Who moved my cheese?!?!

Its my rotation to work this upcoming Saturday which meant I had yesterday off. Since the weather was lovely I decided to be pool side for a few hours....

Yes those are super handy flamingo clips to keep your towel in place

The only thing that could make this setup complete was a good book. I just finished reading then watching "The Last Song", so I went through my roommates collection to see what I could find....

Earlier this month when I went to visit the Dave Ramsey Show HERE I remembered seeing this book in his gift shop, so I figured, why not?!?!

As the front of the book states, it basically teaches you how to recognize, adapt to, and enjoy change whenever it happens. Simple I know, but hard to do.  It uses 4 characters- Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw to describe the 4 ways most people react to change. Change for them being that the cheese they hunt down everyday was always in the same spot, then it got moved in the maze and they have to track it down again. 'Cheese' being a metaphor for what it is you want in life.

The whole purpose of me sharing this with you, is its a HIGHLY effective tool that hundreds of companies have passed down to their employees so everyone is on the same page when dealing with change as it arises (which we all know the most constant thing in life is change)

So although I took some of these principles to heart with my current job, I started looking at it in terms of exercise- more importantly running.

I know there are a bunch of us in the running blog world that were once competitive athletes, myself included. Regardless of if your competitions ended after high school or if your 'career' finished when you graduated college, we've all changed since those days- mentally, physically, physiologically (i'm about 20lbs heavier than in hs 135lbs vs. 155lbs, others have had children etc)

Although majority of us recognize we can't compete at the same level of performance that we were once capable, we still beat ourselves down knowing we could probably do better.

For me, I ran cross country and track in highschool. Running a 20-22 min 5k, 60 sec 400, 2:25 800, or a 6 min mile were all times that came easy to me. The thought of reaching any of those times now is frankly laughable as I am not intensely training and my body is much different than when I was 14-18. Although its frustrating, rather than being a "HEM" and moping, complaining, and doing nothing about it but hoping things will change, I decided to train for a different distance- the half marathon. There was ZERO expectations going into my quest since I had no prior experience, and there is PLENTY of room for improvement with this distance.

This was my favorite quote in the book because I can admit I'm afraid of change. When it comes to my running, I'm almost afraid to pick a training plan to stick to in fear that I won't get better. So what I've been doing is just working out / running when its convenient or when I feel like it. If my times aren't improving than I just tell myself "well its not like I put a lot of effort into it" sad to admit but its true. 

With the decrease in humidity, its getting much more favorable to do outdoor runs. Starting in September I WILL choose or create an actual weekly plan to STICK TO so I can get better. 

Is there anything with your training that you're afraid of?

This story reminded me that although I'll probably never be able to be the runner I once was, I can turn myself into a different type of runner- more long distance- and be the type of runner I always thought I could never become----a marathon runner (eventually) 

* Don't forget about my Pay it Forward Giveaway. You have till 8/29 to enter!*

Changes

Everything happened yesterday, only had time to write it today.

1. One of the great benefits of living in Nashville, is that Dave Ramsey lives here and his Financial Peace University is taught about 1 mile down the road from where I work. I just so happen to work at the headquarters branch of my company, so we're well known in the Franklin / Nashville area, so Dave offered our employees the opportunity to do his Financial Peace course online... for FREE! Its a 12 week course and I just finished the 4th week- Dumping Debt where it talks about getting rid of items that cause debt (aka credit cards)
Yesterday I decided to cut one up- so liberating!

That's Rick my facilitator- hes easy on the eyes

The other two random things dont' necessarily have to do with me, but I wanted to share since I'm indirectly affected: When it comes to friends, I generally get along with everybody, however there are very few (i'm talking I can count on 1 hand) that I'm super close to and trust with all my secrets. Right now in my life there are only 3 people who know pretty much everything about me:

RJ

Grew up together, up until this past fall, has been chasing me to date him since age 14, both live in Nashville now. 

Jenna

Met shortly after college, worked together, lived with eachother for a few  years- literally been to hell and back with one another. 

 Stephen

Upon moving to Nashville- first real friend I made. (aside from RJ being here) He is my go to about all my problems, and always willing to dish out advice and drown sorrows in a good beer. 

 so they mean the world to me and I share in their joys / sorrows and they do the same for me. 

2.) 2 weeks ago I found out via facebook (not even a phone call) that RJ proposed to his gf of 8 months. I get a text yesterday from him asking my new address to send a wedding invite because they're already planning everything (that was FAST) 

3.)  May 21 I went to Jenna's baby shower and she informed me she decided to just get married the following week at the court house before her fiance (now husband) leaves for Marines- so in 3 weeks time not only did she get married, but yesterday she had an emergency c section (not due till July 12) and she had a baby boy. 

If you're still actually reading this post you may think- "whats your point?"

My point is that I can deal with seeing every day on facebook that one of 'my friends' is engaged, recently married, or had a baby.... its a whole different story when its the ones that mean the most to you in life. I can't help but feel a little 'inadequate' because I'm nowhere near starting that "next chapter". 

I actually changed my status yesterday morning to something of the effect of "feeling a little behind in this thing called life..." 

I realized it may sound borderline depressed, so I deleted it, but my brother saw it in time to write on my wall...

Eric Jameson

You've accomlished SOOOOOOO much in life and done things many people haven't even dreamed. Keep your chin up and big smile

Yesterday at 10:23am ·  ·   · See Friendship

I realized he's right, I've had some awesome experiences in the last 5 years. While others have been settling down, I've been "finding myself" and having fun. Everyone always wants what they don't have, thats just human nature- since I don't have the stability of starting a family... or having anyone to start a family with, I yearn for it at times. Running fills that void for me most times, and since my running has been slacking I get to experience the side effects.

Today marks a new day- no more pity party for Lisa.
Remind myself - Good things come to those who wait .... I have GREAT things coming my way :)