Pain in the Butt

I woke up this morning and realized it's been a week since I last went running...a week since I fell on my butt.
I glanced over at the clock while at the same time, paying close attention to the aches and pains of a typical morning. To my surprise, I wasn't feeling that bad. All at once a sudden thought lifted one eyebrow on my face.

I could go running this morning...right now!

So I dressed real quick and was out the door in only 15 minutes. Sweet.

I decided on Otter trail even though I've been doing this one a lot lately. I chose it for one specific reason. It was 6:30 am. I knew the sun would be rising soon. I could get a nice view of it as I struggled up the crazy steep hill.
I wasn't disappointed. Just as I was making the turn, I looked up and ran right into it. Bright, blazing streaks of orange, red & pink. It was as if there had been a Mexican fiesta stuffed into a can the night before just below the surface of the Earth, waiting for me to unexpectedly step into the darkness. Just for me, the sky opened up it's can of glory in sudden surprise...making the smile on my face even wider. Colorful streamers raining from above..."I am so glad I am out here." I thought. "Thank You Father."

I was so taken in by the beauty that I didn't really notice my butt hurting until I passed the halfway point. A dull ache, similar to pressing lightly on a bruise, was becoming more noticeable as I thought about running faster. As long as I don't flex my buttocks muscles, I'll be fine.
I ran faster- ignored the pain in my butt and waved "hi" to my neighbor, Wayne, as he was walking by.

What a morning so far...I hope it gets better for Megan who has already spilled her bowl of cereal as I am writing this.

Happy day my fellow man...uh, woman.

Blessings & Lessons

"All of the words in all of my life that could never explain it, never describe. All of my love, which is nothing to hide, so I lift up my hands and I worship...I worship YOU."

"By your grace you've come and let me talk to you. It's not that I'm worthy, I thank you Jesus for the love that you have shown." Kutless. All of The Words.

Some interesting things happened on my run today. First just let it be known that I DID run on Monday the 15th. I just didn't get around to posting it. I ran Otter Trail. I remember feeling a bit distant from God. Not because He moved, but because I did. I made the choice to turn and look back.

Today He reminded me of his glory in a big way.

I started out later than I wanted. Almost 7:30. The sun was already heating things up. I was planning on running to 2nd gate, but remembered what happened the last time I ran there in the heat. No thanks. I easily made the mental switch to run Westville. Lots of hills, but more shade. It turned out to be a fine choice.

I almost stopped on the crazy steep hill, but I managed to maintain a feeble pace. The entire way up I prayed, "Lord, help me." He did.
Going down hill I all but forgot Him and started thinking about my remodeling project. Soon I was going uphill again and begging for more help. Isn't that the way? When things are going great, we can easily forget the one who got us there. I realized this and prayed, "Father, forgive me."

A few steps down the road something happened that through off my stride. A large deer with long fuzzy antlers bounded across the road right in front of me. I turned my head to the right to peer down the driveway from which it came. Standing on the opposite side of a screen door, was a small grey dog, barking his little head off. I laughed as I though about how proud the dog must feel today. He's protecting his family from wild animals. If dogs have old war stories they tell their pups, this might become one of them.

When I returned back to my street, I did my usual cool down, but this time I closed my eyes. What I saw astounded me. A swirling vortex of tiny particles moving slowing across the screen of my vision. I watched intently as the red colored lint scene gave me a window into the universe. I held on to it as long as I could, until I started paying attention to the song filtering into my brain. See above verse.

The Holy Spirit was talking to me. He said, "I am enormous. You will not know my magnitude until you see the stars with your own eyes."

Metal Not Jell-o

Just past the park on Westville and before running up todays first hill, I remembered my daughter telling me that the little trail off to the right leads down to a gazebo and pond. Out of curiosity, I turned my head and glanced down the small dirt path that barely existed beyond the heavily loaded black berry bushes.

In one quick stare, I saw something. It was sitting only a few feet from the road. My immediate instinct was one of "WHOA" and I stumbled sideways just a bit.

I didn't see the gazebo. What I saw was the biggest darn house cat on the planet. Or else it was a bobcat. We do have those around here, but not this close to first gate. If you live around 3rd gate than this would not be uncommon.

I ran on, looking back over my shoulder only once to make sure it was not following me.

Overall it was a terrific run. I made it around Westville, down Pointed Rocks, up Paymaster and back on American River for my sprint back home.

Do you ever get images that pop into your mind to explain situations or feelings BEFORE any real thought formulates? Yes, of course you do. I think this must happen to everyone.
Well today when I was starting up Paymaster my legs began to feel weak. Suddenly my body was split in two, resulting in the lower half wobbling around like red Jell-o.

I'm sure it didn't look that bad, but it felt strange.
I forced a new image into my mind.
This time the words came first...then the image.

Metal not Jell-o!!
The image of two metal legs with hindged joints for knees and ankles pierced the wiggly goop, giving my legs fresh strength and support. It's truly amazing what the mind can do.
Right away the weakness disappeared.
I felt better... stronger.

I raised my right hand to God, gave thanks and ran harder than ever.

doin it

I got up this morning at 6:30am. I should have gotten up earlier and despite the fact that I felt like throwing up...I was determined to run today.

I've been working on the house like a mad woman the past couple of weeks. Physically, my muscles seem to be tired all the time. I'm noting this because I think it might explain why I can't push my legs harder than a fast paced walk.

Don't get me wrong...I am running, uhm...jogging more like it. Friends say to me,"well, at least you're getting out there." Yeah, well sorry...that just aint enough for me.
I want to run. Not jog...run.

I got out at 7 and ran Otter Trail. After I passed the park and 3 old ladies, I picked up a rock in the bottom of my right shoe. I tried to ignore the harsh and rhythmic contact with every step, but it bugged me anyway. It didn't come loose until I was coming up the crazy steep hill to my house.
Now, I've been running these same streets for well over a year. You'd think they'd be getting too easy. Not today. I was slow and sluggish. What's going on? What is my problem?

There is a half marathon coming up in October. It would be a trail race. I'm not used to actual trails with their loose rocks, uneven slopes and sticky berry vines hanging in your path just around the next corner waiting to grip at your flesh, tearing at your calves until your socks are soaked in blood.
Still, I know a few people who are excited about doing it. They want me to sign up.
I'd like to, but I'm kinda scared. I'm not ready for that many miles. Especially the way I've been going lately!

I want to and that means I know I probably will. I just don't want to be last. I will have to run almost everyday if I have any chance of saving myself from that embarrassment.

Well, back to the house work! Painting bookshelves and dressers, finishing the floor and baseboards, installing a closet organizer and moving furniture. I hope I get a lot done today before I have to take Katie to soccer practice.

Wish me luck!

Hurts So Good

I haven't wanted to run since last Sunday's horrible episode. I'm still beating myself up over that.

Yesterday I bought some new socks for running. Now that I stuffed my shoes with those thick cushion inserts, I can only wear socks that are super thin, but still cotton.
I figured it's time to go.

I got out as early as I could manage...7am.

I started out running down American River Trail, figuring I would turn onto Westville. But just before I got there, God told me to keep going.
"But I'm already feeling sick! I don't want to stop." And in that moment I realized it. It's not in the stopping as much as the feeling I get just before...when I know I'm going to stop.

I've only been in one real car accident. My friend was driving. Her brakes went out and we hit the car in front of us. I wasn't wearing my seat belt and I hit the windshield. That second before contact slowed down so much I swear I can remember it in fractions.

"I'm going to hit the window and there's nothing I can do about it."

It's an awful feeling, a frightening realization.
That's the feeling I get when I have to stop. Except instead of my body getting hurt, it's my ego.

I continued down American River to Pointed Rocks...knowing what I was in for.
God washed a gentle breeze over me that spoke to my spirit. It softly said, "Don't worry, I've got you."

I ran the route without stopping, though sometimes I was going so slow that an old...very old lady could have passed me. Still, I did it. I pushed through my pain and fear.

American River, Pointed Rocks & Westville.

It hurt, but hurt so good.

Twice this week...

Okay- I have to play catch up on my running posts...

I ran last Monday, Otter Trail. It went fine. It was the first time since Michael's surgery that I felt like I could leave him long enough to get out and run. I can't remember the details (barely remembered which route I had done...).
The days are just getting away from me now.

Yesterday was a first for me. I ran with a friend. Tiffany is a runner and likes to run with friends as a motivating force. However, I was less than motivating. I held her back. Here's why...

1. We got a late start. 8am and it was cooking hot already! I had spent the entire day before melting in the sun at swim champs. Therefore my body lacked energy and water.
2. I hadn't run in a week.
3. Tiffany doesn't run with music, so I didn't either.
4. She asked a lot of questions and I couldn't concentrate on my stride, breathing or anything! Hard to explain Michael's surgery details while running!
5. I had to stop and walk 4 times!!
6. My head and hands were throbbing from being over-heated.
7. I was getting dizzy.
8. By the time I got back to my street I was barely walking. I sat down on the newly paved black asphalt to catch my breath. My face was beat red and my clothes had never been so soaked with sweat. I wished one of my neighbors would drive by and offer me a ride up the hill. I came so close to loosing my morning oatmeal. Yick.

It was bar far, the worst run I've ever done. I was embarrassed that I did so bad. I kept telling Tiffany that I haven't had to stop on this route in months!
BTW- we ran to Second Gate.