from joy to work

I haven't been keeping up very well the last week or so on documenting my training journey...partially because its been a bit crazy around here and partially because all this running has become work.

I ran 8 miles on Tuesday and enjoyed myself for the most part until the last mile. There's something about knowing that you are almost done that does something to you psychologically. As I passed two different friends' houses, I considered stopping at both for water. Even though I wasn't really thirsty. I was proud I didn't stop but it made the last mile almost worse. My right knee suddenly started to hurt. My right ankle next. Then I had a cramp. Then my head began to pound. Where were all these "injuries" on the first 7 miles? Could our minds really be that connected to our bodies that because in that last mile I became mentally tired, physically I became tired too? Surely not. Or maybe...

Up until this last week I have loved every second of training for this mini. I loved waking up and putting my running gear on and starting up my iShuffle. I looked forward to sounds of Jason Mraz, Jay-Z, Chris Tomlin and Paramore. Up until this last week, it has been my joy to run...not work. So what was different?

I began to realize that everyday I was getting on the scale. Everyday, fretting over what food was going to put me over the calorie intake level. Everyday, analyzing my body in the mirror and wondering why everything wasn't flat yet...all of my training became about losing weight and looking good. It became totally about me. And that's why I hated it.

The first 6 weeks of my training was all about the people I do life with. Minino in the Hole who I thrived on spending time with. Yajaira in our neighborhood and our weekly coffee talks. Fernando across the street, such a good heart, just caught up in addiction. I'm training for this mini marathon to raise money in order to have the ability to continue to live here. To come in contact with new people seeking someone who will just listen and hear their story. To do whatever it is God will have me do on this island I have grown to love and cherish.

My training can't be about how many pounds I lose or if my shirts are fitting me better. It has to be about them. About the people who have molded me and shaped me into a way different person than who I used to be four years ago. Without them, I'd still be floundering.

I have to remember, that I Run For Love.

On Tuesday, this was my big run of 8 miles. I ran this route twice and then a little more to make it about 8.1 miles.

3.84 Miles/6.17 Km

After running the 12k on Sunday, I took yesterday off to let my body rest. My legs felt pretty sore...even through today. But it felt really good to hit the pavement again. I did a little 3.84 mile run and ran it in 38:10. I didn't feel tired or out of breath or anything. It just felt good. I probably could have pushed myself a little harder to get a better time. That seems to be the theme these days. But when you run by yourself, its hard to have the motivation. I find it really hard to gauge what is a good hard push and pushing too hard so that I gas out at the end. I think I'm going to have to push myself a little harder either way to work up some more endurance. I'm having an amazing time. Just really enjoying it all.


Here's where I ran today!

My first 12k

Today, several of our G.O. Staff ran the Santiago 12k! What a cool experience! I thought it would be good practice for my upcoming mini and it definitely was. The race was supposed to start at 9am...didn't get started until closer to 10. So you can imagine the Dominican sun pounding down on us as many were finishing around 11am.

Although I finished my goal (which was to not stop running and finish the race) I was happy with my time. 7.4 miles in 1:14:25. But let me tell you, there was definitely more than once that I was trying to find an excuse to stop. It was blistering hot. I was thirsty. I felt like I was running forever. I totally feel like I was more mentally tired than physically. I'm going to have to try and work on that before my mini. I never want to quit because my mind is tired.

Either way, it was a great experience. Besides the obvious of being able to practice and experience my first race but also because I got to see a whole sub-culture of dominican runners that I never knew about. They are serious about running. It was cool just to learn something new about the country I live in.

Audrey, Jen and I...the G.O. Gals running in the 12K

Running...and happy!

SO glad it was over with :)

Audrey...my inspiration! If it weren't for her, I would have never thought I could do this! Love you, Aud!

Here's the course we ran today! It was great.