Four Somethings

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Four Somethings for August

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (for me a Tuesday), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Read, Something Treasured, and Something Ahead. Sharing these four somethings is a great way to recap your month and highlight what stood out to you. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

1. Something Loved.

Hiking.

I work full-time so I haven’t had time to do any many hikes as I would have liked. But I did take off THREE Mondays from work explicitly for this purpose.

The first one was Cat and Thomas Mountains in Bolton Landing, NY

The second was Vroman’s Nose in Middleburgh, NY

And the last one was Moxham Mountain in Minerva, NY.

I enjoy being one with nature. I also enjoy the challenge (as long as it’s not dangerous for this amateur hiker.) I enjoy the exercise.

Have you done a lot of hiking this summer?

2. Something Read.

Back to my crime mystery borrowed collection.

Undone is a novel by bestselling author Karin Slaughter which combines characters from her Will Trent series and her Grant County series.

I’;m pretty sure I’ve read one or more of these before but not sure which one(s).

It is obviously a crime thriller that is suspenseful up to the bitter end.  What I really enjoy in her books are the main characters and their relationships – Special Agent Will Trent and his partner, Faith Mitchell.

I look forward to the next one to be follow to follow up on their lives especially the challenges.

Have you read this or Slaughter’s other novels?

3. Something Treasured.

Lake Time.  

It has not been the same as past summers, obviously.

But the weather has cooperated on Sundays and Lake George has remained as beautiful as ever.

Each week, we pick a different island to dock our boat at. Different views but the same activities: swimming, eating, drinking, relaxing, reading, etc.

A place to forget about all the problems in the world.

Do you have a summer place or activity that you treasure?  

4. Something Ahead.

??

Last month, I mentioned a Race-cation to NH with 9 friends to run a half marathon.  That is still in limbo. The race is now virtual (NO deferral option and NO refund). Will we still go?  Will it be safe to go?

The next race-cation is in February in Florida. Is this one in jeopardy too???

Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon

Are you looking forward to anything?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What are your somethings? Share at least ONE. 

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Four Somethings for July

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (for me a Tuesday), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Read, Something Treasured, and Something Ahead. Sharing these four somethings is a great way to recap your month and highlight what stood out to you. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

1. Something Loved.

At this point in this HOT, HUMID summer, I have loved my Sunday time on Lake George.  It has been peaceful and scenic but more importantly, an opportunity to cool off, relax and read.

Unlike other summers, it has NOT been an occasion to connect with friends and participate in social gatherings.

How have you kept cool this summer?  Has it been different than previous summers?

2. Something Read.

Writers & Lovers

I took a break from my borrowed mystery novel collection since our library has now opened for book pick-up.

This book is is narrated by 31-year-old Casey, who is struggling to finish writing her first novel while trying to handle college loan debts and her mother’s recent, unexpected death. In the mix is a love triangle.

I really enjoyed this book and loved how the main character evolved and how the story ended.

Have you read this or King’s other novels?

3. Something Treasured.

My Friends.  

Of course, our times together are different. We are either 6 feet apart or on ZOOM but they are there for support and share our interests, worries, etc.

college friends with whom I went to France with

tennis friends

running/hiking buddies

They are all respectful of the need to stay safe.  I have felt isolated by working from home.  My friends have definitely added some normalcy to my life.

Have you been able to stay in touch with your friends?  

4. Something Ahead.

A Race-cation??

The Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon & 5k

Hopefully this will be in NH to run the Smuttynose Half Marathon.  Ten of us have rented a house for 4 days.

If not, my next one is in February in Fla.

Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon

Sunday, Feb 14, 2021

Are you looking forward to any races that you have already registered for?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What are your somethings? Share at least ONE. 

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Four or Five Somethings for April

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Oops I’m a little late… as usual.

1. Something Loved.

Normally I have to narrow it down because there are so many things.

But with no races, no trips, infrequent sunny days, online teaching from home, and self distancing from family and friends… it was not that easy

So what have I loved?

I guess I would have to say –  doing things that I never had time for before…..

  • Taking daily walks to new places. I’m up to 18 so far!!
  • Watching Netflix. I started with Un-Orthodox and just finished season 5 of:

Schitt's Creek' series finale: A delightful show ending at the ...

  • Cooking dinner EVERY night

turkey cutlets with apple cranberry chutney. I also make a mean chicken marsala.

  • Some knitting

but ran out of wool in the middle of the 2nd sock lol

  • ZOOM – I have been chatting with my friends even more often than before

I spent a year in France during COLLEGE with these folks. we laughed about things that happened then like it was yesterday.

What have you been loving during this pandemic?

2. Something Said.

One of friends posted this on my FB page:

I award you the DC medal for tenacity.

I knew what it meant but I wasn’t sure whether it was a compliment so I looked it up:

Tenacious is a mostly positive term. If someone calls you tenacious you’re probably the kind of person who never gives up and never stops trying – someone who does whatever is required to accomplish a goal. You may also be very stubborn.

Yup, I guess that IS me. I am a TAURUS!!

What adjective would your friends use to describe YOU?

3. Something Learned.

I can’t run fast if I am not in a race.

I really cannot…. I am competitive and if it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter.

The last time I wore a watch was Feb 15.

my 12 mmish 5k lol

Can you actually RACE “virtual” races?

4. Something Read.

Amazon.com: The Turn of the Key: the addictive new thriller from ...

I recently finished reading this book. It was chosen by one of my tennis friends for the book night of our recently cancelled vacation.

Unfortunately book club night was held this year via ZOOM

It’s basically about a nanny who is in prison awaiting trial for murder. Because she thinks that her current lawyer doesn’t believe her, she begins to write letters to another attorney, with the hope he will see she is innocent of the crime. She explains how she got the job as nanny to this wealthy family in Scotland and how everything went so horribly wrong. There is a lot of creepy stuff going on including all the technology that controls everything in the house. The ending had a few surprise, of course.

I actually didn’t love it.  The story was slow and the ending felt rushed. I thought The Woman in Cabin 10  (which Ware also wrote) was better. I do enjoy mysteries so I may read another one of her books.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? What is the most recent book that you have read? Who is your favorite mystery writer?

5. Something Ahead.

In the near future, there will be flowers. That is something I am sure of.

thousands in Washington Park – unfortunately not as beautiful as past years

I will be running in a skirt (most likely not racing until fall if at all in 2020.)

I can do the coffee and running but really would love to add friends

Anything else is too uncertain to mention (and too negative.)

What does your immediate future look like (in a positive way)?

It’s also Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! What are your somethings? Share at least ONE. 

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Four Somethings for March

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Oops I’m a little late…

1. Something Loved.

My Visit to Montreal.  NYC is my favorite city. I used to take my students (as I was a French teacher) to Montreal often years ago.  I also ran a race there a few years ago.

But this time, I went with a friend as a spur of the moment weekend get away.

We explored the city. I ran, of course. We attended the interactive Van Gogh  exhibit (the highlight of the trip) as well as the Barbie expo (1000 Barbies all in one place.) We ate some delicious French meals and drove to the top of Mont Royal.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Have you been to Montreal lately? If so, what did you do there?

2. Something Said.

3. Something Learned.

I cannot retire yet.

I hate staying home day after day and I love being around people and having a schedule.

I even miss wearing nice clothes and makeup.

my office with only my cat to talk to

Do you enjoy staying at home? What do miss when you are forced to stay home?

4. Something Read.

Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by [McDougall, Christopher]

I recently finished reading this book.

The best-selling author of Born to Run, Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder after he and his family moved from Philadelphia to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. In order to heal this neglected donkey, Chris had to give it a job which turned out to be running and competing in a race. A lot could go wrong and did.

I didn’t love it as much as I expected. It was drawn out and too much back story. Not as much about running as I had hoped.

That being said, it was interesting and at times, heart-warming.  So I would still recommend reading it yourself.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE. 

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Four or Five Somethings for January-February

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Oops I’m late on January and early on February…

1. Something Loved.

Visiting NYC.

This may be repetitive but there will come a time when I don’t get to go here as often.  So I feel fortunate that in January I went twice…

Once for work:

And once for a race:

I always make sure that I take advantage of the opportunity…whether it be a meet-up with friends, trying a new restaurant, seeing a show or just going for a walk or run.

What is  your favorite city to visit?

2. Something Said.

I read this on the Gaboronerrunner’s IG post and it seemed so appropriate as it was said by Kobe Bryant:

I have self doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure… We all have self doubt. You don’t deny it, but you also don’t capitulate it. You embrace it.

This so applies to running… especially when tackling running challenges.

I think I feel this way at EVERY race starting line….

Do you?

3. Something Learned.

I have always said “Pain is temporary.”

But during my recent foot discomfort, I learned that maybe pain is not temporary…maybe it will persist.  For days, weeks, months….

If running is important in your life, then you run with pain.

we both had foot pain during this tough half marathon

(Of course, not if the pain is something that will be made worse if you continue to run with it.)

Do you still run when you have pain?

4. Something Read.

Where The Crawdads Sing Book Cover.jpg

I recently finished reading this book. In fact, I couldn’t put it down.  I read the whole thing on the bus ride to and from NYC.

The story follows two timelines that slowly intertwine. The first timeline describes the life and adventures of a young girl named Kya as she grows up isolated in the marsh of North Carolina from 1952–1969. The second timeline follows a murder investigation of Chase Andrews, a local celebrity of Barkley Cove, a fictional coastal town of North Carolina.

I loved this book. It’s a story of survival, abuse, loneliness, love, prejudice, murder.

And yes, many have said that it didn’t seem realistic but if you can get beyond that, you will enjoy it.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?

4. Something New.

Chair Yoga.  Who knew that this would add a smile to my boring day at work.

So relaxing. No equipment needed nor any clothes to change into.

Anyone else try chair yoga? If so, did you like it?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR or Five somethings? Share at least ONE. 

Girls Valentine’s Day for me this year!!

Since it is VALENTINE’S DAY, what or whom are you LOVING today?

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Four (or Five) Somethings for November-December

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

It’s time even though it’s Friday. LOL

1. Something Loved.

Marathon Weekend.

Not just the race but

  • the day preceding: the expo, the Meb talk and carb-loaded dinner and dessert
  • the day of: hanging with Cari beforehand, crossing that finish line, post race dinner and bar chat
  • the day after: Normatec boots, climbing the Vessel and brunch with friends

and PERFECT weather all three days

I am a lucky lady.

2. Something Said.

I attended a talk by Meb the day before the NYC Marathon…so I’m kinda obsessed with things that he has said:

“Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best.”

Words to live by, for sure.

“But I also realize that winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.”

In other words, celebrate finish lines not finish times. And if you do your best, you are a winner.

“Nobody said it’s going to be easy. You have to dig into yourself. Think about your family. Think about the journey itself. THINK IN THE MOMENT.”

Definitely true!!! About a marathon or any challenge in life.

3. Something Learned.

I know it’s corny but I learned that:

Image result for i can do hard things"

I ran 26.2 miles at age 66. With plates and screws in one ankle. With many shortened or missed weekday runs.

I was not sure that I could run a marathon especially one as hard as NYC.

Now I know that I can.

4. Something Read.

I recently finished reading this book. It’s about the power of words and thoughts. If you were told the day of your death, would you live differently? What if you knew you had only 5 years…what about 50 more? Would such knowledge predetermine the knowledge of a date becoming the truth of the date? This is a story that indirectly asks these questions. Four siblings visit a fortune teller who gives them each a date. The trouble is, they are just children and this knowledge (whether true or not) directs all their future choices. Interesting story of the power of influence and belief.

5. Something Seen.

Hamilton on Broadway

and Les Miserables, the Concert movie.

Image result for les miserables concert movie tickets"

I absolutely loved Hamilton and Les Miz is my all time favorite show and sound track.

On cloud nine.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR or Five somethings? Share at least ONE.

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Four Somethings for October

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

I realized that I haven’t done this since JULY!! It’s time even though it’s Tuesday LOL

Something Loved.

Broadway Musicals.

I recently saw Hadestown. 

This musical tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus goes to the underworld to rescue his fiancée Eurydice. I thought it was fantastic.

In a few weeks, I’m treating myself to Hamilton. Can’t wait!!!!!

There are few new ones on my list like Moulin Rouge, Jagged Little Pill, Tina, West Side Story…

Darn. I wish they were not so expensive.

I am scheduled to work in NYC in December and January. I’m sure to try to snag some cheap tix while I’m there.

Something Said.

Actually read these somewhere:

image

I haven’t run my marathon yet, but I did do a 20 miler. And yes, the last 6 miles HURT…a lot!!! But I’ve never been prouder.

image

I definitely need to remember this!!!

image

And this…

image

Yup, 18 weeks of training and it comes down to ONE day.

Something Learned.

I trained for a marathon and it did not take over my life as I feared. (Well, maybe I didn’t train well enough. That shall remain to be seen on Nov. 3.)

I ran 7 races. I went on our boat every weekend possible.  I spent a weekend in RI with a college friend, a weekend away with tennis friends and another with mah jongg friends, saw a Broadway show in NYC, met college friends In Poughkeepsie and on and on.

I never refused anything because I HAD TO RUN. I just fit it all in. No rest for the weary as they say.

Something Read.

I’m taking a break from running books. This book was a mystery and I couldn’t put it down.

The Silent Patient

All I will tell you is that an artist shoots her husband 5 times and then refuses to speak. A criminal psychotherapist is determined to get her to talk.

Why? That’s the twist.

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.

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Four (or Five) Somethings for July

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (which is NOT today LOL), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Something Loved.

I used to complain because I travelled for work. All.The.Time.  Now I do it rarely. But last month I went to NYC and Buffalo.  (No travelling at all for July.) What I LOVED was running in both places.

I didn’t have time to run in Manhattan but I did run a 5k in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

When I was in Buffalo, I ran both nights along Canalside.

In addition to running, I LOVED ice cream.  No surprise there.

Maybe I should change the name of my blog to: I RUN FOR ICE CREAM.

Something Said.

Image result for quotes by Kathrine Switzer

This is even more true in the summer when it is so hot and humid and you know that your run will be miserable.

this run was one of my hardest runs due to the heat and humidity and I may have cut it short or bailed if I didn’t have company.

Something Learned.

I like trail runs.

I thought I would because they are more scenic and easier on your feet. But I was afraid that 1. I would fall and 2. I wouldn’t enjoy running slow in a group.

I went on a few trail runs this past month organized by a local running club.

I loved the varied scenery. I did not fall. I ran slowly and I didn’t mind being slower than others (even when one of my friends said aloud “I finally beat Darlene Cardillo!!!)

There will be NO trail races in my future, though.  Too competitive for that…

Something Read.

Image result for marathon woman book

My Running Group decided that, in addition to running and eating, to meet to discuss a book we’ve all read. The above book is our third one. We only meet to do this once or twice a year.

Here’s a review so I won’t bore you with mine – https://thoughtsandpavement.com/2016/05/31/book-review-marathon-woman/

But I really enjoyed this book.  Switzer is an amazing women who changed the course of running for women.  She was strong-willed, intelligent, independent and so many good qualities that I admired.  But her choice in husbands!! Holy cow. What gives?

I was intrigued and would love to read more above her life after the 1984 Olympics.

So I recommend reading this book (even if you don’t ever want to run a marathon) and let me know what you think.

I heard that they are also making it into a movie.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup!

and I’ll make this post into FIVE somethings..

Something Photographed.

In the summertime, we spend everyone weekend boating on Lake George. Here’s the view from our marina. Instead of going out to dinner, we ordered pizza and ate it on our boat here.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.

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Four Somethings for April – a day late

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Something Loved.

It may be a repeat but I couldn’t help myself. It is spending time in NYC. It never gets old.  The day above, I didn’t even run.  But there was lots of eating and lots of walking.

This past weekend, I spent time there with friends for a 15k race plus many other fun activities that we squeezed in – Brooklyn pizza, a Broadway show, dinner in Times Square, brunch in Prospect Park, Cherry Blossom Festival, trip to the top of the Vessel…

Then next month, I’ll be back for 5 days working there.  You’ll see pix, I hope, of me running in Central Park and along the East and Hudson Rivers.

NYC – Central Park

Something Said.

Image result for running motivational quotes

This is quite simple but so true.  We get down on ourselves if our pace is too slow or we walked too much or we cut short the run.

But we did RUN!

What was good about it? The scenery, the negative splits, the company, conversation, the music, the time alone, the podcast, or just the fact that we didn’t stay home.

Something Learned.

Intervals make long runs more bearable. I know that I’m late to the party. I definitely need to re-think this as I train for a full marathon next fall.

Something Read.

Lisa Gardner - Never

Every year during our May tennis vacation in Florida, we have book club night. This book was this year’s choice.

I do like mysteries and I have already read a few of Lisa Gardner’s books.

I won’t give the mystery away but basically this is the gist of this one:

A man was shot three times in his home office. His computer had been shot twelve times. When the cops arrive, his wife (Evie), is holding the gun. A detective (DD) arrives on the scene and recognizes the pregnant wife from a case sixteen years earlier. And a woman (Flora) who had been abused and held hostage sees the news of this murder on TV and immediately remembers that her kidnapper knew this man.

Of course, there are a lot of twists and turns, secrets and deceptions. The story really did hold my interest.

I did like that it was told from the perspective of three incredibly strong women – Evie, Flora and D.D – and with each chapter labelled with the characters name.

I found them all likeable and engaging. I felt sympathetic toward the characters which helped me become invested in their outcomes.

This is the first book of the series that I have read. Some of the characters have appeared in previous books – Find Her (2017) and Look For Me (2018).

Now I want to read the rest of the series.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.

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Four Somethings for March

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The last Monday fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

Something Loved.

I used to do yoga weekly but I had gotten out of the habit, plus traveled a lot for work.  But when my neighbor posted about a Cat Yoga class at the local animal shelter last month, I had to sign up. I love CATS and at one point, we had FIVE of them.

Needless to say, it came at a perfect time. I was not running due to an injury and I recently lost my favorite cat, Jerry.

Who could not love a relaxing after work activity while listening to cats purring around you. It was hard leaving and not taking them all home.

I hope that they offer this class again. (There are Goat Yoga classes offered in my area but they are not as appealing LOL)

Something Said.

I have been a Lady Gaga fan right from the beginning. And of course, I am a bigger fan after seeing the movie, A Star is Born.

This quote is definitely true for me, as a runner. It is why I race. Not to win an award or have a faster time but to finish the race. It is why I will be attempting my first marathon.  I know that it will be hard. But I will finish the NYC Marathon, even it takes me 6 or 7 hours. I am not giving up this dream.

Something Learned.

A.R.T. helps. I was a skeptic. I mean, my leg hurt worse than before I sought this treatment. Why would anyone inflict pain on oneself?  I could run fine.

But in my head, I knew something wasn’t right. I felt it while walking on the beach.

After many sessions, I ran the NYC Half Marathon.  Could I have run this race without ART? We’ll never know but psychologically, it helped probably more than physically.

Something Read.

I had forgotten how much I loved the book, Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. (Thanks Laurie from Meditations in Motion).

I just loved this one too. Obviously it is a memoir of 13 animals in the author’s life and her relationship with each one.  But it was so much more. The book also deals with Montgomery’s struggles coping with the aging process and subsequent death of the animals she loved.  I and many others unfortunately can identify here.

My favorite lessons/quotes from the book:

  • from Molly (a terrier)- “The real world, the world I loved, was just out of my ordinary human sensory range.”
  • Christopher Hogwood (a pig) – “…unlike the case with my human family, the differences between Christopher and me….would not trouble our relationship.”  “He taught us how to love what life gives you. Even when life gives you slops.”
  • from Clarabelle (a tarantula) – “People aren’t born with a fear of spiders”… they are “tiny creatures who may love their lives as much as we love ours.”
  • from a weasel who killed a pet hen – “this creature’s incandescent presence left no room for anger in my heart — for it had been stretched wide with awe and flooded with the balm of forgiveness.”
  • from Tess (a border collie) – “unlike most other humans, I could voyage…, in the pitch blackness…she loaned me her dog superpowers…
  • “You do feel them (the presence of loved ones who had passed on)..What you are feeling when you miss them is not their absence. It’s their presence.”
  • from Octavia (the octopus) – “Thousands of mothers…have taught their kind to love and to know that love is the highest and best use of life…. love is a living thing…”
  • from Thurber (a half blind border collie) – “You never know, even when life looks hopeless, what might happen next. It could be that something wonderful is right around the corner.”

I highly recommend the book especially if you are an animal lover.

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.