Why do I run?

Good morning!  Before I begin I would like to apologize as I realize that it has been a while since I last posted (my sincerest apologies for those two people who follow my blog, haha!).  

My training for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon is going well.  So far I've been able to keep most of the scheduled runs with only a few interruptions from outside events.  However, a good friend asked me the other day why I run...  Wow... what a difficult question to answer to someone who is not a runner.

Why do I run?  I run because I like the freedom of being able to chart my own course.  I run because I love the runner's high after a great run and the motivation to get that runner's high after a bad run.  I run because I like the challenge of doing something that I thought was impossible or difficult only a few weeks or months earlier.  I run because regardless of how it seems during a race there is only one person I have to beat... myself.  I run because early in the morning the road doesn't care if my makeup isn't done or my hair isn't perfect, it just cares that I stopped by.  I run because even though it hurts sometimes, a life without pain would make the good times less important.  I run because it pushes me to be better, stronger and faster.  I run because I can.

This evening when I run I will be running alongside the ghosts of my past runs and the hopes of my future runs.  I will be running to beat my past and prepare for my future.  That is why I run.

JCP

Whirlwind...

Wow!  It has been a while since I have posted!  Well, I will do better going forward.

What a year this has been so far, everything has flown by at a breakneck pace.  Between being busy with work and all that a new year entails for our customers, philanthropic activities, and social activities, 2011 has seemed to fly by.

In fact, just last weekend we had an impromptu girls weekend in Knoxville and it was so nice to get a chance to catch up with everyone and see what they are up to and how life is going for them.  Also, since several of the girls are also contemplating running the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in May, it was great to discuss some training and plan our trip up to Virginia.  Also, the weekend provided us the opportunity to watch the Miss America pageant as a group, something we used to do in college every year!  The girls weekend was also a valuable reminder to me that no matter how busy life gets (or we let life get), it is imperative that we always make time for our friends.  I know that sounds like common sense, but frequently I allow myself to become so involved with work, community, philanthropic events, etc. that I forget to maintain my friendships as well as I should.  This weekend reminded me of a quote that I heard when I was younger from a dear friend and I would pass on to others:

"If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember.  You braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.  But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."  Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

JCP

And the training begins...

Well, I now have a fancy Garmin watch (which I LOVE!) and some new kicks, so what else could I do this morning but go for a great run out on the beach!  And, I use the term great in that in the grand scheme of my training for the half-marathon it was a SUPER short run today, only had to be three miles.  I, however, apparently am not quite as smart as my new Garmin watch and got confused about where I was and ran more like 3.5 miles.  Again, nothing strenuous, just a nice little jog.  So far Julie - 1 Training - 0.  Why do I doubt that I will be that glib in a few weeks? Haha.

Well, I am getting excited about the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in a few weeks as I have several friends who are planning on running it as well, so the weekend will be fun.  Also, I have lined up the training runs prior to the Half, so as of today, I am still excited.  Also, there is always the added benefit that you are burning more calories than normal, so hello my long lost food friends! haha.  Well, I am off to cheer WVU on with my Uncle, parents and cousin!

JCP

For tonight, in Bethlehem a child is born...

Merry Christmas to all!  As we were opening a few gifts tonight after church, we had some surprise carolers, our dear friends with their spouses stopping by to wish us some holiday cheer.  What a wonderful way to celebrate! 

God bless everyone and may your Christmas be filled with joy, family, friends, love and laughter.  To those who read this blog, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for a blessed and joyful Christmas.

JCP

Joy!

Well, the gifts are wrapped (well "bagged" this year), the stockings are stuffed, and we have the snow.  It is definitely Christmas time.  As much as I get frustrated and vent about ridiculous crowds, over-scheduling, crazy drivers and how much delicious food is out at all the parties, I truly love this time of year.  Every year it is a great and wonderful time for families and friends to gather together, enjoy each others company, and in a society that is more often than not quite cynical, it is a relief to have a time when joy and hope are not only permissible, but are encouraged.  When, we as adults get to relieve our childish enthusiasm at Christmas, but now it is that we are excited about the gifts we are giving and not the presents we are receiving.   Merry Christmas.

JCP

Fa-La-La-La-La

The holiday season has descended upon us!  Christmas carols are being sung, Christmas parties are in full-swing, cider is being poured by the gallon-full, pants everywhere are feeling the strain of the extra calories and cold weather!  This past weekend was an excellent example of how busy the season gets and that sometimes, just sometimes, even those of us with the best of intentions forget what the season is supposed to be about.  I was halfway through attempting to do my volunteer work, attend several Christmas parties, cook food and a semi-panic stricken moment that my Christmas shopping and Christmas cards had yet to be completed when I had to step back and say a small prayer.  I am so fortunate that I have the ability to help others, that I have friends who think enough of me to invite me to their Christmas celebrations, that I am able to cook food to share with others, that I have a job to be able to buy gifts and that I have people to send cards and gifts to.

As we enter the last few days before Christmas, I urge each of us to be thankful for all the things that drive us to the edge during the holidays.... the other crazy shoppers (at least you aren't the only cat who is doing last-minute shopping), the other crazy drivers (seriously, it validates what you have always known- you are in fact an above average driver!), not having enough time to do everything (you are one popular person after all!) wrapping gifts (just remember my mantra this year - bags are just as fun!!!), Santa Claus (It takes a true man to wear red velvet and fur, after all), and the fact that your pants seem a bit tighter than they did a month ago (How can any sane person pass up on the most yummy food all year - remember, that is what January is for, hitting the gym!).

JCP

Well... It seemed like a good idea at the time!

So, in a moment of "inspiration" I have decided to sign up for a half-marathon.  And, not being content just to commit myself, I have talked, begged, pleaded, and bribed several of my friends to run as well!  Ok, so I'm going to go out on this limb and say that in a few months, my legs probably won't be thanking me for this, but, oh well...  Now, the fun part, the half-marathon that I have decided to run and conned my friends into running with me is the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon, because let's be honest, it isn't just enough to run a half-marathon, we must do it with people who are 1- Serious Runners 2- Serious People and 3- Did I mention serious runners?  Haha, yes... I have had more brilliant ideas.

Anyway, I went on my first training run this morning and I realized that I have a long way to go and my legs are already hating me!  Bring it on Marine Corps Historic Half on May 15!  Anyone interested?  :-)

JCP

Thankful and Blessed...

Well, the turkey has been served, leftovers reheated and family hugged.  This year has truly been an amazing year.  At Sunday School we were discussing what we were thankful for and it got me thinking about what I am thankful for.

1.  Family - As much as we can drive each other up the wall at times, being unconditionally loved is one of the greatest blessings of all.

2.  Friends - I am truly blessed to have so many dear and wonderful friends.  Each day I am reminded about how fortunate I am to have my amazing friends!

3.  Freedom - To quote Ronald Reagan, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  This year I had the opportunity to again participate in the Operation One Voice SOF Run and meet some of the amazing people who are the tip of the spear that continues to fight for our freedom and our peace.

4.  Health - In an age where there is a medication for everything and most things can be cured with a pill, I am thankful that even though I creak in some places I am still resoundingly healthy.  The fact that while I don't love running, I can get up and run 5 miles is a true blessing as so many cannot.

I could keep going and going, however, I will stop there.  It was mentioned to me this week that if we were given a dollar for every time we were thankful for something and had to give a dollar for every time we complained, would we have money or would we be broke?  Here's to hoping that everyone has a blessed week!

JCP
  

Day Three - Tallahassee and Chiefland

Day three dawned on us in Tallahassee.  We had an early morning run with the Tallahassee PD, Marshals, into the Fire Department Headquarters.  Two of our runners are Tallahassee FD and two are Tallahassee PD.  As we ran in, it was truly awesome to see everyone out supporting us, which we needed, all of us by then were running on tired legs, on low energy and no sleep.

When we arrived we presented the head of the Tallahassee Fire Department a flag that had been flown over a Marine Base.  He was so touched that it humbled us.  After the run in, we met the firefighters and police, and yours truly was allowed to slide down the fire pole with the firefighters!  It was AWESOME!

Then it came time to hit the road again.  We had to catch up with the "Night" Team to transition our runners.  Well, I didn't realize when we got in the caravan, two police cars and our chase vehicle how much we needed to catch up in a short time.  Therefore, I had the next groups of runners in the minivan, and I was sandwiched between the police vehicles and we hit the road.  Preface to this, I have now officially driven a mini-van twice, and this time puts the other to shame.  We were going around 95 miles an hour down the road.  Wow, talk about an adrenaline rush for an hour!!!

When we caught up with them, we started our shifts, by then we had lost the cold weather and found the heat.  Whew, it was a bit toasty.  When the mileage was in, we set up the Budweiser Bus in our hotel parking lot (we couldn't get in the rooms until midnight, so we had time to kill!) and we started our cookout with the "Night" Team.  We had a shrimp boil and beer.  What a great time with close friends!  Truly amazing. 

Also, with it being the last night on the road, everyone was all geared up and we all ended up staying up for later than planned on.  Needless to say, by Day Four we were exhausted, but so incredibly pumped!  One thing that I found interesting.  For the past few years, we have stayed at the same hotel in Chiefland.  The owner is an immigrant and is probably one of the most patriotic people I have ever met.  He comes out every year, gives us money and always gets emotional.  Freedom isn't free, it is bought with the blood and sacrifice of our armed forces.  God Bless.

JCP

Day Two - Albany

First, I apologize for the delay in posting, however, I have been unable to get an internet connection.  Well, here is Day 2.

After arriving exhausted and cold at the hotel, we got about 3 hours sleep before we had "wheels turning". As we loaded the bus, each of us carrying our caffeine of choice... coffee, energy drinks, five hour energy or a pillow we all remembered why we were running and perked up a bit.

We made it to Albany a short ride later.  When we arrived, there were about 30 active duty Marines waiting for us and several veterans.  Needless to say, it was an impressive sight.  After meeting the Marines and the veterans, we formed up and began our formation run into Albany.  With ten police escorts, many veteran volunteer escorts, our Eagle Rock Budweiser Bus, the Marines bus, and 50 runners we were a sight to be seen!  People came running out of offices, stopping their cars, busses pulling over to cheer for us as we ran our 3.5 miles to the veterans park while doing cadences.  Talk about hard to keep a dry eye.  These men and women were taking time out of their day to support our military.  How wonderful is it to live in a country that people will come out and give their support to their men and women who guard the front, who keep us all safe.

After a touching ceremony at the veterans park we then loaded up to meet the "Night" team who was finishing around noon, so needless to say we had to book it to catch them.  By then we were in hilly territory.  When it was my turn to run, I ran with Master Sargeant Chris Lyons (Army Ranger) and Laird Canby (Eagle Rocks).  We got a truly uphill section of road.  Master Sargeant kept us going as we did cadences uphill.  "One hill - Nothing to It"  "Two Hills - Nothing to it"  "How Strong - Army Strong".  Before we knew it we had completed our mileage (and we later found out that over 90 percent of our section had been uphill).  Again, when you are running and it is dark and cold and quite frankly not fun, we just remembered those we were running for.  Those who couldn't run.  Those who gave their last full measure so that we can live the life we choose.  Those to whom dedication, honor and courage are not simply words, they are a code of life.  God Bless America.

JCP