Move out of your comfort zone

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” Brian Tracy

In the past few years I have found it very important to do things out of my comfort zone. One area that has always been difficult---public speaking. I just never had the confidence so I decided to join Toastmasters. Now I very much enjoy speaking to groups. Currently I have been on a Speakers’ Bureau for the Hy-Vee Triathlon. We talk to breakfast clubs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs… It has been a lot of fun promoting this huge event. Speaking of the Triathlon, which is only a few weeks away, I have another out-of-my-comfort-zone activity. About a month ago, a running partner at work decided to put a relay team together. Somehow I agreed to do the swim portion. What was I thinking? I’m a runner not a swimmer! Swimming is totally out of my comfort zone. So I now have a borrowed wet suit that lays next to my dresser just waiting for me to squeeze into it. We live on a lake, so every morning and night to and from work, I am reminded of this huge endeavor. I need to practice! So I’m setting some goals. This week I need to do two 30 minute workouts in the Lake. Next week—1 pool workout and one 45 minute Lake session. The week of the Triathlon, two 1 hour lake workouts. So girls, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Is it time to do that first 5K, ½ marathon, full marathon or a triathlon? Be brave. Set that goal. Hold yourself to it. Doing something out of your comfort zone is very scary but I guarantee the results are worth it!

So girls, I have 2 questions. #1 Have you done something out of your comfort zone and how was the experience? #2 Does anyone have a solution for stinking? I am a stinker! After I workout the body odor is unreal! Help!

Drake Half Marathon

May 9, 2007

The past couple of days have just been fabulous here in Iowa. This is definitely my most favorite time of year. The running season is in full bloom. A couple weeks ago a few of us IRUN girls participated in the Drake Half Marathon. What a gorgeous morning we had to enjoy one of the girls' first half marathon. It's great to watch a friend accomplish a goal!

Amongst all the great events that have happened in the past month, the IRUN team has experienced tragedy. On March 30th one of the IRUN girls lost a baby during the 20th week of pregnancy. Our hearts went out to her and her family over the loss of Grace. We know that she is in heaven watching over her Mom and Dad. We used running to help us grieve but we also used it to boost our spirits. It helps us see that life prevails death. Then just this past week another IRUN member lost her mother to suicide. The IRUN team came together and supported the family. In the mornings, we ran because that is how we deal with our pain. We talk, we share, we cry, we pray. Running helps our bodies feel the physical pain to block some of the emotional pain. It is our therapy and sometimes our escape from reality. Though we will never understand why these tragedies happened, somehow we must find the strength to go on with life.

So girls, here’s the question…
Has there been a time in your life that running helped you through a difficult event?