Dream Big.

I've been sitting at my computer typing, deleting, trying again....deleting...and getting no where for quite some time now. I wanted this blog to flow perfectly to get my point across, but it's just not coming together the way I want it to, so I apologize in advance for the hopping from one thing to another. BUT...if you get nothing else out of it, I want you to be sure and get this point: DREAM BIG.

My first little story to teach this lesson comes from a proud mom moment this week. Liam, my oldest son, doesn't love to read. I've been trying to find the perfect books for him, but haven't had much luck...until this week. I finally got him to agree to try out one of the Magic Tree House books. He read aloud to me for a while, and then he wanted to just sit next to me and read to himself while I read my book. We read for a while and then I got up to do some laundry. As soon as I stood up, he shot up off the couch and started playing Nerf basketball. His rationale was that he was only going to read while I read. Fair enough. So I hustled to switch the laundry and get back to reading. He accompanied me, grabbed his book, and snuggled in next to me. (I know these moments aren't going to last long with him, so I'm cherishing them!)

The conversation that came next is what made me feel like I was on top of the world. He asked what book I was reading. I told him that it was called, "Women Who Run."
"Does it talk about you?" he asked.
"Nope. Not me."
"Why not? You're a good runner," he insisted.
"It's about famous runners," I said with a satisfied smirk.
"Is it about any of your friends?"
"No. Not them either."
"Well I think you should be in it," he said. And then went back to reading his book.

How great is that?! Yes, I do realize that he's only 8 years old, but I don't care! I love that he knows what I love and he believes in me. And you know what?! Some day I WILL be reading a book about me. One that I write!

Dream big, folks.


And our next "dream big" lesson is brought to you by Kara Goucher. If you don't know who she is, Google her. She's a professional USA marathoner who currently lives and trains in Boulder. I like her. She has always seemed like such a down to earth girl, she's about my age, she has a son, and I'm sure that we'd be besties in a heart beat if she lived in my training area. (Ok...I may have gotten carried away there...)

Anyways, this week Kara Goucher announced that she would not be renewing her contract with Nike. Instead, she signed a contract with Oiselle, a very small company that can't afford to pay her much money. She turned down a SEVEN FIGURE contract to sign with a company that will force her family to go on a "budget." Kara explained her reasons for this, and I wanted to hug her. Oiselle leaves her feeling inspired. It leaves her excited about what she's doing, and hopeful that she will have a positive impact on other women. She feels like it's a company that has a real desire to motivate women. It's not just about making money.

Stop. The. Press.

Obviously, I was a little disappointed that Sparkle.Pounce. isn't ready to sign Kara Goucher, but I was elated to hear about such a powerful role model in running and fitness partnering with a company that has the same goal as us! My heart was happy. And maybe, just maybe, some day we'll see Kara Goucher sporting some Sparkle.Pounce. gear.

Sparkle.Pounce.Dream big.