Tag: training
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Running in Review: February

February just blew by, didn’t it? Training has kicked in and I’m really enjoying running and preparing for my fourth marathon. Training Summary I managed a total of 110 miles, most of them very easy, but with a couple of decent workouts thrown in. (Break down of paces below.) Sleep has been sporadic–the baby is…
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How to Fuel for Runs: Before, During, and After

As I begin training for my fourth marathon, I thought I’d tackle the issue of fuel for runs. During my first marathon, I did everything wrong: didn’t train well, ate way too many carbs, and knew NOTHING about fueling for runs. Turns out, your body can only go for so long with out fuel before…
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When the Door Closes

I’ve been thinking lately about how God closes doors on us sometimes. In fact, there’s a story in Acts about Paul and Silas about that very idea. After driving a demon out of a young girl, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison – the very definition of closed and locked doors. Not only were…
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Half Marathon After Baby

Well, if there’s anything I’ve learned about motherhood and training it’s this: You cannot control anything. This is what real life training with four kids looks like, and I just have to roll with it. My training was thrown completely out of wack the past two weeks, and it’s been crazy. First, I got sick,…
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Half Marathon After Baby

This past Saturday I ran my first long run in about 18 months. I went very slowly, taking care not to go out too quickly, because I knew I wanted to run the entire thing. It was a beautifully cool afternoon, sun hidden behind clouds, and the air had a faint hint of fall to…
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How to Deal with an Injury
Every night, as I sit on the couch and read or watch TV, I prop my foot on a small ziploc bag full of ice. It’s wrapped in a small, thin, old kitchen towel, but within moments I can feel the chill seep into my heel. I hope it provides the pain relief and healing…
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4 Workouts to Increase Running Speed (And You Don’t Need a Track!)
After my marathon debacle, I decided to switch my focus for a while. I had been emphasizing slower distances and building mileage instead of increasing speed. This summer, I’ve decided to switch focus and try and increase my speed by adding workouts. Problem is? I’m not actually a big fan of running circles around a…
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When Running Breaks Your Heart
Yesterday while on the phone with my mother, she offered a simple insight: “Maybe running has taken too high a place in your heart.” I had been crying, upset with my 3rd botched marathon attempt, and I was wondering what it was that wouldn’t let me successfully race a marathon. I have now completed 3…
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4 Things to Do When you Taper for a Marathon
After weeks of training, I find myself staring down the barrel of “race week” which also means “taper week.” Now, most of the time, when I taper, I am usually crabby, anxious, and can only think about running. But after sharing my struggles last week, I actually find myself looking forward to taper week. I…
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Something’s Gotta Give: A Mom’s Struggle
It’s the age-old mom question: Can we have it all? This dream of having the family, the prefect job, the great house, the relaxing vacations, the life-enriching hobbies and extra-curriculars, and intimate and meaningful relationships with our spouse and kids seems doable, doesn’t it? Not to mention a clean house, home-cooked meals, and a super…