Danville 8K

On November 14, I ran in the Danville 8K and Half Marathon. The sun peeked through the clouds and we were able to see blue skies for the first time in a week. It was a promising outlook for a great day of racing, but when I arrived at the start, the only thing I found was a man with directions to the “new” starting line of the race. I learned that part of the course had been flooded from the recent rain and runners were relocated to a new start and finish for the race. When I finally arrived at the right location, slightly frazzled but ready to run, I saw lots of familiar faces. The Osborne Baptist Church group was there, all dressed in matching t-shirts. How awesome it was to see ladies from a local church that train together, laugh together, and worship together.

A change in location of the race also meant a change in the course. It proved to be a challenging one, with the start consisting of an uphill assent for what seemed like at least a half a mile. The course was modified into a strange combination of an out and back loop, which 8K participants ran once and the half-marathoners ran a total of three times. The change in course (although more hilly than the original) actually provided runners and their families with an opportunity often missed at other events. So many times my family has come out to support me only to be able to actually see me at the very beginning-when I am jammed in the middle of a crowd of runners-- and then once more as I cross the finish. But today’s event was different. Not only could onlookers see runners at the beginning and finish, but several other times as well. The unique layout of the course also meant that runners passed each other multiple times on the course. This gave those of us who knew each other a chance to cheer each other on, motivate one another, and flash a big thumbs-up when we were too out of breath to do anything else.

My goal for this race was to take it easy and enjoy the race atmosphere. I’ve been nursing a sore tendon in my foot, took two weeks off, and I didn’t want to aggravate it further. After the time off, I knew I couldn’t just go out there and run full blast. Sometimes reality causes us to change our expectations; I tried to match my expectations for myself with reality. As I said the course was hilly and I was expecting a nice, flat run. Somewhere along mile three there was a BIG hill and a voice in my head that said, “Oh go ahead and walk for a second.” Just as I started to slow down my pace, another runner touched my back and said, “Come on. Don’t stop here. You can do it.” I picked up my pace again and I climbed the hill side by side with a total stranger. Yet for a moment, I felt as if I knew her.
You must understand that runners are strange and fragile creatures when it comes to rules of race etiquette. Some think it’s ok to cheer one another on while others think it’s rude to risk breaking a runner’s concentration. As for me, I’m all for cheering-- when I have the breath-- and I know without a doubt that I owe my award from this race to her. She reminded me that I was there to run, even if the running was slow and the hills were a struggle. I won third place in my age group. Thank you “lady-in-the-pink-shirt”.

Meet Duncan...

Rockingham County Humane Society
Featured Pet
Duncan


I miss the summer days when I have more time to visit and volunteer with the animals of the Rockingham County Humane Society. Once school starts, my time is limited because of other obligations, but I still enjoy doing more behind the scenes work like our "Featured Pet" articles. This week I stopped by to drop off the newspapers I gather from friends and family (these are used to line the cages for the animals)and to take a few pictures for Eden's Own Journal. My daughter accompanied me on the trip and we took some time to visit the kittens--her favorite--and see the new faces that are there. In doing so, we see some familiar faces as well...we pet their heads, scratch their ears, and reassure them that they will soon find a home.


Today, our focus was on Duncan, who was found abandoned as a puppy in a local park. I remember when he came to us--he was very timid and shy. Although he is still somewhat shy until you get to know him, I can see that he will be very good in a family with children. He needs love and a child he can run and play with.

Duncan is a 10 month old terrier mix. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Duncan needs lots of love and attention. He has a shy nature and needs a family who will spend lots of time with him. His small build and short hair are just two of the features that make him a great house dog. Duncan loves to have his ears scratched and he is sure to put a smile on your face. He was found as an abandoned puppy and has been with us ever since. If you are interested in adopting Duncan or seeing any other animals available for adoption, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11-4.

Halloween Fun in Eden

Looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend? Can't wait till dark to show off your costume? Come on out to Freedom Park this Saturday, October 31, and enjoy the festivities of the 5th Annual Fall Festival. The event is sponsored by the City of Eden and Pine State Group, Inc. The event is open to all ages and there is sure to be something for everyone!




The fun begins at 10:00 am with Eden Parks and Recreation's Annual Pet Show. Dress your dog or cat up in the cutest (or scariest) costume you can find! Prizes will be awarded for several categories including "Best in Show". I'll be there as a judge for this event, so I hope to see you there! After the pet show, enjoy browsing the arts and crafts or let the kids have fun on the free rides that will be available. Be sure to enter the Costume Contest, which begins at 6:00 pm and start Halloween night out right with the Haunted Trail.

For a list of more events in our area, visit www.exploreedennc.com

Hope to see you there for a frightening good time!

Meet Jack...

"With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?" - Fernand Mery

It’s time to introduce you to a new adoptable pet from Rockingham County Humane Society. Jack is a beautiful cat that has been with us for a little over one year and he’s waiting on his furrrrrr-ever home! When I went to visit Jack, I was quickly reminded that cats are a little harder to photograph than other subjects I’ve had in the past. He was a little scared of the flash, but I told him I was going to “make him famous” if he would let me get a great picture of him. I rubbed his head, scratched his ears, and talked to him…He seemed to understand that I was trying to find him a great home. I played with Jack for awhile and he just purred and purred. He really is a sweet boy who will make a wonderful pet. Of course, a picture can’t do him justice-- you have to look into those bright orange eyes for yourself to see what I mean.



JACK
Rockingham County Humane Society’s
Featured Pet

Jack is a one-year-old orange and white short-haired cat. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Jack is a good boy and loves to purr. Jack has beautiful, bright orange eyes that are filled with love. He enjoys playing with string and chasing balls. He never meets a stranger and would be a great addition for a family with children. Jack is waiting for that special family or individual to adopt him. He would love to crawl in your lap and keep you company. If you are interested in adopting Jack or seeing any other animals available for adoption, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11-4.

Strength for Running & Life

“If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do keep moving.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


While running today, I began to reflect on Friday’s lesson with my students at Dudley High School. My students and I wrote our thoughts about the old saying “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Students were encouraged to share their thoughts about what makes a person strong, what pushes a person to do good, or often times, heroic deeds. And on the other hand, what makes others go so wrong? (All of this will soon tie in with a unit I am planning on Homer’s The Odyssey where we will study strength and personal journeys. We’ll use our experiences in connection with the text to think about where we’ve been, where we are, where we want to be, and how to get there.)

As I rounded the corner at the 1.5 mile mark in my run, I glanced at my watch. 15:07. Not an Olympic qualifying time, but understand that two years ago, running this same stretch of road often took me 20 to 25 minutes. I can see that I’ve gained strength. My form has improved and I no longer need to puff my inhaler before I reach the top of that hill I just climbed.

God has granted me the ability to run and running has helped me to find strength in everyday situations. Running has helped me push myself to succeed, and that push for success has spilled over into other areas of my life. I use that time to reflect, ask questions, make plans… and then pray about those same questions and plans. Without a doubt, my faith makes me strong and it is an important part of my personal journey.

Along the next stretch of road I began thinking about the words my students shared with me in their writing on Friday. One student pointed out that the tough times in our lives are often what make us stronger. I couldn’t agree more as I remembered the time I was in a wheelchair for four months following a car accident in 2001. If someone had told me then that I would be where I am today, doing the things I do, I would have assured them they had my future confused with someone else’s.

My mind drifted further as I thought about the ½ marathon I ran in a few weeks ago. I spent the summer training for it and I finished the race; but, not without mistakes and upsets which included a fall that messed up my shoulder and ankle. Finishing that race was tough, especially after my fall. I was mad, aggravated, and I wanted to cry. In fact, I did cry for a moment. And then I remembered why I was there. I was there to RUN, not walk, not cry, and certainly not to pout. I remember touching my necklace and reciting the verse inscribed on the back: Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” And so, with God’s grace, I continued running and finished the race strong.

I was reminded of some things during that race that will help me be stronger in life. I am reminded that no matter how hard we train or prepare for life, there is no teacher as great as the real thing we call experience. Nothing could have prepared me for the hills of Antietam Battlefield that I encountered in that course other than the real thing. Along the way of life, there will be bumps and bruises… or twisted ankles and sore shoulders. The trick is not simply getting up after the fall, it’s the attitude we have once we are back on our feet. We have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually we cross the finish line. We should never plow over someone else in an effort to get there, yet I have found that finish line to be much sweeter when I smile along the way. The lessons learned during the tough times in life do make us stronger. Personally, I find great comfort in knowing that even in the tough times, I am not alone. I have a God who has blessed me with His comfort and surrounded me with a wonderful family and support system of friends.

And now, as I finish my run and my meandering contemplations about the struggles of life and what makes us strong, I know that I am not here to walk, nor pout, nor cry. I am here to RUN. I am here to do all I can in the time I have, however long (or short) it may be. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all running the race of life. So, double-knot your sneakers and enjoy the run.

"I picked this to tell you I love you..."

My daughter and I were working in the yard today when she came running up to me with a dandelion in her hand. “Here Mama,” she said. “I picked this to tell you I love you.” My heart melted as I gave her a hug and a kiss. We went inside to find a vase for the little dandelion and I decided to take a few pictures of her with the special flower.


This little act of love shown by my daughter got me to thinking about a poem that my daddy shared with me years ago. When I was 17 or 18 years old, my daddy gave me a book of poems called “For You, My Daughter.” The book is a collection of poems edited by Susan Polis Schultz. I keep the book in the top drawer of my dresser, and now that I am a mother, I often pull it out and read a few lines. I am coming to the stage in my life where I can appreciate and understand the things he was telling me years ago.

Here’s one poem from the book that I will pass on to my daughter. This poem was written by Jan Michelsen.

Think freely. Practice patience.
Smile often. Savor special moments.
Live God’s message. Make new
friends. Rediscover old ones. Tell
those you love that you do. Feel
deeply. Forget trouble. Forgive an
enemy. Hope. Grow. Be crazy. Count
your blessings. Observe miracles.
Make them happen. Discard worry.
Give. Give in. Trust enough to take.
Pick some flowers. Share them. Keep
a promise. Look for rainbows. Gaze
at stars. See beauty everywhere.
Work hard. Be wise. Try to
understand. Take time for people.
Make time for yourself. Laugh
heartily. Spread joy. Take a chance.
Reach out. Let someone in. Try
something new. Slow down. Be soft
sometimes. Believe in yourself. Trust
others. See a sunrise. Listen to rain.
Reminisce. Cry when you need to.
Trust life. Have faith. Enjoy wonder.
Comfort a friend. Have good ideas.
Make some mistakes. Learn from
them. Celebrate life.
~Jan Michelsen, 1979

Thanks for sharing, Daddy. Before you know it, the day will be here when I will share this with Lydia. Thanks for teaching me to appreciate the delicate balance that life is.

A nice little poem...

"Autumn...A second Spring, when every leaf is a flower." ~Albert Camus, French author and philospher (1913-1960)

I found this poem yesterday, but I have been unable to identify an author. I think it goes nicely with the theme of my blog and the season. It makes me want to go outside and breath the fall air on this chilly morning; or maybe go for a run and then enjoy a nice cup of coffe on the front porch! Hope you enjoy!

When autumn wind goes running
It does some magic things
It gives the shadows dancing shoes
It gives the bright leaves wings
When autumn wind goes running

It curls the bonfire's tail of smoke
And shares a little whispered joke
With cornstalks who delight to prattle
It turns a seed pod into a rattle
When autumn wind goes running