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.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
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!
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