New Challenge Starts in August!

I've gotten an outpouring of requests that I do another challenge and that people would rather not go the entire summer without the consistent accountability.  I COMPLETELY understand that and while I can appreciate how much the challenge helps those, I need a break for my sanity.  So I've decided to just take the month of July off and start another 8 week Challenge in August.  

You can register now for the challenge by paypalling me at aliceanneloftus@msn.com (make sure you note that it is for the 8 week challenge)  The cost is $75 until July 1st and then will go to $100/person.  If you have already donated to Team Sole Society, please deduct that from the registration fee.   Private Message me with any questions or if you'd like to discuss cost.  Thanks!

Marathon Training in Full Effect

Training has officially started and I couldn't be happier with how it's going!  I've been running midweek consistently, and hitting those long runs with gusto!  Yesterday I completed just over ten miles with 1/2 my group and I can honestly say it was a good strong run that left me feeling like I was definitely on track to prepare for this marathon!

My friend Heather was in town all last week and we were able to get a couple runs, although one of our midweek short runs was disastrous for me due to the heat and poor prep throughout the day, I was able to hit the 2nd short midweek run with a fast pace and good distance!  Sometimes those bad runs can leave you with anxiety that the marathon will be too hard or that you're not strong enough; the best thing to do is get back out there and have a good run to prove to yourself that you can do it.  I'm thankful the girls pushed me to get back out there and crank out a fast 6 mile run and then set the base to do a strong 10 miler.  I absolutely feel like I've gained my confidence back and those two great runs following the not-so-great run definitely got my head back in the game!

Happy

Whew!  What a rough couple weeks I have had!  It seems that I've had the unfortunate ability to find just about every possible jerk within a 50 mile radius.  Every time I turned around, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at how people could treat one another and act with such entitlement and disregard of respect and courtesy towards others.  I admit, I was starting to unravel.  I have been teetering on the edge of a complete meltdown and even found myself speaking and acting a little saucier than usual.

I look back at the last several days and while in the midst of all the chaos, I might have felt that I was surrounded by negativity, I sit here now, reflecting, and realize that I was in fact surrounded by many many blessings!

I think about those that acted unkindly.  I think back on the situations that left me drained and frustrated.  I replay the interactions in my mind and I cannot help and conclude that none of it was truly about me.  I was not a victim.  I was not the target.  The actions and words were not directed towards me.  I was simply a bystander.  I was caught in the backlash.  I felt the ripple of someone else's unhappiness and the toxicity of the poison from their own demons.  It was never ever about me.  I cannot control how they act.  I can only control what I feel and how I respond.

I see the silver linings.  I had to chuckle as I thought about last Thursday night, meeting my marathon team out for dinner and drinks.  We all arrived, comparing stories on how tough our individual days had been.  Ann's 6 hour commute, Erica's black eye, Susan's study cram session, Kelly's receipt of an idiot remark...I think each of us had reason to stay home and pull the cover over our heads.  Yet, there we were, laughing, talking and planning great things.  I think about the stranger at Whole Foods who went out of her way to try and brighten my day.  She stayed past her shift, made me a beautiful sushi platter for a party that I was not prepared for and did not appropriately plan in a timely manner.  Yet, from the kindness of her heart, she made things right for me.  My heart swells as I reminisce about the smile on my friend's face as she realized she had walked into a surprise party in her honor and how she graciously hugged each and every guest and thanked them for being there to celebrate her.  I well up with tears, as I remember the conversation with friends after a Sunday morning workout.  My friend Lara saying, "This is my church.  It is food for my soul to see my friends here.  I cannot help but feel lucky to be surrounded by such lovely women."  I giggle to myself as I text my friend Susan thanking her for including me as we attended a fashion show fundraiser.  Both of us exhausted from our week, but there...supporting another friend.  I felt pride as I kissed my children before they exited the car in carpool lane and I feel thankful that they are healthy and happy.  Even though they are growing right before my eyes, they look to me for reassurance and safety and I know that they know that I'll always be there for them.

I realize, yes, I had some really sucky interactions lately, but WOW, I've also been graced with some pretty fantastic moments too!  It isn't about me, whether someone acts in anger or acts in love.  It is about them.  It has NOTHING to do with me.  How I react and how I conduct myself, either in anger or love, is entirely up to me!  I choose happiness.  I am the master of my soul...