Searching For Your Best Body: 3 Ways to Get on Track

Yes, I’m searching for my best body. I wish I could say I’ve lost it, but since I’m telling the truth today, ahem, I know I haven’t done everything possible to reach my full potential. After challenging myself on Thursday to stop cruising in my comfort zone I’ve rediscovered the feeling of pushing myself towards something I want – and I like it.

Since I’ve set a pretty lofty goal for my birthday, I figure I better get started. Here’s three ways I’m getting on track.

My lunch yesterday – Spinach and chicken salad. Yum!

I’ll be adding lots of greens and protein to my diet. Yes, I believe in good carbs (unfortunately, I love bad carbs, too) and will make sure I’m getting enough of those (the good ones) as well.

After lunch I ran (not literally) to the bookstore and picked up this …

"Your Best Body Now"  - Sounds like I might have found the answer to my search.

Talk about inspiring. I absolutely heart Tosca Reno and have a feeling my family will see my nose buried in this book for the next 24 hours. I let you know how I like it when I’m done.

And, last but not least, I’m tuning into the IAWR Women’s Running Free Telesummit. Free. Did someone say free? It’s going on this week and has several top experts sharing awesome advice on not only running, but taking care of you. Tonight renowned sports nutritionist Nancy Clark will be busting weight myths. Maybe she can help me bust into that bikini.

Winks & Smiles,

Atlanta Half Marathon Race Recap: A Family Affair

There were several things that made the Atlanta Track Club’s Atlanta Half Marathon super special for me this year – this was the first half marathon I hobbled through, thought I might die and vowed never to run again ran in 2005; I rocked a 30+ minute PR; and my family ran, too.

Me in 2005

Me in 2010

The PR
I managed to shave more than 30 minutes off my last half marathon, I ran Disney’s Princess Half Marathon in 3:01 in March. My chip time for the Atlanta Half was 2:29:10. I’m not a huge numbers person, which could be a form of self-protection because I’m not very fast either, but these numbers are special to me because I set a goal and I stuck with it. I went into the race wanting to do 2:30 and that was a challenge for me. A few weeks earlier I ran my first marathon and quite honestly I hadn’t trained properly for this race. I decided to run with the 2:30 pace group and once I found them in the starting corral I vowed not to leave them. Coincidentally, they did 2:1 intervals, too, so it was a perfect match. There were several times throughout the race that things got tough but as soon as that little voice in my head told me it was OK to slow down a louder voice said, "oh, hell no it isn’t." The time is great but I’m more proud that I didn’t take the easy way out.

The Race – A Family Affair
A few months ago my cousin Ron Facebooked me and asked if I was game to run the Atlanta Half on Thanksgiving. Of course I was in, and since it was Thanksgiving both Ron and I wanted to get as much of our family in on it, too. My Dad, my Aunt Kristi, my cousins Melina and Cory, and Ron’s mother and his Aunt ran the 5K and rocked it. And, of course my two little ones, Miles and Milan, did the Mashed Potato Mile. It was wonderful to have some family out there running, too.

We all met before the race, around 7:10 a.m. for some quick before pics. Husband and my kids were still in the car – my little princess was still sleeping.

Me and my Dad

Before the race I spotted a solo porta-potty with a short line. Right next to it were tubs filled with the medals!

While I waited the guard-lady showed me one for inspiration.

I went on to find my new best friends, the 2:30 pace group.

I followed that flag through the start and for the next 13.1 miles.

I only tweeted a little this race, I was on a mission, but had to share some important sights like this …

I was tempted to stop and shop.

These brave servicemen ran most of the race near us. It was great to see their camaraderie when one of them was struggling

It was a foggy morning so I don’t have gorgeous pics like I did from the MCM, but we did run through Piedmont Park and Sweet Auburn Avenue …

And eventually right by the State Capitol.

Once I saw the Olympic Rings I knew we were down the stretch. The pace leaders told me if I went ahead I’d get a sub 2:30 so I thanked them and took off.

My dad took this shot. It was awesome to have my family there cheering me on as I approached the finish line. Yes, that's a smile on my face and my phone in my hand - gasp!

Since I was the last to finish, I missed my family running but they all took some great pics. I’m so proud of everyone - especially my kids.

Miles in full stride.

Milan, my little track star.

Cory and Melina hung with my dad while my Aunt Kristi took off and got her run on.

Auntie Kristi, my Dad and me showing off our bling!

Ron got a PR, too! 1:45:46. Yay for him – smiles!

Our after group shot.

Can’t forget Husband, my biggest supporter and kid wrangler coach for the day.

Husband, the kids and I finished our Thanksgiving Day at my Mom’s house with both of our mothers, my Grandmother and Cousin Kathy. A wonderful end to a lovely day. And yes, I was rockin’ my medal.

Winks & Smiles,

Atlanta Half Marathon: Can You Say PR?

2:29:10

While that might be crawling to some it’s fast for me. FAST. I finished Disney’s Princess Half Marathon in 3:01. Right. More important than the time (I’m not a huge numbers person but think getting out there and getting it done is super important) I set a goal for myself and stuck with it. There were many times yesterday when I wanted to slow it down and give up but I pushed myself … and it paid off.

A full race recap is coming, but I just couldn’t wait to share.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving – I have so much to be thankful for – and I hope you did, too.

Winks & Smiles,

All I Want for Christmas is a Six-Pack

All I want for Christmas is a six-pack. It’s a toss up between a six-pack of abs or Sweetwater 420 – my favorite beer.

Seriously, I’m on a mission to get the body I want but I’m having some technical difficulties. Husband and I were having a lovely chat last night I wouldn’t let him go to sleep until he listened to me whine about my weight. This is how it went.

Me: “I need to get my food back in order. I’ve been eating out of control.”

Husband: “You always say that.”

GASP!

He’s right, I do, but I still hit him with a pillow.

Husband: “This is what you should do – blog about it.”

Me: “Really?”

Husband: “Yes, put it out there so you can have some accountability. Blog and tweet whatever you eat (he really wasn’t rhyming). I bet your people will help keep you in line.”

Translation, share it with them so I can go to sleep and not hear this for the zillionth time this year. (Disclaimer: he really is my biggest supporter … but he really does like to sleep.)

He’s got a point. Accountability is important and the blogosphere/twitterverse can be super supportive. I’ve talked about losing weight before but never really put myself out there. Its Holiday time and I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles with making good food choices (if I am feel free to lie to me. No, really. Santa will still come.).

While I won’t overkill you good people with what I’m eating, I am going to share my journey to a healthier me. Christmastime is a little unrealistic, but I turn 40 in April and I’d love to finally have the body I’ve been wanting for my birthday. If I start now it, I should be able to rock a bikini for my big 4-0.

Completing a marathon has taught me many lessons. It showed me that I can be disciplined. With patience and hard work, I can do things I never thought I possible. If you see I start to slip, please kick me in the ass remind me of that.

Winks & Smiles,

Half Marathon Checklist: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

No, I’m not getting married again; I’m running a half marathon. You mean this saying only applies to weddings?

I’m officially counting down to The Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving morning and making sure I’ve got my necessities crossed off my list.

Something Old
I will be running in the same kicks running shoes I wore a few weeks ago when I ran the Marine Corps Marathon.

They’re old, but they not that old; they still have plenty of mileage left to carry me 13.1.

Something New
I’m going for a PR. Running a marathon right before you run a half gives you lots of confidence, a strong belief in yourself that you might not have had before. Since my last half marathon time was 3:01 I’m pretty sure I’m going to knock that out of the park beat that, but will I pull out a 2:30 like I hope? We’ll know on Thursday …

Something Borrowed
My playlist. You lovely people gave me an awesome playlist that I didn’t use, gasp, during my marathon. I’m sorry, I was busy tweeting, picture taking, chatting, oh, and running. This time I’m running by myself so I will be rockin’ the tunes. If you have any other must hear songs please do let me know in the comments.

Something Blue

Ok, so it’s black with blue trim but I’ll still be one Badass Mother Runner wearing this motivational technical long sleeve tee. Those fabulous Run Like A Mother ladies did it again with their line of shirts. It’s a toss up - this one and “Are My Kids Still Chasing Me?” are my faves.

So, I think I’m ready … for everything but the rain. There’s a 50 percent chance on Thursday. Anyone got some good moves for my rain dance?

Winks & Smiles,

Friday’s Confession: I’m Injured and In Denial

Friday’s Confession … I’m a DUMB ASS. I’m injured and in denial. I have plantar fasciitis in my right foot and for some strange reason I continue to run and play tennis like it doesn’t hurt. I just got back from an 8 mile run and it does hurt - bad.

Now would be the time for someone to kick me in the ass butt. Oh, no really, feel free to do so in the comments.

I know better. I need to follow the doctor’s instructions, once I find them, and probably slow down over the holidays which I will do AFTER I run my third half marathon on Thanksgiving. *insert shaking head here*

Am I the only dumb ass one in denial? I promise to do better as I know I will pay for it later. Please hold me to the fire.

Winks & Smiles,

Run Wifey’s Kids, Run!

I took my kids running yesterday to get them ready for the Atlanta Track Club’s Mashed Potato Mile kids fun run on Thanksgiving.

One of them loved it …

She’s such a ham and wants to run like her mommy.

And one of them not so much …

Um, yeah. His face says it all.

Would I be wrong if I bribe him with a Turkey leg?

Winks & Smiles,

My Top 5 Secrets for Beating the Blues

Yesterday was blah. Yes, y’all I was struggling all morning long.

It was raining so my first mood-lifter, running, was nixed – I had no desire to dodge raindrops.

I’m normally smiling so when my hormones hijack my happiness I get thrown out of whack. After crawling back in bed, gasp – yes I went there, it finally hit me how to fix it – go hit something. Literally.

While I’m not a violent person, I needed a release. And, since no one stepped up to spar with me, ahem, I took my aggression out on Husband’s heavy bag. All it took was 30 minutes of jump roping and beating the bag for me to officially beat the blues.

If that didn’t work I had a few more tricks up my sleeve. Here’s the Top 5 ways I lift my mood:

1. Exercise. Run, play tennis, hit the heavy bag, strength-train, whatever. I turn up the tunes and get moving.

2. Watch a funny movie. That damn Ricky Bobby gets me EVERY time.

3. Blog hop. Reading what’s going on in everyone else’s world and spreading a little comment love is one of my favorite mood-lifters.

4. Smile. I read in a magazine that if you force yourself to fake smile it will eventually become real. Yes, I admit I really tried it and yes, sometimes it really works.

5. Turn to my family. While they often drive me crazy in real life, ahem, watching videos of the day my kids were born or my wedding video can instantly make me happy.

How about you? What are your secrets for beating the blues? Don’t worry, I won’t tell.

Winks & Smiles,

Chevy Equinox Review: It Took 1,320 + 26.2 Miles for Husband to Write on My Blog

Ok, that’s not totally true. He gave his input and I’m the one writing.

Almost three weeks ago Husband and I piled in the Chevy Equinox lent to us by the good folks at General Motors and headed to Washington, D.C. for me to run in my first marathon.

Yes, in addition to running 26.2 miles I added 1,320 miles roundtrip. In a car. On purpose. And, was excited to do it. No, I’m not crazy. Well, maybe just a little, but here see for yourself.



So we left late but the ride was great. The car was comfortable which is extremely important when you are driving to and from a marathon. For that alone it gets two thumbs up from me. It had lots of neat gadgets and was all high tech which kept Husband happy. He was constantly finding something new to play with test out.

Here’s Husband’s highlights:

The Vehicle Interface Package topped his list. That includes Bluetooth (we talked on the phone through the sound system), Remote start (that’s just fun), steering wheel controls and USB audio connectivity.

250 Watt, 8-spearker sound system, XM radio and iPod jack. He’s a music man and was most pleased. Enough said.

Rear seat entertainment w/screens integrated into rear of front seats. He likes to keep the kids quiet when he’s driving. Go figure.

OnStar Service. OK, he didn’t say this but I added it. Not that I’m implying he doesn’t know where he’s going or anything. Ahem.

He also mentioned the power programmable liftgate and “pretty much everything our car doesn’t have.” Yes, that’s a direct quote and is a list too long to include. The ride was noticeably smooth and quiet, eliminating a lot of the outside noise; and the gas mileage was excellent – thanks, GM.

We both survived enjoyed the 10-hour ride each way and are gathering our thoughts for our next collaborative post – “5 Things Not to Say to Your Spouse on a Road Trip.”

Winks & Smiles,

Disclaimer: General Motors provide use of the car for one week and one tank of gas. Husband and I were not paid for this post; our thoughts and opinions are all our own.

80/20 Rules!

Seriously?

Yes. These were my goodie-baskets I took home from The Sugar Coma Festival yesterday.

My good friend, The Broke Socialite, out did herself as The Sugar Coma Festival was FAB-U-LOUS. The event brought together some of the Southeast’s finest pastry chefs, bakers and sugar artisans in one spot for attendees to taste their works of art. A sweets-lover’s dream.

I came. I saw. I conquered. Now, I can’t do no more.

Sugar Coma was the perfect culmination to my excessive splurging. I’m all for a good treat but when the 80/20 rule gets flipped around and I’m eating poorly 80 percent of the time something has to change besides my waistline.

I’m not sure if I was suffering from marathon mentality thinking that 26.2 miles gave me the right to eat everything in sight or if it was my regular insanity, ahem, but whatever the cause I’m cutting it off.

I’m reinstating the mighty 80/20 rule and I could use a second to my motion. Or, an Amen. Or, someone to call me out if I start slipping. Holla.

Winks & Smiles,

I Run Like A Mother

I run like a mother … or at least the fabulous Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, authors of Run Like A Mother, think so.

GASP!

That’s right, I did a back flip I was pleased as pie when they decided to feature me as this week’s Follow This Mother! on their site. *insert cheesy grin here*

Come on over and check out my post and the rest of their site at http://www.runlikeamotherbook.com/.

Winks & Smiles,

I Believe in Running for My Sanity, Lying to My Kids, and Santa Claus

I believe in running for my sanity, lying to my kids and Santa Claus. Not that they have anything to do with each other – except for this morning.

Long story short – I’ve been having a wonderful, but busy week. I spent the past three days with some of the smartest and savviest women I know at Coca-Cola’s Live Positively Social Media Conference; then, last night, I was honored with 11 other of Atlanta’s social media mavens at DigitiniATL as a part of Social Media Atlanta week. While it’s all GREAT stuff I’ve been on the go and have neglected one thing – getting my run on.

GASP!

Yeah. I kind of need that for my sanity. Sometimes I’ve been known to turn into a “crazy lady” when I don’t make the time to run. I also don’t think clearly and can’t stay on my game which causes me to drop the ball completely fumble when my 9-year-old know-it-all son decides to torture my 7-year-old daughter.

We’re driving to school this morning and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” came on the radio in a commercial.

“That’s true,” Milan said.

“What?” I asked.

“Santa Clause IS coming to town,” she replied so sweetly.

Enter my own personal Grinch.

“No it’s not. Santa Claus isn’t real. Santa is YOUR PARENTS!”

GASP! (that was me)

GASP! (that was Milan)

“MILES! Why would you say that?”

Don’t ask me why I asked him that subjecting myself poor Milan to more.

“Santa and you have the same handwriting AND you use the same marker.”

“What?”

Yes, y’all that was the best I could come up with. See what no running does.

“Come on, Mom. I’m getting older.”

Here’s where the lies come in.

“Miles, that’s so NOT true and Milan DON'T listen to him. I am NOT Santa Claus and I still believe in Santa.”

Thank goodness I didn’t get struck by lightening and my baby girl is not ready to let go of the fantasy. She’s used to Miles trying to torment her so she believed me over him.

While the end is fast approaching for good ol’ Saint Nick I would love to keep his magic alive for one more year. Apparently, I’m going to need to slip in a few white lies and stick to my running schedule if that’s going to happen.

Winks & Smiles,

Running Away … And Living Positively

One of the reason I started Run Wifey Run is to focus more on taking care of myself and hopefully motivate others to do the same so when I received the invite to steal-away to downtown Atlanta and take part in the first "Live Positively Social Media Conference: Conversations with Coca-Cola" I immediately ditched my kids made arrangements with Husband so I could attend.

For the past two days I’ve listened, learned, talked, shared, laughed, networked, bonded and have been motivated by the wonderful bloggers and women of Coca-Cola sharing this experience with me.

Monday night they welcomed us in true Southern fashion with food and fellowship at PARISH, an eco-friendly eatery in the Highlands.

They closed the restaurant for us and Chef Joe showed us how he whips up his culinary delights.

The Coca-Cola Braised Short Ribs were out of this world

And the fried pumpkin pie with cream cheese ice cream (yes, cream cheese) was to die for. Seriously.

Oh and yes, they shared the recipes. Ahem.

Yesterday, we gathered at the World of Coca-Cola and were treated to an intimate session with the fabulous Lisa Stone, co-founder of BlogHer.com. After sharing her journey with us she led us in a vision board exercise.

I would share mine, but my friends at Coca-Cola still have it. Would it shock you to know a runner was in the center of it? Gasp!

After lunch we were treated to a panel discussion with some of Coca-Cola’s leading ladies including their Chief Marketing Officer, VP and Controller, and several other executives and members of their Women’s Leadership Council. These dynamic and successful gals gave us a glimpse into their world and offered priceless advice on managing a career, motherhood and yes, Living Positively.

Today is the last day of the conference where we will learn more about their Live Positively initiative and be able to ask the experts the tough questions as well as offer our input. As a metro-Atlanta resident I’m familiar with some of the positive outreach Coca-Cola does in the community (they’re based here) but I’m interested in hearing more about some of their healthier products and what they’re doing to encourage a healthy lifestyle. I’ll make sure to keep you posted. No pun intended.

In the meantime I just have to leave you with a pic of this little gem they gifted me when I checked into my hotel – yes, I live in Atlanta but I would not pass up the opportunity to cozy up in a swanky hotel for two nights and enjoy a little peace and quiet. Um, the post is titled "Running Away."

Isn’t it adorable? If you look closely you’ll see it’s a handbag made out of can tops. I just love it.

Winks & Smiles,

The Coca-Cola company took care of my accommodations for this trip but, as always, my opinions and thoughts are all my own.

Random Running Thought #202: Am I the Only Fool Who Gained Weight on Marathon Day?

When you train for a marathon you have lots of time to think. Six months of training and almost six hours running the damn thing my first marathon gave me ample time to ponder several random nuggets of knowledge that I figured I would sporadically share with you.

I’m still trying to recover from this first one.

Random Running Thought #202

“Am I the only fool who managed to gain weight on the day of her marathon?”

Fortunately, since having this thought I’ve found out that I am not alone and that tapering can be your friend or foe. Don’t get me wrong, overall I have slimmed down since I started training for a marathon and the health benefits are outstanding – per my doctor my blood pressure and circulation are "stellar." Got to love that. My weight loss peaked about one month before the big race when I was logging long runs (18 milers +) and I was careful about what I was eating to fuel those runs.

Then came the taper (*insert dark, daunting music here*). I cut back on my running but not on my eating hence some of those lost pounds found their way home. For most of us weight loss is pretty transparent. If you eat more calories than you burn you gain weight – even if you are training for a marathon.

The outcome of this lovely thought – running is an excellent way to get healthy and to lose weight but you still have to be conscious of what you eat … and drink. Ahem. Oh, and if you want to fit into your running pants the day of your marathon don’t consume everything in sight during your taper.

Winks & Smiles,

Friday’s Confession: Sometimes I get on Husband’s Nerves

Friday’s Confession …

Sometimes I get on Husband’s nerves.

GASP!

Or so he says. I know I can run things into the ground be a bit repetitive but sometimes that’s necessary when you have nothing else to say to get your point across.

Ever since my first child was born I’ve strategically used that to my advantage. Ten months of pregnancy, 24 hours of labor, and two hours of pushing is a great comeback when you want to get out of something and don’t want to sound like a wimp. When all else fails it’s my favorite and most frequently used comeback line. Let me show you how it works:

Husband: “Are you going to help me clean the garage?”

Me: “Dude, I gave you a son. Not today.”

And, once my daughter was born and I had two births under my belt it was really on.

Husband: “Let’s get the backyard done today.”

Me: “I bore your children; I’ve done enough hard work for this decade.”

Ok, my success rate is not too high (about 25 percent) but still you would think Husband would be grateful that after nine years of hearing the same ol’ comeback I whipped out a new line on him this week.

Husband: “Are you going to the grocery store today?”

Me: “Um, I just ran a marathon.”

I wonder how long I can milk this one …

Winks & Smiles,