She's Back ... But She MOVED!

She MOVED? What?!

That's right, from now on you can find me at ...

www.RunWifeyRun.com

Why are you still here? Come on and check out my new digs!

Winks & Smiles,

What in the World is She Up to Now?

I've got a few NEW things in the works and I'm going to need to disappear for a couple days to get them all handled - yikes! 

I'm working on a NEW event that I'll be announcing later this month. All I can say now is get your running shoes ready, a wine glass ... and an overnight bag - gasp!

I'm also working on a NEW look ... for my my blog, of course. I'm in the process of sprucing things up around here and look forward to unveiling my new digs shortly.

And, finally, I'm working on setting some NEW goals. I reached my birthday goal and I'm motivated to keep on going.

While I'm gone I'll become a Warrior. I never thought I'd be so excited to get dirty. Ahem. It'll only be a few days, but in case you'd like to follow me I'm ALWAYS on Twitter at @AskWifey and on facebook at Run Wifey Run.

See you in a few ...

Winks & Smiles,

Marathon Training Week 2: I REMEMBERED to Showed Up This Week

Week 2 of training for the Chicago Marathon is in the books and I'm glad to say I remembered to show up this week. Ahem.

I'm training with the most awesome running group, Get Fit Atlanta, and we're starting from scratch so my mileage is low but I know from past experience it will build - quickly.

Monday - 4.07 miles
Tuesday - 1.3 miles (I wasn't feeling well and cut my run short. Sometimes its best to listen to your body.)
Wednesday - 3.03 miles
Saturday - 3.18 miles


Week 2 Total: 11.58 miles

I do my weekday runs solo after dropping the kids at school; so I absolutely LOVE to hook up with my Get Fit Atlanta peeps on Saturday mornings for some company and fun runs.

My pace group leader, Coach Karen, had us all moving!

We did Indian Sprints - we lined up by two (there were lots of us) then the last two people in line had to sprint up to the front of the line and repeat. It was fun to work on some speed and break up the run.

Me after. Feeling great and ready to tackle the weekend.

Looking forward to Week 3 and the Warrior Dash this weekend. Getting my mind right for some mud.

Winks & Smiles,

Double Duty: Celebrating Mother's Day & My Anniversary

Yes, I'm literally managing marriage and motherhood today, ahem; not only is it Mother's Day but it's my 12th wedding anniversary, too.

Me, my mother, and my sister

Happy Mother's Day and much love to my WONDERFUL mother and all of you lovely Moms! May you be celebrated and appreciated for all of the crap you put up with great things you do!

A clip from our wedding on TLC's "A Wedding Story"

Happy Anniversary to my FAVORITE (and only) Husband! I love you even more than the day you put a ring on my finger. Hmm, how many years do you have to be married to get another one? Just kidding. Sort of.

Winks & Smiles,



Friday's Confession: I MISSED Week 1 of Marathon Training

Friday's Confession ... I missed my first week of marathon training - GASP!

It wasn't intentional - I actually have been anxiously awaiting week 1 - but I didn't check my running group's message boards and, yup, I totally missed it.

I'm so sorry, I was a little busy bikini shopping and turning 40, ahem, but I did manage to squeeze out two 4 mile runs and one day of strength training - fortunately, training starts off slow.

I'm so excited to get back on schedule and run with my Get Fit Atlanta peeps tomorrow morning. Thankfully, I've got a good 20+ weeks to redeem myself.

Tell me I'm not alone ... ever miss a week of training?

Winks & Smiles,

Project Me Recap: Before and AFTER Picture and Stats

In January I started Project Me and set a Birthday Goal to rock a bikini on my birthday. I’m beyond thrilled that I stayed committed and entered my 40’s more fit than my 30’s … and even my 20’s.

Here are my pics and stats:

My Before picture – Yikes!

My BEFORE Stats, 1/1/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 195.5
Arm: 13 inches
Chest: 40 inches
Waist: 35 inches
Stomach: 39 & ½ inches
Hips: 44 inches
Thigh: 24 & ½ inches

My after picture – Yay!

My AFTER Stats, 4/28/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 170.5
Arm: 12 inches
Chest: 36 inches
Waist: 31 inches
Stomach: 35 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Thigh: 23 inches

I lost a total of 25 pounds; 19 inches; moved 3 notches on my belt and dropped 2 clothing sizes (I went from a 16 to a 12).

While I’m celebrating my accomplishments, I really shouldn't call this an "AFTER" picture because Project Me is not over. My body still has some work left to do. I feel another goal coming on. I’m motivated to continue my quest to be healthy and happy and there’s nothing like a looming deadline to keep your ass you moving.

Hmm, I think that bikini would look even better with a six-pack …

Winks & Smiles,

Soirees, Surprises & Cupcakes

Let me be honest right now, there was no running this weekend. Gasp! But, after TWO birthday soirees, a little wine, pasta, a few beers, and the most DELICIOUS little cupcakes ever made a run is definitely in order.

It all started when Husband told me we had to go out at 5 p.m. on Saturday night when my birthday celebration wasn’t scheduled to start until 9 p.m. Hmm. Yup he was up to something. We drove downtown and end up here.

Love the swanky W hotel – my new home for the night. (Thanks Mom, for keeping the kids *winks*)

After checking in he whisked me away again and didn’t tell me where we were going. We pulled into Atlantic Station where I assumed we were going for dinner – until he broke out a blindfold. Yikes! Cautiously playing along, I let him lead me into a building … onto an elevator … and outside onto a patio where I heard 20 of my family and friends shout, “SURPRISE!”

My dear friend Shameeka, The Broke Socialite, hosted this lovely surprise soiree at The Atlantic Residences. I’ve never had a surprise party so I couldn’t stop smiling.

Husband and Me

Me and my sister, Nicole

My Mama and my Auntie Kristi

My Dad and his Daughters

The Gals: Christie, Yvette and Shameeka

The Guys: Eric, Napoleon and my cousin, Rick

Around 9:30 p.m. We left party number one to head over to Shout for party number two. Husband and I made a quick change and were ready to get our dance on. We had a private cabana on the top level of the club and partied under the stars. Too. Damn. Cool. Big hugs to my favorite (and only) sister, Nicole, to Husband and to my Dad for hooking up such a wonderful celebration.

We ate ... (OMG!)

We partied ... (Yes, we got our groove on!)

We posed ... (Nicole, Wanda and I spent two weeks together overseas filming the Travel Channel's "Great Cruises: Why Not the Mediterranean?" The Atlanta Girls reunite!)

And we played ... (The camera got us doing our best Tiger faces!)

So I didn’t run and I didn’t really eat right, ahem, but I had the most FABULOUS 40th birthday. For real. Don’t worry, my running shoes are back on and clean eating restored because that bikini cost too damn much to only wear once.

Winks & Smiles,

Meet My Lovely New Running Partner, Lola

Isn't she LOVELY?

Yes, I'm head over heels for my lovely new running partner, Lola. I've wanted a Garmin for the past year, but my kids also like to be clothed and fed so I displayed some patience and waited for the opportune time to let Husband know exactly what I wanted hope for one.

As usual, Husband came through - he's such a keeper - and surprised me on my birthday with Lola. We ran together for the first time this morning and it was pure bliss. I have so much to learn about her (who knew she'd be so complex) but I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship - she vowed to keep me on pace and I vowed to keep her charged.

Winks & Smiles,

Life After the Royal Wedding: My TV Appearance on Good Day Atlanta Dishing WifeSaving Advice

AFTER watching the Royal Wedding I high-tailed it down to Fox5 studios and discussed life AFTER the wedding on "Good Day Atlanta" this morning.

Here's my segment on learning how to live together - and like it.

Dealing with Emotions After Marriage: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Shameless plug ... my book makes a GREAT gift for new brides. Ahem.

Winks & Smiles,

Happy Bikini Day to Me

At the beginning of the year I decided that I would CELEBRATE turning 40 - not dread it. It's a momentous birthday and I'm looking forward to all the wonderful things this next chapter of my life will bring.

I set a goal to be healthier and happier; and oh, yeah ... to rock a bikini.

I came. I saw. I conquered.

Winks & Smiles,

Run Little Peach Run

"Mommy, I want to run again."

"Really. You mean like a race?"

I answered while doing three cartwheels and a back flip - with a twist.

"Yes, please."

My daughter, Milan, on Thanksgiving Day running the Mashed Potato Mile

On May 14 at 9 a.m. my little Princess Peach will be running the AJC Peachtree Junior. Ahem. She doesn't have to ask me twice.

Winks & Smiles,

The Best Birthday Gift … Running for More Birthdays

As I shared a few weeks ago I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon as a member of the DetermiNation team raising money for the American Cancer Society. I’m excited that my second marathon will have such purpose and promise for such an important cause.

Dedicate a Mile IN HONOR of Someone YOU Love. The first 25 people to donate $25 or more will have one mile run in honor of their loved-one. The first mile is in honor of my late father-in-law, Leon "Bullet" Robertson, a marathon runner who beat prostate cancer. I will share all the names and their miles here on Run Wifey Run.

My father-in-law 

More than half a million people die from cancer annually while more than 1.5 million new cases continue to occur. The numbers are staggering. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and must be stopped.

As I approach my 40th birthday this week, I can’t think of a better birthday present than to receive support to help save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

For more information or to make a donation you can visit my personal donation page here.

Because everyone deserves more birthdays …

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: I'm a member of the American Cancer Society's Blogger Advisory Council, however, I am NOT being compensated for this post and all of the money received goes to DetermiNation/American Cancer Society. I appreciate your support.  

Race Recap: Jelly Bean Virtual 5K

One of my goals this year is to run at least one race every month. April is almost over and my schedule has not been cooperating with this goal. I decided I needed to take matters into my own hands and do my first virtual race. Several folks on facebook recommended Run with Jess' Jelly Bean Virtual Race. Since I can't eat them this year (birthday goal) I figured I should run it.

I signed up yesterday and prayed for no rain so I could get my run on this morning.

Me in my Jelly Bean pink. Jess sent out these cute race bibs to personalize. Fun!

No rain but it was GLOOMY. I turned on my iPod, cranked up Jay-Z (it was that kind of morning) and made the best of it!

The sun actually tried to peek through the clouds for a minute. *insert organ music here* Doesn't it look all theatrical? Hmm, it is Good Friday. *ahem* I also almost mooned some poor guy. Or, maybe he would have been happy. My pants were falling down - Yay for my birthday goal! I feel a shopping trip coming on.

I finished in 34:30 and felt great - except I forgot my water bottle. Um, there's no water stops in a virtual race. Duh.

A big thanks to Jess for helping me stay on track (no pun intended) with my goal.

Winks & Smiles,

National Minority Cancer Awareness Week Chat

Cancer sucks.

That’s why I’m always eager to say yes to the wonderful folks at the American Cancer Society (ACS) whenever they call on me.

Tomorrow I will take part in their National Minority Cancer Awareness Week online chat with ACS’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Otis Brawley, at 1 p.m. EST. Dr. Brawley will answer questions about how cancer affects communities of color and what we can do to help reduce health disparities. The lovely Renee Ross from Cutie Booty Cakes will also take part in the conversation.

Cancer is huge problem in the African American community, but it affects ALL of us regardless of our color or ethnic background, so I invite all of you to come by this important chat as we try to create a world with more birthdays.

National Minority Cancer Awareness Week Chat, Friday, April 22, at 1 p.m. EST.

Winks & Smiles,

Wordless Wednesday: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

I think I would look FABULOUS rockin' some wings. I'm just sayin'. (runDisney announced their newest event yesterday, The Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort, January 27-29, 2012.) Pixie dust, anyone?

Winks & Smiles,



Putting YOU First

That’s right, I said it. Gasp! Put YOU first.

Oh my gosh, what kind of mother am I? I believe in making sure that I am healthy and happy so that I can raise healthy and happy kids. Yes, I’m being sarcastic, but in all seriousness it took me years to understand how important that is. As wives and mothers we so often put ourselves last and many times end up frustrated, cranky and the “f-word,” fat.

Oh no, I said "fat," too.

You can read what else I had to say on today's post, Finding Time for Fitness: Putting YOU First, over at My Atlanta Moms. Come on by, it's not just for us Georgia Peaches, we ALL need to top our lists.

Winks & Smiles,

Wifesaver Tip #141: Add an EXTRA Hour to Your Day

Last Friday I bitched complained about not having enough time. Today I did something about it.

I added an extra hour to my day. No, there are not 25 hours in my day now; I simply decided to reclaim one that wasn’t being used properly. Time is precious and if we don’t choose wisely how to spend it we’ll end up stressed, depressed and left behind.

Last night I went to bed a little earlier than usual so I could wake up at 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. I had an entire hour to myself. There was no one calling “mama” or asking me to do anything for them. Even the dog was sleep. It felt great to get up and have a jump on my day; and I’m looking forward to rising early again tomorrow.

What could you do with an EXTRA hour?

Winks & Smiles,

Running's Major: The Boston Marathon

When I woke up this morning I couldn’t help but think about all the people running in the Boston Marathon today.

Every sport has its major events. Baseball has the World Series, football has the Super Bowl, golf has the majors and so does tennis. Running has Boston. It’s as big as you get.

The oldest annual marathon takes place this morning. More than 20,000 runners will join an elite group of Boston finishers.

Becoming a marathoner is such an AMAZING thing; it’s not only a physical accomplishment but a mental one. You can’t help but view things, life, differently afterwards. I can only imagine the feeling runners get after running Boston.

While running Boston isn’t one of my personal goals (I’m slow as hell I’m not that fast and I’m good with that) I definitely respect its history and tradition and I’m excited to watch it today online. I’ll be cheering on Mel from Tall Mom on the Run, Katye from Long Legs on the Loose, all of the folks running from the blogosphere (Mel has a list on her site) and everyone participating in the running world’s most prestigious event.

Now, I'm off to sneak in a few miles of my own before the main event begins ...

Winks amp; Smiles,

Friday's Confession: I need more TIME

Friday's Confession: I need more TIME.

There are not enough hours in the day. I KNOW you folks can relate. Here's a snapshot of what my day looked like yesterday.

Me, after I dropped the kids off getting ready for my morning run. I've got my serious game face on!

After my run, my Nina (pronounced Nine-uh, like San Fran 49ners - yes, Husband went there), wanted to go out, too.

Then I kicked out a blog post, visited a few and got some freelance work done. I'm constantly on my computer so imagine this picture popping up after ever other one.

Had to do a little shopping trip to Super Target. For some strange reason my family seems to love it when I grocery shop. Go figure, they like to eat. 

After picking up the kids and knocking out homework I managed to squeeze in 30 minutes of Plyometrics. Got to love those swing kicks!

Next it was off to coach my little sunshine and 11 other 7-year-olds through a highly competetive softball game. We lost 13-12 but the girls gave a valiant effort.

Let's see, I left out about a million other things like cooking (yes, we did eat yesterday), washing clothes, and all that little fun stuff that adds up. I also didn't get to several things on my to do list which left me frustrated and wanting more TIME. I'm a big believer in scheduling, but I think I need to be a little more realistic about how much one person can do in one day.

Am I the only one who turns around and the day is over? I need more time ... or a wife.

Winks & Smiles,