My Thousand Mile Year

Little Things I Like & the Flip Side

Written by: Amy

4 Feb 2011

Amy’s Runs: Monday, 3.5m treadmill run; Tuesday, 90 minutes hot yoga with Molly; Wednesday; 2m treadmill run in PA; Thursday, 6.5m run from Regan Airport to Dupont Circle; Friday, intentional rest. (Hot Yoga was at Bikram Yoga Dupont)

Little things get me excited. I like eating with chopsticks. Yep, every time. It’s like a mini trip back to a small plastic stool in my Chinese hometown, Tongren. Yum, eggplant. I like whipped milk. Coffee hasn’t tasted the same since Jerry & Brian gave me my very own Aero Latte (thanks, guys!). I like the black ink on my fingers after reading a newspaper. I like touching my toes. I like holding the door open for a stranger. I like water – drinking, playing in, bathing. I like beer, and I’m not picky. I’ll drink PBR in a waterbeds for cows can koozie, a pint of stout in a dark pub or a summer ale from a sweating glass on a patio in the middle of summer. I like sitting on the front porch or stoop talking with friends.

The flip side is that little things also make me worry. A missed call from my mom without a message, ‘something bad must have happened, no one calls anymore.’ An unanswered email from a friend, ‘must be busy,’ another unanswered email, ‘must be seeing a new person,’ and an unanswered phone call, ‘either getting married or deeply depressed.’ (Why such extremes? – I’m not sure.) A noise from the street, ‘who’s there?’ A kink in my neck, ‘what’s wrong?’

The little thing that got me excited yesterday was realizing that I ran over 6 miles. I ran from the airport home – past the Jefferson, Washington Monument, White House and through Dupont Circle. The run felt great, and I am continually amazed that I get to live in this city. The flip side is that I also got an email from my dad with the subject “disc.” He doesn’t use the word “excruciating” lightly or go to the emergency room without reason. He’s seeing a specialist today, so my thoughts are with him as he works with doctors to learn more about what’s wrong and plan treatment.

This year seems to already be a year of finding balance. Balance in work. Balance in exercise. Balance in relationships. Balance in enjoying the excitement of life and finding peace in the unknown.

NoComments / Add Yours

Trust on the Open Road

Written by: Amy

31 Jan 2011

AmeriCorps, family, Yoga

Amy’s Runs: Thursday, 90 minutes hot yoga with Molly; Friday; 90 minutes hot yoga with Molly; Saturday, 90 minutes hot yoga with Molly & 3.5m run with Bridget and Carla; Sunday, 90 minutes hot yoga with Molly and 5m run with Bridget, Jennifer, Emily, Gina, Megan, Lauree, Melanie, Jessica and Jessica’s husband. (Hot Yoga was at Bikram Yoga Dupont)

Hot yoga has been the necessary break I needed from trudging out in the cold to chip away a few miles. Since it had been 3 days since I last ran, I looked forward to the run today, whereas, generally I mostly look forward to seeing my friends.

From the beginning, my focus was on connecting with people through running, but I was thinking mostly about me. After 81 miles, I realized my “project” is also allowing others to reflect on their journey (a thousand miles or otherwise), meet new people, spend time with old friends and share an experience. I also didn’t realize it would be so much fun to rally people around something that makes me excited, and that it would expand the depth and friendships of those brought together as much as it already has after only 30 days.

I’m continually grateful that so many people make time and take energy to join me on my journey of one thousand miles. This week my journey has included 450 minutes of Bikram hot yoga. A friend of mine, Molly, has signed up for her own challenge – 90 yoga sessions in 90 days. After just 5 days and 5 sessions, I am in awe of her commitment. For the next 70 days, I’ll will be inspired knowing that at some point Molly will be in the studio sweating it out for all 26 poses and moving one pose closer to reaching her goal.

The friends I’ve run with are so willing to open up and share real things that are happening in their lives that make the miles just slip away. It doesn’t matter if we last spoke a few days, weeks or even years ago. We don’t tip-toe around the subjects, and we ask thoughtful questions of one another. It’s in the space of the road that I’ve found a real trust with friends. And, my favorite is when the open road leads up to a place where we are able to share a meal after the run. Sunday was filled with moments of truth on the trail and around the table that showed the level of trust shared between friends.

Thank you, ladies, for your patience with my slow pace, constant support and trust. Love, Amy

2Comments / Add Yours

Up for the Challenge

Written by: Amy

27 Jan 2011

family, Yoga

Amy’s runs: Saturday, 5m run with Michael around the Mall and Georgetown; Sunday, 4.25m tried to meet Jenna; Monday, 3.5m treadmill run; Tuesday, non-travel related (intentional) rest; Wednesday, 90 minute hot yoga with Bridget and Molly (and others at Bikram Yoga Dupont)

The last few days have been a challenge. Motivating myself to run (even with the encouragement of others) has been hard. Engaging in a new professional community has been mentally tough. I often found myself thinking, “This is hard, but I have to do it anyway.” And, it’s only Wednesday.

On my Saturday run with Michael, I mostly whined about being on a run (sorry, Michael). I was looking forward to connecting with Jenna on Sunday. Unfortunately, our wires got crossed and we missed each other. After waiting 10 minutes, I trudged on. Later, I learned we were waiting about 2 blocks from each other. Who knew meeting at the “Woodley Park Metro” wasn’t specific enough?

I was happy I’d logged a few miles over the weekend and thankful that I’d been able to run with Michael. However, I felt nervous and anxious about the conference, and that seemed to overshadow everything.

The conference set up was like the many I’ve attended – except I didn’t know a single solitary sole. As others hugged, laughed and asked about the kids, I listened, smiled and forced myself to introduce myself to those around me. It was a humbling experience to be unknown. As the days of the conference went on, I met more people, found things in common, shared meals, engaged in conversations and made connections. It was challenging, but I did it. I did it alone, but not without thinking about 2 people quite a bit during the conference: Karen Daniel and my dad.

I received a small grant 8 years ago, and Karen was in charge of the grant program. Karen and her colleagues visited my project site, and she made sure I was introduced to her organization‘s CEO and the funder. Over the years, she has met with me and we’ve developed a friendly relationship. The volunteerism world is small – as are all industries – and Karen and I often attended the same events. Karen would always go out of her way to introduce me to her colleagues. She helped pave the way for me to become a known member in the service community.

This week, as an unknown member of the agricultural community, I did what I know how to do best. I asked questions. During the Educational Committee meeting, I spoke up, asked a few questions and shared my ideas. This caught the attention of Ron, who approached me after the meeting and said, “You can’t expect to say something intelligent and not get noticed at these things.” He badgered me to join the committee. I explained I didn’t know anything, and he assured me that he didn’t when he started either, but that’s where everyone starts. By the end of the conference, I talked to the committee chair and volunteered to be on the committee. Turns out the committee chair has done work with friends of mine from Boise, Idaho. Small world connection.

Ron talked to me about learning from people and situations around you, and he introduced me to his colleagues, wife, daughter and the executive director of the lead organization. He welcomed me, which gave me confidence and helped me feel like I belonged.

Ron, even though I’ve known him for only a few days, and Karen, along with a few others like Maggie Balistreri-Clarke and Steve Loflin, will always have a special place in my heart. I realized this week that the person who has constantly challenged, encouraged, provided me with the space to grow, I hardly ever recognize. My dad. He’s a private man who rarely says anything about himself. He listens, tells a great story and makes an Old Fashioned that made my Grandpa Johnny proud. He lived the life of a loner for years and years building the company and product recognition of Dual Chambered Cow Waterbeds. He was mocked and so was the product he invested everything in. I finally felt first-hand a fraction of what he went through during those early years. He has tirelessly worked to establish credibility, relationships and recognition. If I felt stressed on Sunday, just 3 short days later, I feel humbled that he would allow me the space to grow and challenge myself at helping him build the company and brand further. I am up for the challenge.

Thanks, Dad.

Love, Amy

p.s. Mom is pretty great, too.

p.p.s. Katie – we are lucky girls.

3Comments / Add Yours

Change: Trusting Myself

Written by: Amy

22 Jan 2011

Behavior Change, Life Purpose

Amy’s runs: Thursday, rest; Friday, 6 miles on Capitol Hill

Change. In the last 90 days: I moved from a 5-person group house in residential NW to a 1-bedroom downtown apartment; I joined the “smartphone” world; I entered a new decade (turned 30); I quit my government job to join my family’s business in a completely different sector; I bought my first Apple product (an iPad); I had heart-to-heart talks with 4 of my closest girl friends to help us grow in our relationships; I bought a dining room table; I met Sara Grace & started this blog.

With every change that has occurred, I feel an overwhelming sense of trust from those who have let me into their lives, shared insights, fears, dreams and expertise, so I could continue to understand the changing parts of my world. And, for the first time in a long time, I started to trust myself.

Each mile brings me closer to my goal of 1,000, but what drives my motivation to get out there and run is the little nuggets of truth that I discover about myself with each passing step and key stroke. It’s an honor and a privilege to share my journey with you.

p.s. If you’d like to literally share in my journey and log a few miles, shoot me a message and we’ll coordinate schedules.

4Comments / Add Yours

Nothing: Is it really something?

Written by: Amy

19 Jan 2011

Life Purpose, Yoga

Amy’s runs: Sunday, rest; Monday, 3 miles on streets of Reedsburg, Wisconsin; Tuesday, 3.5 miles on a treadmill in DC; Wednesday, 4 mile run around the White House

When I laced up my running shoes today (Wednesday), I decided that I needed time to think. My head was spinning: ideas for work, articles I want to write, places to travel, follow-up and contacts to make, and scheduling time to reconnect with friends who feel a million miles away (although I’ve only been gone 2 weeks). And in there somewhere, I need to make sure my head is on straight or the rest is pointless. I’ve been encouraged by a friend to spend a few minutes every day thinking only about what’s right in front of me. I interpreted that as “nothing.”

It’s true, during my run, I thought about things. I thought about how warm and overdressed I was. I thought about how happy I was to be outside. I gently focused back on my breath and stride. I thought about an email I needed to send. I saw the Tibetan group practicing their right to freedom of speech, beneath the Chinese flags hung at the White House in honor of Hu Jintao’s visit to DC. As you can imagine, thoughts entered my head about that for sure. I thought about last night’s treadmill run where my friend kept asking, “Are you going to blog about this?” I laughed, enjoyed the memory and gently focused back on my breath. I thought about how much it smelled like bad cologne around Farragut North. I thought about breathing. Is it in and out through the nose or in through the nose & out through the mouth or in and out of the mouth? Hum. Try not to think, I reminded myself. As I was about 3/4 of the way through my run, I thought about how my inner monologue would probably be rated a D- Seinfeld episode. If Seinfeld is the show described as being about nothing, and it’s actually about everything (from “The Little Jerry” – the rooster one – to “Man Hands” and “Serenity Now”) … why waste time thinking about nothing?

When actually, not until writing this, did I realize I missed the whole point of my friend’s recommendation. To think of just what is before you is much different than thinking about nothing. So, in trying to think about nothing, I missed the something. I’m glad I have about 950 miles to go to practice.

2Comments / Add Yours

Faithfully Finding the Way: Dedicated to Josh Cleveland and Gretchen Anderson Cleveland

Written by: Amy

16 Jan 2011

Inspiration

Amy’s runs: Friday, 3 miles on a treadmill in Kentucky; Saturday, 5 miles on a treadmill in Chicago (dedicated to Josh and Gretchen, photo by Gerald and Airika Pope http://www.geraldpope.com)

This was the first time I approached 3 miles and got excited to continue running rather than excited about being able to stop. I mentioned that if I would dedicate runs to people who were on my mind if unable to run with them. Saturday, I had my first “dedication run” because of an email I received on Friday.

When I “met” Josh, I was living in China and he was just a “character” on Gretchen’s Facebook page. After 6 months of keeping up through FB status updates mentioning cross state jaunts and flights around the Northwest to see family and friends, this “character” proposed to Gretchen. Six months later I had the pleasure of attending their wedding in Seattle. The only time I’ve met Josh was during their wedding weekend. I crossed paths with Gretchen 8 years ago when we spent a week together at Taize, a community based in simple living and prayer in southeastern France. Over the years, I’ve seen Gretchen a handful of times, and talked to her on the phone about 3 or 4 times a year. We are not “everyday” friends, but our conversations are always honest, real and loving. There’s something about our relationship that allows us to go straight for what is most heavy on our hearts and laying it out there. It is no surprise to me that her husband would follow in suit.

In his email on Friday, Josh outlined his current career situation (a time bound position ends in May) and what he’s looking for in the future. He asked for help. It wasn’t so much that he asked, but what stuck me was the humility in his request. Never once did he mention the terrible economy or a fear of the unknown. He opened his heart, was sincere, asked for help and trusts that God be faithful in answering prayers.

I am continually inspired by a couple who has such a faith in each other and God that they open their hearts and minds to whatever opportunities lie ahead. This is not to say that they are passively waiting for God to strike down and land a new job in his lap. Josh is humbling asking for help from friends, seeking vocational counseling for guidance and intentionally focusing on making a career choice that fulfills his heart, mind and body. I can picture Gretchen holding his hand – through the laughter and tears – as they navigate this part of their life as a family together.

My days are not grounded in a faith in God so strong as Josh and Gretchen, or at least I don’t call it “God.” My faith is an openness to asking questions, seeking truth, experiencing events and knowing that if and when I’m ready to awaken my spiritual soul, as it relates to an established faith, I have a number of friends in many different faiths who will be there for me. Josh, Gretchen, faith, the reflection of my bobbing ponytail and the bright blue of the pool water kept me company on my 5 mile treadmill run. It was the best run of the week.

Josh and Gretchen, I am honored to have you in my life and for me you serve as a model for faithfully finding the way. Thanks for including me in your journey. Love, Amy

p.s. Just to be clear: all conversations, whether on a run or otherwise, and emails are not subject for blog topics! Josh and Gretchen gave me permission to post this piece. As always, I thank them for being an inspiration, and hope that this resonated for some of you, as well.

Josh’s job current is a Resident Director at a liberal arts college in Washington state. His position is limited to 4 years and he is interested in interested in continuing in Higher Ed or non profit work having to do with food, education or spiritual care. Can you help? If you can,or know someone who can, please send me your email (amy.throndsen@gmail.com) and I’ll connect you with Josh.

1Comment / Add Yours

Even Test Mice Have a Maze

Written by: Amy

13 Jan 2011

business travel

Amy’s Tuesday run: 3 miles on a treadmill in Wisconsin; Wednesday, 2 miles on a treadmill in Kentucky after a 10 hour drive; Thursday, 3 miles on a treadmill in Kentucky

My professional leap to waterbeds for cows has landed me on a treadmill. I’ll be traveling a bit this year, so whether I like it or not, I’ll need to log quite a few miles on a treadmill. As I was running this morning, I couldn’t help but think that if god had nothing better to do than see what I was up to this morning, he would be laughing at me. Round and round on a treadmill I went. I felt like even testing mice wouldn’t get on a treadmill and run – at least they have a maze! I laughed at the thought of being less intelligent than a mouse and enjoyed knowing that I have a number of fun-outside-with-friends runs coming up when I get back to DC & crossing my fingers that it’s not too cold in Madison to run with Dana on Tuesday. It also helped that Michael Franti and Spearhead’s “Songs from the Front Porch” album was the soundtrack that motivated me through 3 short miles.

I’m focusing on making running a daily habit and working on upping the mileage in the coming weeks. I don’t want to burn out, but I also don’t want to “get behind.” This weekend, I’m going to bundle up and hit the snowy roads of rural Wisconsin. Maybe I can convince my mom to join me.

Does anyone have any advice for surviving treadmill workouts?

Also, my first confession: I could have met and run with a stranger in the last hotel’s workout room, but I chickened out in starting up a conversation. He was an older man, walking and watching “Everyone Loves Raymond,” laughing at the jokes. I’m not sure why I didn’t strike up a conversation. I ran my miles in silence, happily laughing along at Raymond.

6Comments / Add Yours

Taking Risks

Written by: Amy

11 Jan 2011

AmeriCorps

Amy’s Sunday run: 4.8 miles with Bridget and Gina. To White House, on the Mall, to the Lincoln Memorial & back to Dupont with a cool down through the farmer’s market. Monday: travel from 7:30am to 5pm (silly snow & driving), default rest day.

Under other circumstances (for example: being alone), I would have churned out 3.5 miles and called it a day. Sunday was my lucky day. Actually any day I get to run with friends, I consider a lucky day. Gina, another friend from my AmeriCorps days, joined Bridget and me on our usual [2 weeks :) ] Sunday run. Layered up and ready to brave the cold, we set out into the blustery, yet sunny outdoors.

The miles just tick by when we’re catching up on our weeks, talking about goals, aspirations, and challenges that lie ahead. Ok, let’s be honest, they don’t “just tick by” … but at least there is company & the gasping for breath is broken up by bits and pieces of conversation. And, I never end a run without a nugget of wisdom to take with me.

I found out that Gina has a blog where she documents her life as a professional educator in a high-needs school. She tries to find what works, what doesn’t and how to keep the magic alive. Through the blog, she hopes to be “just a bit more like Lance Armstrong, building [her] stamina and honing [her] practice.” It’s insightful, witty and thoughtful (just like Gina!), so check it out especially if you want to see what kids are giving teachers for holiday presents.

Gina, Bridget and I talked about the risk associated with writing and “publishing” (even if it’s to a blog that our friends and family read … thanks, everyone … all 7 of you!) the material. I’ve felt a sense of fighting my inner demons who want to tell me all of the horrible things I don’t want to happen: “you can’t do it,” “you won’t be able to run 1,000 miles,” “you’re lazy.” And, each day, each post, each run helps me overcome that “can’t do” voice.

Bridget commented on my “Easing in to My Thousand Mile Year” post:

“I like this post, especially your last question. I’m not much of a risk taker and often find myself thinking about risks in a negative way, so sharing them other people is intimidating. Good food for thought.”

In my year of 1,000 miles, I hope to provide a safe place on the open road for myself and others to talk about their fears, make plans to overcome, try, succeed and celebrate, fail and pick each other back up again to take on the next risk head on.

4Comments / Add Yours

My First Bikram

Written by: Sara Grace

9 Jan 2011

Yoga

Sara’s yoga today: 10 a.m. 90-min Bikram class. I hadn’t decided between yoga and running so I checked the temp. 28. Yoga it is.

So: my first Bikram (hot yoga) experience. The sequence and instruction wasn’t as expansive (“juicy”) as other yoga practices I’ve tried. (For example, Jivamukti, where I went yesterday.) There’s something very functional feeling about the entire experience, but maybe that will be less so as the sequence becomes second nature and I can be more meditative.

But …. I LOVED the heat. The heat makes the experience expansive. It’s like crawling into a giant womb and deliciously cat stretching this way and that.

Other pluses:

I had been warned Bikram classes were only an hour. All the classes at Bikram LES are 90-minutes, happy surprise.
Breathing wasn’t given short shrift: We had 10 or 15 minutes of opening breath exercises, and 5 minutes of breath of fire at the end, along with one long shivasana (ending meditation in corpse pose) and a whole bunch of short ones.

Friendly, non-pretentious vibe. Maybe that’s the upside of the functional approach, I think.

Lots of skin exposed, but it felt more like German sauna culture – “let it all hang out” – than “gaze upon my hot bod.” I felt totally unselfconscious.

I think Bikram might be a good go-to for me, with occasional trips to Jivamukti and more spiritual, meditative practices.

I’ll be going all week – I’ve got a weekly pass. Will try to get one run in, though!

1Comment / Add Yours

Easing into My Thousand Mile Year

Written by: Amy

9 Jan 2011

Behavior Change, family

Amy’s run Friday: 3.5 miles on the treadmill; Saturday, back in DC for 3 miles on a familiar route to the White House (Week 1 = 22.5 miles)

I have eased into this 1,000 mile journey. I haven’t pushed beyond 3 miles when it hasn’t felt right or wasn’t fun. I’m training my body and mind to hit the streets day after day after day – for the inevitable long, not-so-fun runs. I haven’t been a consistent runner in quite a while and it feels good to say that I didn’t back out of a single run in 7 days. I took a rest day and maintained my commitment to the schedule when I focused on weights and other cardio exercises. I followed Hal Higdon’s novice half marathon training guide, but allowed myself the flexibility to switch up the miles or exercises based on my schedule or the weather. I’m not being too strict with myself that I can’t enjoy it, but am not losing site of the goal, either.

My friend and author of Blind Observations, Jim Duncan, recently wrote, “I’ve always perceived the start of a new calendar year as a great opportunity to take stock of my assets, account for my liabilities, identify my goals, and realign my priorities.” In the last week, I started running and writing regularly for this blog, began a new job, reevaluated my priorities and made small steps to align my actions with those priorities. I feel so much positive momentum, and I am curious as to where it (including my thousand miles!) will take me.

I’m looking forward to spending a weekend with my dear friend, Eleni, (hopefully) at the end of the month. Eleni (@NiBunnie), sent me a message via Twitter that brightened my day: “The park is for runners on Saturday mornings. It was snow covered..beautiful. thought how nice it wouldve been running with u :).” I can’t wait to run, laugh and share a bottle of wine with Eleni.

Since starting this project, I’ve felt more connected to my community (spending an hour outside every day gives you a chance to take a closer look around), body (when you ask muscles to get moving in the cold after they’ve been dormant for a while, they let you know about it), mind (having dedicated time to yourself lets you hear the things you have been neglecting) and friends (putting yourself out there allows people to show support and love in ways that might surprise you both).

How do you connect with your community? What do you ask of your body? What risk will you take & tell others about so they can support you?

4Comments / Add Yours

Page 4 of 23

← 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 →

...

Last

Little Things I Like & the Flip Side

Trust on the Open Road

Up for the Challenge

Change: Trusting Myself

Nothing: Is it really something?

Faithfully Finding the Way: Dedicated to Josh Cleveland and Gretchen Anderson Cleveland

Even Test Mice Have a Maze

Taking Risks

My First Bikram

Easing into My Thousand Mile Year

Recent Posts

Categories

Topics

Tags

Running Blogs

Friend's Blogs