Thirty Days Away

I’m 30 days away from joining the exclusive 26.2 mile club.

Gasp!

Even after putting in months of training I still have some what-the-hell-am-I-doing moments. When I look back at my life ten years ago you couldn’t have paid me to run a marathon – or even down the street. Ahem. Now, not only have I coughed up some significant bucks to run (training, shoes, race fees, travel accommodations, did I mention shoes?) I can’t imagine myself not running. The energy I feel after short runs is necessary to get me through my hectic days and the sense of accomplishment I feel after logging long runs is pretty indescribable. It’s a confidence builder in so many ways.

I plan on enjoying every moment leading up to and during my big race. And, yes, afterwards, too. They better have some beer. Just kidding. Sort of.

Speaking of shoes, this week I bought some new running shoes to take me pain free across the finish line. My old ones were way too worn.

Aren’t they pretty? Well, not really, but they feel fantastic.

I’ve been breaking them in all week to prepare for my longest run before I taper – 21 miles. So, my feet are stylin’, now I just have to figure out what the rest of me is wearing …

Winks & Smiles,

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Running … Out of Debt

"This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt." --Earl Wilson, American journalist and gossip columnist

Husband posted that quote on his Facebook page the other day. Interesting, right? Makes you really think about the things that people put value on, and unfortunately, put first in their lives.

I love that Husband is on board with my Dave Ramsey obsessive new way of thinking. We’re six weeks into our Financial Peace University course and its truly changing the way we handle our money. Dave’s philosophies aren’t rocket science; in fact they’re extremely simple and straight forward. Cash rules. And, get this - don’t spend money you don’t have. Gasp! We’re such a debit driven society that the thought of actually saving money for something before you by it is almost unheard of. Oh, no we’ll just pay more for it afterwards, for the next 10-15 years.

While it’s hard to untangle the mess made from credit (some days running 18 miles seems easier) its definitely doable – and necessary. Just like training for a marathon you should set your goal, come up with a plan, realize it doesn’t happen overnight, then put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Yes, there’s a little sweat and sacrifice involved, but something tells me it’s truly sweet when you cross that finish line.

Winks & Smiles,

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Chocolate & Ice and Everything Nice

Another long run is on the books, or in the blog – ahem. It was supposed to be a drop back week for me, that means 16 miles, but I actually did 17 to help me prepare for the 21 miles that are coming this Saturday. That will be my longest run of my training and I’ll begin to taper back the miles leading up to marathon day.

I was up at 5 a.m. getting ready to run.

Early morning pre-run pic. Don’t let the smile fool you, I’m really not that awake.

I ran the first 5 miles then we did 2:1 run/walk intervals for the rest. I LOVE the run/walk method for long runs. I was so skeptical about including any walking at first, but I’ve found I feel better (it’s not as hard on your body), I’m faster now (that’s relative, people. Ahem.), and I don’t feel like I’m going to die when I’m done. Since I’m doing this for fun I figured I should enjoy it, right?

Immediately after my run I picked up these goodies for recovery.

Once I learned chocolate milk is a great post run recovery drink I was on it! I’ve been known to bleed chocolate.

I also picked up a big old bag of this …

Which led to this …

That’s right, ice bath number two. Gasp!

I’m so sold on the ice bath. It makes a HUGE difference in the way my legs feel. Not sure I’d be walking the next day without one.

I’m resting today because I felt some knee pain on Saturday. I think it’s because I need some new running shoes. Mine have way too many miles on them. Oh, darn, that means I have to go shopping.

Winks & Smiles,

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Friday’s Confession: The Scale is Like a Bad Ex-Boyfriend

Friday’s confession …

That’s right, I said it. The scale is like a bad ex-boyfriend. You know the one that used to give you the runaround. Tell you sweet things then take them back. No, I’m really not jaded. Ahem. Let me explain …



Make sure to do something healthy today to take care of you.

Winks & Smiles,

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Reality Check: 37 Days Until the Big M

I’m 37 days away from running in my first marathon. Wow. There are moments that I think about that in sheer amazement, and then there are others when it feels completely natural. One thing is for sure, time is creeping up on me and I plan on enjoying every moment. You only have one first time. Ahem.

As I’m getting closer to the magical date and as my weekly mileage is increasing I’m paying even more attention to what I’m eating. It’s sort of tricky because I’m on a mission to lose those 17 pounds (I’ll have an update on that next week) but also need to make sure I have enough food to fuel my workouts. I’m doing my best to eat as clean as possible so I can knockout both with one punch.

Last night I whipped up one of my favorite dishes. Ginger chicken and vegetable fried rice – made with brown rice of course!

Yum! The only problem with something like this is portion control. I have to remember I can eat more later – not all at one time.

The kids have fall break this week and are home from school (don't ask) so they came with me this morning to the track to squeeze in 3 miles. My daughter ran 1 mile with me then walked another half with our friends. Miles very reluctantly ran/walked/shuffled and complained his way through a ½ mile. He reminds me of me when I was a kid. Gasp!

I’m off to clean the house and jump at my kids’ every whim spend quality time with the kids. Make sure to do something healthy for you today.

Winks & Smiles,

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ICE, ICE, Baby

This …

Plus this …

Equals this …

On Saturday I took my first ice bath after logging in another 18 miles. I debated videoing the momentous occasion (don’t worry, I had on a swimsuit and long sleeve T-shirt – nothing X-rated here) but I wanted to spare you the loud screaming and colorful commentary that went something like, “Oh, *BLEEP!* Whoo, *BLEEP!* GASP, *BLEEP,* *BLEEP,* *BLEEP!*”

While it was cold as *BLEEP* I don’t think I had enough ice. The one bag I poured in melted fairly quickly. Next time I’ll need to add at least two or three. That’s right I said next time. I will definitely do it again. My legs and my feet felt great afterwards and I’m convinced it helped my recovery.

After a very active weekend of walking/running (I took it easy) and playing tennis I’m so pleased that my foot – and the rest of me – feels wonderful. I’m 40 days out from my first marathon, Gasp!, and I’m looking forward to taking every step.

Winks & Smiles,

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Good News and Bad News

Its great to see that eating clean and exercise is paying off. I’m definitely chipping away at those unwanted 17, and had a very positive week.

The good news: my pants don’t fit.

The bad news: I don’t have any pants.

Winks & Smiles,

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Back on My Feet

Well, right now I’m actually elevating and icing my left foot but earlier this morning I ran an entire half mile. Gasp! Yes, that’s a far cry from my longest, 18, but it felt awesome and made me just as happy.

I wasn’t sure when the next time I was going to see my foot and running shoe reunited again – they’re so thrilled to be back together.

After my mini-run (it was really just a test to see how it felt) I headed to the tennis courts for my regular lesson. I was rusty, it’s been a few weeks, but my foot held me up and I’m excited to play with my women’s team this weekend.

I realize that I have to take things slowly, but I’m super excited that I’m not feeling any pain. Ice, elevate and Ibuprofen … and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Winks & Smiles,

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Food, Glorious Food!

In light of my quest to shed seventeen pounds I’ve decided to eat clean for a week – not just eat healthy but really buckle down and take the advice of one of my favorite fitness divas, Tosca Reno. Six meals, before 6 p.m., and lots of water.

Some of my meals so far …

Yup, a protein shake in a beer glass. That’s just how I roll.

Green beans and scrambled egg whites – delicious!

Broccoli, brown rice and tilapia. Eating clean sure doesn’t taste so bad.

Not only am I expecting to shed a few pounds, but I’m sure I’ll feel better and have more energy, too. I’m going to need it since I get to return to running this week.

*insert jumping up and down like a crazy woman here*

Winks & Smiles,

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Motherhood Madness

There’s some days when I feel like I’ve got this motherhood thing on lockdown and I’m completely in control; and there’s some days that I wonder how did I get here and what the hell am I doing?

Real talk, folks.

Fortunately, when I have those I-have-absolutely-no-clue-what-to-do-moments I have a wonderful support system to give me guidance. This morning thank goodness one of my girls was there to talk me off the ledge and make me realize I’m not doing so bad; that I’m actually doing everything that I should be – that everyone has these moments and that I’m completely normal. Well, completely normal in this situation. Ahem.

School, grades, homework, attitudes, friends, play-dates, activities, did I mention attitudes, can be extremely overwhelming sometimes; but that’s just part of parenting.

When I let it out and bounce it off another mom somehow it makes it more manageable. How about you? When motherhood madness kicks in – especially on a Monday – how do you handle it? Moms on the edge everywhere want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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The Stress Factor Eliminated

I never thought I’d be so happy to say that I have a bone spur on the top of my left foot. Truth be told I’m not happy about the bone spur but I’m ecstatic that it’s not a stress fracture.

Phew!

I don’t mean to be dramatic folks, trust me, I’m extremely thankful that I wasn’t waiting on life-threatening results, but with that said the stress factor is gone and I will be back in the game after a week of rest, ice, and lots of ibuprofen; and that makes me feel like this …

A running princess in all her glory

Hell, I’m so excited I might go breakout my tiara right now.

Winks & Smiles,

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RMHC Day of Change: Clink-Clink!

A little change can make a HUGE difference in someone’s life. I’ve been fortunate enough to see firsthand how the Ronald McDonald House Charities does this for so many people in so many ways when I visited one of the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses late last year. That visit touched my BlogRollin’ partner Christie and I so much that we planned a Moms Nite Out Event there for Mother’s Day to offer the resident moms a special night of pampering.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Day of Change is tomorrow September 9 at participating McDonald’s. From 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. they’ll be collecting spare change in their collection boxes inside their restaurants or at the drive thru. Every penny, nickel, dime or quarter that clinks in the box can make such a big difference in a sick child’s life. You can learn more about RMHC Day of Change at their Facebook page here.

Full disclosure, I was not paid for this post in any way … except for the wonderful feeling of giving.

Winks & Smiles,

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Cherries, Cake and Beer, Oh My!

I’m not a big tagger or awards gal, but since this lovely little honor is coming from across the pond – thanks to the wonderful Kat of The Running Adventures of Zupakat – and coming just in time to cheer me up about my bum foot I’ll happily take part.

Oh, and you know how I just love cherries.

I’m supposed to share something that I wish I could change in my past. Um, I don’t think we have enough time for that folks, ahem, but seriously, I am one of those who believe everything that happens, good and bad, is what makes you the person you are today. With that said if I could travel back and talk to my younger self I would probably say, “Self, don’t be so lazy – get up and take care of you, now!” Incorporating healthy habits would be a must.

Now, I’m supposed to pass the award along to six people, but I’m not. I’m passing it on to anyone who reads this. If you’d like a little recognition with some cherries on top please consider yourself loved, hugged and tagged.

Oh wait, did someone mention beer and cake? Oh, silly me, I did. Yesterday was a holiday – my normal excuse to splurge a little on the food front. My family was also celebrating my Father’s birthday so being the wonderful daughter that I am I felt compelled to bake him a cake and have a beer with him. What’s a girl to do?

The cake Milan and I whipped up yesterday morning

My daughter’s doll. I know random photo but she makes me laugh – check out the hair.

My sister, Nikki D! Love her shirt.

Did someone say beer?

At least I put some salad on my plate – gasp!

Mi Padre – Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Look what I got for my dad’s birthday – hmm, I like how this works!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day, too!

Winks & Smiles,

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The Stress Factor

I must be hearing things. That’s what I thought when I heard the doctor tell me on Friday she thinks I have a stress fracture in my left foot.

Gasp!

Um, doesn’t she realize I have a marathon to run in 54 days?

Immediately the stress factor kicked in.

A week ago at the end of my 18 mile run I felt a dull twinge on the top of my foot. I didn’t think much of it. Hell, I just ran 18 miles, something is bound to twinge. During the week, I felt it more and more; and tried not to notice the swelling. By Friday, my sensible side kicked in – Husband told me to take my ass go to the doctor – so I did. She looked, touched and X-rayed my foot and told me she thinks it’s a stress fracture but wants the radiologist to confirm on Tuesday.

So I wait, impatiently, for Tuesday. I also have googled every form of stress fracture and painfully discovered this could take me out of the game for 6-8 weeks.

Double Gasp!

That would knockout my marathon and my entire fall tennis season.

Seriously?

I’m not trying to be dramatic, I know things could be much worse, but DAMN!

The culprit and my foot’s new favorite ice bag

You know I don’t know how to sit still, what in the world am I going to do for 6-8 weeks? Hmm, sounds like its time to start thinking up some good arm and ab workouts.

Winks & Smiles,

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Run, Little Princess, Run!

“Mommy, I want to do a race.”

*insert silent screams of joy here as I tried to keep my composure*

Yes, folks, our little children are watching us and what we do. My daughter has been begging me to run a race and is excited to “practice” for it. I’m planning to run in the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day and both my children (my son more reluctantly) are going to do the Mashed Potato Mile kids run. We started training practicing for it Monday. It was … well, I’ll let her tell you.



Gasp! She wants to be healthy. I don’t think I could be anymore excited. Something tells me she’ll be keeping me in line. Ahem. We’ll make sure to keep you posted on her progress.

Winks & Smiles,

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