The Marathon Rematch

I've decided it's time to face the Marathon Beast again.

Most people just hope to finish a marathon. My goal is to at least start this one. This will be my first time running a marathon, but my second time training to that end. Due to unexpected illness, things didn't quite go according to plan last time. (Read about my Almost Marathon experience here and here!)

It's been hanging over me like late homework, like to-do list items left uncrossed, like a dominant seventh chord unresolved. This stage of my life, however, is devoted to my academic and pianistic pursuits, so I've had to say no to many days on the trails.

My summer will be dedicated to learning my graduate recital music and to part-time teaching. It's the prime time to also focus on mileage and running goals.

My goal? Start and finish a marathon. Is that asking too much?

I don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched, but I'm thankful to say my health has been much improved over the last year and a half. Graduate school notwithstanding, I still have energy. And besides, we all know the Weimaraner needs daily exercise.

Here's the part where it gets crazy.

I'm registered for the Mt. Sneffels Marathon (don't laugh!) in Ouray, Colorado. Ouray is called the "Switzerland of the U.S," and the John Wayne classic, True Grit, was filmed in its mountains.
Colorado! Yes, the girl with Florida gills is registered for a race that takes place at 7000+ feet. 
(What was I thinking?!)

According to my research, we should be arriving with plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. Tyler and I are planning a vacation that just so happens to coincide with this race. We have a bed and breakfast booked, and we can't stop looking at photos of this place!

Photo: David Huddleston

Time goals are out of the question. Some of the literature I've read said I can expect to run up to a minute per mile slower! Wow! No wonder elite athletes train at high altitude. The best advice I've been given is to run based on effort and forget the stats. Listen to my body and pace accordingly. Someone else also recommended running in the heat, as a way to counterbalance the altitude. Texas shouldn't disappoint on that front!

Training doesn't officially start until after finals, but I may have "unofficially" begun this week.

Running significantly helps with end-of-semester blues. Thankfully, I've kept my staple weekend long run, so I've maintained half marathon shape. So far, I've had no trouble jumping into structured training.

Our "Heartbreak Hill" at mile 8 around the lake

We have a couple upcoming races in preparation for the biggie. One involves glow sticks, and the other involves a lake swim. Both involve my husband, which makes me the happiest! Speaking of Tyler, he rocked his first triathlon. I'll save that story for him to tell. Our Tyler Tuesday feature is way overdue anyway...

Just Keep Swimming...

That's right, I'm just trying to keep my head above water over here. Ty is racing in his first triathlon next weekend, so he's been doing a lot of that in the literal sense. But I digress...

My recital came and went. Ty's birthday came and went. Everything was wonderful. We were having too good a time to remember to snap any video or photos. I've included a copy of the program, mostly so I have a record. I loved being on stage and sharing my hard work with others. It's so rewarding to get out of the practice room and finally perform.

Thanks to Dr. L for snapping this photo!

On Sunday, we were just plain wiped out. After I played our church service, Ty and I snuck away for a lunch date at a new restaurant. My beet salad and poblano pepper soup were phenomenal. My date was even better.

Fear not, Mamas, the photo and video documentation will henceforth commence a hundred fold.

We purchased a GoPro! Did I mention we're taking a family trip to Colorado this summer?

(How could you not purchase one, when you're staying here??!)

We've been joking about how everything will now be EXTREME. (Extreme teeth brushing, extreme lounging, extreme piano, etc, etc.)

Our first trial video (aside from the teeth brushing) was at the school pool. We've also filmed an 11-mile cycling trip, and I've tried out some still shots on the run.



This might be the coolest toy I've ever owned. Did you know it can be controlled from an app? It has video, continuous photo, single photo, and photo burst settings. It is virtually indestructible. (And if it does break, ours is covered by Best Buy!)

Can't wait to take this 1.4 ounce baby to Colorado!!

And now to finish that paper before church.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

Monthly Musings: March

Seems like I posted a lot about our March happenings.
I'd like to do something slightly different by remembering last March.

Here is something I shared this week on Instagram:

One year ago today, I was anxiously awaiting audition results and struggling to trust that God had a good plan for my family. His plan has been infinitely superior to my wildest schemes and dreams. (And I'm a planner!) We are beyond blessed.Celebrating ten months of adventure with Tyler, and sending hugs to the Sunshine State.
(Photo: http://www.michellebill.com/)

I don't mean to say that our lives are perfect now, or that we're happy just because God granted our wish. No, more than ever I'm aware of our dependence upon Him. I'm thankful, because I know none of this has been accomplished by our hands. Last year, I clung desperately to this verse: 

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Today I want to remember. I want to give thanks. It's been a hard week. I've been under the weather, I've had to be when I've wanted to do, and my recital is tomorrow. Still, He is Good
He has given us the ultimate Goodness by sending his Son. I love this Psalm for many reasons, but it seemed especially appropriate as we remember Jesus's death and resurrection this weekend.
May these words bring rest to your souls.

Psalm 118

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Out of my distress I called on the LORD;

the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Glad songs of salvation are in the tens of the righteous:

"The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!"

I shall note die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.

The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we pray, O LORD!

O LORD, we pray, give us success!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD!

The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.

Bind the rental sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!