A Song from Today's Playlist

Here's a song from today's run playlist. This is a new song from my favorite group, Third Day. This was my "power" song and provided so much inspiration! Enjoy!!!!

Renewed Vision

On Saturday, Brent, Melissa, & I participated in the 33rd Annual Lunar Rendezvous 5K at Johnson Space Center in Houston.  The first festival was held at the same location in 1966 to celebrate the landing of Geminis VI & VII on the moon. 

This race was my first 5K back after taking an 8 week hiatus from the running after having my sinus surgery in May.  We had previously scheduled 2 other runs during that time period, but conflicting schedules made it impossible to complete them.  In order to fulfill my 1 race / month x 1yr goal, I was determined that I HAD to finish this run!!!!

I really haven't trained (running) in the whole 8 weeks since my last race in May (Sprint for Life).  I've been riding my bike pretty consistently over the past 2 weeks or so to boost my cardiac endurance.  I finished 20 miles on this past Wednesday, and it felt amazing to hit that mark.  I was pretty worried because I had not run at all in 2 months, but I figured that the bike would help to condition my heart & lungs - or at least I hoped it would!  Another HUGE hurdle for me was my asthma.  I have found it increasingly difficult to breathe in extreme temperatures (very cold and very hot).  Sadly, we have had temps in the high 90's with heat indices above 105 for at least 2 months now.  Add to that a humidity of >60%, and you have a recipe for respiratory disaster.

Weather on Saturday started out with overcast skies, 85 degree temps, and 90% humidity (at 730am).  I actually suprised myself after starting the race.  Despite the high heat index, I was able to run an entire mile w/o stopping to walk!  That is the very FIRST time I have been able to do that since starting this journey in January.  I felt like I was walking on cloud nine!  After that first mile, breathing effectively became more difficult, so I ran/walked the rest of the course.  I think I could have continued running if the humidity hadn't been so high.  Toward the end of the race, a little sprinkle started to fall.....What a perfect way to cool down at the end.  We didn't even seek shelter.  Brent, Mel & I just stood there in the rain for 45 minutes, taking it all in.  I felt like a kid again!!!!  PS - I did have ~ 10 hits of my inhaler throughout the course.

We took several pictures at the finish line.  I wish I had been able to bring my real camera in, but it would not have been smart to lug it out in the rain, so the iPhone sufficed.



Mel, Brent, & me at the Finish - Soaked but happy!

The Byrds - Do you see how much weight we've lost since the first run in March??

My running buddy, BFF, motivational partner, coach, etc, etc.  I love you, Mel!!!

My results:

Official chip time:  39:51

Pace:  12:50 min/mi

* Not sure what my place ended up being, so I will post when those results come out.

Initially, I was elated about my new PR, but then I realized that I had only improved by ~15 secs from my last run.  I was feeling pretty discouraged, and Brent sat me down for a pep talk.  He brought up 4 very good reasons that I should be thrilled with my new PR, albeit small. 

1. I improved my time!!!  I did not regress, but I improved, period.
2. I improved my time despite the fact that I haven't trained at all in the 8 weeks since our last run at the beginning of May.
3. I improved my time despite the deplorable weather conditions - heat, humidity, and rain
4. I improved my time, while Brent & Mel (both avid runners) both regressed on their previous PR's.  Brent's was by 2 minutes!

In retrospect, I look back tonight at what Brent told me.  He is absolutely RIGHT!  I did improve from the last run.  When I started this journey, my primary goals were to improve (time) from the previous run and to always FINISH!  Yet again, I DID IT!!!!! 

I hope that my struggles and triumphs help to encourage at least one person to get up and do something about your weight, poor lifestyle, depression, etc.  I was once the picture of health, happiness, and confidence.  After a downward spiral for 10 years (weight gain, depression, infertility, OCD, and anxiety), I can finally see the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.  My renewed interest in a healthier lifestyle is helping me to gain back all of the wonderful qualities that were lost in that "tunnel".  If I can do this, anyone can do this! 

Today's run reminded me why I am running...... I am not running away from a former life, I am running forward to a healthier, longer life.  I can't wait to hit the pavement again!  Myrtle Beach 1/2 marathon is coming up in October and Houston 1/2 is next January, so there is no rest for the weary. 

Next stop:

Galveston Sand Crab 5K - August 13th at 8:30pm (beach run).  Who's with me????

"Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You must also run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."   1 Corin 9: 24-27