Running of the Fools

A race, a 5K finished with speed (for me), exhilaration, relief and a little exhaustion. But it was a strong finish, I always save something for the end so that I can sprint in and look like the race was effortless.

I managed to corral Andrew into going with me. He was reluctant, and a little out of shape. We set the goal to run together but with him not engaging in much exercises since wrestling ended I was a little skeptical but he had made the commitment, and I was impressed with this. I was so appreciative that he would get up that early.

We set out, I encouraged and coached him to start out slow so he would have something to sustain him throughout. I knew from the start it was going to be rough on him. About 1/4 a mile in he was struggling and about 1/2 mile in he was pretty much done. He told me he wanted to walk that I could go on. I asked him if he was sure and he said yes. I admired his selflessness. ( He did manage to finish, three people from the end, the tail car following close behind and two elderly ladies pumping along.)

Away I went. The 5K speed is a little hard for me since I'm used to the long training runs necessary for 1/2 marathons which I am currently in training for. It's a struggle from the start, my breath is so loud sometimes I feel as if it is like a fog horn announcing my arrival to all I pass. Oh well, I heard the breath of others which soothed my ego. 2 miles in and with a 18:45 time I knew I was making good progress, I had made up for the slow start with Andrew which by the way may have proved to be a good training strategy. I pounded on, light on my feet but loud in my breath. (I think the fog horn sound travels from the groundedness and lightness of my feet, up through my body and by the time it reaches my lungs, it pushes out through my mouth as if to say,"get it out now!" This is reminiscent of the birth of my oldest son, I recall those same words. And I really wonder if the feeling is the same. It has been so long ago, I'm not sure.) I continued on despite the effort, gathering speed and finishing strong and fast. 38:36 I think my final time was, enough to earn a first place medal in my age group. (I'm glad Karen from the Y wasn't there she tends to beat me by 2 minutes)

As I reflect on this race one day out, I am grateful once again for the incredible gift of my legs, feet and body that carry me forward and allow me to persevere!

Run with strength, giving credit to the one who made you, and offer gratitude along the way! Blessings on your journey.

Living On Your Own Terms

I too live on my own terms and I agree there is a price for that! I question policy and practices that aren't working or are isolating others. I am a parent of a child with a disability and am often in places where I have to offer up explanations... The price for nonconformity is sometimes high but the value is worth it!

One Week Off

I decided to take this week off from any type of physical exercise. No running, weight lifting or yoga...I haven't run since March 4, today is March 14. I have vowed to get back on the road tomorrow. It has been good in a lot of ways. Gave my body rest and freed my time to do some other things. I spent a lot of time writing, have a deadline Monday, but Thursday was the day I was going to get everything caught up but I woke up with the worse migraine. Haven't had one of those in 13 years. What's up with that?

After spending a miserable day, I decided to get into see the doctor. 3:45 pm finally ended up after throwing up multiple times. Got a shot in the butt of phenegrin (spelling?) and Imatrix (spelling, sorry). One hour later, relief! And starving! Miracle drugs.

Maintaining Sanity in These Tough Economic Times

Times are tough economically right now. There is no denying the facts: unemployment is high, homes are being lost, spending is down.
How can we maintain our sanity and not participate in negative, woe is me thinking? How can we
stay calm? Through the exploration of these questions we are directed to the solution. If we allow for faith we are guided toward action.

Our current troubles are not new. People since the beginning of time have faced difficult economic situations, times when they were concerned about how they would feed their families, where they would live, and how they would manage to meet their needs.

Consider the people of Israel, wondering around in a dusty, dry, stifling desert. They complained, grumbled, and cried out in frustration. In the book of Nehemiah, the great leader reminds us of the love God always had for his people. He calmed their fears, reminded them of his great love for them and guided them toward the solution.

“In your goodness you told them what they should do. You fed them manna and gave them water to drink. Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain.” (Nehemiah 9:20-21)

I’ve still got a closet full of shoes and clothes to carry me through whatever the weather. I’ve got bread, peanut butter, hamburger helper in my pantry. I’ve got water, milk and Gatorade in my refrigerator. I’ve got access to a computer and gas to fuel my car. My home is heated or cooled depending on the temperature. I am taken care of.

In action, to protect me from the negative and hopeless attitudes, I have surrounded myself with a host of positive people to serve as my Nehemiah and remind me that God has never left my side despite lack of faith, sin or a multitude of insults. These people foster an attitude of hope, joy, and contentment.

Assessing my own situation, taking inventory of my actions keeps me focused and in the solution: Was I greedy? Did I buy too much stuff convincing myself I needed more? Did I forget being employed is a privilege, one I must honestly give of my skills? Was I lazy, apathetic, dishonest? Did I forget to give thanks and credit to those that have helped me along the way?

Careful analysis of these questions allows me to take positive action keeping me out of blame, depression, anger. In taking an honest inventory I begin to realize I can exercise some control over my situation and practice some discipline in my life.

Having extra time and less money allows me to explore opportunities for service. I can give of my time to help someone else who is in need. I can discuss my concerns with legislators and policy makers making suggestions based on intellect rather than emotion and fear. I can practice humility by accepting help if I need it.

Compared to the people of Israel wondering around, I’ve got it made. I doubt the current recession will continue for 40 years, but if it does… God will provide for me. He just asks that I do my part.