It's not an accident...

Was browsing through blogs and came upon this quote:

"Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction & skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives." - Willa A. Foster

I think far more of us validate this statement than not. Our contributions, the quality of our actions. In our relationships, our training, with our family & kids or ourselves. The things that really matter. This high level of quality is not always earth shattering, time consuming or deep thinking, but is real and extends itself into the day to day stuff. Opening a door for someone even though the guy in front of you didn't bother, returning the grocery cart, saying thank you, being kind someone....anyone, training because you won't get better any other way. We've all been blessed on the receiving end. The more I receive, the more I give....and on it goes.

Live passionately!

It was fun while it lasted

Mike left for Portland this afternoon...5 days went by far to fast. I wasn't feeling 100% and he was sweet to take care of me. Ate dinner with the family, caught a couple of movies, he was able to meet his buddies for beers and even get a couple of runs in. Damn....I hate that leaving part.

I think I'll take a couple of days off from working out. Oral surgery 12/8, which is making me feel a little nervous. Not helping when the Dr. says I should expect it to be painful....damn. Just give me the prescription and let me find out on my own. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.

Hope everyone had a beautiful, restful, safe holiday weekend & have a great week!

Live passionately!

That was close.....

I had had to reschedule Friday's oral surgery for Dec. 8th. My lovely appliance wasn't going to be ready in time so I have a couple more weeks to chew my food like a big girl. I am a little nervous though, hoping everything will check out o.k.

I've been spinning like a banchee, at least 4 days a week. Feels great. 1 1/2 hours weight training and core work yesterday. I have a hard time balancing it out unless I journal it...weird huh? Looks like I need to return to my routine of sitting in bed Sunday night and scheduling my workouts. I haven't been weight training much at all and need to fit that in 2 days a week. Not a problem...just need to make it happen. That 'hint' of soreness today really feels good.

My stove has been broken and the insurance company is going to declare it totaled! I didn't now they did that, but I'll take it! I bought it new when I re-modeled my kitchen and this is the 4th (!) time it's shut down on me. They're sending me a pretty nice little check and I've already picked a new baby out! For me, appliance store = kid in a candy store.

Miguel (Mike) is flying in Tuesday eve.... I can't wait. Sunday will come far to fast and he'll be headed back home. The cost of a long distance relationship for now....but I am thankful. I heard someone say that our lives change when we stop saying thank you. Life becomes full of expectations instead of gifts. It struck me very true. Pay it forward. It fuels us. With all that we have (and don't) be aware, be thankful!

Live passionately!

There's always pizza....

Sometimes I forget everyone doesn't love to cook as much as I do....

I get home from work a little early and try to get my 16 year old Chuck to cook with me. No go… other things to do. I tell him "Maybe it would be kind of cool to take a cooking class and I bet there are lots of nice cute girls". He responds, "Why take a cooking class, I already know how to use the micro wave".

Never mind.... ;)


1 hour spin this morning. No run tonight, my neck is better but still stiff. I bought some BioFreeze on Pol's and Carrie's advice and hoping that helps.

Live passionately!

Pain in the neck!

What the heck!! Lately I feel like I'm falling apart. Oral surgery coming up and yesterday I woke up with a wicked pulled muscle in my neck. I did have a massage last Wednesday and was worked pretty hard, but don't think it would take 3 days to feel like this. You know the one....where to look the other way, you've got to move your entire body. I was awake half the night,and yes.... T.V. can get worse than what it is, you just have to turn it on @ 2:30 AM. I'm hoping Tiger Balm and relaxing gets it under control.

Not much else to blog about. I love the mini bricks of my morning spin and evening runs. That feeling of really working hard in spin is such a rush. The run is much slower and a nice way to think over the day. Training has always been my outlet. Time to give thanks, relieve stress, let go of the negative and re-charge. Isn't it wild (no matter what our level) that our bodies can give us all that, at such a small cost? What a deal!

Live passionately!

It's a beautiful thing!

First of all, thanks for all the suggestions for journaling! Very helpful.
I know, it's mind boggling but here's the low down on my recent training:

Monday AM: 1 hour spin class
PM: 4 mile run/11:48 pace... smokin! ;)

Tues AM: 1 hour weight training & core work
PM: 3.59 mile run/11.22 pace

Thurs AM: 1 hour spin class
PM: 4.10 mile run/ 11.19 pace

Wicked busy week. Took Wednesday off to take care of my 'honey-do' list and started off with a teeth cleaning. Well...they found a bump on the roof of my mouth that wasn't there six months ago. Weird.... It doesn't hurt and I've really thought nothing of it. The doc takes x-rays, says he sees nothing but wants an opinion of an oral surgeon. No sooner do I sit in her chair that she says, "hmmmmmm" this looks strange". Well....long story short, I'm having oral surgery next Fri. to carve out what is hopefully extra bone growth and biopsy it. Oh ya...it'll leave a whole in the roof of my mouth that should take 2 weeks to heal. In the meantime I'll have to wear a retainer like appliance to protect it. WHAT THE HECK!?!?!?! All I wanted was my teeth cleaned! I'm sure it will all be o.k., it's just a pain...you know? Health. We are blessed, huh?

On a better note, I've recently been sought after for a position in our corp. office and posted for the job today, so let the games begin!

Hope everyone has had a great week and enjoy the weekend.

Live passionately!

Too Much Information....

Here's the skinny....

Thursday AM: 1 hour spin/avg hr 146
PM: Run/4 miles/37 min./avg hr 139

Friday AM: 1 hour spin class/avg hr 142
30 min core work

Today: AM: Run/ 5.5 miles/56 min./ avg hr 143

I log everything (my A type personality shining through)...mostly manually in a training journal, on the back of my business cards, napkins...etc. Too much information and not at all organized. Would any of you share with me what on-line system you've found helpful in logging your runs. One that does the math on mileage, avg pace, etc. No wonder I have a tough time seeing progress!

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Finding solid ground

To exercise...what an awesome privilege. It's easy to see it that way when you've experienced first hand those who do not have it. When we're stressed, tired, need time alone, seeking balance or in need of a 'knee to knee, eye to eye' conversation with our maker, we are privileged to find solid ground in our health and training.

Monday AM: 1 hour spin/avg HR 139
Monday PM: 4 mile run/ 9.25 pace/ avg HR 140
1 dozen red roses delivered to work from my man & 1 BIG glass of Cab. I tell you, outside of actually being with him....it does not get better!

Tues AM: 1 hour weight training. Focusing on lighter weights and lots of reps.

Wednesday AM: My women's small group bible study.
These women are awesome. Salt of the earth, 'we're all here just figuring this life thing out' kind of gals. They renew my membership in the human race.

I am no stranger to challenge, but I am lucky. I never fall too hard...never had to look too far.
Solid ground, it's all around me.

;)