Lessons Learned from 1 Year of Running
I started running exactly one year ago, some of you will remember that, and that last spring I trained for my first half marathon. At that time even thinking about each new step above the last victory caused my palms to sweat: will I be able to run 7 miles ? Can I run 9 miles? Will I ever run faster than a 10 minute mile? Can I conquer that hill? What if my knee doesn't stop hurting? Will I be able to finish the half marathon?
Stage after stage I have seen improvement, but it doesn't come as easily as it did when I was 16. Nope. I have to work for it, earn it and eventually I own it. For many reasons that is what makes running more rewarding than it has ever been. I schedule my runs for very early mornings, right when it is light enough to see (which is quickly creeping later and later with the sun going into winter hibernation). I make the sacrifice that it takes to stay with it even on the hot days, the stormy days and the beautiful ones, because I know the cost of my current physical condition. Not that I am in great shape, but I am in much better shape than I was. It is all about one step and stage at a time. There will always be someone slower, and someone faster- that is not what it is about for me.
For me it is about progress and that is not all physical or even mostly, a lot of it is God teaching me discipline, endurance, perseverance, and faith. I can see improvement, I have been getting up to run and then I read my Bible and pray and have time to get my day figured out before the boys get up and the daily demands kick in. For me running is something of a spiritual exercise, it has to do with keeping my temple (the dwelling of Christ) as best I can. And being diligent with the gift of God that my body (as your body) is. Running is part of my routine now, a piece of me. With every step I take I want to glorify God as He created me to be just who I am, and I am a runner.
I have now run 600 miles since I started a year ago. I am not super speedy and it is okay with me, it is also something that will come with time. I have run 10 miles the last 4 Saturdays in a row (helping my friend to train for a marathon). I run 5 days a week most weeks. I am no longer scared of hills, although I still take the best of them slowly. I feel God's joy and pleasure when I run, as some form of worship to Him for making me just as He chose to. Running keeps me motivated, moving and in an exponentially better mood. Most importantly however none of this defines me, I am defined by Christ alone. Not speed, distance, quality or quantity, but that I have what God has given me and I will use it for His glory no matter if that ends up being slow, fast or somewhere in the middle. It is all about perspective.
Thank you God for running with me this year, I have learned so much from you, heard you so much clearer, and leaned on you more than ever. You are what sustains me. Thank you for making me a runner, and for being a runner too. Thank you for helping me find contentment on a daily basis, aiming to conform to you and not another, or the world that surrounds me.
What defines you? Does that definition honor God, your creator, or is a hindrance to His definition of you? How have you allowed Him to mold you to His definition? Did you feel his joy and pleasure when you did?
Have something to comment? Please do so by clicking on the "Comments" link in the gray box below!
Marathoning For Immortals: Why do I try to get comfortable?
I just ran the half marathon in Eugene Oregon. Most of you are probably sick of hearing about it, and about running period. But from it I have learned some things about myself- some good things and some things that I would like to work on changing. First let me give you the before and after of my thoughts just so you can see the thought process.
Before the Half Marathon I was pumped up, excited to just run it- happy to be involved in something big and fun and that I had worked for. This is what I remember thinking before the race: The slower I go the first time, the more chance I have to PR next time, the better I will feel in consecutive races as I pass or don't pass my personal goal. I set my sights in front of me, run to run, because I can honestly say that I enjoy running now- there is no disappointment in that, none.
Immediately after I was done with the Half just 3 days after, feelings of inadequacy crept in, a feeling that I could have (and should have) tried harder, worked harder, run faster. That I let 
myself down, others down-people who were expecting things from me. When I work for something hard, train really hard, and then fail- why does that hurt so bad? The funny thing is I didn't even have a goal and still I finish and feel like I let someone down. What on earth drives me to compare to others and not be satisfied with the outcome of my work? The inner battle that goes on from unmet expectations can consume your joy in having reached a perfectly HUGE goal in just finishing it. Why this need to go faster, be better?
After thinking those things I was then convicted. That was not what that half was about for me, not before, not during it or after it. I ran to run, not for any other reason. I was reminded (by my friend Becky and Sherri, Jarod and then some other runners feeling the weight of unmet goals) I realized there really is a lesson in this- for me at least. It is the lesson and reminder of where my priorities should be. And even so much more important than that: where is my value and my worth? Where do I place value?
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1Timothy 4:8
These are all questions that have been filling up my mind. Running really does show me life, but maybe not the way I expected. Running reminds me of faults in my life that I am working on, the need to compare myself, and the need to succeed. Running blurts out my life issues like poprocks under a microscope. Because my gaze should not be fixed here, but somewhere else.
I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
My eyes should not be fixed here, they shouldn't be fixed on others or myself- but on Christ. I can still run, still run hard- but just remember that it isn't for me at all, and it never should be about me either.
Share your thoughts with me, what have you been challenged in lately? Is God working on some tender parts in your life?
PS. This is what God has been doing in me and in no way implies that people who try to meet running goals are in the wrong, just that God is using my running to speak to me and mold me- ridding me of the imperfections that bubble to the surface. I know we are all molded and changed by the things that we love and bring us joy, and also the things that make us work and persevere.
Eugene Half Marathon Finisher.
I finished the Eugene Half Marathon, I did it. There will be other things to conquer in life, but I now have this victory under my belt. There is something so sweet about reaching for a goal and then getting there. So satisfying and yet at the same time invigorating.
To follow are the deets from start to medal, here is how it went down starting with a wake up call at 5:45- stinkin' early in my book, but a great time to run. Becky is pictured here and is my running buddy for the Eugene Marathon. She signed up to run the full and I the half, a great run all around!
The Eugene Half Marathon was amazing, it was so fun to be a part of all the excitement and get to run with so many other runners. Next time I would opt to do a little smaller one just so that it would be easier for the spectators to make it from spot to spot. Brad, brought the boys to see me at several different places during the race, and Susan Canfield was there supporting too. Jonah (my running buddy's husband), Sherri and some others were there as well- it was a treat to have such a great cheer section!
It all felt great! We just ran it at a chill pace and were only worried about having a good time and completing it- both Becky ( in the full marathon) and I (running the half) conquered our goal. The Eugene marathon course for both the Half and the Marathon run together for the first 11 miles. It was all so fun- I am not ready to take the plunge and sign up for another just yet, I want the feeling to sink in, but I have no doubt I will. I don't yet have the desire to run a full marathon, but I also know that if one of my friends asked me to run it with, I would.
I can't say enough about how amazing it felt, how relaxed the running was, the pace felt so smooth- just perfect.
Since most of you didn't get to go see the finish, here is a little clip in which I am finishing. You can catch me for about half a second :) I cross the finish line after this clip has been rolling for about 1:20 so watch extra carefully a little before that. YEEEEEEah!
Me making my silly faces- not that silly really.
Here are the official details/stats- whatever you want to call them:
Bethany Canfield
| bib number: | 4919 |
| age: | 30 |
| gender: | F |
| location: | Corvallis, OR |
| overall place: | 1890 out of 4057 |
| division place: | 214 out of 449 |
| gender place: | 1018 out of 2782 |
| time: | 2:12:39 |
| pace: | 10:08 |
| 10k: | 1:05:52 |
Team Living Water Update: What makes it all even better is that you guys smashed my goal for raising money for Living Water International!! I set a goal (which I considered high) of $500 and you all crushed that by donating $521 ! That goal met was not mine to claim at all- but yours, thank you all so much for doing that- it really made tears come to my eyes as you kept giving and giving. Thank you.
GO Team Living Water! My Half Marathon is THIS SUNDAY.
Look at me, all official and stuff. I love wearing my Living Water race day shirt. And when I do I feel like yelling, "GO, TEAM!" in a slightly mock cheerleaderish fashion and getting in a huddle to chant or experience a team building helmet smacking session. We haven't gotten to that yet, maybe on race day! I have never been more excited to run for something or united with something- I know it is because I am so sold out for Living Water International that to have Team Living Water on my chest as I run will be nothing but an honour. I only wish I could do more to help dig wells. Some day these two hands that love to get dirty will dig a well, and my boys (all three of them) will be right there beside me, but for now we dig it as I run- we dig it penny by penny and of course mile by mile.
A penny at a time really is happening quite literally if you look over to the right of this post and check out that so far WE have raised $329.56 for clean water worldwide. The boys have done their part in that, it is amazing to see their hearts beat for helping these children just as much as mine does.
Yesterday a friend's grandma paid Jackson around $2.00 to help her clean up fallen sticks from around the yard, wheelbarrows full. When he came home he opened the Living Water International money jar and started putting his cash right in. They know they are giving to something big, they are proud to see their little jar fill up to the brim and every time we add more I tell them, "for each dollar, one person will get clean water for a whole year- from their birthday until their next birthday" they get it. The have scrounged up $13.56 literally a penny at a time from under the couch coushions, from grocery store floors, sidewalks, they have coin noses that can catch the sent of money no matter where it is!
This passage was what was taught on in Women's Bible Study today. Helping those in need isn't an option, if we are to be like Christ we are to be a people who are giving, who are kind and thoughtful- not those of inaction, or indifference toward those who need help:
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
I want to thank so many of you who have donated as well. East coast family, uncles, grandparents, parents, church friends,people are coming out of the woodwork and blessing me to bits. Already, you have made my heart melt with every heard earned cent you have given. Your generosity blesses me and I know that together we are impacting our world, bringing change a cup of water at a time- clean, safe water! Thank you really doesn't cut it!!
You can still donate! Here is how:
1.) To those of you who still want a chance to donate (PLEASE DO!!) - you can sponsor me, to do so click here to donate directly or click on the widget to the right of this post that says "FirstGiving" (it will take you to the same place) and they will take debit or credit payments (tax documents will be sent directly to you).
2.) I also decided that all of the proceeds from people purchasing items using any of my link affiliations (Powell's Books or Toms Shoes) will go to Living Water International a charity quenching global thirst and preaching the gospel. I will do this from now on, so this isn't time sensitive at all :)
THANK YOU!!!
Remember the race is only 4 days away (IT IS THIS SUNDAY the 2nd)!!!
Just 20 Days Until I Run The Eugene Half Marathon!!
So my life has lately been filled with running, running and running-of course I still do most of the other stuff too, but because the boys are little, and I because we homeschool I am constantly trying to figure out when The Husband will be home and I can leave the boys with him so that I can go run. It is harder than you'd think to figure out a time when I am going to have stretch long enough to run 12 miles at a time (which takes about 2 hours). Yes, with no stops- just running, and more running for 2 hours straight. But it works, and I am pretty near the end of my training for this half marathon.
But now I am only 20 days away, I have one last longer run of 9 or 10 miles and then it is all downhill from there up until the Eugene half Marathon on the 2nd of May.
Anyway I would like to ask for your help. I've done the training and I am going to ask for you to sponsor me- it is for an amazing cause and I would love your support in this. I am running for Team Living Water! There are so many reasons that I will be proud to run wearing my Team Living Water shirt that day, but mainly it is because I 'know' the people that head up Living Water International and they are using every single cent towards a physical and spiritual thirst quenching which will change the world one village and community at a time. I couldn't be more proud.
Watch this video and see what Living Water International is all about:
The Story of the Thirsty from Living Water International on Vimeo.
To sponsor me head to my Running for Team Living Water Fundraiser Page , or you can also get there by clicking the First Giving widget to the right of this blog under the heading Running for Clean Water. That widget is also where you can track my progress as to how much I have raised so far.
I want to thank you all, thank you for watching the video and thank you for your support. This means the world to me. Someday I will go on a well digging trip, the boys have already been begging to go too. When they get a little older and can actually be of help we will go, for now I get to run for them and someday I will meet them.
Remember, Every Dollar Counts: $1 = clean water for 1 person for 1 year.
Running Inspiration: Books, Movies and Training Programs
I have been reading books about running, that is what you do when you are a reader and a runner I guess. So since I have read a couple so far I figured I'd share my thoughts about them with you. I have more on hold from the library that I just haven't gotten over to grab yet, I'll review those next time. I've also chosen a couple flicks to tell you about and some training programs to get you started in the running process.
Running Books I've Read: Mini Reviews
This is the first book I read about running as I started training again, while it is somewhat helpful it is not for the intermediate to advanced runner at all. This book would be perfect for the woman who is just starting out and is wanting to know what she is getting herself into. While there is valuable info, and I did learn a couple of things, much of it was pretty obvious since I ran my little legs off in high school for 4 years. Still it has its merit and I did learn that I should always look every oncoming person in the eye with confidence so as to be able to identify him in a line up. I'd say that is valuable info for sure!! It also contains helpful information on how to start out, how to stretch, how to loose weight and so on. A good book for anyone thinking of running, the beginner who needs some tips.
The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer This is an excellent book, filled with information on how to keep in the run, stay motivated, which shoes to buy, how to train, when to run, how to stretch, how to eat, when to drink....on and on. This book is the best one I have read so far on training for the marathon (thanks Becky!!!!!). It pretty much takes you from day one of being completely out of shape and gets you into decent enough shape to complete a marathon in 16 weeks. How is that not the coolest ever!?!
Even after having run a lot in my previous life (High school!) I find this read to have so much information that I either forgot or just never knew. It is helpfully detailed, easy to understand and as long as you are willing to follow it-you should have no problem completing the goal of a marathon that you are set out to run.Even though this book was written for training for a marathon, there is so much other valuable information,that any runner could glean from it. That being said, it is very specific to long (very long)distance training. Intended for the beginner (or not so beginner) planning on running for the long haul. I love this book!!!
Run Your First Marathon: Everything You Need to Know to Make It to the Finish Live
I checked this one out from the library as well and it did have a lot of useful information,however it seemed a little general in its approach. I liked the format of the Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer (above) better. This is a quality book though packed with photos, tips and hints to training and running your first marathon, but if you have been a runner for a while much of the information will be obvious to you already. It is always good to brush up on the basics though.
I felt it to be lacking in depth, but as a first time runner you may appreciate the facts and details that are covered in Run Your First Marathon. If a broad picture of the training and racing is what you are looking for this is your book!
To Get You Up of the Couch: Running Movies
Spirit of the Marathon This movie is very entertaining, it follows a group of elite marathoners and a group of your average joe people turning into marathon runners. For some it is their first time, others have run several and find themselves addicted to the race. Real life gets in the way at times of meeting goals or satisfying personal dreams- and it is neat to watch each individual learn to overcome or work through the hurdles of reality. They run on their time off, late at night, after taking care of their family.
Men and women of all ages are running for one common goal, and that is to complete their race. The elite runners have all the gear, and spend their lives running. They dream of getting first at a prestigious American marathon and the viewer gets to follow the training and the finish of each runner.
This is a great flick if you are trying to motivate yourself to get out and exercise, there is so much value in it. I thought it was an interesting approach-kinda a la reality tv or something for runners. I watched it at Netflix in the play now.
This is the best running movie of all time, yep of all time. I watched this I don't even know when and fell in love with it instantly. I think I need to go grab it and watch it right now actually, it is about courage, about two men running for very different reasons. Chariots of Fire isn't just about the races and the running, that is a part of it but it is also full of the lives that surround these two runners and the people who influence them and those whom they have influence on. The only downside (for me at least) is that Chariots of Fire is not about distance runners-I'll let that slide. :)
Each time I watch it I want to get right up out of my chair and run, maybe even go for a good barefoot running experience on the beach!! Better pick this one up the next time you are at the video store it is much more than a running flick- it is a classic! Enjoy!!
To Get You Started: Free on-line Training Programs
5K Training
Couch to 5k this one looks great! For all those out there who are really at the beginning of the running thing, this is a good way to get up and at it. Your local sports equipment stores will be excellent resources for finding out when you can run a 5k in your town. Up and at 'em!!
5K Race Training: Run Your First 5K
6 Weeks to a 5K: Beginner Training Plan BY Fitness Magazine
Running Times Magazine: 12 Week Training Program for Beginners
The Ultimate 5K Plan by Runner's World With information for all types of runners, from beginners to advanced and what to do with training and tons more good information.
10K Training
Your Ultimate 10K Training Plan by Runner's World
Hal Higdon 10 K Training head on over and click on beginner, intermediate, advanced or walk to find the perfect match for you!
Jeff Galloway's 10K (or 5k) Training Injury Free
Running Planet's 10K Training Program and Advice for Recreational Runners
Half Marathon Training
Half Marathon with Hal Higdon you can select beginner, intermediate, advanced or walk to adapt this workout to you.
The Runner's World Half Marathon Training Plan complete with speed workouts and race day tips (and much more).
Rookie Half Marathon Training
Jeff Galloway's Half Marathon Training
Basic Half Marathon for Beginners
Running Planet's Half Marathon Training Program
Running Off the Deep End
I just registered to run the 2010 Eugene Half Marathon. Uh-Huh! Oh Yeah! The weird thing is that it doesn't seem that crazy to me. And it probably should. When you consider putting yourself through what you have always dreaded, always feared, and aren't shivering...then beware, right!?! I guess so.
You see my friends, I was a runner in high school and I kicked and fought my coaches the whole way through, really I don't know why they put up with me. We did well, we won state in Cross Country, and in track my relay team broke records- still I was such a lazy runner. Our claim to fame was running up to get ice cream instead of going for the miles we were supposed to. Goodness, when you are young that statement of "Youth is wasted on the young" just doesn't make sense, now I wonder what we could have done if we cared enough to train. So yes I have feared actual real training, dreaded the thought of it all, but now I have peace.
My running time has lately been time I get to spend alone with God, it is a sweet thing and I catch myself tearing up or smiling at Him while I run. Yesterday He spoke to me several times and he just loved on me. I tried to explain to Brad what He told me while I was running, but it was more a hug from God than anything I have ever experienced before. God is so sweet to love us with that gentle loving. I came away from the hug with a sense of purpose and drive. Maybe that is why this whole thing doesn't scare me, I know it is just running, just exercise, but I know that He has my back in this. Sort of like those trust tests where you have to let yourself fall into the other persons arms, just like that.
Don't get too weirded out when I tell you later on, that I could be working up to a full Marathon, that is just a warning as I want to see how the half marathon goes first. I will TRY to run with my friend Becky (who is my latest inspiration). She is running a full marathon, but the half and the full run the first 11 miles together.
I guess what I would like to say is that 'God willing, I will run the Eugene Half Marathon in May'!! Right!? Yep. Wish me luck!
PS. I do need a local running buddy, anyone interested in running 6 miles tomorrow??
The Latest Posts:
- Mrs. Wanda Wilson’s Spicy Pickled Asparagus {Recipe}
- Off To The Oregon Coast
- To Open My Hands
- The Strength that Moves Me
- He Wished for Snow for Christmas, He Got it For His Birthday.
- Oh I Wonder, How I Wonder…Who Would You Be, Shiloh?
- Reminding My Heart to Be Thankful
- What Love Looks Like
I (adoringly) HEART—>
