17miles = my “Mission Possible” – What’s Yours?

Written by: Amy
23 Apr 2011
Life Purpose

Tuesday, 5m White House to Washington Monument run; Wednesday, 7.5m White House to Jefferson & around Tidal Basin run; Thursday, 3m White House run; Friday, 90minutes hot yoga with Bridget; Saturday, 8.5m trail run with Melanie, 7m city run alone; 1.5m Mt. Pleasant to Dupont run with Molly = 17 total miles; Sunday, (will be) rest

Pollen is in the air and green is everywhere.  White pants are showing up on street corners, and pink toenails are poking out from sandals.  Winter jackets are being pushed to the back of the closet, and bike seats are getting dusted off.  It’s “time to clear it out and clean it up,” in the words of Melanie.

However, Melanie isn’t spring-cleaning her wardrobe.  She’s taking a step back and looking at the intimate parts of her life.  The food that nourishes her body, the words she uses to describe her experiences, the music she listens to for entertainment, and the people who surround her.  She writes openly and honestly about her struggles and invites others to join in her mission to clear it out and clean it up.

I’m on a mission, too, and I thought it had something to do with running 1,000 miles.  It does, I suppose, but there’s so much more.  I am continually humbled by the lessons I learn from friends that join me on my runs (maybe that’s why I keep harassing @unmarketing!), and am inspired to keep reflecting (through writing) on the journey.

Sixteen weeks ago, I would have told you that it would be impossible for me to run 17 miles in one outing.  Today, I proved myself wrong & I did it with the support of many friends along the way.  The mission to run 17 miles is totally possible.  I’m taking a hard look at what I need to clear out and clean up in my life that feels impossible to give up.

To my many loving & patient friends: I am grateful you will not only run with me, but also support me in clearing out and cleaning up the garbage in my life to make room for all that is possible.  ~ love ~ Amy

Running 17 miles & training for a marathon is my “mission possible.”  What’s yours & how can I support you from near or afar?

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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.
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