Trail Running

I waited until the temperature dropped to 75 degrees (at 8:00 pm) before we headed out to the trail.  I wanted to run the whole 4 miles, but no go.  I did run/walk it though.  That slight incline just kills my lungs, but I'm pleased with the outcome.  I'm not as slow as I thought.  

     I started at 6,822' ran down to the first mile marker a few hundred feet away to 6,812' about sea level.  After that it was a steady incline for the next two miles, peaking at 6,955'.  I ran one consecutive mile at an average pace of 10.17 min/mile.  Woohoo!  I started the run at 9.06, which didn't last long at all and then I finished at 9.40.  I didn't think I was running that fast.  My legs felt like they were dragging, so I'm very proud!  

     My goal is ENDURANCE!  If I can run 10 min/miles for the full 4 miles, I will be ecstatic!  Then it'll be on to 6 miles . . . and then 8 . . . then 10 . . . 13.1.  It's beginning to look like it's doable!  If I can get the endurance down, I think I will not have a problem running a half marathon at sea level!  I'm getting excited now!  

     I forgot my knee bands, but surprisingly, my knees were okay.  At one point though, I started getting a shin splint.  I think the knee bands would have prevented that.  I don't know how many puffs of my inhaler I had to take.  Either it just doesn't help, or it's empty.  There's no way of knowing whether it is or not.  New ones are on the way!  :o)

     I'm hoping that once I start losing weight, it will be easier to run and that I won't have to take so many puffs of the inhaler!  

     All in all, it was a great run!  Yay for me!  Thanks to my buddy, Dave, for running with me and for all his support!  I wouldn't be able to do it without him!  <3 

Gasping for Breath, Singing with Joy!

     Oh my!  My heart is singing, but my lungs are collapsing!  I thought I could run a quick 2 miles in my cul-de-sac.  Not so.  NOT SO!  I barely ran a half mile before my lungs just couldn't take another breath!  UGH!  I guess my own neighborhood is a good training ground.  Today, I ran half a mile.  Tomorrow, maybe I'll be able to run 3/4.  The next day, a mile.  You get the picture.  
     I live at an altitude of over 7200'.  I didn't think there was that much of a difference in Monument, but running the Santa Fe trail doesn't knock me out like this did.  It's a cool 62 degrees out there, so it's not the temperature.  I did warm ups to begin with.  If I can get to 3 miles in my neighborhood, I will certainly be able to run 4 or 5 on the trail!  If I can run 4 or 5 on the trail, I'll be able to run 8 to 10 at sea level!  My new goal is to train here at home first - build up my lungs.  
     My heart is rejoicing!  I may only be able to run 1/2 mile, but at least I'm able to run that!  It's a hopeful sign.  But more importantly, God has not forgotten me!  
     I graduated from the Benet Hill Spiritual Formation program back in April.  I was given many compliments, but instead of going to my head, it made me wonder all the more, where God was.  Why didn't I have a directee?  Where was He?  Was He not calling me to be a Spiritual Director?  My heart was low.  On top of all of that, I was having a difficult time either getting or keeping appointments with my Spiritual Director.  She was very busy, so in 11 months, I met only 3 times with her.  I was feeling lost, alone and downhearted.  
     Last month, I cried out to God, thinking that He had forgotten me.  There is always a lesson of trust to be learned, but in this case, I realized it is not from my own merits that God calls me, but from His Grace.  Out of nowhere, He dropped a directee into my lap.  I had done nothing!!!  
     I have been praying for a new Spiritual Director and this morning, she has answered my call.  She is easy to get a hold of and is willing to work with my hours.  Again, I had done very little . . . except listen with my heart, which really is not a small matter, but is a story for another time.  I am on top of the world!  God has not forgotten me!  He is with me!  Always!
     And so today, as I gasp for breath, I am gasping for the One who gives me breath!  

Moving on Up!

     I spent the morning with my wonderful husband, waking up to fruit and coffee.  After lounging around all morning, we decided to take a run on the Santa Fe trail.  I wanted to see if I could do 3 miles, so we walked 3 miles in at a slight incline (most of the way) and ran the 3 miles out at a slight decline (most of the way).  I want to get used to walking/running long distances.  I'm hoping if I can walk it, I can run it.

     I took my inhaler before we started out and foolishly left it in the car.  I really could have used it before I started running, but . . . all is good.  My lungs were a little tight, but not enough to stop my run.  If anything, my legs got tired before my lungs did this time.  It felt great to run that distance . . . even though when I stopped running and walked for a cool down, my head was spinning and my stomach slightly nauseous.  However, over all, it was a glorious run!  It was 75 degrees, but God opened the heavens and let it sprinkle down on us to keep us cool! 
     Not bad for not running regularly lately.  It's time to start training for that half marathon!  Perhaps losing some weight will make the running easier on my lungs as well!
     I have not given up!  :)