tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82329208976618451212024-03-13T10:50:51.170-04:00Positive Progress with Melissa HazekMy journey to a Healthy, Balanced Life!If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-14003458538913272522013-11-26T12:37:00.000-05:002013-11-26T12:37:23.365-05:00My opinion on my choices and something about kidsI love the holidays and seeing everyone and all that fun stuff...<br />
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Until the "kids" question starts being thrown around.<br />
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No, we do not have kids. I won't even add "yet" to the end of that sentence because to be quite honest, I don't know if we will have kids. Yes, we realize we not getting any younger. Yes, we realize there is never a "good" time, so we shouldn't wait. No, I don't care what your opinion is on my/our decisions regarding our family planning (or lack there of). To me, this is personal, and while I know J and I would made absolutely gorgeous little monkeys, again, it is no one's business but ours.*<br />
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I thought it appropriate at this time to address<b> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-kinnear/5-things-parents-need-to-stop-saying-to-non-parents_b_3573670.html" target="_blank">What parents should not say to non-parents</a> (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-kinnear/5-things-parents-need-to-stop-saying-to-non-parents_b_3573670.html" target="_blank">Link</a>)</b>, or as I like to refer to myself, decidedly childless.<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. "Dogs are not kids."</strong><br />
Good thing they didn't say Cats, or I really would take offense to this statement. My cats <i>are</i> my furbabies and I really don't care that you don't like them, and that you don't like me comparing them to your kid. Hey, how about you try to understand that while you are chatting away endlessly about your adorable kid - I am trying to think of a way to even remotely relate to caring for a small alive thing. No, I don't think your kid and my cat are the same, but cut me some slack, these may well be the only grandchildren/nieces/nephews you have from us. You don't have to like it, but I would ask that you respect it (as I have with your decision to ramble on about the color and smell of the last poop-plosion that occurred earlier that day).<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. "You think you're [insert anything here]? Try having kids!"</strong><br />
No. Just No. It's all relative, and I am not in a competition with anyone. In the spirit of the holidays, I will ask you to kindly not one up me with your stories of difficult times, etc. We all have our crosses, and would having children make mine a touch heavier (all the while lighting up my life like a supersonic star), sure. And I refer you to paragraph one. We all make our choices.<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. "Don't worry, when you have kids you'll..."</strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">"<i>Indicating to these people that having kids is the only way they will reach some higher level of understanding is both inconsiderate and rude.</i>" Yes. Don't be presumptuous and rude during the holidays (or ever, really). </span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. "Is the party kid-friendly?"</strong><br />
I can not speak for everyone, but chances are if it is my party, no. Please leave little one's at home. This does not mean I don't like your kid, or don't want to see them - but if I am having a party and you are invited, it means I want to see you and catch up. You focus is pulled when your kid is running around (rightly so), sometimes I just (selfishly) want to see you - my friend/sister/cousin/brother/etc, not the mom/dad of so and so junior. <br />
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I also understand there are times when you are not able to get out without the kids, and if it means not coming over because of the kids - by all means, bring the little rug rats. Just remember to let me know beforehand - and always keep one eye on them, my house is not baby/child proofed and my furbabies don't like to be kid-handled.<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. "My life didn't have meaning before I had kids!"</strong><br />
Yikes. I am sure having kids is life changing (I love my nieces and nephews with every single part of my being, so much sometimes, it hurts) but that statement above makes me kinda sad. I realize there are people out there that live to have kids, more power to ya! But this statement is sad to me because really - are you saying nothing meant anything to you before the kids. Your poor spouse, family, friends, co-workers. And thank goodness I'm not being overly sensitive today, because when you say this, you are also unconsciously saying that by me not having kids, my life is meaningless. <br />
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I get it - you are super proud and happy and want everyone to share in that with you. I can't speak for all childless couples out there, but I am all of those things for you. And all I am asking is that you remember that just because this is what your life path was, it may not be mine. I will (always) ask about your kids, I will (always) play around with the kids, and I might even correct them a time or two (that's when you know I really like them), so don't take any offense to any of this - but try to be mindful of these things when there are people around without kids. I like to think I give you the same respect and keep my crazy cat lady stories, <strike>and eye rolls</strike> to a minimum.<br />
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End semi-holiday rant. <br />
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Disclaimers:<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*(am I making it people's business by posting publicly, no... I am just venting and getting it all out in order to avoid a wine fueled rant in the middle of a really nice holiday season.)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I did not write this about any one person - but if you are recognizing yourself in the statements, I hope you take this for what it is worth - just a rant by a girl that is trying to figure out what her next family steps are and enjoying childless life in the meantime. Translation - don't get all offended, I like most of your kids. </span></i>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-71070520432213085132013-11-19T10:13:00.001-05:002013-11-19T10:13:13.097-05:00Completely Relatable<a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11686/im-bigger-than-everyone-in-yoga-and-im-the-teacher.html" target="_blank"><b>I'm bigger than everyone in my Yoga class too... </b></a><div>
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And I know how hard it is to get down on yourself because of a pair of jeans (this past weekend, and <i>a pair</i> was actually <i>4 pairs </i>till I found a pair to fit), or let your confidence in a pose plummet because your stomach gets in the way (bend your knees and step forward to a long lunge/the top of your mat among many others).</div>
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I go to yoga to get that one hour to myself, and to work on <u>me</u> from the inside out. I am super lucky I get this one hour a week for me. I never want to spend that hour (or the time after ...) feeling bad/losing confidence in myself. This defeats the entire purpose for me. While my ass isn't bigger from crossfit, but from quite the opposite (lack of running and eating like I am 15 again) I relate to this post. I already have the stigma of being the "bigger girl" in class, and whether anyone else notices or not, it is something I try to work through weekly so I most certainly don't need any other negative thoughts weaseling their way into my practice. </div>
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The universe gives you what you need, when you need it and this was a great reminder for me. </div>
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<br /><i>Pattabhi Jois sums it up in reminding us, “Yoga is an internal practice; the rest is just a circus.” So whether you are a size 2 or a size 16, the real practice is inside of you—in learning to accept yourself unconditionally, and choosing to love and honor yourself, no matter what size jeans you find yourself in.</i></div>
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Just what I needed.</div>
If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-84359174026204296942013-11-15T00:00:00.000-05:002013-11-15T00:00:02.196-05:00It's all mine<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I often have to remind myself that I am on my OWN journey. I need to stop comparing/competing with others-they too are on their own journey.</p>— melahaze (@melahaze) <a href="https://twitter.com/melahaze/statuses/382182438232809474">September 23, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Wise words back in September that still apply (and will always apply)!If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-63938320855024292912013-11-11T23:39:00.001-05:002013-11-11T23:39:36.673-05:00When did it get to be November?I mean, am I right?! They say time flies when you're having fun - but my mom also says that times flies the older you get. I guess I've been having so much fun, I didn't realize I was getting old in the process. November is a super month for me, it is my birth month, it's the heart of football season and the month for Thanksgiving - the holiday that kicks off the holiday season. Most people use New Year's to reflect and make changes for themselves and others - I use my birthday. Year after year, I have promised myself that this would be my year. And don't get me wrong, every year gets better and better, but every year, something happens and I find myself making the same promises as the previous year. That promise - to get healthy and make lifestyle changes that will help me get more fit and finally lose those pesky pounds that are holding me back (atleast in my mind). This year is no different. But this year, I <i>am</i> going to do it. I have some exciting things planned to start off my 33rd year!<br />
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I decided to try out the <a href="http://www.advocare.com/24daychallenge/" target="_blank">24 Day Advocare Challenge</a>. I am currently on day 8 and I can honestly say that I really don't feel too much of a difference (am I supposed to?). I am in the cleanse phase, and it is pretty easy to follow and not like any other cleanses (if ya know what I mean). I did some before pics and took my measurements, and will update when I am done with the full 24 days. While I don't mind the supplements, I am not a fan of meal replacements and that is what I am facing for 14 days of breakfasts in the next phase. I like real food for my meals - but in the spirit of following along and giving the challenge a fair shot, I am going to follow the program as provided.<br />
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I am supposed to get 30 minutes of activity in daily. I have not been so good at hitting that goal, but started back today with an arm/core workout. I need to get better at this overall. But like I said, I will do a full review once I am done with the 24 days.<br />
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I am truly blessed in my life, and I know that. There is not much in my life that I can complain about, my life is really good. But I need to get my shit in gear and start focusing on me and making better choices for my health. <br />
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Here's to another great year, it'll be November 2014 before we know it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Full disclosure - I signed up to be an Advocare distributor in order to get the discount on the challenge bundle and supplemental vitamins. I am not soliciting for customers, or trying to sell anyone anything. Although if anyone is interested, I am happy to help. </i></span>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-10561551840012603812013-11-08T15:52:00.004-05:002013-11-08T15:52:48.906-05:00Sometimes there are knotsI have had a knot in one of my most favorite necklaces for the longest time (I'm guessing atleast over a year). The knot formed way back when (because I can't have new things) and I have struggled to fix it, and than forgot about over and over. I finally just gave up and thought I would have to live with the knot (because apparently I cannot have nice things either). <br />
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I wear my necklace everyday and even after I gave up on the knot, I would notice it and think, "I'm going to work on that knot when I get home/get some free time/this weekend." I never did - it would get put on the back burner and that's where it would stay. It bothered me that it was there, but clearly, I wasn't that invested in trying to un-knot it. <br />
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Today,<strong> I un-knotted my necklace.</strong> And to say that gave me sense of relief and accomplishment is an understatement. I fixed the knot. <br />
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And now, I can only move forward and be extra aware of what caused the knot in the first place. <br />
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Funny story, huh? <br />
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<br />If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-52408467451471801512013-09-24T13:30:00.001-04:002013-09-24T13:33:02.796-04:00Sometimes you read something...<span style="font-family: inherit;">And for some <strike>hormonal infused</strike> unknown reason, it really gets to you while reading that you are reduced to tears at your desk because it just hits home right at that moment. I'm not saying this happened to me this morning over a hot cup of coffee, but if it did, this would have been the article to do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-bartolotta/happiness-tips_b_3956114.html" target="_blank"><b>How to Get Flat Abs, Have Amazing Sex and Rule the World in 8 Easy Steps</b></a> by Kate Bartolotta</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that you are back, you're probably thinking, "WTH - she's gone bat shit crazy to be crying over this, I mean really." Stick with me for a moment, I promise I haven't got on the crazy train just yet. As I somewhat mentioned earlier, I am a hormonal/emotional wreck today. (<i>I'm about a week and a half out from my monthly gift from mother nature, and according to J - I get goofy. This could explain the partial boarding of the crazy train</i>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, this article resonated with me and I wanted to share my favorite parts (without cutting and pasting the entire thing here).</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"If you can read this, your life is pretty awesome."</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So basic yet something I often take for granted. Truth be told, my life really is pretty awesome, and I really need to start reminding myself of this on the regular.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><b>"Life might bump and bruise us, it may not always go the way we plan and I know I get frustrated with mine, but here's the thing: You are alive."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, yes I am.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><b>"We are all insecure 14 year olds at heart. We're all scared. We all have dreams inside of us that we've tucked away because somewhere along the line we tacked on those ideas about who we are that buried that essential brilliant, childlike sense of wonder ... Let it go. Be who you are beneath the bullshit."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">And really, isn't most of it bullshit. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;">"Be happy now... </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">we can choose to appreciate what is in our lives instead of being angry or regretful about what we lack. It's a small, significant shift in perspective... </span><span style="line-height: 21px;">We can choose to let the beautiful parts set the tone."</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">That's the great thing about choice - WE can choose to be one way or another. I choose sunshine, glitter, (cats) and unicorns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>"Look at the stars... </i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><i>It helps you remember that you and your problems are both infinitesimally small and conversely, that you are a piece of an amazing and vast universe."</i> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Perspective people, perspective. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><b>"Tell people that you trust when you need help, or you're depressed -- or you're happy and you want to share it with them... Go all in -- it's worth it."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">I can make friends with anyone, really, ask J. He teases me all the time about it everywhere we go. However, I don't always truly trust/open up, clear away all the bullshit and go all in (mostly because I don't let myself, partly because I don't want my new friend(s) to think I am a stage 5 clinger with major oversharing issues). It is hard for me to ask for help, or just sit and talk about me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>"Stop with the crazy making... Life is full of obstacles; we don't need to create extra ones."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I create my own drama. I have been trying to be mindful of this and really looking at what I perceive as crazy relative to what really is crazy - and most times, it is my mind blowing things way out of proportion. </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;">"Learn to apologize. </span><span style="line-height: 21px;">The ability to sincerely apologize -- without ever interjecting the word "but"... It's an important practice."</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Sincere apologies don't come easy to me, as most times I am stuck inside myself (I am the universe...) that I don't think I did anything wrong. But real, no bullshit apologies provide a great sense of relief and hopefully a renewed sense of friendship/love that will carry forward to patch up the foundation.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;">"Practice gratitude. </span><span style="line-height: 21px;">Practice it out loud to the people around you. Practice it silently when you bless your food. Practice it often. Gratitude is the most basic way to connect with that sense of being an integral part of the vastness of the universe..."</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Be thankful. After all, your alive and your life is awesome - gratitude should beam through us every day. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 21px;">"Be kind. </span><span style="line-height: 21px;">Kindness costs us nothing and pays exponential dividends. </span><span style="line-height: 21px;">If the biggest thing we do in life is to extend love and kindness to even one other human being, we have changed the world for the better."</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Kindness is contagious, so pass it on everyday. Again, so basic, yet I often find myself caught up in myself and my busy, busy life that even something so basic and easy is overlooked. We should never be too busy to be kind to one another. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is a reflection on myself. However, if I was writing for the audience, I might encourage many people that are very close to me to read this, digest it and see how it affects their lives in a way to help them to start making little changes and realizing that we are just a speck of dust in the wind and not the entire universe. We are not the universe, and nothing revolves around us. We all struggle - but we are the only ones that can take a look at ourselves and start making choices as to how we want to live and act. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I will <u>always</u> choose rainbows, glitter and unicorns.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>You just might have to remind me of that some days.</i></span></div>
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If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-7563106938854868502013-07-24T11:20:00.000-04:002013-07-24T11:20:01.938-04:00Excuses are my ExcuseMonday started my 6 Week challenge of moving everyday. I decided to try this as a way to start adding strength and (continuing) yoga into my weekly run schedules. Also, we all know I need to focus on hitting my runs so I can run my second 1/2 marathon (still undecided which one). <div>
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I know I need to buckle down, and hopefully drop a couple of pounds in the process. Clearly, if I am rocking my yoga and runs (ha!) at my current weight - they can only get better if I am a bit lighter... Right?!</div>
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I have been hitting my workouts for the most part (yes, I realize it is only Weds.) - until this AM. I set my alarm for 6:00am as I knew I would not be able to workout on lunch - so I figured I would get a quick strength session and a quick run in before work. Ya know what I did? I laid in bed and hit snooze for the next 2 hours convincing myself that I needed a rest day after Monday and Tuesday. And if I pushed myself too far today - I would probably end up injured. Yep... that's it folks. </div>
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The excuses that I can come up with sometimes amaze me! </div>
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The good news is that I can still get that session in this evening, minus the run as I have a long run scheduled tomorrow. </div>
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<b><i>Do you ever catch yourself making excuses to miss a workout/not get out of bed/completely pig out? </i></b></div>
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-it is clearly something I need to work on. </div>
If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-49557785443024354772013-07-16T23:20:00.001-04:002013-07-16T23:20:33.044-04:00Oooommm-my-gawd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xRFgsRPrHa0/UeYNfcTibAI/AAAAAAAAReQ/1oJwiFCkoy8/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xRFgsRPrHa0/UeYNfcTibAI/AAAAAAAAReQ/1oJwiFCkoy8/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1374031231702.3584" class="aligncenter" width="324" height="324" alt=""></a></div>
<p> So I finally got back to my mat tonight. While I'd like to say it was my triumphant return to yoga, I probably should just say that it felt good to be back. It was an hour of hot sweaty twists and downward dogs. I swear I sweat out half of my body weight. <em> *this was not a hot yoga class... </em>My muscles were shaking, my balance was better than I thought it would be after a three month hiatus - but not quite where it was when I left off in March. My breathing was short and mostly labored throughout the hour. At one point, I wasn't sure I could make the transition from baby cobra to down dog. </p>
<p>It was literally a hot mess.</p>
<p>And guess what, I loved every.hot.sweaty.damn.minute.of.it!</p>
<p>Yay for yoga! Now who wants to donate to my "Mel needs yoga to stay sane" unlimited year pass fund? </p>
<p> </p>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-61844326571315248782013-06-28T18:00:00.002-04:002013-06-28T18:00:45.778-04:00One month and Ten days ago<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This happened...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9hNaszjDil7J5sj-UKAvFRiJEud75oXSFAdjWXUvgaENjL7mrAA7ZairOR1qQxYrPmkmOhf2kF9eNW_ZBBMNAp5Qm8Jn8F3cwO9l9n1NTWuzqkRDAaPDyMzyLc-aHwgLpqiatFXXejY/s559/CLEhalf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9hNaszjDil7J5sj-UKAvFRiJEud75oXSFAdjWXUvgaENjL7mrAA7ZairOR1qQxYrPmkmOhf2kF9eNW_ZBBMNAp5Qm8Jn8F3cwO9l9n1NTWuzqkRDAaPDyMzyLc-aHwgLpqiatFXXejY/s320/CLEhalf2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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But let's back up a bit... (<i>settle in kids, this is gonna be a long one</i>) </div>
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The <a href="http://clevelandmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Cleveland Half Marathon</a> has been in my sights since May 20th, 2012. That was the day I completed <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/05/im-cleveland-marathoner-sort-of.html" target="_blank">my very first 10k</a>, and also the day I decided I couldn't let the early bird pricing for the following year pass without registering for something. Honestly, <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/05/holy-crap-what-am-i-doing.html" target="_blank">I signed up for the half marathon</a> (almost) only because at that time it was only $10 more than the 10k. I mean, 7 more miles for $10 more dollars?! I am nothing if not a bargain shopper. </div>
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<b>Fast forward to May 2013</b>, and as I have <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2013/05/motivation-and-determination.html" target="_blank">noted many times before</a>, I was not in a great place with my training, but I knew that this was just something I had to do (despite being told "It's OK if you quit, no one will judge you." Seriously?! Not the motivation I needed, and although I know it was sincere, I don't want anyone ever telling me to give up something no matter how down I am.) Annnnyyywayy.... I gave myself alitttle pep talk and got ready to take on one of the biggest goals of my life thus far.</div>
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<b>Friday, May 17th</b>. I travelled home late night from a work conference in NYC. Despite being in the city that never sleeps and has some of the best eats and drinks that I've encountered, I managed to get in some good sleeping and layed off the hooch as much as I could. Because I didn't get home until almost midnight, I didn't even bother setting an alarm for Saturday as I know the sleep you get the night before the night before the race is most times more beneficial than the night before (ya follow me?).</div>
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<b>Saturday, May 18th - Expo day.</b> I woke up <strike>bright and early</strike> around 11:00am, had a fully loaded breakfast and headed to the expo. This year, the IX Center worked with the marathon and provided <a href="http://thefrolickingfells.com/2013/03/2013-cleveland-marathon-who-doesnt-love-free-parking.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">free parking</a><span style="text-align: left;"> - most likely to avoid the </span><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2012/05/marathoners_set_a_new_goal_avo.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">great parking debacle of 2012</a><span style="text-align: left;">. I thought the expo was bigger this year with more vendors, but I would still love to see it as big as some of the other expo's I have read about online (a la </span><a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/blog/2013/04/as_usual_brooks_gets_creative.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Brooks Booth</a><span style="text-align: left;"> - I have heard wonderous things about what they do!) Packet pick up was quick, easy and very organized. I did a quick lap and although I wanted to buy all of the things, I settled for my tye dye car sticker and headed out. </span><br />
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I went home and started pulling out everything I would need for the following day. I came home to a nice surprise on my back porch... A perishable box that once opened, revealed a cooler with two live lobsters, scallops and crab meat! Our friends had sent us a lobster dinner from Bar Harbor, Maine to enjoy pre-race. With that, I realized I had a couple hours to burn while J was still at work, so I headed out to find a couple cold ones (carbs? no... ah well). After visiting with my cousin for a bit, J texted that he was home and the water was boiling. Commence full on seafood assault to the system... along with alot of hydration!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is how we do pre-race carb loading.</i></td></tr>
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After smashing our faces, J hit the sack around 10pm and I followed around midnight (I know, I know, but there was no way I was going to toss and turn in bed, when I could be catching a life changing movie on LMN). I slept pretty good as the pre-race jitters slowly faded away.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunrise breakfast of cliff bars and iced coffee, <br />a reminder to run for all of those that can't, <br />and surprise meeting with the bestie on my way to the bathrooms.</i></td></tr>
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<b>Sunday, May 19th. Race Day</b>. My alarm went off at 4:45am, and before I hit snooze for the second time, I pushed myself out of bed and headed right downstairs to get started on my race day ritual. Iced coffee - check. Thomas' English muffin with peanut butter and a banana - check. Ginormous glass of water - check. Sprint to the bathroom - check. After getting dressed, actioning my <a href="http://sarahoual.com/2012/11/01/the-race-braid-tutorial/" target="_blank">race braid</a> and waking up the hubs, I downed one more iced coffee and a cliff bar (which I had to choke down. I had never had them before and probably never will again - blah!). We had some time to get downtown as we are only about 7 miles away, so we packed up the car, rested for a beat and than hit the road. We only hit traffic on the exit ramp, and scored some great parking right at 9th and Ontario. *<i>In hindsight - while it was a nice 1.6 mile warm-up walk down to the start, walking those 1.6 miles back to the car was a touch more difficult. But we will get there..</i>.</div>
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I knew the bestie was running the half (her first as well) but we were very non-committal about meeting beforehand or even trying to run together, so it was a nice surprise to run into her on my way to the bathrooms at Browns Stadium. It was probably for the best, as we ended up at the start line together and got to hug each other as we crossed the start. I think it gave us both the confidence boost we both needed at the moment and since we knew we wouldn't finish together, it was really something to get to start together. Since she runs a faster pace than me, I blew her a quick kiss and cheered her on her way. <br />
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<b>Miles 1-4</b>: The start is a slight uphill until you cross out of downtown onto the Shoreway. I knew to take it easy the first couple of miles as my legs were still getting warmed up and I feared the onset of my usual "1 mile in" shin pains and calf tightening. I was keeping a steady pace along the Shoreway as I hit mile 1 (insert dance party here - and pretty much every mile marker here on out). I kept at that pace through mile 3 and despite the damn near perfect overcast with a slight breeze weather, it was around here that I took my first walk break. While walking I texted Little Lisa as I would be passing her apartment building around 4.5 and as a precaution requested a baggy for my phone and some salty pretzels. *<i>I had brought some swedish fish and a couple extra nuun tabs, but I sweat VERY salty so was worried about my sodium levels (alittle dramatic, but rather safe than sorry)</i>. I rounded the corner at West 110th and Lake and saw her and Dave (still in their jammies) on the side of road cheering me on! She was out of pretzels, but blue corn tortilla's would later do the job! I stopped for a brief chat, sweaty hug and BIG thank yous and was on my way. <br />
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<b>Miles 5-7</b>: Mile 5 was uneventful, just kept on keeping on. I stopped for a little power walk at mile 6 to refill my water and enjoy some sweet fish. It was at some point during these miles (I believe early into mile 6 on Detroit) that I saw a neighborhood gentleman walking along with his brown bag beverage, and I had to fight the urge to go up to him and cheers against my water bottle. While I normally don't condone drinking that early (with the exception of SPD and tailgating), I couldn't help but laugh to myself and think "more power to ya man!" Going into mile 7, I realized I had made it more than halfway. Although it seemed like someone turned the heat lamp on when we turned onto Franklin, that didn't last too long, but it did drain alittle bit of me heading into the next couple of miles.<br />
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<b>Miles 8-10:</b> These are the miles where I was not sure if the wheels were going to come off, or what was going to happen. I got really hungry and quite possibly ate through mile 8 while trying to keep a steady walk/run interval going so I wouldn't lose any momentum. While passing mile 9, I had to choke back tears as I am pretty sure I almost had a breakdown. I am still trying to sort out if it was excitement/anxiety/who knows what the hell was happening - but this was the first time I remember having to push out the thought of "am I going to make it?!" Mile 9 was throughout the Tremont neighborhood and boy did I need the support that was out there. If I could classify it, I would say mile 9 to 10 was an emotional roller coaster. I went from almost breaking down, to running through such a support system that I couldn't help but smile. Rumor has it there was also a beer station during this mile, I missed it, but the OJ from Southside was perfection. And the Mariachi band from the hispanic church was the icing on the cake! With that said, these were not my proudest miles, but I got through to mile 10, and did an extra special happy dance at the mile marker as up until today, this was the farthest I had ever ran. I WAS going to make it. <br />
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<b>Miles 11-13</b>: Running back into downtown, I felt like I was being called home to the mothership and I just had to navigate these last couple of miles so they could beam me up. Right, at this point, I think I was just dillusional...in a good way. Your mind can take you to some crazy places when you are trying not to focus on the slight hip pain I was experiencing at this point. My least favorite stretch was Huron/Ontario. While I greatly enjoyed the band outside of Hard Rock and the Uncle Sam high fiving and cheering, the road was dusty and sandy and I couldn't help but think that I was going to bite it before I hit mile 12. I took it very slow and was elated when I turned at W. 6th and saw the water station and more hoses. At this point, the sun was out in full force and I needed a cool down (and some more swedish fish). I wanted to refill my water bottle with some fresh cold water, but with 2.1 miles to go, I wasn't going to piss around. The sun, and the final full mile met me with an odd popping sensation in my arch of my left foot along with a weird little pain (knot?) in my right butt cheek. Despite wanting to run this one all out, I slowed down a bit and it is here that I want to thank the nice CEI lady that was out working, but took the time to high-five, thumbs up and pretty much hug almost every runner that passed her. with an encouraging word for all of us. I remember she said "I admire each of you, keep at it girl, you are an inspiration!" I was hurting at this point, but I only had .6 to go. I gained alittle bit of speed after that encounter. And if I saw her today, I would give her a ginormous hug and tell her how her words and support got me to mile 13.<br />
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<b>.1 Mile to go</b>: I would like to tell you that I sprinted to the finish at this point. I did not. I did however pick up my pace, and toughed it out for a strong finish. The best part about approaching that finish (and maybe the last bit of oomph that I needed) was seeing J right up there yelling and cheering for me. I gave him a quick (what I thought was a smile - he saw something alittle more fierce) and a wave and threw my arms up and smiled as big as I could. <br />
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<b>I had made it. And I had a medal to prove it this time! </b></div>
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<b>I am a Half-Marathoner.</b> </div>
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I <strike>fought</strike> made my way around the the other finishers that were meandering around like lost puppies, grabbed my bananas, pretzels, water and (most important) chocolate milk, got my photo taken, and than headed for the grass. All shade was taken, so no sooner did I get to hug J - I just about dropped to the ground to stretch<strike> in tears</strike>. I hurt. Alot. Don't get me wrong, NOTHING could diminish the pride and accomplishment of finishing my first half, but I could not hide the pain. This is something they don't tell you about when your reading all of the blogs/magazine articles in preparation. And perhaps I am a one in ten case - but I hurt. While stretching and relaxing in the grass, J made sure to have the bestie and her hubs meet up with us so we could enjoy our complimentary beer at the after party. For a split second, I almost passed on this - and then J reminded me how I didn't get to do this after my 10k, as I had to rush home, and I came to my senses. <i>*I never pass up a free beer... who was I in that split second???</i> Needless to say, we could have stayed at the after party all day <strike>drinking beer</strike> rehashing/comparing race stories, giggling and hugging one another... But I needed to head out for that 1.6 mile cool down walk to the car. It took us almost 40 minutes as I felt like I was walking like I had a stick up my ... well, you get it. (J had to help me up into the Tahoe! Ha!) Pain aside, I did it, and I couldn't be happier!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Half marathoners!!! (I wish I could find my new koozie...?),<br />The ice I requested for my ice bath that was heavenly!<br />One of four blisters that I had (two on each foot... I got lucky!)<br />Vegging out... quite literally.</i> </td></tr>
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A few thoughts (if you are still with me... you're still with me RIGHT?!):<br />
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<li>First and most important... THANK YOU to my husband who has/is supporting me on this crazy running journey I have ventured onto. Funny story (I may have told this one before), J and I used to make fun of runners (I know, I know... but as humans we tend to make fun of what we don't understand). We would see runners along N. Marginal while we were out getting our drink on in the early morning hours every Sunday during football season, and we would look at one another and say something funny (in our defense, it stayed between us, we would never yell or say anything loud enough for the runners to hear... I know, I know). J still jokes with me that I've turned into one of those "DB runners" and we giggle together. And while I know he supports me, I don't think he really "got it" until that one Sunday in May when he accompanied me to the Half Marathon. He gets it now, and I might even have him agreeing to volunteer at a water station next year! I love you JPH - I couldn't have done it without you and your stupid jokes!</li>
<li>My second HUGE THANKS goes out to <a href="http://www.bradgansberg.com/" target="_blank">Brad</a> - who if I'd have never come across his #5kin100days (free) running program, I probably would still be standing on the sidelines making fun of runners. I completed the #5kin100days and graduated to the #10kin100days only to find out that he had since started not only providing his free running program, but a paid version with extra support. I reached out to him in December to see what the cost would be for a Half Marathon training plan/support and he actually worked with me, providing me week by week training plans all out of the goodness of his heart - for the sole reason that running changed his life, and he wants to give that help anyone that needs it. I couldn't have done it without his support and guidance. It means the world to me, and I will never forget his knowledge and kindness!</li>
<li>We ran through many parts of Cleveland that I would have never expected to see/have the support that we had. Old and young alike were outside cheering us on! It meant the everything to me (I know you were out there for everyone, but at times, I needed to believe it was just me you were cheering for... and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!) This includes all of the thousands of volunteers and businesses! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!</li>
<li>You will hurt when you finish. That is all.</li>
<li>For the love of all things good and holy, once you cross the finish and get your medal - Grab your snacks/water and get the hell out of the finish area. I literally almost vomited on a guy because he was wondering around and didn't move despite my many "excuse me's" He looked like a veteran racer, so in my mind - he should know better. Although, I will cut him some slack, as he may have been disoriented from the race... or something like that *<i>I didn't end up vomiting, but I had to stop short, and I think it jolted my body something weird and that was my first reaction. </i></li>
<li>I never did experience shin pain or calve tightening throughout the race. <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-birthday-to-you.html" target="_blank">Someone</a> was smiling down on me that day! </li>
<li>All of the pain I experience during mile 12 to 13 was nothing serious. I walked off the arch pain, and it has been good ever since. And my butt - butt muscle - just needed a good stretching. Thankfully, all I had after the race was a bad case of DOMS.</li>
<li>I came out of this race, 13.1 miles, with only 4 blisters and all 10 toe nails. Both of my little toes were one big blister, and the blister in between my big toe and second toe (one on each foot). I was one lucky duck. *<i>bestie lost a couple toe nails.</i></li>
<li>Finally, Go Me! I had estimated a 3:30 finish for my first half, and I kinda killed that by 13 minutes. I know it was a month and a couple weeks ago, but I am still riding high and I have to say, that sticker looks GREAT on my car! </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhaYFqjLRNx2F1xa1eJqpz9CbVly-C4VDdeg0QgkOMNmLIEHRejC7Eji_2HOKqUkEiow2x_w60JLPwtT5xPTPgsbuGh8TquD5Fm5WbxfVUmHKBKeml2L_NJSqGzoaGk8Aba2yFjzXw5o/s1200/IMG_4402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhaYFqjLRNx2F1xa1eJqpz9CbVly-C4VDdeg0QgkOMNmLIEHRejC7Eji_2HOKqUkEiow2x_w60JLPwtT5xPTPgsbuGh8TquD5Fm5WbxfVUmHKBKeml2L_NJSqGzoaGk8Aba2yFjzXw5o/s320/IMG_4402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Because I couldn't finish without another gross pic of my toe blisters</i>.</td></tr>
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<b><i> Onto the next....</i></b><br />
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<br />If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-59551038154773160702013-06-06T15:15:00.002-04:002013-06-06T15:15:19.974-04:00best.email.ever!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD7KunpGe2noVxSpqIHV04Zma1hHpHzcQ1PDjU5LhdH84eGjwugUKgtWN9ljeXa5RiU7EwnBvqCNEHW86bcLMO-tOKg2GiHSBsHFtHbDVKl7hz-bOKkrHAkb-48t2dA1IaLtMl9iOKSw/s1600/Free+donut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD7KunpGe2noVxSpqIHV04Zma1hHpHzcQ1PDjU5LhdH84eGjwugUKgtWN9ljeXa5RiU7EwnBvqCNEHW86bcLMO-tOKg2GiHSBsHFtHbDVKl7hz-bOKkrHAkb-48t2dA1IaLtMl9iOKSw/s400/Free+donut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Friday is <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/06/05/national-donut-day/2392011/" target="_blank">National Donut Day</a>! Best Day Ever!</i></td></tr>
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Guess you all know where to find me tomorrow! </div>
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I know I owe ya a <a href="http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Cleveland Half</a> recap and it is coming (as soon as I figure out how to get that obnoxious PROOF stamp off the pics. I kid, I kid...but seriously, why are race pics so expensive?!) I will give you a sneak peak:</div>
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<b>It was so.much.fun and I finished.</b></div>
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That's all you get for now. I have got to get back to mapping out all <a href="http://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/stores.html" target="_blank">Dunkin Donuts</a> within a 15 miles radius. </div>
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<b>Operation #freedonut(s) is in full effect.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doughnut or Donut? </span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Who cares so long as it ends up in my belly!</span></i></div>
If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-56612526325427129302013-05-19T05:30:00.000-04:002013-05-19T05:30:02.405-04:00Try and stop me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdsnnC4nQ9r88i_Jc-p_WMU3VnbC9rfqh8onO7zSn9hYKShxxOioQZVxE48qxg-xf3xVuyctdFS6TavAeHWN76Bimjk8dWxUNn-nJH7bgYKyK26qFVP1bjutDZc1AO_JFb3ckwJSf0tc/s1600/motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdsnnC4nQ9r88i_Jc-p_WMU3VnbC9rfqh8onO7zSn9hYKShxxOioQZVxE48qxg-xf3xVuyctdFS6TavAeHWN76Bimjk8dWxUNn-nJH7bgYKyK26qFVP1bjutDZc1AO_JFb3ckwJSf0tc/s400/motivation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Off to run my first 1/2 Marathon.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>See you at the finish line!</b></div>
<br />If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-16525058317874070752013-05-18T15:06:00.002-04:002013-05-18T15:06:29.283-04:00Motivation and Determination<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXYZchc_sIyv3SsBhVXk2VKbEnYL8Ldp1jOlLE1pXuhBja_2g49R9RVu85c6_Rq9lWN2nweSTs6vaBt2LhmqThWHU68zzarFQpf9RKdv4rSI-6Bs1ZJIyxWNa4dJu6hsT4sNpzVClMc8/s1600/131.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXYZchc_sIyv3SsBhVXk2VKbEnYL8Ldp1jOlLE1pXuhBja_2g49R9RVu85c6_Rq9lWN2nweSTs6vaBt2LhmqThWHU68zzarFQpf9RKdv4rSI-6Bs1ZJIyxWNa4dJu6hsT4sNpzVClMc8/s200/131.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://summerblankenship.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/131.jpeg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Tomorrow, I run my first <a href="http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/" target="_blank">1/2 Marathon</a></b>. <br />
<br />
I have alot of feelings about this right now. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(and I promise to stop with the self assuring/pity posts about running after tomorrow!)</span></i><br />
<br />
Can I say that I put my best foot forward and hit every run, and prepared my body for what is coming ... honestly, no. But today, I have to remember that I cannot go back and change any of that, because tomorrow is when it all culminates together and I know in my mind that I can do it. Someone said you have to take the good with the bad, and I am prepared for both. I am already taking a great plunge and starting/trying. It's all I can do at this point. <br />
<br />
I've read that I need to have some sort of mantra to help get me through those highs and lows that 13.1 miles that can on the mind and body. I will keep all of these with me tomorrow.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Never let your fear decide your fate</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Slow and Steady</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>One mile at a time</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The only person I am competing with is myself.</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Run your OWN race</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Push past the fear because behind it, you will find your courage</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Running is 90% mental, 10% physical</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>6 minutes or 16 minutes, a mile is still a mile</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It doesn't matter how slow you go, just don't stop.</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Just breathe</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Have fun!</b></span><br />
<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
<br />If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-55984913603951324522013-05-02T11:58:00.000-04:002013-05-02T11:58:26.448-04:00I'm really good at stepping away ... and ordering pizza<i>211 ... Because I can't bring myself to log it in <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MFP</a> or <a href="http://runkeeper.com/user/melahaze/home" target="_blank">Runkeeper</a> I figured I would lead with it here. Accountability, right?! HA! Either way, it is out there and now the only thing that matters is what I do from this moment forward. That is all on that subject for today. </i><br />
<br />
17 days! in 17 days I will be a <a href="http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/" target="_blank">half marathoner</a>. Holy shit people. I have many feelings about this. Some good - encouraging, positive, motivational; and some bad - I am so not prepared, what if my body gives out, anything over 72 degrees and I can't function. I have 17 days to work through these feelings in hopes that they don't all come to a head at the start line on May 19th.*<br />
<br />
Fun weekend planned ahead that I am hoping will relieve some of my stress and J's. With his dad in and out of the hospital for CHF (and his dad's not so positive attitude - your only 64 dad, come on - you DO NOT get to give up!) and the busy busy weekend's we have been putting in - we really need some no worries, stress free, fun with friends and each other. And come Sunday - we are Kalahari bound! One of our happy places. Bathing suits, water rides and giant Kalahari Flames!<br />
<br />
I also finally made a <a href="https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/648316-color-haircut-conditioning-and-style?show_missed=true" target="_blank">hair appointment</a> Saturday AM. The last time I had a cut/style was probably over a year ago. Feels good to be able to go and get alittle pampered every once in a while.<br />
<br />
I am alive and just trying to get through it all at this point... summer is coming and I want to make the best of it.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the first thing you do when you start to feel overwhelmed/frustrated/stressed out/pressured/etc? </b><br />
<i>--I normally eat my feelings, but now that I have recognized that, I try to re-direct - eat healthier and get out and get some fresh air/get out and move. </i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*which in all reality, they will - I am very aware of this and am comfortable enough with my sensitivity to cry in public. Just try not to stare...</span></i>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-78404532765220934382013-03-15T11:50:00.000-04:002013-03-15T11:52:11.546-04:00This...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J-n12KiOX1WlfZA0Gu29yBU9rfEHbuq4gBS8lkocbbPLwtJW56-x9F1l45oFPV_cb9ImFVabizvf1hZXoxchd-0qLPZ3ZYGOhMSQl-XPbZ8eLfzU-mK6B9g4NCf_bSOxkC3LrElRT3s/s1600/Know-your-limitations-and-then-defy-them.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J-n12KiOX1WlfZA0Gu29yBU9rfEHbuq4gBS8lkocbbPLwtJW56-x9F1l45oFPV_cb9ImFVabizvf1hZXoxchd-0qLPZ3ZYGOhMSQl-XPbZ8eLfzU-mK6B9g4NCf_bSOxkC3LrElRT3s/s320/Know-your-limitations-and-then-defy-them.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.quoteswave.com/picture-quotes/146866" target="_blank">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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This...<br />
<br />
This is what is going to get me through the weekend - through the next couple of weeks, mentally and physically. <br />
<br />
I have been thinking of everything that I have cluttered on my path and it can be so overwhelming.<br />
<br />
It's time to (wo)man up, and clear off my path. <br />
<br />
Time to really focus and put in the work. <br />
<br />
All signs I have asked for are pointing to this... <br />
<br />
And come on, when you get a note from the universe that pretty much gives you the advise you need to hear, you just don't brush that off as coincidence. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.tut.com/images/NotesHeader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tut.com/images/NotesHeader.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
It's going to be bigger than you thought, you're going to be happier than you imagined, and your friends are all going to be like, "No-o-o-o way! That's so cool! How did you do it?" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because, Melissa, all earthly manifestations appear larger in real life than they do in one's mind. Way. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
You are still visualizing, right? </div>
<div>
The Universe</div>
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<tr><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td>Then they're going to ask, "Hey, Melissa, best buddy ol' pal, mind if I borrow your house? The green one."</td></tr>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tut.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.tut.com/" target="_blank">www.tut.com</a></div>
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If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-88884880599646297572013-03-01T14:50:00.000-05:002013-03-01T14:50:12.602-05:00Opps I did it again...Sooo, remember when <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/03/little-funny-little-gross-who-cares-its.html" target="_blank">this happened</a>?<br />
<br />
Yeah, I think I might have a problem....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklwlQ_WkYNwyndpG_yRIsRJF50jHFEP8flDEvesRTeC_R6orfx00Flw5JlfjC7vUNoqLbr93w7eVoEXMQ1FlKdGPjghraB_HwOYHKBwM1VMyrHsBD9fMY5fAhxiGZHg13CZ0PPFDPAbA/s1600/Me+with+finger+in+guys+ear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklwlQ_WkYNwyndpG_yRIsRJF50jHFEP8flDEvesRTeC_R6orfx00Flw5JlfjC7vUNoqLbr93w7eVoEXMQ1FlKdGPjghraB_HwOYHKBwM1VMyrHsBD9fMY5fAhxiGZHg13CZ0PPFDPAbA/s320/Me+with+finger+in+guys+ear.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, that might just be my finger in his ear hole</i></td></tr>
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And again, either way... <b>Hope your Friday is filled with all sorts of fun (weird or not)!</b>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-74414267703080371592013-02-25T17:46:00.000-05:002013-02-25T17:46:12.026-05:00Something about time flying...and the use of numerous quotation marksHoly crap - it is almost March 1st! Where in the world is the time going? It is officially less than 3 months to <a href="http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/" target="_blank">The Cleveland Marathon</a>. To say that I am feeling confident in my training would be a lie, but knowing I still have 2.75 months/11 weeks/76 days to continue to work hard and dig deep is alittle reassuring that "I got this." I am looking at 44 workouts before running my first 1/2 marathon. 44 chances to "practice" and train this body to do what it needs to do come May 19th.<br />
<br />
I was starting to have a small <strike>off the charts</strike> freak out after I <strike>was too lazy to get out of bed</strike> missed my long run this past Saturday. I began questioning my ability to "pull this off" in addition to my commitment to my training. I am technically 8 weeks into my training (I started early on January 3rd), and it hit me that most people started at 16 weeks, and therefore, are only 4 weeks into their training. Somehow this calmed my nerves a bit (maybe it made me feel like I was ahead of the pack in some odd way), and I than broke my remaining training down into blocks of months/weeks and days and suddenly, I don't feel so unprepared. I have plenty of time. So long as I am hitting 95% of my workouts per week, I will be heading into the race strong and able bodied.<br />
<br />
I enjoy my workout schedule and feel that <a href="http://www.bradgansberg.com/" target="_blank">Brad</a> really has me mixing it up week after week, so boredom is not an problem. I also went back to <a href="http://www.nishkamayoga.com/" target="_blank">yoga</a>, and have added some strength/core work 2x a week. Starting this week, I have implemented "hill interval Mondays." <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHgVReggegRPt5X4Vw-41M0P31swk-Zgao9dVB6McuI-CPb8p99uJGRjB-kkd5DyXcIsNW_OLPMzvXHgEXZ23GZOTBmXJ25oAyBChyphenhypheng1TRdNMOSI58Uho3b4BvNuiJqOfnt-pMNembaY/s1600/Monday+Hills+02252013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHgVReggegRPt5X4Vw-41M0P31swk-Zgao9dVB6McuI-CPb8p99uJGRjB-kkd5DyXcIsNW_OLPMzvXHgEXZ23GZOTBmXJ25oAyBChyphenhypheng1TRdNMOSI58Uho3b4BvNuiJqOfnt-pMNembaY/s400/Monday+Hills+02252013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inaugural Hill Interval Monday 2/25/2013</i></td></tr>
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Due to some congestion and tight chest symptoms, I walked my intervals today - but plan to start running them next week. This will take my running workouts to 4/week. While I like my 3/week schedule, I really need to start incorporating some hills. With the cold, I am running on the treadmill or at the flat track - I need to work my legs and brain and start tackling some hills and this is the best way that I can think of to accomplish this.<br />
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I am feeling better about my training schedule and really feel like I can kill it if I stop getting in my own way. <br />
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<b>I do "got this!"</b>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-64763619006797396772013-01-08T17:36:00.001-05:002013-01-08T17:36:36.611-05:00...My last confession was ... A blog dump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA2mdH-sGA8KbPgJfsedSa_ms_i-cAMcvaHKju3yFOuTIBO2BmGqtEsLCLT0Dx9boACEtxV7_D3gOBpYfxyJhir9k5srRjF48mY_3ouwJQZz7nFVD0Pyl3K74_pWzoUoaY90cXfz_quM/s1600/Imbackbitches.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA2mdH-sGA8KbPgJfsedSa_ms_i-cAMcvaHKju3yFOuTIBO2BmGqtEsLCLT0Dx9boACEtxV7_D3gOBpYfxyJhir9k5srRjF48mY_3ouwJQZz7nFVD0Pyl3K74_pWzoUoaY90cXfz_quM/s200/Imbackbitches.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is the post in which I completely ignore the fact that I have not updated since November 13th.<br />
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<i>Not really... </i><i>here's how the time was spent in a nutshell</i>: <br />
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My FL vacation was wonderful, Thanksgiving was spent on the beach and laying out at the pool, it was hard to return to real life after 10 wonderful days, but luckily, we had a fun weekend planned. OSU beat Michigan and we had one hell of a time celebrating. The Browns beat the Steelers the next day and we again had one hell of time celebrating. Back to work Monday where <strike>my liver proceeded to fall out of my bellybutton</strike> I began the countdown to Christmas. Insert some more Browns games, some girls nights out, family Christmas parties, and the wonderful snow white rush of the holidays mixed with a fabulous New Year's Eve Party (if I must say so myself) ...aaannnnnddddd we are all caught up. <br />
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So now that we got that out of the way, I can start my confession(s) to the church of the internets. <br />
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"Bless me google for I have sinned.... " <br />
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My running and really any health changes have taken a backseat... this started back in September. From September through December I ran an average of once a week (while some would argue that atleast I was doing something atleast once - this is not acceptable to me). Don't even ask me about logging my meals/eating. I had a "check-in" moment before I left for vacation and realized that I had gained back almost everything I lost (within 10 lbs of my highest weight). It crushed me... I was working towards losing weight for the vacation (right?! WTH?!) I reigned myself in on vacation and tried to make "healthier" choices (despite my ten day <strike>alcohol</strike> sun filled bender) and actually lost almost 5 lbs on vacation (I know, right?!). I have not weighed myself since - but realize I am going to have to take this step along with some measurements and possibly "before" pics. <br />
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It is cold outside. Normally I enjoy running in the cold - but there are days when I just need to sweat it out on the old treadmill. I bought a treadmill over the summer (for a great deal) only to realize that it sits on an incline in standard position (probably 1-1.5%), and only increases speeds in intervals of .5 mph. I put it in my basement with pipe dreams of using it all the time while catching up on episodes of my fave trash TV. That is so not how it is. I have used it a handful of times - but the incline really screws with me as I normally run a 0% on the TM at the gym. I feel like I am working VERY hard to catch my breath (which might also be a result of my musty old basement) and it is just not an enjoyable. I have the complete opposite experience when I hit the gym and hop on one of the Lifetime Fitness TM's that sync with my HRM and run so smooth on 0% incline. Bottom line - I strongly dislike running on my treadmill at home. I might even strongly dislike this particular treadmill itself.*<br />
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So, with my activity and eating habits at an all time low - what is my penance?<br />
<a href="http://www.runningbecauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/Cleveland-Marathon-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="http://www.runningbecauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/Cleveland-Marathon-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://bradgansberg.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufU_6YrcVmWjiSAUfhD8AAQ1YtZeIFQoDCFZRNV-aChAi1K394WyWdtzi33ajOdoveAZHXWVf81JniL5pahk_Bq423SsH0DVzPcFqXDAnPSpsMP68su-jgejoCe7hS_tqRIlPvFKOkTA/s200/Website_greeting_3.jpg" width="200" /></a>With the help of a <a href="http://bradgansberg.com/" target="_blank">friend</a>, I started my training plan for <a href="http://clevelandmarathon.com/" target="_blank">The Rite Aid Cleveland 1/2 Marathon</a> in May. To my surprise, my first long run was quite the success! I feel good about the plan thus far, and am happy to have some guidance along the way. (He is/has been a great asset for me when it comes to running and training - be sure to check out his website in the next couple of weeks as it will be re-launched and offering his free running program - this is how I got started, and if he can help me run, he can help anyone!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mommyrunfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/virtual-race-series-Jan-to-June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.mommyrunfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/virtual-race-series-Jan-to-June.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I committed to <a href="http://www.mommyrunfast.com/5-by-5th-virtual-run-series/" target="_blank">5 by 5th Virtual Race Series</a> which means I am going to be completing a race (organized or virtual) by the 5th of every month. The series goes until June - and also runs hand in hand with <a href="http://jillconyers.com/2012/11/fitness-friday-are-you-ready-to-run-13-in-2013/" target="_blank">13 in 2013</a>. However, I am only concentrating on one month at a time. You can look for my first virtual race result from Saturday soon. This is very doable and coincides well with my 1/2 mary training.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tinareale.com/best-body-bootcamp/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="bootcamp_large" border="0" height="133" src="http://www.tinareale.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/bootcamp_large_thumb1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Lastly, one of my 2013 goals is to incorporate more cross training/strength/core work and yoga into my training as well as for the everyday benefits. I purchased a 10 class pass to <a href="http://nishkamayoga.com/" target="_blank">Nishkama Yoga</a> and can't wait to get back (they closed down the location closer to my house at the end of December - and I have not made it back to the other location as of yet). In December I also registered for <a href="http://www.tinareale.com/best-body-bootcamp/" target="_blank">Best Body Bootcamp</a>. This is 8 weeks of plans delivered to me via email along with check-in's and a support group on FB. This will help with strength and core work that I desperately need!<br />
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I am confident that I have myself set up with a pretty solid plan here. The key is to plan and execute over the next month. One day at a time, right?<br />
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<b>What are your plans to make 2013 your year?</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*<i>Don't tell J. He made a big deal out of me getting the treadmill (even though it came out of my fun money - not his) and he still teases me about not using it. At this point, I will still use it just on principal alone... and hey, the incline can only help in the long run, right? (no pun intended).</i></span>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-16431229296406277422012-11-13T14:13:00.003-05:002012-11-13T14:13:58.357-05:00Gone Fishin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(Don't worry, I'll be back in about 15 days... until than, I will have a continuous loop of this playing in my head!)</i><br />
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If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-312635751469785622012-11-02T12:45:00.001-04:002012-11-02T12:45:09.551-04:00Tick*Tock*Tick*Tock<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Know how to live the time that is given you.<br /> </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">~Dario Fo (<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_time.html#OkweHfQJZtV8hKay.99" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></blockquote>
On Monday, it will be <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/09/1-year-runniversary.html" target="_blank">2 months exactly</a> in which I have not posted/ranted/blogged/accounted for myself/bitched and moaned/you get the picture. I know this happens to the best of us. Sometimes we plan the break, and sometimes life just knows that you might need it and nudges right along without us even knowing. Instead of beating myself up over not checking in, and pretty much abandoning all of my "lifestyle change" efforts over the two month absence, I am going to chalk it up to one of life's breaks - and remind myself that it is OK to be <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/07/life-is-calling.html" target="_blank">too busy living life</a> (and making memories!) to blog <strike>daily</strike> weekly. The good thing about a break, is that you often come back refreshed, renewed and ready to take on the <strike>holidays</strike> world!<br />
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That said, I've gone back and forth with what my "comeback post" should be over the past week and a half. Instead of trying to rehash it all in text - I give you my bulleted list of stuff I was doing instead of blogging:<br />
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<ul>
<li>September brought the return of <a href="http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/" target="_blank">Cleveland Browns Football</a>! More importantly <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BATStailgate" target="_blank">BATS Tailgating</a>! I have a picture post coming that will rehash the season thus far in terms of our awesome tailgates. 'Cause even though the Browns are improving week by week, their not getting as many double-u's as we would like - HOWEVER, we have NEVER lost a tailgate! </li>
<li>I connected with my non-existent German roots at the 2012 Oktoberfest at the Berea Fair Grounds and danced the night away with the <strike>really drunk</strike> bestie to the Spazmatics. Also ran into more old friends than I can count at the moment (I love when that happens!).</li>
<li>J and I joined some great friends for our first Polka Night at the Happy Dog.</li>
<li>At the Jason Aldean/Luke Bryan concert I discovered it is harder than I remember hanging with my younger girl cousins (and by harder I mean my liver just about slid out of my belly button trying to hang)</li>
<li>I played good bridesmaid and helped out at Little Lisa's Bridal Shower. I played hostess to a fabulous spa day at <a href="http://www.lesamissalonspa.com/" target="_blank">Les Amis</a> for Little Lisa's Bachelorette party (Lisa, Gin, Katie and I enjoyed the day together - <a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/393676_722626090023_541691501_n.jpg" target="_blank">oldest friends hanging out without the distraction of idle chit chat</a>.) It was the perfect day to send her off to her soon to be hubby!. </li>
<li>October brought even more <a href="http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/" target="_blank">Cleveland Brown's Sundays</a>. Every.Sunday. It's just what we do. The Cincy game had us reunited with our good friends from the Muni Lot while they visited and we showed them how BATS does it up Sundays at home. I learned just how good a s'mores pudding shot could be - and just what a pain in the ass marshmallow fluff can be while making s'mores pudding shots.</li>
<li>I was honored to be included in ALL of the festivities of Little Lisa's wedding. The rehearsal at Behind the Woods was cozy and quaint. J and I were very surprised that they had us sitting at the bridal table with the MOH and BM for dinner. Again, it was an honor. The wedding day was overcast and windy, but we lucked out and didn't get caught in any rain. The church was beautiful, the ceremony a tear-jerker and the reception a great big party! We danced the night away and sent Lisa and Dave off happy! (Have I mentioned how much I love weddings? And when it happens to be one of your besties - that makes it all the more better!)</li>
<li>The Annual Neal Halloween Party was a blast. Now that we are "getting out of the business" we were much more relaxed and just went out there to have fun. Mission accomplished.</li>
<li>October 29th will forever be remembered as the day we went through Hurricane Sally. Really - a hurricane in Cleveland... Um yeah, I guess. (OK, so maybe it was just a super storm - but it is the closest we will ever be to having a hurricane, so let me have my moment). October 30th will forever be the day that everyone woke up in their "I survived Hurricane Sally" t-shirts. We were one of the VERY lucky ones that did not lose power/phone service/internet during the storm, and we had no damage to speak of (aside from a few plants that fell over). Our hearts go out to those who came out of the storm STILL without power/cell service/a home/etc. You are all in our prayers!</li>
<li>Halloween was postponed until tonight, but that didn't stop us from having my Birthday dinner with the in-laws. It was a quick, but nice visit/dinner. I get a knot in my stomach when I think about turning <strike>32</strike> 26 (again) - it is a nervous, anxious knot. I have not processed this feeling yet - so I can't elaborate yet, but it is there. </li>
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Phew... Between all of the life I have been living, and my <a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries" target="_blank">late-night Vampire Diaries binges</a> - I am e.x.h.a.u.s.t.e.d - but ready to take on November. <b>What have you been up to?</b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><i>I am participating in these two challenges this November. Time to pick it up, and get it moving again!</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://runeatrepeat.com/2012/10/23/pile-on-the-miles-2012/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZIkVxifeks1p8dIKaditTSTpsEoLM_ztpZmYQEH2PeYDJPiSPz2XZLdUZvjeL8OwkKjM0V9lH-aXyLqVS-KqHor8vpBfxuNbK1vXlI8y6a_2IYVJnkSNTaODIyEXQADgB2bdZh_X4tg/s320/pile-on-the-miles-2012_thumb.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b300d; line-height: 21.983333587646484px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pile On The Miles</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b300d; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;"> is an annual event in blogland where we challenge <br />ourselves to walk or run more during the month of November. <br />The goal is to pile on extra miles not pounds during this food filled time of year!</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://info.wegohealth.com/nhbpm2012/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQKtHV4fCkE2fm8NTUpny8Cy2XLYimev0aJCLV6NKPk7OiXaIVj26SspmMXKPd5e72bZuBIREc5F33bz-46cyxCB1WhixoVt0dl-zuV6DxcXY3RNn78S33m71nfri83SqOhxHT7HGYuo/s1600/nhbpm_logo_v2-02-resized-600.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 22.5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>#NHBPM 2012 is here! <br />Sign up now to join the 30 day carnival and get 60+ prompts <br />catered specifically to online health leaders, bloggers, <br />and anyone who wants to try their hand at blogging about health.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-37788906037960088032012-09-05T10:28:00.000-04:002012-09-05T10:32:10.668-04:001 Year Runniversary<b>Happy Anniversary to me!</b><br />
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One year ago today, I took my first steps in learning how to run. You can read <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2011/09/cool-runnings-and-small-victories.html" target="_blank">my first 4-week recap here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw6ZwLJ9xumG-JtbJkJYInYa6uJ6B8GU9n1_KZwX816otsg7dXe-W3nNLTnjbjVCBfodqqiv3J1oQf8siqn0Gfk6cIebxeby3pg11zKdn3OXpZKGoXPl3B0OtfdPVyoy5TTfBFQI0A5A/s1600/Towpath+5+Miler+04012012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw6ZwLJ9xumG-JtbJkJYInYa6uJ6B8GU9n1_KZwX816otsg7dXe-W3nNLTnjbjVCBfodqqiv3J1oQf8siqn0Gfk6cIebxeby3pg11zKdn3OXpZKGoXPl3B0OtfdPVyoy5TTfBFQI0A5A/s200/Towpath+5+Miler+04012012.jpg" width="132" /></a>While I am still trying to conquer the <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/p/12-in-12-for-2012.html" target="_blank">5k</a> (running faster/smarter) - it makes me so happy to see how far I have come! In my post from last year, I celebrate myself for almost running around the track once without stopping. I love that I can go so much longer now (but is humbling to remember where I started). Hell, <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/05/im-cleveland-marathoner-sort-of.html" target="_blank">I even ran a 10k</a> (my longest distance so far) - and in a few short months will begin training for the <a href="http://myeverydaymansion.blogspot.com/2012/05/holy-crap-what-am-i-doing.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Half</a>! <br />
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<b>Holy crap - who is this girl? </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfUJkO8HPbxzk2txxSJKRbslJFy1TPhYWaMFzcz7QjmCU_5-QlMvQvg6HdrSr9DpT3135Jm65Na8VkYTBbQgWI-_kxWsesxTFmvdB0I0qmY2TWjxepSfcDy5v6M19GdbKMkrWzM5AAsM/s1600/IMG_1640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfUJkO8HPbxzk2txxSJKRbslJFy1TPhYWaMFzcz7QjmCU_5-QlMvQvg6HdrSr9DpT3135Jm65Na8VkYTBbQgWI-_kxWsesxTFmvdB0I0qmY2TWjxepSfcDy5v6M19GdbKMkrWzM5AAsM/s200/IMG_1640.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I am still so thankful to <a href="http://www.bradgansberg.com/" target="_blank">Brad</a> for helping me on this journey - and all of my family and friends for their support, and encouragement! It means so much, and keeps me going.<br />
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<b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Anniversary to me! Cheers to many, many more!</span></b></b></div>
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<br />If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-17688405234303253172012-09-01T11:40:00.001-04:002012-09-01T11:41:18.498-04:00The start of something good<i>Today's blog comes from something I shared with <a href="http://www.wearebiglosers.webs.com/" target="_blank">TRFBL Fall 2012</a> Competition that I run for my family. As always, if I am not spilling my knowledge out over here, you can find some of that awesomeness <a href="http://wearebiglosers.webs.com/apps/blog/" target="_blank">over there</a>. (Sarcastic Saturday...can't you tell!)</i><br />
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<strong>Today is September 1st.</strong> And while we may find ourselves asking where in the hell did the time go, and how are we in September already -<strong> I can't help but think of it as a fresh start</strong>. <br />
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<strong>A fresh start to evaluate</strong> where we are in our journeys toward the lifestyle changes we are making, and how we are doing emotionally and mentally. <strong> A fresh start to put the past behind us</strong>, and maybe we make some new goals (or revise current goals) for the next four weeks. <br />
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I have not been keeping up with my running as much as I would have liked over the past month - and while I can blame the heat, my body and pretty much anything else (<em>my shoe laces are not equal length from one another... Whelp, better shelve that run for today... Am I right?</em>!) I have to realize that<strong> the past is the past</strong>. I cannot change anything over the past couple weeks/months, but I can make a plan for the next four weeks. I can make a plan that will help me accomplish my first goal of logging 50 miles this month. <br />
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I have also started practicing yoga weekly (if you are interested, please check out <a href="http://www.nishkamayoga.com/" target="_blank">Nishkama Yoga in Independence and North Olmsted</a>) to help really center myself, and work out those muscles that I use daily. I am a total beginner at yoga, so my second goal is to really be present on my mat, and really work hard to remember the correct positions and breathing for me. <strong> The benefits far outweigh the struggles</strong> that come with being a beginner to really push, and concentrate on what I am doing in class. I can feel it in my overall body (posture, core and balance are all a BIG work in progress for me!), mentally and emotionally. I plan to take that practice to the mat 1 - 2 times per week for the next four weeks. <br />
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I have two specific goals in mind, but I wanted to share some others that I have found that can be practiced each day of this fresh new start to September. <br />
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<img mce_src="http://shrinkingjeans.net/files/2012/08/mindful-september-take2-01.png" src="http://shrinkingjeans.net/files/2012/08/mindful-september-take2-01.png" /><br />
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Maybe this will help you find your goal for the month, ar atleast inspire you to start doing something each day that will help you not just physically, but also help your overall well being on this crazy journey we are all on! <br />
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<strong>What are your goals for September?</strong>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-56998778329613229762012-08-30T16:11:00.000-04:002012-08-30T16:20:14.628-04:00When the cats away...So the hubs is out of town this weekend on his annual boys only "hillbilly yard sale" excursion. While I tend to miss him when he is gone, I do enjoy having the house to myself for a couple of days. I am kicking off the long weekend with some pumpkin beer, home made clambake and a full season of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YM6JSW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004YM6JSW&linkCode=as2&tag=exhuberantlyp-20">Weeds: Season Seven</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=exhuberantlyp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004YM6JSW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on the old boob tube. While I try to keep most of the weekend open (I like to think I am a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal) there are many things that I want to do. Girly things, if you will.<br />
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<li>dye the hair. I realize we have another couple weeks until official fall, but these roots CANNOT wait that long. It is time to drown out these faded blond highlights with a vibrant brown for the season. </li>
<li>catch up on my magazines. I have a stack of magazines almost as tall as <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWdjmYIWUjNVIkz3nRpsVIj3eqNjZ2qxFhCijo4RK3qTYcIdvXeiIM7U5t1NgTVOJ56gblWyzprOQP3Rl7eSY9q2sEAQsMjW7gBu19OPAN2P_CiZO1xwFgZxsR1a6sTlyOq9cSs_KZg/s1600/DSCN3876.JPG" target="_blank">my 5 year old niece</a> that are begging to be read. </li>
<li>catch an extra <a href="http://www.nishkamayoga.com/" target="_blank">yoga class</a>. I am keeping my standing class with BFF on Saturday, but adding in a session tomorrow AM as well. I need to work out the old body (esp since I am still sore from the 2 hour "Yoga for Athletes" workshop I took on Monday night. It has been 4 days people... 4 days!). Plus, I cannot wait to try out my new <a href="http://www.namastaytowel.com/index.html" target="_blank">NamaSTAY yoga mat towel</a>... Review to come.</li>
<li>take the tweezers to my face and really get at those hairs that are growing at a rapid rate.</li>
<li>home mani/pedi. These feet really need a good soak and buff - switching between discount flip flops and my running shoes is doing them no good in the staying smooth and soft category. </li>
<li>take an hour long hot shower. 'nuff said.</li>
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Notice, I do not plan on cleaning (not until Sunday anyhow), running around, or being held accountable to anyone for the next three days. I am going to chillax and recharge. (Yeah, I said chillax - what of it?!). I will be like a whole new woman by the time J gets home Sunday (if hurricane Isaac doesn't chase him home earlier). </div>
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What are you doing for the long weekend? </div>
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*<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">if you are a crazy internet stalker that preys on bloggers that are home alone, please know that I have a house alarm, an attack cat and <a href="http://youtu.be/PfO_sUH-Rhk" target="_blank">a stun gun</a> that I am just itching to use. </span></i> </div>
If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-995903142881477672012-08-18T11:17:00.001-04:002012-08-18T12:11:46.569-04:00Holy Yogi!Yoga has always fascinated me. People breathing, and bending, and contorting their bodies into poses that clearly take alot of concentration and mental clarity all the while making it look effortless.<br />
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For as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to <i>try</i> that. I wanted to be one of those people that woke up early, practiced my Sun Salutations and got on with my day clearheaded, and relaxed. Back in grade school, I even got a book from the library and tried to teach myself yoga sequences - unfortunately, I only got through the Sun Salutation and that was short-lived. <br />
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In high school, I looked up yoga classes online, only to realize that my $5.15 an hour part-time job would never be able to cover the cost. By the time I hit college (which I am sure offered some sort of free yoga classes at the rec), I really didn't have too much faith that my body could move like that anymore and that is where I have been since than. <br />
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Today, I took the plunge. I faced my nervousness, my "older" body and a whole lotta sweat and took my very first yoga class at <a href="http://nishkamayoga.com/">Nishkama Yoga</a>! Ever since I first found them I have been eyeing the schedule - and once I saw that they were offering a Yoga for Athletes/Runners workshop, I knew I had to (wo)man up and get in there for that class. While I love running, I cannot deny that it is hard on my body, and I have read enough information on how yoga can help stretch those muscles and also help with alignment, that I could not pass up the opportunity. I ended up being out of town for the workshop, and immediately emailed to see if they would be holding another. I was elated to see that they were, and signed up. <br />
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As I mentioned, I have never practiced yoga in a class setting, and I didn't want to jump headfirst into a two hour workshop with no knowledge as to<i> what the hell</i> I was doing, I thought it best to sign up for a basic yoga class prior to the workshop. Fast forward to today, and I was a ball of nerves. Thankfully, my BFF LOVES yoga, and <strike>begged</strike> offered to go with me. We headed out bright and early this morning. As were driving to the studio, we were chatting about what kind of people would be there, and if we would be comfortable in the setting. (<i>Side note: what I [thought] I knew of yoga classes was what I have seen on the TV... snooty, skinny, rich ladies that could contort with no effort and judge you by your Walmart workout gear. I know, I know - that is judgy and stereotypical and horrible that I even wrote that - but I'm here to spill the truth people. This also added to my stress of my first class</i>). <br />
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To say that is what we encountered would be a COMPLETE LIE! We were greeted warmly upon entering and I was happily surprised to see <a href="http://www.poiseinparma.com/">Alicia</a> would be assisting in the class. I know we really don't know one another IRL, but I felt a comfort in that I had not one, but two friends in the class with me. (<i>Another side note: I have read all about Alicia's journey to become a yogi, and she was actually one of my first running blogs I started following when I started my running journey. And the fact that she is a local gal is just the icing on the cake. Keep it up girl!</i>) <br />
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For the next hour, my mind and body did things I was not sure I could do, but I left feeling a sense of calm and belonging that I have never really had leaving any other group exercise setting. I also could not wait to get home so I could check out the schedule for the next month and see what other classes I will be taking! (<i>Yet another side note: To clear up my horrible yoga stereotype, it is soooo not true. There were people of all different ages, and body types in the class. While I was nervous about the class itself, I realized that the people around me were all there for the same thing - THEIR yoga. Keeping it to the four corners of THEIR mat. They didn't care what was happening on my mat, and I quickly learned that it only mattered what was happening for me ON MY MAT. Awesome.</i>) <br />
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With all of that said, there a couple things I need to remember before my next class...<br />
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<ol>
<li>Wash my feet before heading to class... Disgusting right?! I know it! I am a true WVA hillbilly at heart and I tend to walk barefoot whenever I can - couple this with a pair of <a href="http://www.fivebelow.com/">5Below</a> black flip flops that rub off on my tootsies, and you have some pretty nasty bottoms that no one should have to look at for 5 minutes, let alone an hour of class. Lesson learned - which reminds me, I should probably get a pair of white flops.</li>
<li>Bring a towel. I pulled one out last night and completely forgot to put it in my bag. About 20 minutes in, and I was sweating out water I'm pretty sure I drank last week. It's not pretty folks.</li>
<li>Breath mint before class... Pretty self explanatory. With all of that deep breathing and exhaling through my mouth - I know I don't want to smell my morning coffee... and I'm pretty sure no one else does either.</li>
<li>And finally, WATER! All of that stretching, sweating and chaturanga-ing makes for one thirsty bird once class lets out. </li>
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BFF and I had an awesome conversation following the class that pretty much summed all of this up. Special thanks to <a href="http://nishkamayoga.com/">Stephanie and Alicia</a> for helping us as 'beginners.' The hands on instruction was HUGE and something that BFF told me is not anything she has ever had in a yoga class before. It makes such a difference!
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If you're reading this, be sure to check them out. I can't rave enough. Maybe I'll see ya in class!</div>
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Until next time... Namaste!</div>
If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-33833164614550500332012-08-02T12:11:00.001-04:002012-08-02T12:11:35.160-04:0050 Shades of this is our man!Do you follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianTGrey">Christian Grey</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaRSteele">Anastasia Steele</a> on the tweet machine?<div>
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<i>(you should be!)</i></div>
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They pretty much just tweet out moments from the book in first person to one another, with some retweets/replies peppered in. It can get pretty *hot* for a twitter feed - but I love (re)reading for the interaction between the characters and while I know they are not real people, it gives it a real people feel. </div>
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Which leads me to my solution as to who should be cast as the wonderfully sexy, full of kinky-fuckery Christian Grey.... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Avi from the CG Twitter Profile</i></td></tr>
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Hello beautiful! I know this photo floated onto Facebook a week or so back, but this has been his avi on the tweeter profile since I began following. I have no clue who this beauty is, or if he can even act. And to be honest, not really sure I care - much like Channing Tatum, I would go see this man read an instructional manual on how to take apart an internal combustion engine. He's pretty. And I like him.</div>
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So listen up casting agents - let's start a campaign.... Cause I found our man!</div>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8232920897661845121.post-42111615221217421462012-07-31T13:09:00.003-04:002012-07-31T13:09:45.285-04:00My big black buddyIt has been a sad sad week over at the JMH house... <div>
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Our buddy Vader was very sick when we got home from our little trip to PIB. He was wobbling, and his belly was very distended. When he couldn't walk down the stairs, eat or drink anything - we quickly mobilized and took him to the vet. Turns out he had been losing muscle mass as his spine was very prominent (something our vet told us would happen as he got older) and his gums were not the proper color for a healthy kitty. He was in alot of pain (we could tell by his eyes, his low, long meows and his unstable legs) - and after alot of questions, weighing options, and many many tears, we decided it best to not delay the inevitable and give him some release from the pain.</div>
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On Wednesday, July 25th at 7:55pm our buddy Vader went peacefully up to kitty heaven. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>He is sleeping in this one... <br />I didn't take any pics at the vet.</i></td></tr>
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<b>HARDEST DECISION EVER!</b></div>
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Sure, we could have kept him alive. As I told J, it would be tight, but the money should not be an issue. We discussed it at length, but when your cat is 17, and there are just no guarantees - I don't think I could live with myself knowing that I selfishly kept him alive at a very limited capacity. Yes, the other side of the coin kills me too - because although there were no guarantees, that means we MIGHT have had a chance to get him all patched up and back to his 17 year old self. What we did find out after he passed is that he most likely had a large tumor in his belly that burst causing the distention and pain. I am confident we made the right choice for our buddy as I don't think he would have made it through the night anyhow.</div>
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<b>Sad times people, sad times.</b> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Again, not dead, just doing his favorite activity aside from eating... <br />...just like his momma!</i></td></tr>
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So, now we try to remember all of the good times with him, and laugh about silly stuff he used to do (especially on the cat nip=good stuff!), and even laugh about all of the bad stuff he would do (do you seriously need to poop behind our bar?!). We get to bring him home today, and are on the lookout for the <i>purrrr-fect</i> urn for his new forever home. </div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/oU8iovOfqAI" target="_blank">Pillow pet urn anyone</a>... anyone?! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BFF's!</i></td></tr>
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We all miss him dearly, and while StinkerBelle is adjusting to being and only child, I know she misses her brother/playmate too! </div>
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We love you and will miss you very much! </div>
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<b>Buddy Vader</b></div>
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<i>August 1995 - June 25th, 2012</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Run free now buddy! </b></span>
</div>If your body is a temple, mine must be a mansion!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07178109013547761460noreply@blogger.com2