Maryland Day

What a gorgeous day to pack up the family and head over to College Park for Maryland Day. Every year on the last Saturday in April, the University holds a mega open house with tons of booths, activities, performances, etc. We try to go each year.

I have a special fondness for College Park and for the University. I was clueless when I arrived at UM in the fall of 1985. I was a small town girl from Aberdeen, Maryland (although Aberdeen has grown to be a Baltimore suburb over the past 25 years). I had never eaten a bagel or Chinese food. My fashion sense was a mess. I was socially awkward. And I thought I was a Republican.

I am a smart gal but you would never know it by looking at my undergrad transcripts. I was a mediocre student at UM. During my time at Maryland, I felt like the world opened up. I spent a lot of time breaking out of my shell. I met people from other countries and a wide array of religious beliefs. I was exposed to college radio, frat boys, sorority rush, socials, the Vous, Spring Break, art, sports, alternative lifestyles, alternative thoughts, political debate, booze, drugs, love, betrayal, happy hours, late nights, great friends. It was an expensive place to learn lessons but the payoff was confidence, leadership skills, networking abilities, an open mind to opposing views. I also did end up with a degree in English Language and Literature.

I count the time spent at UM as some of the best in my life. I have a cadre of friends I am still close to. I fell in love for the first time. I got my heart broken. I met my husband. I learned to think, feel, and understand.

So today, I took myself on a trip down memory lane. It was grand.

Peace - and GO Terps!
Tee

Cross Country Kids

So I decided that I would volunteer as a parent coach for the Cross Country Kids group at my children's school. I figure it would be a great way for me to do some running in support of my training for Chicago. Yesterday was the first day. Remember the episode of Friends where Phoebe asks Rachel to go running with her? And then Rachel is embarassed because Phoebe goes full out and runs like a crazy person? That was yesterday. Those kids were flying around the course - arms and legs flying. They didn't give a hoot about form, breathing techniques, twisting their ankle running down the hill. They just ran. It was magical.

Adults take all of the fun out of some of the most simple things. We rarely dive in and play all out like kids do. It's a shame. Yesterday was pure joy.

I am already looking forward to the next session. The kids remind me to just run - and do it for fun.

Peace.
Tee

The Doc Says

So I went in for my once over with the chiropractor. Her words to me when I told her I wanted her help in staying healthy while I train for this marathon - "Bless Your Heart." If you are from the south or gre up with southern relatives, then you know that "Bless Your Heart" is code for a lot of things - one of them - she's sweet but boy is she nuts.

But, I adore my chiropractor and she has agreed to help me get going and stay going on ths training plan. Even though, one leg is a tad shorter than the other, I have arthritis in my lower back and my knees and ankles need special attention. Which I am sure makes people wonder, what the hell are you doing this for.

First and foremost for me. I love running and I do better when I have something I am training for. I started running seriously in college in 1989 to work through the grief of a relationship that had ended and to deal with the craziness of the "rebound" relationship. Running not only helped me get my head clear but I was in the best shape of my life - 6 miles a day will do that for you. Over the years I have drifted away from running for periods of time but I always end up lacing up the shoes again. It feels good to be back out there.

So, twice weekly visits to Dr. G. will help keep me tuned up and logging the miles. Right now I am sticking to three and four miles pre-training runs and cross training. The longer runs start in June. So far, I feel good.

Peace.

Tee