What Moves Me!

Everybody is different. Everyone has a different motivation, training or race day ritual, or something that gives them that extra little push they need to keep going. I am no different. I know that I am an odd bird...almost a flappy bird...but I wanted to share with you what it is for me that keeps me motivated and what I focus on when the going gets a little tough.

Enjoy the Moment

Whether it is a training run, or a race...enjoy the moment! Each stride is a gift, so it's important to remember that I am blessed to be able to participate in this activity. Staying grounded is very important.

Appreciate the Energy

Whether I am alone, with friends, or among perfect strangers there is always energy being transferred between runners and spectators. Some people are nervous, others are anxious, some are determined. I appreciate everything. I may be focused on my run, but if I can see and sense someone needs a 'You Got This' I give it to them. When I ran Surf City a couple weeks ago around mile 11 I took a short walk break and a lady who was running stopped and gave me some really awesome encouragement! Never met her before, and she was just so encouraging and nice! That's what it's about!!! Positivity and being in the zone!

Zone In On Your Prize

It may be a medal. It may be a PR. It may be reaching a goal or watching your dream come true! No matter what it is, focus in on it if you need an extra push! Some races I have a goal in mind..usually it's for time. I do my best to maintain a consistent pace and fuel properly so I can reach that goal. Some days it doesn't happen, and that is perfectly fine. I say to myself...Hey you missed sub 2, bring it in strong for a great 2:05! You may miss and that is okay, but having something to meet you at the finish line is ALWAYS helpful! Maybe your spouse is there with your puppy waiting and all you want is the hug! It may be the satisfaction of finishing! No matter what it is, material or not it is yours and no one can take it away from you!

No matter what it is, just always remember that running is a gift. Running and participating in this great activity is a wonderful blessing. Don't take it for granted. The community is full of incredible people! Appreciate, praise, and encourage one another! We are all in this together as runners! Run on and be good to one another.

Running Helped Me Find Myself

Courtesy of I Love to Run

This has been one interesting year. It has been a year of ups, down, twists, and turns. I often refer to this journey as 'The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness'...my Disney friends will get that reference immediately and probably say it in the Western accent.

When I started half marathon training in 2011, I was a completely different person. My priorities and mindset were in a completely different place than it is today. I guess you can say I've matured and grown up. I mean, I am only 27 years old so I guess a level of adult maturity is to be expected. But I am sure some of my fellow runners will agree with this next statement...running doesn't change who you are. Running enhances the strong, tenacious, and excellent qualities you always possessed. When you run, whether you are in a race or just training, you focus. Your focus is targeted on a goal. Finish that race! Push through this training run! Hit that mileage for the week! Snatch that PR! Focus is only one part of the equation for success.

I have found that protecting my emotional space from toxic and harmful energy was just as important as training for a race. Mental focus is just as important as physical training. Surrounding myself with loving, helpful, and inspiring energy and people enables me to be a blessing to other people. It allows me the space to share my thoughts with you. My thoughts are clear. My thoughts are honest. My thoughts are full of helpful energy. Having my space clouded with energy that isn't conducive to that mission must be removed in order for me to be effective in what I love to do. Which is run, blog, and run some more.

While watching Oprah's last episode before she ended her talk show (yes, I watched it) she said one of many things I will never forget. I did not quite understand what she meant until recently. But when I did...boy, talk about an AH-HA moment.

"You are responsible for the energy you bring to others."

The only thing I have ever wanted to do as long as I can remember, is be a leader. I am a natural leader. A leader is someone who is able to inspire and help a team or individual achieve a goal. Running, blogging, and tweeting has given me that act in this show called Life to do just that. I have a responsibility to you! My responsibility is to always be honest, and continue to bring you the truest Inspirational Tea! I want nothing more than for you to be the best YOU that you can be, on and off the marathon course. We are here on this planet for a very short period of time and no one knows when the life class will end. So, while we are here it is our duty to be good to one another. It is our duty to uplift one another. It is our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in this show called Life be the best people that they can be. Offer helpful energy. Remember, helpful energy and thoughts may at times be uncomfortable to hear or realize, but if they come from a place of love and help, than it is all for the greater good. I encourage you to be open in your mind and heart to receive such energy and information.

All things and all people are connected. Energy is never destroyed, it is merely transfered from one party to another. That's a law of physics. It is true in life. You are energy. You are magnificent. You are responsible for that energy you carry and share with others. Leave a lasting positive impression on the Earth.

Running, as well as the help of great people in my life have helped me form these thoughts about life. I didn't change. I am the same person I have always been. That funny guy who likes to have a good time. I am that friend that will do anything for you, putting your needs ahead of my own at times. I am the person you can call and talk to and get an impartial opinion from free of judgement. But I have evolved and matured. How I handle and approach situations is different. Running and connecting with other like-minded people has unlocked doors to my inner spirit and mind that I never knew existed. Being open-minded and ready to receive and implement the change is always the challenge.

So, when people look at me and say 'You've changed.' I do not think that is completely true. My responses have changed. My focus and my energy has shifted. And as long as you allow me, I will be here to write and inspire you. Even if it is just 50 people, that is 50 people that are blessed and can carry the blessing to others. Thank you for letting me inspire you and share my helpful energy with you. 

I encourage you to open your hearts and minds to receive warm loving energy to help inspire your athletic aspirations. Be open and enjoy the show of Life. You are a character in a cast of many...so make sure you are the star! Be the star everyone talks about for the right reasons...we know how easy it is to end up in the tabloids.

Be Blessed And Take Care of One Another! Let's Continue To Do Good Work!

Run On!