Goodbye 34...Hello 35!

So yesterday I celebrated my 35th birthday...well, honestly, it was a weekend of celebrating! On Friday night, my amazing small group (minus Melanie) cooked out and had a fantastic dinner at Sara's place. Sara and Martha are quite the grill masters! It was delicious and just a fun evening...it had been awhile since I had hung out with them for just a social night...it absolutely reminded me how lucky I am that God brought us all together almost 2 years ago. Yesterday, I slept in and lounged around the house some. Mike came over about 4 and surprised me with 2 beautiful white rocking chairs for my back porch! We were at Home Depot a few weeks ago and when we left, we sat in some rocking chairs outside of the store and I mentioned that I wanted to get some for my back porch. When I saw them, I couldn't believe it...I was so excited and shocked! He said they were for us to grow old in! We moved them to the back patio and rocked in them for a bit...I can't wait to spend many evenings sitting out there with the love of my life! We went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (a personal favorite of mine) and then met Jen and Nate for dessert and drinks at Cafe Intermezzo, which was delicious!! This morning we got up and met my parents, David, and Lauren at The Georgia Club for brunch...it was unbelievably good! I am one blessed girl and this birthday weekend just reminded me how incredibly blessed I am!

A look back at 34...
-completed my 4th half-marathon
-completed my 6th Peachtree Road Race
-got a bit faster when running and gained the confidence that I AM a runner
-completed my 13th year teaching (only 17 more to go!)
-had my 6th (and hopefully last) hand surgery
-met the man of my dreams!

A look ahead at 35...
-tackle my 5th & 6th half-marathons (and maybe #7)
-conquer my 14th year teaching
-get faster
-hopefully get a ring and change my last name!

Loy.al.ty

Today I had the sobering realization that I have a character flaw. Well, actually, I have quite a few, but today I am focusing on only one. What is it you ask? I am too loyal...almost loyal to a fault. 

Loyalty is a good thing and a great character trait to have. We all know people who are loyal...loyal to their family, their friends, their jobs, just loyal. All the time. Heck, my dog might be the most loyal creature I know! Now, I am not saying that I am perfect and am loyal 110% of the time, but I do pride myself on being someone my family and friends (and sometimes ever strangers) can count on. I can safely say that I am someone who does what I say I am going to do. In my opinion, loyalty should  be a 2-way street...but, sadly, it's not. And at almost 35 years old, I am learning it the hard way. 

Please tell me if I am wrong, but I feel like I am someone my friends can count on...count on to listen to them and not judge, count on to be there for them whether they are getting married, having a baby, changing jobs, or having emergency surgery..I am there...even if it screws up my plans and my schedule. Even if I have to rearrange my plans. Even if I don't agree. I am there. But unfortunately, I am slowly realizing that loyalty is not always reciprocated. And honestly, it stinks. Really, it sucks!

It is hard for me to say no to people...but apparently, it's not that hard for a lot of people. I think I need to learn to say no. Learn to tell people that I can't. Learn that it is okay to say no. I think I say yes a lot because I don't want to let people done or hurt their feelings...but apparently, lots of other people don't have a problem with this. I am not saying that I want to be someone who no one can count on...but I think I need to take a long, hard look at some of my friendships and evaluate if the loyalness is a 2-way street or if I am driving on the road by myself. I guess it's part of getting older. Seeing who your true friends are. Seeing who will be there for you in the good times and the bad. Seeing who makes it a point to see you and talk to you..even if it is out of the way. Even if it is an inconvenience. Even if it means changing plans. 'Cause I have always thought that that is what friends do. 

Peachtree Road Race #6 Recap

I am proud to report that Peachtree Road Race #6 is in the books! Woo hoo!! The weather in Atlanta last week was terrible...rain, clouds, rain, torrential downpour, clouds, and more rain...the wet stuff never seemed to stop! Like many people, I was a little worried about tackling the 6.2 miles in the pouring rain, but I decided to do it anyway. Thankfully the rain held off and the race was really great!

Mike went with me and we drove into Midtown and parked in a lot off 7th and Peachtree Street by  Starbucks. We walked to the Midtown Marta station and I took the train to Lenox and Mike walked back to Starbucks and studied for the Bar Exam. I met up with a friend and before we knew it, we were off. If you have never done the Peachtree, it's unlike any other race. For the first mile or so, you really are just going with the flow. The first few miles went by and I was pretty pleased with my pace (thanks to my Garmin Forerunner 10)...either the watch was off by a bit or the mileage signs were off, but I was able to figure out how I was doing. The 3rd mile is the toughest as that is where Cardiac Hill is in front of Shepard Center and Piedmont Hospital. I love seeing the Shepard patients cheering you on...it totally encourages you to keep moving up the hill. Once I crossed over 85, I started to get excited because I knew Mike was waiting at the turn on to 10th Street...I was counting down the streets! About that time, my little iPod shuffle stopped working (I think it was water logged...thankfully, it is working now!).  As I got closer to 10th Street, I made my way to the outside of the road so that I could try and see Mike. I started to make the turn and saw him step out. I ran up to him, gave him a quick kiss, and handed him my iPod. I then made my way down 10th to the finish. I always forget how far it is to the finish line once you make the turn...you think it is going to be right there and it seems so far away. As someone said as we were walking back up to Peachtree after the race, "I swear they move the finish line further and further down 10th Street each year!"

Once I crossed the finish line, I made my way into Piedmont Park and boy was I shocked at what I saw....the lovely grassy meadow was an ugly, brown mud pit! It was gross. I tried to get as little mud on my shoes as possible, but it was a lost cause. They were covered and I had mud slung up to my knees! Since Mike was waiting for me at Starbucks, I made my way through the crowd, grabbed a water to use to clean myself up with before I got in the car, grabbed a Power Aid, and an ice cream sandwich (hey, I had just finished a 10K) from Blue Bunny and made my way back up to Peachtree. I say this every year, but the worst part about the race is the walk afterwards back up to Peachtree to the Marta station...it is all up hill! I ran into a sorority sister that I hadn't seen since college and we chatted while we walked. It was good to catch up with her. I turned onto Peachtree and could see Mike waiting on me. We walked to the car and I took my shoes off and got the mud off of my legs. Thankfully, I had brought towels, a clean shirt, a brush, and deodorant so I was able to clean up and change shirts. We then hit the road home..stopped at Chick-fil-A for a milkshake for me...came home and took a shower...then napped and then went to his mom and step-dad's to celebrate the 4th!

My time was not fantastic...1:45:08 which is a 56 second PR for the Peachtree for me. I have decided that the Peachtree will never be the fastest 10K for me...there is so much to enjoy and take it that I would rather be a bit slower and have fun!

The picture Mike took of me as I ran towards him...
I don't normally run in a hat but with the weather I  thought I would be a smart idea!

My gross shoes post Piedmont Park mud pit!

The famous shirt! This year you could also get a medal,
so I bought one to add to my  "Melissa Joy's Race Bling" rack!

God Gave Me You

God gave me you for the ups and downs

God gave me you for the days of doubt

For when I think I've lost my way

There are no words here left to say, it's true

God gave me you

On my own I'm only
Half of what I could be
I can't do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I pray we never undo

Thoughts On Running

I stumbled upon the following letter which was written as a blog post on www.flintland.blogspot.com. I am pretty sure it was written to me, about me, and for me. It brought tears to my eyes.

Hey Fat Girl….

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home.  You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others. 

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

Wow. Just wow. 

Those that are close to me know that I struggle with calling myself a runner...I mean, come on, I don't look like a runner, I'm slow, and I don't always act like a runner (real runners don't take weeks off from running at a time like I do..do they?). But you know what, I AM a runner simply because I run. Not because I'm good at it. Not because I look like a runner. And not because I act like a runner. I am a runner because I run.

Besides the fact that I am a runner simply because I run...I can say I am a runner simply because of all the running paraphernalia I have accumulated in the past 2 short years...technical shirts, dri fit pants, umpteen pair of running socks, 3 great sports bras, GPS watch, heart rate monitor, interval timer, spi belt, sweaty bands, iPod shuffle, and the newest addition, a hydration belt. Oh yeah, and last but not least...my rack for hanging all my medals and numbers! I

I have jumped back on the running train with a vengeance! I have had some great runs/walks/waddles (thankfully, no crawling yet) the past week. I am getting reading for Peachtree Road Race #6 in a few weeks. After that I have half-marathons #5 & #6 coming up in the fall. Excited about getting back into training mode and knocking out a few miles and PR's along with way!

National Running Day

Happy National Running Day!!

To celebrate National Running Day, I set out to run/walk 4 miles at Bay Creek Park. I was almost finished with the first lap when it started to drizzle and then rain...and then a snake slithered across the path. That was my clue to stop and head to the gym to finish up the miles on the treadmill. After I quick 5 min drive to the gym, I was pounding out a 5K! Proud to say that I knocked out 4.1 miles today!

The only race on the calendar right now is the Peachtree Road Race on July 4. I have also signed up for the Savannah Rock'n'Roll Half-Marathon in Savannah in November. Thinking I will sign up for a few 5K's and 10K's in the fall to help train.

Hope everyone goes out a runs (or walks...or waddles...or crawls...or rolls) a few miles to celebrate National Running Day!

Falling For You

I heard the words that every girl dreams of hearing last night..."I am absolutely falling in love with you."

Wow! I was so shocked that I didn't know what to say back. Earlier in the evening he told me that he was falling for me (sans the L word) and I told him that I was scared at how fast I was falling for him. So I think we are on the same page. Still though...I was in no way prepared to hear the L word.

The best way I can describe it is that it's like I didn't know what I was looking for until I found it.
And he's perfect in every way.

And if I am being completely honest, I'm absolutely falling in love with him, too.

More things that make me melt...

~Flowers
~Wine
~Being told I have beautiful eyes
~Being told I have a great smile
~The simplicity of holding hands
~First kisses

Yes, I'm on cloud 9!

Things that make me...

melt inside...turn to mush...make me blush...make me smile both inside and out...

~holding hands
~long walks on a beautiful Sunday afternoon (see above for more details)
~being told I'm beautiful
~kisses on the cheek
~talking for hours about everything, anything, and nothing

March Already?!?

How is it already March? Where did the last 2 months go? 2013 is blazing by at warp speed!

I would love to be able to one day fit into a slinky dress (and if the dresses I bought and then returned from Lands End are any indication, I have a l-o-n-g way to go), but let's be honest...I'd rather eat ice cream. Who wouldn't, right?!? Since I have managed to lose and find the same pounds since August, I decided to rejoin Weight Watchers. I joined WW this past fall and did pretty well...until after I had surgery and the holidays hit...and I just can't seem to get back on the wagon by myself. I decided to take a serious plunge and joined for 6 months. I have had pretty good success in the past and feel like I am in pretty good spaces to have great success this time!

I also got my Wingfoot magazine in the mail (the Atlanta track Club magazine) and saw the advertisement for this race. Thinking I may sign up for it! It's a low-key race and just seems like a lot of fun, so I think it might be my first official rave of 2013. Oh yeah, I also signed up for Peachtree Road Race #6!!

My new motto...

One mile at a time...one pound at a time!

That's all tonight...just a quick update to talk about somethings that I don't always feel 

comfortable talking about in person!

Ready, Set, Go...

Operation Run a 12 Minute Mile is officially beginning tomorrow. God help me...and my legs! Today at lunch with JB, one of my best friends/OT/running coach, we were talking about races and running. The past 2 years I have set a goal of walking/running 100 miles during Lent. This year I am focusing on my speed...not just during Lent, but just as an overall running goal. Let me be honest..I am s.l.o.w. Very slow. I know I am. It's just a fact. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Now, we all know that I won't ever be knocking out 6 minute miles, but I know that I can be faster than my current speed. So my goal is to be able to run a 12 minute mile by Easter Sunday which is March 31. For those of you without a calendar handy, that is 7 weeks away. Two years ago, I trained for a half-marathon in 7 weeks, so surely I can knock 3 1/2 minutes off my current mile...right?!? Here's hoping...and the training starts tomorrow! Stay tuned....

Random Life Update

Just a random update on life....

1. I have the cutest dog in the world. And I mean it! Need proof? Look no further than this picture!

2. I'm sick. I haven't felt great all week...Tuesday my voice started going, yesterday my throat was scratchy and I just felt run down, and I woke up this morning and felt like crap...barking like a seal and sounding like a man. Decided to stay home and go to the doctor. The verdict? An upper respiratory infection and an ear infection. I'm staying home again tomorrow in hopes that another day of rest will help me feel better so I can enjoy my weekend.

3. Wrist...it has been a little over 10 weeks since surgery. Yesterday, I had Post-Op appointment #3 with Dr. A. My wrist is healing well and looks good, too...maybe except for the fact that Dr. A said the incision looked like a tattoo because it has a bit of a green tint to it! I have been in OT for about 4 weeks and am starting to get my movement back. It is s-l-o-w going, though! It has felt okay...there are good days and bad days. It started hurting in a random spot this week and I feel like I can feel it clicking some when I move it. I, of course, was worried about it, but really tried not to be. Dr. A moved it a little and poked and prodded some. One of the reasons I love him is because he is very personable and takes his time. I think he could tell I was a bit frustrated and discouraged about how slowly things were progressing and the fact that it still hurt some. He gave me a "pep talk" of sorts. Said that I was not crazy and that being frustrated was part of the healing process. He also said that there is an emotional/psychological piece to it, too. I almost teared up when he was talking about it! He reminded me that this surgery was bigger than the others and that the healing will take a long time. He was very honest and said that I may never get all my movement back, which Jen has been telling me, too. He said that we wanted some scar tissue to build up to help secure things in place and that the goal is to have a functional wrist that doesn't hurt or snap/pop all the time and a wrist that I am not afraid to use and move. He was very reassuring and said I was exactly where he thought I would be. He wrote another prescription for OT for another 6 - 8 weeks to keep working on my movement and to start regaining some of my strength back and I go back and see him in about 6 weeks. So thankful I was referred to him a few years ago...don't think I will ever trust my wrist to anyone else!

10 1/2 weeks Post-Op and looking good...even if it does look a little green!

4. I had a first date last weekend...and hopefully will have date #2 tomorrow...just depends on how I feel. I am cautiously optimistic...

Races

Just a quick post to say that I have chosen a few races for the next few months...I haven't registered for them 
but will do it soon! Here's what's on the schedule for now....

April 13 : Georgia Tech Alumni Association Pi Mile 5K

April 27 : Sprint for Cancer benefitiing CHOA 5K or Girls On The Run 5K
I may do the CHOA race as a phantom runner (so pay the $$, get the shirt, and don't run the race) and run the GOTR race!

May 5 : One Love Stache Dash! 5K

June 1 : Virginia Highlands Summerfest 5K (this is a maybe as this has to be the hilliest 5K on the planet!)

June ? : Atlanta Children's Shelter 5K

July 4 : Peachtree Road Race 10K

November 9, 2013 : Savannah Rock'n'Roll Half-Marathon

That's all for now!

Great Expectations

ex - pec - ta- tion

Noun

1. A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

2. A belief that someone will or should achieve something. 

Expectations. We all have them. Whether we want to admit it, we do. We have expectations for ourselves, for others, for our jobs, for what we will get out of life...you name it, and most likely there are some sort of expectations associated with it. Sometimes our expectations come to fruition and we get what we expected. Other times, that's not the case. When expectations are not met (in any sense), it leads to disappointment. Disappointment in ourselves, in others, in our lives. And disappointment is not fun. We start to question things...what we could have done differently...what we could have expected differently. We have all been there and it's not fun.

I've come to realize lately that I am a person of high expectations. I expect a lot out of myself, a lot out of life, and a lot out of others. Now, I know that in order for these expectations to come to light that it usually involves work. I can't expect to become a faster runner if I don't put the work into it and actually get out there and run. I can't expect to meet Mr. Right if I am not willing to put myself out there and meet some eligible guys. I get all that. And when our expectations of ourselves are not met, well, we can usually just blame ourselves. We didn't put the work into it to get what we expected. We all know how that works. And even in life with a lot of the things we expect, we have to be willing to put some elbow grease in and put some work into it. Again, we get that. While we may not be able to control a lot of things, there are some things we can control.

One thing that has really been brought to my attention is that while I hold high expectations for myself, I also tend to hold others to high expectations. And unlike having high expectations for myself where I can control the outcome (usually), when it comes to having high expectations for others, there is almost nothing I can do to control what happens. When I am disappointed by people, I can quickly pinpoint that my expectations of the other person were not met. I'm talking about expectations like following through on their word, doing things like I would have done them (ridiculous, I know), handling things a certain way, reacting a certain way, etc. Over the past few months, I guess I have learned that I need to stop expecting so much from others and learn to accept people for who they are, where they are, and what they have to give. I certainly don't think I can live up to the expectations others have of me if I don't know what they are so why do I think others can live up to my expectations if they don't even know they are there?

So, today, I am going to try to let go of expectations. Expectations of myself. Expectations of life. Expectations of others. I am going accept people for who they are, what they are, where they are, and what they have to give. And I think in the long run, I will be able to better accept myself...who I am, where I am, and what I am. Yes, it's going to take some work and it will probably take a lot of little reminders on my part, but I know it will be worth it. 

Saying Goodbye...

This afternoon, my family had to say goodbye to Britches, our 14 year old Golden Retriever. It's the part of being a pet owner that just stinks. It sucks, really. You love them wholeheartedly and they honestly take a piece of your heart when they pass away. I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Britches is running around in doggie heaven...happy to see her sister Buttons, ripping the covers off of tennis balls, swimming in the pool, and digging her famous trenches in the dirt. She was a great dog and companion and won't soon be forgotten. 

Britches in April 2012

Saying Goodbye is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite childhood movies, The Muppets Take Manhattan...it really puts my thoughts and feelings into words.
Saying Goodbyeby Jeff Moss

Saying goodbye, going awaySeems like goodbye's such a hard thing to sayTouching a hand, wondering whyIt's time for saying goodbye
Saying goodbye, why is it sad?Makes us remember the good times we've hadMuch more to say, foolish to tryIt's time for saying goodbye
Dont want to leave, but we both knowSometimes it's better to goSomehow I know we'll meet againNot sure quite where, and I don't know just whenYou're in my heart, so until thenIt's time for saying goodbye
Somehow I know we'll meet againNot sure quite where, and I don't know just whenYou're in my hearty, so until thenWanna smile, wanna crySaying goodbyeLa la la la la la la laIt's time for saying goodbye

A Year of Running

The January 2013 issue of Runner's World magazine has a great article on tackling the new year and running. 

The article begins with this...

"A year has 365 glorious days. Why take them on with just one so-big-it-fails resolution? 

Better to break down your goals into 12 easy-to-implement steps like the ones on the following pages. 

Take them month-by-month or choose a few that appeal to you, and run with them. 

Either way, you'll end up with a stronger, healthier, faster you all year long."

Then on the following 12 pages, it focuses on a different topic each month. I love this idea. Instead of trying to become faster, gain endurance, try to tone up, lose weight, and so on all at once, they break the year down and give you one thing to work on during the month. I am going to focus on each month's goal and hopefully, blog about it at the beginning and end of the month. And as the intro said...I'll be stronger, healthier, and faster!

January : Plan Your Race Year

February: Commit to Cooking

March: Build an Injury-Proof Body

April : Spring-Clean Your Gear

May: Sneak in Speed

June: Strengthen Your Brain

July: Overcome Aches and Pains

August: Rediscover Your Mojo

September: Master the Long Run

October: Go Gadget Free

November: Stay Fit through The Holidays

December: Share the Love

January's focus is on planning your race year. I already know of a few races I want to do...one for CHOA in April, some of the 5-K's I did last year, the Peachtree, and the Savannah Rock'n'Roll half in November. Since I haven't been running lately due to my surgery (and honestly, I just needed to take a break for a bit), I think planning out my race year will help me get back into the swing of things. I know that if I don't sign myself up for races, that i won't run as much or be as committed. This year, I am going to focus on 5 and 10-K's. I love half-marathons...but for me, the training is grueling and I think I need to just work on the shorter distances for a while. I think my only half in 2013 will be in Savannah. I would LOVE to do a marathon relay and the Atlanta Marathon in Oct/Nov has the relay option. So, I will report back at the end of the month with what races I am planning on doing...and while I can't sign up for all of them at once because they are $$$...I can at least put them on the calendar!

Happy Running, my friends!!

2013 Goals

So it's 9 days until 2013 and I'm just now sitting down to write about the new year. Hey, better late than never. I've spent some time thinking about the new year...what I want to accomplish, where I want to go, where I'd like to be this time next year. Like most people, I have set resolutions in the past...and have promptly kicked them right out the window long before January was even over. This year instead of setting ridiculous resolutions, I have decided to set goals for myself...goals that will make me a better person in the end. 

Here are my goals for the year...

-Focus on getting stronger....not skinnier. 

-Run more...walk less.

-Cherish and nurture the relationships with my family and friends. 

-Make 2 new recipes each month. 

  (Just for the record...I've already accomplished that for Jan...homemade waffles & breakfast sandwiches)

While those may not seem like huge goals, there are little things I can do everyday to help me accomplish them. They're goals that are totally doable and aren't too specific..well, except for the last one. They are goals that I can accomplish. Yes, it will take some work. But that's what goals are for...to make you work a little harder, to make you push yourself out of your comfortable zone, and to make you realize that you can do what you set your mind to! When we set goals that are completely unattainable, we are setting ourselves up for failure...which turns into negative self talk, pity parties, and generally feeling like crap about yourself  Why in the world would we want to do that? My challenge to you is to think about where you want to be when 2014 rolls around and what steps you can take to get there. Set yourself up for success...not failure...and make sure you have fun along the way! Here's to 2013...a year full of happiness, health, and knocking our goals out of the park!

~ 2012 ~ 2013 ~

A farewell to 2012...

What a year!! 2012 was an amazing year. I learned everyday, loved immensely, laughed heartily, and lived like there was no tomorrow. Or at least, I tried to.

Without getting too nostalgic (which if we're honest, we all do this time of the year), here's a quick recap of 2012. I saw a fellow blogger do something similar to this and it seemed like a creative way to recap the year.

Favorite Trip: Trip to NYC in October for Randy & Cristina's wedding!

Favorite Memory: Weddings!! Jen & Nate's...and...Randy & Cristina's

Favorite Book Read: There are 2...

             

Favorite Song: This is hard...I'm such a music lover. Here are a few of my faves from the year....

"I Won't Give Up"
Jason Mraz

"Crazy/U Drive Me Crazy"
Glee

"Some Nights"

Fun

I was going write a lot more...but blogger has a mind of it's own tonight. 

Maybe I'll revisit this topic later!