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Posts tagged ‘inspiration’

May 6

possibility-potential-risk-59f4e6
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Possibility

I recently read this on Seth Godin’s blog, and it really resonated with me. For quite a while now, I think I’ve been unable to reach my running potential because I’ve been good at running. I’ve avoided the opportunities that bring possibility and in the end, it has led to failure. The time has where I realize that in order to move forward, I have to do something differently. Yes, I am a decent runner but I know I still have something to prove.

Competence vs. Possibility by Seth Godin:

As we get more experienced, we get better, more competent, more able to do our thing.

And it’s easy to fall in love with that competence, to appreciate it and protect it. The pitfall? We close ourselves off from possibility.

Possibility, innovation, art–these are endeavors that not only bring the whiff of failure, they also require us to do something we’re not proven to be good at. After all, if we were so good at it that the outcome was assured, there’d be no sense of possibility.

We often stop surprising ourselves (and the market) not because we’re no good anymore, but because we are good. So good that we avoid opportunities that bring possibility.

Happy Trails & Happy Running,

Tracie

Running Update: Today I realized just how incredibly tired I am. I have been going on 5-6 hours of sleep for over a week now and it’s finally catching up with me. In addition to that, it’s Mario’s birthday and I really didn’t have much time to run. Coming home from work today, I decided not to run and take a nap instead. But then the sun came out and I got a short burst of energy. 3 miles later and a 6:52 mile, I was feeling much happier. I’d stil like to be in bed my 9:00 tonight. Stats are here.

May 3

Group Runs

Tomorrow I’m running with a group. This is new terrain for me but I am excited. I am excited because it will help to keep me engaged. It will help me to enjoy the run and it will challenge me in a new way. Running isn’t always about pushing yourself. Sometimes it’s about helping one another.

together

 

Happy Trails & Happy Running,

Tracie

Apr 27

luck
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Sacrifice

Life gets busier during the spring time. At least for me it feels that way. In addition to trying to run, blog, work, be social and keep the house somewhat in order, I’ve been working on a few other small projects. Wow, it can get overwhelming. There is little down time in the Rodriguez household but that’s okay. In order to make things happen, you have to work for it. Yesterday when I saw this video, I was reminded that hard work is always worth it. You just have to be willing to make sacrifices.

 

 

Happy Trails & Happy Running,

Tracie

Running Update: Best 10 mile run ever! It’s amazing how great running can be when everything clicks. Your form feels great, your legs feel light, and you just feel like you can go on forever and ever. Those are the runs that make me believe more than anything that running is my sport. Stats are here.

Apr 22

hardworkd2
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Hard Word and Pleasure

I haven’t mentioned this yet because I don’t want to stress myself out… Exactly one month after Chicago I’m running the Las Vegas Marathon. (I know, not the smartest idea.) I’m running the Las Vegas Marathon to help raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Foundation. Our awesome neighbor, who lives two floors above us, leads a team every year and this time Mario and I decided to participate. I have no doubt this will be a fun and exciting experience.

Today both Mario and I received a training book, The Marathon Method by Tom Hollad. I briefly flipped through the pages and saw a few new strength training exercises to try. Then I also sat down to read the introduction. This was my favorite part:

Sigmund Freud postulated that we avoid pain and seek out pleasure. I contend that true happiness and fulfillment come from seeking pleasure through pain. Not injury – causing pain, but pain in the sense that your will is put to the test. You undertake something extremely difficult, entirely of your own choosing. You invest large amounts of physical and emotional energy based on faith and the belief that you can achieve something that is far from guaranteed. And the more you invest, the  more obtainable your goals and the more incredible the pleasure that waits for you on the other side of the finish line. 

This is why hard work is gratifying. The pleasure is so much more.

Happy Trails & Happy Running,

Tracie

Running Update: I definitely did a run more along the lines of a workout than an easy run today. I drove out to the greenway so I could avoid the sidewalks and traffic to do an easy six miles. The only problem with the greenway is it is uphill both ways. I’m not sure how this happens, but it is HILLY no matter which direction you are coming from. I really got into the groove and had some Eminem to cheer me along. Plus the not running on sidewalks or having to stop for cars was awesome. I went faster than I probably should have but I was so proud of the pace I was able to maintain up the hills.There is some serious benefit to training on those hills and this might be my new favorite route. States are here.

Apr 19

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One Year Ago…

It’s very distracting to blog tonight. My eyes have been glued to the television as the capture of the 2nd Boston Marathon bombing suspect unfolds. So instead of giving myself a few gray hairs as I try to think of something to say, I’d like to share this….

One month from today my 1 year blogging adventure will be over. On May 18, 2012 I made a pledge to blog every single day for one year and so far, I have successfully completed this task. It hasn’t alway been easy, (blogging from the car, at a wedding, or while on vacation) but it’s always been worth it. I’ve learned so much about running and made so many new friends. But more than anything (and this is what I find to be the most valuable), I’ve learned so much about myself. This blogging adventure has forced me to constantly question who I am and who I want to be. A year ago I was trying to mentally recover from what I considered to be an epic fail at the 2012 Boston Marathon. And today I am sitting here watching the apprehension of someone who bombed the 2013 Boston Marathon. A year goes by so quickly but at the same time, so much happens in a year. I can’t help but wonder where I’ll be April 19, 2014….

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

I made this April 18, 2012 to keep me on track... A lot has happened since then.

I made this April 18, 2012 to keep me on track… A lot has happened since then.

Apr 16

Tracie
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The Runner’s Spirit

The runner’s spirit is undeniably compassionate. It is not easily broken nor is it quickly deterred.

The runner is unique. With eyes wide open, he attempts to defy the norm and embrace the pain. It is a spirit in the forever pursuit of another level.

The runner is humble. Kind. Selfless. And supportive. I’ve never met a mean runner and I’m not sure they exist. Oprah once said running is a metaphor for life and she is right. Running is easy. It is hard. It can go uphill, and it can go downhill.

But above all, the runner takes each of these challenges and perseveres. Not only are we connected by our countless miles, we are brought together by a common understanding of what it means to suffer. And what it means to prevail.

Yesterday the running world changed forever, and although none of us can say exactly how, one thing is for certain. I, along with so many others, am damn proud to belong to this remarkable community. I have never been prouder to call myself a runner than I am right now. May our kindness, compassion, and relentless resolve continue to support those in Boston. For in the end, goodness will win and our community, those in Boston, and those around the world will be stronger than ever before. Because we are runners, and we do not back down.

And in the words of Martin Richard, No More Hurting People, Peace.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

Yesterday and today I ran for Boston. As I watched the news yesterday, I became so overwhelmed and left the house in tears. Today, I wanted to be out there with the thousands of other people wearing our favorite race shirts, supporting those affected by yesterday’s tragedy. And with every runner I saw, there was a smile, a nod, and a silent understanding. In our own way, hundreds of miles away from Boston, we were showing our support the best way we knew how. By running. There truly is no better sport.

 

 RememberBostonBib-419x286

Apr 12

London Marathon, 2012
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Want

Yesterday I ran like I haven’t run in almost two months. I ran one of the hilliest courses I know and I ran it at a pace that was kind of fast for the hills and easy pace I had originally planned. As I ran up one of the steepest hills, as I wanted to stop and walk, as I questioned why I wanted to hurt when I was suppose to be going easy, I told myself no 3 hour marathoner got there without a little hurt, no Ironman crossed the finish line without a little suffering, and my running hero, Ariana Hilborn, didn’t go from a 4:30 marathoner to Olympic Trials qualifier by walking the hills. Pain is just a part of it. Embrace it.

Love Yourself

Happy Trails & Happy Running,

Tracie

Running Update: No running today. Tomorrow will be my longest run since February. I can’t wait!

Apr 11

4 Comments

My Morning Runs

This morning I was driving to work with my sunroof open and I was reminded why I love running first thing in the morning. I was sitting at a stoplight and I heard birds chirping, saw the sun rising, and there wasn’t a car on the street. (That’s what happens when you leave the house at 6:00 a.m.) It was beautiful.

I don’t get to put in my miles while watching the sun rise because I have to be at work so early. However, those warm, summer morning runs are not too far away. A new day. A new run. Another chance to find inspiration. And another chance to reach my goals. I get excited just thinking about it.

Why would anyone want to stay in bed when you could be outside seeing this…?

Sunrise over Raleigh, NC

Sunrise over Raleigh, NC

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

Running Update: I haven’t done my run yet today because I am leading our run club tonight. Running during the evening is a new thing for me, so I’ll see how it goes. My goal is to do six miles. (And since I’ll be home late for dinner, I already cooked chicken and sweet potatoes for Mario. Aren’t I nice :P )

Apr 1

2 Comments

The Necessary Steps

Currently I’m on vacation with Mario in Oregon Wine Country. Therefore, my last few posts were written pre-awesome trip. I haven’t had a chance to write about how my running world has been going since we left way too early Friday morning.

Yesterday I finished Chrissie Wellington’s book, A Life Without Limits. Chrissie has been an inspiration to me for probably about 5 years. Partially because of her amazing Ironman record and partially because of her very contagious smile. She is truly inspirational. There were many notes and bookmarks I made while reading her book and many lessons I took away. As my running is starting to progress in the right direction, this one lesson in particular stands out to me: We have our goals but we have to take the necessary steps in order to reach our goals.

Last week I started running again. It has been a very exciting and happy time for me. I knew I wouldn’t overdo it because we were going on vacation and I wouldn’t have the chance. (Oh but I can always find a way.) Saturday morning Mario and I went out for a 5 mile run. I had already done a 3 and 4 miler so 5 easy miles along the beautiful Oregon countryside seemed very doable. We ended up getting lost and did a little over 6. No biggie. Hip felt fine, weather was beautiful, and there were llamas, deer, horses, and cows for scenery. No complaints.

Lot of happy cows in Oregon

Lot of happy cows in Oregon

 

After a cross training day yesterday, another run today seemed completely reasonable. Maybe I shouldn’t have set out along the same 6 mile route but I did. As I found myself checking my Garmin, I had to make myself reign it in. Several things went through my mind: take the necessary steps, build that massive aerobic base (thanks Predawn Runner), enjoy the scenery, and Chicago is over 6 months away! Chillax! I can’t go from nearly 6 weeks off to dishing out 7:30 miles. I have to take the necessary steps. I need my base building. Once I was able to wrap my head around this, I slowed down and really enjoyed my run. I have nothing to prove right now. I only need to find consistency with my running. It’s actually a very nice change of pace.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

Here are some pics from our trip so far… I’ve eaten way too much food!!

Dinner at Jory in Oregon

Dinner at Jory in Oregon

 

Oregon, Day 1 of our Trip (AMAZING weather!!)

Oregon, Day 1 of our Trip (AMAZING weather!!)

 

Day 3 in Oregon

Day 3 in Oregon

 

 

Mar 31

Winter
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A (Very) Young Marathoner

In case you haven’t seen this article, you should check it out. A young girl, only 14 years old, is trying to run a marathon on every continent before the age of 15. Why tackle this crazy task you may ask? She is doing it for her father who died of prostate cancer. Winter Vinecki is seeking to match every pink ribbon with a blue ribbon and so far she has raised over $400,000. That’s quite an accomplishment for young girl from rural Michigan.

Winter Vinecki:

Many have told me I’m too young to run these distances, to wait until I’m older. My dad waited until he was 40 years old to do the things he wanted to do and never got to do them. I’m more than capable now to do the things I do, so why put them off until tomorrow?

What amazing things are you going to do today?

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

(Photo Source: www.girlslife.com)

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