This entry was written the week of April 6, 2010:
Yesterday I did my First Strides work-out of 5 minutes warm-up, then 4 minutes walk with 2 minutes run times 3. I finished with a 12 minute "cool-down" walk. The first 2 minute run was a killer! But the second and third runs were great. My legs felt strong and I had energy. Later, in the evening, I did a leisurely 20 minute walk at Vorhees State Park. Tomorrow I plan on doing my third First Strides work-out for this week.
I have been thinking a lot about inspiration this week. I felt inspired by many of the women participating in the First Strides group. But I thought also about one of the most inspirational persons in my life, my father.
My Dad was born in 1919. He had a large family; a family with a lot of love. His Dad immigrated from England in 1900 and married Irish born Lily Mae Siler. Dad quit school during the Depression to help support his family. His beloved mother died of a heart attack when he was just 16 years old.
My father was a Sargent in the Army during World War II and after discharge was able to get his GED. He went on to get his Bachelors Degree and two Masters Degrees. He was brilliant! But he suffered from Manic Depression. I remember him from my younger years as being very unpredictable. He would be extremely animated and happy one day and the next day would not get out of bed. Sometimes his depression would last for several days. When I was 6 years old he had a Manic Episode. One evening I drew him a picture of a skunk. He said he loved the picture and he was going to take it to work with him the next day and hang it in his office. He walked to his bedroom, but something went terribly wrong. Eventually my mother escorted my sister and I into our bedroom. Later we were taken for the night to stay at a relatives house.
It seemed like months before Dad came home. I missed him so much; the sun rose and set on my father. Later in life he opened up about his experiences and I saw how much he suffered with this disease and how he was determined not to let it ruin his life. He never was hospitalized again; he overcame such odds, such obstacles. He had a long and highly successful career and a long, happy marriage. To me he was a hero. He faced adversity and came out a winner. He was the greatest Dad anyone could ever have..and the best "Pa-pa" to his beloved grandchildren: Tommy, Erin, Eden, Stephen and Alison.
With every adversity I have faced, I always draw such courage from my father. He was so supportive of my running, of anything that made me a better person. I run today for him, for Tommy , for Tom and I hope that in some way I will inspire my children to care for themselves. Life is worth living, life is what you make of it. Love every minute of your life because you never know when it will be over!
Yesterday I did my First Strides work-out of 5 minutes warm-up, then 4 minutes walk with 2 minutes run times 3. I finished with a 12 minute "cool-down" walk. The first 2 minute run was a killer! But the second and third runs were great. My legs felt strong and I had energy. Later, in the evening, I did a leisurely 20 minute walk at Vorhees State Park. Tomorrow I plan on doing my third First Strides work-out for this week.
I have been thinking a lot about inspiration this week. I felt inspired by many of the women participating in the First Strides group. But I thought also about one of the most inspirational persons in my life, my father.
My Dad was born in 1919. He had a large family; a family with a lot of love. His Dad immigrated from England in 1900 and married Irish born Lily Mae Siler. Dad quit school during the Depression to help support his family. His beloved mother died of a heart attack when he was just 16 years old.
My father was a Sargent in the Army during World War II and after discharge was able to get his GED. He went on to get his Bachelors Degree and two Masters Degrees. He was brilliant! But he suffered from Manic Depression. I remember him from my younger years as being very unpredictable. He would be extremely animated and happy one day and the next day would not get out of bed. Sometimes his depression would last for several days. When I was 6 years old he had a Manic Episode. One evening I drew him a picture of a skunk. He said he loved the picture and he was going to take it to work with him the next day and hang it in his office. He walked to his bedroom, but something went terribly wrong. Eventually my mother escorted my sister and I into our bedroom. Later we were taken for the night to stay at a relatives house.
It seemed like months before Dad came home. I missed him so much; the sun rose and set on my father. Later in life he opened up about his experiences and I saw how much he suffered with this disease and how he was determined not to let it ruin his life. He never was hospitalized again; he overcame such odds, such obstacles. He had a long and highly successful career and a long, happy marriage. To me he was a hero. He faced adversity and came out a winner. He was the greatest Dad anyone could ever have..and the best "Pa-pa" to his beloved grandchildren: Tommy, Erin, Eden, Stephen and Alison.
With every adversity I have faced, I always draw such courage from my father. He was so supportive of my running, of anything that made me a better person. I run today for him, for Tommy , for Tom and I hope that in some way I will inspire my children to care for themselves. Life is worth living, life is what you make of it. Love every minute of your life because you never know when it will be over!
My handsome Dad, the sun rose and set on him. He was the most amazing man I ever knew!
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