Friday, October 9, 2015

Friday Five: Motivation!

I didn't have a post planned for today but I'm jumping in at the last minute with the DC trifecta for a perfectly themed post as I head to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon--People Who Motivate Me.

I get asked all the time about motivation. What keeps me going, who keeps me going, how I keep pushing through those tough workouts....

Looking for answers on the run
My #1 motivation: Mental Health. It's no secret that I'm a pretty high-strung person. Some may even call me anxious. Well, let me tell you that I am a much calmer person when I run and workout. I started running in my 20s as a way to channel my nervous energy and I have never stopped. Running has made me achieve things that would never have been possible as the old nervous wreck that was me. When I saw Becky yesterday for my pep talk, the one thing she wanted me to know was how much I have changed throughout this year's marathon prep. In her words: "a 180 degree turnaround from where you started". Less anxiety leads to more confidence. Yes, please!

I don't want to let this lady down...
And speaking of Coach Becky, she is a huge motivator for me! I cannot thank my friend Karen, who owns the CrossFit box where I train with Becky, enough for connecting me. When I was questioning if I was going to be able to run at the level I wanted, thinking that I would just fade away as I aged, Becky has injected life back into these 50-something legs. If you've been following me, you know that I go from astonished to thrilled about my progress and performance. I have to tell you that this has been fun, and Becky makes me believe that age really is just a number. Now, if only she could do something about those wrinkles...

Dinner with my family made my birthday complete!
#3 would have to be my sons. Sure, they are teenagers and I embarrass them on a regular basis, just by virtue of being Mom. But I hear them talk about me and my running with pride. My youngest came home from a tough rugby conditioning workout and said to me "you could have done this one easily, Mom". Yep. I always said I never wanted to be that mom on the bench watching them have fun. I've been able to keep up with them, and that's been great.

The pope at my mom and dad's church?
#4 My dad has suffered from osteoarthritis since his early 50s, having his first joint replacement at age 55. He's had multiple surgeries since then, including both hips (which have been since revised), a knee, and 2 surgeries on his back. He's always been active, but not formally, and I am so determined to avoid the physical disabilities that he has suffered from. The good thing about my dad is that he pushes through the pain (with a lot of complaining) and keeps on going. He also has a great sense of humor, something I have luckily inherited from him. That complaining gene is also something I inherited...

with some of my wonderful friends
#5 My fellow runners and bloggers keep me on track. I read a ton of blogs, and I get so much information and motivation from all of you. As I revealed my angst this week about approaching the start line of Chicago Marathon #3, you've all been amazingly supportive and encouraging. I had lunch yesterday with 2 of my running girlfriends, and we all talked about the amount of support in the virtual running community. This is my thank you to all of you who have read my posts, commented, and propped me up when I was doubting myself. I hope to make all of you proud!

Lucky me to have all this motivation in my life!

Who motivates you? What motivates you? Check out this perfectly timed link up with the DC trifecta: Mar @ Mar on the Run, Courtney @ EatPrayRun DC, and Cynthia @ You Signed Up for What?

78 comments :

  1. Yes to all! Physical and mental health top the list for me as well. And of course I run (and blog) for the social aspect, which is awesome!

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    1. And I didn't have a recent picture of you or I would have put that in as well...you know how much I value your friendship! <3

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  2. You have a great support system and built in motivation. Good luck this weekend you so got this!

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    1. Thank you! You are part of that awesome support group and I am so lucky and grateful!

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  3. Sounds like you have a great support system. I too find motivation from fellow bloggers as well as on social media.

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  4. Awwww! You motivate me as well. However, I can no longer keep up with you!

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    1. I don't know about that!! I'm looking forward to the off season and some leisurely running. With my friends...

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  5. You motivate me!!! This weekend for me is Wendy's Chicago marathon weekend!! So excited for you!!! You got this!!

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    1. You are the best! I can't wait to cheer you on at LA (from Chicago, that is...)! You are going to do great.

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  6. You are a great motivator as well!!! It is funny that you say that about your sons. I have three sons. My youngest tells me when I make him walk fast that "I am not a professional runner like you." I tell him I am not professional runner, I just work hard. I am sending you lots of good vibes for this weekend, have a fun great Chicago Marathon
    bakingrunner.blogspot.com

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  7. WENDY! Love this so much. As you know, I'm super pumped for you on Sunday - just added you to my tracking app. Can't wait to follow along as you rock it!!!! Remember that you HAVE put in the work and you CAN do this! xx

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    1. I loved this theme--it really hit the spot for me. I am feeling so much love and support--is it possible? Thank you! I hope to make you proud!

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  8. You are right. There is so much support in the blogging community. My kids surprised me with flowers and candy this week to cheer me up about missing Chicago. And my hubs is taking me on a distraction trip. You can't beat that kind of support either. You Rock It, Sista!

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    1. I'm so sad you aren't able to come. I hope you enjoy your trip! And heal up. There's more races to run...

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  9. I love this SO much!! Many, many good lucks this weekend - I'll be rooting for you!!

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  10. I have a lot of running friends, too, in close proximity and all across the nation and world. A handful are at the top of the list of being strong motivators for my own apprentice-level journey. You are in that number. No question.
    Those wrinkles? Don't wish them away. You earned them and they are beautiful. Beautiful.
    Have a great, great time in Chicago this weekend. We'll all be watching for the recap. You're going to kill it. No question.
    C.

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  11. my dad & all my aunts have had knee problems where they've all ended up with surgeries & in wheelchairs - I'm doing all I can to prevent that as well

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    1. I'm glad my dad is doing so well. Thank goodness for modern medicine, right?

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  12. Good luck at your race this weekend! I know you'll do great!!

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  13. A awesome support system makes all the difference! that often is a combo of family, friends and sometimes total strangers! Enjoy the weekend, can't wait to hear all about it!

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    1. Isn't that the truth? I just got back from the expo and random strangers wished me good luck! So much goodwill.

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  14. YAY! I know that Becky has been a huge source of support for you (and MAKES you do things you think you can't do!!) and I'm so happy that you found her; that is a great relationship to have! Good luck at the race; I know you're going to kill it and I'll be cheering from afar!

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    1. There is no way I'd be running like I am without Becky. We all need a Becky in our lives, don't we?

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  15. Love everything about this post. My mental health is my number one motivator, followed by my hubby, friends and family. Best wishes on Sunday! <3

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    1. My hubby is funny about my running--he's supportive but in subtle ways. You can't be a needy person around him, which is why running is so good for me.

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  16. Mental health is a great motivator. Anytime I feel stressed or anxious about something going for a run always helps me clear my head. And I always return feeling much better.

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    1. And that is the truth. Sometimes I get so anxious for a race that I wonder why I do this to myself! Then I cross the finish line--that sense of accomplishment is unmatched by any other feeling.

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  17. Love this. And such a great compliment your son gave you. My daughter made me proud when she said she wanted to come and see me race Sunday :) Out of the blue !

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    1. My boys may go down to the marathon too--wouldn't that be something?

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  18. I think a lot of us look at our parents and grandparents and don't want to end up debilitated or dependent on anyone. We know more than they did about prevention, for sure!

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  19. This is awesome. My boys are a major motivation for me as well! How awesome what your son said, that must have made you feel like a badass! I hope my boys are saying that to me in 10 years!!

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    1. Oh, I felt pretty good about that one! They may go down to the marathon to spectate. Wouldn't that be something?

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  20. It's a good feeling when it's the little things our kids say that seem to matter the most! Good job Mom! You've got this one! When it gets tough out there this weekend think of where you started and how far you've come! And if you need some extra motivation and a little fun, pick you out a young guy and wink at him as you speed past! ;)

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    1. Well, now I like the way you think! That's why we're friends, after all...

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  21. Awesome! I do think having a coach would definitely help with motivation. Loved reading this post and I wish you well with your upcoming marathon. Go get it!

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    1. Thank you! Yep, the coach made all the difference for me! Best money I've ever spent.

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  22. We runner bloggers are a rare breed--and that is why we are amazing and unstoppable. You are going to do amazing things this weekend! I am so glad that I finally got to meet you!

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    1. That's right--unstoppable! And back at you. We need to meet up more.

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  23. People who achieve their "impossibles" motivate me. I love hearing about people who beat the odds, overcome challenges, and finish strong. You are such a great motivator, too, and you always look FABULOUS! Have an awesome race!!!

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    1. You are too kind! I just hope to make myself proud! To be running like this at 53 is really something I could never have imagined! It's really cool.

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  24. Sounds like you have a great support system! I'll be cheering for you on Sunday from CT!!

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  25. Your dad is too adorable, just hanging out there with the (cardboard) pope. It sounds like you have such a wonderful support system! The running blogging community never ceases to amaze with how supportive and encouraging they are. And how inspiring - you inspire me every time I read your blog! I'll be cheering for you from Portland on Sunday (and probably asking the RRCA teacher if we can pleas turn on the marathon)!

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    1. I loved that picture too, and that captures my dad. LOL. And he texted the picture to me. He signs all his texts : dad.

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  26. LOVE this ;-) I'm actually working on a blog post,highlighting one of the best side-effects of social media...my VRB's (Virtual Running Buddies). FB gets on my last nerve some days, but it has brought so many wonderful friends into my life. You are totally gonna rock Chi-Town!!

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    1. People just rip on FB, and it sure has its flaws, but I wouldn't know you or any of my other vrbs without it. Lucky me!

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  27. Lucky you indeed! Your cup definitely runneth (sp???) over with love and support. :) Boy do your sons look like you!

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  28. Keeping my mental health healthy is definitely a big motivator for me. Running really helps to keep my depression at bay

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    1. Me too! What would we do without our endorphins (or endocannibinoids...)

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  29. You will make us all proud no matter what happens this weekend! You have been a big inspiration to many, Wendy! I'm honestly not sure what it is that keeps me motivated. I think that I am making up for a non-athletic childhood now - and finding that I have some natural talent - so it may be the curiosity to see just how good of a triathlete and cyclist I can be that keeps me motivated.

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    1. I hear ya on the natural talent. Too bad I didn't realize it when I was younger! Funny how life turns out.

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  30. Funny how running helps our mental health, but in totally different ways. When I'm not running, I become this sad, no energy person who just wants to sit in a corner and eat donuts. Running helps bring my moods up.

    Good luck this weekend! You are going to rock it!

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    1. Right there with you on the donuts. That is bad place for me to be!

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  31. Wow who motivates me? I would have to say family and friends, fellow bloggers and fellow fitness buffs!

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    1. My fellow bloggers and runners are my biggest source of motivation!

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  32. My running motivation has evolved over the years, but I am motivated by staying healthy, mentally and physically, and keeping up with my husband, who still out-runs me, but makes makes me smile even as he passes me on the run. You're going to have an awesome race! Good luck, enjoy, and most of all, relax.

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  33. I'm so excited for you!!! You are such an inspiration and it is so refreshing to read all about your training.
    Get out there and get it done!! Don't leave anything on the road :)

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  34. I'm becoming less and less of a high strung person. High strung is exhausting! You've got this Wendy. Enjoy the whole experience!

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    1. I am much less high strung than I used to be. Still, it's the way I'm wired...

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  35. Great post! I am motivated because running keeps me sane. I love the solitude when Iam alone and I love the camaraderie when I run with my running friends!

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    1. It seems like there are a lot of us who run to stay sane! Good medicine!

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  36. Yay, Wendy! You got this! Can't wait to hear all about how much you kicked butt and killed the marathon. Good luck--we're all rooting for you!!

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  37. So fun! You got this! I am excited to read how your experience went! :)

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  38. Loved reading how proud your sons are of their mother. You achieved it all right there. :)

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    1. That is the truth. It's hard to be the mom of boys. You really have to take what you get.

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  39. I am loving these 5. I have read on another person's too that they do it for mental healthy and I totally agree.

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  40. Fellow bloggers really motivate me (such as yourself). I love reading other people's trainings and recaps and learning from them. I also am always inspired by those people who start running later in life. Did you k now an 80 year old finished Chicago in like 6 hours? So inspiring!

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    1. Funny you should mention him! I'm starting my recap (up tomorrow) with a quote from him!

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