Where's the Beach?

Happy October 1st. What happened to September? I almost feel like the month didn't even happen it went by so quickly. However, I do think that I actually took time to enjoy it more. And sometimes being happy makes time fly by so much faster don't you think? I've been reading some really inspring posts lately. I never feel as if I'm all that inspiring or insightful. I either think too much or not enough. I haven't decided yet. One thing that has really stuck for me from September was the  Slow Down Challenge . I'm really trying to keep this challenge in mind and not let it have been just a passing phase. When I am reminded of slowing down, enjoying the moments, not rushing through life, it also reminds me of the whole notion of glorification of "busy." You see it, the brags on Facebook about how, "I'm just sooooo busy I don't even have time to eat." "I'm sooo busy I can't workout...visit friends...cook dinner...et...

I talked about the Slow Down Challenge last week, and while the official "challenge" is over, it doesn't mean we have to stop slowing down. In fact, I made a very conscious effort to do just that over the week. I felt it was important to savor the time with my sister and her kids. I turned off the computer and didn't log back on until around 10:30 Saturday morning. And it felt fantastic. I didn't even check my phone. I have also started to try to pay more attention to what's around me. To notice new things. To enjoy the details of life. For example, this is a building I walk by Monday through Friday to and from the office. I love the details. Jason had to stop by his office (across from mine), I waited in the car with the sunroof open, windows down, music up, just enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and architecture. And there's something about dappled sunlight that just makes me happy. Saturday, I took a client to the park for her workout. It w...

Yesterday I linked to Lindsay's post where she introduced the Slow Down Challenge . I love the idea. I need this. So I did sign up for it. This morning, as I was eating my oatmeal, I opened my email from Jeff Goins (the catalyst for this challenge) and today's challenge was " Savor ." Talk about perfect timing. He does mention that this isn't just about savoring food, it's savoring moments as well, like sunrises, sunsets, or maybe just that mental quiet that comes from running. I know I savored that time today during my run. Challenge: Savor Take your time with food today. If you're the one who cooks in your home, spend more than the minimum amount of time preparing the meal.  Slowly cut and cook each ingredient, imagining what they will taste like when blended. When you eat, chew slowly. Make each bite intentional and deliberate, counting to at least 20 before swallowing.  As you do, remember to appreciate and enjoy all the flavors in the fo...

To say this week is totally off kilter is a mild understatement. Of course Monday was a holiday for us, so that throws off the week from the get go. But now my running emotions are all over the place. Because I was off Monday, I had decided to get in my 10-mile run. Well, originally I thought I would do 6. The decision to go farther came a little bit later, and how I came to that one I had no clue (you'll understand in a moment). What I failed to take into consideration is the insanely hot, just shy of 40 mile bike ride Jason and I had gone on the previous day. And of course it was still hot and humid Monday. It was 77 degrees when I set out just after 7am. Thankfully there were a few sprinkles along the way. That was about the only good part of the run it turns out. Oh, and because my initial intention was 6 miles, I didn't eat anything prior to the run. Yep, keeps getting better for me. From the start, I felt off. I couldn't seem to get my breathing regulated, my fo...