New Beginnings

I'm getting back on here with some prodding from my WOW friends. So Jayme "Fountain" Little and I have been talking about getting back in the running groove.

The thing is, I miss it, and I miss my running friends.

So this message goes out to anyone thinking about trying something new-TRY IT! I have met some pretty amazing people through WOW, and when I was thinking about getting going again . . . I saw Ray and Pat jogging the other morning-it's a sign!

I am going to meet my dear running friends Saturday am-run miserably, and then look forward to seeing them again. I am a sorry mess of a runner right now-but I miss my friends, so I'm back!:)

Teri

Obstacles!

So our training for the Wizard of Oz Half marathon started this week and already I am running into hurdles. I haven't had an ear infection since I was a kid, but I managed to get one in each ear this week. As a result I have only managed to get in cross-training and two of the four runs I was supposed to do this week! Thankfully I am helping to lead the training group for this run with my buddy, and if we drop the ball we let others down. Like so many other things in my life I find that being accountable to someone keeps me going. When I regularly go to WW meetings I lose weight, when my husband and I are working together on our finances we stay on track, when I am doing a group Bible study I read and study my verses. It sounds so simple, but it is so effective. I would encourage everyone to find at least one running buddy to keep you on track, and if one is good a group is better right? Check out the Diva Dash 5K group or the Wizard of Oz 1/2 group and get going. Keep each other accountable - someone will always be in the mood to say - yeah let's get off the couch and go, and when you have obstacles it's much easier to get going again.

Start Anew...Again

It seems that I am in a pretty simple cycle -- run, don't run, run, don't run -- and as I get back into the run part again my body is punishing me for my time off. It's hard to figure out why I don't run, I just feel better when I do. So then I am happy to be back up and running even as I am icing my hip. I feel better when I run, I look better when I run, I think better when I run! That being said - WOW is beginning a new chapter too!!! I am so excited about the new ideas and thoughts that came from our latest meeting. I think the joining together in running "teams" with one or two leaders is a great step forward in supporting new runners. And Pat's thoughts on "No Runner Left Behind" are great too say the least!!! (though I HATE that theory as applied to education-just had to keep that clear) So look into joining a "team". Two teams are starting this week - Wizard of Oz - Wickedly Fast Half in Olathe, KS on April 16th led by Jayme and Macae and The DIVA DASH womens' 5K on March 5th led by Sarah and Michelle M.

Independence Day!

Hello my running friends. We're approaching the 4th of July-which symbolizes independence. Our country was just an infant at the first moment of July 4th, 1776. That has been an enormous blessing for us all-guaranteeing freedoms many of our ancestors were never granted.



I've tried to attach the link, but it's not working-http://www.runnersworld.com
Search Matt Long-second life.

As I've talked to several friends the past few weeks, it is again, a reminder, that as runners, we have so many freedoms others don't. The ability to just make a cup of coffee, hop in the car and go to the market, hit a movie, or enjoy sitting outside watching the stars. Take a walk, or go for a leisurely run.
The link won't let me upload-if you can't get it-go to youtube, Matt Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v-X5K3yo3tRFY



Sometimes the limitations we have aren't from our politics, but our physical fortitude. We are very lucky, although we might not agree with the leaders we have, to make choices. When a person isn't well, those choices are oblivious, and we're confined by our bodily restrictions.





The article I'm attaching is that of a patriot, and a person who I think embodies the American Spirit. He also has the spirit of the runner-and I hope you find his story motivational.





You know, democracy and the July 4th isn't just about history, it's about the present-and there are many American heroes who walk among us- We all have the ability to make a difference in our own lives, community, and country.


God Bless America!


Hope to see you on the road soon! Be sure to drink plenty of water-it's getting a little warm out there!


Teri


WOW


Women of Warrensburg

Leading the Horse to Water

Hi Ladies-

Well, we've met some resistance. Although we've enjoyed the benefits of running/walking in our lovely community, a small minority view "road runners" as a a group similar to "spoiled-rotten-four-year-old brats."

Let's regroup-our purpose is to provide all women in our community a FREE, SUPPORTIVE group of women to exercise with. ALL WOMEN, ALL ABILITIES, ALL AMBITIONS! We want to be seen and enjoy the town we live in. We wish to be recognized as people who are reaping the benefits of living in a small community.

I truly believe we do consider safety at all measures when we run. And frankly-pedestrians do have the right of way. But with that being said, we don't surge in front of cars in blind abandon. We use reflective gear-run facing traffic, and run with a group if it is dark.

I know for each of you-when you exercise-you feel happy. Obviously, this writer does not know that or he would not condemn and attack it.

With that being said-BE SAFE-I am attaching a link for safety considerations when running on the road.

Hope to see you on the road-SOON!

Teri

WOW

It Changes-But It's Still There!

Hi Ladies-

Spring, Spring, Spring! It's here! Several of us have attended some really cool races. Some of us are gearing up for the season-but race season is here! I'm looking forward to reconnecting with my running friends as my schedule is more forgiving. As Pat would say- "Whoo Whoo!"

You know, life is a cycle. We begin it and transform. And as we get older we go through periods of being docile and inactive, or energetic and motivated. We hit surges and slumps-the constant teeter-tottering. And frankly-it gets old and a little frustrating!

It reminded me (dorky teacher!) of Newton's Law of the Conservation of Energy. Energy isn't created or destroyed; it just changes form.

So what does that mean for us?

Well, I would like to think that we don't "lose it" as we would think when we fall off the exercise wagon. It just changes form. Sometimes, it might show up in the form of tending our children. Other times it might be in focusing on our homes or careers. Then, there are the unforseen instances, where we need to send immediate and focused care to loved ones in need. The sick and the suffering, or just broken-hearted.

As women, we are the caregivers. So many, many, many times our energy is diverted from a workout to those we love. It drains us-it occupies our time-it consumes us. I guess that's life. As Forrest Gump, a very respected runner would say, "Life is like a box of chocolates-you never know what you're gonna get!"

Don't be fooled: Just because you haven't expended it running/walking-you've been using it.

That energy is not created, nor is it destroyed.

It just changes form to fill the needs of those we care about so dearly. It isn't gone. It just changes.

So when you get the time to get back on the street-you WILL have the energy to do so-remember-you had it with you. It didn't leave. Maybe that's why women are built as they are-so they can give immediate abandon to pay full attention to the needs of the circumstances that are on the frontburner. I think somebody had a pretty good plan with this! ;)

We all have a fire within us-it is always there. It might dwindle and fade, but it isn't dying-it's just sending it's light somewhere else that is dark at that moment! So stoke it-build it up-and get recharged! WOW is here when you're ready!

It's a beautiful spring-and I hope to see you all on the road or hear from you soon!

Teri

WOW

Oh the Places You Can Go!

Hello Ladies-

I hope you are all doing terrific and making strides on your journey.

This is the time of the year when I begin to think of the end of the school year. It's also graduation for both high school and collegiate scholars.

I had a visit with a former student the other day. We were talking about his future plans and reflecting on our time together in 5th grade.

It reminded me of the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, the Places You'll Go". (He was a GENIUS!) A dear family friend gave me this for HS graduation. (Dan and Robin Smith) I still read it in my classroom!

Whether we are graduates of high school diplomas or collegiate degrees-or maybe, just maybe, runners on the street, we can all look forward to all the places we can go.

Last weekend, I competed in the Country Music Half Marathon. I was not prepared-I will admit that. But I wanted to experience something new. And I did!

This is a book that was most likely written for graduates or small children even. But don't let yourself think for even a second that we can't have dreams as adults. We can still find those mountains to climb.

The school district I teach in has a motto. "Believe and Achieve". I would like to correct that.

I can tell you after my experience last weekend completing my first half marathon-that it begins with the DREAM that you BELIEVE you can accomplish. And the icing on the cake is when you ACHIEVE it! So whether you are a 1 miler, 5k, 10K, Halfer, Full Marathoner-Keep going!

So to all of you-DREAM-BELIEVE-ACHIEVE! And Oh, the PLACES YOU WILL GO!

http://www/homepages.ius.edu.HARRISLA/places.htm






Hope to see you on the road-Who knows where we will go!
Teri

Move Forward!

Hello WOW girls. Isn't springtime beautiful? As dismal as the winter became spring is rewarding us with some beautiful scenary!

This is the time of year that we begin to creep out from our fuzzy blankets to find the pavement, and have the beckoning call of the road. Friends will call for a walk or run, and frankly, we always don't feel like it. Whether it be work or life, sometimes even the prodding of another can't get us going.

This is where I am-and I realize that I need to pick my own feet up. I need to do it-they can't always do it for me. Some days, I need to go on my solo run and destress from MAP testing, work, and being a busy mom. Other days, I greet my friends who invite me to join them. I have found I need my solo run to regroup right now-and when I am refocused, I will be back-it's been a hard year. But spring is a motivator.

No matter the circumstance-I know I need to go forward. I was watching a movie with my kids and saw a quote by a famous Missourian at the end that truly inspired me.

"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, we keep opening up new doors and doing new things. . . And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Walt Disney

So ladies-whether you are on a path with friends or going solo-KEEP MOVING FORWARD! BE CURIOUS- FIND A NEW ADVENTURE!

Although I haven't seen many of you in awhile-I cherish my running friends- I am excited and proud of all of your endeavors! Go Forward one foot at a time whether it is 1, 3, 6, 13.1, or 26.2!

I'll see you on the road soon!

Keep moving forward!

Teri

Green Grass of Spring

Hi Ladies-


Hope this finds you all terrific. My ancestry is Scotch/Irish, so I've always loved St. Patrick's Day.





That day became even more special with the birth of my daughter, Caroline Olivia, on March 17, 2000.





She has dark red hair, and deep brown eyes. What can I say-she's beautiful!





Her great grandfather passed away, and his funeral is on her 10th birthday. I'm trying to find a way to tell her how it's "ok" that Grandpa was ready to go.





So it reminded me, that sometimes we must go on. I heard a great quote- from a great friend actually!





Traveling is like reading a book-


If you don't travel-it's like only reading one page.





So I told Caroline this about Grandpa-he just needed to move on-so he wasn't "stuck" on one page. He had alzheimers-so this is VERY appropriate.





Ladies-don't get stuck-Travel. There is a beautiful story waiting for you to uncover!~ Turn the page!
This song is for Caroline's Irish ancestry, and her Grandpa Bob's love of Blue Grass.
Which by the way, country music is derived from Irish/Gaelic music. I learned that from being a Music Major back in the day! Also, my roomie and her Irish/Gaelic girls -this goes out to them!




Hope to see you on the road-


It's SPRING!


Teri

Springing Forward!

Hello Ladies-

Haven't posted in awhile as work has been chaotic.

My thought is brief and to the point.
"Spring Forward"

I heard a great quote the other day-from Abraham Lincoln. Paraphrased, life isn't lived in your years but in the years you put into your life.

Matt's grandfather is very near his death bed-and I do believe he is on this eve of daylight's savings time, springing forward to something better. Grandpa was a farmer-so this photo is for him of a field perfectly tended, and him at rest with the crop planted and growing!

Hope you all feel the same!

Spring is on the doorstep-So spring forward to something better!

Hope to see you on the road!

Teri

Break the Walls Down!

Whether you're the novice or experienced runner, there is no thrill like the one of attending a race.

We race to fuel our adrenaline, add an "umph" to our momentum,workouts, and recalculate personal goals.

Many of these races are to benefit a cause. They might be large races of grand-scale. They might be a small local event.

I've ran in the St. Louis Komen Race for Cure two years now, and running with 66,000 women, men, and children all fighting breast cancer is a humbling and awesome thing to witness. I was proud of myself for my performance-I noted the change in my time, I logged my mile per minute rate. I was even more struck by the number of people there-nameless strangers with smiles and support for every woman fighting this disease. 66,000 and several million dollars strong-we "raced for the cure!" And yet every once in awhile, a woman in a pink shirt would sail past me-no hair, and I knew why I was there. I'd just seen her!:)

I've also ran in small benefits. When running in the Nathan's Quest to Battle Childhood Cancer in our town, I was met in the restroom by two women who were eyeballing my friend and I . We commented on the beautiful weather for the event, and she proudly stood tall, sucked in a breath, pulled back a tear, and said "Nathan was my grandson." We were silent-this race pulled an entry of $20 a person, with maybe 50 participants. I knew Nathan, and that day, I met his Grandma.

When we run we are blessed with physical ability and choice to conquer our physical and mental obstacles. Many of the races we participate in are for those who don't have the choice. Heck yes-they would love to kick that cancer in the butt and make it go away-but it isn't as simple as setting a goal for a pr, or a distance, or to participate in an event. They are running the race of their life-and when we show up-we show them-hey, I'm running with you-to support research, care, peace of mind. We run to help ourselves-but we run to make the road better for others so they can meet the goals they have set.

The Irish Blessing states

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rain fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

An hour of your time, the sweat on your brow, the struggle you face shows those fighting a much harder path that you are trying to ease their travels.

My point is, that no matter the gesture or number of participants, we all have the capacity to give. We attend with selfish intentions. It is usually about, well, ME. But when you go-no race, no matter how big or small, is a wasted moment. Whether it is thousands strong fighting for anonymous people, or a community pulling together in memory of a woman's grandson-we make the world a better place.

We all know running strengthens us physically in so many ways. But when you attend a race benefiting a charity or cause-your heart will feel an immediate improvement in its performance!

So take that first step-

There is a lovely saying- "No kind act, no matter how great or how small ever goes unnoticed."

I would agree-or whether you're tromping along with thousands or three-you will feel the

benefit of giving to others, giving to yourself, and making whatever the road may be a better place to be-for SOMEONE!

Take that step-it'll give you heart in more ways than one;) We have some great benefits posted on Facebook-I will start getting the race info transferred to our blog also! Always feel free to email us also at http://www.womenofwarrensburg@yahoo.com

Randy Pausch-

Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls aren't there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show us how badly we want something.

Pancreatic cancer is represented in purple, breast cancer in pink-uterine cancer in blue-what color is close to you?

Hope to see you on the road!

Teri

Many Hands!

I have really enjoyed having the chance during the "snow week" to work on some projects I had been putting on the side. Also, it gave me the chance to catch up with some friends.

Even with the piles of snow, there is a lot of buzz and excitement going on in WOW right now. Several people are training for 1/2 marathons. Others are thinking of some running roadtrips, or even attempting the first 5K. We have a few new members, and preparing to celebrate our 1st Birthday for the Women of Warrensburg! There is a lot to be excited about!

As with anything, we want to not just stay where we are, but grow and get better, so some terrific ideas are in the fire right now. It made me think of the story "Stone Soup".

For those not familiar with the story, the wanderer visits a small village. He goes to the center of the village with a large pot, builds a fire, and fills the pot with water, stirring.

He has a smile on his face and says "This is the BEST soup-if I only had some carrots". One of the townspeople watching, then says , "Well, I have carrots" offers them and they are added.

And so on and so forth this process continues until every member of the village has contributed a potato, a parsnip, an onion, and so on until they have a truly wonderful feast to share.

When I look at our club-I think of Stone Soup. We have a few seasoned runners. We have people connected to many Kansas City running groups, UCM, our local Churches,a graphics artist, local business women, doctors, the Main Street Group, Park and Rec, a personal trainer, the Base, and some gals who are just great cheerleaders and motivators.

My point is, everyone in WOW has something to contribute-and with our combined talents, vision, and effort to offer we have been able to truly build a club for All Women, All Abilities, All Ambitions, and our fun is just getting started!

One year might not seem like an expansive period of time-but I think just like the pot of soup, because of each member of WOW, our club has a little more zest, flavor, and because of each member, become something we can ALL share and enjoy!

Please remember to share your experiences/etc because I would love to post some of your blogs with the group!

Hope to see you on the road or at WCC-

WOW

Teri

You Had it All Along!

Chalk it up to too many snow days, but I've been watching more tv/movies than I usually do. It's really tough when you're sitting on the couch in a snuggie to think about getting up and moving. Then there is that daunting event several months and one whole season away-the 1/2 Marathon in the back, very back of your mind.

A lot of what we do as people and athletes involves creating a plan. Through each of these movies I have been watching, the characters always make a plan of some sort. My daughter, Caroline, recognized this yesterday while we watched a movie. They always know where they are going. And at some point, they recognize that they had what they needed all along, much like Glenda the Good Witch points out to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

Many runners give accolades and credit not only to the accomplishment of the final event, but each run that lead up to reaching that goal. They visualized success not in the final event, but the steps they took, sometimes seemingly small, to getting there. I've posted races on Facebook up through August. Whatever your plan for the year is, enjoy each step to getting there, and remember YOU HAVE IT-just visualize and believe in yourself!

A reminder in this slippery and cold weather, run safely!

Hope to see you on the road or at the Community Center soon!

WOW
Teri

New Year . . . New View!

Happy New Year! There is always the buzz of January 1st being the day of change. Oddly throughout the other 364 days of the year, we tend to not scrutinize ourselves so harshly. But once the cheers of Happy New Year are sounded it's on, and people are in "fix it" mode. Even the tv echoes that thought as though to say, you really need to get it together!

Generally we see the bare trees of winter as an eyesore in comparison to the flowers of spring and the beautiful fall foliage. I really looked and noticed for the first time how intricate the branches are, and with the twists and turns of each one they are all just reaching for sunlight. I had never noticed before how beautiful they really are. It sort of struck me-they're really like us in a way. We are generally covered (metaphorically speaking!) and trying to make an impression or stand out. But once it gets down to the real you under all the garb, there is probably a pretty unique and lovely person just reaching the same way the branches do on that tree. Reaching for what? I don't know-we're all different.

It's a New Year-Look at things with a new view-you might be surprised at what you see!

Hope to see you on the road!

Teri

A Noteable Life

I was checking the weather for KC-watching for impending snow. One of the headlines struck me and sort of made me mad. It was "Noteable Deaths 2009".
Hmmm-
We can look back on celebrities, friends, family who have all passed this year. I know, for one, my Grandpa wouldn't want to be remembered by his death, but how he lived his LIFE!

That is what we, Women of Warrensburg, are all about-it's how you live. The choice is there to enjoy, embrace, and appreciate life by becoming an active person.

I ran today-am now trying to commit myself to this half-marathon training thing. I know there will be days I don't want to-but I want to have that accolade on my belt that "I ran a half marathon while I could during my life."

This is how I want to live my life-and let me say-there have been a few moments that took my breath away! I know there will be many more!

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” ...

Hoping this year is breathtaking for you!
Looking forward to seeing you on the road-there are many great races coming up!
Teri
"It's How You Live"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7HFk6flUOQ

Makes Sense!

I read a great quote today-and it really inspired me.

The New Year is approaching. And we sort of set that as the "clean start" we all hope for. Some people find it each day, others at the end of a week, still others, with each year.

What it truly boils down to is our own determination and tenacity. Dreams hang in the clouds until they become goals-once they become goals, they are achievable because we create plans to put them in place.

Whatever your goal is-I hope you chase it-it's at that point you'll see those dreams on the horizon!

We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort. Jesse Owens

Hope to see you on the road!
Teri

Repeat the Sounding Joy!

Before I became an elementary teacher, I was a music major-so we sang sang sang!

I love lyrics to songs-they have so many messages. One that slipped my eye was from a traditional carol-Joy to the World.

Repeat the sounding joy-repeat the sounding joy.

Wow! That is what I think of with our WOW girls. Every footstep-just repeating that joy.

We're getting together on Wednesday morning to share some holiday cheer and the joy of running!

Repeat the sounding joy! I know I'm grateful for all of my new running friends-!They'll know we are coming WOW Gals when they hear us on the street! Whether it is a jingle, jangle, laugh, or conversation-we have so much joy in this group!
Repeat the sounding joy!
Hope to see you on the road-
Merry Christmas!
Teri

The Richest Man in Town!

I'm slowly creeping into the holiday spirit. This year has had it's challenges.
My favorite all time, most loved holiday movie is It's a Wonderful Life.

This movie just is classic-the scene with Jimmy Stewart running through Bedford Falls in the snow always brings a smile to my face.

I don't recall the song, but it says "people need people". While we're busy buying gifts and laying them under the tree, the greatest gift we have are "our" people.

I know I couldn't get by without my loved ones and the encouragement and support they offer.

When we ran in the Great Santa Run I was the last dog in our quartet to haul into the finish. And when I saw my WOW friends yelling and hollering for me, I just smiled and thought "there are my friends!"

As you know, we had a huge loss in my family this year. It was almost foreshadowing, as Steel Magnolias was on every weekend for awhile before Grandpa passed away. There are so many times in that movie that friends and family are the ones pulling each other out of grief. My daughter, Katie, swears this is our bunch! All with laughter!

I don't know, whether it's a run, the economy, a lost loved one, needing coffee or TP from my neighbor, or a laugh when you're down, I'm thinking the love and support of friends makes all of us very rich and blessed!
They aren't wrapped in fancy packages with shiny bows, but surely, people we love make us all rich indeed!
I know that I am blessed and so many people make life very rich!
It's a Wonderful Life!
Hope to see you on the road!
Teri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErrzjGCi3gY&feature=PlayList&p=2BA603D3E54B0DA6&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=50

City Mouse, Country Mouse

Happy Holidays to you all! My sister in law and her St. Louis Girls are running the Nashville Country Music Marathon/Half on April 24th in 2010. I was wondering "how many people will be there?"

I grew up in a town with approximately 15000 people. When you go to "big" races, the group generally excedes the whole population of my town.

I started to ponder. I've ran in KC Komen twice-25000, St. Louis Komen 65,000 twice.

So while I don't choose to live in a larger town, for a few hours, I embrace a much larger community of runners. These people are giving high fives, smiling, and all very very happy to be there.

So now I'm looking forward to venturing to one of my favorite states, The Volunteer State, Tennessee, to meet more running friends.

How many new running friends will we meet? It's all very exciting!

My sister and I are going to sign up next weekend when they visit for Christmas-so the ink will be on the line-and we will be committed-I think her 3rd half marathon-my first. I'm so excited, scared, and looking forward to this adventure~!
http://nashville.competitor.com/
http://nashville.competitor.com/photos/?nggpage=3
Hope to see you on the road!
Teri

Who Knows What the Tide Might Bring?

It seems so odd to think that this year is almost over. I was talking to my daughters, determining when their cousin, Sydney, will go to the school I teach at. We figured out when my youngest daughter, Kellyn, will go to school there. And the reality hit me that my oldest, Katie will be a senior then, and Caroline will be in the 8th grade nearly ready for high school.

How did time go so fast? If there has been one thing I have learned this year-is you have to live life as though today was your last day. (I'm linking a song to this also!)

The woulda, coulda, shoulda attitude will get you nowhere. My boss shared a quote by JFK, that paraphrased stated change is inevitable. You can't so focus so much on the past and present that you miss out on the future.

I type this as I've heard of another person who passed away yesterday.

One change I've noticed in myself is my attitude towards running/exercise. In the past it was always something done out of necessity usually while dieting. The thing that I love now, and that my friends in the WOW would probably echo, is that we run for enjoyment and leisure.

The other day was not a good day, and to unwind, I felt the need to go on a run. That is a terrific feeling knowing that I have found a new passtime and way to have fun or destress.

So, as the year is wrapping up, I know 2010 will greet me with even more changes. I don't think this will go down as a year we look back on and miss. The recession, war, and many of us lost loved ones. I know now that it's all in the attitude we have. Two years ago, I found running. Last year I helped get WOW going and found my new running friends. I know that no matter the struggles, that there will be something new and exciting for me in 2010. As Tom Hanks said in the movie Castaway,

"And I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"

"If Today Was Your Last Day" Nickelback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__hGIzJpGY


Here's to Change!
Hope to see you on the road-
Teri