Women in the World: INSPIRED

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of attending Newsweek & The Daily Beast’s Women in the World Summit: Stories + Solutions. I was invited and hosted by The Coca-Cola Company, a Leadership Sponsor for the event.

For three days I sat intently in New York City’s Hudson Theater and listened to an amazing array of women come from all across the globe to share stories of hardship, pain, joy, determination, triumph, defeat, success and their desire to make this world a better place for every woman.

There were high profile dignitaries and celebrities like President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Madeleine Albright, Barbara Walters, Christine Amanpour, Charlie Rose and Ashley Judd. Equally as vital to the conference were women with unrecognizable names but immeasurable contributions to the betterment of our society. Learning about the different obstacles that women face in many parts of the world; the human rights that are still lacking; and most importantly about some of the brave women who are stepping forward to make changes left me INSPIRED.

Inspired to pay more attention to life outside my immediate world.

Inspired to become more active in my community as well as on a global front.

Inspired to strive harder for greatness in everything that I do.

Ashley Judd and panelists passionately discuss trafficking of girls in the United States



The Twitter stream for their hashtag #WIW2011

Sec. of State Clinton and Summit host Tina Brown with several of the speakers

Need a little inspiration? I encourage you to visit the Women in the World website. The videos and stories will amaze you.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: My travel and accommodations were provided by The Coca-Cola Company. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Are You Doing EVERYTHING You Can to Be Your Best?

I’m nearing the end of the first month of Project Me. While I’m pretty pleased with the results, every week I still look back to see what I did; and then look forward to see what I can do BETTER next week.

I’ve challenged myself to be the best that I can be and that means taking things to a higher level. In the past I’ve found myself doing a good job and getting too comfortable with that. “Good” isn’t good enough to be the BEST.

I’m retraining my brain. When I find that I’m happy with my results instead of patting myself on the back and staying content; I’m patting myself on the back and searching for new ways to go farther. Sometimes it's hard, but it's always worth it.

How about you? Are you doing everything you can do to be your best? How do you stay motivated to move to the next level? I’d LOVE to know …

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,

Friday’s Confession: I’m Running TOO Fast

Friday’s Confession … I’m running TOO fast. Not my pace, my life.

Yesterday I got smacked in the face with a wake up call. School was delayed two hours due to icy roads, my kitchen sink wasn’t working – my garbage disposal is jammed – and the plumber can’t come until Monday, I didn’t get to write and post, no running or workout happened and then my daughter didn’t feel good and had to say home for the third day this week. Did I mention I haven’t Christmas shopped yet and had a full day planned of everything I was going to do. Argh. Obviously, none of this was major – thank God – but sometimes lots of little stuff is exactly what’s needed to shake things up and put them back into perspective.

As I started to stress out my daughter asked me to sit with her. After she curled up on my lap we sat and chatted. It was calming; and peaceful. As much as I thought I needed to get up and clean the bathrooms or check my email I realized that I really needed to sit there with her and slow down. At that moment I decided to put on the breaks and take some time to catch my breath. As challenging as it was I didn’t do much of anything. I had to slow my body and my mind down. I didn’t even tweet – gasp!

I put this quote on my Facebook page then backed away from the computer.

Midday Motivation: "Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast; you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." -Eddie Cantor

As women we’re often trying to do so much for our families that we’re speeding through our days. Good intentions are there but we aren’t because we’re moving too fast. As much as I LOVE this time of year I was starting to feel like it was passing me by. Today, I’m making the effort to slow down. I don’t want to miss the moment – or anymore hugs from my baby girl.

Winks & Smiles,

Making Dreams Come True

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of going to comedian and television star Steve Harvey’s house to take part in selecting the final participants for the 2011 Class of Disney’s Dreamers Academy, with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine.

I’ve written about DDA several times online and for Heart & Soul magazine; as it’s such a special, life-changing event. Wait, I'll let Steve tell you about it himself (it’s a short video so don’t blink, I make two quick appearances) …



I was beyond thrilled when they invited me to be one of 10 select judges.

They sent me this picture and frame to say thank-you.

As you can see I was in good company with Gospel Superstar Yolanda Adams; Steve Harvey and his beautiful wife, Marjorie; Terrance J., host of BET’s “106 and Park;” Sports Radio Host and Commentator Stephen A. Smith; Dr. Steve Perry, principal and founder of Capitol Preparatory Magnet School; Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine; Stella Ringer, Marketing Manager, The Coca-Cola Company; Walt Disney World representatives Tracey Powell, executive champion for Disney’s Dreamers Academy and Carole Munroe, Director, Walt Disney World News Bureau; and Dalonte Hall, a 2010 Dreamer.

I’m looking forward to attending the magical weekend in March 2011 and I thank the wonderful folks at DDA for honoring me with this opportunity to help make some wonderful, young dreams come true.

Winks & Smiles,

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: 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,

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,

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,

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,

Marine Corps Marathon Race Recap

This past Sunday I ran in my first marathon - and I LOVED it! It was everything that I imagined and better. Thank God. Ahem. OK, let me start at the beginning.

The Ride
When Husband decided to come with me to the race we immediately thought a road trip would be the way to go.It was icing on the cake when the good folks at GM provide a brand new Chevy Equinox as our official “Ride to Run” vehicle. Not only were we riding in style, but comfort is even more important when you are traveling to and from a marathon. Let’s just say the Equinox passed with flying colors; Husband and I will share our thoughts about the ride, the Equinox, and how to survive 12 hours in the car with your spouse in another post.

The Expo
I love going to expos! I’m cheap as hell financially responsible so most of the time I don’t buy anything, but this was my first marathon so I picked up a few goodies including a cute MCM 26.2 shirt. I also splurged on two head-bands and a little bling for my car.

Yes, I really will run for beer. So.

While I was there I did pick up my race number and goodie bag. Um, yes I know that’s the most important thing - not the shopping or running for beer. Ahem.

The Marine who handed me my goods.

They were awesome throughout the whole weekend ...and extremely helpful see.

Before I left I had to spend a little time with the MCM’s most famous finisher - Oprah.

Yes, we chatted about my race plan, wardrobe and what I was going to do afterwards. Can you say ice bath?

The Race
I woke up around 5:45 a.m. after a surprisingly goodnight sleep. I was due to meet the crew from my running group, Get Fit Atlanta, in the lobby at 6:15 a..m. After snapping a few pics we headed out to wait on line for the free shuttles to take us to the start. Everything at the race was so well organized and manned by the Marines. They loaded us on the shuttle buses, handed out Powerade and water, and even put the medals around our necks - but that comes later.

Once we got to the Runners Village I waited on line for a port-a-potty pit-stop but realized I was too close to start time and wanted to find my running buddies for the day - Jamie, Bo, Michael and Doug. We trained together doing 2:1 run/walk intervals in Atlanta and planned to run together for the big day. Once the race began it took about 25 minutes before we got to start so I sneaked into a port-a-potty on the side of the start and was fresh and empty for the race. Good move.

As if running a marathon isn’t a big enough challenge I added tweeting and take pictures to the mix. I was chosen with a handful of runners by the Washington Post to be tracked online during the race. Good thing I wasn’t actually “racing.” I wasn’t concerned about my finishing time, I just wanted to enjoy the experience and adding the interactive social media element made it even more special. Once people realized I was tweeting live while running a marathon they were cheering me on in full force. The love and support I got from my Twitter friends was priceless. I had my own twitter cheering section and it gave me lots of great energy . Surprisingly, I didn’t tweet and trip once -Yikes! - I sent most of them out during walk cycles.

I felt awesome throughout the entire race. I kept waiting to hit the dreaded wall but never did. I trained properly, followed my race day plan and it paid off - big time. I stayed with my running buddies until around mile 20 and we all kind of spread out. I loved having people to share my experience with and definitely recommend group running. Even though I still felt good, Mile 25 was the longest mile ever made on earth. For real. At that point I was ready to just be done and wanted that medal hanging around my neck - oh, and a chair would’ve been nice.

Here’s some of my favorite pics from the race ...

My pre-race self-portrait. "Cheese!"

I put “Believe” on my shoes so I could look down and see it if I needed to.

Doug, Me, Bo, Michael and Jamie

OK, it was Halloween but really? He had to be uncomfortable - Yikes!

The Start!

Marines lined up to send us off.

Mile 3 came quickly.There were Marines at all the mile markers.

I ran into one of my Get Fit Atlanta buddies, Kimberly, at mile 7

The juggler. Show off. Just kidding. Sort of.

One of my only running shots. I think this was somewhere around mile 10 or 11.

Yup, I was sightseeing. The course was so damn pretty.

See. Beautiful, right?

This was one of my favorite signs. Tee hee hee

This is my favorite Husband. He was there cheering me on at mile 16, 18 and 23.

What a relief to see these signs. People get swept at the bridge if you don’t make the cutoff time.

So glad I wasn’t on clean up duty.

The longest mile EVER.

The finish line - Whoo hoo

The Marine who “medaled me” Gasp!

Me showing off that beautiful medal.

So, 5 hours and 53 minutes after I crossed the start line I became a marathoner - and I loved every second of it.

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,

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,