Running the 20-miler

Today I finally crossed the mental and physical threshold after training since the end of May. Even after getting hardly any sleep, I had the best run ever! I arrived a little later than usual--6:05. I usually get there about 5:45 and we start running after announcements and awards. Every week we dedicate our practice to an "honored hero" who is battling cancer or has battled cancer and has lost the fight. It is really inspiring and makes running a little easier knowing you are really making a difference in these people's lives. Well, when I arrived, I immediately had to go to the bathroom. I think the nerves were getting to me because I've never run 20 miles before. But overall I was feeling great and ready for the run. When I made my way over to my training group, they told me I had won the "spirit bib" for the week and I had missed it! The trainers had announced it when I was in the bathroom! The spirit bib is given to an individual who shows the most spirit and enthusiasm during the week. I was really excited to win it and it gave me a much needed confidence and motivation for that day.
When we started, I felt ready and excited for the run. The run was a little dark at first, but then we were able to see the beautiful scenery. I never knew the beautiful parts of San Antonio tucked away in the old neighborhoods of Lincoln and Alamo Heights. Even the name sounds so Continental.
When we crossed Olmos Dam and reached Alamo Heights, I had reached a part of myself I never knew I had. It was as if I was another person looking down on my body and I watched in amazement at how well I was running! And I had struggled the entire season to keep up with my team and not feel so winded and tired!
I had the most horrible week at work and in a way I had reached the end of myself with all of the drama and rejection I've been experiencing for some time. It had been building up, and Tuesday at work I found myself at the stairwell and the tears just started flowing. I prayed asking God to please rescue me from all of this and to some how give me the strength to go on. It has been this way for at least 6 or 7 months; trial after trial, test after test.
And today I found a strength and a peace while running. I had this burst of energy and speed at around 4 miles into the run and it lasted the entire 20 miles! My running mates were calling me the dangling carrot that they were trying to reach, but never could. I smoked them!!

It was as if God was coaching me and cheering me on the entire time, anointing my feet with speed and my body with endurance! And in all this, I had an ephiphanous and triumphant moment. Even in the most difficult times in my life when I keep facing trial after trial and hardship after hardship, He is with me. He is the strength I need and He is my rock. He keeps me going when I feel I can't go on. He keeps me moving when I have no strength to move or no where to move to. He keeps me singing when I cannot find my voice. He sustains me in spite of my circumstances and constant rejection. He keeps telling me to persist and finish the race. And most importantly, he keeps me running! He keeps me running towards the goal, not away from my problems.. but into his arms, and to a strength like never before.

SDA

HELP ME!! I'm losing my running mo-jo

Okay I'm not sure if it is waking up early, the cross country girls and some of their teachers complaining how rude some are acting, football, teaching biology HONORS (good kids but high maintence), keeping up with church/small groups, drinking too much diet Dr. Pepper till my teeth hurt, or what!! I wake up at 5:20 and come home about 6:20 pm... without running yet... I'm spent... I want to eat my unhealthy dinner and hit the couch or go to bed... I can't imagine waking up any earlier considering I'm a night owl...... I tried running 3 miles today and I was dead during it and when I was done... today I disliked running so much.... I don't know what to do....
I started watching mtv challenge and doing the elliptical.. .we have DVR so that I can record anything and watch it on any TV... I did the elliptical for 1 1/2 hours.... is this wrong??
Can anyone give me advice? My weekends consist of cross country meet from 6am-1pm... Then I am usually asleep all day after that.... Sunday I have church and then I'm back at school for about 5-6 hours catching up on all my grading for the week and preparing for a lab or lessons for the next week...
I was doing so well in August and early Sept... I'm scared I won't be able to run all of the half without stopping... and like lindsey knows I'm highly competitive/confident when it comes to anything sports but this time I am actually worried... Anyone have anything for me... Oh yeah one more ramble... I started a junior high team where they never had one, I'm up to 4 7th grade boys and 3 7th grade girls... so in the mornings I have about 22 kids running for me a dead beat coach... I may run with them Friday but other days I have to write down times, take care of injuries, organize their funraisers, take care of equipment, and other tedious jobs, and find time to get ready/dressed for the day... okay I'm done... let the praying begin or advice pour in... I'm ya'll sponge