Hey Ya'll!

Well, it's been a while... What can I say, I'm a busy fella. But honestly, its been a combination of procrastination and something I'll touch on later :)

For starters I want to give a special thanks to Karl who emails me when I haven't posted in a while. Karl, a character flaw of mine is that I don't really stay in touch with people, but I really appreciate your friendship and I do think about you often.

With that said, here's what I've been up to! The biggest news over the past month is that I completed my second Half-Marathon in New Orleans. I blew it out of the PARK!

Photo recap:







For some reason I don't feel bad about being boastful when it comes to my race times :) Maggie and I kicked ass, ya'll!!! I shaved 12 minutes off of my December Half and we ran a negative split! Negative split= our second 6.6 miles was faster than our first half!! Look at that mile time 7:54 per mile for 13.1 miles.. What what!! Top 12 % of people... Too much?? Honestly, I worked very had at training, which included becoming a pescatarian (I don't eat meat, except for fish), so I was very dedicated and it's always nice to see the results of your actions. Below are some pics of the weekend :) What a wonderful memories :)














I decided to do something different this race. As I've mentioned before, running is my worship and whenever I compete, all my emotions are amplified. So in efforts to keep myself focused I dedicated each mile to someone important to me.

Mile 1: Maggie.
Mile 2: Beauman.
Mile 3: Jenny
Mile 4: Woman with the cancer free sign & my sister-in-law, Emily.
Mile 5: Erin.
Mile 6: Lauren.
Mile 7: My brothers.
Mile 8 My mom.
Mile 9: Ian.
Mile 10: My Dad.
Mile 11 My Grandparents.
Mile 12: Vanessa.
Mile 13: Me.
Mile 13.1: All of my lovely friends & family


While I ran each mile I focused only on sending good vibes and prayers towards that person. Mile 4 was very special because it was unplanned. The race was benefiting the cancer society, so when I saw a woman holding up a sign that read "6 years cancer free", I started crying. This is what the race was about... Which made me think of Emily and how strong she has been over the years...

Overall, I loved this race. I love my family and friends and I love my life. Never did I think I would run a half marathon, and now I've run 2 within 4 months!!! If you put your heart into something, you will reap positive results. :)

Cheers,
Garrett Paul

Darkest before the Dawn

"I'm always dragging that horse around... Tonight I'm going to bury that horse in the ground" - Florence & The Machines


Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my past. Nothing very particular, just how I let my past effect my future.

As I was running yesterday and had a bit of an epiphany, as I often do. Since I've been running, competitively, for over 12 years I've picked up a few habits and sayings along the way- A few have stuck with me greatly. One saying, that will forever be ingrained in my mind, was from my coach in high school, which states: "Find one person in your view and keep your sights on them, then slowly catch up. Once you pass them, never let them get in front of you again." This wonderful advice is a blessing and a curse. It can turn my leisurely jog (on a easy training day) into a internal blood bath, with I create in my mind. Yesterday's run was the latter.

I'm casually running my easy 3 miler, enjoying the beautiful LSU lakes, when I see a group of four running. Two men & two women. Approximately mid twenties, decent shape and good looking (from behind at least). Well, that's all it took; I'm going to beat them.

I always do this weird thing when I pass a group of people. I noticed it a few months ago, but it never fails, I always make sure I'm in clear view, after I've passed someone, then act like I'm stretching my neck by moving it left and right. I think this action is saying, "That's right, I passed you, and I'm just getting started- so don't think about trying to pass me again." Some sort of mental 'fuck you'. Running is all about your mental state... I digress.

After I did my normal mind game, I got anxiety about having the group behind me, which is also normal. With pressure mounting I began to run faster (there goes my enjoyable run), only looking back when I went around a curve in the road, in order to avoid turning my entire body to see how close they were (I wouldn't want to show any weakness). Then it hit me like a moving bus. The bus that is... I got hit by a freaking bus... Totally kidding, back to the point. I shouldn't stress about what is behind me, it's in the past. Yes, I should be aware. Because if you're not aware of your surroundings, then how can you be aware of your future??? but it's a delicate balance. Much like the attached video, by Florence & the Machines, I feel like I've been dragging a horse around (my past) for years... Also, like the song I've got to bury that horse in the ground (again, past) and focus on the future. I won't forget where I buried it - because much like runners, the past can catch up with you, if you're not careful... But rather focus on my future and enjoy the race until the finish line & try to never let that person or situation pass me again.

Sorry if this is too abstract.. Sometimes when I run I feel like a vampire, with such a heightened sense of emotion. I try to relate it to humans, which doesn't always work.

Bisous,
Garrett Paul

Brain Power

BL#4: DONE!!! Let me boast: I ran 13.1 miles in 1 hour and 55 minutes (8.50 per mile pace)!

Preface: For worship, some people go to church every Sunday, or meditate regularly; I run. Simply put, running is my most sincere and vulnerable state of being for me.


The night before the race I was unenthusiastic, at best. I was very tired from the months of training, along with other stressors (finals, traveling, work). It wasn't until I picked up my race packet that it hit me: I will do my best. I did. I couldn't wish for a better time or experience. Here's what I learned:

When I run all my emotions are amplified, so if I entertain one negative thought about myself, I will shut down completely. For instance, during my run I thought I saw my parents and started crying (pansy, I know). So needless to say, for me, my race was a whirlwind of emotions. My high school cross-country coach always told me, "your brain is stronger than any muscle in your body". Well Coach, you're right. I had several obstacles to overcome during my race, other than the obvious distance. First, I had to beat my douche-bag neighbor while maintaing a sense of ease, even though I was suffering. Then I had to work through iPod issues, to no resolve, while dealing with hunger, nausea and fatigue.

Throughout the entire process I had to regulate myself mentally, to keep a positive attitude. When my race was over and I thought about each "surprise" I had to overcome, and made an important connection. Running is so much like real life. Even in my most heavenly place of peace, there will always be people/things that try and make you fall. No matter how meager the issue is, one must actively try to maintain their happiness and mentally overcome any adversaries.

Here's to showing the obstacles where to stick it,
Garrett Paul