Why am I Training

It's not easy to train for a marathon and commit to running or walking 26.2 miles. First you have to sign up, and pay the race fees, sometimes upwards of $100. Then you have to do weekly runs, cross training, recovery exercises and a long run. You have to feed yourself whole foods, maybe give up drinking or smoking. AND most of all, you have to give yourself permission to sleep, 8 hours, 10 hours if you need it. I have never seen such commitment, as I find in a marathoner, runners and walkers alike.

Our lives are filled with so much distraction, work issues, family issues, health issues. Sometimes I feel so out of control of what is happening around me. This past week, there was tragedy in Kenya. A mall in Nairobi was under siege. So close to our Sister Parish, Holy Cross Dandora, many of us here were so frightened by the thought of the terror and death. Fortunately, from the information we were given, our parishioners are safe, however, friends of friends and so many innocent died in this incident. Read more in Making Sense of Kenya's Westgate Mall Massacre.

If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon. -Katherine Switzer

Your plan to train for a marathon should have already started. We are in the beginning stage now of building our base. It is certainly not easy, and you will be pushing yourself outside of your comfort level, but it will be worth it. My husband and I were under the weather this week during our training plans, and it would have been easy and totally understandable to miss our long run with our training group on Saturday. Instead, we joined the RoadRunners in Venice and ran with our group the first 2.5 miles and walked back. It's all about the habit. Listen to your body, push yourself, but also give yourself grace to ease up when you need to. It was a beautiful day, we got to experience God's glory, and we felt accomplished even though we were not able to stay with our group.

Race 4 Veronika's Place

There are 3 race options through Race 4 Veronika's Place. My encouragement to anyone that would like to race with us, would be to start training now. Whether you intend to train for a marathon, half marathon or the 5K, start now. I am training for the marathon, not because I have all the time in the world, I am like many of you, juggling family with work, volunteer with relaxation, and searching for that balance to be at peace and with my God.

Running has become my prayer, it has also made me more aware of my nutrition and how I treat my body. I know there will be a time when I cannot do a marathon, but this will not be the year. At least that is my hope. However, I do not know my future, and if I cannot complete the ASICS LA Marathon this time, you will find me at the half or even the 5K. There is no shame in listening to your body, these distances will challenge you. The race will motivate you, and the people of Dandora will be praying for you. Not only our friends in Africa, but we too at St. Monica will be praying for you. I encourage you to make that decision to train now, to race for a bigger cause, and to help us in saving lives.

If this is your year that you will be training for a marathon, reach out to us, we would be happy to have you on Team Monica, Race 4 Veronika's Place. Also, click on the tabs above for training programs for a marathon, half marathon or 5K.

Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never give up, things will turn out for the best. -Meb Keflezighi