Giving Back - Be a wish granter!

Each year I when I think about my race schedule, I struggle with what I should sign up for. If money and time were not an issue, I would have a calendar filled with destination races, and exciting venues all over the world! Of course, the reality of my life prevents this from happening! So as race season gears up, my mailbox is bombarded by many brochures and opportunities. The ones that often catch my eye and pull at my heart-strings are the runs or events that championship a cause.

 Each year the fine people at Make-A-Wish put on an amazing event to help raise money to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. Honestly, I am NOT a spinner or a cyclist. I only had my bike from college. You can imagine just how awesome that bike was! I was talked into doing this event by some of my wonderful friends who have done the event in the past.

I didn't really feel the passion for the event like my friends did and I started to wonder if this was really for me. Remember I'm not a biker chick! Plus, I was training for my first marathon so my schedule was pretty packed. Well, two hybrid bikes, gear, glide, clips, shoes, several road rash injuries, and a new bike rack later, I felt that there was no turning back. I raised the money for the event and went to the fundraising events that my team organized but still didn't feel 100%  hooked. It wasn't until July 29th, (a great day to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my hubby) that I realized the true mission of Make- A-Wish. I was feeling nervous as we rolled into the famous Michigan International Speedway grounds. Almost instantly I realized that it didn't matter that I felt like such a biker newbie or looked like a complete idiot on my hybrid bike, (road bike envy) I was just one of many who wanted to give back.

The ride was scenic and fun. I had a wonderful time laughing with my friends and touching base with the 300 milers at the rest stops. It was challenging for sure. Who knew Michigan is so hilly? I didn't quite have my biking legs, but I kept thinking about the kids. The moment that it all came clear for me was when we were coming to the silent mile. This is a memorial for all the kids that are not with us today. Their journey ended far too soon. It was emotional and moving. It was impossible to not thank God for blessing me with my healthy children. I will never forget that moment. Once I composed myself and started up again, I started to feel the energy of the group change as we got closer to the finish. The crowd cheered as we rode the final lap around MIS. It was hotter than blazes and my legs were on fire, but I didn't care. I looked for my children and for our wish hero. Little Cole was waiting for us and cheering us on. It was an amazing feeling.

The day was topped off by getting a "thank you" hug from our wish hero. Here is the pic. So 50 miles is just a small task that I do simply for that moment. Please consider giving to this amazing organization. You too can be a wish granter!  Make A Wish Personal Fundraising Page

If you have moment, please watch this video to see what Wish A Mile is all about. This is our wish hero rolling across the finish line with some members of Tour de Wishes!
On the rode to grant wishes - Em

Inherited? or Learned?

Ok, time to think back to science class. I am teaching about traits in science class this week. It always amazes me when I look into the eyes of my children and see myself looking back at me. Inherited traits are those things that you are born with obviously. Learned traits are a totally different ballgame. Many people say that I have two little versions of me running around. My daughters are exactly 6 years and 2 days apart. When I look at their baby pictures, it is hard to tell them apart. They share many of my physical traits for sure, but today's lesson got me thinking about what learned traits that I've actually passed on to my children.

Of course my hope is that I would only pass along my positive traits, however I know that they have "learned" some of my not so desirable traits too. One lesson that I have stressed to my children is to never give up on a task that is difficult or new. Try it out and then make your decision. I think that it has caught on with my oldest daughter. She entered her first triathlon when she was 9. She is naturally athletic (inherited) but also possess a crazy "let's do this" kind of spirit. (learned? or inherited?) Hmmm I'd like to think both. My point is that as an parent and teacher, I'm given the responsibility of passing along some pretty powerful learned behaviors. 

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I love this picture from her triathlon. The look of determination is one that is familiar to me too. It's that never give up face that I hope I possess when running. I love that she never gave up during her race. She was first out of the open water swim, then fell behind in the biking, then kicked it in during the run. I love that her drive to finish strong was evident to all. It was a proud moment for me. Not because she got first, but because she did not give up. What made me extremely proud was that she congratulated the girl who she passed on a great race. (inherited or learned?) Your children are a reflection of you. At times it is hard to admit that and then there are those moments when you realize that you aren't doing such a bad job after all.

What are you passing along?

Em

What's your story?

Do you suffer from the comparison bug? It can be an easy trap to fall in to. I've done it from time to time. Let's be honest here, most people find themselves doing this in life every now and then. Whether it be in your personal life, career, race results, whatever - it can steal your joy. I have been feeling down about not running as much as I did last year so I spent a rare Saturday morning looking back over the past year in hopes of getting some personal motivation. I discovered that I logged over 350 miles in just a few short months leading up to my marathon. For me that was an insane amount of miles. During that time, I guess I was focused on my training, I was "in the zone" and probably too darn tired to truly crunch all the numbers to realize how crazy it truly was for me. I did exactly what St. Francis said. I started by doing what was necessary which finally led to what I thought would be the impossible.

I love those words. I need to remind myself every once in a while that I have come a long way from run/walking with my toddler in my jogging stroller. My love affair started when I decided that I needed to shed some of my "surprise" baby weight. I joined some of my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) friends to walk/run for exercise. It was fun for me and kept me accountable. One day after our run, I casually asked if any one was interested in signing up for a local 5K. WHAT?! I convinced two other friends to join me and we started training. I finished that first 5K in 29 mins and was hooked! I then set my eyes on a 10K, half, and finally this past year my first 26.2. Ever since that first 5K, I haven't broken up with running. Sure there were periods of time when I would say that we were on a "break". (Friends reference - think about Ross!) I'm gearing up for spring training. Just like any relationship, there must be give and take. Effort directly effects the results, right? That being said, I can proudly say that my relationship status with running is on-going! I will try my best to give to the relationship and I am positive that running will continue to give back two-fold.

Here is the link to the video. 

https://plus.google.com/photos/115390878626345208558/albums/5850850562714476689?authkey=CJOo_rbYt8OmrAE

Joy in the journey -
Emily