Accountability. Where do we learn this? How do we stay focused on this? Naturally, it is a learned behavior, pretty early on in life and then practiced throughout one’s lifetime. Often times, we have someone or someones to be accountable to….our parents/guardians, teachers, friends, loves, spouses, bosses, clients, kids, etc…
I believe the person we have to be accountable to the most is our own Self. Yes, with a capital S. Why not? If you are not accountable, what are you? If you don’t hold yourself in high regard, what are you? If you are not able to be there for yourself and hold your own, what are you? We are all more capable than we can imagine. I look around the world and see people accept and live with such mediocrity, such complacency….and all I want to do is get as far away from these things as possible. My life has never and will never be about either of those things…of settling for the mediocrity of anything. And, I am the one truly accountable for this. No one else. Even if I had tons of family or kids…it would still be me. No one else lives in my shoes, thinks what I think, has to go thru my day to day things. We are all on our own. Essentially. People fill in and can be and are complimentary, but no one else is gonna do it for us. We must do it. You want something? Go get it. No one will just hand it to you. Work for it. Earn it. Enjoy the “hunt”. Of course there will be times when we all wish it was easier. I am not immune from this. But if it was easy, chances are you wouldn’t want it. These words are not for everyone. Some people are just not very internally motivated or ambitious or driven or whatever. No judgement. We are all different. But if you are someone who is aiming, who is reaching, who is going for IT….Keep Going…Keep doing your thing. Get up every day and make a little bit of progress. It’s not about hitting a grand slam every day….it’s single after single after single. You will have success, whatever that means to you, but it must be earned. Enjoy the challenge. Let it feed you. Let it lift you up. You want something? Make a stand. Show up. Be accountable. To YOU.
The plan this morning was to wake up at 5am to catch the Gentlemen’s Singles Final at Wimbledon. Then, go run 10 miles. So, I got up at 5am only to see the match wouldn’t begin until 6am…yeah! more sleep. Re-start the engines at 6am. I watched the first couple of games between Federer and Murray and THEN decided to make the coffee, Peet’s GAIA Organic Blend. Yum.
I was thrilled to be able to watch the match on TV. This was the first match I’d been able to watch of the entire Wimbledon Tournament because I had not yet had my cable installed. I finally took care of that bit of business yesterday! Just in time to catch Federer!! I figured I would eat, watch the match and then go out and run. The match then had a rain delay and I decided to adjust my plans. Not knowing how long the delay would be, I decided I would go run on the treadmill at the club and watch the match whenever it resumed. I didn’t really want to run 10 miles on treadmill, but if I got to watch the match, I would be entertained! Thankfully, as soon as I arrived, the match re-started. First couple of miles, I was not too focused, but then afterwards, I was all good. Got into a good rhythm.
Watching Federer play is always such a gift, in my book. He is so composed, so talented and graceful. He is a beautiful athlete to watch perform. Like he is dancing out there…amazing footwork and touch. As I have begun to play tennis, I feel like I can appreciate even more his and all these other elite Athletes talents. Amazing. I was thrilled to watch him win another Grand Slam Final. Unbelievable. 17 Grand Slam Titles. Unreal. Talk about consistency.
So, as the match kept going, so did I. I ran the first 5.5 miles and then restarted the machine since it was going to stop soon anyway at 60 minutes. Re-started and ran for another 5 miles, a total of 10.5 miles. Felt pretty good almost the entire run. Like, i mentioned, had a little bit of a hard time getting going, but then had a nice pace. Ate 2 GU Vanilla Gels to keep me going.
10.5 miles/pace 9:02 per mile.
I finally signed up for the race I have been targeting; the SF Half Marathon on 7/29. Getting excited. Feels like I NEED to race. It feels like a long time since I ran a road race and I guess it sure has been! I am looking forward to getting out there and seeing what I can do come race day! All I can do is prepare the best I can and put my best self forward. A few more weeks of preparation and then it showtime.
Back to tennis: if you were not able to watch the match or the ceremony afterwards, you missed a great event. Murray’s comments afterwards were humbling, touching and gracious. He cried. He showed his humanity. You understood that he did give all he had and how much he had wanted to win. Much respect to him and how he played. I have a feeling these 2 fellas will meet again soon.
“Remember that if you don’t go to the starting line, you will never view the whole course with all its possibilities. And you will certainly never see the glories of the finish line.” – Amby Burfoot
“If I am still standing at the end of the race, hit me with a board and knock me down, because that means I didn’t run hard enough.” – Steve Jones
“There is nothing quite so gentle, deep, and irrational as our running—and nothing quite so savage, and so wild.” – Bernd Heinrich
“I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent. As simplistic as this may sound, it is still the common denominator separating those who live their dreams from those who live in regret.” – Anonymous
A couple of weeks ago, my work/office decided to do a version of The Biggest Loser. While I don’t need to lose weight, I decided I would participate anyway…just for fun and also for a way to be supportive to others in the office. I was happy to see this kind of “event” take place in our office because, as you know, I am an advocate of fitness and health.
I have worked in my office for 6 years and during that time, i have tried to get others to run local road races with me. Sometimes successful, sometimes not. By successful, I mean that 1 or 2 other folks would join in. I was happy about that but always wished for more participation. sigh…. Obviously, over the years, many people have come to know me as a runner. They may not know anything else about me on a personal level, but they know I run. Often times, while in the breakroom or elevator, someone will ask me, “so, when is your next race?” That always feels good, ya know.
Well, the time has come and we might just be on to something here…Once the Biggest Loser contest was announced 2 weeks ago, I decided I would organize/lead a running group after work one day a week. I had no idea if anyone would be interested but I wanted to put the offer out there nonetheless. I decided I would run alone on those days if no one came. I got word out to the office about the run, mentioning that it would be a run/walk 3-4 miles on Tuesdays at 5:15pm. I put run/walk to encourage people even if they didn’t or couldn’t run the entire way.
Our first run was last week and it turned out to be myself and one guy. I was shocked when he said he was running with me. The main reason was because I have not had any real rapport with him or anything in the past. I thought if anyone were to come along, it would be people who I have talked to a lot of are pals with in the office. Me and this guy have barely exchanged 3 sentences over the past 4-5 years. I was shocked, but pleasantly so.
So, he and I headed out and we went slow. He admitted he is out of shape and trying to lose weight for his upcoming wedding. We chatted a little but not much. He needed to stop at 2 different points to walk a bit and I stopped with him. I truly felt so happy to be out there with him. I could tell he was struggling, but wanting to push through…and when it was too much, he had to stop. There was something about it that was vulnerable and humbling. Does that make sense?
We ran from our office building and back. When finished, he thanked me and i congratulated him. I then went on to run 1 more mile at a faster pace.
I really got a lot out of it and I feel like he did too. For me, it was nice to run with someone else and go directly from work. And then the big plus was feeling like I helped someone else just by being there. He seemed very appreciative afterwards and I was happy for him because I know he wants to lose weight and be healthier. Win, Win!
When people in the office heard about our run the next day, we got a few more people interested. Well, Tuesday rolled around and it was about 40 degrees (colder w/ wind chill) and drizzly. I figured those that had been interested would cop out. Well, I was wrong. 2 gals joined us so us 4 ran the same route as the week prior. 3.67 miles. All together. This time, the fella who ran with me the first time did not stop. Not once. Happy for him. Kudos to them all for being willing to go. It would have been sooo easy to let it slip away and take refuge inside on a treadmill or not exercise at all.
Today, people were asking about our run and more seem interested to join in next Tuesday. I could not be more thrilled.
Like I said…we just might be on to something here….
Man, i need to take notes or something. I feel like by the time Sunday rolls around, I have a hard time remembering the last week. Anyone else feel that way?
Let’s see, I remember being sore the day after my 16+ miler. I also ran 2 days during the week. Other than that, it’s kinda blurry except for one notable thing that happened: i lost someone.
No, not lost as in DIED, but lost as in someone moved away. Who? He was someone at work. He was kinda like my direct “boss”, but really he was more like a mentor to me. And just a really good guy! In my profession, it is so beneficial to have a mentor, to have a “coach”, someone who can kick your butt, challenge you, support you, and cheer for you. He did all of this for me and for many others in our office, but I think over the past 2 years he and i had developed a deeper bond. He gave me a really tough time. And I loved it. His motivational/coaching style was a perfect fit for me. He was NOT AT ALL a touchy-feely person (I am) and so that was an interesting dynamic in itself. Before he came to our office, I knew I could be successful, but he made me believe it even more. He challenged me every day and some days I would get pretty irritated with him, but inside, I was thankful. Thankful that he cared enough to keep pushing me.
Last Friday, we were all called in for a lunch meeting and the announcement was that he had received a promotion and would be leaving at the end of the day. Of course, i knew someone in his position would not be there forever and of course, I am happy for his own success, but selfishly, I was pretty sad. But, he definitely laid a lot of ground work for me and his eyes, his voice and his mannerisms will be with me every day. We had our good-bye moment near the end of they day and tears flooded my eyes. I thought maybe i saw i gleam in his too. Maybe…
I walked out the doors and let myself cry. Thanks, MH. I will miss you and yep, i am gonna keep pushing!
Oct 4: 8 miles – outside
Oct 1: 5.57 miles – outside
Sept 29: 3.2 miles – outside
A very lite week of running. Was feeling under the weather all weekend. Can’t believe I ran 8 today. I’m not worried about the race. I just want to go run. I miss being at a race. Last race i did was was a 5k back in May!
Hope everyone is getting some good workouts & races in!
July 8: 47 min run – approx 5 miles outside
July 7: 3.5 miles – treadmill
July 5: 8 miles – outside, silver comet trail
July 4: 5.25 miles – outside
July 3: 4 x 800 w/ 90 sec recovery; 4:14, 3:56, 3:58, 4:04 splits
July 2: 4 miles – treadmill
July 1: 3 miles – outside
The training for my next marathon is now in “official” effect. I feel committed and excited. Each time i begin training, it is different. Each time brings new challenges and new revelations. And of course, some things are the same. Some of the roads or trails i will venture on are the same ones I’ve been running on…and they serve as comfort. They are my friends. Part of my support system. Welcoming me back again. Challenging and cheering.
October in San Francisco. I will be there.
Inspiration all around. From Federer and Roddick; from Lance and from my beloved SF Giants. And, from all those people in life who I see out of the roads trying to exercise, trying to just get a walk in or a slow run. They are sometimes overweight and I think of the struggles they might go through and how its not easy for them to get out there. But they do it. They put on their own gear and get out the door. I nod and I smile and cheer them on. We are all on the same, aren’t we?
Why I Ride: An Open Letter
by Lance Armstrong
WHY I RIDE
About a year ago, during our LIVESTRONG Summit in Columbus, Ohio, I started thinking about returning to professional cycling. I knew I could compete at the highest level of racing but this time I was motivated from a different perspective.
Meeting so many people over the years…so many survivors…has built in me an ever greater sense of urgency addressing the hurdles in cancer control and, ultimately, telling survivors’ stories. The stories tell it all. The triumphs and challenges are all part of the LIVESTRONG community and the human narrative. That collective, grassroots movement built by all of you has been remarkably powerful for me personally and also powerful in moving cancer back into the consciousness of decision makers.
That energy is why I am riding again: to make cancer a global priority.
A GLOBAL SOCIAL MOVEMENT
Cancer will be the leading cause of death, globally, in 2010. This disease affects 28 million people worldwide. Its projected growth over the next 20 years statistically dwarfs other diseases. In many parts of the world, cancer is considered a death sentence. Survivors are labeled and cruelly stigmatized. With 30 to 40 percent of all cancers being preventable, a shared global strategy that combines prevention and innovation is essential. As LIVESTRONG and our partners continue to build a global social movement, it’s imperative that we tie the strands of all disease control together to be more effective.
We know the numbers. We know various ways to control this disease. We know how to better care for those suffering. We know where triggers exist. Simply put, we know a great deal. What is missing in this equation is a global focus supporting those who are suffering in silence, organizing community action and aggressively developing the most innovative research.
THE SUMMIT AND BEYOND
The purpose of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit is to draw the eyes of the world to the global cancer burden and also the challenges of stigmatization. Our Dublin Summit and global campaign will provide a platform for telling the stories and highlighting the outstanding work going on around the globe to alleviate the pain and suffering of cancer. Over the last six months, our LIVESTRONG team and I have met with various prime ministers, health and finance ministers, parliamentarians, cancer experts, NGO leaders, advocates and, of course, survivors to see how can we continue to push for fresh investments in cancer control. We have asked leaders all over the world to offer new “commitments” in making cancer a global priority. The response has been tremendous and this same cross-section of leaders – well-known and not so well-known – will all be collaborating in Dublin for two and half days of forward-thinking action.
We will see participation from all five continents, 62 countries, over 300 commitments and an anticipated 500 delegates, joining together in Dublin from August 24th-26th to make cancer a global priority. The growing global network of advocates spurred by this Summit has committed roughly $200 million in fresh investments, just as a start. Government commitments are estimated in the billions. While financial contributions are obviously important, other leaders will be using the Summit to announce significant policy shifts, advocacy campaigns or direct services to survivors. So, the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit is providing the license and platform in which to highlight great advances and collaboration on the next steps for action.
Some examples include:
Jordan:
$300 million for the King Hussein Institute for Biotechnology and Cancer, funding three cancer control initiatives, including creating an Office of Advocacy and Survivorship
Netherlands:
The Dutch Cancer Society will be introducing web-based clinical trials.
China:
The Chinese Anti-Cancer Association is planning to screen 530,000 women per year in 30 provinces
Brazil:
TUCCA (Brain Tumors Assoc. for Children and Adolescents), will be building the first pediatric hospice in Brazil
Australia:
$2 billion in the new Australian government budget for cancer control
LET’S CHANGE THE EQUATION
Building a social movement takes time, focus and ultimately an impassioned, consistent and active chorus of voices for change. LIVESTRONG has become a community for people from all over the world doing just that. While the Dublin Summit and continuing global campaign provide an occasion for elected leaders to tell their stories and exhibit truly innovative practices in combating this disease, it is also about individual advocates, multilateral organizations, NGO’s and community-based leadership all over the world working together. LIVESTRONG can only accomplish progress in partnership with others, collaborating across all sectors on prevention and innovative practices.
It’s so empowering to see individuals all over the world advancing this issue in the most creative ways. It’s also encouraging to see more leaders in power taking innovative steps. LIVESTRONG chooses lead as a source for inspiration, knowledge and by offering the tools to build this newly emerging global social movement.
What's Possible... 