Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Perspective...

It was an interesting morning as I headed out for my Wednesday am run. Usually on this run I have my running buddy, but today I was heading out alone! It's always different alone. It was drizzly this morning so I was trying to talk myself out of going and just doing a DVD instead. However, I headed out the door anyway as I knew I would feel GREAT as soon as I got out there and especially after the run was over!
I cranked up some music (one headphone for safety reasons) and headed out the door! I was quickly reminded of why I love to run(note the sarcasm sign!) down certain streets on garbage day. I am not known for my ability to jump (Tony Horton would bust a gut if he saw me doing his plyoX workout, however I do it anyway because it's fun, challenging and good for me!) and off I go jumping and leaping over trash cans and lids. It didn't seem to matter if I ran street or sidewalk, the stuff is all over! I was blessed today to not trip and fall on this run! I don't know about anyone else, but my mind wanders when I run alone. I work to find my focus and just go, keeping myself at a fairly constant pace and heart rate.
So I have to admit, I was saying some choice words about and to the garbage collectors (in my head) about the obstacle course of trash cans all over... I forgot about it for awhile as I ran into an area away from the neighborhood that didn't have trash cans all over, then my mind wandered somewhere else for a bit. Then as I hit the turn in my loop where I head home, there is the garbage truck! I am heading up one of the larger hills and thinking to myself. GREAT not only do I have to jump over and around this stuff, but I will probably get hit with a flying trash can lid instead. Well much to my surprise, I start passing the truck (and they were stopped, weird) and there is two guys back there... GREAT now they are going to mock me instead! Here's where I got some new perspective. Two guys behind the truck, clapping and cheering me on... "Great pace, keep it up", "Good for you"! I was so floored I almost fell over! I'd been cursing them, and they totally blew me away, being nice!
I find it funny how the simple things make a difference in your day! Not only did I think about how much work it would be if all the trash cans, lids and recycle bins were all placed perfectly back in place (not that I don't think it would be nice) but I realized that they are people too trying to do their job to the best of their ability!
It takes all kinds of people to make this world go round... So what are you going to do to make today a better day for someone else, without expecting anything in return?
And on another note here's my new favorite smoothie 'recipe': Enjoy!
approximately 2 cups or large handfuls of Kale
scoop of chia seeds
1/2 cup of frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup of frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup of frozen blueberries
Blend in blender with adequate water to desired consistency. Yummy!!! This is my favorite breakfast before running.
Anyone have a favorite protein powder they like to use... I would love to try one, as it would be great to drink after hard workouts! Please share with me!
I hope everyone has a great day... I just opened the windows, as I realized that it is warmer outside then in and I was a bit chilly in here! Here comes the sun!! Off to do some homework now!!