Monday, September 12, 2011

unplanned ...

I am 100% Type-A. I like order and structure. I make lists for lists. I plan and execute, sooner rather than later. I tackle challenges. I push myself. And usually, things work out the way they are supposed to.

Recently, however, the plan J and I had for our family, went awry. We thought we had it mostly figured out, then came the curve ball. The one thing that we hadn't accounted for.

And it sucked. At first, we were angry (well, mostly J. I'm kind of chill). Then, we were annoyed. But eventually, we realized that the world wasn't ending. That the unplanned, might just be for the best (it's all about perspective, right?). We have each other. We're a team. And that's what's important.

I was once again shown the value of the unplanned on yesterday's run. G and I met for a quick four miles. We picked a location and started running an out and back course. But, then, we decided to veer off course because we thought we knew where we were going. We were wrong. We made turn after turn with fingers crossed that we'd get back without logging twice the planned mileage.

For 40 minutes (and for only a quarter mile longer than planned), we navigated the streets of the West End while laughing about everything and nothing at all.

(Seriously, we always have this much fun.)

It was a run that reminded me about how lucky am to have found my "solemate" and how fortunate I am to have a husband that is so supportive of my training. It made me smile a little about how the unplanned moments have gotten us to this exact place. It's right where we're supposed to be.

14 comments:

Running Ricig said...

My long run this weekend ended up being a little unplanned too and it was awesome. I think not knowing where you're going sometimes makes the time go by faster and the run more fun!

gba_gf said...

"Perspective", now you have it. :)

That really was a great run... and I feel exactly the same way.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

You two look like you are getting away with something, you are having sooo much fun!

Unknown said...

I hate when the unplanned happens, but I am getting a lot better at accepting it (because it isn't going to change) and re-calculating how to adjust to it. This injury was totally unplanned, but I am determined to get back on track and run Newport in a couple of weeks...like 4 holy cow!

Great attitude and sounds like you still got in a good run!

Emz said...

Fabulous photo. Love that.

Meredith said...

Love this! And in my crazy emotional state that I'm almost always in, this made me tear up... I'm a wreck!

misszippy said...

Ok--I was all ready to hear there was going to be an addition to the TMB household!

Great post and pics.

Jessica (Pace of Me) said...

Oh my gosh, words cannot begin to describe how much I love this.

TNTcoach Ken said...

I was expecting the 'prego' post! LOL

Anonymous said...

Such a great reminder! I was secretly hoping you would say you were pregnant too! haha! Pregnant woman love company!

My type-a self will now try to plan for the unexpected :)

Julie D. said...

you and G are lookin awesome and that picture should be the 'poster' for laughing and living through the unplanned! :)

Dani said...

Another preggo thought here too!!

XLMIC said...

Okay... so I have to say this... you are THE most chill Type A I have ever met! It is so cool that you have this intense drive and determination, but you have a total ability to just go with it when things go awry.

In.

Awe.

Love you.

MCM Mama said...

I gave up planning when Jones was born and he didn't fit any of the "plans" I had in my head. Now I just roll with whatever comes my way.

We need to figure out something cool to do that's halfway between us and meet up soon. Miss you and G!