Nature

I love nature, even more than I love running.  I am fortunate that I can combine both passions; running in the woods and exploring nature at the same time.  I am constantly reminded of how precious life is, not just because I lost my son and husband, but because many species are endangered.  Somehow we need to learn to live together in harmony.  I have included 3 links with this post that I believe give insight to how important it is for us to cherish each other..after all we are creatures of nature...no better, no less.

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_haven_cty/ct-bear-has-sweet-spot-for-bird-feeders

I love that this bear has been named "Knucklehead" by residents even if the DEP calls him bear #49.  I also loved that one commenter mentioned bear.org!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSctuR4xHo
I have not been a fan of Angelina Jolie, but I am a huge fan of Jane Goodall.  Over time I have developed a lot of respect for Angelina Jolie because of her humanitarian work.  She is also doing so much to advocate for the preservation of chimpanzees. 


http://www.bear.org/website/lily-a-hope/research-updates/659-rain-rain-and-more-rain-.html
What can I say, any post about Lily and Hope is exciting and educational.  Thank you Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield for your incredible research! 

We need to respect our resources, respect other living creatures in order to maintain nature's balance.  Life on this earth is so precious, I am so grateful for this life I have been given!

Nature is so intrinsically beautiful!

Evolving

I took this week off from work so that I could concentrate on my running, get my car finally registered in NJ, catch up with the little "to do" list I have for repairs in my mom's house and catch up on fall cleaning.  Well, the week didn't start out very well.  Monday NJ Motor vehicles was closed..Tuesday they were opened, but I couldn't get my old PA license plate off my car.  So I decided to drive up the street to an STS station and see if they could help me.  As I drove out of my driveway I saw a car to my left parked at the side of the road.  I exited my driveway in time for the parked car to abruptly speed towards me, aiming right for me.  I do not know how I survived not being hit. 

I am trying so hard to take care of my mom's affairs; with no help.  It is so very hard.  Today Kelly, my Real Estate Agent wrote in an email to me: "I’m sorry for the situation you are in. I handle many estates and know it can be extremely difficult for the person handling everything for the parent while the siblings sit back and offer no help and only offer their opinion on what should be done. It’s a hard position to be in not to mention stressful for the person handling everything."  I felt better knowing that I am not alone; others are in the same place.  But it is a very hard position to be in. 

Even among rocks, life can thrive!

Tom and I are married for the first time!  One of the happiest days in my life!

I did go to the Califon STS Station later and I again had faith in human kindness; they not only got my old license plate off my car but they put the new one on with new screws...and they wouldn't take any money for it.  Thank you, you wonderful Califon STS guys!

I love walking in nature because it gives me clarity, an affirmation of what is truly important in life.  I love the birds, the animals...and "my bear" who I am determined to get a picture of!  I feel balanced, in harmony, when I run, walk or hike.  I feel at home.

I miss my Tom; he was a wonderful husband to me.  We married young, divorced and remarried.  There has never been anyone but him from the moment I saw him.  He was gentle, sweet, kind, loving and so very funny.  Plus he had the most beautiful golden eyes and perfectly sculptured hands.  He had the voice of reason; I trusted his advice.  Whenever anyone says negative about his life I say, "you never really knew him".  Tom was the best, maybe not the most ambitious, but he was the best in all other areas.  I love him, I miss him. 

I did run my 3 miles Monday, 3 miles Tuesday and 4 miles Thursday.  Tomorrow I will run 6 miles, and I will be looking for "my bear"!  I have been taking my camera with me when I run; I want to get a picture! 

I am so thankful that I have a passion; my passion for running!  It doesn't matter how fast; I don't care if I ever win a race.  I just love the joy, the freedom,  the abandonment of  running in harmony with nature!

My Bear

This morning I was supposed to run a 5K, but because of the problems I have been having with my piriformis muscles I decided to "sit" this one out.  I planned on running 3 miles at a very slow pace today.

Well this morning it was cold and w~i~n~d~y, so at 7:00 am I thought it might be a good idea to consider this my "rest" day.  But my passion for running got the best of me so I started out at about 8:30 am.  I wore my running shorts, my "wicking" long sleeve running shirt, my addidas hat and my wind-breaker jacket.  I drove to Vorhees State Park and began running my favorite 1 mile course.  I was planning on running around the course 3 times, for a 3 mile run. 

Half-way through my first mile I turned a corner and there was "my bear"...yes I know it is technically not "mine", but I have seen him or her several times and I feel a sense of familiarity.  At first I turned around and ran the other way, then I turned back.  The bear was just strolling along the path.  He/she looked at me and then went on his/her way.  I struggled to get my cell phone camera on....oh I hate my cell phone....you have to go through 28 options to get to the stupid camera!  By the time I got the camera on the bear was gone.  I ran ahead peaking around, running slowly, but he/she was gone.  The bear headed towards the area where I heard the "growls" the other night (they were not angry growls, they were similar to...but much louder than...the growls my Beagle Barney makes when he is scratching an itch).  

"My bear"  is almost completely black, he/she is chubby and very calm.  He/she is probably a yearling weighing around 100lbs.  I got a close look this morning and was able to watch him/her walk along the trail as I clumsily fumbled with my stupid cell phone.  The filtered sunlight shone through the semi leafless trees, making the  Bear's black fir appear iridescent; what a beautiful, magnificent animal!

I ran 3 miles, slowing down with my cell camera at the spot I saw my bear to see if I could get a picture.  At the end of the 3 miles I decided I was too energetic to stop, so I ran an extra mile (plus I wanted to see if my bear would show up for his portrait!)

Now, I wouldn't run up to my bear and try to shake his paw, but I am certainly not afraid of him.  He tolerated me and went about his business, as I did mine.  Although you might say I was kinda stalking him.  I am still determined to get a picture before he dens for the winter.

I didn't get a picture today but I did find some pictures that resembled him on bearsite.com.  My bear is almost entirely black, and he is at peace living with nature as I am; we are just two creatures living in  harmony.

Check out bear.org to learn more about black bears. 

What a Beautiful Fall Day!

I was feeling terrible last week.  I had lower back pain and severe pain in my right hip.  I also had severe cramping.  I couldn't run at all last Thursday, only walking one mile.  I found out that my problem originated from my piriformis muscles; the muscles that lie deep behind the gluteals.  They are responsible for the external rotation of the hip joint and when they are tight.....ouch!!!! 

Beginning Thursday I started doing several flexibility and strengthening exercises.  I felt better by Saturday, but only ran 1 mile on the treadmill.  I took a "rest day" yesterday. 

This morning I tried running my short distance; 3 miles.  After a few aches during the first mile, I found my stride and finished my run with ease, although I was running at a very slow pace.  I felt energized after my run! 

I will be doing my flexibility and strengthening exercises every day.  I also will be more consistent in my ab and core work.


I did my run at my favorite place..the Columbian Trail. I hope you enjoy the pictures! What a beautiful Fall day!

 The entrance to the Columbian Trail starting from High Bridge going towards Califon, New Jersey

The view from the railroad bridge at the Ken Lockwood Gorge along the Columbian Trail

Returning from Califon back to High Bridge, New Jersey, I approach the railroad bridge at the Ken Lockwood Gorge.

The Columbian Trail, it is so beautiful!

Back

This week I ran my 3 miles Monday on the treadmill...yuck...I dread the treadmill.  With winter coming I guess I should develop a more positive attitude towards the machine, but for now...I wanna run outside!  So, Tuesday I ran my 3 miles at Vorhees in the chilly rain.  I felt great until my final 1/2 mile.  I was on the part of the trail that is so dense that even on a humid, hot, super bright summer day it is dark and cool. So when I got to this part of the trail I turned on my trusty little flashlight.  Immediately I heard the playful growls of one or more black bears.  Now, I am not afraid of these  gentle animals (go to bear.org and check out Dr. Lynn's research), but on a dark, rainy night when I cannot see beyond my little flashlight's glare, I was spooked!  So I ran that last 1/2 mile in less than 4 minutes!  As scared as I was, the run was exhilarating!

The next morning I woke up and felt crampy; I had a difficult time just getting out of bed.  My lower back ached, but I also felt a lot of pain in my abdomen.  I made it somewhat through the day, going home from work early to rest. 

Thursday again I had a lot of abdominal cramping and lower back pain. Needles to say I didn't get my 4 mile run in on Thursday.  I was so cranky; I just wanted to run, but could not.  I did take a slow 1 mile walk and it felt okay. 

Today I woke up and felt pretty good until I drove to work.  The ride in the car made me feel crampy and again I had lower back pain.  Geeeeze!  I just wanted it to stop!  I can't take being side-lined like this!

Tonight I feel better and I hope will be able to do at least a 4 mile run this weekend.  I felt sacred about my marathon goal because I am afraid I am aiming too high.  I do not want to push myself to hard too fast and get injured.  I now have a taste of  having to take time off because of an injury and I don't like it! 

I know that my coach Jill says she often has to deal with concerns like mine.  It is so common that runners who experience an injury or illness have a difficult time taking "time off", but the down time is necessary in order to recover.  In any sport there is the potential for injury; it happens.  So I understand that my fears are shared by many runners and I am not alone; this understanding reinforces my commitment towards my goal to run a marathon.

Javajoggers giveaway

http://ww-pjavajoggers.blogspot.com/2010/10/3-things-thursday-giveaway-lunch-and.html

Promise

Occasionally remarks can be funny, but sometimes they are not!

I have been reading and following other blogs with themes on running.  One blog I found has been on Blog Spot for a number of years and has 800+ followers. I thought it must be a wonderful blog.  Well, I was wrong, some of the posts are entertaining even though there is a lot of bathroom humor.  There are constant remarks about male body parts and farting.  The blogger even posted a picture of a taxi cab operator's license (with all his personal information exposed, including his picture) because he was named "Suk Kock" (I changed the spelling).  Not funny, this is a man's livelihood, his life could be jeopardized because of that you are broadcasting over the Internet.  Just think of how he would feel if he saw how you ridiculed him !

I guess adolescent humor is popular these days, but enough is enough!   I may be what that blogger refers to as a "sh**t" blog; I don't care.  I will never find the content that blogger posts as interesting, or entertaining.

I will never belittle or use anyone to gain popularity; I am here to report on my progress in hopes of giving others some inspiration.  We are capable of achieving so much in our lives.  Maybe it is running, maybe it is music, maybe it is painting.  Whatever it is, believe in yourself and never let anyone put you down or belittle you.  You are an amazing person!

ADIOS!

 

Sometimes there is a rainbow after a storm.  We have the ability to make our own
 rainbows after a "storm" in our life!

I have decided to let go of negative, draining, hurtful people that have been hanging around in my life!

No more calls or emails from people who are constantly reminding me of everything they think I have done "wrong" in my life. To you I say: "Get over it and grow up!....Goodbye!"

No longer will I allow myself to be bullied by someone who does not want me to be happy. You know, the one who kicks you when you are down and tries to destroy your happiness with their jealous, vindictive behavior. To them I say :" Keep your nastiness to yourself! .....Sayonara! "

Then there is the one who always complains and criticizes, but never does anything to help the situation. To you I say : "Step up or shut up! .....Ciao!"

Oh, to the one who told me to get rid of the things that matter the most to me to save money, because they don't want to lift a finger to help! To you I say: "I don't need you in my life! .....Viszla't!"

Fortunately the number of people I know that fall into the above categories are <3. I wish them well, but they need to go!

Achieving my initial running goal of running 30 minutes straight has opened my eyes to many possibilities in life, and those possibilities are abundant. Running has also given me more respect for the gifts God has given me, gifts I never want to take for granted.

Tom was a wonderful husband, he was my partner, my love, my best friend.  I had great parents and awesome grandparents . I have wonderful children and an adorable grandson. I love my family!

My oldest son was a joy, I miss him every minute of every day. I never talk about it, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't shed tears and beg God to give him back to me. Every day my heart breaks a little more. But I also give thanks that he was in my life, if only for a while.

I have the most wonderful, faithful friends!

I've adopted some of the most precious animals over the years, who have been a great source of joy and love.

I work with some of the most caring, committed people I have ever met, people who are able to do amazing things for others with very few resources. When there is someone in need you wouldn't believe how well everyone works together to meet that need; as one co-worker says: "It's a beautiful thing!".

The path to happiness is not paved with hostile, hurtful, mean spirited, vindictive, negative "stones". The path to happiness is paved with caring, loving, compassionate, healing, soothing, nurturing, positive "stones".

My goals, my seeds , are now planted in rich, fertile soil where they can thrive; the rocks and weeds are gone! We have within ourselves the power to choose our path.  I am moving forward, the future is bright because I have chosen the path to happiness! 

We can make our own rainbows!

Running River, Then a Rest Day

I took this last year at the Ken Lockwood Gorge, there is a Great Blue Heron in the center of the picture.

Today was my six miler!  It was a cool 46 degrees F this morning and there was no rain!!!  I ran on the Columbia Trail from High Bridge, starting off really slow but soon found my rhythm and settled into a steady, but still slow, run.


I just marveled at the beauty that surrounded me.  There was a mist rising over the river as I started running above the Ken Lockwood Gorge, it dissipated as the sun became brighter.  The river was full and flowing; it looked just like the river in Robert Redford's movie "A River Runs Through It", which was based upon Norman Maclean's classic memoir.  I imagined that Norman and Paul Maclean were fly fishing down there in the gorge on this glorious morning, their lines flowing gracefully in the air as they cast them.  I imagined Reverend Maclean sitting on the banks reading his Bible, occasionally glancing over at his sons, a look of contentment on his face.

I feel so incredibly lucky, so blessed , not only to be able to run, but to be able to run in such a special place!  I would never last if I had to run on a treadmill all the time; that would be torture. 

Tomorrow is my "rest day", which really means it is an "I don't run today" day.  There is never time to rest.  I am sure Alex will have me up at the crack of dawn because, "Grammie, the sun is up and it is pretty outside!"  Then I will get up, give Alex breakfast and feed the animals.  Then it is coffee time for me.  Then clean up after the animals, do dishes, do several loads of laundry.  Dust, vacuum and mop the floors.  Fold up mom's laundry and put it in the car.  You get it, the list goes on and on and on.....until after I drop off Alex.   Then I'll load up my mountain bike on the back of my car and head for the trail!  Yeah, that will be the best time of the day!!! 

Today is another great day and tomorrow certainly looks promising!   Hope your weekend is a great one too!!!