What a BEAUtiful day!

My friend Cassie told me about a Nike app for running last week during out skype date. She got me really excited to try it because she has also had issues with her knee. She inspired me since she said she has been feeling so much better and has been using the Nike App to help.



Today I went out for my second run with the app! After doing a short 20 min yoga glo warm up I laced up, grabbed both door and gate key, ipod and sunglasses, and headed out to Mountain.

The app does this little countdown "Start run in 3...2...1!" The morning was chilly, perfect for running because even if you warm up you wont over heat. I've been working hard on paying close attention to my stride and making sure I 'follow through' and use both legs equally.

I can tell I'm still getting back into the groove because I started out like those newbies we used to run with Ann! All fast (faster than a 10 min/mi pace) and so I made sure to slow it down.

I went a similar route that we ran on when you were here Ann! Joy- I live under a mile from this awesome river trail! So I ran up there today and crossed this bridge (I think its the bridge we used to called "The Bridge the Tarabithia") and ran down to campbell, crossed the major bridge and headed back.

This whole time I felt pretty great. I realized at one point that neither my low back nor my hip was bothering me, I only had a slight tightness in my left knee.



On the return loop I was feeling super amped and really wanted to just run fast! I have been running so much on the treadmill its just not the same to sprint on a treadmill as it is outside. So, I hit the "powersong" button on my Nike app (you can choose these songs to really get you going when you need/want it!) I was excited when "My Life Would Suck Without you" by Kelly Clarkson came up.

You know that feeling you get when you're having a good run? Your legs are bouncing and you are just moving through space smoothly? Like you're flying! It was fantastic! I ended up sprinting/running fast about four different times. My lungs definitely aren't at what they were a few years back when I was running further and faster but it felt like freedom, like flight! I finished my run 2.66 miles in 27.28 mins. not my fastest time ever and definitely not my furthest distance ever but still one of my most memorable runs. A run that make me think again "Oh! I'm a runner!"



It feels good to be back! (and I hope I stay back!)

PS: I'm not saying the Nike app is the reason I had a great run, rather it was just part of my experience!

Old Poems

So a friend of mine inspired me to try and start writing again and in the process of saving my writings I came across a file full of poems I wrote in highschool. Most of them I think eventually end up with me talking about God which is to be expected, but I just came across this one and I remember writing it even though I don't exactly remember the circumstances. The last couple lines to harken to a "Him" ie God...but I was actually quite moved by what my 17/18 year old self wrote.. I'm curious to know what you two think!

Being Blind

How do I put this?
How do I say this?
Who am I to turn to?
Where am I to go?
I’m feeling a strong restlessness in my soul
I wanna run and scream but instead I’m sitting here hiding
Where is the peace that you promised when things go wrong?
Where is the love that is supposed to abound?
It seems like I can’t see past my nose today
All I wanna do is curl up and cry
I didn’t want to see things get so complicated
But now they are out of control
So many things are twisting through me and I’m trying to get a strong grip
But how am I to know if I’m right?
Oh I know I’m right but I feel so alone
I’ve been rejected, shot down and pushed away
Only because I’m standing for the truth am I set aside
And now every other pain seems to be torn open again
And though healed it had never been
I hide my hurt and ache with a smile of excitement of a whim of anger
Oh please bring to me peace and not endless torture
Bring it together, bring it and make it all right
But not today or at least not now
Stretching my mind to things of old and my heart swells
And tears are on the verge
Please hold me for I have no strength to hold onto anything
I want so much but I need only unconditional love
So all my friends may abandon me but He’ll remain true
For even sorrow cannot separate me from His love
Which right now I see so faint
Day by day
Keep me from being blind