Everything is HAIRY!

     "Just wanted to stop by to say good luck this weekend. Also, wanted to say thanks. I used your
      blog mantra....be great today at the half in New Orleans last Sunday. It really helped me through
      the race. I kept telling myself, "the weather is great, I really have NO reason, NOT "to be Great
      Today." (and I was great in my own slowish way) Thanks!"  - Happy Feet 26.2

Thank you for the kind words Ginny!  Congrats on the great race, and "your welcome".  You have no idea how much that means to me.  Believe it or not, you just helped me through my next race! (P.S. if you don't already, please follow Happy Feet 26.2 ... its a great read that I really enjoy, and you will too!)

Do you have a dog, cat, hamster, or mountain lion?  We live with Jack.  He's a pretty cool 4 year old chocolate lab ... and the apple his "mommy's" eye! (Michael ... who's not his biological mother of course, 'cause she's a human.)  But right now Jack is shedding like a banshee!  He's losing his thick winter coat and there are piles of dog hair on everything we own.  Pillows.  Rugs.  Shirts.  Toothbrushes ... don't ask.

Jack B. Weatherly

Within 5 minutes of running the vacuum, Jack's at it again.  Leaving furry follicle impressions of his brown-butt everywhere he goes.  It's easy to trace his footsteps.  Like he's sayin',
"Jack B. Weatherly in da house!"

Running has left several impressions on me as well.  I'm thinner.  My legs are muscly.  And my lungs have morphed into two big balloons.  But it's not just physical.  For one thing, I'm more self-assured.  Not in a cocky way ... millions of people can out-run me, and it has nothing to do with speed or a clock.  But self-assured in a way that I believe I can do anything I set my mind to.  I'm also so thankful and appreciative of my good health.  Plus, the perseverance and patience running has shown me is priceless.  It's helped me better understand to never give up because I know "after I get over this hill, it gets a little easier".

Ryder & me

But often I wonder what kind of impression I am leaving on those around me.  Not necessarily a legacy ... I have an awesome family that loves me, and they will carry my legacy.  But how did I affect people around me on a daily basis?  Are my finger-prints easy to trace?  Is there a positive reminder that I was here?

I want to be a runner that sets a standard that others can mimic to become stronger, and helps them find true joy in the sport regardless of finishing time?  But more than anything, I want to be an encouragement to others.  As a stranger, do I offer a kind word or smile ... that leaves you thinking, "Man, that guy was nice"?  As a friend, am I someone you can call in the middle of the night?  As a father, am I full of love and forgiveness?  As a husband, am I the closest companion?  And as a leader, am I worthy of joining on the journey?

I hope I'm growing daily in all of these things.  Becoming more encouraging and less critical.  And offering a little hope when someone needs it most.  I've been blessed with so much, and there is no way I can keep it all to myself. 

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by and read my daily ramblings over the past few months.  All of the kind words are very humbling, and uplifting!  Hopefully today, you will leave an impression of your own personal greatness on someone.  Just like Jack leaves everything he touches really hairy, I hope that every life I have the opportunity to touch is changed ... for the better.
... be great today!