#txcannon

A SDS request from TxCannon, and conveniently I noticed it as I got off the trail from today’s run. It feels a little like Texas here today- I think winter is finally over.

Mike and I actually lived in Dallas for two years when the kids were really little. Neither of us ran then as we were too busy making ends meet and keeping short people in the house alive. I wonder if we still lived there if we would be doing the same things as we like to do now? Biking seems to be a big thing there, and we lived near Lake Grapevine although we never made it into the water while we lived there. I ran a bit in high school, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up being a runner one way or the other.

Killing time at DFW

I was tagged by TxCannon to post the last song I listened to (not sure how to write that sentence and NOT end it with a preposition).  Do yourself a favor, listen to this song.  Loudly.  Here’s the video. You won’t be disappointed.  

I’m sitting at DFW waiting for my delayed flight to take me home after a week in Dallas.  I’m trying to be compassionate and remember that Mexicans are really getting hammered by this hurricane but I’m really just anxious to get home.

I’ve been tagged by Sequoiaman1968 and TxCannon to do one of those random Q & As designed to get to know me better. My Google and sleeping habits are pretty boring, so I’ll just answer the Fandom question.

I’m not a fan of any sports teams and although I like a few bands and TV shows, I’m not sure I fall into the fan category. There are a few things I’m passionate about though:

1. I’m a big fan of getting shit done. The older I get the less patience I have for people who don’t walk their talk. There’s no shortage of people who like the idea of being a runner or a triathlete but far fewer who actually finish the race. There’s no partial credit for buying the equipment and signing up for the race. This even more true in the work world.

2. I’m a big fan of not quitting. Getting shit done, especially in a large organization is hard. Patience and persistence, not to mention hard work separate winners from talkers. A good, even brilliant idea is never enough to overcome inertia, personal agendas and entrenched interests. Some people are incredulous at the idea of doing an Ironman. Here’s a secret: Ironman isn’t really all that hard, the key is not stopping until you’re done. Seriously. Just don’t stop. If you can teach your kid that simple principle you’re likely to end up with a successful adult.

3. I’m a big fan of self improvement; I will always be a work in progress. It makes me crazy when people throw up their hands and accept what they know to be shortcomings and failures. “I can’t help it that I’m vindictive, or an emotional wreck, or a slob, etc.” When our kids were little we drilled into them the mantra, “You are in charge of you.” If you don’t like something about yourself or your situation, change it.

4.  I’m a big fan of big goals.  This year’s goal is a post kidney donation Ironman.  In 2017 I plan to bike across the country.  

5.  I’m a big fan of Beth’s chocolate chip cookies.

I was tagged by SplashMashAndDash and txcannon to answer some questions. Go!

1. Why did you choose your URL? “Running My Own Race” is taken from a thought often expressed by Joan Benoit. In several interviews she talks about running her own race. For 7 years I have written some kind of blog with this title, including one at RunningMyOwnRace.com with the tag line-- Life is a marathon, so pace yourself and run your own race.

2.  Middle name? Ann. Boring, I know. But my first name is Beth-- not Elizabeth or Bethany which is a little different and I like that. And I like Beth Ann. Thanks, mom and dad, for a nice name. It suits me.

2.  If I could own a fictional pet? Snoopy. We already have a beagle but one that could dance and fly his own dog house would be a step up.

3. Favorite color? Blue. Or Red. Or green.

4. What am I listening to? My neighbor’s lawn mower broke down so I’m listening to the hum of Mike’s mower cutting his grass.

5. Top 3 Fandoms? I’m too old to follow a fandom but right now I’m obsessed with watching the West Wing as I was busy birthing babies when it was originally on and missed the whole thing.

6. Why do you like Tumblr? Well, I like it because people are actually over here. To be honest, I prefer long form blogging because it really lets you get to know someone and their thoughts. But a forum is nothing without members and I love the variety and volume of people here. People here are very nice and if they aren’t it’s easy to shut them off. But in general, my preference is to know why your are doing something and how you felt about it. I’m not interested in just seeing a snap of your food or reading your workout in list form. Tell me more about yourself and I promise I will listen.