Ready, Set, Go

Race Day

Almost a year ago I experienced the satisfaction of a race run and so much more.

Yesterday my 17 year old son’s first race with me, a 5k Color Run.

Today, spectating the last day of the Tour of California, in my hometown.

Feet, bikes, competition, spectating. A race is so much more.

A community gathers.

Celebrating the joy of hard work, training and completion.

Regardless of the event a race is something special.

Ready= I prepared.

Set= I showed up.

Go= I am not staying here.

So what are you training for?

What line are you going to stand on with anticipation?

Are you going somewhere?

A mothers CV

A Mother’s Curriculum Vitae

The word “curriculum vitae” sounds lovely, brilliant and successful. I work from home to influence the next generation to impact the world. 

Bed: Rise earlier than them.

Chair: Be quiet, alone and relish.

House: Pick up so the space of living so they can start fresh each day. Often light an aromatic candle, turn on some mood driving music (morning and evening differ).

Kitchen: Ready the food, balanced, simple or complicated always nutritious.

Bathroom: May be the only place of peace for me today. Replace TP roll. Clean hair up that only I see on floor.

Outside: Notice the birds singing, let the cat out, breath fresh air. Walk. Talk to the neighbors. Thank someone for the flowers you notice in their yard.

Car: Facilitate the coming and going of many to multiple locations for various time periods.

Everywhere: Teach as the moments arise, always prepared. Available.

References available when child becomes a parent.

Lean in

With all the recent attention of women in the work place, getting what they deserve, what they are worth. How do we value this? No one could ever elevate me, applaud me nor pay me what it is worth. I am leaning in! Don’t look for me on the morning talk show. It is not even a priority of mine to watch them. 

Back to work.

Just now

Just now I found myself reflecting back with gratitude.   

Just now marathon training seems like ancient history.

Just now the finish line seems like a moment of pure glory in hours of pursuing daily life.

Just now I have purpose and intention.

Just now I know I am loved.

Just now I can cry instantaneously tears of joy and sorrow mixed.

Just now I choose to sing.

Just now is what I have.

Just now is not on this page, is not limited, is not easy.

Just now has a sense of compelling, of joy, of hope, of future!

Off or on to just now!

So what is within your just now? Closer to starting or finishing?

How Do You Write a Book?

David, skipped out of work one day and ended up in a heap of mess.

So I have 25 days before my next semester of grad school starts.

I have heard many times, “you should write a book”.

Problem is, which book do I write?

Here are a few of my ideas:

Inspired For What (How many events, podcasts, blogs, and books do you have to read before you actually do something?)

Wild Women of the West (Why do I feel so alone as a believing woman on the west coast?)

Chosen on Purpose (Global and local reflections on adoption and foster care.)

Been There Done That (My story of how God has moved me to settle in tents.)

Eyes to See (How paying attention creates drive and vision, thanksgiving and motivation.)

This is the funny part, I am going to post this and see if anyone responds.

I will still write but just curious where my support will come from. 

The Teeter Totter of Balance

Wow is mom upside down. Trick is to know which direction I am, when and where. #balanceinthelean #momstable #wowcanteeter

Opportunity at The Table

At the Table

Today is Maunday Thursday

The title comes from the word “mandate”.

The mandate from the table was to love and serve exemplified by Jesus washing his followers feet.

But a lot more occurred at that table:

Anointed at the table

Thanksgiving at the table

Eating and drinking at the table

Discussion at the table

Direction at the table

Warned at the table

Whispering at the table

Instruction at the table

Commanded at the table

Betrayed from the table

Present at the table

Sent from the table

Singing at the table

Inspired at the table

After the table, life got intense.

What happens at your table?

Be intentional as you gather around the table.

Training includes Tapering

Three days from now I will be finished with a current goal that ends with 26.2 miles on the streets, bridge, hills and park in San Francisco. Following a training plan has been helpful.  The last 10 days have been simple runs, a bit of speed but pretty short. Tapering. Time to give your body a rest and go into the race full of energy and desire.

I have no idea how many miles I have trained. I know my town well; the vineyards, the schools, the lake, the landscape.  Many miles were piled on the dreadmil at “my gym”. People have commented and some know I am actually training on purpose.

Along the miles

Spring Lake

I have met people, encouraged people, and been inspired by many. Podcasts have taught me; TED talks, Catalyst, Relevant, and Passion City Church. I have sung out loud. I have read; What I Think About When I Think About Running, The Ultra Marathon Man, Running with the Kenyans, Train Like a Mother, Runner’s World, Running the Rift, and a few blogs along the way.

Running on purpose

As an independent runner without a team or club, I knew I wanted to use my steps to draw attention to someone else who is living a marathon lifestyle for others.  Running for Katie and Amazima has assisted my training as I have prayed for her; for endurance, safety, inspiration and efficacy, many miles.  You can easily access here, and donate for Katie’s Kids in Uganda and Amazima.

It’s a Win Win

For any donation I will send you the book, “Kisses From Katie”.  My desire in that is you would read it and be inspired to do something remarkable with your life. My desire was to run a marathon before I turned 50. I a few more years. Nice to say I may have reached my goal in just days. I am still hesitant to admit it.

Now the details; fuel- what and whens, hydration, mapping my plan for my fans, my race playlist, and the outfit. I guess this is all part of tapering.  I really want to go on a long run!  I want to support Katie.