Some days you just need a kick in the butt

I read this quote this morning, "At least 99 percent of running is just showing up, getting out there and putting one foot in front of the other." - John Hanc, The Essential Runner

This is exactly how I felt today. I walked outside with a requirement of running 7 miles, but I was not feeling up to it. My heart was not really into it, and last week's reduced workouts had taken a mental toll on me. However, I am a creature of habits and lists. I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon training program and that program said I needed to log 7 miles today.

So, I put my music on, set my iPod to record 7 miles of running, and put one foot in front of the other. The more the miles clicked by the more I said to myself, "Let's do this." I really wanted to head home after one mile, but I was headed away from home, and turning around is just not in my mental process. So for me today, showing up and putting one foot in front of the other, and having really good music, made all the difference. After only logging 12 miles last week, I felt rather sluggish throughout the run. It was a slower run than usual, but a better run than Saturday where I had repeated asthma attacks and stopped early due to poor breathing. Today my breathing was better, my legs were sore, but happy in their ability to finish the job. My mind and soul are encouraged by my bodies' ability to overcome mental setbacks and push through that mental wall.

Volunteering at school reminds me of civic responsibilities to my fellow man

Thursday was a great day! I had a wonderful opportunity to volunteer by helping my son's music department. Each year the 6th grade band, orchestra and chorus return to the elementary schools to perform for the 5th grade class. Those 5th graders are preparing for middle school and the opportunity to chose to play an instrument or sing in choir. For most children - the opportunity to play an instrument in middle school is the first time they've had that opportunity. Many of them are not familiar with the sounds of the various instruments that make up a band and an orchestra. This is a great opportunity for them to see and hear these instruments up close.

The returning 6th graders were very excited to show off their talents and abilities, and the 5th graders were very appreciative audiences. My job, along with about 5 other moms was to provide muscle and transportation for all the music stands and the drums. We had to transport, setup and tear down at 2 elementary schools. It was fun work and the free concert was fabulous! Our middle school is fortunate to have a large music department. The 6th grade orchestra has 50 or more members, and the 6th grade band has over 140 members. The work we volunteers did was not difficult, but it made a world of difference for the kids. So it turned out to be a win-win: it made me feel good and helped the kids.

That reminded me that volunteering benefits all of us, the giver and the receiver. With local, state and federal budgets all being cut it's more important than ever for all of us to step up and help out in any way we can. There are so many ways to give back, and it isn't hard to find them. For instance, this past Wednesday, my local paper The Free-Lance Star published an article about the homeless children in some of our local school districts, and ways that people can help out. I called my children's school social worker to ask how I can be of help to the children & families in need in our school.

While the tragedies around the world require us, as a global community, to step up and help on a large scale; there are so many in our local community who are struggling as well. When you help locally you receive that immediate reward, that good feeling inside. There are so many places to volunteer. For example: your local pet shelter, a local mission, your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The list is really endless, and the feelings of doing good, helping out, and making a difference are immeasurable.