Perfect week to show Gratitude

Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings.  Gratitude just happens to be one of my favorite words.  Wouldn't life be filled with more smiles if we showed gratitude every month of the year (not just November)? The story below is actually from a mini-marathon over a year ago. I stumbled across it this morning, and I thought it was a perfect fit for a week filled with thoughts of Thanksgiving!

I truly am grateful for the opportunity to share a passion of running with family and so many friends.  I took advice from other runners, and decided to give “Gratitude Bands” a try at a recent Mini.  I used a Sharpie on wide rubber-bands, and wrote 1 “grateful thought” on 13 different bands.  As I approached the start line, I had 13 rubber-bands on my left wrist.  Each mile marker I crossed provided me the opportunity to transfer 1 rubber-band from my left wrist to my right.  This simple process kept my mind focused, my face smiling, and my feet moving from 1 mile to the next.  As a 10:00 minute-miler, I had (on average) a precious 10 minutes to dwell on 13 different wonderful reasons why I am grateful.  The bands ended up faded from sweat, but the words written on each Gratitude Band meant something very special.  I open my heart to yours as I share all 13 of my Gratitude Bands from the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon on 5/8/10.  Each band represents so much to me, the 13 things for which I am MOST GRATFUL:

1.      My family’s health

2.      Christ’s forgiveness

3.      My upbringing

4.      Dad’s wisdom

5.      Opportunity to coach

6.      Yoga

7.      My “Pia” time (truly my ME time)

8.      Flowers

9.      My siblings

10.  Mike’s love & encouragement

11.  My physical strength

12.  Bryce 

13.  Colin

You are not JUST.

In the grocery store today, I heard the gal behind me in line say - "Just a housekeeper."  I didn't hear anymore of her conversation, but I immediately thought of this story below written in January of this year...

After running today, I couldn’t get my hands on the dictionary fast enough.  The word “Just” surrounded my thoughts with each mile today.  I rushed back to the house to grab the biggest book on the shelf … my dusty dictionary.  To clarify, the adverb Just.  Webster reads - Only or Merely.  Dictionary.com actually quotes, “He was just a clerk until he became ambitious.” 
            After returning from an extended business trip that included a Mini-Marathon, I couldn’t get the word “just” out of my head.  The most frequently asked question during day 1 of my conference was, “Did you run yesterday?”  The infamous follow up question was inevitably, “Did you run the ½ or the full?”  I’m confident that every attendee, including myself, at the Girls on the Run training was asked this set of questions a dozen times. 

I dwell on the word Just based on my answer to the burning question above.  I must have recited the same statement countless times, “Just the half.”  I ran just the half.  I realized each time I spoke these three simple words; I chipped away at the significance of my accomplishment just the day before.  Had I not just run 13.1 amazing miles with 30,000 other runners? 

Luckily a fellow conference attendee and friend pointed out the fact that there was no purpose in “justing” my accomplishment.  Later in the day, this same friend left me a surprise.  A post-it note that simply said … “YOU ARE NOT JUST.  You are awesome and beautiful.”  Thanks Amanda for reminding me that I am not “Just.”  There is nothing wrong with challenging yourself to move beyond society’s definition of just.  I also have to remind myself, there is nothing wrong with loving who you are, what you do, and celebrating just 1 or 13.1 miles.

Thanks to my friend Amanda for cheering for me at the finish line of my Jan. 2011 Mini Marathon in Phoenix AZ, and more importantly for reminding me that I didn't Just run 13.1 miles.  Amanda, you are never Just - I think you are amazing!

Making Memories with Friends & Rain Drops

          This run will go down in the record books.  Not for the most miles, or my fastest pace.  The scrapbook moments are from the raindrops and smiles – too many to count.  Eight other women are most likely giggling right now as I take a moment to jot down how this morning group run was truly one to remember.  
          Certainly, every car that passed each pair of soaking wet shoes must have thought we lost a bet.  No one would claim they wanted to run in the storm we tackled.  We met in the rain, set off on a familiar course, and even decided to take on running down a slick, very steep trail.  The cracks of thunder were noticeably louder than my music at times.  I laughed out loud when ACDC Thunderstruck began to rock at about mile five through my ear-buds.  After countless puddles and six miles, all nine of us eventually met at our finish line.  
          While waiting for our ride “up the hill” – we shared laughs, stories, and even a soaking-wet group photo standing in front of an Emergency Room entrance (no injuries, we just happened to finish our run a block from the hospital).  The best memory of the morning is picturing all of us piled in the back of my husband’s truck.  He offered the cab, but we declined.  For some reason, we all decided to freeze and laugh together, riding like teenagers in the back of his truck back to our cars.  I think the smiles from this run are even better than the dry clothes and hot shower that were waiting for me when I got home. 

Pint-Size Encouragement

Out of the clear blue, my son says to me - "Mom, I think I will run a Marathon with you some day."  These words are worth gold for a proud mother who happens to call herself a runner.  It made me think about the run below ...

I struggled today.  Today was a 10 miler day.  My training schedule and my mind demanded 10 miles, but my body was begging for an easy 6.  A pleasant surprise at mile 6 was delivered to me in a small-sized package … My 8 year old son was anxiously waiting for me with his helmet on his head and CamelBack strapped on (even a Gu pack tucked inside for me).  As my tired legs got closer to my husband’s truck pulled off the side of the road, I could see my son Bryce and his bicycle waiting for me. They remembered my 5 mile out and back chosen path, and thought I might need a pint-sized bubble of encouragement to help me finish the second-half of my run.  Bryce was so thrilled to ride along side of me back home.  I turned off my music and listened to him talk about the smell of the cows and how he would spend his birthday money.  He talked - while I breathed heavy, listened, and smiled.  He felt so proud protecting me by watching for cars and providing water for me when needed.  He pedaled slowly and stayed by my side almost the entire way, until the driveway was in site and he sped up to beat me home.  I would not have had it any other way.  I was so glad he came along!

Glory Bumps

The running experience typed below was from one year ago.  I thought of this special running memory as I was traveling last weekend.  I spent two days in Anderson, IN for my great-mamaw Jackson's funeral.  She was 96 years old when she passed from this earth, in peace, with her daughter, son-in-law, and 5 granddaughters at her side.  My mom was asked to play How Great Thou Art at her funeral, while my aunts, cousins, sisters, and myself sang this blessed song.  We agreed, with joy, to honor her legacy and sing a favorite hymn.  This hymn is special to me personally ... When you read the below paragraph - you will understand why this blog is titled Glory Bumps.

This morning, I experienced a “Goose Bump” moment while running.  You know, one of those moments where your arms tingle with exciting “Glory Bumps” and you can’t help but smile the biggest grin.  While jogging past a downtown church, I noticed the sounds of a piano.  The beautiful sound was probably the pianist practicing for Sunday service.  What made me develop my bumps was the hymn I heard – How Great Thou Art.  I thought about my mother who is an amazing pianist.  Growing up, my sisters and I would sit quietly and smile at each other in the church pews when our mother played a hymn in church that gave you goose bumps.  Let me tell you, to hear her play How Great Thou Art truly gives you glory bumps.  This morning while running, I got a big smile and my goose bumps lasted for several more blocks.

Going the Distance

Yesterday, my dad preached a sermon titled "Going the Distance."  He shared scripture from Acts, and gave insight on not stopping short to receive salvation and live victoriously.  During the service, I couldn't help but compare his truth to running.  I had just finished a strong 10-miler earlier in the morning and thought about how runners would never prepare and train hard to come short of a finish line.  The finish line in a race, or that last step in a training run should feel victorious. 
Scripture has always given me the motivation I need to Go the Distance.  In fact, during my one and only marathon - scripture was truly with me in my heart and on my arm ...

Isiah 40:28-31 is a scripture that I use as motivation on days when my legs are weary and I feel that I am stumbling.  Weary perfectly describes 26.2 miles.  Early morning on Sunday October 12, 2003, I wrote this entire scripture on the inside of my forearm.  Half of my “tattoo” was rubbed off from sweat as I crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon.  The scripture that was written on my arm and in my heart that day provided strength on those Chicago streets.  I think I repeated these words at least 26 times.  I hope this provides you hope and encouragement.  These verses are perfect for the runner inside all of us...

Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Girl Power!

Today’s Mini Marathon was filled with pink sports bras, cute running shorts, and “You Go Girl” cheers.  I had the pleasure of running in an Inaugural Women’s Only Mini Marathon on by birthday 9/3/11.  The challenge was not 13.1 – but the oppressing, unusual heat.  The 90 degree temperatures on race morning were demanding, but the atmosphere couldn’t have been more positive.
            I stood smiling and speechless at the starting gate, surrounded by thousands of women ready to celebrate the girl inside!  All ages, shapes and sizes, professional runners and first-time race-goers shared positive encouragement before the race began.  Due to the heat, I knew I wouldn’t be setting a PR (personal record), but I still expected to feel the competition in the air.  For some reason, the need to “go fishing” and pass others wasn’t present.  One would assume that the competitor tucked deep inside would surface on race morning, but not today.  I crossed the finish line with a red face and a smile, but didn’t even feel the ambition for a finish line sprint.  Today, I was truly “OK” with just finishing – and not racing. 
            I was not going to allow myself mentally to be disappointed with my running performance.  I was there to celebrate the joy of running with women and couldn’t pass up the chance to help raise money for Girls on the Run.  Race proceeds were going to a program near and dear to my heart that inspires all girls to celebrate what makes them unique!  I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be on my birthday morning.

Who owns the road? Me or the dogs?

I recently wrote this entry about a battle for the road - Me v. Dogs.  Today during my run, I faced an unfamiliar canine, and remembered writing the story below a few weeks ago.  Feel free to laugh at me for being a coward, or smile if you can relate...

Somehow, someway – I let someone, actually something, burst my special runner’s bubble this afternoon.  How could I let this happen?
            All morning long, I couldn’t wait to lace-up – truly longing for 3:30pm when I knew my work day was done, and I could run.  I needed to sweat, I needed the sun, I needed a stress-break.  (I was also anxious to break in my new shoes). J One mile into my goal of 7, the bubble popped.  I thought I owned the road.  Instead, I allowed 3 dogs to control the pavement and my level of fear. 
           After first glance, I allowed the situation to become worse in my mind than it must have been.  I took a few more cautious steps forward, but I allowed the barking to get the best of me.  I didn’t command the road – instead I allowed myself to turn around, looking over my shoulder for the next 100 yards.  I could feel my blood pressure elevate the entire mile back to my driveway.  My husband will tell you that I stormed in, needing more than a cold glass of water to cool me off.  I wasted a few minutes of precious time ranting about irresponsible dog-owners who allowed their animals to roam the roads, and get in my way.           
            A quiet voice inside told me that I was going to finish my 7 mile run.  Was I seriously going to allow 3, 4-legged animals win?  My husband tried his best to convenience me to head back down the same road.  The “show them who’s boss” mentality.  They are just dogs.  I knew I could physically conquer my remaining 5 miles, but I didn’t think I had it in me to look the dogs in the eye.  I buckled … When I reached the end of my road – I turned down an alternate path.  Had I let them win this race?  I felt that I let them decide my path?
            It took me less than a mile to remind myself that in life, it’s OK to take an alternative route.  When we hit a road-block, sure, we can climb over it and feel success.  But we’re not considered a failure if we have to move around the obstacle or find another way to reach our destination.  And sometimes, we just need a little support to reach our destination …
           After taking an alternate route – I hit mile 6 with a decision to make.  I could go 2 additional miles to make it back to my driveway, free and clear of dogs.  Or I could face the dogs and finish my last mile down their road.  I don’t usually run with a phone, but I clutched a mobile in my sweaty palm today.  I wasn’t embarrassed to call my husband to ask for support.  Don’t think that I was calling, asking for a ride back home.  I simply wanted his support to face my fear.  By the time I was at the stop sign, he was there in his truck, prepared to drive a slow mile by my side.  My son, kept calling from the passenger seat, “Don’t you want to get in.”  I proudly smiled and responded, “No, just drive next to me.”  “Give me support when we see the dogs.”  I imagined them honking, scaring the dogs out of my way.  They did just that as we approached the same spot that I saw the dogs several miles ago.  They followed me, protecting me, the entire last mile home.  (My husband & boys – not the dogs). J

Yeah Me!

It started out as a day to drag.  I seemed to drag my feet all day and felt a sense of defeat.  My biggest mistake was made when I allowed this failure syndrome to join me on the road.  All I could dwell on during my first few miles was how I was at fault, and what I couldn’t seem to get right from the moment my feet hit the floor this morning.  My mind seemed to grumble with each mile about all the wrongs – instead of celebrating the rights!  Why do we find reasons to complain instead of cheer?  We go through our mental replay of the day, and fuss over the do-over’s, instead of celebrating the successes. 

I’m not sure of the exact point during my run when my mind decided to take a 180.  I realized that I was accomplishing nothing but self-defeat while complaining about the shattered drinking glass while unloading my dishwasher this morning, the major financial mistake I made today, and all the other 100 ways that I gave myself jab after jab today.  I now found myself finding fault in my poor form while running, and whining about my aching right knee.

Come on, I was a cheerleader in high school and in college.  All those years of cheering, “Good Job, Good Job” surely were tucked deep down inside me.  In my professional career, as a coach, and even as a mom – I find ways to pat others on the back, helping everyone else celebrate their successes.  I think it is high-time that I start finding ways to cheer for ME.  I know that I can find dozens of reasons, even small ones, to toast my achievements each day. 

After wrapping up my run, I sat down to think of even the small “Way to Go Heather” cheers for the day.  I choose to openly share with you my short list for today.  (Hopefully tomorrow, my list of “GO ME’s” will continue with a little practice)!

1. Good job - I remembered to call my grandma today.

2. Way to go - I drank a smoothie for breakfast this morning, and did not touch my son’s piece of leftover bacon.

3. Keep it up - I think I parallel parked, perfectly, twice today.

4. You can do it - I finally sent an email that I was procrastinating to send.

5. You did it - I just ran 6 miles!  (This is always a reason to Celebrate).