One thing I've learned about myself is that I can often lose motivation rather quickly and so it's important that I remind myself why I do what I do. As a way to remind myself of why I'm out there pushing my body I've got 4 very important things on me at all times.
1. My wedding band. Above all I need to remember it's not just about me. Katie is my rock. She is the one woman, person, friend I can always rely on no matter what. She will be there cheering me on as I get a personal record or there to pick me up when I don't come anywhere close. She's the one that got me into running in the first place. She's the one that gives me the freedom to run whenever I want and the one that'll drive out into snow storms or out of her way to give me a bottle of water when I need it most. Most importantly it helps to remind me that her and I are a team and I cannot look at any of this as "Operation Me", when it really has to be about "Operation Us." Katie and I are going to run every half marathon together until she breaks her goal of under two hours. We try again this coming Sunday!
2. My red "Relentless" Leukemia and Lymphoma bracelet. This bracelet was given to me by my good friend Meghan. She had originally given me one that her mother wore during her battle with L&L, but unfortunately it was stolen with Kate's jewelry box this past December. This bracelet reminds me why I started running in the first place. It was a way to show someone I cared about how much I cared and a way to express how much I wanted to help them through a difficult time without knowing what to say or how to do it. Although it all started with Mr. and Mrs. McCann the bracelet helps me remember many of the people I run for, like my dad. It reminds me that no matter how hard it is to get out and run some of my longer runs that things could be much worse. It means more than that though, it also reminds me that I have others looking out for me and supporting me from numerous directions.
3. My black One With Them bracelet. This bracelet's meaning is something entirely different to me than it's intent. This was given to me by my friend Jack before he moved back home. It's also got a few meanings to me. First, it reminds me to keep faith in God. Things happen for a reason and some recent events in my life have shown me just how true this statement is. Second, it reminds me that I have more of an influence and an impact on people than I ever realized and that I need to stay confident in myself. Since the beginning of this year I have had so many of my family and friends reach out to me and tell me how much I've inspired and influenced them. Jack went from someone that hated running to someone that's now going to be training for a marathon. My brother has lost almost 50 pounds and is training hard to run in this years Falmouth Road Race. My sister has also reached out to me for fitness advice and is going to start training with me in the next few weeks. It's been really incredible and I'm so thankful to know that I can make a difference in someone's life.
4. My Paige 2-25-10 bracelet. Paige is always on my mind. I'm always pushing to set a good example and always trying my hardest to make sure she's proud of me, but I didn't carry anything on me while I ran that reminded solely of her. I recently purchased a bracelet with her name and birthday on it, and I've been wearing it every day. It's a way for me to always remember that no matter what happens to me during a run, or throughout the day there is someone that depends on me more than anything. It just so happens that that little someone can also brighten my day and make me do things I never thought possible. Paige has a new found love for motorcycles. I recently told Kate that if she keeps up this love for motorcycles I'm going to have to learn to ride one and then buy one, because there is no way int his world I'm going to disappoint my little girl. If she thinks they're cool, then her dad is going to be cool! She continues to help me reevaluate all the choices I make. Would it set the right example? Is this something I want her to do one day? Sometimes it'd difficult, but I know being a role model, especially for her isn't always going to be easy. I need her in my life and I always want to carry something with me that reminds me of how much love I have for my baby girl.
Now, just because I know Matt usually has some smart ass comment I'll also throw out there that I always have 3 Doors Down on my IPod. Surprise! I recently just saw them for the 30th time, and it was a blast. Keep on rocking! I'll keep on going!
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