One Foot In Front of the Other

Last April, I participated in a 5k that was associated with the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, OH. This year, I am going to do the same. But hopefully there will be a difference between this year and last. Last year, I walked almost the whole way. I had no intention of running it, so I wasn't disappointed with the end result. This year, I would like to run it or at least attempt to run it.

I am not a runner and I have no deep-seeded ambition to become a runner. So why am I participating in this 5k? Well, besides the full marathon and the 5k, there is also a half marathon. My brother and several of his friends came into town to run the half. With my brother's encouragement, I signed up for the 5k. My mom and a friend of mine from Baltimore also ran the 5k. It was a family event! It was fun to be a part of the action - running onto the field at the University of Toledo Glass Bowl, crossing the finish line (right behind an 80-something year old man), seeing my friends and family cross the finish line! It will be another family event. My mom is running the 5k again and my brother is running the half marathon.

To get ready for this 5k, I am using the Couch to 5k method. I am not very good with sticking to any kind of workout plan. I usually quit because I come up with excuses not to work out, like being too busy, not feeling well, etc. It is always something. I am crossing my fingers that I can stick to this one. Tonight I will complete the third installment of this journey. My mom and brother have been encouraging and motivate me to continue.

I still have a little more than 11 weeks to prepare, but I will probably need all the time I can get. So I am off on a journey to build up some running stamina and hopefully a little extra health benefit, too.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS

A Little Tea and a Lot of Thanks

After doing a some shopping this past weekend, I started to feel a little Christmas cheer. I enjoyed seeing the Christmas displays and the red and green decorating the stores. All the merriment had me thinking of packing up my autumn decorations to make way for Christmas trees and twinkle lights.

The next day, my anticipation of the Christmas season slowed down. My mom took me and my brother's girlfriend to tea at Sweet Shalom Tea Room in Sylvania, OH. Surrounded by delicate floral china with matching tea cups and real silver, we were served delicious food - the pumpkin scones were unbelievable! And of course, we drank wonderful tea. At our place settings were little cards with our names and a gentle reminder to "keep an attitude of gratitude". In the middle of our afternoon tea, a woman, who I assume is the owner, talked about gratitude and the physical benefits of living a thankful life.

As I sat listening to her and sipping my tea, I thought about what I am thankful for. We were even given little sheets of paper to list things. My family is the first thing that came to my mind, especially as my dad is, yet again, in the ICU. And frankly, last weekend was stressful and scary with some tears shed, but I still have a lot to be thankful for. My dad is in an excellent hospital getting the best care possible.

The atmosphere was so relaxing in this tea room that the short break from the craziness of the weekend was something to be thankful for. And even though we had to abruptly leave to go back to the hospital before the tea was over, our gracious server boxed up our desserts and split our fresh pot of tea into three to-go cups.

While I have bad days and frustrations about many things, I forget to slow down so the craziness of everything doesn't consume me. I can't control everything and that isn't going to change.

While I am still eager to break out my Christmas decorations, I will hold off for just a little bit longer to enjoy Thanksgiving. Who knew that a few cups of tea could bring so much perspective?

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on StumbleUpon Share on Delicious Share on Reddit

Share on Digg Share on simpy Share on Technorati Share on furl Subscribe to Feeds RSS