Mind Games & Goal Setting

I have been reading a book about ultrarunning (thanks Dave) - it's a collection of different runners' experiences with doing runs 50K and up. While I type this, Bob H. is probably finishing his 50K, Dave R. is prepping for his 50K next week (Dahlgren - still entry spots available). I'm amazed at their ability to run these distances. I still struggle with the mental part of running 26.2 - or even 10. It can be overwhelming to think about running for that long of a period of time.

One of the runners in the book talked about how much of running is goal setting. Set the goal, put your mind to it and the body will follow. I do know it works because it's what has enabled me to run as much as I have already. And yes, it will be what it takes to run a 50K, if I can ever manage to work up that much courage.

My encouragement to you is that when you're training, make sure you're setting some goals that stretch your mind - not just your body. Don't believe you can even run 1 mile, let alone a marathon? What if you try believing that you can, and setting out to prove yourself right?

Even more so in the race of life that we are running, remember the words of 1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Blessings,
Karen

Run Scheduled - This Saturday, 7/25 @ 7 a.m.

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine.

If you've never been a part of a running group and have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me (karenegyud@gmail.com). I know there is sometimes apprehension about the distance, running speed, etc., and I'm sure I can allay any of your fears. I always look forward to the fellowship and encouragement of being with other runners - people who understand this "sickness" we call distance running :)

I can tell many people are in full race training as the injury reports are starting to trickle in. Make sure you train smart - which often means not over training. Unfortunately, my problem is typically under training!

Last week I ran the 7ish mile loop at Prince William Forest Park (the road loop - not the trail) and ran the part with the horrible hills first. That is a tough, but great training course. If you've never done it, I highly suggest trying it out. It's actually 8 miles round trip from parking lot D. Let me know if you want better directions. There is a $5 parking charge - unless you're in out and before they open. I know there's some energy for running the trail loop out there - let's see what the weekends in August bring us and perhaps we get something scheduled.

Hope to see y'all Saturday! Happy running, enjoy the humidity and be blessed.

Karen

Run Scheduled - This Saturday, 7/11 @ 7 a.m.

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine.

There are runners of all skill level who come out and run, so even if you feel like 5 miles is a stretch...or your concerned about keeping up...please don't let you that hinder you from coming out. If you're concerned about this aspect, please feel free to email me (karenegyud@gmail.com) and we can talk through where you're at as a runner.

Blessings,
Karen

Ragnar Relay

I'm seeing if there's enough interest out there to field a 12 person team for the Ragnar Relay that will be held on September 25/26. The deadline to register at the lower price is June 30th, so I'm looking for commitments by this Sunday, June 28th. I have 6 pretty firm commitments, and a handful of other possibilities, so we're at least 1/2 way there.

For more information, review the website (www.ragnarrelay.com/dc/index.php) and if you're interested, send me an email at karenegyud@gmail.com.

Run Scheduled - This Saturday, June 27 at 7 a.m.

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine.

Hopefully the weather reports will be correct and it won't be oppressively humid. I'm still trying to adjust to the heat.

Hope you can join us. Please email me should you have any questions (karenegyud@gmail.com).

Blessings,
Karen

Summer Schedule

Just wanted to get some advance warning out to everyone on our summer schedule. We'll still be sticking with our every other week schedule, at our new meet time of 7:00 a.m. However, the next scheduled run will be on June 27th and every other week there forward. That keeps us off the 20th (I'll be on vacation :), and July 4th.

Run Scheduled - This Saturday, 6/6 @ 7 a.m.

Hello runners!

I hope you are enjoying warm weather running. I'm not, but I'm hoping to get used to it soon.

We'll meet this Saturday, June 6th at 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Horizons Church (corner of Winding Creek and Flatford - back side of Park Ridge). Distance will be @5 miles. Please note that the time has been moved up 30 minutes and we will stay at a similar time through the summer due to the heat & humidity of our lovely Virginia.

See you Saturday!