5 Today

What a beautiful morning. I felt so good after running 4 yesterday, I set out to try a little farther to see how I would do. I managed to run 5 miles at a pretty good pace, which is the first time since my injury that I have run 5 miles. So, I am celebrating today and feeling great!

I am wondering if all the weights and other forms of strength training have built up some weaker areas and allowed this injury prone area to heal...or at least made my other muscles stronger so that I don't feel so much tension in the hip area. Whatever the reason, I am very thankful.

Cool and Sunny

A great morning...clear blue skies with warmer weather on its way this week! I ran about 4 miles with hills and a few higher intensity intervals...I really got my heart rate up. When I finished the run I did 3 series of alternating 15 pushups, 1 minute of jumping jacks. I am looking forward to 70 degree weather this week. Hoping to get some good low mileage runs in.

This Week

I have run everyday this week, which has been really nice. The weather has been good most days and I have enjoyed running later in the day when it has been warmer. Gracie has even been running some with me, so I have enjoyed the company. I have also been doing some heavier weights and push ups lately. I think this combo of running and weights has been good for me. I'm not pain free, but I am doing okay as long as the distance is not too much. Thankful for warm spring sunny days!

Scenic

Since my second oldest daughter, Abigail, is playing soccer in an olympic development soccer program, we have a couple of hours at a gorgeous park where there is a scenic running/biking trail. Yay! While Mike and the younger kids played soccer and baseball, I headed out on a run. I have always wanted to run by the river and this trail goes right by the river and slightly up a small cliff and ends up by a golf course. It is really pretty! The weather yesterday was gorgeous so it was a fun run! I ran about 3 1/2 miles and walked about a mile.

Adidas?

I once owned a pair of Adidas shoes in high school...you know the white leather *tennis* shoes with the green back. They were very popular and I loved mine. I have not owned an Adidas pair of shoes since then...until now. I have been reading up on shoe reviews and found this Classic Supernova by Adidas to be consistently highly recommended for long distance runners, especially for injury prone people or those who have knee or foot issues. I thought I would give it a try. I have run in them twice and so far I really like the way they feel. My Saucony shoes had become very flat so I had to get some new ones. These were reasonably priced as well, so I am happy about them!

I had a cold or something for the last week, so I have only felt like running a couple of times. I ran 4 one day earlier in the week and 3 today. I am planning on another short run in the morning before we leave for Union University and then take the weekend off. Gracie is going to the scholars of excellence weekend and we are so excited for her! The results from this weekend will determine how much of a scholarship she will receive. We are so blessed to even be able to participate in this. We are trusting God through the process and know He has a wonderful plan for her! We just want His will to be done.

Glory of God in His Creation!

I had a gorgeous run this morning! It just made me praise God for His perfect holy character, grace, and mercy to allow us to enjoy such things! Wow!

It was a gorgeous morning...7 inches of snow all around, but clear roads...well, except for a few icy spots that I dodged. What struck me on the beginning of the run was the pink sky over the snow covered trees...gorgeous light coming from the sun as morning was approaching. How can people be in bed to miss something so gorgeous?!

I ran past the golf course that was covered in snow and a frozen(somewhat)pond there in clear view. Something I see everyday, but this time it was so pretty, so fresh, so new...just like His mercies are new every morning. What a great reminder.

Mileage--didn't count, didn't care.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Ps 19:1

SNOW!

I had my alarm set for an early morning run and when I awoke, Mike said there was a couple of inches of snow on the ground...and since I am extra cautious when it could be slippery out, I opted not to run. So....I slept about 30 more minutes. That was nice on this cold morning. I am planning on doing some circuit work today...lunges, jump squats, push ups, walking planks, jumping jacks, and weights for my arms. Hopefully I can be outdoors running again soon.

The snow is beautiful!


(From a previous snowfall)