"REWARD", a matter of perspective

It was 5pm when I stepped out of my warm jeep onto the cold wet pavement of Farimount Loop. I zipped my fleece jacket snug around my neck and pulled down my cap to ward against the 42 degree windy rain. "Okay, Jew-bert, let's see what you're made of", I muttered as I set out on my 10 mile run.

As I often do during my runs, my mind wanders to my sister and how blessed I feel to be on this adventure with her. When we first planned this little tour de force, we decided that after every 4 weeks of training we would enjoy a reward together. Very quickly the training schedule was pushed to the side of the table as we discussed the type of reward we would get.

"How about a massage?"
Yes, definitely!.....

"What do you think of pedicures?"
We will need them after our long runs....

"I'd like a new running outfit"
And you will certainly deserve it.....

And so it went. Today I wondered what we would do for our encore... a memory of a conversation I had with Troy several years ago came to mind. I was setting out on a new weight loss program and he was helping me set my schedule. "What do I get when I loose those 10 pounds?" I asked eagerly. ~ He just stared at me, incredulous. "What do you GET?!? (pause for dramatic effect) You GET to weigh 10 pounds less!"

One of the reasons I married this man; he will always tell it as it is.

Okay... Now, back to me. As I was running today, thinking of my sister and our upcoming reward it dawned on me that THIS IS the reward.

REWARD: Being healthy enough to run 10 miles comfortably.

REWARD: Filling my lungs with fresh air and oxygen for almost two hours (even if it was cold air)

REWARD: The 14 beats per minute my resting heart rate has dropped since I began training.

REWARD: The way my favorite jeans fit now, with room in the bum.

REWARD: Endorphins from running don't leave you hungover in the morning.

REWARD: I feel healthy, fit and focused. I think I might even be a nicer person.

Things we do along the way to stay motivated are small celebrations of milestones passed. This entire experience has been the best REWARD, I could think of.


Author's Post Script: But ABOUT that encore.....What do you think of Cirque's KOOZA or the Bare Naked Ladies concert???