Be happy!

I saw an inspirational plaque the other day that said “It’s not where you go or what you do… … it’s who is beside you that counts.”

I’m sure considering the picture on the plaque the message was one of either spiritual or familial intent.  For me however it reminded me of my running life. 

In the running programs that I am involved with we have coaches and mentors.  The coaches are all wonderful and I value their experience, input, coaching and friendship but it is the mentors of the groups that will either make it or break it.  They are the ones that run beside you.  If you have a selfish mentor, one that forgets what is it like to begin these programs, work through the tough spots and/or injuries or doesn’t cheer you on, you have the makings of disaster.  If you have a mentor that becomes your biggest cheerleader, runs along side of you and reminds you that we all struggle at times but helps you work through it, well, that is the absolute best! 

During my first running program for the 5K I was lucky to pair up with a fabulous mentor that is now a good friend.  The second program was a bit hit or miss.  P and I were never quite sure who were the mentors and thus never really bonded with anyone.  We were lucky to make friends with another runner and he has turned out to be a wonderful friend to us both.  (TG, I’m talking about you! You rock!)  This time around I am pleased to report that we have what I’m going to go ahead and say is a great mentor.  Cheryl has taken on those of us that are interval runners and she has been very supportive thus far.  I’ve also started working on positive relationships with a few other interval runners and that will add strength to the experience.   So far the 13.1 training has really been a good thing for me. 

It also goes without saying that in our daily lives we need mentors as well.  Sometimes our mentors/friends mean well but fall short. Then there are your mentors/friends that are made of stronger stuff.  It is those special people that come to you when you need it most and are too afraid, ashamed or confused to know you need to ask for help. 

The past week has been a rocky time for me and I forgot for a moment I had friends to lean on.  I weathered a week of storms thanks to my life mentors.  My special friends that come through with support, praise, prayer and the love of friendship carried me through to another day.

I want to thank you all for being mentors in my life when I needed them most.  I love each and every one of you.

Take time to be a positive in someone’s life.  Be a good mentor.  You may only need to smile or have a kind word.  Friday at the rock bottom of my unhappiness a sweet young man showed me a kindness and it is one I’ll never forget. 

This is one of my favorite shirts. 

The road ahead is still paved with uncertainty but I’ll weather it and come out on the other end stronger than when I started, exactly like my 13.1 training!  I’m going in hesitant but I’m going to ROCK that half come October.

Just as I’ll never forget my great running mentors, you never forget those that help you along this adventure called life.

And now a little song that will stick in your brain for days.  You will either thank me or hate me! hahaa  I happen to love it.  Enjoy!