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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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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Ready, Set, Switch

It’s time for me to step out of these ...

My tennis shoes

And switch into these ...

My running shoes

I spent the last four days in Birmingham, Alabama braving the heat with my USTA 3.0 Georgia STATE CHAMPION tennis team playing in the Sectionals tournament. While we didn’t take the whole tournament this time we still walked away winners – and had entirely too much fun, too.

Now that I’m back and have about six weeks before tennis starts again its time to really focus on my running. I’ve managed to juggle the two sports up until now and stay on track with my marathon training – this weekend was the first since April that I missed a long run. Gasp!

I never in a million years thought that I’d actually be excited to lace up my running shoes, grab my iPhone and head out on a 14 mile run, but I am, and there’s no crazy person chasing me, forcing me to do it.

Winks & Smiles,

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Throwing in the Towel

Last month my USTA Women’s 3.0 tennis team won the Georgia State Championship and all the ladies were so excited to get one of these …

The coveted “champion” towel

Since then my prize possession has been camped out here …

The back of the chair in my office

That’s right. I couldn’t wait to get my “special” towel and I put it in a room where I barely ever am, and I could never show it off use it.

Why?

So often it seems like my first reaction is to down play my success. Or, maybe I was just trying to preserve the moment instead of enjoying it. I’m not sure, but I realized this weekend that it’s just a towel. It’s a special towel that only few will win and that I love, but it’s still a towel; so, I took that bad boy off my chair and threw it in my tennis bag.

Gasp!

I actually used it, too.

Double Gasp!

I decided to celebrate my success, live in the moment and you know what? It felt good.

How about you? Do you take the time to use what you’ve got and celebrate your success? Motivated Mamas want to know …

Winks & Smiles,

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There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Tennis

While I’m quick to talk about my new found love for running I don’t seem to post too much about my other love – tennis. I’m not sure why as I’ve been playing, year-round, for the past 3 to 4 years. To say I’m addicted to tennis would be an understatement and now that Husband is playing, too, it’s pretty much apart of our daily lives.

This past weekend my USTA Women’s 3.0 tennis team won the Georgia State Championship. My teammates and I drove to Macon, Georgia, this past Thursday night and spent the next four days playing two matches per day against teams from all over Georgia and loved every second of it. Did I mention there’s no such thing as too much tennis? Aside from winning the championship, this weekend was so special because of the wonderful women I’m proud to call my teammates friends. The love, support and encouragement everyone consistently gives each other is amazing. Never have I been apart of such camaraderie with such a dynamic group of women. Everyone on the team has talent and is such a superstar; but what’s so special is they want to see their teammates shine even brighter than themselves. There’s no bickering, no pettiness, and no drama. And, that, my friends, is rare.

 My usual self-portrait

 

Our "official" team photo

 Hangin' out waiting for our court assignments

 Tired after two matches

 My partner, Pam and I, also dubbed "The Twin Towers"

 Husband, My dad, my mother-in-law and my babies came to see me on Mother's Day

 Showing off my coveted champions towel

The gals in all our glory

Congratulations to the McGhee Tennis Center USTA 3.0 Adult Women State Champions! Looking forward to big things at Sectionals!

Winks & Smiles,

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Wife, Mother, Writer and Tennis Champion

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House

We are the champions … of the world!

Ok, well maybe not the world, but my USTA 3.0 Business Women’s Tennis team are Atlanta City Champions! That’s right this past Saturday morning we won four out of five matches earning us the city title and a spot in the state championships this May.

This is my first year playing with the McGhee Super Slammers and I have to say it’s been phenomenal. Whoever says women can’t play nice together and support each other hasn’t met this group of gals. As a newbie to the team they all made me feel extremely welcome and have truly helped me elevate my game.

My championship goodies

While I'm not quite headed to Wimbledon, yet, I'd like to send a huge thank you to Shannon, our fearless leader, and to all the ladies! Here’s to hitting the courts and winning the next round …

Winks & Smiles,

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