A Journey to Fit & Fast

This morning, Iowa showed just what August could be made of. 71 degrees at 6 am, 72 for the dew point and 90% humidity. EEEESSSSHHHH. And as a result of a storm canceling our run Saturday, we had to be brave and give it what we had. So, my brave and amazing running partners and I sucked it up and put in some miles. We struggled-I can think of no other time I've complained while running (EVER). I really disliked it (because, as Emma will tell you "hate is a word we do not say in this house."), and for me to say that is something. I love to run. It is in my blood. I love running with those that I love-they make it awesome. Travis and I (along with Carol and Stephanie, Loren and Cathy) suffered together. We had a goal of 16, but stopped at 10. Which brings me to…. Training smart. To push when the heat index is insane is never a good idea. I learned this lesson the hard way during Dam to Dam (quite a fun story about extended tachycardia there). This time, I decided to bot...

This weekend has been an interesting mix of things for me. It included a healthy dose of perspective on life, and a personal best in my newfound love: swimming. Perspective was bestowed upon me by the supreme blessing of shooting photos for a family who's little one had lived a mere 74 minutes on this earth. I volunteered to do this for the family, thanks to their bravery of reaching out and asking for help. I did not know them, but now I do. I went into it not knowing what to expect, and a little sad of course.  And came out of it having gained so much. Baby Louis has blessed my life and I will forever be changed. I was blessed with the gift of perspective: no matter what, no matter how terrible I think a situation is: I did not have to lay part of heart, soul and body to rest. I did not have to feel the pain of that or the longing and pain associated with a life not lived. And for that, I am grateful. I will squeeze my little lady tighter and be more kind and gentle because of ...

An idea that keeps going through my head this morning that I really need to 'put pen to paper' about is the amazingness of humans. Specifically, I mean this in two contexts. The first is the amazingness of the human body. The fact that it can create a human life (like, whoa!), is capable of nurturing said life for 9 months, bring that life into this world, and after all is said and done-able to do amazing feats like run 17 (26.2?!?!?) miles for fun. What?!? Bodies really are pretty damn amazing. We could probably all do a little more thanking and taking care of these pretty cool things we get to have for one lifetime (speaking of myself here also). Secondly, I mean the amazingness of the human spirit and the human element. I have seen time and time again the last year (through meeting some amazing people) that people are simply amazing. They will walk into your life when your heart is open and accepting, and they will change it forever. And specifically, those that I surrou...