Oh Christmas

I love Christmas.  It's my favorite season.  It's so much fun getting prepared for the big day.  From the tree to the decorations, to the music, parities, presents, family gatherings, foods.  It's all great!  I love it all.  It also means halfway through the year, meaning summer is coming back!! WOOHOO.  I love summer.
I have been thinking a lot this week about memories.  It seems every sight, smell, or song takes me back to being a kid.  It's been kind of hard.  Does anyone hear me on this?  Is it just me, or are more people burning wood in a wood stove so I can think of chopping, stacking, and watching Paw Paw walk across that frozen ground to have heat in his house?  Or is the song, "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" being played more this year than last so i can think of Grandmaw singing it every time I would help her put up her decorations.  Or Christmas Movies I have seen every year for years are now making me cry as I can relate to the situations these people are in. 
It's been a strange few couple of weeks.  I don't know what to think of it, but I have had fun remembering.  I won't get sad on happy times.  Do I yearn for those days when everyone I love was still a live?  Yes!  But I have to look BEYOND what was and look for what's to come.  Look beyond.  Pastor Furtick taught me this new, old word.  NEVERTHELESS.  Meaning although I am in this spot right now, nevertheless, God is good and he has it all figured out.  I will accept where I am, and go forward to where I am going.  NEVERTHELESS!  My new favorite word.  Although I miss the old days of Christmas pass, nevertheless, I will enjoy and embrace the Christmases to come! 

I love Christmas.  It's the most wonderful time of the year!

What's Happening

Oh man.  What a month!  If you don't know I have another blog for basketball (that updates daily! what?!), on top of keeping up with my school website, the athletic website, run club organization, waiting tables, taking pictures for the school, etc...  But life is great!  Life is starting to slow down a little and I have been able to get back to my routine of teaching, coaching and waiting tables on the weekend.
I have several friends that teach in other countries and I must say my heart is still here!  I love teaching the kids in the USA.  They need some Jesus.  You know that old saying, you can't take care of others until you take care of your self.  I think USA does a great job giving to everyone else, but often we neglect our own needs.  Can a crumbly foundation hold up a house?  NOPE!  My mission is teaching and coaching.  That's my heart!  Now, to find someone with the same heart!  God has someone in mind that has the same mission heart as me!  I wish I had more to share, but I don't know where to start so read the other blogs, websites and if anything big happens, I'll put it up! What?! 

Impression Makers

There are people who come into my life that leave impressions.  Some are family members, some are coworkers, some are strangers and some are friends.  Recently I have been blessed to make a new friend, named Mike.  Mike's life has been completely changed.  He has the history of anyone who has been abused by their father, raised in a violent home/school, in and out of jail, battled with addictions, lost his family and ended up in a place where the only place he could look was up.  UP!  Knowing Mike now you would never know he has battled these pains, these trails, this road. We recently celebrated the fact he got his license back after having a few DWIs.  But I don't want you to judge Mike.  He is a walking example of the power of Christ being lived out on this earth.  The power of the kingdom of God on earth.  I met Mike in the Diner, continued to be her waitress for many months, then would see him in there later at night and would just start general conversation with.  As our conversations deepened i learned it wasn't until he finally gave all power, all his life, all his 'control', over to God and let him take care of it.  Mike will be the first to tell you he can't do it on his own but he isn't going to worry about what might happen because he knows that his power comes from God, the God that created the world.  Sometimes I get discourages, sometimes I struggle with my own addictions and habits and in those times I remember Mike.  I remember his life and how the power of God gives him strength and it's that same power in me that gives me strength.  Thank you Jesus.  So Mike is an impression maker.
Rebekah is also someone who has recently left a lasting impression on my life.  There is power and freedom in forgiveness.  It's a long story with a few years in the making but I was recently asked if I would accept an apology from someone I didn't really know.  To be quite honest, it was very surprising to me and I would have never thought anything about it if she had never apologized but she did.  Now, I won't go into detail but let me just say impression maker.  We all have times when we do something wrong and pride will get in the way and cause us to make reasons in excuses as to how we are right, then a long period of time will pass when we think its to long now to ask for forgiveness and we never do.  Well, it's not to late.  No matter how long the time that has passed forgiveness is forgiveness.  Through Rebekah's act of obedience to the spirit I myself have had recent encounters where I had to ask for forgiveness.  I will tell you, Rebekah came to mind each time when i didn't want to humble my own self and face the music of my wrongs.  But let me tell you without her simple act asking for forgiveness I know my own recent weeks would have been bigger battles in swallowing my own pride.  Rebekah is an impression maker.
We all leave impressions on this earth and in the lives of the people we interact with.  What impression do you leave.  Let it be one that brings glory to this earth.  Be the Mike.  Be the Rebekah.  Be an Impression Maker!

Speak.

I do not like to be lied to.  I do not like to be deceived.  I do not like for people to say one thing and not truly mean what they are saying.  Do not try and spare my feelings with lies, I would rather hear the truth.  Do not give up just because it's hard and do not live a double life.  I will try to the end but when every stone has been turned, every word has been said, and every means of effort exhausted, even I will turn in the towel.  Tell me now, don't tell me later.  But make sure what you say now is true, not just a lie to pacify the time.  You speak.  You speak hollow words.  No my friend.  Speak what is true, speak what is real, speak what is truly on your heart.

summer

This is my first summer in the states since college.  I must say I haven't had a summer vacation in a long time.  It's nice being able to wake up, run, read the word, drink coffee, type a blog, paint, sit by a pool, hang out with O, and work the diner.  That's my summer.  It's amazing.  3 days off a week!!  I don't get three days off in a month. So, no good jungle stories this summer.  But, I do think something big is going to happen.  Don't know what but something.  Either in my life or in the life of someone close to me.  Because my big question has been why am I not in Costa?  Why am I here?  I don't know if I will get one answer.  I will say God is at work.  My prayer has been Lord work in me so I can work in them.  I have so many relationships that I am building with people who are open to something, who are searching for something, who are ready.  For example, I wait table at a diner and the other day one of my customers and I were conversing when we got on the subject of who God is and how he sees us.  Well, let me say this scares me to death.  Sometimes I get to this point where I wonder what to say next, how to act.  So I have to stay in tune to the spirit and how the spirit is speaking to me.
I am still praying for my Greek family!  Lord, is that why I'm in Concord?  Maybe!
Granted I'm not in a foreign land serving for Jesus but I will say I believe my service here this summer is going to impact my lives than I know.  So this is my prayer, Lord keep me focused, keep my grounded, keep me in you and you in me!  And in the school year when I am slammed busy, I feel as though I don't keep this focus. God is so Great.  He is moving.  Watch out world!  Watch out Concord!

a rant

Really?  Am I wrong?  Am I that wrong?  How could I have been that off?  I'm not one to open up.  I'm not one to just let people in easily unless I'm sure I'll be treated okay.  I don't like jokes so I don't play them on people.  I don't like to be lied to, misled, or take advantage of.  So, how was I fooled?  I don't know.  But as it goes: trick me once your a fool, trick me twice I'm a fool.  And guess what buddy row... I ain't no fool!
Bad Grammar..> i know.  But i'm just saying.

I'm not a spring chicken anymore.

I have multiple stories to share about my mini vacation with the rents over this past weekend.  I think I should add the fact, I have not went on vacation with my parents since before college.  So, i was a little nervous about how I would do spending 24 hours with my momma, but I had a blast.  It was nice to be a "kid" again.  To have someone over me to make decisions.  It was a nice break.  I think as a kid I was so gun hoe about not having my parent make decisions, but now I can appreciate a break from being an adult.

Story One: The groundhog.  Before we even left the Lasley plantation I was laughing my face off at my parents.  Dutchess, the farm dog, was barking her heart out at a pile of dirt.  My daddy being the curious george that he is had to figure out what was pestering this dog.  Well, it was a ground hog.  You must know that my daddy was a deep down hatred for ground hogs.  He thinks they play games with him on his many endeavors to trap and destroy the little pests. So, here's my knight and shinning armor of a father poking a stick at this little ground hog, while momma and myself wait patiently in the driver side opened door car. (the driver door being open is a key part to this story.)  The ground hog is scared trying to figure out where to go, my daddy is jumping around wondering where it is going, and all the while I am thinking what is he trying to do.  Daddy takes a kick at the ground hog... and misses.  Hit's the dirt.  Straight up kicked the dirt.  Then tried again, and kicked the little pest.  Not to be deterred, that little rodent went back to the other side of the dirt pile only to be followed by my father.  Who, got his stick out and poked the ground hog one more time.  Well, this time the ground hog took off.  Straight towards our car.  Straight towards the open door on the car.  Straight towards my Momma, who has by this time unbuckled her seat belt, has her hand on the door handle and ready to jump out of the vehicle and let the ground hog have it.  While Momma is trying to flee, daddy is now running after the rodent with is hands in front, as though he's trying to catch it, saying, "oh no... not the door.  Not the car."  I'm in the back seat in tears from laughing.  This is my family.  This is the start of my weekend.  Oh my....
Well the ground hog did not jump in the car (good thing because Momma would have blamed daddy for leaving the door open!) it ducked down below the chassis towards the barn, only to mock my father another day.

Story 2:... Apollo's Chariot.

disappointment

Disappointment comes in many forms.  Not getting an A on a paper, rain on a swim day, etc... Disappointment sometimes comes from people.  For me I have been disappointed by few people in my life but each time has been the same situation.  So I have often times asked, "why does it always happen like this to me?"  But the question i should ask is, "what am I supposed to learn but haven't mastered yet."  Because, if I had learned my lesson this same disappointment would quit happening.  The solution is easy.  Keep your focus.  It's not what are you living for, but Who are you living for.  I think each time I start to look at the what and not the Who, is when the what becomes ammunition for the enemy to use.  Event's happen that test ones faith, but my faith is still growing.  It's still deepening.  I am still learning what authentic, true, undeterred faith really looks like.  So God... you know my heart, maybe you read my blog but... I've learned my lesson.  3rd time's a charm.  Thank you for the kick in the butt and wiper wipe on my windshield.  I see.  I have learned my lesson.  In every situation, in every relationship, make you number one.  Make you priority.  Make you my focus and "the things of life will grown strangely dim in the light of your glory and grace."

writer's block blocked by words

Writers block from way to much to say...  Organized thoughts are on the way.  And boy do I have some crazy junk to get out of my brain, heart and spirit!

New Friends... God knows when to send them!

God has really been teaching me something. I don't know what it is but it's something.  Patience, reliance, affirmation, or just plain listen.  So I wish I could explain what is going on but it's something that will not benefit and only cause more questions.  But you know, about the time I get down He puts people in my life that remind me what is up.  So, the past few weeks I have really loved getting to know one of the servers I work with.  I must say we can be good friends.  She helps me see things in my relationships I don't want to face.  And I help her by knowing exactly how she is feeling.  It's been an interesting past couple of weeks.  But as I have said before, I will wait.  Peace is Peace.  No pressure.  Not forced or manufactured.  It is something that will come.  I just have to wait for some growing up.

my mind at the moment...

There is no purpose behind this blog than to just vent.  So, what am i doing?  Really?  What?  I teach school, coach a bazillion sports, and wait tables.  Not to mention run, hang out with some greeks, and volunteer at church.  So, why is it that sometimes i'm lonely?  It would seem I have everyone and anyone around me at any given time, and I do, but I'm the only one experiencing this life.  I'm the only one that is sharing the experience with me.  And I'm not complaining, I'm just saying... I would love to not feel as though this crazy life thing I'm going through was a solo experience.  Just when I think it might not be, I get discouraged at the circumstances.  Really?  But I need to not look at what I don't have, and rejoice in all i do have.  Complete freedom!  Own space.  No answering to anyone.  Random trips.  No planning around others.  Sounds kind of selfish... but hey that's my life.  I guess there is good and bad.  But sometimes i would like to try the earlier one! haha  

on the by-u pt.1

Spring break was a much needed break of all sorts.  I spent my time on a boat, in a river, on a rope swing, eating craw fish, walking around a big city, cheering on a few baseball games, having some special punch, celebrating a birthday, running in a town not familiar to runners, meeting some die hard rebels, and reflecting on where I am and what I want.

I was in Louisiana with some pretty cool people, if I do say.  It was nothing short of amazing.  After spending a Friday in a cold, rainy, not a day for Carowinds, North Carolina spring day, the warm humidity of Louisiana was a nice welcome when I stepped of the plane that night to be welcomed by a missed familiar face.  So in the Heather clock it was 1am... well, Baton Rouge time was 12am, but regardless at that point I had been awake for 19 hours, yet that didn't dampen the intensity of wanting the explore this new place.  So my first hours in Louisiana was spent with J.Wax walking along the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge learning about the Mafia, Riverboats, and Casinos.  I had the undying desire to pull out some Twain and quote Huck Finn, but I thought that might me weird... so i refrained.
Stop Two was LSU.  Yep, the famous LSU.  It was freaking amazing.  I visioned the hustle and bustle of a football game, the roar of screaming fans after a touchdown, corn hole tournaments, and the aroma of illegal beverages filling the lots around the stadium.  They have a Tiger.  Yep, Mike the Tiger.  Chilling in his mini-NC Zoo look at me pin.  Honestly, he has a pretty good life.  Could you image the stories he could tell if he spoke English?  I learned about the Lakes and got my first taste of "the deep south."  Remember, I am a Dixie kid (meaning country and southern) but these people... whew they put a whole new understanding on deep south. I was a little sad to see just how raciest everything still is.  Keep in mind I can appreciate a good joke like anyone else, but I see past the color of skin.  Hello, I look Hispanic at the moment.  The color doesn't make a person!  But, it was interesting to see how the state was formed with a very narrow mindset and how many of those ways of thinking exist today.
So, we leave LSU heading down Hwy 12 to good ole D.S., LA and by now it's 2:30 (3:30 my time) I'm going on like 22 hours of being awake.. and crashing.  Justin was filling me in on all this info about Denham, and by then the conversation consisted of him speaking and me responding with uh-huh, yeah, humm, uh-huh. I think he finally gave up speaking because he could tell I was pretty much done!
So, I am in Louisiana for 3 hours, and already I love it.  The history, the knowledge, and the company.  Spring break is only 8 hours in and I was thinking "thank you LORD!"  And, I have 4 more days.  All, of which will come after I crash for the night!

more by-u adventures to come....

Now Driver...

I once heard, "there is rest in the knowledge of not knowing what's ahead."  Well, no offense to Cathy Bennington and her wealth of knowledge, but i do believe on any road there are sign, signals and sometimes flashing lights.  Granted, you  may be on an old country road, sandwiched between wheat fields and and cows, but even these roads let you know when a curve is coming.  So, my question is: What's on this road?  At the moment I can't see what's ahead.  I don't know what or if there is anything past the approaching hill.  All I know is I'm on it.  I have passed many green lights, seen some caution signs and now sit at a yield sign.  Yield signs are crazy.  With a yield sign you can stop or blow right through with a quick glance to make sure it's safe.  But you have to think. You have to decide what to do.  You have to keep moving regardless.  But I'm on a road where I'm the passenger.  I am not the driver.  I have to wait.  Wait... Wait... Wait...  So far, this road has been crazy.  It's been a smooth ride.  It's been surprisingly comfortable.  But what's ahead?  What has this road I've been on been preparing me for?  What has this drive taught me?  What signs have I passed?  But it's not up to me.  It's up to the driver.  I just have to know when to get out of the car.  I have to know when to speak up and direct.  I have to listen.  

"there is rest in the knowledge of not knowing what's ahead..." but don't miss the signs that prelude what may possibly come in the future.  Now Driver.... where are we going?

tears and tomatoes

This past week I was able to plant 60 of the 200 tomato plants I have to help provide fresh, local, vine ripe, organically grown tomatoes for two local restaurants.  After preparing the soil and digging my holes I stated setting out the plants in prep of planting them.  Well, that wasn't the problem.  The tears came when I knelt down, picked up the plant and placed it int the hole.  MY mind instantly flashed back to my family's patriarch kneeling in orange county clay, with his blue pants, mud covered brown brogans, thin worn out carolina blue button shirt, gently placing each tomato plant in the land that represented his entire life.  I see Paw Paw as I myself is kneeling in the dirt planting my own plants and I begin to weep.  Tears as strong and fresh as the day he died.  Tear up over the tomatoes.  Wishing he was right beside me helping me put them in the ground.  So, the first 10 plants have extra tears of love and I bet these will produce the sweetest tomatoes!   

air amount

"God is bigger than the air you breathe..."  Think about that.  The amount of air that surrounds you.  The amount of air that you take in on a daily basis.  The amount of air that is on this earth and continues to be produced by plants.  God is bigger than that!  Sometimes, I forget just how big he is.  Just how powerful he is.  Yesterday, I started to reflect on where I am.  Where I am going.  What I am doing.  What I want to be doing.  And why I'm not doing what I want or what I am supposed to be doing.  Along with this reflection I briefly started to get overwhelmed by the responsibilities, the desires, the uncertainties of what's to come.  As soon as the gasped breaths came, they fled at the calming arms of Christ.  It was as though he said, "Heather, I got you.  Don't you know how big I am?  I got you!"  I won't lie.  Sometimes I stopped and think, "Lord, Here?  Really Here?  Why not him? Will I ever be settled?"  and an array of many other thoughts.  Those thoughts... I could choose to dwell on them or I could continue to renew my mind on what is true.  What will always last.  And that is simply... God's got me. He has it all.  He has it all planned.  Rest in his arms.  Rest in his hands.  Just rest.  "Heather, I got you!"  Good to know :)          

my teaching philosophy.

Well, it's been a while since a post but let me explain the reasoning in this.  Between coaching volleyball 5 days a week, working 9 hours Saturday and Sunday waitressing, teaching 9-4 five days a week, and attempting to stay in great running shape, along with sleeping, enjoying being outside as much as possible, and trying to help with track (which hasn't happened as much as i'd like)... i really haven't had time to put thought to keyboard.  But as this Saturday afternoon is clouding up with the approaching summer thunder, I am taking time to write.  Have no fear my thoughts the past few weeks have been abundant, and many but I have one thought that has really dug deep on me the past few days.

My teaching philosophy.  It was asked of me when i interviewed for my first job and to be honest, I didn't have one.  Could I truly have my OWN philosophy without ever really having a class that I educated?  Could I really have a any idea, insight or opinion in the education system?  I think not.  But as my experience increases, my teaching philosophy is starting develop.

I have had the opportunity to teach tested subjects, along with a non tested subject in my 4 years of teaching experience.  Math is a very hard core, prove what you know on a MC, TF, or short answer pen and paper test.  Where the fun of numbers.  The fun of learning.  The fun of going to school is sucked out of the class just as the stress on the teacher is pushed in.
This past year I have been placed in a non-tested subject.  Where I have had the freedom to cover the curriculum without the added pressure of having to perform a certain way, for a certain group, on a certain portion of material.  I must add how liberating this feeling is, to be able to teach to teach and the students can learn to learn.  That's the way I started this year.  "hey kids, guess what, right now everyone has an 'A'.   How do you like that?  There will be no written test, no final exam, rather you learning.  I just want you to learn.  Learn how to take care of yourself.  your pass and fail will be the quality of life you endure.  A good grade will equal a very healthy life, a bad grade will be a very poor health, bed ridden life."
So, I've been encouraged to see my kids showing appreciation in others, respecting the staff, showing good character, talking out their problems instead of fighting, drinking white milk, eating more fruits and veggies at lunch, restating the harms of drugs, and truly applying what they learn.  So I believe teaching is when you can see the practical application of what was taught being lived through the students.  

Here's my beef because of the grief I have gotten from other teachers...So, a number on a report card is a number.  I will not have a kid make a 75 in my class because they didn't get their rules signed, or they didn't bring back a paper.  That shows nothing!  That does not accurately portray the class.  What was taught.  Really, did you teach the kids how to get a paper signed and bring it back?  I know I didn't?  If the class was on how to get paper signed by all means, take a grade on it.

Now, with that philosophy, I get judged... a lot.  Maybe it's a crazy way of thinking, but it makes since to me!  Maybe it's different from traditional school grades, but HELLO... school classes have changed, so should our grading systems and methods.

So, by all means, ridicule me for not giving a test, or a grade on a stupid paper coming back signed, and I will show you how my kids are making lifestyle changes that will make them healthy, productive, contributors to society.  No Test.  What an idea.  Let's learn!  What a better idea.  So, step out of the box and learn with me.

if you really knew me...

If you really knew me is a show on MTV that has recently caught my attention.  In Health class we are currently learning about Mental and Social Health.  Well, I have decided to make it more a focus on Character and Integrity.  So, my kids are learning Jesus and don't even know it!  But, today I kicked off the lesson with an episode it you really knew me.  Which was then followed by some discussion questions.  The class was AMAZING.  I have yet to see a class of kids so tuned into a show.  They were completely engaged to the kids on the screen.  I saw kids uncomfortable, I saw kids crying, I saw kids who were in awe.  To follow up the activity I had the kids write a brief journal based on discussion questions I had created.  The response was unreal.  For example:
If you really knew me you would know..
"my parents fight all the time"
"i hate how fat i am"
"i'm funny because I want to laugh.
'i am lonely because no one is home.:
'I hate that my dad and mom divorced"
"i cry every night still over the fact my momma died."
"i judge others because i judge myself"
"I am all by myself and noone cares"

These are just an example as to what our kids have going through their brain.  I have said it before but my Sun Stand Still Prayer to to help raise up a generation of restoration.  To believe in their potential to change the world. 

Hey Haters

Click on the Below Link (Hey Haters).  Read the Blog and Watch the VIDEO!!!!


Hey Haters

a clanking spoon

My rambunctious class of 7th grade students came into my classroom Wednesday morning to a different tune.  Believe me I wish I had to tell them get started on your morning journal, have a seat, lets get to work, but not this morning.  All I hear is my spoon clanking against my oatmeal cup, and sniffles.  All I see are red, blood shot, wet eyes.  I have a class of 28 7th graders staring at the board life less.  Their emotions and feelings are evident.  They miss their friend.  The boy they went to school with for 5 years in elementary school.  The boy they played basketball with in the street.  The boy that they thought they would see this weekend at a birthday party.  The boy that is no longer around.  Death Sucks.  It Sucks.  There is no way around it.  No sugar coat.  It hurts.  What hurts me is the pain I see in them.  This student was redistricted to a neighboring middle school yet I hurt too.  This kid.  13 years in.  An entire life ahead.  An age where they think, "this won't happen to me" and then it does.  Clank... Clank... Clank... so is my spoon in my oatmeal.  Now... do I teach?  Nope.  I give them paper... let them sit...  Here I am.  Typing away.  Watching.  These kids are hurting.  They are writing.  They are drawing.  They are learning to deal.  They are learning a lesson I could never teach.  Only one that is learned with experience.   Clank... Clank.. Clank.  The worst sound in the world. 

who are you

Have I told ya'll how much I love my job?  Seriously, I love everyday.  I love every challenge.  I love the craziness that comes with each kid.  The good and the bad!  One of the last units I have to plan for health is a Character Unit.  Character? you ask.  Yep.  In a society that has given up on respect, I'm teaching it.  So, I'm pumped.  I have goals.  I have visions.  One kid at a time.  There are 450 lives I touch every nine weeks directly, and the remaining 450 I influence simply by my attitude and the extra circulars.  Don't read to much into these previous statements, I'm not at all trying to seem like some super hero, I'm just saying... I have a huge responsibility and with that a very large need for prayer.  What can you help me pray for?  Well, first off Strength.  I need guidance and wisdom in each word, action, and lesson I teach (purposely or just by being a teacher).  They can't know him unless we show him!  I am not quitting on changing a generation.  I am not quitting on changing what is culturally acceptable.  This is a generation of Possibility and Promise.  Prayer to infuse purpose into each life.  This is my mission field.  This is my prayer!  Pray for me on this mission field!   

good friends

There is nothing better in this world than a good friend.  Let me explain on this.  A good friend is there when you need them, gives advice (good and bad), knows you better than anyone, can read you from the look on your face, and will call you out on things you don't want to hear.  Erin called me out on rejoicing.  I am at the age where it's hard to find single, childless friends.  I am also at the point where I have lost the companionship of rejoicing in what God is doing.  The celebrating.  I was starting to loose the joy of celebrating in the little ways God is working through me into the lives of the kids.  Erin busted me on that.  So... I'm going to bust you.  No matter how crazy the day is, take time to celebrate in the little ways God is working.  It could be the truth you spoke over a kid.  It could have been the way you showed extra kindness to the boy who really got on your nerves today.  It may even be the comment, "your not like most" leading to the response, "it's Jesus."  Celebrate what God is doing.  Big and Small.  Because when you celebrate, you are praising Him for all he is in you and through you!

I'm a Runner

I don't know if I've ranted about this before, but here it goes again if I have.  I was sitting in a meeting today when the topic or running a 5k was brought to the table.  And then there was the statement, "you know there are 5Ks all the time. You don't really have to run.  You can walk if you want."
WHAT!!! WALK???? What happened to the dignity of a race?  Where is the astonishment of running a marathon gone?  Where is the pride of accomplishment in a competition?  It's now a "well walk it." No!! It's a race. A Race. A hard core, run all out, I want to win race.  Where pain is expected when you signed up.  Where the desire to beast everyone is running through every vein and breath of struggled air.  A race is not a fund raising, shirt wearing, look what i did even though i walked it but my shirt says a run, event.  It's a race.  Like an elementary school recess competition who's the fastest RACE!!!  Don't you dare diminish my passion.  You can't walk it, unless a walk is the hardest you can go.  When you just walk to say you competed an event you are spitting in my face of how hard I've trained.  Of the time sacrificed training, running, soaking in Epsom salt.  You can walk. NO THANK YOU!  Walk at home... on a treadmill or on a sidewalk, but don't dare where a race shirt that states run where you just walked for the fun of it.