The "Q" Word

Do you ever reach the point where you want to just throw in the towel, wipe your hands clean, and call it quits? Oh, I've certainly been there many times! Now, it's Brittany's turn to be faced with these difficult questions. Care to lend me an ear?

As I mentioned before, Brittany's cross country/track coach was let go back in the fall. A new coach was hired a few months ago. Since that time, things have gone rapidly downhill and I think we've reached a breaking point. When the former coach left, it caused a MAJOR division on the team. I can't go into all the details, but several of the girls were very bitter that he got let go and blamed other girls on the team for it happening. Needless to say, with Brittany being the newbie, she got tossed in the middle and made to feel as though she had to pick sides. She has tried her best to remain neutral.

Well, since the coach's departure, 5 girls have quit the team and about that many guys. Two of the girls left just yesterday, only 2 days after their first track meet of the season. I must be honest, I saw it coming. Brittany has been keeping me well informed of everything that's been going on; we just didn't see it happening that quickly.

Brittany has been pretty unhappy with the new coach since Day 1. I have learned that she's not the only one...everyone on the team feels the same way. They are required to practice every single day, including weekends, at 6:45 AM, then they have afternoon practices everyday, as well, from 3:00-5:30 PM. He even makes them practice for 2 hours on the morning they leave for meets, which is usually 10 AM. They have no days off and no days to recover. This is quite a change from the way the other coach ran the program. All the runners are completely exhausted and burned out. They have to follow this strict schedule and, also, keep up with their schoolwork. They truly have no time left to catch up on their rest, much less have any kind of social life. It's as though their coach has made running the #1 priority. Now, I completely understand that they're getting paid to run, but at the same time, their rigorous schedule has caused these runners to lose their love for the sport...it's become a drudgery.

All of the team is going in as a unified group this afternoon to talk to the coach. Brittany has talked to him by herself already, but nothing changed. He told her the main reason he's scheduled early morning practices is so they won't stay out late. I'm sorry, but that's what college kids do! They have their entire lives ahead of them to work and to meet deadlines. It's as though the coach is denying them the opportunity to make the most of their college experience. Chris and I would hate to see her running career come to an end like this, but we simply cannot have her be miserable. She has never been a quitter with anything she's decided to do and we've always taught our girls that once you start something, finish it. However, I think she's come to a crossroads where she's asking herself if it's really worth the pain and heartache to continue on. Whatever she decides to do, she has our full support.

If you would, say a prayer for Brittany that God will give her some direction in this matter. I love this quote and think it's very fitting for the situation we're facing right now.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."~Bessie Anderson Stanley~

So, it's not about the trophies and ribbons or record-breaking moments that define you a person. It's the happiness you've attained in yourself...and nurtured in others that makes the difference.

My 8th Vlog~Oh, My Aching...

Back, thighs, ankles...EVERYTHING hurts! The reason, you may be wondering? Well, I had this grand idea yesterday to go running at the park with Brittany. I know, I know, what in the world got into me? Temporary insanity, perhaps? I've been running for 8 1/2 years, so it's nothing new to me. However, running with my daughter, who is a beast, is a whole different ballgame. We got ready to start and before I could click my stopwatch, she blew out of there like a speed demon! No way in the world was I going to catch up with her...but, I tried...oh, how I tried! I ran the longest I have in awhile...just shy of 5 miles. Then, I walked another mile or so trying to find Brittany. I was a solid ball of sweat by the time all was said and done!

My poor ol' back starting setting up yesterday afternoon, so I knew it was going to be bad. However, when I attempted to crawl out of bed this morning, I soon realized just how bad it really was! Every bone and muscle in my body screamed out in pain! So, let me now introduce you to my newest best friend...ALEVE. Yes, though it's designed for arthritis sufferers, let me tell you that it helps tired, aching muscles and joints to feel so much better! I am a true believer!

Now, today I'm participating in Vlogemotions Carnival over at Fort Thompson and I talk about the strongest emotion I've had for this week. It's my shortest vlog yet!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So, the next time my 17 year old daughter says, "Hey, Mom, let's go for a run together", I'm going to think long and hard about agreeing to it! Thanks, honey, but ol' Mom would much rather go it alone, rather than have to suffer the consequences!

"Pain is temporary, pride is forever!"~Author Unknown

Never Thought I Could!

I have a box of cards, called Food for Thought, which contains some very thought-provoking questions. I've decided to use these cards several times a month, possibly more, for my post subjects. Sometimes, I have difficulty coming up with different ideas to post about, so maybe this will help.

The question of the day is: Share a time when you worked hard at something and finally achieved your goal. How did you feel?

Well, not long after my mom passed away in November of 2000, I made the decision to start running. I think it helped me cope with a lot of the emotions I was experiencing at the time. Perhaps, I was trying to "run" from the pain and grief of losing my best friend. Whatever the reason, I was very determined to do something I never thought I could do...compete in a 5K.

I recall when I first started out and could run on the treadmill for only 10 mins. or so without becoming winded. At first, I was discouraged, but with a little time, I was able to run for 3-4 miles, sometimes even 5! I ran 6 miles with Chris in our old neighborhood, once, and was completely blown away that I had MADE IT!!! I was so sore the next day or two, so I paid the price!

Chris has always been a runner...he ran cross country and track in high school. I, on the other hand, was athletic, but I was a cheerleader, so it was a bit different. He encouraged me to enter my first 5K not too long after I began running. I thought about it, then thought about it some more. I decided to take on the challenge because I wanted to prove to myself (and to everyone else!) that I could finish! I had never, at that point, run anywhere other than the treadmill. What in the world was I thinking???

Race day came and I was a nervous wreck! There were a lot of people lined up to compete. We all stood there sizing each other up and down. "Yeah, I can take her", I said to myself. Umm, SHE was about a 75 year old woman! :) We were instructed to listen for the gun to sound...my heart was pounding out of my chest! POW!...we were off!

We ran all through the streets of our hometown with people lining both sides of the road. The muscles in my legs felt like they were on fire! When I reached about the halfway point, a daunting feeling came over me..."Why did I ever agree to do this?" Had there been a perfect opportunity, I might have taken a leap and exited out of the race in a hurry, but I stayed with it! The competitive spirit in me was taking hold. I think what really made me want to keep going was when I heard Abby yell out, "Mom, you're beating a man!" I'm telling you, as soon as I heard those words, I got a second wind and I poured on the juice!

Well, I came across that finish line and it was a moment I won't soon forget...pure exhilaration! I felt like I had just won the Olympic marathon! Chris and the girls ran over and hugged me and told me they were proud of me. Then, Chris said, "April, I think you were the first woman to finish!" I asked him for clarification because I couldn't believe my ears! Yes, I ended up placing first for my age division! I was so excited! I had just won my very first 5K! I came home with a nice trophy to show for it...I think I even slept with it that night! LOL!

Since that time, I've run in numerous other 5K's and have won several more for my age division. I've proven to myself that I can do just about anything I put my mind to, with a little hard work, determination, and lots of sweat!

Here I am with Brittany in May of 2007. We both ran in a Memorial Day 5K. Brittany was the first female finisher, overall, and I won first place for my age division. Woo Hoo! It was such a great day because we reached our goals together. We ran in the same race last year. Brittany, once again, was the first female finisher, overall. I, on the other hand, placed third in my age division. I gave it my all, so it was still a fun experience! Chris has tried to talk me into running a half-marathon. I enjoy running...just don't know if I like it enough to do it for 13.1 miles!!!

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."

Let your Thursday be one filled with thankfulness for all the goals you've reached...when you never thought you could!