tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255969699868988932024-03-05T18:07:54.085-05:00Team EptonTeam Epton is a small family with a fitness-minded mom trying to balance family, career, education & obsession... We maybe not be typical but in a lot of ways, but somehow we are just like everyone else...SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-20709070851919511232012-02-17T08:46:00.000-05:002012-02-17T08:46:45.564-05:00Happy First Blogaversary to ME!<a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_5424.jpg" href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_5424.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-177" data-mce-src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_5424-225x300.jpg" height="300" src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_5424-225x300.jpg" title="IMG_5424" width="225" /></a>Yes, it is true, it has been a year since my <a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/2011/02/its-always-something-a-day-in-the-life/" href="http://sportymom.me/2011/02/its-always-something-a-day-in-the-life/" title="It’s Always Something… a Day in the Life">first post</a>,
and I think I really dig this whole blog thing! I mean, I get to write,
I find myself entertaining, and sometimes my readers agree...<br />
<br />
We've
come a long way, done quite a few events and races I didn't think I
would be capable of, had experiences I wouldn't have imagined, and I
look forward to sharing all my adventures and mishaps with you for a
long time to come...<br />
<br />
So to celebrate, I have just a little something special for 1 lucky reader. If you love free stuff, which I know I do, visit my <a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/giveaway/" href="http://sportymom.me/giveaway/" title="My Blogaversary Giveaway!">Blogaversary Giveaway</a> & enter today!SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-44087694702892735182012-02-15T09:03:00.000-05:002013-06-14T12:25:18.433-04:00Oh Love, How I love to love you...<a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/gabbyVdaySmiles.jpg" href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/gabbyVdaySmiles.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-117" data-mce-src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/gabbyVdaySmiles-300x273.jpg" height="153" src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/gabbyVdaySmiles-300x273.jpg" title="gabbyVdaySmiles" width="168" /></a>It's
funny, I was thinking this morning, how much I love my daughter, as she
blew raspberries and giggled in the backseat. I also thought how much I
loved my husband, and how fortunate we are to have such as strong and
awesome relationship. I haven't seen Joshua a lot, with my schedule and
his new-found interest - Track (which I am oh so proud of), but I love
him too, even with his nonstop barrage of emails, containing listing of
cars he wishes would magically appear in the driveway.<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_3965.jpg" href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_3965.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright wp-image-119" data-mce-src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_3965-150x150.jpg" height="150" src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_3965-150x150.jpg" title="SAM_3965" width="150" /></a><br />
Then I
started thinking about how today is Valentines Day, or maybe best
described as a Hallmark holiday. Now, don't get me wrong, celebrating
your love for someone (romantic or platonic) is a wonderful thing - I
just think (and this is my opinion, we can agree to disagree) you should
probably do it more often, and with less expense and hoopla.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/runningskirts.jpg" href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/runningskirts.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-126" data-mce-src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/runningskirts-150x150.jpg" height="150" src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/runningskirts-150x150.jpg" title="runningskirts" width="150" /></a>I
was thinking and driving, which admittedly is not the best combo before
coffee, and it crossed my mind that people in general, <i>Love</i>
Love. They love food, they love clothes, they love my blog (ok, I had to
put that in there...) and some are just in love with love. Now, do we
love guacamole in the same way as our kids? Maybe, but most likely not.
So I wonder when does the use of the word love begin to reduce its
meaning? I am guilty, as I know I throw it around, my professed love of
running, or as demonstrated at the Running Skirts booth at the Tinker
Bell expo...maybe a better word would be <i>obsessed</i>. Do you use the word love for things that you simply enjoy or think are fabulous?<br />
Anyway,
on this Valentines Day, I will spend the evening interning, and so I
wonder if anyone else feels like this is just another Tuesday night?
Would I really have gone out on a week night for a romantic dinner, to
wait for a table even though I had a reservation? Honestly, no. My ideal
night would be in my comfy clothes, hanging with my best friend (which
is my husband if you were wondering), maybe playing a little scrabble,
watching t.v. or talking...<br />
<br />
To define <b>LOVE</b> in my life, it would look like this:<br />
<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_4040.jpg" href="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_4040.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-118" data-mce-src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_4040-300x200.jpg" height="200" src="http://sportymom.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SAM_4040-300x200.jpg" title="SAM_4040" width="300" /></a> It
may not always be flowers and candy, gourmet dinners (mostly because I
can't cook), or straight from a fairytale, but what it always is, is
Love. Usually with a lot of laughter, some times it's tough, usually its
kind, and supportive, and always with the best of intentions. So yes, I
<i>love</i> love. To me there no better feeling in the world than to love, and be loved, and in my opinion, everyone deserves that.<br />
<br />
p.s. It's hard keeping up with 2 blogs, so PLEASE, if you love me (or really just like my blogging) - head over to <a href="http://sportymom.me/" target="_blank">SportyMomme</a> & subscribe to follow! Also, if you could help get the word out, that would be FABULOUS!SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-3457724776440347872012-02-12T21:09:00.001-05:002012-02-12T21:09:53.502-05:00Princess for a Day (or a weekend)!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrOGKGWZWpsdLTP0vhS4mmcTjjAJrNSdqisO4CZFJkpcdz9GJJUW2HtSg7rRGweuJJCF8Z1NkICYz06C-yKJGGh_L3qoL-Y9d25xewljb6cp4wbsL4AX5nax6yM9ASpNCuRhemLsTiJg/s1600/summon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrOGKGWZWpsdLTP0vhS4mmcTjjAJrNSdqisO4CZFJkpcdz9GJJUW2HtSg7rRGweuJJCF8Z1NkICYz06C-yKJGGh_L3qoL-Y9d25xewljb6cp4wbsL4AX5nax6yM9ASpNCuRhemLsTiJg/s200/summon3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.brooksrunning.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The countdown has begun, well if you have been following my blog you've seen my countdown for a while... Time is a ticking! I have my Belle costume all together, right down to my <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/Brooks-Summon-3-Womens-Running-Shoe/1200931B079.100,default,pd.html?start=5&q=summon" target="_blank">Brooks Summon 3's</a> with Yellow accents. I can't even tell you how bad I have <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney" target="_blank">runDisney</a> fever AND how stoked I am to get my Coast to Coast medal too!<br />
<br />
I haven't always been the princess type girl, but over the past few years, I have channeled my inner happy ever after. Recently, I purchased the new release of Beauty & The Beast on DVD (since my original is on VHS!) and have watched it 3 times, heck once was this morning. I am really trying to get my little angel cakes into it, selfishly I suppose... I may be asking a lot since she is not quite 15 months old yet. I did tell her that she will see that castle soon (which really is in a few years I think but ya never know!)... <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrzxPIkhDMbJcVhc6Y-KuyjCt3p8S-dcJVSv0AqqgpnsCuX2eFO0-Ru0GS_HojnuMTYB4L_zaB4j9gxDo_sCXn6C2lkGLH7ZhW2WGo0rTjC5OUZLGrmZIVKMHqxnTYLV9tNIg50pRK1E/s1600/SAM_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrzxPIkhDMbJcVhc6Y-KuyjCt3p8S-dcJVSv0AqqgpnsCuX2eFO0-Ru0GS_HojnuMTYB4L_zaB4j9gxDo_sCXn6C2lkGLH7ZhW2WGo0rTjC5OUZLGrmZIVKMHqxnTYLV9tNIg50pRK1E/s200/SAM_4214.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather & I before TINK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So you know just a few short weeks ago I was running the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half, and in less than 2 weeks I will be running Princess! How lucky am I? It's funny because I am 36 years old (I know I don't look a day over 25, it's true though, 3-6!) and I had never been to Disney, neither east nor west coast... My son, has been to Disney World twice, my husband, a few times...so 2012, I am going big on Disney! Now I am the only one in the house that has been to Disneyland, so at least I have that. Then Wine & Dine falls just around my birthday, maybe I can swing that one too?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlapjkgIBBGUmfdfzMFc5Un7I6Sd6ch6V0NqPJe3e9h6IHQAHfmT7pc6UWUSz0GOiOQdVFY9TtnuGoTX4T__LnnTNfAMHiyCSL-0CZeiG31966VziXPlH6aoX5qI1EluZUW9FqO3tGA0/s1600/gabbyhearshotdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlapjkgIBBGUmfdfzMFc5Un7I6Sd6ch6V0NqPJe3e9h6IHQAHfmT7pc6UWUSz0GOiOQdVFY9TtnuGoTX4T__LnnTNfAMHiyCSL-0CZeiG31966VziXPlH6aoX5qI1EluZUW9FqO3tGA0/s200/gabbyhearshotdog.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She heard HOTDOG!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I dream of, someday, running the Princess 5k with Gabby (I know it's a little early for me to assume that she will love to run, but I am HOPING she does!), and she will be there at the finish for the Princess Half... I love when she is at the finish line of my races (and my hubby too of course!)... I know she is small now, but it won't be long before she is running around Disney dressed as a Princess (any one she wants although something tells me there will be costume changes involved). She is loving the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and admittedly, I do to - HOTDOG! <br />
<br />
I wonder if there is a frequent flyer program for <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney" target="_blank">runDisney</a>? That would be awesome, I'd sign up for sure... Well look for my race report, I am so excited to see Disney World! Next weekend is the Myrtle Beach Half, and I am super excited to have <a href="http://runfastermommy.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> in town to push me to a PR! <br />
<br />
<br />SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-45729467811431474412012-02-01T17:02:00.000-05:002012-02-01T17:10:11.847-05:00Tinker Bell Half & falling in Love with runDisney!It seems like this past weekend was forever in the making, and while it was at times stressful with all the crafting, home shows, virtual run and overall fundraising, it was so worth it. I have so much to say, but I'm afraid you'll stop reading if I mention every detail I can remember... but that's ok, I will break it into sections so if you just want to skip to the end, you can, I'll understand...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3npy56t3vr76sL46V7NA7aLkArXOWm-6q6IVl6nM6wSxffDToyxETl78SL-I9kiLsjAFFJz2aaI_oeehPOzeYNEQ7Q1F8KVS7gtcmWHflE_dRerK6MGNyxEgrS5SyaGxJMNEpUpLCNS4/s1600/SAM_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3npy56t3vr76sL46V7NA7aLkArXOWm-6q6IVl6nM6wSxffDToyxETl78SL-I9kiLsjAFFJz2aaI_oeehPOzeYNEQ7Q1F8KVS7gtcmWHflE_dRerK6MGNyxEgrS5SyaGxJMNEpUpLCNS4/s200/SAM_4301.JPG" width="200" /></a>Getting to California, by plane, can be interesting to say the least! Actually all my flights had something interesting or disgusting on them, maybe it's just me? I find people interesting in general - I am a people watcher in my spare time (which right now is none but beach season is coming so I will catch up). Airports are great places to watch people, and with 3 hr layovers in Atlanta, well, a girl can watch some people!<br />
<br />
<b>Flight One - Myrtle Beach to Atlanta</b><br />
I must have been feeling giddy because I was all smiles and humor. After waiting about 10 minutes for quite possibly the worst cup of coffee, I sat at my gate. Unbeknown to the dude who returned to his unattended baggage (shhh) I felt chatty... I don't know if I just was excited or why I felt the need to be friendly but I started asking him if he liked his iPad (not that I really cared). I eventually boarded my plane and was seated to the rear of a small business plane (like 48 seats total). I came to my seat, looked at the old guy sitting by the window, and blurted out "It's your LUCKY day! I'm sitting here"... again, not sure what had come over me. Others laughed as I took my seat. He said, "I'd been lucky if you brought me coffee", I replied "Don't feel bad, it tastes like shit!"...seriously, on a roll... and for 545am, that wasn't too bad. The flight took some bumps, and it reminded me that I hate smaller planes. The turbulence must have knocked something loose for this old guy in the front, he made his way back to the bathroom and then completely destroyed it (along with our air quality, and almost my will to live!) - all I could think was "Seriously? You couldn't wait 10 minutes?" <br />
<br />
Anyway, we landed, and I got out of the green fog as soon as possible, thanks dude. I then had 3 hours to wait. It's fine, $10 in Starbucks and an outlet for my laptop, I am all set. Then I find out - there is NO free WiFi!!! Ugh, really??? So I anti up the $9.95 for a 30-day hot spot service, which is spotty at best. Great.<br />
<br />
<b>Flight Two - Atlanta to Orange County</b><br />
Finally we board, and it kills me how they announce pre-boarding and everyone and their uncle stands just to wait. I get on, and find my seat. An aisle, yes perfect for the 5hr flight! Then a woman asks me if I'd change seats with her so she could sit next to her daughter (who was like 3) and of course I oblige, it's the right thing to do. Little did I know what I was in for, and in this case karma was not working with me. As I snuggled into my middle seat, I found myself wedged between a rather large man (whose back rolls were infringing on my arm rest) and a woman who obviously had a hard night out reeking of booze and yes, sweaty feet (she must have thought she was home and took her boots off - yuck!)... She went on to order 3 bottles of Merlot and dominate the row with her abundance of electronic devices. After hour 3, I had no choice but to interrupt her work to use the bathroom...this would be the longest flight ever...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBuSmU9t7GzJpY2Nn4vFWAhmcw3Mb0-T3lPLsWaO4mhqFsnUD01_mUnVui2qJfwbUGS1Vj-aD7KDCDQapRkLRrMq4p8veVx12KmAyMXebAvTnTL94zNuepoD4flip1IAv0WE-GYHMz7c/s1600/hatsOn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBuSmU9t7GzJpY2Nn4vFWAhmcw3Mb0-T3lPLsWaO4mhqFsnUD01_mUnVui2qJfwbUGS1Vj-aD7KDCDQapRkLRrMq4p8veVx12KmAyMXebAvTnTL94zNuepoD4flip1IAv0WE-GYHMz7c/s320/hatsOn.jpg" width="180" /></a>Finally the flight from hell concluded and I checked my phone - <a href="http://runfastermommy.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> was waiting at my gate! As I
came through the door I scanned the crowd for my running PIC - there she
was, as happy as can be - all smiles... we have arrived. We quickly
looked for the exit and headed to our hotel. We checked into our hotel,
found our room and then shortly after, meet up with our TNT Flex team in
the lobby. They were heading to the expo, but Heather & I were
doing that Saturday since we had plans to meet up with a running mom
friend... instead we hit the bar to relax... after a little while we got
our second wind and decided to head for Downtown Disney! We were
starving, and began our carbo loading with Mexican food... oh I love
Mexican food! The only negative about Tortilla Jo's was that
they took Queso off the menu!!! Who does that? Everything else was fabulous! After
gorging ourselves, we decided to hit a few stores and potentially cause a
scene with our shenanigans and what not. I am a dork, and so is Heather
- so this was pretty fun. <br />
<br />
Saturday morning we met up with our Flex team and just did a quick run, about 2 miles out and back... This was my first exposure to the hills I had not been expecting... Seeing the start line really made it all sink in, tomorrow I will be running 13.1 miles...eek!<br />
<br />
After the warm up we had our team breakfast, we met Ivy, our team inspiration, it sucks to see cancer effecting children. We all signed her Tinker Bell wings and heard from another member whose son was undergoing a treatment the next day, it is really so unfair and it makes me think about my own kids and their health. There were also a few survivors running on our team, and more with family connections. I found myself almost out of place since I didn't have a direct connection to blood cancer, I mean cancer yes, prostate and breast cancer, but nothing to share about this form... not that I am complaining, seriously, I feel blessed - it just separated me (or at least that is how I felt) from everyone else.<br />
<br />
<b>The Expo - time to pick up the packet! </b> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqo9ibe8mQakavvOjyzUfqR7oRcOQN3MFcPw8nCC00qcRwmYlQ3QJBRr5hCvNgiVwWNQYthz_F9DMIZa6NJrj1xkJJVWWvmQT22RubI7dQ1QBW1bp3zvxdS1U__TvbH30Ctliebr0SLk/s1600/SAM_4195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqo9ibe8mQakavvOjyzUfqR7oRcOQN3MFcPw8nCC00qcRwmYlQ3QJBRr5hCvNgiVwWNQYthz_F9DMIZa6NJrj1xkJJVWWvmQT22RubI7dQ1QBW1bp3zvxdS1U__TvbH30Ctliebr0SLk/s200/SAM_4195.JPG" width="133" /></a>After the breakfast, Heather and I headed to the Expo to pick up our race packets and do some shopping (oh man alive did I do some shopping!)... <br />
We walked there from our hotel, it wasn't terribly far, maybe 15 minutes or so. It kept getting more real. I had never been to Disneyland, and I had only ever run one half marathon, I was nervous and giddy at the same time! We made our way through the masses and scored our bibs... next stop, shirts! I can't tell you how awesome this expo was, tons of vendors, tons of shopping, tons of people! I must have held a few things before I would say, "Maybe I'll come back for that", which I'd get so caught up in something else, I didn't... which was a bummer because I wanted a sparkly headband and an iFitness belt!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQdOTVN6bRH2jw_QxzArp8qd8YcM7Kl8GYmQOY_pCKRcKA4XAL4GpEhr9ht4OwdOnzr2J5Cq8CoZghRDS2YToeT3ZnPhAaSloa0e058GFQDbnSMnwNFHCD7QrDN054h-BHQfuoOlAa0E/s1600/SAM_4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQdOTVN6bRH2jw_QxzArp8qd8YcM7Kl8GYmQOY_pCKRcKA4XAL4GpEhr9ht4OwdOnzr2J5Cq8CoZghRDS2YToeT3ZnPhAaSloa0e058GFQDbnSMnwNFHCD7QrDN054h-BHQfuoOlAa0E/s200/SAM_4200.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Where I did stop (twice no less) was <a href="http://runningskirts.com/" target="_blank">RunningSkirts</a>! Heather and I had ordered our matching outfits prior to the expo but thought maybe we should get some sleeves, and then I later thought I should get my Belle outfit for The Princess Half (2/27)... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHgtJOg50_j9RlsIKxvWz1Bj2FbWTpjBr5pmOtBNL5YK7ZBt6L0Bm29cu_jN9kvfJtzTDpXd4hJKEWov6BOr6R2uffvxQyMgJKl38ygrpZos68RBV4HnLsm6xTB-F9SCIb1gkfkxJthQ/s1600/runningskirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHgtJOg50_j9RlsIKxvWz1Bj2FbWTpjBr5pmOtBNL5YK7ZBt6L0Bm29cu_jN9kvfJtzTDpXd4hJKEWov6BOr6R2uffvxQyMgJKl38ygrpZos68RBV4HnLsm6xTB-F9SCIb1gkfkxJthQ/s200/runningskirts.jpg" width="200" /></a>I won't say what I spent, but it was more than I should have... I do love these running skirts, I get the athletic ones (and the ultra in yellow with the shorts) because my thighs have a love/hate relationship - they love to rub and I hate the chaffing! I also picked up a skirt for the Myrtle Beach Half (2/18)... I found another obsession, luckily it coordinates with my running shoe fetish! It wasn't long until we found ourselves hungry, tired and ready to relax... back to the hotel (after a pitstop at the gas station for snacks) to watch some t.v. and prepare for the Inspiration Dinner.<br />
<br />
<b>The Inspiration Dinner!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2wKBlqkWz-6jrYlCFCir0N0SIDh6awUhJyHg6-v7SyeSCubqp2D2G8AjQ1VacZ7JBXPP25k_6CdQuhsqPblqxZMFOHli5ENPXB31PRmjv6oWR_EqlCACP4lW9DEUqJ37Pz6wJvcuKzg/s1600/SAM_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2wKBlqkWz-6jrYlCFCir0N0SIDh6awUhJyHg6-v7SyeSCubqp2D2G8AjQ1VacZ7JBXPP25k_6CdQuhsqPblqxZMFOHli5ENPXB31PRmjv6oWR_EqlCACP4lW9DEUqJ37Pz6wJvcuKzg/s200/SAM_4211.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
It's hard to believe how much good people can do collectively. I know there are some skeptics out there, who don't believe in donating because they feel the money won't go to what it should. I am not a skeptic, and I am proud to be a part of a Flex Team, one that collectively raised $100k, and part of all the TNT Teams, which collectively raised over 1 million dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is amazing, the human race can do wonderful, generous, and astounding things, accomplish so much good, simply by working together (Congress, you could learn something here) for the benefit of others. Albeit my dress is not the most flattering, and oddly Heather & I coordinate (which was not planned btw), this night was filled with touching stories of survivors, as well as those who put up the fight of their lives, but couldn't win. Of course my heart aches for all, but every picture of a child with cancer fills my eyes to the brim. While I don't have a personal story, it's the mom in me that made this journey important, for every mom who watched their own child fight for their lives before they even got a chance to really live it - that is where I came from - not even being able to imagine walking one step in their shoes and praying I will never have to.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER1N9DNznBUAXVEPFtqm3EekD13YjrC4NZfFVrIRsWH01Yg3hdp7YvXM6FbmOPpkjL7Px2oV8Jm2WsO6d_BTpWOx2xRCP10w8miTk2aSzvPR4BgI3Gdt35wuGIn5vKWz1JC2aNbvUKrc/s1600/SAM_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER1N9DNznBUAXVEPFtqm3EekD13YjrC4NZfFVrIRsWH01Yg3hdp7YvXM6FbmOPpkjL7Px2oV8Jm2WsO6d_BTpWOx2xRCP10w8miTk2aSzvPR4BgI3Gdt35wuGIn5vKWz1JC2aNbvUKrc/s200/SAM_4215.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the Inspriration Dinner, we headed to the lobby with our shirts for a decorating party with the team. Heather & I have a special woman in our Running Moms group who inspires us all. Denise "Da Diva" Carter. She is a survivor, and recently found out that the cancer is back. So to honor her, for her strength, her tenacity, and her pure Diva'nass, we dedicated our shirts and our booties to her! She is a fighter, she is a marathoner even while on her "glow in the darks", she is outwardly positive, and I'd run 1000 miles if she never again had to worry about WBC counts, or chemo, or anything but shoes and sunshine.<br />
<br />
<b>The Race!!!</b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCVM7Juas05wIq8sJQvm1IfRGqLi7eTfl1WpqUi8-v9hyphenhyphen_MhAqgxEk9DDcM4E4dT0XEwgmvz1AjnIDjEtzjzcb1YMFM2WF9dtycgh66ExIOJVaI56843Xpw_kUOozDBPe4q7-y63SWms/s1600/SAM_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCVM7Juas05wIq8sJQvm1IfRGqLi7eTfl1WpqUi8-v9hyphenhyphen_MhAqgxEk9DDcM4E4dT0XEwgmvz1AjnIDjEtzjzcb1YMFM2WF9dtycgh66ExIOJVaI56843Xpw_kUOozDBPe4q7-y63SWms/s200/SAM_4214.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
After completing our outfits the best we could, still being on east coast time, oh and having to be in the lobby by 4:15am, we headed to our room to layout our gear for the 3:45am wake up... damn that's early! Of course genius here (me) couldn't figure out how to get my iPhone to PST, so my alarm went off at 12:45am instead of 3:45, talk about feeling sick all of a sudden... I'd finally get it straight, the day before we were leaving. Anyway, the morning came quickly and it was time, the moment we'd been working for, training for (well sorta), waiting for, and were beyond excited about... Off to the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon! I was exhausted yet excited... this was it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8loers76VYbKFKQ6EeWRBwfzYGDOx93JJGCPBDGX6j8Jy5pqC_5Ouxi38sOVhuiNXiu4xjBtGewmFKYp1SbqlEzjJBUYBnddhqz1S_-Ew4eXp2H6a4YRK22JdVhiwtE17fv92_UReUMc/s1600/SAM_4216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8loers76VYbKFKQ6EeWRBwfzYGDOx93JJGCPBDGX6j8Jy5pqC_5Ouxi38sOVhuiNXiu4xjBtGewmFKYp1SbqlEzjJBUYBnddhqz1S_-Ew4eXp2H6a4YRK22JdVhiwtE17fv92_UReUMc/s200/SAM_4216.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrSIt7LyrvAY5DeGMhDH4dbFPGaWF_xGzKvJogn8cYM7_KFq-3HJZu4Cu7ql9TAczlRI5sq36uu7WB3fzWOSl5R-jOxYC9Wu6gSzBOZMgoLYKUxm4DRn8NChK5gvUDAaBIQ5v07rzwO0/s1600/SAM_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrSIt7LyrvAY5DeGMhDH4dbFPGaWF_xGzKvJogn8cYM7_KFq-3HJZu4Cu7ql9TAczlRI5sq36uu7WB3fzWOSl5R-jOxYC9Wu6gSzBOZMgoLYKUxm4DRn8NChK5gvUDAaBIQ5v07rzwO0/s200/SAM_4229.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL5GoejiITnYM3N3XNNs4TdulphKlnUTNE1_kOpCsigB0HsmwF5deP_ofVXbAVHD77KqJs82sMh6EJQcih1bTqpi4fzRAHu57wymhLc5ixeBa6Wff5LWXWmrPZzm50UikKQLFU8SBrJI/s1600/SAM_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL5GoejiITnYM3N3XNNs4TdulphKlnUTNE1_kOpCsigB0HsmwF5deP_ofVXbAVHD77KqJs82sMh6EJQcih1bTqpi4fzRAHu57wymhLc5ixeBa6Wff5LWXWmrPZzm50UikKQLFU8SBrJI/s200/SAM_4225.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We were lucky enough to meet up with another Running Mom, Bethany! It was such a blast running through Disneyland (which I had yet to see in the daytime) and then through the city and finishing through California Adventure... I felt awesome (even with the hills!) throughout the race, stopping for photo ops with various characters (most of my pics are blurry...boooo!) - we walked through most of the water stations, and stopped at about 4 porta johns. This was never a race for time, it was a race for fun! Although around mid-way Heather stated that she wouldn't own up to a 3hr Half so we needed to get moving (it's ok we still love you) - Our pace picked up with the shear fact that we were out of the narrowed paths of Disney and into the streets. We weren't stopping for pictures, just hearing the cheers from all of those who came to clap and yell from the curbs... it was quite motivating actually! If I could get them to do that for my long runs, long runs may actually happen more often... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkTDUkPpZyjku771mR-1_gP_m6Ixt1v2JAm69a2v5L9w7oZEl8I9STWhAVk1gx1kTQn4qTJSCQJuVFZ1VCNbvdAbmfIurPzC65XmzRn1y64SbxTgkhfIH7J1kjmciouplGLRs-atkBZo/s1600/SAM_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkTDUkPpZyjku771mR-1_gP_m6Ixt1v2JAm69a2v5L9w7oZEl8I9STWhAVk1gx1kTQn4qTJSCQJuVFZ1VCNbvdAbmfIurPzC65XmzRn1y64SbxTgkhfIH7J1kjmciouplGLRs-atkBZo/s200/SAM_4250.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJDyo7v6Dylck3agsvXw8LPFhaHSmNSikRwxSsW4h3knA5RvK5PIbU6KbDi5_xb3otzqS4qpvVbKBkOFwmbXEWDoqtGPChYdMuTLzYbHPvZnME7leBlSeunv5tLq2Xuj-ZhQppyPlHjI/s1600/SAM_4257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJDyo7v6Dylck3agsvXw8LPFhaHSmNSikRwxSsW4h3knA5RvK5PIbU6KbDi5_xb3otzqS4qpvVbKBkOFwmbXEWDoqtGPChYdMuTLzYbHPvZnME7leBlSeunv5tLq2Xuj-ZhQppyPlHjI/s200/SAM_4257.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy0iZo710FjQMusU5b2jMw_mz4ESQcWZQPMiT7A10vzNbQvVgDLH_GWKjjkZluUdB0eNQ-IEA2N98u2EBkJa0DETRla3zCheZ0Oz-7lGvX2COiKkiYxouLqUKKS8oSYdtXvranlMFt1I/s1600/SAM_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy0iZo710FjQMusU5b2jMw_mz4ESQcWZQPMiT7A10vzNbQvVgDLH_GWKjjkZluUdB0eNQ-IEA2N98u2EBkJa0DETRla3zCheZ0Oz-7lGvX2COiKkiYxouLqUKKS8oSYdtXvranlMFt1I/s200/SAM_4251.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Some of the pictures taken along the way... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PMuAt2kdRKKapNz-OOK1PkFXqd9oAFNS_4kKUbHNFVJ9MXdOZFeYVDwXbYSey_QAbxwje4jBlnf86BJS5SHfr5Yg6aa8fJ9E5phd659Ai1woORIifkio4qxB_f1OJ3mEQzrMDAItBEg/s1600/SAM_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PMuAt2kdRKKapNz-OOK1PkFXqd9oAFNS_4kKUbHNFVJ9MXdOZFeYVDwXbYSey_QAbxwje4jBlnf86BJS5SHfr5Yg6aa8fJ9E5phd659Ai1woORIifkio4qxB_f1OJ3mEQzrMDAItBEg/s200/SAM_4266.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5C2u7_tZRK60hg9yDvuzSYFx28Cq9cjONhreADHr2jxCFyzKyltb2YsGZUYjAfEznlZzUlEpfGFHcRN4Hu88jxzsYKhTFVe2sNjUX_vUIPxzc0XkrHY1l2ISyU5z-tx6KE-kkjf_6L4/s1600/SAM_4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5C2u7_tZRK60hg9yDvuzSYFx28Cq9cjONhreADHr2jxCFyzKyltb2YsGZUYjAfEznlZzUlEpfGFHcRN4Hu88jxzsYKhTFVe2sNjUX_vUIPxzc0XkrHY1l2ISyU5z-tx6KE-kkjf_6L4/s200/SAM_4260.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirS2dl0fWAS27NYisJQgBvzMb_drCo__CWUwF2lOMW4oKwiDGL0OQgHv4dY4ytzeHcD9sZ2uiQvZMrJxRWiBEU7y1rhPF4B_SZTzJ22WM8bLXHLCfKFfTptMrcUGkMbiMTwjcCN3k_wDo/s1600/SAM_4264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirS2dl0fWAS27NYisJQgBvzMb_drCo__CWUwF2lOMW4oKwiDGL0OQgHv4dY4ytzeHcD9sZ2uiQvZMrJxRWiBEU7y1rhPF4B_SZTzJ22WM8bLXHLCfKFfTptMrcUGkMbiMTwjcCN3k_wDo/s200/SAM_4264.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
and some after we completed the half, meeting up with another Running Mom, MC (center) and on the right, fellow TNT Flexer Run Kat who is a survivor - you go girl!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>I'm going to Disneyland!!!</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyc-CePnjaDB-kfd6BAV33gWRwOrsaG9XzYKO-Abq0IORPePrqz7eXrQHSavmjMhXkK5iopXBLP08Pv2F-P9U47U4L6pv0B150k-NdPSrTrn6v5l_FEAnQavH3JwR6viiptF7-5z-mrKk/s1600/SAM_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyc-CePnjaDB-kfd6BAV33gWRwOrsaG9XzYKO-Abq0IORPePrqz7eXrQHSavmjMhXkK5iopXBLP08Pv2F-P9U47U4L6pv0B150k-NdPSrTrn6v5l_FEAnQavH3JwR6viiptF7-5z-mrKk/s200/SAM_4280.JPG" width="200" /></a>After completing one of the most exciting races I've ever been in, it was off to the showers, and then Disneyland!!! Have I mentioned I had never been to any Disney before? I know it's crazy! 36 years old and FINALLY I'm seeing the happiest place on earth! Apparently there is no alcohol being sold there, which I asked Heather how is that possible? Parents are stressed, kids are crying and there is no alcohol - Happiest? Really? Huh.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpqGl-3NDin4mV78GWMY14XZ8dh9-hFPOyvE7IzZeoIGa5cDDJJ-HlfNhNfDP7RTtGRv2WOC8n4jpIKXkxYdl_47iKZKDxxdnu9tFnF-ciC6nTIGSK6cver-1xVSlISoN4t6I7XLVwPs/s1600/SAM_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpqGl-3NDin4mV78GWMY14XZ8dh9-hFPOyvE7IzZeoIGa5cDDJJ-HlfNhNfDP7RTtGRv2WOC8n4jpIKXkxYdl_47iKZKDxxdnu9tFnF-ciC6nTIGSK6cver-1xVSlISoN4t6I7XLVwPs/s200/SAM_4282.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmJcKeHseI1H8wAFwxb2xWDwu6kzGRJuxDnUJteUAK9-Vvf_8D1N-U09kOU3tXGeJqclPcVDCwoBjHnkD49gF-KJy0eSltbRWL-PYpZ_j85Sr-FZlKUXpl3706yFOvol9vCC0DkcRH9M/s1600/SAM_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmJcKeHseI1H8wAFwxb2xWDwu6kzGRJuxDnUJteUAK9-Vvf_8D1N-U09kOU3tXGeJqclPcVDCwoBjHnkD49gF-KJy0eSltbRWL-PYpZ_j85Sr-FZlKUXpl3706yFOvol9vCC0DkcRH9M/s200/SAM_4288.JPG" width="133" /></a>I mean I was happy, I was taking it all in, riding rides, being reminded that there is no flash photography allowed in the Pirates ride by some snarky voice somewhere in the darkness... I even splurged for the souvenir cup, which I was reminded there were no free refills with this purchase (I mean, for $6.95 the least you could do is refill!) which is fine, I wasn't getting through it all anyway! This cup would be the bain of my existence as I struggled to find room in my suitcase for all I had purchased! I had a blast even though rides that someone (Heather) had told me I wouldn't get wet riding, I came out soaked... It was a pretty fabulous time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppLFcdLMOax-wsKUTiPp3z7AgsXX1k5T1VFGk2sTzW83AJKj4hB5hyphenhyphencHt48D4QyekKb55y2IQA6I3TjJkrkXCfMp5AuhauKAsB7r7pDJsaXCcAymE4ani6mYv-wzKbB2iezYYc_SM3ns/s1600/SAM_4296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppLFcdLMOax-wsKUTiPp3z7AgsXX1k5T1VFGk2sTzW83AJKj4hB5hyphenhyphencHt48D4QyekKb55y2IQA6I3TjJkrkXCfMp5AuhauKAsB7r7pDJsaXCcAymE4ani6mYv-wzKbB2iezYYc_SM3ns/s200/SAM_4296.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, at some point it had to end... I was missing my family as was Heather... and while parting is such sweet sorrow - we will be seeing each other in a few weeks! <a href="http://runfastermommy.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> is coming to town and pacing me for the Myrtle Beach Half (even though I told her to just run it for herself!). I guess my goal is 2:20 or less... sounds feasible. Anyway, we took our last airport photo and she went on to board her flight. I gathered my belongings and transitioned from Gate 2 to Gate 3... Until we run again my dear friend...<br />
<br />
<b>Flight Three - Orange County to Atlanta</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I boarded my flight (which was only a respectable 10 minutes behind schedule) to find a gentleman warming up my seat. He said, "I knew this would happen" - my immediate thought on this overbooked flight was "Damn, they sold the same seat to him, he is going to have to sit on the flight attendants lap or something!" but it wasn't that serious. Apparently, a rather self entitled man decided to take his seat because as he stated "I am traveling with her (referencing the frizzy haired woman to his right)" to which I wanted to reply, "And so travel in your own seat! Oh and Ward Cleaver called, he wants his tweed jacket back..." but it was not my fight, I just wanted my seat. Then the chick behind me was pushing to move forward while the guy was trying to get out of my seat, so I slipped out of the way so she could pass - she got snarky with me (bad idea FYI) and informed me that I was in HER row... Why people got right to bitch mode is beyond me. Anyway, we got that cluster straight and prepared for take off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspSr7dsazgW8AMsGn7U9wh-D5slPOPbS8kLY3Hi-J_hmLoHM8ofD9huyD_NqF1nD3YTX2YufDZiO0PSuihwj1JqDvu_5Ol15SM0FSeIxL9QpX-2Rz6yEoBThAKcNZsMGojwN1Pg8dhcU/s1600/horizontalsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspSr7dsazgW8AMsGn7U9wh-D5slPOPbS8kLY3Hi-J_hmLoHM8ofD9huyD_NqF1nD3YTX2YufDZiO0PSuihwj1JqDvu_5Ol15SM0FSeIxL9QpX-2Rz6yEoBThAKcNZsMGojwN1Pg8dhcU/s200/horizontalsmall.png" width="133" /></a></div>
The girl next to me was about to laugh her ass out of the seat. Of course I had to know "What the hell are you reading?" - Chelsea Handler, <a href="http://chelseahandler.com/portfolio/my-horizontal-life" target="_blank">My Horizontal Life</a>... Carry on! I love that book, and all her books actually. She later went to show me a picture on her cell, it was a Starbucks cup in the toilet of the airport bathroom, interesting but even more interesting were the pictures of what I assume is her tatas... I wanted to compliment her, I, being a member of the IBTC, found myself slightly jealous... but I thought it might make it awkward, so I held back... I shouldn't have, WWCD? </div>
<br />
<b>Flight Four - Atlanta to Myrtle Beach</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj1aUJ0KrpYRUjB3rCihXQfTtjsLBRhcitKsmsKdW6r_scUTfa1tcFP7GX5zWydu_o73skorU8Wj-0DC8mPWQ8qIpMuH23-k_gtguLvKCdLyZfMbtFFyBlAm7Ak1xStsfdChMND_Wvfw/s1600/nose-picker.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj1aUJ0KrpYRUjB3rCihXQfTtjsLBRhcitKsmsKdW6r_scUTfa1tcFP7GX5zWydu_o73skorU8Wj-0DC8mPWQ8qIpMuH23-k_gtguLvKCdLyZfMbtFFyBlAm7Ak1xStsfdChMND_Wvfw/s200/nose-picker.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat 7D....We can see you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was my last leg, I was so tired... I just want to crawl into my own bed, next to my hubby and visit snoozeville! I suppose this flight provided the most unbelievable passenger tale of the whole trip, yes, more amazing than the boozer with stank feet or the geriatric lavatory destroyer, it was - wait for it - the Chronic Nose Picker!!! Yeah, a grown ass man digging deep into not one but both nasal passages. Some endeavors proved fruitful as he examined (briefly) each find, and depending on his internal criteria (I didn't ask for details) would either be consumed or discarded to his shirt sleeve. I was, as you can imagine, dumbfounded, appalled, and honestly, horrified. No mam, I cannot hand you his cup when you are clearing the service items... I <i>KNOW</i> where his fingers have been - I don't want no part of that Dewey!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, it was an awesome experience, and I am happy to have been a part of Team in Training, the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and most of all, happy to be home with my family. Of course the baby was up at 2:45am, and 3:45am, but I was okay with that, I got to snuggle with her... I missed her and I am looking forward to some serious quality time this weekend... If ever you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself, volunteer to fundraise with Team in Training, it will be an experience of a lifetime...SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-43275098980957833942012-01-30T19:50:00.000-05:002012-01-30T19:50:57.004-05:00In Honor of Sherry Arnold - Virtual RunI know I owe you a race report from Tinker Bell but first, I need to get the word out about something that is so important to me, and my fellow runners, all over the world. There has been a heartbreaking event among the running community that shakes me. I love to get up and run in the mornings, even in the dark, the cold, and sometimes a little rain may not stop me. What happened to Sherry Arnold stops me in my tracks, makes me take pause, and feel just a little less comfortable being out solo. I used to run with my German Shepard (mix) but now I carry mace... I'd like to say it makes me feel better, but it doesn't. The events that transpired on January 7th, 2012 were senseless, horrifying, and shattering to so many. Like an earthquake shaking lives from sea to sea, it has rocked our sense of safety and leaves me questioning why things like this happen.<br />
<br />
So now what? What do we do? The only thing we can, continue doing whatever we can to honor a life taken from this earth, doing what she loved, run. February 11th, I will be running in honor of Sherry Arnold, wife, mother, teacher, runner, so many things, and yet stolen from her were the things she will never get to be, like grandmother... It breaks my heart, even though I have never met her, so many of us leave the house in the morning, never even contemplating there is a slightest chance we won't return safe and sound.<br />
<br />
If you feel this loss, and want to join me (and MANY others) in honoring her, visit <a href="http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/01/virtual-run-for-sherry-arnold-february.html" target="_blank">Shut Up + Run</a>'s Blog post with all the details on how you can do just that. <br />
<br />
Remember that life can be so unpredictable, always tell those you love, that you love them, every chance you get... My thoughts and prayers are continuous for Sherry's family. I pray that she will be found and laid to rest properly, and justice served to those responsible for this heinous and such unnecessary act. SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-47819323080274985502012-01-27T09:39:00.000-05:002012-01-27T09:39:22.977-05:00If Confidence Fits...Lately, I've been thinking about what confidence means to me. Confidence has always been something I have struggled with. I often wonder why it is I would question my own abilities to do anything. It was more of an issue when I was younger, and yet I have always wondered why am I afraid to fail? It's crazy because deep down I know I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. It's that evil doubt that creeps into my mind and starts making me question myself.
I have proved this time and time again (not to toot my own horn by any means) with each challenge that comes to me, or I seem to find myself a part of, I come through. I may not always be perfect, I do stumble, and there are times where I fall, but confidence isn't about never failing, it's about getting back up and trying again.
<b></b><br />
<center><b>How successful can someone be if they never fail? </b></center><br />
I would say in the past year, I have done things that I just didn't think I would be able to, I do fear the unknown. I feel anxious and scared to try new things, go places I never have and get involved in situations where I may just not be the best. It reminds me when I used to tell my son, You can't quit because it's hard, you have to learn from the experiences of trying.
<br />
<br />
<center><img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMjcyNjcxODI*OTYmcHQ9MTMyNzI2NzIwNjE2OCZwPTE4MzkwMSZkPWNoZXJyeWJhbS5jb2*mZz*xJm89NTBhYjdk/ZjUwNGVkNDcwZWIwNTAwMWExOTMxOWIwMGM=.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><a href="http://www.cherrybam.com/" target="_blank" title="Confidence Quotes">
<img border="0" src="http://www.sadmuffin.net/cherrybam/graphics/quotes-confidence/confidence007.gif" /></a>
</center>
In the past year, I have run distances I once thought were too far, completed a sprint triathlon (which included an ocean swim), knowing I'd likely be last, and was determined to do so much more with my running than just show up, I was going to do good work, and benefit someone besides myself. If you ever wonder what it is you are meant to do in life, don't think of it as one big thing, but maybe a bunch of little things that scare you...
<br />
<br />
<center>
"I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. <br />
I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be."<br />
~ Ken Venturi
</center><br />
So how does one gain confidence? I guess the first step would be to determine why it is you think you cannot do something, then do it anyway. If you tell yourself you could never do, see, accomplish, then you will be always be right, 100% of the time. I never thought I'd run a half marathon, or complete a triathlon, or an 8+ mile obstacle run. I never thought I'd want to, but it was more likely I feared that I would fail - so it was easier to avoid it by simply denouncing the notion that I wanted to even try.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each <br />
experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... <br />
we must do that which we think we cannot."<br />
~ Eleanor Roosevelt </center><center> </center><div style="text-align: left;">
So here I am, while this post was started days ago, I sit in the Atlanta airport, waiting to board my flight to Anaheim, CA. I will be meeting new people, seeing Disneyland for the first time in my life, and running my second half marathon. I know I will have fun, once I am there. I am also thinking about leaving my family for a few days, and I know they will be fine, I will miss them. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am confident that this experience will be so wonderful. I am confident that I will enjoy myself and I a confident that I will be bringing home some pixie dust for my little angel. Anyway, confidence is not something easily gained, but seemingly easy to lose. We have to see a situation, be realistic in our goals and expectations, and celebrate our little triumphs and collect them within ourselves...that is how I think confidence works, we have to build it through experiences over time... sounds like a math equation huh? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-53801743119542230602012-01-21T17:19:00.001-05:002012-01-21T19:13:42.989-05:00Winter Run? It's 60 Degrees!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZEJRVy7zXSXuG9iUxvRc43rlR3B6FvqOej3eL18RxABDwVUETuQt7FW_qReA9YSkokcfX0Bp0fY5O4zzlP6QOVdNG4DWqXBsWhIHyn8SKttJyJF9vzasksssfFoPr_vOhjFCPQekx6U/s1600/SAM_4191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZEJRVy7zXSXuG9iUxvRc43rlR3B6FvqOej3eL18RxABDwVUETuQt7FW_qReA9YSkokcfX0Bp0fY5O4zzlP6QOVdNG4DWqXBsWhIHyn8SKttJyJF9vzasksssfFoPr_vOhjFCPQekx6U/s320/SAM_4191.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This is my 5th year doing the North Myrtle Beach Winter Run, but this year instead of the 5k, I opted for the 15k. I specifically remember last year feeling like the people who chose to run 9.3 miles were probably at least twice as crazy (if not 3 times!) but then again, last year this time I was 8 weeks postpardum. I really can't believe how fast time flies, another year already?<br />
<br />
I admit, I was a little nervous, this was my first 15k. In the wise words of my dear friend Sarah, "Hey you will PR today!" - that was like music to my ears! She was right, my first 15k means my best 15k time…But I was nervous for 2 reasons, 1 - I haven't exactly been training for the Half I have next weekend. Tsk Tsk…I know. 2 - I didn't want to hurt myself before the Tink 1/2…. Since I haven't run more than 5 miles since my last Half in October, all I could think about was twisting, rolling or pulling something major. That and I guess you can say, I kinda suck at the long run. I know, I know, I need to train more, I need to figure out the whole hydration and nutrition thing, I am definitely not the best role model for distance running, or maybe any running… Maybe I will pledge to try harder, and really work on a training plan or at least the sticking to it part.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX6MHcZXJS9eBbU1VawQjatwdhsFf2qz8RVE0eEI4kZ4b03R1HNWDshrxwJSL5X-kvhOmyXW3bbqN64B9icTX7h4ZYHy3PcF8YgCYnwhx0hyiLna2cr3ogxwkq_DzSZgorrdm95W988s/s1600/gummies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX6MHcZXJS9eBbU1VawQjatwdhsFf2qz8RVE0eEI4kZ4b03R1HNWDshrxwJSL5X-kvhOmyXW3bbqN64B9icTX7h4ZYHy3PcF8YgCYnwhx0hyiLna2cr3ogxwkq_DzSZgorrdm95W988s/s200/gummies.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was pretty excited to see that Mother Nature was going to take it easy on us this year. Usually it is freezing or raining, or worse - both! This year, it was overcast, breezy and about 60 degrees! I almost didn't know what to do…run with the jacket or without? Where would I put my gummy lifesavers? I can't wear my arm sleeve for my iPod, in case the jacket has to come off… see I don't have these issues with a 5k!<br />
<br />
I figured it all out, iPod is clipped to my sports bra, gummies are in my jacket pocket, and I will just tie it around my waist when I was getting too warm. My attire for today was driven by my latest <a href="http://schwaggle.active.com/" target="_blank">Schwaggle</a> purchase from <a href="http://procompression.com/" target="_blank">PRO Compression</a> - I had to choose between purple and lime green, decisions, decisions… Lime it was! I love these socks, there is something about running in compression socks… My calves didn't cramp or feel tired…love, love, love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZBjrWLQniMKqI17gbZSLckjwoWBnh1JManp5FLbXE0G-iTg5bhUm0C3j7h4OV3VDYvfxaxoTNeVjIEKKx-tsSSWK_tdaqwUaWsXZhHUqdjkznA6wmSGIzoC09qxjJKp8-xXaE0qFNEw/s1600/running+uphill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZBjrWLQniMKqI17gbZSLckjwoWBnh1JManp5FLbXE0G-iTg5bhUm0C3j7h4OV3VDYvfxaxoTNeVjIEKKx-tsSSWK_tdaqwUaWsXZhHUqdjkznA6wmSGIzoC09qxjJKp8-xXaE0qFNEw/s200/running+uphill+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Now, lets talk hills (which again, I am in Myrtle Beach, so it's not like Mt. Everest) - I wasn't expecting any change in elevation but at 1.3 miles in and again at 4.5 miles, I was shuffling up hills. It was crazy because even with hills, I felt pretty friggen awesome. I was so worried that I would crap the bed halfway in but I didn't - I just kept telling myself, you are half way there, no problem, its just 3 more miles, you are doing great, you got this… When I hit Ocean Blvd I was greeted with what felt like tropical storm force winds. At first the run was breezy but nothing to severe. As if the last 1.5 miles wasn't going to be challenging enough, here are the headwinds from hell. YAY! My time took a nose dive, but I just had to keep pushing through it… I remember when I ran my first half back in October and I was struggling so bad around 8 miles; my shoes, my foot, my spirits were just not 100%. I honestly think this race has helped me realize that I can do this, and it's not as hard as it was before, it can only get better from here.<br />
<br />
In other crazy running mom news - I registered for the <a href="http://mbmarathon.com/site3.aspx" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Half Marathon</a>. So this will make my race schedule 3 Halfs in 28 days! <a href="http://www.halffanatics.com/criteria.html" target="_blank">Half Fanatics</a> here I come!!!SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-25031580340703242342012-01-16T19:59:00.001-05:002012-01-16T20:40:42.351-05:00Frost Becomes Her...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFu29A2CbKBEFkepIwIjGNLww_oPChEktlkOzCv1x1LkmXXcLR0Yg7V6inGH8nk8OhHfa42dfWcoVrlQOnwfXEq6w2T0LmypdICtL0s6Jp1chnv7Mm_79TcceA9GO6pw9uEzJAMoTZkw/s1600/SAM_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFu29A2CbKBEFkepIwIjGNLww_oPChEktlkOzCv1x1LkmXXcLR0Yg7V6inGH8nk8OhHfa42dfWcoVrlQOnwfXEq6w2T0LmypdICtL0s6Jp1chnv7Mm_79TcceA9GO6pw9uEzJAMoTZkw/s200/SAM_4190.JPG" width="133" /></a> It's insane how much I hate the cold, I grew up in New York, but somehow I knew I didn't belong...give me the beach, and even more importantly, give me the heat! So what's a girl to do when she hates the cold yet performs her best runs when it's under 40 degrees? Yeah, I don't know either...<br />
<br />
Today I ran the second race of the Myrtle Beach Race Series, Press for Time 5k. The proceeds from this race benefits a variety of both adult and youth programs at the Coastal Carolina YMCA.<br />
<br />
I, of course wore my new dress code, shorts with high socks, today I rocked my <a href="http://www.slstri.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=2186&category=#" target="_blank">SLS3 Butterfly compression socks</a> in "Hibiscus" or as I call it - hot pink... I love these socks - absolutely thrilled with them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAaFQQX5KOTjew24xh6yIUYXP1hxFoNebAwNinaYmgbuE6h2GaY5Ajze7LBoufvXfTkeNGoZWPifvAP5JZhws3VAbaPCpFGUe4QPFu7a44k_oylg-gpOPeZVu4A9_F-3c1_8nTtTkrpc/s1600/SAM_4188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAaFQQX5KOTjew24xh6yIUYXP1hxFoNebAwNinaYmgbuE6h2GaY5Ajze7LBoufvXfTkeNGoZWPifvAP5JZhws3VAbaPCpFGUe4QPFu7a44k_oylg-gpOPeZVu4A9_F-3c1_8nTtTkrpc/s200/SAM_4188.JPG" width="200" /></a>It's been a long week (or really 2 weeks since I added that 25hr/wk internship on top of a full time job!) and there was a small part of me that could totally have stayed home and snuggled in front of Mickey Mouse Club House with Gabby <b>BUT</b> I made a commitment and so I was off to the race in the frigid temps that only come in January. It figures that it's been in the 50's+ this past week and not today. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQm5Axr2_q-4LmcZe23xweaz9NwL_6oRztmFZTc71kJpuSDp4DYJdLqfqFIwyU6Oev89DHzWsl6uncuWJaN0VjmMvSP0HmM3otkNobrTOb4jaf24GMfUrCs_XCmQq7K7gs4JQNogXMbo/s1600/julie-press" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQm5Axr2_q-4LmcZe23xweaz9NwL_6oRztmFZTc71kJpuSDp4DYJdLqfqFIwyU6Oev89DHzWsl6uncuWJaN0VjmMvSP0HmM3otkNobrTOb4jaf24GMfUrCs_XCmQq7K7gs4JQNogXMbo/s200/julie-press" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Julie pressing 70% of her BW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This race was interesting because it was comprised of two elements. A bench press, which for each rep you can deduct 30 seconds from your run time and then the 5k run. Males were required to press 100% of their body weight while women needed 70%. Just before heading in to make a complete fool of myself on this bench, I ran into a friend of mine, Julie. She is super nice and we were
talking about the bench press. I told her how on Monday I came to the conclusion that I either had to 1) somehow be able to bench 20lbs more than I had been or 2) lose 30lbs by Friday - neither of which were happening. She actually ended up cranking out 2 reps and I of course I did not fair so well. There were little hopes of me pushing 105lbs but I had to try.<br />
<br />
When I left the house I was still thinking, why am I wearing shorts? I
guess I subscribe to the theory if you look good, you feel good, and if
you feel fast maybe you run fast? It's a mental game I play... Anyway, I
arrived at the YMCA, freezing. I went in search of pins since I
neglected to get them the night before when I picked up my packet. I then headed out to the course. Admittedly, the turn out wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but I fear the cold is a huge deterrent in this area... in other places 32 degrees in January is a heat wave!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kfJ2YZt371xwJdnmCWC6-TDMNNZsewMyi-MPW_QZi1sfvHEV6THWVkddJh7X-z-HP2eABk5EaHziBeJPWcYuUMiVVlvBCnOi0OAo4QQjCnrBf4qN5dgEewIwdUxmkNJYpORVMi5G-yw/s1600/P4T-Finish" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kfJ2YZt371xwJdnmCWC6-TDMNNZsewMyi-MPW_QZi1sfvHEV6THWVkddJh7X-z-HP2eABk5EaHziBeJPWcYuUMiVVlvBCnOi0OAo4QQjCnrBf4qN5dgEewIwdUxmkNJYpORVMi5G-yw/s320/P4T-Finish" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heel strike, might need some work...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So before I knew it, it was that time. Time to get in place, set up your iPod, find your satellite on your Garmin and get ready to move. With these temps, I was all too ready to circulate some blood! As I took off, I was hoping for under 30 (which is a standard goal) and secretly hoping to beat my best 5k time of 28:57 (October 2009)... I had been working on cross training at the gym, getting in some cycling, the Arc Trainer and running on treadmill doing a 5mph/8mph 3:2 interval for 30 minutes at a time. Anyway, I took off at a good pace, and mentally I felt strong. Physically, well I wish I hadn't rushed outside and took a minute to use the restroom, a lesson I seem to never learn! I had never run this course before but it was all newer paved streets. The course was closed which is always a bonus! There were slight elevations (but seriously, I live in one of the flattest states in the country), my Garmin calculated 20ft at the most, so it was nothing crazy. I ran most of the race at a steady pace: 9:10, 9:28, 9:20 and 8:42 (if I could just do 8:42, that would rock...lol) with a time [according to my Garmin] of 29:05. Bummer huh? If I could have just pushed a little harder during that second mile, I could have set a new PR...drats. None the less, I was happy with my time, and I really felt so awesome, it is definitely getting easier which means, time to push harder right? <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTi9ri1l4FiKLSeXz7c8NOLmy98npXC2wTK6sfyUwVB0XMqJzDoo85gC9i2tKXCMQUOE0d-mvLyP2gpYqcV9H9uHCzT_Hc1yUbikHTU_KmLAsMo1kFlMTyzBcYJ_-AX_yGKOS8o3BGmk/s1600/Pressed4TimeBling" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTi9ri1l4FiKLSeXz7c8NOLmy98npXC2wTK6sfyUwVB0XMqJzDoo85gC9i2tKXCMQUOE0d-mvLyP2gpYqcV9H9uHCzT_Hc1yUbikHTU_KmLAsMo1kFlMTyzBcYJ_-AX_yGKOS8o3BGmk/s320/Pressed4TimeBling" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone looks better with Bling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Post race I saw Julie, she was chillen on the curb. I asked her how her race was, she said it was alright, she finished under 28, which is a dream to me... that's the thing about running, we all have our own goals and expectations. We got to talking about awards, wondering if we would somehow come out with any additional bling. I knew I wouldn't but hey, I won't count myself out until they are done announcing. A side note, when we were talking about the bench press, Julie had commented about how I didn't look like I weighed 150lbs (yes, I told you my weight) and of course, in my aww shux tone, said, thank you... She also said, "You're stomach is so flat", bless her - she may just be my new bestie... What is so crazy is that this morning as I was getting dressed it came to me that compression gear is the athletes Spanx! It really just sucks everything in (here is where I admit my tummy appears flat due to awesome undergarments - that and a strategically placed race bib!) - Oh how I really do love my compression gear!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOknicuFO0IUghKDYfoA-romzv-9_muWrdH__sAR_7Z2aBEC89lIYzQYDgo6FJefK5t3CzvjyThQyvs994qVC8fz0b8q36c4i7f9j-kX2QQe9ko3DZdMQQdYKeggDvhp5mlaU9-kNqk-M/s1600/racephoto" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOknicuFO0IUghKDYfoA-romzv-9_muWrdH__sAR_7Z2aBEC89lIYzQYDgo6FJefK5t3CzvjyThQyvs994qVC8fz0b8q36c4i7f9j-kX2QQe9ko3DZdMQQdYKeggDvhp5mlaU9-kNqk-M/s200/racephoto" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean, Me & Julie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later on when we were posing for our Pressed for Time 5k picture, I said to her, "Do these socks make my knees look fat?" - I guess to me it is the equivalent to the 'muffin top' I sometimes experience with an ill fitted pair of pants... I think when it comes to compression socks I have short calves in proportion to the size of my feet. I am excited though, not only did I order more compression socks to match more of my outfits, I ordered my first running skirt too (ok two of them)! One is reserved for the <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/tinker-bell-half-marathon" target="_blank">Tinker Bell Half</a> in Disneyland and the other I am hoping arrives in time for the <a href="http://www.grandstrandrunner.com/race.aspx?id=42" target="_blank">North Myrtle Beach Winter Run 15k</a> next Saturday!<br />
<br />
Oh and while unexpected, I am so stoked that I am currently the #6 female on the <a href="http://www.myrtlebeachraceseries.com/results/" target="_blank">Dick's Sporting Goods Leaderboard</a> for the Myrtle Beach Race Series!!!<br />
<br />
You can see most of my race results at <a href="http://athlinks.com/racer/results/104681485" target="_blank">Athlinks.com</a> and a special shout out to <a href="http://myrtlebeach.thedigitel.com/health/press-time-new-year-34034-0103" target="_blank">The Digitel Myrtle Beach</a> - Thanks for sponsoring me :)SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-1151905328410538822012-01-09T16:42:00.000-05:002012-01-09T16:42:45.638-05:00Lets Get This 2012 Ball Rolling!So here we are, almost a week and half into 2012. So what is going on? Well just a few things actually...<br />
<br />
First, in <b>major</b> news, I have posted the proceeds from our TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k, it was just over $2500 and both <a href="http://www.runfastermommy.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and I have exceeded our fundraising goals! We have less than 3 weeks before we head to the West Coast and run in the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon!!! I am so excited to see Heather, meet our TNT team and run for a great cause. It's been a challenging road but we stuck with it, and it feels wonderful to have accomplished what we set out to do.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjiZymyeIZpHb7lgxSgNs9p5Jd6R5AcYSdc-ImJwIsA53xosUYPlmH2k1w56nPwiO4t1TBF5f7kFnc2NWVaJx24lpOxQLUsbL3LhSxUgFdMRZzu9rCt84tEuXfLGdsjzANFhpCMueKW0/s1600/toughchik" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjiZymyeIZpHb7lgxSgNs9p5Jd6R5AcYSdc-ImJwIsA53xosUYPlmH2k1w56nPwiO4t1TBF5f7kFnc2NWVaJx24lpOxQLUsbL3LhSxUgFdMRZzu9rCt84tEuXfLGdsjzANFhpCMueKW0/s200/toughchik" width="177" /></a>Next, I have joined Team <a href="http://toughchik.com/" target="_blank">Tough Chik</a> which celebrates the strength of women in athletics, while maintaining our identities as women (or at least that is what I get from it, so I'm running with that!). <a href="http://toughchik.com/designed_by_women_for_women.php" target="_blank">Designed by women for women</a>, this awesome line of technical gear is not just stylish, but embraces the adventurous, fun loving and sometimes rugged wear and tear a woman can bring on. So Team Tough Chik is a seriously supportive, charitable and bad a$$ group of ladies, not afraid to work through blood, sweat, and tears, and do it all with style. I have some new gear coming, so keep an eye out for my reviews!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkKisTU0rO9zJWbbSdujLOFNV5uaC9GKKudqhiYtEqVO1rcQjf1yNdCGJacjt4lnj5Ig3sCiFol1QB_zQgCvOqF7ixNqYIqb0oOzDaoHJNQeTZlmlocuvyzseBvaL7P6d1RqB0cbYzcc/s1600/FFBadge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkKisTU0rO9zJWbbSdujLOFNV5uaC9GKKudqhiYtEqVO1rcQjf1yNdCGJacjt4lnj5Ig3sCiFol1QB_zQgCvOqF7ixNqYIqb0oOzDaoHJNQeTZlmlocuvyzseBvaL7P6d1RqB0cbYzcc/s1600/FFBadge2.jpg" /></a>Also in blogger heaven, I have been selected as a <a href="http://fitfluential.com/" target="_blank">FitFluential</a> Ambassador! I am not sure if it's my candor, my realism, or my love of everything (well almost everything, I will never love a burpee!) fitness... Maybe it's my dream to be a triathlete? Or my on going desire to improve in running... who knows - it could be my new found love for knee socks!?! Whatever the reason, I am thrilled to be a part of a far reaching collection of fitness enthusiasts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK7oFQ3lQnbgQ3BpGHaLiT14E1e7Pwy_Ocbb-gvJKN5uw92L356hrWrYdDvkX27TN9A7PW_8VOSnvrBnbSSpkwJk9B-yN1s7W5tXu0DabOnBFChmylgzvjI7HypeO3036kn8jefjnLyo/s1600/raceserieslogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK7oFQ3lQnbgQ3BpGHaLiT14E1e7Pwy_Ocbb-gvJKN5uw92L356hrWrYdDvkX27TN9A7PW_8VOSnvrBnbSSpkwJk9B-yN1s7W5tXu0DabOnBFChmylgzvjI7HypeO3036kn8jefjnLyo/s200/raceserieslogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On the local tip, the <a href="http://myrtlebeachraceseries.com/" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Race Series</a> continues, with <a href="http://myrtlebeach.thedigitel.com/health/press-time-new-year-34034-0103" target="_blank">The Digitel Myrtle Beach</a> as my gracious sponsor. The next event on the old calendar is "Pressed for Time" which incorporates a bench press component to a 5k the following day. Now, I will admit, I should have been benching weeks (maybe months) ago in preparation but I thought I had 70% of my weight in the bag! Sadly, I found out last week, I need to press 105lbs, please refrain from doing any math to figure out my weight please...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf3QCSK6lHcAeyZhAKZKRsjey7OIZlPKlN7BryqFGgUIT2wzsvEG5Wurv42PvvCKnpnRje4LIy54Y4Gh8ZIKoFZg1HG9OB6GTBlTtSusoqMxrFn8zWjvo7cHkxN5rbcqsKmvPvX472MY/s1600/myrtle_normal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf3QCSK6lHcAeyZhAKZKRsjey7OIZlPKlN7BryqFGgUIT2wzsvEG5Wurv42PvvCKnpnRje4LIy54Y4Gh8ZIKoFZg1HG9OB6GTBlTtSusoqMxrFn8zWjvo7cHkxN5rbcqsKmvPvX472MY/s1600/myrtle_normal.png" /></a>Currently, I can do 85lbs, see my problem? By Friday I will have had to accomplish one of two things, drop 25-30lbs, or be able to bench 20 more pounds than I can currently. Each rep is 30 seconds, so I would likely need oooohhhh 10-15 reps!!! Hey, I am willing to give it a shot, see if I can press at least 1... might be my max rep but in a run, every second counts right? So if you haven't already, I urge you to register! The race series is fun & all the cool kids (like me) are doing it!<br />
<br />
Coming up on the 21st is the <a href="http://www.grandstrandrunner.com/race.aspx?id=42" target="_blank">29th Annual North Myrtle Beach Winter Run</a>, which is apparently the longest running event on the Grand Strand - very exciting! I've been doing this event since 2008 and it was my FIRST ever 5k race so I do it every year. This year I am switching it up and instead of doing the 5k, I am going to do the 15k! It will be my last long run before the 1/2 in Disney and what better way to log it than at the race that started it all... <br />
<br />
So the rest of January will be filled with work, interning (boo! It really is cutting into my family time...), racing, and a little travel... but more on that later. First events first... Pressed for Time is on my radar, tonight, more weights!!!<br />
<br />
Typically January is that month that most resembles a Monday but for me it feeling kinda Fridayish!SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-25849127688933763472012-01-02T12:09:00.000-05:002012-01-02T12:30:10.387-05:002 Races, 1 Day, 0 Regrets<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAZapZcayyNGAuDGSwFspFYp9A9MiK1EbDpLh-9zfERCce9HcE9oi_0M8Yiy44JxxjAtEXfe9dR4UdxaiB24U1DZnTrfOvHnx9JlOO_78CyUcVVs82YSLARnuvJoZ3aiOFR3Vdzy4LcY/s1600/SAM_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span id="goog_832927978"></span><span id="goog_832927979"></span><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAZapZcayyNGAuDGSwFspFYp9A9MiK1EbDpLh-9zfERCce9HcE9oi_0M8Yiy44JxxjAtEXfe9dR4UdxaiB24U1DZnTrfOvHnx9JlOO_78CyUcVVs82YSLARnuvJoZ3aiOFR3Vdzy4LcY/s200/SAM_4160.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are in trouble - she's on the move!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ringing in the new year, well honestly I was fast asleep when the ball dropped, I am assuming it did. Gabriella was sick with a fever on Friday, and well I think she shared. Saturday, after being at the fitness center from 645am-3pm, I really started feeling so blah. So for New Years Eve, it was an exciting night of herbal tea, pj's and asleep by 930pm.<br />
<br />
I really didn't know how I might feel for the first day of 2012. When I woke up the next morning, I was still not 100%. I debated whether or not I could or more so, would take my sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching runner butt to this Prediction Run 5k. The event started at 10am, so admittedly, I had a few hours to go through the pros and cons.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7REBdNMnP_Rk3fujC9NV47rXnvZKZmGLylYMC9n0437XfXNQ3QjzTh0ZQQrX37R3u5k-0EMHAENW0B9Rev6WF0521_6onPvHb27StDWdHh63pJrb93NdmgN59xIW_53Bbe_rSslZMdBU/s1600/SAM_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7REBdNMnP_Rk3fujC9NV47rXnvZKZmGLylYMC9n0437XfXNQ3QjzTh0ZQQrX37R3u5k-0EMHAENW0B9Rev6WF0521_6onPvHb27StDWdHh63pJrb93NdmgN59xIW_53Bbe_rSslZMdBU/s200/SAM_4172.JPG" width="200" /></a>Pro: I have paid my money to the Virtual Run Against Cancer, and I have bought the canned goods for the Prediction Run.<br />
<br />
Con: I feel like a dirty sock... I want to sit in a hot shower until the feeling of fever dissipates<br />
<br />
Pro: If I get out and run, I will ultimately feel better<br />
<br />
Con: If I sit around the house, I will likely feel worse and then guilty and regretful for not just putting on my big girl panties and doing the run...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUkihZjFDv9MjIkN_U5TZQf8kFhqDlr4LzMbWTaeTjwxRYHjUXund2MZCFLvrYMuKtq4TihiFOMscm82CU954o5Kzz0bYiQxAUjwc_5_RF2JSoFmWSFXnmQ0roH4nicdWcjL5FgfhuRU/s1600/SAM_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUkihZjFDv9MjIkN_U5TZQf8kFhqDlr4LzMbWTaeTjwxRYHjUXund2MZCFLvrYMuKtq4TihiFOMscm82CU954o5Kzz0bYiQxAUjwc_5_RF2JSoFmWSFXnmQ0roH4nicdWcjL5FgfhuRU/s200/SAM_4163.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go! Go! Go! Gabby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that is what I did... I got dressed to include my latest hot pink Bondi Band, adorning the phrase "One Hot Mess", I thought it fitting given my situation...<br />
<br />
My predicted time was 29:15, my actual time was 30:29, so I was 1:14 off... I guess if I was 100% I would have been closer but honestly, it was more about supporting the Running Club and the local food bank. I was hopeful that I'd get an AG award, but it was by closest prediction time and apparently there were many in the 30-39 group that had a better grasp on their own paces...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lG7gLvtF1JAXUnx7LeAjv3z7Rxg2Q8173jXx3e7qcaxv37cWm-JNXC9vavfMTxYjbYpEX-z0iM904oeLd1xMZXHfgz2_-b_hDPsPK8BmquZW2ZKL4JH4nrFjdfFZ01PxzTdHze6dU_c/s1600/SAM_4165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lG7gLvtF1JAXUnx7LeAjv3z7Rxg2Q8173jXx3e7qcaxv37cWm-JNXC9vavfMTxYjbYpEX-z0iM904oeLd1xMZXHfgz2_-b_hDPsPK8BmquZW2ZKL4JH4nrFjdfFZ01PxzTdHze6dU_c/s200/SAM_4165.jpg" width="133" /></a>The run itself was 3 loops around the lake, which can be discouraging, like when you get lapped. I struggled with my breathing as Tonya and I fell further and further behind an 8 year old girl. I really can't decide which is worse, I suppose neither are bad... for them...I guess I am happy to see kids out running races and I will always be lapped by a dude with legs longer than my entire vertical existence. I dragged my tail around the lake, each time reminding myself that I am almost done, it's only 3.1 miles... short run, no biggie, just a warm up...lol It wasn't an awesome run, I didn't get that light as a feather feeling, but I got it done. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0Sznug0LiKWFMtfwRX40ziJY-pl_vWMV_tO0Jxc5hozABaJa7aBmm9sAEagEV2K7q6KL8EAqo6TQc8sOtjb7d5VtILF5Cz7jjS5S5sVq_3QxDkXAk8T2FBHHSMZDAS8ZG8HelLGftoA/s1600/SAM_4169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0Sznug0LiKWFMtfwRX40ziJY-pl_vWMV_tO0Jxc5hozABaJa7aBmm9sAEagEV2K7q6KL8EAqo6TQc8sOtjb7d5VtILF5Cz7jjS5S5sVq_3QxDkXAk8T2FBHHSMZDAS8ZG8HelLGftoA/s200/SAM_4169.jpg" width="133" /></a>After I finished the race, Stephen & I took Gabriella to the park and she got in one of those little cars, but the one swing she could use was broken and the slides were too big... but it was enjoyable to just be outside, since it was freakishly warm for Jan 2nd... who wouldn't want to be enjoying 70 degrees? The sun was shining, the ghetto doves (pigeons) were out seeking scraps from the tons of people out and about taking advantage of the warm new year day! It really is refreshing to see so many active people out, especially the kids...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wOIQJj3qCun6E5w7Bl5vXBBXc7i_lhUSen3JiHeCHhCrxHNqnx2K3CAQr1leydgUj15_6RmQEsXPS-jTyK96jURXVwhqfqk_lW48lMyCmYjiDWWPlFtl6Bd0QLtYWIOgeyFmBWTuA4k/s1600/SAM_4174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wOIQJj3qCun6E5w7Bl5vXBBXc7i_lhUSen3JiHeCHhCrxHNqnx2K3CAQr1leydgUj15_6RmQEsXPS-jTyK96jURXVwhqfqk_lW48lMyCmYjiDWWPlFtl6Bd0QLtYWIOgeyFmBWTuA4k/s200/SAM_4174.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Cheerleaders!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My second race, well it really wasn't like I ran two separate races, just supported two causes in one day. The Virtual Race Against Cancer supporting a fellow Team in Training member who was also working with Relay for Life. If she reached her fundraising goal (which she did), she is going to shave her head in May...Oh I cannot wait to see that!<br />
<br />
So by the end of the day, I had run to support 2 causes, taken down the 6 window wreaths, 5 inflatables, 4 spotlights and we finally moved Gabby's playhouse from the in-laws to our Carolina room. We also flipped the carpet so my office is now defined as the wooden space and Gabby's space & house has wall to wall carpet! <br />
<br />
I really couldn't ask for a better way to kick off this new year than to spend most of the day, outside, with my family... and I did end up feeling much better!<br />
<br />
<br />SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-77607860802408873392012-01-02T10:01:00.000-05:002012-01-02T10:09:13.916-05:00Fruit Flies, Tequila & Bananas<br />
Anyone else love bananas? I do, and so does my baby girl. She is absolutely demolishes a banana. We've never had issues with fruit flies (I thought of gnats but I guess they are different) but all of a sudden, they were everywhere and we couldn't get rid of them. I mean we have quarterly pest control dudes that come and spray in and out. So to the Internet for a solution...<br />
<br />
<i>I found 2 interesting facts, well 3 really... </i><br />
<br />
The first, when your bananas are completely yellow, you can put them in the fridge and they will last longer and stay firm on the inside...I mean not for a week or anything but 4 or 5 days. I am ecstatic to find this out (how I didn't know that until know baffles me!) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDsnTfgybI06CbQrgXyNxcqcgV-CvDd3cX0i17jXRnyMAS2QOIyqp5bbA55xZ1s_iVblzzakAuQLp5OVhAeNeN3nD2-RHiOJqGK790x08Lepfzt4s7utiS6G3WuSucCSrL8U3SHCOuys/s1600/SAM_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDsnTfgybI06CbQrgXyNxcqcgV-CvDd3cX0i17jXRnyMAS2QOIyqp5bbA55xZ1s_iVblzzakAuQLp5OVhAeNeN3nD2-RHiOJqGK790x08Lepfzt4s7utiS6G3WuSucCSrL8U3SHCOuys/s200/SAM_4180.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The second thing, Tequila. Fruit flies love it, and coupled with the fact that they are not the smartest insect to ever roam the airwaves, if you put a funnel in a glass of tequila, they will fly in BUT they are just lacking the problem solving skills to fly back out... pretty cool but does it work? Well I had to put it to the test. Now, I don't like Tequila... I have had it twice in my life, and neither time I could get past the taste. Fortunately, when I got married, the venue had given us a margarita gift basket with 2 glasses, 2 packets of mix, and 2 mini bottles... So I rigged up this con<b>trap</b>tion and waited...patiently...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii28BEigAXHfeKN5CrleBxJFwbdU_H7fyUodvllIzX7N2RtddJ4uc069JqC4f_0DSzn-R_NuIin8hp6v_EfcBZ7TVypeOgZkCf7et2NzMYvIAD1wL1Lo-vIomE-A0-FfMHkn07kvbBcnE/s1600/SAM_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii28BEigAXHfeKN5CrleBxJFwbdU_H7fyUodvllIzX7N2RtddJ4uc069JqC4f_0DSzn-R_NuIin8hp6v_EfcBZ7TVypeOgZkCf7et2NzMYvIAD1wL1Lo-vIomE-A0-FfMHkn07kvbBcnE/s200/SAM_4175.JPG" width="200" /></a>Those guys just hung out around the top just chillen. I was not hopeful at all. Wouldn't you know it, by the end of the night there were quite a few suckers just floating in the tequila... It's been sitting out for a few days now. Stephen thought he'd put out another glass with a funnel in case they caught on to the trap by seeing all their friends floating in the drink but my theory, they just don't have the capacity for that kind of reasoning...<br />
<br />
The third thing, Ammonia is good for cleaning out your pipes... and I am talking like kitchen and bathroom plumbing - not your internal plumbing - just to be clear. Apparently these little pests like to hang in your sink pipes, especially when you have a garbage disposal. Who knew?<br />
<br />
So there you have it, keep your bananas fresher longer, and while I don't like tequila, the fruit flies do... It seems like the new year is starting off on the right foot!<br />
<br />
Oh and I am using the auto clean feature on my oven for the first time ever... When I bought my first house in 2000, I got a new oven. I sold that house in 2004, having never cleaned the oven - admittedly only using it a handful of times anyway. So in 2004 I built my house, and this is the first time I am cleaning it... yes, I don't cook much and now my house smells - I guess if I can get another 7 years before the next cleaning, I might just get out of having to do this again...lolSportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-1821619956271983722011-12-30T14:40:00.000-05:002011-12-30T16:11:43.410-05:00A New Year, A New You?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh002oKby6QVirc43PKNE46ipXsMTB8CkN0Qx5iUd1mWFs1AG8LwUofFlRHMfre9p0DNvP6QmwHS7k1p-SJ75VIPRzFir-DwxZnxxB3iFHyrwz1vv44if7Q5WGZhP9CIViTYTsQsWgPzHY/s1600/resol7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh002oKby6QVirc43PKNE46ipXsMTB8CkN0Qx5iUd1mWFs1AG8LwUofFlRHMfre9p0DNvP6QmwHS7k1p-SJ75VIPRzFir-DwxZnxxB3iFHyrwz1vv44if7Q5WGZhP9CIViTYTsQsWgPzHY/s200/resol7.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Internet is officially flooded with 101 ways to change your life, start now, jump to it and go go go! Well sure, the new year is and always has been some unofficial mark of new beginnings, as if a date on a calendar should shove us into some deep contemplation of all the things we failed to do this year, and all the things we want to do in the year to come. <br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQqlz-4sqcTFrvm9jmV6toKLhRWDOh2DczzwZPazgod0N6tHXIbzNyqRV_KOMTEfyzleyjabQ6ukHYj8b4nwu5Yh5BF0zfwqoO0KcFSstljAR50AwBuFzmTqR3OkCJ5DAS5ausgEzZDQ/s1600/baby_steps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQqlz-4sqcTFrvm9jmV6toKLhRWDOh2DczzwZPazgod0N6tHXIbzNyqRV_KOMTEfyzleyjabQ6ukHYj8b4nwu5Yh5BF0zfwqoO0KcFSstljAR50AwBuFzmTqR3OkCJ5DAS5ausgEzZDQ/s200/baby_steps.JPG" width="200" /></a>When people ask me what my new year resolutions are, I visibly cringe. Seriously? Well lets see, I can go with old faithful, lose x amount of weight and maybe by some grace of God fit back into that stack of premarital jeans that honestly are probably out of style or will at the very least require a good dusting... My response is usually that of, I don't really have any. I am of the mindset that we are, and always will be "works in progress".<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqc99w1uKK3muqR2XRUpZqrH-DBNfAYcBb6kv4sW-A_hv1dJAt4iJN6PGiIdWwwyQE5Ua0Kai24YPXzhlZCo_6Qo6eDguB6Mc-O6Lb83YbwG8Rfa6Vdu5B4r62AybYi81nAXDd2VUALk/s1600/diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqc99w1uKK3muqR2XRUpZqrH-DBNfAYcBb6kv4sW-A_hv1dJAt4iJN6PGiIdWwwyQE5Ua0Kai24YPXzhlZCo_6Qo6eDguB6Mc-O6Lb83YbwG8Rfa6Vdu5B4r62AybYi81nAXDd2VUALk/s200/diet.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a Diet plan huh?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sure I say it's always a good time to start fresh, set goals, and begin with those baby steps into the future of health and wellness. We all need to incorporate exercise into our lives, with some kind of regularity, and educate ourselves to find a healthy balance in nutrition... So really it comes down to lifestyle changes that will stay with us and adapt with us as we flip the calendar month after month.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJD3Hmu1_To38jm2MCiI-W1QsmCQ8tFJmCGYEFi-Y8zlTKpTfCfZqSHEgt7jqUM6eau0fsBHkav73I2XEREXembTrQkLO5lGI_v9k9Qdme2a5RbjmozQcQscAqtiRSZxBxXshBOmTwxc/s1600/yydpic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJD3Hmu1_To38jm2MCiI-W1QsmCQ8tFJmCGYEFi-Y8zlTKpTfCfZqSHEgt7jqUM6eau0fsBHkav73I2XEREXembTrQkLO5lGI_v9k9Qdme2a5RbjmozQcQscAqtiRSZxBxXshBOmTwxc/s200/yydpic.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kinda reminds me of a fried egg!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I just can't imagine telling myself I can't have something to eat, depriving myself? Having said that, it's quite clear - I <b>don't</b> "diet", hell the word has die in it... really that doesn't sound like the direction I want to go? No. I will say this, brace yourself, I am NOT perfect! There I said it... what a relief! I love coffee with 1/2 & 1/2 and sugar, I love chocolate ice cream and cake. I can eat my weight in Mexican food, especially those evil baskets of chips they plop in front of you with salsa... What I strive for is balance; mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally and nutritionally.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaeVsi7w6atmEwbj8s4knoTTDaLBuVpvcnhzx5X9GVC5vX0lCNKEcMtNpUJdkUBHPWZOtDFXwzPM5T2yT1N9_fj-dY2s3cUEIqhHfcBG6pN-J815WWq1AF7l0-kaI7OUwpa682oHRfbM/s1600/Love_Yourself_by_Lili_bet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaeVsi7w6atmEwbj8s4knoTTDaLBuVpvcnhzx5X9GVC5vX0lCNKEcMtNpUJdkUBHPWZOtDFXwzPM5T2yT1N9_fj-dY2s3cUEIqhHfcBG6pN-J815WWq1AF7l0-kaI7OUwpa682oHRfbM/s200/Love_Yourself_by_Lili_bet.jpg" width="150" /></a>So when I see others try to portray the idea of perfection, (and who knows, maybe they are as close to perfect as a human specimen can be?) well to them I say, congratulations. I honestly cannot spend hours at the gym, my abs will likely never be super chiseled (I like to think I was close once after my first born was like 2, so possible after giving birth) and while it may work for others, giving up meat and dairy is just not something I am into. Does this make me a less reliable source of information, motivation and maybe even, inspiration to others? In my opinion, I think this makes me a realist. I wouldn't say that I will never be rock solid again, I just know that right now, my focus is to be as healthy as I can be without stressing myself over comparing body fat percentages and pace times with others. Can I bench my weight? No, no I can't. I was working the upper body the other day and I am still sore. Do I someday want to have carved arms? Sure, who doesn't? First step, stop setting yourself up for failure by tearing yourself down... I think it's easier to remodel then build from rumble, but maybe I'm wrong?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmhXyhyphenhyphenJybuvmYrDJgSsfsaQYJLfEvY6ci08oraX6V7eGvU53p7HcYJ8wTJiIdJ_kMgS6tCWf0_FEDwR338V20gjDu2RnQ4a9qPOwZFFVebOrVvJyZ3r6y_c5-q1oaV4UdWLZjRumvbI/s1600/reasonsdietscantwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmhXyhyphenhyphenJybuvmYrDJgSsfsaQYJLfEvY6ci08oraX6V7eGvU53p7HcYJ8wTJiIdJ_kMgS6tCWf0_FEDwR338V20gjDu2RnQ4a9qPOwZFFVebOrVvJyZ3r6y_c5-q1oaV4UdWLZjRumvbI/s200/reasonsdietscantwork.jpg" width="200" /></a>I just hate the cycle that we often find ourselves in, it's like we are ultimately never satisfied. I suppose this can be a positive, it keeps us moving - as long as it's in the right direction, right? Well what if all we do is pick ourselves apart, always looking to the person next to us and saying "Why can't I be like her?" when we should be enjoying the people around us for what they bring the table. We should embrace our lives, enjoy our lives, and yes, do all things possible to protect our lives from preventable disease. So yes, I would always advise to exercise most days of the week doing it what ever makes you happy and fulfilled. You have to enjoy it otherwise it won't last. I can't give out nutritional plans, but I will say this, find things you can do to make better choices more often then not. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqarzrBmpSXfuHiqhxW-tYZlH_yV-nYpsUmPZVAdsdbH5zTbx4GNcY6LyyBohMZPfhAe1537cpZtQksdxxdy1xXQ4vups5ZVMuBjK1p8F8oQeoryp2OpQ3JcXuv3PvUD7iYmAQUkxgaiU/s1600/positiveattitude" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqarzrBmpSXfuHiqhxW-tYZlH_yV-nYpsUmPZVAdsdbH5zTbx4GNcY6LyyBohMZPfhAe1537cpZtQksdxxdy1xXQ4vups5ZVMuBjK1p8F8oQeoryp2OpQ3JcXuv3PvUD7iYmAQUkxgaiU/s200/positiveattitude" width="200" /></a>So this year, as in years passed and all to come, I will continue my existence doing all the things that fulfill me, excite me, and make me happy. I refuse to run on empty both in joy and in calories. If you want to be successful in your goals for your life, be realistic, be focused, and most of all, be positive. If you slip up, fall behind, gain an inch or a pound, or indulge - it's not a failure, it's life. All things with moderation and balance, it really is the only sustainable plan for overall health. <br />
<br />
p.s. One year I did make a resolution, it was to be nicer to people... After a few days I realized, I am who I am... so I just don't bother trying so hard anymore!SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-40798424819844410772011-12-29T15:38:00.001-05:002011-12-29T15:43:52.459-05:00Oh All My Lousy Runners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVJSM0Tgq4fWXP9XMspa-WY3qrnfLFwJ0cblhzWfV12YylIou8deKwnfEpkGIpLTZE22nOXERDrgM8JO8VoSMfOFzJdkeAtzrYaV067BEfMJN4LsBvPkRrrmtOZ2-JCMrgsO_-Sr7Jrk/s1600/lousy+medal+mepic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVJSM0Tgq4fWXP9XMspa-WY3qrnfLFwJ0cblhzWfV12YylIou8deKwnfEpkGIpLTZE22nOXERDrgM8JO8VoSMfOFzJdkeAtzrYaV067BEfMJN4LsBvPkRrrmtOZ2-JCMrgsO_-Sr7Jrk/s200/lousy+medal+mepic.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Lousy Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well first I must say a heartfelt THANK YOU! When Heather & I decided to put on a Virtual 5k to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I could not even have imagined the support we'd receive. We ended up with 178 registrants, and raising over $2500 for the cause! So seriously, I am beyond humbled. Of course, with 178 Lousy medals to package up and mail out, it's going to take me a little while to get it all done... you know, in my spare time!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAzqvELtwmnstwFyc0VNCaMEu7cBLWDPsW2SBF2IRd9jq_ulG4DNkDT9snuIznPzagsG-Wefn8s1ZbyZdj4suPcEfMEFOciEgePYG2CUeUYKLSZFyblEjG4DdL-1ofU5LsEgbeLH6AWw/s1600/lousymedalpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAzqvELtwmnstwFyc0VNCaMEu7cBLWDPsW2SBF2IRd9jq_ulG4DNkDT9snuIznPzagsG-Wefn8s1ZbyZdj4suPcEfMEFOciEgePYG2CUeUYKLSZFyblEjG4DdL-1ofU5LsEgbeLH6AWw/s200/lousymedalpic.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Actual Lousy Medal!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was actually ready to do the mail merge to print the mailing labels. I had carefully formulated the columns to Proper case, concatenating the City, State & Zip code, to then realize the only labels I have are the extremely small (and personally, I deem them useless) a whopping 1/2" by 1 & 3/4"... yeah, useless. So looks like I will be busy this weekend, well Sunday during Gabby's nap anyway since Saturday I will be interning from 7-4pm... yay!<br />
<br />
Just days before this run I found out that a running mom friend was told her cancer was back. DaDiva is an inspiration and a positive spirit who brightens lives through her sense of humor and unparallelled presence... When I headed out for my Lousy Medal Run, I had a few things on my mind and one of them was my little green monster (which is how I affectionately refer to her as she is back on chemo) - it was what pushed me to have one of the best runs I have had in so very long. All I could think of was if this amazing woman can run a marathon on chemo, and now run our lousy medal 5k just days after restarting chemo - well friends, I have no excuses, I must run, and run I did. I'd say like the wind, but it was more like an average pace of 9:19, but for me, it felt like a gusting of emotion and determination. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbc1lzb-H7sbiSgJ7wIzOt5EOWa1Oproinp-aeJ8zbllDHzOOw2P5TJ7As9aGCKhJaUCSACEyhHGsfKx1sL5g8sfLnK4oIDoDCnu8_oRVa_gxxpntyzYEtSAAN8llL_b5Bh8xs5ZyKRc/s1600/Lousy+Medal+GP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbc1lzb-H7sbiSgJ7wIzOt5EOWa1Oproinp-aeJ8zbllDHzOOw2P5TJ7As9aGCKhJaUCSACEyhHGsfKx1sL5g8sfLnK4oIDoDCnu8_oRVa_gxxpntyzYEtSAAN8llL_b5Bh8xs5ZyKRc/s200/Lousy+Medal+GP.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
Then there is this business of the Grand Prize drawing... I am not sure if everyone thought to come back and leave a comment but I feel like with 10 days post race, and ample prodding... It is time to draw the winner... I know some had issues seeing their comment post, but I received the email (for each one) and have compiled the unduplicated list... First, lets see what we have up for grabs!<br />
<br />
Now this package is geared toward the women, but hey if you are a dude and you win, you could make a lady friend very happy (assuming she is into the running thing too)... We have a princess tiara bling holder from Allied Medal, a Tough Chik 'iRun' t-shirt, iFitness head bands and a One More Mile belt. Total retail, around $100, not too shabby!<br />
<br />
So without further ado.... The winner of the super duper prize package is....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<<< <i>DRUM ROLL PLEASE </i>>>></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stephanie Christianson</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Congratulations Stephanie! I hope you love this little bonus for supporting a wonderful cause! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also want to post a few pictures that I got my hands on from those who participated... If I missed anyone's photos I apologize now!</div>
<table><tbody>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKUQzSDCggAMIK2T8dj407LqvO6ARm-RP4ul4JYZ9pchhiAHyf-oB-so4O8tOXIYsu3doLeM_zQbesLwcxDAlyPRKuB1XnnmAMXkbw0TkxtO-HgbcBnI7NLPuJbkaqePBVJOtUTuhLTo/s1600/2011-12-17_15.21.39%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKUQzSDCggAMIK2T8dj407LqvO6ARm-RP4ul4JYZ9pchhiAHyf-oB-so4O8tOXIYsu3doLeM_zQbesLwcxDAlyPRKuB1XnnmAMXkbw0TkxtO-HgbcBnI7NLPuJbkaqePBVJOtUTuhLTo/s200/2011-12-17_15.21.39%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl & Amber ready to run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf3NZ7dhrv8HHKOl-Tq04QhGu-eMwhuaOuGXYmhD06GwRgORhanSgXcYc0_PrTrYxNnJM6L-zIZcLgYl295EquMjMF1KaPhezY4dIKvxUhx7fM5VEVhbYp9Wmf_Cp3C3Jq5gYYh44gh4/s1600/2011-12-17_15.18.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf3NZ7dhrv8HHKOl-Tq04QhGu-eMwhuaOuGXYmhD06GwRgORhanSgXcYc0_PrTrYxNnJM6L-zIZcLgYl295EquMjMF1KaPhezY4dIKvxUhx7fM5VEVhbYp9Wmf_Cp3C3Jq5gYYh44gh4/s200/2011-12-17_15.18.44.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..and they have paparazzi? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2zX9ysSCLZlf6CmlcFjcO18Igdn8J4sUu7diFTnDn2ITSBCJc-hq_ep0yd9paqE065wu2qZrBIMdRMXnwALdJcbOcSUe4hSEz2ccBvizEVCvTeWSjmfsMK_F9hfylXTE7-p3yRltO8g/s1600/DSCF0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2zX9ysSCLZlf6CmlcFjcO18Igdn8J4sUu7diFTnDn2ITSBCJc-hq_ep0yd9paqE065wu2qZrBIMdRMXnwALdJcbOcSUe4hSEz2ccBvizEVCvTeWSjmfsMK_F9hfylXTE7-p3yRltO8g/s200/DSCF0337.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Libby made these for her group
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLEl7fDAbFbHzfMY0Eiur1kpy53eF5ARnHmuryVSoohQDr-qXssM52sa7frllAskAdeuPUSpYqfNzG21ktqJp4oI8-n-4fozAE7R28JoadIHN83iOnIpxKX6XkRgF81nuJivODhkvnSg/s1600/leia%2526wonderpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLEl7fDAbFbHzfMY0Eiur1kpy53eF5ARnHmuryVSoohQDr-qXssM52sa7frllAskAdeuPUSpYqfNzG21ktqJp4oI8-n-4fozAE7R28JoadIHN83iOnIpxKX6XkRgF81nuJivODhkvnSg/s200/leia%2526wonderpup.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leia & Wonderpup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6a_oXpdsBajXquXlR68thOptBMkaX7ALUhASQG8KuR9jSHlfB-VcK31blDP2OnUn0E_7fAZYTOVMTpEIJ_pSnyzJY7dt__bdyLTFxEQXkWfTzJFtheQCgZL4qLNbyTIn1f4sXnkOGUE/s1600/holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6a_oXpdsBajXquXlR68thOptBMkaX7ALUhASQG8KuR9jSHlfB-VcK31blDP2OnUn0E_7fAZYTOVMTpEIJ_pSnyzJY7dt__bdyLTFxEQXkWfTzJFtheQCgZL4qLNbyTIn1f4sXnkOGUE/s200/holly.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly & Amanda got it done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg9hue4XeVG-SAoXbR-xyMCJIjcHY2xVhYA8NLneYR7gHF9tJHKjiJewJv6hXy8huhLDSfLjZyM3VMoqQjAZS4ylkt42ioH-liyUdy8dpToOFbP3WCuKhTZ_ND1jo0Alr3p21HzbdlPE/s1600/libbysgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg9hue4XeVG-SAoXbR-xyMCJIjcHY2xVhYA8NLneYR7gHF9tJHKjiJewJv6hXy8huhLDSfLjZyM3VMoqQjAZS4ylkt42ioH-liyUdy8dpToOFbP3WCuKhTZ_ND1jo0Alr3p21HzbdlPE/s200/libbysgroup.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Libby's Group Photo - LOVE IT!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZdbc-lwjmBqQOdDthHAzSYUQoRx5jyzbEMO6uajnlto3RWE6_QTFMZXsjNRosEL8DrM7Ptc5_k3beNvRzCqV7zCdaiUm_CcwHHewjcovnSIx2P0O6kAuWGaebknr_-qWqx3vuyD_Is0/s1600/kim-hatfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZdbc-lwjmBqQOdDthHAzSYUQoRx5jyzbEMO6uajnlto3RWE6_QTFMZXsjNRosEL8DrM7Ptc5_k3beNvRzCqV7zCdaiUm_CcwHHewjcovnSIx2P0O6kAuWGaebknr_-qWqx3vuyD_Is0/s200/kim-hatfield.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim &her princess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnaMlf2yubA/TvzEvh_YKkI/AAAAAAAAAxU/cYAlSN2adMI/s1600/jinny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnaMlf2yubA/TvzEvh_YKkI/AAAAAAAAAxU/cYAlSN2adMI/s200/jinny.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jinny flexing :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietfU5NhlcG7mVnhWaRRTOk6_UoEbas7r9l151opEV7S9jqtD7SjsQY-f5CDK8o1akiCP7LOWevZcckerce1ymYDiXEbtYJnikANyj83v8EqZg3GJUzl3rYNZdoNmTHEQofCx8ZPPHSU0/s1600/rosskinney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietfU5NhlcG7mVnhWaRRTOk6_UoEbas7r9l151opEV7S9jqtD7SjsQY-f5CDK8o1akiCP7LOWevZcckerce1ymYDiXEbtYJnikANyj83v8EqZg3GJUzl3rYNZdoNmTHEQofCx8ZPPHSU0/s200/rosskinney.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross's Inspiration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh631xhkc9cH7gU6qsSAN2zkLilo0DTlmdNC9rKLBe7Kt7RCqgz7IRDV9wRmZ8UNC2e-xNk21aGyA7Ud4fLl1fM3xSf1MVampb4ILzDv_kpEBcNeC0jXbhl4dCJL5ylHSox_xQ46QZqV4M/s1600/finisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh631xhkc9cH7gU6qsSAN2zkLilo0DTlmdNC9rKLBe7Kt7RCqgz7IRDV9wRmZ8UNC2e-xNk21aGyA7Ud4fLl1fM3xSf1MVampb4ILzDv_kpEBcNeC0jXbhl4dCJL5ylHSox_xQ46QZqV4M/s200/finisher.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim got it done right before the snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-73452907245979915572011-12-27T15:35:00.004-05:002011-12-27T15:36:58.228-05:00Bye Bye Hectic Holiday Season...I just realized I haven't written anything since the 3rd...tsk tsk... Not that I am going to blame any one thing mind you - December has been a whirl wind in my world, as I am sure it has been for most of us!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld2_qSQBVGARDFTeewiYZdHvfur5quZCRD3r7qiYtIghdAspp3n1mrTvbWa9zgPMmcfop9P8XJyeymwm1THJQCntXQvNpjYieFjPAcEn2KLouAZFj8othH0w07p-5P5gzGIPrjUg24pQ/s1600/SAM_4146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld2_qSQBVGARDFTeewiYZdHvfur5quZCRD3r7qiYtIghdAspp3n1mrTvbWa9zgPMmcfop9P8XJyeymwm1THJQCntXQvNpjYieFjPAcEn2KLouAZFj8othH0w07p-5P5gzGIPrjUg24pQ/s320/SAM_4146.jpg" width="213" /></a>The semester was pretty non eventful, much lower key then basically the previous 4 years I've attended. This was a part time semester with one night class and one lunchtime course. Neither very challenging nor writing intensive (which isn't making a case for why I have been MIA..hmmm) - Anyway, I ended up with another 4.0 semester, which would be my GPA if it wasn't for that pesky B I received in Exercise Physiology back in the Fall of 2008 (which seems like eons ago), it has me hanging at a 3.944 so it would appear I will never get that elusive Summa Cum Laude, Magna it is...<br />
<br />
In the midst of finals, my little baby girl had to have a bilateral <span class="bodytext">myringotomy, which is fancy for tubes in both her ears. We have spent so much money on doctors co-pays, antibiotics, not to mention taking time off from work. While scared to have our angel put under anesthesia, we couldn't be happier with the results. In the past week and a half, she has heard more and began walking more, giving us piece of mind that it was indeed the right decision. Hopefully when we go back to the doctor in January, she will score flying colors on her hearing test...</span><br />
<span class="bodytext"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo2CKxwkFtMEE0Q5gcRpGYOy80FzTwQLaFw1XqW-j9dZSE8RsrL9lX3nEeiSBYaSFnV8RRJMVa8XKCPPAUDBS6HpTVmEcPC1ugw2-CJN9tN1S9_CoMrqTOhWPQ7LpO46Xp1QHBdOIspw/s1600/SAM_2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo2CKxwkFtMEE0Q5gcRpGYOy80FzTwQLaFw1XqW-j9dZSE8RsrL9lX3nEeiSBYaSFnV8RRJMVa8XKCPPAUDBS6HpTVmEcPC1ugw2-CJN9tN1S9_CoMrqTOhWPQ7LpO46Xp1QHBdOIspw/s320/SAM_2546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="bodytext">On a sad note, we said goodbye to Teeny Martin a.k.a. Granna, she passed on December 20th... She was a spirited woman, and even though she struggled with verbal communication, due to multiple strokes prior to when we met, she spoke volumes with her kind eyes, bright smile and all too clear expressions... I will always remember how she hated to be told to sit, and often tested the boundaries by trying to sneak around and get up to walk by herself... oh and her eye rolling was priceless. She will be dearly missed but I am forever grateful to have been a part of her life, and having her at my wedding, meet my baby girl, celebrate Gabriella's first birthday with us, and chase her around the house at many a family BBQ as she said "No No No"... she was always ready to go home by 430pm. I take comfort in knowing she is now in her forever home, watching down on us... </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX_DISIRABrMn6cqabRY3zidf9ayzKHIBShge9OafH3KLDbLXSvi5Kl1aWliJ-66-aiHdbxf-IWTBZd0_xI-2Wv5DVfN76KWJqTnJd5TolvqKqu8AiI8uPo582cU6ghGnPFvjlC-V8jo/s1600/SAM_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX_DISIRABrMn6cqabRY3zidf9ayzKHIBShge9OafH3KLDbLXSvi5Kl1aWliJ-66-aiHdbxf-IWTBZd0_xI-2Wv5DVfN76KWJqTnJd5TolvqKqu8AiI8uPo582cU6ghGnPFvjlC-V8jo/s200/SAM_4144.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span class="bodytext">So life in the Epton household never seems dull... we have Joshua who is obsessed with Drivers Ed and a car, and Gabriella who is just getting her legs figured out. Stephen is steady improving his golf game...maybe someday we will be traveling to tournaments to watch him? I really feel like I've been replaced by his new shiny golf bag...lol</span><br />
<br />
<span class="bodytext">You'd think with classes over that I would have more free time right? Ah, not so much! I continue to be consumed with fundraising for the upcoming Tinker Bell Half, just booked my travel today - apparently only like 2.5 weeks late...oops! The Lousy Medal Virtual 5k was a huge success, we will be posting the Grand Prize winner here in the near future & seriously, I am so humbled by the sheer generosity and support of others... My crafting was not so successful. Two craft shows and little to show for it. Although I did have some running friends order some custom frames for their family which I have to say, I was so thrilled with how they turned out! So with the Lousy Medal Virtual 5k, Crafting for a Cure and the Bondi Bands, I will be about $200 shy of my goal - which is great in the grand scheme of things!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYJlxiCU_VExAMlCNbltIMBmlZ9VekrT4s7SdJvtVvhfkKeG6bpdS90kDCd5sp3j51n5_2Vb3E4MvNzQyp6r6wWGb0fPPZ46I-Hcn_yvzLqKQzSHXdVQwj5GuoVLmC6wbtIwZBS42rNo/s1600/worthitquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYJlxiCU_VExAMlCNbltIMBmlZ9VekrT4s7SdJvtVvhfkKeG6bpdS90kDCd5sp3j51n5_2Vb3E4MvNzQyp6r6wWGb0fPPZ46I-Hcn_yvzLqKQzSHXdVQwj5GuoVLmC6wbtIwZBS42rNo/s200/worthitquote.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="bodytext">Of course, if you didn't know, I always have something going on... tonight I start my Internship, last part of this Bachelors in Exercise & Sport Science program. So last week I busted out my excel spreadsheet and worked it until somehow I found 350 hours from now until April 25th, to complete this deal. Yes, 350 hours on top of my full time job, my house, my family, my training, and ultimately my desire for a full night (heck 6 hours straight would be awesome) of sleep. How you ask? Well, not easily and not without sacrifice. Thankfully, I have a very supportive husband... he has said multiple times that it's something that needs to get done, and we will work through it. It would be silly to throw in the towel now, so close to finishing, so press on I will (woah, I went all Yoda on ya!) - finish this degree up and proudly sashay across that stage on May 5th... seems like forever away but I think the older I get, the faster time passes... </span><br />
<br />
<span class="bodytext">I am looking forward to completing this chapter, and I already have big summer plans... What are they you ask? I plan on finding my toes in the sand more this summer than summers before! Especially since I started this degree process back in March of 2006... a lot of summers were consumed with accelerated coursework! Of course working from home will help with that, 10 minutes to the beach + 40 minutes on the beach + 10 minutes home = 1hr lunch...oh yeah, something to look forward to! No more studying, no more papers to research and write...this summer I am all about relaxing! (Someone remind me of this post in May please when I inevitably will find something to get involved with!!!) </span><br />
<span class="bodytext"><br /></span><br />
<span class="bodytext">That my friends is December in a nutshell! Stay tuned, later this week will be the Lousy Medal reveal, race report and announcement of the Grand Prize winner!!!</span><br />
<span class="bodytext"><br /></span><br />
<span class="bodytext"><br /></span><br />
<span class="bodytext"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br />SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-90959906468875760432011-12-03T13:04:00.001-05:002011-12-03T14:12:26.128-05:00Rivertown Reindeer Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_xYOKjsEY64aHPM6dbcYE4V8GC30i_Qg2FcXkMA8Itd8KguFlpcHK7-gB9EWSZD2nqVAcsSXMN40pRsVuPupzRkONmXNL6ag5BLJEqV8-VvO7bvru3IIfCAQDI9sdYxdDZzmyl9sEEw/s1600/SAM_3980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_xYOKjsEY64aHPM6dbcYE4V8GC30i_Qg2FcXkMA8Itd8KguFlpcHK7-gB9EWSZD2nqVAcsSXMN40pRsVuPupzRkONmXNL6ag5BLJEqV8-VvO7bvru3IIfCAQDI9sdYxdDZzmyl9sEEw/s200/SAM_3980.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The Rivertown Reindeer Race is in Conway, SC and this was the first time I had run in Conway period. The morning was in a word, FREEZING. The brain child I am decided that I would wear long socks, shorts and a long sleeve top - needless to say, I was not warm. Of course Stephen pointed out that the chicks wearing knee length capri's and short socks had just as much skin exposed if not more. My thoughts, I should have worn long pants, leg warmers, gloves and ear muffs! It was only 36 degrees, which in some points north of the Mason Dixie line, may not be terrible, but to this NY transplant with no affection for the cold weather, can I please have the 60's back?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4-XFu5Z92T8vUW5RKPkVojoJECcwssJ3AbGHyevLP6dHzM6J7kGRS6mCPo9dCOpYMpRQf-aAjRxPln2VB_UBWY4WJbCG9q84vlwMaR_iT-QRK2OoyN8iK_dmmS9h1Yvp_GJRg_nQiWA/s1600/RRR-techshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4-XFu5Z92T8vUW5RKPkVojoJECcwssJ3AbGHyevLP6dHzM6J7kGRS6mCPo9dCOpYMpRQf-aAjRxPln2VB_UBWY4WJbCG9q84vlwMaR_iT-QRK2OoyN8iK_dmmS9h1Yvp_GJRg_nQiWA/s200/RRR-techshirt.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
As I checked in, trying to ignore the stares of people thinking I am completely off my rocker, I was pleasantly surprised by the pretty awesome tech shirt, in green (awesome) that was in the swag bag. I debated putting it on, but Stephen said it would be like wearing a rock t-shirt to the concert... Apparently back in '90 I wasn't cool at that Motle<span style="font-family: inherit;">y Crüe con</span>cert - my bad... Anyway, I didn't put it on but it worked out ok since I had a sports bra, compression tank and a long sleeve cold weather shirt (my core was toasty at least!).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstDRBgIu3p6EhiyhIk1TRC7G0L4DQ3P7d9gmig4i9LZTputG87b2hyWak3m6QC9GEHPuzy33oYIgU-P9-JwWFlMe5w_jT_JnWYWe4nN9l6l3K9u_YHHcszPRKQRTMRYOPh042_g9jfKI/s1600/SAM_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstDRBgIu3p6EhiyhIk1TRC7G0L4DQ3P7d9gmig4i9LZTputG87b2hyWak3m6QC9GEHPuzy33oYIgU-P9-JwWFlMe5w_jT_JnWYWe4nN9l6l3K9u_YHHcszPRKQRTMRYOPh042_g9jfKI/s200/SAM_3978.JPG" width="200" /></a>I ran into Jenn, if you remember we did the Turkey Trot together (me the 8k & she the 5k) and if I had known she was going to do this too, we would have carpooled! She decided this morning at 7am she'd brave the cold, and she took 2nd in our age group! NOW, had I come in 4th and not 5th, I would have teased her that if she'd slept in - I'd have some bling! The times for the female 35-39 group are crazy!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ5PoRLQN1CaCiPrJPkEw3TsGn-j3YKv-ZJwMrDEqgE3nLKL_rUf9auEBJs9_Zcg4QztMxaEFO_h-bhoJib-4vhtkuYKCf2syvtlE8xB5PVi4oFqu1NMpcnzqqSdpqYi5ybusWfvtLuI/s1600/SAM_3983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ5PoRLQN1CaCiPrJPkEw3TsGn-j3YKv-ZJwMrDEqgE3nLKL_rUf9auEBJs9_Zcg4QztMxaEFO_h-bhoJib-4vhtkuYKCf2syvtlE8xB5PVi4oFqu1NMpcnzqqSdpqYi5ybusWfvtLuI/s200/SAM_3983.jpg" width="133" /></a>Top 5 by Age-Time: 36 - 21:30, 38 - 25:47, 38 - 27:14, 38 - 27:18, 36 - 29:45 (the last one being me...lol) Either I have to start kicking it up a notch or seriously live up the time I am 38! Of course with the one speed demon chick, I can only hope for a first in age group if she never shows up...lol It's all good though, I loved my race... speaking of which, my race!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA85oV5pfSXLnKAiQun_TzOjTs7AmZW70SYK_mWvr70B5hG2naGrj4H-qzuoAHu2S39c4LJELupCx7kLgK0E9dbtT2ancMZ6CuwLiJfxOybFwxrsL8xhP3IA_-F_kkJtFX9m86bUxGnbM/s1600/SAM_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA85oV5pfSXLnKAiQun_TzOjTs7AmZW70SYK_mWvr70B5hG2naGrj4H-qzuoAHu2S39c4LJELupCx7kLgK0E9dbtT2ancMZ6CuwLiJfxOybFwxrsL8xhP3IA_-F_kkJtFX9m86bUxGnbM/s200/SAM_3981.JPG" width="200" /></a>So again, I had never run in Conway, SC despite it being about 15 minutes from my house. They really don't have too many races, but if they did - I'd run them all! This course took us through the residential areas where Spanish moss and older homes lined the streets. It was like something out of an old book. People and their kids were on their front porches, cheering people on as they were huddled under their blankets. It was by far one of my most favorite races. As Jenn said, "It was such a pretty course"...indeed it was. I didn't realize how many hills there were in Conway. I joked (half joked really) about how we should train a little on these streets - I need to get some hill training in! In case you don't know, Myrtle Beach is probably one of the flattest areas you will find in the US (not sure if this is a fact but in my opinion it's true - further research is needed...lol).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnWqJeMlEHBFR6jgKm9vEgumLPnEJWVP4NMCGjwXq4BVAwnGIgHWrcs82yd4QyUmKSzYiMb7q1yVvs0jIBC_YwwIjl0ZcntR9J-lPUTDVvEXi58dgcVSwgBXC2OYkqlcvyMqmnVI-imc/s1600/SAM_3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnWqJeMlEHBFR6jgKm9vEgumLPnEJWVP4NMCGjwXq4BVAwnGIgHWrcs82yd4QyUmKSzYiMb7q1yVvs0jIBC_YwwIjl0ZcntR9J-lPUTDVvEXi58dgcVSwgBXC2OYkqlcvyMqmnVI-imc/s200/SAM_3971.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PFpvj9QQ2wRGMWQq0QvPMJF1Nj1MAV16RgjQM2oLzrx_Vlammlq1bTrnSSWG4Z8D1Mc4yd_-DAfhRnqXnQzwP8OkYvlP-35KXlyYnuL40sk3vGThINk6nfHFHHyf14pw99cW0vfEBQE/s1600/SAM_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PFpvj9QQ2wRGMWQq0QvPMJF1Nj1MAV16RgjQM2oLzrx_Vlammlq1bTrnSSWG4Z8D1Mc4yd_-DAfhRnqXnQzwP8OkYvlP-35KXlyYnuL40sk3vGThINk6nfHFHHyf14pw99cW0vfEBQE/s200/SAM_3972.JPG" width="200" /></a>I always try to look around and guess who might be in my age group. I was sure that the grey haired lady in the purple tights was over 39, and the little girl (who beat me in the end by a ONE second) was way younger... but other than that I kept my Garmin covered and my focus on my run. Up and down a few hills, around a few corners and I was approaching the finish. Jenn cheered me on as I was about 50 yards from the end. Stephen was my paparazzi (as usual, and I love you for it!) and I think I saw Gabriella clap her hands! What a great way to finish!<br />
<br />
I do want to give props to the population who I am most in awe of, the 2 gentleman and 1 lady who are in the 71-99 age group. Y'all, they floor me...<br />
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"> ********** FEMALE 5K RUN AGE GROUP: 71 - 99 **********
Place Name S Age City St Finish Pace
===== ===================== = === ================== == ======= =====
1 Delores Horn F 72 Pawleys Island SC 31:07 10:01
********** MALE 5K RUN AGE GROUP: 71 - 99 **********
Place Name S Age City St Finish Pace
===== ===================== = === ================== == ======= =====
1 George Hagan M 75 Murrells Inlet SC 28:21 9:08
2 Terry Williams M 71 Conway SC 30:13 9:44 </span></pre>
Seriously, I am PRAYING to someday populate this age group - after all it may be my only shot at 1st in Age Group...lmao!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-J-bK1-osNQm4S0tm7F24La_8rwR6nLdsfvOKLaU5m0PzX1NGAyLhrJtHQLq8mv5L0USouMYdO2OdaNWX3F-LsMSU8cNjFMKsqGvb23mWhLJi6MkiiQuchEBfKnTg3GZvnL3NcWstpg/s1600/SAM_3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-J-bK1-osNQm4S0tm7F24La_8rwR6nLdsfvOKLaU5m0PzX1NGAyLhrJtHQLq8mv5L0USouMYdO2OdaNWX3F-LsMSU8cNjFMKsqGvb23mWhLJi6MkiiQuchEBfKnTg3GZvnL3NcWstpg/s200/SAM_3975.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Well I am happy the turn out was so good, it benefited the Red Cross, so another great race for another great cause! I'll be looking to see if Gabby makes the news, the camera man thought she was so cute with the antlers on, well actually she is SO cute!<br />
<pre> </pre>
<br />SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-38972663540207174622011-11-29T08:28:00.000-05:002011-12-02T10:11:49.960-05:00Joshua's Super Sweet 16<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqefPAuFUkv7oX6oWTP4Pze47z9-GQhI6YngviW2SUsIJMg3yuOWBy42110tiuIVYRKwDvjkorb7nMYfLMkaf4FbBNMT6SrdS5mGXqJJDwnGsJo5BX4W_3b941QiixSBP_kuRJpCYOsI/s1600/SAM_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqefPAuFUkv7oX6oWTP4Pze47z9-GQhI6YngviW2SUsIJMg3yuOWBy42110tiuIVYRKwDvjkorb7nMYfLMkaf4FbBNMT6SrdS5mGXqJJDwnGsJo5BX4W_3b941QiixSBP_kuRJpCYOsI/s200/SAM_3965.JPG" width="200" /></a>November 29, 1995 - that is when my adventures in mommyhood began. It's hard to believe I have a 16 year old! I feel like I'm still in my 20's (most days) and for a girl knocking on 40's door, I look pretty darn good too! ANYWAY, enough about me...lol I guess I should have put this up earlier in the week but I guess that is the difference between a birthday celebrated on a Friday versus a birthday celebrated on a Tuesday night!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtzYhknLAHPsjA7azWmuukkcXCiALuUT1GLiQy6-rVzVyK20UX6S5oCj3RW_LYrPZP86NwBLgRgl_e6I6WIm1fZo0SVhZA6L-81RAUDGqBa0JlRCDhx6FaROEBUIgCDdAypjz9Wsz3B0/s1600/SAM_3964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtzYhknLAHPsjA7azWmuukkcXCiALuUT1GLiQy6-rVzVyK20UX6S5oCj3RW_LYrPZP86NwBLgRgl_e6I6WIm1fZo0SVhZA6L-81RAUDGqBa0JlRCDhx6FaROEBUIgCDdAypjz9Wsz3B0/s200/SAM_3964.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I know a lot of you may have seen that ridiculous show on MTV, where parents spend obnoxious amounts of money celebrating their child's sweet 16 birthday... well since the real estate market took a dump in 2008, I wasn't able to take a second mortgage out on the house to make his dreams come true with Rap stars and Go-Go dancers, sorry. I mean if his party could get the same return on investment as Kim Kardashians wedding bash (aka PubStunt or just your good old run of the mill - Sham), it would have been well worth the effort. Unfortunately, I never planned on such an event, it's just not how we roll.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-klDTVd9vIIuf2wM21LbPi0U49FaXbTqAy4x7FdLM2xOiQHGCETeDRsEkWNNSOiRt7NuK12cOWdgzYVM4c9PFFKWFFaV4r4xfT304W-ygrss3195wxAmWvMRZCiWyqzTUJERK8D_ieBk/s1600/SAM_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-klDTVd9vIIuf2wM21LbPi0U49FaXbTqAy4x7FdLM2xOiQHGCETeDRsEkWNNSOiRt7NuK12cOWdgzYVM4c9PFFKWFFaV4r4xfT304W-ygrss3195wxAmWvMRZCiWyqzTUJERK8D_ieBk/s200/SAM_3947.JPG" width="200" /></a>SO, in our family tradition, the birthday boy got to chose where he'd like to dine for the evening (we all know he wasn't going to choose a home cooked meal, I can't blame him either) and the family all joined together to sing Happy Birthday and watch him blow out the candle on his lemon meringue pie (this is a veering off the tradition, but it's what he wanted instead of cake, so be it!) and of course - presents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZBVCKcGQnXnKFiDWpLF740rRnXqsi9BpbWePYyLLuutbQ1-VmbKFBt4Z0qZt23CwaEAotZtHJd0QPnUzc_Og7ENFtMVqYCMLf-h_xEWI-SvXH9H8kQb4SzUN60UVVWxf_1paCIzta6s/s1600/SAM_3963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZBVCKcGQnXnKFiDWpLF740rRnXqsi9BpbWePYyLLuutbQ1-VmbKFBt4Z0qZt23CwaEAotZtHJd0QPnUzc_Og7ENFtMVqYCMLf-h_xEWI-SvXH9H8kQb4SzUN60UVVWxf_1paCIzta6s/s200/SAM_3963.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
We were kind of stumped as to what he could possibly need, we know what his top 3 list items were, 1. Driver Ed, 2. Car and 3. Laptop... Well the first two weren't happening, he's got some work to do before that comes to fruition. The Laptop was something we were throwing back and forth. It is, and we both realize, a bit much for a birthday present, even this overly dramatized 16th birthday. We did decide that if we did make such a large purchase, it would be like, Happy Birthday - Merry Christmas (maybe throw in Valentines Day, St Patrick's Day and Memorial Day too!) - So off to Best Buy we went.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol9dIF007Xoj_-l0tMe5ocMZCOS8Aa01JxcuLp-hwvtyrVfX_cLpCahKSkcPZxFQ-QzBoW5NFahR48LNGpV174K4M_sjpax1UoME1Yc2Li4HsGY57Z0QjaFSR1JKGHzW5SCGtgqIKp4U/s1600/SAM_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol9dIF007Xoj_-l0tMe5ocMZCOS8Aa01JxcuLp-hwvtyrVfX_cLpCahKSkcPZxFQ-QzBoW5NFahR48LNGpV174K4M_sjpax1UoME1Yc2Li4HsGY57Z0QjaFSR1JKGHzW5SCGtgqIKp4U/s200/SAM_3950.JPG" width="133" /></a>Joshua stayed over his friends house on Monday night, so bright and early (and really to make sure he was up in time to go to school) I called him and sang my little heart out. His reaction, "Thanks Mom." - Ahhhh teenagers... I am sure he didn't even listen to the entire song! Regardless, the count down began to his present unveiling... I know, the 1st Birthday - Princess wrapping is so played out, but hey it's not like we were going to use it again anyway... Lord knows I don't need to store more wrapping paper! Besides, I found it humorous...maybe it's just me, but I'll take what I can get!<br />
<br />
So all day, time is winding down, you'd think it was my birthday - I was so excited to see his reaction... Would it be tears? Would there be a girly scream to rival those Justin Beiber (I don't understand why) would hear trying to buy bubblegum at the grocery store? Would he jump up & down yelling "Thank You! Thank You! You're the best parents in the world!!!"... No, there would be none of that. I'd like to think it was shock and awe, Stephen later told me Joshua had tweeted his excitement moments after opening his gift... well that makes me feel better...lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="tweet-image">
</div>
<div class="tweet-row" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXutATDcACp9X3y_XK6IDBVoj-G1r1EtVQ7g7AQHIKYCjLS1oBATWQ_j4X-bEcBF1MIkopXLdDYfWMcIqBP2qQMJraPx_GJhSQE8KdNCtUjy38wrVT3SMRuAoBdwFHb329wE9suHCyu4U/s1600/SAM_3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXutATDcACp9X3y_XK6IDBVoj-G1r1EtVQ7g7AQHIKYCjLS1oBATWQ_j4X-bEcBF1MIkopXLdDYfWMcIqBP2qQMJraPx_GJhSQE8KdNCtUjy38wrVT3SMRuAoBdwFHb329wE9suHCyu4U/s200/SAM_3954.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt022QYtp_lvzCMWjFFjkDoMSNTZ_IWwrFLc-WPt9wO64UaaUPV-Bk6aUW0YKJyDwtBpOpMCI8cpa63Y20YDSlqoux1WCxSFGZW8P_-D-9yjHySKZD3-5jUJu8Gd2QJCST0BprZ2O5Ni8/s1600/SAM_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1656891485/image_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Josh McMorrow" border="0" class="user-profile-link js-action-profile-avatar" data-user-id="217636245" height="48" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1656891485/image_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><span class="tweet-user-name">
<a class="tweet-screen-name user-profile-link js-action-profile-name" data-user-id="217636245" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JoshMcMorrow" title="Josh McMorrow">JoshMcMorrow</a>
<span class="tweet-full-name">Josh McMorrow</span>
</span>
<br />
<div class="tweet-corner">
<div class="tweet-meta">
<span class="icons">
</span><br />
<div class="extra-icons">
<span class="icons"><span class="inlinemedia-icons js-icon-container"></span>
</span></div>
<span class="icons">
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="tweet-row" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="tweet-text js-tweet-text">
I got a new Mac book!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a class="tweet-timestamp js-permalink" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JoshMcMorrow/status/141655225143537664">
<span class="js-tweet-timestamp _old-timestamp" data-long-form="true" data-time="1322608212000" title="6:10 PM, Nov 29th">29 Nov</span>
</a><span class="tweet-actions js-actions" data-tweet-id="141655225143537664">
<span class="tweet-action action-favorite">
<a class="favorite-action js-toggle-fav" href="https://twitter.com/#" title="Favorite"><b>Favorite</b></a>
</span>
<span class="tweet-action action-retweet">
<a class="retweet-action js-toggle-rt" href="https://twitter.com/#" title="Retweet"><b>Retweet</b></a>
</span>
<a class="reply-action js-action-reply" data-screen-name="JoshMcMorrow" href="https://twitter.com/#" title="Reply"><b>Reply</b></a></span></div>
<span class="tweet-actions js-actions" data-tweet-id="141655225143537664">
</span></div>
<div class="tweet-row">
</div>
<br />
And course he had gone to the House of Blues to see Mac Miller, he met him that morning at the mall or something when he was Black Friday Shopping with a friend... The boy loves his twitter, I wonder if Mac Miller ever responded...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbB7rg2OBxTFtF-m_-AubWLUNlUgPCPQjCEUF2OiGYHEfPt1mv7WSDFYgBQsHKllHH06q8g1C7o929cKcZsQ8QBzgkx4gnjI8Hj0hQjVkEciqU6GNdg7tvDI_RTXsBMaEyPn8stzUd0E/s1600/SAM_3959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbB7rg2OBxTFtF-m_-AubWLUNlUgPCPQjCEUF2OiGYHEfPt1mv7WSDFYgBQsHKllHH06q8g1C7o929cKcZsQ8QBzgkx4gnjI8Hj0hQjVkEciqU6GNdg7tvDI_RTXsBMaEyPn8stzUd0E/s200/SAM_3959.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="tweet-image">
</div>
<div class="tweet-row">
<a href="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1656891485/image_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Josh McMorrow" border="0" class="user-profile-link js-action-profile-avatar" data-user-id="217636245" height="48" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1656891485/image_normal.jpg" width="48" /></a><span class="tweet-user-name">
<a class="tweet-screen-name user-profile-link js-action-profile-name" data-user-id="217636245" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JoshMcMorrow" title="Josh McMorrow">JoshMcMorrow</a>
<span class="tweet-full-name">Josh McMorrow</span>
</span>
<br />
<div class="tweet-corner">
<div class="tweet-meta">
<span class="icons">
</span><br />
<div class="extra-icons">
<span class="icons"><span class="inlinemedia-icons js-icon-container"><span class="media photo" data-media-class="photo" data-media-type="copiedtwimg"></span></span>
</span></div>
<span class="icons">
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="tweet-row">
<div class="tweet-text js-tweet-text">
<a class=" twitter-atreply pretty-link" data-screen-name="MacMiller" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/MacMiller" rel="nofollow"><s>@</s><b>MacMiller</b></a> follow me it's my birthday. <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-display-url="pic.twitter.com/T4i0SrtB" data-expanded-url="http://twitter.com/JoshMcMorrow/status/141500251025584128/photo/1" data-media-h="800" data-media-w="600" data-twitter-media-url="true" href="http://t.co/T4i0SrtB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://twitter.com/JoshMcMorrow/status/141500251025584128/photo/1">http://pic.twitter.com/T4i0SrtB</a></div>
</div>
<div class="tweet-row">
<a class="tweet-timestamp js-permalink" href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JoshMcMorrow/status/141500251025584128">
<span class="js-tweet-timestamp _old-timestamp" data-long-form="true" data-time="1322571264000" title="7:54 AM, Nov 29th">29 Nov</span>
</a>
<span class="tweet-actions js-actions" data-tweet-id="141500251025584128">
<span class="tweet-action action-favorite">
<a class="favorite-action js-toggle-fav" href="https://twitter.com/#" title="Favorite"><b>Favorite</b></a>
</span>
<span class="tweet-action action-retweet">
<a class="retweet-action js-toggle-rt" href="https://twitter.com/#" title="Retweet"><b>Retweet</b></a>
</span>
<a class="reply-action js-action-reply" data-screen-name="JoshMcMorrow" href="https://twitter.com/#" title="Reply"><b>Reply</b></a>
</span>
</div>
<br />
Anyway, back to the festivities! Joshua almost didn't want to go to dinner, but he is 16, and apparently needs to feed like a cow in the mid-west, because the boy does not stop eating. Which is one reason he HAS to get a job this summer, I mean besides the fact I work from home now, I can't afford to have him home everyday for every meal... he needs to start carrying his weight around here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf7e_FcCTjIE04Odv09ZVVEJlaQofbCBmi8UuavP109XL5iGO_6v5ZdIdK98m_HvWgJ2COe0V_fiHH0_3T6M7Vt88P4qloVa8jcQG2D_i3lBxjDJ53jEIPWbGu8zXMi3XEhKPRQ401s8/s1600/SAM_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf7e_FcCTjIE04Odv09ZVVEJlaQofbCBmi8UuavP109XL5iGO_6v5ZdIdK98m_HvWgJ2COe0V_fiHH0_3T6M7Vt88P4qloVa8jcQG2D_i3lBxjDJ53jEIPWbGu8zXMi3XEhKPRQ401s8/s200/SAM_3960.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrYHHg3SsYhY_PTObvnQyE5R_vUJ9_pJHzQ6DLJ5RZeld23Bi9VgHyi15DkWB2BXtPH7yoiwgb2Hj1ZKA1lNba3ZFmmwJdH8onS10wcxnDYbqUITjiuIxowlUHxMG72wjA8B__oFY3oM/s1600/SAM_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrYHHg3SsYhY_PTObvnQyE5R_vUJ9_pJHzQ6DLJ5RZeld23Bi9VgHyi15DkWB2BXtPH7yoiwgb2Hj1ZKA1lNba3ZFmmwJdH8onS10wcxnDYbqUITjiuIxowlUHxMG72wjA8B__oFY3oM/s200/SAM_3961.JPG" width="200" /></a>Of we went to dinner... We went to Liberty, not my favorite, but it's where he wanted to go... I am not a steak person, so I ordered the salmon, why it came out looking fried is beyond me...yuck. Anyway, he seemed to enjoy his meal & was looking forward to getting back to the house to play with his new laptop!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ddisQI8Pkg8RGLj74FXgu-8EcJmJloS9m0AwCVNJcBwAswYVKtUCTJsOQASVITqXIz5_QY9TGtfcX7X8fsSsMifdd2tvS7PWQ-Ssofm3UjAEyegakN048Nv7NK8ZXvh_fSMNBcCayn0/s1600/SAM_3966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ddisQI8Pkg8RGLj74FXgu-8EcJmJloS9m0AwCVNJcBwAswYVKtUCTJsOQASVITqXIz5_QY9TGtfcX7X8fsSsMifdd2tvS7PWQ-Ssofm3UjAEyegakN048Nv7NK8ZXvh_fSMNBcCayn0/s200/SAM_3966.jpg" width="133" /></a>All in All I think it was a success, he enjoyed his birthday and now will bug me to help him set this and that up on his computer as he learns the way of the Mac.<br />
I can't believe he is 16, wow. Just WOW. I may be taking this harder than when I turned 30... or when he turned 5...that was rough too...lol<br />
<br />
Happy Sweet 16 Joshua... you're a great kiddo and we've been through a lot, we've had some ups and downs, but at the end of everyday one thing has never changed, and never will - I love you, seriously... I do.<br />
<br />SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-5100299700922885252011-11-25T19:21:00.001-05:002011-11-26T09:34:52.832-05:00Gabriella Turns 1!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6szik7AiP7zR23icVhE8MRLablGqPntlwjtouqur8gx3Fxv52a_Z3L9r8G5TVk_ELgEjrWfCmRVwfPeBKNfyJ_FBYevaKCTNCkknHZv9NtPnmFRz-ALNsDhyphenhyphenljftKOeUtsJf-0Dzbrg/s1600/SAM_2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6szik7AiP7zR23icVhE8MRLablGqPntlwjtouqur8gx3Fxv52a_Z3L9r8G5TVk_ELgEjrWfCmRVwfPeBKNfyJ_FBYevaKCTNCkknHZv9NtPnmFRz-ALNsDhyphenhyphenljftKOeUtsJf-0Dzbrg/s200/SAM_2439.JPG" width="200" /></a>Thinking back to a year ago, it's hard to believe how much my life has changed. It's been a busy weekend at the Eptons. We started off our holiday weekend with the Turkey Trot, shared a fabulous meal and then today, we celebrated our baby girls <span style="color: #e71366;">FIRST</span> birthday! It's hard to believe in 4 days, Joshua will be 16!!! Where has the time gone? Is it me or does it go by faster and faster the older I get?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4zx-VIMLicuqV8RpX3PndF14iUlwghTSm8Miln5h7w8027y9DNKSc0-Z7IWCdp7EZ28xCWr-flat0WvnycCsUN4UNbBWcpbElbQschc-h1NtZfEMIjn7STYZ0lsZC6n7z-3pHTJrAdU/s1600/SAM_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4zx-VIMLicuqV8RpX3PndF14iUlwghTSm8Miln5h7w8027y9DNKSc0-Z7IWCdp7EZ28xCWr-flat0WvnycCsUN4UNbBWcpbElbQschc-h1NtZfEMIjn7STYZ0lsZC6n7z-3pHTJrAdU/s200/SAM_3887.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This morning Gabby decided once again that 330am was a fine time to rise and shine. I really didn't think she would go back down. I was up with her until about 430am, then reinforcements arrived, meaning Stephen. I would say around 5am, she was finally back down. Of course 630am the princess was ready to kick off her birthday festivities! We started the morning with a pancake and some fresh apple slices. She tried a blueberry but it must have been too tart, admittedly, I laughed when she scrunched her face and shook side to side...lol<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P9peRheRod8r5WuuTMcwEqYQKkjpWZ_4dLmqNuZHr7DSRRGlBLms-ou_fKlJNwEoGVoaGyavEaPWSqfh-M1wZ1WopjOZw5oCreYvdLVJmFnsFrvTYfu6nDgfSgK2UFw_JodYWmNi_RA/s1600/SAM_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P9peRheRod8r5WuuTMcwEqYQKkjpWZ_4dLmqNuZHr7DSRRGlBLms-ou_fKlJNwEoGVoaGyavEaPWSqfh-M1wZ1WopjOZw5oCreYvdLVJmFnsFrvTYfu6nDgfSgK2UFw_JodYWmNi_RA/s200/SAM_3896.JPG" width="200" /></a>We played for a while after breakfast, she was winding down but fighting
a nap big time! I had so much prep to do for her big day and it wasn't
long before is was 10am and I had nothing done yet... She finally
decided to go down around 1045, so then I started on her smash cake. I
will be completely honest, when Joshua turned one, I didn't even know
what a smash cake was. I would say, I cut a piece of his birthday cake
and he ate it like crazy! I decided I would make her smash cake match
her bakery cake - Pink & Purple. Of course, I took it to the next
level, <b><span style="color: purple;">Purple</span></b> cake, <b><span style="color: #e71366;">Pink</span></b> icing... <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk-F3R4jYjP1BarMpLIR4tD4znCHF2Z9D3OZi0uZ4kbFiallgS8nCLuxs7_ZdK8C0jluDEFAAfBgf1a7xwzLSZPo8vuXDGr1vQpbLSFQrRSVIcYDGuQ-SAHpa_5VEfLvU24AmWmPvaUw/s1600/SAM_3897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk-F3R4jYjP1BarMpLIR4tD4znCHF2Z9D3OZi0uZ4kbFiallgS8nCLuxs7_ZdK8C0jluDEFAAfBgf1a7xwzLSZPo8vuXDGr1vQpbLSFQrRSVIcYDGuQ-SAHpa_5VEfLvU24AmWmPvaUw/s200/SAM_3897.JPG" width="200" /></a>It seems like when you have people coming to your house, you always run out of time...why would today be any different right? I was running in different directions and despite a call from Stephen from the store telling me they couldn't find her cake, it was all under control. I was relieved to see Stephen arrive home with the cake, apparently they were just having issues locating it, phew. Everyone arrived at the same time, even the pizza delivery chick, and I was still in the midst of finishing up icing and decorating her cake and the cupcakes. After some pizza, it was time for presents... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUtnhK7eRXongtZQ0bTmkvFIlyGcKw4UeigLpu7N74bdtCzsYxC8zP0iqw0thYonCi60jMDPkGnobHrII29lhtQ2_Uo-Sm0-iKHaqmLEFaXXyi6SUH9a-UHd5nyn96K_RX-CCVdkhiGU/s1600/SAM_3936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUtnhK7eRXongtZQ0bTmkvFIlyGcKw4UeigLpu7N74bdtCzsYxC8zP0iqw0thYonCi60jMDPkGnobHrII29lhtQ2_Uo-Sm0-iKHaqmLEFaXXyi6SUH9a-UHd5nyn96K_RX-CCVdkhiGU/s200/SAM_3936.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP3h63-5E8MuikaWV0skdEtyfFGcnlCP4TDV7yL1C3-_GEGBUIC5uxpX3ahit6fmhBS5qggJ5Q4SO9oZqxvPF9Van33wxmsXwBSaAK_w204acaF-y_rT89pfm4bOchlfMqdg0lxosX5M/s1600/SAM_3907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP3h63-5E8MuikaWV0skdEtyfFGcnlCP4TDV7yL1C3-_GEGBUIC5uxpX3ahit6fmhBS5qggJ5Q4SO9oZqxvPF9Van33wxmsXwBSaAK_w204acaF-y_rT89pfm4bOchlfMqdg0lxosX5M/s200/SAM_3907.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_A3dvEzr2Wr0_Pj_iDQvwwP0ub3MLbXeF1trihO8eZQ1MuTEX7q0JWcN7SP8tAm_3TTEbnArqDtITY4Cc6IL3RtuS_UN3_TM7YLZe83WQ6FfucHavCBpYREFvj-AXdsVlxp9oLKjD8/s1600/SAM_3915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_A3dvEzr2Wr0_Pj_iDQvwwP0ub3MLbXeF1trihO8eZQ1MuTEX7q0JWcN7SP8tAm_3TTEbnArqDtITY4Cc6IL3RtuS_UN3_TM7YLZe83WQ6FfucHavCBpYREFvj-AXdsVlxp9oLKjD8/s200/SAM_3915.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
If I had to guess I would think that Gabriella was on sensory overload. There were so many people, so much attention and so much unwrapping to do! I know for a fact that she was very pleased with all of her prezzies because when it was cake time, she really just wanted to continue to ride around!<br />
<br />
I have to say, I may have erroneously thought that Gabby would dive into her cake face first... She was a lot more skeptical than I would have ever imagined. I thought for sure she would have crumbs flying, icing on the walls and be covered in cake remnants! She was tame, fortunately, daddy was there to try to show her the ropes... Kinda regretting my "lead by example" motto... no, not really... it was a pretty awesome spectacle, as seen in the video (it's kind of long but it's cute!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Zr5jhYt39o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I believe her first birthday was quite a success, there was pizza, cake and a stroll around the hood in her new wagon (there is another seat, so Connor may get invited on a walk about one day soon...lol) - She was tuckered out, got a nice bath and went down a little earlier than usual (which means I will probably be up at 2am but totally worth it) which is nice, I needed to relax a little - it's been a long, busy day for me too!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e71366; text-align: center;">
<b>Happy FIRST Birthday Gabriella, Mommy & Daddy love you so very much!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Now, 4 more days until Joshua's birthday...OYE!</i></div>SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-40880375495938772592011-11-21T22:02:00.001-05:002011-11-24T21:48:56.219-05:00Giving Thanks & The Grand Strand Turkey Trot 8k!<table bgcolor="white">
<tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YD8sHwZRjJiRqTxxtjZZ9g8w6OMuodMQhws79HFK8GayfYX62HAvt8qAnueU7UNd-zpvoixEDKQJNc5BSE7OSvZK_s3s3EGaH2jRTaqRle7brNsQAUOWqi0fPJyB_RaZSoYZ6wEHP0s/s1600/2011_Grand_Strand_TT_Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YD8sHwZRjJiRqTxxtjZZ9g8w6OMuodMQhws79HFK8GayfYX62HAvt8qAnueU7UNd-zpvoixEDKQJNc5BSE7OSvZK_s3s3EGaH2jRTaqRle7brNsQAUOWqi0fPJyB_RaZSoYZ6wEHP0s/s200/2011_Grand_Strand_TT_Logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
Oh Thanksgiving morning, how I adore thee... Honestly, it's quite possibly my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving morning last year, I had welcomed my daughter, Gabriella, into the world. Needless to say I missed the Turkey Trot and enjoyed (sorta) my dinner in the hospital.<br />
This year I couldn't feel more blessed. I am in the full swing of my passion for running, back into my pre-pregnancy jeans, and thoroughly embracing everyday with my family. A lot of awesome things have happened for me, and my family. I had my daughter, completed my first unofficial triathlon, ran my first half, took a new job and found time to smell the roses.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5nC-ugZmthwHt3CLbsinil7ivXtGQtziCMm8UutfobRd6rWo7_YZVVwtWb6rHYlu3cwL7Qp6gjIwKSqRi3QG3xVacOCcWsOeqryMJZGDCoIXYGO6s3VeakT7t37s6iNQb8VbM4Voiao/s1600/raceserieslogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5nC-ugZmthwHt3CLbsinil7ivXtGQtziCMm8UutfobRd6rWo7_YZVVwtWb6rHYlu3cwL7Qp6gjIwKSqRi3QG3xVacOCcWsOeqryMJZGDCoIXYGO6s3VeakT7t37s6iNQb8VbM4Voiao/s200/raceserieslogo.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I was approached by <a href="http://myrtlebeach.thedigitel.com/" target="_blank">The Digitel Myrtle Beach</a> to be their sponsored athlete for the <a href="http://myrtlebeachraceseries.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Race Series</a>, I was thrilled! Who me? Ah, heck yeah! So today was the first race of the series, and I completed the 5th Annual Grand Strand Turkey Trot 8k.<br />
<br />
It was a typical morning, I had been up with Gabby at 3am, back to sleep at 4am, and the dreaded alarm blared at 615am. Ugh. My friend Jenn picked me
up at 7am, we decided to carpool to packet pickup on this
very chilly and a little bit breezy Thanksgiving morning.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJy0SQMPwIiWyriKsrLG47e0exRm9JOjCjpnJn0d1T5Iv3fUVH0BVkK_NLbN5CESzKJfy9zZ4ymmDCLrzIpGIN-vrNHwqJwV92CyAqT8fNmvO0rknevsKBuUL9JKRac8sPyEardLaPjU/s1600/turkeytrot-me%2526jenn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJy0SQMPwIiWyriKsrLG47e0exRm9JOjCjpnJn0d1T5Iv3fUVH0BVkK_NLbN5CESzKJfy9zZ4ymmDCLrzIpGIN-vrNHwqJwV92CyAqT8fNmvO0rknevsKBuUL9JKRac8sPyEardLaPjU/s200/turkeytrot-me%2526jenn.jpg" width="142" /></a>We had some time to kill after we got our bibs & shirts so we just spent it chit chatting in the car, since it was still 45 degrees out. As the time dwindled we made our way to the start. I guess there was an overwhelming response to this event (which is awesome since it was for charity!) and we got off to a little bit of a late start but nothing crazy. I didn't mind because I had a few minutes to catch up with my friend Christine who had recently moved away, and was in town! She was pacing her little boy while pushing a double jogger - she kinda rocks like that! I wish we had more time to chat but it wasn't long before the siren sounded and off we all went! Jenn is a tad faster (ok, a LOT faster than me) and when the crowd started moving, she was gone.<br />
<br />
I decided for this race that I would abandon my start fast and go like that for as long as possible, since it really wasn't working for me. I decided today that I was there to simply enjoy the run. So the only goal I set, stay under a 10 minute mile, and finish before 50 minutes. The course is flat, they say fast, but I say - depends on who's running it! As I hit 1.70 miles a gust of wind took my Nike visor right off my head! Thankfully (as going with the theme for today) a runner that was behind me scooped it up and handed it back to me. The whole visor thing through me for a minute, I had to get back into a groove.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qZKa3rayRSM2myTwNwpznibaNnDoJjSkjXdM2SwUddjluXNGVQzWw0FEwpFHAC1InnJnRwnzT91rMtDbyEwf7Sj6uw779EueIMKPRJnKP9M02pJGJYa76Gh-B_E6_j23gzdBWdSIqP4/s1600/SAM_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qZKa3rayRSM2myTwNwpznibaNnDoJjSkjXdM2SwUddjluXNGVQzWw0FEwpFHAC1InnJnRwnzT91rMtDbyEwf7Sj6uw779EueIMKPRJnKP9M02pJGJYa76Gh-B_E6_j23gzdBWdSIqP4/s200/SAM_3851.JPG" width="128" /></a><br />
The 8k and 5k runners started off together, and as we reached the split, I have to be honest - I had wished I was doing the 5k! I think my problem is that I really don't get comfortable until about 3.5 miles.<br />
<br />
As I started heading down Farrow Parkway, I started seeing people coming back (since mile 3 & 4 are an out and back) already - sometimes that can be a downer. Today, I just looked at the people passing me trying to guess how fast they were going and perhaps for a fleeting second, daydreamed about how it would feel to be at the head of the pack. Despite my daydreaming, I maintained a good pace, and soon enough I was turning around. Now, I was the person people were seeing, and all I could think was, "Good job guys!", and I like to think that's when everyone who was passing me was thinking too!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0w9ldWZZ9P6vtlXAlnHIUTw33OBPNI-maOKeC7r_qva9sS2hokoYBOOrwlK5g7Qmhm0KMUxwXwzsGKKYzeHkYKnfbluNtRDtAAhjxSJukSO3n0azXtyGYdok-bj0k2WcJYenw670RRs/s1600/SAM_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0w9ldWZZ9P6vtlXAlnHIUTw33OBPNI-maOKeC7r_qva9sS2hokoYBOOrwlK5g7Qmhm0KMUxwXwzsGKKYzeHkYKnfbluNtRDtAAhjxSJukSO3n0azXtyGYdok-bj0k2WcJYenw670RRs/s200/SAM_3854.JPG" width="200" /></a>I was at about 4.7 miles when I felt like I could pee myself (any woman with a child knows what I am talking about) but I knew I was close to the end. The running path had started getting busy with non-racers, so I was weaving in and out of walkers and post-race peeps cooling down. Just a little farther, it's right about this corner, up over this last little bridge. You got to love a little downhill action to propel you toward the end, and boy did I need that! I don't have an official time yet, but according to my Garmin, my time was 49:28 (Update: Official Chip Time : 49:33) and my average time splits were 9:46, 10:01, 9:53, 10:00, 9:40 and 8:07 with an overall average pace of 9:52. In my book, not a bad day at all - this turtle will take it! <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrrueCZeUI2UxV5J19LSbBB0Kuz7q7wSGGzVgQzKS4h6qj1DVLb-GXetuGAZZ-JUPwJtFAAS0NOUgKiYOz7SobWQXa6XpND8d-BQCrp7PBg4r6yx-LCOItiQqwgtQH06GAiquzDvrxTI/s1600/SAM_3859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrrueCZeUI2UxV5J19LSbBB0Kuz7q7wSGGzVgQzKS4h6qj1DVLb-GXetuGAZZ-JUPwJtFAAS0NOUgKiYOz7SobWQXa6XpND8d-BQCrp7PBg4r6yx-LCOItiQqwgtQH06GAiquzDvrxTI/s200/SAM_3859.JPG" width="200" /></a>What could be better than hitting a race goal you ask? Well for me, I think the best part of any race is when I can see my wonderful husband, who is always so supportive of all my races, standing at the finish line holding my baby girl. Someday she will actually understand what is going on, and I can't wait to hear her cheer me on... Of course the Eptons never decline a photo op, so here we are taking a minute to digitally document our day at the race, thanks to Jenn for being our photographer ;)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iCeybOUCdoy9D-sKs95KL7Qk2rNiHYPLll8n9iqoQPRVI0eExVglhH6-hHMhkJriyRe7Zwf8_mGPw8ATIPasJ3AjjTt6R4vFSUf4dyrRVZOC5x274U0UMDYC3U3kx2rR8Wad8LtxfEI/s1600/SAM_3862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iCeybOUCdoy9D-sKs95KL7Qk2rNiHYPLll8n9iqoQPRVI0eExVglhH6-hHMhkJriyRe7Zwf8_mGPw8ATIPasJ3AjjTt6R4vFSUf4dyrRVZOC5x274U0UMDYC3U3kx2rR8Wad8LtxfEI/s200/SAM_3862.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutie Connor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The last part of the day, which I think is beyond adorable is the Tot Trot. Of course next year Gabriella will be sporting a pair of Newtons (do they even make them that small?) for the Tot Trot so watch out! My friend Regan was there with her adorable son Connor (a.k.a. Future Heart Breaker!). He was so pleased with his race bling, and who wouldn't be?<br />
I think he was making eyes at Gabby too - we will have a chat about that later! I love seeing little kids being active, kudos to all the parents out there making their kids part of this wonderful race day!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRFaIasfR2iQdAvzH0eTDt3ANhaciVfrZXKlumWnRU3wINp9m3GcZ2YMiATix2Qtowi2aerc8amFwviNM6sKu6_hnLFOC3rtxbegun3TXa-4VfAHXQS9Dt7tA2BkJ1bMeIIod0BMFsf0/s1600/SAM_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRFaIasfR2iQdAvzH0eTDt3ANhaciVfrZXKlumWnRU3wINp9m3GcZ2YMiATix2Qtowi2aerc8amFwviNM6sKu6_hnLFOC3rtxbegun3TXa-4VfAHXQS9Dt7tA2BkJ1bMeIIod0BMFsf0/s200/SAM_3866.JPG" width="190" /></a>Now no race would be complete with admiring my own race bling! I love this medal, it's cute, it's colorful and it's a good size too! I really had a good time at this Turkey Trot, there were so many people just hanging out, listening to music and putting off positive vibes. <br />
<br />
I am so excited for this whole race series! Next up in the series is the <a href="http://myrtlebeachraceseries.com/event4.htm" target="_blank">Pressed for Time</a> which means this girl here better be hitting the weights! I'm not hitting on much when it comes to the upper body strength and I am going to need to do some serious work! The bench press portion happens on January 13, 2012 and the race is the 14th. I cannot wait to see what the t-shirt and race bling for this race it going to look like!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP3c2Z8GPEd4208VR2PfVOU19pDpG0_LyrzGpqbYjuIlWqhq0nV20iWZ0IYTLnZVt9pWukXyt7bI7YI_2enKiOxIKeshsHKHwebNABXY81kb24lY1hj3SmFaCYpuE1lwWoHERMWPePZ4/s1600/give_thanks_everyday_C01189_19547.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP3c2Z8GPEd4208VR2PfVOU19pDpG0_LyrzGpqbYjuIlWqhq0nV20iWZ0IYTLnZVt9pWukXyt7bI7YI_2enKiOxIKeshsHKHwebNABXY81kb24lY1hj3SmFaCYpuE1lwWoHERMWPePZ4/s1600/give_thanks_everyday_C01189_19547.gif" /></a>The rest of my Thanksgiving involved me attempting to make a homemade macaroni & cheese (which turned out pretty awesome if I do say so myself!), and nice dinner with family and friends, and of course a little football! I haven't quite made it to dessert, my mom made homemade apple pie & pumpkin squares, not sure what I am waiting for! I guess Monday is when I will be recommitting to a healthy diet and fitness routine...<br />
Tomorrow is my baby girls first birthday so there is cake in my immediate future! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I know I could not feel more blessed than I do today.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-91846187397285509712011-11-19T21:12:00.001-05:002011-11-19T23:18:03.124-05:00Race to Save Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbBO_v3cmLHW098RtMG7bMInaaYt0Ry2dwkZ008ordCdS7LgYSwRWNWwptwHAXIUHZavfk55toduxd_LSJ87ZchN-f4KjQtOARnpu8mPlkd5N8sGE92RHy5YztDKGVWexKQyCnUOql28/s1600/RTSH-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbBO_v3cmLHW098RtMG7bMInaaYt0Ry2dwkZ008ordCdS7LgYSwRWNWwptwHAXIUHZavfk55toduxd_LSJ87ZchN-f4KjQtOARnpu8mPlkd5N8sGE92RHy5YztDKGVWexKQyCnUOql28/s200/RTSH-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I was originally supposed to run in the Pajama 5k in Charleston. I had won the entry on Active, but then Stephen was going to have to work... As it turns out, last minute that was not the case but with a baby, you can't just make last minute plans to go out of town for the night. So, I did what anyone in my running mind would do, I found a local race.<br />
<a href="http://www.racetosavehearts.webs.com/">The Race to Save Hearts</a> is a charity run, with all proceeds going to the American Heart Association. It started last year, Rachel McFall put together this run to honor her mother who she had lost to a heart attack just a few months prior to her 50th birthday. Rachel was in high school when her mother passed, and it is inspiring for such a young lady to want to organize this event to raise awareness of Heart Disease.<br />
<br />
Last year at this time I was just days from giving birth to Gabriella, so I did not run in this race. This year, I thought fate may have stepped in, I felt this was exactly where I needed to be. I lost my father in 2008 to congestive heart failure, he was diagnosed with heart disease when I was 10, at which time he was 38 years old. The doctors gave him 2 years to live. He of course being Irish and stubborn lived until he was 62, and even then - he was gone too soon if you ask me. My dad had a plethora of ailments; heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity - secondary ailments of peripheral neuropathy and edema, so bad he could barely get a shoe to fit. It's hard to lose a parent, regardless of how old you are, but I felt for Rachel as I heard her story, and I wish her all the best.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hXY-RXGGrxXNG8A4Kmjs0lfhE2aJtGeG_w-OsmolNB4H5osW0wUZusl-cHBAcekqJv6G1EDNd8yoJ54YUAxtaGPCZlbW7g53vrkrKQUnYJu0uDGHOlbto87NfaIF5d7bl5U197mUkUA/s1600/g_no.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hXY-RXGGrxXNG8A4Kmjs0lfhE2aJtGeG_w-OsmolNB4H5osW0wUZusl-cHBAcekqJv6G1EDNd8yoJ54YUAxtaGPCZlbW7g53vrkrKQUnYJu0uDGHOlbto87NfaIF5d7bl5U197mUkUA/s200/g_no.gif" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I kept telling myself...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The morning was COLD, like 42 and windy. I had hopes of cranking out an awesome race, dreaming of a PR (it's been a while since I had one of those), upon arriving to the cold wind, I was beginning to think, perhaps not. It didn't take long before we decided that the crisp wind was just a little too much for the baby, so Stephen took her back to the car before the race started. Unfortunately, the weather also kept the number of participants down to probably the number of degrees it was outside.<br />
<br />
As I got to the start line, I popped my headphones in and press play... nothing. Not a light, not a flicker, nada. Awesome. I hate running without music if I am runnign by myself. I needed Eminem to keep me warm today and I was left with nothing. Then we got the Get Ready - Bang! and off I went, eager to make this a PR. I started off WAY too fast, and did I mention for some unknown reason, I didn't bother switching my orthotics to these shoes? Duh. I felt good for the first mile, averaging a 9:13, but then I hit a wall and mile 2 was 11:27 avg pace, mile 3 little improvement, 10:48. The last 10th of a mile I kick in, but I was mentally destroyed. Final time, 32:25 with an avg pace of 10:26. My slowest time since my first race at 8 weeks postpartum, and before that, well never. How depressing...<br />
<br />
Could I be losing my mojo? I need to get back on this 'horse' so to speak, kick it up a notch and get off this lazy train. I have become complacent. How could this have happened to me? Well the real question is, regardless of the how it happened - how do I fix it? I will mention here that I did place 3rd for my age group, remember there were like 40 people who showed up, so my odds were pretty good. I hate that I went in wanting to do so well and I kinda sucked... bad.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQHuO5F1rU0tJ6Klayagz9RS0Z5CpATaKUXfaNLSNudAj0h9fjCC4x0IXj41c9QF7rILcSwi0RT-uJOOtH1P99izYExlwtc6L2u36wOcmnWxpqKrOGPH9LS7gK1hKXv4FYqJbaUvW1-A/s1600/battle-font-give-up-green-keep-going-Favim.com-116453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQHuO5F1rU0tJ6Klayagz9RS0Z5CpATaKUXfaNLSNudAj0h9fjCC4x0IXj41c9QF7rILcSwi0RT-uJOOtH1P99izYExlwtc6L2u36wOcmnWxpqKrOGPH9LS7gK1hKXv4FYqJbaUvW1-A/s320/battle-font-give-up-green-keep-going-Favim.com-116453.jpg" width="320" /></a>What does this really mean in the grand scheme of things? Simply put, S%#t happens. sometimes you just have a crappy run, sometimes you haven't hydrated, haven't trained or even haven't rested enough... and sometimes you've physically shown up to an event where mentally you've hung the vacancy sign. Regardless of the 'why' of this race, I'll lived to run another day (god willing). So I will do what I would advise anyone else to do. Put your big girl panties (or big boy briefs) on, and just try again. It's not the end of the world, and since I am sponsor free, I have nothing to lose... I just need to swallow this craptacular race like liver & onions, and move on. Remembering only that I want to do better, figure out what changes I need to make, and then execute.<br />
<br />
So my point? Keep going. We tend to hold on to the bad outcomes a lot longer than we do the good. It's not always going to be your day, or your race but it is just one race, it is just one day. Mentally we need to train ourselves to accept our shortcomings as a natural part of life. Draw from them, the learning experiences they can offer, and toss the rest to the side. We can't always be the best at everything, but we can give everything our best. <br />
<br />
For the record (after checking again): my iPod was completely charged, apparently there is a lock of some sort (I've owned this thing for oh, almost 4 years and never used a lock) and unbeknownst to me, it was locked...ugh.SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-5052633823459903132011-11-16T09:16:00.001-05:002011-11-16T10:33:55.069-05:00TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k Run/Walk 12/17!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Are you over all the Team in Training posts yet? I know, I know… it seems like that is ALL I ever talk about these days, but I can't apologize…nor will I. When I decided to take on this challenge of raising $3800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I thought it was impossible. Seriously? I can't imagine raising that kind of money! Then <a href="http://runfastermommy.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and I were talking about it, and rationalizing it, and it seemed we could do it, if for no other reason, barring all logic, we had it in our hearts to accomplish it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Has it been easy? No… there has been a lot of lost sleep <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.190850510998063.47687.117759664973815&type=1" target="_blank">Crafting for a Cure</a> (which you read previously hasn't been the most successful of ideas) and selling <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.191040557645725.47714.117759664973815&type=3" target="_blank">Bondi Bands</a>, and of course planning events…That is what brings me to the right now…
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Announcing</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qcgIdOoIn3pjX1KrZdBedtLjitdMUqA104inmMuh6qTcdiiMFeK6zlnRHtQAZLiqKgBRoRPVVoYtXQDO6Gmr2ycJ-Uh1Mh3ntGC3l-3_3yb8i_JyixOX51VixbFjAcKFVIW1hO7f2Tk/s1600/TeamInTraining_logo-300x198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qcgIdOoIn3pjX1KrZdBedtLjitdMUqA104inmMuh6qTcdiiMFeK6zlnRHtQAZLiqKgBRoRPVVoYtXQDO6Gmr2ycJ-Uh1Mh3ntGC3l-3_3yb8i_JyixOX51VixbFjAcKFVIW1hO7f2Tk/s200/TeamInTraining_logo-300x198.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c;"> The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://lousyrunner.com/event.html" target="_blank"><b>TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k Run/Walk</b></a><b>!</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c;"> Of course this is a no frills event which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! How it works is like this, you Register for it, then on December 17th, you run or walk wherever YOU want! There are no timing chips, no bibs, no waiting in line at a porta-john (wondering why you thought it was a good idea to eat/drink whatever you did), no age group awards, or fruit/bagels/water waiting for you at the finish (well unless you ask your friends & family)…So I know, it doesn't sound like you get a lot for your $20 donation right? WELL, just hold your horses, because you do get something… besides knowing you are helping those with blood cancer (which may just be enough for you) - You are going to earn yourself a lousy medal!</span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />Be forewarned, I am not going to reveal this lousy medal, but it's not going to be all that lousy because I love race bling just as much as the next girl… I think you will be pretty proud to have this shiny momento… but yes, it will not be pictured until after they are mailed, post event. It's going to be killing me not to share it with you but I think it will add to the suspense and after all, it's about charity not bling…ok a little about bling too but like 99.98% about charity!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />So I hope that regardless of your athletic talents, you will take part in the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://lousyrunner.com/event.html" target="_blank"><b>TNT Lousy Medal Virtual 5k Run/Walk</b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">… I would love to see some pictures, maybe local groups will go out together and run or walk it… Oh dare to dream… I would love for everyone to share the link, <a href="http://lousyrunner.com/">lousyrunner.com</a> and see just how many people we can get to support the LLS Team in Training!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><i>p.s. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535a5c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Did I mention there is a prize package in the works? Yup, you return to the site and leave a comment that you finished and you will be entered into the random drawing!!! </span></span></span>SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-50742299154669771422011-11-13T21:08:00.001-05:002011-11-13T22:42:58.946-05:00Getting Crafty... or at least I thought!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MwAjIiYs2_yj7tuYOR9gPLZHVMffnYMSH6HCtZ70RqRz7hCBgWhRtkquK5nu75VA6QePtjy7Krc17BvbRU4fGeDwdjoFO-1HM0BXXoG9DYRCCV8ucvn_cG3MmVjtqA_oQ5cMmPcf7rc/s1600/SAM_3687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MwAjIiYs2_yj7tuYOR9gPLZHVMffnYMSH6HCtZ70RqRz7hCBgWhRtkquK5nu75VA6QePtjy7Krc17BvbRU4fGeDwdjoFO-1HM0BXXoG9DYRCCV8ucvn_cG3MmVjtqA_oQ5cMmPcf7rc/s320/SAM_3687.JPG" width="179" /></a>Ok, so let me first start off by saying, I would never have called myself crafty, not in the tricky, cunning way and certainly not in the glue gun and ribbon way, but when I started on this mission to raise money with Team in Training, I found myself the later of the two crafty's - or at least I thought!<br />
<br />
I have been painting, hot gluing and making more bows then I would have ever imagined in the past month or so... I am not sure how it started really...oh right, <a href="http://pinterest.com/hope_epton/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I was turned onto this site where people from all over are just a smidgen into a whole world of boards and pins... I was suckered into this vortex by my loving mother in law, thanks GiGi! It all started with the googly eye frame for Halloween...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsMYgBOpIK7a3Vb4iCZSJ5-Sl6fOjGedOLYIqGOdnPckjp89YqgQFWudJHqojmc_SscXM77eXhh09U01QAHqudgpNniQWYuaFK92q8dpchfio76LcmFJVhMZb4hRVRem7TLmCk7EXDUw/s1600/lit-jew-cube" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsMYgBOpIK7a3Vb4iCZSJ5-Sl6fOjGedOLYIqGOdnPckjp89YqgQFWudJHqojmc_SscXM77eXhh09U01QAHqudgpNniQWYuaFK92q8dpchfio76LcmFJVhMZb4hRVRem7TLmCk7EXDUw/s200/lit-jew-cube" width="149" /></a>Ah yah, my frames were AWESOME (if I do say so myself!) and then that lead to the, "I bet I could sell these and raise some money for LLS" thought... next thing you know I am spending my Friday and Saturday nights (yes, way different than the weekends of the early 90's) designing, painting and creating these little pieces of handcrafted art decor. I also began making lit cubes, which are made to look like little presents... I made one for Halloween & I have made more than a dozen for the holiday season... I love these things, they are SO pretty & they make great little night lights! <br />
<br />
Well this past Saturday was the big craft show where I was going to sell out of all my frames, cubes and bows, where I would easily be able to hit my 50% mark in my fundraising efforts, and undoubtedly be taking orders for customized creations (I even had the carbon copy invoice papers to do it!) - Oh yes, this event had me up near midnight for days, preparing for what would be a glorious day in my TNT journey. I just knew it would be worth it...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglvJXQGGM2Z_4XwznwuaWS-9dZm9gA01tgsYqTBt3Y-5m6dQAcktUTRJiW6Yw9UitABDg9dfZQo5ps_pLLpXOM-1MgVkBwvb4mZLbnuk5jBQQjsQHEdEnc6nv8K5SD1hENY2bv-CtQzk/s1600/CFAC-nov122011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglvJXQGGM2Z_4XwznwuaWS-9dZm9gA01tgsYqTBt3Y-5m6dQAcktUTRJiW6Yw9UitABDg9dfZQo5ps_pLLpXOM-1MgVkBwvb4mZLbnuk5jBQQjsQHEdEnc6nv8K5SD1hENY2bv-CtQzk/s400/CFAC-nov122011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at me, so excited & hopeful... such a shame...lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrive right on time, GiGi was so fabulous to come help me! We got our cramped little table set up, albeit my marketing skills kinda blew on this one, I didn't make price signs, and apparently (I learned later on) people need to see how they could use a bow, like I should have taken pictures of how I use bows in my decorating... Honestly, I just thought it would sell itself because it's a bow - not a juicer, but I guess I was wrong.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Hx2z0Zuezw8UWtt9isEfVnlzdnYXGzYMoIs_nHBNOfp_nXMQpAOgYl5E3XrzRL8u0oIQuFMuQFdjVID8Jk77xog7tBk6801AVMEyi-hVmQ3nzLnUuRif2SowlDGYn0PE9CySsDb9bU/s1600/IMG_8874.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Hx2z0Zuezw8UWtt9isEfVnlzdnYXGzYMoIs_nHBNOfp_nXMQpAOgYl5E3XrzRL8u0oIQuFMuQFdjVID8Jk77xog7tBk6801AVMEyi-hVmQ3nzLnUuRif2SowlDGYn0PE9CySsDb9bU/s320/IMG_8874.png" width="213" /></a>It started off slow, but it was cold out... after the first 15 minutes I had texted Stephen that we'd had a few lookers but nothing sold yet. After an hour and a half, my next text simply said "This sucks." - I know I am an overachiever and perhaps expected too much, but when it came to be 1:30pm (4.5 hours into the 6 hour event) and I had sold 1 cube and 1 frame, and I had already cried 3 times... I was exhausted, I was disappointed and I just couldn't understand why people wouldn't love my work... especially since it was all going to charity!!! <br />
<br />
The next hour and a half was slow and painful, as people were obvious in their attempts to not make eye contact, walk by quickly saying "Pretty, Pretty" (yeah blue hair, I heard you!) and when I finally decided to take a few minutes away to catch the end of the first half of the Gamecocks game, I returned to see GiGi had sold another frame... I contemplated the notion that perhaps I needed to watch the rest of the game and let her handle the table but I didn't...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdSHcAAv8Idz0vheDpUrSLkCw4NXhosmudt-hJSVQ6buNWnJxSNVVKkTA4cKqoDJC5SWM_Y-aUEuvMMD-kuR6obecCCoOFHVj_svTfEAai2ws3A_T6pLomiBExQpXVeUL9cahF42ay4Y/s1600/IMG_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdSHcAAv8Idz0vheDpUrSLkCw4NXhosmudt-hJSVQ6buNWnJxSNVVKkTA4cKqoDJC5SWM_Y-aUEuvMMD-kuR6obecCCoOFHVj_svTfEAai2ws3A_T6pLomiBExQpXVeUL9cahF42ay4Y/s200/IMG_0169.jpg" width="150" /></a>The only other thing we sold was another cube, the to the Partylite Consultant at the table next to ours. So 6 hours, 3 full on tearfeasts, 2 fight hard to hold back tears, and 1 pathetic attempt to raise money... we sold 2 cubes and 2 frames. So, between the cost of the table and lunch, I am down $70 and raised a whopping $44 for TNT. Not exactly the all out, balls to the walls event I had in my mind, imagined. <br />
<br />
I guess I must have sounded so down my darling hubby arranged for GiGi to keep Gabby so we could go out to dinner, I could have those drinks and then get a full, uninterrupted nights sleep... yeah, he's a keeper :) So after the Great Craft debacle of 2011, I arrived home to see my angel and hubby waiting to greet me in the driveway. Nothing like a nice family hug to melt away all the bad of the day. Gabby now gives kisses, which is so adorable and makes my heart smile. Stephen and I did have an awesome dinner out, I had a few Cosmos (made it for happy hour too which is bonus!) and of course we did partake in a caffeinated (loving the Pumpkin Spice coffee or latte or whatever it is!) stroll through Barnes & Noble... then home where I slept so soundly, it was pure bliss... <br />
<br />
As far as Crafting for a Cure, crashing and burning, I won't allow myself to get too discouraged, just know that I don't fail... While this was an unexpected set back, I am moving forward. I have about a dozen custom frames that I need to do for some awesome peeps... and I know that the next show will be great...it has to be! (I've warned my relatives that if I don't sell this stuff they are all getting a frame and cube for Christmas and my tree will be covered in just bows!!!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifShXoODdO1dEE0WsKcsv4c9lEjp-IaB1MtEUHyhi4GB5KItrM-zxpKKS4oHf344lUmT4wI4PiqhQ5C2iJQyGJNbX3WOHCFYaXzmgHUCSdjCwFxPIzuq3KU0hiPvDOr294QlzhhAhDr6c/s1600/SAM_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifShXoODdO1dEE0WsKcsv4c9lEjp-IaB1MtEUHyhi4GB5KItrM-zxpKKS4oHf344lUmT4wI4PiqhQ5C2iJQyGJNbX3WOHCFYaXzmgHUCSdjCwFxPIzuq3KU0hiPvDOr294QlzhhAhDr6c/s320/SAM_3808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of my little frames!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will also post pictures of my little masterpieces on my <a href="http://facebook.com/TeamEpton" target="_blank">facebook</a> page...ya know, in case you want one...lol (hey, I am not giving up!)SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-82230482320719162462011-11-05T13:47:00.001-04:002011-11-05T13:48:33.078-04:00Blustery CareTeam Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko9GZsNkx9pXgsCebDhjGD0pbTTuU6I9_2YODsphyphenhyphenD_rd7wXG7Fkou5N6OyyVZqyUepIEwR-lUv5PbL6FNmc2SvrePPImkf2FaPzQP4-F3HEQ6ylAvOitj5DibIsf5CSDaSg0KU-5GtY/s1600/careteam2011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko9GZsNkx9pXgsCebDhjGD0pbTTuU6I9_2YODsphyphenhyphenD_rd7wXG7Fkou5N6OyyVZqyUepIEwR-lUv5PbL6FNmc2SvrePPImkf2FaPzQP4-F3HEQ6ylAvOitj5DibIsf5CSDaSg0KU-5GtY/s320/careteam2011-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was a cold, windy, morning… One of those mornings where I would normally stay in my fuzzy fleece jammy jams and sip coffee under the blankets. Of course, I had already committed to the CareTeam Beach Run & AIDS Walk, so I had to get up and get moving.<br />
<br />
There was a little debate about whether or not it would be a good idea to bring Gabby to the race, in the end we decided it was going to be too cold and windy for the princess to be out. Admittedly, I was just a tiny bit bummed because I love having my hubs & baby girl at the finish line…A girl gets used to the cheering section. As I hopped in the car and headed toward the race, I thought it was ok, I've done races alone before (usually I know someone who is racing as well, but not today) and it wasn't a big deal.<br />
<br />
When I pulled onto Ocean Blvd, I parked in a place that I was hoping was legal (the last race we got a ticket, and you have 4 days to pay it or they charge you an additional $10, needless to say I sent it in about 45 days later…lol). As I watched the palmetto trees sway in the wind, I had a thought, 10mph winds my a$$, more like 25! I got out of the car and immediately was relieved that my little pumpkin was not with me. She would have been so cold, and I would have felt so horrible!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzQ7bFEw2guoZZoSE_GZCIqAPVqXIbEEs3SNHPspqB7EvYTVEvJTJZl7_FvkUHj0A-_rvrEUULCswBZ_lbZtNgAS0p-qkJ2DX0sPZ11bGNzWrG8dSvXldUdvljGLv8b66CAQEKAZTrtM/s1600/careteam2011-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzQ7bFEw2guoZZoSE_GZCIqAPVqXIbEEs3SNHPspqB7EvYTVEvJTJZl7_FvkUHj0A-_rvrEUULCswBZ_lbZtNgAS0p-qkJ2DX0sPZ11bGNzWrG8dSvXldUdvljGLv8b66CAQEKAZTrtM/s320/careteam2011-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I checked in, got the usual race stuff and then heard how the ENTIRE race was on the beach… WTH, I had no idea… I guess the whole "Beach Run" didn't relay to me that it was on the beach, I simply thought it was called that because it was AT the Beach…damn. Have I mentioned before how I despise running on the beach, sand is not this runners friend (not sure how many runners like the sand really) but hey I was here, and I was doing it. Have I mentioned how COLD it was??? At least it was for a good cause, otherwise I may have bailed (haha no I wouldn't of, I'm just talking smack now).<br />
<br />
The gentleman who addressed the audience spoke of how he was HIV Positive at the age of 22, and how it was 20 years ago. He went on to talk about how grateful he was to still be alive, and happy that we all came out to support the cause. I guess it's true how 10-15 years ago, HIV & AIDS was all over the news, new studies seemed to come out all the time, people were in shock over it's impact, now, can you tell me the last statistic you've heard in the media about HIV or AIDS? Yeah, me neither. I guess we've become desensitized to the health issue, the impact it has on our country… Now we hear more about salmonella deaths than those a result of HIV/AIDS.<br />
<br />
It was then time to make our way down to the beach, and instructions were given. Here I go! I was hoping for a PR kind of day, but the trifecta of cold, wind and sand, basically abolished that thought. I was just going to run it, outcome unimportant.<br />
<br />
I do now know what a real jellyfish looks like (a dead one anyway, which in my opinion is the only way I want to see one), they are one of the hazards when running on the beach. Poor guy in front of me almost busted his a$$ as he stepped on a carcass…sorry guy but better you than me! It wasn't a horrible run, I am not a fan of the down and back, where I am forced to count the people on their way back already and in this race, twice.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEGy-bz_s29O9CfoUULRqByW_enRK0A2ptbs6QWFmeN4HfvaVLKe2q5mTrPyTz8ZyJKmOHEnm0lylkyjS2iUDU4pHZzlw_8C9532hh_NQlKj0d9LJoE-w9nd-yXkI5QwBUr41pz-hVc/s1600/SAM_3788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEGy-bz_s29O9CfoUULRqByW_enRK0A2ptbs6QWFmeN4HfvaVLKe2q5mTrPyTz8ZyJKmOHEnm0lylkyjS2iUDU4pHZzlw_8C9532hh_NQlKj0d9LJoE-w9nd-yXkI5QwBUr41pz-hVc/s320/SAM_3788.JPG" width="320" /></a>As my run was concluding I could read the clock (mind you my thumbs were fastened securely in the shirt sleeve so I hadn't looked at my Garmin at all) it said 25:50 and counting… In my mind I thought, NO WAY!!! Of course when I came to the end of the chute and they were removing my chip, I looked at my Garmin and said, "That's what I thought…No way". The course was about a half mile short (a minor miscommunication for the first turn around location), for a split second I thought I had done something so awesome, but alas, not so much…lol It was fine really, I got my finishers medal and because it was a small event, I placed first in my age group. I wish the course had been 3.1miles, but it wasn't, and that is life, sometimes you come up short! I thought sticking it out, even though it was freezing (relative to location, I am sure you guys from Michigan, Minnesota and all points around there would laugh) and it was in the sand, was my accomplishment for the day. <i>BONUS</i> was there was free Starbucks coffee, so instead of rehydrating with water, I opted for the hot coffee - if for no other reason than to thaw out my digits!<br />
<br />
Moral of a beach run, at least you're not a jellyfish! Happy Running!SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-10219802914344088622011-11-04T16:45:00.000-04:002011-11-04T20:29:05.833-04:00Remembering Why You RUN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvZnRv5iIFS052NiSjkv6Hi86xiYrVXZ-izIDoLvjOR3UfEB6Hf11EZkR7_NS4UOxWNqgwoWNz6iOCMj3KFCxEvvXum3qBoGKlvEEbldZlS9G1q8qhxWUjY-HEqRS2SBvLwpMU8Pqnj4/s1600/getstarted.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvZnRv5iIFS052NiSjkv6Hi86xiYrVXZ-izIDoLvjOR3UfEB6Hf11EZkR7_NS4UOxWNqgwoWNz6iOCMj3KFCxEvvXum3qBoGKlvEEbldZlS9G1q8qhxWUjY-HEqRS2SBvLwpMU8Pqnj4/s200/getstarted.png" width="200" /></a>Since the start of my running 'career', my debut being in 1993, which happens to coincide with day one of ARMY boot camp, I had never had much desire to log long distances. Over the past year, I have developed this obsession with conquering my own fears of failure, removing self imposed limits, and setting out to do things I thought, for me, were impossible. I just had to start, I had to be brave enough to take that step… If you remember, on October 23rd, I did my first Half Marathon. My chip time 2:42:22, a good effort for not having the proper training and thinking that new shoes and orthotics wouldn't play into any issues while running 13.1, which incidentally, was about 6 miles longer than I had ever run before. As I saw some of my friends post their times, for some reason, I began feeling a little embarrassed about my finish time, especially when everyone I know (and who ran on Sunday) finished anywhere from 15-45minutes before me… Of course I had to remind myself again, not to compare myself to others, simply focus on my accomplishments. Seems to be a theme for me, but my race is my race and I am happy for all those who finish their race, regardless of how fast or not fast in your opinion it may be!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6ENtd-OwNNfdi5sniiQmkSuoIsBfYH1iPL1_GATiOxH9Vq98_kZ5KV8SVYd8aAEB4b9rqOEdBg_CFYxNqR1IxCKxRlTE76zJcddZKwJMQPVyv624eZWybJmCgzKZ7MNnvcGYyGlOank/s1600/unique-happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6ENtd-OwNNfdi5sniiQmkSuoIsBfYH1iPL1_GATiOxH9Vq98_kZ5KV8SVYd8aAEB4b9rqOEdBg_CFYxNqR1IxCKxRlTE76zJcddZKwJMQPVyv624eZWybJmCgzKZ7MNnvcGYyGlOank/s200/unique-happy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So the other day, Halloween actually, I ran for the first time since the half. I felt great - it's amazing how my mindset has changed… the difference between facing 13.1 and 3.1 - I know it's not rocket science, but I really started to push a little harder… I looked at my splits 9:38, 9:59, 9:37 (I guess I was starting to slack on the 2nd mile) it really makes me think about how much our minds play with us. I made a point of not looking at my Garmin, I didn't want my mind to tell me to slow down, I just wanted to feel the run… Total time: 30:10 which is good, it's not a PR it's not under 30 but you know what, I felt really awesome and that my friends, is why I run. I FELT great. I was owning my run. It didn't matter what was happening, I was happy, I was feeling free and empowered and like a rockstar in my personal world of Guitar Hero, I was Randy Rhodes (back when he was on the rails of the crazy train that is…not know obviously- R.I.P.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6cZyfe4DaTSbISCmFjE70667SSe_W9fnXLD39ohjZ3U3ikkD58huBVhLPnh2aYoAQiAVM6tppaJS5PYy1TbFWWX8cEBJsayoWU6IM9xjeYxqkxJlQ5Bi9hP2hjCF6p4gJ-C5wXAnqjc/s1600/its-not-about-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6cZyfe4DaTSbISCmFjE70667SSe_W9fnXLD39ohjZ3U3ikkD58huBVhLPnh2aYoAQiAVM6tppaJS5PYy1TbFWWX8cEBJsayoWU6IM9xjeYxqkxJlQ5Bi9hP2hjCF6p4gJ-C5wXAnqjc/s200/its-not-about-you.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
We all have points whether we are trying to lose weight, increase our strength, agility, or just keep fit, where we look at the person next to us and think, Why can't I be that thin, fast, strong, or whatever. Now, I don't want to lecture on owning our pace and not comparing ourselves to others, that was my last post. I just felt like I got out there and ran for me without expectation, with out a plan, just laced up and hit the road and it rejuvenated me, it brought me this empowerment. Sure you may be sitting there reading this and thinking, a 9:45 avg? Is she even serious? What a turtle! (Ok, if you are seriously thinking that stop reading my blog and move on) BUT that feeling I had, it was almost indescribable (honestly, I felt like I was going faster) how at ease I was and at the same time, pushing myself a little harder… For once (in a long while) I felt like, it's not about anyone else - it's about me and the progress I am making, it's about my goals, my journey, and I am feeling FABULOUS! (I totally read that with the sound of OPRAH saying it…did you?)<br />
<br />
It is that feeling, that desire to put out the best I have to offer that reminds me of why I run. In reality, not all runs will feel like that. Just today I had a run that sucked a$$, and I was telling my friend how I wished every run could be awesome, but is it going to stop me from getting out there tomorrow? Heck NO!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRTAvH052oG3Ryt_TeOUwsSX2xMqKlBX0qXvvprk8mOSAeFyusjGlAe5-_JachHs1oAHk5ib2lS2A40U3A1GSFlDcr5uAh5owNLXln3XG0zM5-6j2lM3ZGdVQO3RXR-Y8j5DNyrU1hD4/s1600/Good-bad-ugly1-211x211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRTAvH052oG3Ryt_TeOUwsSX2xMqKlBX0qXvvprk8mOSAeFyusjGlAe5-_JachHs1oAHk5ib2lS2A40U3A1GSFlDcr5uAh5owNLXln3XG0zM5-6j2lM3ZGdVQO3RXR-Y8j5DNyrU1hD4/s200/Good-bad-ugly1-211x211.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Hey as with everything in life, there is the good, the bad and the ugly… sometimes you get out there and the wind is always at your back, your feet are light as feathers and you can set a new PR - other days you feel like your legs are made of lead, you feel like you could pooh yourself at any minute, and you just can't wait to be done! The ONE thing that make those two completely opposite runs great, you <b><i>FINISH</i></b>.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, I have a 5k tomorrow, the CareTeam 5k AIDS Run/Walk… I'd be lying if I said I am not looking to have a PR type run, 29:22 was my best since the baby (and quite honestly probably the best since I started "racing") <i>***Correction*** Apparently in Oct of 2009, I ran Lindsey's Miracle 5k for the Make a Wish Foundation and finished in a speedy 28:57, who knew? ***</i> and I would <b><i>LOVE</i></b> to see myself push really hard and do it under 29 (secretly I'd love, love, love a 9mm throughout - but lets be reasonable here…lol). If I don't PR, well, I won't be too hard on myself. I know I will have gotten out, helped a charitable cause by running a few miles, and honestly, doing good work by doing what you enjoy…what is better than that? <b>Nothing.</b>SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-23026902489676290692011-10-29T12:54:00.001-04:002011-11-03T12:06:23.310-04:00Bondi Band Fundraiser!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So what is something every runner needs? Perhaps a sweat wicking head band? I have to tell you, I wore my Bondi Band for my first 1/2 last weekend and it was awesome! It did not slip, it did not slide, and it kept my ears warm since it was 50 degrees out at the start.<br />
<br />
I am selling this as part of a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training Fundraiser. Basically you shoot me an email at TeamEpton dot com. You tell me which one(s) you like and include your address.<b><i> </i></b>I'll send you the info for paypal and VIOLA! You will get your band(s) in the mail in a few days AND you will be helping raise money for the LLS… Sounds pretty awesome right?<br />
<br />
So this is the breakdown<br />
<i><b>They are $10 each (which includes shipping). </b></i><br />
<i><b>If you want to get multiple, then 2 for $18, 3 for $25 </b></i><br />
<i><b>If you want more than that, email me - we'll work something out :) </b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfrnStB3m914LilA64u0tb8kC0Ck-dJGXdPI59iIFHww2wN50_O831vxt6FPuqddvhMC9z4oCQwHuGrhXYgMBYKzmZ_o0FhQzhMpyp782VRvpP2-Xfb3ZMX3g1Jf14Kw5Yt9fwBr5Gg0/s1600/Photo+on+2011-09-15+at+22.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfrnStB3m914LilA64u0tb8kC0Ck-dJGXdPI59iIFHww2wN50_O831vxt6FPuqddvhMC9z4oCQwHuGrhXYgMBYKzmZ_o0FhQzhMpyp782VRvpP2-Xfb3ZMX3g1Jf14Kw5Yt9fwBr5Gg0/s320/Photo+on+2011-09-15+at+22.00.jpg" width="320" /></a>So there are two types, one kind is a Lycra headband, it's not technical wicking material but they do dry fast. They are more like fashion ones, but if you're doing a lighter workout - they are great. Then the thicker ones are for heavy sweat wicking.<br />
<br />
<---- These are the fashion bands.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>No Longer Available: Black & White Polka Dot, Flower (2nd from Right), Red Shiny Paisley (Upper Left), Blue Floral (Top, 3rd from Left), Crazy Swirl, Blue Shiny, Blue & Yellow Floral</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
Even if you don't wear bands while working out, these are so bright and fun - maybe you just want a funky fresh headband?<br />
<br />
The heavy wicking bands, are great for harder workouts, like I said, I did a 1/2 and never had to adjust these!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y0jpsY9qRPxjF-5DJ7qkqNJlHVkBwlDHkngNkeThZHpEG7eUdXd-tnlCp8OKHtvbmgjgMZzzOu6wAbZTRJbKteZD6HbpAcPaQXuzRLy3o7j2hz6vB6z2PyRVi5thESawSrGqlD5OadI/s1600/SAM_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y0jpsY9qRPxjF-5DJ7qkqNJlHVkBwlDHkngNkeThZHpEG7eUdXd-tnlCp8OKHtvbmgjgMZzzOu6wAbZTRJbKteZD6HbpAcPaQXuzRLy3o7j2hz6vB6z2PyRVi5thESawSrGqlD5OadI/s320/SAM_3670.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Gone! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQP6fkMvPt7mbNkSwnDx1bXmrQBFgCK5d37M-L-JWHObyds7mG3hupFjiFvgR5kOFHMHfvJK4CBSANpw_KoJ06ot_NqRV9iQDPTgghIPn3zsjFiS4T_ndrNdHVQgRA_QrOpMDMAk4TBU/s1600/SAM_3669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQP6fkMvPt7mbNkSwnDx1bXmrQBFgCK5d37M-L-JWHObyds7mG3hupFjiFvgR5kOFHMHfvJK4CBSANpw_KoJ06ot_NqRV9iQDPTgghIPn3zsjFiS4T_ndrNdHVQgRA_QrOpMDMAk4TBU/s320/SAM_3669.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Gone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfwDfIjK-wO_ywLv9Uu34w9YzvRvxhN2subhfeUALnhkbOSjhVWMBa8Qd8KW13ZLv2z49pqlovgOhAuzLVEgMiIRxweAS25jdDR5pbVAHc0Gule27W0PmntsHlByGbOFOzmZqz_xhVc0/s1600/SAM_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfwDfIjK-wO_ywLv9Uu34w9YzvRvxhN2subhfeUALnhkbOSjhVWMBa8Qd8KW13ZLv2z49pqlovgOhAuzLVEgMiIRxweAS25jdDR5pbVAHc0Gule27W0PmntsHlByGbOFOzmZqz_xhVc0/s320/SAM_3671.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only the 6th "I am a Warrior" remain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_kuHE12hDn_-8kl5QElKgU49MXZy5WAhWKBC8nkzbAwDFoVBbkTLRgnb5ApzLZfTjFdjMMwB30TFT8ZOV1_duuqxe1rugSJ-LQIi6gAzLo2jURLckN1E8LBmCXrDsGzaPsI-cFIw6Ng/s1600/SAM_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_kuHE12hDn_-8kl5QElKgU49MXZy5WAhWKBC8nkzbAwDFoVBbkTLRgnb5ApzLZfTjFdjMMwB30TFT8ZOV1_duuqxe1rugSJ-LQIi6gAzLo2jURLckN1E8LBmCXrDsGzaPsI-cFIw6Ng/s320/SAM_3676.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Available (I have multiples)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2">For the Fashion bands and the bands with sayings, what you see if what I have. For the Team in Training bands, I have about 50 of the assorted colors, so order away!<br />
<br />
<i>No Longer Available: You don't smell like a princess anymore (black, lime green, navy), In it for the bling (blue, green), Runner chick (black), Some girls chase boys (gray, navy), Run Like a Girl (pink, lime green, blue, red), Princess (black, orange), Tiara (black, pink, orange), Runner Girl (orange)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225596969986898893.post-45116660227113741602011-10-26T12:04:00.003-04:002011-10-26T12:04:57.831-04:00Appreciating Where You're At<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_lUeLYP0YTYw1CmAqRbF6Tq0Wlqyw_fgqMgXwzfoWwnJBZ0fWIWUjWm7fXEOG-5vP-FPTmSGnTGL-I7HBrJOqKGsR_3dzv_GBTE-KRzCFhjRgH062UjfapxsiMBVm4LWVDHir66VPKU/s1600/comparison" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_lUeLYP0YTYw1CmAqRbF6Tq0Wlqyw_fgqMgXwzfoWwnJBZ0fWIWUjWm7fXEOG-5vP-FPTmSGnTGL-I7HBrJOqKGsR_3dzv_GBTE-KRzCFhjRgH062UjfapxsiMBVm4LWVDHir66VPKU/s320/comparison" width="177" /></a></div>
It's amazing how we can sabotage our own excitement and happiness with our accomplishments, simply by comparing ourselves to others. As I was running (and at some point past mile 11, shuffling) I kept thinking how is it that I can consider myself a 'runner'. Do I enjoy it? Yes. Have I been doing it longer than most of my friends? Yes. Am I good at? Hmmm, I guess? Could I be better? Always. Am I naturally gifted with speed? Ah No. So does it make me less of a 'runner' because I am slow? I often wonder if people think you have to be the fastest person from the start to be considered serious.<br />
<br />
I wish I was fast, like people would be in awe of my time. Maybe it has something to do with being competitive - but really running is you against yourself. So what is my deal? Why is it that I am thinking, "You should have done better. Pushed harder. Finished sooner." - is it normal? Well if it's not, I can't say I'd be surprised...this is me we are talking about here. <br />
<br />
Is it possible for me to just enjoy the moment? I finished a half marathon, 13.1 miles, and mentally, it was a huge obstacle and I made it. I completed it - No I didn't come in first, far far from it, but I got out there and tried, going in knowing that finishing was a goal (unrealistically I was hoping for a sub 2:30 finish, but seriously I didn't even train like I should have - not to make excuses.) and I did indeed finish.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVps9BAFNMh6cF6xAujdz4LAchJflcqNhTyfz4EobUKrj2-35iT4xmys7WtFK9sgk59ODv0OhnokFiRIRLaubV1XePJFBbgS6ILTp7NK6y4JDysLA6YELfU8-9zyMHgmhJ5LQQbmEY120/s1600/decisiontotry" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVps9BAFNMh6cF6xAujdz4LAchJflcqNhTyfz4EobUKrj2-35iT4xmys7WtFK9sgk59ODv0OhnokFiRIRLaubV1XePJFBbgS6ILTp7NK6y4JDysLA6YELfU8-9zyMHgmhJ5LQQbmEY120/s320/decisiontotry" width="268" /></a>So I guess my point is, I struggle with not excelling in all I do. I am not just a classic overachiever but the epitome of overachiever. It really does piss me off when people make comments to (or more often about & behind their back) people who run slower than they do. If there is one thing I realized this weekend, as I started out at a good pace and slowed down as time went on, whether your tall or short, heavy or twiggy, your ability to run is only impacted by your will to do so. So, no matter what your finish time is, you finished <i>your</i> race, completed <i>your</i> event, you got <i>your</i> hard earner bling, you should be proud of <b><i>your</i></b> accomplishment. You did it, and chances are - you'll do it again... happy running (no matter your pace)!<br />
<br />
To bring it all home, appreciating where you're at (and not just in your running/training but in life) is the key to happiness. Sometimes we (I know I am guilty of it) are so focused on the "next" step - we rarely take the time to love where we are at. Honestly, right now I am at my home office desk, on vacation, in my fleece bottoms and one of my numerous race shirts, looking at this list (yes, another list!) of things to do, and loving it. I am blessed and today (as I should everyday), I am taking the time to breathe and appreciate my place in this world. I hope you are too.SportyMommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281195141468600987noreply@blogger.com2