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,

Marathon Number Two

The excitement that comes with committing to a marathon is almost immeasurable. Yup, I put it up there closely behind little things like giving BIRTH, getting MARRIED, and other life-changing events. Anyone, who has done any of those things, or at least has thought about them, will understand that I'm breaking my face grinning from ear to ear because I just registered for my second marathon.

I've heard Chicago is one of the must-run marathons; and I'm extra excited because several folks from my running group - including my fearless pace-group leader, Barbara - are doing it. Anyone else running in the windy city this year? I'd love to know and cheer you on, too!

Winks & Smiles,

Friday’s Confession: I Don’t Know Where to Run

Friday’s confession … I don’t know where to run.

I’m trying to decide what marathon I am going to do in 2011 and I need a little help.

Should I head off to the windy city …

Chicago Marathon, October 9, 2011

Or stay in the sultry south?

Rock 'n' Roll Savannah, November 5, 2011 

Decisions, decisions. I would LOVE your thoughts. And, yes, I’m not only thinking about the run, but important things like food, BEER, gasp!, and city highlights could easily influence my decision.

Winks & Smiles,

Marathon Motivation: Are YOU Making YOUR Dreams Happen?

I recently got an email from a woman asking for advice on reaching her dream to run a marathon. Here’s some of her note …

“I am in love of running. Period. I love the feeling, I love the satisfaction it gives you, and I even love the bad days. But, sometimes I’m am soooooooo busy I hardly find the time to run. I am 27-year-old dentist and also a full time new ‘wifey.’ Sometimes it’s so hard for me to train. My ultimate dream is running a marathon, hopefully before my 30th birthday. Until now I have run mostly 10ks but the big marathon is always in my mind.

I’m so motivated, I run 3-4 times a week, but it’s complicated due to my schedule, so running at night is mostly my only choice. I depend on my husband to join me. You can imagine what that means … if he is tired or upset by something, no running for me that day or I have to stick to the old friend that is always there: the treadmill.

So this is my ‘fear’ not to accomplish my dream due to these factors. Any advice? I’m not giving up on this! I want to run a marathon no matter what.”

Raise your hand if you can relate.

*insert both hands in the air here*

Better yet, leave a comment with your words of wisdom on how you’re tackling YOUR goals and kicking fear in the butt.

My advice?

She already sounds like she has the love and passion; if she matches that with determination and patience, she’ll run that marathon.

ANYTHING is possible. Set a goal, devise a plan, be flexible, be creative and most importantly BELIEVE that you can do it.

Winks & Smiles,

Project Me: 2011 Goals

Yes, Project Me. One of my lifetime goals is to be the best wife and mother I can be. I truly believe that that all starts with being the best person I can be. If I’m healthier and happier that will positively spill over into my family. With that said, most of my 2011 goals focus on me doing just that – getting healthier and in turn happier, too. While I’ve got a lengthy list of things that I plan on doing BETTER in 2011 and some pretty exciting business goals, I’ve narrowed down my Project Me: Healthy & Happier goals to five.

Run my SECOND marathon. To say I had an AMAZING first marathon experience would definitely be an understatement. I LOVED it and can’t wait to do another one in the fall.

Do a race per MONTH. Races to me are just FUN. I enjoy the whole experience and would like to do at least one per month. I plan to mix it up with 5Ks, 10Ks and a few half marathons. I’m working on my race schedule now.

Run 1,000 MILES. Hmm, sounds like I need to reserve a spot in Tall Mom’s club. I think know its doable and, quite honestly, it will keep me focused and on track. No pun intended. Ahem.

Dump my DEBT. This is indirectly a health and happiness goal. The stress of out-of-whack finances can be devastating to your wallet – and your body. Husband and I are committed to a cash only lifestyle and getting rid of our credit card debt. Woosah.

Rock a BIKINI on my birthday. In four months I turn 40. I’m OK with that, but I’ll be even better if I’m rocking a bikini with a beer in my hand on a beach somewhere. For real. For the first four months of this year, my BIGGEST focus will be on my birthday goal.

I’m aiming big for 2011, how about you? Leave me a comment, share your link or Facebook me. I’d LOVE to read your goals and cheer you on, too!

Winks & Smiles,

Wifey’s 2010 Shining Moments

As a former publicist, I’m used to putting other people in the spotlight, not myself. I spent several years promoting other people’s work, talent and accomplishments and being very quiet about my own. As time goes on, I’m learning that it’s OK and quite frankly, necessary to celebrate yourself and to graciously share your triumphs with others.

Sometimes taking a peek back at what you’ve done can help propel you even further into greatness. It’s easy to remember what you didn’t check off the “To Do List,” but looking at what was accomplished just might surprise you.

With that said, here are my 2010 shining moments:

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon
I became a princess thanks to the wonderful folks at Disney and ran my second half marathon since 2005.

11 Year Wedding Anniversary
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Husband. Anyone married knows each happy year is truly worth celebrating.

USTA State Championship
My 3.0 Women’s USTA tennis team won the Georgia State Championship and went on to play in the sectional tournament. Fun times.

Get Moving Race & Relax
My BlogRollin’ partner and I held our first Race & Relax event where we inspired 20 ladies to Get Moving by running in a 5K with us then treated them to brunch and the spa. We’re planning our 2011 schedule now.

Peachtree Road Race
After joining Get Fit Atlanta to train for my first marathon, I ran the Peachtree faster than ever before. It was a blast.

Spoke at Evo
I took my first trip to Utah to speak at EVO ‘10 The Evolution of Women in Social Media; and tackled one of my biggest fears (yes, I’m a punk) and rode the Ziprider at Park City. AWESOME.

Survived my First Ice Bath
Um, I took the plunge in September and woke up the whole damn neighborhood. Yikes!

Spoke at Blogalicious 2010
The Ritz. In South Beach. With 250 dynamic bloggers. Enough said.

Launched Run Wifey Run
I started this blog in October to chronicle my tales of Marriage, Motherhood and all the Mayhem. Oh, yeah and this little race I did called a marathon. Gasp!

More Freelance Writing
I’ve always enjoyed writing for magazines and other online publications. I’m pleased that I was able to add several more stories to my list of clips.

Ran my first Marathon/Tweeted for Washington Post
26.2, baby! Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought I’d be a marathoner … and tweet my race for the Washington Post. AMAZING!

Coca-Cola Live Positively Conference
I was invited to attend the first Live Positively Social Media Conference: Conversations with Coca-Cola in Atlanta. It was intimate and informative; definitely one of the best blogging events I attended in 2010.

Served as a Judge for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine
The DDA holds a special place in my heart. To be asked by Disney to serve as one of 10 judges who chose the final 100 participants was truly an honor.

PR’d the Atlanta Half Marathon
This was the first half marathon I ran in 2005. It probably took me 4 hours (I never looked at my time.) This year I shaved 30+ minutes off of my Princess run in the spring. I pushed myself … and it felt GREAT.

Spoke at Lavish
FAB-U-LOUS. That’s how I describe my dear friend The Broke Socialite and her first and highly anticipated conference – Lavish. It was all it was cracked up to be and I had a ball speaking on a panel.

While these things make me smile every time I think back to them, my biggest challenge and accomplishment is striving to be the best wife and mom I can be. I truly believe creating time and goals for myself makes me a better person – a better woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

Cheers to a WONDERFUL 2010; and an even BRIGHTER 2011!

Winks & Smiles,

Hello, My Name is Wifey and I’m Suffering From Race Withdrawal

It hasn’t even been a month since my last race and already I have the when-is-my-next-run-blues.

Gasp!

One of the many things I love about running is participating in races. I love the goal-setting, the countdown, the fun of the crowds, running with friends & family, the expos, the training, the pre-race pasta dinner, the post race beer, ahem, picking out my running outfit and the thrill of crossing the finish line – no matter how large or small the race.

I want to do a holiday race but my family’s schedule won’t allow it so it’s a wrap for me until January. I’m getting ready to plan my races out for 2011; there’s already a few I know – I’ll be rockin’ my tiara in February at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon then I’ll trade it in for a warrior helmet in May when I do the Warrior Dash with Husband and some friends. I plan to do a race a month and will tackle my second marathon toward the end of the year. I’m not sure which one yet. Chicago? New York? Savannah? There are so many great ones to choose from.

Anyone have any race suggestions – 5K, 10K, half marathons and “the Big M?” I'd love to hear your input. Oh, and if you’re a race junkie, too, please let me know I’m not suffering from withdrawal alone.

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,

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.

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,

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,

26.2 Done!

I did it. 26.2 miles done. I'm officially a marathoner and it feels WONDERFUL!

Me and my medal - still smiling! 

I'm getting ready to drive home to Atlanta and will post a race recap as soon as I can feel my legs again when I get back. Thanks to everyone for all of the love, support and well wishes! Always remember to believe in yourself ... you just might be surprised at how far you can go.

Winks & Smiles!

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,

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,