Goodbye January

Jan. 29, 30, 31

Location: Athens

Distance: 4.5 miles

Distance: 4.25 miles

Distance: 6.5 miles

So I'm going to combine the last three runs into one post. I've been a slack blogger over the past three days. Each of these runs was so different and I'll do my best to do them justice. Jan 29th: Perfect weather. I got back from class in Gwinnett around 3:30 and immediately put on my running gear. I had been cooped up for 7 hours and I needed to enjoy the 67 degree weather. I made a small loop downtown and ended at the IM fields to play a little ultimate with the friends. Man, I love them. Jan 30th: Good company. Got up early before church to run with Couper. We haven't ever run together before. I always enjoy a new running buddy. This run was cool because the weather started out overcast and ended with the sun shining. Great start to my Sunday. Jan 31st: Back to cold and rainy.... Didn't really feel like running today, but I know that tomorrow will be pretty busy and I won't get a chance to run. I took Juno. She pooped in someone's yard. I really didn't know what to do, so we both did what we do best: run. It ended up being a good run after about the 2nd mile. I saw a friend from home and Taylor drove by and honked at me. We all know how a little sunshine makes us happy... I think running does the same thing for me for so many reasons.

Location: Athens

Distance: 6.5 miles

The weather was amazing today! It was about 50 degrees when I started my run, and half way through the run my sleeves were already rolled up. My legs were a little sore from my past two runs, but being outside was so great that I didn't even care. I probably ran slower than I usually do, but that didn't bother me at all. I think that I was smiling during the entire run. People probably thought that I was crazy. Last night during Bible study we talked about listening to the speaking voice of God. During the run I prayed some but mostly I listened. All of a sudden my heavy legs weren't so bad, or maybe my heart was just light with His joy so I wasn't even thinking about them.

2 Great Runs

Jan 26 and 27

Location: Athens (around campus)

Distances: 7 miles and 7.5 miles

Yesterday's run was so fabulous that I had to run it again today. Yesterday, as some of you may know, a tree fell on Milledge. As I approached 5-points I realized that I was not going to be able to take my usual Milledge route, so I opted for Lumpkin. I was feeling adventurous so I ran a loop that I haven't run before. It was new and different. I ran through parts of campus that I usually don't see. Afterwards I couldn't even believe I had already run 7 miles because it didn't feel like any time had elapsed at all. As soon as the run was over I couldn't wait for the next day so that I could do it again. Today I brought Juno (the dog) with me, and we took Milledge so it added an extra half mile to the run. The run was just as good as the day before. I'm excited to add to my new found loop. I love the fact that running doesn't always have to be the same. Who says you can't start out with the intentions of running 5 miles and end up running 7?

Juno was tired.

Jan 24, 2011

Location: Athens, Ga

Distance: 6 miles

Today I was so motivated to run. I woke up early and put my warm running clothes on. I was excited to get out and make up my run as I went. I didn't really have any idea how far I was going to go or for how long. It was nice knowing that I didn't have to be back for anything. I ran a little on Milledge and a little downtown (which is awesome when there aren't that many people out). Great start to the morning.

Soo Behind

Jan 19th

Location: Athens

Distance: about 6 miles

Today was really sunny and beautiful out. The ground was finally dry after the snow and rain. I took Juno out for a run in hopes of tiring her out. It turned out to be a challenging run. Before the break I remember running with Juno and she began grew tired during the last mile of our run. This time I felt like she was dragging me up the hills. It was somewhat of a speed work out because when Juno went fast I had to go fast as well. She's like my personal trainer.

Jan 21st

Location: Athens

Distance: 6 miles

Today Juno and I took on the trails. I missed them so much while I was home over the break. They are beautiful at about 4 or 5 pm when the sun is beginning to set. There is nothing quite like the rays falling through the trees and hitting the pond. Sorry I didn't have my camera.

Jan 22nd

Location: Athens

Distance: 6 miles

Today I ran my usual loop but backwards. I needed a little change and I wanted to see if I would like it better running in the opposite direction. It turned out to be a pleasant run. It was surprisingly colder than I had expected. The run was difficult at the beginning because the hills were pretty tough, but once they were over about 3 miles in, I was downhill and flat from there. It was a good way to end the run. Work hard and then relax.

2 Runs, 1 Day

Location: Athens

Distance: 4 miles

My friend Taylor called me this afternoon and asked me if I wanted to run. I told him that I had already run today, but I would totally be down for another. We jogged around campus and talked about anything from the character of God to training for the marathon. I hope we can do it. Let me know if you're in Athens and are interested in running the Atlanta marathon in March! Peace and blessings...

Morning Runs

1/17/11

Location: Athens

Distance: 6 miles

Today I took Anna on my usual 6 mile run. It was such a great morning. Even though it was a little overcast, a lot of people were out running and everyone seemed so friendly. Since it was MLK day, I think most of the serious runners were out getting their morning run in before the rain, while the rest of Athens was sleeping in. Anna and I smiled and said hey to those we ran by. It's refreshing to see a smiling face on a morning run. I didn't tell Anna about the two big hills on the run, and she's not very used to hilly terrain. Although it was difficult for her, she did such an awesome job finishing the run. She makes me so proud :)

1/18/11

Location: Athens

Distance: 5.5 miles

I'm not much of a morning runner, but I woke up around 8:15 this morning, and I didn't have to be at work until 11 am, so I decided to go for another morning run. I remembered how good it felt to run early yesterday, and I wanted to get my run in before it rained later in the day. Today was quite foggy and chilly. The cold air felt good as I jogged slowly around Athens. I listened to David Crowder for the entire run. I worshipped and just chilled. It was a great start to the day.

Jan 15, 2011

Location: Athens, Ga

Distance: 6.5 miles

Temperature: 45 degrees

Yay! Anna came to visit me. I'm so glad that I could show her one of my favorite runs yesterday. We ran to some trails (which were a little slushy from the melted snow), and then we ran through a small part of campus. The run was the perfect way to show Anna part of my life in Athens. Running through the trails was beautiful because the snow was still on the ground throughout the woods. Spending time with her reminded me of home and it made me happy :)

Jan 14, 2011

Location: Athens, Ga

Distance: 5.6 miles

Temperature: 39 degrees

This was somewhat of an adventurous run. I got to run with a good friend, and it was so good to talk and catch up with him. At one point during the run, the side walked ended and we tromped through the snow on the side of the road. It was fun, and I'll have to say that I have never run through the snow. It was a good first snow run. Hopefully there will be more in the future (minus the icy parts). We started talking about running the Atlanta Marathon in March, which is very soon, but I really got the urge to do it. Once I got home I immediately looked on the Internet for marathon training plans. To be continued...

Athens, It's good to see you

Location: Athens, Ga

Distance: 5.9 miles

Temperature: 36 degrees

Today was my first day back in Athens after a long break at home. I wasn't sure if I was going to get a run in for the second day in a row because the snow had turned to ice. When I got the email that my afternoon class was cancelled, I was so excited. Who am I kidding? I hate taking more than a day off of running. I put my warm clothes on and laced up my shoes for a slow jog through Athens covered in snow. I wish that I could have spent more time with my head up looking at the beautiful snow, but I spent much of my time looking down at the icy sidewalk. I ran a route that I know so well, but today I didn't even recognize it. Running is not always the same for me; I get a new experience every time I go. Athens, I missed you.

1/1/11

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga
Distance: 6.5 miles
Temperature: 42 degrees

Today I was a little bored because no one was home. I ran from my house to Frederica Academy, where my mom works. It was a good run. The sky was overcast and I didn't really see many people out on the sidewalk. I was in my own little world. The first two miles were a little slow and then I picked up the pace for the last 4.5. When I got home later in the day, I got a running log from Runner's World magazine because I subscribe to it. I'm really excited about using it. I can't wait to share updates when I start training for my half marathon!

January 10

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: about 6 miles

Temperature: 40 degrees

Today I needed a little variety to my usual run. I was feeling a little bored of running the same route and then doubling back to my house. I knew that my mom was going somewhere around 5, so I decided to jump in the car with her and then run back home. I like doing this because I feel as though I have to run in order to get home. It gives me that extra push on days that I am not as motivated to run. It was nice to see different parts of St. Simons. It was a nice crisp night... perfect for a run.

Running Update

Thursday, Jan. 6th

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: 5 miles

This was a nice little morning run before my trip to Charleston for one of my best friend's bridal shower. I really like to get a run in before I travel because it makes me feel more awake and energetic when I get wherever I'm going. I remember that I felt a little fatigued during this run. I'm not really sure why because I didn't run the day before. Even though I was a little weary, I'm glad that I decided to run because I was in such a great mood when I arrived in Charleston to see all of my wonderful friends. Gotta love the natural endorphins.

Friday, Jan. 7th

Location: Charleston, SC

Distance: 4.11 miles

Our old house

After a great night of sleep, my friend Sarah and I woke up around 9:30 to run the battery. I was so excited because this was one of the things that we enjoyed doing together while we were in college. It brought back so many great memories. We talked the entire time and just soaked up the sun rays as we rounded the battery and headed through Waterfront park. We ran slow so that we could catch up and point out our favorite parts of our usual run. We ended at a coffee shop close to campus where we spent much of our undergrad days socializing, journaling, and crunching out papers. One of the things that we talked about while we were running was how we truly took advantage of living in such a beautiful place. After the run, I realized that we never said, "We wish we would have..."

Saturday, Jan. 8th

Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC

Distance: 3.5 miles

After spending most of the morning setting up for Brittany's wedding shower, Meghan, Sarah, and I decided to run through Snee Farm (the neighborhood behind Britt's condo). We ran a little and walked a little. It was nice to just be outside enjoying the day.

Sunday, Jan. 9th

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: 6.78 miles

It was quite cold and windy today. Wearing the proper running gear makes running in cold weather so much better. I brought my camera because I felt bad that I have failed to take pictures on my last four runs or so. I listened to my running play-list and just chilled. I was somewhat on edge after I got back from Charleston, and I knew that I needed to de-stress. For whatever reason, I had little patience with my family when I got back, and it was nothing that they had done wrong. I was just being selfish. I needed some Jesus time. He always seems to set me straight. I thought a lot about the purity of our Father's love. If I don't love Him more than anything else in this world, I am loving those around me with an unclean love. Earlier today I was trying to love my family alone. I needed to be centered on Christ's love in order to truly love them. After the run, I reached home fully refreshed and enlightened.

Barbeque was a bad choice

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: 6.5 miles

Temperature: 57 degrees

Today I went to get my oil changed, and, of course, I leave the place and my car with a thousand things that needed to be fixed. I was a little angry that I had to sit at the car place for four hours just to hear that they couldn't fix my car today because they had to order the parts. To abate my anger I told Anna that I needed a barbeque sandwich from Southern Soul (it's the jam). After Anna, Ford, and I finished, I was feeling pleasantly satisfied. Ford dropped Anna and I off at Frederica so that we could get a ride home with our media specialist mother. We hung out for a little bit, and then got bored. We decided to run home and use Anna's new running chip that she inserts into her shoe (nifty little gadget).

I was still quite full, but I wanted to run, and when I want to run, I run. We ran at a pretty quick pace. The pace felt comfortable for me, but I could definitely feel some Southern Soul in my stomach. I kept thinking that the overwhelming fullness in my stomach would wane, but it was pretty consistent throughout the entire run. I don't regret the run because when I was finished it was such a great feeling that I forgot that I was full of porky while I was running. Next time I will plan my eating before I run... oh yeah, and drink more water.

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: 6.18 miles

Temperature: 50 degrees

It is my birthday and, of course, my mom gets me a new running trinket. This one is a small pouch that can be strapped to my arm and can hold my wallet, phone, key, etc. As you can see, I also have a head lamp (a Christmas gift). I don't know if I have gotten any faster or fitter over the break, but one thing that I am sure of is that I've become a very prepared runner. Not much can stop me from running now and I love it. It's dark outside... wait, I have a head lamp. It's too cold... I have under armor, spandex, gloves, and ear warmers. Despite all of my running paraphernalia, tonight's run was a simple thing that made my birthday even better. I ran with my ipod, which I haven't done over the break. I listened to some David Crowder and Dave Matthews. When I was listening to David Crowder I felt like I should be in his music video because I was having my own little worship session as I ran through the golf course. Check out David Crowder's music video to "Oh Praise Him." It might give you a better idea of what I am talking about. I might have sang out loud a few times. I don't care; as far as I am concerned God is the only one who could hear me anyways.

Ann's Longest Run

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: 7.35 miles

Temperature: 70 degrees

I didn't run yesterday, so of course today I was craving a run. I thought about a long run in church today and I was determined to make it happen, rain or shine. After church, I spent some time trying to convince Anna to come with me. I told her that I had a route in mind that would be around 7 miles. She was very hesitant and kept telling me that she wouldn't be able to run that far. I continued to tell her that she could definitely do it if we slowed our pace; she finally gave in. It started sprinkling a little and the weather forecast didn't look too great, but I was determined, remember? I enjoy running in the rain... it means less people out and it's refreshing. The first couple of miles are always the toughest for me on long runs. I kept telling Anna that once she reached mile 3, it would be smooth sailing. I don't think she believed me, but I continued to do my best to be an encourager. It was so great to see her attitude change as the run progressed. She gained confidence and I could tell that she was actually enjoying herself. This is coming from a girl who hated running less than a year ago and I couldn't pay to run with me. Now she is dominating and I love it. The entire run was worth seeing the smile on her face as we finished. Encouraging others can be just as rewarding as receiving the encouragement.

Location: St. Simons Island, Ga

Distance: 5.4 miles

Temperature: 60 degrees

So yesterday I got done with work around 1:30 and came home to rest up before I had to be back at work at 5. Some New Years Eve, right? The kids at work wear me out so I was tired and didn't really feel like running. I walked with my parents and when we got back I started to contemplate running again. I had about an hour and a half before I had to be back at work, so I made the quick decision to just walk out the door and start running. At first I was thinking, "what the heck am I doing? If you don't want to run, just don't run." The first two miles were kind of tough, but after that I didn't want to stop. I wish that I didn't have to go to work because I would have ran until my little heart was content. I'm so glad that I got up and walked out that door. Sometimes we just have to do, instead of thinking too much about something.