“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31.

Monday, August 22, 2011

How to run 20+ miles with a smile


 Don't miss out on my ULTRA FUEL Giveaway HERE! Ends 8/31!
 ••••••••••••••••••

I prepared all week for Saturday's long run. 20 miles.
I hydrated, ate clean, fueled up with Ultra Fuel, and got good sleep.
The plan was to run 6 miles on my own starting at 5:30am and then meet Angie at her house at 6:30am.
We have a 14 mile out and back that we really like. It has a good combination of hills and straightaways. Before the run I drove a cooler with iced towels, gatorade, and water to the half way point. Best idea EVER!

The run started well, I left a little late, so I was only able to get 4 miles in before meeting Ang.

6:30AM: 80 degrees already.  I knew it was going to be a scorcher.

Mile 6.4: Garmin died. Not a problem. Ang had her Garmin.

Mile 7: Stopped at the cooler. Thank God for the iced towels and coooold water! I don't know why I haven't done that earlier!?

Mile 12: I pulled ahead of Angie. She still running strong, but without my Garmin I decide to just listen to my body.  I felt like I was running about a 9:30 pace. My goal pace for long runs is between 9:45-10:00, but even with my garmin it's hard for me to keep that pace.  I usually end up around 9:30per mile. 

Mile 17: Back at the cooler. It is HOT! Some of the rubber on the bottom of my shoes actually melted off.

Mile 20-21: Temperature 89. The last leg of the run is done in our neighborhood. I no longer had Garmin, so I just kept running.  I knew that I was going over 20, but I wanted to make sure that I didn't shortchange myself.   I drove the course later and it said 21 miles. 
I jogged back to Angie's house when I was done and she had an ice cold chocolate milk waiting for me. What a great friend!

I have to say this was one of the hottest, but BEST long runs I have ever done. The reason?  I stopped focusing on myself around mile 6 and started focusing on God. The majority of the run I focused on God's goodness, how He has blessed me, and the change He has made in my life.
When I would start feeling fatigue, or a sore muscle, I could think about how my life used to be...and smile because of where it is now. 

•I am blessed with a husband who is faithful, kind, and a man of integrity. 

•I am blessed to have kids who love the Lord and aren't ashamed to pray out loud. My three year old can pray heaven to earth!

•I am blessed to have a family of friends that build me up and encourage me.

•I am blessed to have a job that allows me to serve God. 

•I am blessed with new doors of opportunity everyday!

•I am blessed because I know God has a special plan for me and my family. A good plan! God's word says in Ephesians that God will do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think"
 Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Now that is something to smile about!

Have you counted your blessings lately? If not, you should! Do you have enough blessings to get you through 20 miles?

Grace and peace,

READ MY STORY OF HOPE HERE


7 comments:

Unknown said...

i'm going to remember this tomorrow when i run the killer hill again.

Christina said...

Wonderful post.
I did count my blessings ... and even wrote a note to a friend in grad school who really made a difference in how I want myself to be - kinder, more gracious, happier, and giving.

Jose said...

Great post. Great blog. I'm glad I stumbled upon it.

- JR

Seth said...

Really good post! Running always seems like it is my time to really focus on what matters. Keep these coming.

H Love said...

smiling!

Julie D. said...

what great reminders, april! --- Take the focus off the pain and put it on God. love it. Great run! You guys are troopers pulling that off in the heat. nice job.

Glenn Jones said...

Running that cooler to the half way point is a great idea! I'm stealing it from you!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...