Nothing to do With Photography...But Still Good!

As most of you all know, unless you have been living in a cave for the last week and a half, the Olympics are here...and they are incredible! Another thing you all know (because most everyone who reads this blog is either a family member or close friend) I am an athlete, always have been, always will be. One other thing you also know, I am NOT an Olympic calaber athlete...shocking I know! As I watch each and every one of these athletes compete in their respective sport, whether it be water polo or beach volleybal, it amazes me! The dedication they put into every aspect of that sport, their physical strentgh, their health, you name it! As this summer got into full heat swing (mid to high 90s, sometimes 100s) I have tanked when it comes to my running. "Why?" one might ask, well because 1) It's stinkin hot outside! and 2) I hate, let me repeat HATE, running lond distances on a treadmill, I get so bored, I need the changing elements of running outside. This "tanking" has led to some serious side affects, mostly an enlarging waste line, along with the tightening of my pants in my thighs, all because I couldn't suck it up and run outside on my off days of wellness at work. Now, back to the Olympics, as an athlete watching top notch athletes perform, I became very upset with myself. Again, I revert back to my previous statement: I am NOT an Olympic calaber athlete, but an athlete none the less and should be pushing through, not sitting back because something is hard or too hot. I went running, for the first time in months, on my lunch break a couple of days ago and, yes, it was hot! But, also, it felt so incredibly good! Throughout my run these athletes, who bring tears to my eyes when watching them particpate in their sports, kept streaming through my mind. When my calves would start to get tired and burn, what would I do? I'd just keep running! These individuals, no matter the country or sport, are such an inspiration and something I will continue to stream in my mind on those days when I'm too tired, it's too hot, it's too cold, or I just flat out don't want to do it. I'm an athlete dang it! Just like those incredible individuals participating in the sport they love for the country they love!

One of my favorite shots my dad took of me during my college softball years!