The morning of Sunday, May 31, 2009 began cold and damp and with plenty of rain. I showed up to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium and sat in my car contemplating whether to go back home and skip the 13.1 mile run that I had committed to run. I sat in my car and wondered to myself, “Why do you even need to run anyway?” Honestly, the answer was not as simple as my needing to keep my word. Months of training wasn’t swaying my feelings either. Running for the cause (the Greenebaum Cancer Center) was doing nada. While watching two runners run back and forth doing warm-ups and seeing race volunteers direct the crowds, a woman in the vehicle next to mine was trying to get my attention. I rolled my window down and she asked, “Do you know if the staging area is where all those people are headed?” I didn’t know, but answered, “Yes, I believe so.” The woman thanked me and then got out of the car. I decided that even though it was raining I should probably get a move one and at least see what was happening in the area where everyone was gathering.
I arrived in the staging area (thank God I was correct) and turned on my IPOD, being able to tune out all the pre run chatter helped calm my nerves. Questions began to swirl in my head. Would I have to run in the rain? Was the course difficult? Would I make my time goal (which for me was under 2:12:24)? What if I couldn’t finish? Then I noticed that the woman from the parking lot was standing next to me. “They just blew the rallying horn. I guess that means things are going to start soon?” I introduced myself and then we began to walk towards the start line. Kim (parking lot woman’s name) and I began talking about what we both heard about the course. We compared training stories. And then Kim said, “This is my first race, ever. I am worried that I won’t be able to finish.”
Well my experience spirit took over, which in itself is hilarious (the Maryland Half was going to be only the 2nd organized half marathon that I had registered). I advised: Don’t let the energy from the crowd take you out too fast. Take advantage of the water stops. Take the race one mile at a time. I even told her how I dedicate each mile to think about something different. Have a plan when you go through the water stops. Get to the finish. Kim seemed to be taking in all of my tips and then she asked, “Why are you running?”
I didn’t get to answer her because the start crowd began to move and then we were off. I lost Kim shortly after mile one. Miles 2-3 were alright. I loved the course between miles 4-5. Running on the 2 lane road was kind of cool. I think the covering of the trees added to the effect. I was mesmerized by the man I saw shortly after the split. He decided he was going to do his 13.1 while skipping rope. I met up with Kim again at the overlap at mile 7. She was looking good. I cursed the course organizers for all of mile 8. Why they felt a hill at that point was a good idea I couldn’t figure out. The Little Red Devils at mile 9 provided the comic relief. I had to dig really deep, so that I could navigate the hill at mile 11. I wish I had gotten the name of the race volunteer, so I could thank her personally for her encouraging words. I was wearing a hat that said, “I run so that I can drink wine.” The race volunteer reminded me that I had a bottle of MD wine chilling at home. I was stoked when I saw the 12 mile marker. As I crossed the finish line and heard the announcer say my name, it hit me.
I run because I can. I run because nothing mimics life more closely. I run because nothing is more satisfying than coming across the finish line knowing that you’ve done it. You’ve finished. My icing on the cake was my finishing time of 2:10:52.
Showing posts with label workouts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workouts. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Power of the Written Word
I've always been the type of person that believed that if you wrote down your thoughts and desires then there was live documentation (in black and white) for you to refer to if you needed it. The live documentation was there to hold me accountable, to remind me, to help me track my progress or lack there of. As a result, I have To Do Lists, Affirmation Sticky Notes, Blogs, Journals, and the various random doodling.
Usually when I write it down, I actually realize what is written there. No matter the task or dream, if I write it down, then I do it. My written words come to fruition. I've written down financial goals, written down my educational goals, I write down my running goals. Guess what? I realize those too. This week, for the first time, I kept a food journal. I've been writting down my goals this week. I've been writting down what I plan to eat (and what I want to avoid). Yup, so far so good.
So tonight, it has occurred to me that I should address the relationship area of my life. And no, I am not being ridiculous. It stands to reason, I write everything else down. So here goes:
I want a real man. I want a man that is emotionally available. One that loves music. One that loves art. He must love God and respect nature and the gifts it has to offer. He should speak with his heart. He should love me, respect me, challenge and interest me. He must be a man of integrity and honor.
It is now time for me to get to work.
Usually when I write it down, I actually realize what is written there. No matter the task or dream, if I write it down, then I do it. My written words come to fruition. I've written down financial goals, written down my educational goals, I write down my running goals. Guess what? I realize those too. This week, for the first time, I kept a food journal. I've been writting down my goals this week. I've been writting down what I plan to eat (and what I want to avoid). Yup, so far so good.
So tonight, it has occurred to me that I should address the relationship area of my life. And no, I am not being ridiculous. It stands to reason, I write everything else down. So here goes:
I want a real man. I want a man that is emotionally available. One that loves music. One that loves art. He must love God and respect nature and the gifts it has to offer. He should speak with his heart. He should love me, respect me, challenge and interest me. He must be a man of integrity and honor.
It is now time for me to get to work.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
25 More Random Things
On my first day of Spring Break, I find myself sick as a dog. Since I am bed ridden anyway, I've decided to share some random thoughts. These are not in any particular order.
1. Technology scares me. It really does, seriously. Take this Facebook account for instance….I only have it because of a class requirement.
2. I believe that ALL things have a season. Life, friends, jobs, relationships, clothes, etc.…enjoy what you can, learn what you are supposed to learn, and move on when it is done.
3. Even though she died back in 1999, it is still sometimes incomprehensible to me that my cousin Lisa is dead. I hope that she is proud of all me.
4. I am a gypsy at my core. I am at home anywhere on this planet.
5. Teaching was the absolute last thing I thought I would be doing for a career. I only began teaching while waiting for the Foreign Service to place me.
6. Monday, January 6, 2006 and running have saved my life. Literally.
7. I don’t believe in Political Correctness. I think it has abused Truth. However, I still hold out hope that Truth will prevail.
8. The first book I ever read from cover to cover was Gone With the Wind. I read the sequel Scarlet…what a let down.
9. I do own an IPOD (someone had to set it up for me though) and I have everyone from Conway Twitty to TPain loaded in it.
10. I have friends that have interesting careers. I know an ice trucker, a CEO of a bank, fitness trainers, foreign service workers, writers, archivists, reporters, pilots, a taste tester, exotic dancers, bartenders, fashion designers, professional athletes, private investigators, personal assistants to famous/wealthy people, numerous chefs, Peace Corps workers, actor, recording artists, ministers, a jeweler, a hand and foot model (not the same people, btw), a few regular models. I could go on, but I’ve made my point.
11. Closed Mind People (People that “Don’t like this/that/him/her/them/it” for no other reason other than mere existence), really, really tick me off.
12. I believe that people have the time to do what they desire to do. Period.
13. I am a principled person.
14. I despise winter, but understand its necessity in the cycle of things.
15. I am jealous of artistic people in general. I wish that I could express myself in the ways that they do.
16. I once spent an entire paycheck on a purse and a pair of shoes.
17. I get a kick out of seeing my students having an “Aha! Moment”. It never ever gets old.
18. The concept of rewarding people for doing things that they are supposed to do is the saddest practice I have ever seen.
19. I am most at peace when I am near water. I sometimes turn on the faucet and watch the water run. Lately, since I have been trying to be less wasteful of the world’s resources, I have started the practice of filling a large bucket with water and then using it to clean things. Yeah, you got it…the dipping my hands in water thingy.
20. I am an English teacher that happens to be the worst speller known to man.
21. I cried when I left Brazil at the end of last summer. I really, really considered not boarding my flight back to the US.
22. If one got a passport stamped for travel within the US, my passport would be stamped the most for Las Vegas, Nevada. Yeah, I don’t get this one either. I’ve been to Las Vegas so many times now that visits have begun to blend together.
23. Sometimes people don’t get what they deserve.
24. It is in part of because of charity that I am where I am today. I am charitable one, to remind myself of it and two, to hopefully bless someone else.
25. My mom and my aunt are my heroes.
1. Technology scares me. It really does, seriously. Take this Facebook account for instance….I only have it because of a class requirement.
2. I believe that ALL things have a season. Life, friends, jobs, relationships, clothes, etc.…enjoy what you can, learn what you are supposed to learn, and move on when it is done.
3. Even though she died back in 1999, it is still sometimes incomprehensible to me that my cousin Lisa is dead. I hope that she is proud of all me.
4. I am a gypsy at my core. I am at home anywhere on this planet.
5. Teaching was the absolute last thing I thought I would be doing for a career. I only began teaching while waiting for the Foreign Service to place me.
6. Monday, January 6, 2006 and running have saved my life. Literally.
7. I don’t believe in Political Correctness. I think it has abused Truth. However, I still hold out hope that Truth will prevail.
8. The first book I ever read from cover to cover was Gone With the Wind. I read the sequel Scarlet…what a let down.
9. I do own an IPOD (someone had to set it up for me though) and I have everyone from Conway Twitty to TPain loaded in it.
10. I have friends that have interesting careers. I know an ice trucker, a CEO of a bank, fitness trainers, foreign service workers, writers, archivists, reporters, pilots, a taste tester, exotic dancers, bartenders, fashion designers, professional athletes, private investigators, personal assistants to famous/wealthy people, numerous chefs, Peace Corps workers, actor, recording artists, ministers, a jeweler, a hand and foot model (not the same people, btw), a few regular models. I could go on, but I’ve made my point.
11. Closed Mind People (People that “Don’t like this/that/him/her/them/it” for no other reason other than mere existence), really, really tick me off.
12. I believe that people have the time to do what they desire to do. Period.
13. I am a principled person.
14. I despise winter, but understand its necessity in the cycle of things.
15. I am jealous of artistic people in general. I wish that I could express myself in the ways that they do.
16. I once spent an entire paycheck on a purse and a pair of shoes.
17. I get a kick out of seeing my students having an “Aha! Moment”. It never ever gets old.
18. The concept of rewarding people for doing things that they are supposed to do is the saddest practice I have ever seen.
19. I am most at peace when I am near water. I sometimes turn on the faucet and watch the water run. Lately, since I have been trying to be less wasteful of the world’s resources, I have started the practice of filling a large bucket with water and then using it to clean things. Yeah, you got it…the dipping my hands in water thingy.
20. I am an English teacher that happens to be the worst speller known to man.
21. I cried when I left Brazil at the end of last summer. I really, really considered not boarding my flight back to the US.
22. If one got a passport stamped for travel within the US, my passport would be stamped the most for Las Vegas, Nevada. Yeah, I don’t get this one either. I’ve been to Las Vegas so many times now that visits have begun to blend together.
23. Sometimes people don’t get what they deserve.
24. It is in part of because of charity that I am where I am today. I am charitable one, to remind myself of it and two, to hopefully bless someone else.
25. My mom and my aunt are my heroes.
Monday, March 23, 2009
So let it be written, so let it be done.
In 2:12 flat! It wasn't to long ago that I informed all one of you out there that reads this blog (lol)that I had signed up to do one more again. And so this past weekend the stars aligned perfectly for me to safely travel to Virginia Beach, Va for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K. What a great weekend! Not only was I impressed with my time (of which I don't believe I could have done any better), but I was impressed with the graciousness of the people. I was able to laugh a lot and relax. I was even able to drink champagne at the finish line (sorry sponsors).
Weirdest moment: Seeing a beer station at miles 3 and 9.
Most hilarious road signage: "Baseball is wrong....a man with 4 balls cannot walk."
Odd restaurant menu offering: Ham Chunks
Most memorable moment: Too many to count
Most inspirational moment: My tears of triumph at the finish line.
Weirdest moment: Seeing a beer station at miles 3 and 9.
Most hilarious road signage: "Baseball is wrong....a man with 4 balls cannot walk."
Odd restaurant menu offering: Ham Chunks
Most memorable moment: Too many to count
Most inspirational moment: My tears of triumph at the finish line.
Rewarding moment: Champagne and live music after the race.
It was suggested that Virginia Beach become a yearly tradition. I have to say that I agree. Man...great friends, great laughs, great race....equals awesome memories.
It was suggested that Virginia Beach become a yearly tradition. I have to say that I agree. Man...great friends, great laughs, great race....equals awesome memories.
Btw: The picture of is of me 5 seconds before crossing the finish line.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Veria
I've spent the last few weeks catching up to the past. I got a new cell phone and a new internet, cable and phone provider. I am sure that I am not saving any money with all of these upgrades that I performed, but I have discovered a little gem. I think my new muse is worth all the money I've spent afterall.
So lady and gentlema...eerr, ladies, let me introduce: Veria.
More information can be found here... http://www.veria.com/
Enjoy.
So lady and gentlema...eerr, ladies, let me introduce: Veria.
More information can be found here... http://www.veria.com/
Enjoy.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Their Coming to Baltimore
Runners have this saying that you can be anything you want to be when you are out there hitting the pavement. Back on my Feet takes this notion and puts it into action...literally.Back on my Feet is coming to Baltimore on March 16th and I cant wait to be a part of it. The organization's focus is homeless people. The homeless get a chance to realize hope and opportunity, which includes a stable job and a place to live. They just have to be able to work towards their goal one (sometimes difficult) step at a time. How is that not like running?
Members of Back on my Feet understand what runners understand and that is no one is going to take the steps for you. They understand (like other runners do) that the community is there to cheer and to motiviate. From that you will get what you need to take that next step, to go that next mile, to make that next turn. Members of Back on my Feet get empowerment. They understand the simple notion that to get anywhere in life, including out of homelessness, you have to take it one step at a time.
You can find out more here: http://backonmyfeet.org/main/index.html
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A Week that Was...
1. Israel has gone into Gaza to get Hamas. Of course in the middle of all of it are the innocent Palestinian citizens.
2. Obama has arrived in DC and the Obama girls started there new school with a ride in a hella motorcade and numerous TV cameras catching the whole thing.
3. Patrick Swayze admitted that he hasn't stopped smoking even though he is in the fight of his life with pancreatic cancer.
4. Sheila Dixon (the Mayor of Baltimore) and my fellow church member was indicted on federal corruption & theft charges.
5. The Governor of Illinois, Blagojevich , was Impeached. He says he isn't going anywhere.
6. A transit police officer shot and killed an unarmed black man in Oakland, CA and riots followed.
7. Alcoa announced that it was cutting 14,000 jobs.
8. John Travolta buried his 16 year old son. He died in the Bahamas of seizure disorder.
9. Oprah admitted that she fell off the wagon and is currently 200+ pounds.
10. My brother was admitted to the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure.
I think I will stop at 10.
Because this week was a bit more stressful than I anticipated, I added in an extra run. It was truly a godsend. It gave me a chance to think about the 6 locals I got to visit in the 1000 Places to See Before You Die series.
Jan. 5 - Topkapi Palace, Instanbul, Turkey
Jan. 6 - Verbier, Valais, Switzerland
Jan. 7 - Any Church in Lalibela, Ethiopia
Jan. 8 - Tasmania Freycinet National Park, Australia
Jan. 9 - Plaza de Armas, Cuzco, Peru
Jan. 10 - Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
2. Obama has arrived in DC and the Obama girls started there new school with a ride in a hella motorcade and numerous TV cameras catching the whole thing.
3. Patrick Swayze admitted that he hasn't stopped smoking even though he is in the fight of his life with pancreatic cancer.
4. Sheila Dixon (the Mayor of Baltimore) and my fellow church member was indicted on federal corruption & theft charges.
5. The Governor of Illinois, Blagojevich , was Impeached. He says he isn't going anywhere.
6. A transit police officer shot and killed an unarmed black man in Oakland, CA and riots followed.
7. Alcoa announced that it was cutting 14,000 jobs.
8. John Travolta buried his 16 year old son. He died in the Bahamas of seizure disorder.
9. Oprah admitted that she fell off the wagon and is currently 200+ pounds.
10. My brother was admitted to the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure.
I think I will stop at 10.
Because this week was a bit more stressful than I anticipated, I added in an extra run. It was truly a godsend. It gave me a chance to think about the 6 locals I got to visit in the 1000 Places to See Before You Die series.
Jan. 5 - Topkapi Palace, Instanbul, Turkey
Jan. 6 - Verbier, Valais, Switzerland
Jan. 7 - Any Church in Lalibela, Ethiopia
Jan. 8 - Tasmania Freycinet National Park, Australia
Jan. 9 - Plaza de Armas, Cuzco, Peru
Jan. 10 - Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Other Christmas Traditions
I've already shared that I am not really into the spirit this year. Not sure why, I'm just not feeling it. I think my coworker Amy picked up on it after I shrugged my shoulders when she asked me how I'd be spending my holiday break. After a quick chuckle, Amy said, "Well Jeremy and I planned on doing our Christmas Day Movie Blitz, but with Will we've not figured out how that would work. It looks like we'll be at home." Well my interest was immediately peaked, "movies," I asked. She responded, "Yup, movies. You know, tickets, start times, concessions stand, popcorn? Jeremy and I go every Christmas Day." OK, so where have I been all my life? How come, I've never thought about the movies on Christmas Day? Amy must have read my mind because she continued, "Alisia, most Jews sleep late, order Chinese carryout, and go to the movies on Christmas Day. It isn't our holiday."
I almost gave Amy a bear hug, but I didn't want her to punch me. So instead I called Michael and asked him if he'd like to become Jewish with me for the day. We'd do it up. Waffles and turkey bacon in our pj's in the morning. It's A Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street on TV (commercials included) for the afternoon. Then we'd order greasy spoon Chinese food for dinner. He loved the idea! Yeah for me. I think it was easier for him to agree as his family are all back in Kansas.
Now you may ask, dear faithful reader (lol), what about Christmas with your family? Yeah, yeah, yeah...I'll make the rounds. (Much) later in the day (evening)...for dessert and quick hellos.
It may turn out to be a merry Christmas, afterall.
I almost gave Amy a bear hug, but I didn't want her to punch me. So instead I called Michael and asked him if he'd like to become Jewish with me for the day. We'd do it up. Waffles and turkey bacon in our pj's in the morning. It's A Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street on TV (commercials included) for the afternoon. Then we'd order greasy spoon Chinese food for dinner. He loved the idea! Yeah for me. I think it was easier for him to agree as his family are all back in Kansas.
Now you may ask, dear faithful reader (lol), what about Christmas with your family? Yeah, yeah, yeah...I'll make the rounds. (Much) later in the day (evening)...for dessert and quick hellos.
It may turn out to be a merry Christmas, afterall.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
One More Again
It's official! I registered. Cant turn back now. Yuengling at the finish line isnt bad incentive either. I didnt register with a charity partner, so for now it is all about me and the running. I'll keep the 2 of your that keep up with this blog posted.Sunday, November 16, 2008
And So...
It has finally hit me that I can only control my actions and that I can not control the actions of others. Did you say, "Duh"? I mean in my head I knew this, but I didnt really know it until it hit me while I was running past South River Colony this morning during the Cold Turkey 10K. I was running and I heard another runner tell her running partner (I will assume a friend), "Honey, you can only control your own feet. Another person cant make you go any faster or slower. Only you can do that." I adjusted my head phones and ran past the both of them. The words you can only control your own feet stayed with me until I got to the last 100 yards and made the mad dash to the finish line.
Thank you fellow runner for helping me understand that:
1. I can control how fast I go.
2. I can only control my reactions to Mom and Dad's behavior during Thanksgiving Dinner. I will ask them to leave their usual antics at the door and pray that they do.
3. I can control my reaction to DK at work. I will choose to close my ears to all things negative that comes from him.
4. I can only control my reactions to Michael. I will choose to speak up and if it doesn't work...move on.
5. I can always count on me because I can guarantee that I'll be fine.
6. I can only control my behavior and not the behavior of others.
And so I've come to understand that one more of those metaphors about running and life is true. Thanks, my fellow runner, where ever you are this afternoon. BTW: I finished this 10K a whole 9 minutes faster than my 10K time during the Marathon. We-Hee!
Thank you fellow runner for helping me understand that:
1. I can control how fast I go.
2. I can only control my reactions to Mom and Dad's behavior during Thanksgiving Dinner. I will ask them to leave their usual antics at the door and pray that they do.
3. I can control my reaction to DK at work. I will choose to close my ears to all things negative that comes from him.
4. I can only control my reactions to Michael. I will choose to speak up and if it doesn't work...move on.
5. I can always count on me because I can guarantee that I'll be fine.
6. I can only control my behavior and not the behavior of others.
And so I've come to understand that one more of those metaphors about running and life is true. Thanks, my fellow runner, where ever you are this afternoon. BTW: I finished this 10K a whole 9 minutes faster than my 10K time during the Marathon. We-Hee!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
It is done...
in 5:05. That is what it said when I came across the finish line at The Marine Corps Marathon. Now according to the Marine at the finish line when my official time is posted (in 72 hours), my time will be less than that because the clock at the finish is the race clock. Since we all didn't start at the same time (I came across the start line 5-6 minutes after the Marathon actually began), my time has to be adjusted accordingly.
Miles 1-9 were grueling! The hills were unlike anything I have ever seen. Miles 10-23 were alright. I cried from mile 24 to the finish. I am not sure where the emotions came from. They just rushed me and I sobbed the entire way to the finish. One the very last hill (about .2 miles), my charity sponsor's trainer Kathy literally ran with me. I was grateful as I didn't think I'd have been able to do it without her.
I am sore and tired. But I feel good. I even got a cool medal for all my trouble.
Miles 1-9 were grueling! The hills were unlike anything I have ever seen. Miles 10-23 were alright. I cried from mile 24 to the finish. I am not sure where the emotions came from. They just rushed me and I sobbed the entire way to the finish. One the very last hill (about .2 miles), my charity sponsor's trainer Kathy literally ran with me. I was grateful as I didn't think I'd have been able to do it without her.
I am sore and tired. But I feel good. I even got a cool medal for all my trouble.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
E-Mail Stress Disorder
I think I have it.
No I am serious. At 7 this morning I turned on my computer and logged into my email and noticed that I had 47 emails. OK, so 47 emails isn't really a large number...that is if 47 is the number you have gathered over the course of a few days. Of course, that wasn't the case with me. I checked my email just 6 hours previously and I had 0 emails in my inbox. Then I got sick to my stomach because I realized that I was checking my email at 1 o'clock in the morning.
Email is supposed to make life easier. It is supposed to make life more convenient. It is supposed to keep you in touch. How come I don't feel like that is the case?
So what is a person to do when you are feeling like you are overloaded with emails? I went to "the experts" (to be read the Internet). Here is what I found:
1. Filter for important email
2. Chunk email checking and responding times
3. Stop checking every minute
I surmise that the "experts" forgot #4, so I've added it to the list:
No I am serious. At 7 this morning I turned on my computer and logged into my email and noticed that I had 47 emails. OK, so 47 emails isn't really a large number...that is if 47 is the number you have gathered over the course of a few days. Of course, that wasn't the case with me. I checked my email just 6 hours previously and I had 0 emails in my inbox. Then I got sick to my stomach because I realized that I was checking my email at 1 o'clock in the morning.
Email is supposed to make life easier. It is supposed to make life more convenient. It is supposed to keep you in touch. How come I don't feel like that is the case?
So what is a person to do when you are feeling like you are overloaded with emails? I went to "the experts" (to be read the Internet). Here is what I found:
1. Filter for important email
2. Chunk email checking and responding times
3. Stop checking every minute
I surmise that the "experts" forgot #4, so I've added it to the list:
4. Don't be afraid to use the Delete button.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Nice Suprise
So all of you readers (the 2 of you) know that on October 26th I'll be running the Marine Corps Marathon. In order to get a spot in the popular marathons, one must have a charity sponsor. You raise money for them, you get training and nutritional support from their team trainers. I am running for Fisher House Foundation.
My goal was to raise $1000. To say the fundraising has been slow is an understatement. People that I knew were financial guarantees fell through. People that I didn't expect stepped up. That wasn't more evident until a co-worker walked up to me today and handed me 3 checks, totalling $250. I am now $45 dollars off of meeting my goal.
Thanks Diana.
To see more on my great charity click http://www.fisherhouse.org/
To see more on my great charity click http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
On This Evening...A List
1. Alton Brown's new show Feasting on Waves is now a favorite of mine.
2. I have less than 6 weeks to go until the Marine Corps Marathon.
3. Life, for me, is indeed a cycle. I have lost touch with a second set of my married friends. Unlike the first group, I am not that hurt.
4. I am physically strong. My knew motto is: Better, Stronger, Faster.
5. My new addiction is local wines. I am really digging this Pennsylvania wine called Liberty White. Yummy!
6. I am bored with teaching. I am mortified that I am even able to utter the words.
7. I love learning. It doesn't matter what it is, learning is just plane old fun.
8. I am a closet style & fashion junkie.
9. Laughing is indeed the best medicine.
10. God has given me many blessings and I am grateful.
11. I have come to detest people that are without honor.
12. I am at peace doing quiet and solitary things.
That is all.
2. I have less than 6 weeks to go until the Marine Corps Marathon.
3. Life, for me, is indeed a cycle. I have lost touch with a second set of my married friends. Unlike the first group, I am not that hurt.
4. I am physically strong. My knew motto is: Better, Stronger, Faster.
5. My new addiction is local wines. I am really digging this Pennsylvania wine called Liberty White. Yummy!
6. I am bored with teaching. I am mortified that I am even able to utter the words.
7. I love learning. It doesn't matter what it is, learning is just plane old fun.
8. I am a closet style & fashion junkie.
9. Laughing is indeed the best medicine.
10. God has given me many blessings and I am grateful.
11. I have come to detest people that are without honor.
12. I am at peace doing quiet and solitary things.
That is all.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I Wanna Be like Dana
Oprah's season premier featured 175 Olympic Athletes fresh from Beijing. Yes, Oprah talked with Micheal Phelps, she interviewed the Redeem (Men's Basketball) Team, the Beach Volleyball chicks, and all the gymnasts. But by far my favorite was 41 year old swimmer (and silver medalist) Dana Torres.
She said one thing during her interview that really stuck with me. When asked about her age and competitive swimming, Dana responded, "the water doesn't know how old you are." When asked if she would continue to swim and perhaps try for the 2012 Olympics, she said, "After an Olympics I usually want nothing to do with water for a while, but now I kinda feel like I want to keep going."
Dana is my hero.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I've Superiorly Performed...
and I got a very stylish, 8x10 inch wooden placard and a letter to prove it! Walsworth (the company that publishes my yearbook) sent it to me during the summer. I got it today at school, along with all of my other summer mail. Being the suspicious person that I am, I asked around if everyone gets such a nice placard at the end of a publishing season. I was pleasantly surprised when I was told no. My rookie year wasn't all bad. Along with a bigger, better, and profit making book, I'd like to get another placard for my sophomore year.
So you asked (I know you did, so I am just answering) what did I do (exactly) to get such recognition. The answer (hold on to something, this one is big): I turned in everything...on time. LOL!
Speaking of superior performance. I am now up to 15 miles on my long runs. I have also past the 50% mark on my fundraising goal.
So you asked (I know you did, so I am just answering) what did I do (exactly) to get such recognition. The answer (hold on to something, this one is big): I turned in everything...on time. LOL!
Speaking of superior performance. I am now up to 15 miles on my long runs. I have also past the 50% mark on my fundraising goal.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Good Eats
It's called Feijoada and I ate it yesterday (for the second time since arriving in Brazil). Feijoada is the Brazilian national dish. It is so good. It is served on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons in homes and every restaurant (from the hole in the wall to the 5 star) across Brazil. So far I have figured out that eating Feijoada on Saturdays is better. It is better because you have the afternoon to sleep it off. Maybe I shouldn't have written that last part.
According to Brazilian history, Feijoada is a dish that was introduced to Brazil by African slaves. Slaves use to take leftover (scrap) pieces of their owners' pork and other meats and would stew it with black beans. It is served with rice, kale (or collard greens), plantains, roasted manioc flour, and oranges. You are supposed to have Caipirinha (limes, sugar, and sugar cane brandy over ice) or beer when you have Feijoada. I chose the former, as I am not a beer drinker.
I am sure that this dish is fattening. Anything that tastes this good usually is.
Note to self: In the morning run an extra mile to make up for the good eats.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Lazy Hazy Days
I love summer for just that reason. July 4th, I decided that everyone would come to me for eating, drinking (none for me though...I had a long run the next morning), and laughs. No invites were issued. I used technology to spread the word....general text messages. The text read, "Looks like its gonna be @ my pad. It starts @ 2 n' will end at 3 if y'all don't show by 2.30. Bring what you want to eat."
It worked...(smile).
Michael ran the grill. I think I have a crush on him now. Smile.
Amanda had dessert. She really needs to open a shop. She had her "Betrothed" with her.
Sarah showed up looking like she just left the runway during NYC's Fashion Week. She still hasn't told everyone where she was going. She came with Cruz.
Dalila made her grand entrance...of course way after she was told to arrive.
Odelia our family's resident nut. She is absolutely hilarious. Her latest CD single was cool.
Debbyann arrived 1st. I should have given her a prize.
Paulette arrived with Ms. Marissa. OMG, I had no idea that Marissa could put down potato salad like that!!!
Trudy arrived after everyone left, so we spent quiet time eating the grilled lamb that Michael made for us...yummo.
Then the kids....Jaylynn, Ariel, Ty'Heil, Caleb, Malachi, Marissa (I mentioned her already) and PJ (who let me know that she gained 3 pounds). I was exausted just by looking at them.
We laughed, looked at old family photos, ate (and ate and ate) great food, listened to music, caught up and had a good time.
It worked...(smile).
Michael ran the grill. I think I have a crush on him now. Smile.
Amanda had dessert. She really needs to open a shop. She had her "Betrothed" with her.
Sarah showed up looking like she just left the runway during NYC's Fashion Week. She still hasn't told everyone where she was going. She came with Cruz.
Dalila made her grand entrance...of course way after she was told to arrive.
Odelia our family's resident nut. She is absolutely hilarious. Her latest CD single was cool.
Debbyann arrived 1st. I should have given her a prize.
Paulette arrived with Ms. Marissa. OMG, I had no idea that Marissa could put down potato salad like that!!!
Trudy arrived after everyone left, so we spent quiet time eating the grilled lamb that Michael made for us...yummo.
Then the kids....Jaylynn, Ariel, Ty'Heil, Caleb, Malachi, Marissa (I mentioned her already) and PJ (who let me know that she gained 3 pounds). I was exausted just by looking at them.
We laughed, looked at old family photos, ate (and ate and ate) great food, listened to music, caught up and had a good time.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Life is a Marathon
How many times have you heard this one? I have come to understand exactly what this means. Training is going well. I am up to 9 miles on my long runs, which makes the short runs seem like a breeze. During the long runs I entertain myself with music (boy those IPOD Playlists come in handy), I look at the sites along the trail (I ran by the most beautiful horse farm 2 weeks ago), and I think. I think about all kinds of things. I think about how lucky I am. I think about how far I've come (and how far I still have to go) both on the run and in my real life.
While it is very easy for me to get overwhelmed with the how far I still have to go during my long runs, there is something that clicks in me and says, "ILP, take one more step." Then I do. Then that something says, "Take another step." Then I do. Before I know it I have finished my run and wonder why I was so overwhelmed in the first place.
While it is very easy for me to get overwhelmed with the how far I still have to go during my long runs, there is something that clicks in me and says, "ILP, take one more step." Then I do. Then that something says, "Take another step." Then I do. Before I know it I have finished my run and wonder why I was so overwhelmed in the first place.
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