Sunday, February 21, 2010

Running From My Problems


I am a self confessed optimist. My friend Hope has even accused me of "farting rainbows". I do tend to look at the positive side of things. And my faith in God is where this attitude comes from, I have no doubt. But the last few months have been one crisis after another for me, my family, and my friends. Probably the same could be said for the the whole world, I know.

One part of me thinks that there is no reason to cheer up because the next storm is just over the horizon. I know that this is faulty logic and the other part of me knows to trust and be patient. I think triathlon helps with the latter line of thought. Aside from the endorphin boost of exercise, training gives you a feeling of control over at least a small part of your life. I can do everything in my power to keep myself healthy so that I can take care of others when they need it. When the pressure builds up and I need to get away, I have my running shoes and they can help give me some space between the rock and the hard place.

Keep running, my friends, we have a lot to be thankful for.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Pray for Allie!

My friend's little girl, Allie, has just been diagnosed with cancer. I don't want to share any details without family's permission, but please pray for her and her family. Thanks.

Friday, February 5, 2010

I'm in Love - With Trail Running!




That's not a lake above, that is the trail that I ran on last Saturday. Imagine 10 miles of that! I loved it and I can't wait to go back for more. Temperatures were in the thirties, but once I got going, I was shedding layers like an onion. The whole experience reminded me of walking through the woods with my dad when I was a little girl.

You can see in the photos my before and after shoe pictures. I tried to waterproof/ insulate my shoes with duct tape, but it wasn't happenin'. One trick I did learn from Jeff and Eric at The Age Grouper was to put sandwich bags over your socks. I didn't realize how much this was helping to keep my feet warm (NOT dry, nothing could have kept them dry!) until I lost my left shoe in a puddle at mile 6. When I pulled my shoe out, the baggie fell out and it was too gross to put back on. The difference between my right and left foot was incredible. Right foot: wet, warm, comfortable. Left foot: wet, icy, yikes!

In two weeks I will back on the trail for a 6 miler at another park. I love it!