. One of the goodies have since become another favorite of mine. The Luna Bar.

My favorite flavor is the Peanut Honey Pretzel. But recently I was at "Krogers" and found these new "Luna Minis". The "Minis" come assorted with Smores and Nutz over Chocolate flavors. The minis are the perfect snack before a early morning run and easy to grab and go for a little snack in the middle of a busy day. I like the Luna bars because of their texture. The Peanut Honey Pretzel has a crunchy texture that does not taste pasty.

I could have done a size smaller but they work!

I got a surprise gift this week. My third favorite!!Andy came home from shopping with Austin and bought  Lil Mama a Lil something something!!
I haven't bout a pair of Nike running shorts in a while. But for 17$ at the outlet I am in love!!!

My Latest favorite Power Song T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)
I Love when this song comes on. I feel like a SUPER HERO. There is so much power in Music!! Seriously I feel like that dude in the Terminator who runs like a beast. Except I don't turn into melting medal--until the song ends anyway and that's just cause I am wiped out from the adrenaline rush!! 

The Black Cloud:

Mondays Run: The cooler temps were such a motivation to lace up my shoes. . I felt light without the extra weight of carrying any water or my Amphipod pouch. Not totally familiar with what my running route was going to be I took off into the sun.
As I was running I went back and forth on my distance I was going to run. "7 miles?? Hmm..maybe 8 miles..I feel pretty good." I argued with myself. 
I started running in a direction I have not ran in a while. As I added distance I decided I would try out a new dirt road. I had a loop in my mind that should equal out about 8 miles, maybe a little more and get me out of the beating sun.
I had to laugh as I turned into this unfamiliar road. The scenery was magnificent. There were no houses and greenery every where. The trees placed a canopy across the gravel road and the only noise you heard were the birds and the crickets. It was nature to its finest. As the sun shone over the trees my shadow came into focus to my right. I was running with gratitude and a great big grin when I looked over at my shadow running next to me. I was in shear panic by what I saw.....There was a huge black cloud looming over me....BUGS!!!! AHHHH!! 
It was 2 miles of blood thirsty  vampire offspring! I just Ran to get out of the dirt road and away from the bugs!!

I was horrified and laughing all at once. The Black Cloud..I thought "Ha, the Black Cloud that seems like it follows us." Such is life. I have had those seasons in my life I feel like there is a big Black Cloud that is hoovering over me. A season of doom and gloom. A time when every bad thing is happening to you. I was really chuckling now. God has a sense of humor. I love how he placed this analogy in my head. 
Just RUN.!! It is just a leg of your journey, a season you are going through. You will get through it. Yes, it is often painful, irritating, annoying and discouraging but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. As I ran I knew that I had to get out of the shade and into the light. Once I got out of the covering of the trees on the dirt road I knew I would be fine. There are battle wounds from my experience but they will heal and the Black Cloud will go away. 

Just know those of you who feel like there is a Black Cloud hoovering over you it will go away. Seek  the Light..Seek God. 

 Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

 Isaiah 60:19 "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory."

Anita

Running through my head. Ramblings..

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."Phil 2:3-4

Sometimes I feel like my mind runs faster than my legs. It is hard to always keep myself in check when my mind or emotions are spinning. 

I was born a spit fire. Hot head. Stubborn.

I am constantly doing self inventory. 

But I am also sensitive, heavy hearted, and anguished.

I would never intentionally hurt anyone. It would do more damage to me than the damage my words might have on another.

But communicating is so much more than words. 

Non Verbal communication is just as affective at getting your point across than the words that come out of your mouth. You can say so much by not saying ANYTHING at ALL. 

Growing up I learned to read people very early. I learned facial features, hand movements, rolling of the eyes, and many many others. I was very sensitive to non verbal communication. Too me the non verbal often described the emotion of my house. 

"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart;" Proverbs 15:30

Today as an adults I recognize these means of communication still. 

A Smile is worth a thousand words. A Smile can heal a bad day and a hug can bring you out of a Slumber.

As a kid growing up you never saw me with out a smile. It was what I wanted to be, it was what I wanted everyone to see. But even though the Smile was often a stained glass window into the pain I was carrying...I felt the joy. If only for that moment. And others felt my smile also.

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

When Non verbal communication does damage. 

I notice people may not say anything at all but a picture is worth a thousand words. Their facial features are describing what they are feeling or thinking. Sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves, our fears, our insecurities, our jealousies, or the way we do things that no matter what you DON'T SAY it still SHOWS!

The heart of your response shows itself and can come shining through like a dagger. 

"My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry."  James 1:19

Sometimes I feel like I bring the worst out in certain people. They are good people, loving people but when I am around they disregard me, debate me or roll their eyes at me. 

I spoke to Andy about it recently. Andy responded to my question "Am I really that bad?" by saying "Anita, you are You. Some people just do not like who You are, but You have to get over it."

 I want to get Angry. I want to talk myself into being the person others want me to be. But that is not who God made me. 

" I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful.."Psalm 139:14

This is where I find my security again. I let this run my head. God truths. Gods Promises. Gods Wisdom. No matter how people communicate with me I am who I am. I am GODS. 

I will continue to do right because it is right. 

I will continue to love you even when I know you do not like whatever I did, I said, I wore, I listen to, I watch ect ect.

I respect you even when I do not agree with you.

I accept you for who YOU ARE not for WHO I want YOU TO BE.

And I want you to know I am working on me every day.  So worry about yourself because I am not the only one who needs grace and mercy!

 
Does this sound like you? Are you a good communicator?

Have you been hurt by anothers non verbal communication?

Or are your that person that has facial features that can be read like a book?

Heart Check. Self inventory is a daily chore. Take it to the cross. Ask God to clean out your heart.

 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekeil 36:26.

Anita

What are you made of?

Yesterday "Laura" on "Daily Mile" posted how she ran in the crazy heat but said "Runs like this show what you are made of."
That got me thinking....
What am I made of? Am I strong enough? Or can I be too strong and be my biggest enemy allowing pride to dictate my actions?

Yup..thats our clan!! Cousins!

Austin & me~12 years old &that tall!

By the time we experienced the annual Clarkston parade, had an afternoon cook out at Andy's sister "Debs", it was already 5 pm when we arrived home.

The heat had taken its toll on us. The parade was over an hour long and my poor sister in laws house has no AIR!! Even my little bit of Mexican blood was having a hard time in the heat. 96 degrees is hot no matter what nationality you are!
It wasn't even an option to run outside. As soon as the hot July air touched my skin coming into the house I knew I was going to the gym. I was pretty drained but all I could think about was getting a few miles in. I knew it wasn't smart to run outside at this time of the day, so for me it was about being wise and running safe. 4 miles on the 4th! "Rebecca" from Daily mile described my run like that.
That's what I did. The treadmill almost felt foreign under my legs. But it didn't take long till I got reunited with it and felt strong and excited to be partnered up with Mr. Treadmill again.
Even though I felt that good I stuck to the 4 mile plan. I finished my time at Snap Fitness with abs. Oh my aching abs!

Be Strong. Strong Body, Strong MIND. What are you Made OF??? 

 "He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength."

Isaiah 40:29

There was evidence of the storms that came last night all over the back roads I was running. There were branches and leaves scattered across the yards and dirt roads. The air was thick and humid. The heat was illuminating a haze that left you feeling eerie. As I kicked mud up the back of my calves I felt pretty good. Yes, I was hot but I kept thinking..."Anita, what are you made of?" "Anita, you can handle a little heat, you got this, you came prepared, you came equipped, you GOT this."
And I did...Till mile 9. Then the game plan changed. Strong body Strong MIND!! I was on the straightway. Straight into the sun and thickness of the air. I began panting like a dog. I took my last Chomp and a sip of water and told myself. "This is what YOUR MADE OF!!" You Finish, you Finish, do not cheat your run or cheat yourself."
I reminded myself when I am weak HE is strong. So I called onto GOD. That is what I am made of. His strength, His power, It was all God. I just ran 9 miles because HE let me..But now I was running this last mile because he was carrying me. "Anita, you are stronger than this heat, God prepared you for this, call unto him and FINISH STRONG." This last mile I hit a wall but knew that when in battle you must train your mind. This is the environment that I had to train my mind. In my pain, in my heaviness, in my weakness, In MYSELF..

"But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:39

Stay Strong in all you do. Stay strong in who you are. What Are You Made of?? Never give up. Call out to God. We were never created to do this Alone...Jer 33:3
Anita