Food for Thought....

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” ― Eckhart Tolle

Collage

Live:

Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try, try, try

 

Laugh:

 

Run:

10 and a half.  Not bad for longish.  I love that when I told Grandma I was waiting until 2014 for Boston and doing Cox Providence and Bay State next year she said "I think that's a good strategy.  You need more time to prepare before your BIG RACE.  You're not ready yet." lol!  I love my 90 year old Coach Grandma!

 

Love:

 

 

What does it mean to live deliberately?

Live:

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." ~ Henry David Thoreau

What does it mean to "live deliberately"?
The word deliberate, according to the dictionary means "marked by full consciousness of the nature and effects" or with intention. How often do we do this?  How much of our day, our week, is spent going through the motions and how much in full consciousness?  For me, a lot of it is ":through the motions", especially lately.  This weekend I went back "home"  (a relative term, I know) to East Bridgewater.  I felt like my quality of living is far more deliberate when I am there.  I like this.

Laugh:

 

Run:  Nothing much to report here. ;)

 

Love:  I love good old E.B., the people I see there, and the amazing memories of truly being "alive" that I have which played out in that town! ;)

Believe

I dedicate this post to one of the many fairy tales I still believe in.

 

Live:  Lots of thinking today.  I suspect this will come out random and unrelated but it's weaved into a perfectly sensible mess in my head! ;)  First, I thought about how black and white life seemed when I was younger.  A very bad day translated to "I want to die".  "You really pissed me off" translated to "You're an asshole and this is over."  Now I don't see black and white.  Nor do I see shades of grey.  My life is filled with varying hues of pinks, beiges, teals, and violets, interwoven like  a rainbow or quilt. Or one of those sand pictures that changes completely every time you shake it.  Still essentially made up of sand.  Or love.  This reminded me (not that I needed a reminder, it's not often I forget) of someone I loved a lot but let go over stuff like showing up late or showing up after a few too many beers.  In my black and white days this was intolerable.  Looking back, I wish I'd kissed him and been happy he showed up.  A few more years on me have shown me that the intention of those that love you mixed in with the simple fact that, whether it makes sense or not you simply love them is of much greater importance to me than the minor details.  No one is perfect.  When you love unconditionally, you love the imperfection.  Now that the days of black and white are over and the colors have meshed, I would give anything to have him here doing those very things that I found so annoying and intolerable.  Am I expressing regret?  Not any anymore.  Gratitude.  This difficult lesson, that has definitely shaped my life and relationships going forward, taught me an incredibly important lesson.  Love those you love in spite of and maybe even because of their "faults" and remember that those annoying moments that you think are getting in the way of your plan and your life actually ARE life.  Live them and enjoy them while they are with you. :)

 

Laugh:

 



Adorable and funny but also excellent advice which I strongly encourage you to practice!

Run:  11-12 miles.  Was hoping for 12-14 but they were strong miles at a pace I am proud of.  Satisfaction achieved.

Love:  My beautiful family for giving me the opportunity to rejuvenate!

Many Drum Beats, One BEAUTIFUL Song

Saw this today on the wall (the super cool one that they decorate with beauty and inspiration to look at while you have your blood drawn;) at Fenway Health Center with the caption "Ideas are SEXY."  Love this!  And I LOVE Fenway health for creating an environment where employees and patients are loved, accepted, and respected EXACTLY as they are.  I see a lot of super cool people there that definitely march to their own beat.... and everyone claps and dances along to each others beats.  I really like this.  Jill, my nurse  aware that it has been a VERY long time since I considered my emotional health.... or even the fact that I had emotions.  I am proud that I have learned to find happiness in any circumstance but I have given up seeking circumstances that I enjoy or hold meaning to me.  I have become accustomed to thinking "Well, I'm good finding happiness in any circumstance so what would make him happy?  Where's the cheapest place to live?  Closest to work?"  Without considering what would I like to do?  Where would I enjoy living?  I don't want to become selfish and give up on considering the needs of others and certainly when I am indifferent I would much rather pass on a smile to someone whom it matters.... but I am making it a goal to begin to explore what I enjoy again.  Yay Fenway!!!

It is with much joy and gratitude that I add  www.fenwayhealth.org to "Businesses I LOVE"!

Imagine

Thought for the day:  Imagine a world in which we all treated one another with kindness, love, and respect.

Got Baby???

 

I really don't know what to say today... so I thought I'd post this funny baby picture.

BATMAN RETURNS!!!

Live:  Hmmmm... Nothing too spicy to report here. I admit, my Grandma feel asleep when I called her on Thanksgiving.... tryptophan-induced slumber or a sign I need to make the "live" column more exciting?  ;)

Laugh: Need I say more??? LOVE this!

Run: 6 miles.  Not incredibly fast, but incredibly steady!  Proud of my consistency here!

Love: Running, my family, helping people!

Hill-Repeat Sandwich :)

Live:  Getting excited about my Dana Farber Team!!!

Laugh:

 

Run:  Modified, extended version of BAA Veteran Plan begins!  Day 1 is modified.  A mile and a half warm up and cool down sandwiching 7 hill repeats with special attention to downhill training! ;)  5 miles in total!

 

Love:  My Grandma!  Nice chat with her today!

 

Holiday Gift Ideas that I LOVE!!!!

 

If, like myself, you are not brave enough for Black Friday and/or would like an alternative gift idea, please consider these AMAZING businesses that I LOVE!:

• Consider a gift certificate for a series of private yoga sessions with Sarah Kearns.  Sarah is a wonderful instructor with a strong background in gymnastics and other sports as well as a firm grasp on yogic philosophy.  She is currently studying yoga therapy and brings all of her talents to her classes and private sessions.  Check out her website at www.yogatosmile.com or email her at yogatosmile@gmail.com to hear about her special holiday rates!
• Amanda Richter is another great friend of mine and a wonderful instructor!  She brings years of experience and a loving heart to all of her classes and private sessions.  I've been taking Amanda's classes for years and when I moved to the city I found South Boston Yoga through Amanda!  She's amazing in many ways and I really love her hands on adjustments, use of props, and ability to bring a theme and a sense of cohesiveness to each class!  Check out Amanda's blog (http://amandarichter-amanda.blogspot.com/)  or email her (manda1207@yahoo.com) for special seasonal discounts!!!
• Looking to buy a class package for a yogi in your life?  Check out www.southbostonyoga.net!  My favorite yoga studio that at times doubles as a second home!  Great classes, great instructors, and great fellow students that will become great friends!
• Wishing to give the gift of inspiration this season?  Look no further!  Go to http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0047OFIQ  or www.marymcmannus.com and enjoy the touching, inspiring and REAL poetry and other musings of my beautiful friend Mary!  I cannot conceive of a more perfect stocking stuffer!  Marys words are like a hug in a book's binding!!!
• Need a massage?  Don't we ALL this time of year!  Check out my friend Stacey!  She will even come to you (see below)
• "Spa-cation" Mobile Massage
  (Also located within USA Fitness & Spa in Carver)
  Save $10 on your 1st Massage
  Holiday Gift Certificate's are available for a Special Price of $60/Hr.
  Visit my website: http://www.spa-cation.vpweb.com
  or contact Stacey Marshall, LMT @ #(508)942-1014
  **VOTED BEST MASSAGE ON THE SOUTH SHORE 2012 READER'S PICK IN SOUTH SHORE LIVING MAGAZINE!!**
•  November is Abundance month at Feathers. All yoga classes are only $10!
  We have gift certificates available for:
  Cymatron (sound healing)
  Reiki
  Massage
  Acupuncture
  Belly Dance
  Tarot card reading
  Visit us at: http://www.featherswellnessstudio.com/
  or give us a call 339-499-1057   Feather's is owned by Keith and his wonderful girlfriend Michelle!  Keith has amazing massage talent!  He taught me most of my best tricks back in the day!  They also offer a wide range of other really cool and unique classes and sessions.  Perfect gift certificate idea!
• Another super cool idea is a holiday photo shoot!  Check out http://kpphotographyma.blogspot.com/!  Kate has been my best friend since childhood.  She has a beautiful heart, a great eye, and oodles of creativity!  You won't be disappointed!

Happy Friday

So I'm taking the weekend off from thought-provoking blogging.  I leave you with.... The Farside!!!

2013 Boston Marathon: GAME ON!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  It is with much gratitude that I announce:

I have been accepted to the Dana Farber Marathon Team!!!!!  I am so excited to have the opportunity to run the oldest, most prestigious marathon in the world, work with and learn from a patient partner, and support an incredibly worthy cause. 

2013 Boston Marathon: GAME ON!!!!!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Pink Ponies

So, I'm feeling exhausted and beaten down today.  About ready to sit on the pitty potty then my amazing friend Keith yanked the TP right out from under me by randomly texting me a My Little Pony picture.  Strange?  Quite possibly.  For some reason, I think it goes back to an Angel Card reading, My Little Ponies have become a symbol of my dreams and goals.  I also equate them with Hope.  And when I feel like I've lost my faith Keith some how knows to send me a pony.  Tonight, the pony served as a reminder of the beauty I DO have in my life.  Of Francisco, the driver who put me back in check when I lost my cool this morning.  Or Regina and Ryan who kindly extended Thanksgiving invites and an ear to listen when I needed one.  Of Gail who called me this morning and helped me believe in myself on something I'd given up on, which ended up coming to fruition.  Of Jacquelyn for just being Jacquelyn and an amazing friend and inspiration.  Of my sister Erin for talking to me and making me feel better.  There is hope and beauty still.  there always will be.  For now I think I need a bit of rest, solitude, and quiet stay posted!  INCREDIBLE news to come tomorrow!  Peace, love, and happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Uphill Battle.... literally!

So, today was one of those days where work... and everything felt like a stressful, uphill battle!  AHHH!!!!!  I actually made a pact with one of the secretaries I was talking to to go outside at 3pm and scream the "F" word and see if we could hear each other.  She was 30 + miles away but my guess is we would have.... were e not both too busy to get a chance to do so... a sure sign we really needed to!  Ironically it was also my hill training day.  Totally fierce workout!  Mile and a half warm up followed by 4 times up a steep hill, back down the other side and back over again (also up hill, gradual grade this way) and then 4 times rapidly up and down the steep side.  Tough?  Heck ya!  But it wasn't stressful.  Super fun, really.  My hamstrings may chime in otherwise tomorrow but hamstrings recover.  Good times!

I offer you 2 much needed laughs today:

1)  "I used to be a coyote, but I'm okay NOW!!!!!!"  (Courtesy of none other than MY DAD!  Shocker?!  Not really but seriously folks, this is one of my childhood favorites!)

2)

 

Love it!  And I'm actually pretty impressed with Larry's disguise and creativity!;)

Tofurkey, anyone?

This week my body is craving rest and relaxations so I am keeping my blog posts short, sweet and focused on laughter, family, and gratitude.  For me, that's what this week is all about!

I'll leave the laughter to Maxine today, as noted above.  Please also note that, without even ever attempting a Turkey, I have already received this designation.  Is this a sign of doubt for my abilities or fear that I would serve a Tofurkey?  Should I be angered by the lack of faith or grateful for the lack of responsibility?  I like to look at the bright side so I'm going with the latter! ;)  Thanks to all those working their butts off for the soda/dinner roll chicks like me!

In addition to all the amazing hosts and hostesses out there I would also like to express my gratitude for the many opportunities I have each day to help people who really need it.  Many days I walk out of work stressed to the max.  Feeling like my day has been a whirlwind of people asking me to do things ("Morgan, line 1 is holding for you.... Morgan, line three, Morgan line.... wait a minute, do we even have that many lines????") but today I am making a decision to re-frame that thought.  Yes, I get a lot of requests.  At times it feels like more than I can handle.  But most of the time I follow through.  When I don't, there's a reason or I apologize honestly and fix it.  Maybe that's why so many people ask me to help them, not as a punishment but as a compliment, a way of saying I'm good at what I do.  When I got pass the stress and drama that I'd created in my mind and listened a little harder, I heard a lot of really rewarding "Thank yous."  I've had the opportunity to be a part of very intimate family moments like illnesses, life transitions, and even losing a loved one.  It's actually quite and honor.  I am thankful to have the very rewarding opportunity to help others in a tough spot and make a difference each day!

Happy Sunday

Today was a beautiful day, filled with laughter and people I love.  No earth-shattering contemplations to share but perhaps the Peace I need to step off of the treadmill I've created and back into life!  Sundays are a beautiful creation!

Alive and Well on Castle Island

10 Miles with hill repeats and speed drills mixed in.  No, I'm not kidding.  Crazy?  Maybe.  Exhilarating?  For sure.  I felt strong, excited, challenged, present, and ALIVE.  Next goal?  live and love with that same passion.

Alice In Wonderland

I guess it's just one of those days.  My amazing little sister fell through a mirror.  Got hurt pretty bad.

Today's saving grace, the part about it that gives me the most faith in humanity is the fact that she's managed to pull through with a positive attitude and a sense of humor.  14 stitches later, what did she discover on this amazing journey?  "Much to my dismay, there aren't fuzzy bunnies or Unicorns on the other side of the mirror.  Just a lot of glass.  And blood."  That pretty much sums up my day.  Maybe my week.  I know I will find the strength and faith I need to believe in Unicorns once again soon.  But right now?  Man, I could really use a fuzzy bunny.

Passion

Live: 

"somebody do something
anything soon
I know I can't be the only
whatever I am in the room
so why am I so lonely?
why am I so tired?
I need company
I need backup
I need to be inspired"

-Ani Difranco, Face Up and Sing

As she often does, I think Ani said it all for me.  I'm happy enough, everything's okay (isn't it always in reality?) but feeling like I need... passion.  Be it a new race, new romance... Feeling somewhat lost but trusting the Universe will kindly fill in the blank for me as it always does!

Laugh:  Classic!

Run:  Fartlek intervals!  Was anticipating a weak morning but it was actually quite a strong run.  Felt great and very fun!

Love:  My family.... and puppies ;)

I am Tarzan... Hear My Virtual ROAR!!!!

Live:  AHHHHHH!!!!!!  Just one of those days I feel like screaming.  So this is my virtual scream.  I feel better.  My new goal is not to be always happy.  Sometimes we need to scream, but I am letting it go with the virtual growl.  Time to let go of the today's hiccups and hit the yoga mat for a few and the restart button tomorrow.

Laugh:  I'm laughing at my own corny Tarzan joke and there's totally hysterical images involving loin clothes floating around my mind!

Run:  Easy Run Day didn't feel so easy, but such is life.  I know my mind, body, and soul are craving some sort of a break/happy place yet to be determined and I'll bounce back stronger than ever!

Love:  I love the wonderful people in my life who go the extra mile to through me a life preserver (helping hand, smile, laugh, hug, etc) when I feel like I am drowning.  Thanks to you guys I remain a float!

AHHHHH!!!!

AHHHH!!!!   Crazy, stressful day.  Not much to stay here and in a hurry to get to bed and reset for a brighter, more positive day and out look so here's a reader's digest version of a blog post:

Live and Love:  Nothing profound to share so I thought I'd take this opportunity to pass on a great holiday shopping idea:

http://blingbynancy.com/

She definitely has some nifty bags and jewelry to help you live, made with love!  Excellent photography and sire design from my Dad too!  Check it out!

Laugh:  .... I'm going to find a laugh tonight so I don't cry!

Run:  Hill repeats!  Super challenging and my butt may remind me of them tomorrow but very playful and fun.  Plus what amazing weather this morning.  It felt like spring!

Chasing Dragons

Three miles easy turned into six, but it was exactly what I needed so it's all good.  What a gorgeous day for it to boot!  I feel the need to share lyrics from "Long Live" by Taylor Swift:

Long live all the mountains we moved,
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you
I was screaming, long live the look on your face
And bring on all the pretenders, one day we will be remembered

Hold on to spinning around
Confetti falls to the ground
May these memories break or fall
And you take a moment
Promise me this:
That you'll stand by me forever,
But if God forbid fate should step in
And force us into a goodbye
If you have children someday
When they point to the pictures
Please tell them my name

Tell them how the crowds went wild
Tell them how I hope they shine
Long live the walls we crashed through
I had the time of my life with you

Those of you that know me know I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Taylor Swift lyrics depending on how much I happen to believe in fairy tales on that particular day.  No, I'm not making fun of here when I say that.  I'm actually most proud of myself on the days I DO believe in fairy tales.  There's nothing wrong with it, so long as you are able to do so without attaching yourself to specific outcomes.  That's the tricky part, but each day it comes to me with a bit more ease.  For a long time, I had a specific dream that I equated with happiness.  The turn of fate that prevented me from achieving this dream, this life with this person, was my convenient excuse to be less than my limitless potential.  I've come to realize that dreams are beautiful so long as we don't allow them to prohibit the beauty is now.  The glory that lies in the many possibilities for joy that life presents each day.  That is the first reason why this song resonates with me so much today.  The second is as a means of thanking the special people in my life with which there is a bond that cannot be broken by time or space.  I may not see or speak to them for days, years, or even ever again but the imprint they have left on me can never fade.  To those of you with whom I have had the privilege of chasing dragons, sharing dreams, and being my truest self, I bow.  Thank you.

Cool toys, Cooler people, amazing brew, and.... WHAT?! Intervals??? ;)

Live and Love Combo:  What a wonderful day!  Started off with breakfast with Mom and John at the Commercial Club, then a visit with my sister, Erin, and Kris, then two visits with some super cool people and a phone call from an old friend.  Plus, I got to taste our amazing Pumpkin Beer brewed in Dad's kitchen by yours truly, Nancy, and Dad.... and it was amazing.... it's even beautiful to look at... see:

Plus, I got to play with dad's cool toys:

Family, friends, old EB cronies.... this is the type of day life is all about.

Laugh:  See "Run"

Run:  Had a blast doing Fartlek Intervals this morning!  (For laugh, insert all the comments made by my family in response to this statement... get it Fartlek... hahahah... the part of this story that makes it truly news worthy though is it was actually my MOM that cracked the first and quickest joke.  Dad actually just let it go. Think he was overwhelmed by the amount of potential material there! :)

Hypnotized By the Lucky Cat

Live: Slept late, experienced the beauty of Southie, then had an amazingly fun evening learning about interior decorating (considering my only decoration is a Freddy Krueger glove this was likely good use of my time;) and perusing the isles of Kam Man. Even snuck in a pretty bad-ass hula hooping session in the market! Good times!

Laugh: Every time I go to Kam Man I periodically wander off. I am always found staring, completely mesmerized, at a Lucky Cat. Occasionally, I admit, I am waving back. I am happy to report I am not the only one with this issue. I'm frequently surrounded by others in the same boat. I was, however, the only one over the age of four.

Run: 10 Miles in Southie! An absolutely gorgeous day! Sullivan's was open and I was surrounded by incredibly friendly people! Not as long as the long runs I'm used to from marathon training but quite lovely all around!

Love: I loved today. I was surrounded by friendly people from strangers on Castle Island to people I care about. Had fun and definitely felt the love today!

Happy Friday!!!

Live:  My life lesson for the day:  Give love and respect for all.  Regardless of education, income, race, sex, or sexual preference we are all equals as human beings.  Remember this even when you are stressed or having a bad day.  I dropped the ball on this a little and I think the bad mood I created in someone by doing this caused them to drop it a lot and I had to face the fallout.  I hold no anger toward that person and am in fact quite grateful for the reminder.

Laugh:
A bear walks into Bill's Bar In Billerica and goes up to the bar and says to the Bartender: Bartender I'll have a ... a....a.....a.................cold beer. The Bartender says, OK bear but what is with the big pause....paws ...... See what I did there???  (Courtesy of Dad:)
Run:  Not too much news here.  Noticed my legs and caboose getting bigger.  Tough to swallow as someone whose always been known for her smallness but the bright side I've found is I think my butt just knows it's Boston Bound!  (Muscle for the hills insulation for the winter training required for a New England Fall Marathon.  Also, my amazing sister Erin has offered to market jars of fudge sauce to benefit Dana Farber should I be accepted to the Team!  A perfect holiday treat sealed with the perfection of her culinary talents so lets all hope it's a go! :)

Love:  Wonderful chat with my biggest running "fan", Grandma!  From all the way across the country I feel as though I hear her cheering me on in my long runs!  I am truly blessed!

Ek! There's a Freddy Krueger Glove on My Wall... and it's actually quite EMPOWERING!

There are three things on my wall: a mirror, a Freddy Krueger Glove, and the medal from my first marathon.  Here's why:


Nancy: I know you're there Freddy.
Freddy Krueger: You think you was gonna get away from me?
Nancy: I know you too well, Freddy.
Freddy Krueger: Now you die.
Nancy: It's too late, Krueger. I know the secret now. This is just a dream. You're not alive. This whole thing is just a dream.
[she turns around and faces him]
Nancy: I want my mother and friends again.
Freddy Krueger: You what?
Nancy: I take back every bit of energy I gave you. You're nothing. You're shit.

Read it.  Pay special attention to the lines in bold.  I've never found Nightmare to be a horror flick so much as an inspiration.  Hearing Nancy tell Freddy he was shit was actually quite life changing.  Turns out, the moment we turn our back on our fears and stop giving them power, obstacles are remover and a world of possibility is now open to us.  I always said "I can't run"  I'm athletic in others ways so it's ok, but I simply can't run.  Truth was, I was afraid to try.  Afraid I'd fail and saying "I can't" was a convenient excuse, my own personal Freddy Krueger.  One day I turned my back on that fear.  I ran a mile and a half.  Called my Mom out of breath and overjoyed.  Then I ran 5 miles.  Then 7.5.  Then I decided to train for a marathon.  I ran Baystate and when the going got tough around 20 miles I remember saying to myself "Fuck you, Marathon.  You're Shit.  I'm not afraid of you."  And I wasn't.  I finished.  I qualified for Boston.  Guess I can run. 

The moral of this, for me, is once I get past the fear I can probably do anything I put my mind to.  Powerful.

Random Wednesday ;)

Live:  Walked home in the snowy rain because it made me feel like a kid!  And oh how I appreciate the warmth of home so much more!  When's the last time you felt like a kid?  If it's been more than a week make a play date with yourself!

Laugh:  Today's NOTE TO SELF:  Remember to purchase Slutcracker tickets ASAP!!!!!

Run:  Not far, not fast but I kept running even though it was intensely windy.  Previously I have just "walked it out" except between gusts reasoning that when it's THIS windy I'm building strength just by virtue of NOT blowing into the ocean so it's all good.... and I don't argue that point but maintaining my run tells me the run's a bit more solid and strong than when I started out!

Love:  I love getting to watch the people in my life that I really care about grow.  They are still flawed and I find that beautiful... that's how I know I love them, but bettering themselves, learning from mistakes, taking pride in each day and giving it their best shot! 

One-Liners, Taking Chances, and The Warm Fuzzies!

Live:  I did it stepped out of my comfort zone and sent in my Dana Farber Application!  $4000 is a lot.... little scary but many, if not all, of the most incredible moments in my life scared me at first.  That's living.  It's been really fun coming up with ideas and has given me a greater awareness in donating to my friends' causes, which feels awesome!  It has also given me reason to reconnect with some people I haven't in a while.  All good stuff!  Now to wait and see if I am accepted!  Either way I will find a fun plan but for now I enjoy the suspense!

Laugh (courtesy of Dad;) : Q:  Why can't a bicycle stand up alone, without a kick stand? A:  Because it is just too tired... 2-tired.... see what I did there????? ;)

Run:  Hills!  5 Times up and down Grampian Way  (my neighbors surely think I am crazy or very lost!!!;) and a light jog before and after.  Coolest part was I jogged (no, not literally;) into the lady who adopted my kittens.  Turns out we are neighbors now.  Super cool!

Love (People and things I love that gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling today!):
Bruce Wyman for always amazing me with a great attitude and introducing me to this super charity:
www.houstonmemorial5k.org

Club Ex, For all the great years I spent there starting as a child for cheer leading all the way up to my instructor years.  More than a gym it was a family and I LOVE all the wonderful charity work they do like....

Sibling Sundays!  (www. siblingconnections.org)  An organization I REALLY love!  If you aren't familiar, check it out!  Those kids are amazing and inspire me!  We had so much fun (even though I was the "volunteer" I'm pretty sure it did far more for my soul than I ever did for them!) and I hope to make it to one soon!

5 Miles Easy... or Perhaps a Bit Challenging

News in running is rather uneventful.... 5 miles easy was...well...EASY.  However, I grin ear to ear when I remember how not even a year ago 1 mile was insurmountable.... Yay Progress and Perseverance!  News in life.... not so easy.  Honestly nothing awful happened to me but I got some more or less devastating news about a friend's loss.  My heart is with him.  Again, though, I am impressed by the strength of the awesome people that surround me.  By him, for doing what he has to do and by others as they reach out.  My heart was also warmed by the increased sense of civility at work and by the amazing progress I have watched a few, one in particular calls out to me today, over the past couple years.  The roads behind and ahead of us may not always be easy, but I find success amidst a struggle incredible impressive.  Hats off and huge hugs to all of those in my life not FIGHTING and uphill battle but making peace with it.  To you I bow!

Speaking of hats off (again, I haven't even been accepted yet I am just in the application process which makes this support even more heart warming!;), I would like to thank a few friends who have reached out and offered to help me with my Dana Farber Fundraising:

-Jeff Giberti - you can find Jeff's teaching, subbing, adjusting, and all around awesome talents at South Boston Yoga (www.southbostonyoga.net) and B Yoga Center (www.byogacenter.com)

-Sarah Kearns Sarah's EVERYWHERE!  Check out her schedule at www.yogatosmile.com (Is that not the coolest website name EVER!  Love it!!!)

-Keith Deveau www.featherswellnessstudio.com , www.southshorewellnessmassage.com
Kick butt massage, yoga, psychic events.... the list goes on!

Sarah and Jeff both offered to teach benefit yoga classes and Keith offered to donate his magic hands for chair massage-a-thon at Feathers!  Thanks so much guys.  I hope I make it on the team but no matter what the support is like a giant hug!  :)

And what, if anything does my previous post have to do with running? How is it linked remotely to training? I didn't actually say it had to.... although it is strongly implied by the blog's title. Simply put I'm grateful for the beauty that appeared in a day and a run that started off crappy simply by looking at it differently.  I planned on getting up at 5am and doing a 14 mile-ish run in time to make the train to Mom's.  I actually rolled out of bed at six.  Run cut short.  My type-A overdrive side was immediately frustrated.  New Thought:  Good.  I'm 2 weeks out from a marathon.  My body needs a shorter run and this is my opportunity to honor that.  Then my pace watch that almost never fails me couldn't track my GPS location the entire time.  No pace.  Just run.  Initial reaction was annoyed but a closer look saw this as the beautiful opportunity to just run.  No pace.  No clock. No rules.  And when I did the basic math at the end it was probably the strongest most consistent pace I've ever help.  Add the fact that I was intimidated by the cold and then found I actually run better in it and the result was a perfect example of the perfection found in going with the flow.  In letting go of what "should" (if I ever make a new years resolution giving up that word is on top of my list:) be and allowing the luscious perfection of what is to occur.  Love it!

PS  And If anyone saw the previous version of my first post before I edited it... I am grateful for spell check! ;)

Gratitude. Word of the day. I feel grateful for simple things like the fact I see Tumeric signs throughout the financial district. Seeing  a great company supporting health and the environment make it big inspires me. Grateful for a few days of rest, for a wonderful run this morning, for my amazing friends triumphing through personal struggles, for wonderful yoga classes, visits with my family and a great friend, and the outpouring of support for my Dana Farber application... and I'm not even on the team yet! love it! peace, hugs, and thank you all! :)