I have to be honest--I go through life a lot of the time trying to PROTECT myself at all costs from "feeling"...things happen that are sad, or hard to hear, and I try to go to a remote place ... where the actual events in my mind are an arms length away ... and I will not allow myself to be affected by that moment, issue, emotion, or problem...basically I will pour myself into whatever task is at hand, and get extremely focused, so I do not have to feel...
It really started when my college roommate died back in 1999...it was a sudden death, and the last time I had seen her was 3 months prior at her wedding of all places...and how do you deal with that? How do you handle watching her husband stand by her casket? I think that was a very defining moment in my life, in the sense that without knowing how to handle that deep pain, I bottled it up, and did not deal with it.
I vividly remember going back home from Kelly's funeral...I lived in KY then and was in grad school, and I remember the morning after the funeral I was riding my bike to class...my mind was racing about all the crap I needed to get done after missing 5 days of class and work...and I hit the brakes on my bike and stopped----the harshest of all realities hit me--life goes on. Life actually goes on after all of that pain.
Honestly, that was a pill to swallow...and because of the funeral, the sudden death, and the deep, incomprehensible sadness...that was the moment when I started to protect my heart at all costs of getting hurt.
hindsight is 20/20...at that moment, I had no idea what I was doing...I was putting a hard shell around my heart that would help me to not FEEL, to not be vulnerable, and to have little emotion, esp. as it relates to tragic events.
Well I think yesterday I took a BIG step towards allowing myself to feel...a lot of crap is going on in my life, and all of my friends’ lives. I am afraid 2007 has not brought a ton of great news for many around me, and yesterday was one of the worst days ... without going into too much detail...I had to sit around and watch many people go through pain...and it was awful. And honestly, all day long, I tried to ignore the pain and sadness I felt...but by 8 pm last night, it broke me. I allowed myself to be vulnerable to my feelings, and I was sad, mad, anxious and a whole host of emotions...it has been so painful to "feel", and to feel so terrible for the others...it is hard to put into words...
I woke up this morning thanking God that he allowed me to feel...and please know...there are a lot of people waking up today to a harsh reality, and for me to be like "Yeah! I can feel" is like a slap in the face...but it is not meant to be a slap at all...at all.
I thought of this song below, A New Way To Be Human...and I know that God is moving in all of this pain in our lives and in all of the situations, and telling us that there is a better way, and that He is the way...and that He brings redemption.
And as He can bring redemption in my life in the area of vulnerability and feeling, He brings redemption to all of those hurting.
here are the lyrics...
A New Way To Be Human...Switchfoot
Everyday it's the same thing
Another trend has begun
Hey kids, this might be the one
It's a race to be noticed
And it's leaving us numb
Hey kids, we can't be the ones
With all of our fashion
We're still incomplete
The God of redemption
Could break our routine
There's a new way to be human
It's nothing we've ever been
There's a new way to be human
New way to be human
And where is our inspiration?
When all the heroes are gone
Hey kids, could we be the ones?
'Cause nobody's famous
And nobody's fine
We all need forgiveness
We're longing inside
There's a new way to be human
It's nothing we've ever been
There's a new way to be human
It's spreading under my skin
There's a new way to be human
Where divinity blends
With a new way to be human
New way to be human
You're throwing your love across
my impossible space
You've created me
Take me out of me into...
A new way to be human
To a new way to be human
You're a new way to be human
Where my humanity bends
To a new way to be human
Redemption begins
You're a new way to be human
You're the only way to be human
At the 25-mile mark of the marathon, I allowed myself to be vulnerable and I threw myself into the moment and burst into tears, knowing I would complete the marathon. I allowed myself to enjoy it and be PROUD of myself, and honestly, that never happens...I never allow myself to "settle" or enjoy what I have accomplished...
It was a new way to be human for me...let me encourage those who are being tested...redemption always comes...rarely does it look exactly like what we think...but it comes.
Leigh
Friday, January 26, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
the time of my life...the marathon blog...
I don't know where to start...the journey to run a marathon started years ago...I can not even pin point the budding of the dream...but I know that for as long as I can remember, I wanted to dun a marathon...it is amazing to have completed it!!!
The 2 things that I keep thinking about are empowerment and encouragement...I feel so empowered that I can achieve anything I set my mind too. I honestly did not believe I could complete this task...when I hit mile 25 then running through the finish, I was overjoyed, emotional, I was crying, and screaming!! I literally ran through the finish waving my hands to pump up the crowd and screaming "Cheer for me I am finishing a Marathon!!!" I pulled my "football player" who threw a winning touchdown pass or just won a game--I was so psyched!!
And encouragement...the verse "I can do all things THROUGH Christ Jesus who strengthens me"...phil 4:13...it is so true. This journey took a lot of time and prayer...I was begging Jesus to help me through the pain from miles 18 on, and he delivered me...it was GREAT! Another member from TNT had the verse written on the back of her jersey, and it honestly kept my mind fresh...thankfully!! And as I have said a ton of times before...YOU can do whatever you set your mind to! I am so encouraged that I completed this...do not let anything hold you back!!
Ok on to the play-by-play for race day...
Race day was both wonderful and painful, but the joy has far exceeded any of the pain...it is Tuesday night, and yes, I am still sore...but it is almost blissful--knowing the soreness came from such a triumphant finish!!
We got up on race day at 6:00 am...but I hardly slept the night before. I dreamed that I missed the start, and that I could not tie my shoes...so I was a bit groggy when I finally awoke. Bad news was the weather--on race day, it was the coldest morning in Phoenix in the last 16 years--30 degrees (we had expected 50!!)...so I had to dress warm. I ate a muffin, got my stuff together, and went down to the lobby to meet my Team in Training (TNT) teammates.
Here is a pic of Tim and I in the lobby pre-race...
So we got a pep talk from our coach, Mari-etta, who told us what to expect and what to plan for on the course. I got to hand it to TNT, they were amazing!! They prepared us the whole way!!
So we boarded our bus, and headed to the start. We got to the race, jumped in line with the thousands of others, and took off!! It was so great to have a running partner--Suzie and I stuck together for the 1st 16 miles. At every mile, I would mention that I was still having fun, and Suzie would "check" it off the list, as in another mile down, and we were still smiling!! We really had a good time, we chatted a little, but got to see some fun scenery as we started in downtown Phoenix and ran towards Scottsdale.
Here I am at 8 miles...not really in any pain (yet)...still feeling good...
Let me tell you, running with TNT was the biggest advantage...we were surrounded by purple jerseys--there were TNT members everywhere, and there were fans cheering for us all over the place. We never felt alone on the course at all, and our coaches were everywhere, giving us tips and running with us to help us along. We saw our coach around the 9-10 mile, and she warned me that I was leaning forward a bit--that was about the time my legs started to feel a tad sore, and started to get tired. I listened, and tried to focus on standing tall and slowing down a tad.
So at 13 miles, we hooked up with my dad, who was going to run the final 13.2 miles with us. Here is a pic of Suzie and I at 13...we are still feeling good!!
The distance started to catch up with me around 15 miles...I started to get really tired...and my right knee began to ache...I had been having major trouble with my right arch the 3 weeks leading up to the race, but my arch was great...but my knee must have taken the brunt of the pain...so now the mind games began...
so I hit 15, and kept thinking I just need to make it to 18, because I had run that distance before, so it was a mental thing to get there. I got to 18, and knew only 8 was left...and I started to get HUNGRY...I was starving. My dad was encouraging, telling me that my mom and Tim would meet us around mile 20 or 21, so that is all I thought about those 3 miles...food is coming soon, just keep going. And honestly, what else was I going to do? I figured I was in the middle of Scottsdale, AZ, and the only way to get food or rest, I HAD to keep running!!!
Here I am at mile 21, eating a protein bar and chugging Gatorade! Thank God fro my mom and sweet husband for being my traveling pit crew...
so mile 21-25 was really tough...I ran off from Tim and my mom after refueling for about 3-4 minutes, and I literally could not run at all...my right knee had the most excruciating pain through the right side, and I literally thought I could not run at all...this was the one moment where I did not think I could go on...I stopped and told my dad I had to walk, and he gently encouraged me and told me to walk to get warmed up again. As I walked, the muscles in my lower back were now crying out...so running was actually less painful then walking. Determined to finish, I knew it was time to pop the iPod in, and let some music carry me through to the finish.
Then came along my TNT coach Mari-etta-at just the right time. She ran with me from 21.5-22.5, and at that point, knowing that I only had a 5k left, I knew I could finish. At this point Suzie was about 5 minutes behind me, and her dad had also joined her on the course, which was really cool.
At mile 25, with all of my pride, I tried to keep it together, and be stoic and not show emotion...then I realized how lame that is, and decided to allow the emotion to overcome me, and I started crying!! Still in a lot of pain, but I knew then that I would finish, and I was so proud of myself for taking the journey and for completing it. I was elated. There are very few moments in my life that compare to this--working in sports for so long, there are a lot of victories I have been a part of as a team, but to know that this was me, and my 2 legs carrying me to the finish, that was a sweet feeling.
Here I am waving my arms to pump up the crowd before I cross the finish line...
Check out the medal around my neck!!
Tim and I at the finish...
My dad and I enjoying the moment...
Getting stretched out by my mom...
Suzie and I at the end...
again...what an amazing experience. I cannot say enough about Team in Training. If you are at all interested in this amazing cause, and in being a part of the team, I will tell you all about it!! Check it out: http://www.teamintraining.org/ highly recommended!!
Will I do it again??? Hell yeah! Training and competing in this marathon was a life-changing experience. I feel so energized and it has built me up in such a positive way. My knees are hating me as I type this...but I plan to take 2-3 weeks off to rest, then start training for the country music 1/2 marathon here in Nashville in April, then hopefully for another marathon in 2007!! Suzie and I (and my friend Jeannie!!) plan to attempt a triathlon as well!! I have gotten in touch with my sporty side!!
Well thanks for reading, and thanks for taking this journey with me. I encourage you to make 1 decision today that will be a step in the direction of your dreams. Just Do It. You are capable of far more then you probably give yourself credit for.
God Bless...Leigh
The 2 things that I keep thinking about are empowerment and encouragement...I feel so empowered that I can achieve anything I set my mind too. I honestly did not believe I could complete this task...when I hit mile 25 then running through the finish, I was overjoyed, emotional, I was crying, and screaming!! I literally ran through the finish waving my hands to pump up the crowd and screaming "Cheer for me I am finishing a Marathon!!!" I pulled my "football player" who threw a winning touchdown pass or just won a game--I was so psyched!!
And encouragement...the verse "I can do all things THROUGH Christ Jesus who strengthens me"...phil 4:13...it is so true. This journey took a lot of time and prayer...I was begging Jesus to help me through the pain from miles 18 on, and he delivered me...it was GREAT! Another member from TNT had the verse written on the back of her jersey, and it honestly kept my mind fresh...thankfully!! And as I have said a ton of times before...YOU can do whatever you set your mind to! I am so encouraged that I completed this...do not let anything hold you back!!
Ok on to the play-by-play for race day...
Race day was both wonderful and painful, but the joy has far exceeded any of the pain...it is Tuesday night, and yes, I am still sore...but it is almost blissful--knowing the soreness came from such a triumphant finish!!
We got up on race day at 6:00 am...but I hardly slept the night before. I dreamed that I missed the start, and that I could not tie my shoes...so I was a bit groggy when I finally awoke. Bad news was the weather--on race day, it was the coldest morning in Phoenix in the last 16 years--30 degrees (we had expected 50!!)...so I had to dress warm. I ate a muffin, got my stuff together, and went down to the lobby to meet my Team in Training (TNT) teammates.
Here is a pic of Tim and I in the lobby pre-race...
So we got a pep talk from our coach, Mari-etta, who told us what to expect and what to plan for on the course. I got to hand it to TNT, they were amazing!! They prepared us the whole way!!
So we boarded our bus, and headed to the start. We got to the race, jumped in line with the thousands of others, and took off!! It was so great to have a running partner--Suzie and I stuck together for the 1st 16 miles. At every mile, I would mention that I was still having fun, and Suzie would "check" it off the list, as in another mile down, and we were still smiling!! We really had a good time, we chatted a little, but got to see some fun scenery as we started in downtown Phoenix and ran towards Scottsdale.
Here I am at 8 miles...not really in any pain (yet)...still feeling good...
Let me tell you, running with TNT was the biggest advantage...we were surrounded by purple jerseys--there were TNT members everywhere, and there were fans cheering for us all over the place. We never felt alone on the course at all, and our coaches were everywhere, giving us tips and running with us to help us along. We saw our coach around the 9-10 mile, and she warned me that I was leaning forward a bit--that was about the time my legs started to feel a tad sore, and started to get tired. I listened, and tried to focus on standing tall and slowing down a tad.
So at 13 miles, we hooked up with my dad, who was going to run the final 13.2 miles with us. Here is a pic of Suzie and I at 13...we are still feeling good!!
The distance started to catch up with me around 15 miles...I started to get really tired...and my right knee began to ache...I had been having major trouble with my right arch the 3 weeks leading up to the race, but my arch was great...but my knee must have taken the brunt of the pain...so now the mind games began...
so I hit 15, and kept thinking I just need to make it to 18, because I had run that distance before, so it was a mental thing to get there. I got to 18, and knew only 8 was left...and I started to get HUNGRY...I was starving. My dad was encouraging, telling me that my mom and Tim would meet us around mile 20 or 21, so that is all I thought about those 3 miles...food is coming soon, just keep going. And honestly, what else was I going to do? I figured I was in the middle of Scottsdale, AZ, and the only way to get food or rest, I HAD to keep running!!!
Here I am at mile 21, eating a protein bar and chugging Gatorade! Thank God fro my mom and sweet husband for being my traveling pit crew...
so mile 21-25 was really tough...I ran off from Tim and my mom after refueling for about 3-4 minutes, and I literally could not run at all...my right knee had the most excruciating pain through the right side, and I literally thought I could not run at all...this was the one moment where I did not think I could go on...I stopped and told my dad I had to walk, and he gently encouraged me and told me to walk to get warmed up again. As I walked, the muscles in my lower back were now crying out...so running was actually less painful then walking. Determined to finish, I knew it was time to pop the iPod in, and let some music carry me through to the finish.
Then came along my TNT coach Mari-etta-at just the right time. She ran with me from 21.5-22.5, and at that point, knowing that I only had a 5k left, I knew I could finish. At this point Suzie was about 5 minutes behind me, and her dad had also joined her on the course, which was really cool.
At mile 25, with all of my pride, I tried to keep it together, and be stoic and not show emotion...then I realized how lame that is, and decided to allow the emotion to overcome me, and I started crying!! Still in a lot of pain, but I knew then that I would finish, and I was so proud of myself for taking the journey and for completing it. I was elated. There are very few moments in my life that compare to this--working in sports for so long, there are a lot of victories I have been a part of as a team, but to know that this was me, and my 2 legs carrying me to the finish, that was a sweet feeling.
Here I am waving my arms to pump up the crowd before I cross the finish line...
Check out the medal around my neck!!
Tim and I at the finish...
My dad and I enjoying the moment...
Getting stretched out by my mom...
Suzie and I at the end...
again...what an amazing experience. I cannot say enough about Team in Training. If you are at all interested in this amazing cause, and in being a part of the team, I will tell you all about it!! Check it out: http://www.teamintraining.org/ highly recommended!!
Will I do it again??? Hell yeah! Training and competing in this marathon was a life-changing experience. I feel so energized and it has built me up in such a positive way. My knees are hating me as I type this...but I plan to take 2-3 weeks off to rest, then start training for the country music 1/2 marathon here in Nashville in April, then hopefully for another marathon in 2007!! Suzie and I (and my friend Jeannie!!) plan to attempt a triathlon as well!! I have gotten in touch with my sporty side!!
Well thanks for reading, and thanks for taking this journey with me. I encourage you to make 1 decision today that will be a step in the direction of your dreams. Just Do It. You are capable of far more then you probably give yourself credit for.
God Bless...Leigh
Sunday, January 14, 2007
the marathon...it is Finished!!
I have always wanted to use that phrase, "It is Finished"...well I completed my 1st ever marathon today!!
It was an unbelieveable experience...I plan to share more later when I am in a little less pain...for now...the photo:
It was an unbelieveable experience...I plan to share more later when I am in a little less pain...for now...the photo:
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Photos...the night before...TNT rules...
Things in AZ have been great so far...we went out for a team dinner last night and the food was incredible (salmon and mashed sweet potatos for me!!) ... today my mom and dad got to town, so we hung out, shopped at the runner's expo, and took naps.
Then...we went to the Team in Training Pasta dinner...it was a pasta meal (imagine that) and a motivational speaker...and then a teammate shared her story. It was unreal--there are over 1,700 "team members" here, and we raised over 5 million dollars collectively towards a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers...I got chills as they brought a loady to the stage that raised over $54,000 in honor of her sister in law who died last christmas of a blood cancer...unreal. UNREAL! She was an inspiration to me.
Then, the teammate who shared her story...she lost her daughter 3 months ago, and she is out here raising money and running a marathon in her daughters honor. 3 months ago...she shared that she was angry and sad and all kinds of emotions...but mostly she was ready to put up a fight to help others and to find a cure. Now that is someone to admire!! How often I look up to CEO's and athletes...these are people just like us with crazy determination and dedication to do something extraordinary. WOW.
so it is 9 pm here...not quite ready for bed...trying not to be too nervous...pray for me!!
Here are some photos from tonight!!
the jersey...
the rad hat my brother bought me...yes I know it does not match purple...
the number is already on my shorts...
the family at the pasta dinner...
my team from nashville...
Suzie and I...
well I am going to bury myself in my book until I fall asleep...thanks for reading!
Leigh
PS: Shout out to Emily Gary--you know me so well--thanks for the care package, the brownies and the special surprise (I won't incriminate you and type out the secret thing you sent me!!) THANKS!!!!!!
PSS: My jersey with my mom's super cool iron on:
Then...we went to the Team in Training Pasta dinner...it was a pasta meal (imagine that) and a motivational speaker...and then a teammate shared her story. It was unreal--there are over 1,700 "team members" here, and we raised over 5 million dollars collectively towards a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers...I got chills as they brought a loady to the stage that raised over $54,000 in honor of her sister in law who died last christmas of a blood cancer...unreal. UNREAL! She was an inspiration to me.
Then, the teammate who shared her story...she lost her daughter 3 months ago, and she is out here raising money and running a marathon in her daughters honor. 3 months ago...she shared that she was angry and sad and all kinds of emotions...but mostly she was ready to put up a fight to help others and to find a cure. Now that is someone to admire!! How often I look up to CEO's and athletes...these are people just like us with crazy determination and dedication to do something extraordinary. WOW.
so it is 9 pm here...not quite ready for bed...trying not to be too nervous...pray for me!!
Here are some photos from tonight!!
the jersey...
the rad hat my brother bought me...yes I know it does not match purple...
the number is already on my shorts...
the family at the pasta dinner...
my team from nashville...
Suzie and I...
well I am going to bury myself in my book until I fall asleep...thanks for reading!
Leigh
PS: Shout out to Emily Gary--you know me so well--thanks for the care package, the brownies and the special surprise (I won't incriminate you and type out the secret thing you sent me!!) THANKS!!!!!!
PSS: My jersey with my mom's super cool iron on:
Thursday, January 11, 2007
being a part of something bigger...
the marathon is this SUNDAY!!!!
I can not hardly believe it! I have been having waves of excitement and fear all week long...I can barely sleep!!
All of my life I participated in sports, and this is the closest feeling to when I was at Georgia and Kentucky, and would be anticipating big games that my teams were a part of...at Georgia, I would literally get so nervous before big games--I HATE to lose, and I would go to the bathroom literally 2-3 times within 20 minutes of tip-off. I can't even imagine what Sunday morning will be like!!
It has been such an amazing experience being a part of Team in Training. Our team from Nashville is really great--I barely know a lot of the team, but we have all seen each other in moments of complete pain and elation. That is neat to be with people through that.
But it has beeen all I thought it would be and even more to raise money and Awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Leukemia is a horrible disease, and the way it has affected my life, but more importantly Kelly's family...man it is tough. It has been inspiring and empowering to come together with a group and to make a difference. One of my teammates has raised over $8,000!!!! He is my hero right now. I think as a team (in Nashville only we have raised over $75,000. I am so excited about that.
I can only encourage you to JUST DO IT. Do whatever is in your heart that you are holding back on. Running a marathon and being a part of a charity organization that I cared about were 2 desires I had for so long...but for so long I let "other people do it" and did not believe I had the capacity to run like this. Well we are more capable then we think we are. JUST DO IT!! That is an encouragement!!
Please keep me in your prayers this weekend...we start at 7:40 am MTN time on Sunday. 26.2 miles is the goal.
Please pray that I:
-finish
-enjoy the ride - just HAVE FUN while I am out there
-injuries--I am nursing a swollen arch and an overused knee...They have been big issues throughout training, but my arch decided it did not like the idea of pounding for 26.2 miles this week, and is swollen...it is trying to hold me hostage...but I hope it cooperates!!
-and for our team, including Suzie, that we embrace being a part of something bigeer and enjoy it all!!
Thanks so much for reading and encouraging me along the way...hopefully I will blog while I will be out in Phoenix, or I will ask Tim to help me out!!
Leigh
I can not hardly believe it! I have been having waves of excitement and fear all week long...I can barely sleep!!
All of my life I participated in sports, and this is the closest feeling to when I was at Georgia and Kentucky, and would be anticipating big games that my teams were a part of...at Georgia, I would literally get so nervous before big games--I HATE to lose, and I would go to the bathroom literally 2-3 times within 20 minutes of tip-off. I can't even imagine what Sunday morning will be like!!
It has been such an amazing experience being a part of Team in Training. Our team from Nashville is really great--I barely know a lot of the team, but we have all seen each other in moments of complete pain and elation. That is neat to be with people through that.
But it has beeen all I thought it would be and even more to raise money and Awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Leukemia is a horrible disease, and the way it has affected my life, but more importantly Kelly's family...man it is tough. It has been inspiring and empowering to come together with a group and to make a difference. One of my teammates has raised over $8,000!!!! He is my hero right now. I think as a team (in Nashville only we have raised over $75,000. I am so excited about that.
I can only encourage you to JUST DO IT. Do whatever is in your heart that you are holding back on. Running a marathon and being a part of a charity organization that I cared about were 2 desires I had for so long...but for so long I let "other people do it" and did not believe I had the capacity to run like this. Well we are more capable then we think we are. JUST DO IT!! That is an encouragement!!
Please keep me in your prayers this weekend...we start at 7:40 am MTN time on Sunday. 26.2 miles is the goal.
Please pray that I:
-finish
-enjoy the ride - just HAVE FUN while I am out there
-injuries--I am nursing a swollen arch and an overused knee...They have been big issues throughout training, but my arch decided it did not like the idea of pounding for 26.2 miles this week, and is swollen...it is trying to hold me hostage...but I hope it cooperates!!
-and for our team, including Suzie, that we embrace being a part of something bigeer and enjoy it all!!
Thanks so much for reading and encouraging me along the way...hopefully I will blog while I will be out in Phoenix, or I will ask Tim to help me out!!
Leigh
Monday, January 08, 2007
The ode to my wingman...
Honestly, it is just not fair at all that God has given me such an advantage. I mean, I did not really ask for it, and I never thought I needed it ...or would never admit that...and I COMPLETELY do not deserve it...at all...but God gave me my wingman anyway.
Despite my craziness and self dependence; despite my stubbornness; despite it all, God gave me Tim, to be my ultimate wingman.
It is no secret to those of you who are close to us that he is the jem. He is calm, caring, polite, aware of others, considerate, kind, freakin' smart, confident...and lovely. I always tell people in business that Tim is my "secret weapon". He is!!
Believe me--I have taken a giant leap of faith becoming a brand manager for a website--taking myself into the online world full force for the 1st time in my career...and it was a scary move, because of my lack of experience in that area. But guess what? Tim is a web genius--he can code a website from scratch, design anything, and talk in about 56 different web languages (are there even 56?). I can call him with anything computer related, and darn it he can figure it out!! It is amazing.
And since this is Marathon countdown week, let me share with how he has helped me with that -- he has stood by me every step of the way as I have reached for this dream. There are several times that I have noted how selfish this quest has been--it really is a self-fulfilling prophecy for me to run this thing...and the sacrifice he has made for me to accomplish this...I have honestly been training for over 6 months, ran over 500 miles, cross trained every other day (can you believe I still feel fat?)...all this time I have spent time away from him. Anytime I mention the time spent away from him, he confidently reassures me that he supports what I am doing, and is ok with it. And he actually means it!!
And since October, I have been fighting injuries -- all the way to right now. 1st it was my knee, then my shins, then my knee, and now my arch...he has served me and brought me ice packs, rubbed my knees, rubbed my feet, dealt with me wanting to sleep all day on Saturday after my runs, and dealt with me leaving every morning at 6:00 am, only to be asleep on the couch by 9-9:30 pm.
This morning he awoke to me crying and asking him to look at my feet--my right foot has swollen up like a balloon, and he put on his glasses, rubbed my feet, listened to me, told me I would be ok, hugged me, and told me I could do it. That brings tears to my eyes even thinking about him...
I am so blessed. Our God is a good God and brought this self-reliant, independent woman a man who could help complete me and meet the needs I did not even know I had.
God bless my wing man...
Leigh
PS: you can go to his page and check out his AMAZING music at: www.myspace.com/hisboyelroy
Despite my craziness and self dependence; despite my stubbornness; despite it all, God gave me Tim, to be my ultimate wingman.
It is no secret to those of you who are close to us that he is the jem. He is calm, caring, polite, aware of others, considerate, kind, freakin' smart, confident...and lovely. I always tell people in business that Tim is my "secret weapon". He is!!
Believe me--I have taken a giant leap of faith becoming a brand manager for a website--taking myself into the online world full force for the 1st time in my career...and it was a scary move, because of my lack of experience in that area. But guess what? Tim is a web genius--he can code a website from scratch, design anything, and talk in about 56 different web languages (are there even 56?). I can call him with anything computer related, and darn it he can figure it out!! It is amazing.
And since this is Marathon countdown week, let me share with how he has helped me with that -- he has stood by me every step of the way as I have reached for this dream. There are several times that I have noted how selfish this quest has been--it really is a self-fulfilling prophecy for me to run this thing...and the sacrifice he has made for me to accomplish this...I have honestly been training for over 6 months, ran over 500 miles, cross trained every other day (can you believe I still feel fat?)...all this time I have spent time away from him. Anytime I mention the time spent away from him, he confidently reassures me that he supports what I am doing, and is ok with it. And he actually means it!!
And since October, I have been fighting injuries -- all the way to right now. 1st it was my knee, then my shins, then my knee, and now my arch...he has served me and brought me ice packs, rubbed my knees, rubbed my feet, dealt with me wanting to sleep all day on Saturday after my runs, and dealt with me leaving every morning at 6:00 am, only to be asleep on the couch by 9-9:30 pm.
This morning he awoke to me crying and asking him to look at my feet--my right foot has swollen up like a balloon, and he put on his glasses, rubbed my feet, listened to me, told me I would be ok, hugged me, and told me I could do it. That brings tears to my eyes even thinking about him...
I am so blessed. Our God is a good God and brought this self-reliant, independent woman a man who could help complete me and meet the needs I did not even know I had.
God bless my wing man...
Leigh
PS: you can go to his page and check out his AMAZING music at: www.myspace.com/hisboyelroy
Sunday, January 07, 2007
the marathon iMix
so my iPod is my friend...I love running to good tunes...it is a freeing feeling to be out in the sunshine, listening to a great song, and feeling free...
so in just 1 week, at this time I will be walking up to the start line, getting ready to run in my 1st marathon!! Yeah!!
This morning, I had a bit of an old school moment...I wanted to buy a few more songs to round out my iMix (which has 176 songs on it, for 12.2 hours of running...I don't think the marathon will take that long, but who knows!! :) )
So I went shopping on iTunes, and bought these classics:
Dreams by Van Halen
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Final Countdown by Europe
More Than a Feeling by Boston
We are the Champions by Queen
Very nice...those songs will motivate me and take me back to some old school memories fom my past basketball and softball days!!
My overall playlist has a lot of random songs on it, my friend Emily sent me 2 amazing playlists of her own that are filled with all of the popular pop songs...
Here are the top 5 artists on my playlist: (meaning I have the most songs by them on it):
Madonna
Switchfoot
U2
Future of Forestry
David Crowder*Band
I also have a lot of Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Bethany Dillon and Shawn McDonald on the list.
I am getting so excited about the race!!
I can't believe it is 1 week away!!
Leigh
so in just 1 week, at this time I will be walking up to the start line, getting ready to run in my 1st marathon!! Yeah!!
This morning, I had a bit of an old school moment...I wanted to buy a few more songs to round out my iMix (which has 176 songs on it, for 12.2 hours of running...I don't think the marathon will take that long, but who knows!! :) )
So I went shopping on iTunes, and bought these classics:
Dreams by Van Halen
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Final Countdown by Europe
More Than a Feeling by Boston
We are the Champions by Queen
Very nice...those songs will motivate me and take me back to some old school memories fom my past basketball and softball days!!
My overall playlist has a lot of random songs on it, my friend Emily sent me 2 amazing playlists of her own that are filled with all of the popular pop songs...
Here are the top 5 artists on my playlist: (meaning I have the most songs by them on it):
Madonna
Switchfoot
U2
Future of Forestry
David Crowder*Band
I also have a lot of Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Bethany Dillon and Shawn McDonald on the list.
I am getting so excited about the race!!
I can't believe it is 1 week away!!
Leigh
Saturday, January 06, 2007
thanking jesus for madonna and leather...
so the title of this blog is the old fashioned marketing idea to lead with a great headline to get people hooked...but honestly, when I was running this morning, I thought of it...
So I am half a mile from the finish of my 8 mile jog this morning, and I was tired, (hope that doesn't happen during the marathon at 7.5 miles!!), and I needed a pick me up. I was listening to my NEW iPod nano (the RED one--thanks sweetie!!!) (sorry about the shout out to Tim and to Apple), and some Dashboard Confessional song came on. And I like Dashboard, but sometimes their love/angst songs are not so motivating...so I hit Skip on the iPod (I have a running mix I listen to that is always on shuffle to keep it fresh)...and guess who came on...MADONNA, with her song "Hung Up". At that moment, a half mile from the finish, needing a pick me up, I said out loud..."thank you Jesus".
I mean, the bible says to always be thankful, in all things...and boy, when you need a pick me up to get through a tough part of the race, madonna is your girl. Now you know I am already a big Madonna fan, I mean, I flew to Chicago this summer to see her concert...so it was a great moment, and one that I needed to be thankful for.
In a related story...I was out shopping with Tim, Casey and Danny last week looking for the post-Christmas sales, and I found a brown belt at the Gap. Ok so a confession...I hate parting with money, and I especially hate spending money on items that are "necessities", like belts and shoes and toothpaste and overall the stuff you would buy for yourself at Walmart...I mean I am 32 but I still wish my Mom would buy me those types of things!! So I have honestly needed a new brown belt since last Christmas, but have been too cheap to buy one. I mean $20-30 bucks? for real, that feels way to expensive for a belt of all things.
So anyway, this Christmas I decided it was time to get a new belt, that it was way past due. so we were at the Gap, and I picked out the belt, it had a price tag of $24.95...I seriously stood in front of the belts the entire time we were in the store contemplating the purchase...then I decided to dive in, spend the money, and have a nice new belt.
So I go to check out, and it rang up at $9.95. I looked at the screen and asked the check out girl--"it's only $9.95", and she was like "yeah, it's on sale"...I immediatly say "Thank you Jesus" out loud, right to the check out girl (Casey can vouch for this!).
Being thankful for the little things!!
Leigh
Have a good weekend!!
So I am half a mile from the finish of my 8 mile jog this morning, and I was tired, (hope that doesn't happen during the marathon at 7.5 miles!!), and I needed a pick me up. I was listening to my NEW iPod nano (the RED one--thanks sweetie!!!) (sorry about the shout out to Tim and to Apple), and some Dashboard Confessional song came on. And I like Dashboard, but sometimes their love/angst songs are not so motivating...so I hit Skip on the iPod (I have a running mix I listen to that is always on shuffle to keep it fresh)...and guess who came on...MADONNA, with her song "Hung Up". At that moment, a half mile from the finish, needing a pick me up, I said out loud..."thank you Jesus".
I mean, the bible says to always be thankful, in all things...and boy, when you need a pick me up to get through a tough part of the race, madonna is your girl. Now you know I am already a big Madonna fan, I mean, I flew to Chicago this summer to see her concert...so it was a great moment, and one that I needed to be thankful for.
In a related story...I was out shopping with Tim, Casey and Danny last week looking for the post-Christmas sales, and I found a brown belt at the Gap. Ok so a confession...I hate parting with money, and I especially hate spending money on items that are "necessities", like belts and shoes and toothpaste and overall the stuff you would buy for yourself at Walmart...I mean I am 32 but I still wish my Mom would buy me those types of things!! So I have honestly needed a new brown belt since last Christmas, but have been too cheap to buy one. I mean $20-30 bucks? for real, that feels way to expensive for a belt of all things.
So anyway, this Christmas I decided it was time to get a new belt, that it was way past due. so we were at the Gap, and I picked out the belt, it had a price tag of $24.95...I seriously stood in front of the belts the entire time we were in the store contemplating the purchase...then I decided to dive in, spend the money, and have a nice new belt.
So I go to check out, and it rang up at $9.95. I looked at the screen and asked the check out girl--"it's only $9.95", and she was like "yeah, it's on sale"...I immediatly say "Thank you Jesus" out loud, right to the check out girl (Casey can vouch for this!).
Being thankful for the little things!!
Leigh
Have a good weekend!!
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