running and self-esteem

We're getting really close to posting a link to active.com, so we can start race registration!!  we'll be working on that this week and hopefully have it all ready to go over the weekend.
So this whole planning the race is going pretty smoothly, I think, so I thought I would share some funny things Rebecca and I are learning along the way.  Because running is so much like life; overcoming obstacles and that sort of thing, but also because when you push yourself toward a goal, you start letting go of extra baggage as well, and I'm talking about more than just fat.
So Rebecca and I did the Kansas half-marathon this Sunday, and it went well.  We've been training, or at least talking about training for it, for awhile, and I think it went well.  That is, until the race photos were published.  oh yikes!  you see, when you're running and it feels great, you may have this running dialogue going on to pump yourself up, like, "I'm running so fast, I'm flying!"  or, "I must look so athletic because this is feeling really great!"  ok, it's humbling to admit this, but it's true.  And then, you get to view a photo of yourself, not looking like the fitness model you thought, but like the clumsy, floppy-bodied mom you really are.  oh sigh...  But, it's ok.  Because at some point, you gotta let go of those insecurities about your body and just face reality.  For me, I used to be really self-conscious about spider veins on my legs.  And the fact that I'm so short, that when I wear shorts, I look like a little boy, or maybe a hobbit.  It's true.  For those of you who know me, really, when is the last time you saw me in shorts??  except for running, of course.  But, I finally looked my insecurity hard in the face and realized how ridiculous it was.  So, ok, I have legs that look like I'm 80...so what?  If it bothers you, don't look at 'em.  This is the body God gave me, spider veins and all.  And it's working pretty well, so I have no real complaints.  I realized my self-consciousness was really stemming from self-centeredness and this idea that I've got to preserve this body...for what exactly?  I'm so thankful that this ain't the only body I have to look forward to, can I get an amen??  Besides, there are so many incredible people in the world with severe handicaps that are doing WAY more than me with their less than perfect bodies, so everyday I'm able to crawl out of bed and put feet to the pavement is an awesome blessing from God!

My running partner and friend, Rebecca

So, I have to give a huge thankyou to my running buddy and very dear friend, Rebecca!!!  when I told her I felt like we were supposed to organize a race to raise awareness about human trafficking, she said with no hesitation, "let's do it!"  and so it started like that.  She keeps me on track, keeps the impulsive artist side to me focused, and let's just get it out there, kicks my butt on our long runs, every single time!!  Of course, she IS 10 years younger, and I feel every one of those 10 years, believe me!  Anyway, she will more than likely be the one to pretty up our blog, write the posts and keep us on track for holding our race on Labor Day.  I sincerely detest sitting in front of a computer, and even at this moment, am so jittery that this will be a very short post!  She, on the other hand, is a wonderful writer, and is able to juggle 4 beautiful children and a myriad of projects with barely blinking an eye!  So, a HUGE thank YOU to her!!

ok, so I mentioned already that we are in the beginning stages of getting this race organized.  My goal for this week is to chat with a guy about race route, timing chips and whatever else he can offer for our race.  Am I kinda winging it?  oh for sure!  that's just about how I approach everything in life:)  why worry about something until you're right smack in it? and then it's all going to work out anyway....this attitude, by the way, has driven my parents, and my husband, absolutely crazy.  This "que sera, sera" approach to life is not always the best, I admit, especially when prior planning really is crucial.  I spent 11 years in the US Army, about 4 of those as an active duty Chemical Officer, so yeah, I know about mission planning and rehearsing...it just doesn't come naturally!
ok, hope whomever is reading this blog is enjoying it...leave your comments, questions, advice!
thanks!
Heather

  Hey there and thanks for checking out our blog!  My friend/running buddy, and I are planning a 5k race to raise awareness about human trafficking, and funds to support those who are actively engaged in fighting this crime and those who provide help to victims.  For me, this started just a few months ago as I started hearing more stories from victims of trafficking from other countries.  They are heart-wrenching stories.  I wanted to turn away from the reality of this crime, but I couldn't as I thought about all that the victims had endured, and had survived, to tell their stories.  I am grateful when they tell their horrific stories now, because bringing the awful cruelty of human trafficking into the light is the way to defeat it.  This crime isn't just happening in some war-torn third world countries; it occurs right here in the US.  I think I was most angered by that.  That here in the free country that I love, people and children, are suffering under slavery.  It must be stopped.


  I attended a women's conference in January of 2012, led by Carolyn Custis James, author of Half the Church.  She told story after story of oppression against women in other countries, and of how young girls were kidnapped and sold into the sex trade.  At the end of the conference she asked, what we would do with the information we had heard...would hearing these stories change us in any way? Or would we go back to our routines, pretending that life wasn't any different for other women around the world.  Well, I was heart-broken. On the way home, I prayed that God would lead me to do something.  Something that could make a difference for other women and something that would shed light on this subject for other people.  Because with knowledge of this, comes a responsibility to do something.  I really kind of thought this "something" would involve art, because I'm an artist!  But I heard, "you love to run, do a 5k race to raise awareness" !!  So, here we go!  Our race is called "Run to Free 5k", and it's being held on Labor Day, 2012!!  I think it's fitting that as we all take a break from work, we run to free other people from slavery.


  We're in the early planning stages, picking a fun route to run, designing a logo and t-shirt, and looking for sponsors for our race! Stay tuned and watch God bring all things together for HIS good!!