Welcome to LA

I made it! Hello LA, it has been a long time. A year to be exact. It's nice to see you haven't changed much. Smoggy air, tons of traffic and lots of freeway time. However, so I am not totally an LA grinch I will mention the few things that I do enjoy down here. Your bright night time lights and fancy cars. Warm air and proximity to the ocean and the mountains. And so many of the family members reside in your periphery. So, away with the LA frown and hello to the LA smile.

This time down I took 101 all the way. Santa Rosa to LA via 101. It takes way longer than the 5 but totally worth it. I spent about 8 hours making the trip whereas if I had taken 5 I may have made it in 6 or so. Anyways, the scenery was terrific and there was always something to look at along the way.

WARNING!!!! Driving while looking at the surrounding scenery can be hazardous to your health.

Not pictures that I took! Photos from Google Earth of course.


Cool looking bridge between the ocean and 101. Can't forget about the bridges right! Pictures form GE too.




Seems to be plenty of bridges out there to discover.
SO, thanks for thumbing through the blog again.

note to self

It is time to begin the running again! I feel defeated just in saying this and accepting the amount of work that lies ahead. I haven't moved for nearly four months. Marathon? Holly sh_t! There is a half I should hit first in Marin County. I completed it last year wit a time that I was very proud of. And the SF Marathon? I hear it's a nightmare. Up hill, down hill, and so long! Well, for now I must decide on a path to achieve this goal.

Eat Better

Move

Move again

Patience, Practice, Persistence

The after school environment is difficult indeed. For 4 hours a day we must put others before ourselves and serve the youth of our community whole heartedly. Everyday is a new day for our kids and ourselves. Yesterday happened! Today is today, a new day with new chances and new choices to make.

Often I see myself, and others, reacting to situations in negative ways because of patterns of behavior displayed by our youth.

Example: Little Johnny continually acts out by jumping around and running in the gym during a time when everyone is expected to be lining up. It is not fair to Johnny if we, the adults, proceed by saying, "Johnny!!! Get in line, you are ALWAYS running about and not listening. No games for you today." What has happened is that we are taking his behavior from the past, and today, and using it to punish him. Instead, one must address the current situation, point out what the expected behavior is and then give Johnny a chance to correct the behavior. Yes, it is okay to remind Johnny that this behavior is noticed often. No, it is not okay to let yesterdays behavior be the sole influence on our decision today. Yes, take past behavior into consideration when dealing with Johnny, however, today needs to be a new chance for Johnny to improve that behavior. This is much harder than simply punishing. It takes PATIENCE, PRACTICE, and PERSISTENCE.

We must be PATIENT because these behaviors we are seeing (all negative behaviors not just the running in the gym) can take a very long time to correct. Although possible, change overnight is not realistic. Remember, after the 4 hours you are spending with Johnny he has twenty more to go without your influence, suggestions and role modeling. You should not be surprised when the behavior is repeated the next day.

We must PRACTICE how we deal with kids everyday. No one is expected to be perfect in their dealings every time. However, if we continually practice the correct ways to speak with our members it will become easier. And kids need practice too. They have to practice hearing and listening to direction and then correcting behavior based on our guidance. The ability to take instruction, understand it, and then change behavior is something that takes a lifetime of practice. I'm 30 now and still not sure I've gotten it down.

We must be PERSISTENT in our efforts to help influence Johnny's behavior. If Johnny acts up, we address it. Every time! Every day! (Addressing it correctly of course) Everyone involved with being a role model for Johnny must be willing to address his behaviors and be persistent in correcting them. If we sit by and watch we are only hindering our own efforts to change the behavior.

Remain positive, and try to use language that is appropriate for the age group. Remain calm and handle the situation. You are the adult, show everyone how adults are supposed to act. By doing this you will be showing Johnny the correct way to handle himself as well.

Hope some of this makes since. I struggle every day to find the patience to handle any number of situations. Working with kids is hard, very hard! It will test you and take you to your limits. You will want to crack (and sometimes will) and give up. Yelling, punishing, ignoring and dismissing are the easy reactions. Being patient is hard, finding the correct coarse of action is tuff, and getting results is the hardest. But through PATIENCE, PRACTICE, and PERSISTENCE you can do it.

One last thing. Everyday is a new day. Be your best today. Be positive, caring and respectful and let all who come into contact with you be better off for it. Thanks for reading the blog again. I can't begin to say how much it helps just to get some thoughts out.

Happy Thursday

Need blogging help!

Yesterdays blog had a different format when I was creating it. Unfortunately, when I published it all went to heck. Maybe someday I'll figure this stuff out. Until then, please be patient with my efforts as a BLOGGER!

La iglesia, la castilla y la ciudad.

La iglesia, la castilla y la ciudad.

Quiero visitar esta ciudad.

In through the valleys and out through this land, spreading and living, wherever we can. In hilltop castles we gathered proud, to boast of victories and sing so Loud! Men and beast did pass our way, so we fought and fought, and are still here today. En Espanol hablomos por vida my friend, from the very beginning, all the way through the end.

It seems that there are scores of castles littered about Spain, nestled on hill tops that dominate the land. In an ancient time men would hold out here fighting off passing tribes and warring peoples. Behind these walls families were safe and cultures were born. Without them, the world would have been different today. Spain was amazing, although my trip was to short and felt incomplete. Yet I had seen so much in just a short time, just long enough to make up that earlier rhyme.

Oh town of white, are you white at night? Is the sun so hot, that you want it not? Your colors hide as does the rain, far down south, in the heart of Spain.

Thank you for looking through yet another writing. My trip was made possible by Google Earth!

A Sunday trip through France!

I took a virtual tour through the Mountains of France today via Google Earth. I stayed mostly in the mountain regions searching for scenes that caught my eye. There was no plane ticket or hotel to stay in, just my computer and some time to explore a map and photos of France. I was lucky to come across a few bridges on the way and thought to include them for my bridge friend. I hope you enjoy the pictures.









Cool looking cave.



What trip would be complete without a beautiful French Castle? This is Carcassonne!

Remnants of an older time.

The few bridges I came across on my journey.


Way too many pictures lined up in a row. Sorry! It is the easiest layout at the moment for me to figure out.

So what do you think of this kitchen?
I think it is incredible. Although, I wonder if I would grow tired of it?

Home sweet home.

One of my long time favorite activities is to drive around and look at houses. I am continually amazed at the creativeness of designers and their ability to continually come up with new ideas. I have tried designing houses with computer software and let me tell you it is no easy task to come up with an idea that has not been seen before. I am including in this blog pictures of some houses that I found while extensive searching the globe via the internet.

My favorite at the moment is when wood and stone are used together. None of these pictures truly capture what I imagine but I will continue looking. These images caught my attention during my travels. I especially like the log homes towards the end of the page.

I hope you enjoy.



Sort of a simple design but I do like the abundance of stone and the wood railing.




Tella Tubbies







This is my favorite home on the entire page. I love how the house looks as if it is a natural part of its surroundings. How awesome is the fireplace on the front porch? I hope there is a fireplace inside too.

This winter scene is awesome. It has so many elements in it that make winter such a great time of the year for our imaginations to run wild.

The stone house is AWESOME. I picture myself inside snuggled up next to the fire or playing with the imaginary kids on the imaginary rug by that same imaginary fire place.

How about the horse drawn carriage? AWESOME also right! I also like the lake in the background and the picture leaves me guessing as to who lives down the street. I hope they are nice! Maybe there is a bar too.

Winter

Oh snow come visit me again.



Winter to me is a time of magic and beauty.

Oh winter how I miss thee!

Just saying.

There is pain and anger all boiling inside

part of me you can't see but part I can't hide.

I shrug and I shake trying to keep it from you

Acting all normal, and trying to smile too.

But my hands are shaking and my face is all red,

I feel these emotions all filling my head.

Like a kettle on the stove I'm about to scream out

this energy and emotion first comes with a shout.

Then rage and anger flows down to my feet,

knowing I should leave and scared of my heart beat.

I'm ready to run and I must go today

before I do something that will keep you away.

It's always the same this cycle of hate

coming with time no particular date.

There is on thing I know and I'l tell to you

step away from me now, this you must do.

Why lord why, do I keep feeling this way

I'm scared and worried that these feelings will stay.

My smile is my weapon that warms my heart

and I think for a minute that these emotions might part.

Come out sun with your happy light

and help this struggling man today and tonight.

I know there is help out here in this place

Can't recognize the voice or even see your face.

But in song and in praise I here of your name

people singing with joy, I want to feel the same.

So tell me where you hide and where I should look

are you for real? or made up n a book.

For now I wait, confused and afraid

for those I have hurt and the mess I have made.

I leave you with this, if your even listening to me

I want to be stronger, a better person, I can be.

Blah, it's Friday!

Why does the night pass so quick? It feels like I just feel asleep only moments ago. I suppose the coffee industry is in on this sleep conspiracy.

With the coming of winter comes the use of the heater. It is so nice to come home to a warm house. Thank you modern technology for making my life so much easier.

I want a scarf! They are, warm, cummfy and help me look very sophisticated.

I must go to work now. Sorry for the short boring post. See you soon!

My Other Girlfriend

I found myself in a compromising position just the other day. My mind was being torn and my heart ripped apart. I knew at the time that what I was doing was wrong, but it felt so right, so I just kept on doing it. I know, I needed to be stronger and hold true to my morals but it is just too hard when staring into the beautiful face of........GOOGLE EARTH!

That's right, my hearts other interest is Google Earth. I sneak away every chance I get just to spend a few minutes exploring the infinite knowledge and information that is presented in that program. Just yesterday I took a trip to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower then flew to the Pyramids of Egypt and explored much of Africa. It was an amazing trip. On m way back to the states I made a slight detour and roamed about the Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro. Cool statue! All great trips must end so I headed back to Petaluma just in time to serve snack to 116 kids. Wow!!! What a day. Where to go today. London, prague? I know! New York City. Anyone want to come?

p.s Google may be able to take me all over the world and show me some amazing stuff but nothing compares to the warm embrace of the significant other. :)

Tis the season to be merry!!! Who the "f" is Merry?

Good morning once again. It's cold out the sun is up early and I am excited for this holiday season. I enjoy seeing the early hints that Christmas time is on its way. Stores are decorating with red and green and houses are starting to show their Christmas flair. Now through December is definitely my favorite time of year. Many say that we start this Christmas season too early but I say humbug to that. This is a magical time for kids and adults alike. We hang up lights, decorate trees, reconnect with family, and eat delicious holiday food. So I say, "Come on Christmas, the happiest time of year."
P.S I miss the snow.

Really? This is what I came up with?

Travel bug,
travel hug,
bring some water,
in a travel jug.
Driving far,
driving car,
hopefully driving,
to a bar.
Brought some soap,
brought some rope,
in this car?
Brought some hope.

Bam! Sweet rhyming abilities, LOL!

Up in the morning.

I must have gotten this early rising habit from the parents. Granted, they are the king and queen of it but I too am an early riser. (At least in this house) Its 8 am, cold, beautiful, peaceful, the coffee tastes great and I'm downstairs enjoying some alone time. The T.V. is off (FINALLY) and the only noises to be heard are the swishing of water in the dishwasher and the faint clicking of the keys under my fingertips. So peaceful.
I often day dream about a future home where I can wake up and enjoy a cup of joe while gazing out over a spectacular mountain view. The warm crackling fire tickles my back as I enjoy the early morning song of mother nature. I do cherish this alone time, before the daily noise starts. Before the thoughts and opinions of everyone around begin to bombard my world. Soon the Flatscreen will be blasting out information from all over the world and this houses' very own political commentator will be preaching his sermon about everything that is said. This alone time for me is never long enough! The day starts quick and the commotion too. I guess I'll just have to get up earlier.

Thanks for reading!

Random thoughts.

"I'm feeling tired as if a heavy blanket of snow were laying over me and the weight from the burden of winter is wearing on my back! Long nights and grey days have soaked me through, and I carry the weight of water in my sole. " However, I am the reflecting light that illuminates all in it's glorious path. Loud melodies of energy flow from the heart whose hue cannot fade and true color never part. So why the contrast of mood do I portray? Perhaps to keep interesting the constant coming of days? Quiet Brain, Quite! I hold nothing to be true. Stop this foolish writing, cried mr JoeBoo.

Like a little Joey Shakespeare right? LOL

Yes yes yes here we go again. Another day filled with sunshine, laughter, high pitched voices, and perhaps a little whining to go with it. Some he said she said and a guy waltzing around the room trying to have the perfect answer or response for every situation and question. I figure that for four hours a day I, or yet we, the staff, need to put our games faces on and show these youngsters what true character is, what good sportsmanship is, how to be polite and get along with others. For four hours i need to have the answers, be on my toes, and hopefully be ready for anything.

If you have worked with kids before than you know a curve ball or two is going to come your way, everyday! Am I going to miss it and go back to the dug out, or is this going to be my shining moment when all eyes are on me and I knock that curveball the heck out of this park. I'm aiming for the later. Why not right? I mean its only four hours that I must be on the top of my game. Granted, it is an exhausting four hours filled with chaos, noise, bloody noises and so, so much more.

What we need to focus on are all the opportunities that present themselves to us throughout the day. It's tuff to spot these though. They are camouflaged or can even be lost in the hustle and bustle that is after school care. But the all stars, the ones who you want on your team are the ones that can pick through all the miscellaneous crap and find little ways to connect and influence the lives of 1 or all 134ish kids that are at the site.

My advice for the rookies;

Smile every chance you get! Be positive as much as you possibly can. Never, never , miss an opportunity to say something nice to one of the littles (or fellow staff). And thank the kids and the parents everyday for coming to your site.

*Remember, after school care should be a second chance for every single kid that walks through your doors. "It matters not what happened outside of these walls. What matters are the choices you make from this point on!"

Smile, have fun, and play. Who knows, you might just be the person that kid remembers for the rest of their life. Make it a good memory!

Mr. Brisson

Day two!

Okay here I go writing once again. Today it's oatmeal and maple syrup with a some black coffee to help get me start the day. The cup of joe is basically a staple of the morning routine and without it I become a consumer of c0ffee house lattes. I wonder what that costs me? 3.20 a latte times 3 days a week equals 9.60 per week. Multiply this by the 52 weeks in a year and I end up spending about 500 dollars (499.20). Thats almost a year of car insurance, and it takes me about a week to earn that amount (after taxes). If your looking for a sugar daddy...well...I could point you in a different direction maybe. :) I'm on cup three of my delicious dark coffee yet I'm not feeling to zippy as of yet. If I find myself driving 80mph to work I guess I could assume the coffee is kicking in. Sorry officer, it's the coffee! It has a grip on me and if you want to give a ticket to someone go to Peets coffee and write them up for selling little crack beans! HA! Tires screech, dust flies, I'm out of there! I think I'm feeling the caffeine NOW! Deep breath, deep breath, just kidding, I'm fine. But I should start heading off to work. Although I have been putting in days that are way to long. I need to start working smarter and not harder. Hmm... how to do that? I guess that will have to be on another blog! Until then, farewell and I hope everyone has satisfying day.

Need to Practice!

One day is all it took for me to not complete the goal I had set for my self. Why, why am I so forgetful? Umm....better yet, lets not try and answer that at this moment. I should be focussing on setting another goal and achieving it. You got to get right back on that horse right? SO, I'm writing tonight and am setting another goal to write tomorrow. Maybe I should start this goal setting business of with tiny little goals just until I get the hang of it. Logical, I know, but sometimes we forget to stop and think of the obvious, or logical solution.

So, I'm going to practice goal setting. And I'll start by writing tomorrow and completing my first goal. I must go now. Thanks for taking the time to read this short note. Happy blogging!

Its been a while!

I'm back! Not running however but at least I'm thinking about it. It is funny how easily one day of not running quickly turns into a few months off the wagon. Oh well. Work is taking over I suppose, and there is always plenty to do at work which I am sure everyone who may read this already knows. Speaking of work, I better get the heck off of this computer and on my way to mi trabajo. Lets see if I can make one entry per day this week. Hey, a goal! I just set a goal. Oh gosh, now I'm nervous!

Until tomorrow,

Joey

Yes I can!

My run this Friday was something else! I had spent the entire morning guessing as to what pace I could run the 7 miles that have become my 1/2 marathon training grounds. Generally this route takes me almost exactly 60 minutes to finish. Throw in a minute or two of leg stretching along the course and perhaps I could get away with saying that I was making the run in 58 minutes. A bit over 8 min miles. I try to run at a pace that is comfortable and not to hard on my lungs or muscles. You need to recall or I need to remind you that normally I am out here to enjoy the experience, not break any land speed records. I save my push, or extra energy, until the last mile where I try to shift gears and complete my run with whatever I got left. When I'm done I feel spent and exhausted and I imagine that I have just ran through the finish line ahead of everyone else. You gotta have an imagination right? Anyways, I came to the conclusion sometime Friday morning that I was going to try and finish my route in 50 minutes. That's roughly 7 min miles. I figured that this was going to be a bit too hefty of a goal for myself but what's the harm in trying? I would be pleased with a time of fifty five minutes. Realistically I was thinking that the first two miles could be at a 7 mile pace but then I would fall off to an 8 or 9 min/mi pace. Well work ended, the dogs got fed and I strapped on my Mizunos. (shoes silly)

A 7 mile run in 50 minutes, was I really going to be able to do this? It may not seem like a fast pace to the average reader but I know (and I think other runners know) how difficult it can be to maintain a 7 min/mi pace throughout your entire run. Generally you want to try and conserve some energy in the first half and push for a faster second half.  Without over thinking this I figured I would run as hard as I could for 7 miles while always remembering that I needed some energy left for the last mile. So off I go!

Mile one, 7 min. "OH no, I feel way to tired to keep this pace up. My back hurts, my lungs are burning. Why did I eat those chocolate chips?" So much is going through my mind at this point and the 50 min goal seems so unattainable. I start thinking about how it is okay not to hit your goals. Just try again on another day. "I know, I could probably make it if I ate better and drank more water." Despite what I should have or could have done I found myself a mile into the run stareing at the glimmering Spring Lake. With each run I say to myself, "WoW, I am so lucky to have this backdrop." My path leads me over the top of a small dirt dam withholding Spring Lake from the valley below. The sun reflects of the lake and into my eyes, it's beautiful every time. Soon I find myself approaching the exit of the regional park where traffic awaits and the mental game begins.

See, when your running for a long distance your mind is going to take you for for a long journey as well. It is a great place to remember the name of an old friend or dig up some recently forgotten lyrics of your youths lost loves. Occasionally it's as if my body can shift into autopilot and my mind is free and clear. Add to this, you're breathing down clean, crisp, high octane air, "super fuel for the task at hand."The dirt parking lot marking mile two had a good number of cars soaking up the sun as their owners explored the park. I'm already thinking that going so hard through the first mile will have definitely hurt my mile two time. My watch disagreed! "14 minutes, is my mile two calculation right?" It is thanks to Google Maps and the distance calculator and I smile. Kinda hard to believe that I just kept running hard as my mind wandered through so many different spots. System analysis is that the front of my left calf hurts, the muscle not the bone, and I'm feeling a sharp ache or crap on my backs upper right corner. Nothing that's going to keep me from at least finishing my normal run. So I pull my head up and bring my shoulders back, "here we go!" 

Mile 2 to 3 is long and flat with oak trees, acacias, and pines watching form the sidelines as I glide on down the road. This would be a good spot for a short race or sprinting contest. Maybe even tricycle races around a course littered with kegs of beer and rowdy old friends. Not a chance I'm sprinting now but I have noticed that my stride is a bit longer than it normally is. My breathing is noticeable, but controlled and I've managed to forget about any nagging pains. Tall trees lean overhead and the smells of Santa Rosa leave the air. Postcards could be made here with a right eyes and photography equipment.  No matter though, I need to focus  this run. I set a goal and I need to figure out how to get there. "Can I make it? Here comes half way and I'm still moving pretty good. It doesn't hurt to breath and my hamstrings are only a bit tighter than before. I stop at the turnaround point and bend down to touch my toes as I glance at my watch.  " 24 minutes, I got time to stretch for a minute!" I always like to stretch out a bit at the half way point. It makes me feel refreshed and renewed, ready to take on the journey home. On a usual day I will stay here for two minutes or so limbering up. Today's not any normal day though. I think I have a shot at getting close to my goal. "Shit, I better get going!" 

On the way back I create a picture of the finish point in my head to remind myself of my next challenge. As I open up my gate and set my sights on where I started this adventure and decide on a line to get me home. "Yes I can!" Can I even finish at this pace? "Yes I can!" I repeat this mantra over and over again. Any time doubt begins to creep in I throw "Yes I can!" at it and push on. I have also made the decision that I am not going to look at my watch until I'm done. I'm just going to run as best I can from here on out and I'll not worry about anything else. Just run, smile, and wave at people. I love the way back because every memorable landmark marks my progress and the nearness of my goal. I think I'm doing pretty good and I can keep on going. "Here I come finish Line!"

To be continued...  

Today was a good day!

Hi all! It has been a short week with many miles packed into it. Today I took a lonely 8.5 mile journey around the Tiburon Peninsula and loved every muscle aching and muscle cramping minute of it. With two days rest under my belt I was able to navigate around this secluded route in about 75-80 minutes. The road is narrow, and a few times I found myself jumping into the bushes to avoid being hit by that fast moving 911 with the cigar smoking driver. Some friendly bicyclists cheered me on as they cut up the mountain in there slick, tight fitting spandex. (The unofficial uniform of Marin County) Most of the time though no one says much to me as I run along my chosen paths. I guess there must be something unwelcoming about the solo runner sucking down huge amounts of lung filling air. I try, believe me,  to say hello, or at least give a friendly wave to those I see out pursuing their chosen activities but never get much of a response. Perhaps we are all just a bit too focused on the task at hand to realize, and or care about the guy running past us the other direction. Oh well! I'll keep on smiling and keep on waiving no matter what. Well, unless that Porsche circles back and takes me out! The last time I ran this route I was lucky enough to have a terrific running partner by my side who provided great conversation and proved to be a great person to share this breath taking run with. However, this time around life seems to have wanted me to experience it alone. Perhaps I am supposed to see that life will present itself in beautiful ways no matter its recent ups and downs. So I ran alone, and enjoyed the peacefulness of the moment. I took in the beautiful scenery and the fresh air and decided that today was a good day.

Well, until next time, keep running. 

                          Joey 

I run becuse...

A friend of mine once asked me "why the hell do you want to go running" and told me that "only an idiot would pay to go running with a bunch of other people". To this guy there is no reason to run. Cleaner arteries, a stronger heart, less weight burdening your body, all unfounded reasons I suppose.  Well, I say to you foolish man, I run because I like to , because it's healthy and because I can! 

I run because it puts me in control. I decide how far to go, how hard to run and what to think about while I'm running. No one else gets to control me. If I need a break, I take one. When I have to pee, I pee. If I want to stop and smell some pine needles then I'll stop and smell some. The route I take is only determined by my own limitations. It's just me out there, relying only on myself and counting only on myself. When else in life can we really say, "it's all up to me". At work we accomplish tasks for someone else. You are given parameters and guidelines,  like reins on a horse, that keep us moving in a predetermined direction. Some might argue that their job gives them the freedom to be creative and drive a business in the direction they want to go, but ultimately we are all looking over our shoulders hoping that what we do meets the approval of the big boss man or boss women. When we run we are truly free. Your mind, body, and soul are in charge, and no one can take that from you.

I also run because it is healthy for me. Sure, my knees hurt and the muscles ache, but isn't this just a small price to pay for the overall benefit we are receiving by stepping out for a run. Now don't get me wrong, I like a little tummy fat. I carry some around myself and perhaps a small love handle or two. But if you let that start getting out of hand your asking your body to carry an extra burden. Your asking your heart to work harder and with worse and worse equipment. Call me narcissistic if you want but I love seeing and feeling my bodies response to repeated exercise. Knowing that I am shaping myself, healing myself, and bettering myself is exhilarating! Throughout my entire childhood I absolutely hated and feared instances that were going to call for me to take my shirt off. Sure I loved to swim and would swim when I had the opportunity but I truly hated those moments between taking my shirt off and getting into the pool. By running I have began to improve my self image and self confidence. Sure I'm still hesitant to take the top off but at least now I am starting to get proud of the body I am creating. 

Lastly, although the reasons are endless, I run because I can. Running is simple, which is great for a simple guy like myself. No fancy bike is needed, no expensive car has to be fixed up and the only equipment I really need is a pair of shoes and something to cover my #*%!. Maintain your health and you can run forever. No flat tires, no blown head gaskets, no broken bats or gloves, just me and my body. Another one of my Friends used to always tell me how he wanted to start doing this or that, however there was always some excuse as to why he couldn't start today. "First I gotta  buy some pads", or "when I get the money I'm going to sign up for...". Well, unfortunately fate has taken away one of his legs and now most of what he was going to do is far out of reach both physically and mentally for him. (Yes he still could do anything he puts his mind to, that's not my point). He missed his best opportunity to do all that he wanted to do. That opportunity is today! I run because I can, right now without hesitation.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring, and if I wait now, I may have to wait forever.

If you need some motivation then email me and we can talk about running together. Although I love running alone their are huge, huge benefits to running with a partner. Until next time....GO RUN!

I smile when I'm running.

I went for my 7 mile run today just like on any other day. However, my every other day routine sorta slipped into a week of no running combined with a weekend of binge eating. My long time friend was in town whom has just recently received his prosthetic leg. A while back he was involved in a motorcycle accident but thankfully we still have him around today. The weekend was filled with emotional conversations and challenging mental obstacles for us all to try and work through. To say the least, we found some comfort through fatty foods like pizza, M&M's, sausages and beer. After the weekend was over, and my good friend had left (hopefully in better spirits then when he arrived) I had what I call a food hangover. My body felt gross, my stomach and intestines hurt and the last thing I wanted to do was go run. So, last night I decided that no matter the weather conditions or aches that my body may have I was going to go for a run. That was an easy decision last night (refer to previous blog posting) however this morning my body and bed were begging me to stay and sleep. No matter what they said though I was on my way out the door. 

Once out and running in the park my body began to remind me of all the junk I had put into it over the course of the last few days. Mile 1 reminded me that I had not stretched in a few days while miles 2, 3 and 4 were ugly reminders of the pizza and beer. Then as I saw another runner going the opposite direction I took note that he looked absolutely miserable. Head down, forehead all wrinkled up like he was just barley making it through his run. At that moment I remembered a little old trick of mine to help me get through these hard times. Smile! As soon as I put that first smile on my face I instantly forgot about the comfort foods and lack of exercise during the week before. Suddenly the air seemed fresh and the rain very welcoming. How could one little thing help so much.? Well by mile 5 the stomach reminded me that I should have taken better care of myself and now my limbs were beginning to hurt as well. Where did my smile go? It seems I must have let it slip away while splashing through a puddle or taking a branch to the shin. As I forced myself to use those muscles on my face once again I found that my pain seemed to slip away as easily as the smile had. This time however, I was determined to keep that smile there for as much of the rest of my run as I could. Every time I passed another jogger, or walker, I made sure that there was that big old Joey smile lighting up my face. By doing this I constantly reminded my body that I could beat the aches and pains it threw my way with a simple smile. My run was both exhausting and refreshing and I have a smile to thank for it. Next time your out on one of your trots around town, or strolls through the park try throwing a smile on that mug of yours and I'm sure you will notice a huge difference in the way your body feels during the run. Keep smiling and keep running!

To run or not to run?

Well, Mother Nature is at it again! The wind, the rain, the chill in the air. Running, through these conditions can be daunting and difficult. The ground is becoming soft and mushy under her relentless down pours and branches litter our jogging paths creating obstacles and hazards. Who wants to get up and drag themselves out into less than favorable conditions? I'm tired, it's cold, and my legs hurt! Well, with this focus Mother Nature will win every time. 

Running, and being part of the outdoor environment is something that comes natural to many people. Others of us, including myself, have to fight off that urge to crawl back into bed and then suffer through the wind and rain in hopes of getting or daily exercise. It seems at times that some of my friends must have been born while their mothers were running outdoors. Anytime I'm thinking of going for a run I notice that they are already out and having fun. Where do they get this drive, this energy and passion for running. Who knows, but perhaps I may have some helpful ideas as to how the rest of us can get out and enjoy our "EarthboundRunning" experiences.

First lets start with the decision making ordeal. Your mindset, rather our mindsets control our daily actions, moods and behaviors.  I decide the night before whether or not I am going to go out for a jog. I have found that all too often the body will pick staying in bed versus running if given the choice first thing in the morning. By determining today or tonight whether or not we will be running tomorrow we don't force ourselves to choose in unfavorable conditions. For example: you wake up in the morning and roll over to take a peak out the window and see that the sky is ominous and rain seems to be on the way. The tree branches are telling you that the wind is going to fight you and the pools of water all over the ground remind you how miserable your feet are going to be. When you roll back over, that warm blanket seems to nestle up under your chin and sing to you a sweet, sleepy lullaby that all but cancels any hopes of yours to make it outside. But what if the night before while you are warm and cozy enjoying a nice meal you decide whether or not you should go out for your run tomorrow.  You are comfortable and will continue to be for the rest of the evening. There are no immediate concerns about getting wet or being cold. Your mind is free and clear to decide what you really want to happen. And of course, we choose to go for a run! Making choices at times when outside factors won't affect your decesions will help you to make the right choices and help you stay on track with your running. Don't let Mother Nature get the best of you this season. Run when you want to and when you say you are going to, no matter what! Until next time, goodluck and remember, you run on your terms not the weathers.