They both involve a lot of pushing - especially at the end. They both require your body to undergo intense physical pain. They both produce a sweet, life changing reward and change your life forever.
If you never thought training for a half marathon and being pregnant had anything in common....well, then, you are probably a man - or you've never run a half marathon!! :) This weekend, myself and 4 girlfriends ran the Pacific Crest Half Marathon. As we sat there, after the race, over several cold brewskis, we discussed a lot of deep life issues. We covered topics like surviving the death of parent, raising kids, traveling to far away places. It is amazing how training, running and sweating it out with close friends, suddenly makes everyone more vulnerable and the discussion of any topic becomes permissable. You have nothing to hide and find that similair, shared experiences is the thing that got you into this in the first place.
We recounted each mile of the race, noted particularly difficult stretches and rejoiced in our final steps over the finish line...all of us achieving "personal records" that day. There were smiles, laughter and yes, lots of tears. It was one of those female bonding moments that you only see in the movies. We had trained hard and we were relishing in the "afterglow" of a job well done. We gave our families a ton of credit...knowing full well that we could not have done our long weekend runs if it hadn't been for our supportive husbands. We cherished the look on our children's faces as they saw some of us cross a half marathon finish line for the first time...and yes, we patted ourselves on the back for putting the time and energy into a rather lofty goal and accomplishing it!
Perhaps training for a half and bringing a baby into the world are more similar than anyone ever thought? I mean, when else in your life would you forgo a two martini lunch for a salad and glass of water or keep a daily journal on what you ate, how much weight you have gained and how you are feeling? We tend to treat ourselves way better when we are expecting...by taking lots of vitamins and allowing ourselves to rest; eating for two causes us to look more closely at what we put in our bodies and more often than not, we think twice about having that obligatory glass of wine with dinner.
Just like pregnancy, training forces us to focus on what is good for our bodies and what will make them stronger and more effective when it really counts. It involves sacrifice for the good of the whole. We are willing to endure 9 months or 10 weeks of scrutinizing our habits because we know it will be worth it in the end.
But...the most common similarity, we all agreed, is that, like childbirth, you quickly forget how much pain is involved and tend to focus on the end result (whether it's holding your precious new bundle or that shiny precious medal!)...and can't wait to start working on the next one!!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Summer Rules
I know, sounds like an oxymoron, right? It's summertime...which equates to no school, no schedule, no shoes, no rules! But, as a teacher and a mom, by nature, I still have to have some sort of organization to our otherwise chaotic, carefree, "no-schedule" summer days!
It's the first official day of summer and my daughter is already complaining. She is bored (the ink hasn't even dried from her 5th grade graduation certificate!) She doesn't have a thing to do. Well, I could make a list of a million things she could do!! So, this moment is what got me thinking about the topic for this blog: "Summer Rules". And, here they are, starting with the most important: (insert drumroll here...)
#1. The word "bored" cannot be uttered from June 15th - September 4th! First of all, if you are bored, it is an insult to yourself. And, second of all, there is always something to do. If you can't think of something on your own, I will be happy to hand over my TO DO list to you...and believe me, you don't want that! (I am even considering charging a small fine when I hear that dreaded "B" word!)
2. If we can ride bikes there, we will. (We are blessed to live in one of the most bike friendly cities in the nation!)
3. Spend 20 minutes reading something every day. (If your kids are not readers, make a chart, buy some stickers and give them weekly "treats" for their hard work!)
4. Try something new every week! (Go to a new park, a new restaurant, or simply play a game you've never played before, right at home!)
5. Go Barefoot as much as possible...(As a kid, I remember spending the entire summer barefoot! I had a never-ending stubbed big toe and skinned knee AND of course, my share of bee stings and sharp object imbedded in my foot...but, man it was worth it to feel the cool grass beneath my feet! I don't think kids these days go barefoot enough -probably not "PC" or something! Pfft!)
6. Sleep under the stars atleast once!! (Even if it's in your own backyard!)
7. Eat a sloppy, sticky s'more whenever you get the chance! (and if you are worried about the calories, plop a piece of dark chocolate on instead of the milk chocolate, and VOILA! a healthy s'more 'cuz there are hardly ANY calories in marshmallows OR graham crackers, right?!!)
8. Sleep in if you feel like it.
9. Keep your freezer stocked with Otter Pops!! (Buy the 5000 pack at Costco and your kids will always have a yummy snack to cool them off!)
10. Go skinny dipping! (Okay, so I threw this one in for the adults, there is nothing more freeing to tear off your suit and swim in a remote lake or river or your own pool after the kids are asleep!!) hee he
So, there you have it...not a long list by any means, especially coming from the "Queen of Lists!" But, I think it covers the basics! Summer is a time to relax, replenish and re-charge those low batteries. But, the teacher and mom in me, says that we also need to keep our minds sharp and our creativity a cookin' even without the structure of everyday classrooms instruction - the best of both worlds perhaps!
Happy Summer!!!
It's the first official day of summer and my daughter is already complaining. She is bored (the ink hasn't even dried from her 5th grade graduation certificate!) She doesn't have a thing to do. Well, I could make a list of a million things she could do!! So, this moment is what got me thinking about the topic for this blog: "Summer Rules". And, here they are, starting with the most important: (insert drumroll here...)
#1. The word "bored" cannot be uttered from June 15th - September 4th! First of all, if you are bored, it is an insult to yourself. And, second of all, there is always something to do. If you can't think of something on your own, I will be happy to hand over my TO DO list to you...and believe me, you don't want that! (I am even considering charging a small fine when I hear that dreaded "B" word!)
2. If we can ride bikes there, we will. (We are blessed to live in one of the most bike friendly cities in the nation!)
3. Spend 20 minutes reading something every day. (If your kids are not readers, make a chart, buy some stickers and give them weekly "treats" for their hard work!)
4. Try something new every week! (Go to a new park, a new restaurant, or simply play a game you've never played before, right at home!)
5. Go Barefoot as much as possible...(As a kid, I remember spending the entire summer barefoot! I had a never-ending stubbed big toe and skinned knee AND of course, my share of bee stings and sharp object imbedded in my foot...but, man it was worth it to feel the cool grass beneath my feet! I don't think kids these days go barefoot enough -probably not "PC" or something! Pfft!)
6. Sleep under the stars atleast once!! (Even if it's in your own backyard!)
7. Eat a sloppy, sticky s'more whenever you get the chance! (and if you are worried about the calories, plop a piece of dark chocolate on instead of the milk chocolate, and VOILA! a healthy s'more 'cuz there are hardly ANY calories in marshmallows OR graham crackers, right?!!)
8. Sleep in if you feel like it.
9. Keep your freezer stocked with Otter Pops!! (Buy the 5000 pack at Costco and your kids will always have a yummy snack to cool them off!)
10. Go skinny dipping! (Okay, so I threw this one in for the adults, there is nothing more freeing to tear off your suit and swim in a remote lake or river or your own pool after the kids are asleep!!) hee he
So, there you have it...not a long list by any means, especially coming from the "Queen of Lists!" But, I think it covers the basics! Summer is a time to relax, replenish and re-charge those low batteries. But, the teacher and mom in me, says that we also need to keep our minds sharp and our creativity a cookin' even without the structure of everyday classrooms instruction - the best of both worlds perhaps!
Happy Summer!!!
Ahhh...the joy of summer!!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Twice fallen...twice shy!
Okay, Okay! It was bound to happen sooner or later! I'd been running almost 2 years and had yet to fall. Well, up until a few weeks ago, that is. And, then last week, it happened again!
A normal person might say..."To heck with running." or "I better slow down before I kill myself." Some people, once they experience something negative, try at all costs to avoid the very situation that caused them pain. Well, not this girl! I have one thing to say, "I just need to keep a better watch on those damn rocks because I am NOT going to giving up running until they bury me in the dirt!"
Both times that I have fallen...it have been on a 5 -6 miler with my two running buddies. (We are training for a half marathon and training requires us to do LONG runs on the weekend.) And, both times, it was at Mile One of the run!
The first time, I tripped and fell to the ground but, was able to pick myself up, brush myself off and continue as if nothing had happened. My partners stopped to make sure I was okay, but it was apparent that they didn't think it warranted stopping. So, neither did I!
The next time, we were just starting out on a 6 mile loop around the gorgeous Deschutes River. It was 540am. I was chatting up a storm, filling them in on my Memorial Day Escapades...when, BOOOM! I tripped and fell and ended up flat on the ground, staring directly at a very large rock, just centimeters from my face!! I fell much harder this time. Luckily, I had braced myself with my left hand and was able to break my fall somewhat and also avoid hitting my face on that sharp rock! I also had gloves on, since it was a particularly cold morning, which I am certain saved me from even more damage.
Again, my friends stopped in their tracks, checked me out and were happy when I brushed myself off and set off on our run.
It hurt like hell. It was all I could do to keep from crying and continue on. Lord knows, I have a hard enough time running 6 miles on a good day, let alone with a bruised hand and bloody shin/knee!
I finished the run. Drove home. And, once I was in the saftey cocoon of my own home, I bawled like a baby!! My husband just sort of stood there in awkward silence in the kitchen, not quite sure what to say. He grabbed the hydrogen peroxide and scrubbed the you-know-what out of my "owie" while I closed my eyes and cringed. He also brought me three ibuprofens and a glass of water to wash it down! Good man! (Had it been 6PM instead of 6AM, I am sure he would have replaced that glass of water with a glass of wine...or two!)
Life is hard sometimes. Things don't always go the way we expect. Some days, we just need to suck it up and be tough and carry on. And, then sometimes, we just need to let go, surrender to the pain, and have a good old fashioned cry! Some days, we do a little of both.
My hand swelled up the size of an orange, turned some amazing colors and my shin and knee had a nice pattern of road rash all over them...but, thankfully, nothing was broken (except perhaps, my ego!) and I was happily able to complete a 12 mile training run this morning...with NO falls!
If there is one thing, I've learned, it is this: "Keep an eye on the ground, because at any moment, it can rise up and frickin' hit you in the face!" But, I've also learned that you can't let life's little bumps keep you down. For too long anyway!
A normal person might say..."To heck with running." or "I better slow down before I kill myself." Some people, once they experience something negative, try at all costs to avoid the very situation that caused them pain. Well, not this girl! I have one thing to say, "I just need to keep a better watch on those damn rocks because I am NOT going to giving up running until they bury me in the dirt!"
Both times that I have fallen...it have been on a 5 -6 miler with my two running buddies. (We are training for a half marathon and training requires us to do LONG runs on the weekend.) And, both times, it was at Mile One of the run!
The first time, I tripped and fell to the ground but, was able to pick myself up, brush myself off and continue as if nothing had happened. My partners stopped to make sure I was okay, but it was apparent that they didn't think it warranted stopping. So, neither did I!
The next time, we were just starting out on a 6 mile loop around the gorgeous Deschutes River. It was 540am. I was chatting up a storm, filling them in on my Memorial Day Escapades...when, BOOOM! I tripped and fell and ended up flat on the ground, staring directly at a very large rock, just centimeters from my face!! I fell much harder this time. Luckily, I had braced myself with my left hand and was able to break my fall somewhat and also avoid hitting my face on that sharp rock! I also had gloves on, since it was a particularly cold morning, which I am certain saved me from even more damage.
Again, my friends stopped in their tracks, checked me out and were happy when I brushed myself off and set off on our run.
It hurt like hell. It was all I could do to keep from crying and continue on. Lord knows, I have a hard enough time running 6 miles on a good day, let alone with a bruised hand and bloody shin/knee!
I finished the run. Drove home. And, once I was in the saftey cocoon of my own home, I bawled like a baby!! My husband just sort of stood there in awkward silence in the kitchen, not quite sure what to say. He grabbed the hydrogen peroxide and scrubbed the you-know-what out of my "owie" while I closed my eyes and cringed. He also brought me three ibuprofens and a glass of water to wash it down! Good man! (Had it been 6PM instead of 6AM, I am sure he would have replaced that glass of water with a glass of wine...or two!)
Life is hard sometimes. Things don't always go the way we expect. Some days, we just need to suck it up and be tough and carry on. And, then sometimes, we just need to let go, surrender to the pain, and have a good old fashioned cry! Some days, we do a little of both.
My hand swelled up the size of an orange, turned some amazing colors and my shin and knee had a nice pattern of road rash all over them...but, thankfully, nothing was broken (except perhaps, my ego!) and I was happily able to complete a 12 mile training run this morning...with NO falls!
If there is one thing, I've learned, it is this: "Keep an eye on the ground, because at any moment, it can rise up and frickin' hit you in the face!" But, I've also learned that you can't let life's little bumps keep you down. For too long anyway!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sometimes we all need a little pruning...
When I go to church, sometimes, I am more attentive than others. Sometimes, I really concentrate on the message and other times, it's all I can do to try and stay focused long enough to get through mass. Tonight's sermon at church was awesome; it was all about the Gospel of John (Chapter 15, Verse 1-11) where Jesus talks about The Vine and the Branches. This part hit me in particular:
"I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
It got me thinking, "How many times in my life has God "pruned" me, whether it be through a sickness or some other life challenge to become even more fruitful?" I can think of a few times for sure.
Being diagnosed with MS was definitely one of those times. I always say that having MS has been more of a blessing in my life, than anything else. My diagnosis happened during a time of my life when I was not being particularly faithful to God - or much else in my life. I had grown complacent. I didn't have a purpose.
God has a way of getting our attention and in my case, the message was LOUD and CLEAR! I have never felt like he gave me MS to punish me...but, rather as a wake-up call. He was saying, "I have given you so much and you're not even using it. Maybe I need to take something away for you to blossom."
Well, in the end, MS really has given me more that it has taken away from me. I don't know if I would have had a second child if it had not been for this disease. And, I can almost guarantee that I would not be running today if it had not been for MS. Losing the use of your legs, arms, whatever it is, even temporarily, has a way of spurring you into action!! My motto now is "Use it or Lose it!" I don't want to ever look back on my life and say, "I wish I had run when I had the chance." Everyday that I wake up and am able to get out of bed and run is a gift and I'll be damned if I'm going to turn that gift away. I know some people think I've gone a little overboard on this whole running craze but, honestly, I just look at it as a second chance, a chance to give back and a chance to stay strong.
More than anything, MS has given my life purpose. I feel like having MS has given me a new perspective on life and has enabled me to offer support to others. Just like the words in the song that we sang tonight at church, "Where there is despair, let me bring hope." If I can bring hope to even one person, then my life here on earth has not been wasted. Amen.
"I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
It got me thinking, "How many times in my life has God "pruned" me, whether it be through a sickness or some other life challenge to become even more fruitful?" I can think of a few times for sure.
Being diagnosed with MS was definitely one of those times. I always say that having MS has been more of a blessing in my life, than anything else. My diagnosis happened during a time of my life when I was not being particularly faithful to God - or much else in my life. I had grown complacent. I didn't have a purpose.
God has a way of getting our attention and in my case, the message was LOUD and CLEAR! I have never felt like he gave me MS to punish me...but, rather as a wake-up call. He was saying, "I have given you so much and you're not even using it. Maybe I need to take something away for you to blossom."
Well, in the end, MS really has given me more that it has taken away from me. I don't know if I would have had a second child if it had not been for this disease. And, I can almost guarantee that I would not be running today if it had not been for MS. Losing the use of your legs, arms, whatever it is, even temporarily, has a way of spurring you into action!! My motto now is "Use it or Lose it!" I don't want to ever look back on my life and say, "I wish I had run when I had the chance." Everyday that I wake up and am able to get out of bed and run is a gift and I'll be damned if I'm going to turn that gift away. I know some people think I've gone a little overboard on this whole running craze but, honestly, I just look at it as a second chance, a chance to give back and a chance to stay strong.
More than anything, MS has given my life purpose. I feel like having MS has given me a new perspective on life and has enabled me to offer support to others. Just like the words in the song that we sang tonight at church, "Where there is despair, let me bring hope." If I can bring hope to even one person, then my life here on earth has not been wasted. Amen.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
FU, MS!
Every year, my friends and I turn out for the MS Walk. This year we decided to RUN it instead of walk. For one, we are all training for a half marathon in June and our training required us to do a 4 mile run that day. And, for two, well, I feel like it is my way of saying "FU, MS" anytime I step it up a notch or try something a little out of my comfort zone.
In the past, we've done the walk under the team name, "Margie's Girls" and have had lots of people show up to walk. This year, I decided to change it up a bit! I invited my closest friends and decided we needed a catchier team name!! Here's how I came up with our new team name...
At last year's walk, I had seen a family with homemade T-shirts at the walk and their shirts said ..."FUMS" on the back. I laughed to myself and felt an immediate need to go see what it was all about! So, I walked up to the older gentleman and said, "I LOVE your shirt!" He turned around smiling and pointed to the front of the shirt...saying, "It stands for Families United against MS." I smiled and said, "Sure, it does!" We both laughed. He introduced me to his 33 year old daughter, Alex who had just recently been diagnosed with MS. She was vibrant, a tall long-longed brunette beauty, a nurse and recently married. Her and I visited for quite awhile and as she talked, I couldn't help it; I started crying. Here was a young gal (same age as I was when I was diagnosed) who, just months earlier had received devastating news that could change the course of her life. And, she was smiling, surrounded by family, ready to walk for MS and do all she could to beat this damn thing. I was truly in awe.
Anyways, once I saw those shirts, I knew I had to steal their idea and somehow make it mine!! So, this year, I gathered my peeps and did a little of my own creative marketing!! I bought simple white shirts at WalMart...(originally, I was going to write on them with a sharpie, but decided these shirts were too cute to ruin!) so, I found a use for my old race bibs and turned them over, marking a black letter on each one! Turned out really cute!
Friends United against MS!
What? What did you think it stood for??
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Run Like A Girl...
Want to know what is even better than me learning to run at the age of 45? My 11-year old daughter taking up the sport! Now, this may not seem like a big deal. But, let me give you a brief bio on my daughter. She has never enjoyed running, nor has she been interested in my newfound love for running. She is strong-willed and once she gets it in her mind not to do something, well...good luck trying to get her to change her mind. She has never felt like she was a good runner or had what it takes to become one. I have tried relentlessly to get her to sign up for a kid-friendly race with me to no avail. I see kids on the side lines of races, cheering on the runners and have thought to myself, "man, I wish she would do that." But, knowing all along she never would.
Well, I went away last night with my book club ladies and came home 24 hours later - only to find that my husband had turned my little girl into a budding runner!! He bought her, her first pair of running shoes. And, actually took her to the track to run with him. He ran 9 laps and she ran/walked 5.
By the time I got home, she was flying high on Cloud 9. She couldn't wait to tell me all about her afternoon with dad...grinning from ear to ear while she recounted her run. She wanted me to take her to get a pair of running pants, with an ipod pocket, because a girl has to have music when she runs! I was so excited that I would have probably bought her a brand new ipod if that's what she had asked for!!! So, I quicky wisked her off to Nike before her enthusiasm dwindled. On the way, she was asking all sorts of questions..."Mom, when did you know you liked running?" "Why did you first start running?" "When can we do a Fun Run together?" "When, we go to the beach for spring break, can I run on the beach with you?" It was all I could do to keep from crying tears of joy!! My girl was finally sharing my love of running and she was excited about it! My heart was literally overflowing with joy.
I have to hand it to my husband...How he was ever able to convince her to go for a run, is beyond me. Sometimes, it's good to step back and let someone else work their magic. I think I need to go on more girls' getaways so that my husband can perform more everyday miracles at home!
I am excited about the future and running many races with my daughter. I can only hope that she enjoys it half as much as I do. Lord knows, I wish I had started running sooner than I did. Thank you, Andrew, for taking control of the situation and just doing what you do...I am forever indebted!
Well, I went away last night with my book club ladies and came home 24 hours later - only to find that my husband had turned my little girl into a budding runner!! He bought her, her first pair of running shoes. And, actually took her to the track to run with him. He ran 9 laps and she ran/walked 5.
By the time I got home, she was flying high on Cloud 9. She couldn't wait to tell me all about her afternoon with dad...grinning from ear to ear while she recounted her run. She wanted me to take her to get a pair of running pants, with an ipod pocket, because a girl has to have music when she runs! I was so excited that I would have probably bought her a brand new ipod if that's what she had asked for!!! So, I quicky wisked her off to Nike before her enthusiasm dwindled. On the way, she was asking all sorts of questions..."Mom, when did you know you liked running?" "Why did you first start running?" "When can we do a Fun Run together?" "When, we go to the beach for spring break, can I run on the beach with you?" It was all I could do to keep from crying tears of joy!! My girl was finally sharing my love of running and she was excited about it! My heart was literally overflowing with joy.
I have to hand it to my husband...How he was ever able to convince her to go for a run, is beyond me. Sometimes, it's good to step back and let someone else work their magic. I think I need to go on more girls' getaways so that my husband can perform more everyday miracles at home!
I am excited about the future and running many races with my daughter. I can only hope that she enjoys it half as much as I do. Lord knows, I wish I had started running sooner than I did. Thank you, Andrew, for taking control of the situation and just doing what you do...I am forever indebted!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Dr. Seuss was a pretty cool cat!
Last Friday, was Dr. Seuss's Birthday. It was a fun day at school...Kids wore pajamas (as did some of us adults!) and brought their favorite Dr. Seuss book to school. In kindergarten, the kids ate green eggs & ham, and wore fun red & white striped hats made out of paper plates and striped paper. In third grade, the kids got to bring pillows and blankets from home and sprawl out on the carpet during reading time and read their fave Seuss book. (It's days like these that I really love my job!!)
As I was reading "Oh! The Places You Will Go"...on the carpet with one of the kids, I came across a quote that I loved! I even asked one of the kids if I could borrow his pencil and wrote it down so I'd remember it, and perhaps post it on my mirror when I need a little extra inspiration.
So, here it is:
"You won't lag behind because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be BEST of the best. Wherever you go, you will TOP all the rest. Except when you don't because sometimes you won't. I'm sorry to say so, but sadly it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you!"
I love this!! It is so true. There are days that we fly towards the finish line, passing all sorts of folks on our way. And, then there are those days when we just can't seem to get our groove on, can't seem to get into a rhythm...and as good ol' Doc S. put it so well, so many years ago..."except when you don't because sometimes you won't!" Plain and simple.
I think this is such a great lesson for all of us, including our kids. They need to know that sometimes life won't go the way they want. "Bang-ups", "Hang-ups" and hiccups happen to all of us. One of my favorite things to tell my kids is: "We can't control what happens to us, but we CAN control the way we REACT to what happens to us." Kids need to know how to roll with the punches. They need to know how to get back up when they fall. Life can be tough but, attitude is EVERYTHING and the sooner, they figure that out, the better. And, who better to teach us that than Dr. Seuss?
Happy 108th bday, big guy!
As I was reading "Oh! The Places You Will Go"...on the carpet with one of the kids, I came across a quote that I loved! I even asked one of the kids if I could borrow his pencil and wrote it down so I'd remember it, and perhaps post it on my mirror when I need a little extra inspiration.
So, here it is:
"You won't lag behind because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be BEST of the best. Wherever you go, you will TOP all the rest. Except when you don't because sometimes you won't. I'm sorry to say so, but sadly it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you!"
I love this!! It is so true. There are days that we fly towards the finish line, passing all sorts of folks on our way. And, then there are those days when we just can't seem to get our groove on, can't seem to get into a rhythm...and as good ol' Doc S. put it so well, so many years ago..."except when you don't because sometimes you won't!" Plain and simple.
I think this is such a great lesson for all of us, including our kids. They need to know that sometimes life won't go the way they want. "Bang-ups", "Hang-ups" and hiccups happen to all of us. One of my favorite things to tell my kids is: "We can't control what happens to us, but we CAN control the way we REACT to what happens to us." Kids need to know how to roll with the punches. They need to know how to get back up when they fall. Life can be tough but, attitude is EVERYTHING and the sooner, they figure that out, the better. And, who better to teach us that than Dr. Seuss?
Happy 108th bday, big guy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)