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Dog Walk and Sit With Rover
Indoor conference was pretty fun, too. It was cold and rainy one day, but it was so warm and sunny the next! I was pumped to run a fast race on a great track against some fierce competition, but a pain I had developed a few days before turned out to NOT be ready to run fast, but we had no way of knowing it would turn out that bad. So for the race, I didn't run as fast as I had hoped, but I still got my 2nd fastest time of the season.
FYI there are only 2 restaurants in the town near VMI, and they do not have good help. So two nights in a row of every team in the SoCon and their parents trying to eat is not a good thing. But luckily we got in before most people both nights. Ruby Tuesday was the best because of the salad bar. Applebee's has good stuff too, though.
So I was disappointed in the race, but more worried about the time to heal. I was in serious pain and had no idea what I had done. I could barely walk. This is a major challenge because I hate uncertainty, and I definitely hate thinking that I am not going to be able to do anything. But I was just going to have to take it easy.
Throughout the week I worked with our trainer and saw the doctor at Erlanger, and we couldn't see anything "really wrong," so I just got put on strong anti-inflammatory meds, took a couple days off, and did some heat, ice, stim, scraping, cupping, not stretching, lots of hurting and limping. I got so tight in one muscle from trying to compensate limping that you could see it pulling down my inner thigh. For three days we could not get it to let go no matter what we did. Finally we thought to try cupping. It hurt so bad I thought I might throw up, but a few hours later, the tightness and pain in that area was gone. I had some nasty bruises for a week or so, but it was worth it for some improvement.
"You're the God of seasons, and I'm just in the winter.
If all I know of harvest is that it's worth my patience
If You're not done working, God, I'm not done waiting."
Seasons by Hillsong
You know I'm always up for free stuff, and I actually read my emails, so one day I did a school survey and got a free coffee mug! A big and nice one, too.
I also tried to dress decent more in the cooler weather. I love my winter clothes, and cold weather is a good time to wear more clothes. I took advantage of times to look cute when I had the motivation. Feeling good about yourself comes with taking care of yourself (but in a good way not obnoxious).
My mom texted me one day that my friend from high school/her principal's son was going to be in Chattanooga for a concert that night, and it just so happened to be literally right nextdoor to campus! So I got really excited and went. He was excited to see so many people he knew, too. The last time I had heard him sing was his senior year of high school at honors day singing, "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer, and now here he is, doing it himself. Ugh it was so good! Check out Shockley on iTunes and Spotify!
Though I was having pain at the beginning of runs and as soon as I stopped, I got to do the longer runs of the week (Wednesday and Saturday) and both runs on Thursday, just no speed work so I could keep it all one pace. After the Saturday long run, I met Sophia at Camp House to study! I got a brunch off of my bucket list of Chattanooga--the Hot Goat Waffle--a waffle with goat cheese, apple, bacon, and syrup (yes, I asked for cinnamon, too).
If you know me, this was a big weekend for me; I never go out and do things, and here I did two days in a row!
I also only drive on the weekends when I don't have to worry about parking or time to do school things during the week, so on a trip to Publix one night, I also went by Clumpies to get some of the seasonal flavors I wanted! I don't go out and spend money on tons of ice cream anymore, but I do go get it every once in a while for special occasions. This was strawberry brownie balsamic, pretzel stout, carrot cake, and raspberry meringue were a couple each from the Valentine's/Early Spring/Easter lineup.
So this was the best part of the next race. It was so small, another reason I hate that I hurt myself for it. It was just a workout day, and I didn't even really get a workout at all. I "raced" the 1500, starting out 50 meters behind everyone because I was limping at basically a walking pace, but I caught up, but was so out of steam. I tried to cool down, but the farther I jogged the worse it got. After I actually stopped, there was no starting again. I was in excruciating pain not only in my adductor where the first pain was but now in my hip flexor, too, so no matter what direction I moved, it hurt. We made a plan for me to do not much of anything the next week over spring break, which had me really upset because I would have to sit at home by myself all week when I could have been getting in some of the best training of the season. But I was hurting so bad I knew I couldn't do much. I really feared how long it may take to heal, but coach seemed to have confidence that by the next week I would be able to start back again.
This was that time of so much rain and flooding. I had never seen so much in person, so driving home and seeing neighborhoods under water on the side of the road looked crazy. This was a road to get to my house, but the water had already gone down some; a few days before, people couldn't drive down it at all.
I thought this was so sweet of Dad. He and Mom were looking forward to me coming home, even if I was a cripple.
Though a big drop in training was not easy on my brain to keep eating, but it is harder to eat enough at home when I don't have an all-you-can-eat all day long, so I guess that worked out so I could eat like normal. I know I needed good stuff to help me heal. Quinoa was a good choice to get a lot in a little! Since it isn't too sweet, I chose kiwi as the fruit to go with it since they are extra sweet and something I never get at school. Kiwi coconut quinoa all kind of sound alike too, so it was catchy (on top of an egg, but that doesn't roll off the tongue the same).
Coach told me to go get in the lake for an ice bath. I wondered if it would be cold enough...then I got in and uh yeah, much colder than even my tub with three bags over the summer! I was pretty numb. Mom thought it was hilarious so took a picture of me in my bathing suit bottoms and sweatshirt reading a magazine and sent it to her friends. I was surrounded by tons of dead fish that couldn't handle the cold either...It was a fun experience and funny story. Before long, it would be summer time and I can be hot and hop in to cool off!
I had saved this song as a caption option until just the right time, and this was it! Real lots of rain, high water and floods, and hard times in life. Yet in all those things, we are still in God's love and grace.
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the Water
--NEEDTOBREATHE
Another thing coach said, beet juice. Mom even did more research on it than I did, and she was sending me and teaching me all kinds of stuff. She even bought it for me and still does. I love eating beets, so adding juice to drinks, desserts, baked things sounded good to me, especially if it would help by blood flow and healing. One way I added it was in my waffle mix. I had a fruit squeeze with blackberries, coconut, chia, banana, and pumpkin, so that all went together with some Kodiak Cakes, blackberries, and coconut flakes really well.
Last summer I had gone to a group bike ride in town a time or two, and I got to go again this Wednesday of spring break for the first real group ride of the spring. I was thankful to get to spend some time outside with new scenery and some company!
Phoebe loves to do all kinds of exercises and stretches with me. Mom thinks it's hilarious. I've got lists of different hip strengthening exercises to do now.
We can't have family time without El Sazon! It's become our favorite place to go. Mom and I always order the same thing every time. Dad switches it up between a couple things, but we know what we want, and they remember us. But that's how everyone who goes there much is. It's addictive. It's another one that is close to the house!
Mom's birthday would be the Monday I was back at school, so I gave her the gift/card I made that weekend. I didn't know what to get her, but for turning the big 5-0 I wanted to do something special. With no real requests of gifts, I got creative.
I know this is a bit cheesy, but turning 50 is a big one! I know this isn't a huge gift, but I wanted to do something special to tell you I love you a latte. You're over the mounds, turned a page in the notebook. Just relax, it will be as easy as pie. I know you can't wait for summer, but it will be here in a Jiffy. Maybe one day you'll get a trip to New York, but for now just Bayer with it and leaf your worries behind. I hope this helps so you don't pull out your hair or want to jump off a Clif. You may think turning 50 sucks, and I know life can get sticky, but just wipe up the mess and breathe some fresh air. When you wake up for work on Monday, don't go nuts or chew anyone out. Take some collagen shots so you don't turn into jello. Don't be salty; we know you're both sweet and sassy. Do something Kind for others and yourself. You deserve a big Payday, but eat these in a Crunch. I'm glad you, Dad, and I are the 3 Musketeers. I love you! Happy GOLD birthday!
Though spring break was not at all what I had hoped for, I still had a really good time. I didn't get to spend much time at all outside, but I kept telling myself that the time would come. Going back to school without much improvement in pain other than the fact I could kind of walk "better" was a sad thought, but back to Chatt I went. A few less clothes, a lot more homework that I didn't do while I was home, but I enjoyed myself. I needed it.
To give myself a little bright spot to start the next week, I changed my Build-a-Bears into their spring outfits and made a new verse decoration for the board in my window. I had done an entire Bible study with myself on verses about healing, praying over them so much, so this was just another way to keep it on my mind all the time. Even if my physical condition doesn't change as quickly as I would like, staying connected to God would help me mentally and emotionally get better.
I'd been eating breakfast with Nathan every couple days before MWF class, so that was another thing I could look forward to! We will both be seniors last year and are hoping for some improvements in the coming seasons both individually and as a team. Since I wasn't able to go to practices, and he is only doing xc not track, it was good for both of us to have somebody to talk to from the team. He is the one who saw this as the new banner on the XC page of the website! So exciting!
Seeing little encouragements like this on instagram give me peace and encouragement. I know that social media can be a great tool if it is used the right ways, and this is the stuff I love to see and produce.
Another special Clumpies! This was on a Sunday bike ride: Girl Scouts Thin Mints, Coconut Cream, and Lavender Honeycomb. Believe it or not, the LH was the best one of this trial! I had no idea what to expect, but with the first little sample spoon, I was amazed. It was unique and so good!
This is where I got in my best workouts of the spring. The spin room. It was awesome to have something fun I could look forward to. It wasn't running workouts with the team, wasn't outside, but I was staying in shape, staying motivated, and having fun. 3 or 4 days a week I got to push myself harder than I could on my own, and all I had to do was follow along and got to jam to some great music, too. In these classes, I got in strength, endurance, and lots of speed, but more importantly, I got encouragement to keep making myself better. This was truly a gift from God. Without it, I could not have had motivation to get up and work out every day knowing that I wasn't where I wanted to be. But He wouldn't let me give up. God calls us to persevere through trials, and when we trust Him, He will always give us things we need to keep going.
Here I am again, making efforts to look cute. Sometimes it's not real clothes, but I try to make my workout clothes cute and coordinated, too. Once a week I got to lift extra doing BodyPump, so that was another way I got stronger! While I haven't been running, I can tell big differences in my strength in other ways while I've taken more time to do that. Now just to keep it up!
I also did a lot more swimming than usual. I'll do a post soon about how I stayed in shape for so long with 0 running!
One of my classes is Field Experience in Sports Management, and the second half of the semester, I was on all softball games. This was new to me, not something I watch other than the little league games from elementary and middle school when all the cute guys played and I went to watch, but having a friend from class on the team made it better! One day was freezing cold and windy, another day rained the whole time, but this weekend was actually pretty nice.
I had a coupon, this flavor looked amazing, and I found it at Publix--so had to try! The oatmilk gave it a distinct flavor for sure, but it was good!
Warm coffee on a beautiful sunny morning walk across campus after breakfast was a great start to the day, just taking a few minutes to breathe and relax.
We had a special chef come to campus one day to take over the grill station, and I got some awesome salmon! He was cooking up fresh fish through the whole lunch time, and it smelled amazing. Yes, I went back 3 times because that is not enough for a Makenzie-meal.
So this was an adventure of my injured time...I have a video for more evidence and to keep forever in case someone needs a laugh. I did shot put. We needed people entered in events to count for a whole team, so those of us who were too injured to run but also able enough to "throw" were in shot put. It was pretty funny. I got last. But a new PR right?! I went for the day and enjoyed some sunshine and chatting with the team.
Rebekah is getting married this summer! We had a cute little shower for her at the maid of honor's apartment right next to campus. It was a beautiful morning with some beautiful girls! Wedding is in June, so pictures will come!
This is team, not in running clothes.
Trying to clean out some freezer space for mom, I brought a couple pints back to school with me after spring break. What a coincidence that Starbucks came out with a seasonal lemon cake pop! Tasty combination.
But...we ended up having a lot more freezer space cleaned out than I thought, as one day Mom texted me that the garage freezer broke, and there wasn't enough space in the kitchen freezer, so she had to throw out a bunch of it...I didn't get to choose which ones, but when I came home for summer I think she did a pretty good job of saving the best ones.
YES!! Each race of life, each day, long-term, short-term, keep running. God has a plan for each day, a purpose for each season. It helps to get through any situation if you stop and think about the goal of it. For example, why am I injured so I can't run outside and be with the team and compete? Well, being inside and not running means that I am cross training in the ARC and around a totally different set of people. They see me every day, sometimes more than once a day. I can either have a positive attitude or a negative one. They will see how I handle my situation. The goal of this "race" is that I would make new connections with people on campus and show them good things that come even when we are "down and out." (Just one little example, I could make a big list of even more!)
*KLove instagram picture!
Another beautiful morning! This time I actually spent a little more time outside because I had to record some videos for a class outside, so I was thankful for that! I was also thankful for another opportunity to wear a new outfit and favorite shoes. It's the little things.
This one not so much on injury and trials but life in general. I can be "good" as in "not bad," but it is so important that I don't just sit back to myself, which I tend to do. Me time is good for everybody, but we have to step out and take action, too. The Christian life isn't just about being righteous but also doing right. It is inward as well as outward.
The more you connect with the Lord, the more you want to. Just get started.
The last week or two of classes are full of events big and small to keep students sane and motivated (Ha, yeah, nice try), and this was a little treat on my way to class! Not just a snack, but a good snack! How kind of them. Pun intended.
Apparently Sunday was also bird day, because on my bike ride I saw turkeys, chickens, and that afternoon there were two pigeons on my windowsill next to my desk! Simple things that were bright spots to my Sunday.
Not thankful that my bike almost got stolen, but thankful that it was an almost not a did. You probably would've thought I had a run in with the devil or something because I depend on that thing multiple times a day during school. It gets me all over campus quick and on time (hopefully). It was especially helpful with such pain and limping, so I didn't dread having to go anywhere quite as much. I came out one morning to all the numbers on the lock not where I left them, then later noticed that someone had tried to cut through the lock. Needless to say I kept my bike in my room the rest of the year.
Turns out the weather was better than expected, and I got in a couple runs and a beautiful bike ride on Easter! Friday I went to a workout at D1 with my friend from class, Ally, then on Saturday I got to try a class at OrangeTheory--the most fun thing! I love stuff like that! I would love to work at a place like that one day. Putting that in my pocket.
Finals week freebies! This fruit stand was set up on the corner of my street by a church next to campus. They were giving out oranges, apples, bananas, strawberries, and kiwi!
I was basically done with classes and finals after I turned in an assignment online Wednesday, but my last final was on Thursday. It was open book and open note, so I wasn't worried about it. I didn't have to study, it took me less than an hour, and I made a 100%. I was done with things so early that day, and with nothing I was obligated to do, I really didn't know what to do with myself. So I got the spontaneous idea to go gift shopping at a couple little stores downtown that I had wanted to go to for months. The sun was shining, and I had no homework, so on my bike I went! I went in three shops (Locals Only, Blue Skies, and Seed) and bought a little something or two at each. A little for me, mom, and a few of my friends from home as I found some "personality" items.
After a month or so, I had to start running. Not going to lie, I was terrified of how I knew it would feel and that it would make it worse, and it was some of the worst pain I've been in, but it didn't really make it worse. It didn't help it get better for the first couple weeks, but eventually it started to help. It was a lot of limping, not even running pace but like a granny jog with coach, crying for the first quarter mile each time, but eventually it started to improve. After a couple months and basically right before conference, I was assuming that I would go home the weekend after my last final which was also the weekend of conference. I would obviously not score any points in any event, running or field. But due to some people who graduated at Christmas, grades, injuries, and other goodbyes, a few days before conference, we did not have enough girls to count as a team and hadn't been in enough meets to meet the NCAA requirements without everyone possible being in some event at this race. So Coach decided I would start the 10k. It would be the slowest pace, so that was the best I could handle. I didn't have to finish, just do enough to start it. We had several others who had to do similar things in other events. So I was going to Samford that weekend. It's not like I would be wasting a year I could redshirt and get back, so why not.
That Thursday, the day before we left, I went to the track with a couple others and coach to do a light workout which for me was kind of speeding up for a 100 to see what I could do. I also got timed on a 400 at a comfortable pace, and we thought I may not do too bad, especially considering there were just a handful of people entered with a time. This also turned out to be the best feeling run I had to that point! So we decided that I could finish if my body would let me. Each lap coach would check on me and see how things were going. So I got kind of excited, but I knew I couldn't get upset if it hurt more that day, or if I got too far behind and they told me to drop out. I had to do what I had to do for the team, and I was just thankful to have some improvement and an opportunity to do something.
Our race was early that morning, 8 A.M., so just me, Hannah, the coaches, trainer, and Emily who came along to cheer went to this one. It was sunny, not hot yet, not windy yet, not busy at the track. I was so glad that after my warm up and even stopping before the start, I didn't limp too much off the line and was able to get into normal form after a minute or so! It wasn't too fast of a race, so I didn't look awful. I was just having a good time. That's a lot of laps, but I had people to watch. I got lapped by the leaders a couple times, but they were encouraging to me, especially knowing my situation. I was glad to be there for Hannah, too! It was her first 10k, and she did pretty well especially considering fighting injury all season, too! Now time to get ready for a better cross country season. It was kind of embarrassing, but it was also funny to me because there I was just trotting along, extremely happy, while most people were watching, wondering what the heck I was doing. I got some really funny looks, and Coach Amanda said she got a lot of questions, but the main thing was that I was running and felt good and didn't hurt myself! Oh, and Go Mocs. I ran about a 6:35 pace through the whole race, 8 miles total with warm up and cool down, and two people didn't even lap me. (Before this, my max pace was 7:30 and my miles was 7, and that one was not comfortable.) That was a happy last place finish if there ever was one. Like my pastor at home said in his sermon the next weekend, "You must first finish in order to finish first." Not that I will win the 10k at conference the next two years, but I can only get better. The whole race, I barely felt any pain. However, at the last lap, coach told me not to stop but just keep jogging. That got me some more crazy looks. Not only did I finish last, but when I finished I didn't stop! These things made me laugh to myself, but I was so thankful. Once I slowed down after crossing the finish, it hurt. When I stopped for good, it hurt. All day. But I raced, it was awesome, and I finished, and that's what mattered. God gave me a huge blessing through this! I needed some confidence back, and this was a great way to go into summer.
By the time the guys race started, it was much hotter, and they were getting sprayed by the hose quite a bit. It was really nice to get to go back to the hotel for breakfast to enjoy whatever we wanted because we didn't have to worry about it upsetting our stomach for a race! Why can't every race be like that?
The next morning we had a lot of time before we had to leave the hotel again, so we could hang out and enjoy some time. A group of us and Coach Andy and Amanda had a little Bible study, too. I am so thankful to have a team with leaders like this.
Another long day with races and the drive back to school, but it was another good day. Home late, but I had nothing to worry about, just a shower and ready for the next day...and heading home! Wow, that didn't seem real. It kind of felt like I was getting ready to go on vacation though.
I had already done some packing the week before, more that night, and more after I did a shakeout bike and went to breakfast Monday morning, so that helped. I worked until Mom and Dad got there. Mom had already planned to take that day off, and Dad decided that he wanted to come, too, so we worked together to get all my crap into two cars. I had more stuff than when I moved in. Oops. But thankfully they didn't get mad at me like I thought; moving is stressful, okay?! I was being positive about it though, trying to have fun, so it wasn't bad. Mom drove one car with me in it, and Dad drove mine.
Having things sitting around unorganized gives me so much anxiety, so as soon as we got home, I started putting things away wherever I could. I knew Mom wouldn't let me leave stuff in her sight either. It's literally the first thing she said, "Now I'm not having stuff on this counter." I had to explain to her that I had just walked in the door, and I had to put things somewhere before I could get it all in a proper place. Eventually they told me it was time to go to dinner, and I found a stopping place. EL SAZON WHOO! The best way to celebrate anything.
I think God has a thing with me and conference meets this year...in cross country, it was my breakthrough. In indoor, it was my breaking point. In outdoor, it was a blessing to begin running a bit more consistently again in the weeks to come. Though this was not the spring that I had pictured a few months ago, it was still so great. I learned so much and gained experiences that I could not have otherwise. Now I feel more confident going into the summer that I can be fit and stronger in more ways than running, AND I can actually run a little more. I can use what I have learned to make myself better and help others. I am motivated to move forward. I'm not rushing my time away at all, but I'm excited to lead the team to new things next season. Ultimately, I am so thankful for all that God blessed me with along the way.
Dog Walk and Sit With Rover
What a year it has been! I've maybe only posted two blogs since the summer if that, but there has been so much going on! I've taken lots of pictures and had the time of my life. However, I also got the first real injury of my life...I can't say that was fun, but I was still able to have fun. That is the amazing thing about a relationship with the Lord--there can be good in the bad. Sometimes things come to throw us off course so that we can see things from a different perspective, gain new appreciation, get involved with other things and other people, ultimately see things that God wants us to see that we wouldn't other wise. We as humans, are not in control; God is. So when you try to force things on your own, it's just not going to happen. When things go "wrong," we can find peace in knowing that it is actually leading to better things than we had planned for ourselves. Over the past few years, I have been through times that I still look back on and don't know how I woke up and got out of bed each day. The one thing I know is that God gave me what I needed to carry on, and through every trial, He has brought me through. Not only through, but on top; I am better after every challenge. Sometimes pain leaves scars, but they also give you a story.
So here is some of that story through my spring semester!
I started out indoor season having the best time literally and figuratively. I hit some great PRs in the 5k even without much training. I'll talk more about the races another time, but this post is about the bigger picture!
Throughout the week I worked with our trainer and saw the doctor at Erlanger, and we couldn't see anything "really wrong," so I just got put on strong anti-inflammatory meds, took a couple days off, and did some heat, ice, stim, scraping, cupping, not stretching, lots of hurting and limping. I got so tight in one muscle from trying to compensate limping that you could see it pulling down my inner thigh. For three days we could not get it to let go no matter what we did. Finally we thought to try cupping. It hurt so bad I thought I might throw up, but a few hours later, the tightness and pain in that area was gone. I had some nasty bruises for a week or so, but it was worth it for some improvement.
If all I know of harvest is that it's worth my patience
If You're not done working, God, I'm not done waiting."
Seasons by Hillsong
I also tried to dress decent more in the cooler weather. I love my winter clothes, and cold weather is a good time to wear more clothes. I took advantage of times to look cute when I had the motivation. Feeling good about yourself comes with taking care of yourself (but in a good way not obnoxious).
If you know me, this was a big weekend for me; I never go out and do things, and here I did two days in a row!
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the Water
--NEEDTOBREATHE
Though we don't get to talk that much anymore because of such busy lives, Chantal, Cherie, and I are still always there for random little good news and prayer requests, so I was very thankful to be able to tell them about my struggles of the past few weeks, and their prayers were felt hundreds of miles away. They also surprised me with a little box of goodies in the mail as a combo of the holidays and for getting well soon! Pugs, my Pheobe, and healthy cookies, they know me so well. It's the little things that make such a big difference!
We have a little local barbecue restaurant not far from home, and over the past few months, Mom and Dad have gotten hooked on it, so we went for dinner one night. I'm always looking for a chance to get some fish, and they aren't skimpy with any of their meats! Check that out. Dad had a pulled chicken sandwich and had to eat half of it with a fork because it didn't fit on the bun.
I know this is a bit cheesy, but turning 50 is a big one! I know this isn't a huge gift, but I wanted to do something special to tell you I love you a latte. You're over the mounds, turned a page in the notebook. Just relax, it will be as easy as pie. I know you can't wait for summer, but it will be here in a Jiffy. Maybe one day you'll get a trip to New York, but for now just Bayer with it and leaf your worries behind. I hope this helps so you don't pull out your hair or want to jump off a Clif. You may think turning 50 sucks, and I know life can get sticky, but just wipe up the mess and breathe some fresh air. When you wake up for work on Monday, don't go nuts or chew anyone out. Take some collagen shots so you don't turn into jello. Don't be salty; we know you're both sweet and sassy. Do something Kind for others and yourself. You deserve a big Payday, but eat these in a Crunch. I'm glad you, Dad, and I are the 3 Musketeers. I love you! Happy GOLD birthday!
To give myself a little bright spot to start the next week, I changed my Build-a-Bears into their spring outfits and made a new verse decoration for the board in my window. I had done an entire Bible study with myself on verses about healing, praying over them so much, so this was just another way to keep it on my mind all the time. Even if my physical condition doesn't change as quickly as I would like, staying connected to God would help me mentally and emotionally get better.
Other little things that make me smile: opening up a new treat and it has more than a good taste but a positive message, too!
Another positive of spin classes was these two. They are the best spin instructors! I knew every day I was planning to go to their class that I would no doubt get in a good workout. Even when I did not feel motivated for the day, I always felt better mentally and physically after class. It was just a great place to be. They are so positive and motivating, and they are great people, too! I love to keep up with them online. Brianna also works at the Echelon Studio downtown, and Amanda is a kindergarten teacher and leads a local chapter of girls on the run. I can always find pictures from their weekend outdoor adventures and some Christian encouragement, too. They're an inspiration! It was such a blessing to get to meet these two through my injured season. Have no doubt that God will bring great people to you when you need it most!
I also did a lot more swimming than usual. I'll do a post soon about how I stayed in shape for so long with 0 running!
Another instagram encouragement that came at a good time! As I said before, there were a lot of times I didn't want to do anything, but I knew I couldn't give up. Embracing every day is how we grow and get better. Life is meant to be lived, and that means every day, not just what goes the way we want it to. God has a plan for it all.
I had a coupon, this flavor looked amazing, and I found it at Publix--so had to try! The oatmilk gave it a distinct flavor for sure, but it was good!
But...we ended up having a lot more freezer space cleaned out than I thought, as one day Mom texted me that the garage freezer broke, and there wasn't enough space in the kitchen freezer, so she had to throw out a bunch of it...I didn't get to choose which ones, but when I came home for summer I think she did a pretty good job of saving the best ones.
*KLove instagram picture!
This was a little bit of another devotion that got me going for one day. I had done a lot of praying through this time, because there was literally nothing else I could do to heal any faster. I knew that only God could make things right again, as with any issue in life, we can do our part, but God is ultimately in control. At several times this whole year, fall semester included, I struggled with confidence since this was my first year back in "real" college and running after so much time off. I doubted that I could do it again. But of course if I thought I couldn't, I wouldn't. I know God has brought me through so much and to where I am for a reason, and I have to go at every day with faith that He is working, and He can do anything!
The more you connect with the Lord, the more you want to. Just get started.
Thanks to the dining hall, I have gotten hooked on fruit and stuff with it after dinner! On the weekends, they didn't have that section set up, but this day it worked out so that I could make some peach cobbler for myself to celebrate the holiday! Simple: sliced peach, cottage cheese, cereal and granola, sunflower seeds
The devotions just kept getting better. I was amazed.
Keep Running: "Don't let what is going on around you sabotage what God is doing within you." What is going on right now is temporary. Don't get stuck on it. It may be hard to see the good things that are tomorrow, next week, next month, etc., but don't give up. Keep going to that second wind. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.
Until You Can Run No More: This one really got me! It was about the story of Jacob who ran from God to the point where God met him and hurt his hip so he could not go anymore. He had to face God. He basically said to Jacob that he could run from his former life no more, and the limp he now had would be a daily reminder to rely on God. "Hey, Makenzie! Your hip got hurt! You're limping. Even when you aren't hurting too bad, you can't forget about your pain because you're limping all the time. You aren't invincible. You've got to learn to trust Me and follow Me. You can't do everything on your own." Every day I am reminded that God is my reason to carry on. Every run I pray in thanks for the opportunity, every improvement. Even now in mid-May as I am getting to add more, I am still held back, still hurting more than I would hope by now, still limping sometimes, but always thankful. I have a reminder to depend on God.
**The same day that the theme was on running to God, Brianna played some Christian songs in spin, and one of them was "Walking on Water" by NEEDTOBREATHE that says in the chorus "Run to You..."!
Easter weekend I decided to stay on campus even though literally nothing was open anywhere. There were more people left than I expected, though, probably because finals started that week. I knew that if I went home I would not get the work and studying done that I needed to, and I would likely being going home for good in just another week. The weather wouldn't be too good, and Mom said they weren't doing anything special, so she wasn't upset that I was considering staying. They ended up going out to eat with Mamaw and Papaw which I hate I missed, but Mamaw gave the funniest pose for a snapchat! It made my day! Apparently she thought I may want some syrup.
That Thursday, the day before we left, I went to the track with a couple others and coach to do a light workout which for me was kind of speeding up for a 100 to see what I could do. I also got timed on a 400 at a comfortable pace, and we thought I may not do too bad, especially considering there were just a handful of people entered with a time. This also turned out to be the best feeling run I had to that point! So we decided that I could finish if my body would let me. Each lap coach would check on me and see how things were going. So I got kind of excited, but I knew I couldn't get upset if it hurt more that day, or if I got too far behind and they told me to drop out. I had to do what I had to do for the team, and I was just thankful to have some improvement and an opportunity to do something.
By the time the guys race started, it was much hotter, and they were getting sprayed by the hose quite a bit. It was really nice to get to go back to the hotel for breakfast to enjoy whatever we wanted because we didn't have to worry about it upsetting our stomach for a race! Why can't every race be like that?
It was a long day, but it was a beautiful day. I took some things to read, and since I didn't have class, I could also enjoy hanging out and chatting with the team. My body had barely seen the sun since I had been inside all spring cross training, so I got some sun, thankfully didn't really get burnt! Samford has an awesome running/biking path that goes on for miles, so during a time when no one was running a group of us went for a walk. Coach and I took a walk later, too, to talk about some things for next season. After the last event for the day, we went to Jason's Deli for dinner for the second night in a row, and we were all so happy. I love that place. Unlimited salad bar, mousse, ice cream, and to go boxes; that's a deal.
The next morning we had a lot of time before we had to leave the hotel again, so we could hang out and enjoy some time. A group of us and Coach Andy and Amanda had a little Bible study, too. I am so thankful to have a team with leaders like this.
Another long day with races and the drive back to school, but it was another good day. Home late, but I had nothing to worry about, just a shower and ready for the next day...and heading home! Wow, that didn't seem real. It kind of felt like I was getting ready to go on vacation though.
I think God has a thing with me and conference meets this year...in cross country, it was my breakthrough. In indoor, it was my breaking point. In outdoor, it was a blessing to begin running a bit more consistently again in the weeks to come. Though this was not the spring that I had pictured a few months ago, it was still so great. I learned so much and gained experiences that I could not have otherwise. Now I feel more confident going into the summer that I can be fit and stronger in more ways than running, AND I can actually run a little more. I can use what I have learned to make myself better and help others. I am motivated to move forward. I'm not rushing my time away at all, but I'm excited to lead the team to new things next season. Ultimately, I am so thankful for all that God blessed me with along the way.
