My Heart Aches for Boston

First Thoughts

Raw with emotion after hearing the news, I expressed my fears to my friend, Sarah.  I fear that no race will ever be the same.  I fear that finish lines in races will not only be filled with worry of future terrorism, but of a bitter-sweetness when it is safe.  I fear even the thought of the BF running the Chicago Marathon this October.  Sarah pointed out that this fear is exactly what terrorists want.  She's right, of course.

I am reminded of one of my favorite episodes of The West Wing called "Isaac and Ishmael."  They called it a play, I think, and they dropped it into the 2001 season, without regard to its place in the plot's timeline.  It was their first post-9/11 episode.

I'm a huge fan, and while it may sound almost ridiculous to mention a TV show in the midst of all this, I believe it is fitting.  The episodes are on www.netflix.com now.  It is the first episode of Season 3.  Watch it.

The point I'm getting to, though, is the strongest message I got from that episode:

terrorists always fail. 

Inevitably, their acts of cowardice only cause the survivors to rally together and become closer.   That which they aim to destroy, they strengthen.

I'm looking to that for comfort today... this day in which I ride a rollercoaster of emotions.  So many details are not even near being announced yet, but I draw strength in the knowledge that we will prevail.  We will grow stronger from this.  We will unite.


We are runners.  We are Americans.  We win.

Ready, Set, Relay!

More Races

I'm signed up for the Bellin Run (10k) in Green Bay in June.  In need of more immediate motivation, I've been on the hunt for a race between now and then.  The BF and I tossed around a few options, but it's been challenging to find one we can fit in between my concert and children schedules.  One of the ideas we looked into was a relay half marathon.  I can't even remember why anymore, but that was yet another no-go.

Then, the BF emailed me.  "You're the best GF ever.  If you want to do a relay together, we could find a few more people and do this one.  You're the best GF ever."  (ok, that's probably not an exact quote, but it's close.;)  The BF was suggesting the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon Relay.  www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com


What A Fine Idea, BF!

Well, he didn't have to say another word. I was quickly on the prowl for other runners.  Any coworker that passed by (that I knew worked out regularly) got an ask.  The BF also emailed his friend in Janesville.  I was surprised at the large number of people we knew who could pull off a 5-mile leg of a race just 40-some days away.  How cool is that?  Not only did we fairly easily get these three to commit, but we had several other people say they'd do it if we needed.  We didn't even get around to asking all the people we thought might do it. 

So, a few short days later, we got our team together.  I'll be on the shortest leg with what I'm sure will also be our slowest leg.  Needless to say, I keep reminding everyone that we are not chasing a fast time.  ;)  Everyone seems excited about the idea of a relay.  I'm very pumped!  A relay with the BF (with or without others as well) has been on my "running bucket list."  (Believe it or not, I don't actually have that list written down.  I should do that... ;)


Relay Roster

Our team consists of:
Me
The BF
DDS- The BF's friend
KP- my coworker, who I know sometimes runs in a skirt (respect)
and DZ- another coworker, who I think could see the beauty of running skirts (even if she hasn't tried one yet)

I'm particularly excited to run with the BF's friend.  In all my time hanging out with the BF, I've yet to meet this guy.  What better time than right before we run a relay together?
But wait... I won't be able to fiddle around with meeting DDS at the expo. Expos are important!!  I can't waste precious time on introductions.  I need to focus on my swag!

Nope, it will have to wait until race morning.

"Hi.  Nice to meet you.  Let's go get some medals!"


But First...

Unfortunately, before we actually sign up, we need a name.  Ugh.  That's a toughie.

Any ideas????

Thanks for reading. :)

Five Things That Running and Music Have In Common

I Sing

This has been a quiet week here on the blog.  I've been gearing up for my concert tonight.  I'm an alto in our community's semi-professional choir.  www.whiteheronchorale.org  Tonight is a special 35th anniversary concert, and I've spent several of my evenings this week volunteering at the office with some little details.  Not a bad reason to break from the blog, right?

Passion

I love to sing.  I love it.  I like running, yes, but I love singing.  If I'm not singing, it's because something's wrong.  Literally.  If a day goes by that I haven't sung in my office, at the workroom copier, or in my kitchen, something is up.  It's a sure sign that I've got a lot on my mind, or a serious case of the blues.

I can sing.  I'm not fabulous, but I can hold my own ok.  I'm fortunate to have a pretty decent voice, and some good genes that make music come fairly naturally to me.  But more importantly, I have music in my soul.  Yeah, I get that sounds cheesy, but if you are a musician, you know it's a pretty good descriptor.  If you're a runner, you can relate to the drive and passion and need to always have that one thing in your life that helps you feel like YOU.

With that in mind, on this day of an exciting concert for me, I'm inspired to make a quick list.  You know how I love lists.  :)

Five Things That Running and Music Have in Common

1) You have to want it.  Even if you are someone to whom it comes easily, you still have to put your soul into it to truly succeed.
2) You can share it, or keep it to yourself.  Some people are soloists.  Some people like ensembles.  Some people prefer to run alone.  Some people prefer group runs.
3) There's always room for improvement.  You can always run faster, meet a new personal best, go a greater distance.  There's always a more challenging piece, or a solo in the next concert, or a song you could write.
4) You have to do it for yourself, but those who love you will want to share it.  If you don't have the personal drive, you won't do it.  You are the one who has to get up early and lace up.  You are the one who has to sit at the piano and plunk notes.  But, those who truly love you will ache to share it with you.  They'll be at that finish line to share your tears of joy and accomplishment.  They'll be on their feet first for the standing ovation.  Your passion will be something some people will ache to get a piece of and share with you.
5) Hydration is indescribably important.  Speaking of which, I've gotta go drink some water.  :)


Thanks for reading!