Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Kick Ass, Take Names ...

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I am in a mood. As noted by the 3 adults in the room with me at this moment. And I admit it. I am. The reasons? Of no consequence really. All over the emotional map right now and the mood stems from too many complicated areas of my life. And who wants to hear about all that? No one. I am certain of that much. Let's put it this way: If it wasn't 42 degrees out and almost 11, I would be strapping on those shoes of mine and going for a second run of the day. My escape and my therapy, both found when I get into my zone and run. SO, SO very tempting. And, speaking of running ...

The above image, a card, given to me by Caitlin when I did my run in San Francisco last month. She snuck it up with Jess and, I have to tell you, I cried when I read it. Well, I laughed at the front, which is so telling of my personality and cried at what she wrote inside. You have to know this much about the words she wrote. When I have yearned, for the better part of all my life, for someone to be proud of me and I hear that and more, from my own child, well, that will bring you to tears if anything ever will.

I brought that card home and placed it where I can see it daily. It reminds me of an attitude that has served me well over my lifetime. But like most things for me, I have had to find a balance between the empowerment of the  phrase and the alienation that can occur when my emotions get the most of me. So lately I have chosen for those words to strictly inspire me when I run.

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These are my shoes and ... I love them.



Running  is a major endorphine release for me. When I run I feel in control and free and, for one of the very few times in my life, I feel beautiful. Yep, sweaty, no makeup, baseball hat, oddly beautiful. So in those first 2 miles of a longer run, when I wonder what the heck I am doing out there, I know, I just need to push past that initial desire to stop, because I know what comes next,.And what comes next, is that indescribable rush that only those who run know. I am reading an incredible book right now, "Born to Run". It is not mainly a" how to" book on running , it has, oddly enough, given me a glimpse on how to, in some ways, live my life. Ways far beyond running. I'll share more on that another time.

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 And running I will be, perhaps in the rain, come this weekend, with Team GSF in the Santa Barbara International Marathon. I am running with 29 other amazing runners. All banded together to help put an end to SMA. The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation has just unveiled the new look of their site. Fresh and so incredibly classy but what isn't new, is their mission. A selfless quest to end the cruel disease that is SMA. All over that site you will see their ongoing mantra, Never Give Up. So with that in mind and my Kick Ass, Take Names mantra, I am all set.

Also, remember, you still have a few days left to donate to Team GSF. If you haven't had an opportunity click over to my fundraising page and make your tax deductible donation today. 

However, I must also warn, if I can't snap out of this funk, those closest to me best step aside.  I will revert to my old kick ass, taking names, ways. Indiscriminately.

17 comments:

Becca said...

Love it. And I am so inspired by you, every. time. you. post. (Although I will likely not be getting my running shoes on again any time soon, unless I find some sort of time other than 5am to do it...). You've got such an amazing attitude about things, viewing problems as hurdles to *overcome* but not afraid to show your emotions to push your way through. Love that about you. Tough, human, sensitive, aware, strong, *amazing.*

Rochelle said...

You are amazing, so glad you have found your outlet. Praying for a great run this weekend for everyone and a super successful fundraiser.
Oh and that the mood is gone! ;)

Runningmama said...

I loved this post and I love the Nike saying too! I feel the same way when I go running, I think it's the only time I actually feel beautiful even though most of the time my clothes don't match and my hair is in a ponytail with no makeup on. I signed up to run a half marathon for Leaukemia and Lymphoma Team in Training so I will be running for your Zoey, Ella and Emily and for so many others that have battled this disease!

Unknown said...

This just cracks me up. I think your my clone.....or maybe I am yours. Whatever. I tend to cop an attitude at times too. And when I do, well just stay out of my way or I WILL run you over. :)

Lacey said...

All I can say is amen to what Becca said. Amen!!

The Annessa Family said...

Running was my "thing" for so long. I miss it now that I have my "condition" but maybe one day I'll be able to go back to it.

Until then you kick ass and take names for me!

Brooke
www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com

Angi said...

Love it. Love you.

Elizabeth said...

Huge, huge sigh of admiration. I have chills I'm so impressed with this post and your perseverance. Sending love your way. YOU ROCK!

blogzilly said...

ONLY 42 degrees?

Well aren't you a wimp these days. So you can run circles around pretty much anyone that reads this, but you can't go out in the cold?

MwuHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

:P

Good luck in the run.

I could run that far. But only if zombies were chasing me. I'd probably be eaten at some point though, pretty sure of it.

Anna said...

I cant even find the words to express what this does in me. Run. just do it. Cheering you on dear friend!!!

Leightongirl said...

Love those shoes!! Loved reading this.

colleen said...

Have a great run Heather! Dana and I will be thinking of you.
Colleen

EN said...

Love the Nike slogan! Next post needs to discuss the ultimate running soundtrack. Best running songs...I'm looking to load up my mp3's in preparation for my post-childbirth return to the treadmill.

Deanna said...

I just recently started to run with the couch to 5k program (never ran before and was 6weeks post childbirth when I started). I'm running my first 5k on Thanksgiving Day...and I found this post so inspirational! I can't imagine running a marathon. Just a simple 5k is FREAKING ME OUT! You are amazing!

Ivey's Mom said...

My inspiration! Haven't really talked to you much lately, been in a mood and making my own little lists... And kicking ass the way we girls in the south do!!

Hope my vibes are reaching you- they'll give you a jolt..

Ivey's Mom said...

Let's plan a run or a sprint triathlon out there in the middle states.... And go together. Iveyll be six this year. So let's plan it before her birthday and make it our every five year goal.

Ivey's Mom said...

And I'm stealing you pictures... Hope you don't mind :).