God or Another Rock Anthem? That Is the Question.

What kind of runs do you do?

Do you pop in the ear buds and turn up the volume 

and completely groove out to pop music?

Do you listen to audio books to keep your mind entangled?

Some people listen to sermons or tutorials as they "press on" for motivation.

I hadn't found my "niche" as they say.

Until today.

Today. . . . . . I listened.

I realized awhile back that running isn't as enjoyable as I had hoped.

It's taking a lot of perseverance to keep it up.

I love the high that comes right after--

knowing that I accomplished a great work-out.

But some mornings I just don't have the "get-up-and-go".

(Hence my two-week running strike.)

Here I am, back in the saddle though.

And I had a breakthrough.

A moment of enlightenment, if you will. 

One that many of you probably have come by a lot easier than me.

After blowing through play list upon play list 

and coming up bored and unmoved,

I decided today, I would 

P R A Y.

I've used my running moments this way before.

But instead of talking so much,

today, I listened.

I plugged in the Pandora to worship music

(which I've found doesn't naturally make me want to run faster)

and listened.

I have a lot in my life that I'd like to hear from God about.

A lot of questions.

A lot of internal struggles.

A lot of unresolve.

Apparently, it's not that He wasn't speaking;

I feel that sometimes, I don't hear because I haven't stopped talking.

(Story of my life, just ask my husband.)

So I ceased. talking. altogether.

And I heard.

Finally.

Thank you God, for meeting me on my run.

For speaking so clearly.

For knowing what my heart needed to hear.

Best 20 minutes in my training so far

and definitely a practice I will continue.

Pop princesses and audio books are good distractions.

But for clarity,

I highly recommend listening.

"Does a body (& soul) good"

(yes, I went there. LOL)

Playlists, Donuts, and Inspiration

It's Memorial Day.

Amidst remembering those who are gone

and all those who sacrificed so much for our country,

I'm racking my brain trying to figure out some things that 

me and these monster children can do to 

NOT sit on our cute little booties today.

Because it's a daily struggle. 

Just like this morning's run.

Welcome to WEEK TWO of marathon training.

And I'm already annoyed by the songs on my iPod.

I'm STILL not able to all-out run more than 30-40 seconds

at a time. (I know. . .Lord, help this poor couch potato!)
I hate it when my body won't keep up with my will. . .

And then I hear about how my mom-in-law and SIL 

ran a HALF-MARATHON yesterday. . .
Another one!!
(Let me say how jealous of them and how proud of them I am at the same time)
BUT,

It's so hard to not compare your progress to others. 

If I did focus on it, you may find me curled up in a ball

in the back of my walk-in closet with a dozen chocolate glazed donuts.

(BOY, does that not sound fabulous right about now?!)

But I can't compare.  

I have to do my personal best.  

My personal best is not exciting just yet.

But it will be one day.

So I'm going to keep running, friends. 

Even though I'd rather have donuts.

I'm going to be strong.

And I reeeeeeeeally want those abs for my very own. 

So as a recap. . .Week One didn't suck.

I'm struggling more with waking up at the butt-crack of dawn

than I am with running the designated distances.

And praise God for no shin splints

(I've heard first week horror stories)!

Bring on Week Two.

And suggestions for some new tunes.

My iPod will thank you.

I'm positive it's gotten it's feelings hurt this week from me

hitting SKIP every 5 minutes.

I'd prefer some tunes of the "inspirational" persuasion.  

(yes, I'm one of those corny chicks that likes words of affirmation along my journey.)

Currently, in my work-out playlist:

1. Good Morning - Mandisa

2. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon5

3. You're Beautiful - One Direction

4. All This Time - Britt Nicole

5. Domino - Jessie J

6. He Said - Group One Crew

7. Waiting For Tomorrow - Mandisa

Yea, so help a sister out!