Refreshing Sunday

While it is STILL snowing (thankfully, it isn't sticking), today has been a refreshing day. My parents had the kids for an overnight last night, so my husband and I enjoyed an evening out and the opportunity to sleep-in this morning. I couldn't sleep later than 7:45 (I must be broken), so I got up and checked my email, read a few blogs and then decided that the morning stillness was just what I needed to motivate me to go for a run before my husband finally greeted the day. He enjoyed the warmth of our rockin' bamboo sheets until about 8:30 (that's a good 2 hours longer than he usually gets!) and was fine catching up with his own computer-related work in his jammies while I wrapped up a "quick" 20 minute run.

After getting ready to go out for a kid-free brunch (yummy french toast with special cinnamon cream and glazed apples - so decadent!), it dawned on me that today was the US Women's Marathon Olympic Trials in Boston. A quick google search led me to the exciting results:

1st - Denna Kastor (2:29:35)
2nd - Magdalena Lewy Boulet (2:30:19)
3rd - Blake Russell (2:32:40)
4th (alternate for the Olympic Team) - Tera Moody (2:33:53)

These women are FAST (oh, so much faster than the casual 10 minute miles I was plodding while they were hammering out their under-6 minute miles or so - but I bet we all had fun)!!! You can read more about the excitement on the Olympic Trials site - and hopefully see some photos soon.

Congrats to all of the Marathon Trials runners this morning, especially the Trials runners from my neck of the woods (Washington State): Gwen Greiner (2:44:25), Caryn Heffernan (2:46:25), Marlene Farrell (2:52:58).

And to everyone who laced on their running shoes or bike cleats or suited up for a swim today (or went for a hike, took the dog/kids for a walk, practiced yoga, mowed the lawn, salsa danced, or whatever!): celebrate your strength and fortitude, too! No matter your speed, celebrate your dedication to your athletic side and the positive role model you are for the next generation of leaders.