Category Archives: health

Never Could I

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“I could never do that!”

“There is no way I would ever be able to…”

“If I ever tried to do that I would die.”

How many times have you ever said one of the above sentences?  Over the years of my running experiences and sharing stories of all my adventures, the one comment that always pops into the conversation with a non-runner is “I could never run that far.”  We could be talking about three miles or a full marathon (26.2 miles).  In fact, there was a time many years ago when I said the same thing.  I once uttered “Never could I run 6 miles” during a conversation with someone who was getting ready to run a 10K race.  The thought of running 6.1 miles was insane and unattainable to me.  Not to mention, why in the world would I ever want to do that!  Here I am several years later with four marathons and several 5K, 10K and half-marathons races notched into my experience belt.  What I once saw as impossible became a stepping stone along the path of my running journey. Have you thought the same thing about running? Have you groaned no way, not ever? The fact is you CAN do it.  You just have to go about it the right way.

When you were a little child you didn’t just hop on a bicycle one day and be able to ride it without falling off or crashing into a street sign.  In the beginning you had training wheels. Then, you had someone holding the seat jogging along side you once the training wheels came off.  You had someone who picked you up from the ground, brushed the dirt off your scraped knees and helped you back onto the bicycle.  They guided you through the learning process until one day you were zooming down the sidewalk on your own.  Learning to become a runner and getting to your race day, no matter what distance you want to run, is no different. You should lean on and learn from those who can guide with confidence, accuracy, knowledge, and experience to be successful and reach your goals. With that, I would like to tell you a story about a friend.

Last year my dear friend, Cindy, ran her first half-marathon.  It wasn’t even a flat, “easy”one.  She tackled a difficult race course in the middle of Syracuse, NY.  What’s more impressive is she was in her mid-50’s and had just recently started running.  Having been a member of marathon training teams, a coach for 10K training teams, having health and wellness certifications, and being someone who had substantial experience with running, when I learned she was training for this race I wanted to offer a little advice here and there.  We talked about everything from stretching and strengthening exercises, to nutrition, to running techniques, and training schedules.  I wasn’t real sure how Cindy would take all of my jibber jabber about running.  She always kindly let me spout off at the mouth about all things running, said thank you and went on with her day.  Over the course of her training I would occasionally check in with her and make sure she was doing ok.  I soon realized this was no average 50-something year old who thought one day, “Gee. Maybe I’ll start running and sign up for a half-marathon because I got talked into it.”  Cindy had a determination about her that was admirable and inspiring to so many, including myself. When race day arrived, a few of us, with motivational and humorous signs in hand, drove out to Syracuse with a game plan to catch her at different points during her race to cheer her on.  It was awe-inspiring!

What Cindy did that day blew my mind! You see, most people who train for a big race like that do so with a running buddy, or a few people, especially if they are new to running.  Many people join a running group complete with coaches to guide and educate throughout the training. As far as I know, Cindy did all of her training runs on her own with an occasional gentle, motivating nudge from her husband to get her out the door to get her run in.  Not only did Cindy run her first half-marathon last November on a tough Syracuse course, but she ate that course for lunch!  It was one of the most inspiring experiences I have been a part of and I was so abundantly proud of her.

During her training I remember saying to her, “Watchout.  Before you know it you will be signing up for your first marathon.”   She had the classic response, “Oh, I could never run 26 miles. At this point I just want to get through 13 miles.”.  She ran that half-marathon kicking it right in the kisser and soon after signed up for a series of four half-marathons culminating with some serious finisher medal bling for completing the series!  Did I mention she was in her mid-50’s, never had been a runner before and had just recently started running?  Just wanted to make sure I made that point!

Then, it happened!

In March, while sitting at a Leadership Retreat at church, Cindy whispered to me, “I’ve signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon.”  I vividly remember jumping out of my chair in excitement!  I was elated!  She was taking the leap into a whole new world of running. But, it was about more than just running.  The marathon and the training that it requires is a test of commitment, spirit, internal drive, fortitude, a whole new level of toughness, determination, stamina, and grit.  Someone who once thought “I never could run a marathon” now had a glimmer of “let’s give it a try and see what happens.”  Signing up for a marathon takes guts.  Making it to the start line and crossing the finish line of a marathon is a whole new level of “guts”.

For non-elite runners, which is most of the marathon running population, marathon training is typically a six month process.   That’s a massive commitment that often comes with dramatic season changes (especially in upstate NY), not to mention family commitments, work obligations, unexpected life events, and anything else that comes up along the way.  It is also easy for a person to conveniently come up with all sorts of excuses to not get out the door for a scheduled run.  And, when the schedule reaches the higher numbers, the excuses come much easier and are more abundant. That’s normally when people fall off their schedule, never complete the training and consequently never make it to the start line missing out on their goal.  Without going into detail, Cindy had a few opportunities to toss in the towel along the way and with good reason.  But, she persevered!

Fast forward to Sunday, October 28, 2018, the running of the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon.  I was all set up with tracking Cindy on the virtual map and would receive alerts on my phone when she reached benchmarks throughout the course.  I was nervous, yet confident she would reach the finish line.  Every time I checked her status I proudly smiled.  She was running a smart race and was doing very well.  I knew when Cindy was predicted to cross the finish line and was anxiously waiting for that last text notification.  When it came in I was driving.  I pulled into a parking lot, checked the text and began to cry a joyous cry.  I was filled with a glorious, overwhelming feeling of pride for what Cindy had just accomplished.  Knowing where she was a year ago and witnessing her journey all the way to the finish of her first marathon has been such an honor to be part of and one that I will never forget.  I am thankful to Cindy for allowing me to be a part of her journey.

You never know what you can’t do until you try.  Every race, no matter the distance, no matter the speed or ability of the participants, walkers or runners, is filled with people who are stretching their comfort zones, reaching for something they once thought impossible, pushing themselves to attain something they once thought “Never could I”.  Cindy once said she could never run a marathon.  Well, my fabulous friend, check it off the list.  You did it!

Quite a while ago I came upon this fabulous meme from eBib that says it all!


Lastly, here are two closing quotes to sum up this story that I feel are very fitting and might possibly inspire you to think about reaching for one your “Never could I” adventures:

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ”I’m possible’.” ~Katherine Hepburn.

“If you are losing faith in humanity, go out and watch a marathon.” ~Kathrine Switzer

Impossible… or I’m Possible

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Impossible

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Impossible… ten letters that form a word that can have a massive impact on how you approach something and situations.  The word can force you to avoid or run and hide when, in fact, the somethings and situations just might be possible.  There are times when the option to run from the seemingly impossible does not exist because this option to run, quite frankly, may lead to death.

Have you ever been forced to come to grips with your own mortality?  For those who have been on the receiving end of, “You have cancer…”, facing one’s mortality becomes a body and soul numbing reality.  Give some thought to how you would handle it.  While you are doing that, let me introduce you to a young lady who faced the impossible and kicked it right in the chops at the very young age of 13!  I had the honor of sitting down with her and her mother to hear her story and hear what she wanted the world to know.  Her story is one of inspiration, determination, bravery, grit, and oozes with the kind of courage most can only dream of. So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I introduce to you Gracie Snyder. Here is her story…

On May 28, 2014 at the age of 13 and in 7th grade, Gracie was diagnosed with a Astrocytoma, a brain tumor that was located in the front of the brain positioned between her eyes.  When I ask what the events were leading up to the diagnosis, Gracie explained it to me like this (slightly more fun than her mother’s description).

“We were playing Ten Base in gym class.  The ball was kicked into a corner where it went between the wall without padding and the bleachers.  I was running to get it and I was going too fast. I went to grab the ball and I didn’t get it because my head is too big and my arms are too short.”  (insert giggles during the interview)

Gracie fell and hit her head causing her to go unconscious.  As it turned out, this fall saved her life.  At the emergency room Gracie started to come around and she said she felt fine and wanted to go home.  Mother’s intuition said, “No.  Let’s stay and get it checked out.”  The CAT Scan showed something on her brain and Gracie was rushed to Upstate Medical Center.  The MRI showed the walnut-sized tumor.  On July 17, 2014 she underwent surgery to remove the tumor.  But, the surgery didn’t go as planned.

The procedure was supposed to be quick with ten days in the hospital.  The original plan was to pull the tumor through her nose rather than cut into her skull.  Gracie’s scans were viewed by top specialist in Germany. They all agreed this approach was not an option.  Gracie was admitted on July 16th.  Electrodes were connected to map her brain to see where they were going to go in.  The procedure was supposed to be a six-hour surgery.  As soon as they opened her up, they saw the tumor was much larger than expected.  It had spider webbed into the ventricles of her brain.  The surgeons had to instantly come up with a brand new plan.  The surgeon made an incision across the top of her head and down the side and an attempt to get as much of the tumor as possible was underway.  Unfortunately, the tumor had wrapped itself around the optical nerve.  If the doctor had pulled any more on the tumor it would have resulted in blindness.  The tumor was also too close to the pituitary gland causing the surgeon to leave some of it behind. This grueling surgery ended up being twelve torturous hours.  Gracie did not wake up for three days after the surgery.  I can not begin to imagine how agonizing this was for her mother.

Gracie then began to have clinical seizures.  To make matters even worse, the drain tube in her head broke as they were taking it out.  Gracie had to undergo another procedure to have it removed.  The next few weeks were spent in the pediatric intensive care unit.

With some of the tumor remaining in Gracie’s brain, she had to undergo very intense chemotherapy treatments.  Every Wednesday for twelve weeks Gracie got out of bed, followed the same routine and headed out the door for treatments.  The rest of the day on Wednesday and the entire next day she felt horrible, tried not to vomit, slept and wouldn’t talk to anyone.  Being a cancer survivor myself, I can completely relate to every part of this.  But, the thing about Gracie is she never once felt sorry for herself.  And, this is where the real story begins…

After Gracie was diagnosed with a brain tumor, had surgery and went through treatments, she had to learn how to walk and talk all over again and still struggles with her memory.  Her mother said the situation was like having a baby all over again.  Speech, cognitive and occupational therapy were on the slate for rehabilitation.  Both Mom and Gracie persevered with determination and hard work.

Sitting down to talk with Gracie, I found myself going through a truck load of emotions as I listened to her tell me about the actions of friends and family as she went through all of this.  Then, I listened to her describe her philosophy, her attitude and sense of humor with the entire situation.  I quickly realized this young lady was faced with the impossible and embraced the “I’m Possible”!

Before her diagnosis she was a typical teenager with a ton of friends and never being home.  When she was first diagnosed many of her friends were there for her and wanted to help.  Once she started chemo treatments, the list of “friends” dwindled to just a few people.  Now many of the “friends” don’t talk to her.  Gracie believes some of her friends think the brain tumor is contagious and they want to stay away.  Others may not have liked her sudden weight gain.  When the surgeon remove the tumor away from her pituitary gland it allowed her body to begin to mature properly and put on healthy weight.  She went from 80 pounds to just over 100 pounds.  I hope with all of my heart this is not the reason some of her friends have stayed away from her.  How very shameful this would be.

I asked Gracie what she wanted to tell the world.  Listening to her response, I found myself becoming emotional and grew even more proud of her.  Here is what she wants you to know. “I never gave up.  I don’t want to be treated differently.  I’m not the girl with the brain tumor or the sick kid.  I’m going through something a little tough.  I’m just a little different version of me.  To me it’s just another bump in the road. I don’t see it as a big deal.  It’s Wednesday… Chemo… OK, here we go.  We had a routine and just did it.”

“Something a little tough.”  Are you kidding me?  This young lady is awe-inspiring!

When Gracie saw the other children in the hospital who were going through chemo as well she realized her situation was not as bad as it could be.  The other children were much worse than she was.  She also spoke of her friend from school, Robert, who recently passed away and battled leukemia.  Gracie said,”I have a brain tumor.  Whoopdeedoo. I’m still here.”.  She said the whole experience was life changing.

The extraordinary thing about Gracie is she never once felt sorry for herself; not about the treatments, the disappearing friends, the family member who should have been by her side and wasn’t…  She has not one ounce of “poor me” in her.  Gracie’s sense of humor about the whole experience is spectacular.  Because of her memory issue, she calls herself Dory (“Finding Nemo” movie reference) and refers to the small tumor that remains as her squirrel brain.  I have personally witnessed Gracie’s determination on the field hockey field.  She has an incredible never give up attitude that, as a coach, I wish I could bottle.  Her drive, tenacity, grit, and perseverance are extraordinary.

Gracie is a remarkable young lady who sees her glass as half full.  What could have been a murky, cloudy, nasty view through glasses is definitely clear, lustrous and rose-colored.  Gracie has outmaneuvered adversity with dignity, class and maturity that some adults lack.  She is spectacular!

Fighting cancer takes guts, courage, strength, conviction, a never quit attitude, and an amazing support system.  Gracie has it all and then some.  Some would see a brain tumor as an impossible battle.  Gracie looked at it and said, “I’m possible” and kicked it right in the chops!

Gracie & her mom, Michelle            Gracie & Beth, a hospital volunteer

Give a Hug

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Earlier this week I had breakfast at a local “greasy spoon” in town I used to go to in high school.  I’ve known the owner for years and his niece is one of my best friends.  I sat at the counter for breakfast and Cal, the owner, and I chatted for a bit to catch up.  Two New York State Troopers came in and sat at a table and were the only people in that part of the restaurant.  I have been feeling very worried about my friends in law enforcement, fire and EMS with all that has been going on in our country.  I immediately began to worry about these two as well.

When their food came out to be delivered to their table I asked The owner if I could make the delivery.  I brought their breakfast to them, thanked them for what they do every day, for putting their lives on the line for us without fail and said I would include them in my daily prayers for their safety.  I then told them their breakfast was on me.  After arguing back and forth about me buying their breakfast (I know… who argues with a NY State Trooper?),  I was very insistent and won.  Both Troopers were very surprised, became emotional and were very appreciative.  I told them to be safe, have a great day and went back to my seat.

When I sat back down at the breakfast counter I looked at The owner, who is a big, tough looking guy, yet a huge teddy bear, and noticed a tear in the corner of his eye.  He didn’t say a word; he just smiled at me.  I felt my heart smile!  It was an amazing feeling.

I very rarely do something like this.  When I do I never tell anyone about it.  But, with all of the ugliness and hatred we are seeing in our country right now, I feel it necessary to share this story.  But, my purpose is not to receive praise or a pat on the back.  My purpose is to encourage others to combat the hate with kindness.  My purpose is to get people to recognize the power of thanking someone and letting perfect strangers know that what they do on a daily basis does not go unnoticed.  We need to let people in law enforcement, Fire and EMS know their daily commitment to the safety of the people of their communities is seen in their actions and dedication to putting their lives on the line for every one of us.  These brave souls deserve a big, massive collective hug of gratitude from all of us.

*briefly stepping on the soapbox*  I do not know the exact details of the latest police related deaths.  To be very frank, I don’t want to know.  What I do know is when I was pulled over for speeding my hands remained on the steering wheel, I said “Yes, Sir” to the officer, I didn’t reach for anything in any compartments until I was told to, and, even though my handgun was not in the car, I let the officer know I had a concealed carry permit and there was not a gun in my car.  By telling the officer this bit of information it didn’t come as a surprise to him when he pulled my driver’s license information on his computer.  Surprises are not good in this type of situation as they only make someone more anxious than they already are.  I would imagine there is a bit of nervousness or anxiousness already flowing when an officer pulls someone over, especially these days.  If an officer tells me to do something (i.e., “take your hand out of your pocket”) I do it instantly without question or argument.  These actions not only make sure I don’t end up in handcuffs, but they pretty much assure the officer he or she will remain safe and can keep a level and calm head throughout the encounter.  By the way, I do everything I can to make sure that I am not going to be pulled over by the police for any reason.  *stepping off the soapbox*

What I do know is I am tired of people being hateful and ugly toward each other.  I am tired of people blaming others for their lot in life.  I’m tired of senseless deaths because someone got their knickers in a twist and couldn’t come up with a rational, level-headed way to deal with whatever the problem may be.  We have so many things in this world that naturally add to the ugliness we face.  Cancer is one of the biggest culprits.  Although we are trying very hard to find a cure for cancer, right now there isn’t much we can do to end it.  It naturally adds ugliness, grief, sadness, anger, anxiety, uncertainty… Cancer sucks!  But, so do people who believe shooting innocent people will solve the problem. I’m also tired about hearing how certain lives matter.  Last time I checked, God believes you matter and you matter and you matter (insert visual of me pointing at people in a crowd).  Everyone matters. The end!

I recently saw the movie premier of “The Lennon Report”.  This movie brings to light the true events of the tragic night John Lennon was shot at the hands of Mark David Chapman and the events in the emergency room revealing who really treated Lennon that night. In the movie there is mention of John Lennon’s stand against gun violence.  My friend I was with put it best when she said, “This movie has many parallels to what we are dealing with in today’s society.”.  On the 33rd anniversary of Lennon’s death, Yoko Ono tweeted this picture of Lennon’s blood stained glasses,

yoko-ono-guns-lennon-glasses

She added to this picture by stating, “31,537 people are killed by guns in the USA every year. We are turning this beautiful country into war zone.”

See the parallel?  I certainly do.

Back to my original point…

I believe we need to take a step back and figure out why we are so angry; figure out who we are really angry at.  How are we going to effectively and properly handle the anger so no more families have to get the awful visit at their front door telling them their loved one was killed in a senseless act of violence?  The United States of America is becoming the Divided States of America and that causes a gigantic knot in my stomach.  You know, they say everything old becomes new again or everything comes full circle.  It happened with bell-bottom pants… and it’s happened with inequality all over again.  It’s almost like having a lemon of a car.  Just when you think the problem has been fixed… WHAM-OH!  Broken again.

So, with all of this rambling, here is what I am asking of you:

Take a step back and see the whole picture.  Be thankful for what you have in life.  Work hard to obtain what you need.  Hold yourself accountable for what you don’t have and do not blame someone else because you don’t have it.  Strive to have what you desire to have.  Say “Thank you”.  Give someone a hug because we all need a good hug now and then.  And, please, please, please… stop being so ugly to one another.

Love & Hugs to all.

 

 

 

 

Writing With Your Marker

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Did you draw on your mom’s walls and in inappropriate places with markers when you were a child?  I bet you were in a ton of trouble when you did so.  I know you were because, let’s face it, we all did it.  I am now 40 years old and can tell you I often write on my bathroom mirror or on myself with a marker… a dry-erase marker.  What do I write?  Well…

I believe everyone should have a mantra; a saying; a quote that inspires them each day.  I actually have all three. Your mantra should be something you can lean on during the toughest of times.  When you are faced with adversity, your mantra is something that should have the ability to give you the kick in the butt you need.  My mantra comes from my marathon training team, Pink Nation.  It is “All Go No Quit Cowboy Up”. It means suck it up and finish what you started.  My saying is one that I use absolutely every day for every aspect of my life: work, home, fitness & health, personal, volunteer work, etc… My saying is “Be > Yesterday” (Be Greater Than Yesterday).  I don’t think I need to explain that one. Your selected quote should be the one that inspires you to get through tough times, gears you up to get ready to face adversity head on or is a quote you can rely on to put things in perspective, stay positive and get through the ugly. My quote is “Spes et Fortitudo” (hope and strength).

So, what do I write on my mirror with my trusty marker?  Sometimes I write things I need to add to the grocery list as they appear in my mind while brushing my teeth. Sometimes I write work thoughts or presentation ideas.  But, everyday I see two things on my mirror written with my trusty marker: “Be > Yesterday” and “Spes et Fortitudo”.  To me, these two statements keep me pushing forward.  They keep me thinking about being better every day.  But, they also remind me of the positive.  There’s so much “yuck” in our every day lives that being reminded of the positive in so important.

I also write on myself.  Yes, I am a grown adult and write on myself.  I am a runner.  Any race I run, whether it’s a 5K up to a marathon, I pick a person or persons to dedicate the race to and write the names on the top of my left hand right next to my watch.  Every time I look at my watch to check my pace, distance or time, I see the name(s), the reason I am running the race.  It is my motivation.  But, I also write “I Am My Hero” on my fingers.  I believe there are times in your life that you need to stop relying on others and become your own hero.  You need to do “it”, whatever “it” is, for you.  I use my trusty marker for these writings as well.

So, what are you going to write with your marker?  Where will you write it?  What is the meaning behind what you will write?

More To It Than Just A Number

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I recently read a couple of blog posts that got me a bit fired up.  The first one I read is by a blogger named Bryan Vaughn.  Mr. Vaughn wrote a post called “Why We All Hate Your 13.1 Stickers.“.  The second post is in response to Mr. Vaughn’s post called,  “Why We Love Your Post, ‘Why We All Hate Your 13.1 Stickers,”.  I strongly recommend you read both of these posts so you have an understanding of what my response is referring to.

Most of my blog followers know that I am a runner.  If you are new to my blog, you can check out some of my older posts where I talk about running the Richmond Marathon and my running team, MTT Pink Nation.  Mr. Vaughn’s post was quite aggravating to me as I am a very proud card carrying, number sticker/magnet displaying member of the running community.  So, I was compelled to give a different view of what these number stickers and magnets mean aside from just bragging about an accomplishment, as Mr. Vaughn suggests.

Here is my response to the two blog posts:

“Heck yeah my stickers are to announce to the world what I’ve accomplished! I am proud of every race and distance I’ve completed. You see, once you kick cancer’s butt not once, not twice, but three times and are able to run any distance it is fair game to shout it from the roof tops (and the back of my car). What people don’t see when they look at these stickers and magnets is the whole story. I run for my health; I run for myself. I display the stickers because I am proud of my accomplishments and, yes, I want to show that off. I do not care if that angers people. Cancer angers me and I’ve kicked it right in the chops. So, to those who are bothered by these stickers I say get over it. It’s time to be angered by things that truly matter in this world… Cancer, diabetes, lupus, stroke, heart disease, alzheimer’s, and so many other medical problems that affect the lives of so many incredible people. Be angered by children shooting children. Be angered by domestic abuse. Take your anger and make a difference. Don’t just sit and type a ranting post, hiding behind the computer screen. Do something good with your anger and help people. My number stickers are absolutely symbols of greatness in times of adversity and I proudly display them for the world to see. I spend my anger on helping to finding a cure for Cancer. What are you going to do with your anger?”

I can only hope Mr. Vaughn read this response and sees that there is more to a sticker or magnet on the back of a car than just numbers.

Brick By Brick

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It seems that in nearly everything we do that has a process or takes time to accomplish there is a need to build a foundation in order to succeed.  Your foundation for learning began very, very early on.  In kindergarten (or maybe before), you learned the ABC’s.  You learned how to read and write paving the way for your education and future.  In music performance, students build a strong foundation by learning scales and practicing technical studies.  In sports, athletes learn how to throw, kick, field, hit, block, hold equipment, etc. giving them a strong foundation to advance their skills.  In sales, the account executive learns the steps to the sale, they learn the products and how their company can provide the service more effectively than other companies.  Runners need to learn proper running form and what socks/shoes work best for them in order to prevent injury and run efficiently. So, let’s talk about running for a few minutes.

Many people think marathon runners are crazy.  Yes, we are, but that’s not the point.  The thought of running even a mile to many people is tiresome and frightening.  So, the idea of them running a marathon seems incredibly outrageous.  This is because they have no base, no foundation.  Some of these people don’t even walk for exercise on a regular basis. So, the thought of running is ridiculous.  The question runners are always asked if “Why?”.

Runners have different personal reasons why they run, which I will not go into.  More to the point, we runners run because we can.  We have built the foundation to be able to do it.  We reached the goals of 5K, 10K and half marathon races.  The next logical step to us is the full marathon, and, yes, that is 26.2 miles.  We follow training schedules that include weekday shorter runs that incorporate hill and speed training (not at the same time, of course), one long run day on the weekend, cross training, and rest days.  We are very careful not to increase our mileage per week too much too soon.  Many runners take yoga classes to help maintain flexibility and prevent injury.  Have I mentioned building a strong foundation?

‘Tis the season for half and full marathons!  Roughly fifty thousand people will run the NY City Marathon in November. In 2013 more than 1,100 marathons were run across the country with 541,000 finishers.  The division between men and women is 57% and 43% respectively. Of all of these runners 47% were runners 40 years of age and older, respectfully referred to as the masters age group. All of these runners followed a training program building their foundation step by step, brick by brick.

I recently shared a quote with my running friends that speaks to the point of building a strong foundation.  Emperor Hadrian said about the building of Rome, “Brick by brick, my citizens. Brick by brick.”. There is a lot of power, truth and motivation in this quote.  So, to those who are getting ready for a race, no matter the distance or your pace (walking or running), I say to you, build your foundation.  Start with the tiny steps and climb to the highest peaks.  With every step your foundation will get stronger.  This will ensure you are at the start line on race day and cross the finish line with your arms raised high above your head and a face beaming with pride.  “Brick by brick, my citizens.  Brick by brick” (Hadrian).

Your Mantra

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Mantra is a mind projection created in either a spoken or mental manner. Mantras can be a word, phrase, syllable or sound. They can be recited, sung or repeated silently in the mind. It is a technique for regulating the mind. There are many mantras each one having its own quality, rhythm, and effect. For thousands of years, mystics, meditators and yogis have used mantras for mental and spiritual transformation.  If you search the web you will find web site on top of web site full of inspirational and motivating quotes; mantras, if you will.  Well… here begins the story of Pink Nation and our mantra.

“In rodeo, to ‘cowboy up’ means to suck it up in times of adversity and carry on when you are injured or down and the prospect of doing whatever you’re about to try is so bleak that the best you can hope for is to live through it.” ~ Tuff Hedeman, World Champion Bull Rider

Mantra: any sacred word or syllable used as an object of concentration and embodying some aspect of spiritual power.  I am a proud card-carrying member of the Pink Nation Marathon Training Team.  We begin our “family reunion” each year in June.  We hold “church” each Sunday morning to get our sweat on and push ourselves towards a goal in November that most would never even consider attempting… start and finish 26.2 miles.  We have a phrase we use when faced with adversity when we head out for training runs, during our lives and especially on race day when we set out to conquer 26.2 miles. Our mantra is “All Go, No Quit, COWBOY UP“. 

You see, Pink Nation is not just a running training team; it’s a family.  We take care of each other and look out for each other.  We welcome new members into our family every year in June.  When one of us has a tough road ahead in any aspect of our life, team members shout our mantra from the roof tops (well comment on social media and other forms of communication, but you get the point).  Throughout the year many members of Pink Nation take part in other races around the stated and even throughout the country; races of varying distances.  No matter the length of the race team members are always there with a rousing “All Go, No Quit, COWBOY UP“.  It sticks in your head.  It becomes your “wingman” never leaving your side during a race.  When you are feeling beat up it is comforting knowing there are people out there who know just what to say to make you suck it up and keep pushing ahead. They know what to say that makes you not quit.

We all need a kick in the butt every now and then to keep us pushing forward in life, in work, and in reaching goals of all kinds.  What is your mantra?  Do you have a phrase that keeps you going? What gives you the kick in the butt you sometimes need to “get through it”, to make it across whatever finish line lies ahead of you?  If you do not have a mantra, I think it would be okay with my fellow Pink Nation family members if you borrowed ours.  But, be careful as it is a powerful phrase.  There’s no telling what you might accomplish once you use it.  “All Go, No Quit, COWBOY UP“, my friends. 

Noise and Yucky Stuff

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Remember the good old days? Chalk boards and clapping erasers outside after school, rotary dial phones, the world before video games and entertaining yourself by playing outside, 8-tracks, tapes, records, and reel-to-reel video, slide shows were actual square, paper frames with film in between them, TV Dinners, the world before TV (for some of my readers)… We could go on and on. With all that’s happening in our world, I like to sit back and think of simpler, kinder times. When I was growing up the worst thing I had to worry about was getting a flat tire on my bicycle during the 3.5 mile ride home from playing tennis. That meant I would have to walk the rest of the way home. There wasn’t such a thing as a cell phone to use to call home and have someone come pick me up. Times have changed.

The world seems to be in a big hurry and has become cluttered with “noise” and “yucky stuff”. Homes are filled with multiple televisions, a couple of computers, tablets and iPads, cell phones, and iPods. Not to mention, the constant bombardment of noise and yucky stuff from television and social media that inundates our lives. It is impossible to watch a news broadcast and not hear about tragedies of some kind. Most often, it seems like the entire broadcast is informing us of terrible things happening around us. Let us not forget how much divorce attorneys love social media for the stories, status updates and pictures. Like I said, noise and yucky stuff.

As I sit here outside with a slight breeze blowing, birds chirping and a view of the water just beyond to screen of my laptop, I have come to realize more than ever how important it is to get rid of the noise and yucky stuff now and then. Unplug all of the electronics. Breathe in the fresh air, look up at the nature that surrounds you, appreciate the simple things again. A month ago I did just that. I unplugged. I unplugged for two days and returned to a simpler life for the weekend. Admittedly, it was not easy at first. I kept reaching for my iPad to see what everyone was up to on all of the social media sites. I kept wanting to pick up my phone to do anything other than make a phone call. Remember when a phone was meant for phone calls and that was all? As time went on though, I found myself enjoying my time without the noise and yucky stuff. I picked up a book, not an electronic version of it, but an actual paperback, went outside, sat in my chair and read. I finished a number of chapters and thought it had only been a short time. I came to realize that I had been outside enjoying my book in my favorite chair, with my puppy next to me for two and a half hours. Time seemed to stand still.

The weekend was a success. I made it through the weekend without Facebook, Twitter, my blog, my laptop and iPad, and using my cell phone only for calls that came in and the Sunday morning call to my parents. Unplugging is now a regular practice of mine. So, I challenge you to give it a try. There is too much noise and yucky stuff in the world and around us every day. We must take it upon ourselves to slow down, unplug, clear our minds, and enjoy the simpler things in life. Get your head out of your electronics and enjoy your family. Have actual conversations with each other. Go outside. Enjoy your surroundings. Breathe in the fresh air. Get away from the noise and yucky stuff for a while. You will be amazed by the impact it has on your overall being. Most importantly turn off the noise and yucky stuff to enjoy life!

Chicken or the Pig?

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I bet you thought I was going to write chicken or the egg!!  Now that I have your attention, I have a question for you.  Are you a chicken or a pig?  I’ll explain…

In everyday life you can either be a participant in it or committed to it. Using breakfast as an example, the chicken was a participant while the pig was absolutely committed!  So, I ask you again, are you a chicken or a pig?  Think about each day.  Do you just go through the motions? Or, do you have meaning to each day, each activity, each interaction with people?  What is your purpose?  What are you about?  What is it that you want to be remembered or known for?  I know, so many questions. 

Personally, I want to help in some way to find a cure for cancer.  Being a survivor of this terrible disease, I work to help raise awareness and funds for research, clinical trials and so places like VCU Massey Cancer Center can continue to treat patients from around the world at their facility regardless of the patients ability to pay.  I want to inspire others to get involved in some way.  I want to inspire others to get involved with something that will give them a sense of pride that they have done something good.  Aspire to be committed to this life, not just a participant. Don’t just go through the motions.  Have a purpose for each day and be thankful you are here to enjoy each day.

So, look at yourself in the mirror and ask you if you are a chicken or a pig. Participant or committed? 

The Massey Challenge

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Click here to view my story and help me put cancer on the the run with The Massey Challenge!

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Please consider a small donation that can make a global impact! Click here to learn about VCU Massey Cancer Center. Thank you for your donation!