Fitness with Aliya

Chasing States... Challenges, Choices and Chuckles and what is a "Back to Back" anyway? Funny story, my colleague is from Mexico. She's not a runner, but her uncle recently qualified for Boston and he posted on one of his social media accounts about his "PR." She knew I had run Chicago and Berlin and so had he. I asked her about his regimen, training and suggested, jokingly that he coach me (because he is many miles away). I later inquired about his PR and she chuckled. She told me the first time she saw it she thought it meant for "Puerto Rico." I said but he's from Mexico. She said I know, but I couldn't figure out why else he would post PR! (runner peeps now you know that tickled me)😂😂. She was so serious too. This reminded me how we can have a complete conversation using jargon that keeps so many out of the loops. Although it is unintentional it tends to isolate others from the conversation and the sport. With that being said...

I often shudder when I hear people compliment me on being a caring and giving individual. I mean the way the go on I have to do a double take. I have not always been known for doing for others. It’s often hard for me to hear, "you’re such a selfless person". I often look around to see if the utterer of those words is speaking to someone else. They CAN’T be talking to ME. Particularly, because in my past I always did things for recognition. Seldom did I do things solely for the “good of it.” I’m not bragging about my previous way of life. I am simply being transparent about my selfish tinkering. It was the way I was built. I hated sharing food, sharing space, and spending “my time” with other people when it was not convenient for me. I think becoming a mom definitely changed my perspective on life. I am sure losing my mom also played a significant role in how I decided to view relationships and valued the gift of sharing. Time is promised to no man and exis...