Hit Repeat

Written by: Amy
21 Jun 2011
Personal Stuff

Monday, 5 miles with Molly G. through Rock Creek Park in DC; Tuesday, 5 miles by myself around the White House & Washington Monument

As I approached the White House tonight Akon’s “Freedom” started playing.  I got goose bumps.  It’s 85 degrees.

I was immediately taken back to China & the feelings I had on my runs there.  A typical run included seeing the 80-year-old woman picking recyclables out of the trash, store keepers hauling boxes, workers taking a nap at the construction site, families eating around a small table outside on the sidewalk and I’ll never forget the little kids yelling “HELLO” and “lao wai, lao wai, lao wai” (foreigner).  Whenever Michael Franti’s song “Oh My God” would play I got goose bumps, too.

I hit repeat on “Freedom” & kept running.

NoComments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

Would I recommend running a marathon?

Written by: Amy
12 Jun 2011
Training Tips

After posting about the marathon last week, I set off for the White House & extended it a little further for a 5 miles run, and haven’t hit the streets since.  I’m not sure if it’s been a week of rest, recovery or refueling…or just plain laziness.

Quite a few people have asked if I would recommend running a marathon.  The simple answer is, “No.”  Just like I answer “no” when people ask if I recommend joining Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.  The same goes for working in a family business, bike commuting or doing hot yoga.

I’ve done or am doing, each of the things listed above, but I am intimately aware that they are not “for everyone” and having a positive experience has as much to do with timing as anything else.  It also has to do with goals.

I’ve been thinking a lot about goals … and as I write this I am thinking about my goal for next week.  I will spend a week as a volunteer counselor for a high school leadership camp in northern Wisconsin.  My goal is to be fully present at camp and connected at camp, and I’m off to get a good night’s rest & not stress over thoughts left unsaid in this post.

 

NoComments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

Why I “get to” run a marathon

Written by: Amy
22 May 2011
Inspiration

Thursday, 3miles to the White House; Friday, rest; Saturday, 9.4miles on the Mall with Fred

The first time I put “run a marathon” on my to-do list it was the spring of 2003.  Coincidentally, I lived in Washington, DC at the time, as well.  I bought a new pair of shoes, mapped running routes and filled in the first few weeks of training runs on my schedule.  That was eight years ago and “run a marathon” is still on my bucket list.  I don’t think I ever got past mile six in the 2003 training runs.

I’ve taken a windy road over the years, but it’s led me back to DC and back to training for a marathon.  Only this time, I’m actually doing it.   I’ve done all the long runs (20 miles was the longest) and am (thankfully!) in taper mode now.  There are a few key differences as to why I think I’ve been successful this time around.

I’ve looked at this training as not “to-do” but “get-to.”  As can be expected, my perspective on life has changed and been influenced by my experiences over the years.  Here’s the highlight of the reasons why I get-to train for a marathon:

I have the luxury of time.

I do not have to work 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet, I have a flexible schedule, and I am not responsible for anyone but me.  I recognize this now and am not taking it for granted.  I am amazing and inspired by the people who do not have the same luxury of time, but somehow make training (or school and life in general) work.

I can nourish my body with the nutrients necessary to keep me healthy and strong.

I have resources that allow me to make choices with the food I eat including where, when, what type and in what quantities I buy it.

I have no injuries.

Everything from the top of my head down to my toes is in working order.  I don’t suffer from chronic pain or illness.  I have been lucky to not trip, slip or fall to cause injury during training or everyday movement.

I have a support network – from afar.

Dana and I text or call each other every day to check in with miles, weather, general impressions of our day and runs.  It’s encouraging to know that someone else is out there pounding the pavement away towards the same goal.  And, I am thankful for all the encouraging words from friends, family and mere acquaintances that have read the blog.  It does make a difference to know that there are others out there who have enjoyed reading along.

I have a support network – close to home.

I couldn’t have gotten this far without the support of my friends in DC.  Bridget has been there since day and mile 1.  She is eager to catch up with me on our standard route to the White House, and running with her is a highlight of my time in DC.  Michael, Fred, Gina and Molly M. have jumped onboard to help me chip away at the miles, too.

I could go on and on about all of the above reasons why I am lucky I get to train (and soon!) run a marathon, but I’ll stop here and just say I am very thankful to get to log another mile in this thousand mile journey.

NoComments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

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?

2Comments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

Do Your Friends Wander?

Written by: Amy
18 Apr 2011
family

Tuesday, 4miles around downtown DC; Wednesday, 8miles to the Capitol and on the Mall; Thursday, 5miles on White House run; Friday, sunny rest day; Saturday, rainy rest day; Sunday, 15miles with Fred and Bridget; Monday, rest

For the better part of a decade, people have wandered in and out of my life.  This happens for a number of reasons.  Sometimes it’s moving 3,000 miles or as few as 3.  Sometimes it’s a career shift, schedule change, new hobby interest or altered relationship status.  There was a bit of relationship wandering this weekend.  Some walked out, others wandered in and I lingered with some of my favorites.

I was thankful that Fred wandered back in time for my Sunday morning long run.  Fred and I were introduced by a mutual friend a little more than a year ago, but had lost touch.  Luckily, Fred called to ask about our mutual friend’s birthday, and we caught up enough so I remembered he was a runner.  He quickly agreed to run on Sunday and got me through 9 miles on the Mall.  It was a beautiful morning, and a great chance to reconnect.  It’s amazing how quickly the miles go by when you’re learning about the opportunities that lie ahead for a friend and the challenges they have overcome since you last spoke.

The same can be said for a friend you see often.  You get to be a part of the smaller details of those challenges and opportunities.  After running with Fred, I still had 7 miles to go, so I headed across town to meet Bridget.  She cheerfully greeted me outside her apartment, and we decided to tackle the slight incline up Connecticut Avenue.  I could not have asked for a better running partner and friend to help me physical and mentally get through those 5 miles.  Bridget’s constant support and warrior encouragement are uplifting and inspiring.

As part of my recovery mode “training,” I lingered with a few friends: Phil, Mitali, Lauree, Kim, Molly, Brian and Jerry.  I enjoyed every moment of egg coloring, random grocery shopping, birthday celebrating, roof deck sitting, errand running and room cleaning with you all this weekend.  When I saw this quote, it resonated with me:

When the world lets you down, you should always be able to depend on family.

I was reminded that family comes in many different forms & I’m thankful for my friends who treat me like family.

NoComments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

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.

2Comments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

13.1 Reasons I’m Glad I Ran the National Half Marathon

Written by: Amy
28 Mar 2011
Training Tips

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. As I’ve mentioned, I’m an urban runner, so I loved that the route was through the heart of the city. The streets were lined with supporters – my favorites were the DJ & co. rocking it outside Howard University  and the crowd in Adam’s Morgan. We even ran through the tunnel at Dupont Circle.  If I wasn’t totally in love with DC before the run, I certainly am now.
  2. We could not have ordered a more perfect day. The skies were bright blue, some of the cherry trees were in full bloom and there was a slight breeze.  Some would point out it could’ve been a few degrees warmer & I’ll give them that, but I’m thankful it wasn’t raining or (worse!) snowing.
  3. The great route and perfect day would not have mattered had I not had great friends to run on the day of the race and train with for the past 10 weeks.  My 2 biggest supporters have been Bridget and Dana.  Bridget and I have consistently run 2 or 3 times a week and Dana and I text each other with daily updates since she lives in Madison.  We had our first “1,000 mile year” run together on Thursday, but it felt like I’ve been running with her for weeks.
  4. During the run, our group got split up and I ran a chunk of the race alone until I saw another runner wearing the Vibram FiveFingers shoes around mile 6.  I tapped (yes, I know you’re horrified) the girl on the shoulder and asked if I could ask her a question.  She said sure, and I asked her if she liked her shoes.  We didn’t stop talking until after mile 11.  She was running the full marathon and her iPod wasn’t playing her podcasts like she had hoped, so she was happy to have the company. Turns out she’s been accepted to the Peace Corps and had a lot of comments about the shoes.  The miles quickly passed.
  5. The road is always there to greet you even if you miss a run. I’ve missed a few training runs, but the road didn’t hold it against me.  Saturday felt like the chance to start fresh.
  6. It feels good to sweat.
  7. I feel oddly more connected to my sister. She is a runner.  I think about her more when I’m on the road and am inspired by her.
  8. Plain and simple: I set a goal and I accomplished it.
  9. My first half marathon in Boise (2006) wasn’t pretty even though I trained with more discipline.  Neva stuck with me the whole way and encouraged me to keep going even though I wanted to quit.  I’ll never forget Neva’s support and that Holly & Dan waited so we could all cross the finish line together.  They would have been proud of me sprinting across the finish line alone in DC.
  10. The race reenergized me for my goal of running 1,000 miles & meeting new people this year.
  11. Bacon tastes better after a long run. I’m thankful for a group of friends who enjoy eating bacon (and kale chips around my dining room table as much as I do.
  12. Chocolate milk is an official recovery drink.
  13. The human body amazes me. I get a cold.  I drink water and sleep & I am better.  I get a paper cut.  I wait 7 days & it’s healed.  I dabble in running for 3 months and ask my big toe, heel, legs, back, arms, neck, head to carry me 13.1 miles in a row, going at a speed faster than walking & I’m awarded with a positive response.  Ok, so it hasn’t been 100% positive. My back is sore and my big toe has a blister.  Those slight inconveniences, however, do not hold a candle to the sheer joy (and I don’t say that lightly) of pushing myself to go the extra mile – in this case 13….

.1  — I’m 1 training run closer to the Madison Marathon in May.  8 weeks of training to go, but who’s counting.

NoComments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

Set Goals. Be Intentional. Allow Forgiveness.

Written by: Amy
16 Mar 2011
Behavior Change, business travel

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.

2Comments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

1,000 miles does not equal 1,000 blog posts

Written by: Amy
16 Feb 2011
Dedication Run, Hashery, Inspiration, Life Purpose, Personal Stuff, Yoga

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.

NoComments / Add Yours
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...

Little Things I Like & the Flip Side

Written by: Amy
4 Feb 2011
family, Personal Stuff, Yoga
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
Bookmark and Share
Continue Reading...