Monday, February 21, 2011

My journey continues...February 22, 2011

"For me to become the Guinness World Record holder, it took hard work, passion, dedication, determination, believing, faith, focus, motivation, support, persistence, and a competitive spirit willing to risk it all in order to make it to the finish line!" Find that passion, find that dream and go for it...

STOP!

Most of us know exactly what it is that created the pain, confusion, stagnation and disruption in our lives. Whether it is a habit, behavior, relationship or fear, we know. Unfortunately, we seem powerless to stop whatever it is. Sometimes we believe we don't have the discipline or willpower to stop. The behavior becomes so habitual we do it without thinking. Other times we know exactly what it is. Sometimes we believe we don't have the discipline or willpower to stop. The behavior becomes so habitual we do it without thinking. Other times we know exactly what it is and what we do, but we simply keep doing it anyway. We are the only ones responsible for what goes on in our lives. We can make excuses and blame others, but we are responsible to and for ourselves. When we find something or someone creating in our lives that which we do not want, we must muster the courage and strength to stop it. Today I use my power to stop what is no longer good to me. - Iyanla Vanzant-

In the "spot light" this week is Dotty from Arizona...She's a beautiful and courageous woman!

What an honor to be asked to contribute to Yolanda's blog. I am totally inspired by her attitude, perseverance, and initiative in bringing this diverse community together. All of you reading this know how much Yolanda's big smile means when your paths cross with her during, before,or after a marathon. Thanks, Yolanda! I'll try to keep this fast paced, so your readers don't get too bored.

I should have suspected something back in high school when my favorite part of field hockey was running the laps at the end of practice. Everyone else would moan, and I couldn't wait! You see back then (yes, I'm a "baby bloomer"), women's sports were limited to field hockey, basketball, and softball. Anything else, apparently, wouldn't suit our delicated feminine temperament. Hah!

Flash forward to a marriage and divorce later, when in frustration with my life I decided to "go for a run". I don't know why I thought of it, and it was RAINING outside too. What a discovery! Suddenly things weren't so bad, and there wasn't anything I couldn't do.

Jumping forward a few more years, I'm into successful marriage, interesting career,and have three beautiful daughters. The challenge is finding time for me, and to relieve some of the stress that inevitably builds. Again, I dissted off the sneakers, asksed my husband to watch the girls, and headed out the door. Life was suddenly in balance again. At 40 I was looking opportunities to feel a sense of accomplishment, just for me. So I entered my first 5K (Race for the Cure), and was blown away. ALL THESE PEOPLE get out and hit the road, just like I do! Who knew?

Being a type AAA personality, 3.1 miles was not enough. Within a yeear I progress to 10k's, 10 milers, half-marathons, and 25k's. The marathon distance called, but I remembered pictures of people staggering over finish lines. But how could I resist? I remember walking the half mile to the post office and back with my daughters to mail the race registration to the Tucson marathon in 1996 (there wasn't online registration in those days). What an experience that first race was! I'll never forget passing he mile 24 marker, and realizing that I was actually going to finish! Dose it get any better than when you see the finish line, experience the applause, and receive your finisher's medal?

Flash forward today, and marathon maniac #651! Here I am at 76 marathons run (and one marathon on in-line skates), over all 50 states, and a 7-star maniac. So many memories! I couldn't begin to captue them all here. I do believe that running (or physical exercise, in whatever form works for you) is a "silver bullet"> When I lost my hearing, I turned to medical solutions, but it was running that kept me going. It was all about what I COULD do (not what I couldn't). Of course, I've had the wonderful support of my husband, my kids, and my friends, and the strength and comfort from my faith. But somehow it's running that keeps things all in perspective.

That's plenty about me. If I see you out on the course, let's share "high fives" and the knowing look of those who understand. -Dotty-

Believe you can!

Yolanda "Walking Diva"

The Marathon Show will make you famous!

http://www.themarathonshow.com/

I'm featured in February issue of Black Sports Magazine

http://www.blacksportsthemagazine.com/

Yolanda Fox interview

www.youtube.com/watch?v=prp1TKzrDKk

Rusty interviews Yolanda

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HzdKMykKVE

Yolanda Holder going for Guinness record

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtwDIDidRR4

Beautiful Miniatures by Felma

http://www.dollhouseminiaturesbyfelma.blogspot.com/

Motivational Speaker and Author Herb Ammons present 12-Steps to a Happy Life

http://www.herbammons.com/

1 comment: