Once again....it's been an embarassingly long time...

I made a promise to myself this year that I would be a better blogger.  Well, I've done better, but not much.  It's been months since I last blogged.  The last time I blogged was July.  I blogged about my cousin, Al, who had passed away due to a tragic motorcycle accident.  I still think a lot about Al and miss his sweet smile and mischievous spirit. 

It's strange how life just keeps going isn't it?  No matter what happens, time does not stop.  No matter how much we wish we could push the pause button sometimes, we can't. 

So, here I am, over 4 months later and what do I have to report?  A lot, actually.  It's been a very busy fall season.  We have done some traveling, see a lot, done a lot, but most importantly, we have graduated another MM class and continue to put one foot in front of the other.  We've had ups and we've had downs - just like everyone else.  We have weathered disappointments and hurts.  We have had many times of celebration.  We have had days that have flown by and days that you seem to move through like a field of molasses.

I'll take some time to talk about where I've been and what I've learned - mostly because I want to record it, so that it's not forgotten.  I'm not going to try to write something stellar - I just want to record the things I am learning for me, my children and anyone else that it might help along their life's journey.

Again, when I last wrote, I was talking about a couple of things:  1-Having and big summer and 2-Remembering my cousin and the spirit with which he lived.  It's strange how those two things came together to teach me valuable lessons.

I had a big summer because I started looking at life differently and tried my best not to be completely ruled by the "shoulds" of life.  For instance, on a hot summer day, when I "should" be working, I would decide to spend a couple of hours at the pool with my daughter and then get my work done.  (This is the reverse of what I have always done.)  It sounds little, but I'm pretty sure it made a difference to her.  I began to look at the way I think about things - especially the things I usually say an automatic "no" to, like jumping in the car and going to do something fun, just because.  I challenged my schedule, my routine, thoughts of what I do and don't do.  I highly recommend this, by the way.  It helps to shake things up every now and then.  When things stay the same, they get stagnant and stagnant is not good. 

I am going to continue thinking this way because it has brought many good things my way, including, a snowball on the coast in June with my youngest, a hike up Multnomah Falls in Oregon, snorkeling with sea turtles in Hawaii and running around NYC with my daughter, having the time of our lives!  I'll be blogging about these things in the next few days - and posting pics, if I can figure that out.

For now, I'll leave you with this challenge:  give some thought to why you do the things you do and what would happen if you did them differently?

With that, I'll leave you with a little window into our summer, having a "big" time!

Enjoying some time with my girls on the coast this summer.

Until next time!

People who make a difference

"Make a difference".  Now there's a strange phrase.  What does it mean to make a difference?  There are many people in the world that make a difference.  Whether it is to a few or to a great number, I think everyone makes a difference in one way or another.

For the last couple of days, I have been thinking about someone in my life who has made a difference.  He's one of those people who does not enter a room quietly and I don't know if I've ever seen him enter a room without a smile.  He is a "larger than life", always up to or into something kind of guy - always ready for a little fun.

My first recollection of him is as a teenager.  I was a little kid and he was definitely one of the coolest "men" in my life.  In the early 1970s, he wore shoulder length hair, parted down the middle that was quite "hip and happening".  So, naturally, as a young child, I was impressed.  I can remember being taken over to his house where my aunt had invited us to swim and was simply amazed with the way she had decorated his or his brother's room - I can't remember which, with the psychedelic, black and white wallpaper.  Wow.  I remember his wedding to Cindy and how much Al adored her.  They were blessed with three wonderful daughters, who I have watched grow into strong, beautiful, spunky women. 

Through the years, we've spent many holidays together, along with family parties celebrating birthdays, graduations, weddings and babies.  We've spent a lot of time sharing the milestones of life.  We've also gathered together as those of our family have passed on from this life.  We have shared our joy and also our sorrow. 

Unfortunately, it is time to share our sorrow as we mourn the passing of this man: husband, father, brother, friend, cousin.  My cousin, Al, left us yesterday and leaves behind him many lives who have been touched by his kindness, gentleness, and, yes, his sometimes warped sense of humor. 

His death was sudden and, therefore, unexpected.  It is tragic.  It doesn't make sense.  (Not that anyone's death ever does.) 

I have done a lot of thinking about Al.  It is hard to imagine not seeing him anymore, this side of eternity.  His big smile, loud voice, twinkling eyes that always made me wonder if he was up to something will be greatly missed.  Holidays and family celebrations will not be the same without him.

I am profoundly grateful that God sent Al into this world, for all the lives he touched.  He made a difference in my life.  I always knew he'd be glad to see me.  I knew he'd give me a big old hug and call me "sweetie".  That felt good. I knew to expect some funny story, great and grand that he'd have to share about his latest adventure - whether that adventure took place on a trip or in his own backyard.  He was always up to something.  I knew I'd leave him laughing - both of us, sharing the silliness, irony, or joy of life.

Amidst all of that mischief,  there was no mistaking his love for his family or his friends.  I am thankful to have been the recipient of some of that love.  It made a difference to me.  When we have people in our lives who love us unconditionally, it changes us.  It gives us confidence to be who we are and security, knowing that we are accepted.

Thank you, Al, for always being you - for taking the gifts given to you and using them to love others.  I think that's what God had in mind when he sent you here.  I am blessed for having had you in my life.  I will forever be reminded to live life - to enjoy what I've been given.  I will try not to let life pass me by and, instead,  jump in with both feet to enjoy, love, share and laugh.  You will be missed.

Why run?

"Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport."
--Bill Rodgers

I came across this quote today as I was looking for something to tweet, because, at that moment,  I didn't have an original thought in my head.  Funny thing is, I had just come in from my run.  It is an amazing thing that someone like me (a 44 year old wife and mother of 3, who did not begin to run until the age of 37) is now running about 30 miles each week.  How is this possible?

I think this quote explains it.  I like this quote.  Barring obvious physical limitations, anyone can be a runner.  I am one of many runners who can honestly say,  "If I can do it, so can you!".  I started later in life, I have a family and now, a more than full time job.  Of course, the job is helping other couch potatoes get up and start moving towards a marathon, so that does help in the motivation department.

In answer to my question, "How is this possible?", it is possible because of the choice I make to get up and do it.  A decision to move is all it takes.  My decision to move is a decision to take time for myself, to be healthy (mentally and physically, to lead others by example and to achieve a goal I have set for myself.  That's how it's possible.  I am determined to better tomorrow than I am today and running makes me better.

So today, I recognize being able to get out and go for a run, as a "big" thing in my continuing journey of a summer of big things.  

Summer so far

So far, this summer is a HOT one - and it's not even officially here!  I am tackling "big" things this summer - all kinds - and I am going to blog about them.

My last blog was about my new running shoes that arrived.  The box read "1 big pair".  I found humor in that. 

I haven't blogged since, but I have used those new shoes - a lot!  One of my goals this summer is to consistently run 25 - 30 miles per week.  So far, so good!

Another goal of mine is to do some "big things" with my kids.  We haven't had much of a chance yet because of vacation bible school at church, but we have been swimming a good bit.  One of my older girls, Anna, is visiting a friend in Spain for a couple of weeks.  She and I have taken up biking on Sunday afternoons.  Whew!  That will get your heart pumping!  I am going it alone while she's gone and enjoying the change of pace from running a couple of times a week.

My other "older" daughter (they're twins) is helping me accomplish something big around the house.  She is painting the trim, the hallway and both bathrooms this summer.  And while we're at it, I think I'll paint the bedroom as well!

I have finished a book, pressure washed the front of the house and made a good start on a crocheted blanket for a friend's first baby, arriving later this summer.


I guess, now that I think about it, my big summer is off to a good start!

Moving right along...

Variety of "big" things...

In my last post, I talked about how I want to fill my summer with big things.  "Big" meaning important things, memorable moments, fun outings, etc.  So I get home and there's a box on my doorstep.  Expecting my new pair of running shoes, I knew what was in the box.  As I prepared to open the package, I looked down at the box and noticed that it read, "1 big pair".  Ha!  Really? 

So there's my first "big" thing!

Now onto other matters...
Today's big thing?  Today's big thing is a milestone.  This morning I dropped off my youngest child for her last day of elementary school.  Wow.  Now it's on to middle school - but first we're going to have some FUN! 
I hadn't thought much about this being her last day until I drove up to the school.  As I stopped the car, she leaned up to give me a hug - just like every other day.  She's always done this.  She doesn't get out of the car without hugging me.  Even when she's late.  Even when she's mad.  Even when she doesn't feel good.  Even when her friends are looking.  She's just that kind of kid. 

I realize that even if that hugging stopped tomorrow,  I would be a fortunate mom to have held onto that for so long.  Next year is middle school.  Things could be different.  I guess I'll have to wait and see, but I can tell you this:  I will not be the one to stop the hugging.  I will hold on for as long as I can - even if it causes some embarrassment.  It's worth it.  She's going to need those hugs more than ever next year. 
And so will I.

I did try out that one big pair this morning when I returned home to get in my morning run.  They felt great on my feet, so I think I'll keep them.  They were a great way to start my collection of big things! 

What big thing will today hold?  I have no idea.  I kind of like it that way...  :-)

Every day things...

No matter who you are, where you go or what you do, there are things you have to take care of every day.  I guess that's why it is so easy to get caught up in the stuff of life and not accomplish the "big" things. 
The question is, "What are the big things?".  That's what I've been asking myself.  The answer I have come up with is this:  The big things are not necessarily big events, accomplishments, recognitions, trips, etc.  The big things are those things that bring joy to life and make wonderful memories with those you love. The big things are those things that make a difference in people's lives - a simple act of kindness, sharing a meal with someone, doing a craft with a child, sharing your gifts - whatever they are - with the world.  Big things are those things you look back on and say, "Wow!  I'm glad I did that."

I am planning a summer of big things.  I don't know what they will be...yet, but I am thinking about it.  We have a busy summer ahead.  I have one child going to Spain for a few weeks, one going to Pennsylvania and one to music camp.  We have a guest from Spain coming to visit, as well as one coming to visit from Pennsylvania.  We are trying to plan a trip to the beach, as well as a couple of trips to visit our training teams. 

I plan to enjoy every minute of these visits and trips that I can.  I know the summer flies by quickly and I want to pack every minute of it with as much as I can.  We'll see what happens!

What "big" things are you planning?

So that didn't last long....

I committed to blog every day and didn't do it.  I guess it's not a priority.  I realized that today as I came in from the gym, ready to tackle the day and was completely overwhelmed with everything that needed doing.

Have you ever had one of those days where you have so much to do that it's difficult to start?  I know you have - I think we all have.  It's just a part of living, I guess.

When you have one of those days, what do you do?  Does it work?  If not, I have a few suggestions for you:

1. Make a list.  Write down everything that you need to accomplish.  Just dump your brain and put it all down on paper.

2. Prioritize. Decide what comes first.  Determine those tasks that must be accomplished before the sun goes down.  Follow that list with the less critical things.  Give deadlines if you have to.

3. Mark complaining off of your list.  What good is it going to do?  None.  No one likes to listen to complaining and it seems to feed off of itself - the more we complain, the more we complain, so stop it!  All you can do is get busy and get things done.

4. Don't fret if you don't finish.  Adopt the Scarlett attitude - "after all, tomorrow is another day".  Just carry it over and tackle it tomorrow.

5. Forget Superwoman.  No such person.  She does not exist.  We all have our limitations.  Do your best, do it well and move on.

I've had one of those days for the past 6 months (or more) - can you tell?  This is how I survive.  I don't do it perfectly and sometimes I get overwhelmed.  When I do, I am learning to step back and make choices.  Take what absolutely has to finished "today" and do it.  When I do that, I can breathe again and get on with my day.

Now onto marking one more thing off of that list.....

Bad Blogger

I am a bad blogger, I confess.  Yet another MONTH has gone by and I have not blogged.  Since that time, we have gotten our 2011 MM group off to a great start, I have completed a 1/2 marathon and we are a little over 2 weeks out from the race we organize - The Renaissance at Colony Park 1/2 Marathon and 10K. 
These are not excuses.  Everyone is busy.  Therefore, I commit to be a better blogger, instead of a bad blogger.  Why?  I don't know.  I guess I don't like the idea of not doing my best at something.  I haven't given this blogging thing my all. 
So there - I commit to being a better blogger.  I commit to blogging something every day.  For how long?  I don't know - a week?  a month?  I guess we'll see.
Until tomorrow...

In need of a long run!

Of the many benefits of running, one of my favorites is the clearing of the mind.  Going on a nice, long run is like doing some heavy duty spring cleaning.  I don't really know why and I don't know if anything else would accomplish this for me like running does.

Sometimes my mind gets so cluttered with the stuff of life.  We all have it.  Things are tugging on us from all different directions.  It's not that these are things, people and activities that you don't want to be doing - at least that's not the case with me.  It's just that there is so much going on, always something to do or be done.  Can you relate?  Yes, I'll bet you can!

Running gives me the time, the space, the quiet I need to think things over.  It gives me perspective that I so desperately need as I look at my life.  It enables me to breathe deeply and move freely.  The pressures and worries of the world can't get to me out there unless I let them.  It takes some practice to not let them come with me - the pressures and worries, that is.  I go alone.  Sure, I know they will be waiting for me upon my return, but somehow they will be smaller and more manageable.

Are you feeling overwhelmed or hemmed in by life?  Get out and go for a walk or a run!  Breathe deeply and let go of the daily stresses of life.  They will be there when you get back, but for now, you can put them away, shut the door and RUN FOR IT!

New year, new you!

We are one week into 2011 - so how's it going?

At Marathon Makeover, we are getting ready to kick off a new season of marathon training.  It is a very exciting time of year, as we get to meet all of those who will be such a big part of our lives for the next 40 weeks.  Most of those who will show up will have made a commitment to themselves and/or to others to get healthy.  They are choosing to train for a marathon as a way to accomplish their goal.

A marathon is a big goal - a very big goal.  A frequent question we receive is, "Why run a marathon?"  The answer is that sometimes you need a big goal to get you moving.  The first year I trained for a marathon, I was afraid to miss any of my training, so I did every single bit of it.  I changed the way I ate and what I drank.  I was consistent and faithful to my training and I arrived at the starting line ready for my first marathon.

That marathon changed my life!  When I crossed that finish line, I did it on my own strength - no one did it for me and no one could take it away.  It didn't matter how slowly I did it, the goal was to finish and I did it.  I finished 26.2 miles!  It was a huge challenge and I tackled it.

Something happens inside of you when you achieve a goal, especially a big one.  Marathoning brings a lot of health benefits - but I am talking about other benefits, such as removing "can't" from your vocabulary.  I have pushed through an extraordinarily difficult physical challenge.  Looking back on that, I can draw strength for other challenges in my life.

If you haven't set a goal for yourself for 2011, I encourage you to do so!  It doesn't have to be running a marathon (although it could be).  

Achieving a goal can move you on to greater things in your life.  Big or small, accomplishing a goal will show you what you are made of and where your strengths lie.  We all have strengths, but if we are not sharpening those strengths, like knives, they will become dull.  Being able to look back on past success, helps you achieve future success.

Give it some thought and think about how you want to improve and grow this year.  Then, sit down and write it out.  Share your goal with others and get going.  It's going to be a great year in 2011!