Today, June 1, 2011  is National Running Day!  So why do you run, jog, slog or workout?  Does moving really make everything better?  Are you more creative,  innovative, engaged, & present… are you stronger, smarter, happier, more daring and appreciative when you run?

Running gets me closer to being the person I aspire to be.  It’s a massive high & freeing feeling I wish I could share with all of you.  Today share why you run, jog, slog, &  move and give thanks for the gifts your fitness brings.

I’m so  thankful for:

• The Nike+ challenges @TorryBruce & @kmorain coordinate to keep us moving together
• Our #SA11fit friends who inspire by sharing their stories,  goals &  successes

This morning Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark tweeted this link to his Facebook press release where he renews his committment to the First Lady, to the national children’s health initiative “Let’s Move“, and to himself. 

He has demonstrated often & early that he is smart, invested and possesses an extraordinary work ethic.  So why is this an issue?   Please ask yourself – When was the last time you failed to deliver on a committment you made to your supervisor, a committee, a student?  Most of us commit & charge forward, sometimes moving mountains to fulfil the obligation and get it done.  Not just done- but done well.  Now- When was the last time you made a commitment to yourself and felt the very same energy and determination to make it happen?  As Student Affairs professionals and leaders we value our work and the people we serve.  Once we make a commitment to that service large or small we make it happen out of respect, responsibility and positive obligation.

We would all be better served to make some heathy commitments to ourselves and honor them the very same way we honor our commitments to others.  We’re important and we deserve it.  This is my wish for you & Cory Booker in 2011.

 This makes me happy in so many ways.  #1 60 minutes on a treadmill makes me a better person.  Running has taught me to respect my body & it’s incredible power when pushed. Pushing to run harder, better, faster releases the most amazing endorphins and it’s in this “flow” state that I’m the most creative and fearless. 

#2 Today instead of reading I watched 4 TED Talks.  Such amazing tools for lifelong learning & professional development.  Has your conference or travel budget been cut or eliminated?  Solution: Watch one TED a day & expand your knowledge & your world.  Better yet, create  “Lunch with Ted” opportunities with other team members- watch, discuss, learn, act (or not) then repeat.  Wouldn’t it be great to have these extraordinary people speak  on your campus!  This is the next best thing!

#3 is the NikePlus pod that measures -really measures how far & how fast we run.  The #F10fit community (thank you @mickeyfitch @torrybruce for initiating & maintaining) and the associated challenges have inspired me to get up & go!  Together we added miles and pushed our fitness.  Join us for #S11fit (Spring 2011 fitness) and tweet your fitness, self-care, & healthy food achievements. 

#4: ESPN’s Top Ten- Hit’s my love for greatness button!  There is nothing better than watching an amazing athlete run, dive, dunk, tackle, pass, catch, jump, vault, spin in extraordinary ways.  Not just average effort but excellence.  It’s the willingness to leave it all on the field, to give everything you have, to sacrifice your body FTW. Watching is always inspiring and makes me push to run, work, serve & be better.

What was your Top 10 today, this weekend, in 2010? What will you aspire to do in 2011? What makes you a better person? Please share… I’m interested.