I promise!

I promise to write about more things than JUST running, but I just wanted to tell the WHOLE WORLD that I'm officially signed up for the 5K August 7. The race is called the Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer and I'm still laughing at the fact that this race benefits the world Parrot Trust which is dedicated to the survival of parrot species in the wild, and the welfare of captive birds everywhere.

Just to be clear, I'm not doing this for the birds. I'd prefer to run for people, but for now I'm doing this one for ME!

Today, I ran 2 miles without stopping...and actually completed the 5k distance in a decent time. It was the hardest run I've had in a while. I'm not sure why my legs felt like lead, but they did. It's interesting how you have to train your mind to say, "I CAN!" because your whole body is saying - "PLEASE STOP!" And once you finish you feel like you can conquer all beasts!

My friend Regina and I ran the 2.88 miles just under 36 minutes and ran the 3.1 miles in 39. She can do better than I can - so really this is my time with a friend cheering me on. Her patience and encouragement is PRICELESS! And I'm wishing my friend Lara was here running with us. She'll be back soon, but the three of us are running this 5k together. I'm dubbing us the DREAM TEAM! They don't know that yet, but they'll find out soon enough. ;O)

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I mentioned before that I'd share the scripture that comes to mind when I run so here they are:
Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

The infamous Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

And my theme verse Romans 8:37

...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

There is also a song that in my head I'm belting out (I think I'd pass out if I was ACTUALLY singing it)! The chorus says:

I will not be moved, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.

Update on the Running Front

Well, I spent three weeks in Guatemala and was unable to run as well as I would have liked. The altitude really got the best of me...so I ran ONCE! Sad day! But I did go up and down these never ending steps every day that really do take your breath away. I wish I had a picture of them. They are steep and the steps are a bit awkward. I also did a bit of Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, which I've carried over to the States for "cross-training."

As I suspected, I indeed gained weight. I should stay away from RICE and the rest of the amazing food they serve there. But even if I had, this is what happens. The GOOD news is that I didn't lose momentum on running. I think the thing that was hurt was my confidence in how far I've come. My first run back here was Saturday morning and it was NOT bad at all.

Today was my second run since I've been home and my brother Tim came along with me and Regina. He kept up with us!! Well, he also has a bigger stride...So he could leave me in the dust. But I just wanted to say, in case I hadn't mentioned it before: I LIKE RUNNING! :o)

I'm about 3 weeks from running my next 5k! I'm very excited!!

Pick Up Lines

Usually, you get to meet some of the coolest people on the planet working at this orphanage. Sometimes, you also meet the most awkward individuals...

During the second week of my stay here in Guate I met this dude who was REALLY smooth. Thankfully his stay was ONLY one week! Here are his lines:

1. You speak really good English!
2. I like your headband...And your shirt...You look really good in it.
3. So, do you have a green card?
4. You should look me up on Facebook. You can't have too many friends you know!
5. Come sit down with me. Let's talk.
   

He won me over with "Do you have a green card"!!

Bless his heart.