As I was jogging a short little warm up and stretch on Friday in preparation for the "big" race Saturday, I realized that almost as important as the physical preparation is the mental preparation. When I run, I often ask God to heal some hurt or the other (because something always hurts at the beginning of runs), but yesterday, I realized that I shouldn't try to run without pain. Part of my preparation for the McKay Hollow was telling myself that it would be painful, unpleasant, and possibly downright nasty at times. I think realizing that something is going to be hard and being okay with that is extremely important for preparation. This prevents discouragement when things get unexpectedly hard and allows room for pleasant surprises if all goes smoothly (yes, I am a pessimist/ realist).
That is why it was such a "psyche" to learn that first the race this morning was postponed and then cancelled. It was sortof strange to realize that I actually really did want to get out there on the trail and put myself through 15.5 miles of rocky, twisted trail- even in the mud! (I did not want to get struck by lightning though, so part of me is glad the race was cancelled). My emotions were so mixed. I was relieved that I wouldn't be in any danger and even a tiny bit that I wouldn't be running 15 miles that day. On the other hand, months of training for this one race went unfulfilled this morning. When I got home, I didn't really know what to do with myself. I am very thankful for Naomi, who invited me to her gym where I experienced my first ever spin cycle class. It was sweat inducing and made my quads burn, but was a nice break from my constant running schedule.
Of course, I'm already scheming about other half marathon possibilities, and future marathon training, but there's somthing incredibly disappointing about training with a very unique race as the goal and not being able to complete that goal. I think I may just have to go run the whole course when I have time and nice weather.
For those of you who donated to Dance Connection- thank you! Your donation is not in any way affected by this nasty weather! Stay posted for information about my next running adventure!
Gloria
oh and ps- I have apparently earned a trail running name "the black angel." I'm not really sure if this is similar to a "black sheep" or not :)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
25k for $22
Dance Connection Workshop is an amazing opportunity to give a little cash and make some little boy or girl feel really special. It only takes $22 for you to sponsor a dancer at a Summer Ballet Camp this summer. I am running a 25K race next weekend, and I am dedicating it to this Summer Dance Camp (some other wonderful ladies are running it as well- see a post on this later!). This will only work if people sponsor me by sponsoring a kid. If I can run 25K (15 miles) then perhaps you can challenge yourself to give $22. That's like, one meal at a fancy restaurant!
In my humble opinion, this is a great system for many reasons. One, kids are learning that people actually care about them. They also learn how to use their bodies in controlled and beautiful ways. I am passionate about fighting against an increasing temptation to ignore the bodies in our technological and intellectual world. Our bodies are part of who we are. (They are the temple of God if you know what I'm talking about). Not taking care of them is not okay. That's why I am excited about this opportunity for inner city kids who don't have access to healthy outlets for their bodies to participate in an organized, educational and fun physical activity (although I must admit dance is not my thing- I only lasted about 2 days in my ballet class :)
Two, I have always wanted to get paid for exercising. I think that would be the coolest part-time job ever! Even though I am not benefitting at all monetarily, it's going to make me feel like my running counts for something. The title of this blog "Running to Find a Purpose" really is quite accurate. I run, er, jog, a lot. But I want it to have purpose. I want to live intentionally. I want my actions to have a positive impact on those around me. I've done some triathlons to raise money for adoption, and now I want to expand that (more on adoption and running in a later post).
So, are you convinced yet? Need to know where to donate? Simply follow this link: http://www.aybtheatre.org/educational-outreach/dance-connection.shtml
and you'll find more information about the camp and how to give.
If you don't have spare cash lying around, I completely understand. Want to know my plan? I did some spring cleaning of my clothes. I'm going to take the clothes I don't need to Plato's closet, sell them, and use that money to sponsor a dancer!!!
In my humble opinion, this is a great system for many reasons. One, kids are learning that people actually care about them. They also learn how to use their bodies in controlled and beautiful ways. I am passionate about fighting against an increasing temptation to ignore the bodies in our technological and intellectual world. Our bodies are part of who we are. (They are the temple of God if you know what I'm talking about). Not taking care of them is not okay. That's why I am excited about this opportunity for inner city kids who don't have access to healthy outlets for their bodies to participate in an organized, educational and fun physical activity (although I must admit dance is not my thing- I only lasted about 2 days in my ballet class :)
Two, I have always wanted to get paid for exercising. I think that would be the coolest part-time job ever! Even though I am not benefitting at all monetarily, it's going to make me feel like my running counts for something. The title of this blog "Running to Find a Purpose" really is quite accurate. I run, er, jog, a lot. But I want it to have purpose. I want to live intentionally. I want my actions to have a positive impact on those around me. I've done some triathlons to raise money for adoption, and now I want to expand that (more on adoption and running in a later post).
So, are you convinced yet? Need to know where to donate? Simply follow this link: http://www.aybtheatre.org/educational-outreach/dance-connection.shtml
and you'll find more information about the camp and how to give.
If you don't have spare cash lying around, I completely understand. Want to know my plan? I did some spring cleaning of my clothes. I'm going to take the clothes I don't need to Plato's closet, sell them, and use that money to sponsor a dancer!!!
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