Hello Everyone,
I've decided to step into the 21st century and get my very own website. This blog will continue to have all of my archived posts, but to continue to follow me and to read all my new posts, you will need to visit www.theracethatfoundme.com. Hope to see you all there!!
Maria :)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
10 Years Ago Today...
It is funny how time really does seem to fly by. Ten years ago to the date, I went on a date that would change my life forever. For those of you who don't know the story, here's a quick recap:
Joe and I had a stats class together freshman year of college and on the first day, I noticed Joe. During the first part of class, the professor announced that he wasn't a fan of teaching so if we didn't want to show up, that would be better for him. Everyday all he needed was the homework for the night before.
I found this comment very odd to say the least. Stats was supposed to be hard and even going to the class that morning was giving me butterflies. I knew I needed all the help I could get so not going was so far from what my thought process was. Furthermore, I thought, "Who would pay for a class and just not show up?"
Well, the next day, I found that a lot of people don't show up for a class when the professor says you don't have to be there. However, there was one hot guy who I missed seeing most.
Fast forward to the next year and I was asked to star in a music video that my friend Dave was directing. It was to Journeys "Separate Ways" and when I showed up, I immediately recognized my male co-star. It was the hot ghost boy from stats. I was introduced and I even learned his name "Joe."
The premise of the video was Joe (my video boyfriend) was late for a date (big surprise if you know Joe) and he was running up the steps to pick me up only to see me leaving with another guy. The shoot was a lot of fun but after, we once again went our 'separate ways.'
Fast forward to junior year, I went to study abroad in London and lived with a girl named Sandra Palestine, then a stranger now one of my best friends in the world. The entire time we were in London, she kept saying that she wanted to introduce me to one of her friends named Joe. I wasn't all that interested as I was enjoying my freedom and furthermore, I had no idea that her Joe was 'the Joe.'
We got back from our semester and the first night back, she had asked me if I would like to come with her to her friend Joe's. I politely declined, but when she came back, she ran into my room and said, "You know Joe. He said he knows you."
She went on to tell me that he knew all my friends and that we were in a music video and a stats class. Holy schmoly, this was happening. The next day we all grabbed a causal dinner for someone's birthday and the entire time, Joe and I were talking and laughing. At the end, we exchanged numbers and found that our active social calendars made it hard to see one another. One night, Joe called and asked if I was hungry. It was 11:00 pm and I was sleeping, but of course, I played it off well. "Yes, I was just going to get something to eat myself." Ha, what a lie!!
So he ended up bringing over some chicken and I had some of Gram's sauce and we made chicken pasta in my kitchen and then watched a movie and the rest is history!!! Happy 10 years to the best running coach, friend, and husband a girl could ask for!!!
Well, the next day, I found that a lot of people don't show up for a class when the professor says you don't have to be there. However, there was one hot guy who I missed seeing most.
Fast forward to the next year and I was asked to star in a music video that my friend Dave was directing. It was to Journeys "Separate Ways" and when I showed up, I immediately recognized my male co-star. It was the hot ghost boy from stats. I was introduced and I even learned his name "Joe."
The premise of the video was Joe (my video boyfriend) was late for a date (big surprise if you know Joe) and he was running up the steps to pick me up only to see me leaving with another guy. The shoot was a lot of fun but after, we once again went our 'separate ways.'
So he ended up bringing over some chicken and I had some of Gram's sauce and we made chicken pasta in my kitchen and then watched a movie and the rest is history!!! Happy 10 years to the best running coach, friend, and husband a girl could ask for!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
My New Soup Blog and A Clarification
I am happy to announce the launch of my brand new soup blog "Soup E. Doup". As some of you may know, I am an avid souper and I have been thinking about doing something like this for a while. The new blog will not be as writing intensive as Running to Get On The Bus. This will allow me to be intentional about trying to post something every day. So what will you see on Soup E. Doup:
1. Recipes
2. Videos
3. Photos
4. Fun Soup Facts
5. Souping Adventures
This blog will have a very different feel than Running to Get On The Bus, which leads me to the next question. With the launch of my new blog, some fans of this blog have written me concerned that this one is ending. Let me clear up the rumors once and for all, THIS BLOG IS STILL CONTINUING. The only thing that changes is instead of one medium to read me, you now have two.
Running to Get On The Bus will continue (with your help of continuing to read it and also pass it onto others, of course) to be the writing heavy blog. I will still talk about my training and other inspirational stories. I appreciate everyone on here who continues to read and follow my adventures.
Love to all!
1. Recipes
2. Videos
3. Photos
4. Fun Soup Facts
5. Souping Adventures
This blog will have a very different feel than Running to Get On The Bus, which leads me to the next question. With the launch of my new blog, some fans of this blog have written me concerned that this one is ending. Let me clear up the rumors once and for all, THIS BLOG IS STILL CONTINUING. The only thing that changes is instead of one medium to read me, you now have two.
Running to Get On The Bus will continue (with your help of continuing to read it and also pass it onto others, of course) to be the writing heavy blog. I will still talk about my training and other inspirational stories. I appreciate everyone on here who continues to read and follow my adventures.
Love to all!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Running= 1/2 Perspiration + 1/2 Inspiration
Last Friday, I made a running/souping date with my good friend Kimberly. We were to get together for a relaxing day of running outside in the cold and then we would recover in the warmth while tasting our amazing (and they were truly yummy) homemade soups.
However, my ulterior motive was to try to knock out a 6-miler, which I had planned to do for the weekend. Although Kimberly told me that she wasn't sure if this would be a great idea, I had it in my mind that it would. In my mind, nothing beats running with a buddy vs. running solo.
We went to my normal running trail on Friday after Kimberly arrived and we were greeted by the freezing cold winds. We started out and for the first mile or so, we were warming up and doing well. However, you could tell that we just weren't totally feeling it. (I think out of the courtesy we didn't say anything to one another). At about mile 1.5 or so, we stopped and stretched. We both made causal comments about the cold, our concerns for potential injuries and the time, as we still wanted to try to pull off making four soups.
We quickly decided to not kid ourselves anymore and we ended up just running out to the two mile marker and back, making our 6-miler into a 4-miler. For a minute, we both did what most runners do when their goals don't match their realities. We became our own worst critics and then, we made excuses.
However, what we quickly realized in this all is that we just weren't feeling it. Our bodies and our minds were saying 'not today' and we had decided to listen to them. We finished the run strong and although we didn't do that 6-miler, I was proud of us for being able to do what we did.
Too often, runners beat themselves up. They push themselves when their inner motivation just isn't there. Although there are some tricks of the trade to get your mind into the game, you must listen to what your body and your mind is saying. On certain days, even the most committed runners just would rather be doing something else. By recognizing this and stepping away, you are cutting your losses for potential injury and you are preserving your inner strength for the next run.
And there will always be a next run. Yesterday, I cranked out the 6-miler plus at the gym. I felt great, my pace was good and I was able to finish strong. I think the reason why I was able to appreciate days like yesterday is that I had a day like Friday. So remember, when you say 'not today', it is really 'a okay'. Just go home and make yourself some soup!
However, my ulterior motive was to try to knock out a 6-miler, which I had planned to do for the weekend. Although Kimberly told me that she wasn't sure if this would be a great idea, I had it in my mind that it would. In my mind, nothing beats running with a buddy vs. running solo.
We went to my normal running trail on Friday after Kimberly arrived and we were greeted by the freezing cold winds. We started out and for the first mile or so, we were warming up and doing well. However, you could tell that we just weren't totally feeling it. (I think out of the courtesy we didn't say anything to one another). At about mile 1.5 or so, we stopped and stretched. We both made causal comments about the cold, our concerns for potential injuries and the time, as we still wanted to try to pull off making four soups.
We quickly decided to not kid ourselves anymore and we ended up just running out to the two mile marker and back, making our 6-miler into a 4-miler. For a minute, we both did what most runners do when their goals don't match their realities. We became our own worst critics and then, we made excuses.
However, what we quickly realized in this all is that we just weren't feeling it. Our bodies and our minds were saying 'not today' and we had decided to listen to them. We finished the run strong and although we didn't do that 6-miler, I was proud of us for being able to do what we did.
Too often, runners beat themselves up. They push themselves when their inner motivation just isn't there. Although there are some tricks of the trade to get your mind into the game, you must listen to what your body and your mind is saying. On certain days, even the most committed runners just would rather be doing something else. By recognizing this and stepping away, you are cutting your losses for potential injury and you are preserving your inner strength for the next run.
And there will always be a next run. Yesterday, I cranked out the 6-miler plus at the gym. I felt great, my pace was good and I was able to finish strong. I think the reason why I was able to appreciate days like yesterday is that I had a day like Friday. So remember, when you say 'not today', it is really 'a okay'. Just go home and make yourself some soup!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Arguing the rules of grammar...
At times, the English language and I have a little disagreement. From having had a grandfather who invented his own words to growing up in the city of Pittsburgh, which has its own "Pittsburghese Dictionary", sometimes I get a little confused.
I also have to admit that sometimes, I just plain out disagree with the rules of grammar. Today my gripe is about the word "happy". According to the rules of grammar, happy is an adjective, a way that we describe a current state. Ex: Maria looks happy. Although this may be true, I feel that the English language gives everyone a pass to say that happiness is somehow out of our control. It is something that we feel when the stars align for us in the right way. This, my friends, is BS.
One of the powerful and also hard lessons I had to learn over my 30 years is that if you are waiting for happiness, get ready for one really, really long wait. I truly believe that in order to obtain happiness, you have to make it into an action.
My brother-in-law recently shared a great book with me to kick off my new year. It is called, "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin and if you haven't read it, go out and get yourself a copy. Throughout the book, Rubin identifies ways in which she wants to be more proactive in obtaining happiness in her life. She uses her current wisdom to formulate her "Secrets of Adulthood," which consists of advice she's learned like always bring a sweater and other people don't notice your mistakes as much as you do. She then targets her "12 Commandments". These include twelve different individualized themes that she works on throughout the year. Each month is a theme and each theme has its own set of individualized goals. Ex: In her marriage theme, one of her goals is to stop nagging her husband. She chronicles her experiences throughout the year and she tweeks the goals that contradict her Secrets to Adulthood. I won't say anymore other than her transformation will leave you thinking about ways in which you can start your own Happiness Project.
You know as well as I, that life has an interesting way of throwing us curve balls. No one stands at the top of the mountain forever, even though sometimes jealousy can cause us to think this. Even if you have lead a seemingly status quo existence, one day your are bound to trip and when you do, I hope that you chose to disagree with the English language as well. Go out there today and make happiness a verb!
I also have to admit that sometimes, I just plain out disagree with the rules of grammar. Today my gripe is about the word "happy". According to the rules of grammar, happy is an adjective, a way that we describe a current state. Ex: Maria looks happy. Although this may be true, I feel that the English language gives everyone a pass to say that happiness is somehow out of our control. It is something that we feel when the stars align for us in the right way. This, my friends, is BS.
One of the powerful and also hard lessons I had to learn over my 30 years is that if you are waiting for happiness, get ready for one really, really long wait. I truly believe that in order to obtain happiness, you have to make it into an action.
My brother-in-law recently shared a great book with me to kick off my new year. It is called, "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin and if you haven't read it, go out and get yourself a copy. Throughout the book, Rubin identifies ways in which she wants to be more proactive in obtaining happiness in her life. She uses her current wisdom to formulate her "Secrets of Adulthood," which consists of advice she's learned like always bring a sweater and other people don't notice your mistakes as much as you do. She then targets her "12 Commandments". These include twelve different individualized themes that she works on throughout the year. Each month is a theme and each theme has its own set of individualized goals. Ex: In her marriage theme, one of her goals is to stop nagging her husband. She chronicles her experiences throughout the year and she tweeks the goals that contradict her Secrets to Adulthood. I won't say anymore other than her transformation will leave you thinking about ways in which you can start your own Happiness Project.
You know as well as I, that life has an interesting way of throwing us curve balls. No one stands at the top of the mountain forever, even though sometimes jealousy can cause us to think this. Even if you have lead a seemingly status quo existence, one day your are bound to trip and when you do, I hope that you chose to disagree with the English language as well. Go out there today and make happiness a verb!
Friday, January 6, 2012
2012- A clean slate for you to fill...
I received a very interesting Christmas gift this year from my in-laws "The Complete Runner's Day-By-Day Log 2012 Calendar." The calendar holds you accountable for your workouts everyday and encourages you to push your mileage and speed weekly and overtime, which is just what I need for 2012.
As you all probably know, I am a fairly avid runner, but I've noticed a pattern in my running habits. When I am not training for something specific, running is something I do, not something I train to do. Now for most of you, there probably isn't much of a distinction between doing something and training to do something. However, if you've ever accomplished something that was very challenging, you probably get my gist. Whenever you have a goal that you are working toward, it just doesn't happen overnight. There's commitment, perseverance and sacrifice, which makes the end result all the much sweeter.
For the past year, I've been running and it's been great. I have accomplished a few small goals, like bringing my mile time down substantially thanks to my amazing running partner Jodi and getting a PR in the Hohokus 5K, but I haven't really been closely monitoring my running. I haven't looked at my training objectively and thought of ways to push myself further.
When I opened this present and took a look at it, I read the first line, which says, "You will wake one bitter January morning as more or less the same runner you were in late December. So why does the dawn of a new year present a useful time to reassess your goals?"
This writer knew what he was saying. The thing I love most about the new year is having a clean slate to fill and the power of being in the driver seat to do it. A wise friend Kimberly and her mom B always said, "We can't control the way the wind blows, but we can control our sails." In life, we chose the way we navigate.
So, what does 2012 have in store for me? I'm sure many great things. I've started by using my calendar to record my mileage monitor my speed. I've made a personal commitment to push myself a little further each week, which is not only for good for me physically, but also mentally. I will also be more intentional this year in sharing my training tips, secrets and mishaps along the way with all of you. As the new year comes, I invite all of you to set your intentions and to be true to yourself in accomplishing your goals. What will 2012 have in store for you?
Monday, December 12, 2011
My Guardian Angel...
I'm still missing my Gram terribly, but I'm feeling reassured that she is right here with me. I am certain of this not only by all the eerie things that have been happening throughout this past week, but also through everyday situations which have not otherwise been planned. One of my final memories with her was watching the Steeler's game and on Wednesday evening, Kelly received a call from her friend asking her if he knew of anyone who would want to go to the Steelers/Browns game?
So on Thursday, my mom and I attended our first Steeler's game. At the half time show when Rusted Root, a native Pittsburgh band, came out and sang their hit song "Send Me On My Way," it felt as though it was her giving us a message from up above. The tears came, but also I was able to smile knowing how happy she must be being united with loved ones that have passed before us.
On Friday when we left Pittsburgh for Baltimore to attend the wedding of Joe's best friend (Steve Kaplan), I was also a bit nervous. Weddings are such happy occasions and I was feeling a little less than joyful to say the least. As we drove down to Baltimore, I was trying to figure out how I would occupy my day as Joe would be busy doing groomsmanly duties with Steve. It wasn't that there weren't options available for me and people there I could meet, which Joe would have been happy to arrange; however, I just wasn't feeling incredibly social and didn't really have the energy.
I decided that I would probably spend my day in the hotel lobby catching up on e-mails until I received a text which I'm sure was sent from above. "Good Morning Maria, when are you coming this way again? I hope I didn't miss you. I would love to see you so when you have a free moment give me a call."
It was Stella* my old Get On The Bus friend. She had recently moved to the DC area and when we chatted a few weeks ago prior to anything happening, I told her that I would be heading down to DC this weekend for the wedding. In the midst of everything, I had forgotten all about calling her and trying to connect with her for the day.
As we exchanged texts back and forth and I told her all about my week, we had both decided that it was fate that brought us together. She had agreed that we needed to hang out for the day and this is what she had written to me prior to us getting together:
"Well, you know my philosophy Maria, God knows just what we need and just when we need it and his heart is full of Holy Hook-ups for us!... I don't know what to say, but God be the Glory and I just seek to please him with my life... Whether you know it or not, effortlessly you have blessed the lives of so many (including my own). I told you that I would never forget what you and Get On The Bus did for my boys. You have no idea how much of an Honor that God is allowing me (of all people) to share and comfort you today."
At about 1:00 pm on Friday, after almost 2 years of not seeing one another, I hopped into Stella's* van and we went on a drive. We exchanged tears of joy, sorrow and pain (as she too had recently lost her brother), but we had a camaraderie that many people can't understand. We met through a challenging time in her life and through it we became friends and now when I needed a shoulder, she was the one there for me.
Thank you does not begin to express how blessed I have felt by her presence and the presence of my friends and family. Just as Stella* said to me years ago, "your kindness does not go unnoticed. I will never forget what you all have been doing for me and my family."
*Names have been changed.
So on Thursday, my mom and I attended our first Steeler's game. At the half time show when Rusted Root, a native Pittsburgh band, came out and sang their hit song "Send Me On My Way," it felt as though it was her giving us a message from up above. The tears came, but also I was able to smile knowing how happy she must be being united with loved ones that have passed before us.
On Friday when we left Pittsburgh for Baltimore to attend the wedding of Joe's best friend (Steve Kaplan), I was also a bit nervous. Weddings are such happy occasions and I was feeling a little less than joyful to say the least. As we drove down to Baltimore, I was trying to figure out how I would occupy my day as Joe would be busy doing groomsmanly duties with Steve. It wasn't that there weren't options available for me and people there I could meet, which Joe would have been happy to arrange; however, I just wasn't feeling incredibly social and didn't really have the energy.
I decided that I would probably spend my day in the hotel lobby catching up on e-mails until I received a text which I'm sure was sent from above. "Good Morning Maria, when are you coming this way again? I hope I didn't miss you. I would love to see you so when you have a free moment give me a call."
It was Stella* my old Get On The Bus friend. She had recently moved to the DC area and when we chatted a few weeks ago prior to anything happening, I told her that I would be heading down to DC this weekend for the wedding. In the midst of everything, I had forgotten all about calling her and trying to connect with her for the day.
As we exchanged texts back and forth and I told her all about my week, we had both decided that it was fate that brought us together. She had agreed that we needed to hang out for the day and this is what she had written to me prior to us getting together:
"Well, you know my philosophy Maria, God knows just what we need and just when we need it and his heart is full of Holy Hook-ups for us!... I don't know what to say, but God be the Glory and I just seek to please him with my life... Whether you know it or not, effortlessly you have blessed the lives of so many (including my own). I told you that I would never forget what you and Get On The Bus did for my boys. You have no idea how much of an Honor that God is allowing me (of all people) to share and comfort you today."
At about 1:00 pm on Friday, after almost 2 years of not seeing one another, I hopped into Stella's* van and we went on a drive. We exchanged tears of joy, sorrow and pain (as she too had recently lost her brother), but we had a camaraderie that many people can't understand. We met through a challenging time in her life and through it we became friends and now when I needed a shoulder, she was the one there for me.
Thank you does not begin to express how blessed I have felt by her presence and the presence of my friends and family. Just as Stella* said to me years ago, "your kindness does not go unnoticed. I will never forget what you all have been doing for me and my family."
*Names have been changed.
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