(Not So) Rest Day!

Today is scheduled to be a rest day. Well…that is sort of an oxymoron around here….I rarely have time for rest!

We had scheduled a grad party/Father’s Day party for the family today. I was running around getting everything done for the party…and thank goodness I ran errands early. I was making the salad and cutting veggies when I stabbed my hand (I was looking away telling the kids what chore to do next) and blood was everywhere. There went the salad and I went to the ER. 2.5 hours and 3 stitches later I returned just in time to shower and get ready to welcome guests looking a bit like Michael Jackson…one glove and all! I was blessed to be using a very sharp and specially shaped knife that minimized the damage to my hand! No tendon, ligament, and nerve damage…thank heavens!

After a successful party I am finally sitting down having a drink and starting to feel the pain…hoping the drink helps ease some of that pain!!

Here’s to a ‘not so’ restful rest day!

BEST DAY EVAH!


So….today has been a great day and it is not over yet! I ran with the group today…well…It was just my pace leader and me today. We had a great run and chatted as we ran. I realized that she was as big a Hawks fan as me….well…perhaps not as big as me but she knew her hockey! We ran and chatted some more and by the time we were done I was BEAT but we realized that we ran a SUB 3 today! Great for us…ahead of pace! BONUS!

Then I came home, showered and changed, and headed to local Park for a date…..with LORD STANLEY! Yup…that’s right, John McDonough brought the cup home to My little corner of the world! It was so exciting to be that close to the cup…only thing that would have made it better would have been to actually touch it!

So…off to clean and prepare for a party tomorrow……what a day! I am still living Lord Stanley’s Dream…..what a great life!

I Run….

I run for many reasons…the main reason I run is for my own sanity! There are times when my kids ask, “Mom, do you need to go for a run?” like running is a magic pill that makes me feel better. There are times it does feel that way.

I run because I can…really….there are so many people that can’t run…that can’t move. So I run for them. I run to set a good example for my kids. I run so that I can live a longer (more time to torment my kids!!) and healthier (less of a burden) life. I run the marathon for two charities…Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls on the Run.

ALCA is a unique place. The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism is a 501(c)(3) non profit, developmental learning center and therapeutic day school for children with autistic spectrum disorders. The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism was founded by two mothers both parents of children with autism. One of these moms, Kelly Weaver, is a good friend and I run for her daughter Gillian. She is my hero! The two dedicated mothers are determined to create a place where children can reach their full individual potential, in a caring and safe environment, a place where each child’s differences are what make them special. To provide an environment where children on the autistic spectrum can develop their potential academically, emotionally, socially, communicatively, physically and gain functional independence using programs and methods that are selected for each child based on their individual needs.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. I am a coach for this program and have seen the benefits firsthand.

If you would like to help either of these worthy causes….you could be a hero to any one of these kids…

Thank you in advance.
http://www.firstgiving.org/alca1
http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/KNader10

I run for many reasons….why do you run?

Here Comes the SUN!

The sun is out and already heating up the day. It was 68 degrees at the start of my run with high humidity. My run this morning was a short one but was one that was needed…more mentally than physically. The schedule called for 3 but I ran 4. Saw several people I know and stopped for a minute to say hello to a friend on the way to Mass. Funny, the only people up at that early hour are runners or the seniors! I say good morning to everyone I pass on my run. I ran the ‘street loop’ near my house just to be close to home. Took water and am glad I did as it was humid and I often forget to hydrate while running.

Now time to rehydrate and on to the rest of the day…..

Running is….

Running is so many things. Running is something different to each runner. Running is something that, unless you are a runner, few people understand. My 12 year old daughter really ‘gets it’. She is a runner like me. She wrote an essay on running that I think sums it all up….

“Running is a challenge. Running is when you step out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals. Running is an individual sport. Running is about pushing yourself to do well. It is a personal game. It doesn’t matter how fast you run…it matters that it is fun and challenging. Running is a way of life. Either you like it or you don’t. Running doesn’t make runners crazy…it makes us different and daring. That is what running is to me. In my dreams, I am a Kenyan!” Miss E

That little girl makes a momma proud! She is so very insightful. I can see the lessons of Girls on the Run sinking in. I can see that my actions speak louder than my words.

She understands the deeper meaning of running. She understands that it is more than just a workout. To her running is fun and exciting. To me running is my sanity. Running is my escape. Running is a way to clear my head and think things through. Running is a way to better myself and challenge myself. Running is a constant journey. Running just is….