seeing cities.

One reason I enjoy being in running shape is that when I visit a new area, I can traverse it by foot. Granted, there are certain cities—New York, DC, Madrid, to name a few—that require NO running to cover serious ground by foot, as walking/subway is the best way to see the sights, but running delivers something altogether different. (<--That's not a link, I just wanted to emphasize it. Fancy that, eh?)

On our road trip last summer [HOW was that over a year ago?!], Z and I made sure to run at every stop along our journey, and I think that was one of my favorite aspects of the trip. Whether along the streets of Charleston, through the woods in New Jersey, or beside the river in Philly, running in those places gave us a sense of the locale, a piece of its personality. Running allows me to see a city from a wholly unique perspective, and somehow gives me a [pretty much unwarranted] sense of ownership or something, like I'm not like every other tourist or something.

Seven miles through Washington, D.C., confirmed this conviction.

A week ago, I was exploring the area of town around my host's house, and on the way to Dupont Circle happened upon Pacer's Running Store. Outside the store, a sign read, "4-6mi group fun-run, Tuesdays 7pm," and I thought…Why not? 

I didn't take this picture of Dupont Circle's park, but I did sit under that very tree before the group run...

thoughts from a plane (MM#27)

about a week ago I flew from TLH to DC and jotted down some thoughts to pass the time.  

i type them here, on this mindful monday, to productively reflect and rebuild...

When I return to Tallahassee in a few short days, I will be one. month. away. from my departure to the UK. Ahhh!

In recent weeks/months, it's seemed that not a day passes that I don't have to relay to someone my future plans and aspirations. And while the prospects are exciting, I admit I've sensed an internal twinge of uncertainty/anxiety/fear for what I'm getting myself into...

teaser.

I have MUCH to post, but I have to run out the door to meet a friend at a metro station (whaaatt??). 

Therefore, all you get is this snapshot I took a few minutes before my plane landed (whaaatt??).

Can you guess where I am?

-M

never give up.

In this summertime season, the list of goals to attack always seems to be long: Submit applications for such-and-such school, job, or scholarship; Start getting more sleep; Get back in touch with old friends; etc., etc., etc.

The athletes reading this know that summer is often the season where goals are silently realized. What I mean is, the goals of improving your personal best, making the team, or qualifying for Nationals don't just magically get checked off at the end of the competitive season.

Summer is when it happens.

For runners, summer means base mileage. For soccer players, summer means strength, speed, and getting back to the joy of the game through kick-arounds. It's not necessarily that the toughest workouts are done in these hot Junes, Julys, and Augusts. Rather, the taxation is of the spirit-- the day-in-day-out necessary grind to improve yourself and stay dedicated to the goals you set out to achieve. As my [brother's] buddy Aaron so awesomely illustrates, it's these dog days that breed success.

Today (right about now, to be specific), my dear friend and future sister-in-law begins to reap some of the benefits of staying true to her goals, summer after summer, year after year. To coincide with the Opening Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics, here's a little takeaway from Ms. Janson herself:

"Never give up. If you love it, never give up on it, even though it can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming and difficult and labor intensive. It's hard work and it takes a lot of time, and a lot of years, and persistence, and education. Never surrender and never give up, and you'll get where you're supposed to be."     -Lacy Janson

Happy Friday, and happy OLYMPICS!
U-S-A!  U-S-A!  U-S-A!

-M

Life lately (MM#25)

The natural way for me to start this post is with a big fat SORRY for being so distant lately...

...but maybe instead I'll offer a YOU'RE WELCOME for coming back :)

Either way, I'm glad to be able to share some of what my life's been like these past few weeks. [Maybe you're interested, maybe you're not.] Here's a wee taste of what's been going down:

a. Got a job! I've been working at a local health and fitness center for the past month, and it's been great to get to know the staff and so many members of the community [all while working off this extra Italy weight!]. I don't have a picture of me working, nor of me working out, so instead, here's a picture of me from a zillion years ago as motivation to get back into shape...