What motivates you?

The first weekend of March I successfully finished my second marathon, the Gasparilla Marathon. 26.2 miles have a uniqueness of their own.... It all started on Friday as I traveled to my old stomping ground in Tampa, Florida. I was able to catch up with my mom there. It was nice being able to spend time with the women that inspires me daily to be a good person and work hard to achieve my goals. We spent the weekend together as I prepared for my marathon.
Race morning finally rolled around and it was my time to shine! I woke up before the sun and started the journey. It was 70 degrees and humid at the start.

The marathon started and the large mass of individuals began to stroll down Bayshore Blvd. to Davis Island. The first 6 miles were on the small island, running pass the channel, the airport and the large homes that line Davis Island. Those miles were perfect!

After leaving Davis Island we ran passed my old University where all the memories started flood my brain....I honestly can't remember miles 7 to 11 because of all the thoughts that were coming in out. I was in a happy little running world :o)

At about mile 13 is when it started to turn. Not my running but rather the weather... I looked up and the sky was black I was thinking what am I suppose to do at a time like this. Just keep running I guess, no one else was stopping. So I continued on through the 20 mph gusts of wind, the 10 degree temperature drop and the down pour of rain.

So the question was asked, "What motivates you in a time like this?"

Perhaps the fact that the fans were still out cheering, my inspiring play list on my ipod, seeing my mom at the many mile markers cheering, maybe the fact I was so happy to be in Tampa, or perhaps the simple fact that I love tackling challenges and 26.2 miles in crazy weather was just that!

While out on the course I learned a lot about myself. I learned that in tough situations we have two choices. Give up and go home or stand up and challenge it. Face the challenge, preserver and go after what you came out to do.

I was proud when I finished, unlike my last marathon where I struggled the last few miles this time was different as I negative split my final 6 miles.

When I crossed the finish line I smiled... I was proud of myself, I set out to go after a goal and accomplished it stronger than I thought I could. So what motivates me?

Perhaps that day it was the smile of satisfaction!

keep on runnin' -Kim

Inspirational

I find inspiration in my boyfriend.... Nick (my boyfriend) races for Jelly Belly Professional Cycling Team. He is currently in rainy California racing in the biggest US Tour there is. They are starting stage 3 tomorrow of 4 days of racing. Check out the tour site to know more http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/about.html.


The weather out in California has been pretty rotten 40 degrees and raining. These men are racing 100 + miles a day and racing for the one and only title of the Yellow Jersey of the 2009 Tour of California. Last night I watch the battle on VS. and got to talk to Nick after the race. Despite the weather conditions and the tough terrain Nick keeps a positive spirit and races hard day in and out. I admire his passion and determination in the sport. His eagerness to strive and succeed is commendable.

I wish I could be there to cheer him on but look forward to being updated on cyclingnews and hearing his voice on his phone calls.

Nick, your biggest fans are cheering you on here (me and Lucky).

-Kim

Washing your bike is like washing your dog...

So I have come to find out that every time I take the time to wash my bike and make it all shiny it just so happens to rain the next time I go to ride. Then my shiny bicycle turns into a spotted dirt mess from wet roads.

Well today I learned the same lesson. This morning when I woke up with my stinky Lucky (puppy) laying next to me I decided, "Puppy you need a bath!" So this morning I turned the tub on and it was bath time for Lucky. Yes she is a lab so she is a water dog, at first she spends most her time drinking the bath water. Then it is scrubbing time. After a fun bath time (which I find my self laughing out loud at the personality she has)I let her hang out around the house. That is when I made the mistake, I gave her a new bone for her to chew, well, now the bone is crusted all over her paws and legs. So now I have a dirty puppy again!

Life's Lessons: Newly washed bikes will turn dirty fast. Newly washed puppies will never stay clean! :o)

-Kim

Lucky

Our Puppy has a name!


Lucky

Take the High Road

Learning about yourself is a life long process. How you deal with situations as they present themselves, how you react to them, and what comes of it are all character building. This week I was challenged quite a bit and learned a great deal about myself. When things feel like they are crumbling and you feel alone you have to reach deeper than that. You have to believe in you and in the people that care about you.


Here are a few of the strengths I received this week that I thought were worth sharing for others to use too.

You have to be bigger than that and "Take the High Road". Treat people the way you want to be treated and you will succeed. - from my Dad

Be strong, and whenever you are feeling a moment of doubt, look within yourself, close your eyes, and see all the lives that you have changed for the better. -Nick, my boyfriend

No one is in charge of your happiness except you. -Steph, my best friend

Move forward with high confidence, raw determination and a well founded knowledge of your uniqueness. -Michael M, a great athlete and role model.

I am so appreciative of the support!


The Lotus Flower, is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.

Puppy update

Sorry it has been overdue since my last entry.... I have been in puppy world!

It has been exactly one week since we have gotten our puppy. She still is looking for a name but the name of Monkey has been sticking.
Notes on the Pup:
*She likes to chew on things, mainly fingers so watch your prize possessions if she comes within range of your phalanges.
*Peeing on the carpet seems to be WAY cooler than the grass.
*She is unsure of what to think of the mirror, perhaps another chocolate lab of her size wanting to play.
*And note to self the smallest pup of the liter is not necessarily the shyest personality!

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." -Gene Hill