Running | Moore Family and Ministry

Tag-Archive for » running «

January

In 2010 Brian and I ran a marathon. It was the San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll marathon, and it was AMAZING! As soon as we crossed the finish line we started talking about doing it again. However, more than a year went by without a marathon. We continued to run and did small events but the LONG distance was lost.

It is 2012 and we have a little fire burning in our bellies that can only be quenched by 16 weeks of training ending with one very long run and a feeling of accomplishment that I have no comparison for.

Step one – finding a race. We had narrowed our choices down to two races and made our final decision last night, casting our vote with a registration for the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are 117 days until the race!

Step two – a training plan. I pulled out our previous plan designed by our good friend Greg Despres and I ran the first week last week. I plan to do some research to find the “prefect” training plan for this race.

Step three – stay motivated. In my mind I started training right after Christmas when I hit the pavement three times in one week (something I had not done in awhile). So last week, while following Greg’s plan was a bit of a second week for me. I found myself in one weak moment remembering how very long the long runs take at the end and how much time overall I had to commit. For a split moment I was tempted to decide “I have done this once, do I need to do it again right now?” But the answer is YES! I reminded myself in reality all I need to do is concentrate on the running for this week and not let my mind go beyond that. Run what I have to run this week. Get it done, enjoy it, learn from it and let it train you!

Rick Kimbal (the Marathon Nut), a guy I just started following on twitter posted a list of to dos for running a marathon. His step three is set your goals. I had a general purpose for running, a gut feeling, a drive. But I realized I needed to write it out and have a clear defined reason. Doing so would give me more purpose and drive, it would give more meaning to the one foot in front of the other. I will be sharing my purpose for running a marathon in a future post.

Step four – Get a new pair of running shoes. I will be headed to a specialty store to replace my old sneakers, the ones I wore in my last marathon. I hope to share a little on that process as well.

It feels good to have this started!

Join me!

Finish the race!

Category: Mandy, running Tags: 2012, marathon, motivation, new year, planning, purpose, running, training Leave a Comment

October

written by:mandy | Leave a Comment

Today I ran a 5K. That would be the first time I have done the 5K distance for an event. A group of mom’s from my oldest’s soccer team decided to run the Hands on House 5K, so of course I joined them. In the last two years running has become a great friend to me. In 2010 I ran my first half marathon in the spring and followed it with a full marathon in the fall. I have scaled back since then for many reasons, and it has been missed! I have plans to hit the road for those long distances again in the future, but for now the 5K was a perfect fit.

I had two favorite moments in today’s race worth sharing with you!

Off and on through out the three-plus miles there was a VERY tall man running alongside of me, behind me or right in front of me. We seemed to have similar paces and we just kept exchanging who was in the lead. When it was time for the final push of the race this gentleman broke our running silence, where we had both lived, pacing ourselves and challenging ourselves. Out of nowhere he speaks up and says “Hey, we have been exchanging places this entire time. Let’s end it together!” Immediately I picked up my pace and was like “Yes, let’s push to the end”…although I don’t think I actually said anything. We then turned on our wheels and approached two ladies in front of us. Again my giant, no longer silent, encourager declaired “OK, take these two lets go!” and we dug deep and passed them. Well I gave it all I had to the end. My encourager had more to give and finished before me, but just as he left my side my second favorite part of the morning arrived.

On the final turn of the race my husband and four kids stood cheering! “Go Mom!” As I passed them I was so encouraged to hear those sweet little voices that I love so dearly cheering me on! I turned the corner and saw the end. As I approached I realized my kids were running along after me on the sideline cheering as they went. What a blessing! I heard Emma declaire “I can’t keep up with her.”

I LOVE encouragement and a well placed exhortation! In life we need it desperately! When we think we have given it all we can or we have fallen into the belief that coasting is a good idea, a well put “kick in the pants”, “you can do it” does wonders!

Thank you silent-giant!

Thank you Brian and my amazing kids!