Dream-- Panic

Last night I dreamed that I was running my marathon (but it wasn't Boston's course) and I ran off the course. I was on pace to run a sub 3:10 with 2 miles to go. Then in my dream I saw the other runners on the course but the race staff was not letting me get back into the race to finish! because they thought I cut the course (which I didn't).  I watched the other runners finish. Devastated. And then I woke up. In a panic.

I still have 37 days until my actual "training" starts. If this is a preview of what's to come... I'm in trouble.

Transitions... Part Two

This past weekend probably makes the books as one of the top five best trips with a team since I've been coaching. On our packing list along with extra socks and gloves was: enthusiasm, a positive attitude and the fun(k). (Either is acceptable). And the team delivered! The ride there was fun--the energy was high and the mood was right. Come race day, I couldn't have asked for a better showing at the end of the season. We hit some awesome lifetime PR's---and some very close to them. Not everyday can be a PR day---but it was spectacular!

Before we began, I shared a prayer with the team that was written by a colleague at Saint Mary's. Her words were so fitting for our team, and I want to share those words here...

Lord, help us to remember that nothing is going to happen today that we cannot handle together.

May there be a peace and grace within us, and may we trust that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

You have blessed us, God, with the gift of friendships, true friendships, and we thank you for that blessing.

May your love continue to be above us, for strength... beneath us, for support...

before us, for guidance...and behind us, for protection.

 As we go out today, remind us that we do not go alone.

As we go out, remind us that we go with a mission.

 As we go out, fill us with love, hope, and peace to share with the world.

Amen



Upon returning from our trip, I felt many things. Excited, happy, sad, nostalgic, and thankful for the chance to share such wonderful memories with this team. I look at the women I coach and am constantly smiling. I love to see what this team has brought to each of them---and what each of them has brough to the team.

So my transition period continued on Sunday as I attended the Girls on the Run Michiana 5k for our two current sites: Christ the King and North Point. I loved that these two events took place in the same weekend, because it was such a visualization of the direction of where these little girls are headed because of an organization like Girls on the Run. It will provide them with the opportunity to become the strong, bold, loving college women that I have the honor to work with on a daily basis--and make a positive impact in our world.

The 5k was a blast! I was able to 'borrow' a buddy for the race. Here is this young spirit, full of enthusiasm and pushing the boundaries of her little body. She was spectacular with her cheeks flushed from working hard---and so polite along the way, thanking me everything I affirmed her actions. It was spectacular to see the 25 girls, finishing at their own pace, and in their own fashion. As I cheered them in to the finish, I loved the look on their faces---some happy, some straining, some looking like one more step might be too many. Once they crossed the line though--they all shared the expression that makes running so pure--Elation! The sense of accomplishment that comes from crossing that finish line---whether it is their first 5k or someone's 20th marathon---it's always the same. You see it in their eyes:  

Pride. Joy. Awe....Relief!

This is why we run.

This is why Girls on the Run is a great gift to give to someone.

It enables young girls to work hard and see their efforts come to fruition through that finish line

(and oh ya...they learn a bunch of amazing things about themselves along the way...)

Transitions

Today is a weird mix of emotions. When I woke up the 'feel like' temperature was 23 degrees. Not exactly the 60 degree sun from merely a day ago. Today was also the first official day of snow---a mix of large fluffy flakes, pellets and wet snow has been coming down on and off this afternoon. I almost thought we would make it through the entire cross country season without seeing the white stuff. No dice.

We embark on our journey to Oberlin tomorrow for the NCAA Great Lake Regional. It is always inspiring to see the girls compete, and I know that this Saturday will be as exciting as ever. Today also marks the last day of practice for the team for the 2011 cross country season (unless we have an individual qualify for the national meet but it will be the last team practice for the team). The week that lies ahead is definitely one of my least favorite weeks of the year. It's transitioning to the post-season, aka the 'off season.' I hope I can take their energy and use it towards the beginning of my own training.

I will keep the words of Dr. Seuss in mind as the transition begins...

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

I'm so thankful for this season. I am so thankful for being able to work with hard-working, determined, hilarious, and overall just amazing group of women. All the tears that will inevitably flow are all a reflection of a thousand things going 'right' this year.

Countdown begins!

160 days!

Fabulous Fall

One would never had imagined that it was November 7th. The air feels more like an early September morning run--fresh yet cool on your skin. It was our last regular season Monday morning practice today. I am so impressed by how well the girls handle the demanding season and early mornings. They nailed a 5x1000 workout this morning, which was the motivation to get out there myself today.

I ran the riverside loop and saw the newly paved roundabout on Angela. There was no agenda for the run, just get a solid run in. It's amazing what the legs will do when you let them do anything. My legs had their own agenda, and they decided to roll. Before I knew it, I was clicking off 7:20's and wondering how long it would last. I reflected back to my last training schedule when doing this pace would have been a mental headache--here's to being (hopefully not too) optimistic that I'm in better shape this year than for last spring.

Despite the lack of sleep, today's going to be a good day.

"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." -Bill Cosby

Happy Monday!

Going back...

This past May I made the trip back to Traverse City for the Bayshore Marathon. It was a great day and I was fortunate enough to re-qualify for the Boston Marathon. Not feeling satisfied with my 2007 run at Boston, I decided it was time to go back and seek redemption on Heartbreak...

with two missions!

First: To run as a SoleMate for Girls on the Run Michiana. By being a SoleMate, I am raising funds for my local Girls on the Run council, which will provide local girls the opportunity to get involved in the program. I am sure along the way I will share more about GOTR, but to get an idea about what GOTR is all about, feel free to check out: http://girlsontherunmichiana.org/
If you feel like helping my cause, please check out my fundraising link:
http://www.active.com/donate/michianasolemates/jbauters

Second: To run a PR and hopefully achieve my larger goal running a 3:0...something marathon in my 30th birthday year.

Can I do it? If you think I can--I can use your support!