“7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has sold some 15 million copies. It is an excellent study for those interested in self improvement. The author, Steven Covey, has lectured extensively to reinforce the concepts in the book.

Certainly we should all strive to be highly effective at everything we do.

Yet, many are still seeking a simple solution to self-improvement, an easy way to become more effective at work, in school, at home and in relationships.

And before one can become highly effective one must become fairly effective. Let’s make it easy to remember and easy to implement. The habits of those who are fairly effective:

1. They get “up” in the morning. (And get dressed)
2. They have a plan.
3. They are on time, every time. (Every time!)
4. Their grooming is at least neat, clean and odor free.
5. They take care of their health and their money.
6. They smile and greet everyone. (No one is invisible.)
7. They are good listeners (and when they speak they don’t mumble.)

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Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
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I am also proud to participate in Operation ebook Drop. It provides free ebook downloads to deployed service members. (particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq) So far 536 members, can read THE MILK MARKET during their down time. Free.

Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

There are a lot of good running shoe brands but it seems only New Balance makes them in the U.S. instead of using slave labor in the third world. And in this economy we need to keep all the jobs that we can!

So I am proud to be a New Balance runner and happy to test shoes for them. I have no financial interest in NB but, as I have mentioned before, they have the fit and are available in the wide size I need.

In the Post Office, on television, on bulletin boards, even on milk cartons…..pictures of missing children.
Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

On the road, runners are often alone, isolated and defenseless. How do we protect ourselves? What if there is an accident or sudden illness? Are women safe, running by themselves?

Personal running security is an issue each of us should carefully consider. Too many bad things can happen in traffic. You’ve seen the drivers with the cell phone stuck in their ears. No one knows what they are going to do next! And any runner, regardless of age, can get sick or injured out on the road.

Don’t leave home without identification. You can buy ID tags or bracelets or you can make a simple tag yourself. I spent $5 on a metal tag and necklace. If necessary it could have included important medical information, but for now it has only my name and phone number. So at least the authorities will be able to identify my body.

Women who run, in particular, have security concerns. Most of the women in my immediate family are runners. I want them to be cautious. Their routes should never go through isolated areas. It’s not always possible, but they know there is more safety in running with a partner. Should they carry a cell phone or at least a whistle to attract attention if needed? I believe they should avoid establishing a routine that would make them an easy target.

All runners have to stay alert. I believe that can be compromised by earbuds and loud music. Although tunes are a great distraction, don’t let them put you in danger. After all, you are running for health and pleasure. It doesn’t make sense to put yourself in peril while you are on the road.

In the Post Office, on television, on bulletin boards, even on milk cartons
pictures of missing children.
Where are they? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
See reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages at:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

I was recently involved in a Facebook controversy over the difference between running and jogging. Oddly, one non-runner opined that anything over 7 minute miles was jogging. That was rather insulting to runners. I suggested he go jog a few 8 minute miles to see whether he thought it was running or jogging. Apparently, he did not give it a try.

My answer to the question, running or jogging, is strictly technical. At some point In running both feet are off the ground. With that definition, a runner taking short strides (a child, for instance) may be running 12 minute miles.

What I suggest is that pace is determined by leg speed and stride length. I imagine there are speed walkers who can do 7 minute miles. And there are some runners who can’t do 11 minute miles. But many good sprinters would not even try to “jog” 13 or 26 miles.

I’ve said before that on any long run I do some jogging, some slogging and some running. My guess is that other runners do the same. At least we are out there doing it! We don’t need someone, who is sitting on the porch, trying to tell us what to call it.

Readers wanted! Read a thriller, THE MILK MARKET. See reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com

New address for this great running video. An inspiration! Runner’s Creed—The Road To Peace
http://www.youtube.com/user/loverunningmore#p/a/u/0/uJkN27qvMNQ

Have you seen the reviews of THE MILK MARKET? Go to http://www.themilkmarket.com

This article about a relay runner fighting cancer is an inspiration!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700043762/Runner-is-providing-inspiration.html?pg=1

It’s taken a long time for me to figure out, but I am not going to let hills bother me anymore.

Here’s why. For years I listened to advice about changing the running technique when climbing. It isn’t that I don’t go along with a little forward lean, etc. What I have found is that the “hill” problem is more psychological than physical. If you let them bother your run, they will certainly bother your run!

So if hills are a head problem, is there a head solution? I have learned to attack hills by taking them ten feet at a time. I drop my focus from 1000 feet ahead to ten to twenty feet ahead. I am only interested in the next twenty feet. It is important to remember, at the same time, that I am working out on the hill, building my strength and stamina.

Of course, I still need to pay attention to traffic and other road hazards. And on the downhill run that always follows, I can still sight-see and enjoy the scenery.

WHAT HAPPENS TO those missing kids on Milk cartons ?
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Impossible? It is, unless it is the runner’s first and last. that’s two. Sorry.

But even if they never run another, you have to give credit to anyone who runs a marathon.
To make the attempt, going through the long training and conditioning, is to show will power and character. It takes persistence to endure pain that could be entirely avoided by staying on the porch. The pain is optional and unnecessary. Those who finish a marathon learn one of life’s fundamental truths: The greatest rewards come from the greatest sacrifice.

“First Marathon” was written for my youngest daughter on the occasion of her first. It was previously published on http://www.runningmoms.com

FIRST MARATHON

Alone in a crowd of strangers,
Anxiously waiting for the gun,
You haven’t trained so well, I know.
I hope you’re ready for the run!
Endure! Endure!

Ahead you’ll find the reality wall
Where hope is lost and daydreams end.
When time and distance become one
Just don’t let your spirit bend!
Endure! Endure!

It’s better to stagger along today
And bear the pains and aches,
Than to wonder for a lifetime
If you have the strength it takes!
Endure! Endure!

Remember this oh lonely runner,
Life teaches us this lesson last:
Its greatest reward comes only
When you’ve done the hardest task!
Endure! Endure!

Dennis Leger

Readers wanted! Read a thriller, THE MILK MARKET. See reviews at
http://www.themilkmarket.com

Free READS for you: Just push play! (click)
HAYSTACKS
http://www.scribd.com/doc/29999848/Haystacks

A KNOCK ON THE DOOR http://www.scribd.com/doc/31515226/A-Knock-On-The-Door

IN PRAISE OF TEACHERS http://www.scribd.com/doc/28827426/In-Praise-Of-Teachers

CHICKEN LITTLE OR PAUL REVERE http://wwwscribd.com/doc/30250504/Chicken-Little-Or-Paul-Revere

THE FRIENDSHIP RULE http://www.scribd.com/doc/31089871/The-Friendship-Rule