2017 miles Day 270

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!

Ran the Platte-Valley Monument Half-Marathon in Gering/Scottsbluff, NE today.  I placed 3rd out of 18 in my age group with a time of 2:17 an average pace of 10:20 min/m.  Overall place of 95 out of 251 and gender position 49 out of 167.  Very happy.

Received a beautifully framed photo of the Platte Valley at sunset for 3rd place in my age category.

2017 miles Day 268

From Wanna Know a Truth by Tony Garcia, pg 289

September 29, 

It is difficult to soar to your destiny carrying the burden of doubt, impossible to soar to your destiny carrying the burden of fear, but conceivable to soar to your destiny carried by the wings of faith.

~Matshona Dhliwayo

We all have a "something."

What is that something you cannot stop thinking about?
That you once never even imagined?

What is that something you already miss?
That you have never even had?

What is that something you ache for?
That you have never even felt?

What is that something you reach for?
That  you have never even touched?

What is that something you daydream about?
That you have ever even seen?

What is that something that calls your name?
That you have never even spoken to?

What is that something?  It is your destiny.
And you must go to it.  It is waiting patiently for you to arrive.

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

Ok - I think this is telling me something this morning.  I've always wanted to pursue a career in art.  I've always wanted to paint and have my art enjoyed on the walls of others - not just on my own walls.  I've always dreamed of having my paintings hanging in a gallery for others to fall in love with and take home.  I've always dreamed of these things, but never thought I was good enough to chase this dream.  I've always wanted ... but never acted.  It's time to change the "always wanted" into "Today I will."

What is your something? 

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

2017 miles Day 267

Saturday I'll be running in my 8th half-marathon.  These next couple of days I'm going to take it easy.  Yesterday I did a hard 3 mile run at just under a 9 min mile pace.  My goal is to finish this race better than I ran it last year.  2 hr 32 min.  My target is to run at or under 10 min mile pace.  I would love to finish under 2 hr 10 min.

So, for the next couple of days I'm going to continue to hydrate, make smart food and beverage choices.  Get plenty of sleep, and RELAX  -  I GOT THIS!!!

This piece of music is one of my favorites from Coldplay.  Great song to have on my running playlist.

Clocks

2017 miles Day 266

A conversation with Me:

I just got home from subbing for Spanish 1.  I'm tired, but know that I should at least do a two-three mile run.  But, I'm tired ........ so, I think I'll make a cup of tea and relax.  But .... I know that I should at least do a two mile run before relax time.  But, I'm tired ........ so, I think I'll just go take a shower make a cup of tea and relax.  But, I know that I should at least do a two-three mile run before shower time and relax. 

Ok - You win................A two-three mile run, then a shower and relax.

Let me start this conversation over.

I just got home from subbing for Spanish 1.  I'm tired, and I will do a two-three mile run on the treadmill, then take a shower, make a cup of tea, and relax. 

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

Conversations like this can go on and on.  It's how You end that conversation with You that is the difference between staying motivated and disciplined, and being lazy and slothy.

Now, get up - get moving.  That shower and cup of tea will be waiting for you when you're finished with your run. 

2017 miles Day 265

I have five days until the Scottsbluff Monument Half-Marathon.  I took Saturday off as a rest day after the 12 mile Friday run.  Yesterday was drizzly and rainy, so I did a 5 mile treadmill run with an average pace of 8:55.  I felt great.  This week I'm focused on hydration, making smart beverage and food choices, and keeping my eye on the prize.

This is what I know.
I know that I'm going to be ready for Saturday.
I know that I'm going to run strong.
I know that I'm going to run a faster time than last year.
I know that!!! 

Now, it's time to get going, get motivated, get out my list of my get-to-do-today and celebrate today!

Enjoy today!!!

2017 miles Day 264

Happy Sunday!!!  

I read a post from Mr. Tony Garcia this morning.  I am amazed at the dedication, heart, commitment, passion, discipline ........ of this man.  After a grueling workout he did more.  

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

This. A whisper from my heart.

Yesterday, coach put us through a savage partner workout.

Wall balls, kettle bell swings, 200m runs, and burpees. I lost count of the number of reps of wall balls and kettle bell swings we individually did. As a team, it was more than 200 reps per movement.

All I know is, for more than 30 minutes, my partner and I didn't stop moving. And I was soaked in sweat and physically exhausted.

But as I have grown to expect. I wasn't done. Coach then wrote my accessory work on the white board. And I picked myself up and got back to work.

As I was continuing to work, I overheard this comment..."So, the guy who finished the workout first is still working out and the rest of us are just standing around."

1. When you think you've given all you can, you can probably give a little more. Be it effort, time, kindness, love

2. When you have a dream, the dream doesn't care what anyone else is doing. It cares if you will do what it takes

3. When your moment comes, you can trust you are prepared, or you can worry that you didn't do enough

4. When you simply aspire to do your best, you are likely inspiring another to do theirs

5. When you allow yourself the freedom to go to failure, you will allow yourself the chance to succeed

6. When you finally come to trust yourself, you will discover this truth: the wall is moveable.

Go get today. ~G

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

What is Your wall that You want to move?  It is possible.  It's up to you.

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

2017 miles Day 263

It's a cloudy, drizzly Saturday morning.  I'm glad I got my 12 mile long run in yesterday.  Perfect temp of 68, and just a little breeze.  The run felt good with very short recovery time, no stiffness.  I even mowed the lawn.  I don't think today would have been as pleasant.  So, today will be an easy 2 miles on the treadmill, and the rest of the week will be spent hydrating, and doing some shorter easy runs as I prepare for the Scottsbluff Monument Half-Marathon in a week.  I'm confident that I will run a good pace and beat my time from last year.

Found this on YouTube this morning.  Thought it was pretty good - Enjoy

~Find Your Greatness~

Have a Fantastic Saturday!!!

2017 miles Day 262

Top of the morning!!!
A cold front is going to be moving in tonight, with a good chance of rain tomorrow.  I think I better do my long run today.  Looks like it's going to be kinda windy, but I'll just have to suck it up.  I have one week until the Scottsbluff Monument Half-Marathon.  I will be ready!!!

To begin your day, a message from Mr. Garcia:

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

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

2017 miles Day 261

I had a great day today subbing for 5th grade.  I do love what I do.  There is no pressure, just relax and do what I do best, and that is teach.  All in all, it was a very good day.  

I shared this message from Mr. Tony Garcia with them this morning, and I want to share it with you also.

This a Whisper from my Heart

A morning prayer.

May I take the tools I have been given to build a better little corner of my world.
May I use the gifts I have been given to make the day brighter for another.
May I remain present enough to count the grand blessings in my life instead of adding up the minor problems which might arise.
May I patiently wait my turn as the day unfolds so others will not feel hurried or rushed.
May I not cross paths with another without leaving them in a better place for having shared time with me.
May I share the hope and love that exists in my heart so others may feel this in their day.
May I choose to walk forward this day, even if my steps are small, slow, clumsy, or heavy.
May I face the day full of wonder, willing to grow, accepting of what it brings, and ever grateful for the breaths it affords me.
May I do all this knowing I am cared about, watched over, surrounded by and filled with love.
Amen.

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

And so I did.  I used my tools and gifts to make a difference, to give a bright spot in someone's life.  And so, as I bring this day to a close, I pray this morning prayer as a prayer of thanks for giving me today.

2017 miles Day 260

Tuesday's message is from Mr. Tony Garcia..........

GO GET TODAY!!!  

LIVE LIFE FULL FORCE!!!

This. A whisper from my heart.

This. A pep talk.

Give
Yourself credit
Yourself a break
Yourself forgiveness

Take
No shortcuts
No easy way out
No path but your own

Give
It one more try
Hope another chance
What you have to offer

Take
A step back
A knee in prayer
A moment to breath

Give
In to love
Up on no one
Out only compliments

Take
Care
Time
Heart

You've just been pep talked.
Go get today. ~G

#awhisper
#frommyheart
#toyou
#💜

2017 miles Day 259

Monday Morning Message

And that is just what I'm going to set out to do today.  If not someone else ... me.  I'll be the reason I smile today.  

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

2017 miles Day 258

Happy Happy Sunday!!!
Today's Sunday run was a 10 miler.  It was a beautiful perfect 72 degrees but with a 15-17 mile/hr south wind.  Ran the first 6 miles east/west and didn't mind the cross wind.  Mile 7 was north, with the wind, uphill.  It felt really good.  Then I turned around and started mile 8 against the wind.  Even though it was a half mile down hill then mostly flat, it was a struggle.  It felt like .... blah ...  so decided to pack it in and run the last 2 miles on the treadmill at a consistent 9 min/mile pace.  Now, that was fun.  So much better than running against the wind.

I found a very inspirational YouTube channel "Your World Within" by Eddie Perero.  I listened to a couple of his motivational pieces, and he definitely hits the spot.  Check it out.

Your World Within

I wouldn't listen to every one back to back.  I suggest choosing one every morning when you get up. They are really good!!!

So, here is what I get to do this week.  Work on a painting, log 50 + miles, sub a couple of days in the high school, and enjoy life.  What do You get to do?   Have a good one!!!

2017 miles Day 257

Have a FABULOUS Weekend!!!

Do what you enjoy most today.  

Take time for You.  

Remember, You are FABULOUS!!! 

2017 miles Day 256

Today's message from me to You

Some times I struggle.......  I'm sure we all do.
Some times I have just an OK, kinda day........  I get that.
Sometimes I just have to sit and think..........  Ok - I'll do that.
Sometimes I get to.......  If not today - tomorrow.
Sometimes I think I'm spinning my wheels.........  Today I'm going to put on the brakes
Sometimes I try too hard..........  For what?  For whom?  For me!!!
Sometimes I  need to just ................Be.............

Enjoy today!!! and Happy Friday!!!

2017 miles Day 255

Not much to post today;  nothing inspirational, nothing really learned, nothing much ... just an ordinary day.  I woke up at my usual time of 5:00 then dozed for another 30 minutes, dozed some more and actually shut off the alarm when it decided to invade my space at 6:00 a.m.  Not much planned.

I guess it's ok to have just an ordinary day.

2017 miles Day 253

Surfing for a great inspirational Tuesday video, and found this.  

Enjoy

Running Motivation:  Seven Videos to Pump Up Your Week

by Adam Weitz

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

2017 miles Day 252

Today's message from Mr. Tony Garcia. Love the poetic style he used for this piece. After I read it, I couldn't help look up the Beatles song "Revolution". Mr. Garcia put a different twist on it for me. 

Another great song that fits is "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.  Read Tony's message with this playing and you will have nothing but inspiration to start your day!!!

Gonna raise my battle flag - for Me!!!  

This. A whisper from my heart.
Be your own revolution.

Rise up
Against your insecurities
Against your institution of excuses
Against your inertia
Rise up

Rage
Against your status quo
Against your comfort zone
Against your greatest fear
Rage

Burn
Down your walls
Down your perceived limits
Down your ceilings
Burn

Fight
For your finish line
For your right to be happy
For your dreams
Fight

Overcome
Your imagined obstacles
Your need to discount yourself
Your negative voice
Overcome

Be
Your own brand of great
Your best version of you
Your greatest love
Be

Be your own revolution. ~G
#awhisper
#frommyheart
#toyou
#💜

This is going to be a hard training week.  As I prepare for the miles ahead, I will keep these works in my heart and soul.  I will raise my battle flag and "Be my own Revolution" for ME!!!

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

2017 miles Day 251

Am I running enough miles?  How can I get faster?  How can I improve my running performance?I've asked these questions many, many, times.  I know that the best way to improve is to increase mileage.  With that said, and as simple as it seems, sounds like that is what works.

Found an interesting article on the subject and thought I'd share.

Are You Running Enough Miles?

The concept sounds so simple.  To be better, do more.  I equate this to anything you want to accomplish in life.  If you really want something, it takes practice.  If you expect to get on stage and play with the symphony without practicing (hours and hours) it's not going to happen.  

Continue to be motivated!!!  

Continue to be awesome!!! 

Continue to be fabulous!!!

Continue to be amazing!!!  

Continue to  BE!!! 

Now, GET OUT THERE ... You've got work to do!!!!  (even if it is Sunday)

2017 miles Day 250

It's Saturday and a long 12 mile run is on my agenda for this morning.  Need a bit of motivation?  This is a great video:

"5 Ways a Morning Run Will Change Your Life" 

From:  Your World Within

For the rest of the month of September I'm going to focus on getting in the habit of running in the morning.  I generally get up around 5:00, so time is not the issue, it's the motivation to get out there.  I can have a little snack, cup of coffee and be on the road or treadmill by 5:30.  I know that my day will be that much more fabulous!!!  I can DO IT!!!

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

2017 miles Day 249

I got up early this morning after a good night's sleep.

I got up early this morning with joy and peace in my soul.

I got up early this morning ready to start my day with a spring in my step and a song in my heart.

I got up early this morning with arms wide open ready for anything that comes my way.

I got up early this morning to greet the sunrise with a smile.

I got up early this morning with gratitude that I am given another wonderful day.

I got up early this morning..........................

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

2017 miles Day 248

YAY!!!  Team Phelps passed 2017 miles in the year 2017!!!  

Does that mean that we're finished?  Our goal has been met so now we can take it easy?  We don't have to work so hard, train so hard, keep running so hard?

NO!

Our target has been passed, but our goal has not been reached.  So the question....  What is the goal?  The answer....  The goal is living life "Full Force".  The goal is living this finite life beautifully and completely.  The goal is living not as a spectator but as a participant.  The goal is knowing that this life lived was lived with honor and grace.  The goal is to continue running, setting, and meeting individual targets.  I personally logged 1032 miles as of today.  My personal target for this year is 1500 miles.  It's not a goal, but a target, something to shoot for.  

It's the 7th of September.  There are only 115 more days in the year 2017.  What are you going to do with these days?  Are you going to push hard and finish this year strong, or are you going to take it easy and just coast through the rest of the year???   

I plan to push hard and finish strong!!!

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

2017 miles Day 247

This morning I read an interesting post about aging.

Posted by Tony Garcia:

This. A whisper from my heart.

So, after more than a dozen years running races, yesterday, I ran my very first 10k.

I didn't really know what to expect, as I am truly not in racing form. But that's a story for another day.

I went out fast early, and managed to hold on late to pick up an AG place medal. I was very surprised and excited by that.

But more, I was extremely pleased with my overall consistency. As 4 of the miles I held at a 7:15-7:17 per mile pace.

When I went to check the results, there was a note that said as the result of having a time faster than my age (45:39), I would also receive the "Ageless Wonder" ribbon.

Say what? Hahaha! Suddenly, I felt old.

But the more I sat with the idea of being an "ageless wonder", I began to wonder how I am aging?

And here is what I came to understand.

I am not ageless. I am aging.

I am aging stronger.

I am aging bolder.

I am aging gracefully.

I am aging naturally.

I am aging braver.

I am aging wiser.

I am aging gently.

I am aging without regret.

I am aging without surrender.

I am aging beautifully.

I will accept my "Ageless Wonder" ribbon. But I am aging. And I'm good with that. ~G

I guess I really don't quite understand the age thing. When you are young you wish you were older.  When you are older, you wish you were younger.  I believe that age is a number that relates to the time marked from your date of birth.  You reach a certain age - you go to school.  You reach a certain age, you get a driver's license.  You reach a certain age and you are old enough to serve in the military and drink alcohol.  You reach a certain age and you are eligible for medicare.  You reach a certain age and...................  

When you reach a certain age, that doesn't mean you quit living life Full Force.  There are no bench marks or age limits to doing what you love.  To age, to get older, to realize you are given this finite beautiful life is to realize that life is a process. What's wrong with living the age that you are, and living life as a participant instead of a spectator?  Who made the rules?

And so, I will age naturally and gracefully.  I will age without regret or surrender.  I will age bolder, stronger, and wiser.  I will age, and I will age beautifully.  I will not "go gentle into that goodnight."  I will live this finite life "Full Force!!!" at the age that I am. ❤️

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

2017 miles Day 246

Ran the Fort Collins Fortitude 10k yesterday.  I thought I'd copy and paste my results.  Over all I'm pleased with my results.  My target was to run the 10k under 60 min, and I met my target.  I had so much fun I already signed up to run it again next year.  

Sheila  Phelps 

Preliminary Results

bib number:

E098 

overall place:

2514  

division:

F58 

division place:

8 out of 46  

gender place:

910 out of 3663  

mile 1:

9:40.87 

mile 2:

9:22.99 

mile 3:

9:26.82 

mile 4:

9:25.23 

mile 5:

9:27.34 

mile 6:

9:41.01 

net time:

59:03.32 

2017 miles Day 245

A message to end your day from Tony Garcia

Before you bring this day to a close, just a thought to rest your dreams upon.

A prayer.

For you. For one in need.

May you rest this night knowing your troubles are less than your resolve to overcome.

May you rest this night knowing your struggles are helping you gather strength.

May you rest this night knowing your fears can only grow as you continue to feed them.

May you rest this night knowing your worries begin to diminish as you begin to believe.

May you rest this night knowing your ache shall lessen its grip as you allow yourself to let it go.

May you rest this night knowing your day is closing and replaying it will alter nothing about it.

May you rest this night knowing your love and light has always been enough.

May you rest this night.

This. My prayer for you. ~G

2017 miles Day 243

Today's message from Mr. Tony Garcia.  I really like this message.  "No, I'm good."  

I shall carry this message close to my heart.

This. A whisper from my heart.

A story.

My excuses asked, "Do you need us today? 
I replied, "No, I'm good."

My fears asked, "Do you want us to walk with you?"
I replied, "No, I'm good."

My comfort zone asked, "Do you need to rest here awhile?"
I replied, "No, I'm good."

My past asked, "Do you want to carry me with you?"
I replied, "No, I'm good."

My failures asked, "Do you need to be reminded of all you have not done?"
I replied, "No, I'm good."

My darkness asked, "Do you want me to wrap myself around you?"
I replied, "No, I'm good."

My brokenness asked, "Do you need me to be your companion?"
I replied, "No, I'm good."

Moral of the story: There can be only one response to anything you don't need or want. ~G

#awhisper

#frommyheart

#toyou

#💜

Have a Great Weekend!!!!

2017 miles Day 242

September challenge is to clean out a closet.  Donate to your local food bank or thrift store.

I have a lot of closets to clean out.  They are filled with things that I no longer wear, don't fit, not needed, forgotten about .....................  Why keep these things?  They add to the clutter in life.

I have a lot of closets to clean out.  They are filled with doubt, fear, anger, sorrow, greed, chaos.............  Why keep these things?  They add to the clutter in life.

I have a lot of closets to clean out................................

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