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,

Marathon #2: Let the Training Begin

I never in my wildest dreams thought there would ever be a marathon #1, let alone a marathon #2. Yikes! I’m super excited to start training for the Chicago Marathon and couldn’t wait for the kickoff run with Get Fit Atlanta this past Saturday morning. The good folks at Get Fit got me through my first 26.2 and I’m counting on them for the next one.

My early morning pre-run pic. Cheese!

They’re having sign-up runs all month so we officially don’t start training for a few more weeks, but it still felt good to get back out there with everybody.

My former pace group coach, Barbara (r), and her speedy companions.

Me and my new yellow coach, Karen, after running 3 miles.

I was a bit torn between moving up to the next pace group or staying where I am. While I plan on getting faster, I also plan on doing the Galloway run/walk method for the marathon, and the faster pace group doesn’t do it. I like to run the shorter distances and use the run/walk for longer ones. I just simply enjoy it better and to me that’s what’s most important. Fortunately, I have the flexibility of mixing it up and going back and forth between the groups – as long as I can keep up. Gasp!

Speaking of keeping up, I missed my morning run today due to an on-camera interview I had for an exciting new project I’m working on. Shh, it’s a secret that I can’t wait to share soon. I’m off to catch up on my workout. Twenty-three days until my birthday goal, not that I’m counting or anything. Ahem.

Winks & Smiles,

Project Me: 1st Month Birthday Goal Update

It’s been about a month since I’ve started Project Me – my mission to becoming a healthier, happier me. Oh, and there’s also this little birthday goal I blurted out, too. Something about rocking a bikini on my 40th birthday – gasp! I’m happy to say that I am feeling great, working hard, and making good progress. I’ve decided not to report monthly stats – I don’t want to stalk the scale – but I can share this measurement.

It’s time for me to break up with these:

My FAVORITE and last size 16 jeans.

I can no longer wear them. While its bitter sweet – they were so comfortable – they are hanging off of my butt so far I don’t have to unbutton them to pull them on or off. I knew it was bad when I start hearing the song, “Pants on the Ground,” in my head every time I would go to put them on.

Eating well (I’m trying to eat clean 80 percent of the time), strength training, and of course running are all making a huge difference in my life. I’m 85 days away from my 40th birthday, but I’ve already decided this lifestyle won’t stop then once I reach my goal. It’s just the beginning ...

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,

Tiaras, Tutus and Running Shoes

Dear Lorraine,

Congratulations! You are now registered for 2011 Disney's Princess Half Marathon - INDIVIDUAL. Please check the event's official website for updates: http://www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com.

This race is a FAVORITE of mine. Last year it rekindled my passion for running. I’m excited to have my first half of the year scheduled and I’m even more excited that it’s this one. Something magical always happens at Disney.

Anyone else rockin’ a tutu?

Winks & Smiles,

1,000 Miles in 2011

I bet there’s an app for that. Or, even better a club.

That’s right. I discovered the ultra fabulous Tall Mom’s blog last year but it was way too late for me to get in on the 1,000 miles. This year, however, is another story. I started the year off running. That’s right I’ve logged a whole 7 miles – watch out now – and I’m feeling pretty good.

One of my FAVORITE things about being a runner is the camaraderie. Runners support runners. It’s inspirational and, for me, it’s necessary. My long runs with my Get Fit Atlanta crew are the best. I also love the incredible community I’ve found online that cheer each other on and pick each other up when one falls. AMAZING.

So, if you’ve got 1,000 miles or more on your goal list head on over to Tall Mom’s to join the club. I hear her email is exploding but she’s super sweet and would love to have you.

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,