Location: Athens

Feb 23rd

Distance: 6 miles

Today I was in quite a funk. I went to work and when I got back, I didn't want to do anything or go anywhere. People say that "when it rains, it pours," and for me when it rains I think that it pours but it's actually just sprinkling. I finally decided to change and lace up my shoes. I was mad for the first mile of my run. Questioning why I even decided to run today if I was going to be miserable. But after that first mile, my mood completely changed. I forgot about all of the little things that had put me in such a funk. I ran through some trails and was able to smell the fresh air. Some people might think that it's not worth running when you don't feel like it, but it's runs like these that remind me why I do it even when I don't want to.

Feb 25th

Distance: 6 miles

This was a morning run. I haven't gone running in the morning in a long time. I've gotten lazy and have been sleeping in and drinking multiple cups of coffee in the morning. Running in the morning has a completely different feel than running in the afternoon or at night. It's a little cooler and the sun seems to shine a little brighter. I'm so glad that I decided to get up early because I really enjoyed the entire run from beginning to end. I ran down some different roads, which I always enjoy doing because it gives me a new perspective of Athens. Running lets you see so much more than if you were in a car. I can get away but I'm really not going far. This run was a great way to start the day.

Sweaty, sweat, sweat

Location: Athens

Feb 19th

Today was a perfect Saturday. I slept in, ate brunch with my friends, and went on an awesome run with Chase. It was about 75 degrees outside and sunny. When I got to his house I didn't really have an idea about how far or where we would go. He suggested running to the Botanical gardens... I though, "ambitious, but definitely willing to try it." We ran about 8.5 miles fast. I was pretty tired throughout the run, and I'm sure it was noticeable in my shortness of breath. We ran through the trails in the Botans, which are gorgeous, and ended when we ran into our friends relaxing in hammocks. I knew as soon as we stopped that my body was going to be tired for the rest of the day. Man, how I have missed this feeling, when you're so tired from a workout that the back of your legs ache and your metabolism is on speed. Call me crazy, but I really enjoy a good work-out.

Feb 21st

Distance: 8 miles

Today I ran to the IM fields to meet Maggie for a run through the trails. The sun was peeking through the clouds and it was 70 degrees. Mags and I chatted and ran through the trails. She had never been and I enjoyed introducing her to one of my favorite places to run in Athens. After we finished a loop, Mags drove home and I did another loop. I was feeling really good and just wanted to spend some more time outside. I enjoy the smell of sweat during a run on a warm day. It reminds me of summer and home. Yep, I'm a little home sick, but I'm enjoying the little reminders when I run.

Feb 22nd

Distance: about 6 miles

Today I decided to run down Milledge because I needed a flat run. My legs were tired from the last two long runs so I decided to take it easy. The first two miles were not that enjoyable. My legs didn't feel fresh and I felt like I was moving in quicksand. About half way through the run I started day-dreaming and all of a sudden, the run got so much better. I thought about what it would be like to live in New York City. Would I really like it or do I just like the idea? I think we like the ideas of a lot of things. I'm so thankful that the Lord has shown me that the reality of him is so much better than any idea that I could concoct in my head.

Feb 18th

Location: Athens

Distance: 6 miles

Temperature: 72

This was the warmest run of 2011, and I loved every minute of it. I loved wearing shorts & a t-shirt, the sweat trickling down my face, and the sunshine peeping through the trees. Running through the trails reminded me of when everything comes to life in Narnia after the long winter. I almost felt like the trees were going to come alive (read the books if you haven't). This warm weather may be just a tease, but I'll take it. I knew that this was going to be a run that I was going to think about for the rest of the day. It's runs like these that keep me coming back. I'll leave you with a verse that has been on my mind, "his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot." Jeremiah 20:21

"And That Has Made All the Difference"

Location: Athens

Distance: 6 miles

Temperature: 67 degrees

Today was another great trail day. During the run, I thought about how I really am blessed to be able to run in such a beautiful place. The sun was hitting the trees just right. I don't think I could have placed the rays any better. A lot of people were walking, biking, and running today. It was nice to see people out enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. As I ran, I thought about the well-known poem by Robert Frost titled "The Road Not Taken." There are different trails to run down and each trail has a different feel. For a while I wasn't sure if I had made the right decision to move to Athens, but looking back I'm so glad that I went out on a limb. This is exactly where I'm supposed to be. I'm growing so much spiritually. I think that God wants us to be stretched so that we can grow. I'm excited about the next place (and trails) in my future.

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

Location: Athens

Feb 14th

Today was a good Valentine's day. I spent the afternoon kicking the soccer ball and playing ultimate frisbee with some of my favorite people. The weather was really too good to be true. It was in the upper 60s and sunny. When I got home I took Juno with me on my run. It was a short run because I had to be back by 7. I decided to mix things up a little and run somewhere that I had never run before. I ran in the residential area across the street from my house. The funny thing was that I didn't even feel like I was in Athens. I know Athens as a college town. Sometimes I forget that people actually have families and real jobs.... I mean really, who does that nowadays? As I ran, I stepped into a world of 9-5 jobs and children. The houses were cozy and eclectic. Maybe that will be me someday, but not anytime soon.

Feb 15th

The stress plague hit me today. Blah. I was in such a funk this morning that I didn't even know if I wanted to run. I didn't want to be around people so I drove to some trails. Sunshine and warm weather convinced me that it was a good idea to get out and run. I needed some endorphins and vitamin D... it's all the rage these days. I ran about 5.5 miles in the trails. It was such a good run that I was thinking about it long after it was over. I still have the mental images of the sun hitting the trees. I'll leave you with some lyrics from Jon Foreman,

"I look out the window

The birds are composing

Not a note is out or tune

or out of place

I look at the meadow

And stare at the flowers

Better dressed than any girl

on her wedding day

So why do I worry

Why do I freak out?

God knows what I need

You know what I need"

Stress, what?

Location: Athens

Feb 12th

Today I ran with Taylor at dusk. We went on a long run (8.5 miles) and talked the whole time. It went by fast and I was so glad that I had great company. The sun was setting at the beginning of the run and there really aren't words to describe it. The Lord's creation is beautiful and I'm thankful for each day that I can run. I spent some of the run telling Taylor where I had been a year ago. I was rehabing my heel many hours a week, and really wasn't sure if I would ever be able to run again without pain. When I think about it I really can't believe how far I've come. God is so good.

Feb 13th

Today I spent a lovely afternoon in the botanical gardens with my friends. When we got back I went for a night run. Downtown was especially beautiful, and I wish my time there would have lasted longer. I planned on running 4 miles at the beginning but I ran 6. I just can't get enough.

Location: Athens

Tuesday, Feb 8th

Today's run was pretty on the outside and rough on the inside. The temperature was in the upper 40s and it was all blue skies. I was so excited for my run that I decided before hand that I was going to go on my 8 mile loop. From the very beginning of the run I could tell that it wasn't going to be so good. My stomach started to hurt and I was racking my brain for reasons why.... maybe I ate something that upset my stomach, maybe I was dehydrated. But being the stubborn person that I am, I told my self that I had planned on running 8 miles so that's exactly what I was going to do. I wish I could say that I felt better, but I didn't. Some runs are just uncomfortable. That's life. It will make my good runs feel even better.

Thursday Feb 10th

I got off of work and thought about running, but wasn't too motivated to do it. Maybe I'm in somewhat of a running rut. I put on my running clothes anyways and sat at my desk while talking to my roommate. I was really enjoying having a good conversation and then I realized that I had been running by myself for the past two weeks. I needed some company. Running alone can be therapeutic, but sometimes I need some good social time as well. Miriam expressed an interest in running so I quickly jumped on the idea and we went for a jog down Milledge. It was a little chilly outside because the sun was setting, but I think we both agreed that we were glad we carried our conversation outside. We ran for about a mile and a half and then walked home. Once we got home I turned around again and went for about a three mile run. I ran fast (for some reason I run faster at night) and it felt so good to sweat in the cold. Tonight's run was the perfect combination of running leisurely and competitively.

Location: Athens

Feb 3rd

My first February run. It was cold and wet, but I hadn't run in two days so I was growing stir crazy. The run wasn't that great. I'm just tired of cold, rainy weather. I'm ready for Spring. It can't come soon enough. I can already picture the flowers blooming.

Feb 6th

Just got back from Britt's wedding and it was 53 and sunny outside. This made my heart smile. The entire drive home I couldn't wait to get my shoes on and go for a long run. I went 8 miles and it felt like 2. I didn't want it to end. What a great blessing after a great weekend with sweet friends. Throughout the run I would begin to day-dream, but I didn't get very far because I didn't want to be anywhere else.

Feb 7th

Cold again! Blah, blah, blah. The first two miles were tough but after that the last four and a half were good. The crisp air is nice after I'm warmed up. Forecast tomorrow: 48 and sunny. Yes, please.