Words to Live By....

Week 2 of training is complete, and thank goodness my running is feeling a little better than it did over the summer...and I think I may be getting some of that running confidence back that was slammed into the ground over August/September.  While it is hard to want to go out for a cold run, it is much easier to run in the cold than the extreme heat and humidity.
Over the past several weeks, I had the time for a lot of self reflection, which I think is good for everyone at various times.  I read an incredibly motivating and inspirational book- "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand and worked to meet various life and work deadlines.  And as many often do, I asked myself, what is it that I really, REALLY, want from various aspects of my life....personal, professional, spiritual, running, etc...you name it, I thought about it.  And while I won't go into all my discoveries here, (I don't want anyone passing out because I shared too many feelings at once :)!), I will share a few items relative to the things I typically discuss on the blog....
As I was proctoring an exam (not the most mind stimulating activity) and looking around the room, I noticed a sweatshirt that said "Leave Nothing."  I think it was a Nike sweatshirt, but I am not sure...either way, those words grabbed my attention, and I thought, there, an easy way to communicate how I feel....leave nothing....give it your all, do your best, know that you worked hard to get where you are, know that while you may not win every race (or any race :),), that your effort and performance in your own eyes is what really matters.  Perhaps it is why I am so drawn to an ultra, because I am not racing anyone else, I am racing myself.  A race against my own mental and physical stamina.   Leave nothing means leaving no questions (did I do my best, did I work hard enough, did I give it everything I had, did I train hard enough, did I make the right decisions)....So as I continue with my training, I have found my new words.... Thanks, Nike :)  I need a short phrase to repeat to myself during those hard workouts :)  and on those cold mornings!


And since I am not yet in the habit of taking pictures to share again, yet....here are the Halloween pictures for 2011!