Run, Pray, Breathe

We all have them.
Seasons of little to say.
Weeks when words are few.
Days when ideas jump but don't settle.

Running for Team Andrew

One discipline in my life that has remained constant is running.
The other discipline that has taken a beating has been prayer.
For what is the greatest obstacle to prayer?
Unanswered prayer. 
Oh I know the common response: "God answers every prayer with either a 'Yes,' a 'No' or a 'Wait.' "
Well, let me give you my honest reply to that one. It doesn't feel like a good enough answer when your child dies.


And so I began to run. Not away. But to. To God. 
And in the running, I found Him to be greater than an unanswered prayer. Greater than "No." Greater than "Wait."

When I run, He speaks to me. He inspires me. He runs with me. 
Last week I began training to run a 1/2 marathon in January - my second one. This takes time. And prayer takes time. 
I have come to believe that the effectiveness of short prayers hinge on the foundation of longer ones. Since we lost our son Andrew, I have been guilty of being a short prayer. But the Holy Spirit is convicting me to pray longer. 
As a runner I know the discipline of running parallels that of praying. And that is my inspiration for an eBook on combining running (or walking) with a prayer plan. The book is Run, Pray, Breathe and it's a powerful plan that 

• is always fresh
• improves your endurance
• you can do alone
• you can do with a friend
• works for a mile or longer
• helps you go the distance 

If you are a runner or if you prefer to walk your workout, this "power plan" has the potential to transform your life! I'll let you know how and when you can order it.   

See Mom Run ~ Lark!

Meet Lark! ~ Wife. Mom. Baker. Blogger. Fundraiser. RUNNER! Don't you love her name? It just seems like it should always be followed with an !

Lark

Melanie, Thank you for asking me to do this. While I was thinking over the questions, It made me really "see" just how far I have come. And that in it's self makes me say....Thank you! It is nice to look back and realize, I did this myself. ~ Lark

When and why did you start running?

A few years ago after  losing 100 lbs. I knew I needed to get moving in order to lose the last 50 lbs.  So I started by walking every day. Some day's it was only 1 mile I could get through. Eventually I worked up to walking 3 miles a day. Soon it became a habit that I looked forward to each day.

One day I was reading Prevention Magazine and saw an advertisement to join Team Prevention and Walk a 1/2 Marathon. I really didn't know if I would be able to do it or not. Seeing that they had a race in Las Vegas, NV, close to me, I signed up.

I started "training" for the 1/2 Marathon 6 months in advance.  It was the hardest thing I have ever wanted to do. I made the goal to just finish the race. I wasn't concerned about my time. Only that I finish. I signed up to Cross train with a personal trainer once a week. My trainer kept trying to push me to run a mile or two a week. I did it, but was not happy about it. Then 1 mile turned into two, then three, then four!  I remember the day I came home from my first "run" of 5 miles....drenched in sweat, with the biggest smile on my face.

 That was when I knew I was going to RUN the 1/2 Marathon!  

I set a goal to run the entire 13.1 Miles.  One month and four pairs of shoes later, the goal changed again. I registered to RUN the Las Vegas Rock -n- Roll Marathon! Yup, the FULL Marathon....26.2 Miles. 

I can’t tell you how many friends thought I had lost my mind. I mean I was still a "heavy" girl.  Even my own Personal Trainer hadn't run a FULL Marathon. Well anyone who really knows me, KNOWS once I put my mind to something I won’t give up! 

Joining Team Prevention was one of those things.  On Dec. 4th, 2009, I crossed the finish line—running! I ran 26.2 miles that day. I cannot tell you how accomplished I felt. And still feel.  What started out as a way of helping me lose weight, became a way for me to gain self respect.

How do you motivate yourself to go for a run? 

My motivation is looking at a picture of myself at my heaviest—and knowing it would only take one day to break a habit.  I am just not willing to chance it. And it always helps to have neighbors asking when & where my next race is.

How many times a week do you run?

When I am in "training" mode, I run 6 days a week.  Right now I am just coming back from a year of surgeries. So I am having to start from the beginning....it is tough. I take that as a  challenge and I will succeed.

Favorite Route?

I do have a 7 mile loop I run at least 3 times a week.  I am not sure if I would call it my favorite, because it is 3 miles of hills.  Hills are my hardest part of any race I do. I guess I think if I run them often  enough I will at some point "enjoy" them. Honestly I have to say I still hate those darn hills.

What do you think of when you run?

Ha, ha....not dying! No, really it depends on my mood. If I am tired, I make sure I take my Nike Sensor & ipod packed with some pumped up tunes. More days than not, I usually start off by making sure my breathing is set to a certain pace. Once it is, I repeat in my mind a Mantra I started on the very first run I ever did. Doing this seems to put me at peace.

What physical benefit do you enjoy most from running? There are a few. First would be my confidence. I don't sit back and let things go by. I make things happen! Secondly it would be seeing my body change and tone.  

It has taken me a while to realize that I am so much more than a number on the scale.

What are your running goals?

Before I knew I was going to have surgery every 3 months over the last 12 months, I had made a goal of finishing 11 running events in 2011.  I haven't changed that goal, just modified it a bit.  I am now including 5/10k's into that count. So far I have finished (1) 1/2 Marathon, (3)  5k's, and (1) 16 hr. Relay for Life.  My schedule for the rest of the year include: (3) more 5k's, Disneyland 1/2 Marathon, (1) 10k, 3-Day for the Cure-60 Miles, Las Vegas Marathon.

Update: Lark recently completed the Disney 1/2 marathon!

Do you mix it up and do anything else for fitness?

Yes! I cross train at least once a week. I like to choose from several things: Yoga, weight lifting, stair climber, elliptical, bike.
I have even thrown in jumping on the trampoline.

How has running helped you become a better wife & Mom?

I find that I have more focus, and want to give my best to my family. I hope I am setting an example to my daughter, by teaching her healthy eating habits plus letting her see how much I truly enjoy running. My husband is often telling me how he looks to me for the strength and inspiration to push him. I want to show my family I am strong!

What pushes you?

For the past few years I have found that I choose race events that make a difference. A BIG sponsor I support is any charity who is helping to find a CURE for cancer. ALL types of cancer. The Susan G. Komen foundation is one I hold close to my heart. I run for those who can not, along with the hope of one day running in celebration of finding a CURE.

Last year I was honored to participate in the Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Each volunteer will go 60 miles in 3 day's time. To be able to participate in the event, every person MUST fund raise $2300.00   ALL proceeds go directly to the Susan G. Komen foundation.  I aim to participate for the 2nd time this year.

One fund raising event I have planned is the Baking Up a Cure!
On line Virtual Bake Sale.  July 27th-29th
Please go bid on a Homemade Baked Goods, where ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THE 3-DAY FOR THE CURE.
http://bakingupacure.blogspot.com/
 

One thing I want to share with others is that, only YOU can be the change you want to see in the World. Don't fall into thinking you don't have the "cookie cutter" body type. Or feel like you can't. Anything is possible if you want & believe it can be.

*Thank you for asking me to share a little bit about myself to you and your readers.
   Country Kisses,
   Lark