I have thought a lot about this post and what I might write. And honestly, I don't know where it is going to take me... but stay for a bit and read on. It might be a good one... or maybe not.
Something about me, that most people do not know (or would not realize). I am fairly religious. I have my beliefs, I talk to my God (and I say my, because I believe we all have our own relationship with a higher spirit, God, etc. whatever you want to call it. For me, it is God) and I believe in being a good person. With this being said, this is not a post about spirituality or religion. I bring this up, because through my religious beliefs and spirituality, I believe that all things happen for a reason (even the crappy things!) and that my God is looking out for me. It's this foundation to my life, that helps me get through the more challenging of days/times/etc. It's this foundation that gave me the strength to move to Bowling Green, Ohio on a whim.. It's this foundation, that led me to the midwest, that brought Troy and I together, and that has manifested itself in all pieces of my life.
My 20's were a learning time for me. Although, there were many wonderful and exciting things that took place in my 20's (Hartwick, best friends, Bowling Green, BGSU, meeting Troy, getting married, etc.), there were also great periods of learning, growth and development -anyone that says a family divorce is easier to go through as an adult, has never been through a divorce before. But, as I said, I believe all things happen for a reason. The difficult times only made me stronger and more in tune with who I am vs. who I am not.
Not only did I learn who I am, I learned that it is okay, to be who I am. I am the girl that prefers flip flops over heels (but will definitely still rock 4" when needed!). I am the girl that prefers country over city. I am the girl that prefers dogs over cats. I am the girl that is passionate in her goals and what she believes. And being able to know who you are and be okay with that, is a wonderful thing.
And so... as I woke up this morning and thought "wow, I am 30," I did not have a mental breakdown over turning the "big 3-0." I let the dogs out to potty and as they cruised over the deck to the grass, I took a moment to look at the tranquility and peace of what surrounded me. The sun was just rising over Lake Erie. The ducks were out for their morning feed. My plants are thriving on the decks (this is such good news for me!) and the waves were quietly splashing against the shore. It was so peaceful. And in that moment, right there, I was happy. I am happy. And I feel lucky to be content with where I am, who I am, and what blessings I have in my life. So, thank you 20s for being 10 great years of too much fun, tears, joy, laughter, friendship, family, and most importantly learning. I am eager to head into my 30's...to learn even more, to grow as a person, and to know, that every step I take, I have my foundation and my spirituality to ground me.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
I'm back.
I have no idea why I have not blogged in foreverness (is that even an word?). I have no excuse. Just hasn't happened. I have had days where I think, "oh, I should blog about that." And then I don't. I started this blog to help me stay committed to my healthy lifestyle. And proudly, I can say, I have. However, I have also learned, that I don't need to blog to do it. I don't need to blog to get me to go to the gym, to eat healthy, to get some sleep, to take care of myself. I think, finally, my mental attitude has shifted towards looking at "healthy living" as a diet, into a way of living. This is my life. I eat right. I hit the gym. I run through rain. I pass on delicious cheese burgers. And I smile. This is what I do. This is who I am. I will never be a size 2. That's not me. But, I love who I am. I really do. And for anyone that has EVER dealt with self-image issues, that is a huge statement. And I love being able to write that and mean it.
On Sunday morning, I return to the Maumee Bay for my first summer triathlon. Coach Nichols and I are rocking this one out together, as his wife and Troy are our cheerleaders. I'll definitely miss racing it with Kate, but also know she will be back in the game next summer.
I am pretty pumped up for this tri. I don't want to set a goal time (well, I mean I have one in my head), but I am not about to write it down. All I can say, is I feel A LOT stronger (mentally and physically) this summer than I did last. Matt and I practiced our open water swim last night with Team Toledo and I am pretty happy to report, that I came in 4th total and first in women. I'll take that shit. :) Matt, of course, came in third. Of course, he beat me. But, I did make a strong effort to catch him. I'm going to blame it on the weeds... they were nasty, long, and kept catching in my fingers as I stroked. Gross. Gross. Gross. I freaking hate seaweed and can't stand it touching me. But, anyways, I busted ass and did quite well (if I do so say myself). Now, if I can just bust ass Sunday morning.....
And even if I don't bust serious ass, I will be okay. Just to finish a triathlon race is an awesome feeling. Placing, that is even better. But, finishing, that is what really matters.
Until Sunday....
On Sunday morning, I return to the Maumee Bay for my first summer triathlon. Coach Nichols and I are rocking this one out together, as his wife and Troy are our cheerleaders. I'll definitely miss racing it with Kate, but also know she will be back in the game next summer.
I am pretty pumped up for this tri. I don't want to set a goal time (well, I mean I have one in my head), but I am not about to write it down. All I can say, is I feel A LOT stronger (mentally and physically) this summer than I did last. Matt and I practiced our open water swim last night with Team Toledo and I am pretty happy to report, that I came in 4th total and first in women. I'll take that shit. :) Matt, of course, came in third. Of course, he beat me. But, I did make a strong effort to catch him. I'm going to blame it on the weeds... they were nasty, long, and kept catching in my fingers as I stroked. Gross. Gross. Gross. I freaking hate seaweed and can't stand it touching me. But, anyways, I busted ass and did quite well (if I do so say myself). Now, if I can just bust ass Sunday morning.....
And even if I don't bust serious ass, I will be okay. Just to finish a triathlon race is an awesome feeling. Placing, that is even better. But, finishing, that is what really matters.
Until Sunday....
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
It never gets old...
I know, it's been a while since I last blogged. "Sometimes time marches on and eventually honey, you realize it's marching across your face" (bonus pts. to anyone who knows what movie that is from!) :) No but real, all is good... all continues to be good, just busy. And sometimes, I don't feel like sharing everything.
But, I will share a piece from this past weekend. Troy and I ventured over to the amazing Windy City and spent a fabulous weekend with a great friend and his girlfriend. Awesome weekend. Awesome friends. Sunday, we wrapped up by running the Shamrock Shuffle together. This happens to be the world's largest 8K (4.97 miles) race. There were nearly 40,000 people there and it was AWESOME! Many dressed up, to help celebrate the Shamrock feel. Please see photo below for proof of such costumes:
The tutus were a huge hit! Many of the spectators commented on the cuteness. Props to Liz's mom for making them for us. :)
As we neared mile 4, I turned to Liz and said I REALLY want to break a 9 minute mile on this last stretch. And she replied "alright, here we go!" As I crossed the finished line, I knew I had broken the 9 minute mile and my eyes filled with tears. And in that moment, images of the girl that I once was flashed before my eyes... and the feeling of NOT being her anymore brought a feeling to me that I just cannot explain.
All my training, hard work, discipline, and healthy living, just doesn't get old. Do I still have a ways to go? Yes. But, I am so focused and so determined, I know where I once was and I know where I am headed. The feeling I felt, when crossing the finish line on Sunday will never get old. And that my friends, is what keeps me going.
It never gets old...... thinking about what I can do now and what I could not do at one time of my life.
It never gets old..... remembering the girl that could barely run a mile and now runs 10 miles on a Sunday.
It never gets old..... feeling better, looking better and living a healthy life.
It just never gets old.
But, I will share a piece from this past weekend. Troy and I ventured over to the amazing Windy City and spent a fabulous weekend with a great friend and his girlfriend. Awesome weekend. Awesome friends. Sunday, we wrapped up by running the Shamrock Shuffle together. This happens to be the world's largest 8K (4.97 miles) race. There were nearly 40,000 people there and it was AWESOME! Many dressed up, to help celebrate the Shamrock feel. Please see photo below for proof of such costumes:
Please note - Troy's shirt reads: "Take it slow with a picture of a turtle." I love him.
As we neared mile 4, I turned to Liz and said I REALLY want to break a 9 minute mile on this last stretch. And she replied "alright, here we go!" As I crossed the finished line, I knew I had broken the 9 minute mile and my eyes filled with tears. And in that moment, images of the girl that I once was flashed before my eyes... and the feeling of NOT being her anymore brought a feeling to me that I just cannot explain.
All my training, hard work, discipline, and healthy living, just doesn't get old. Do I still have a ways to go? Yes. But, I am so focused and so determined, I know where I once was and I know where I am headed. The feeling I felt, when crossing the finish line on Sunday will never get old. And that my friends, is what keeps me going.
It never gets old...... thinking about what I can do now and what I could not do at one time of my life.
It never gets old..... remembering the girl that could barely run a mile and now runs 10 miles on a Sunday.
It never gets old..... feeling better, looking better and living a healthy life.
It just never gets old.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Mental game
It's been a while since my last blog. Why? I'm not really sure. Yes, I am busy. Yes, I continue to work-out, eat healthy, train, etc. Just, not feeling the bloggin' thing lately. Sorry!
However, yesterday I had a 10 mile training run with my lovely husband and Coach Nichols. And let me just say this.... every bit of it hurt like hell. It was DEFINITELY not one of my better running days. This is the part of running, I hate: the bad run days! Troy and I ran 10 miles last Sunday in wind, clouds, rain, and sleet and I could have easily gone 13.1 that day. However, yesterday, as we ran through a beautiful park, with wonderful trails and plenty of sunshine, I was over it by mile 3. My legs felt like tree trunks, the back of my neck was on fire and this weird pain I get in my shoulder blades was back. Troy informs we that my should blades hurt because "I don't keep my paws up when I run and thus, I am always slouched over." Whatever, either way, they hurt... A LOT!
I finished 7 miles and told Troy and Nichols I was done. But, then pulled my act together (a bit), agreed to another 3 mile path and about 1 mile in had a mental meltdown in the woods. Troy endured the brunt of it. But, I was SOOOOO MAD at myself, because for the last 4 Sundays I have been doing so well on my long-runs - both physically and mentally. Clearly, my record was broken yesterday.
On the way home, Troy was quite happy to purchase his first ice-cream cone of the season. Who does that? Gets ice-cream after a 10 miler and right before a delicious healthy pasta-bake dinner I had waiting at home? Troy does that.
Anyways, I mayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy have treated myself to a baby vanilla with sprinkles.
Dinner was yummy! Score for me!
Today, I am resting. Tomorrow, back at it.
However, yesterday I had a 10 mile training run with my lovely husband and Coach Nichols. And let me just say this.... every bit of it hurt like hell. It was DEFINITELY not one of my better running days. This is the part of running, I hate: the bad run days! Troy and I ran 10 miles last Sunday in wind, clouds, rain, and sleet and I could have easily gone 13.1 that day. However, yesterday, as we ran through a beautiful park, with wonderful trails and plenty of sunshine, I was over it by mile 3. My legs felt like tree trunks, the back of my neck was on fire and this weird pain I get in my shoulder blades was back. Troy informs we that my should blades hurt because "I don't keep my paws up when I run and thus, I am always slouched over." Whatever, either way, they hurt... A LOT!
I finished 7 miles and told Troy and Nichols I was done. But, then pulled my act together (a bit), agreed to another 3 mile path and about 1 mile in had a mental meltdown in the woods. Troy endured the brunt of it. But, I was SOOOOO MAD at myself, because for the last 4 Sundays I have been doing so well on my long-runs - both physically and mentally. Clearly, my record was broken yesterday.
On the way home, Troy was quite happy to purchase his first ice-cream cone of the season. Who does that? Gets ice-cream after a 10 miler and right before a delicious healthy pasta-bake dinner I had waiting at home? Troy does that.
Anyways, I mayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy have treated myself to a baby vanilla with sprinkles.
Dinner was yummy! Score for me!
Today, I am resting. Tomorrow, back at it.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Winter Funk
I am not a fan of the month of February or March. I always find myself fighting off a "winter funk" of some sort. The kind where you have no energy, you don't want to work-out, you hate every article of clothing you own, you can't stand the sight of snow, you are ghostly pale, your nails are constantly cracking from the dry air, and you would rather crawl into a hole and sleep than deal. Sounds depressing, I know. But, it's the truth. We've all been there - we can all get like that.
I have been battling mine for the last 2 weeks and today, during an 8 mile run I BROKE THROUGH! Something just clicked! The air smelled fresher, the lake is actually moving - the ice is gone, the grass looked almost green, and I was smiling. Soon, it will be spring, which then means summer...... oh summer....how I love you so.
Summer means..... 30th birthdays, boating, sunning, gardening, new bathing suits, friends, cocktails, sunsets, Coast Guard Fest, 1000 Islands, flip flops, less make-up, more ponytails, golfing, running, biking, swimming, triathlons, and more flip flops.....
I am a summer girl at heart...always have been and always will be. Because at the end of the day.... it's about splashing through the sandbar, talking by the campfire....it's the simple things in life, like when and where.
I have been battling mine for the last 2 weeks and today, during an 8 mile run I BROKE THROUGH! Something just clicked! The air smelled fresher, the lake is actually moving - the ice is gone, the grass looked almost green, and I was smiling. Soon, it will be spring, which then means summer...... oh summer....how I love you so.
Summer means..... 30th birthdays, boating, sunning, gardening, new bathing suits, friends, cocktails, sunsets, Coast Guard Fest, 1000 Islands, flip flops, less make-up, more ponytails, golfing, running, biking, swimming, triathlons, and more flip flops.....
I am a summer girl at heart...always have been and always will be. Because at the end of the day.... it's about splashing through the sandbar, talking by the campfire....it's the simple things in life, like when and where.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
It's Easier...
It's easier to take the shortcut during the run...
It's easier to say "I will lift tomorrow"...
It's easier to perform the job half-assed...
It's easier to sneak a snack at night, when no one is watching...
It's easier to sleep through your 4:30 a.m. alarm...
It's easier to put off the project until tomorrow....
It's easier to only read the cliffnotes...
It's easier to only swim a mile, instead of 2....
It's easier to not track your food....
It's easier not to blog.....
It's easier not to call....
It's easier not to write....
It's easier to point the finger at some else...
It's easier to postpone your goals for another year....
It's easier to only race the sprint, instead of the olympic...
It's easier to not make the bed...
It's easier to put the dishes in the dishwasher....
It's easier to ignore the dogs when they beg for love...
It's easier to take 5, 245 short cuts in life....
If I (or you!) constantly take the easier road, I (or you!) will never obtain:
70.3
Healthy living
A loving partner
A great profession
I made bed
A clean home
Loving dogs
Defined arms
My goals
My aspirations
My dreams
It's easier to say "I will lift tomorrow"...
It's easier to perform the job half-assed...
It's easier to sneak a snack at night, when no one is watching...
It's easier to sleep through your 4:30 a.m. alarm...
It's easier to put off the project until tomorrow....
It's easier to only read the cliffnotes...
It's easier to only swim a mile, instead of 2....
It's easier to not track your food....
It's easier not to blog.....
It's easier not to call....
It's easier not to write....
It's easier to point the finger at some else...
It's easier to postpone your goals for another year....
It's easier to only race the sprint, instead of the olympic...
It's easier to not make the bed...
It's easier to put the dishes in the dishwasher....
It's easier to ignore the dogs when they beg for love...
It's easier to take 5, 245 short cuts in life....
BUT.....
If I (or you!) constantly take the easier road, I (or you!) will never obtain:
70.3
Healthy living
A loving partner
A great profession
I made bed
A clean home
Loving dogs
Defined arms
My goals
My aspirations
My dreams
" If you take the a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~ Frank A. Carl
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Running vs. Blogging
About 3.5 miles into my 5 mile run yesterday, I realized two things:
1. I was not dreading the run, as much as I normally do.
2. I was not counting the miles down, like I normally do.
After realizing these two things, I asked myself why? Why no longer was I dreading the run or counting down every step I took? The answer was simple... I was focusing on my next blog. Brilliant. For the first time in a lonnnnnggggggg time, I was not dreading the run. In fact, I was so busy focusing in on what my next blog with be about, I barely realized when I was close to the 4 mile marker. This, to me, was a great day! I might have finally figured out how to "lose myself" during my runs. I will test the theory again, during my Sunday 3 miler this afternoon.
So instead of focusing on the action of running, I focused mostly on the music that was blasting in my ears. And how this music affects my running mood. I distinctly remembering coming to a crossroads in the run - I could have opted for 3 or 5 miles. I opted for the turn that would take me for a 5 miler. At this very moment, my music switched from Something to Believe In by Poison, to Dynamite by Taio Cruz. Direct correlation? Yes, very much so. And as I chose the 5 mile run (which was what I was suppose to run yesterday) I thought about my ass. Yes, my ass. Would I like to shake it on the back of the boat this summer, feeling more confidant than I ever have (don't judge me) OR would I like to be semi-confidant? The vote, was clearly shake-that-ass with confidence. So with a little Dynamite blasting in my ears, maybe even a bit of semi-fist pumping action, I was off for the 5 miles. My legs, my thighs, my stomach, and most importantly my ass, were most appreciative of my choice at the end.
Disclaimer... let's not pretend the majority of us don't shake our asses on boats, when the music is blaring and the sun is high. We do. We love it. And it is a good time.
1. I was not dreading the run, as much as I normally do.
2. I was not counting the miles down, like I normally do.
After realizing these two things, I asked myself why? Why no longer was I dreading the run or counting down every step I took? The answer was simple... I was focusing on my next blog. Brilliant. For the first time in a lonnnnnggggggg time, I was not dreading the run. In fact, I was so busy focusing in on what my next blog with be about, I barely realized when I was close to the 4 mile marker. This, to me, was a great day! I might have finally figured out how to "lose myself" during my runs. I will test the theory again, during my Sunday 3 miler this afternoon.
So instead of focusing on the action of running, I focused mostly on the music that was blasting in my ears. And how this music affects my running mood. I distinctly remembering coming to a crossroads in the run - I could have opted for 3 or 5 miles. I opted for the turn that would take me for a 5 miler. At this very moment, my music switched from Something to Believe In by Poison, to Dynamite by Taio Cruz. Direct correlation? Yes, very much so. And as I chose the 5 mile run (which was what I was suppose to run yesterday) I thought about my ass. Yes, my ass. Would I like to shake it on the back of the boat this summer, feeling more confidant than I ever have (don't judge me) OR would I like to be semi-confidant? The vote, was clearly shake-that-ass with confidence. So with a little Dynamite blasting in my ears, maybe even a bit of semi-fist pumping action, I was off for the 5 miles. My legs, my thighs, my stomach, and most importantly my ass, were most appreciative of my choice at the end.
Disclaimer... let's not pretend the majority of us don't shake our asses on boats, when the music is blaring and the sun is high. We do. We love it. And it is a good time.
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