Life Beyond Running

Although I created this blog to devote to my running journey, I have also embarked upon a health and beauty journey. Essentially, I want to be a healthy, whole and well-rounded woman.

I am a new fan of blogger Lauren Mechelle. Not only does she have the best giveaways online (which actually sparked this blog post), but she is living the life I believe many young ladies dream of. She is pursuing her dreams, sharing her gifts with the world, and not afraid to explore unfamiliar territories.

Although I frequent her blog for beauty and DIY tips, I decided today to browse through her “life” category. I was very excited to read about her recap of her attendance at Workshops for Women, organized by Councilwoman Blondell Brown in Philadelphia.

In this post (http://www.laurenmechelle.com/2014/03/councilwoman-browns-workshops-women/), she shares treasures of information that will help in progressing her passion and career. I love reading articles like this!

Too often people complain about they cannot do and what they will never accomplish. I know. I use to be one of them. But sometimes you have to take “life” by the reigns and insist on doing better and going higher.

The sky’s the limit!

Network outside of your comfort zone. Dream big and don’t be ashamed. I love running with my whole, but it isn’t everything. I believe that in order for me to be a whole person, I have to say yes to more than just one or two opportunities.

Thank you Lauren for overcoming intimidation, saying yes to life, and sharing it with the world!

Running Quote of the Week - 

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." – Jesse Owens

Welcome to the Second Wind Running Blog

Welcome to.....

"Second Wind Running"

Here at Second Wind Running I will blog race results, running experiences, racing news, running quotes and share running tips from the experts.

So why “Second Wind”?

I joined the track and field team when I was twelve years old and began cross country the following year.  I started as a sprinter for the local high school and continued running until I graduated in 1993.  Almost twenty years ago…. (Sigh). ;D

The chances of continuing my running career on a collegiate level were slim.  A small college in Arkansas showed some interest, but I wanted to stay in Kentucky.  Over time I finally earned my degree but never raced again, until….

In 2007 I decided to start running again.  That year I hit a major wall in my life.  Runners are familiar with “the wall”.  My nemesis was the one that stood at the 300 meter mark of a 400 meter race.  You pump your arms and lift your knees, but it feels like fifty football defensive linemen are pushing you back. 

Weight gain, poor eating habits, and the cares of life were physically and emotionally depleting me.  I felt like I was hitting the wall before my feet hit the floor in the morning.  My life desperately needed help shifting to another gear.

I prayed and prayed and one day the Spirit of God said, “Run.”

You may not be a Christian or believe that God could possibly care about running.  But I will never forget that day.  I was suffering from depression and God knew I needed a complete health makeover… not just for my soul, but for my body as well.  As I got healthier and stronger, my entire outlook on life changed.  Over the last 5 years I have completed one half marathon, four 10K’s, and a ton of 5K races. 

Since 2007, my running regimen has been all over the place.  Since then I have gotten married, assist my husband in ministry, and focused on my writing career.  My goal is to add more focus to my running in 2013.

So this blog is about my second wind.  A second wind is like gold to a runner.  It’s the moment in the race where you realize that you're getting closer to the finish line and every part of your body feels awesome.  Your breathing is perfect and all that’s left to do is accelerate.  

So….here I go!

God knows I have hit many walls in my lifetime, but each new day is an opportunity to run and capture a second wind.   

Inhale.  Exhale.  Run.

Running goals for 2013

Compete in 10K & 5K Races

Complete 2 Half Marathons

Run 1000 miles!

Next Race:  Saturday March 2^nd - Food on the Run 10K in Cincinnati, Ohio

-Candra