I started blogging to share my adventures in running. Really, running is a discipline that I started working on in January and am still far from mastering. (Ironically, this post about discipline comes after far too long of an absence from blogging. In fact, I haven't even written a recap of the Marathon in May, which I really do plan to do.) But now that the half is over, I'm looking not only to keep up my efforts in running, but to work on living a more orderly and disciplined life. And today is the first day in a brand new discipline for me...
Today in our staff meeting we talked about sin. Specifically, the sins that plague us. The sins we just can't get around, even after we've prayed, asked for accountability, and promised ourselves that we just wouldn't do that anymore. The sermon we used to kick-start the discussion said (this is a very broad overview) that it isn't sin we should be fighting against, but rather knowledge of God we should be fighting for. One phrase that really struck me suggested (strongly) that we should be seeking to reach a point where we are so satisfied in Christ that the temptation to sin no longer distracts us. Think about it. Our hearts are so full of Jesus, that there just isn't room for sin to appeal to them. Yeah, I'd like that life! No more shame or guilt or frustration, just Christ and a satisfaction in him.
So the last question of our discussion was really a challenge: how can we draw nearer to God, to know him more and know sin less? For me this wasn't very hard to figure out.
Here is the reality of my life. I really, really think that I am too busy. I find myself thinking all the time "How do I have this many things on my schedule!?" and rushing to get from one meeting to another. But I am in actuality, not as busy as I think I am. And here's how I know that. In the last three weeks I've watched a little more than two seasons of Doctor Who and probably 10 other episodes of miscellaneous TV shows (Grey's Anatomy, Arrested Development, Hell's Kitchen just to name a few). That is a lot of time spent with the Doctor (9th, and 10th for those of you who care to know) and his companions on Netflix and Hulu....I mean a lot of time. And while I really do enjoy television and think there are some very good things to watch, I just really do not need to watch quite so much.
So how can I, personally, draw nearer to God? Cut the TV.
This is a major life decision for me. I love pop culture, like really love it. In my life since high school I've probably averaged about 25 hours of TV a week. I never drive without the radio on. If I'm not on Facebook, I'm on Buzzfeed. I love this stuff. I even studied it in college (yeah, that's part of a Communications major people!). But all of the time I spend with things the world is offering me, even if they are good things (which okay Grey's maybe isn't the best the world has to offer...) keep me from spending time with the Lord. I can't pray and watch Doctor Who, I can't read the Word as Gordon Ramsey screams at the poor chefs trying to win his game show, and I can't listen to what my husband is saying to me while I'm reading an article about the cast of the next MTV Challenge. I just can't.
So for the next 40 days I'll be on a TV fast. I'm not sure of the rules just yet, will I let myself watch TV on the treadmill at the gym? or maybe have one program a week? or any of those details (but I will be taking them all to God in prayer as I get started). Today is the first day of my fast and I've been home for an hour and a half without turning on the TV.
So far I don't like it very much. I think it's more because my routine is to come home and turn something on without even thinking about it. It's hard for me to sit here in silence with nothing to see and hear. Right now it feels like more of an issue of a disrupted routine than a spiritual discipline, but I'm sure the challenges will develop and change as the days go by.
As I said, what I really want to do is live a more orderly and disciplined life and I believe this will be a good step in that direction. Without a show to watch, I'm hoping to get back out and running and spend more time reading. I also want to work on prayer, possibly even starting my first ever prayer journal!
I started blogging about running in an effort to track the way I became more physically disciplined. Over the months I spent training for the marathon I realized there were so many spiritual lessons to be learned in the discipline of running. It honestly amazed me. As I work my way back into running, today I'm starting a new discipline. I'm looking forward to sharing my life without TV with you, and maybe, if I'm dual-disciplined, with my running sneakers too.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
One Week!
One week from now I'll be running the streets of Pittsburgh! The race officially starts at 7:00AM, and I have no idea how long it will take to get through the start line but I'd imagine by 8:30 I'd have at least 2 miles behind me. I cannot believe how close it is!
Last week I did a training run with Monica, one of the women who running the relay with our women's team, and Samone one of our women on staff who is also on the relay team. We ran Monica's leg of the relay which is also the first 5.5 miles of the half and full marathon. Because we will both be running this leg in its entirety, I think I'll actually be running with Monica next week (assuming I can find her in the crowd - last year 25,000 runners attended!). I'm really grateful for that opportunity. It will be not only some encouragement for us both as we run, but for me it will be a great reminder of why I'm running.
Watching Monica run has been a really fun experience for me. She is in her 50s, a regular smoker, and she doesn't exercise except for walking Downtown. When we run together we go slowly and we take a few walking breaks. But Monica has the heart for running that I want to have. As we were on a walking break last Tuesday she said "Okay you are walking too slow, we have to run fast! This is a marathon!" And when we had walked long enough that I thought I could push her to run a little more, she'd be jogging before I even finished asking "Do you want to run a few blocks now?". Literally. I mean she literally started before I could finish that question.
Monica wants to make changes in her life. She wants to be healthier, get and apartment with a kitchen (she rents a room without one now), and live more like Christ every single day.
A lot of times I think that the work I do should encourage the homeless. That by showing up in the shelter and getting to know the people there and sharing a Bible study that they can have hope. And that's true, there is a unique and perfect hope that comes from Christ and I am blessed to be able to share it. But often, very often, I think about these men and women and I am the one encouraged. By their strength, by their knowledge, by their fight, their passion, their honesty. I find myself wanting to be more like the homeless in a lot of ways. It's really a pleasure to be able to run so that I can continue to serve them.
I am so looking forward to running these first 5.5 with Monica next week. I want to be in my 50s telling other people to pick up the pace one day! I can't think of a better way to start this half marathon.
And hey! If you're in Pittsburgh come out and cheer us on! You can find a map of my course here, and if you want to catch some of our relay team you can find the map for the full marathon here. Seeing some familiar faces will really let me know I'm not alone on those last 8 miles!
And of course, if you'd like to sponsor me as I run next weekend for LIVING Ministry, you can visit our website. Make sure to mention Jenna B Marathon in the comment section so that we know how to categorize your donation. One week to go and our team is 66% of our total fundraising goal!
Thank you all for the support and encouragement. In the time it's taken to write this I should have run about 2 more miles....only 9 more to go ;) Wish me luck!
Last week I did a training run with Monica, one of the women who running the relay with our women's team, and Samone one of our women on staff who is also on the relay team. We ran Monica's leg of the relay which is also the first 5.5 miles of the half and full marathon. Because we will both be running this leg in its entirety, I think I'll actually be running with Monica next week (assuming I can find her in the crowd - last year 25,000 runners attended!). I'm really grateful for that opportunity. It will be not only some encouragement for us both as we run, but for me it will be a great reminder of why I'm running.
Watching Monica run has been a really fun experience for me. She is in her 50s, a regular smoker, and she doesn't exercise except for walking Downtown. When we run together we go slowly and we take a few walking breaks. But Monica has the heart for running that I want to have. As we were on a walking break last Tuesday she said "Okay you are walking too slow, we have to run fast! This is a marathon!" And when we had walked long enough that I thought I could push her to run a little more, she'd be jogging before I even finished asking "Do you want to run a few blocks now?". Literally. I mean she literally started before I could finish that question.
Monica wants to make changes in her life. She wants to be healthier, get and apartment with a kitchen (she rents a room without one now), and live more like Christ every single day.
A lot of times I think that the work I do should encourage the homeless. That by showing up in the shelter and getting to know the people there and sharing a Bible study that they can have hope. And that's true, there is a unique and perfect hope that comes from Christ and I am blessed to be able to share it. But often, very often, I think about these men and women and I am the one encouraged. By their strength, by their knowledge, by their fight, their passion, their honesty. I find myself wanting to be more like the homeless in a lot of ways. It's really a pleasure to be able to run so that I can continue to serve them.
I am so looking forward to running these first 5.5 with Monica next week. I want to be in my 50s telling other people to pick up the pace one day! I can't think of a better way to start this half marathon.
And hey! If you're in Pittsburgh come out and cheer us on! You can find a map of my course here, and if you want to catch some of our relay team you can find the map for the full marathon here. Seeing some familiar faces will really let me know I'm not alone on those last 8 miles!
And of course, if you'd like to sponsor me as I run next weekend for LIVING Ministry, you can visit our website. Make sure to mention Jenna B Marathon in the comment section so that we know how to categorize your donation. One week to go and our team is 66% of our total fundraising goal!
Thank you all for the support and encouragement. In the time it's taken to write this I should have run about 2 more miles....only 9 more to go ;) Wish me luck!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
My Actual Husband
Today I ran with Greg. When we started dating we made a goal not to be those people. We wanted people to feel comfortable hanging out with us, even if there was just us and one friend, nobody ever should feel like a third wheel. Well right now I'm going to be that wife. Just for a second and then I promise, back to business as usual.
Greg is awesome. There are times when I think to myself...how the heck did this guy marry me?! Today was one of these times.
I had to run tonight but I just wasn't feeling it. I was weirdly moody when he got home (I think it was from me trying to learn how to play chess...not a joke that got me so frustrated!) and I was really not into going running. So Greg went with me.
Together we ran just under 4 miles (3.93), I had to walk about a quarter mile (in three small breaks) because I got a pretty bad side sticker but mostly I was able to keep going, and this was one of my best runs ever!
This is how I know Greg loves me: he saw me feeling down and he said he'd go with me. He saw me when I wasn't doing well and he let me walk, but not long enough to turn into a quitter. He has compassion and patience and he runs slower than he would on his own because he knows my need.
When I think about how much I love marriage, I'm just blown away by the love of the Father. Because here is the reality: as much as Greg loves me, it isn't as much as Christ does. I think it's hard for us to imagine being loved as much as God loves us because His greatest display of love for us was over 2,000 years ago. He doesn't physically run alongside of me and tell me I'm doing great, just a few more blocks. He doesn't do those things because he saw us in a much greater mess than not wanting to run tonight and said "you're not doing so great, you've got farther to go than you can ever go on your own, let me run it for you".
That is love. Sharing that love is why I run.
Greg is awesome. There are times when I think to myself...how the heck did this guy marry me?! Today was one of these times.
I had to run tonight but I just wasn't feeling it. I was weirdly moody when he got home (I think it was from me trying to learn how to play chess...not a joke that got me so frustrated!) and I was really not into going running. So Greg went with me.
Together we ran just under 4 miles (3.93), I had to walk about a quarter mile (in three small breaks) because I got a pretty bad side sticker but mostly I was able to keep going, and this was one of my best runs ever!
This is how I know Greg loves me: he saw me feeling down and he said he'd go with me. He saw me when I wasn't doing well and he let me walk, but not long enough to turn into a quitter. He has compassion and patience and he runs slower than he would on his own because he knows my need.
When I think about how much I love marriage, I'm just blown away by the love of the Father. Because here is the reality: as much as Greg loves me, it isn't as much as Christ does. I think it's hard for us to imagine being loved as much as God loves us because His greatest display of love for us was over 2,000 years ago. He doesn't physically run alongside of me and tell me I'm doing great, just a few more blocks. He doesn't do those things because he saw us in a much greater mess than not wanting to run tonight and said "you're not doing so great, you've got farther to go than you can ever go on your own, let me run it for you".
That is love. Sharing that love is why I run.
Don't forget that you can share this love with the homeless too! By supporting me as I run, you are funding LIVING Ministry and our work sharing the Gospel in the shelters of Pittsburgh. Donate online here (mention Jenna B in the comment section!) or by mail to LIVING Ministry at 2536 Maple Ave Pittsburgh PA 15214.
Monday, April 8, 2013
My Other Husband
Well folks - I'm well overdue for a post and an apology. When I started training for the Pittsburgh half marathon in January, I had a lot of ideas about what these months would look like. I had dreams of running an easy 5 miles on Tuesday and Thursday and gritting my teeth and conquering a 9 on Saturday. I thought I'd write so many blog posts you'd all get tired of me. I saw myself changing my eating habits and losing 5 pounds.....it turns out all of these goals were much more difficult than I thought they would be.
The last few months have been a real struggle for me in my running.
I don't know why it happened, but I really just hit a wall at 3 miles. I was embarrassed so I stopped blogging about it and started joking when people asked me how training was going. I lost all my accountability just out of pride. I felt like anybody could run 3 miles if they really tried but the thing was, I was really trying and it just wasn't going very well at all.
This got to me. I was going to the gym two or three times a week and just wasn't getting better, it really didn't make me just jump out of bed in the morning excited to hit the treadmill. I started to really dread the runs, long and short. So while I was physically putting in the time, (and a lot of time at that!), my mind was so removed that things actually started to get worse. I "couldn't" run 2 miles anymore but I was at the gym all the time. Greg started calling running my other husband. He was right too! I was cancelling dinner plans, not getting to Bible study, and always showing up late to things I had committed to because I was always at the gym. He took a back seat to my running and I wasn't even improving.
So what the heck happened?!?
Well, I'm pretty sure I just let my mind get out of control. Then one day I realized that all the reasons I had for training at all had fallen from my mind. I wasn't running to raise money for L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry, or to honor the Lord, or to start to like running. I wasn't even running to fit into cute boots in the fall! I was running because I "had to". This was my thought process during almost every run from mid February through late March:
If I didn't get the miles in I wouldn't finish the training plan.
If I didn't finish the training plan I wouldn't be able to run the full 13.1.
If I didn't run the full 13.1 I would have done all this for nothing.
I can't run the full 13.1 anyway, I'm already doing this for nothing.
Well if it's all a waste of time anyway, I'll just walk the rest of today's distance.
I feel awful for walking. I'm a failure. I will now cry on the ride home about what I did not achieve.
Here's what then dawned on me: Running because I "have to" is toxic. It steals my joy, it doesn't glorify God, and it won't help me meet any of my goals. I want to be a person who likes to run and this wasn't the way to be come that person.
So I made a new plan:
This is what I've been doing for the last two weeks. I'm back over 2 miles again, and while I will probably have to walk a little bit on Marathon day I am finally excited again!
I'm training better than I have all year and I feel more confident than I did two months ago, this is the breakthrough I needed. Six weeks ago if you asked me how far I thought I'd run on race day I'd have hoped for 5 or 6 miles and I was so ashamed I didn't even want to tell people about it. Today I think I can make it pretty far: maybe even 10 or 11! Phillipians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, and with Christ's strength I may even be able to pull out a full 13.1! All I know is that I am finally running in a way that is sustainable and exciting.
One more thought before I wrap up and this one is important.
When I got to that last thought (I feel awful for walking. I'm a failure. I will now cry on the ride home about what I did not achieve) I got to an attitude nobody should have, especially not a follower of Christ. I know that I am unable to achieve anything on my own. I can't run a half marathon, I can't have a healthy marriage, I can't even wake up and lie down on my own power. What I'm most certain of, I could never measure up to the standard of perfection that Christs asks of his children (Matthew 5:48 - You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect).
What I do know is that it is the power of Christ that does these things in our lives. When God the Father looks at me, he sees the perfection of Christ and not my failures (of which there are many). When Christ went to the cross, he took on all sin for all eternity: right down to my laziness about running and the pride that kept me from sharing my struggle.
And this is why I'm running at all - because this is the Good News that I am blessed to share with the homeless in Pittsburgh, and blessed to share with you too! The good news that even when we fail, and we will fail, Christ steps in. We are perfect because Christ is perfect, and all we need to do is allow him to be our perfection.
So tomorrow as I go for my run, I will run with the imperfect steps of a lazy sinner with too much pride. But my pride and my laziness are being broken through the power of Christ, and my steps, both physically and spiritually, are becoming perfect through this miracle. I hope that your steps are becoming perfect too.
The last few months have been a real struggle for me in my running.
I don't know why it happened, but I really just hit a wall at 3 miles. I was embarrassed so I stopped blogging about it and started joking when people asked me how training was going. I lost all my accountability just out of pride. I felt like anybody could run 3 miles if they really tried but the thing was, I was really trying and it just wasn't going very well at all.
This got to me. I was going to the gym two or three times a week and just wasn't getting better, it really didn't make me just jump out of bed in the morning excited to hit the treadmill. I started to really dread the runs, long and short. So while I was physically putting in the time, (and a lot of time at that!), my mind was so removed that things actually started to get worse. I "couldn't" run 2 miles anymore but I was at the gym all the time. Greg started calling running my other husband. He was right too! I was cancelling dinner plans, not getting to Bible study, and always showing up late to things I had committed to because I was always at the gym. He took a back seat to my running and I wasn't even improving.
So what the heck happened?!?
Well, I'm pretty sure I just let my mind get out of control. Then one day I realized that all the reasons I had for training at all had fallen from my mind. I wasn't running to raise money for L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry, or to honor the Lord, or to start to like running. I wasn't even running to fit into cute boots in the fall! I was running because I "had to". This was my thought process during almost every run from mid February through late March:
If I didn't get the miles in I wouldn't finish the training plan.
If I didn't finish the training plan I wouldn't be able to run the full 13.1.
If I didn't run the full 13.1 I would have done all this for nothing.
I can't run the full 13.1 anyway, I'm already doing this for nothing.
Well if it's all a waste of time anyway, I'll just walk the rest of today's distance.
I feel awful for walking. I'm a failure. I will now cry on the ride home about what I did not achieve.
Here's what then dawned on me: Running because I "have to" is toxic. It steals my joy, it doesn't glorify God, and it won't help me meet any of my goals. I want to be a person who likes to run and this wasn't the way to be come that person.
So I made a new plan:
Run as far as I can; and if I can, try to go farther than the last time. That's it. Just run. No mandatory distance, no time limits, just run until I can't run anymore. Run and feel some joy, run and see some improvement, run and pray and thank God for a body healthy enough to run at all.
This is what I've been doing for the last two weeks. I'm back over 2 miles again, and while I will probably have to walk a little bit on Marathon day I am finally excited again!
I'm training better than I have all year and I feel more confident than I did two months ago, this is the breakthrough I needed. Six weeks ago if you asked me how far I thought I'd run on race day I'd have hoped for 5 or 6 miles and I was so ashamed I didn't even want to tell people about it. Today I think I can make it pretty far: maybe even 10 or 11! Phillipians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, and with Christ's strength I may even be able to pull out a full 13.1! All I know is that I am finally running in a way that is sustainable and exciting.
One more thought before I wrap up and this one is important.
When I got to that last thought (I feel awful for walking. I'm a failure. I will now cry on the ride home about what I did not achieve) I got to an attitude nobody should have, especially not a follower of Christ. I know that I am unable to achieve anything on my own. I can't run a half marathon, I can't have a healthy marriage, I can't even wake up and lie down on my own power. What I'm most certain of, I could never measure up to the standard of perfection that Christs asks of his children (Matthew 5:48 - You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect).
What I do know is that it is the power of Christ that does these things in our lives. When God the Father looks at me, he sees the perfection of Christ and not my failures (of which there are many). When Christ went to the cross, he took on all sin for all eternity: right down to my laziness about running and the pride that kept me from sharing my struggle.
And this is why I'm running at all - because this is the Good News that I am blessed to share with the homeless in Pittsburgh, and blessed to share with you too! The good news that even when we fail, and we will fail, Christ steps in. We are perfect because Christ is perfect, and all we need to do is allow him to be our perfection.
So tomorrow as I go for my run, I will run with the imperfect steps of a lazy sinner with too much pride. But my pride and my laziness are being broken through the power of Christ, and my steps, both physically and spiritually, are becoming perfect through this miracle. I hope that your steps are becoming perfect too.
If you would like to financially support me as I share this great news through my work at LIVING Ministry, you can donate online here, mentioning "Jenna B Half Marathon" in the comment section. Using our website has the lowest processing fee available for online donations. To make a donation with no processing fee at all (your whole donation goes right to the Ministry!) you can mail a check to LIVING Ministry at 2536 Maple Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15214. Thank you for your support!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Some long overdue thoughts
It's been so long since I wrote about what's been happening! I have a lot of things I'd like to share including thoughts on encouragement, failure, commitment, and running outdoors so this week while Greg is gone on a Spring Break backpacking trip and I have some more time at home to myself I hope to write a little more about each of these.
For now though I just want to say that today I am scheduled for a 7 mile run. I'm planning on heading out between 2 and 2:30 to get started (although with this perfect weather and the time change I could leave much later and still be running in the warm/light evening!) on what will be the longest distance I've ever set out to conquer! Running, walking, or alternating between the two, the longest I've ever done is a 10K which is 6.2 miles.
I know for sure I will not be able to run the full 7 miles (we'll talk about this later on in the week) but I'm excited to have a new distance record and to keep on making them week after week from here on out! It feels like a good day to go farther than ever before!
New longest run coming right up - wish me luck!
For now though I just want to say that today I am scheduled for a 7 mile run. I'm planning on heading out between 2 and 2:30 to get started (although with this perfect weather and the time change I could leave much later and still be running in the warm/light evening!) on what will be the longest distance I've ever set out to conquer! Running, walking, or alternating between the two, the longest I've ever done is a 10K which is 6.2 miles.
I know for sure I will not be able to run the full 7 miles (we'll talk about this later on in the week) but I'm excited to have a new distance record and to keep on making them week after week from here on out! It feels like a good day to go farther than ever before!
New longest run coming right up - wish me luck!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
"Well, we gotta have a party!"
Today was my first outdoor run. I haven't been running outside because I don't like the cold, but today I wasn't able to get to the gym before it closed - so an outdoor run it was.
I couldn't get to the gym this morning because I was at a memorial service for my friend Kevin. We met at one of the shelters LIVING Ministry visits and although he didn't come to Bible study often, he regularly dropped in to say hi, share a meal he cooked for the group, or come along to play basketball or go out to eat with us. Kevin was the kind of guy you like to be around because he's got a lot of joy and it's a contagious joy - you can't help but catch it!
As we drove to the service today, my friend Laura and I were sharing a memory of Kevin that perfectly captures the person he was. Laura was going away home for the summer break and when Kevin found out, he looked right at her and said "Well, we gotta have a party!" He went on to list all the food we had to get to make it a good party (Kevin was well known for his adventures in cooking), and we all sat around the table and dreamed up this going away party.
Kevin made it happen. When we came back the next week (Laura's last week before break) we had a cookout complete with all the side dishes and lots of dessert. Everyone from the building stopped by and we just had a fun afternoon together. And it was all thanks to Kevin!
Today my challenge was to run 5 miles. It was the first time I ran outside in months, and the first time I had hills and cold weather to deal with. I couldn't make the full 5 miles, but it was probably one of the best runs I've had so far. It was beautiful and different from my routine and between all of the running and walking and stopping to stretch it was a little strange. But for me that made it a really great way to remember Kevin - seeing the beauty, doing something different, and just being free to do my own thing.
It has been a true blessing to get to know Kevin over the last 2 years. It was my pleasure to run outside this afternoon and think about his life and his legacy of lightheartedness and joy. I hope the party he's living right now is beyond anything we can ever dream up here on Earth. Rest in Peace Kevin, we will miss you.
I couldn't get to the gym this morning because I was at a memorial service for my friend Kevin. We met at one of the shelters LIVING Ministry visits and although he didn't come to Bible study often, he regularly dropped in to say hi, share a meal he cooked for the group, or come along to play basketball or go out to eat with us. Kevin was the kind of guy you like to be around because he's got a lot of joy and it's a contagious joy - you can't help but catch it!
As we drove to the service today, my friend Laura and I were sharing a memory of Kevin that perfectly captures the person he was. Laura was going away home for the summer break and when Kevin found out, he looked right at her and said "Well, we gotta have a party!" He went on to list all the food we had to get to make it a good party (Kevin was well known for his adventures in cooking), and we all sat around the table and dreamed up this going away party.
Kevin made it happen. When we came back the next week (Laura's last week before break) we had a cookout complete with all the side dishes and lots of dessert. Everyone from the building stopped by and we just had a fun afternoon together. And it was all thanks to Kevin!
Today my challenge was to run 5 miles. It was the first time I ran outside in months, and the first time I had hills and cold weather to deal with. I couldn't make the full 5 miles, but it was probably one of the best runs I've had so far. It was beautiful and different from my routine and between all of the running and walking and stopping to stretch it was a little strange. But for me that made it a really great way to remember Kevin - seeing the beauty, doing something different, and just being free to do my own thing.
It has been a true blessing to get to know Kevin over the last 2 years. It was my pleasure to run outside this afternoon and think about his life and his legacy of lightheartedness and joy. I hope the party he's living right now is beyond anything we can ever dream up here on Earth. Rest in Peace Kevin, we will miss you.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Registration
I love coming home to good news.
This weekend Greg and I went to West Virginia for the weekend. We don't get to see each other all that often during the week since our schedules are kind of opposite (it's a I go to work at 8:30 AM, he often works until 9PM kind of life we lead) and the next few weekends will be pretty busy for us, so we rented a cabin and just enjoyed some time together.
While the lack of any defined running area, the 3 inches of snow, and the overall relaxed attitude of the weekend kept me from doing my long run this week (not so good) I did come home to my official registration email from the Pittsburgh Marathon (very good)! LIVING Ministry has officially registered all of its runners - including me! - for the 2013 Marathon!
Even though I've been training for a while and my heart was set on running the Half for the Ministry, this feels like the real deal now. My spot is secured and there is no turning back. 90 days until race day, here we go!
Take a look at what I'm running this week if you'd like to. I actually did this same program last week but used the elliptical on a hill climber setting to build up the cardio without pounding on my knees and ankles. Since I missed the long run and I didn't "run" the shorts either, I'll repeat this week.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 2.5 miles
Wednesday: Cross-train
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 20-30 run/walk or cross train
Thank you all for the warm words of encouragement. It really makes me feel great when I hear from all of you throughout the week! Keep them coming, it certainly helps to know how many people are supporting my goal!
This weekend Greg and I went to West Virginia for the weekend. We don't get to see each other all that often during the week since our schedules are kind of opposite (it's a I go to work at 8:30 AM, he often works until 9PM kind of life we lead) and the next few weekends will be pretty busy for us, so we rented a cabin and just enjoyed some time together.
While the lack of any defined running area, the 3 inches of snow, and the overall relaxed attitude of the weekend kept me from doing my long run this week (not so good) I did come home to my official registration email from the Pittsburgh Marathon (very good)! LIVING Ministry has officially registered all of its runners - including me! - for the 2013 Marathon!
Even though I've been training for a while and my heart was set on running the Half for the Ministry, this feels like the real deal now. My spot is secured and there is no turning back. 90 days until race day, here we go!
Take a look at what I'm running this week if you'd like to. I actually did this same program last week but used the elliptical on a hill climber setting to build up the cardio without pounding on my knees and ankles. Since I missed the long run and I didn't "run" the shorts either, I'll repeat this week.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 2.5 miles
Wednesday: Cross-train
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 20-30 run/walk or cross train
Thank you all for the warm words of encouragement. It really makes me feel great when I hear from all of you throughout the week! Keep them coming, it certainly helps to know how many people are supporting my goal!
If you would like to financially support me as I run for LIVING Ministry you can donate online here, mentioning Jenna B Half Marathon in the comment section. Using our website has the lowest processing fee available for online donations. You can also send a check to LIVING Ministry at 2536 Maple Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15214 mentioning Jenna B Half Marathon in the memo line.
Thank you all for the love and support - here's to another 11 miles in the books this week!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My Best Run Yet! ...and dealing with the struggle
For every single run since I started training, I had to walk at least a small part. It's been so disheartening. Recently I've noticed a measurable improvement - my mind was definitely quitting before my body as I wound down week 2. The thing that got me discouraged was that I knew I would be adding mileage this week, and I began to wonder (I even wrote in my running log) "Will I ever run the whole thing?!"
Yesterday was my day people!
It was only 2 miles which is actually less than I ran last Thursday or Friday, so I really thought it was possible, but my mind started to wander around 1.25 miles which has been a bad sign in the past. I just told myself: No, this is the day you do it, this is the day you run it all.
I knew I could so I just didn't let myself stop. And I did it! No walking at all. Not only did I run the whole 2 miles, I did them at a faster pace than normal! Even if I have to walk part of every training run from here on out, this was a major victory for me.
Like I said, my body can definitely do more than I give it credit for. My legs aren't as tired as they were the first week, my heart rate is in a healthier range now that I've found a good pace, I've even gotten a good idea of when I should be drinking water as I go. The problem is my mind. It's so easy to just think "This is too far, I'll just walk for .10 of a mile, maybe. 25 and then run again" but I can't let myself think like that if I want to run the whole 13.1 in May. So in the last week I started trying some different things and they all did help. I watched an episode of White Collar on Greg's tablet, I listened to sermons on my iPod, and I reminded myself what I am running for.
When I'm struggling with the temptation to quit I remind myself of the things my friends are struggling with. If I can sit down to lunch with a recovering crack cocaine addict who lives in a building where people use literally (not figuratively, literally) every day, and she can tell me how Jesus is sustaining her, how can I not run the last half mile? If I hear stories about a mother reconciling with her children for the first time in their adult lives, how can I not run an extra mile for the first time in mine? If I believe Christ really has the power to change our lives if we submit to his work changing it, how can I not submit to a few miles on a treadmill?
Running has been a great reminder for me of just how difficult it is to struggle. I try not to do hard things, I don't really like to (I mean, nobody does) and often there are people around me who are better suited or who can help me (Greg can reach the high shelves when I need something, Charles can show me how to use the printer when it breaks down, Jen and Samone can help me out in a tough conversation at the shelter, it goes on and on).
But the reality I've been considering as I struggle to keep running when I'd rather just walk is that homelessness is a serious struggle. There is no option to not do hard things - everything is hard. I'm sure I will have a struggle every single day I run, but at least I get two or three rest days a week, the people I'm running for don't get any. It's a great reminder that I have to continue to pray for Jesus' much greater strength as I get tired, and for that same strength as my friends get tired too. I hope you'll join me in praying for them this week as they struggle. Please pray for them as they face finanical inscurity, broken relationships, and bitter cold in Pittsburgh this week (it's currently 14 degrees).
As I run for LIVING Ministry, please consider financially supporting me and my daily work sharing Christ and his hope with the homeless. Your donation will support our shelter outreach programs, our weekly breakfast service, job fairs, and more! You can give on our website and mention the marathon in the comment box, or visit my page on Crowdrise. Thank you all for the encouragement and support!
Yesterday was my day people!
It was only 2 miles which is actually less than I ran last Thursday or Friday, so I really thought it was possible, but my mind started to wander around 1.25 miles which has been a bad sign in the past. I just told myself: No, this is the day you do it, this is the day you run it all.
I knew I could so I just didn't let myself stop. And I did it! No walking at all. Not only did I run the whole 2 miles, I did them at a faster pace than normal! Even if I have to walk part of every training run from here on out, this was a major victory for me.
Like I said, my body can definitely do more than I give it credit for. My legs aren't as tired as they were the first week, my heart rate is in a healthier range now that I've found a good pace, I've even gotten a good idea of when I should be drinking water as I go. The problem is my mind. It's so easy to just think "This is too far, I'll just walk for .10 of a mile, maybe. 25 and then run again" but I can't let myself think like that if I want to run the whole 13.1 in May. So in the last week I started trying some different things and they all did help. I watched an episode of White Collar on Greg's tablet, I listened to sermons on my iPod, and I reminded myself what I am running for.
When I'm struggling with the temptation to quit I remind myself of the things my friends are struggling with. If I can sit down to lunch with a recovering crack cocaine addict who lives in a building where people use literally (not figuratively, literally) every day, and she can tell me how Jesus is sustaining her, how can I not run the last half mile? If I hear stories about a mother reconciling with her children for the first time in their adult lives, how can I not run an extra mile for the first time in mine? If I believe Christ really has the power to change our lives if we submit to his work changing it, how can I not submit to a few miles on a treadmill?
Running has been a great reminder for me of just how difficult it is to struggle. I try not to do hard things, I don't really like to (I mean, nobody does) and often there are people around me who are better suited or who can help me (Greg can reach the high shelves when I need something, Charles can show me how to use the printer when it breaks down, Jen and Samone can help me out in a tough conversation at the shelter, it goes on and on).
But the reality I've been considering as I struggle to keep running when I'd rather just walk is that homelessness is a serious struggle. There is no option to not do hard things - everything is hard. I'm sure I will have a struggle every single day I run, but at least I get two or three rest days a week, the people I'm running for don't get any. It's a great reminder that I have to continue to pray for Jesus' much greater strength as I get tired, and for that same strength as my friends get tired too. I hope you'll join me in praying for them this week as they struggle. Please pray for them as they face finanical inscurity, broken relationships, and bitter cold in Pittsburgh this week (it's currently 14 degrees).
As I run for LIVING Ministry, please consider financially supporting me and my daily work sharing Christ and his hope with the homeless. Your donation will support our shelter outreach programs, our weekly breakfast service, job fairs, and more! You can give on our website and mention the marathon in the comment box, or visit my page on Crowdrise. Thank you all for the encouragement and support!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Christmas Running Swag
This is a long one folks, so grab a cup of tea, put on your reading glasses, and settle in. Or feel free to skim, I'm just happy you're here!
I'm sure some of you are wondering how the first week went, in fact, if you are reading this blog at all, it probably is because you care to know exactly that!
Well, it went...okay. Simply okay. I did worse than I thought I would in terms of my stamina, 2 miles was a real challenge for me. Normally that would really have brought me down to "it was an awful mess" but I really love the fitness center I'm running at, and Greg (my very cool and supportive husband) has been encouraging me to run, and even going with me to the gym! Not to mention all of the encouragement sent both online and in person. All of this has really boosted my spirits and even though the running has been tough physically, I feel great mentally!
Last week I clocked in at 8.25 miles total! I've been able to keep track thanks to this running log my sister gave me for Christmas.
I like this book a lot. Each week is written out day by day with space to record what activity I did, where and when (which is great for recording times!), my distance that day, as well as comments about the run. So far I've logged every day and I'm really looking forward to reading back over these early days in a few months. It's nice to have a written record of how things are going, and as a bonus each week comes with a helpful running tip. Thanks Kaylee!
I got a few other things for Christmas that I was really excited about. Mom and Dad Burdette (my awesome in-laws!) got me this running watch which will be a great tool when I start having longer runs.
I hate having to map out my route in advance and then remember every turn so that I can get the right distance. I knew I didn't need anything too serious, I really just want a way to know how far I've run. I tried a few iPod apps, but without a data plan, there were just a lot of inaccurate pedometers. I tried using these when I trained for the Great Race 10K but they really didn't help because they were just so inaccurate. I knew I would need something of a higher quality for the Half Marathon.
After a little bit of research, I came across this Accelerator Run Watch. Instead of using GPS or pedometers, this watch instead gauges the acceleration of my movement. Essentially as I move, a small part of the watch moves in proportion to my speed. After entering my stride length the watch can calculate my running speed and using all of this information - my distance. I haven't yet used it since my long run this week was only 3 miles and I used the treadmill but I am really looking forward to trying it out when I do my first outdoor long run! The reviews were generally pretty glowing so I think this will be a fun treat in the Spring!
Last but not least, the most important equipment this Christmas came from Greg. He promised me that if I would really get serious about running I could invest in a good pair of running shoes! When I had made up my mind to train for the Half, Greg and I made an appointment at True Runner (the Shadyside location is only 4 or 5 blocks from our apartment). There I got fitted for my first pair of real running shoes.
After having my gait analyzed, I tried on a few pairs. The analyzing was actually really simple, they just took a video of my calves down as I ran on a treadmill for about 30 seconds. From this video they were able to identify that I put most of my weight on the inside of my foot when running - and I could really see what they meant when they showed me the video!
I was pointed in the direction of the extra internal padding and in the end I chose the very first pair I tried on. Their staff was great and really knew their stuff. After trying on about 300 wedding dresses (exaggeration, don't worry) I never thought I would pick the first anything I tried on for the rest of my life, but this was the right suggestion for sure. Thanks True Runner!
Here they are! The Brooks Adrenaline GTS13. I don't know too much about the different types of running sneakers on the market, but I do know that I sure love the bright blue laces, and I can definitely feel the support as I run. I think as the mileage adds up, and I do more outdoor running, it will be a real asset to have the right kind of running shoe to keep me as stable as possible with each step and cushioned against the concrete.
I also got a really neat, really bright jacket for outdoor runs (also from my sister!), and $30 in iTunes from my Uncle Win which I plan on using to update my very out of date running playlist. I love the 90's but it's time for some new jams! Here is all of my new running gear set against the beautiful hardwood of my living room haha. Special thanks to my photographer Gregory S. Burdette for these stunning photos.
Finally, for those of you who are invested in my running schedule let me lay out the plan for this week. I'll be repeating Week 1 of my training schedule to build confidence before hitting up Week 2. This week's running schedule will be:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 2 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 2.5 miles
Friday: 3 miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 25-30 minute cross train or gently paced run
Normally Saturdays will be my long run day but this week Saturday will be very busy at work so I'll be using my Friday Sabbath to get the long run in. Thank you all for the support and encouragement!
Don't forget that if you'd like to support me financially as I run with Team LIVING Ministry you can always do that here and be sure to mention the Marathon in the comment section. If you'd like to emotionally support me as I run - feel free to leave comments as often as you'd like!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Opening Day
Well ladies and gents - today is the first day of training!
I thought it would be good to post my thoughts and feelings before I take my first run. It will be a good way to judge where I'm at, knowing where I started. Once the running gets under way, I'll be sharing regularly how it's going physically as well as mentally during training.
On the whole I feel nervous - it seems like a gargantuan task ahead of me. In my life the farthest I've ever run without stopping is about 3 miles. I'm not sure how I'll fare with the additional 10, I'm really anxious and have a tenancy to create doubts very quickly.
But I've been praying about training without doubt! This summer, my friend Lauren told me that running is 90% mental and if there's one thing I know about myself, it's that I can build a tower of doubt in no time. I'm going to constantly be praying that my mind wouldn't jump to doubts about my knees, if the weather will be nice enough outside, how I will find the time to do long runs, if my pace is alright, how hard it will be to breathe, and on and on the list could go, you get the picture.
As far as today's run goes - I feel pretty confident! The first run on my schedule is only 2 miles, I can definitely do that! I'm also not sure yet if I'll be actually "running" today. A friend of mine who ran the Pittsburgh Marathon two years ago suggested doing a few of the short runs on the elliptical to minimize the strain on my knees. The miles will really add up week after week and I do have some knee troubles already, so today I'm going see how I feel when I get to the gym after work and pick the treadmill or the elliptical then.
By the end of the week I'll have about 9 miles in the book (Literally! My sister got me an awesome running calendar for Christmas!) and I can't wait to see how it goes. I'll be sure to post an update on my first week of training, as well as the running gear I got at Christmas soon. There are so many thoughts racing through my mind but the dominating thought for the day is: "First day, 2 miles, totally doable".
Wish me luck!
Don't forget that if you'd like to sponsor me as I run for Team L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry you can do that online here, making sure to mention the Marathon in the comment section! Please feel free to search around the L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry website while you're there!
I thought it would be good to post my thoughts and feelings before I take my first run. It will be a good way to judge where I'm at, knowing where I started. Once the running gets under way, I'll be sharing regularly how it's going physically as well as mentally during training.
On the whole I feel nervous - it seems like a gargantuan task ahead of me. In my life the farthest I've ever run without stopping is about 3 miles. I'm not sure how I'll fare with the additional 10, I'm really anxious and have a tenancy to create doubts very quickly.
But I've been praying about training without doubt! This summer, my friend Lauren told me that running is 90% mental and if there's one thing I know about myself, it's that I can build a tower of doubt in no time. I'm going to constantly be praying that my mind wouldn't jump to doubts about my knees, if the weather will be nice enough outside, how I will find the time to do long runs, if my pace is alright, how hard it will be to breathe, and on and on the list could go, you get the picture.
As far as today's run goes - I feel pretty confident! The first run on my schedule is only 2 miles, I can definitely do that! I'm also not sure yet if I'll be actually "running" today. A friend of mine who ran the Pittsburgh Marathon two years ago suggested doing a few of the short runs on the elliptical to minimize the strain on my knees. The miles will really add up week after week and I do have some knee troubles already, so today I'm going see how I feel when I get to the gym after work and pick the treadmill or the elliptical then.
By the end of the week I'll have about 9 miles in the book (Literally! My sister got me an awesome running calendar for Christmas!) and I can't wait to see how it goes. I'll be sure to post an update on my first week of training, as well as the running gear I got at Christmas soon. There are so many thoughts racing through my mind but the dominating thought for the day is: "First day, 2 miles, totally doable".
Wish me luck!
Don't forget that if you'd like to sponsor me as I run for Team L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry you can do that online here, making sure to mention the Marathon in the comment section! Please feel free to search around the L.I.V.I.N.G. Ministry website while you're there!
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