WEATHERPROOF

It can be challenging doing your Spring Marathon training, outside, in Nebraska.  

I have a May 7th marathon, The Lincoln Marathon, on my calendar, which means that my 18 week marathon training schedule began on January 1st!  For those who don't live in Nebraska or a state that experiences ALL four season, it can be a daunting task to get all of your miles in....outside.  I've mentioned on an earlier BEST YEAR YET blog, that I do have a treadmill, but that is for THE most extreme outside conditions.

The year I ran my first full marathon, 2014, I made it a point, almost a badge of honor, to run all my miles outside.  I remember going out on an 18 miler and leaving the house in under 10 degree weather and with the windchill it felt like -10....yep, you read that right, NEGATIVE TEN!

Anyway, this training season hasn't been too terrible.  But, there are times that I do run into: snow; ice; rain; cold wind; some nice days.  The usual day is a drab, cool, windy, damp day.  So, if you are going to run outside, it is a smart thing to have the proper gear/clothing so that you have a good experience.  I have different types of running tights (thin and thick); socks; gloves; different stocking hats; layers of tops as well as jackets and coats.  I am prepared for just about any time of weather there is.  I have positioned myself to be WEATHERPROOF!  

What about in life?  How many times are we prepared for the "STORMS OF LIFE" that come on us?  These might be a bit more tricky, since we don't necessarily see them coming.  Not like checking the forecast before we head out for a run.  

But, we can do some "prep" work in our life to be ready for those times.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27 (New Living Translation):

"Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock.  

But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.  When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

Did you notice the similarities between the two?  The rain and winds...the torrents (storms of life) hit both of them.  The one who stood the storm was the one prepared with the proper "gear."  They were WEATHERPROOF.

Are you WEATHERPROOF?  

If not, do what Matthew 7:24-25 says to do, build your life on the SOLID ROCK!

Having a BEST YEAR YET, doesn't mean you will be immune to the "STORMS OF LIFE," but it does mean that the "STORMS" don't have to collapse your life!  I have more to say on this in the not too distant future....but for today, build you life on the SOLID ROCK and have your BEST YEAR YET!

YOU.ARE.WEATHERPROOF!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• A good protein smoothie
• Missionary friends
• Comfy socks

AUTHENTICALLY YOU

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something               else is the greatest accomplishment."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who are you?

Are you YOU or are you trying to be someone else?

I'm sure you have heard the saying, "Keeping up with the Joneses."  I looked up the origin of that phrase and it has been around for a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time.  Prior to 1900 it was used, but became popular via a daily comic by the same name that ran in newspapers from 1913 to 1938.  It depicted a family who were always trying to "keep up" with the lifestyle of their (unseen) neighbors, the Joneses.

Why do we seek the approval of others?  Why do we have to "one up" the neighbors in "STUFF?"

You don't have to "BLEND IN" with everyone else....be you....AUTHENTICALLY YOU!  

Sometimes it hurts to be AUTHENTICALLY YOU.  When you are singing....others want you quiet.  When you are dancing....others want to sit it out.  Will it always be easy?  Hope. Worth it?  AB-SO-LUTE-LY!

Being AUTHENTIC is at the very core of having your BEST YEAR YET.  

You don't have to "fake it 'til you make it!"  Just get busy MAKING IT being REAL.  Be the BEST version of you...everyone else is already taken.

BE AUTHENTICALLY YOU!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• My treadmill
• A soft blanket on a cold night
• Our military

START SCARED

"The thing that STOPS most people is the START."  Don Shula

I mentioned this quote in a recent blog post.  Since then, in the last week, I cannot tell you how many times I have said this to people who have seemed to be "stuck in the mud" of their lives....their journey.

Our BEST YEAR YET demands that we get out away from the comfort and safety of the "trunk" and "step out on the limb" BECAUSE "THAT.IS.WHERE.THE.FRUIT.IS!"

Steve Harvey said it best in this 2 minute video, "You Gotta JUMP To Be Successful".  (stop what you are doing and watch this).

START. 

START SCARED.

JUST START!

You got this....YOU can do this.  Maybe you have ran, leaped, and fallen.  Remember our illustration from the other day about the "PATH TO SUCCESS?"  It's not going to always be easy...be a straight shot.  YOU are going to have to break out of your comfort zone and JUMP!

What is it?  Get your plan of action together and then START....JUMP!  

Are you ready to risk and give up the good for the GREAT?  

START SCARED....START TODAY!

JUMP!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• My Garage 
• Daily Leadership Tips
• Clean Clothes (thank you Cheerleader)

RUNNING CONNECTS US

The Cheerleader, Me, Pam & Tom Rickard - NYC 2015

I have a friend, Pam Rickard (pictured above) who has been known to say "Running Connects Us!"  Actually, she is full of wisdom, compassion, grace, mercy and many other Christ like characteristics.....and says a bunch of really good stuff. 

Pam and I first became "friends", although she wasn't aware of it yet, through the pages of a book by Liz Robbins, "A RACE LIKE NO OTHER".  This book told the story of the 2007 NYC Marathon through the stories of some elite runners and some "everyday champion" runners like Pam and others.  The Cheerleader got me this book for Christmas 2014, right as I was starting my first "BEST YEAR YET" journey.  I really connected with their stories and especially Pam's. 

A couple of months later, we became friends on Facebook and stayed in contact up to the day we got to meet face to face (the pic above) as I was preparing to cap off my first BEST YEAR YET by running the 2015 NYC Marathon. 

RUNNING CONNECTS US.

Since I started this running adventure, I have had the privilege to meet in person, or through social media,  MANY great people.  My friends who work tirelessly for  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,  my Abbott World Marathon Major Ambassadors, to some other really cool "nationally known" people in running circles (mostly through social media).  Through it all.....

RUNNING CONNECTS US.

The Cheerleader and I have come to realize that the running community is a fantastic TRIBE.  We have so much in common from training quirks, eating habits, sleep, miles, etc.  All the while, there is encouragement that goes WAY beyond running.  We feel for each other when we are hurt or injured.  We cheer each other when there's a promotion or when the foundation was launch.  How about the time that a bunch of our "kind" decided to run across the country in 2016 to raise awareness for addiction and recovery...and all of them were in the recovery phase of life. 

RUNNING CONNECTS US.

"But I don't run Tim."  That's ok.  What do you associate with?  Who is your TRIBE?  CONNECT there.  We are all in or need to be a part of a group...a TRIBE of people going after the same thing that makes a positive splash on the world around us.  FIND YOURS and pour your life into them!  If you still don't have one or can't find one...there's always room here.

Whether you run or not....

RUNNING CONNECTS US.

Here are a few of my "TRIBE"

  

RUNNING CONNECTS US!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• A crisp apple
• My house
• Garage door opener

EMBRACE THE SUCK

Have you ever heard the saying, "Running Sucks?"  Do you know where I usually see it on t-shirts?  Yep, at RUNNING RACES!  The Cheerleader even had a t-shirt from a popular athletic brand, that got it's start because of running, with that saying on it!

Some, in the running community, will say that about the treadmill or as it's affectionately called, "the DREADMILL!"  The treadmill is not my first choice when it comes to getting my miles in, but there are times when you have to "EMBRACE THE SUCK" and get on the treadmill and run!

Have you ever had to "EMBRACE THE SUCK" in life?  You know, those things that you don't want to happen, but you can't or better, shouldn't, stick your "head in the sand" and pretend it's not there.  

I have a friend, Khit Masoud, who is the epitome of the "EMBRACE WHAT LIFE HAS THROWN AT YOU!"  She is a warrior...a cancer beating warrior.  Actually, I refer to her as the #WarriorPrincess.  She has dealt with cancer on multiple occasions and all the time, she doesn't look for sympathy or pity.  We met through running and specifically the Abbott World Marathon Majors Ambassador group.  We got to meet, in person, with other "Ambassadors" at the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  I was just coming off of cancer surgery 2 months prior, and she was dealing, yet again, with cancer.  BUT, you'd never have known it. BUBBLY and FULL OF LIFE!

How do you embrace challenges, setbacks, etc?  With your head up or head down? Remember, "your attitude determines your altitude!"
  

Khit is bottom right.  I believe she took this pic, "selfie" style!

So, to my friend Khit and all those who demonstrate what it means to "EMBRACE THE SUCK," here's to your BEST YEAR YET!  You all inspire me!

By the way, go check out Khit's Foundation, "Blessons" , website where they provide, mentorship, educational assistance and scholarships to women who have had to push the "pause" button on their Higher Education, due to different "LIFE" happenings.  Check it out, get involved and support this MORE than worthwhile organization.  

"Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone."  Khit Masoud

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Fresh Sheets on my bed
• Friends who inspire
• Opportunity  to travel

DON'T STOP BELIEVING

Journey - Don't Stop Believing - Lincoln, NE  3.25.17

"Just a small town girl......"

The Cheerleader and I, through the help of our oldest, were able to "check" something off the "LIVE LIST" last night (I don't want to feel a pressure to get something done before I "kick the bucket"....I want to get them done while I'm LIVING!).  We went and saw the rock band JOURNEY.  

Near the end of the show, they broke out into, arguably, their greatest hit, "Don't Stop Believing."  It was so fun to sing along with this iconic song.  You know me, it got me thinking about life, goals, success, significance, etc., and the mental or belief side to what we do or what we go after.

Many, and for years I would include myself into this category (and still at times today), believe that if the path from "DREAM to REALITY" isn't a straight shot, then it must not either be "the will of God" or "just not my lot in life."

If not careful, we can have a skewed version/vision of what we go through on the way to achieving the goal.  The truth is, your BELIEVING is going to be challenged.  Jesus said, in John 16:33, "...in this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  Have you ever heard, "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor!" ?  

It's not that we look for the trouble, or challenges, or choppy water, etc., but we know we are going to get through them.  It takes PATIENCE. That is such a difficult word for me to swallow.  I.WANT.IT.NOW!  Can I get an "amen!"  BUT, patience is a GREAT fruit to embody.  WE.GOT.THIS.  YOU.GOT.THIS.

DON'T STOP BELIEVING!

Don't let challenges, circumstances, ANYTHING, stop what you have on your heart to accomplish this BEST YEAR YET.  

As we progress in our journey, do your best to stay grounded to what your believe!  HOLD ON....your "finish line" is just ahead!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Rain Coats (hint to how our weather has been!)
• Breath Mints (I'm not sure if this is for me or for others!)
• Entertainment

If you have been following along, today is my day 13 of 21 Days of Gratitude.  Each day I have 3 different things I'm grateful for and I share them right here.  How about you?  What are you grateful for?  I would encourage you to start picking out 3 things, each day, write them down and thing about the gratitude you have.  It is a GREAT exercise to go through....trust me, you will be the better for it!

THAT MUCH MORE

ex·tra

ˈekstrə/

adjective

1. 1.

   added to an existing or usual amount or number.

EXTRA.

So many things we could add to.  What is something THAT MUCH MORE you could do to get closer to where you want to go?

EXTRA.

Darren Hardy, in his book, THE COMPOUND EFFECT, discusses the idea/concept of EXTRA or THAT MUCH MORE and how by doing MORE today than the last time, results will be there.

What do you want to be better at today than you were yesterday?

• writing
• singing
• cooking
• exercise
• portion control
• acting
• coaching
• preaching
• reading
• anger management
• running
• etc.

Think of it like this:  you are standing at the bottom of a 20 step staircase.  You want to be at the top.  20 steps.  You are NOT able to do it in one step.  Maybe, 2 steps at a time, in some situations....but you cannot, nor do not, expect to go up 20 steps in one leap. Why would we expect to get our goal(s) "over night?"  What does it take?  

ONE.STEP.AT.A.TIME!

EXTRA.

Don't short cut the process....go ALL IN to get what your heart desires.

So, START today and tomorrow do THAT MUCH MORE to get closer to where your BEST YEAR YET journey takes you.

By the way....don't be like this guy:

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Salvation
• Weekends
• Running

THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT

If you have known me for at least 5 minutes, you know that I use sports analogies to point to everyday truths that we face.  I'm sure most of us have heard the saying, "the ball's in your court."  It's a statement letting us know that someone..in this case us...needs to make a decision.  We have control of the "ball," what are we going to do with it?

Which direction will you go from here?

We've been talking a lot lately about our goals and dreams in relation to our BEST YEAR YET.  The late Jim Rohn once said, "There are two pains: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret.  The difference is discipline weighs ounces and regret weighs tons."  Which one will you choose?  

I remember having a conversation with one of my sons and I told him, "You don't want to wake up when you're 40 and say, I wish I would have.  It would be better to say, I'm glad I did."

THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT!  Now what?

START!

Don Shula is quoted, saying, "The START is what STOPS most people."  It's great to have a well thought out plan.  It's great to do all the prep work to get ready to "launch out into the unknown."  BUT.....you gotta START!  Take that LEAP OF FAITH!

Don't live in the place of regret where you wake up one day and say, "I miss me.  I miss everything I'll never be."

Today, I'm here to tell you that YOU CAN DO IT.  Yes, you have decisions to make...THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT!  Take a risk, make your decision and JUMP....you'll be glad you did.

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Friday
• Spring Rain
• Friends who challenge my thinking

WHAT ARE YOU CHASING AFTER?

We're all chasing something.  My something might be different than your something that is different than their something.

Today, I want to encourage you to have a pursuit.  Have a "something."  Go after your dreams.

I have a running friend who is totally....I'm talking TOTALLY... dialed into chasing a sub 3 hour marathon at the Boston Marathon next month.  Maybe it's your dream to get a BQ (Boston Marathon Qualifier) or even get a PR (Personal Record) in running.

Sometimes we chase things for others...or better yet, we only chase things that we think THAT guy or THAT gal would want us to have, so we go after it...but it's not in our heart.

What are you chasing? Is it:

• A new job
• A person
• Money
• Approval/Acceptance
• A ghost

But do these things REALLY satisfy?  Some of us are like Doug, the dog, from the movie UP.  We are pursing something and then, "SQUIRREL!"  And our attention is distracted.

What are you passionate about?  The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling!  

Go after it....whatever it is for you.  In this BEST YEAR YET, follow your heart, but take your brains with you!  Stay focused and limit the "noise" and anything else that will try to distract you.

CHASE WHAT MAKES YOUR HEART RACE!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Car Seat (bum) Warmers
• Annual Physical
• Encouragement from others

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

I'm sure most of us have heard the term, "HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE."  It's used to describe the benefit the home team has over the visiting team, primarily in athletic contests.

So, for today, in our journey for our BEST YEAR YET, I want us all to think about this from the perspective of our literal home...our spouse/significant other...our family.

How is your "home" doing?  I have quoted the late Roy Disney (Walt's nephew) in this blog before, where Roy once said, "When your values are clear, decisions become easier."  I believe that your home life with your family is near or should be near the top of your values list.  For most (not all..but most) their values list look close to this:

• Faith
• FAMILY/HOME
• Health/Fitness
• Friends
• Etc.

If "inside" your HOME is good, then "outside" your HOME will be good!  

How can we have a good HOME from the "inside?"

WORK AT IT!

I believe that the Cheerleader and I have a good HOME from the "inside" to the "outside," but it didn't just happen.  We have WORKED at it for the 30 years - 8 months - 11 days that we have been married.  Has it always been easy?  NO!  ANYTHING that you value, you must continue to WORK at it.  

It is an intentional act.  A decision that you make.  I'd even go so far as to say a discipline. Remember, my response is my responsibility, so if I want to have a HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE, it's up to me to do MY part to be prepared.  I can't just think that if things don't go as planned that it's the Cheerleader's fault.  I have to ask, "was I prepared with doing my part the best I could?

I love my wife AND I don't just tell her (although I tell her multiple times a day...I do the same each time I talk with my sons, too), but I show her by doing the dishes (sometimes); helping out in other ways that aren't my "typical" assignment around the house; we take walks together; I hold her hand outside the home in public...which is just an "outside" demonstration of the "inside" love we have for each other.

How about you?  Does the HOME TEAM need some work?  Make a decision that YOU are going to be the change.  Maybe you are good.....that's great!   Keep it up!  Be a role model and demonstrate to others what a true HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE looks like.

So, as you "travel" through your BEST YEAR YET, always tighten up your HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE from the inside and when you find yourself "outside," you will be prepared for the WIN!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Bulletproof Coffee
• Song (music that moves me)
• Committed Friends

ARE YOU ALL IN?

COMMITMENT.

What does it take to be "ALL IN?"  

Your attitude?  Are you a good "team member?"  If you're not scoring the points or getting the press, does that affect how you act?  What makes you be ALL IN when it's not about you?

Maybe with you it's being noticed or getting THAT promotion.  Or getting the lead in the play or having the solo in the song?  Do we only commit if we get to be the STAR?

There is a great 2 1/2 minute YouTube of a press conference of basketball coach Geno Auriemma where he discusses the importance of attitude and body language.  This is a GREAT lesson for all of us, young and experienced.  Stop what you are doing, (click the "attitude and body language" link above), and watch it.

BE ALL IN!  

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• WWRC (World Wide Running Community)
• A thought of someone that makes me smile
• Pedicures

Final note:  Ben Franklin once said, "Write something worth reading or do something worth writing about."  I trust you are being encouraged each day by the BEST YEAR YET blog as much as I have been encouraged to write it.  Drop me a line and let me know when a topic or something inside the topic has resonated with you.  Here's to your BEST YEAR YET!

DON'T WASTE IT.....

Earlier today, I was talking with someone and they just uttered the phrase, "Don't waste it....."  They had a few things that fit the *blank* following the phrase, but I was captivated by those three words, "DON'T WASTE IT!"

We might, from time to time, revisit this theme, but today, we're going to focus on one thing to NOT waste:  INFLUENCE

in·flu·ence

ˈinflo͝oəns/

noun

1. 1.

   the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

INFLUENCE is a powerful word.  Leadership expert, Dr. John C. Maxwell, has said that "Leadership is Influence....nothing more, nothing less."  We can be a good leader with influence or a bad leader with influence.

We influence MANY situations everyday, whether we realize it or not....whether we want to or not.  In 1993, the athletic brand Nike, did a commercial, featuring Charles Barkley, where Charles repeats over and over, "I am not a role model."  There is truth to that statement, but also, by our definition above, he was/is a role model.  Charles says that just because he can dunk a basketball, that doesn't make him a role model.  Parents, he says, are to be role models....and that is truth.  But say what we may, our actions by our words, declares our INFLUENCE at any given time, whether we signed up for it or not.

OK...all that being said, DON'T WASTE IT.....YOUR INFLUENCE!  You and I truly have an opportunity to inspire/influence/effect others in a positive way.  

I remember one of the final scenes in the movie, "Saving Private Ryan,"  Captain Miller, with his final words says to Private Ryan, "James, earn this....earn it." The scene cuts to present day and and elderly James Ryan, standing over Captain Miller's grave says, "Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge.  I tried to live my life the best I could.  I hope that was enough.  I hope that, at least in your eyes, I've earned all that you have done for me."  THAT is INFLUENCE!

Well, we might not be have had to travel through war torn Europe to find someone to bring home...but we do have an opportunity to shape lives, in this our BEST YEAR YET.  Don't let some opportunities go by to be the calm in someone's storm....to be the voice of reason in their uncertainty.  A few year's ago, I had a colleague from a previous company quote something I had said.  He put it out on FaceBook for the world to see.  Honestly, I don't remember saying it, although it was something that I would and did say, but he shared it proudly and with meaning.  So, even at times when you are just talking, remember....SOMEONE IS LISTENING!  

INFLUENCE.....DON'T WASTE IT!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• First day of Spring
• HOKA running shoes
• Prayer

What are you GRATEFUL for today?  If you don't know what I mean, go back to the blog post from March 14th, "GRATITUDE," to see what I'm taking about here and start your 21 Day GRATITUDE Journey.  Drop me a line and let me know your in!

YOUR FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead..." Philippians 3: 13 (NLT)

I really like what the Apostle Paul said here, "...I haven't achieved it...I haven't arrived..YET...but here is what I do...THIS ONE THING...."  If we are still breathing...still alive, we also haven't "achieved it" or "haven't arrived" YET!

What about you?  What is your ONE THING?  Paul's is a good one for most of us to grab ahold of and incorporate in our lives as well, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead..."  But so many times, it seems, we are still STUCK in failures or struggles that we have had, that it stops us from pushing forward.  I LOVE today's start off quote: 

"Your past is NOT strong enough to shut down your future!"

I, personally, have "things" in my past that I'm not real proud of.  Thing that I said and did that I can't get back.  "They" say you "can't un-ring the bell," (which is another post for another day), and even though I can't, what I can do is "own my past" and keep my focus...my vision in front of me.  I have said here in the BEST YEAR YET blog, "My response is my responsibility," and if I own the past, it's up to me to be disciplined to the actions I CAN control, moving forward.

There is so much potential in front of you that if your future self found a DeLorean and came back to you, he/she would tell you to not look back...but press on/press forward because there are GREAT things in store for you.  I'm guessing your future self would thank your current self for not giving up or giving in. Today, you might not be able to see it...but I'm here to tell you that it is THERE.

So, don't look back, because you are not going that way.  Keep you "hand to the plow" and "eyes forward" because your future's so bright...you gotta wear shades!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Open windows for fresh air in our house in March
• Sunday afternoon naps
• Walking my dog

HALF ULTRA

"An ultramarathon, also called ultra distance or ultra running, is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi)."

Today, I ran a "HALF ULTRA!"  Ok...all you "Ultra" purists....let me explain.  IF I run 13.1 miles, it's called a "Half Marathon" then why wouldn't it be a "Half Ultra" if I ran more than 13.1 miles based on the definition above of what an ULTRAMARATHON is?

So, today, I ran a "Half Ultra!"  16.21 miles.  I started out with a 16 miler on my marathon training schedule in preparation for the 2017 Lincoln (NE) Marathon on May 7, 2017.  Why the additional ".21?" GREAT question.  Let me attempt to explain.

The Cheerleader is running her first ever race, a 5k, on April 15th.  I have been helping her prepare/train for this inaugural event.  I decided I would go the first 1.25 miles of her 1.5 mile training walk/run (which, by the way, she ran a solid mile with walking .25 miles on either end!  WAY.2.GO CHEERLEADER!).  At the time I was going to continue without her, I put in my wireless bluetooth headphones and started on my journey to complete 16 miles. About 2 miles in, my headphones began to indicate to me that the battery was low and they would be shutting off soon.  Since I wasn't too far from home, I decided to loop back to the house, exchange the headphones for the corded variety and off I would go.  After doing so, right at the 3 miles mark (actually the 3.2 mile mark as indicated on the left hand side above), I saw this hawk...just standing on the ground, looking majestic.  I thought what a cool pic this would make.  I took out my phone and somehow, a "Tim error" later, and my run on my watch was not just paused, but "SAVING."  For all you runners out there that track your runs, miles, etc., on your watch, you know that this COULD HAVE completely messed up today's run.  BUT I still had a bit shy of 13 miles to go...and I had to start my watch all over (see the right hand side above).  Here I am, now having to readjust my mileage counter, in my head, so that I ended close to 16 miles.

You know, the "ULTRA" of our lives are pretty similar to my "HALF ULTRA" run today.  We start out doing great...feeling great...and something happens that has the potential to take us "off our game."  We regroup and then *BAM*....something else hits us to get us to quit/give up our plans.  What do we do in situations like that in LIFE?  What do you do when "LIFE HAPPENS" and it isn't how YOU planned it?  We can quit...give up and turn around...OR we can reset and move forward.  

Having a BEST YEAR YET, doesn't mean that we will never experience challenges.  We will have challenges....it is how you respond through the challenge that will determine where you end up!

So, "KEEP RUNNING" through LIFE, regardless of what tries to knock you off course. YOU.HAVE.GOT.THIS.....trust me, I know...I just ran a "HALF ULTRA!"

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• French Press Coffee
• A good book
• Spring..the Season, not the bounce back in my legs! ( I hope I didn't just jinx us for 6 more weeks!)

COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES

Growing up, I did my best to stay in the lines when coloring or painting.  I could get close, but there was always some "spillage" over the line.  

Even as an adult, when the Cheerleader has wanted to paint some walls in the house and I have helped, especially if it has to do near where the wall and ceiling meet, yep, there's paint on the ceiling.  Needless to say, I'm heavy labor now and an occasional mass wall painter, but nothing in the tight detail sense.

I was thinking about life and for me, to have a BEST YEAR YET, I need to live with a "color outside the lines" mentality.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all about detail and such, but I realize that LIFE is messy at times.  I've heard it said and even said it myself, "NO MESS....NO MESSAGE!"  I really believe that we...well maybe just me....can take our "mess" and make something beautiful out of it.

Don't let a past "mess" detour your today "message!"  The Greek's have a saying, "pame" (paw-may), which means, "Come on, let's go!"  So take your "color pallet" and PAME!

It's OK if your "lines" aren't perfect.  What is perfect anyway?  What I see/view as perfect, could be much different than someone else's view point.  EMBRACE your "perfect," and continue to embrace the symphony of "COLOR" that makes up your life....whether it's inside the "lines" or not!

My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today:

• Nurses who know how to draw blood
• Good service at restaurants
• Companionship

If you don't know what this "My 3 things I'm GRATEFUL for today" is, look back at the post from March 14th, "GRATITUDE" to see what this is about.