Friday Feelings

Lately the concept of health has been weighing heavily on my mind.  As a health education specialist, you would assume it's always on my mind.  While that's pretty much true, as of late, I have had other aspects of health circling through my brain.

Before college I knew that I was interested in health.  I loved the topic of nutrition.  I loved the idea of explaining to someone what foods would give them energy, make them feel rejuvenated, and what foods created problems.  Problems that may become life-threatening.  Nutrition has always been a passion of mine, but it wasn't until my junior year in Community Health where I learned the holistic meaning of health.  Sure, nutrition is major, but what about every other factor?  Family?  Environment?  Emotional?  This list goes on.  While I learned a lot, there are some aspects of health that you just learn as you live.

image via Oh She Glows

Sometimes you can't exercise more and you can't eat more kale and you can't go to yoga every morning.  Sometimes your health goes downhill just because it feels like it.  No one deserves it.  They never do.  But it takes a toll on everyone.  Everyone knows someone who is sick.  They seem so "healthy" and just like that, God has different plans for them.  One of my favorite things about health is how it brings people closer.  It puts life into perspective.  It makes you count your blessings.  It allows you to pray for healing.  It creates a discussion about healthy lifestyles.  It raises awareness when you may not have noticed it.  Health keeps us living and it keeps us dying.

I want to share something with you.  This segment was on Ellen yesterday and it made my heart hurt.  Then it made my heart smile.  Despite the reality of health, staying positive is key.  Without it, you will slowly drive yourself crazy.  Everyone has good days.  Everyone has bad days.  The point is to have more good days than bad.  To remain optimistic.  To spread love.  To raise awareness.  To bring a smile to a tearful face.  To inspire others.

I'm inspired. 

         Best,
                Anne

Notivation

Sometimes it is impossible for me to find motivation to run.  Others times I find it quite easily.  The truth is, I have not had much motivation to train for the marathon (which is in 17 days!).  I'll run it.  That's fine.  But training for it has not been an ideal situation.  I blame myself completely but at the end of the day, it doesn't really bother me.  Does it bother me that my last long run of 20 miles (which was supposed to be done two weeks ago had I stuck to a real schedule) turned into a 5 mile run this morning?  No.  It honestly doesn't.  Clearly I am not a spokeswoman for how to properly train for a marathon but at this point, I'm ready for it to be over.  At least then I'll be able to drink wine in wine country with my parents.  If that doesn't sound worthwhile, I don't know what does. 

image via Pinterest

So here I am.  Just hanging out.  Running here and there.  Working here and there.  Could I be any more dull?   I will certainly try!  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to hang out with my best friend on television...Ellen. 

          Best, 

                 Anne

Monday

image via Pinterest

           Best, 

                  Anne

Countdown time

Yesterday started the month long countdown to the Napa Valley Marathon.  I know it sounds redundant, but I cannot believe how fast this time is flying by when I am absolutely nowhere near where I should be in terms of training.  Running has not been my priority and to be honest, it never should be.  However, I really need to get a move on.  I have my 20 miler before I taper off until the marathon.  It's no walk in the park.

Recently, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon registration opened.  They have had an overwhelming amount of participants signing up and will be closing registration today.  I believe they cap it at 45,000 runners.  (Yes, there are that many people who like running marathons).  The Chicago marathon was certainly my favorite race in which I have ever participated.  I had my friends and family cheering me on,  the adrenaline to keep me moving, and what seemed like millions of cheering strangers.  I'll never fully be able to express my appreciation and happiness and exhaustion that went along with running that marathon.  Needless to say, I will not be running the Chicago marathon this year.  In fact, Napa will be my final marathon for 2012.  I want to focus on other forms of exercise.  Cheaper exercise, too.  Marathons can be extremely pricey (especially when you choose to/have to fly to them!).  Now, I know that I could choose to run every Seattle marathon and save some money, but certainly the money is not the only aspect.  I'd like to save and spend my money on other things.  The main reason is that I need to give my body a break.  I may run small races, but nothing to the marathon extent.  I can tell you are thinking in the back of your mind "we've heard this story from her before" and you are partially right.  I was quoted saying I'd never run a marathon again after my first, but I won't be saying I will never run a marathon again.  Who honestly knows?  It's just time for a marathon break.

BUT!  That break begins on March 5, 2012!  I have some running business to take care of first.  So for now, I have Napa on the mind.  And gosh, that cannot be a bad thing.

Have a great week!  I'll see you over the weekend.

         Best,
                Anne