Coaching, Day 71 and Where We Are Today

Hit&Runners,

Sometimes, I am simply overwhelmed by the happiness that comes with this community of people.  People large and small, super athletic and just starting out, people from my life in NY, my life in CO, and my virtual life on the internet...it's a truly special feeling to be here, to be present with you all.

The 100 Day Challenge didn't work out exactly as I'd planned.  Honestly, though, I think it has worked out better.  I know I have moved with intention every single day for at least 30 minutes, but often the intention part isn't conscious.  It's a walk with my cousin and her dog, parking further from my destination to save a couple of bucks, drumming my heart out on Rock Band, or jumping around a field with 13 little girls.



I have a tendency to think really, really big.  I then have a tendency to perpetually let myself down.  Little by little, though, 2011 is becoming a year of putting things in perspective, celebrating small accomplishments and taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, physically and emotionally.

Finally, after many nagging injuries, a weird virus and just a really hard time feeling like myself, I feel I've had a breakthrough in my running.  I have run now three times pain-free, I have discovered some things about preparing my muscles and preparing nutritionally that have me in a better place.  It feels in so many ways like I am coming back to myself:  back to running, back to seeing the world around me, back to the optimism that keeps me putting myself out there for whatever wondrous adventures the world sees fit to bestow upon me.

Coaching for me is a way of turning down the volume on myself and taking the time to hear things that have been drowned out by the blaring of my own broken records playing in my head.  I find myself saying things I didn't know I believed.  I make similies and metaphors that clear up mysteries for others  that I was pondering myself.  I try to be gentle with others but tough when it is necessary, which are gifts I'd like to give to myself.  From my GOTR girls, from my runners scattered around the globe, and from the ones I see here in Denver on a regular basis, I get, quite simply, joy.  I almost feel guilty to selfishly slurp up the joy that radiates off of all of you, but somehow I don't think you mind.

I am running the Colfax Half-Marathon on May 15, and I am running to raise funds for Girls on the Run of the Rockies.  If you can donate, even just a dollar or two, I'd be incredibly grateful.  I promise not to use this forum to continually solicit donations, but this is such an important program.  I haven't met any woman who has heard about this who doesn't say, "Gosh, I wish I'd had this as a kid!"  Here's the link to my page:   Donate!

Thank you, and please send newsy updates!

Go Go Go!
Coach Andi