For 40 minutes

Like almost all Happy Valleyians my life changed on Monday as the "Sandusky Scandal" broke and all over our beautiful countryside sadness descended.  I got up, got moving and headed to the gym to get in a morning run. I started in at a steady pace with a sincere desire to burn through some of the stress!

That plan quickly got derailed as Jerry Sandusky stepped onto the nearby stairclimber.  It was a moment of shock. I nearly fell off the treadmill because my mind froze and body clenched so solidly I couldn't move.   That moment will stand still in my memory for the rest of my life. 

I recovered quickly, I think the denial kicked in and my body just reacted.  I didn't make eye contact, I didn't say a word, I just kept running. 

For 40 minutes I thought about what I would say, SHOULD say to the man.  For 40 mins I thought about the victims, I felt the waves of emotions - shock, sadness, disgust, anger.  I wiped both sweat and tears. I prayed for healing and justice.  And for 40 mins I thought about what an awe inspiring honor it is to have young people entrusted into your care.  An honor to be allowed to impart knowledge and even in the smallest way shape a child's vision of all their future could hold.

I took that 40 minute run on the treadmill on Monday morning and got more than a good workout.  I got a solid resolve. A resolve that one man's choices WILL NOT hinder the good works I am trying to do with Girls on the Run of Happy Valley!  I got a resolve to make sure checks and balances are in place, that thoroughly interviewing volunteers will never be pushed down the priority list, that following processes and procedures to the letter isn't EVER being too diligent, and listening to the children is never a waste of time.

As the treadmill slowed and my workout ended, I didn't make eye contact, I didn't say all the things I'd rehearsed in my head.   My resolve and I turned our back on shock, sadness, disgust, anger and reaching for my GOTR water bottle we walked out into the beautiful valley with a commitment to the future.

Nov. 1st! WOW time flies. . .

when you are having fun!  This has been a tremendous last few weeks for GOTR of Happy Valley.  With Carol's and my attendance at training in Charlotte we really had our minds and hearts filled with everything GOTR! 

i know this blog is about my personal journey to get back in my sneakers BUT I can't share the aches and pains of my 36yr old knees without telling you how cool it was to meet everyone at GOTR International.  The creation of our council now seems so real!  Our first 2 hours of training was spent with Molly Barker, the founder of GOTR.  She's so normal, she's so sweet and funny, she's open and approachable! We want her to come visit our girls when we get up and running! We were inspired, we were touched to the center of us with the heartfelt love she has for what she does and the complete commitment she has to making a difference in the lives of young girls. Being a part of something bigger than ourselves, being a part of creating an avenue for girls to learn to like themselves is an enormous responsibility with an enormous capacity for joy!  That's what has made me get out of bed each morning and get on that treadmill! 

I'm up to 2 miles a day on the treadmill and another 2 miles walking my pooches.  So, here I come girls we will do this 5k together!!