The Cycle: Inspiration to Goals to Success...

Photo Courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park

I have experienced some pretty inspiring moments this week. 

First, I followed my Internet news as usual and came across the story of Micah True.  If you don't know who he is, I suggest you read the book Born To Run.  I'm reading it now.  I have never been so engrossed in a book before.  It is inspiring, amazing, breathtaking, and all right from living room.   I am learning a ton about running and the running community, especially the Ultras.  The Taramurara are now an obsession.   And I am learning many things from Micah True's legacy as well.

The husband and I went to Dallas for our annual conference.  On our third day in downtown, we were ushered into one of the hotel ballrooms to watch, on the local news' traffic camera, a twister ripping through the city.  It was scary to say the least.  But I was inspired at how powerful, and simultaneously beautiful nature can be.  No one was killed and few were hurt during that storm outbreak, so praise God.

Last, but certainly not least, I finally caught a flight out of Dallas and met a wonderful woman.  Her name was Harriet.  She was very friendly and quiet, and in her seventies.  Now get ready for this.  She was on her way to Springer Mountain.  Yes, that Springer Mountain.  The Southern Terminus to the Appalachian Trail.  And she was hiking the entire thing over the next 30 days.  Alone.

That takes some balls.  And she had them.  I suddenly wanted them, too.

So.  I came home, continued reading my book and came up with a plan.  I am a very goal oriented person.  I like to compete against myself.  I do not like to leave projects unfinished.  So with the help of three of my trainer friends (hopefully they say "yes"), I will run rim to rim of the Grand Canyon.  I want to do it in three years.  Its about a 42-48 mile run through the canyon.  I am crazy.  But I am totally looking forward to it. 

Thank you Micah True and Harriet, and most of all, God, for being the inspiration I needed to kick my running up a notch.  I hope I can do it.

Happy Running!

Mallorie

RIP Micah True.  You've left an incredible legacy...

TEAM Sparkle

I ran across this group on Twitter.  The word "sparkle" definitely got my attention and they tweet a lot about running, which is my new thing if you haven't guessed.  So I decided to check them out.  I found their facebook page right away.

Before I go on, let me add this little note.  I noticed some really cute girls at The Hot Chocolate 5K rocking some too cute tutus.  My interest was piqued but I quickly forgot about it after that hot mess.

Anyway, back to the story...
TEAM Sparkle is a group of women that promote active lifestyles through running, walking, biking, etc.  I read this about them on their facebook page:

Originally debuted at the Huntington Beach Surf City Marathon, Team Sparkle Running Skirts are poised to take the running world by storm.

Team Sparkle Running Skirts definitely are not the latest & greatest in high-tech athletic gear. Instead they are designed with the “wow” factor in mind…Why just run, when you can sparkle?

When you purchase a sparkle skirt, you join Team Sparkle. A group of women who understand YOU and who YOU are. While wearing your sparkle skirt, not only will your family & friends be able to spot you a mile away, you will (literally!) receive compliments galore, and you will have the confidence that comes with knowing you have Team Sparkle, a collective group of women in all ages, shapes, size & ability, “at your back.”

So go ahead, pull your skirt on & let out your inner sparkle.

And then there is their mission statement (which rocks):

We provide sparklesational running skirts that inspire & motivate women to run... whether it's their 1st, or 100th race.

Everyone is looking for a little motivation from time to time.  Right now, my friend Julie H. says she needs some.  Maybe she will find it with TEAMSparkle.  I'm ordering a skirt, for sure.

And all I have to say is RUN GIRLS RUN!

Be active! 

Mal

VBR's 5K Playlist

I made this playlist to get me through the 5k's I do.  I am now able to run the entire 3.1 miles thanks to the beats and motivation I get from these songs.

Rolling In The Deep, Adele
Not Your Fault, Awolnation
Boom Boom Pow, Black Eyed Peas
Howlin For You, Black Keys
Blackout, Breathe Carolina
Get Some, Likke Li
Uprising, Muse
Punching In A Dream, The Naked and Famous
I Know You Want Me, Pitbull
Krazy, Pitbull (Im a HUGE Lil Jon fan, follks)
The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie, Red Hot Chili Peppers
My Body, Young The Giant
We Found Love, Rihanna
Lovin every Minute Of It, Loverboy (a true classic)

What are your "running playlists" looking like these days?  Do you hear any songs that make you want to totally get moving?

Mal