Through Nina's Eyes

As running early this morning, reaching to the 6k mark, to my right, I glanced down and witnessed beautiful art work. Children took, plain ordinary rocks turned them into incredible harmonious work. On each of the rocks, there were unique phases such as “BELIEVE” “BE KIND” AND “PEACE”. Then I saw vibrant paintings such as a beedle or “I love carrots” or just simply rainbow colors. These rocks are a symbol of light, love, hope and peace. Reminding us to take a moment to realize life is beautiful if one takes a moment to breathe. They hid them on the ground so a passerby can be inspired.

Children have innocence and live in the moment without any worry. Children are our future and let’s show them the beauty of life

Seeing the rocks today, brought joy within.

When you run in trails, the mind relaxes. You take in what nature offers us…

Hear the birds singing, rabbits crossing your path…might just get a glimpse of a squirrel hiding behind a tree..

The smell of fresh forest air calms your soul…

You might just see painted rocks hidden in trees….

There is so much a trail run will offer you…

A goal is like climbing a mountain. You climb a mountain slowly but there are periods as you climb, you fall or hurt yourself. You could be in pain. You have a choice here either quitting due to your injury or continue climbing by learning to take the right steps on the mountain. Once you continue and take the right steps on climbing, you will eventually reach the top and accomplish your mission.  What I’m trying to say here, Never give up on your goals and believe in your self and trust in your ability, we all can do anything we set our minds to.

To elaborate on May 21 2020 blog, mentioning that the most valuable currency is the effect we have on others … That I choose love over fear…

Here is my elaboration…My goal is to run 16km by June 6 2020 and I have created a schedule. I will meet my goal of 16K but not on June 6 2020. Sometimes value comes when we make a difference in one’s life.

Today, I ran with my friend about 8k in an hour—- inspiring her to run and be active, seeing her face lit up and that she is appreciative of me taking her for a run fills my heart with love and that I have value in one’s life. When we help others, mentor others and are a good friend, it builds certain neurochemicals in our body that help elevate our mood.

Humans are social animals; we are wired to help others. In today’s world, in North America, we are forgetting this and are self-absorbed. Yet we are starting to understand the value of giving and receiving. In today’s health journal mentoring, helping and caring for one creates personal joy and overall health.

The neuro chemicals that is build are dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin – which makeup the “Happiness Effect” . These chemicals gives us a boost in mood..

Yet the benefits doesn’t stop here with mood boosts!

Serotonin is connected to sleeping well, having good digestion,, building memory, learning and good appetite.

Dopamine is connected to having motivation and arousal.

Oxytocin is “the cuddle hormone” – this has the most powerful effect on the brain and the body. When oxytocin comes into play in our body, blood pressure decreases and foundation for arousal…bonding increases, social fears decreases and trust and empathy are enhanced. On top of all of this, oxytocin is an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain and enhances would healing…

So, this one small act of running with a friend and making a difference in her life outweighs meeting a deadline.

My running goal for May 2020 is by the end of May, I would have run 16Km which means today I should have run 14km . This didn’t happen.
I fell one week behind as last week my body was not par. And that is Ok. We, all, as runners have ups and downs. Some days our bodies will not be cooperate. The key is to keep going and not quit.
Today, I ran 12.73km … I can tell my legs feel strong.
So now, I will set my goal to run 16km by June 6 2020…
June 6 is the day I would have done the Whistler 10km Race.
My weekends are when I do my long run. which is 10km or more. Today, on this beautiful, cloudy Sunday morning, I woke up at 5am, got ready and was out the door by 6:30am. Like other runners, who play music while running, I run without no music in my ears yet I have music playing in my heart.

I have music as I take in the sight,
absorb what surrounds and
have an energetic light
that pulls me through the cool air.

As I feel warmed up which is about in 10 minutes or so, I get settled in, moving one foot at a time…
As continuing to run, I feel like I’m walking versus running. My heart, lungs, legs and arms are playing a rhythm…a consistent pace. Sometimes, my mind races back to things that happened or projects working on…some of my solutions or thinking of answers has come while running.
I say hello, to other runners, walkers or even people walking their pets…
I have comfort that I am not the only one out this early in the morning.
By the end of my run, I am on a high and full of energy to conquer the day.

I believe running early in the morning leads to an incredible day ahead..

When one sees me run, I have been questioned “why I run?” Why did I pick an activity that puts my body in extreme . Why run when there are other activities such as swimming better for the joints, the legs….

My doctors discouraged me to do long distance running, I ignored them.

When training for BMO run, at the 13k , I fell and broke my right pinky finger..I recovered and my mom discouraged me to run…she feared I would fall and break another bone….she feared and that is understandable..she is a mom

I ignored the naysayers, I continued with this sport. …

This sport has become a crucial part of who I am…my identity.

As I write on , the answer of why I run will be said …

I was watching Jim Carrey’s video and these words stood out

” the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency you have”

Choose love over fear….

Beautiful words. ….I choose love

Today, I ran 5.29 km and did a weight training session.

I took a different route than my usual. I ran close to home where there are blocks of townhomes, houses and row homes. It is a different energy than running in the trails and being around nature and trees.

My preference is running in nature . I love nature, being in the wilderness among sounds of birds singing, hearing the wind in the trees, seeing a rabbit jump in between or even a squirrel cross by…the sounds are calming for the mind..

I enjoy listening to country music and one of the songs that touched me is this one particular, …. I’m thankful for the higher spirits

Today, is May 20 2020…

202020 – in this time and life we are in..

we all need to remind ourselves that the reason for being here is full of purpose..

You may be still unsure of that purpose, but in time it will become more clear

You are a unique soul on a unique mission..so be kinder to yourself and others who surround you…

Prepare yourself for some wonderful new opportunities to extend yourself in all ways, leave all doubts and fears behind you and concentrate on bettering yourself and your life in every way.

Your life is a learning experience for you to become all that you can be

I say to everyone each day is a learning experience to better ourselves , to be kind, to be gentle, to be loving …we only have one life to live, live being happy and the best way …today is 202020…