Today’s run: 3.21 miles, 39:24 minutes. A mix of running and walking and quick sprints. I’m curious to see whether I’ll be sore tomorrow, after this, my first run of the year.
Hi to Amy and Amy’s readers! I finally got a run in – going to shoot to go a few times a week now that the weather is great. Blooms showing up everywhere in Tompkins Square Park. I’m looking forward to being outside more again!
Monday, rest; Tuesday, 4miles on a trail in Queenstown, New Zealand
Along the path of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand I realized the view is always so much better with perspective. I heard the water lapping against the shore and was caught off guard by the snow-topped mountains and crystal clear blue water. The bright houses dotted the hillside and the shades of green patched up the mountainside simply amazed me.
As easily as I wandered down the path along the lake, I wandered down my own memory lane. I thought about the journey I’ve been on that led me to AmeriCorps, Jim, Neva, Holly, Boise, Peace Corps, China, Thailand and Washington, DC. These are all people and places that hold an important place in my heart. It all started in 2003, and 8 years ago I could not have imagined that I would be on the banks of a lake in New Zealand recounting their importance in my life. Something dawned on me.
I’m in the weeds.
In 2003, if someone would have said, “You will be working with your father and selling waterbeds for cows internationally.” I would have laughed at them. I’ve made decisions and had experiences that took me baby steps closer to this place in life. I wasn’t always sure of the steps I was taking and the clarity didn’t come (if ever) overnight. I’ve been focused on how my baby steps will impact the rest of my life. Wow, no pressure, huh? But today, I realized that whatever is in store for me over the next 8 years will not happen tomorrow. Somewhere between moving to DC almost 2 years ago and running along Lake Wakatipu, I forgot that important point.
I’ve been focusing on the weeds without seeing the big picture. Baby steps are important and necessary in making the miles add up, but they aren’t everything. If I’m too drawn to the step in front of me, I might miss the view of the snowy mountaintop.
Tuesday, 4m treadmill run in Christchurch, New Zealand; Wednesday, 7m treadmill run in Christchurch; Thursday, 4m treadmill run in Christchurch; Friday, rest; Saturday, rest; Sunday, 16m run in Dunedin
Treadmill runs are treadmill runs no matter where you are, but I felt a greater sense of accomplishment than normal after a run that came on the heels of 24-hours of travel. I’ve struggled this week. I don’t say this or put it online lightly. I am honored and grateful to have a job where I am constantly challenged and supported. I am pushed to find solutions, make connections and go the extra mile. I believe in the product and people behind it. I count myself among the lucky ones who wake up each morning to responsibilities they can’t wait to tackle.
But, I miss my life in DC. I miss my friends. I miss having a routine. I miss my place.
Today, as I ran the hills of Dunedin I was overwhelmed by the beauty that was before me, and the amount of trust our company’s representatives put in me. As I took in the breathtaking site of the hillsides covered with bright rooftops contrasted by the rippling blue waters of the bay, I thought about the conversations I’ve had with men who have worked with my dad for as many as 10 years and as few as 1. They’ve shared parts of their pasts, present circumstances and future aspirations with me. They are eager to tell me about the regional economy and as it relates to the dairy industry. They extend their relationships with dairy professionals so I can see local farming practices first-hand. They have invited me as guests into their homes. I cherish these conversations and experiences although my thoughts have not always mirrored that sentiment.
Around mile 10 today, on a killer hill, I made a choice. I will stop apologizing for traveling. I will stop throwing myself a pity party when I pack my suitcase. I will stop traveling thousands of miles to check my email. I will embrace the chance to be face-to-face with people I will see once or twice a year, but who are out in barns, paddocks and community centers telling the waterbed story everyday.
What does this have to do with running? Not much, you’re right, but it did get me through 6 ugly miles, and put me on the right track for the rest of the year. I can still love my life in DC, but find a similar appreciation for the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many genuinely great people worldwide who are writing the next chapter of the waterbeds for cows story. Luckily, I get to be a character in it.
Amy’s runs: Wednesday, 3 miles White House; Thursday, 3 miles around the White House with Dana; Friday, 2 miles U-Street with Dana; Saturday, 13.1 miles during The National Half Marathon with Dana, Bridget, Jen, Colleen & first-time marathon-runner Wesley; Sunday, rest. Monday will not exist for me, because I am on a plane to New Zealand & in a time warp – the next runs will be from way down under.
.1 — I’m 1 training run closer to the Madison Marathon in May. 8 weeks of training to go, but who’s counting.
So, with the National Half Marathon less than 5 days away … I am enjoying the 2nd week of tapering. My body is going to kill me on Saturday afternoon after a big 13 miles, but I’m keeping my chin up, hydrating and thinking positive thoughts. Hum, and revisit Sara’s advice on anyone attempting 1,000 miles. I need to look at #1 (which may have passed) & #3. I’m all over #5.
I braved a thunderstorm this morning to lead the kick-off run for DC Fit Week with Corrie Sue. We had a small, yet extremely energetic group leave from YolaDC. Laura, owner of YolaDC, is business partners with her dad so we’re even thinking of starting a family business group that would meet quarterly. Meeting new people reminded me of my goal to make an effort to meet new people along the way, and I’ve been reenergized on that goal. I’m headed to New Zealand next week, so will look for chances to log a few miles with some Kiwis. Before my first trip to the southern hemisphere, I’ll get to run with Bridget in the half next weekend. And, Dana, another 1,000 miler, is even making the trip to DC for the race.
Amy’s Runs: Saturday, 6m run outside; Sunday, 6m run outside; Monday, 3m White House run; Tuesday, 4m run to White House and to U-Street; Wednesday, 3m treadmill run in Moncton, Canada; Thursday, 3m treadmill run in Moncton, Canada; Friday, nothing; Saturday, nothing; Sunday, nothing; Monday, nothing; Tuesday, nothing; Wednesday, 3m White House run
This week is about forgiveness, and a reminder to be intentional about my schedule. I haven’t guarded it as closely as I should, but I won’t just throw in the towel. That’s why this is a year long goal.
This was originally posted for Sisarina.
I run, but I am not a runner. I work, but I am not an employee. I do yoga, but I am not a yogi. I punch a clock, but it does not have 8 hours. I bike, but I am not a biker. I move, and I follow my passion. I’ve been lucky to not suffer from injuries (knock on wood), and I’ve followed my heart for my “day job” around the world.
I’ve committed to move (a.k.a. run) 1,000 miles this year, and my professional passion is focused on developing the international market for my family’s agricultural business. I’ve got my hands full, but I try to remember these 3 things:
Set achievable goals. Be intentional. Allow forgiveness.
If you run regularly, doing the math on 1,000 miles in 365 days doesn’t seem like an unreasonable goal. And, it’s not. It’s committing to consistently run 4 miles 5 times a week for 52 weeks. When a goal is reasonable, it’s achievable. I’m slowly chipping away at my miles one day at a time, and after only 8 weeks it’s easier for me to get to 5 miles than I ever thought. I set professional goals that focus on building relationship, gaining an understanding of the markets and listening to the needs of dairy professionals, rather than solely focused on numbers of beds sold.
I guard my schedule. I’ve become better at politely declining invitations, which allows me to be present at the events I do attend. I’m mentally and physically less tired, because I’m not chasing cocktails down K Street or jet setting to meaningless meetings or conferences to fill up my schedule.
I make mistakes. I miss workouts, and I don’t always push myself as much as I should. I’m human. It happens, but just because it happens once or once a month doesn’t mean I should hang up my running shoes, lock up my bike or throw in the towel. With forgiveness comes a peace in knowing that trying is worth it. It’s worth the risk of failure, it’s worth the effort and it’s worth the pain. More often than not, there’s reason to celebrate.
Amy’s Runs: Wednesday, 90minutes hot yoga with Bridget and Molly; Thursday, 4m run outside; Friday, nothing; Saturday, 1m treadmill run in Syracuse; Sunday, 7m run through streets of NW DC; Monday, 90minutes hot yoga with Bridget; Tuesday, nothing; Wednesday, nothing; Thursday, 5m treadmill run in Reedsburg; Friday, nothing
January and most of February when I didn’t run or do yoga it was to intentionally rest. The last 2 weeks I cannot say the same thing. It’s simply that I’ve done nothing. I came out of the gate strong and still feel confident that I can reach my goal of running 1,000 miles this year. Not surprisingly, I am struggling with balancing my travel schedule and making time to exercise, but I’m also trying not to beat myself up too much.
Eight weeks ago I could run 3 miles fairly comfortably, and now I’m able to run 5 miles. Eight weeks ago Bridget was a friend from AmeriCorps that I knew fairly well 7 years ago. Now, we’ve built on our shared experiences of years ago and learned more about the hopes and challenges facing one another today. Eight weeks ago Molly was just a friend of a friend. Now, we’ve spent over 500 minutes in hot yoga classes together and consumed 50 pounds of kale chips. Eight weeks ago I was scared of the open road. Now, I look forward to the space, time and peace that it brings to me.
I look forward to the next 8 weeks and all the insights learned through the miles run alone or with friends.
Amy’s Runs: Monday, 3m treadmill run; Tuesday, 3m run with Bridget; Wednesday, 2m pool run; Thursday, 3m treadmill run; Friday, rest; Saturday, 5.5m run with Bridget; Sunday, 11m run with Bridget and Colleen; Monday, rest; Tuesday, Remembering Bruce, 4.5m run with Jenna
I knew Bruce less than 6 months. I met him August 23, 2005. He died February 22, 2006. I’ve never done the math on that before. The friendship and trust we develop in such a sort time seems surreal to me now. I don’t know his favorite color (might have been blue) or movie (we only watched 1 together, “Patch Adams”). I don’t even know what type of music he liked. We gardened, cooked, did yard work, organized his closets, drank PBR and picked apples. But, I was there for him as he died.
His family asked me to speak at his funeral, and this is what I said:
About once or twice a week after we met, we worked in his yard moving dirt and sand from one pile to another, positioning and repositioning blueberry bushes never to find the perfect spot. Bruce liked things done his way and I became very good at following directions.
Sometimes I tried to anticipate what he’d need – sometimes I was right and sometimes I’m sure he wished I hadn’t tried to “help” at all. Nevertheless he’d smile, give a “Yahoo!” to recognize my effort, and tell me how to do it right. I’d reciprocate the smile and comply with the new direction.
As Bruce became less able to do the little things around the house, so many chipped in to do whatever was needed. It was much easier for me to see what needed to be done around the house than it was for me to know what to do with this garden nutrient and that pile of compost. Doing the dishes comes naturally, using a Roto-tiller doesn’t.
It was an honor to spend as much time as I did with Bruce. Often I remember thinking that I didn’t belong, because I had just met Bruce & who was I anyway? Your warm smiles and hearty welcomes & Bruce’s delicate hugs reassured me every time that I had a place not only in Bruce’s home, but also in his heart.
Running brought Bruce and I together more than 5 years ago, and running is still introducing me to great people wherever I go. I was able to share this run (and a cold PRB at Solly’s) with a new friend, Jenna. You never know what 6 months will do to develop a friendship, and you never know the impact you truly have on someone’s life.
Bruce, I still smile thinking about those blueberry bushes and about climbing in an apple tree to get just one more bushel. The blueberry bushes were never planted and we threw away the rotten apples after you died. You invited me to be a part of the last part of your life & your death, but I will always wonder about the jet-setting, bike-riding, suit-wearing, trail-climbing, beer-guzzling Bruce I didn’t get a chance to meet.
Jenna, Thanks for running with me & asking about Bruce. It was nice to talk about him, but focus on our shared interests and insights on life to develop our friendship. It’s what Bruce would have wanted.
Amy’s Runs: Tuesday, 3m treadmill run; Wednesday, 90 minutes of hot yoga with Molly, Bridget and Megan; Thursday, 3m treadmill run; Friday, rest; Saturday, 7m run with Bridget through Georgetown, Rock Creek Park Trail, down the Mall to the Capitol; Sunday, 3m run on the Mall and Dupont with Bridget and 90 minutes of hot yoga. (Hot Yoga was at Bikram Yoga Dupont)
My year of a thousand miles will not equal a year of one thousand blog entries (many of you on my Facebook feed will appreciate that fact!). At the yoga studio last week, someone said, “It’s so nice it’s not January, the classes aren’t as crowded.” The opposite is true on the streets in DC. The warmer temperatures and tour buses have people out exploring this great city.
I am proud to be one who hears the crunch of the gravel beneath my feet on the Mall, smells the fried doughnuts outside of Crispy Cream, listens to the music playing on the outdoor patios in Georgetown and anticipates the budding cherry tree blossoms. Bridget and I have been logging longer runs on the weekends and it feels good to push a little further and pick up the pace. We aren’t speed demons by any stretch of the imagine, but we are out pounding the pavement and learning more about yourselves and our friendship through the miles.
Next Tuesday marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of my good friend, Bruce Hogan. Running brought Bruce and I together in MaCall, Idaho. We spent the fall gardening and picking apples together. In the winter, I made him oatmeal and warmed milk for his breakfast while learning about his rich life and the painful truths of death & cancer. I’ve celebrated his life in the mountains of Tibet and on a beach in Vietnam. I’m already looking forward to running with Jenna through the streets of DC to honor his memory and celebrate friendship.
Amy’s Runs: Saturday, 1 hour / approximately 4m pool run with Bridget and Amy; Sunday, 6.5m run through Rock Creek Park, the Mall and Dupont with Bridget, Gina and Colleen; Monday, 3m run to White House – 106 total miles in 2011
A month ago, Amy, tagged me with the Stylish Blogger Award, so here’s seven things about me. Dana and Holly – you’re up next!
