A while back I was looking through some quotes that I look at periodically to find inspiration and motivation to keep up my training. I ran across this quote from Lawrence Welk, "Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last." Obviously this quote is not meant for running. It is a life lesson that should never be overlooked. When I found it, I kept it to remind me that no matter what frustrations I may be feeling in my personal, running or work life there is so much to be thankful for each and every day. I think that we all need a reminder periodically that we have so many more blessings in our lives and to ignore those temporary setbacks that occasionally arise.
I was lucky enough to find a perfect partner almost 35 years ago. While it is hard for me to believe, I love my wife more and more each day. I know she loves me too. I feel so lucky to have found her. Even though marriage can be hard and can take a lot of work, I just feel very blessed that I found the right person to work with in our relationship. Of course there are ups and downs but in the end the day she entered my world changed me in such a positive way. My life became beautiful. I see the importance in every action that I take as it relates to our relationship. I have not always understood that each second is cherished. But I strive to remember just that. She is the strongest and most incredible person that I have ever met. I always know that there is not any hurdle in life that we can't jump over together. I hope that both of my children find a partner in life that is like her.
I am so fortunate to have a loving and supportive family. Not everyone had the happy childhood that I enjoyed. My family was always my rock. This was especially true every time we moved over the years. They were the one constant in my life. They are always there for me in times of need. I can't imagine a better bunch of people to be related to. Their loving guidance is never more than a phone call away and their doors are always open. Most important of all they love me despite all of my shortcomings. I would do anything for them and can't imagine how I could have ever made it through life without their being there to catch me when I fell.
I have always been lucky enough to be able to surround myself with wonderful and supportive friends. I still have friends from my childhood who have been with me through thick and thin. It is amazing how time melts when we are together. They have provided me with continuous love and support regardless of how much time passes between our get togethers. I have also had the pleasure of making new friends each year through work, community theater and shared running experiences. All of these friends have made my life fuller because they too accept me for who I am and allow me to be as crazy as I need to be without passing judgment.
I don't recall where I heard the quote "the greatest wealth is health" but I feel so fortunate to be in excellent health. Yes, I have my occasional aches and pains. These are mostly caused by my training. But I am fortunate to have a healthy body and strong immune system. I rarely get sick which allows me to be able to run and work out when I need to both in training and races. I am determined to take care of myself and my body each and everyday through hard work and determination. I feel most alive when I’m out there on the road running. I have promised myself that I will never take my health for granted. Aging is inevitable. I choose to try and put it off as long as I can.
As l put these words to paper, I have realized that it is so important to reflect on all of the good I have in my life. I choose then to try and be thankful most of the time. As think about friends and family who take this positive view of life, I can see that they seem happier than others. What they have is a thankful attitude. I bet that if I were to ask them what they’re thankful for, they would easily be able to list off several things. When I am around these types of people, I always feel energized, inspired and thankful to know them. I hope that you too have people in your life that do this for you. Most of all I hope that you have many blessings in your life and that each day, month and year grows better than the last.
Oct 9 – 4.50 miles (44:06, 9:48 pace) – Mile Repeats
Oct 10 – 3.10 miles (30:19, 9:46 pace)
Oct 11 – 4.10 miles (40:34, 9:54 pace)
Oct 17 – 2.40 miles (21:40, 9:00 pace)
Oct 18 – 5.10 miles (48:26, 9:21 pace)
Oct 21 – 7.10 miles (1:01:57, 8:44 pace)
Oct 22 – 8.30 miles (1:17:47, 9:22 pace)
Oct 23 – 5.10 miles (56:33, 11:06 pace) – Hill Repeats
Oct 24 – 6.20 miles (54:38, 8:49 pace) – Speed work
Oct 26 – 7.30 miles (1:05:39, 9:00 pace) – Tempo Run
Oct 27 – 4.50 miles (38:55, 8:39pace)
Oct 28 – 8.10 miles (1:11:58, 8:53 pace)
Oct 29 – 7.30 miles (1:08:27, 9:23 pace)
Oct 30 – 5.10 miles (56:20, 11:03 pace) – Hill Repeats
Oct 31 – 6.20 miles (54:42, 8:42 pace) – Speed work
Nov 2 – 9.40 miles (1:24:07, 8:57 pace) – Tempo Run
Nov 3 – 5.20 miles (47:23, 9:07 pace)
Nov 4 – 7.10 miles (1:05:40, 9:15 pace)
Nov 5 – 8.30 miles (1:17:29, 9:20 pace)
Nov 6 – 4.60 miles (50:54, 11:04 pace) – Hill Repeats
Nov 7 – 8.10 miles (1:11:53, 8:52 pace) – Mile Repeats
Nov 9 – 8.20 miles (1:13:11, 8:55 pace)
Nov 10 – 5.10 miles (47:40, 9:21 pace)
Nov 11 – 9.10 miles (1:23:01, 9:07 pace)
Nov 12 – 8.50 miles (1:19:43, 923 pace)
Nov 13 – 4.10 miles (36:33, 8:55 pace)
Nov 14 – 3.20 miles (26:11, 8:11 pace) – Speed work
Nov 16 – 5.10 miles (43:07, 8:27 pace)
Nov 17 – 5.40 miles (49:27, 9:10 pace)
Nov 18 – 8.50 miles (1:19:33, 9:22 pace)
Nov 19 – 8.50 miles (1:19:12, 9:19 pace)
Nov 20 – 5.10 miles (58:22, 11:27 pace) – Hill Repeats
Nov 21 – 8.30 miles (1:15:23, 9:05 pace) – Mile Repeats
Total Miles: 206.2 miles
2017 Total Miles: 1,654.4 miles
