Just Smile

As you may have already noticed, I love quotes.  They inspire me and help simplify life.  Recently, I ran across a quote by Les Giblin that says, "If you're not using your smile, you're like a man with a million dollars in the bank and no checkbook."  This quote is so simple, yet it is so true.  Simply taking the time to smile can change the way you feel and help put a smile on someone elses face.  Life is filled with negativity and bad news.  Rarely do the daily headlines pertain to lending a helping hand or making a positive impact on the world.  Fortunately, a smile is cheap, easy, and can have a huge impact.  Just a imagine a world where everyone is smiling.  A world where people understand that life is tough, and that the only things we have complete control over are our attidude and effort.  Referencing Giblin's quote, I challenge you to take out your "checkbook" and start smiling.  Just smile and enjoy the journey!

Katie Makes Me Smile!!!

My Furry Friend

Many people view and refer to dogs as pets.  I, on the other hand, know differently.  A good dog is a part of the family.  Scout is my 3 year old "mut" (I can't let her hear me call her that) that has filled my life with laughter, anger, happiness, and love.  All the emotions that go with loving and caring for someone greatly.  Knowing that much of this blog relates back to running, I'm sure that you are expecting me to tell you that she is a wonderful running partner.  Quite the contrary, she may be the worst running companion ever.  She has little, if any impulse control, meaning that the mere sight of a squirrel sends her into tirade.  Thus, I dread the idea of running with Scout, but I occasionally brave the inevitable and take her with me. Aside from her minor behavioral problems and lack of self control, Scout is a great life companion.  She snuggles, watches TV, steals pizza, hides bones (from who I'm not sure), and insists on giving everyone she meets "human" hugs.  Her loving personality and constant smile fills my house with joy.  Fortunately, Scout loves Katie, my fiance, just as much as me, if not more (Katie feeds her more "human" food).  I am excited about the years ahead and Scout's ever growing role as an integral part of our lives.  To anyone out there that is considering adding a furry friend to your household, just do it.  There will be times that you question the decision, but in the end you will be forever thankful that you added them to your family.  Please visit your local Humane Society or rescue group prior to purchasing a dog.  There are tons of homeless dogs waiting on a good family.  Scout was one of these dogs, and I can say from experience that you will not find a more loyal, loving dog, than a dog that was once forgotten.  They will be forever greatful for your kindness.  Enjoy the journey!

Me and Scout (I think she sees a squirrel in the distance)!

Me and My Family!

Try Something New Today

When was the last time you tried something new?  Take some time to reflect on the last twelve months.  Write down everything that you tried for the first time over that time period.  You may be suprised to see just how many new things that you actually tried, or you may realize that you need to be more adventurous.  Take chances and seize opportunities as they present themselves.  Recently, I took the time to do this activity, and I was pleasantly suprised with the number of new things I have tried during the last twelve months.  Below is a list of my firsts:

• Get Engaged (Once in a lifetime experience!!)
• Practice Power Yoga
• Learn to Wakeboard
• Visit Las Vegas
• Eat Sushi
• Coach Club Soccer
• Start Cycling
• Serve as a Groomsman in a Wedding

My New Found Joy, Cycling!!!

This is a really interesting activity.  Have fun with it and please share your list with me.  Also, I hope that you will use this as a motivational tool to encourage you to try something new today.  Enjoy the journey!

Running is Running

Yesterday, I completed my first race in about 7 years.  I have run regularly for about 3 years, but I just recently got the urge to start running races.  In the past, I have always run to relax, destress, and think, but I am ready to take my running to the next level.  Yesterday marked the start of this journey, and I must admit that I LOVED it! (once the butterflies settled and I started to relax) 

Anxiously Awaiting the Start!

I jumped head first into the racing scene by deciding to tackle a tough 15k course.  The weather was less than ideal, and I was a nervous wreck prior to the start.  I knew that I was ready for the distance, but the idea of racing was intimidating.  Once I got to the course and checked in, I started to feel a little more comfortable, but I was still on edge .  Then, once the horn sounded, I started to relax.  Due to adrenaline, I started a little faster than I planned, but I settled into a nice pace and slowly realized that running is running, whether you are racing, training, or relaxing.  If you are a runner that has never considered running in a race, I urge you to give it a shot.  You may find that it is very rewarding and provides you with a strong sense of accomplishment.  Please share stories about your first race with me and my readers.  Enjoy the journey, and I look forward to reading your stories!
   

Nearing the Finish Line!!

(Time-1:17:27; Pace-8:19) 

Necessities of Progress

Tonight, I have some quick food for thought.  I recently ran across a quote by Thomas Edison that states, "Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress."  After doing some reflective thinking, I realized just how true this quote is.  It seems that people must be very unhappy with their current situation prior to making any changes.  For example, it is easy to tell someone that they need to excercise more often or begin a more healthy diet, but until that individual decides for themselves that they are unhappy and discontent with their current lifestyle it unlikely they will make any adjustments.  This likely accounts for the fact that people often wait until they have a serious health scare to start excercising and dieting properly.  Please take some time to think about this quote and how it might apply to your life.  Maybe you are already taking the right steps regarding your health and fitness, but there are other areas of your life that are lagging and screaming for progress.  I encourage you to yearn for progress, because an individual that's growing is an individual that's happy.  Enjoy the journey!       

Training for a Cause: Soles 4 Souls

Going forward, I will be training for a cause.  I have decided to donate $10 to Soles 4 Souls for every 100 miles that I log on dailymile.com.  As of today, Soles 4 Souls has provided over 7 million pairs of shoes to people around the world.  They distribute a new pair of shoes every nine seconds, and I wanted to be a part of such a great cause.  I am closing in on my first 100 miles logged, and I can't wait to make my first $10 donation.  I encourage everyone to train for a cause.  It is rewarding in so many ways and it seems to make those early morning or late evening runs seem a lot easier.  Especially when it's freezing outside!  Just knowing that someone else will benefit from your efforts makes all the difference in the world.  Feel free to join me in supporting Soles 4 Souls by clicking on the link under my dailymile counter or visiting  http://www.soles4soulsfundraising.org/timothy_wakefield.  I truly believe that this is a wonderful organization that is working towards a very noble cause, and I look forward to supporting them for many years to come.  My goal for the remainder of this year is to log a minimum  of 2000 miles, which would translate into $200 worth of donations.  It is important for you to understand that every penny matters and if you have an interest in helping out this organization please click on the link provided above.  I look forward to sharing this journey with you, and I hope that this encourages you to find a way to help make this world a better place.  Please track my progess and provide input along the way.  

Personality?

If you met me as a result of this blog, you may be wondering if I have a personality.  Shockingly, the answer is yes, but I realize that I have failed to express it through this blog.  It is bad when your future wife chooses to clean the house or do laundry in order to avoid having to read my next post.  Thus, over the last few days, I have done some serious thinking.  How can I spice up this blog, express my personality, and motivate people to live healthier, happier lives?  Ding. Ding. Ding.  I can be myself, which includes expressing myself through various mediums.  Within the next few weeks, I hope to have a daily motivational video or podcast that lasts less than 5 minutes and is posted bright and early to motivate people for the upcoming day.  Also, going forward, my posts will be shorter, less novelish, include pictures, and they will come from the heart.  I'm here to motivate people to live healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives.  Not to write a novel (at least not yet).  Please let me know if you have any ideas for this blog.  All input is welcome and desired.