April 30, 2006

ROMANCE WRITERS JUST DO IT!

“Winners must have two things: definite goals and a burning desire to acheive them.”

Facing the blank page, knowing the goal, understanding the distance that lies ahead. Putting one foot in front of the other … one paragraph, one scene after another, in an effort to reach The End. Making mistakes. Hitting rock bottom … picking up and starting over. It all takes focus. Dedication. Perseverance. And the steps are the same whether writing a novel or running a marathon — one set more physical, the other more mental — and then not, because at some point it all intertwines in an holistic process. But it is about commitment. It’s about each of us facing our own unique set of challenges. It’s about having the burning desire to go the distance. And it’s about what we learn about ourselves in the process.

It’s a path that cannot but command respect. Which is why I will always greatly admire anyone who finishes a manuscript. Or a marathon. Both journeys are long, solitary, and often tough. And it’s often only another writer — or runner – who can fully comprehend the triumph felt in reaching the finish.

And after achieving that goal, we get up, dust off … and we do it all over again. We face another blank page, another goal. We feel a new set of fears, and we do it anyway.

Because we have a dream.

And this is why I run. It helps me write. Running teaches me discipline. It shows me in a physically tangible way that you can reach a major goal, one baby step at a time. (and it gets my butt off that dang chair :))

So today I will go out and run 6 miles (about 10 kilometres). This is D-Day — Day One of the beginner training program (for weenies like me) of the Royal Victoria Marathon. Sundays will be the long run days … getting progressively longer and longer over the next 23 weeks. And on week 24, I will run (barring unforseen acts of nature) 26.2 miles (about 42.2 kilometres) in one of the prettiest cities in the world.

I did it last year for the first time …

… and this year I hope to use a few things I learned along the way. And this year I also have a romance writing buddy going the distance with me!!!! Who better to share the road with than a fellow romance writer? Who better to share the dream? I hope you stick with Meretta and I over the ups and downs of the next 23 weeks as we aim for the finish.

Oh … and I want to lose 10lbs. Hey, don’t chuckle  … it’s a goal

All I need now is a slogan for my T-shirt (I have yet to cajole Meretta into wearing a matching one ;))

Romance writers just do it!

Romance writers go the distance

I run for romance

We run for love 

Do it for love   ???

HELP … I need suggestions! And I promise to send the winning slogan writer one of the T-shirts when I get them printed.

1. On April 30th, 2006 at 5:36 am
   Peggy Says:
   

   Good luck with the training and the race. And I don’t think you’ll have any problems losing that 10 lbs with all that running you do.

   As for slogans. Hmm?

   Love is a Marathon
   Love at First Flight
   Running Takes My Breath Away
   Love Goes For Miles
   Heart of a Runner

   Okay, those took me forever and look how pathetic they are?? Obviously, I won’t be selling any of my writing in the advertising industry.

2. On April 30th, 2006 at 9:00 am
   Jill Says:
   

   How about … Romance Writers do it best!

3. On April 30th, 2006 at 10:10 am
   Meretta Says:
   

   Fellow marathon weenie here. ;D Just finished my 10kms and it was an awesome run. Very pleased with it all around.

   And yes, I’ll wear one if you wear one! So come on everyone, send in those slogans!

4. On April 30th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
   Danica Says:
   

   Loreth, I am so glad you stopped by to say hi!

   And okay, yes, this time I *am* procrastinating.

   I’m liking Romance Writers do it best.

5. On April 30th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
   Toni Anderson Says:
   

   Romance Writers have the legs?
   Confessions of a Long Distance Romance Writer?

   Cackling at my lack of imagination!!!!

6. On April 30th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
   Eve Says:
   

   Romance Writers do it with Heart.

   Romance Writers Have Heart.

   Romance Writers know how to breath hard

   The Heart of a Romance Writer

   Romance from the Heart

   Phew, I think I need another margarita now.

7. On April 30th, 2006 at 7:30 pm
   Joanne Says:
   

   I just LOVE your Blog!

   And congrats on starting Day One - hope you had a great run!

8. On May 1st, 2006 at 10:54 am
   Loreth Says:
   

   Dream!!!!!!!!! Thanks for visiting

9. On May 1st, 2006 at 10:56 am
   Loreth Says:
   

   Love the slogans. I’m going to collect and ponder over the month of May. * Loreth pushes a maragartia Eve’s way *

10. On June 1st, 2006 at 10:42 am
    Meretta Says:
    

    My 3R’s: Reading, Writing and Running

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