From the Daily Kick in the Butt

I thought this was insightful....

Running is the classical road to self-consciousness, self-awareness and self-reliance. Independence is the outstanding characteristic of a runner. He learns the harsh reality of his physical and spiritual limitations when he runs. He learns that personal commitment, sacrifice and determination are his only means to betterment. Runners get promoted only through self-conquest.

From a moving story....

This is just what we all need to remember each day:

Work as if it was your first day.
Forgive as soon as possible.
Love without boundaries.
Laugh without control
and never stop smiling.

Back in Action

Hello everyone. Last night I was informed by Mary that I need to start blogging again and then I got home and Andrea had asked me on facebook what happened to my blogging. I didn't even know people read this.... so I am back and I will start blogging again as much as possible. Thank you for encouraging me to start up again!

Today I would like to blog a little about the discussions I had last night while having a nice dinner party. Here are a few things that really got me thinking (in no particular order):

> Age doesn't matter, you just have to be able to relate to others and be open to different ideas and thoughts. Learning from other people's life experiences is very valuable. Creating relationships is what life is all about.

> We should take a cue from dogs: Lose our egos and we could become selfless lovers of people. If only we could be as excited to see other people as dogs are every time. (good insight from Brian)

> Be open to taking chances and don't be stuck in your ways, in your little comfortable "box". Because you may miss a wonderful opportunity in life.

> You only live one life, a life you have little control over, so just go with the flow and make as many memories as you can along the way.

> And I got this quote this morning that I really like: "Remember that if you don't go to the starting line, you will never view the whole course with all its possibilities. And you will certainly never see the glories of the finish line. " ---- this can be interpreted in many different ways!

Amby Burfoot, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life

Stop and Realize

'May today there be peace within! May you trust that you are exactly   
where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite   
possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you   
use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has   
been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you   
are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul   
the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and   
every one of us.' 

Good Quote

"Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own, sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction." 

William James, philosopher 

I was able to reach my goal of cutting five and a half minutes off my Bolder Boulder time.  It felt great.  It is a good way to start my training for the triathlon in September.  I just need to remember this quote whenever I am afraid that I won't be able to finish the tri.  I think we all don't realize how much strength we really have  b/c we don't push ourselves past what we feel comfortable with.  Try to push yourself, test your limits.

Recipe

Here is a recipe for getting flax into your diet.  Many people are choosing to include flax seed in their diet because of its role in fighting health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and menopause.  So try out this flaxseed muffin recipe to get some of this miracle food.

Words of Wisdom & a New Challenge

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." 

ARISTOTLE 

(I think this quote can be applied to all aspects of our lives.)

People have suggested starting a blog to share your training experience, but I rather not talk about myself in every post.  However, I do think it is a good idea to share your goals with others, so that they can hold you accountable and keep pushing you.  So I am going to share my next goal/big challenge.  In September 2009, my sister, her husband and I are going to participate in an international triathlon (also known as Olympic distance).  It is a 1500m swim, 40K bike, and 10K run.  Now, I have participated in 6 sprint triathlons, but this is double the distance.  I will need to start training even harder than I have been, but I am on a mission to succeed.

I am getting over a pinched nerve in my foot, and not being able to run for a month.  Next week I should be able to start running and then participate in my favorite 10k, the Bolder Boulder, the following week.  With a foot injury people have to take an easy when starting to run again, so that they do not agitate the injury or worse, re injure and be out for even longer.  So even though I wanted to knock 5 minutes off my time from last year's BB, I am just going to do what I can, listen to my body and finish the race.  Wish me luck and please help encourage me and offer any words of wisdom as a prepare for this new challenge.  Also encourage those around you to take on a new challenge.

I believe races are a good idea for everyone, because it is a concrete goal you have to work toward.  Being able to finish a 5K is a good one to start with.  And then proceed from there, either getting better times in a shorter race, or moving on to longer races.  Either way it is something to work toward.  Also, races give you a sense of accomplishment you may not feel from working out on your own.  That accomplishment will hopefully spur into full on confidence and will to do more.  

Photo Letter Gifts

My friend Rebecca just called me telling me about a photographer who was selling photo prints that were objects in the shape of letters.  You could choose different letters to spell a word or name.  I actually have done a few of these projects for my friend Zac Clark.  He used them as great personalized wedding gifts.  They are something different and look great in people's homes or offices.   (color or b&w)  Take a look and let me know if you are interested!  

Jason Hawkes

There is a really cool photo gallery of recent and world events.  The stories are told through photos, the way I like it!  The site is called Big Picture.  Take a look.  One of my favorite is the photographer Jason Hawkes.  Here are a few of his aerial photos, for more, check out the site. The photos from the Kentucky Derby are really impressive too.  The larger images on the site do them better justice than my blog does.

New Frames

This was my little project with the old frames.  It is always fun to spruce up your room and it doesn't take much, in this case, just a couple coats of white spray paint.  And a displaying of my colorful necklaces which usually hide in my closet.