The Flock

Friday, June 6, 2014

He gives us help in our time of need

Alot has been going on.  I have run 3 races since the last weekend of April and all have gone well.

200 million flowers 5k for the Fatherless: 1st overall female 
      This race was super hot and also my first race in a while since I have been focusing on my training/base building.  I ran the first mile in 6:13 which was under my goal pace for the day.  Then, I saw that there was not another female in sight, and I just cruised into my tempo pace for the rest of the race.  Ever since my dehydration episode exactly 1 year ago from this race, I have erred on the side of caution in really hot races and workouts.  Thus, I was just racing to win, and it was a good workout. I seriously don't even know my time:)  Won $200, and we are so thankful to the Lord as we need this for some extra expenses this month.

Quite a few workouts and training were missed in the next 3 weeks due to tornadoes hitting Mississippi and having meetings and other functions during my usually running time.  I was not happy about this and even felt like I was stupid for trying to still do this when I do not have the time or the motivation.  Luckily, my Coach, Stephanie Bruce, gave me a pep talk and one thing that stood out was "you are still doing this because deep down you have a love and a desire for running and still want to see what you are capable of."  It's definitely true.

I am really praying that the Lord will help me to be able to wake up EARLY before so that I can run when there are no other distractions.  My first priority is to serve Christ and that means spending intimate time with Him in the morning through prayer and the Word and meditation on it that continues throughout the day. In addition to that, I desire to spend free time sharing His Gospel with the lost and teaching His Word by inviting people into our home weekly.  I would love to freely focus on these things after work while also being able to serve my husband and manage our home.  Thus, Early A.M. runs should be a must !!! And with this heat now, I should Want to ! I still need so much of the Lord's help though.  My flesh wants to stay in bed until time to leave for work and nap immediately after when I could be out sharing with others! Side note: Joy fills my heart when I find out runners (or any athletes) are Christians, especially pro runners with a huge opportunity to influence as many people follow and watch them.  I loved this Oiselle elite, Amanda Winslow's, latest blog on the priority of Jesus over her running career.

Greenville, MS Cotton Classic 10k: 1st American female
     It's always a good thing for American runners to note their place as an American when there are numerous Kenyans that are racing against you.  This race was a good tempo--wasn't ready to really race one yet--as I had one of my past male teammates pace me at 6:40 pace (humbling as my PR pace is 6:15).  It truly was enjoyable having him there and just running a steady tempo. This also was a confidence booster to ensure that I should be running my 3-5 mile tempo runs at atleast 6:25 pace, not 6:40.  I HATE tempo runs, but man do they help me get better.  Won $250 and once again the Lord provided this for a specific need.

Crayola Classic 5k: 1st overall female
   This race was last weekend and the first race in which I had stuck to my training plan and had zero sickness or other issues.  Praise God! I wanted to run about 6:20 even splits for this race, and I did just that.  AND.. other than the ab cramping, it felt easy and great!!! This definitely showed me that I can be back in 6:00 pace shape in the fall.  Won a $100 gift card to Stinky feet for some new shoes! It is that time where too much mileage is on my trainers, so I was incredibly thankful to have shoes provided for.

Racing Schedule coming up:
Stephanie has really helped me figure out my training schedule for the next year.  I am doing two Triathlon relays this summer with my former college coach and a past teammate/fave running partner.  These will be a fun way to get in a good tempo and enjoy the team atmosphere.  One of my legs is a 10k and the other is a 7 mile.  I am not really looking to PR in these since it will be super hot and humid, but I am wanting to see progress from my training and to see our team win!! Here are the possibilities coming up:

Half marathon in Aug. : Possibly Tupelo, MS

Another Half in Nov. or Dec. : Possibly Memphis, TN St. Jude or Meridian, MS

Another Half at the end of January : RnR Nola

*Hoping to PR and run sub 1:29 for one of these

Then, I will shift gears and develop more speed for a 5,000m PR of sub 18:30 on the track and a 5k & 10 road PR somehwhere in the spring to summer as well.

Here are my new favorite running shorts that I have EVER owned----from Oiselle
Black Mac Roga. These are perfect for racing and track workouts.  If you like to race in spandex but aren't too comfortable with the tight fit, then these are for you.

Fresh Green Distance Short. I am hoping to get these in brill blue and fast red as soon as my size is back in stock!