2017 miles Day 119

‎A message from Tony Garcia:  I would include my own thoughts, but think Tony sums them up........

‎Tony Garcia‎ to Run The Year 2017

1 hr · Fort Collins · 

This. A whisper from my heart.

Dear Friend,

Tonight, my prayers shall be for you.

May sleep find you gently.

May peace of mind be your companion.

May worries not dwell in your heart.

May comfort settle over you.

May your pains and burdens fall away.

May you deeply rest.

May a quiet come to your mind.

May dreams carry you forward.

May you feel my love.

This. I pray for you. ~G

#awhisper
#fromyheart
#toyou
#💜

2017 miles Day 118

Top of the Morning!!!

I read an interesting article in Runner's World Magazine and thought I'd share it this morning.  Here's the link:

For Many With Autism, Running is a Sport That Fits

Too many times we look at people with different abilities with an attitude of pity and don't accept them as people who have something to contribute to society.  This article was very good.  

Have a GREAT weekend, celebrate You, and the last two days in April.  I'm going for a long run today and take tomorrow as a rest day.

With that commitment to a loooooong run today.  I better lace up my shoes and - 

GET OUT THERE, I have work to do!!!!!!

2017 miles Day 117

Have a Fabulous Friday!!!

A couple of video clips that I found of

AWESOME PEOPLE DOING COOL STUFF 

and

PEOPLE ARE AWESOME

(There are a lot of others on YouTube, but thought these were really good.)

These people didn't just wake up one day and say "I'm going to do that and be awesome at it".  It takes A LOT of practice, commitment, dedication, courage, ..................  and an understanding the failure is a new beginning and knowledge of what not to do next time.

Remember - Today you have an opportunity to begin your journey from where you left off yesterday.  Continue to make smart beverage choices, take time to exercise Your Trinity, eat food that is not fake or processed with a lot of additives, reduce the amount of stuff you clutter your life with, compost, and have a Smile kinda day!

Now GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 116

Sitting here wondering where this day went.....  I did get in a solid 7 mile run in this morning, baked a loaf of home-ground wheat bread and started a batch of yogurt, and had some relax time for Me.

It started to rain this afternoon.  A nice, gentle, bringer of memories kind of rain.  A rain that you remember as a child playing in the attic on a day such as this - too wet and chilly to go outside.  A rain that spattered on the window and obscured the view of the outside world.   A rain that you heard on the roof as you tried on formal gowns from long forgotten dances, proms, weddings, special events of years long past, pretending to be a beautiful princess in a huge castle ... dreaming of the day you would get to dress up for real and not just for pretend, sipping pretend tea with the obligatory pinkie finger extended, from pretend cups, balanced so elegantly on pretend saucers, and eating pretend tea cakes.  What fun we had, and what fun I had again remembering the memories .. a gift from this bringer of memories kind of rain.

And so, I wish you good-night, and God Bless ................

2017 miles Day 115

I was talking about running with one of my students and mentioned that I was getting ready to run my 7th half-marathon.  Another student asked - "Why would you run that far?"  For a moment, I was kinda stumped what to say.  How can I explain the feeling of running?  How can I really explain the sheer joy of it?  the fear of it?  the agony of it?  the exhilaration of breaking through a 10 mile "barrier" for the first time?  How can I explain the pain, the stiffness, and wanting to go back for more?  How can explain the run?  I found the answer:  "Explaining why I run is like trying to describe the color blue to a blind person."  (No, the words are not mine, I remembered them from the book, Running the Edge by by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano.)  or trying to explain bubble gum to someone who has never experienced it.  

The question still remains:  Why do You run?

My answer:  Because it's what I do.  It is a part of who I am.  It makes me feel great ... especially when I'm done and the sweat is pouring off my body.  

Now, GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 114

It rained last night, so instead of a muddy run, I'll hit the treadmill today.  Looking forward to an easy 8 miles.

Sharing another Tony Garcia post from Facebook this morning ... enjoy!!!

This. A whisper from my heart.

Smile. For it welcomes another. And without a sound it speaks, "I mean you no harm".

Smile. For it lets the light in. And without a sound it speaks, "Today, I choose to be okay".

Laugh. For it is music without words. And it allows others to dance with you.

Laugh. For it is love without words. And it allows others the freedom to sing their own song.

Express joy. For it is the signature of your heart. And from there, you can write a beautiful beginning.

Express joy. For it is the signature of your life. And from there, you can write the dreams you dream.

Things to do: Smile. Laugh. Express joy.

Go get today. ~G

#awhisper
#frommyheart
#toyou
#💜

2017 miles Day 113

A message from Tony Garcia to start your Monday

This. A whisper from my heart.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the challenge set before you seems to demand too much.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the burden set upon you seems too great to bear.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the road stretching out ahead of you seems too long to travel.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the question posed to you seems too difficult to answer.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the task given you seems to break you into too many pieces.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the fears which grip you seem too real to overcome.

There will be times when it will not be easy. When the scale of the dream seems too immense to be realized.

There will be times when it will not be easy. And then you realize, you did not come here for easy.

Accept the challenge. Bear the weight. Start down the road. Seek your answers. Pick up the pieces. Let go the fear. Chase the dream.

Go get today. ~G

*********************************************

Yup  - pretty much sums it up for today.  Chase the dream!!!

Now, GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 112

Happy Sunday!!!  Not much to post today.  Taking it easy and getting ready for the next couple of weeks before the Colfax half-marathon.

Enjoy your day!!!

2017 miles Day 111

Sharing a Post from Tony Garcia.  Enjoy!!!

This. A whisper from my heart.

These. 17 Life Lessons.

Learned during the Boston Marathon 2017.

1. Always have a Plan B

2. The time you had is more precious than the time you finished

3. Goodness and kindness still exist and they always win. Always

4. No matter how much you believe is owed you, take only what is yours

5. There are times, pain becomes a companion to everyone. Others know what you are going through

6. One man's hill is another man's mountain. Do not judge the climb of another

7. Walking is still a way forward

8. No matter the distance, it must be traversed a single footstep at a time

9. Miracles can be accomplished when you truly believe

10. Despite the cheering crowd, you will always hear your own voice. Choose words of faith

11. Weakness and strength are not choices. The choice is what you do when you are filled with one.

12. Fast and slow are terms of comparison, if the journey is yours alone, they are never needed

13. When you feel like quitting, it comes down to finding a single reason to continue

14. Daring to believe is the greatest risk of all. Take the risk

15. Each side of the hill presents its own challenges

16. You are likely to encounter obstacles you did not prepare for. Remember lesson 1

17. Sooner or later, your heart becomes visible. Capture that moment. ~G

**********************************

Thank You Tony!!!

Now - GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 110

Post from Tony Garcia 4/21/13

Running Diary: Chase Your Dream

Stay strong
Stay humble
Stay focused
Stay disciplined
Chase the dream

Keep your head up
Keep your worries few
Keep your excuses fewer
Keep your eyes forward
Chase the dream

Remember who you are
Remember what you want
Remember setbacks happen
Remember the journey is long
Chase the dream

Remain patient
Remain confident
Remain hope-filled
Remain open to the lessons
Chase the dream

Be yourself always
Be faithful to the goal
Be a model of consistency
Be intentional in your choices
Chase the dream

Celebrate you
Celebrate living
Celebrate each step
Celebrate the journey
Chase the dream

Things to do: Chase your dreams

Go get today. ~G

*************************

I am Chasing the Dream, And I hope You are too!!

Now, GET OUT THERE, There is stilll some sunlight left..............

t

2017 miles Day 109

What do You get to do today? 

I have several things on my list.....  

We are in the process of revamping the garden and putting in raised beds with soaker hoses - have two more 10' x 4' beds to build.  We tore down a redwood deck a couple of years ago, so will be using that lumber.  That, along with edging the lawn sums up my garden day.  

Today will also be another longer speed run day.  My goal is 6 miles at a 8:35 min/mile pace with another 4 at a 10 min/mile pace, for a total of 10 miles.  At this point, I'm confident that I can do this.  My ultimate goal is to be able to run a half-marathon in 2 hrs. I know I can do it!!!  We'll see in about a month at the Denver Colfax half-marathon on May  21st.  

Tony Garcia posted this yesterday after running the Boston Marathon Monday.  Had to share.

This. A whisper from my heart.

When you trust your path.

When you find inner peace.

When you know your truth.

When you walk with faith.

When you come to know joy.

When you express gratitude.

When you no longer fear.

When you learn the lessons.

When you fully shine your light.

When you achieve a dream.

When you embrace who you are.

When you love the life you are living.

It will show. ~G

********************************************

From the smile on his face in the pic he also posted, you could see that he definitely loves the life he is living.  As You journey through this day:   Embrace who You are...  Live Your dream...  Live without fear...  Find Your peace... Shine Your light...  

Now, GET OUT THERE - You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 108

From the book, Wanna Know a Truth, by Tony Garcia, pg 141

Every shortcut has a price usually greater than the reward.

~Bryant McGill

There are no shortcuts
Each step on the path must be taken 
This is perseverance

There are no U-turns
The path always leads forward
This is growth

There are no fast-forward buttons
You will arrive when you are ready
This is patience

There are no signs along the way
You must follow your heart
This is trust

There are no others who can walk your path
Only you know the way
This is your journey

*************************************************

Instant gratification.  I want it.  I want it now.  I want to skip the hard work.  I want to skip to the fun part of crossing that finish line.  But, that is not going to happen.  This is day 108 of the 2017 mile journey.  This is Tuesday the 18th of April.  This is NOT a rest day.  You have proven that You will not take the shortcut.  You will not quit and find the easy way out.

Stay with it!!!  

Now - GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 107

I spent the morning watch the Boston Marathon.  WOW!!!  and that's all that needs to be said.

Finished my day with a 6 mile run at a personal best pace of 8:45 min/mile.  Goals for the week will include a long run of 12 miles.

Hope you had a Marvelous Monday!!!

2017 miles Day 106

Today is Easter Sunday.  Sharing a post from "Lemonadelogic"

"Today should be resolution day, not the first day of the year. Today is the day where starting again, being free and renewal matters. I think it should be today. The day where regret and shame and anger and worry and doubt all got pushed aside. It should be today. This is the true starting over day. He died for our do-over."

Happy Easter

#lemonadelogic

Enjoy your day!!!

2017 miles Day 105

500 miles!!!

Only 1517 more to go before January 1, 2018

Have a FANTASTIC weekend!!!  Have a rest day today - you earned it!!!

2017 miles Day 104

IT'S FRIDAY!!!

What do You get to do today?  

Today is a get it done, get going, get moving, get jiggy with it, get up, get to it - day

Now - GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 103

From the book:  Wanna Know a Truth? by Tony Garcia pg 127

If you wouldn't say those things to someone else you love, why are you saying them to yourself?

~Elaina Marie

Someone once glanced at my body and said, "You should be ashamed."

I felt shame.

Someone once looked into my eyes and said, "You are not beautiful."

And I could not see my beauty.

Someone once spoke of my aspirations and said, "You will never amount to much."

And I believed.

Someone once laughed at my dreams and said, "You are foolish to believe."

And I no longer dreamed.

Someone once crept inside my thoughts and said, "You should be afraid."

And I was fearful.

Someone once talked to my heart and said, "You are not worthy of love."

And I was never good enough.

Someone once too measure of my life and said, "You are simply a failure."

And I lived up to this.

Someone was me.  Once.  These were my words.  Once.  But nevermore.

For I no longer give myself permission to speak this way.

Words I would not speak to another.

Words that do not serve my good.

Words so unloving.

Words that are not my truth.

****************************************

This piece has a very powerful message.  Words can lift  up ... Words can tear down.  Words can spark an idea ... Words can crush a dream.  Words can make the seemingly impossible, possible ... Words can make a small task, mountainous.  Words are not always spoken aloud ... Words are whispered, Words are screamed, Words - from our facial expressions, body postures, eye-rolling .........

What words do You use?  What words do You hear?  What words ... ???  

Do not give Yourself permission to speak the words of shame, fear, self doubt, failure..... to yourself or to others.  These words are NOT YOUR TRUTH!!!

Yesterday I committed to running 20 miles these next two days.  I will speak the words of strength, courage, and believe that I will accomplish this task.  How do I know?  Because I said so...  that's why.

Now - GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!!!!

2017 miles Day 102

I really didn't want to run today.  Do You ever have days like that?  Instead of the "I get to" feeling, I had the "I have to" feeling.   It was very tempting to sit this one out, but I laced up my shoes and went.  The first half mile was just like I expected - drudgery.  I was very temped to turn around, but I didn't.   After mile one I decided to go one more mile, and I did.  By mile three I found my groove and mile four and five felt great and a wash of sheer pleasure took over as I neared the end of mile six.  My feet felt like dancing, and so I did - instead of the regular cool down and stretch.

Would I have felt guilty for not going for my run today?  Probably not.  Would I have experienced the joy of today's run if I hadn't gone?   The answer to that is - No.  I'm glad I chose to run today.  The next time I'm faced with the "have to" feeling, I will remember today and change my attitude to I "get to"

I am now 20 miles away from the 500 mile marker of my goal of running 2017 miles this year.  I want to reach this 500  mile marker by the end of this week.  Will I do it?  You bet I will!!!

And so - Good night, sleep well, and be ready to face tomorrow with a smile!!!

2017 miles Day 101

Excerpt from "Wanna Know a Truth", by Tony Garcia, pg 137

I'm grateful for today.  I'm stronger, braver, wiser.

~ Tony Curl

I shall greet this day with a smile.  For whatever it brings to me, I hold inside of me a joy that cannot be moved.

I shall greet this day with a wink.  For whatever it brings to me, I hold inside of me a knowledge that I will be OK.

I shall greet this day with my head up.  For whatever it brings to me, I hold inside of me a confidence that cannot be undone.

I shall greet this day with hope.  For whatever it brings to me, I hold inside of me a faith that always sees me through.  

I shall greet this day with patience.  For whatever it brings to me, I hold inside of me a calm from which I will breathe.

I shall greet this day with strength.  For whatever it brings to me, I hold inside of me a truth that speaks of how strong I have always been.

I shall greet this day with arms wide open.  For whatever it brings, I hold inside of me a gratitude for simply being given yet another day.

*************************

I am doing just that - The sun is about to rise, and I shall greet it this day with a smile, wink,  and head held high, knowing that I hold within my soul hope, patience and strength to greet this day with open arms.  I am alive today and for that I am truly grateful!!!

Enjoy Today!!!!  

Now - Get Out There, You have work to do .....  !!!!!

2017 miles Day 100

One hundred days have passed since this journey of 2017 miles began.  A quick look back:  In January the focus was making smart beverage choices.  February focus was increasing exercise of the trinity and cut out soda.  March was the month to focus on developing smart food choices, reading labels, and avoiding processed or "fake" food.  This month, April, the task is to start a compost pile and minimize trash.

So, how have You been doing?  Make an honest assessment.  Look at how far You have come, and continue to make smart choices.  Remember practice makes permanent.

April is notoriously a month of unpredictable weather.  However, the sun is coming up earlier each day, the days are getting longer, there are fewer and fewer nasty cold days, and everything is starting to break dormancy and green up.  That's just what has been happening to You ... breaking dormancy.  You made the commitment to make specific changes each month.  And, each month those changes have become a part of your life.

This month's challenge of minimizing trash and starting or rejuvenating a compost pile is going well.  Garden beds have been cleaned out and debris turned into the compost pile along with some composted manure from a neighbor's cow lot.  Through the summer, I will continue to add kitchen waste (NO meat products, but egg shells are ok), and other plant waste from the garden.  There are numerous websites that offer tips and tricks for making a working compost pile, so I'm not going to go into detail on the how-tos here.  As far as trash goes, that is still a work in progress.  I am trying to devise a system that isn't too time consuming.

This is another Get-it-done-work-hard-don't-stop week.  Set three goals that You want to accomplish, write them down and stick to it.  Give You a high-five.

Now, GET OUT THERE - You have work to do....!!!!

2017 miles Day 99

Today's meditation from:  "Wanna Know a Truth", by Tony Garcia, pg. 130

Don't let procrastination take over your life.  Be brave and take risks.  

Your life is happening right now.

~ Roy Bennett

When the "have to" in your life becomes the "get to" in your life, you will understand the sheer power of gratitude.

When the "should" in your life becomes the "will" in your life, you will look back on these days without regret.

When the "need" in your life becomes the "want" in your life, you will embrace the freedom of choice.

When the "but" in your life becomes the "and" in your life, you will never again be overtaken by excuses.

When the "one day" in your life becomes the "today" in your life, you will be closer to the dream for your life.

*************************************

This is the day to live the "get to" life.  Set your goals for this week.  Don't procrastinate for tomorrow.  Live today - You have made that choice.  You have come so far.  Continue to live the life you want to live.  Continue to strive to be the best You that You can be - then strive to be better!!!

Take today and Reflect.  Look at the list you made last week.  Evaluate and honestly answer the question.  "Did I accomplish my goals, or did I procrastinate and make excuses?"

Take today and Rejoice in your accomplishments so far.  Make a list of three things that You are the most proud of.  Give You a high-five and a big hug!!!  You did it.

Take today and Rest.  Today is a rest day.  Today I will take it easy and run an easy couple of miles.

Enjoy Your Sunday!!! 

2017 miles Day 98

Outdoor temp 50, wind speed 6 mph, Shoes laced, water bottle filled, phone charged, door open ...............  I'm off for my Saturday morning run.  Scheduled 12+ miles today.  

Now - GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 97

Friday found me working in the garden and a trip to the garden center for a couple of fruit trees and bushes.  I'll count this as a weight lifting day.  Nothing like a shovel in your hand and a pile of dirt to move, holes to dig, trees to plant, gravel to spread, brick edgings to place.........  Whew - that was a workout!!!

Didn't get a run in today, and that makes me a bit sad.  Knowing that tomorrow is Saturday and have nothing scheduled on my calendar except a long run makes me happy.

Hope you had a Fabulous Friday!!!

217 miles Day 96

2017 miles Day 95

It's a wonderful Wednesday morning.  I'm enjoying the sunrise, my quiet time, and a cup of coffee. 

 How's your work-hard-get-it-done week going? 

 Monday I wrote three things down that I wanted to accomplish.  Today is another long run which I will check off my get-it-done list.  I have a 50 mile goal again this week.  I did start a new painting and will post the work in progress on my art blog.  I have the sky done and will work on the foreground.  The garden is a work in progress, but today I will finish pruning fruit trees.

I found this on a blog posted by Tod Leho and it sums up today:

So...............................  Nothing is accomplished by sitting and thinking about it

Now - GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 94

Today is a long-run day for me of 12 miles.  It's  is kinda chilly out, but the wind isn't blowing. I set my mind to it, I wrote it down, now I will do it!  Why?  Because I said so, that's why!!!

Now, GET OUT THERE - You have work to do!!!

2017 miles Day 93

Start this week off with the realization that this is going to be a get-it-done kind of week.  Set up a schedule.   What are three things You want to accomplish?  Write it down.

Today is a work-hard kinda day

Now - GET OUT THERE - You have work to do!!!!!

2017 miles Day 92

Have a Glorious Sunday!!!

Looks like a beautiful day to do an outdoor run for a change.  Think it's going to be a ten-mile kinda day.   Enjoy!!!

Also, take some time today to just relax - you deserve it........

2017 miles Day 91

April 1st and the start of a new month and a new challenge.  The first three challenges of 2017 are by now second nature.  However,  I will also continue to motivate and inspire to keep the body, mind, and spirit strong, hydrate, and make smart food and beverage choices.

Start a compost pile

Don't just throw stuff away - minimize trash and maximize recycling.

We have become an instant gratification, use once and throw away, I want that - society.  I'm no different.  I purchase items for their convenience.  I purchase items because I want it at the time.  I purchase items that have a limited use.  This month, my focus will be on the art of compost, and the art of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle".  

There is a lot of discussion about climate change.  Here is my thought.  If the planet climate changes (which it has done since the beginning of time) humans as a species will either adapt or die out.  I believe humans will adapt.  I also believe that in order to survive, man as a species needs to focus on three essentials of life:  Clean water, clean air, and fertile soil.  When he has these three essentials, he will adapt and survive any change in the climate.  And so, this April 1st we begin, or revisit, how we can improve our "little corner of the universe"

Task for this week:

Analyse your trash.  What are you throwing away that will eventually end up in a landfill?    Does this trash include vegetable material that could be composted and used in your own garden?  Vegetable matter that ends up in a landfill will eventually break down and become part of the earth.  It is not the problem in a landfill, just a volume problem in your own trash can.  What are you throwing away that could be recycled or donated?  

This month is going to be a bit of an eye opener for me.  I know I can do a lot better in the trash department and have a lot of work to do.

Note:  I did meet this weeks goals, except for the 50 mile goal.  Sunday was an easy 2 mile day, Monday was a travel/rest day, Tuesday was a 10 mile day, and Wednesday I was starting mile 7 when I felt a sharp pain in my left calf muscle.  I stopped and tried to massage it out, but that didn't work.  It was more than a little cramp and decided to take it easy for a couple of days.  I tried a run on Thursday but the pain was still there and  walked 2 miles instead.  I decided to take Friday off.  This morning there is no pain, but will take it easy again today.  There is no sense in risking a major injury just because I'm too stubborn to quit.  Sometime you have to just listen to your body and make smart choices.  

Now, GET OUT THERE - You have work to do!!!!