Wild Hog Half Goals

I've got a countdown going... only 10 days until race day!

This morning was another dark, early morning run. I am definitely the only person in this little town who runs around in a reflective vest (aside from construction workers). I don't earn any points for fashion, but the last thing I want to do is get hit by a car!

Reflective vest, GPS watch, and headlamp. Check, check, check. (P.S. I wrap the headlamp around my hand instead of trying to run with it on my head.)


6-mile tempo run for today - 9:12 (warm-up), 7:30, 7:25, 7:42, 7:34, 7:52 (cool-down). I dropped into the 6-minute miles here and there, but wasn't able to maintain it. Guess I should have eaten my Wheaties pre-run!

Clear skies this morning!

Aside from earlier morning runs due to sugar beet pre-pile starting, training for this half has been really fun. The longest run I have had was 13.18 miles and it has been much easier to fit training in before everyone wakes up! It feels good to have a run under my belt, breakfast cooking, coffee brewing, and then to see this smiling face :)


My Wild Hog Goals

Switching to the Wild Hog Half Marathon was a last minute decision. Like, as of last week-last minute. I scratched out of the Blue Ox Half Marathon and switched to the Wild Hog because it's closer, no hotel required, and my best friend is going to babysit E for me! Added benefit: the course is flat :)

Since the race is next week, I thought it may be nice to have a few goals established. Here we go:


Have joy regardless of my performance.

As I'm re-reading "Running with Joy", Ryan Hall noted that he has to remind himself before races that the only thing that matters is receiving Christ's love and giving it out to others. Getting wrapped up in times and performances is something he struggles with and it has been a struggle for me over my entire life!

God loves those who come to Him simply because they are His children. Performing well or performing poorly will not change God's love for me! His love is something that can't be "earned". God's children are saved by grace through faith - it's a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
"My message is that even if you don't land on the podium or run a personal best, even if you have a bad workout or are struggling with an injury, you can experience joy to the fullest." Ryan Hall

Be a blessing.

I love this saying: "We are blessed to be a blessing." God has given every person specific gifts and passions that are to be used to bless others.

Our gifts give us each a unique sphere of influence and new opportunities to share the love of Christ with the people we meet. That doesn't mean I need to yell "Repent!" at people as I pass them (or as they pass me). Blessing people in daily life is actually quite simple.

Encouraging a fellow runner, taking the time to visit before the race, or even smiling at someone makes a difference. I know this because I remember the people who have encouraged me in each race I have run. A simple act of genuine kindness makes a huge impact. And, if I feel the Holy Spirit prompting me to tell someone about Jesus, I pray that I will boldly be all over that!

I remember meeting these ladies in the porta-potty line in the Boston Marathon Athletes' Village (glamorous meeting place). Just a simple conversation and encouraging one another brought my nerves down one notch and they made the wait for the starting line much more enjoyable. It was simple and they probably didn't even realize it, but I was blessed by our visit.

Turns out the porta-potty line is a great way to meet people! Boston 2012

Run my best race.

Like most runners, I would love to set a new personal best in this race but my focal point isn't on a specific number. Tina Muir wrote an excellent post on all of the factors that affect each run or race. From your emotions to the week's accumulated sleep, there is a long list of what can affect your time on race day.

My greedy side wants to run a 1:30 for this half marathon but really all I want to do is have a good run. Running is a sport; just go out there and have fun. Though, we are called to be "all-in" and to do everything as though we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23) - yes, even running for the Lord! To summarize it, I'll share something my dad would say: "If you aren't going to give it your all, don't bother going out there."

When race day comes around, I'm going to run my brains out and then go on a lunch date with my best friend and little E. Hopefully I can fill Leo in on the race when he has a break from the army that day.

Read the rest of Tina's post here.

Discipline my thoughts.

When 2 Corinthians 10:5 talks about taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. He wants us to think on what is true, pure, right, excellent - not talk trash about ourselves (Philippians 4:8). This truth applies to every area of our lives; whether it's parenting, body image, or running.

Negative thoughts have been a struggle for most of my life. Back in college, I had lost many tennis matches in my own head before I even stepped on to the court. As I am growing in my relationship with the Lord, I am making a conscience effort to make my thoughts obedient to Christ. Negative comments still sneak in but I do my best to hand them over to God ASAP!
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Happy running this week! Only a few more days until the taper :)

Are you a nocturnal runner/exerciser?
What goals do you have for this month?

Linking up at Tuesdays on the Run and Fitness Friday.

Comments

  1. I'm a nocturnal exerciser if that counts! I love working out before the sun comes up! My goal for this month is to workout 6 days a week, instead of 5 days a week.

    Good luck in your race! You are going to rock it and I can't wait to hear all about it!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Melissa! 6 days a week - that's awesome! I alternate lately between waking up at 5 am and 6 am, but I wonder if my body would handle it better if I just stuck to the same time every morning. That's experiment worthy!

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  2. I am a morning runner and a 5K enthusiast. this this said I am training for my first 15K! yikes! 3 runs, 2 cross trainer activities are my goals right now :)

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    Replies
    1. Great, Mary Beth - best of luck with your upcoming 15k!

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  3. Good luck on your race! Thanks for linking up with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Love the Tuesdays on the Run link-up.

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  4. Awesome awesome goals! Love have fun regardless of performance :)

    Thanks for linking up with Fitness Friday!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jill! I always look forward to the Fitness Friday link-up!

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  5. You're going to do so well!!! Seriously woman you're incredible! I wish we lived even closer than we already do.. so that I can join you on your early morning runs! Love you!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, sister! I would love to run with you on the regular... maybe someday E and I will come to visit you and we can go for a run together :) Love you!

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