Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Feeling Thankful...

Run: 5.3 Miles
Time: 53:54
Pace: 10:11

Tonight's run was the first run I didn't look at my garmin at all during the run. Took a nice easy pace and just took in the scenery. No predetermined route just went out and ran.

Funny thing happened...I don't remember much of the run as my mind wondered to how blessed I really am and how thankful I should be just to be healthy enough to be out running. It's so easy to take so many things for granted. Lately I've been unhappy about my job, or should I say, complaining about my job, when in reality, I need to be thankful I have job to complain about. I've been so lucky that God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and a great kid that puts up with all the running and training, getting up early for races, and cheering me on to the finish lines.

I thought about those men and women who are overseas defending the very freedom that allows me to go out and run 5 miles. I thought about their families and how much they must miss their loved ones, what a sacrifice! I thought about my cousin Chucky that's probably headed over to Iraq very soon. I pray that God will keep him safe. I thought about so many other things and before I knew it I was headed down into my neighborhood and finishing my run. I stopped my garmin right at 5.3 miles. I walked around the driveway for about 10 minutes and stretched real good.

It was so nice to be able to get out and reflect on life and what it is I need to be thankful for. It was so nice to be able to just run and not worry about pace, time, or distance. It was so nice to just...run!

My nutrition today was good but I missed my afternoon meal, which is my biggest meal, and it really put my calories too low for the day. I was going to add a meal this evening but I just didn't feel like eating it. My total calories for the day were 1300. I was curious how I was going to feel on my run but as you read above I don't really remember, no I felt fine no problems at all. Hey, it will probably spur some additional weight loss. No cheat meals in my near future. I'm in a zone with my diet!

I did finish my marathon plan and will post an example of what I will be doing sometime tomorrow. I took Hal Higdon's Novice 1 plan and made a few small tweaks to fit my needs but the short of it is, 4 days of running. One tempo, one easy, one mid distance, and a long run. One full day of rest and one full cross training day. I will also continue my 4 day split strength training for the first few weeks and then probably scale that back as I move through the plan. Anyway, I will give a more detailed view tomorrow. Have a great Thursday and think about what it is your thankful for! - Jason

16 comments:

laurel said...

I just found out my brother is going to Iraq in a week and leaving behind his wife and three small children. It's funny how easy it is to forget these sacrifices until it effects someone you love.

You are a lucky man to realize all those things. So many people go along every day without remembering to enjoy all the blessings in their lives.

Darrell said...

We need a run like that every once in a while. We really do have much to be thankful for.

Wes said...

Excellent post, Jason!! I'm thankful God has given me grace to suck oxygen. All the rest of this stuff is gravy....

J~Mom said...

My brother in law is fighting the war right now...it sure puts everything in perspective when I think of him over there...and his wife and kids here at home.

Not too long ago my next door neighbors went through a messy (and public) divorce. It was so yucky and each time I would run by I would always start out being thankful for my kiddos and hubby and the love we all share. :>)

Great post. Hope work gets better soon.

Unknown said...

Great post! We all need those kinds of runs. They are what keeps us in love with the sport, the simple joy of moving forward.

God bless our fighting men and women who defend that flag on their sleeves and everything it stands for.

Mendy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mendy said...

After tomorrow afternoon's meeting, you may wish you had been more thankful for your job. LOL!

In all seriousness, Expect to hear from me around 3:30ish... hint... hint...

Jason The Running Man said...

Well, the above doesn't sound good!! Thanks Mendy!:) Yes I will call when I get out of the meeting!:)

Scott McMurtrey said...

thanks for posting your reflections. it's nice to hear those words every now and again to remind ourselves.

Mike said...

Jason great post and thanks for the reminder...easy to forget how truly blessed we all are!

sunshine said...

Thanks for reminding me of how much I love to run. Every long run used to be a reflection of life and how thankful I should be. I have two legs to run, am in good health and have loving family and friends.

Lately, as you'll see by today's post, that hasn't been the case. Thanks for the kick in the pants and have a great weekend.

Marcy said...

It's easy sometimes to get so caught up in all the everyday nonsense to forget the "little" things that mean the most. It's always nice to be reminded from time to time :-) I'm glad you had a good run! And good luck on that 5K!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Great Post Jason, YES being "Thankful" is SOOO Important and glad u had a chance to reflect on it more on ur Run.

GOD Bless our Troops!!

Mary Gee said...

Thanks for a wonderful post. And when I want to complain about missing my son so terribly while he is in Iraq... and my hair has turned gray (well, the roots have) in the last year, and how worried I am about him... I think about the fact that I have not heard him complain once since he has been there. And I am grateful to have a son like him!

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Jason your times are awesome...as usual I'm behind trying to catch up, and I'm tired of being a back of the pack runner.....your post today was very inspirational and thought provoking. Have a great weekend!!!!

Unknown said...

Great post. I too am so thankful for the good health to be able to get out and move my body. And the freedom to do so.