Wednesday, November 28, 2007

gobble, gobble, gobble

It is Wednesday AFTER Thanksgiving and I am finally coming off my turkey high. Or was it a turkey low? L-Tryptophan and carbs tend to do that. http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidaysseasons/a/tiredturkey.htm Whatever the case, my body has finally recovered and is properly functioning. I spent the day with my parents, my aunt Susan, her daughter LC and s-i-l Bobby. I love my family. They put the "FUN" in dysfunctional. I am so grateful for all the support they have provided and continue to provide.

I'm continuing to run and lift, though I did miss a few days during my turkey high, I have managed to get back out there and pound out a few miles since last Thursday.

Susan and her girls went to Manhatten for Thanksgiving and I am sure that she'll eventually post their experience of eating street vendor hotdogs for Thanksgiving dinner.

Note that Susan is running to raise money for the Bell Center. I have done this in past for the Mercedes Marathon here in town. The Bell Center is a worthwhile cause for children with developmental delay, Downes, and other challenges. I've decided to make my donation directly to Bell Center and defer any donations that you would have been kind enough to give me to Susan. You can go to her blog and find the link to make a donation. Also, you can go directly to http://firstgiving.com/susancorcoran to make a donation. I am also putting a link to the fund raising page in my margin area. If you live in the area, this is a great cause. I'd suggest you go to Homewood and go to the school and ask the staff to show you around. Amazing.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

200th post- Am I growing up?

Interesting . . . my 200th post. I thought it would be a milestone but to be truthful, it's just another day on the calendar. One more spin of the third rock from the sun.

It has been several weeks since my last post and I am almost AR enough to let it bother me.

I've been running at least four days a week and Phil has pointed out that I need to get out of the habit of running the same mileage everyday. I knew that but have taken it to heart. It's okay to run a short, quickie 3 miler. It's okay to run a slow 6 miler. It's okay to listen to my body and to adjust as needed. I've seen my friends in the 'hood as they have almost completed their preparation for the Rocket City Marathon. They are fast and slim and I'm sure they will be setting PRs. I realize that is where I once was, and that is where I will be again.

I've been regaining some strength, stamina, and desire over the last month or so. My running has become routine and I am once again finding happiness in the solitude of my footfall. I've been able to clear my head and be introspective and pray during my runs. Not praying to be able to catch my breath but praying for peace and wisdom. Sometimes God actually listens. Basically, it has once again become my refuge and not my torment. I have also started back to lifting light weights twice a week. The downside to being endomorphic is I am constantly fighting the FAT MAN battle. The upside is that if I just look at weights, my shoulders, arms, pecs will grow and firm up nicely.

I have spent the last couple of weeks pouring back over all my posts from the end of 2005 and into 2006 when I was preparing for my last marathon. I am amazed at the stuff I was doing back then. That little trip down memory lane has sort of rejuvinated me. The trip to the past also brought tears and chuckles. That being said, I don't think that I would have or could have done anything any differently. It has also helped me realize that my past is my past and there great things yet to come for me. I have loved and I was loved. I think that I have finally figured out that it will all happen again. It is not something that can be forced or put on a schedule. I'll just wait and see what the next day holds.

Today is nothing special other than a sign that God is merciful and has given us all another chance to improve someone else's life. Go out and find someone to help.