Weird.

So.  I was running.  Yesterday.  Shocking, I know.  And there was a song on my ipod that I knew, and LOVED- I believe it was a Tom Petty song...maybe...maybe not...truth?  I can't really remember because,after all, it was a whole 12 hours ago.  Anyhow, point of this short but sweet story being, is that I have no idea how this song got on my ipod.  I surely didn't download it...and I don't think I uploaded it.  Strange.  But enjoyable just the same.  I guess the ipod fairy must have paid a visit to my place and guessed that I liked that song and ever so discreetly placed it on my pod for me.  What a sweet, sweet thing that ipod fairy...

And just in case you needed a bit of awesomeness today, here it is...

And with that, I must work...

Inspiration

Today when I was out for my long run, I thought frequently about Terry Fox.  I'm certain his story requires no official details or introduction, but in case you live in a dank and dark cave in the middle of nowhere and happen to be reading my blog, Terry Fox was a young man who embarked on a cross Canada run called the Marathon of Hope in order to raise money and awareness for cancer, the disease that took his leg.   When I was running this morning, there were times when my knees and back were aching and my stomach was not 100%.  And as I was running along, I noticed the signs for the Terry Fox run...and I was so very humbled.  Here I was, running on TWO legs that work perfectly well, on TWO knees that have carried me where ever I have asked them to take me, with 100% health as I am free of sickness and disease.  Terry Fox ran the equivalent of a marathon every single day during his Marathon of Hope, and he did it all with an artificial leg and much, much less that 100% health.  In doing so, he started a legacy that our whole nation has embraced and has raised millions upon millions of dollars for cancer research, and perhaps even more valuable, he has brought awareness to a disease that kills many.  More than that, I thought about how it is that it just takes one small person with one big dream to make a difference and change the world.  Terry Fox is a hero for many different reasons, but to me he is a hero because he did what most don't have the courage to do.  He had a huge dream and what would seem to many to be an unachievable goal.  And he did what most people would never do...he acted on it.  Amazing. 

Since I'm discussing amazing people with humongous dreams and courage, I would also like to mention this cross-Canada journey...

Step into Action is Dr. Riley Senft's personal quest to raise awareness about prostate cancer.  I had the pleasure of meeting his mother in Kenora this summer and hearing about this incredible man and this incredible journey.  I encourage each and everyone of you to check out the website Step into Action and to consider again the fact that we all have the ability to make a difference and to change the world.  We just have to find the courage to do it.  Dr. Senft, I have never met you and you will likely never read my blog, but I thought I should put it out there that I am in awe of your courage and the amazing steps you are taking on your journey each and every day. I wish you good luck for a smooth run all the way to the coast.  I know the marathon gods are watching over you and smiling as you near completion of your run across the country!

Which leads me, and hopefully all of you,  to ponder this one small question...

"What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

-Mary Oliver

Please...do tell...enquiring minds...



The Fall

No,  I didn't trip while I was running, it's that time of year!

The Fall.  New season, new beginnings.  Cool (er) running temperatures, pretty coloured leaved on the running routes and drastic increases in mileage.  NYC- just two short months away.  I'm starting to think about it much more frequently...time to miss less runs and recommit to the marathon training schedule after a summer hiatus.

I am missing summer, of course.  I miss the lake, I miss my family, I miss commuting by boat and of course, I miss the lazy days that summer vacay brings.  But to be honest and truthful, I am happy to be back into the regular routine and the sense of orderliness that this seems to bring to life. 

So.  NYC.  In terms of preparation, the mileage is starting to climb and I'm starting to consider my pace much, much more on my medium distance runs.  I'm running longer intervals on the speedwork front and am hitting lot of hills to keep everything strong and powerful.  And, of utmost importance, I am doing a lot of yoga.  A lot.  My back has been sore and soreness just will not do.  Yoga has been helping and is a good reminder to all my running peeps out there to make sure you are doing what you need to stay healthy and stay running.  For me, right now, this means yoga twice weekly.  Not optional.  I have also reaccquainted myself with my foam roller and my evening stretching regime.  Again, not optional.  Training for a race of any distance requires much more than just running.  Keep that in your mind while you're out there on the trails and consider the "non-running" parts of your training!

So, as the sun sets on this most awesome of summers, happy trails, my running peeps!  Enjoy the last bit of running friendly weather before the snow flies!




Beautiful morning commute on the lake.  Have I mentioned that a boat is a much preferable mode of transportation?



Good-bye summer!  We'll miss you!  Welcome fall!