"Sweat" Shirts...

I think I've said before, at least in my head, if not out loud or in here, that I LOVE shopping for new clothes...workout clothes that is!  (My husband is actually worse than I am when it comes to looking at local sporting good stores.)

I love to find new companies selling clothing with a twist.  I recently found a company called View Sport.  They have sweat induced clothing!  Really, a reason to make sweating cool?  How could you pass up that??? 

I received my order, with a handwritten note, earlier this week. 

I had to wear it the next morning on my run to see how it worked.  My whole run, I was wiping sweat and dying to see the message appear on the back.  Here's what it looks like...

Love it!!!  See, sweating is really COOL!  (well, not in this case...it was actually quite hot...)

If you want to check them out, here's the site!  (I'm trying to get a discount for a larger order.  If you are interested, let me know.  I'll share if the company loves us enough to give us a discount!)
http://www.viewsport.us/

And, just for another peek, here's R's shirt.

I guess View Sport has given the term sweat shirt a new meaning!

Family

You know what's cool?  When your family goes from sitting on the couch and watching TV together, to getting out and doing something good for you!

Our family, and some friends/neighbors, headed out to the lake yesterday and took part in a 2 hour kayaking tour.  Not only was it refreshing to be outside and on a lake, but we were doing something good for us...as a family.  2 hours of rowing will make those arms look good!

We used to be the family that would hang out in doors, watch movies, eat out, etc.  We still do those things, but I've noticed as Ron and I exercise more, we are choosing to do more things that are good for you.  I know, I know...movie style popcorn-not good for you?  Newsflash...NO!

An added bonus?  We are discovering a whole world of fun right in our backyards!  Here are some things you could do with you family!  Some are cheap, some a little more expensive.  BUT, all fun!

McDowell Park: hike, run trails, picnic on the water, kayak/canoe...Plus, they have Friday night campfires during the summer.  Smores and a hayride for $1!  That's cheap entertainment :)
http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Pages/default.aspx


US White Water Center: all sorts of fun...a little more expensive, but you can do the cheap route and just walk/hike around the area and sit watching the rafters for a parking fee of $5.
http://usnwc.org/

Anne Springs Close Greenway: walk/hike, wade in the creek, look at the animals, be a part of the history that happened right in your own backyard!
http://www.leroysprings.com/default.asp?lsc=174&urlkeyword=Ann-Springs-Close-Greenway

Or, find a race-either local or in a place you want to go as a family.  Sign up!  Nothing more rewarding than finishing a 5K as a family, especially when there's a good cause or something unique about the race.  We've done the Susan Komen http://komencharlotte.org/ and we are all signed up for the Color Run this fall. http://thecolorrun.com/

Just find something to do...you'll enjoy it.  I promise!

Week in Food

We spend way too much money eating out.  I love eating out, but our wallets and bank account scream after each meal.  So, I am vowing to eat at home more often and track how much we can save in doing so.

After checking out some yummy recipes, amazing myself at how many of the ingredients we already have, and wiping the drool from my lips, I have created a list of 5 recipes I will be making this next week.  I figure that we will have leftovers one night and sandwiches/salad another.  Plus, when D and I are home alone, we like to do a breakfast for dinner night...in code, cereal!

Here's our menu for the week.  4 of the recipes came off of the Clean Eating website.  1 recipe is really not so good for you.  I'll let you figure out which one is the bad for you recipe!

http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/Home.aspx

Blueberry Oat Protein muffins (breakfast/snack)
Farmer's Market Veggie Pasta
Turkey Meatloaf muffins
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Orange Chipotle Chicken with Cilantro Rice

I found out this week about a local company that delivers organic fruits and vegetables.  I got a box of yumminess today.  In it were bananas, blackberries, zucchini, apples, grapefruit, lettuce, onion, tomatoes...signing up for weekly delivery! 

http://www.absoluteorganics.com/
If you sign up...make sure you tell them I sent you!

Happy eating!!!

Just another reason...

to RUN!  (Although I am sure any physical exercise would work) 

In Runners World magazine July 2012
"Researchers have found that treadmill training in mice helped build mitochondria in brain cells.  Mitochondria are structures in cells that supply them with energy, so exercise literally boosts brainpower."

So, what are you going to do today to build muscles, heart strength, and brain power???

Me?  Well, at three digit temps for the third day in a row, I guess I'm headed inside.  I'm planning on some 3 minute 5K pace repeats with a 2 minute jog in between each repeat.  Doing that 5 times.  Then, headed to strength train with the hubby.  Concentrating on arm strength today.  Seriously need to build some upper body strength because the crazy inside my head decided to sign up for a Spartan race.  And, this is AFTER I run a half marathon in November and a full marathon in January.  So, I wonder...what will be next?

Get out there and DO SOMETHING good for YOU today!  Image the possibilities that are before you!

Checking in!

Today three of us completed our 5K virtual race!  It a was hot and humid way to start the day, but as always, I feel good now that it's done.  Virtual 10K is on Saturday.

Sit ups...how are you coming?  I have successfully completed 3 days of 100 sit ups.  Haven't done them yet today, but they are coming!  Burpees are coming along too.  Day 4 is today, so I have 4 burpees awaiting me.  Still cannot wrap my head around doing 100 in one day!

Signed up for a new challenge today.  Spartan Sprint.  It's a trail run with loads of military obstacles built in.  I'm excited, but I know a lot of arm strength training is ahead of me.  Oh, and I guess some practice hilly, trail runs.  And...maybe some mud?  Hmmm-what was I thinking?

It's Thursday...what have you done for yourself today?

Pam, Stacey, and I before our Virtual 5K today.

Challenge

Summer means more skin shows, right?  Even though I have lost weight and continue to exercise, I really don't feel totally comfortable in my skin.  I concentrate on the negatives far too much.  I'm trying to stay positive and like what I see in the mirror, but it is easier said than done, for sure.

So, I've decided to take on a challenge to improve both my body and my mind, stay positive in the process, and enjoy the journey. 

Here's the challenge (or should I say challenges?) Both of which came from other awesome blogs!
1.  100 sit ups a day for 100 days.  Hmm...that's a long journey, but I'm in for the ride.  At least I'm sitting?  Ha!
2.  Burpees...yep, I HATE them (almost as much as push ups!).  Another 100 day challenge, but a little different.  Day one-1 burpee, day two-2 burpees, and you guessed it, day 100, 100 burpees.  It may take me all day to get to 100!

I think through these two challenges I can focus on strength, growth (both mentally and physically), and I WILL like the changes I see.

So, now, who's in with me?  I do much better when I have friends along for the ride. No pressure of course!  At the end, I promise to post inches lost.  (See, already I am positive!  I KNOW the numbers will go DOWN!)

Looking for some fun???

Summer months=hot weather=less races.  BUT, are you interested in trying one for fun?  No pressure?  Run where you want to???  And, best part?  You can win prizes for doing something you already love (or like) to do.  Click on the link below to find out more!

http://www.runninglovingliving.com/welcome-to-summer-virtual-run-5k10k

If you are in the Charlotte area, let's get a group together and run for fun.  Running is more fun with friends!  Let me know if you'd like to run with me!!!  No pressure...just loads of sweat!

Dream

I have learned that there is no dream too big to accomplish.  Believe in yourself, dream big, and go after your dream.  You can do it.  You can succeed.  Work hard, take big steps, and you will achieve.  Follow the sun's light down your path toward success.  Dream...

3,2,1...

If there is one thing I don't like, it's change.  And, making decisions.  Ok, I know...that's two things!  I need to do both very soon.  AND, I don't like it!  Couldn't someone just tell me what I am supposed to do?  Then, at least, I'd know I was doing the right thing...or would I?  Hmmm.  There's another thing I don't like-NOT KNOWING.  I guess I am a control freak who doesn't want to make decisions b/c that would probably end up in some sort of change.  Ok, let's stop this cycle before it gets out of hand!

On April 10th, registration for the Disney Marathon weekend open up.  I have decided I want to run one of the races offered that weekend.  Actually the 5K sounds pretty appetizing!  Really, I am kind of leaning toward trying a full marathon.  Yes, I did just type that, and it will be forever there staring back at me once I push the "publish post" button.  Maybe that's why I put it there, in black and white, forever-to hold me accountable to my choice.  I mean, if no one knew, then how easy would it be to just deny ever having said it???

So, thing is, I have to make a decision if, for nothing else, my own sanity.  I have 8 days to make lists, not sleep, go back and forth between my options, and listen to advice from others.  BUT, when it comes down to it, I have to decide for me.  What will it be?  Long runs longer than I fear my body is capable of?  Looking at food as fuel rather than just something that tastes good?  Ice and tired muscles???  Waking up earlier than I do now to get "short" 8 mile runs in during the week?  Or, do I just sign up for the half-I know I can do that.  Am I ready for a new, exciting challenge with Disney characters and princess castles cheering me on?  At this very moment, right now, I think I am.  But, in 8 days when I log on to RUN Disney, what will I decide then?

I guess only time will tell.  Or, maybe, my fairy Godmother will come wave some fairy dust over me and tell me what I should do.  3,2,1...countdown.

Inspiration

The hard work paid off!  I ran my most recent half marathon in Washington, DC last weekend, and I was delighted that my time was the best yet!  I have to credit some of my success to the inspiration all around me on the run.  Cherry blossoms blooming, the White House sitting in the background, and Lincoln Memorial standing before me, all pushed me to work hard...just like the famous historians and military members honored throughout the city. 

I have decided that DC is one of my favorite places!  It has it all.  Public transportation, green areas to play and relax in, history, museums (FOR FREE), and really nice people.  My only regret is that we had to slam so much into two days.  I guess that means we will just have to return!  When we do go back, I will need some insider information on where to EAT!   Surprisingly we had the hardest time finding restaurants.  I mean, it's vacation.  What is more important than FOOD???  Especially after you run 13.1 miles :)

Inspired.  That is what I felt after leaving Washington, DC.  Inspired by the respect for history.  Arlington Cemetary where the respect and graditude hung in the air.  Inspired by the runners in the race, including one man who was running near me with only one leg.  The next time I even think about complaining about pain, I will remember him and all he endured to finish the race.  Inspired by the monuments making sure Americans remember the history of the US and how we got to where we are today.  Inspired.

Love

One of my greatest loves in life is my daughter, Dakota.  She is an incredible person...so caring, loves life, and sees the good in people.  D has brought so much happiness to my life in the past 11 years, that today, I want to celebrate her.  Her birthday is this week, and she is worth celebrating.  I don't know where life would have taken me without her in it.  Her smiles and giggles make all the bad go away.  The sweet notes she leaves out for me at just the right moment.  Hugs from nowhere.  Her love of learning.  11 years filled with greatness because of my one, big success-having a daughter that fits so perfectly into our family.

Happy birthday my beautiful, happy, sweet girl!

Support...

After being out of commission for a couple weeks, I have been back to running.  The past two weeks my long run has been good up until mile 8/9.  Then comes the burning, rock hard pain in the front of my calf.  Yesterday I was able to push through it with a run, walk, stretch, routine for the last few miles...and of course the support of a good friend.  (Even though her support was telling me her butt was going to be hotter than mine because she ran up that last hill!)  LOL!

Felt a little better after a hot shower and lounging on the couch for an hour watching 90210 reruns.  But, that little voice in the back of my head kept filling my brain with doubt about my upcoming race next weekend.  My goal has gone from being my best half marathon to just finishing the race before the dreaded time limit.  Grrr.

While out with the family yesterday, we went on a search for compression STUFF.  Of course, the white compression socks were, well, blah!  The bright pink sleeves were not long enough.  So, tried on the compression WET SUIT.  So, it's really not a wet suit, but by golly it sure felt like it going on!  Boy, did they feel good once they were on.  I almost needed an ambulance when I saw the price, but as my dear, sweet husband said, "Consider it an early birthday present to yourself."  Gotta love the family support.  (And, I must say I did want to kiss my salesman when he guessed my weight at 25 pounds lighter than I am! How's that for support?)

So, the theme of today's entry is SUPPORT.  Most of the time I mention support is that loving hand, supportive words, or a comment about HOT BUTTS.  But, this time, I must say, I am looking forward to the support of my EXPENSIVE, squeezing, compression pants that better make my DC run next weekend a piece of cake!  I'm just sayin.

I'm late...

So, I am a late starter.  All my life I HATED running.  I did everything I could to avoid it.  I could've come up with 82 excuses in high school why I shouldn't have to do the mile run.

What changed?  Not sure.  I could blame it on my friends...you know...the ones that RUN!  I could blame it on the fact that my weight was going in only one direction-UP.  I could blame it on the desire to finish a race, do something for a good cause, or even get outside more.  But, I guess, I must blame myself.  (But, honestly, when the outcome is good, I'll take the blame!)

I wanted a change in my life.  I NEEDED a change.  Yes, many of my friends had jumped on the running bandwagon.  I noticed the fun they had together.  The change in their bodies.  I wanted some of that.  I started hanging out at my gym more often, took new classes, and even signed up for a race.  Weight began to come off.  I felt better.  I enjoyed, somewhat, getting up at 4:30 in the morning to run with friends.  I could eat some of those bad things that taste so good and not see 5 pounds add to my weight the next morning.  That was it, and I was hooked.

So, yes, I was LATE.  I was in my LATE 30's when running became a part of my life.  But, I guess, it's better late than NEVER.

It's not too late...so what's your next excuse?

Note to Self

It's amazing how it is easier to break ourselves down instead of building ourselves up.  I guess we are afraid of bragging or seeming self absorbed. 

I have caught myself many times over looking something positive I have done, or become, or simply not even being able to accept a compliment.  Why have we allowed society to do this to us? 

We need to feel good about ourselves, our accomplishments, our successes, learning from our failures, etc.  We should smile when we look in the mirror in the mornings. 

I've decided I want to smile at my reflection every morning for the next week, AND MEAN IT!  The picture below is my inspiration.  How simple this would be...use those sticky notes, create something inspirational for you...about you, and post it on your mirror.  Let this be what you need to start your day with a smile both on your face and in your heart.

Love who you are!

Want...

Due to an injury, I have been unable to run for the past week.  I am out for the next 4 days.  It is literally killing me.  A friend is running Disney.  Yes...Disney!  MY favorite place on Earth and she gets to run it!  JEALOUS!  Another good friend is booked to run in Hawaii!!!  JEALOUS!  I see people running down the street in the awesome, early spring weather we have been having and I want to hit them...just kidding-kind of!  (It's all out of jealousy!)  Really, I am very happy for all of them, but my smile did get bigger when a friend told me her run yesterday gave her boob chaffing.  Mean, I know, but she did tell me to make me feel better.  I wonder if she was lying???

Why is it that I want to run more now then ever before?  Probably because someone has told me not to...mean Doctor!  I know this is one of my faults.  Someone tells me not to do something, and it's exactly what I want to do.  Like in college, my parents lectured me for hours on the reasons not to get a tattoo.   You know what?  I now have three!  I consider them artwork...my body the canvas for beauty. 

I do have to give my awesome doctor credit-I can cross train.  I have enjoyed spin classes and the ellipitcal (well not so much the ellipitcal, but it's better than nothing!)  I have enjoyed sleeping in this weekend, although it might kill me to get up before 5 am on Thursday for my first run in a week and a half.  But, I'll put my big girl panties on, wipe the sleep out of my eyes, and run with a BIG smile on my face!  (Anyone who wants to witness me smiling at 5 am is more than welcome to join me...just let me know!)

I'll end this post with a warning...if you are running down the street the next 4 days, look behind you.  JUST KIDDING! 

Off to sign up for my next race!  A 10K in April.  Anyone want in?  If not...what DO YOU WANT?

Book Must Read Update

As of late last night, I have read TWO books on my Must Read list.
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman
The bestselling author of Practical Magic and Turtle Moon now tells her most seductive and mesmerizing story. After nineteen years in California, March Murray returns to the small Massachusetts town where she grew up. For all this time, March has been avoiding her own troubled history, but when she encounters Hollis -- the boy she loved so desperately, the man who has never forgotten her -- the past collides with the present as their reckless love is reignited. This dark, romantic tale asks whether it is possible to survive a love that consumes you. The answers that March Murray discovers are both heartbreaking and wise, as complex as they are devastating -- for in heaven and in our dreams, love is simple and glorious. But it is something altogether different here on earth...(from Good Reads)
and
Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Meredith Martin Delinn just lost everything: her friends, her homes, her social standing - because her husband Freddy cheated rich investors out of billions of dollars.

Desperate and facing homelessness, Meredith receives a call from her old best friend, Constance Flute. Connie's had recent worries of her own, and the two depart for a summer on Nantucket in an attempt to heal. But the island can't offer complete escape, and they're plagued by new and old troubles alike. When Connie's brother Toby - Meredith's high school boyfriend - arrives, Meredith must reconcile the differences between the life she is leading and the life she could have had.

Set against the backdrop of a Nantucket summer, Elin Hilderbrand delivers a suspenseful story of the power of friendship, the pull of love, and the beauty of forgiveness. (from Good Reads)

Here are a few of my favorite things...

You must image The Sound of Music and Julie Andrews singing when you read my title today.  If you don't, go read it again and again until you hear it!

This may be over used, but it is February, and I am going to go ahead and write about love.  Of course my family and friends are on my list of loves, but this is my top ten love of THINGS list.

1. Wrapping a warm towel out of the laundry around me.
2. Reading in the rain.
3. Running with a friend and talking so much that you have no idea what mile you are on.
4. Smelling used band-aids.  Gross I know...
5. The smell just mowed grass the first mowing in the spring.
6. Sunlight streaming in my windows.
7. Sound of waves from the ocean.
8. Babies laughing.
9. Signing up for a new race.
10. AND, hearing that someone read my blog :)

What are you favorite things?

Change

To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.  ~Henri Bergson
I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about change.  I used to hate it.  I would panic and worry at any major change in my life.  I liked stability, predictability, sameness.  I felt confident in that world...one where I knew what to expect.

As I get older, and yes, I am doing that,  (funny...change, right?) I am getting a little more comfortable with change. (I did say a LITTLE)  I get bored with the same ole routine day after day.  I notice with exercise I get unmotivated if every week is like the week before.  I also know my body reacts better with change in the routine.  I used to stick to one genre in literature, so I joined a book club to be forced to read outside my little box.  Yes, there have been times I have been stubborn and refused to try to read a book!  (Who me?  Stubborn?  Sorry, I'm a Taurus...comes with the label!)  When I was creating the list of books I want to read, I placed many titles on my list that I am pretty sure will be hard for me to read.  BUT, it's good for me, right?  At restaurants, I have been really trying to order different items off the menu.  Surprisingly, I have found many new favorites at our usual restaurants.  Who would have thought there were better things out there than bacon cheeseburgers?

I also notice that I look for ways to change me.  How can I be a better person?  How can I motivate others to feel good?  How can I give back?  Those can be some scary questions to ask yourself.  If you ask them, and really want to know the answer, you have to be ready to change.

I do have answers to my questions, but I'm keeping those to myself.  I'm not ready to give out all my inner thoughts!  Just be on the look out and see if you see any changes in me :)

So, now it is your turn.  Take a peek inside YOU and what do you see?  Do you like what you see?  If not, what can YOU change? 

Change always comes bearing gifts.  ~Price Pritchett

Inspire

I started this blog to get myself writing again.  Then, I decided it would be good to inspire others to make goals, become a better person, or just feel good.  I wanted to keep this a positive, feel good place.  What I learned this week is that through this blog, other people have inspired me!

Since my last post, I received several emails and messages saying nice, sweet, and inspiring things to ME!  Specific words of inspiration that were dedicated to ME...not basic, generalizations that could go out to anyone listening.  In high school, we learned these types of actions were called warm fuzzies, which, I think, is a very worthy title for things that make you feel GOOD!

Too many times all you hear are the downers, the whiners, and the negativity.  Work can turn into a place where you feel you can't do anything right.  Family pulls you in so many directions.  Sometimes we forget to tell the ones we love the most that we simply do love them.  It can pull you down very easily.  So, I'm keeping this post short and to the point. (kind of!)

I want to inspire you to give at least one warm fuzzy to someone this week.  Reach out, make a positive statement, and most importantly...MEAN IT!  Don't do it just to say you did it.  Find someone in need and make their day with one positive comment. 

Make it specific.  Make it meaningful.  Make someone smile.

You know what?  The person with the biggest smile might be YOU!

2012...Courage

"All it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage and great things will happen.  I promise." Benjamin Mee in We Bought a Zoo

Courage: the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc.

I love this quote!  It's so true.  20 seconds is all it takes to decide to do something new, something awesome, something for you.

2011 brought many new things out in me.  Looking back on the year I am proud of my accomplishments, the friendships that grew, the new things I tried.  I started speaking up for myself.  I'm not accepting apologies that are just words with no actions to support it.  I've realized who my true friends are, who my support team is, how important family is.  I've accepted me for who I am.  So, what next?  What will I chose to do?  What do I need courage to do this year?

I can think of two things.  One, I'd like to begin working on my Doctorate.  I really, I mean REALLY want to teach at the college level.  This is my dream.  I've wanted to do this for a few years, but I am nervous.  I don't like to do new things by myself.  I rely on others to lean on.  BUT, I cannot seem to talk anyone into jumping into the venture on my own.  (So, are YOU interested in joining me???) Plus, I am not sure what I want to concentrate on.  Plus, all that time...am I ready to devote all that time to studying, research, and writing?  PLUS, do I have the courage to do it?  Will I be good at teaching that level of education?  Where will I find a job?  STOP.  Courage, right?

The other thing is running a full marathon.  I have been playing around with this idea for a bit, but I honestly don't know if my body is capable of such a task.  Plus, the training.  Do I have the time?  Plus, again...who will do it with me???  (Again, I need the support.  Can NOT imagine running 20+ miles all by myself.)  Do I have the courage to try?  So what if I end up walking part of it, right?  Like NIKE says, "Just do it."

I know there are several other things I will need courage to accomplish this year.  As they come up, I am sure I will write about them.  IF I decide to use that 20 seconds of courage to go back to school or sign up for a marathon, you will know.  I will need YOU, your support, your push!

Let 2012 be the year that you decide to act on that courage and do something!  What will it be for you?