Long Run and a Disclaimer

Yippee! I logged 8.32 miles today in 1:41:10 - I'm so excited! I felt good the entire way, and even felt like I could keep going at the end. Things are looking good. Coaches Eric and Rob are giving me gentle reminders not to add too many miles too quickly, and to take it easy. I'm listening, I really am. We've got a little trail run on tap for tomorrow - probably about 4 to 5 miles. No Pilates class on Monday, plus it's a regular rest day from running, so I actually get to sleep in - those days don't come too often.

Once again, if you haven't been over to Craig's post, and you want some wonderful imagery and some good philosophical discussion, (and if you've got a little time) go on over for some good reading.

I spent some time thinking about the post and ensuing discussion on my long run (did I mention I went 8.32 miles?) today. If you read through it all, then I want you to know that all my lofty goals are just that - goals. I am by no means perfect, and don't want to leave anyone with the impression that I think I am. I aspire to all the things I mention, and I make a concerted effort to live up to my own ideals. Indeed, I have my cranky moments, even cranky days. I occasionally let my inner bitch out - Rob has been unfortunate enough to meet her - but mostly I strive to be kind, gentle, polite and patient. I try to extend grace and trust to everyone. Probably the thing I struggle with the most is patience. I find it easy to be patient with children, tougher with adults.

Like any one of you, my life has been full of ups and downs. There have been times when I wondered what had happened to my wonderful life as things have come crashing down around me, the last time just a couple of years ago. I try to walk through those times with grace and dignity - I try to hold my head up and survive, try to hang on to optimism. I want to come out of those difficult times and be able to look myself in the eye - to have the feeling that I handled it as best I could, that I didn't tear down those around me, that I supported those who needed me, that I hung on and came out the other side with my essential self intact. I've been told that I trust too much and that I give too much. Funny, the person who told me that is the last person who violated my trust. It's a risk I'll take - my life is richer for the giving and the friends I've gained.

I love to read, I love to write, I love to talk. I love philosophical discussions. I get caught up in the ideas and forge ahead. I believe in everything I wrote, and I feel passionate about it. As Sarah said recently "Success is less about what we do than how we live." I'm always working on the "how we live part".

Have a good weekend and thanks for checking in!