Welcome to My Garden

We may walk on different paths, but we follow the same footprints.

This year I'm focusing on improving my running and overall health by taking the 2017 Mile Challenge and seeing where the journey takes me. I'm also revisiting the Monthly Challenge started by Nephew Jason in 2009.

I'll try to post something every day. It may be a short inspirational quote or a longer narrative. Please join me......

"If you don't try, you won't know you can."


Wednesday, May 31, 2017

2017 miles Day 150


Today's Message:  A note from Tony Garcia

For a child. For your child. For the child in you.
As a parent and teacher, I get asked a lot of questions and for a lot of things.
If I could speak to the children, here are the most important things I would tell them to ask.
1. Ask for what you need more than for what you want: Learn the difference.
2. Ask to earn what you want: Expect no handouts. Do the hard work.
3. Ask for a chance to make amends: You will mess up. You will make mistakes. Make it right.
4. Ask for forgiveness: See #3
5. Ask "what can I do to help"?: If you simply approached problems from this perspective, much is solved
6. Ask for help when needed: This is not weakness. We all need help from others from time to time.
7. Ask to be respected, not liked: Being popular is fleeting. It depends on the whims of others. Being respected is foundational. It depends on the actions of you.
8. Ask to be challenged: Not by others, but by yourself. Raise your own bar.
9. Ask not for easy but for strength: The easy path rarely takes you where you need to go. Strength allows you to travel any road.
10. Ask "how can I make a difference?": It is your one true purpose. ~G

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Excellent message - I especially like #2, though all hit the mark.  Live life exceptionally.

I've picked over 100 lbs of asparagus so far.  Today I'm get to pickle some for winter enjoyment.  Also on the plan today is an 8 mile run.   What a beautiful morning.  Make the best of today!!!

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


Tuesday, May 30, 2017

2017 miles Day 149

Yesterday I reached 705 miles of my run the year 2017 goal.  I will have to average 42 miles/week to achieve my goal.  My best week this year is 50 miles.  I can do this. Yesterday I ran a good solid 8 miles at just below a 10 min mile pace.  At the beginning of the year, my average was around an 11 min mile pace.  I feel stronger.  I feel the positive change in my mental attitude.  What is the source of this change in Me?  It is Me.

Over the past five months I've been focusing on exercising My trinity; body, mind, soul, and it has made a difference.  Every morning I look in the mirror and have a conversation with Me.  I ask "What do I get to do today?"  "How can You be great today?"  "What will you do differently today that will make You a better You?"  These conversations, even just the quick - "Hi, how ya doin" ones have made a difference in how I feel, how I view Myself, how I view My world.

Continue to stay hydrated and make smart beverage choices, eat real food, and do something for You today.

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


Monday, May 29, 2017

2017 miles Day 148

A Blessed Memorial Day to You!!!

What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

History of Memorial Day


Sunday, May 28, 2017

2017 miles Day 147

Happy Sunday!!!
Sharing a message from Tony Garcia that he posted on Facebook.  I retired from teaching after 30 years teaching jr/sr high science, and have spent the past 5 years as a substitute teacher.  This message hit home. I just had to share this one!!! 
Thank You Mr. Garcia!!!

This. A whisper from my heart.
To all the teachers, thank you for making a difference in the life of our children. Enjoy your much deserved and well-earned break.

As I bring my 26th year of teaching to a close, I pause to reflect upon a few truths I have learned during my time in the classroom.

Times change. Children don't. They still want to feel safe, to be valued, to be loved.

Children do not always want what they need. Consistent and high expectations. Firm guidance when they do not meet the expectations. Insistence upon respect and manners.

Children need to be children. They need to explore things. Create things. They need to see the world not through a screen, but through a lens of awe and wonder. They need to play games not of violence, but of imagination and cooperation.

Children do not need more distractions and fidgets. They need focus and discipline, attention and work ethic, effort and grit, mental activity and stimulation, the out-of-doors and physical activity.

Inside a child are universal wisdoms. Listen to them. Do not merely hear them. Talk with them. Do not simply talk at them.

There is not a single standardized test you can administer to a child that will measure the true effectiveness of a quality educator. And, there will never be one.

Teaching is not easy. Not everyone can do it. And just because everyone was once a student, it does not mean they know what it is to be a teacher.

Caring. Hoping. Encouraging. Guiding. Counseling. Coaching. Mentoring. Parenting. Leading. Listening. Acting. Sharing. Giving. Growing. Preparing. Believing. Trusting. Praying. Worrying. Saving. Loving. This is teaching.

The best lessons have little to do with learning targets, expected outcomes, state standards.
The best lessons have everything to do with helping children not be targets of violence and hatred. Showing children the effort they put in determines their outcomes in this life. And they must hold themselves to even higher standards than anyone else expects of them.

The best gifts come from the heart. The best teachers, teach from the heart. Do the math. Teachers are a gift. ~G

Saturday, May 27, 2017

2017 miles Day 146

Got a lot done yesterday in the garden.  Most of the garden beds and paths were weeded.  Today we tackled the task of moving a pergola to a less windy location closer to the house.  Success.  It wasn't really as hard as I thought it would be.

It seems that re-dos are a typical pattern here.   What first seems like a great idea is implemented only to be changed later to a better idea.  I guess that's a normal thing.  If it's not working, or you don't like it, change it.  What's stopping You?  ..... ??? ..... ??? ..... ???






Friday, May 26, 2017

2017 miles Day 145

A lot to do today.  The garden is growing, but so are the weeds.  Will have some breakfast then probably spend the rest of the day working in the garden.  Forecast calls for more rain this afternoon.  I also have another 6 mile run on the agenda.  

Here is a picture of the garden.  Potatoes, onions, radishes, peas, beans, tomatoes, peppers, basal, carrots, cucumbers, c antelope, and summer squash are planted here.  In the bottom right is one of two asparagus beds - picked almost 100 lbs so far this spring.  The grapes are starting to set on, and looks like there will be quite a crop - if we can keep the birds  out.   We have a second plot on the other side of the house planted with winter squash and pumpkin - they need a lot of room to spread out.

Life is GOOD!!!

Garden Photo:  May 26, 2017

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


Thursday, May 25, 2017

2017 Miles Day 144

It's been rainy off and on all day.  Everything looks so green!!!  This month of May has been super busy in the garden.  I'll post a picture later.  I did manage to squeeze  in a 6 mile run this afternoon in between rain showers.  I'm continuing to work on speed.  Ran this 6 miler at 54 minutes.  Felt very good.

Now it's relax time .................................

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

2017 miles Day 143

Just a little James Brown for the start of a 
beautiful Wednesday morning.....
Enjoy


Just feeling so good - goin' out for a 6 mile run this morning.  Today is going to be a Feel Good Day!!!


Tuesday, May 23, 2017

2017 miles Day 142

A goal reached is not the end of the journey.  
The finish line is not the end of the race.  

After a day of rest and relaxation, I'm ready to head out the door.  It's interesting how the feeling of "I did it" turns into a challenge "Now, let's see if You can do it again, but better".  That's what is so great about life.  You set a goal.  You accomplish that goal.  You set another....  You set Your sights on the next step.  

I know what I want.
I want to continue to run.
I want to run faster.
I want to run farther.
I want to be better than I am today.
I want to be stronger than I am today.
I want to feel emotionally stronger, physically stronger, spiritually stronger.
I want ...............

What do You want?

Results Don’t Come Over Night 
It requires hard work and consistency, 
so be patient.

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


Monday, May 22, 2017

2017 miles Day 141

Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon

Congratulations #2556 SHEILA PHELPS!
Here are your results for the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon:
Your final time is 02:09:33 at a 00:09:53 pace.
You finished 1793 out of 4670 in the HALF MARATHON.
You finished 30 out of 207 in your class F50-59.


SO EXCITED!!!  My best time ever!!!  I knew that morning it was going to be a great day, and it was.  

I'm taking today as a well deserved rest day, a reflection day, a relax day, a rejoice day.  Let me just call today, a day of "R".




Sunday, May 21, 2017

2017 miles Day 140


I read this before running the Colfax half-marathon today.  So glad I did.  I WILL run the best race ever.  

A message from Tony Garcia posted on Facebook:
Today, you will face your challenge with grace and grit.
Today, you will conquer your fear with trust and faith.
Today, you will move forward on your path with strength and patience.
Today, you will fulfill your promise with courage and conviction.
Today, you will shine your light with beauty and confidence.
Today, you will unfold your wings with belief and power.
Today, you will speak your truth with clarity and intention.
Today, you will count your blessings with joy and gratitude.
Today, you will grow into your self with love and acceptance.
Today. You will. ~G
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will post race results tomorrow.

Now, GET OUT THERE, You have a race to run!!!!!!1

Saturday, May 20, 2017

2017 miles Day 139

SO EXCITED!!!!
Getting ready to head out for Denver this morning.  Tomorrow my son and I will be running our 6th Denver Colfax half-marathon.  I've trained my trinity - body, mind and soul.  I am ready for this.  As I run tomorrow, I will have along with me the words from one of my favorite warrior poets.  As I run tomorrow, I will have along with me the ownership of my success.  As I run tomorrow, I will have along with me the courage to run faster.  As I run tomorrow, I will have the joy of knowing that this is going to be a great race.  

Now, GET OUT THERE - You're ready!!!




Friday, May 19, 2017

2017 miles Day 138

An excerpt from the book "Wanna Know a Truth" by Tony Garcia.

I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today.  I can choose which it shall be.  
I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.
~Groucho Marx

Here are some simple observations to help you go get today:
  1. When you're standing tall, reach higher.
  2. Falling down happens.  Staying down is a choice.
  3. Everyone gets weary.  Everyone breaks.  It is not a sign of weakness but of  humanness.
  4. When you fall down, get back up.  Every time.
  5. When the weight getts too heavy, it's OK to put it down.
  6. When obstacles appear in your way, jump with both feet.
  7. Some obstacles you'll have to overcome more than once.  That's OK.  Been there.  Done that.  You can do it again.
  8. If you feel yourself coming a little undone, take a moment, tuck yourself in, and then start again.
  9. A challenge, by its very nature, is meant to be difficult.  Life is a challenge.
  10. You are never alone.  Others understand what you are going through.  Call upon them.
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If you like the words of Tony Garcia, you can purchase his book on Amazon.  (click on the book)  It's one of the most inspirational, insightful books I have read. Tony's words certainly give a person pause to think about things that really matter.


Thursday, May 18, 2017

2017 miles Day 137

"How  many of us stop short of success on purpose?  How many of us sabotage our own happiness because failure, while miserable, is a fear we're familiar with?  

Success, however, dreams come true, are a whole new kind of terrifying, an entire new species of responsibilities and disillusions, requiring a new way to think, act, and become.  

Why do we really quit?  Because it's hopeless?  Or because it's possible!"

~ Jennifer DeLucy

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"... sabotage our own happiness because failure, while miserable, is a fear we're familiar with?"  The word "sabotage" has a very interesting meaning.  To sabotage, to deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct.  Why would I want to deliberately destroy something that I worked so hard to accomplish?  

Let's take a closer look:  Training for a half-marathon takes dedication, hard work, and a mind set that You will accomplish your goal of running 13.1 miles with a personal record time.  (This Sunday, May 21st, I have set my goal at running the half-marathon with a time of 2hrs, 10 min or less, a 10 min mile pace)  You set that as a goal.  You spent 12 weeks working up to that goal.  Now, a couple of days before the race, doubt starts to creep in.  What if I can't keep up?  What's the use - I won't be able to do it.  If I sabotage my race by going on a drinking binge, at least I'll have something else to blame it on - it was the alcohol in my system that prevented me from doing my best.  The blame is shifted and the familiar failure to succeed, the familiar not-good-enough feeling, the familiar, comfortable, miserable, don't expect too much or you'll suffer disappointment again, sabotaging words are spoken to You by You.  QUIT doing that!!!  Ok, easy to say - hard to do.  But it really isn't.  Make up Your mind that You are not going to sabotage your race.  You have the strength, the will, the power, the ability to run your best.  The next couple days are going to be easy and relaxing.  Make smart beverage choices, hydrate, eat nutritious food, get plenty of sleep.  Rest, Relax, Rejoice in your ability to succeed.  And, most importantly ............

KEEP YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT - STOP SABOTAGING YOUR HAPPINESS!!!


Wednesday, May 10, 2017

2017 miles Day 129

Our cousins are visiting from California this week.  I think my posts will have to wait - I'll catch up later.

Enjoy your day!!!


Tuesday, May 9, 2017

2017 miles Day 128

Not much to post.  
Hope you're having a Blessed Day!!!  


Monday, May 8, 2017

2017 miles Day 127

Whew!!!  Ran 12 miles this morning at an average pace of  10 min/mile.  Felt pretty good.  Now I have work in the garden to do.  But before I do, let me share a something from  Mr. Tony Garcia:

Image may contain: text

And so, I wish for you ... More as well.  

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


Sunday, May 7, 2017

2017 miles Day 126

Enjoy this day of rest - You deserve it!!!

Relax with a little music ....................



Saturday, May 6, 2017

2017 miles Day 125

A lot of work to do in the garden today.  The first crop of radishes are almost ready for the table.  Potatoes, peas, kale, spinach, and arugula are up.  Getting ready to plant tomatoes and peppers and beans (might be a bit early, so will have to watch the weather reports closely for freeze warnings.

So - Enjoy your Saturday!!!

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

Friday, May 5, 2017

2017 miles Day 124

It's Friday - not much to post today other than.

MAKE TODAY FABULOUS!!!!! 
and ask 
What do I GET to do today?

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


Thursday, May 4, 2017

2017 miles Day 123

May the 4th be with you!!!  

Ok, just couldn't help myself........  Actually, music composed by John Williams is a great addition to my running play list.

I'm 17 days away from running the Denver Colfax half-marathon.  I have a goal of running it 2 hrs, 10 minutes.   (10 min/mile avg pace)  These next two weeks I will focus on the long runs to make sure I don't die at mile 10.  
Here is my plan for the rest of the week:
  • Yesterday was a 6 mile run at just under a 10 min mile pace.  
  • Today I'm planning a 10 mile run at an easier pace.  
  • Friday will be a 6 mile run again under a 10 min mile pace. 
  • Saturday, a 12-14 mile run at an easier pace (to prove to myself I can)
  • Sunday will be a rest day.
  • And every day remember to hydrate, make smart beverage choices, eat nutritious food, not junk, take time for Me, exercise my trinity, enjoy and dance to the music of life.
That is my plan.  I wrote it down.   What's Your plan?  What do You get to do today?

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






Wednesday, May 3, 2017

2017 miles Day 122

Today, the third of May.  This month I have set aside to plant something, and also remember to wear sunscreen.  I found a YouTube video originally written in 1998/99.  Enjoy!!!


Now, GET OUT THERE, You have work to do!!!
And.............Remember - Wear Sunscreen


Tuesday, May 2, 2017

2017 Miles Day 121



Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, people standing
The Boston Marathon is one of the few marathons that a runner has to have a qualifying time in order to pin on that bib.  In the running world, running Boston is a dream that many strive for, but few achieve.  Three friends forged bibs to run the Boston Marathon instead of earning their place either by running a qualifying time, or raising money for a charity.  
The dream takes shape in the heart, the path is charted in the mind, and forged through hard work and dedication of the heart, mind, and body. Continued commitment to excellence is truly an inspiration. I understand, but have never experienced (yet) the type of commitment it takes to run the Boston Marathon. Through Tony's story, I pray others looking for the short cut to glory will take a second look in that mirror and see in the reflections those that dedicated mind, body, and soul, who accomplished their dream with honor, and ask - "Do I belong standing with this group?"

The following is an open letter written by Tony Garcia.  
This. A whisper from my heart.
This. An open letter.
Dear Runners,
If this ever finds its way to you, I hope you will take the time to read and reflect on this letter.
Its purpose is not to shame or criticize or cast aspersions upon you. I suspect there has already been enough of that.
Rather, I hope it sheds some light on what it takes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. And thus, why wearing THAT bib and participating in THIS race holds so much mystique and value and meaning to so many.
I hope it sheds a light on the symbolism of the unicorn. How, for so many runners, it remains but an elusive and evasive dream to pin on THAT bib, to arrive at Hopkinton, to feel the energy of the crowds, to make that final turn onto Boylston, to finish THIS race.
Mine is but one story. There are countless others. Mine is but one story of trial and failure and overcoming. There are countless other stories which far surpass my own. And yet, mine is the only one I can share with the world.
I was, at best, a weekend warrior. And that is being generous. A man well beyond his prime. Life had settled upon me. Activity was minimal. Running not a pastime, pursuit, or passion. Sadly, the pounds and years began adding up.
By the time I decided I needed to change. There was much damage to overcome. Out of shape. Overweight. Embarrassed by my decline. My first attempt at running yielded a slow, painful 7 minute shuffle before I quit and walked home.
Fast forward five years. Although more active, I had begun to fall into old habits. Once again, I decided change was in order. So I signed up for my first half marathon. I would like to say "and the rest is history". As I fell in love with running and racing. For the next 7 years I ran as many half marathons as I could fit into my schedule.
Running a marathon was never even a thought. Half marathons were hard enough on me. If I were to finish a half and someone said now go and run back to the start, them would be fighting words.
But, as the story goes, never say never. My brother and partner in running crime, convinced me to sign up for our first marathon. I was now 50 years old.
When I finished the race, there was no joy or sense of accomplishment. I was just glad I got to stop running. I was out there for a long time. This race would become our "once a year" marathon. We did 3. And I pretty much had my fill. They just exacted too great a toll on this aging body.
And then, 2013. Boston Marathon. I had a friend running the race. Otherwise, it would have once again gone unnoticed. Boston was never my dream. And as for me, I was at home, injured. Unable to run.
My friend called me after she crossed the finish line, as she was making her way to her hotel. And then, chaos ensued. I was on the phone with her when the sirens began blaring and word got out that something terrible had happened.
For the rest of that day and the rest of the week, I followed the story that unfolded. And something whispered to me. I knew I needed to run the Boston Marathon.
How foolish was I? I didn't even know what a BQ was. When I found out the time I would need to qualify, I realized it was probably an impossible dream. That I would likely never chase down my unicorn.
But still, I set in motion the wheels to work towards this dream. For over a year, I reshaped my body, rearranged my life, dedicated my priorities to something bigger than myself. This dream.
I battled injuries and setbacks, doubts and fears. I pushed myself harder than I ever had before. And in May 2014, I ran the first of what would be Boston Qualifying races.
I managed to BQ, but not by enough. My time would not get me to Boston. So many had prayed for me, cheered for me, willed me to this dream. And I had come so very close. I was heartbroken. But not defeated.
Just four weeks later, I tried again. I failed. Again. Only more miserably. I hit the wall at mile 17. Got lost at mile 21. Was nowhere near my BQ time. I was heartbroken. I was defeated. It seemed, Boston would remain a dream.
Six weeks later, there was one final marathon I could run before the window closed for qualifying. But 3 marathons, in 90 days, felt impossible. And, my body was tired. Worse, my mind not able to comprehend another go at it. And still, I had to try.
Once more, I attempted to reinvent myself. Knowing something had to change. The new workouts humbled me. They left me broken. Nights I would go home so bruised and battered. Days I did not know if I could continue.
I recall one workout in particular. It was my lowest point. Already exhausted and seemingly at my limit, I was made to strap on a weighted vest and run another mile.
It was cold and rainy and dark. As I made my way up the hill, a solitary and broken figure, I wiped my eyes. Was it rain or sweat or tears? No matter, I simply wanted to quit.
But you see, I didn't. Boston meant too much. And having just witnessed its triumphant return, Meb's glorious win, and BostonStrong. I knew, I had to make it there.
And so, I ran that third marathon. And in doing so, I qualified for and was able to run my first Boston Marathon in 2015. Dream achieved.
And what I experienced, well, you know. For you wore THAT bib, you ran THIS race.
But for so many of my friends, for so many in the running community, for so many who hold this dream, they will not know this experience. Their unicorn remains elusive. And my heart goes out to them.
Perhaps our stories are similar. Perhaps you heard the calling. Perhaps this was your dream. Perhaps you tried and tried and tried to qualify. Perhaps yours is a story of reinvention and perseverance and overcoming.
But we will never know your story. For it is not what you chose to share with the world. And your unicorn remains elusive. And my heart goes out to you.
Sincerely,
A Runner

Monday, May 1, 2017

2017 miles Day 120

Sometimes our paths cross and we are filled with joy.  I read this post from a young man named Benjamin as a conversation with his Mom, Paige.  Benjamin is a young man with different abilities.  Check out his page on Facebook.  "Lemonade Logic"

"Mom, I think I know why opposites gravitate toward each other. It is so we learn that when you love someone it doesn't mean you will always agree, or understand one another. So, when you love someone, you love the whole of them. When you do, your heart is opened to see new and different ways to enjoy life. Because when you love someone enough to really try and see their perspective you are giving them so much. You give them your attention, your time, your trust and you give them respect. What you will get back is the stuff that fills your heart."


(By the way, speaking of paths crossing, I am happy that our paths have crossed.  It makes the journey a lot more interesting - even if I don't know who you are, your name, or where you're from.  Thank you for taking time to read my blog.)

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