90 Day Challenge: Congrats Molly!

Written by: Amy
12 Apr 2011
Yoga

Amy’s runs: Wednesday, 2mile quick run around a park in Christchurch; Thursday, 5mile run to and around downtown Christchurch; Friday, rest (and travel); Saturday, 16mile run in Washington DC with Bridget (6miles) and Michael (8miles); Sunday, 4m White House run with Bridget; Monday, 90 minutes of hot yoga with Molly and Bridget to celebrate Molly’s 90th yoga class in 90 days.

Goal setting has many different shapes and sizes.  Many have weight loss goals.  Others want to quit smoking.  There are financial and time management goals, as well.  Mine is to run 1,000 miles in 2011.  And my friend, Molly, just completed hers of attending 90 hot yoga classes in 90 days.

Once a goal is met and you stack up the numbers, most look pretty impressive.  8,100 minutes of hot yoga in 90 days is a time commitment and mentally tough.  68,692 feet for a half marathon sounds like a lot. There are a lot of zeros in saving for the down payment for a house.  But the truth is, each is done the exact same way: one pose, step, dollar at a time & you just keep going.

The only thing you can expect is that there will be unexpected challenges along the way.  The ability to overcome the unexpected and maintain focus on the end goal (whatever that may be) is what truly inspires me when people accomplish a goal.

Bridget and I have been a part of a number of the classes on Molly’s way to 90, and were lucky enough to share in the final class of the 90 Day Challenge.  The Shav Asana at the end felt a little more relaxed than normal, as I can only imagine the 999th mile will feel for me.

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In the Weeds

Written by: Amy
6 Apr 2011
business travel

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.

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No More Pity Parties

Written by: Amy
3 Apr 2011
business travel

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.

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