Splashy Head Gear

I first saw a BondiBand in action at Amanda’s blog 5 Miles 2 Empty. It looked so versatile and colorful – I had to have one!
So I headed right over to Bondiband. Here I found a whole mess of head gear - in a galaxy of colors.

“Bondi bands are a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back ... Bondi Bands are an easy fix for your hair.”

I would also add:

• Stretchy < --- >
• They stay right where they belong.
• And wide enough to use as an earband on cool days.

With my original order I also received an extra band and a wicking hat - in wild pink. (Thanks Rebecca – Managing Director.)


PS.
I’m thinking of ordering a few for my sister and Mom.
These bands really do brighten up a day!
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Snowy Tokens

We woke up to 3 inches of powder snow! How deluxe is that?
After walking the dog in the back field, she loves it too, went for a 4 mile run.

Snowy Tokens

• Digging out my ski socks.
• Running on a cushion of powder.
• Having to run slow.
• Seeing everyone driving slowly.
• Kids playing outside!
• A leaping squirrel.
• Another Christmas song…
• Christmas lights turned on!
• Wind sweeping snow off the branches.
• That bowl of steaming hot oatmeal.

Believe in Yourself
Have a great Monday!

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Holiday Runners

For all those runners entered in a Thanksgiving Day Fun Run:

• Do your best while having fun.
• Try and be present with each step.
• And totally immerse yourself.

"I pluck chrysanthemums under the eastern hedge,
Then gaze afar towards the southern hills.
The mountain air is fresh at the dusk of day;
The flying birds in flocks return.
In these things there lies a deep meaning;
I want to tell it, but have forgotten the words."
- Tao Yuan Ming

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day

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Happy Six Fix

6 Things That Make you Happy

Thanks Anne for the tag-up. I’ve customized this meme to 6 things that gave me a happy fix.

1. Fresh arugula and green onions from my garden in the end of November.

2. Running this fast.


3. Every one of the comments you folks leave. It takes time to stop and reply to one on my posts. Thanks.

4. Trader Joe's pumpkin butter on my toast this morning.

5. Underfoot treasures discovered in a near-by park.



6. Bob Marley – "I’m Jamming!"

Tagging six guys!
Ted, Reid (I think we already know what makes him happy.) John, Curtis, Vanilla, and Jesse.

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Listen to the Seasons

The Fall is here, but where cold, blustery weather should have been this morning, a mild day with sunshine appeared. (Trust me, if you live in the Northwest and it’s November – you pay attention to the weather.)

Today’s run along Beacon Drive...

I am thankful for long winding country roads
with no traffic.


I am thankful for sunshine
and happiness.


I am thankful that each footstep
I take – I am not alone.


I am thankful for all the years
I’ve been able to run.
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Grateful Because

Amanda of Run to Finish blog has been posting a daily gratitude at the end of her regular blog posts.
A simple idea, but very effective way of getting us to focus on the good things in our life.
Today on my run I witnessed three people who were not so fortunate...

When I do track work – > I take my cap off. It gets too hot!
I tossed it on top of the covered garbage can. On Lap 8 I notice two guys digging through that garbage can! (Looking for bottles I assume.) One guy was holding my favorite yellow cap in his hand. 00 He spotted me running towards them and yelled out, "Is this your hat?." I said, ”yeah!” But I felt like saying, “Hey – that’s my hat, I paid for it, leave it alone!” He gave a friendly wave and set it down. They could have taken it – I would not have followed.

Then, as I worked my way home – cooling down, I spot a body ahead on the edge of the road. I think, “OMG – I have to do CPR before my morning cup of coffee.” As I get closer – I note his color is good and he’s breathing. He has a garbage bag and a mat under him, a knapsack for a pillow. He is asleep.

November 08, 2008 - I am grateful I have a warm, soft place to sleep (even when I can’t sleep) and a yellow cap to keep to rain out of my eyes.

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Running Toward Happiness

Reading about a crusade going on in Britain to promote better mental health. Their Scientists came up with these 5 simple Steps to Happiness.

1. Connect 2. Be active 3. Be curious
4. Learn 5. Give

As I glanced over them, I realized running can incorporate all these behaviors.
Connect
By entering races, joining running groups, or just wave to folks along your paths.
Be active
There is no need to explain this one to runners. Suffice to say – over training may lead to injury.
Be curious
When we run out doors we have a bevy of opportunities to explore. Look at every tree – give them a name. What are the street names? Why is there always just one shoe in the ditch?
Learn
This is one in my Mantras – “Never go a day without out learning something new.” I regularly read Runner's World, runner’s blogs, and running forums to keep up to date with the greatest training plethora. Learning is as easy as taking a run in new place. Just pay attention.
Give
It’s a great idea to volunteer at a local race event. (I still have this on my To Do List.) Try to share your knowledge about running. (Post your training routines in a Blog.) At work – I'm frequently asked about my running. How far or how fast did you run? I try to redirect the question back to them to see what they are doing to be active. Reinforce an active lifestyle but don’t brag.
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BTW: I noted this article, which I found in The Times (London) has over 145 comments! It must be a popular topic.
What things about running make you happy?
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