Live in the Moment

I posted a comment on Run Like A Mother’s Facebook page yesterday, about running my first marathon this weekend and asked for any advice. While I loved all the comments – the running community is so supportive – there was one piece of advice that stuck out.

“ENJOY every second. You will NEVER have another "first" marathon. Live in the moment.”

So often there’s so much build up to a big event – the rush, the excitement, the travel, the logistics and even the fear – that before you know it the moment has passed and you’ve missed it.

Not me, not this time. Living in the moment is something I normally try to do but I know I needed that reminder.

I’m driving to Washington, D.C. today to run in the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday and you can be sure I’ll be taking it all in ... definitely living in the moment.

Winks & Smiles,

Tweet, Run and Ride

I’m 3 days away from running my first marathon.

GASP!

It’s getting real now. Not that it wasn’t when I logged 21 miles, but still, 21 is NOT 26.2.

As if running the marathon itself isn’t a challenge of course I’ve got to keep things interesting. I'm pleased to say that I was chosen to tweet and share pictures during the race for the WashingtonPost.com. It’s a good thing I’m doing 2:1 run/walk intervals for this marathon so I can fumble with my iPhone when I’m walking. Ahem. Seriously, I’m really excited that they are going to track me online for their Marine Corps Marathon coverage – you can click this link race day to follow along.

I’m also excited that this showed up in my driveway this morning.

That’s right, a beautiful brand new Chevy Equinox courtesy of the good folks at GM. I needed a "Ride to Run" and they were right there to lend me one for a week. Husband and I will head off to Washington, D.C. tomorrow and we will let you know how she rides and if she can accommodate a marathoner’s legs. Ahem. Now that’s a true test of comfort.

Winks & Smiles,

Motherhood of the Traveling Shirt

I interrupt my regularly schedule marathon rant – yes, y’all I’m getting antsy, excited and I still have no shirt, gasp! – to share that I am being featured over at BornFit as Another Fabulous Traveling Shirt Mama.

Huh?

The lovely folks at BornFit launched The Motherhood of the Traveling Shirt where 3 Magical BornFit Shirts are traveling to places near and far, worn by a total of 36 special mothers from all walks of life. Moms are wearing the Traveling Shirt, getting fit and inspired. Every 2 weeks the Magic reaches a NEW mom.

One of my favorite blog buddies, Fiona of Bantering Blonde and MomActive, passed the shirt on to me and I wore it with pride. Want to see? Here’s my Traveling Shirt feature.

Winks & Smiles,

Confession: Hi, My Name is Wifey and I’m an …

Hi, My name is Wifey and I’m an athlete.

GASP!

Some of you might say, “Um, duh!” but for me, someone who was content in her laziness for the first 30 years of her life, it’s been somewhat difficult to actually call myself an athlete. Yes, I played sports growing up, but I was still pretty lazy. Yes, I’ve been exercising for several years now but I still didn’t own it. Sure my tennis team won the USTA 3.0 Georgia State Championship, but somehow that wasn’t enough. Even when I became a certified personal trainer for several years I never looked at myself as an athlete.

Why?

Is it because I don’t have the “perfect” body and could still lose a few pounds; or is it because my 11-12 minute mile pace seems fast to me, but is a walk in the park to most runners? Could it be I was always labeled lazy and uncoordinated and you are what you think you are? Or, maybe it’s because my memory of my lazy days are too strong and I need to leave them in the past and recognize that I’m only days away from running my first marathon. Hello.

I’m an athlete because I’m out there being active – win or lose, fast or slow. I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to do it. I’m an athlete because I love to move, I love to sweat, and I love the way I feel after a good run. If I don’t workout for too many days I’m cranky as hell you don’t want to be around me; oh, and when I lose a tennis match it makes me want to hit the courts even harder so I can come out victorious the next time. Finding the right pair of sneakers makes me giddy and the clearance rack in the active department just might make me squeal. Race recaps and success stories are my favorite reads and I absolutely love cheering others on.

Me Showing Off the Coveted USTA Champion Towel After Becoming a State Champion

Hi, my name is Wifey and I’m an ATHLETE. I’ve decide to celebrate the athlete in me, how about you?

Winks & Smiles,

Play That Funky Music Wifey

“Play that funky music Wifey, play that funky music right. Play that funky music Wifey, lay down the boogie and play that funky music ‘til you die.”

Yes, I’m showing my age and channeling my inner KC and The Sunshine Band. Be glad this isn’t a vlog. Ahem.

I’m less than a week away from running in my first marathon and its time to make sure I’ve got everything I need to get me through 26.2 miles. That includes music. When I run alone my music is a must. In my former life (before kids) I was a publicist for a popular record company and one of my favorite things was listening to new music and helping pick which tracks should be the next single. Although that seems like ages ago, my passion for music is still there; and my taste in music is quite eclectic – hip-hop, R&B, pop, jazz, Disco, 80’s, rock, alternative I’m open and into everything.

During long runs with my running group I’ve stayed unplugged because we were always chatting, but who knows what will happen on marathon day. I’m sure I’ll want to soak in the sounds of the crowds but there might be some miles when I want hear a little Alicia Keys to keep me moving. With that said I’m working on my power playlist and would love to have some suggestions. What music gets you moving?

In the words of the almighty Jay-Z – Holla!

Winks & Smiles,

I Need More Time, Please!

Friday’s Confession …

I can’t tell time. Ok, that’s not true I can tell time, I just can’t stick to it. OK, that’s not true either. This would probably be easier if you just watch the video.



Am I the only one who needs more hours in the day? How do you make things happen?

Winks & Smiles,

Clothing Required

I’m nine days away from running my first marathon.

Physically, I’m ready. I’ve trained and prepared my body to take me the distance.

Me after my 21 mile run

Mentally, I’m ready. Well, sort of. I believe I can do it, but tapering (cutting back on my mileage to rest my body) is starting to play tricks on me. I’m used to lots of miles and it feels strange not to run them.

Nutritionally, I’m ready. I’ve got my fuel planned out and gels ready to go! And, I’ve cut back on beer tremendously. Ahem.

Gadget-wise, I’m ready. I’ve got my belt, an extra pouch, my iPhone, Zi8 and a host of other necessities to get me through the day.

I just picked this baby up this morning to help me keep track of my intervals.

Foot-wise, I’m ready. I’ve broken in new shoes and have done everything I can to mend my injuries.

Ice, ice baby

So, I’m nine days away and I just realized I’m missing something extremely important – clothes! Gasp!  The race is on Halloween but I’m sure clothing is required.

Shopping anyone?

Winks & Smiles,

Do Oreos Fly as Marathon Training Food?

Do Oreo cookies fly as marathon training food? That’s a stupid rhetorical question, I know the answer. But I ate them anyway. Gasp! I’ve heard horror stories about tapering and that eating can get the best of you, but I didn’t realize it would creep up in the form of a black and orange crème filled cookie. Yup, the Halloween version I bought for the kids. Ahem.

Seriously, I do know better and have big motivation to do better, too. Husband went for his physical last week and found out his cholesterol is high – really high. He’s got to make some major changes in his diet so that means I’ll be spending more time in the kitchen. I’ve got to start chefing up some healthy, low cholesterol foods so we know what he’s eating and that it’s good for him. I love Husband and I want to keep him – for a long time.

Fortunately, he’s on board and is willing to make changes, but even then it’s hard. Incorporating some of the healthier meal options is a tad easier, I already make lots of appropriate foods, but the sweets – the ice cream sandwiches and Oreo cookies – can be a bit more challenging. In efforts to make it easier for him, and to give him some sweets he likes so he won’t sneak when I’m not around, I dusted off the heavy artillery and made him some homemade bite-sized oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies.

Whole grain rolled oats and unbleached wheat flour. Yes, that’s a Mickey Mouse measuring cup. *insert shoulder shrug here* 

A splash of real maple syrup and natural sugar. These aren’t low calorie folks (he doesn’t have a weight problem) Homemade, not high processed.

Yummy raisins and dark chocolate chips.

Ta-da … the cookies

Moderation is key, folks. We’ll see if we, ahem, I mean he can control himself.

Winks & Smiles,

Do You Dare to Dream?

In 11 days I’ll run my first marathon. I’m so the cliché, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Seriously. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this was possible, but with encouragement, belief, a plan and lots of support what seems like a dream is turning into reality. And, even more so it’s given me the confidence to open other doors that I would have never even knocked on.

That’s one of the reasons I’m such a big supporter of Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine because that’s exactly what they do. I’ve had the pleasure of covering the last 2 DDAs and wrote an article about it for Heart & Soul magazine. Developed in 2007 by Disney Parks, DDA continues to inspire teens to dream big and pursue their passion. Motivational speakers, Disney experts and celebrities participate in the program every year to share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success. The program brings together high school students from all walks of life and from across the country for interactive workshops and seminars, showing kids a world of possibilities. During hands-on experiences, participants explore a world of career options – from animation, through entrepreneurship, to zoology. I’ve witnessed so many of these wonderful young minds have “ah-ha” moments and I can tell you the difference it makes in their lives is priceless.

Dreamer Celia Campbell gets hands-on instruction from Award-winning chef and bestselling author Chef Jeff Henderson during Disney’s Dreamers Academy 2009. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

As a mom, and a dreamer, I just had to help spread the word about this life-changing opportunity. DDA is accepting nominations for U.S. high school students ages 13-19 at http://www.disneysdreamersacademy.com/ by October 31, 2010.

As I get ready to run and live out one of my dreams, I can’t help but think about all of the people who have helped me along the way; and I hope that I can help someone else dare to dream, too.

Winks & Smiles,

Never Say Never, Wifey’s New Baby

Welcome to Run Wifey Run. I’m so pleased to announce the launch of my newest baby blog. Many of you may have found me from AskWifey.com; or you might have just stumbled across the site. However you got here, I’m glad that you did.

I’ll be posting regularly about marriage, motherhood and all the mayhem; and, oh yeah, this little thing I’m doing for the first time in two weeks – a MARATHON. Gasp! That’s right, on Halloween Weekend I’ll be hopping in a Chevrolet Equinox courtesy of the good folks at General Motors headed to Washington, D.C. to run in the Marine Corps Marathon.

Isn’t she pretty?

I never thought I’d ever run a marathon, I’m a former smoker and self-proclaimed laziest person – ever. But, I’ve been training hard, logging long runs, battling injuries, taking ice baths (don’t worry, I kick my kids out of the room before I start cursing screaming) and have managed to have a little fun along the way.

I’m nervous, confident, excited and scared (did I mention nervous?); and hope that you’ll join me on this journey.

Winks & Smiles,

Contact Wifey

Got a question, a comment, or just want to say hi? I don't bite and I'm PR friendly, too. You can reach me at questions@askwifey.com.

Want more Wifey? Visit AskWifey.com or my freelance writing site, 30 Miles Media, Inc.

Who is Wifey and What is She Running?

30 SECOND VERSION

I'm a former music industry executive who left the business with big dreams of starting a writing career and a family. I'm happy to report that's exactly what I did. Now, instead scheduling hectic press days and appearances for recording artists I schedule homework, play dates and sport activities for my own little superstars. I do my best to balance marriage, motherhood and all the mayhem with a writing career that I love dearly. Oh, did I mention I just ran my first marathon? That's right, all 26.2 miles of the Marine Corps Marathon while tweeting and taking pictures for the Washington Post online. I'm on a mission to to be the healthiest that I can be and hope to inspire others to do the same. I just shed 25 pounds for my 40th birthday and I'm training for marathon number two - The Chicago Marathon. I recently published my first book; frequently write for several national magazines; I’m the founder of AskWifey.com; a Fox5 TV My Atlanta Moms host blogger; I'm on the American Cancer Society Blogger Advisory Council; and you may have seen my wedding on TLC's "A Wedding Story or caught me on The Travel Channel's television show "Great Cruises: Why Not the Mediterranean?"

I launched Run Wifey Run because I’m always running - running my household; running my career; running a personal chauffeur service for my kids; and running – literally – for my health ... and sanity. Ahem.

To read about my 2010 shining moments click here.

More about Wifey from Husband

She’s a writer. She’s written a book, "Help! I’m a Newlywed… What Do I Do Now? Wife-Saving Advice Every New Bride Must Know to Survive the First Year of Marriage." She’s also written all kinds of articles — entertainment, marriage, parenting, health-related — for national magazines like Upscale, Teen People and Heart & Soul.

She’s a successful public relations executive. As the former director of publicity for LaFace Records she’s contributed to the success of several superstar artists like Usher, OutKast, Toni Braxton and TLC. She also worked in higher education for the premiere women’s college for African-American women — Spelman College.

She’s a mom. Her son, Miles, is nine and daughter, Milan, is seven going on seventeen.

She’s a daughter, a friend, a runner, a tennis player, a personal trainer, a chocolate lover, a movie-watcher, a reader, a NBA fanatic… and, most importantly to me, she’s a wife. My wife of eleven long, loving, sometimes challenging, but awesome years (our life-changing wedding was featured on The Learning Channel’s “A Wedding Story”). I wouldn’t trade her for anything. Anything except 50 yard-line seats to see the San Francisco 49ers win the Super Bowl… or Sade. Not really, but if you know someone who can make it happen…

Ahem, thank you for sharing Husband.

And, thank you for stopping by Run Wifey Run. If you’re so inclined leave me a comment so I can come by and visit you, too. And remember, the secret to being a happy wife begins with being a healthy wife ... and it all starts with you!

Winks & Smiles,