City hoppin'

Last week the local news station posted this picture of Seattle which was sent in from someone arriving to Sea-Tac Airport (see below description).  I find this picture so enchanting.  Today I will be heading to Sea-Tac myself to fly to Illinois.  It's time to mentally prepare for the Chicago marathon in 9 measly days! 

Thatcher Kelley snapped this photo from his plane on approach to Sea-Tac Airport Sept. 20, 2011. “I popped up my camera with a 70mm lens attached, waited for the wing and blurry jet exhaust to clear the view. I quickly focused, jammed my face against the seat in front of me to get the best angle, and snapped the shot just before Rainier disappeared from view," said Thatcher.

 I am certainly looking forward to seeing the family and friends whom I am unable to see every day.  Sure, the marathon may be the MAIN reason I'm coming home, but that does not mean it has to be the only reason!  Chicago, I'm looking forward to getting to know you on a whole new level.  Please don't rain on me. 

Anne Vurdelja snapped this photo while standing on her two feet during the summer a few years ago. “I popped up my camera with a zero fancy lenses attached, waited for nothing since this was a clear view. I barely focused, looked at the screen, and snapped the shot just before catching up with my sister," said Anne.

See you in Illinois!

        Best, 

                Anne

Cancer Contemplation

This movie is coming out on Friday.  Have you heard of it?  When I first saw the movie poster, I was a little skeptical.  Portraying a cancer patient in such a fragile state with, um, Seth Rogen in the background did not sit well with me at first.  I have since looked into what this movie is about and told myself not to judge it by the poster.  The movie is based on a true story of a man who was diagnosed with cancer and depicts his struggles in a comedic way.  Still, I needed more assurance.  Today, I watched the cast discuss the movie on Anderson (is anyone else thrilled that Anderson Cooper, my favorite dreamy silver fox, has a talk show this year? ps--I don't care what you say).  The man whom the story was based on was also there and verified the need for laughter throughout the cancer journey.  

As an intern in a cancer education center, I have seen the effects of cancer on a daily basis. Some early in the game and some late.  Cancer is a major part of my life, even though I am not the one dealing with it. Cancer affects nearly every person whether it's a family member or a friend or an acquaintance.  To be honest, since working in the setting, I've had multiple, detailed dreams about getting cancer.  So naturally I have thought about the scenario in real life and concluded a few things.  You can plan to get married.  You can plan to have children.  You can plan to live in a house with a backyard for barbecuing and croquet.  You can not plan for cancer.  No one plans to get cancer.  Isn't that so true of much of life?  The future is daunting just as much as it is exciting.  I'm not trying to bring such sad thoughts to you this evening.  I firmly believe God has something in store for each and every one of us.  Whatever you believe in, you have a path so unbeknownst to you or anyone you know.  It gives me a squirmy feeling in my stomach thinking about how much you can plan on and something can change in the blink of an eye.

Not all breast cancer patients are created equal. Not every patient has cancer in their family history. Not every lung cancer smokes a pack a day.

I have heard plenty of stories, all of which are unique to the individual.

I have seen them cry.

I have heard them laugh.

I have given them hugs.

I have listened to their worry.

I have acknowledged their hesitation.

I have found books to explain their hair loss to their children.

I have done nothing...compared to what they are going through.

Cancer is a part of life.  It just doesn't have to take over your life.  It does not have to define you.  I think that's a major point of the movie.  Sure, I haven't seen it...but I can take a guess, right?  I joke a lot.  I mean, a lot.  Mostly sarcasm with a joking flair.  However, I know there is a time to be funny and a time to be...boring serious.  I'm conscious of that, I promise.  I have a feeling this movie covers both aspects and I'm very eager to see that it does---at least I hope so.  Besides, this guy is still living!  To reiterate what he said today, laughter is really the best medicine...

...no prescription necessary.

      Best,
             Anne

A training update...

Well, gosh.  I haven't been on my best marathon training behavior, but you've all heard that one before.  I also haven't been on my best "don't end a sentence with a preposition" behavior, but I'm just going to let that slide.  The truth is, my dear readers, that life has been hectic/not hectic enough.  Does that make sense?  Probably not. I just moved to Seattle and packing/moving for that has taken a lot of energy out of me.  It is good energy though.  I love Seattle so far.  The atmosphere is totally different from Bellingham and I'm so close to the main area of downtown I could burst!  The thing about downtown Seattle is that 20 mile running routes are just plain obnoxious to find.  I do not know the area very well so when I knew that I would have to complete my 20 mile run before going home for the marathon, it sort of scared me a little tiny bitsy.  This realization coupled with the business of unpacking, exploring, volunteering, interviewing, and applying for jobs made me do something I wouldn't dream of doing.  Waking up at 5:45 am to run 20 miles on...the...(deep breath)...treadmill.  Yup.  That's sadly correct.  Yesterday I completed my last long run on the treadmill.  I saw a dozen people come and go and I wanted to punch every one of those wise worker-outers. \

I must offer my treadmill-running advice...

The cons of running 20 miles on a treadmill:
-When you step off, you may tip over
-At 5:45 am, the news is all that is on.  Music videos, Home Improvement, and Keeping up with the Kardashians aren't on until a little later
-You are stuck in one place
-You're mind goes crazy. For reals.
-You have one window of fresh air, that's all.

The pros of running 20 miles on a treadmill:
-You break the run into four sets of five miles
-You do not have to carry pepper spray
-You can run when it's pitch black out

I probably wouldn't do it again, but if I didn't have to volunteer an hour later, I would have run a marathon on that treadmill...just 'cause.

Even still, I am pleased as punch that the 20 miles are out of the way and my sights are set on the 26.2.  I'll just try to run in the meantime, since that has clearly been a major issue in my training regimen.

If you are not busy Sunday, October 9th, feel free to come to the Chicago marathon...the energy is contagious and motivating.  The end.

         Best,
                Anne

The curb is not a good landing place for a phone

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light."-Helen Keller

There are worse things in the world...

       Best, 

              Anne

Saved by the Belltown

Chapter 2.

          Best, 

                  Anne

On this day in time

I'm feeling so grateful.

Grateful for opportunities.
Grateful for help.
Grateful for family.
Grateful for music.
Grateful for Washington clouds.
Grateful for inspiration.
Grateful for new experiences.
Grateful for friends.
Grateful for time.
Grateful for health.
Grateful for life.

It doesn't hurt to remind yourself sometimes.  After all, we're all here on this same planet and we may as well appreciate it.

       Best, 

              Anne

Just another curveball

Trying to follow this...

...but sometimes words are easier to say and harder to follow.

          

           Best, 

                  Anne

It feels like Christmas morning!

Today guarantees lots of laughter.

        Best, 

               Anne

Care-port

I love airports.


Let me break my love down for you. (that sounds like a lyric or something brilliant!...kidding, but seriously!)

Airports are the base of all incoming and outgoing flights. The amount of culture that trickles into an airport each day is overwhelmingly beautiful. Hugs to say goodbye. Hugs to say hello. Tears of joy. Tears of sadness. People are working. People are bored. People are angry from flight delays and full body scans. People are sleeping. People are talking. People are everywhere. Each person has their own story. How did they arrive at the airport? Are they going on vacation? Are they working? Are they surprising their loved ones? Is this their first time on an airplane? The questions are endless. I think about this every single time I am in an airport. If it wasn't thought of as crossing a personal boundary line, I would go up to people and say, "what's your story?" Instead I sit in silence. Do other people notice the calmness amongst the hustle and bustle of the airport? I want to mute every sound and watch as people come and go. When I see someone smiling and running to hug their family, I grin for them. When I see someone walk through the airport with tears gliding down their cheeks, my heart breaks for them. Airports provide so much hope in my heart. I hope that people arrive safely. I hope that no matter their reason of travel, they will see the ones they love shortly. I hope that I will meet my husband on the flight I will be boarding. I hope that people see more than the security line waits, the gate changes, the flight delays, and the expensive food. We are all trying to get to a destination but sometimes you have to be patient. Soak in the airport (just not on your feet as you stupidly, I mean, accidentally wore flip-flops and have to walk on the floor with bare feet to go through security where the germs like to hang out).
Hugs to say goodbye.
     Best,
           Anne

My Weigh

Running a marathon requires a great amount of endurance and diligence to train, but it also requires a lot of mental strength.  When my mental toughness is missing during a run, I feel like I cannot even run a mile.  As I decided a couple years ago to get into running long distances, I had to think about a number of factors.  Just because people that are 60 years older than I am and can run a marathon, doesn't mean that I can.  Playing tennis in high school doesn't prepare you for running four hours, but it does prepare you to be quick on your feet.  I knew that if I committed to it, I would complete it. There was nothing more to that.  So I did commit.  I did complete.  However, the biggest factor that will always follow me, no matter how many marathons I run is...my weight.

I have remained a similar weight for many years.  My metabolism runs at lightning speed, thanks to my mother.  I eat all day.  I have three meals and fill the rest of the time with snacks.  I've tried to tell my metabolism to calm down, but it's relentless.  It's a plus that I love food.  My body is the way it is and so are your bodies.  Everyone has their flaws and some things will never change.  

Several years ago, I had a conversation that has changed my thinking to this day.  I was asked if I had some sort of eating disorder.  After somewhat laughing at the thought of that question, I was deeply saddened, hurt, and then just angry.  I thought about my lifestyle and love of food and healthy living, but I was numb.  The effects of an eating disorder are dangerous.  I had a hard time seeing my life as any bit dangerous.  

Since then, I have carried that conversation in my head.  When I started to run more than I ever had, I knew that I needed to maintain my weight.  If you are unaware, the top runners in the world are sticks.  My wrist may be bigger than their legs, but my goodness, can they run!  I made sure that I would not let my body drastically change.  Mentally, I couldn't handle any more conversations.  I run because I love it.  I don't run to lose weight. I could never fuel myself on minimal amounts of food.  I have certainly gained a good amount of weight since I started because I eat enough to get me through the run and then eat more when I have completed the run.  My muscles in the thigh and calf regions are noticeably larger thanks to the hills of Bellingham.  So contrary to popular belief, running a lot doesn't mean that you have to lose 30 pounds.  Running does mean, for me, that I enjoy staying active.  I enjoy following a healthy lifestyle most of the time, but gosh, no one is perfect!  While my goals have always been to complete marathons, I have also had goals to remain a similar weight because no matter what, I was built the way I was built.  Every thing that happens when I'm not running will only strengthen my mental toughness when I am. 

         Best, 

                Anne

All I ask is that you stay healthy.  Eat fruits and vegetables.  Drink water like it's going out of style.  Set your goals high.  Only be serious when it's necessary. 

Did you think I'd stopped?

I know you have survived several posts without me talking about running.  But I'm back with another post!  Guess what, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is in a mere 33 days!  To say I'm freaking out is quite an understatement.  Of course, this summer continuously kept me busy with interning, working, traveling, laughing, and seeing my friends.  How does one fit a 15 miler into all of that?  Well, I did at some point.  My goodness though, it wasn't as easy breezy as I'd hoped.  This weekend I have a 17 miler or 18...I haven't decided.  I'm behind thanks to randomly deciding to run this silly race!  Even still, I'm glad I have the opportunity to spend a weekend in Chicago and be a part of the 45,000 nuts that want to run 26.2.  An added bonus, FAMILY!  Gosh, I will never stop missing my family.  I miss them when they are in the next room.  I miss them when I think about how they will leave or I will leave.  There is a lot of missing going on, but I'm still happy.  Missing someone is a part of life.  I can't imagine not missing someone.  Sure, it's great to be side by side, but when the wait is over, seeing someone after weeks or months or years is that much sweeter.  That's how I feel about my family.  I cannot wait to see them in a month. I cannot wait to see them in the crowd at the marathon...and I'll miss them every mile until I see their faces again.

Hey, stay tuned for more posts about running...I'm getting excited!

        Best,
                Anne

Sometimes you need to get away...

...to realize what is out there...
...and to remember what you have.

        Best, 

               Anne