I went to register for my half marathon that I'm planning on running in March to find out that I have to qualify in order to enter.  To do this, I must fun a 5k in 31 minutes.  I decided on one down in DC on January 16th.  I timed myself on the treadmill and can run 3.1 miles in just about 30 minutes, but the challenge now is to do that outside.  I won't be running my race on a treadmill!

Today I went to run outside.  It didn't go quite as planned because today is rather warm here in NY and I overdressed.  I got a new pair of sweatpants to run outdoors in, which were fine. I should have worn a lighter jacket.  So lesson learned....as well as the following:

I also need a headband to keep back my hair since its not long enough to put in a pony tail.

One last thing....I am developing a list of affrimations to help keep me mentally motivated during my runs.  For example, I'll say to myself: "Centered and strong, I run right along"

December 1st is my target date to really begin "official" training for my 1/2 marathon in March.  The biggest challenge I'm facing now is my body's reaction to building miles.  I've gotten tight & sore is areas I didn't know was possible.  Since this has been happening, I've been asking various trainers what to do in order to train my body to run more proficently.  So far I've gotten lots of good feedback.

I really would like to run this marathon on a vegan diet.  I know its possible, but most trainers are used to the Standard American Diet, so I will be doing a lot of research on my own in order to nurish my body for the physical demands of running.

FROM DAILYOM.COM

November 20, 2009

The Reciprocal Flow of Abundance
Giving Without Expectations

Since giving and receiving are so intimately intertwined in our lives, we often expect that we can attract abundance by simply conducting ourselves in an openhanded fashion. Yet we find ourselves wallowing in disappointment when our ample generosity is not met with the expected results. The answer to this quandary lies in the expectations that, in part, initially prompted us to give. Though our intention is likely pure, we can unintentionally mar the beautiful experience of giving by focusing on what we will eventually receive in return. When we let go of the notion that we deserve to receive gifts based on giving gifts, bounty can once again flow freely in and out of our lives.

When the gifts you give are laden down with expectations, they cease to be gifts and become units of exchange that you are, in effect, trading for some reward. Thus, the reciprocal laws of the universe err on the side of the giver who shares for the sake of sharing. You may have seen this simple truth at work in your own experience, perhaps when life’s busyness prevented you from spending too much time contemplating the results your charitable actions would ultimately have on the lives of others. It was likely then that you received the greatest gifts in return for your kindness. If you have trouble divesting yourself of your expectations, you may need to reflect upon the root of your inability to act in the true spirit of giving. Each time you make a gift, whether spiritual or tangible, ask yourself if there is something you hope to receive in return. You may be surprised to discover that you expect to be repaid with an easy life, financial windfalls, or opportunities.

To integrate this most selfless form of generosity into your life, you will have to let go of your need to be in control. Accepting that while like inevitably attracts like, it typically does so on an unobservable timetable. This can help you stop weighing the gifts you give against those you have received. Giving eventually becomes a profound joy that stands alone, separate from any and all conditions, and you will learn to appreciate the flow of reciprocal abundance as a gift in and of itself.