Last day at home! To say today was crazy would be an understatement!!

I spent most of the morning with an athlete doctor. Got some good feedback, advice, counsel and changes to my life+training will be coming after my race Saturday. I am dedicated to making the change, although it will be hard!

Then it was on to more appointments, getting last minute things for race (socks, flashlights, cash, GU, you know the usual stuff:)), post office, UPS, Barnes & Noble to finish up a few projects, found out that a server was down, spent 20 minutes on hold only to find out that it was the hosting company’s issue, then a massage (read: pain-body was beyond tight!), Whole Foods (Kashi, Rice Milk, Coconut Water, Smart Water), driving home realized I forgot Epsom Salts, so had to make another stop to get that, then finally home. 12 hours since I left this morning! Whew!

I was VERY excited to see that my Hammer Nutrition order arrived. Just in the nick of time!!

Friend Gregg arrived soon later. Printed off race plans, aid stations, etc. Then it was onto packing. I quickly realized that my main bag was going to be over 50lbs. So I quickly got another small bag and started packing that. There was no way I was going to pay $125.oo for checking one bag!!!

Let me say this. Preparing for a 100 mile ultra marathon is an ultra in itself. The amount of stuff you have to pack is insane. 5 shorts, 5 tank top, 5 sports bra’s, 2 pants, gloves, 8 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of shoes, gloves, hats, , ZipLoc bags, Vaseline, baby wipes, wash cloths, bottles, containers, race belts, food, water, more food, more GU…….you get the idea.

Finally, we were done packing. Had to eat yet. Had some Sushi, pasta (go figure), tomatoes w/ mozzarella cheese (you know my cheese obsession) and cantaloupe.

Its WAY past my goal time of 8pm. 10:45pm to be exact. Lights out. Sweet dreams!

Photo by Sushi-Ina

Change is not a thought. Not a word. It is action. A mind set to do something different-for the better.

Photo by Mikul

Did I catch your attention? Well, I am going to write a few thoughts about a 4 letter word & it’s not the word you might think it is! The 4 letter word is called LIFE.

The word “life” brings up so many different thoughts, feelings, definitions, hopes, dreams and yes even fears.

Despite all these descriptions that the word brings, the fact of the mater is this: what are you doing with YOUR life? Are you living for the weekend? For summer or winter vacation? For retirement? Are you living for someone else? Are you limiting yourself to short term goals?

There are times in my life that I need to stop & think, why am I doing this? Is it for me or will it bless someone else? The choices we make affect everyone around us.

Recently as I was preparing to go to yoga class, an unscheduled phone call was received. I REALLY wanted (and needed) to do yoga. But as I was pondering the implications of NOT taking the call, I knew it was not an option.

As I spoke with the caller I knew why I took the call. They needed me at THAT time. It wasn’t about me. It was about this person’s life. As we talked, I was happy that I choose the phone call. THAT my friends is what LIFE is all about. Challenge for you: what will YOU do for a LIFE?

Photo by Wsilver

So, we are familiar with the word “change”. Monday will be June 1st! This is a perfect time to think where we are with our goals.

Did you start out the year or month with a plan to change something?

How is your plan working for you?

Do you need to go back & look at your plan?

Remember this: “change starts with a plan, plans begin with change”. No mater what you want to change, always come back to your plan. Track your progress!

And remember, plans, change & goals are always a work in progress!

What is your plan? Do you need one? If so, start now!

Yesterday I wrote about my plan. I have many goals, dreams, & missions & it all starts with a plan. One of my current plans is training for a 100 mile trail run on August 22, 2009.

My plan includes a lot of training (running, core work, cycling, etc) nutrition, experiments (what food/liquids will work well with my body), rest, races to get ready for the BIG one, and determination.

No matter your plan, you need determination to succeed!

Photo by Mike Baird