The first mile is the hardest . . . unless it's a race!

I don't consider myself a runner. I mean, I'm trying to be a runner but I don't always like it. I feel like I can't go as far or as fast as "true" runners so I feel like I not in their league. I try to run 3-4 times a week (depends on training schedules for different events) and I've been doing this off and on since Spring 2006. Talking to non runners reminds me that I am closer to being a runner than I think. Most people comment, "I can't even run a mile." That's cause the first mile is the hardest. If I am running 3 miles, if I can just get past that first mile without walking or stopping, I am most likely to easily finish the run. If I am running 10 miles, that first mile is by far the hardest and mile 10 is easy. In fact, miles 6-10 are easier than miles 1-5. It doesn't matter how many miles - get through that first one! It's all mental for me. Physically, my body will take me (so thankful!). Mentally, I beat myself up the whole time by thinking things like - "Why are you doing this? You aren't fast. How far do you think you are going anyway? Why don't you just head home and do xyz?" and so on. It's quite frustrating! So when you say you can't run, are you allowing your head to keep your body from doing what it was made to do?

Today, I didn't know how far I was going to go. I just started running with a goal of running for 30 minutes so I'd have enough time to shower before my hair appointment. As I was running, I was thinking how thankful I am for being able to run. Many people can't do it physically so this its something I should be grateful for and I don't always remember this. So, I made a deal with myself - no walking up hills. With every hill that I came to I kept repeating, I can do it. When I run with my work-running partner we talk ourselves up the hills with things like this. It seems to help some.

Many times I spend the whole run thinking of everything I need to do else where. I often forget that running can serve a greater purpose. Not only is it great exercise, it's a great time to pray - really pray, and get into things I often bypass cause I think I'm too busy. I've heard of people writing their prayer list on their forearm when they run. I think that's a great idea, I just don't know what kind of pen/marker to use that will wash off when I'm done but doesn't wipe off too easily . . . I don't really like the idea of running with a smeared prayer list on my forehead (so let me know if you have good suggestions). It's just me and the Lord out there. I lay it all out there sometimes; tell Him how I really feel and ask for His guidance at work, church, or whatever is on my heart at the moment. I pray for family, friends, coworkers, stories I've read about, etc. Whatever comes to mind, I share. Nothing is trivial to Him. If you know me at all, you know I'm a talker. I do way more talking to Him than I do listening. I'm working on that!

I love races! I know I am not the fastest, but I don't compete against the local track team. I compete against myself. It's just me - not them. How well can I do? How far can I go? When it comes to races, the first mile is one of the easiest! You have the adrenaline rush and the camaraderie of all the runners together. Usually, I start out faster than I normally would. Professional runners would tell you this isn't the correct way to start (see - told you I'm not a real runner). I really enjoy this though. I get caught up in the moment and just run! I level off and go my pace after a while. I try to stay with them for that first mile to get me through it. In the middle of the race, I pray for God to get me to the finish and ask how I got roped into this as I think I'm about to die. But, I always finish the race (or training run) the same way - Thank You Lord for getting me through that! Thank You Lord for allowing me to do this! Thank You Lord for Your protection, strength, and endurance! And, Thank You Lord for being with me. In Jesus name, Amen! . . . When's the next race? I want to do this again! I couldn't do any of this without Him.

Currently running for Mint Oreo Fudge Creams . . .

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Isaiah 40:31 -

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.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 -

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Race Stats:

5k  (3.1 Miles) - Too many to list so here are some highlights:

• First Race Ever: Heart & Soul 5k Kernersville, NC 04/22/06 - 35:36
• Favorite: 5k on the Greenway Mt. Airy, NC 10/09/10 - 32:31*
• See you there 10/15/11?  
•  Will never run this race again: Beat the Heat 5k Winston-Salem, NC 07/15/06 - 42:07
• This was the first one I ran with my Mom. She came back the next year and finished it in  37:32 (so not her PR either). 
• This race is just really, really HOT!

10k (6.2 Miles) - 

• First: New River Trail - Dr. Ed Dannelly III 10k Galax, VA 5/1/10 - 1:15:11
• Second: Run for the Rub Greensboro, NC 9/4/10 - 1:08:21
• Third: Leprechaun Leap For Gold Statesville, NC 3/12/11 1:02:50*

1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles) -

• First: Inside Out Sports 13th 1/2 Marathon Cary, NC 5/22/11 - 2:26:47
• Second: Down Hill at Dawn Ridgecrest, NC 06/04/11 -2:15:16*

* Personal Record