T - 6 days and change

The back of the shirt says it all!

My first post! And the count down begins.

Plugging In and Other Choices Runners Make

It’s a week before I leave for the Bourbon Chase I keep wondering if I am ready.  I always do this before a race, doubt, worry, and doubt some more.   This mornings run was hard, not physically, that is often easier, but mentally.  The mind was a negative space this morning for the first mile.  I had to laugh because I started signing a song to quiet the negative talk – problem is I can’t remember what that song was, the negative talk continued. Then the light bulb went on, I needed to get rid of the negative cord that I had plugged in and plug in my Girl on the Run Cord.  If you are not familiar with Girls on the Run  program the cord is a positive cord, that we have the girls visualize, that helps us keep that bright light shining in all of us.  It’s the cord that makes you sparkle, tells you to stand tall and believe in yourself.  It reminds us to be strong and know that you are wonderful, nothing short of amazing.  Here I am 41, taking a page from the Girls on the Run Curriculum that I teach.  But it worked.   I relaxed my shoulders, picked up my pace, as Matt says, quick pulls, and finished in a positive mindset.  I don’t know what my time was, that wasn’t important today.  Today, it was important to finish, to quiet the mind, to finish on a positive note, full of gratitude -- that I can still get out and run, and that I can still use simple lessons to remind myself I am strong, and nothing short of amazing.

I always tell people how Girls on the Run changes the girls and their families but I often times forget how much it can change their coaches.  The program is designed for 3^rd -8^th grade girls  it inspires the girls to stay true to themselves and live free from societal stereotypes.   Our 10-week after school curriculum innovatively weaves training for a 5k run with lessons that empower girls to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices and embrace their gifts.  But I think all girls of all ages benefit from its simple yet life-changing lessons.  Today, was one of those days, I had a choice to make, do I let the negative energy win or did I see myself in a positive light.  Was I going to let the negativity control my run?  My answer was no, now I just have to make that choice before I waste another  beautiful morning mile! 

 

So I am off to pack for the Bourbon Chase, probably a harder task than running it.  The planning of 3 comfortable outfits, extra shoes, bibs, socks, sunscreen, hats, glasses, tents, pillows and of course my Girl on the Run Cord!