Way to Be!

I took on the challenge of dedicating my run today to the life of President Hinckley. Thanks to Marathon Mommy who invited anyone to do so. I can guarantee I would never have gone running today without a purpose to go. I have definitely been feeling the effects this week of how my body handles cold weather - which is not great. My fibromyagia seems to rage through my body during the winter months and this week must have been it's Mardi Gras.

Jeff and Annie Kate had her basketball game to go to, so I knew if it was going to happen today I would have to be taking the kids for my 6 mile goal. Getting them dressed and in the stroller seemed to be more exhausting than normal and at least 5 times I tried to talk myself out of going. Exercise seems to be the one thing that helps me feel better but is is a catch 22 because it is the last thing i want to do when I feel bad.

the weather was actually amazing - in a weird East Coast February day. It was still freezing for me, but there was no ice falling from the sky like the day before so I was thrilled.

I downloaded the book "Way to Be!" 9 ways to be happy and make something of your life written by Gordon B. Hinckley.
summary of the book, not written by me -
"his inspiring, upbeat, life-affirming book shows teenagers and their families how to navigate through the moral minefields of contemporary life and how to truly enjoy the opportunities and blessings that the modern world has to offer."

This was amazing! I am going to have to listen to more books while running. I was a little worried I would not have the desire to run without my Radio Disney music blaring in my ears - but this was an amazing experience. It also helped me having all the 9B's written down and slipped under my rain guard on the stroller. I really thought about each one.

My stroller made it through many parts of the neighborhood

I slowed down for the school zone - hee hee.

While I don't usually go on the sidewalks with my sleigh I always love walking on this curve with the brick path.
this is my half way point by the river and where i always practice my "crossing the finish line" pose - yet I didn't do it today, i was way to into the book.
The part of the book "Be True" was on while I was walking down this part of the street. I loved his comment although I don't remember exactly how he said it but that we have to believe that "what we do today will affect our tomorrow." I realized how much I learned this during training for the marathon - me taking the time to rest helped me better to run, me choosing to run made me stronger for the race, what I put in my body for 6 months helped me on the day of. I seem to barely be learning this point of investing in myself today for tomorrow.
The end of my run I was able to end going past our church building. I am truly grateful to be a member of my church and to have a prophet to guide it. I am grateful for his wise wisdom in encouraging me to be:

Grateful, Smart, Clean, True,
Humble, Involved, Positive, Still and Prayerful

I would highly reccomend this book for any age at any stage of life and any religion and would be happy to send a copy of the book if this is your first time hearing about it.