Monday Project Motivational Board

This week's Monday Project at the Sisterhood was supposed to be a fun break from all the weepiness of introspection we had last week.

That was a big FAIL for me.  Only a few minute into my research for the project, I was already in tears.  Cause I'm sappy like that.

At first I thought I'd put a picture of my childhood hero - Miss Elizabeth.  She was a WWF valet, which means she pretty much got paid to be pretty.  Then I thought about other women I'd love to look like...then quickly realized these women don't truly inspire me.  Sure I want to look like them, but then I get discouraged when I don't.

So I headed down a completely different direction.  What inspires me?

Derek Redmond.

Who?   I didn't remember his name either, just his story.  It took a little research but I found an article which you can read if you want the full story.  The short version is that he was injured during the Olympics during a 400 meter race.  Instead of limping off to the side he refused to give up.  Eventually his father made his way out of the stands and helped his son to the finish line.

(click to enlarge the picture)

The cheesy line beside it is a movie quote - but I thought it was a perfect fit.  Funny - the motivation is already working.  I've signed up for a race tomorrow, but because of my respiratory illness I was considering just not going.  Wouldn't that be embarassing?  Posting about the race.  Posting "Never Give Up".  Then coming back Monday and telling yall I didn't even bother to try. 

So I'll be racing.  Probably won't reach a PR like I wanted, but I'm going show up.  I'm going to finish my race.

Okay now moving on to the non-weepy section of my board.  I just happened upon this picture this week and thought it would be a perfect addition.  

In case you can't tell that's a picture of Marilyn Monroe with a couple of decent sized dumbells in her hand.  Who knew?  One of the sexiest women in our nation's history with a set of weights that could crush the 3lb weights Gwyneth Paltrow swears by. 

I also decided to put a couple of people who I love dearly on my board.  I very much want to inspire them.  The first is my niece.  She's the cutest, smartest little girl ever.  Seriously.  She's two reading levels above where she needs to be for 1st grade (she's currently in kindergarten). 

 

This picture was taken last year during playtime at school.  They got to wear whatever they wanted - and apparently she got creative and wanted to be a member of G.L.O.W. (the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling).  I love that she's so spunky and hope she keeps that attitude throughout life.

Her little brother is 4 years younger than her, but already showing early signs of asthma.  His doctor doesn't want to jump the gun and label him yet, but he fears that the diagnosis is down the pike for the little man.

It felt really good when my sister told my mom that she was hopeful because if I could run a half marathon with my exercise induced asthma, the Little Man could grow up and do whatever he put his mind to.

Is it conceited to say I inspire myself?  I suppose that's not the right wording, I just know where I started.  So I can't help but be amazed at how far I've come.  Okay so my name is the last in the list for my age group in the half.  But I finished and within the window of time that I wanted to finish.

The day after I met Jay, my parents and I hiked to the top of Mt Leconte.  Its the 3rd highest peak in Tennessee.  If you can't read the stats on the picture the top is almost 6600 feet high and the hike up has an elevation change of 502 feet per mile, over the course of 11 miles.  I've since been to the top again, but as they say there is nothing like your first time. 

My faith is important to me.  He has promised to prosper me, and He hasn't let me down.

There is just something incredibly inspiring about knowing that I am loved no matter my faults or failures, and with through the strength of my Savior there is nothing I can't do.

Finally - my goal.  I found a race on March 28th - perfect timing for me to start an 8 week 5k improvement training plan.  The best part about it all?  The race ends in Neyland Stadium, on the 50 yard line.  My mug will be flashed on the Titon Tron as I cross the finish line.  I will break my PR there.  I'm shooting for 32 minutes, but I didn't want to commit that to the board. 

For those of you not from around here - people in East Tennessee live for UT football.  Embarassingly so sometimes.  Neyland Stadium is the Mecca of Tennessee (well besides Graceland, but its on the other side of the state).  It'll be freakin awesome to finish my best ever 5K there.

You'll notice I have a little free space at the bottom, but I wanna be able to add as I find more motivation.

Hopefully you've finished your homework on time - I can't wait to see what everyone else has put together!