Back to basics....

My many remakings are remarkable in their own way. Each, to varying degrees, includes body, mind, and spirit. Each requires being proactive, rather than reactive.

Running always provides the necessary rubric. Running enables me to: regroup; renew; rework; reorganize; remember; and reenergize.

Running is not static; it requires constant movement. So too do I. Running is my restorative.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Life gets in the way

It's been too long since I posted. I have been way too busy with work. The hours have been endless. Some days, almost every woken moment has been dedicated to work. The lesson is that I can adjust. I am trying to balance what needs to get done for work and what needs to get done for me and my Son. Everything else, well....

One month from today, I will be running my 1/2 marathon. My training mostly has been on track. I missed a few runs when work was at its worst. I think that I will be okay. I am trying yet again to fit in a specific strength session with weights.

The craziness that has been my life lately actually is good for my remaking. I am learning a lot about balancing my wants and needs. I feel fortunate to have too much work, and am determined to keep it as a priority. I will fit in what matters to and for me.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Weekly wanderings

Mother's day almost is over. The best part was simply being able to celebrate it with my Son.

Training this week was tough. I felt like I was only putting in the time and miles. I was plugging along, and then it was Saturday. I agreed to run a 5K race that was a neighbor's fundraiser. It was raining out. I didn't need to run another 5K -- it's not an ideal distance for me -- but it promised to be fun, most significantly because it was in my neighborhood. Needless to say, it was a blast with friends and family. Most importantly, my husband and son cheered me on. Despite running in the rain, I was so fast for me. I took just over 1 minute off my March 5K time. I finished in 27:31, with an 8:52/mile pace. What a terrific time! Completing the event was my son's fun run. He did well, and enjoyed himself.

I would not trade my time this past week, but I now am a bit nervous about all I now have to do, mostly for work. I must go into doing mode, and out of thinking and talking mode. Those two Ts must wait for now, and that's okay. I have progressed so far in my remaking -- I practically am where I want and need to be.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Helen's happenings -- running and raising money update

Tonight, I sent out the following update:

This adventure is progressing perfectly!

On the running front, I am getting stronger and faster. On April 25th, I had a fabulous finish in my training 10K race. I ran the 6.2 miles in 58:33, or a 9:26/mile pace.

On the raising money front, I have received 56 donations for a total of $2,443.00, exceeding my goal.

Knowing that I have your support provides additional motivation for my training. We are making a difference in the fight for a Crohn’s cure.

The big event, my ½ marathon, is less than 8 weeks away, on June 27th. Until then, I will continue my training, increasing my distance, speed, and strength. The link for more race information, including the route, is: http://www.131marathon.com

After the race, I will send out another update. If you want more information before then, please let me know.

Thanks again for your support, which I so appreciate!

With gratitude, Helen/Betsy

Monday, May 3, 2010

May 3 -- Memorable moment

Quite by chance, the family walked to the bus stop together -- Mommy, Daddy, doggy, and Son. On the way, my son and I held hands as we often do. He reached out for his father's hand, and commented with a big smile on his face that everyone was holding hands because "Daddy had Hunter." My Son took these few minutes in stride, but to me they were huge. I am thankful that this moment happened, and that I am able to acknowledge and appreciate it.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Weekly wanderings

This week was full of doing, primarily concerning working, running, cooking, and mothering. At times, doing, rather than thinking and analyzing, is a necessary survival tool. This was one of those times.

Work was extra busy, partially because it was the end of the month, and partially because of my current workload. I got lots done, but there's so much more to do. It's all good, though.

Running was tough this week, I am hoping because of my terrific 10K. I was rather slow early in the week. I just kept going, and the end of the week was much better. On Saturday, I planted a bottle for the first time during this 1/2 marathon training. This added training technique fit into my 8 mile long run with ease.

Cooking was a challenge because of everything else that had to get done, and because of my son's little league games that are scheduled during dinner time. Creativity and planning ahead helped to successfully conquer this challenge.

Mothering this week was comprised primarily of having quality time with my son. I had to make time to: drive him to school when he missed the bus; watch his little league games; help him with his homework; and respond patiently to his many questions.

Realizing that I can't do it all includes accepting that my house and yard will not be as done and as otherwise desired. The house and yard currently fall into the category of simply doing what needs to be done, and not much more.

On Saturday, I had a realization about priorities, and how they change. This realization presented itself quite by accident. My son went to the circus. I went with my husband to pick up the number for his 5K race on Sunday. This date included a walk through the mall. In the past, mall trips would require time at Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, and Talbots. Also, I rarely go into a store without purchasing something. On this trip to the mall, I passed these favorite stores, realizing that I don't need the items inside. What they offer is not required for this remaking. What I have in the homeware and clothing categories currently is sufficient. I will work right now with what I have. Acceptance of this realization was huge and greatly gratifying.