To Boston With Love

Two weeks ago I ran my first race of 2013, the largest 8k in the world as it is touted and the first race of the season for many. Each year I complain about the crowds of runners; 37,000 in total this year and the hot fluke weather we always have. Yet each year I sign up and join the sea of green that shuffles through the streets of Chicago. This year I debated showing up, not knowing about the weather, my training ability and the fact I had over scheduled myself. But I couldn’t justify throwing away the entry fee, so as I calmly stood waiting at the start line I decided to just run and enjoy. Mile after mile I checked in only to be shocked at my time, each mile was a minute and a half faster than my normal pace and with each stride I felt better and better. As I crossed the finished line I realized I had smashed my previous times and had set a glorious PR. As I collected my bananas and water I called my dad so proud of my accomplishment. I said “dad you know what… this is my racing year! Bring on the Chicago Marathon!”

Monday April 15^th rolled around just like any other Monday, for most of us it was tax deadline day, but for Boston it was marathon day. As a runner I always whisper quiet wishes of getting to run the iconic Boston Marathon, a goal and a dream that sits in the back of my mind. Every year I watch in awe of the athletic ability as it sprints its way through the historic streets of Boston. But more than being inspired by the runners, I look to the crowds cheering along and celebrating this day. Without the crowds of spectators screaming their words of praise a race wouldn’t be a race. Without the crowds of well-wishers miles where you feel as if you “hit the wall” would end a race in defeat. Without the support, the flags, the signs and the cheers the finish line would never appear. Without you I would not have accomplished the races I have. So when I heard and saw the horrific images on Monday I was overcome with sadness, because the spectators are the heart, motivation and strength of the runners.

In times of senseless tragedy gracious acts of humanity shine like beacons of hope for us all. To the city of Boston you are in the forethought of our mind, your strength and solidarity is an example of the true American spirit. To the families and friends who were injured, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. To the Boston Marathon, while Monday has changed you forever, you symbolize courage, love and kindness, may you stand as a symbol of hope, peace and grace for all of us for years to come.

13 in 2013

Well Hello February. My first realization of 2013 is that I am becoming the queen of the unfinished projects. Sticky notes with never ending to-do lists are strewn around my apartment and unfinished blog posts seem to be filling my computer files. When I left my old job to take time to travel I realized that everyday life’s schedule, repeating over and over, surprisingly leaves little time to do new things. There is so much comfort in what we know, but, I’ve found when you break away from that daily routine to learn and feel so much more. Not always positive, but it brings awareness to who you are. My New Year’s resolutions are a combination of activities and conscious moments. Being home I’ve realized that my comforts have limited my conscious perspective. Therefore I’m adding them to my Resolution list so I am ever so aware and with hopes of gaining new perspective, which was easier to obtain while traveling abroad.

I was so excited to ring in 2013 with hopes that it was going to be a wonderful year. I don’t even really know what gave me that hope. The big 30 celebration this year which is looming over my shoulder seems to be more powerful than I thought. I know I wrote “Age is just a number” but there is something about this year that has a power over me… makes me a little crazy, sometimes irrational, but excited as well. I have come up with a 13 to do in 2013 (in no particular order) and I am going to use Prue.Simple.Bliss and you all to be my witness so that I can follow through:

1. Run Hood to Coast Relay: This just happens to fall on my big 30 weekend, but my sister and brother-in-law talked me into it so watch out Oregon here we come!

2. Complete my first Marathon: I have wanted to do this for a while and with training to run a relay two months earlier I figured why not, Chicago Marathon 2013.

3. Make every recipe in the cook book Forks Over Knives: I’ll get into more detail about this soon, but so far I’ve learned some amazing cooking tricks and my belly has been very satisfied.

4. Add into my yoga practice Head Stand: This is a combination of fear and strength, two things I am happy to work on.

5. Add into my yoga practice Hand Stand: See above

6. Complete my yoga teacher training certification: I am well on my way and will have updates soon. Currently I am in the middle of our anatomy section, after getting over the “gross-ness” of the descriptions I can’t believe how intricate, strong and yet fragile the human body is. Maybe if we were all a little more educated we would realize why we need to take better care of ourselves.

7. Try to learn to appreciate meditation: For a mind that is always on go I cherish the moment I can sit and focus and clear my mind.

8. Start up and cultivate my Yoga Gives Back project: Again a realization I had a while back, one of those unfinished blogs, but I will post more soon.

9. Set a new half marathon PR: Number 5 will hopefully give me a new PR.

 

10. Finish my travel writing about Vietnam: These pictures should say enough.

 

 

11. Challenge myself outside of my comfort zone: While traveling I was constantly challenging myself, and in the end I really liked the person who came out of every challenge. I want to find a way to keep cultivating this growth without having to leave the country.

 

(Trying some type of herb wrap to bring good fortune in Vietnam)

12. Learn what it means to be content: An idea that is both scary and foreign. As American’s we are taught to go for the goal, be number one, constantly competing. While I value our ambition I don’t know if it leads to happiness. It’s a theory that needs some work, but I want to know if it is possible to be content and yet still motivated in life.

13. Have fun dating: uh… er… ah, dating blows, I love when people who are off the market say, “oh I loved dating I’m so jealous that you can still do that”. I pretty much want to give that person the finger. But you know I need to change my perspective and get out there. One of my friends jokingly said “you could blog about it.” Well maybe I will! Yesterday I was looking at a profile the guy said “Loves: Meat, vegetarians and vegans need not apply.” If only they could all be that honest!