April 29 -- daily dose of mind murmurs

I finished listening to The Big Short after only 3 days, and I feel much more informed. My goal to learn at least 1 thing each day was so met. The book was interesting and intriguing.

For now, I will go back to my podcasts while I decide on the next audiobook that will become part of me. Also, I would like to finally finish reading Meg Whitman's The Power of Many. It's pretty light, and, therefore, rather easy reading.

On the training front, my schedule called for rest. I wanted to strength train, but descided that I needed the rest. Tonight, my aches and pains are less and I feel ready for my busy day tomorrow, which will inlcude a speed session.

4/28 -- Daily dose of mind murmurs

The strength I have gained thus far during this remaking got me through today. I made a plan last night, but was unable to work it right from the start when my son missed his bus and I had to drive him to school.

Strength training did not happen, but my hills session did. I was exhausted, but knew that I needed the scheduled 6 miles. They weren't easy, particularly when the incline was added for the hills portion. However, I stayed strong and did my best. Success was my reward. The session certainly wasn't as good as last week's, but that's okay.

I am dealing with the details so much better than before this remaking began. I am able to give myself credit as it is due.

Tonight, I am less tired than I was earlier today. Since completing my run, I have been reenergized. Overall, work went well, as did the evening with my family. Now, it's time for more work, and that's okay.

Another positive part of today was my audiobook fun. My walk with the dog and through the grocery store inlcuded The Big Short. Listening to this Michael Lewis book, rather than reading it, was a good decision for me. I am intrigued, and learning so much. This man is motivating. I know that I would have had a hard time right now getting through the print version, but I almost am done with the audio version. I will get through 2 of Lewis' books in less than 1 week simply by listening rather than reading. How cool is that?

April 26 -- Daily dose of mind murmurs

According to schedule, I did not run today. I actually missed it, though I took the opportunity to strength train. I have not been following that portion of my schedule. My focus needs to find its way there. I read recently that strength is the key to a 1/2 marathon, core strength specifically. This portion of my training must be more of a priority.

My current Apple/iTunes/Amazon fun is with audiobooks. I have been reading, but the time for that is too little. I also have been thinking about an eReader. To try that, I got Kindle for PCs. I got Jenny Sanford's book, but have not gotten very far. It seems that I already am on the computer so much with work, and I need a break. I have been doing the podcast thing with such satisfying success and fabulous fun.

During the past few months, I listened to 2 books on CD (one that I received as a birthday gift and one that I checked out from the library) during my long commute to the office. I enjoyed them.

Presently, I am interested in Michael Lewis' books. I am hearing/reading so much about his new book, and I finally watched The Blind Side movie. I can't imagine how I would find the time right now to read one of his books. However, perhaps I could listen. As a test, I started with Liar's Poker. I enjoyed it tremendously for so many reasons that I will not now take the time to list. Suffice it to say that I just downloaded The Big Short. Can't wait for my commute tomorrow to start listening.

Weekly wanderings

I sit here full of myself, at least for today, because I fabulously finished the 10K James Joyce Ramble race. I stayed so strong, crossing the finish line after only 58:33 minutes, with a 9:26/mile pace. I am proud of that finish.

My pride is based on so much. My finish is evidence that my training is working. I am getting faster and stronger. Last year, I ran the same race with a pace of 11:15/mile, and a time of 1:09:43. Last year's weather was so much different -- hot as can be. However, I know that I was stronger today.

This race was the completion of a terrific training week, with a toal of 24.2 miles. I completed the hills and speed sessions so strongly. I trained at about a 10 minute pace.

My son was on vacation this week, and I had so much work to do. I tried to make his vacation special, but with only limited success.

Setting priorities, focusing on right now, as well as benefits and burdens balancing helped me through this challenging and busy week.

I now am exhausted. I am drained. I was defeated somewhat this week, but I will focus on my successes.

April 23 - daily dose of mind murmurs

Getting ready to run the 2010 James Joyce Ramble 10K race, about which I am so excited! Preparing includes brushing up on the author's works. Doubliners is most familiar to me. I also can't help but harken back to the following Joyce words:

I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.

How true are those words? Presently, they are quite relevant in that I am anxious to beat my 2009 Ramble time of 1:09:54, and to see where I now stand vis-a-vis my 1/2 marathon that now is just over 9 weeks away. Those words also fit nicely into my remaking.

Those words remind me that every day counts, and is critical to who I was, am, and will be. Yesterday's, today's, and tomorrow's runs matter.

April 22 - daily dose of mind murmurs

Today we had a terrible thunderstorm, and lost power for about an hour. No power, no work, oh no.

This evening, the storm transformed to reveal a double rainbow, which was so cool. My son and I ran outside to appreciate the awesome site. He ran up and down the street cheering the rainbows. Tonight, he wrote about it in his journal.

Another donation today, putting me at $2,443.00 with 56 supporters. We are making a difference in the fight to find a Crohn's cure. Today's donation came from a dear friend with whom I shared so much. His support means mountains, which I once thought we could move.... His support also shows how important it is to reach out during a fundraising campaign. You never know who will provide support. The results are revealing in so many ways.

Weekly wanderings

This week's hills and speed training sessions were awesome! My running carried me through otherwise hectic days. So much was not as planned, and, therefore, successfully completing my training as planned provided plenty of pleasure.

Saturday's long run was shared with Jen, my Team Challenge partner. Though I typically run alone, it was fun to run the 7 miles with her.

I am over $2,300 in my fundraising, well in excess of my $2,100 goal. I have 53 supporters. Thinking that the raising money portion of this remaking would enhance it was right on. I feel like I am making a difference, and reaching beyond my little piece of this planet.

Getting what I need while giving to and for others is happening! I am practicing my benefits and burdens balancing, and it's working for me.

When I have an action item, I try to look at in in terms of my needs and wants. If the item fits with my needs or wants, I identify, and then balance, the benefits and burdens of moving forward. When the benefits outweigh the burdens, then it's a go. This exercise has been quite helpful of late. After completing it, I feel much more comfortable advancing. I move forward confidently and with no regrets.