Inspiration Category
You Can Do It All (But Not At Once)
Posted on January 1, 2015
“Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can.” ― Ashleigh Brilliant It’s been months since I shared something here. Last I wrote, I was ending a 10-week fundraising campaign in honor of my father’s loss to cancer. In retrospect, that sums up the theme of my 2014. There were […]
Cancer Don’t Care – Two Days To Go!
Posted on June 2, 2014
Dear Friends, There are just two days left in my Woman of the Year campaign for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It’s been a ten-week journey during which I’ve challenged myself, have been reminded that the world contains loving and supportive people, and have realized we possess the power to make good spring from the roots of tragedy and loss. My friend, Stefanie, […]
The Final Two Weeks: Cancer Don’t Care
Posted on May 22, 2014
Dear Friends, Eight weeks ago, I set out on a challenge: raise as much money as possible in a ten-week period to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I launched the Cancer Don’t Care campaign during a personally tumultuous time, including losing my father to blood cancer just five weeks before the campaign began. It would have been […]
13.1 Miles for a Cure
Posted on May 12, 2014
This coming Saturday, May 17, I will be running the NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon. This race comes at the start of my training for Chicago Marathon, this fall. Many of you are aware that I am part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year campaign. This is a national, spirited […]
Motivation: Keep Moving Forward
Posted on January 19, 2014 Leave a Comment
I’m fortunate to know many amazing people – hard workers with big goals, loyal to their dreams and their friends. Yet, none of us are without our personal challenges. We each encounter obstacles that bully us into questioning our instincts. Sometimes we’re shoved hard enough to want to quit. But we don’t. As I have […]
Giving Thanks
Posted on December 2, 2013 1 Comment
“Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.” Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s ~ Yes, it’s indeed time to make some decisions about spring goals. As I look forward, I’d also like to express my profound and heartfelt appreciation to those who support me. Their continued encouragement is not only amazing, but […]
Motivation: Wandering
Posted on July 22, 2013 Leave a Comment
“Long, long I muse, then on my way go wandering, Many a changeful season to follow, and many a scene of life…” Walt Whitman As Toilsome I Wander’d Virgina’s Woods As toilsome I wander’d Virginia’s woods, To the music of rustling leaves kick’d by my feet, (for ’twas autumn,) I mark’d at the foot of […]
Cheering: NYC Tri
Posted on July 16, 2013 6 Comments
The headline photo says it all. Spectating is an endurance sport! Last Sunday was the Aquaphor NYC Triathlon. I spent five hours cheering at the start of the run course at the Team Up Autism Speaks and Team In Training outposts. Am thankful for Elizabeth, Jen, and Carolyn for their enthusiastic company! So much fun cheering with you, […]
Oakley New York Mini 10K
Posted on June 11, 2013 3 Comments
Let me first admit: it’s been over a month since I last posted. Leave it to you, Oakley New York Mini 10K, to help break the silence. This was my fourth year running the Mini. I quite like this race. It’s a fantastic distance (long enough to pace, way shorter than a marathon), a nice […]
Eugene Marathon: Pre-Race Thoughts
Posted on April 27, 2013 4 Comments
With my shakeout run done and the race tomorrow, it seems a good time to reflect on some pre-race feelings. Speaking of Pre, there are signs of the larger-than-life legend everywhere. The track where Pre ran is beautiful and open, and largely unchanged from photos I’ve seen of him dominating his hometown turf. It’s not […]
Love is Generous
Posted on February 16, 2013 5 Comments
We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love. Mother Teresa ~ This past Thursday – Valentine’s Day, a holiday of which I’m less than fond – I stumbled across Generosity Day. I actually first read about it on researcher Brené Brown’s blog, Ordinary Courage. The idea took root and […]
To Lora V…The Girl Who…
Posted on January 26, 2013 5 Comments
So began the subject line in a recent email from a dear friend. In its entirety it read, “To Lora V…the girl who never lets the snow stop her.” Attached to the email was this fabulous surprise: the above portrait, illustrated by the incredibly talented (and dare I say beautiful) Sam Smith, who’s recently launched […]
2013 Spring Marathon Season: Eugene
Posted on January 18, 2013 5 Comments
“You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with all your might.” Henry David Thoreau ~ I’m not a New Year’s resolution kind of person. There’s nothing about the calendar hitting January 1 that drives me to make changes. When I see fit, I change. When I need to, I change. And, when […]
Running In 2012: Q&A
Posted on December 24, 2012 8 Comments
The 2012 year-in-running Q&A caught my attention after being mentioned by three amazing runners – Ashley, Jess, and Melissa. The questions got me reflecting on the year’s experiences. Since it was quite unpredictable and unprecedented (for me), I decided to follow suit and offer up a few words to give the year its due credit. […]
Race To Recover: Thank You!
Posted on November 13, 2012 6 Comments
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta ~ This post is to simply and whole-heartedly say THANK YOU! Two weeks ago I wrote about running the New York City Marathon as a […]
Tapering With Gratitude
Posted on October 26, 2012 8 Comments
“Rest and be thankful.” William Wordsworth ~ With the longest training runs behind me, taper is in full effect. It’s now just over a week until race day. The past week’s been full of emotions that undulate much like the NYC Marathon course. One moment is electrified by nerves and a tightening of the gut; […]
I’ve Changed My Mind
Posted on October 4, 2012 12 Comments
“You have to want it, you have to plan for it, you have to fit it into a busy day, you have to be mentally tough, you have to use others to help you. The hard part isn’t getting your body in shape. The hard part is getting your mind in shape.” ~ Amby Burfoot […]
Arming Myself
Posted on August 23, 2012 7 Comments
“Before you begin a thing remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead…You can only see one thing clearly, and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin.” Kathleen Norris ~ Form a mental vision of your goal and cling to […]
18 Miles: A Celebration
Posted on August 17, 2012 11 Comments
“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” Joseph Campbell ~ This Saturday is my birthday. Being a glossy Leo, it easily remains one of my favorite days of the year. That may seem childish for a full-fledged adult; but […]
20 Miles: Risk for Progress
Posted on August 9, 2012 4 Comments
“If what you did yesterday still looks big to you, you haven’t done much today.” Wid Matthews ~ There’s a saying – in one of its various incarnations – that goes: If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have received. Accepting this truth, I opted to use […]
LV runs NYC 