Hi Everyone,

I know I said that my last post would be the final one for the year, but I had to add just one more.  If you would like to hear some great original Christmas music with that special touch of humor that we all need at times, then look no further.  My good friend and musical genius Daniel Dennis has just released his new Christmas album entitled “Best Christmas Songs Ever”, which features all original tunes co-written and co-produced by Daniel.  I feel so privileged to know this talented man and encourage you to visit his website at:  http://www.bestchristmassongsever.com.  You all know that I do not endorse fluff-n-puff, so you can be sure that this is the real thing!  If you don’t believe me, then check out the just released music video for the hip-hop styled “The Reindeer Song!” with Daniel himself as rapper Sno’Rida at:  http://www.youtube.com/bestxmassongsever

This is a gift that will keep on giving and put a smile on your face at the same time.  What a perfect combination for this time of year.

I have my copies…visit his website and pick up yours!  Let’s support someone who has real talent and a heart to match!

Thanks everyone, and again, Merry Christmas!

Bridget

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Hi Everyone,

Due to a full schedule from now until the end of the year, this will be my last post for 2011 and there is no better way to conclude this year than with a question:  What does Christmas mean to you?  For most, it is about shopping, packages, Santa Claus, great food, parties, trees, etc.  I find it amusing that so many engage is all this “activity” and have no idea why they are doing so.  For most of my adult life, I have lived far away from my family (I’m referring here to blood relatives; not my intimate circle of friends I consider family) and for years, I found it hard to reconcile that while I never heard a word from them throughout the year, they would give me a gift for Christmas.  Why?  I’m guessing it had to do with ritual or routine; after all, isn’t that what Christmas is about – giving gifts?  Thankfully, I was able to eradicate being the recipient of that “ritual” and I pray that I have helped those in confusion understand what CHRISTmas truly means.

This is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  In essence, it is a birthday party for Him, not for us.  As a Christian, I live to honor God daily with my whole life.  I live to bring Him glory all year long, not just on one day.  Obviously, this post could be quite lengthy if I explained in detail the entire meaning of the Christmas message, but I’ll summarize it this way.  Instead of spending lots of money you may not have on gifts for people you think you should give to out of ritual or routine, why not stop and reflect on why you are doing so.  Now, with your whole heart, think honestly about why you love Christmas so much.  Think about why you tend to smile more at this time of year, or why you are more joyful.  Is it the hustle and bustle of the stores or the pretty lights in the yards or windows?  That could be a function of it, but it certainly extends deeper than that.  It is a celebration – a birthday party for Immanuel, which means “God with us,” and there is one gift that you can give Him that is the most special gift you can ever give regardless of how long you live.  It is the gift of your life; the good, the bad, and the ugly; the whole enchilada so to speak.  This is the gift that costs you nothing monetarily yet it has no end.  It is the gift that keeps on giving and giving.  Now that is what’s most meaningful about Christmas to me.

There is a wonderful book I read every year entitled “The Heart of Christmas” by six mighty men of God, including Max Lucado and Rick Warren.  I highly recommend you buy this book, whether you have a relationship with the Lord or not.  I would also like to refer you to the website, “The Way of the Master” (www.wayofthemaster.com) where many of your questions will be answered and where you’ll discover if you really are a “good” person or not.

This has been an amazing year and I am filled with thanksgiving to the Lord for all that He has done for me.  Yes, this truly will be a great Christmas and yes, I do give gifts at this time of year; not out of ritual or a misguided obligation, but from my heart.  I look forward to it and I’m always thankful when I receive a gift given to me in that same manner.  However, nothing holds a candle to the gift the Lord Jesus has already given me, and that is why the gifts I give to Him are the best gifts I can give; the gift of my obedience, the gift of my devotion, and most importantly, the gift of my love to Him – the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

Have a Merry Christmas and I look forward to a great 2012 with you!

Bridget

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Hi Everyone,

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked to join a running club in the past 4 years.  If not a running club, then I’m asked to “buddy up” on a running relay or a triathlon.  It never fails; I usually get that type of question at least once a month and I usually always turn down the opportunity.  So the question at hand is should one workout with others or not?  The answer is…….it totally depends on the individual.  If you are a person who needs that companionship and encouragement to get your workouts completed, then by all means you should team up whenever possible.  Many people join gyms for that very reason; to feel less alone in their exercise efforts and to use that socialization as a way of staying motivated and focused.  The same can be said of running clubs.  I have several friends who are fierce runners and attribute much of their success to the camaraderie and encouragement they get from being a part of a running club.  Being a part of a team helps them stay motivated and enables them to feed off of the energy of their counterparts, which can certainly be beneficial, especially on those off days when exercise is the last thing you want to do.

Thankfully for me, I tend to be a very disciplined person and am motivated by the sense of joy and accomplishment produced from maintaining a challenging exercise regimen.  So much of what I have to do in my life involves others, so my exercise time is my time and I don’t like to share it at all (that sounds rather selfish but I promise you, it comes from a very humble place.)  It is my time of fellowship and worship, as much as it is about burning calories and building muscle, so I prefer to workout alone; however, if you are the type of person who prefers companionship while working out, then by all means, find that buddy or group and join right away, but be mindful of your ultimate goal.  Sometimes when working out with others, there is way too much socializing going on and very little true exercise.  So, if you choose to “buddy up,” then be selective and focused and by all means, enjoy!

I’ll upload my last post of the year in a couple of weeks that will encompass my personal thoughts on Christmas and my love and devotion to my Savior Jesus Christ, to whom this website and all that I do is dedicated.

As always, thank you so much for all the wonderful thoughts, comments and prayers.  As you know, I love hearing from you!

Bridget

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Hi Everyone,

Today was a perfect autumn day for running in the South; nice and cool with plenty of sunshine.  Because I have been running so much lately, I was not slated to run today, but with the weather so incredible, I just couldn’t resist.  I chose one of my favorite trails and began what turned out to be a challenging yet refreshing long run; so good in fact that I felt compelled to post the following since so many of you have asked questions or made comments about the place technology has in regard to exercise.

Rather than beat around the bush, I’ll just be blunt:  I am not a fan of the importance people place on technology in their lives.  Let me be clear, I’m not a fan of the “importance” people place on technology.  Kept in its proper perspective, I regard it as more of a positive than a negative.  After all, I do have a website (even though it takes me several months to add a new post, proving my lack of time spent on the computer )  In fact, anything can be detrimental if it is misused or becomes excessive, and technology certainly has the appeal to cause many to go down the path of over-consumption, even at the risk of damaging their health.  Truthfully, it is very difficult to seriously exercise when you can’t be separated from your cell phone, computer, ipad, etc.  You might think you are getting in a good workout, but chances are that workout is marginal at best.  Exercise should be specific and a time in your day to forget about everything else.  It is a wonderful way to put whatever issues and difficulties aside and focus on building a stronger mind and body.  And when you get to have a day full of beautiful sunshine and moderate temperatures like today, you will find yourself with more energy than you could have imagined.

Does technology have its place?  Yes it does, but that place should never be at the expense of your health.  So cut off those cell phones, pull yourself away from the computer and use that designated time of exercise to not only give your body that workout that it needs, but to give yourself time to thank the good Lord for your blessings and to absorb His beauty, which I promise cannot be found in technological gadgets.  In other words, stop and smell the roses.

Last week, I gave my mother some beautiful roses that currently adorn her mantle.  While they still smell very good, their aroma doesn’t hold a candle to that found in a healthy and clean body.

Many thanks to you all for the continued well wishes.

Bridget

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Hi Everyone,

First and foremost, THANK YOU so much for all of the great messages, cards, letters, and gifts regarding my completion of running in all 50 states.  You all are too much and believe me when I say that I absolutely cherish all of your expressions of congratulations.  It really means a great deal to me.

Also, many of you have asked about my trip to the U.S. Open tennis tournament and to New York City.  In a word, it was FANTASTIC!  Every aspect of my trip was bless-filled and it was very hard to say goodbye to my friends and to the city I love so much.  While the tournament was in Queens, I certainly spent a great deal of time in Manhattan, eating lunch at Columbus Circle and running it off in beautiful Central Park.  Yes, if I lived in NYC, I’d be in the best shape of my life because I would simply run everywhere I wanted to go!  It was such a good time that I shall be returning for Christmas and simply cannot wait!

Speaking of traveling, many of you have asked if I stick to my exercise regimen when I travel since I stay on the road so much.  The answer is an emphatic YES.  Of course I do.  Why wouldn’t I?  In fact, I tend to enjoy exercising more when I am away from familiar surroundings, probably because I am excited to be in a new place.  This is especially true with regard to running.  There is nothing more exciting than setting out on a run in an area you know little about.  Your sense of discovery is always heightened and you get to observe things from a perspective that is much more intimate than you would riding in a car or even on a bicycle.  Also, when you make running a part of your exercise regimen, you are left with no room for excuses because you can always run, no matter where you are in the world.  As long as you have your running shoes, you are good to go.

I work out 6 days a week, every week, no matter where I am in the world, and I don’t make exceptions – ever.  As you know, my time of exercise is my greatest time of worship and intimacy with the Lord.  It’s a time that I cherish and truly could not live without.  Now, while I tend to run more than the average individual, my weekly routine also involves resistance training for my legs, chest, arms, shoulders, and my core.  In simpler terms, I do resistance training 3 days a week and cardio (running, swimming, tennis, basketball, hiking, etc.; all the stuff I like to do) the other 3.  How do I weight train while on the road?  Simple.  I keep a set of weights in my car so that when I’m away on a shorter trip where I get to drive, my weights are right there with me.  When it is a longer trip that requires air travel, I make sure that I stay at hotel with a workout facility or one that has an agreement with a local gym in the area.  Most larger hotel chains have one or both options, so again, you are left with no room for excuses.

It’s pretty simple.  Is good health important to you?  Do you want to do all you can to ensure that your body gets the proper exercise it needs to function in a healthy manner?  If so, then you must not fall victim to the dreaded land of excuses.  Make exercising a priority and cherish that time you have to take care of yourself.  You certainly don’t have to workout as intensely as I do, but make sure that you are doing something on a consistent basis that gets your heart in that target zone, and if you are a runner or aspire to be one, then by all means get out there and do it.  Wherever you are now or wherever you travel to later, there is always a place for you to run and who knows, you might receive a blessing far beyond what you could have imagined.  That’s what happened to me.

Please keep those messages coming.  It is always such a pleasure to hear from you!

Bridget

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Hi Everybody,

I have accomplished my mission of running a sanctioned race in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and it feels AMAZING!  My heart races as I recount the highs and lows of this challenging quest that took me nearly two and one-half years to complete, and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Alaska as the final stop of the mission.  What a beautiful part of the country and such a great place to be reflective.  It is hard not to get emotional when I think of all the blessings that have accompanied me on this journey, including a television segment for WRAL-TV in Raleigh entitled “The Tarheel Traveler.”  Here is a link that will take you straight to the segment:   http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/10031358/#/vid10031358

A special thank you to Scott Mason for his wonderful reporting skills and overall professionalism.  I am very grateful to him for helping me preserve this experience in a special way.

So, the primary question these days is “What’s next Bridge?”  Well, as I state in the video piece, the first answer, of course, is more running, as well as undergoing the arduous yet rewarding process of converting my numerous journal entries into a book chronicling the experience.  It is no easy task but something that I am driven to do, and we all know what happens when I am driven to accomplish a goal!    I also have a brand new baby nephew out west that I am excited to see, but not before enjoying my favorite sport in my favorite city – the U.S. Open in NYC (the Open is actually in Queens but I will be in Manhattan quite a bit as well.)

THANK YOU for all the inspiring emails and messages – they mean a great deal to me and please keep them coming.  I love hearing from all of you!

I really don’t know why I began this quest, but I do know that along the way I became determined to make sure that the Lord remained the focus of it all.  The doors the Lord is continuing to open (and close, which is equally important) totally amazes me and keeps me in a state of thanksgiving and humility.  This journey has been life-changing for me; no doubt that I will never be the same and may God be the glory!

Bridget

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Hi There,

This is just a quick post to let you know that I am blessed to be the feature of two recent articles; one in “The News of Orange County” and another in “The Mebane Enterprise.”  Both are local papers covering events in Orange and Alamance Counties of North Carolina.  Here is the link to both:  http://www.aconews.com/noc/

For those of you far away (which is a vast majority of you), I have plenty of hard copies and will make sure you get them soon.

Hey, have I mentioned lately how much I love being a runner? 

Much more to come very soon!

Bridget

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Hi Everyone,

THANK YOU so much for all your inquiries and prayers during the first half of this year.  My oh my how time does fly and so has my quest to run a marathon event in all 50 states.  At the time of this writing (July), I’m blessed to have successfully run in 49 states, including the District of Columbia.  All that is left is Alaska, where I plan to run next month, completing my journey across the United States.  In fact, since I’ve already been to Alaska, I can now say that I have traveled to each state comprising this great country of ours, keeping a detailed journal every step of the way.  Now that this quest is coming to a close, many of you have asked what two words would I use to describe our nation.  For me, that is easy.  The two words are “beautiful” and “diverse.”  Honestly, I had NO idea how blessed-filled and life-transforming this journey would be.  I simply thought I’d run some fun races in some really cool cities, never expecting to experience such richness and warmth, literally everywhere I visited.  From the breathtaking landscapes to the amazing friendships I’ve made along the way, this experience has granted me something that I will cherish and nourish for the rest of my days.  How grateful I am to the Lord for granting me such an immense gift!

I have written a book proposal and pray to get my journal and many notes on this experience published.  Several of you have inquired whether or not I plan to continue running now that I’ve covered the country, and the short answer is “absolutely!”  I fully expect to still be running well past the age of 100, but clearly this experience will be hard to beat.  I will post more details once I’ve completed my run in Alaska, but what is true today will be true next month as well:  I am blessed to live in such a beautiful and diverse nation, and I am blessed to have seen it all – as a runner!

Bridget

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WOW!  I can hardly believe the year has almost come to a close, and what a great year it has been!  With 18 incredible races, this has by far been my most full and successful race season to date, affording me the opportunity to see so much of our great country from the air, as well as from the numerous race courses and trails.  What a blessing to race this year in South Carolina, Delaware, North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, New Hampshire and Kansas; each adding something very special and unique to my life.  What an amazing Savior I have to extend me such bless-filled adventures.  And speaking of my Savior, it is particularly wonderful to share this post with you at this time of year – a time when my heart is bursting with joy.  Not just any joy, but the joy that comes from knowing what Jesus did for me.  It is hard not to get emotional just thinking about it.  Christmas for me is not about the pretty paper, or the exchange of last minute tokens from those that you never talk to all year long but expect something from you under the tree (you know the deal I’m sure), or the tasty, yet often unhealthy meals we like to indulge in from now until the first of the year.  No, for me, Christmas is all about Christ Himself, and how indescribable His love is for me and all of mankind.  My strongest desire is to serve Him fully every day of the year, and the joy of Christmas Day simply renews that desire and continues to augment it in everything I do, especially with regard to health and fitness.

I pray that as you take time out to reflect and spend some quiet time with the Lord, that you too will feel renewed and energized to give Him your best in 2011.  I am so excited about next year’s race season, with only 7 states left to go in my quest to run in all 50 states.  If it is anything like this year, then I already know it will be a season filled with blessing, surprises, excitement and joy abound!  Please don’t neglect to continue to exercise and stick to your clean diet regardless of the pull to do otherwise.  Remember to plan your workout schedule at least a week in advance and stay focused, keeping your eye on the prize of a healthy body and sound mind.  Next year, I will bring you posts concerning the importance of cross-training and how to remain injury-free, among other great topics. 

It has been great hearing from so many of you.  Your words of encouragement continue to serve as great blessings to me and I hope to see more of you on the race course this upcoming year.  I will start posting my 2011 race schedule very soon, as well as additional race photos, so until then, may you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Bridget

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