There is growth in stagnation. Rest is necessary to improve. Even in running, if we don’t run slow 80% of the time, or “easy”, you will not improve. And with that I will also add that the 20% of speed work and hill work is equally as important.

I am grateful, so very grateful for rest. I am tired. I have been trying to do so much and yet, have not been getting to some of the most important things to me (like this website), but that is okay! I have been through a lot of change and it is worth it to me. I am excited about my new venture! So very thrilled that I am willing to run and exercise at night which has, ugh, NEVER been a preference. It’s turning out easier than I anticipated, which is AAAWWWEEESSSOOOMMMEEEE!!!

I’m grateful for a body that moves, my spin bike, and a new to me bike (Gary Fisher/Big Sur) I bought used today! I’m feeling a wee achy due to an easy but long spin last evening. It is that good kind of achiness, not that awful, “I feel old” pain. I don’t experience that anymore unless I eat processed foods, sugars, dairy, or meat. No, thank you, not today (my husband literally, this minute, told me that he wants to go to Ritter’s for a frozen custard. I still struggle, addict that I am! However, I can do it for him without indulging! I’ve got this! Not always, but today I do!).

I’m grateful for going on “adventures” with the pups. They do not run. English Bulldogs will get terribly winded and sick if they run too very much. Play on words, folks! My website/coaching is all about maturing tenaciously! Bulldogs = tenacious. Absolutely! I will take one or two at a time on the leash and we will walk about 1/8 of a mile and back…they smile and are so joyous. It makes my day!

I’m grateful for an easy weekend. I needed an easy weekend. I do have to go to the dentist tomorrow for my bridge work. Payback for years of indulging in crap. I have always taken care of my teeth and practice(d) good hygiene, but it did not stand up against the processed and engineered food of the American diet. I’m thankful for this practice that I found when I was in excruciating pain on the weekend. Great dentist and awesome staff.

I’m grateful for this “chickpea” fettucine I’m enjoying as I type this. It has roasted eggplant, onions, and cauliflower in it. After heating it up I added raw spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Delicious. Seasoned with garlic powder and Italian Seasoning, two of my favorites.

I have been very off kilter this week, this month. It is the return of thick humidity here in Florida, which takes the body time to adjust. The anniversary of my brother, Sean’s, premature death. Both Brian (youngest brother – another premature death) and Sean (3 years older), have birthdays this month, as well. “Death is nothing at all…”