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!

New Challenges

So I did a thing today! I actually did plenty of things, but I did one particular THING I want to mention! I took my emotions about not going to Boston and registered for a race today. I can hear the reaction... "So what?! She races plenty so why is that a big deal?!"

If you think I am crazy now, I guess just wait! I signed up to compete in my first ever FIFTY MILER! The WC-50 Ultra Trail Marathon to be exact. So what exactly in an Ultra Marathon? Any footrace over the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles is considered an ultramarathon. Typically they range between 50 kilometers (~31 miles) and 100 kilometers (~62 miles) though races go up to 100 miles. 

I have completed three 50k events over the past two years and in that short time I can tell you no two ultras are the same. (One was lake loops and one was actually 42 miles.) Talking splits, pace, even finish times is completely irrelative and totally specific to the event. What I do know, running is about perseverance and that will certainly be the case in 4 short weeks! Not ideal timing as will not have had the time to put in much training but this race fits with my family's schedule.  #MotherRunnerProblems 

Opting Out

I feel the need to make a confession. I did NOT register for the 2020 Boston Marathon. Whew, there I said it but honestly it still doesn't fully sit well with me. I love the marathon, I identify as a marathoner and I love The Boston Marathon & identify as a Boston Marathoner!

I worked hard, persevered through the humidity to run a personal best, 3:15:22. This gave me a qualifying time of over 20 minutes! I am proud of this and was excited to learn I could have been in and done on the first day registration opened. Today The Boston Athletic Association announced the official conclusion for entry into the 2020 race. The B.A.A. added 1,500 qualifying spots but still shut out over 3,000 who met the new, faster Qualifying Standard. The cut off for next year's race came down to 1 minute and 39 seconds... meaning if you ran 1:38 faster then what you needed for your age/gender, you still did not get in. {More on the registration process for my non road runner friends.}

Congrats and Good Luck to all that made it in! Enjoy this world class iconic event. It is hard to believe I won't be a part of it next year. I will absolutely be back but I am choosing to shift my focus from Boyston and looking towards some new challenges.

Boston Marathon Expo 2018

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!

All is well from the latest well visit

The results are in and she is officially the happiest baby around! So much of parenting seems to be about the numbers. The doctor gives you height, weight etc percentiles and I find myself craving this information but it is a set up to immediately start comparing how your kid and therefore you as a parent stack up. Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy". Comparing your life, job, fitness, closet (fill in any blank) only serves to create competition instead of community! My wish for you darling is to not let this be the case! You are perfect and we count our blessings everyday your infectious smile is in our lives!

Granted I am posting this late and hindsight is always 20/20 but love the message all the same and could not believe I had not clicked publish on these ridiculously cute pictures.

P.S. Oh the simple joys of tissue paper!

A girl can never have enough shoes!

I was happy to fill munchkin's Christmas requests this year... cowgirl boots, cowgirl hat and running shoes!

I think those are a step in the right direction. Now go out and conquer the world!

Saturday nights are meant for dinner and dancing!

"Get up and dance, get up and smile, get up and drink to the days that are gone in the shortest while."

We headed to Hickory Tavern for dinner and to our delight, a jazz trio set up outside. The weather was nice so I picked the restaurant for the outdoor seating... it overlooks The Greenway. Was not aware that the MetLive Concert Series was still going on but what a bonus! I will certainly be back!

Words of Wisdom

Kindness of Strangers

When we are constantly turning on the news to hear one awful story after another it is no surprise we teach children not to talk to strangers. Better safe then sorry, right?! However, I am happy to report there are still people out there willing to take time out of their life to come to the aid of a complete stranger.

Leaving a workshop today, on my way to pick up Addie I hit dead stopped traffic. After sitting for a little while I started to get worried that I would never make it to get her on time. I made a decision (a bad one in hindsight), but several other cars had successfully made the U-turn through the grass so off I went. Another hindsight moment, I should have taken the dip with some speed but since I proceeded so slowly I had zero momentum to make it up the incline and got stuck in some unseen mud.

To the first gentleman that pulled off the road, a special thank you to you for taking it upon yourself to help me and for staying with me until the end. To the second gentleman that stopped, thank you for putting me above keeping your nice work clothes clean. Finally thank you to the pair of gentlemen for not simply thinking "someone else is already helping to take care of it". Without all of you I would not have made it!

I didn't catch any one's name or even properly thank them because as I started to slow down they yelled "go, go, keep going!"... to avoid getting stuck again. I was only able to wave and shout THANK YOU out my window as I kicked up mud and drove off. While I know true kindness seeks no return I hated leaving my angels in disguise and blankets & reusable shopping bags (used for footing) on the side of Billy Graham. I know I will probably never see any of them again but I hope all the people that did drive by saw what I did... the best of human nature.

Would I have gotten out of my car and done the same? Sad to say, as a female traveling alone, I would not have but the act of kindness was not wasted and I am truly grateful. I hope I can make someone's day like you did for me. Thank you again!!!

Resolutions

I started this post with intentions of the subject being about time - the lack of it in my life, trying to find more of it, promising to always make the most of it and vowing to put more time into this blog but I am not one for resolutions since they only seem to be a set up for failure. I am not trying to squash anyone's new year's resolution because any accomplishment starts with the decision to try. I try to live a healthy life so I support the masses of people who say they will lose weight at the beginning of each year even though the avid gym-going in me is highly irritated by the influx of bodies. (By the way, its about lifestyle change people! I know!)

So instead of a resolution I am going to re-attempt to tackle one of my personal Bucket List items this year. So as long as another injury doesn't do me in, I plan to complete a full marathon. Training officially kicks off this weekend and will be signing up for Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon before the end of the month. (Ahhh, it is out there now!)

Reason, Season or Lifetime

It is amazing how people can affect your life in different ways. Whether it is the people you are very close to, those you hardly know or one of the many in-between. I am learning that you cannot take any of those relationships for granted and honestly believe none of them are by chance.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty; to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a season, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
— Unknown

Tomorrow I will be attending the service for Leslie Richardson Carman. I am not trying to say Leslie taught me some great life lesson or that in her death something in me was awakened but I couldn't help but think of that poem. All I do know is that my heart aches for the dark place she was in and it breaks for the two sweet girls she left behind. I will think of her in the morning when I get up to run in the dark and I will smile every afternoon when Addie asks for a "poppie". (I credit her with both!)
 
Leslie, I pray that you found peace and that you are able to watch over your hurting family and friends. Lord, give Brian the strength to pick up the pieces and help him find peace so he can begin to heal but mostly I pray for Olivia and Taylor and all the pain and unanswerable questions they have ahead of them.