Mouth-Breathing is So Unattractive: Listening To Your Body & Fighting the Mental Battle

Mouth breathing is so unattractive, seriously the combination of Darth Vader and exasperated sighs about does a girl in.

Mike could tell right off the bat that I wasn’t myself as we grouped up before the start of Big Peach’s half marathon training run Saturday morning. Mike is my newest running friend, having recognized him from previous events he decided to join the pace group I was leading during this training season. He’s from Philly, having only been in Atlanta for 3 years, and grandfather of two; his drive and encouragement make the miles go faster, however this morning would be particularly tough. My body wasn’t 100% and my normal chipper self felt stuck inside my own head.

Fast-forward to Monday and the mental game started waging – my body still craving rest, but in that state of weakness and vulnerability the enemies lies against wellness were all too loud. Jon joined me for a walk that morning around the park that is now our front porch view and the food game began to start. “You aren’t well enough to run, but that means you can’t eat either” STOP. But my attempt at drowning it out doesn’t last long “you can’t run, you can’t eat, you won’t be able to race well in October so forget racing elite again, you ate unforgiving things yesterday you are just letting sit in your body” FAILURE.

No. The narrative HAS to change. No. I am not going to run when my body says no. Yes. I will trust that my body is going to work the way it was created and tell me what and when it needs to be nourished. No. This doesn’t ruin everything or anything. And it’s all so much easier said than done, but it’s something that is constantly being reinforced in this season.

Getting sick isn’t a norm for me (thankfully), but when it hits it’s just hard, plain and simple. Rest and I don’t have a super close relationship, and forcing myself to go down is like trying to tie up a calf at a rodeo, kicks a-firing, add in the mental health aspect and it’s a full on show.

So what did a series of days with no exercise look like? It looked like continuing to learn to listen to my body and not my head. It looked like choosing Jesus instead of giving way to the lies of the enemy. It meant enjoying a GF Mexican Sandwich w/ bowl of black beans and rice with a kick to help nourish my body last night (and completely and grossly drain my sinuses). I always come back to Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. (check it out here) because these recipes are life giving and consider well-rounded health. It’s writing down all the feelings and voices you are hearing to help work through it instead of letting it compound inside.

BUT it also means utilizing the technology we have available to check in with yourself when you might not quite understand it. My Garmin Forerunner 35 (learn more here) has helped me track my heart rate and understand how my body is adapting to certain things since I’m under the weather.

It’s everything about continuing this journey.

If anything envelopes these thoughts above it’s that we are created so beautifully and intricately that even though our bodies can sometimes fail us, they are also INCREDIBLE machines that give us signals and cues to what and when our bodies need certain things, food, rest, exercise, and HELP. Don’t get wrapped up inside your own head and forget to listen to everything else that’s going on.

You are stronger than you think, more capable than you think, and completely enabled by your Creator!

 

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Princess Half Marathon & CMNHospitals

It’s been just over a week since Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend ended, and to use the word “incredible” would be an understatement. It was emotional, it was exciting, the weather was perfect, and the people + community made all the difference. So what did it all look like?

Each day the tears of remembering my Pop, and running for children that can’t were greater, but not out of sadness quite contrary it was joy. Joy that God would allow me to run, have the community to help get me to this point through prayers, support, and generosity. Through having a legendary grandfather who showed me what generosity and service should look like, these weekends are just special, and partnering with an incredible organization like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals  just made it even more so.

However, heading into the trip I was feeling so-so, it had been a long hard week (little did I know what was in store after my return), and wishing I had spent just a little bit more time Jon prior to leaving but Disney and the sunny Florida weather were calling and it didn’t take long for my attitude to do a 180.

This weekend marked my first time running with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Through several charity runs, one that clicked had been hard to come by, but by golly I believe I’ve found it through CMNH. After all the hype via Facebook and emails as soon as we landed Friday morning we headed for the Expo and the Miracle Maker booth. While the expo was underwhelming – maybe in part from not feeling great and ready to get to the parks, everything kept getting better and better from there.

Our first stop post-expo was Animal Kingdom and a lunch at the newly opened, Pandora themed, Saulti Canteen. While we were just hoping for something quick service and new, we were so pleasantly surprised by this meal. The food was so rich and tasted so fresh, put it on your must-do for quick service meals at AK. After a quick pic with Timon and a ride on Everest (single-rider because HELLO who wants to wait in that line) we took advantage of our Park Hopper with a hop, skip, and a jump over to Epcot.

At this point I really wasn’t feeling good and after we rode Soarin’ with our Fastpass I considered heading back to the room for a nap. However, my people are great and helped me sit down, get water and something to eat and wait for me to feel a little revived! And it was time for a trip around the world, with a stop in France for a chocolate crepe. YES!

At this point we were ready for the big time after our crepe fueling: Magic Kingdom. It was as magical as ever as we walked onto Main Street as they did the salute to the flag, and then sun was starting to creep down glistening on the castle. We stood in line for some of the smaller rides before dinner. After looking through all our options for a new quick service experience we landed on Columbia Harbour House since it always gets solid reviews. I had the fried fish dish and although I enjoyed it, it did not live up to my expectations. The corn was cold and there was a lot more of the fried then there was the fish. Oh well! Despite that, it was almost time for Happily Ever After fireworks. This was all three of our first time seeing the new fireworks display from last year and it was INCREDIBLE. If that word could even do it justice. What a way to end our park day!

Heading back the room first to get ready for the 10K tomorrow I made sure all our luggage had made it to the room and laid out everything for our 2:45am wake up call.

Saturday morning came quickly, and even the best laid plans tend to go awry. The original plan was to take the 10K a little easier to have energy for the half. However, my competitive nature is just that and seeing the leaders of the field in front of me was too tempting and I went for it. A PR by a few seconds and an age group 3rd place was a definite highlight although I worried what that would mean for the half, but the best of this day was still to come.

One of my favorite parts before we left the race area was watching the sunrise above the finish line as runners celebrated their finish. How could it not put a smile on your face? Post 10K we walked over to Epcot for the Miracle Maker Breakfast. Waffles, Fruit, Pastries, Yogurt parfaits were laid out for the hundreds of us, and while that was fantastic, the character experiences we got to have, the stories we got to hear, and the people we got to meet made this morning top-notch. People are inspiring and community is so beautiful but it means stopping and taking the time to listen and engage. CMNH makes that possible.

Since back to back races tend to leave you exhausted we took our time getting ready for our afternoon and leisurely explored Disney Springs until our early dinner reservation at Fontera Cocina – because Mexican. Always. Sephora was doing free facials, Anthropologie had all the cute things, Ghirardelli had Easter themed chocolate caramels, and the ballet was in full force on the stage, we enjoyed it all!

My review of Frontera Cocina is so-so. Katie had tortilla soup, Becca had enchiladas, and I had taco salad. All were fresh and great quality, but the overarching word of this meal was SPICY! Maybe just a little too much, but it’s worth trying.

We headed to bed early since all 3 of us had early wake up calls.

Sunday Morning. Half Marathon time. Becca and I decided to check out the Miracle Maker tent before we headed to the corrals and inside we found all the swag as we tattooed ourselves with CMNH inspired crowns, and there was breakfast. While I had carried my squeezable oatmeal (thanks Munk Pack), they had bagels, peanut butter, apples, and yogurt to fuel us before the long haul. Thankful is an appropriate word as we accrued 2.5 miles before even warming up and crossing the start line. My body was feeling the decision to race the 10K the morning before and after the fireworks alerted us of the start it was anything but pretty. Between miles one and four my pace dropped rapidly, but somewhere around mile four I found my legs and my energy and it was off to the races. One of my absolute favorite moments is during the climb of the overpass heading back into Epcot between miles 11 and 12 as the sun begins to rise. It’s always picture perfect, and the adrenaline is at an all-time high.

The people are cheering, the characters are dancing along the way, and you know you are that close! Another PR, and while not placing quite as high as my competitive self would have liked, I could not complain considering where I started. I quickly made off to grab a picture with Snow White and got her just in time, and then towards the resort for an egg omelette please and thank you. And just like that the weekend was over, but the experiences have stuck with me.

I began processing since there were a few hours before heading to the airport, grabbing a bus over to Disney Springs for lunch at Earl’s, and another quick walk by for a free chocolate. Wow this experience really did impact me, and the tears flowed again. Being able to run is an incredible gift, and God desires for us to use whatever gift it is to the best of our ability so that He can use it. It led us to the opportunity to partner with Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and meet cancer survivors, it led me to meet and cheer on those who were racing in hand cycles, and for those who are like me who just desire for our miles not to be in vain!

It was a turning point and eye opener and it’s a weekend I won’t ever forget.

Thank you RunDisney and thank you Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for changing lives in every season and stage.

Until next time.

Jordan

February 2018

Jon and I were talking a few days ago in a moment I had just been overwhelmed by gratitude. The chance to get up every single day and do what I love: hit the pavement (or the treadmill) and go! SO many people in this world don’t have that luxury, either they physically or financially can’t or they live in an environment that doesn’t allow it. But not only does the opportunity to run continue to present itself, but the opportunity to partner with amazing people who help care for those that cannot.

The past couple weeks of training have been hard. Pushing my pace in general, but also for longer miles. Sprinting 5Ks and then doing that again the next weekend. But each time no matter how many hills I’ve battled it’s been an overwhelming and emotional moment crossing the finish line or even just finishing a run. And God allows me to continue…

February 10th – Hearts & Soles 5K

• This was my second time at this event, and while Jon didn’t run this year it was a fun morning for us both. The rain held off and it was a comfortable low 50 degree, cloudy morning. The easiest thing about this race is that since having done it before, my expectations were already set. And after a long run the morning before, there were no time goals, just GO. The Atlanta Track Club really does a fantastic job with this event. It’s always very well supported, people show up and show out, and it’s run so smoothly.

February 17th – Atlanta Mission 5K

• Also my second time at this race, although it has been a few years since the first go around. The best thing about this event is that it is SO much more than a 5K: it’s stories of hope, it’s coming together as a city to support people who don’t have what we have. It’s dancing, laughing, acting crazy, and listening to leaders who have huge, God-sized vision for this city, and its FUN. The course is one of the hardest 5K courses I’ve done, but every single step is worth it. Thanks Atlanta Mission for another incredible year.

February 24th & 25th – RunDisney Princess Weekend w/ Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

• This whole month is clearly about doing things for the second time. As I head to Orlando this week in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals , in honor of my late grandfather, I want to say THANK YOU again for the generosity of people in my circle who helped give kids a chance at LIFE. You are heroes, and I’m so excited to not only race in honor of Pop, but in honor of you! And celebrate the chance to be here and breathing and living.

On Thursday, the treadmill was whirring beneath my feet as I watched the news on the screen. What would have normally been a run of the mill (literally) morning where they showed us the weather, the traffic, and whatever shooting and/or fire happened overnight in Atlanta, this morning was different: it was kids who would never see their teachers or friends again, friends and teachers that don’t get any more moments on this Earth. And while I’ve unfortunately seen these stories too many times now, this one struck me differently – I get another moment and I want to be bold in using it! So tearfully (which was challenging when I was clipping at faster pace) running changed. And it’s a beautiful journey, in the valleys and hills.

ENJOY IT!

Thanks to my Nike (Pegasus 34), Mizuno (Wave Rider 21), New Balance (Fresh Foam Zante), Nuun Hydration, and Larabar for keeping me going!