In less than a week, May 17, is the Ride for Missing and Exploited Children on our city. This century ride goes through the county visiting schools to bring awareness to the dangers our children face in our world these days.
It is a great ride, with great people. There are 350 riders this year. The most this ride has ever had. Word has got around as to what a great day this is. Visiting the schools along the way, seeing and hearing all those kids is quite a rush. It always lifts my heart and mind.
And with what has happened in Cleveland this past week, there is new meaning in the ride. It shows good things can happen and we must never give up hope.
This is one ride I am very proud to be a part of. There are going to be a lot of smiling faces riding and cheering this year.
I am moving up an age group this month. I never give it much thought as to getting older. It just happens. And I nver give much thought about winning any of the raod races I enter. There are a lot of good runners out there and well, I am just happy I can get out there and join them much less win anything.
But as I move up now, the numbers in the age group are growing fewer. Time and the pounding of the rood take it’s toll. The people I run with always kid that the only way we will win anything is to just outlast everyone and be the only one left in the senior age group, maybe 80 and older. (I hope I can still be running when I am that age.)
But I have to be smart about this. Maybe pick a new race or one that is not a popular race that all the fast runners get into. Probably a 5K too. I can do good in the short races. Maybe a trail race too. These are less popular, sometimes grueling and less runners.
So we will see. A little competition is always good and it is always fun.
Today I am grateful for:
1. Spring and Sun
2. No more muscle aches
3. Good bike rides
4. Getting things done
5. That my wife is going to be a grand mother
in my goal to drink more wine. I have not had any in several weeks (Not to worry. I have had a few beers in this time period.)
Last night I found a bottle of white wine in my garage. I don’t know where it came from but I had a couple glasses. I was pretty good and I think finishing this bottle would be a good thing to do.
I have been away from 43Things this week. After last weekend, it just took a little time to decompress. Plus, there were a bunch of things going on in both work and play.
I did get a few things done in April that I wanted, but the list I had was far from complete. The weather had much to do with it. I did get the fertilizer down on the lawn. For me, that was a big accomplishment. The grass still looks like hell, but heck, it is still early in the spring.
But last weekend was The Best. It was Flower City Weekend. The best sports weekend in this area. The duathlon was on Saturday, the half marathon was on Sunday. And I am so pleased to report I finished each. The days were perfect for each event. I had a lot of friends there, both watching and participating. The organizers did a super job. It was a fun and rewarding time.
I may have paid a bit of a price physically. I had to push myself to finish the half marathon. Recovery time is now a bit longer than I anticipated. It is one of the reasons I have been away this week. But I am pretty much back to normal now.
Hopefully now I can finish all the things I need to do in May. Another busy month ahead. But I think it will be fun too.
Today starts a big weekend here in town. Duathlon today and half marathon tomorrow. With all my muscle issues of late, I am not sure how I will do. I hope I can finish both events.
But in the grand scheme of it, it is just about being there and taking part. I have a lot of friends involved in the events this weekend and it will be great to see them, cheer them on and share the experience. It does not matter who finishes first.
I hope to see a lot of smiles and laughter today and tomorrow. People enjoying life and completing a challenge. What could be better than that.
So you want to write something on my du bracelet?
Yes, something to motivate you. Then you write on mine.
OK. Here is a pen…...Oh that is cute. “Plant Powered” and a little flower…..I have a good one for you.
And I love how you laugh. I knew I you would, and it makes me laugh too.
I love to make you laugh.
I hope your are a joyous day and the future holds great things for you.
Enjoy this day and everyday henceforth.
Much Happiness to You!!!
Today I am grateful for:
1. My calf feeling better after pulling it again on Saturday (and why am I so injury prone all of a sudden?)
2. Not losing it when helping my sister move
3. Two strong and very helpful sons
4. My nephew who takes care of his Mom
5. Conversation that fairy tales can come true.
Today I am grateful for:
1. Smoothies in the office
2. Lunch time run
3. Reminiscing with photos from a special time, several years ago.
4. Warm weather making for a nice evening bike ride
5. Relief from some nagging injuries. And with all that has happened in Boston, it gives renewed energy to do well in the Flower City Challenge next weekend.
Today I am grateful for:
1. A nice bike ride
2. Meeting new riders
3. My knee feeling much better
4. Attending the birthday party for my niece
5. The great conversation with my nephew. He has had a lot of trouble in his life and he looks to be pulling it together. He is turning into a very good young man. I am very proud of him.
I sure hope you are having a super day and a most glorious birthday today.
Enjoy this lovely day.
Happy Happy Birthday.
I got a few things started from my list.
With the nice weather over the weekend I got a lot of the yard cleaned up. That felt good to get done.
Did a little cleanup in the garage. Took some old motor oil to the auto parts store for recycling. And some books to the library for an upcoming book sale. I found some old papers of mu Mom’s too. They dated back to 1998 and farther back. I figured it was time to get rid of them.
I got my bike cleaned up and even got a short ride in.
Lot’s more to do in the coming weeks.
I recently had a short conversation with eclectic passion on small children and the kind of influence they can have us. It reminded me of some songs I like featuring young children singing along in the song. They sure add some fun to the music and make it uplifting. Becasue that is what kids are basically; uplifting.
M.A.G.I.C. by Sounds of Arrows The kids here sing along on the chorus and add that uplifting element to this song. It would not be as good if they were not singing.
Jump Rope by Blue October This is one of the more positive songs by this group. The lead singer is not noted for this type of song. It portrays a great attitude and it is one of my favorite running songs. Those kids at the end singing their jump rope song, it makes me pick up my pace while running and then join them in their jump rope adventure.
Raconte Moi Une Histoire by M83 This is my new favorite song. I don’t know if that is a small child in this song. It sure sounds like one. The words are something I might expect from a child, cute and innocent. Also it is how a child might view the world. And when I think about it, it would be nice if we all were frogs.
