Positivity is a Super Power

Studies show that positive self talk can actually IMPROVE your overall health and performance! Think about how you talk to someone you love. How you describe, encourage, cheer for, brag on and celebrate those people. Now speak to yourself like that!

If you're a running nerd like me, I want to recommend Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kastor. I am about half way through the book and while it is nothing profound I am enjoying it. I picked it up from my local library because was looking for ways to "up my running game" and mentality (i.e. battling self doubt) is super-high on the list. So many factors are out of your control, (that awful Boston weather in 2018!) but this is entirely up to me.

Running a marathon is an accomplishment, even for a talented Olympian like Deena. But it takes more than training and good nutrition. It take support and what she discusses is the mental aspect of achieving difficult goals. I have found myself attempting to adopt her mental shifts in all aspects of life though. Instead of "I have to..." a simple word swap changes the mood entirely. Try "I get to...". You are now entering the activity with a lighter heart.

Pictured left to right is the order of my running related reads from my current read, the book already awaiting me on the nightstand and then next on my radar. (I've also got to fit in time to finish reading the latest Land of Stories which is a favorite series of Addie's she has read more then once. She was insistent I read them and it has been fun to support her love of reading in this way.)

What are you reading? Please share your recommendations!

Fellowship of the Idiots

Yesterday I officially became an Idiot and yes I am proudly shouting it from the mountain top! If you are not a distance runner you quickly categorize plenty of the things I consider fun, dumb! This will not be an exception.

The most insane part of this event was the ridiculously early wake up call. My alarm went off earlier then it did for WC-50. "Dumb" things are always more fun with friends so a group of Urban Runners met in NoDa to drive the hour together to the small town of Albemarle. 14 of us groggily piled into a van and were on the road before 4:00AM. We all had the same idea of fun that morning... run up a mountain to chase the sunrise! This is the Fellowship of the Idiots run.

The Fellowship began in 2003 when a few friends got together for their last long training run before the Myrtle Beach Marathon. They started at the YMCA in Albemarle and ran to the top of Morrow Mountain and back (19.7 miles). Every year since then, "idiots" have gotten together for this awesome long run. This year there were 359 runners - 196 of us first time idiots and the rest returning ones.

There is no charge for this (extremely well organized) run however donations are accepted to help offset the cost of putting on the run. Those that complete their first Fellowship of the Idiot Run earn a Fellowship of the Idiot t-shirt and a suitable for framing certificate. In addition, you get your name added to the Fellowship of the Idiot wall at Vac & Dash.

The event kicked off at 5:30AM. Peter, the owner of Vac & Dash, welcomed us all with a few words and then it was a simple - Ready, Set, GO! Well the run began but one of my run buddies had ducked into the Y for one last trip to the bathroom. It is the only race I have ever shrugged "no rush". We were the final participants to start and even paused to have our picture taken before heading out into the dark.

Since it was so early there wasn’t really anyone on the streets except us. Runners wore their reflective gear, headlamps and had blinker lights on for safety. By the way, I am taking recommendations for a headlamp. I absolutely love my Amphipod Cap Clip Light! I cannot imagine there is anything out there less noticeable. It is so lightweight and clips directly onto the bill of a hat/visor which I rarely run without. However know a more powerful headlamp would be better for the trails. Back to being idiots though! It was fun meeting other folks out for this unique run, cheering them on and bantering with the awesome aid station volunteers.

As we started to make the final ascent, the sun started to wake up. Since it is a race, I'll say I did "beat" the sun to the top. The views are very pretty but this morning it was cloudy so was not the beautiful orange I hoped for. People hung at the top taking pictures (& of course posting to social media) before making the return trip. Even though it is a out-and-back course, since the first half was in the dark it was an entirely difference scene coming down in the day light. The aid stations were still just as lively and volunteers still just as happy even though they had to be chilly. As I runner the weather was pretty close to perfect though - 40s with no rain or headwind.

Run often. Run long. Just never outrun the joy of running. With that is mind here was Hannah and I's "jump for joy" attempt at the end. We still had some ups left in our legs after 19 miles but just could not coordinate. Hope it makes you giggle!

Flexibility is Key to Survival

It is around 5:25AM and I am up, dressed and ready to head out the door to tackle a speed workout with my track group when my little one groggily shuffles into the bathroom. I wouldn't trade these "I just need you" snuggles for anything, honestly, but to be just as honest a "this is not what I had planned" sigh came too. I had written the following speed workout for our group: 16 x 200 - alternating mile and 5k paces | jog 100 | walk 100 | REPEAT. The idea being that even with varying speeds we would not have the opportunity to get too spread out and therefore nobody would be standing around in 20 degree temps. {brrrrr!} Got great feedback on the workout and knew I had to still get it in.

Motherhood has certainly taught me that you have to be able to roll with the punches if you have any chance of surviving. With that I pulled out my trusty paper day planner (yup I am old school like that!) and rearranged my week by pushing some tasks around. That is not always possible and I'd be painting a false picture if I didn't acknowledge the struggle it is to find any sort of balance, but I remain convinced that making my fitness a priority is important to EVERYONE'S happiness. This is why even when I’m dragging I still make time to get my workout in.

So after dropping the early morning snuggler at preschool I headed to the Dowd YMCA. Even though the sun was up, it was still really cold but their rooftop track has a great view of the city skyline. I jogged a warmup mile then headed back inside for leg swings, a motivation check and loaded the workout plan into my Garmin. Turns out this track would not be my first recommendation for a speed workout. The turns are tight making it difficult to maintain faster paces plus 13 laps = 1 mile which makes for uneven math. Bottom line, I got it done and that is also my advice to others. Just do it! There are a million reasons you can’t get to the gym or just don't want to. Yes there are more important things in life to worry about but I think we can also agree there is nothing better than feeling strong, fit & capable.

2019 Top Nine

Some good run, some bad runs, muddy runs, chased down new PRs, supported others in their run goals but all with the backing of my beautiful family. That's a wrap {Insta}2019! #itsarunderfullife #topnine #runcltrun #runclt #nuunlife #teamnuun #hshive #stingorbeestung #withoutlimitz #onhermarques

Ironically what I consider my biggest race accomplishment this year, (see WC50 race recap), was not included because realize I never posted it to my Instagram feed. I must have been more tired then I even realized. Looks like I now have worthy material for my first ever Throwback Thursday post.

L to R: shaving even more to set my current PR at The Boston Marathon, the finish line of the Boston Marathon, volunteering at Charlotte Marathon's expo, enjoing a beer post crashing during the OrthoCarolina 10k, flat runner before pacing Craft Beer Half Marathon, family picture, Steve's Trail, winning the Massacre Marathon and setting my first marathon PR, inaugural Around The Crown 10k and a new PR

My first and not last BRR

This weekend I took part in one of the most physically & mentally challenging of my run career and it was SO MUCH FUN! I have been asked in a few times in the past by teams but it was never good timing. With no race focus on the horizon, I accepted the challenge to run the Blue Ridge Relay. This 208 mile relay race starts in Grayson Highland State Park, VA, runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway and finishes in Asheville, NC. There were over 180 teams all living in vans for 2 days (running through the night, snacking to stay fueled & awake and hustling to each exchange point to drop off the next runner). Every team shared the same challenges... grueling hills, complete darkness, multiple running surfaces and sleep deprivation. I jumped onto the shoulder to dodge a car on a narrow mountain road, held my pepper spray at the ready to attack the local idiot we heard was jumping out of hiding spots to scare females and moving to the opposite side of the road when saw stray dogs all while being worried I'd miss a turn. I was on a 12 person team so "only ran" a total of 14.6 miles over 3 legs but were all difficult in their own way.

My first leg was short but at 4pm and in full sun! I had been awake since around 5am and been in and out of a van since 6:30am so it was a great way to get the jitters out and finally turn my legs over. I ran again at midnight. The teammate in front of me got lost and I became anxious with every passing minute past when she was expected. I have never been anywhere more dark and while I loved the freedom of that night run it was hard to open up because was scared would trip! I finally slept for maybe two hours around 4am before my biggest contribution at 8am.

Leg 31, simply referred to as "The Goat", is arguable the toughest of the 36 legs. I was nervous but chalked it up to "new kid draws the short straw" and didn't overthink it. It eased in with a flat half mile before a grueling 6 miles of mountain switch backs and an elevation gain of 1398 ft. I was able to average an 8 min/mile which turned out to be the fastest (female) of the day! I was thrilled to put up a good time and was happy knowing I didn't have to try and race again on my tired legs.

The views were breathtaking, the running was an awesome challenge and the camaraderie was uplifting! It was impressive to watch elite runners beast it and very beginners push themselves. Howard Schultz said, When you run a race as a team, you'll discover that much of the reward comes from hitting the tape together. You want to be surrounded not just by cheering onlookers but by a crowd of winners, celebrating as one. I’m beyond exhausted but canNOT wait to do it again and with these people! #TeamStacheFO

Camp Mom is officially closed for the season!

BACK TO SCHOOL! Big sister has been back in her routine a little while now, (first day was 8/20/19) but today was the first day of preschool! I can't even pretend to be sad because they are both so happy and we love both schools so much. Summer was hard but I'll miss these faces during that day. Don't get me wrong I am excited for myself too and the possibility to get a few things done during the week but today I'm going to yoga... because I can! Namaste!

Here we go 4th grade!! So pumped to be back, we didn't even walk her inside the building!
#knownandloved. #tescharlotte #firstdayofschool #thatcowlicktho

It's safe to say she is excited to be back at school! 5 day 3's - growing up so fast! 

#mooregirlclotingvault #curlycarinha #stayathomemom #imissmysidekickthough

A new school year means new adventures, new friendships and new challenges for ALL of us! Let's do this!

#2018bestnine

Like me, you have surely seen the collages all over your Instagram feed. Well I caved to peer pressure and followed the masses and here is the result:

Surprised at some of the most liked pictures but overall it looks like a pretty accurate and balanced life to me. There was family time, "I've got cute kids" posts, lots of running and even a day date with the hubs. That about sums it up! Here is to more of all of that in 2019!

Dog Mom

I always say Teva puts up with more then her fair share but now she is really earning her keep. While Teva and Addie are, in every sense of the word, littermates, the dog tries to hide away in her kennel when she has enough baby poking. Nina isn't insulted though because the water bowl, chew toys, kennel and dog beds are great sources of entertainment.

 

 

Chef Addie is 7!

My Chopped Junior loving kid knew right away she wanted to have a cooking themed birthday party. She and her friends got to make their own pizzas, decorate cookies and just run around at the Harris YMCA to celebrate her seventh birthday. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!!! We love you, love you more, love you MOST!

Digital invitation created by: rkDesigns

An Evening of Believing

The Sandbox, a local non-profit whose mission it is basically bring joy to children (and their families) facing life threatening illnesses, hosted a FABULOUS event that we got to be a part of. The unrest and riots in Charlotte couldn't derail the spirit of this event or any detail of the event itself other then the location. In no time the entire thing was moved from NASCAR Hall of Fame to an Embassy Suites in Concord. Team CC was on the red carpet in full force. (Only part of the group is pictured below.)

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) has taken so much from this family and The Sandbox has helped them make some amazing happy memories with the time they have left with their little girl.

I am so proud of my girl for hanging tough for what was a long night. Addie did not complain once about being tired/hungry/bored nor did I have to fuss for the kids to behave. They really seemed to understand that we were not there for ourselves.

For more information:

The Sandbox | An Evening of Believing | Team CC | Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Team CC

We wear these bracelets and shirts in honor of a special little girl named Carolina Casey - aka CC. CC was diagnosed with a rare disease called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy January 1, 2016. The Caseys were told they would only have 3-5 years left with their sweet and spunky girl. The horrible disease has taken so much from this family but they have handled things with grace, dignity and an amazing amount of strength. This incredible mama even brought my family dinner after Nina was born. I feel blessed to have gotten to know such a special girl and to call her mommy a dear friend!

You lean on your "village" in times of need, so we do what we do - embrace our loved ones and run together!

Hit The Brixx is a local race that is always a favorite in Charlotte. I admit I am not sure who the beneficiary was in years past but this year the race would benefit Kids Path, a program that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill children, who had worked with CC. The 5 of us stayed together for the entire 3.1 miles, and we will be by our friend's side through it all! #TeamCC #CaringForCaroline #FMLD #SweatWithYourSquad

Gobbling, Wobbling & Earning Dessert

This might be the only race we have ever run together! {Not competitive at all.}

How is she a Kindergartener?!

Seriously where did the time go? How is my baby in real school? WOW, we have come so far! Could this really be the same little stinker that screamed nearly every time I dropped her off at Childwatch or a babysitter showed up at the house?! I mean, she barely left my leg the day before at the open house and wouldn't even speak to her teachers!

 

Her obvious apprehension yesterday had me anticipating the worst. I didn't want her to feel abandoned but we were going to be leaving her and what a terrible way that would have been to start this new chapter! To my absolute surprise she was comfortable from the first moment. She walked right into her classroom, sat at a table and began easily chatting with a classmate with a genuine smile on her face.

To say I was relieved is an understatement! I didn't realize how anxious I was until the tears started rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't leave the courtyard outside the classroom and I could not stop crying even as I laughed and talked to other parents. Oh how I love this amazing little person!

#walkthelewin

Our trip via Instragram: 

#ChâteauFrontenac #damnitdonal

#newcountryproblems

#highschoolbesties #reunited

#MontmorencyFalls #rainydayfun

#MontmorencyFalls #nofilter 

#congratsline #leanback

#duckface

#firstdance #havealittlefaithinme
 

#mrslewinandherladies

Preschool Graduate

 

The Adventure of Marriage

9 years into this adventure called marriage! Always challenging each other. @usnwc #canyonspur

Muffins for Mom

Matching, per her request. She and I were both already dressed and ready to walk out the door for school when she came into my bathroom pleading we wear out matching dresses. I bought these last year so her dress was entirely too short but tunics are in style so we added a pair of leggings for her and off we went. I really liked what I had on but know I need to enjoy these moments before I am embarrassing.