I started back running about a year ago. Running is a term I use loosely, because I'm not really a runner. I mean, I go out and I run, but I still don't feel like a runner. I'm still not very fast but my goal is to just go the distance without stopping.
Anyway, I decided a few months back that I would 'maybe' do the Richmond Half Marathon in November. I said 'maybe' because I wanted to leave the door open for me to back out of it. So I ran through the summer (which is miserable in the heat and humidity) and did a few races the past couple of months.
A few weeks ago, I paid my money and signed up for the half! I can't believe that I am actually paying someone money, a huge chunk of money, to torture myself for 13.1 miles. But since the money is paid, there is no backing out now!
Training has been going pretty good - the distance has increased now. This is my second 20-mile week so we'll see how I feel after Friday morning. I am sort of enjoying it - I really like how I feel after I'm done running but I am starting to enjoy other parts of it as well. I am not normally a morning person so I have been working hard to get my tired self out of the bed at the crack of dawn (actually before the crack of dawn). I listen to my praise music and try to use that time to think and pray. It's been good for me to have that time in the mornings.
So the half is coming up soon - I still wonder if I can do that many miles. But I have a friend who just did her first half (go Kelly) and she is giving me some inspiration!
Until then, the training continues...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
An Amazing Date Night
Sunday night a week ago Brian and I were able to sneak away for a few hours for a date (thanks for watching the kids Granny and PawPaw)! We headed to eat a quick dinner at one of my favorite places: Chipotle! I really enjoyed sitting down to eat with Brian and being able to talk together for a few minutes.
After dinner we went to see Matthew Smith in concert at a local church. We thought it may be crowded so we got there early to get good seats. But it turns out that no one else was early - so we had a few more moments to chat while we waited on everyone else to come to the concert.
The concert was such an incredible worship experience. Matthew Smith's website says that he is "an East Nashville singer-songwriter who writes brand new music to centuries-old hymn texts." He is also involved with Indelible Grace Music.
I know that many people in churches cringe when they think of putting 'new' music to the old, ancient hymns. But I encourage people to read more at the Indelible Grace website and to listen to some of the songs. "It was common for people to compose new music for each generation for many of the hymns that they loved. There is no rule that says each hymn can only have one musical setting, and in fact, hymnals are designed for you to be able to mix and match words and music -- that's why they have a metrical index. But unfortunately, we lost this tradition and got stuck in a more modern traditionalism of associating one particular tune with one particular hymn ... Our goal is not change for change's sake, but to rekindle a love of hymns and to invite many who would never associate rich passion with hymns to actually read the words." (Indelible Grace website)
It was such an encouraging and worshipful concert. I am thankful for the incredible music we were able to experience. Thanks for planning this special evening, Brian!
After dinner we went to see Matthew Smith in concert at a local church. We thought it may be crowded so we got there early to get good seats. But it turns out that no one else was early - so we had a few more moments to chat while we waited on everyone else to come to the concert.
The concert was such an incredible worship experience. Matthew Smith's website says that he is "an East Nashville singer-songwriter who writes brand new music to centuries-old hymn texts." He is also involved with Indelible Grace Music.
I know that many people in churches cringe when they think of putting 'new' music to the old, ancient hymns. But I encourage people to read more at the Indelible Grace website and to listen to some of the songs. "It was common for people to compose new music for each generation for many of the hymns that they loved. There is no rule that says each hymn can only have one musical setting, and in fact, hymnals are designed for you to be able to mix and match words and music -- that's why they have a metrical index. But unfortunately, we lost this tradition and got stuck in a more modern traditionalism of associating one particular tune with one particular hymn ... Our goal is not change for change's sake, but to rekindle a love of hymns and to invite many who would never associate rich passion with hymns to actually read the words." (Indelible Grace website)
It was such an encouraging and worshipful concert. I am thankful for the incredible music we were able to experience. Thanks for planning this special evening, Brian!
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