2017 miles Day 31

Often, you are not working from a place of weakness, 

but rather from a place of gathering strength. 

And, when someone believes in you, 

you may accomplish even more than you thought you could.

~Tony Garcia~

Today is the last day of January.  Gather the strength within yourself to continue this journey.  Remember, You are not alone on your quest of a better self.  Look in the mirror and have a conversation with You.  Congratulate You on accomplishments.  Since You can't change what has been done, ask what You can do differently in February.  Make a commitment to make that change.

I believe in You! 

You can accomplish even more than you thought you could!

Now Get Out There .......................

2017 miles Day 30

This is your Monday Morning Reminder ...

You are Amazing, 
and 

You can handle Anything!!!

Yes!!!  That is true!!!  You are in charge of your life.  You are in charge of the decisions You make.  You have the power to change your life.  You can and will be the best You can be.  You will not just settle for the that's good 'nuf.  The amazing You is empowered with a strength that comes from deep in your soul.  You can and will continue on the journey up that mountain.  You can and will cross that finish line.  You can and will accomplish the goals You set before You.  You will defeat the enemy within.  You will ...

Why?

Because You said so - that's why!

Now Get Out There!!!

2017 miles Day 29

It's OK to push the reset button...

It's Sunday and the beginning of a new week.  You made the commitment to increase your physical activity - and started - but life got in the way... job, family, illness, injury, vacation, and the list goes on and on.  You may have started to question if all this hard work is worth it.  The newness has worn off and now you're feeling the "grind".  The excitement you felt four weeks ago is waning.  The "I can't wait" feelings turn into "Do I have to".  You miss a few days, lose interest, feel like you lost the race so why bother.  Old habits start creeping back..............

The best way to get something done is to begin.  Sometimes you have several begin-agains to get done what you originally set out to do.  It's OK to push the reset button - and begin again.  The important thing is that you are willing to do so!

Choose a goal for this week.  Make a commitment and shake on it.

NOW is your time to BEGIN!
It's OK to push the reset button...

*****

2017 miles Day 28

I recently purchased Wanna Know a Truth?  A Simple Man's Search for the Truths in His Life by Tony Garcia -  runner, author, poet, teacher, coach, mentor, philosopher.  I want to share one of his poems with you from pg 33 of his book.

Strength does not come from physical capacity.  
It comes from an indomitable will. 

~ Mahatma Gandhi  

When you fall down

But stand back up

Strength

When you have excuses

But do not use them

Strength

When you are in pain

But choose not to suffer

Strength

When you are bone weary

But carry on

Strength

When you do not want to

But you do

Strength

When your heart is not in it

But still you dance

Strength

When you want to quit

But you don't

Strength 

Strength.  It's in the doing.

2017 miles Day 27

This Girl Can!!!

Posting this video for a Fabulous Friday Inspiration.  

The first time I saw this video (2 years ago) I said - THAT'S ME!!!  I am living the life I want to live.  I run because I want to.  I run because I can.  I run because I like how it makes me feel.  I run because it gets my heart pumping life blood through my body.  I use that towel to wipe the sweat off my face.  I feel good.

A memory from many years ago:  After a particularly tough day of high school and the words 'buffalo butt' and 'thunder thighs' running through my head, my Mom said something that stuck with me to this day.  She said:  "Sheila, you are a woman and you have thighs and hips.  Celebrate Them!!!"  Aren't moms the greatest....................

And so, I do celebrate the fact that I am a woman.  I do have thighs and hips that don't fit into skinny jeans and that's ok.  There is no one-size-fits-all body type and that would be sad if that were true.

So get out there and .............Get your "jiggle" on!!!

2017 miles Day 26

Let's face it - I sweat A LOT when running.  I can literally wring  out my clothes after a long run.  I've done the weight test (weigh myself before and after a run) and found that I can lose 3 lbs or more depending on the length and intensity of a workout. The question is;  "Am I adequately replacing lost fluids?"   After a bit of searching, I found this article.  It does answer quite a few of my questions.  Great information ...  much of it is common sense.

"What to Drink for Proper Hydration During Exercise"

After reading the article I realize that I'm probably not hydrating enough.  However, I'm not going to stress over the math.  I'm going to listen to my body.  Feel what it's telling me.  Take notice and adjust my water intake when necessary.  The article also warns against hyponatremia, caused by drinking too much water.  

Bottom line - find your balance.  Know what you need.

Now Get Out There!!!

2017 miles Day 25

You are Unstoppable!!!

so get out there ....

2017 miles Day 24

"The easy way out will always be there to wash you away."  

But you won't let it.  

Now - GET UP AND

Rise and Shine!!!

One of the best motivational videos I've seen.  Keep up the great work.  You CAN Rise and Shine!!!

2017 miles Day 23

It was a sunny 45 degrees this noon and no wind, so decided to head out the door instead of the treadmill today.  There is nothing like the feel of cool fresh air on your face and the sound of feet on the road - it was beautiful.   I set my goal for today of six miles and stuck to it.  I ran the first four miles feeling strong.  Should I continue for another two?  Hey, why not?  And so I did.  I didn't let that little voice that wanted me to just end at four miles take over.  I get it when they say that running is not just physical it is also a mental game you play in your head.   I'm happy to say that I was able to complete today's six miles in 59 minutes.

2017 miles Day 22

Sunday and the start of a Brand New Week.

Challenges are just exactly that - a challenge.  You can quit now and not look forward.  You can quit now - no harm no foul.  You can quit now and stay in that same slump that you've been in.  You can quit now and and be satisfied with the thought that you tried.  You can quit now and go back to those same comfortable couch routines. You can quit now - it's too hard, too far, too much time, too much ________ (fill in the blank).  OR you can lace up those shoes, put on your game face and "just do it"... Thanks Nike for that quote.

Reflect on these past three weeks.  Check in with the most important person in your life - YOU.  How are YOU doing?  Look in the mirror and give yourself a big hug.  Set a goal for yourself.  What is one thing that you want to accomplish this week?  Make a commitment - shake on it.

A great quote from Vince Lombardi:  "The man on the top of the mountain didn't fall there."  

My goal for this week is 40 miles ... YES I CAN!!!

*****

2017 miles Day 21

Today's Quote:

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do.
It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't"

2017 miles Day 20

To celebrate my 58th birthday I ran the last 8 miles of the first 100 miles of the Run the Year 2017 challenge.

And so this morning I'm posting a piece from Enya released in 1992.

Book Of Days

Enya

One day, one night, one moment
My dreams could be tomorrow
One step, one fall, one falter
East or west,
Over earth or by ocean
One way to be my journey
This way could be my
Book of days

No day, no night, no moment
Can hold me back from trying
I'll flag, I'll fall, I'll falter
I'll find my day maybe
Far and away
Far and away

One day, one night, one moment
With a dream to be living
One step, one fall, one falter
And a new world that cross a wide ocean
This sway became my journey
This day ends together
Far and away

This day ends together
Far and away
Far and away.

Songwriters: Eithne Ni Bhraonain / Nicky Ryan / Roma Ryan

2017 miles Day 19

 While searching youtube, I found this beautiful piece.

Take time to relax, refuel, rejuvenate, rejoice and

ENJOY!!!

Desiderata - Max Ehrmann

Music:  "Adagio for Strings" by Harold Gomberg, Leonard Bernstein & New York Philharmonic (click on Desiderata link for the video)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

 

2017 miles Day 18

Found this quote by an anonymous author this morning.  Thought it was pretty good and wanted to share.

   

"If it won't matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes getting angry about it".  

That makes total sense.  How many times have I stewed about something and in the end my stew was nothing than a wast of time and emotions that could have been directed elsewhere.  Anger is a poison that creeps into your soul.  It includes the "Should-a", "Would-a", "Could-a" sisters.  These girls know how to manipulate and make life miserable.  SEND THEM PACKING!!!

Running does that for me - I work out the anger and self doubt in about the first 5 minutes, then transition to positive self talk.  I believe that running is synonymous to meditation.  Both are healing for the soul.

Enjoy you day!

2017 miles Day 17

Time to start my day.  In my  opinion, early morning is the best.  The first twinges of light on the eastern horizon, and at this time of the year, mid January, I can feel the days starting to get longer.  It is now that I feel the happiest.

Oh my .............
Watching the sunrise and listening to Agnus Dei, the choir version of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings opus 11

Agnus Dei 

Lamb of God,
Who taketh away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God,
Who taketh away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God,
Who taketh away the sins of the world,
Grant us peace.

2017 miles Day 16

Top of the Monday Morning!!!  After a bout with a bad cold and the flu, I'm feeling energized to "get jiggy" with it this week.  So, thought I'd post a throw back to the 90s,  and Will Smith "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" released in 1997.

Enjoy!!!

 

Gettin' Jiggy Wit It

January Half-Way Mark

January Fitness Goal

Drink eight 8-oz glasses of water every day.  

No alcohol consumption (communion wine excepted)

Yes and YES!!!  Met both of these goals so far.

January Running Goal - 
Run 100 miles

Pleased to say that in the past 16 days I logged 80 miles.  Only 20 more to reach my 100 mile goal for January.   Most of those were at or above a 6.0 mile/hour pace.  Think that's pretty good. 

2017 miles Day 15

Happpy Sunday!!! 

Today's words of wisdom: 

Stay hydrated!!!  Water is to our cells as prayer is to our souls.  Both are necessary for peak performance.   

2017 miles Day 14

I'm fighting a bad cold but hate how cold medicine makes my head feel swimmy.  There are several home-remedies for relieving the symptoms of the common cold.  This website has several that actually relieve the symptoms and will help make you feel better.  Remember:  A cold is caused  by a virus.  ANTIBIOTICS will NOT CURE a cold.

My dad would say.  If you don't take anything for your cold it'll last a whole week.  If you do it'll only last 6-7 days.  

Old-School Cold Remedies That Really Work

These 13 fixes will have you feeling better in no time.

By Laura McMullen

2017 miles Day 13

Yesterday I had the flu.  Today is a bit better.  At least I don't have a fever anymore.  I did walk two miles on the treadmill just because I thought it would make me feel better.  Did it?  Well, not much. I know that staying hydrated is part of the formula for wellness.  I'm going to brew a nice hot cup of tea and sit and knit.  I'm sure tomorrow will be a much better day.

Keep motivated!!!  Don't let little bumps on the trail derail your goal.

2017 miles Day 12

I have the flu and feel miserable.  Hot lemon/ginger tea and rest are the prescription for today.  I'm definitely feeling like the bug right now.

Quote for today:
"Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield."

2017 miles Day 11

Inspirational quote for today - 

As you make this decision remember this prayer:  

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

(prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971)

2017 miles Day 10

I grew up drinking tap water, and my primary source of water for the past 30+ years has been well water.  The well is cased down to 165 feet  and tastes delicious.  A lot of people I know depend on bottled water as their primary source.  I have been wondering if bottled water is really healthier than just plain ol' tap water.  One thing I know for sure is that tap water is a WHOLE LOT CHEAPER than bottled. 

I did some research, and here are my findings.  In most cases, tap water is a safe source of water for human consumption.  City water is regulated and checked frequently for contaminants.  One drawback is the chlorine used to treat city water.  It doesn't taste very good straight from the tap.  Using a quality filter system removes the chlorine etc... found in city water.  An alternative to an expensive filter system is to let the water set for 24 hours.  The chlorine will naturally dissipate and have a better taste. 

Also, there is the question about all those plastic bottles.  Which is a topic of discussion later.  My personal opinion is if you have a safe source of tap water - that's the best and save the bottled water for emergencies.

Bottled Water vs Tap Water

Why Tap Water is Better than Bottled Water

Bottled Water:  Illusions of Purity

2017 miles Day 9

You can throw in the towel or use it to wipe the sweat off your face! 

I saw this on a sports drink commercial.  Not a big fan of the drink, but loved the inspiration.  So get out there and make use of that towel - GET MOVING!!!

2017 Miles Day 8

"In order to succeed, we must first 
believe we can."  

--Nikos Kazantzakis

Sounds so simple doesn't it.  Like the lyrics - "I believe I can fly" .  Just four simple words; "I believe I can....."   

It's true!  

I know it!  

I believe it!  

Therefore I can .... !!!

2017 Miles Day 7

Health isn't in a number or in miles, it's in being more active than you were yesterday.   

This is the end of Week 1.  GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!  Look back at this week with a smile on your face that you accomplished something.  Set a goal for this next week.  Make it small and obtainable, but make it count.

REMEMBER:  The 30 day Challenge for January is "Drink eight 8-oz glasses of water every day and limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day, or better yet none at all."

2017 Miles Day 6

Check this out.  It was posted on FB and I wanted to share it here.  When I watched it I saw more than an elderly gentleman breaking out of his current life situation, I saw myself breaking free from the negative self-talk, breaking free from the what's-the-use attitude, breaking free from the "it's too far"- "you can't do it" - "what's the use" feelings.  I saw myself breaking the chains of self doubt.

Adidas - Break Free

Side note:  Of course the safety of the elderly gentleman needs to be addressed if you are watching the video and taking it literally.  

2017 miles Day 5

"Nothing will work unless you do."

Maya Angelou

That is so true!!!  Not much is gained by sitting on your arse.  It does take work, it does take determination, it does take will-power to obtain a goal.  It is up to you to get MOVING!!!

2017 miles Day 4

It's snowing lightly and 9 degrees outside.  Today is definitely an indoor-treadmill kinda day.  Put on a favorite movie, lace up the shoes, and log some miles!!!

Get up - Get motivated - Get moving!!!

2017 miles Day 3

You have to get up every morning and say "I can do this."

"Rise and Shine!!!"

**********

2017 miles Day 2

2017 miles Day 1

The 2017 miles in 2017 challenge starts TODAY!!!  This is going to be a great challenge.  Right now - positive vibes about the next 364 days.

Also, the start of the 30 Day Challenge 2017.  I did this a couple of years ago and want to revisit it. The goal is to improve overall health starting with ...

January Fitness Goal

Drink eight 8-oz glasses of water every day.  

No alcohol consumption (communion wine excepted)

January Running Goal - 
100 miles