Stepping Out Of The Comfort Zone!

Jul14

So I had a funny conversation with my son yesterday before we left to go swimming at my Mother-In-Laws. I had my new bathing suit on and this is the conversation that I had with my 8 year old son.

Him, “Is that a new bathing suit?” (This boy misses nothing and I will warn his future wife)

Me, “Yes.”

Him, “What are those lines on your stomach?”

Me, “They are from you and your brothers when you were in my tummy as babies.”

Him, “Ok. Can we go to Mimi’s now?”

When we get there the boys immediately go in the pool. Me, I like to sit and get nice and hot before I go in. So, I’m sitting there with my cover up on and finally get to the point (very quickly as it’s really hot) where I’m ready for a swim. I take my cover up off.

Guess what happens?

Nothing!

The earth did not open up and swallow me.

The birds did not stop chirping.

Not one of the people at the pool looked twice or thought twice about my suit.

I might just wear it again:)

Then another funny thing happened.

Even though I posted it here on my blog for the few of you who actually read my posts (although the FB share button does show that this post was shared a few times! Who did that?). I also shared in the closed FB group that started this all. Then my friend Dawn encouraged me to share it on our local MRTT page. We are always sharing our sweaty selfies after our runs. It was a leap to share it there because I knew more people would see it there than here, but I did anyway. The response was overwhelming and amazing.

There were many positive comments and a few who commented that they couldn’t wear a two piece and that I was braver than them as in my post I did say truthfully I was trying to be brave. I will tell you something? Each and everyone of those Mama’s could so rock a two piece and I’m not sure why we all think we can’t.

My favorite comment though was

“ I like your power pose! You’re rocking that body, that suit and LIFE!“

Now, I did not post the picture for likes or compliments. Honestly. I did it as a way of empowering myself. To step out of my comfort zone.

You know what?

It was worth it!

Yes, I know that there are “mean girls” out there who may say things about me wearing a two piece bathing suit, but I don’t think I care anymore.

In talking to another friend who said my post was inspiring, she commented on how she thinks about what her own self consciousnesses will do to her daughters. Children do learn not just from what we say, but what we do. They see so much more than what we give them credit for.

So I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone to see what happens.

It might just surprise you!

Diving Right In – Slowly!

Jul13

So if you didn’t notice, I have what you call on “online presence” to say the very least. I belong to a few online running/exercise groups with a few of them being intertwined.

In one of the groups a discussion began regarding the ESPN Magazine Body Issue. Not that I’m a prude, but Ok can we have a body issue that their not naked. Ok, maybe I am a prude because the pictures are tasteful, but still. Now this post isn’t about ESPN magazine, so I will just share the link that opened the discussion or just Google ESPN Body Issue.

Anyway, the discussion and conversation evolved into more than just the athletes but body image as a whole. Then women in the group started sharing pictures of themselves from races, swimsuits, and just empowering images. I even shared one of my race photos. It was one from the NJ State Sprint Triathlon. It was a day that I felt that I wasn’t at my best, but yet I still crossed the finish line (actually in not a bad time). Yes, you can reflect on what you could do different and learn from it, but every finished race is an accomplishment. Ever race that you start is inspiring. No matter how bad a race is once you cross the finish line you can’t help but know that you’ve accomplished something.

Reading their inspiring words and seeing their inspiring images gave me courage. For all my swagger, I still have very poor body image. Yes, I can run a marathon. Yes, I will do a Triathlon, but ask me to put a swimsuit on and I might just run the other way. Why is that? I mean there are people of ALL different body types wearing just what they want. Their confidence amazes me. I look at pictures of me crossing the finish line at the Gortex Philly Marathon and I think, “Damn, is that what I look like from behind” and not in a complementary way.

Philly Marathon Finish

Well I decided it was just time for me to dive right in. That is usually how I get into all my races, so why not do the same with my bathing suit. No real thought process. Just sign up and let the chips fall where they fall. So this morning, I went to my favorite store (Athlete – like you didn’t know). I have been eying this bathing suit since I first saw it in the spring. Didn’t buy it because “I don’t have the right body for it” I’ve got stretch marks. I’ve don’t have a flat stomach. I don’t have on hourglass figure. Blah, Blah, Blah.

I do have a body though and it’s up to me what I put on it.

I bought the suit.

I’m going to wear the suit:)

Sometimes:)

Pass the Kool-Aid Please

May21

A friend of mine who recently got back into running after being on the track team in college has been toying with the idea of running a 10K. She’s already run a couple of 5K’s which she has rocked, but she thought maybe a 10K would be a good challenge. I’ve been trying to talk her into a half pointing out that I had only run a 5K before my first half. She then pointed out that she is not as crazy as me:) That being said, she wanted to run a 10K as the next challenge and she wanted a medal. Very doable goals.

The next race on my calendar in the NYRR Oakley 10K in NY City.

(I must interject to add that this advertisement for Oakley includes one of my MRTT Mama’s from last years race. Don’t they look like they are having a blast!?!)

It starts by the park, but it is not the 2 loops through the park event that many of their Central Park races can be. I will admit that running through the park is not always a picnic as there are some pretty decent hills. I’ve never run Oakley, so I really can’t speak of what the course is like. To be honest, I’ve signed up for most of my races not giving the coarse a second thought until I’m preparing for the event. Maybe there is something to this crazy thing my friend speaks of….. No, no, no.

Anyway, most of the MRTT Mama’s that I ran Brooklyn with are running Oakley. Then there seems to be a bunch of others running this one too. So I “encouraged” my friend to sign up for this one. Some may say harassed, but I will go with encouraged! Thought it would be a fun event for her to do and I think running your first “big” event with friends is cool. She was concerned because the day of the event is the same day as the end of the soccer season for our kids. As much as a planner I claim to be, she is what you call a real planner! This maybe why she is an actuary. Anyway, the way I sign up for an event is that I see the event, I sign up for the event, I put it on the calendar and everything else just falls into place even if I have to shove a round peg into a square hole. My husband also doesn’t know what or where I’m running till I tell him. Now the question has become, “Do you have any races this weekend?” Now, I’m not racing nearly every weekend (even if it feels like it), but this system works for us. My friend pointed out that this system would emphatically NOT work for her and her husband. I get it. I get it. That did not stop me from telling her to sign up. Hey, I knew this race would sell out which it did. That being said, she did do what was right for her and her family. She talked to him first and still was able to get in under the wire and sign up.

I think I am more excited that she is doing this race than I am! I can’t wait and I’ve already secured her a seat in the clown car. It is going to be such a fun day and I can’t wait for her to experience it. She doesn’t realize it, but this is how it starts. SHHHHH, don’t tell her and when you, my friend, read this I’m only kidding (maybe:)

There is something to be said for the mob mentality. Now, I am by NO means saying that my MRTT group is a mob, but we do like to pass the kool-aid.

Should you sign up for a race?

Of course!

Should you sign up for another one?

You bet!

But I’ve never done one before you?

You got this?

Yup, we are an encouraging group. Yes we are:) That being said, we do also do tell each other to rest when need be. To train smart. To be healthy. We not only tell you that you can do something, we will also help you do it too. Just remember that we will be there with you from start to finish and we’ve got your back.

Don’t follow the plan….. Have the Race You excpect

Apr21

I had a plan. I had a very good plan. I never followed it. Ok, I did follow it in the beginning. More to the point the closer I got to the Moore/Fitness Half Marathon, the plan fell to the wayside. I would like to say that it was due to lack of time. I can’t even say it was lack of dedication. Ok partly. I think mostly it was because the plan changed even if I didn’t fully admit to it. That being said, I DO NOT RECOMMEND not running AT ALL two weeks prior to a Half Marathon. Really. Just don’t do it. Really. I am paying the price for it today and I paid the price for it yesterday.

Here is the crux of the situation though. I’ve been dealing, ok not dealing but avoiding dealing with my feet, since Philly. With my upcoming schedule, I realized that it was time to get my head out of the sand and deal with it. If you were here yesterday, you read that I finally went to the Podiatrist and what the problems were. So maybe it was good that I took a little bit of a break.. All will be good as the Cortisone shot is already helping, I will do the stretches, and follow the plan. The doctor knows the plan does not including my stopping my running anytime soon. Back to the Race.

Besides not doing any type of training 2 weeks prior to the race, I made some other mistakes. First, I didn’t hydrate enough the days leading up to it. I normally will just drink extra water leading up to an event to avoid feeling dehydrated. I’m not sure if there is actually any physical benefit, but I know there is a mental one from me. Then there is the fact that I didn’t bank my sleep during the week either. I try to go to bed earlier leading up to the race too. This way if I don’t get a good night sleep the night before at least I’m not as bad. I went to bed 12:20 the night before and had my alarm set for 4:45. Not smart. I was tired.

When I came up with my goals for the year, I thought it would be cool to run a sub 2 half on my 46th Birthday. The closer I got though, the more I knew it was not happening for this race. I then embraced that this would be my fun Birthday Run. I have to say as far as day went, it was fun. I think I spent more time worrying about my outfit than the actual run. Ok, I know I did, but look how cute my outfit came out…..

You know it’s all about the outfit and the accessories. Don’t you like my crown?

Ok, probably not, but I will say that this outfit did help me during the race. Really!

The Clown Car as we like to refer to it was leaving town for NYC at 5:45. As early as it is, we are all still smiling. Due to caffeine, I didn’t realize how much my lack of sleep would effect me. It did. Still we had a good ride into the city and were all smiles at the starting line.

We met the cutest elderly woman at the starting line while she was walking to her corral. She was adorable. I just wish we had thought to take a picture with her. Although, I did find one of her crossing the finish line and getting her medal! Go Granny Go!! I hope that I have her spunk when I’m her age. She was talking about the bus ride and people thinking she must be crazy. I thought she was awesome!

Right, amazing! Did I forget to mention her crutches?

And, yes, she is wearing rocking legging, long sleeved shirt, and some type of purple skirt dare I say tutu.

I hope that I’m still moving like this with this type of attitude at her age!

We line up in our Corrals. The excitement of waitig for the race to start never gets old for me either. Off we go. Two of the ladies were planning to run together. My cohort was going to push it and I was just going to take it easy. I end up staying for the first lap of Central Park with the two. I will admit though that I did think they were planning to take it easier than they did, but it was good. We chatted when we could. Did double takes when we saw someone running with what appeared to be nothing under her tutu. (We ran past her). We just had a good time. After we hit mile 6 or so though, I told them to go without me. I knew that I probably could push it to stay with them and part of me wanted to. Luckily my brain won out this time.

Lap two was not as good as lap one. I realized that I dropped my Salted Carmel Caffeine Gu. I walked when I felt I needed to. I ran when I thought it was time to push a little. I will say that my Princess Birthday sash and tutu helped me run a better race. Really. No lies. It helped because there were times that I was going to start walking and someone would run by, tap me and say something like,

“Happy Birthday Princess”

“You’ve got this Princess”

“You can do this Princess.”

“You got this hill Princess”

Some of them I even trailed for a bit as Dawn will tell you that is what I like to do sometimes. I’m like a shadow. These women motivated me. These women may not realize it, but they really did help me get to the finish line in a better time than I would have if I was alone on the course. Standing out in a crowd of more than 7,000 other runners isn’t a bad thing.

My Official Finish Time is 2:20:23.

I’ll take it.

I know that this is a great time. I will admit that it is my worst time and I was slightly disappointing. Off by almost 15 minutes. When I said this to Dawn, she told me to shut hell up. She as often is right. This may not have been the race that I envisioned when I set my 2015 goals, but it was still a great race. There will be other races where I can chase the elusive 2:00:00, but there will only be one Birthday Run!

So cheers!

Word of the Week – Social

Apr8

social

adjective so·cial \ˈsō-shəl\

: relating to or involving activities in which people spend time talking to each other or doing enjoyable things with each other

: liking to be with and talk to people : happy to be with people

: of or relating to people or society in general

I admit it, before I became a runner this is a word that I never would have equated to running. I mean, seriously, how can you be social when your trying to figure out how to breath? Then I became a runner and realized that although an individual sport, it is also a very social one too. Runners love to talk about races they have run, what they are training for, how their training is going, what is the best running gear, and a whole host of other things too. Running can be very social if one chooses for it be. For me, I like the social aspect of it as much as the actual running. Some days I may even like that part a little more:)

I do believe that Social Media is playing a big part in making running more of a social sport than it used to be. I’m sure in the 70’s running was a solitary thing. Yes, I’m sure there were regular running clubs, groups, and events; but just not on the same level we have today. If you wanted to be part of a group, you had to actively seek one out. Not so much now. Google or go on Facebook and look up local running groups and I’m sure that you will get a whole array of groups. Go to your local running store and they have fliers and information right next to their register. I think this is another reason the sport of running is growing and I think a solitary runner is only alone by choice:)

Statistics don’t lie (usually:)

In this case they don’t.

I also know that in my case the social aspect of it is what turned this non runner into a runner. (still feel strange calling myself that even now, but that’s a different story). Most of you know that when I was training for my first Tri, a friend added me to the local chapter of MRTT (Mom’s Run This Town). That was the beginning of it all. I got to see this local group of committed running Mama’s, learn from them, run with them and be inspired by them. Before I knew it, I was part of a Running Group. I, honestly, know that if not for my local MRTT group; I would not be the runner that I am today. There were many days that I probably wouldn’t have gone running but because I was meeting someone or joining in on a group run, I went. You run with someone long enough, you get to know them pretty well. Your run not only becomes your run but a social event. On rare occasions it may even end up followed by drinks.

Then there is the social aspect of being part of online communities where you may never actually meet the person, but it is still a community. These are places where you can brag about your PR, ask a question regarding your training, and anything else that you need to get off your chest. There is no less support in these communities that the local one as most of them understand where you are coming from regarding your running. These groups are equally inspiring in a different way. Some people even choose to be part of these groups in a “stalker” way but it still lets them know they are not in it alone.

When I was at the Scottish 10K this past weekend, I went over to High Five a total stranger only because he was wearing the t-shirt of one of my online running groups – Runners United NYC. I’ve never run with any of them because I don’t live in the city. I’ve never attended any of their many functions, but I still enjoy being part of their group. They are fun and committed runners whose group I do also enjoy being part of. Now the man I went to High Five had no clue who I was, but greeted me with a smile and a high five because that’s what runners do.

Social:)

Both the online and local groups make running more fun. They make running more social. They understand when someone complains about not being able to run due to injury where our non running friends just don’t get it. These are the people who understand why we push ourselves to run, who understand why running a marathon or any other race isn’t crazy, and who will be there to offer words of encouragement or a pat on the back when needed.

Running is Social even on a solitary run. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

We are all on the same team.

It’s an elite team too no matter what the distance or pace.

How many running groups do you belong to or follow online?

Let It Go

Mar23

No it’s about Frozen.

Although that is what we all think of now when hear this expression.

I can’t even say the words without singing them.

You try…

But

There is something to be said about letting go. It’s freeing. There really is just something cathartic about letting it all go. Getting rid of the negative energy that clutter ensues in our lives and minds. Getting rid of the things that are no longer useful and most importantly getting rid of the things that no longer make us happy. It is never an easy task to let go, but it is an important one. All our lives we are taught the importance of holding on, but we are never taught the art of letting go. There is a time and place for each of these in our lives and it is important to know when it is time to do which one.

Holding on although not easy really is easier than letting go. Letting go can sometimes seem like a failure or giving up and even a little scary. When in reality, letting go can open us up for opportunities that we would miss if we were holding on tightly to the things that we no longer need. Letting go is hard. Letting go requires the willingness to change which is also never easy. It requires the willingness to admit that something just isn’t working. Letting go can be painful, but letting go is part of life and the journey we must take.

There are many reasons why we have to admit that it is time to let something and sometimes someone else. Each of us has to make our own decisions on when is the right time. When that time comes though, you just have to run with it. This past weekend, I literally cleaned house. I went through kitchen drawers, cabinets, and even my pantry. I’m not sure what came over me, but I just went with it. By the time I was done, the garbage was overflowing and I had 3 boxes filled with donations. By the end of the day, I felt exhausted but at the same time accomplished.

Although this was a huge task, it was much easier than the times that I’ve had to “let go” of people in my life. Not due to hatred. Not due to anger. I just needed to let go because they were not good for me. Letting go is painful, but it is necessary. You reach a point in your life when you realize that life is short. Life is too precious to waste on people who are negative, who tear you down instead of build you up, who no matter how low you set the bar disappoint you. It is never easy, but it is necessary. Sometimes we are the ones holding ourselves back and we need to let go of the negative energy that we create ourselves.

It took me a long time to start my fitness journey because of my own negative energy. When I got out of my own way, it was amazing to see the things that I could actually accomplish. We must learn to let go of the things that hold us back. We must let go of preconceived notions of who we are and what we can accomplish. Once we let go, we realize that it was the negative thoughts that keep us from striving for things we imagined out of our reach. Nothing is out of our reach. Sometimes we focus on the wrong things. Sometimes we miss the signs that we need to change our routines, our goals, and our expectation. Sometimes we need to adjust.

Mr Rogers as always sums it up best….

Life is ever changing.

Goals are ever changing.

Never stop moving foward

and

Never give up!

Are you good about letting things go?

Dusting Myself Off

Mar9

As I said before, in the last couple of weeks I fell off the wagon. Those days are over now. I gave myself permission to not feel guilty and took a few intentional days off. This was good because it was Middle Guy’s 13th Birthday. There was cake to be had, buffets to go to, and other such things to do. By intentionally taking this time off, I felt no guilt in not doing anything. I think this was key. I think sometimes an intentional break is needed for both mind and body. This is good as long as once the break is over, it is go time. It also puts the control back in my hands (yes, I know that it is always in my hands. Sometimes though it doesn’t feel that way.)

So I felt no guilt eating his chocolate birthday cake that I made

None.

Not one ounce of guilt.

I was on a short break after all,

but that break is over now.

I’ve got a plan. I’ve thought it through. Everything is not all in place yet, but enough that I feel confident in it.

Right now, I have loaded my Half Marathon training plans into Training Peaks. I’m ready to go. I know that once the other pieces fall into place, I may have to tweak the program but that isn’t a reason not to start. So I’m starting today. A rest day of all things:) I do plan on keeping Monday my rest/recovery days as I think I do need to honor them. So rest it will be today. No guilt.

The beauty of this is that I do need a day to do many things around my house that I’ve been neglecting. Besides the weather is starting to change for the better and I see comfortable outside running in my future. This makes me happy.

I am working on adding Crossfit back into my routine. I think I need it. I’m not sure how it will work out and I do also want to add swimming, but I think Crossfit is a good fit for me. For now, it is part of the plan and I will adjust as I need to.

I think what also helped me is that I’ve been sleeping better. I even went to be Saturday night by 10:30. There is nothing better than getting enough sleep to help clear the cobwebs out and get you in a better mood. So on that note, I’m off to bed.

What do you do to get out of a slump?

Taking The Day Off

Mar5

So after my post yesterday, I did some thinking. I had a few friends contact me. I did some more thinking and then a little more.

I’m wondering if I was also having the “I didn’t get into the NYC Marathon blues.” The drawing was yesterday. If you couldn’t tell, I didn’t get in. I didn’t expect to get in, but I still dreamed of being a lucky lottery winner. If my Grammy didn’t teach me anything, she taught me that my family is not destined to win any lottery drawing. If that was the case, her 50 years of buying and tracking her numbers would have hit by now. So, I knew I wouldn’t be that lucky, but I did dare to dream. There are other dreams though:)

I am giving myself a snow day. I am actually giving myself a snow weekend to come up with my plan. Yes, I’m working on it. As my cohort said, I do need “to go to the gym and lift some heavy things.” So that is part one of the equation. I’m working on part two. I will have a plan and implement it. I’m just not sure what it is yet:)

Keep Calm and Get Me Out of This Slump

Mar4

We all know that it is so much easier to fall off the proverbial wagon than to climb back up on it. I don’t know anyone who this is any different either. Right now, I’m trying to climb back on the wagon but the wagon’s wheels are stuck in the snow. I’m not sure if it’s the never ending winter blues, the lack of sleep, or just I need a gentle nudge; but I seem to have lost my umph.

I’m looking for it.

I’m going through the motions

(although not has hard as I used to).

I’m signing up for races left and right,

yet still….

Something is off.

Maybe it really is the Winter Blues. I can’t seem to get back into my routine with the kids having a delayed opening what seems like every other day. Then there is the fact that the streets really are not conducive to getting a good, long, hard run in. I need spring and I am normally a winter person. I need the sun on my face and my feet to stay dry. I also need not to have to worry about slipping and breaking something. Yes, I know that I can run on the treadmill but it is just not the same.

I would like to blame some of my off scheduling on my cute little puppy who is getting bigger by the day, but honestly I was off before his arrival. But by mentioning him, I will throw in a new puppy picture.

Maybe it is because when I first started on this path, I went full force. I started at a level (which I miss) that was unsustainable. I was working out every day which as a whole took up two hours of my day. Not really a tremendous amount of time, but still. At that time, I had something to prove not to anyone else but myself. I proved it too. I think that might be part of the problem. I seem to be in permanent taper and I need a kick to get me going again.

I really think this slide started when I gave up Crossfit. Yes, I said I was done with it. Yet, it keeps pulling me back in. I’ve tried going to the local gym to cross train. It’s just not the same. It’s boring. It’s not fun. It’s not the same. I once at an older gentlemen tell me at the gym while I was doing barbell curls, “Wow, that’s a lot of weight for a girl.” I wanted to tell him it was a lot of weight for a guy too, but just smiled. See, not the same.

As they say once you recognize you have a problem, you can fix it. So, I recognize my slump. I now just need to figure out how to get out of it. Especially with all these races I’ve signup up for!

I bought on an auction a month pass to Crossfit as my last box membership expired. At least that will kick my butt. Until I start though, I will work on getting myself out the door and motivated!

What you call crazy, I call determined:)

Feb12

Maybe it’s just me, but among my non running/triathlon friends, I’m considered a little crazy for various reasons. They don’t understand my drive to run in the cold. They don’t understand how I really make sure that my workouts are actually scheduled into my daily routine. (Ok, not last week; but most weeks.) They don’t understand how I think it’s fun to get up before the sun to go run a race even if I get a shiny medal. Well I will let you in on a little secret, I haven’t the foggiest idea either!

There I said it. It’s true. I am not sure what is driving me. I, as many of my friends, could exercise “like a normal person” to be healthy. There is no need to train for 25 minute 5K’s or 2 hour half marathons or run a marathon either. (ok, I really don’t mean that:) I’m a middle of the packer anyway. I’m not getting paid for these things. If anything, I am loosing money, but don’t tell my husband. That being said, I’m not backing down. I’m, hopefully, not slowing down either. I can’t explain why I do the things that I do, but I know that these things make me happy. So maybe that is the simplest solution. I do the things that I do to because they make me happy.

I know that I am not alone in my craziness which does make it easier to dive into it. It is like a cult where we do line up to drink the Kool aid. We can’t help ourselves as it does taste so good. There is safety in numbers as the saying goes. One person posts a race they are thinking of doing. We not only all chime in “that’s awesome,” but “that sounds like fun so I’m going to sign up too!” Who knows maybe peer pressure doesn’t really end in high school like we like to think. But this is a good peer pressure! Not that I really think that is why we do these things. No amount of peer pressure is going to make someone run 13.2 miles just because. They have to want to do. Truth.

A little determination in life to get moving is good anyway. Determination will keep you moving forward and not allow you to get stagnate. It is very easy to get bored with same workout routine or any routine for that matter. That is the beauty of all these races. Even if you run the same race two years in a row, it is different. Just like every run is different. Yes the routes may be the same; but attitude, weather, and the your body will run it is different. That is the beauty of what we do. To others it may look like we are doing the same thing day in and day out, but we know the truth. Each run is different. Each swim is different. Each workout is different. It is never the same thing twice. It is never easy, but it is always worth it.

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!

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