Lance

Love these pics of Lance at the games. One shot, it looks like he's just lifting like it's easy. The other - you can tell the amount of energy and sheer determination he invested. If you are lucky enought to be in his class - then you know what a top-knotch kind of guy he is.

Crystal

I worked out in the gym yesterday with Crystal's 10am class. Got a good reminder how Crystal can be tough, but encouraging. I can get my arms to the keyboard, but not the top shelf in the fridge.

Crystal, our 8th fittest woman in the world... was incredible to watch at the games. She fought for ever lift, every muscle up - every movement. Pics shows her determination and her style.

It started off good...

One of the more memorable points in the Games was a work out that required rowing, then driving a metal stake into the ground, and back to rowing. It was a cool sight after all were done to look down the area where the stakes were all driven into the ground... wondered if another work out would require them to rip them all up. Carey had a great techniques of small "tinks" until the stake was well enough down to allow large blows. Crystal had no problems - finishng sinking the stake in great time. Jeremy was "tinking" along - until a few stronger blows tilted the stake and his destiny to drive this stake sideways began. This little incident took JT down the list - but gave us all a bit to razz him about which is of course great fun. Back to the farm to build some fences Jeremy.

The Women...

Watching this event near the start line, it didn't look so ominous. But once they ran past and you turned around to see the crazy steep climb, your own legs started to burn. It was not surprising that once they crossed the finish line, 99% fell to the ground and were tended to by staff who would help shake out their leg cramps. Coaches Crystal and Carey taking their shot.

The "Heal" Run - Men

Haven't blogged in a while - I think I've stayed in my rut since Zooma, looking for something to ignite me. I went to the Games last weekend - and this was the push I needed (in addition to the shoves I'm getting from BMJ to get back to running so we can do the San Antonio half this fall.)

Two of many cool pics I took at the Games, where 8 of my CFC family competed. Lance was in the first heat - and first to the finish line, of course. Jeremy's turn --what I love most about his picture is his brother, Zachary, cheering (or yelling?) him to the finish line. If you have not experienced Zachary yelling at you - well, you should. I too, almost have my voice back after yelling, cheering.... what a weekend!

The other half. Which ones will you embrace?

Ok -the seond half. The ones I will embrace, practice and make integral to my outlook immediately - #25, 36, 39, 44, and Especially #43. I worked on the "yield" factor yesterday and I found myself calmer. Some recognized/appreciated it - others didn't even acknowledge it - in their own world. Which type are you/do you want to be?

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously.. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

DAD - I love you too.

The first 22 tips for your day... your life.

When I get these via email - I mainly ignore them - seen it before; however, lots of gold nuggets - the first 22 of 44. My favorite in this list... 3, 11, 13....



1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14.. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.