It’s Always Something

It’s Always Something

It’s always something: a sick mother, a dying aunt, a relationship breakdown, or a baby on the way. If it’s not happening in my life, it’s happening in someone else’s, and if it’s not happening today, it will be happening tomorrow. In my company: two dozen people,...
On Mothering and Work

On Mothering and Work

I got an email this morning from a woman who is interested in exploring work with my company. She asked if she could bring her 3 month old baby to a coffee meeting. I wonder if it took courage for her to ask, or what she expected my answer might be. As often as...
Self-Talk, Limits, and Finishing Strong

Self-Talk, Limits, and Finishing Strong

I’ve run 7 marathons in 5 years. When I first started training for distance, I had a favorite mantra: all I have to do is finish. I didn’t entertain the possibility that I would quit, but I also didn’t set any strict expectations on myself for finishing times....
It’s Good to Be Known

It’s Good to Be Known

My friend Marina is like a celebrity in our local running community. Everyone knows her. During recent races, as I’ve run alongside her, we can’t go far without someone cheering her on or calling out her name. I stand quietly beside her before and after...
Instant Poem

Instant Poem

Maybe it’s the sunshine, or the caffeine, leftover high from this morning’s run, a sugar rush from those two cookies I ate before lunch, but I’m feeling pretty good. Here’s why: For all my worrying and striving, all my fretting and crying, the right work always shows...
Focused, Consistent Effort

Focused, Consistent Effort

Sunday I completed my 6th marathon — my 3rd in the last six months. I felt good, finished strong, and shaved 16 minutes off my previous personal record. Sunshine, cool temperatures: perfect conditions. A lot of people who aren’t runners seem impressed when...