The Reluctant Runner

I wanted to start a new blog entitled "The Reluctant Runner" to track my efforts to learn how to run (or, rather - jog while gasping desperately for breath...) BUT that name was already taken. I was stuck on "Reluctant Runner," so instead of a new running-related blog, I decided to blog-i-fy it here and track my efforts to follow "The Couch-to-5K Running Plan" on Two Steps.

My theory is that if I keep a side-bar going about my progress (like I do with books and movies) then I'll be more accountable. We'll see how that works, shall we?

For those of you who know me well, you know that I simply HATE running. I mean...I really, really hate it. Or at least, I always have in the past. For a few months, however, I have not been able to let go of the idea that I need to do this. It COULD be because I have a thing for pushing myself to the breaking point - but I have to believe that it's not ALL based on self-destructive tendencies.

I really am drawn to trying this. My first teeny-tiny attempt this morning was miserable during the middle of it but I've been on such an incredible rush for the rest of the day that I actually understand why some people get addicted to running. It is TOTALLY weird.

So anyway - I don't want to give up on this and it would be in my nature to give up because running is not an inherent talent of mine. (That's the disadvantage of perfectionism...when you're bad at something, you don't even want to try it.)

Plus...I need to get moving because my goal is to run a 1/2 marathon at Disney World for my 40th birthday. Although that's still 2 1/2 years away, I will need every one of those 800 or so days to get ready.

Play it where it lies....

The funeral I attended today was probably the most joyful celebration of life I've ever seen. I was profoundly touched - probably in large part because I found out that the gentleman who passed away used to write poetry for special occasions - just like my dad does.

The pastor used golfing analogies during his eulogy and, although I know nothing at all about golf (and have no interest in pursuing that sport) - one of his references just won't let me go. He said that one of the life lessons of golf is to "play it where it lies." How often in life are we served up what we expected, or hoped for? Not too often. But that's where the ball is (so to speak) so that's what we've got to work with. I tend to get so excited, so anxious - so ready to move forward to the next thing in life...that I forget to just take a deep breath and play that ball right where it is.

And, honestly - why would I want to rush through my life? Although Ihave certainly had a few blue moments...all in all - when I look at my life with 20/20 hindsight - I can tell that the ball ended up exactly where it was supposed to be. If I don't stop and pay attention, it will be over before I realize it.

After the funeral, I drove out to Spicewood to pick up my youngest (yea for my mother-in-law who watched him all day long!) and then took him to the church on top of the hill to play on the new playscape. We took turns taking pictures of each other, then drove home to put together a Welcome Home party for Dad (his dad, not mine...).

This afternoon I did it. I listened to my heart and remembered to breathe.

Early to Bed

Did you know that sleep makes all the difference in the world? Honestly - it does. I was able to go to sleep early last night and I also snoozed on the couch this afternoon while my son played with his Legos on the floor.

I feel like a million bucks!

Interestingly, I saw a story on the news this evening about a young man who was mis-diagnosed as ADHD when, in fact, he had a sleeping disorder. Once the sleeping disorder was treated, he was able to concentrate much more on his schoolwork.

I could almost hear God clearing his throat meaningfully as I listened to that story...(ok, ok...I get it...)


It's almost enough to make me take this sleeping situation seriously because there's just so much in life I want to accomplish. I'm glad that I committed my major life goals to writing because it's been enough to really get me moving in that direction. I've emailed the Ann Richard's School (although I've yet to hear back from them...darn...that means I need to follow up with a call), I've attended a Greenlights Board Summit and made first contact (sounds like a sci-fi movie, doesn't it??) with a few local non-profits that are looking for new board members, and although my daughter's room still needs a lot of work in the book/toy/art supply department - it is TONS better in the clothes department.

Who would have guessed that a blog is what would get me moving in the right direction?