Feel Good, Live Positively Recap

Our Feel Good ~ Live Positively ~ Be Blogalicious Tweet Up was a huge success last night. We ate, drank, chatted and had an engaging online question and answer session with nutritionist Michelle Stewart, The Nutrition Planner. While our livestream had some technical difficulties it all worked out wonderfully – just ask the online winner of a brand new iPad – Aliah Davis-McHenry.

Dana Jones was our in person winner …

Dana, Me, Christie, LaKeidra Veal from Coca-Cola, and Intern Sunny showing off Dana’s new toy

But everyone walked away with goodies …

I really wanted that super cute lunchbox!

A huge thank you to our friends at Coca-Cola who sponsored this event and to everyone who joined us in person and online. To learn more about the Live Positively initiative please visit LivePositively.com; and, make sure to do something today, to take care of you!

Winks & Smiles,

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Live Positively Tweet Up: It’s Not Too Late to Win an iPad

That’s right, my BlogRollin’ partner, Christie, and I are hosting the Feel Good ~ Live Positively ~ Be Blogalicious Tweet Up tonight with the good folks at Coca-Cola Live Positively; and we’re giving away TWO iPads. Gasp!

The Tweet Up starts at 6:30 p.m. EST at Gordon Biersch in Buckhead.

Not in Atlanta? No worries, you can join us via livestream from 7-8 p.m. as we chat with a nutritionist and give away one of the iPads exclusively to our online participants.

Click here for more details. You must RSVP to attend and win.

Hope to see you then!

Winks & Smiles,

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Celebrating 21

I’ve sometimes talked about revisiting 21, but I always meant the age, not miles. Well, after logging in 21 miles this Saturday, I definitely wanted to celebrate like it was my 21st birthday. To say I was excited would be an understatement. Not only is it my furthest distance, but it’s my last long run before my first marathon – the Marine Corps Marathon on Halloween. I get to taper now and scale back the miles and my body truly appreciates that.

My morning started at 4:40 a.m.

My pre-run food – a banana and a peanut butter sandwich. Got to have some energy!

We began at 5:30 a.m. and did 2:1 run/walk intervals the entire way. I actually wasn’t scheduled to do the 21 until this upcoming weekend, but I will be in Miami at Blogalicious so I had to get it done early. I was thrilled that four folks from my running group offered to go the extra distance with me and knockout their 21, too! Company on a long run makes all the difference!

Michael, Me, Bo, Jamie and Doug – Everyone finished strong!

Post-run pic. Still smiling.

Immediate recovery food. I think I’m addicted to Lara bars.

So, how do I feel? Accomplished. Excited. And, a little beat up. The distance is starting to take a toll on my body. Ironically, my bone spur is not an issue, but my left knee started hurting sometime after mile 10 and my right heel is really sore. Fortunately, I have an appointment with a podiatrist tomorrow and plan on taking it easy this week.

21 done and 26 days left.

Winks & Smiles,

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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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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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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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Friday’s Confession: Attack of the Guiltless Splurge

Friday’s Confession …

I strayed from my clean-eating, seventeen-pounds plan and pretended that muffin tops are sexy when they’re really not for a brief moment this week. Oh, and I don’t feel guilty.

I’m back on track already. I’ve kissed the first three pounds goodbye and I’m sure that more have already disappeared. Too much obsession and restriction is not healthy and will ultimately lead to destruction (**insert wicked laugh here**).

Besides, I’m in for 18 miles in the morning. I’m quite sure that will handle my little guiltless splurge … and then some.

Winks & Smiles,

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Sweet 16

This past Saturday I ran 16 miles. And, oh how sweet it was. Not only was it the longest run I’ve ever done, but it was a lot of fun, too.

Fun? Really?

Yes, it might sound crazy but training for this marathon has given me such a sense of accomplishment and confidence. I’ve learned that with the proper planning I can do things I would’ve never dreamed of and that’s not only thrilling – its fun.

And, so are the good folks I run with at Get Fit Atlanta. I definitely recommend finding a good group if you’re looking to start running. Tackling those long miles with the right people can make them whiz by and before you know it you’ve knocked out 16.

So here’s the quick and dirty about my 16 mile adventure. I got up at 4:45 a.m. – gasp! – to meet my group – at 5:20 a.m. By 5:30 a.m. we were on our way to logging in the Sweet 16. We ran the first 3-4 miles then did 2:1 intervals the rest of the way. I felt great. I had a peanut butter sandwich and a banana before I left the house and refueled with strawberry-banana PowerBar Energy gels along the way. It was dark and hot when we started; and it was sunny and hot when we finished. Along the way I saw a few dogs, a bunny rabbit and a dead snake – yikes! The last 2&1/2 miles of the run were up the infamous Nickajack hill. Once you’ve run Nickajack, you feel like you can run anything. I finished in 3 hours 28 minutes. Twenty minutes of that were rest breaks including one potty run in Mickey D’s.

Of course I snapped a few pics (not of the potty break – ahem) …

My pre-run pic – it was EAR-LY!

One of my coaches – Beth. Her and Barbara are the best!

Aww, Nickajack. The sign at the bottom of the big-ass hill.

Me with some of the crew celebrating 16. Get it? See the 1 and the 6?

All smiles after 16

I’m going to revel in this moment for the rest of the week because next Saturday we’re uppin’ the ante – can you say 18?

Winks & Smiles,

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Excuse Me While I Kiss and Tell

After logging in 14 miles with my running group, making better food choices (peace-out beer and cookies) and repeating my new mantra oh about 15,000 times since I started my 17 pound weight loss quest, I’m pleased to share that I’m kissing a few pounds goodbye – literally.



Truthfully, I’m gratetful but not that surprised at the loss, the first pounds normally slide off pretty easily for me – it’s keeping it going, and my hand out the cooking jar, that’s the real hard part. And so the journey begins ...

Winks & Smiles,

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‘Cause Muffin Tops Aren’t Sexy

My new mantra:

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I debated going out for my morning run.

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I almost skipped my strength training session.

Hmm, muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I contemplated sipping on my beloved beer.

Muffin tops aren’t sexy.

That’s what I thought when I almost shoveled seconds onto my plate.

Muffin tops aren't sexy.

And, yes, it works …

‘Cause muffin tops AREN’T sexy.

Winks & Smiles,

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Seventeen – It’s the Magic Number

Seventeen, that’s my new goal. Nope not miles, although I’ll be running those soon, I’m talking about pounds.

Seventeen.

There, I wrote it. For everyone to see.

Gasp!

It’s no secret that I’m very active and believe in a healthy lifestyle. It’s also no secret that I, like most of America, struggle with weight. Sure, I ride the pounds rollercoaster, too. I’ve seen them come and I’ve seen them go. I’ve been pretty fit and I’ve been, um, pretty fat. Ever since I developed an interest in getting healthy I normally stay at the lower end of the rollercoaster, but still haven’t broken through those last few pounds. For me, it’s seventeen of them.

I feel good, I get happy, and then I get lazy … and complacent. It’s hard work to finish off those stubborn pounds. Busting through the plateau is a bitch. But, I’m here to tell you it’s time to make a change. While I’m busy training for a marathon and tackling my debt I figure why not add one more goal to the list.

*insert blaring trumpets here*

I’m going to lose those pounds, one at time. Until. They. Are. No. More.

My motivation? The joy of knowing I can do what I set my mind to … and a really hot bikini.

Winks & Smiles,

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Atlanta’s Finest 5K: Running with Husband

Saturday Husband and I ran in the Atlanta Track Club’s annual Atlanta’ Finest 5K at Centennial Olympic Park.

About two weeks ago I got an e-mail that said, “quick sign us up.” Hmm, the last and only time Husband ran with me was for beer. This time it was because the corporation he works for was one of the sponsors; and because he wanted to run. I know he actually wanted to run because last year I ran it with some of his co-workers and he ever so supportively cheered us on from the sidelines. I’m sure he could’ve watched again but he chose to lace up his shoes and hit the road with the rest of us.

We started the race together, but I told him several times he didn’t have to stay with me. Yes, folks, Husband could run circles around is definitely faster than me. He decided to run the first two miles at my pace and said he would go on ahead for the last. There were two big hills in the third mile and neither of us wanted to burn out before them. When we crossed the second mile marker I pushed Husband on his way and cranked up my iPod. I decided to keep my steady pace and stayed aggressive with the hills.

I’m excited to say that it paid off. I PR’d the race finishing in 33:11, 26th out of 60 in my age group. Yes, that’s fast – for me. Husband finished in 31:23, but I’m sure he could’ve easily been under 30 if he wasn’t babysitting his wife. Next time, I’ll definitely encourage him to go for his.

Surprisingly, I only took a few pics.

Husband getting his music straight

Me ready to run

The finish line I was so happy to cross quickly

Sunday night Husband told me he found another race for us to do. Loving his interest I got excited until I saw THIS.

Gasp!

Oh, yeah. I didn't tell you, I'm a punk.

Hmm, what do you think? It might be my turn to cheer him on supportively from the sidelines.

Winks & Smiles,

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Running Into Uncharted Territory

Friday I ran into uncharted territory – literally. 14 miles. Gasp! That’s farther than I’ve ever run before. With two half marathons under my belt I’ve felt a sense of accomplishment, but this is different. It’s the road to one of the biggest goals I’ve ever set for myself – especially physically.

So, with that said I woke up Friday morning at the crack of dawn – no, really I had to wait a few minutes because I’m a punk and won’t run in the dark by myself – put on my running gear and set out for a special morning.

My early morning pre-run pic. I finally stopped putting on make up just to sweat it off. Yeah, I know. Don’t show anyone.

I had to do my long run by myself again this week because I had someplace special to be Saturday morning. I really miss my running group, it gets lonely out there alone so I brought along Drake and Alicia Keys to entertain me.

The sun rising over the Target parking lot. I really wanted to stop and shop.

I had to do a phone interview for a magazine article I’m writing at 9 a.m. so I knocked out 10 miles and stopped to make my call. Less than an hour later I was back on the road winding through my sub-division knocking out the final four.

I ran so far I had to make a wardrobe change. Me channeling my inner running diva.

While the first ten miles felt awesome, the last four sucked. Gasp! I thought they’d be easy since I stopped to squeeze in my call but I think the break might’ve made it harder. That and the heat. Oh what a difference an hour makes. For the final two miles all I could think about was this …

Yum. Who knew I’d have such a love affair with sports drinks?

My longest run couldn’t have happened on a better day, about eight hours later I grabbed my overnight bag, kissed Husband and the kids goodbye then headed into midtown Atlanta for an exclusive mom blogger escape at the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel.

Did I already use the word fabulous? To say the good folks at the Four Seasons spoiled us would be an understatement. Let me just say by the end of the night I traded in my sports drink for this little number …

A Grey Goose Strawberry Mojito with fresh basil grown in their organic garden

Right. Stay tuned that’s a whole other post.

Winks & Smiles,

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