This morning (bright and early, mind you) I completed my 3rd half marathon. There are somethings that get easier over time (the pre-race routine, changing my stride when I need to, etc.) and other things that do not (blank thoughts around mile 10, blisters, etc). Today, I experienced something I have never had happen to me. WARNING: Graphic description follows.
Lately, I have had a problem with blisters on the small toe of my left foot. This morning I attempted to thwart the inevitable by wrapping the little guy up. Well, around mile 3 I felt it come undone and slide under my foot. It didn't really hurt, so I thought it would be ok. Over time I could feel it. Then I experienced something entirely new to me around mile 11. The blister on my foot exploded. It was the weirdest thing in the world. By the end, my shoe was covered in blood. Nonetheless, I finished. TMI? Perhaps...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Running is my Prozac
Lately, my life has been a bit stressful. It is only by the grace of God and my running shoes that I haven't completely lost it. Today was what has become a normally stressful day. I have felt a bit under the weather this week, so I haven't run since Saturday. I've tried to justify the break by reminding myself I must rest so that I'm well for my Half Marathon on Sunday.
Anyways, I noticed that I have been stressed when I come home in the evenings this week. Today was one of those "Spring peeks" with temperatures in the 60s and sunshine. I was determined no matter what kind of day or how I felt I was going for a short run after work. While changing clothes my mind was all over the day at work and what I needed to do tonight and then tomorrow at work. Once I started the run, my music took me away from the thoughts of work and my feet took me on a nice brisk run, a little faster than a normal easy jaunt. The sunshine sparked some speed. At the end of those 3 miles, I had forgotten why I was stressed and came home completely energized and ready to accomplish things at home (including some additional work items). I realized what an incredible impact running after a hard day's work makes on me. I hope I'm able to keep running in my life forever. It has become the only medicine to fight stress and depression!
P.S. Weather Channel has good news for the race. It says "Abundant sunshine." I like that phrase. They better not be lying to me!
Anyways, I noticed that I have been stressed when I come home in the evenings this week. Today was one of those "Spring peeks" with temperatures in the 60s and sunshine. I was determined no matter what kind of day or how I felt I was going for a short run after work. While changing clothes my mind was all over the day at work and what I needed to do tonight and then tomorrow at work. Once I started the run, my music took me away from the thoughts of work and my feet took me on a nice brisk run, a little faster than a normal easy jaunt. The sunshine sparked some speed. At the end of those 3 miles, I had forgotten why I was stressed and came home completely energized and ready to accomplish things at home (including some additional work items). I realized what an incredible impact running after a hard day's work makes on me. I hope I'm able to keep running in my life forever. It has become the only medicine to fight stress and depression!
P.S. Weather Channel has good news for the race. It says "Abundant sunshine." I like that phrase. They better not be lying to me!
Monday, March 16, 2009
The COG
If you live in Cleveland or have lived in Cleveland ever, you know all about the COG. I grew up in a Church of God (COG) church. I didn't know church to be any other way until I moved to Virginia Beach. Well, I returned to a COG church on Sunday morning to hear Dr. Conn speak. Dr. Conn is the president of my undergrad school, Lee University.
The entire morning was memory flooding. As I walked into the church and heard the music, I felt like I was back at Westmore all over again. I arrived late, typical Lee chapel style. When I entered and started looking around, I realized the guy leading worship went to Lee during my years and was a member of Campus Choir. The choir sang a typical pentacostal, emotion evoking tune mid service and did it Campus style. You remember. It's when you think they are finished and then the chorus starts up again. I found myself looking for Doc and listening for a shofar. I went with a friend of mine that also went to Lee. He recognized the Campus style song and we just laughed.
It was actually really cool to hear Dr. Conn again. His chapel services were the ones I enjoyed while at Lee and it's always a joy to hear a Southern accent out here. The message was extremely relevant for me right now and there was something about it coming from someone so familiar. I was disappointed that we didn't do the college benediction at the close; I was ready.
I realized that morning that although I cherish my memories in the COG and am grateful for the foundation it gave me in my Christian walk, I don't miss it at all. However, I also recognized that I wish I had savored my Lee days a little bit better. I definitely miss everyone...
Now, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Oh Lord...my strength..and my redeemer."
The entire morning was memory flooding. As I walked into the church and heard the music, I felt like I was back at Westmore all over again. I arrived late, typical Lee chapel style. When I entered and started looking around, I realized the guy leading worship went to Lee during my years and was a member of Campus Choir. The choir sang a typical pentacostal, emotion evoking tune mid service and did it Campus style. You remember. It's when you think they are finished and then the chorus starts up again. I found myself looking for Doc and listening for a shofar. I went with a friend of mine that also went to Lee. He recognized the Campus style song and we just laughed.
It was actually really cool to hear Dr. Conn again. His chapel services were the ones I enjoyed while at Lee and it's always a joy to hear a Southern accent out here. The message was extremely relevant for me right now and there was something about it coming from someone so familiar. I was disappointed that we didn't do the college benediction at the close; I was ready.
I realized that morning that although I cherish my memories in the COG and am grateful for the foundation it gave me in my Christian walk, I don't miss it at all. However, I also recognized that I wish I had savored my Lee days a little bit better. I definitely miss everyone...
Now, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Oh Lord...my strength..and my redeemer."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Nursery
So, last night I did something I have never done before. In 30 years, I have NEVER helped with the nursery at church. Well, not just church, anywhere. I was point blank asked, so I couldn't back out. Of course, I told them up front "I don't do kids well, but I will come." If that didn't just boost their confidence, I don't know what will! So, last night I volunteered my "services" for the 2s and 3s.
It isn't that I don't like kids, because I do. I think they are funny and adorable. It's just that I don't have the foggiest idea what to do with them. My sister, on the other hand, has taught young children, babysat most of her life, and was a nanny for a few years. I have extremely minimal experience with the little ones. I called Keri last night to tell her what I was doing. Her response, "Um, what did you say? Do the parents know you will be there?" Thanks, sis!
It actually went well. I was a bit standoffish at first just trying to take it all in. One little girl, Ana, took a liking to me up front. Well, I think it all started because she had to go to the bathroom and they asked me to take her. Talk about nervous! But she knew what she was doing, so that was good. I got comfy at the coloring table and it wasn't so bad. Who knew that tracing hands would be such a hit! I must have traced a million hands and then let them trace mine. It was cute.
So, I officially am not terrified by helping out in the nursery. I am definitely not ready to go alone though. I don't think that would be wise for any of us!
It isn't that I don't like kids, because I do. I think they are funny and adorable. It's just that I don't have the foggiest idea what to do with them. My sister, on the other hand, has taught young children, babysat most of her life, and was a nanny for a few years. I have extremely minimal experience with the little ones. I called Keri last night to tell her what I was doing. Her response, "Um, what did you say? Do the parents know you will be there?" Thanks, sis!
It actually went well. I was a bit standoffish at first just trying to take it all in. One little girl, Ana, took a liking to me up front. Well, I think it all started because she had to go to the bathroom and they asked me to take her. Talk about nervous! But she knew what she was doing, so that was good. I got comfy at the coloring table and it wasn't so bad. Who knew that tracing hands would be such a hit! I must have traced a million hands and then let them trace mine. It was cute.
So, I officially am not terrified by helping out in the nursery. I am definitely not ready to go alone though. I don't think that would be wise for any of us!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Lee University Celebs
Ok, so if you went to Lee, you probably can agree that it's become rather normal for random people to become "famous" that we know/knew. Matt Mangum's face on "Sweet Home Alabama", Steve Fee and his Christian music, and Phil Stacey on "American Idol" are just the ones from my years at Lee (so far). There are others before that. Well, looks like we have another friend in the limelight. Remember Jeremy McCoy? He is playing bass for the Fray right now. He says it's a trial thing for now. I'm super pumped for him. I have always thought the world of Jeremy and have many fond memories over at his place with Mur, Berly, and Joanna. (Remember "Where the Wild Things Are" book pages framed throughout the house?) So, if you remember Jeremy or if you want to check the Fray out, they are going to be performing on Jay Leno tomorrow night (March 2) and on Ellen March 4. HOORAY FOR JEREMY!
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