Author: Kristine Binder

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.
~Ruth Ann Schabacker

This past weekend was all about gifts. My daughter turned 15 on Saturday and there were many gifts! Most of the gifts were those that did not come wrapped in pretty paper or tied with pretty ribbons. There were so many gifts of friendship and love to mention.

However, I think I was the biggest recipient of gifts. I received the best gift in my daughter. She is so responsible, practical, and really the best friend a girl could ask for. It is a joy to be her mother and watch her grow. There is never a dull moment when she is around. She makes my life exciting. She is the trailblazer for her siblings as she forces me into new and uncharted parenting territory on a daily basis. She challenges me to be a better parent at every turn. We are so alike (much to her dismay) in so many ways yet different in others. I envy her at times with her circle of friends, love of life and joy with which she approaches life most days. She is studious and has great attention to detail that I do not. She really is a great kid and I am blessed to be her mom.

We may never really realize the gifts we receive on a daily basis. There are so many times I have to stop and acknowledge the gift before the moment escapes me. I am so blessed in so many ways. I am so abundantly gifted!

Yesterday is a memory.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

That’s why they call it the present.

Go unwtie some ribbons……

“Standing there alone
the ship is waiting
all systems are go
are you sure?
control is not convinced
but the computer
has the evidence
“no need to abort”
the countdown starts”
Major Tom – Peter Schilling

This is it! Only 9 more days until the marathon! I am getting a bit nervous but I know that this is normal….it is Taper Madness.

During the taper the miles decrease and the time spent NOT running increases. This causes fear, dread, and panic. More time to think about what can go wrong. More time to catch up on things put aside due to training. More time to wonder what will happen AFTER the Marathon.

I am in that space now. Trying to catch up on things and trying not to think about the ‘What if’s’ of next week. I am trying not to eat too much. One thing about running it really curbs the appetite (also allows me more leverage with what I eat). When I am not running my mind often drifts to food! I love FOOD!

So…this is it. All systems are go. Control (my brain) is not convinced. The Compter (my body) has the evidence and says no need to abort. The Countdown Starts.

Wow! Life sure is overwhelming! The milage has ramped up, school is in full swing, Girls On the Run has started, and it is football season. All these things chew away at my time and energy. Just when I feel like it is not worth it and it is all too much….amazing things happen to remind me what is important.

Today is the birthday of my youngest daughter. It is a day filled with music, treats and balloons. She is the light in my eyes. She has a spark and an edge that challenge me on my best and worst days. She has a smile that can light up a room. She has a spirit that never gives up and never gives in. She has a positive body image and positive outlook that I have never possessed. She has the most tender heart and a soft spirit that endear her to everyone around her. She is such a gift to me. I am blessed every day to be her mother.

My children never cease to amaze me. Each and every day is new and different. They are growing and changing faster than I would like most days but they are becoming such wonderful human beings that it is hard to believe they are my children.

There are times when I feel so overwhelmed by life and all that it takes to get through a day……then something wonderful happens. Most times it is a minor thing that only I notice but it is there…a sign that it is worth it….every day is worth it.

So when life gets overwhelming…look for the little things….every day IS worth it!

Life is in the journey, not the destination, so do what you can and take it one day at a time. Go slow, do it right, and make your changes permanent — then help out others who are where you were.

Last week marked the half way point in my training program. Now is when the going gets tough.

The miles ramp up and the reality that the marathon is only but a few short weeks away sets in. This is the time that the training program tests you. This is the time that you need to really focus on the end result. This is the time when the nagging doubt sets in. This is the time that things get tough.

This training season has been very different for me. I am training with a group on the weekends and am learning about my pace and enjoying the company of other runners. I am doing more cross training and walking on days off. I am doing more runs on the treadmill to work on speed and pace. I am more aware of my eating habits and food intake…what works and what doesn’t. I feel slower but stronger than last year.

Last week was tough. I did not want to run. It was no fun. It was sheer work. It was torture some days to get through the miles. I had to keep my eyes on the prize so to speak. I got through each mile but they were not pleasant nor meaningful…..or so I thought!

I did some reflecting on those tough miles last week and realized that I had felt the same way during other parts of my life for example the last month of pregnancy as well as miles 20-24 of last years marathon. Miserable…no end in sight….no way out. Quitting not an option.

These are the times that test you. Test your fortitude. Test your strength both mental and physical. Test your heart and soul.

When the going gets tough…….I run.