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Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Sub-4
Everything about this marathon was a little different than....the 4 prior. My marathon training has really been a journey...moreso from the completion of the first one to the last one. I can look back and see how I have changed over time, how I have approached training differently, how I have gained confidence and learned lessons along the way. That's life, though, right?
But something was different this time around. I think when I got 4:10 last year at the Air Force Marathon, I realized with some better training (which you can always improve....unless you're nearly perfect) I could "easily" break 4 hours. Not that all the training is easy, but with the right amount of effort and discipline, I could do it. My body is capable. So going into my training, I set that as my goal time, really believing it was possible.
I will say, it helped not having a job for the majority of my training :-) That "extra time" also motivated me to not make excuses. I did have the Kansas heat working against me, but it also pushed my body further. I did a lot of runs in the heat that really....sucked. But I believe also helped.
I really, really enjoy running long distances. I love the ups and downs of a run. So, I guess I love the mental battle. That is what I got even better at during my training. I pushed my body harder when I started to get tired or thought I was slowing down. I added random intervals/sprints into my weekly runs (not a lot during the LONG ones but the others). I basically felt like I was taking more control than before.
In the few weeks leading up to the marathon, I wasn't as dedicated due to my job. 50 hour job, plus it was new at that point so I was working even more than that trying to get used to it/settled. I was worried that I had peaked too early because I tapered more than I should have. But I found it very strange that in the couple days before the race, I didn't really feel nervous. I didn't feel anything about it. I really wasn't sure if this was good or bad. The "pros" told me that meant it was just another run for me....I was used to it. No big deal :-)
On race day, I still felt mentally tough. I took off and decided, from the start, that slowing down really wasn't an option. If I started getting tired or felt pain, I could just push through it like I always do. And that is what I did. I knew I wouldn't break 4 hours if I didn't break 2 at the half (which I have never done in a race; I did during training). My half split was about 1:54. So I then decided...I must keep that pace. Well I didn't do quite that otherwise I would have come in at about 3:48. But I tracked closely.
I took all the fluids, usually both the gatorade and water at each station. I took most of the food, except the sport beans and the dunkin' donuts. At mile 24, donuts did not sound good and I didn't know if there was something to drink shortly after that. I also used almost 2 packs of Gu Chomps (that I brought).
There were 2 main things that kept me going. 1) I initially kind of think of this as a little selfish. But I did not want to let myself down. I had put in the training and I pretty much felt like if I didn't break 4 hours it would be because I lost the mental battle. And I would feel terrible. I also really wanted to meet my goal because, as bad/sad as it sounds, I knew it would be a major thing that would light up my life right now since I'm unhappy with a lot of other things 2) The Marines in full uniform lining the course. It was just a constant reminder that running 26.2 miles is small compared to what so many Marines see and face.
I think it was about mile 23/24 when I started walking a little. Again, a huge mental battle ensued. I know from the past....once you start walking, you keep walking/walk more often. So I argued with myself and started jogging again. And that was it. I decided....I only had about 20 minutes left of running. "Just put up with the pain, it's a small fraction of the time you've already been running...."
I must have gotten some twinkle in my eye. In the last mile, I kicked it in. A spectator with a "Runner's World" shirt on made eye contact with me and started yelling at me. "You go girl, you go get it!!!" MAN did that help. I took off and finished. The finish feels so awesome.
3:57:42. I decided after this one that I CAN qualify for Boston. 3:35. My focus for now (next year) is going to be triathlons (I said that last year.....). 70.3 in 2013!!! Overall, this marathon left me feeling more confident than ever of what my body is capable of and what I can accomplish. If I could figure out how to leak this into other areas of my life, I'd be golden! :-)
But something was different this time around. I think when I got 4:10 last year at the Air Force Marathon, I realized with some better training (which you can always improve....unless you're nearly perfect) I could "easily" break 4 hours. Not that all the training is easy, but with the right amount of effort and discipline, I could do it. My body is capable. So going into my training, I set that as my goal time, really believing it was possible.
I will say, it helped not having a job for the majority of my training :-) That "extra time" also motivated me to not make excuses. I did have the Kansas heat working against me, but it also pushed my body further. I did a lot of runs in the heat that really....sucked. But I believe also helped.
I really, really enjoy running long distances. I love the ups and downs of a run. So, I guess I love the mental battle. That is what I got even better at during my training. I pushed my body harder when I started to get tired or thought I was slowing down. I added random intervals/sprints into my weekly runs (not a lot during the LONG ones but the others). I basically felt like I was taking more control than before.
In the few weeks leading up to the marathon, I wasn't as dedicated due to my job. 50 hour job, plus it was new at that point so I was working even more than that trying to get used to it/settled. I was worried that I had peaked too early because I tapered more than I should have. But I found it very strange that in the couple days before the race, I didn't really feel nervous. I didn't feel anything about it. I really wasn't sure if this was good or bad. The "pros" told me that meant it was just another run for me....I was used to it. No big deal :-)
On race day, I still felt mentally tough. I took off and decided, from the start, that slowing down really wasn't an option. If I started getting tired or felt pain, I could just push through it like I always do. And that is what I did. I knew I wouldn't break 4 hours if I didn't break 2 at the half (which I have never done in a race; I did during training). My half split was about 1:54. So I then decided...I must keep that pace. Well I didn't do quite that otherwise I would have come in at about 3:48. But I tracked closely.
I took all the fluids, usually both the gatorade and water at each station. I took most of the food, except the sport beans and the dunkin' donuts. At mile 24, donuts did not sound good and I didn't know if there was something to drink shortly after that. I also used almost 2 packs of Gu Chomps (that I brought).
There were 2 main things that kept me going. 1) I initially kind of think of this as a little selfish. But I did not want to let myself down. I had put in the training and I pretty much felt like if I didn't break 4 hours it would be because I lost the mental battle. And I would feel terrible. I also really wanted to meet my goal because, as bad/sad as it sounds, I knew it would be a major thing that would light up my life right now since I'm unhappy with a lot of other things 2) The Marines in full uniform lining the course. It was just a constant reminder that running 26.2 miles is small compared to what so many Marines see and face.
I think it was about mile 23/24 when I started walking a little. Again, a huge mental battle ensued. I know from the past....once you start walking, you keep walking/walk more often. So I argued with myself and started jogging again. And that was it. I decided....I only had about 20 minutes left of running. "Just put up with the pain, it's a small fraction of the time you've already been running...."
I must have gotten some twinkle in my eye. In the last mile, I kicked it in. A spectator with a "Runner's World" shirt on made eye contact with me and started yelling at me. "You go girl, you go get it!!!" MAN did that help. I took off and finished. The finish feels so awesome.
3:57:42. I decided after this one that I CAN qualify for Boston. 3:35. My focus for now (next year) is going to be triathlons (I said that last year.....). 70.3 in 2013!!! Overall, this marathon left me feeling more confident than ever of what my body is capable of and what I can accomplish. If I could figure out how to leak this into other areas of my life, I'd be golden! :-)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Coach
Several months ago, you may remember, I wanted to be a "doctor." Well, the whole reason I wanted to BE a doctor was because I have a passion for prevention. My big idea was that I would change the whole medical community to focus more on prevention. Yeah I always think I can change the world. Apparently, that is "already happening" but certainly not as fast as it should be happening. Doctors would be working themselves right out of a job (although not really because there will always be illness and disease) and (the majority) of docs out there didn't go to med school to focus on prevention. A little bit of an assumption on my part, but I believe I am correct.
I know this because in the 3 weeks I have been a health coach, I have had so many people complain to me that there doctor just put them on this and that pill. For anything. For everything. I will ask if the doctor discussed ways to address the problems without medication (for blood pressure, for instance). An overwhelming "no."
Seriously?
So, kind of funny. I think this means I should just stick to being a health coach (or other jobs focusing on education and prevention) and trying to keep people healthy and away from the doctor. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are doctors who do care about prevention. But really.....that still isn't the main focus. Maybe if I was 22 and not married I might still consider the option more :) But we know enough about how this works, and it's really awesome to (at least try) to empower others to take control of their own health. I've always been about personal responsibility, and that includes health.
The coaching is very challenging, because people don't change overnight. That's for sure. But every day, out of the 40-50 people I am required to talk to (I say that because I dislike that I have a "minimum"), there are a few that really make me feel like it's worth it. Because I have helped them to realize what they are capable of.
I know this because in the 3 weeks I have been a health coach, I have had so many people complain to me that there doctor just put them on this and that pill. For anything. For everything. I will ask if the doctor discussed ways to address the problems without medication (for blood pressure, for instance). An overwhelming "no."
Seriously?
So, kind of funny. I think this means I should just stick to being a health coach (or other jobs focusing on education and prevention) and trying to keep people healthy and away from the doctor. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are doctors who do care about prevention. But really.....that still isn't the main focus. Maybe if I was 22 and not married I might still consider the option more :) But we know enough about how this works, and it's really awesome to (at least try) to empower others to take control of their own health. I've always been about personal responsibility, and that includes health.
The coaching is very challenging, because people don't change overnight. That's for sure. But every day, out of the 40-50 people I am required to talk to (I say that because I dislike that I have a "minimum"), there are a few that really make me feel like it's worth it. Because I have helped them to realize what they are capable of.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Empowerment through Counting Calories
So I want to share how fun it has been counting calories this past week. It has put a whole new perspective on how I eat. Duh.
As someone who has a degree in Exercise Science, I think I just liked to "pretend" I ran off everything I ate even though I knew it wasn't true. And how could I know if I wasn't keeping track? I didn't. Thus, never being able to lose my stomach or any other little bit of excess fat. It's harder to get the last few off, and I wasn't even really trying. I was only tracking the calories burned, not the ones I consumed. Which I already know is necessary. I think for me, I just wasn't motivated to try to lose a couple pounds because I wasn't AWARE of where I was in terms of net calories.
Recently, I've been studying to get the Health Fitness Specialist Certification through ACSM. What is an HFS? Straight from the source: "The HFS performs pre-exercise health risk assessments, conducts physical fitness assessments, interprets results, develops exercise prescriptions, and applies behavioral and motivational strategies to apparently healthy individuals and individuals with medically controlled diseases and health conditions to support clients in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors."
So, this was actually after I got the Livestrong app for my phone and started tracking, but one of the chapters in the review book I decided to skip to the other day was Metabolic Calculations. Regarding fat stores..."it takes 3, 500 calories to make and store 1 lb of body weight. Stated in reverse, 1 lb of body weight can provide the body with 3, 500 calories. Because walking or running 1 mile expends 100 calories, you would need to walk or run about 35 miles to lose 1lb of fat."
Oh. my. god. Doesn't that sound terrible? Well that agrees with what my app is telling me. Even with all of the MARATHON training I am doing, I have to be careful to not go over the daily calorie goal for losing 1 lb/week. After counting all of my meals, about 1 beer or glass of wine per day is all I can afford, IF I do a 4 mile run and 2 mile walk with the dogs, for example (today). If I don't, well I'm way over.
I will say this app makes it way easy to count. If you don't have a smart phone, I don't see how this is possible on a daily basis if you have any sort of life (which I don't at the moment, but still). So, kind of a dilemma when trying to get people to pay attention and be aware of their calorie intake. But it is very user friendly & has a database of almost every food you could eat. Seeing where you are throughout the day and how close you are to the limit allows you to more easily say "no, I'm not going to eat this brownie, because I want a beer later." It's easier to say no because you know exactly what it will do to the number. And no one wants to fail for the day and go over...awareness. But yes, it also allows you to track your cheating if you do feel like splurging, and keeps the cheating in perspective from day to day.
Above is the one I posted on FB the other day. This is extreme. I ran 14 miles that day. The following is more realistic:
I ate a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner (the dinner is high in calories but consisted of spinach, chicken, an orange, an avocado, some cashews and olive oil). I ran 4 miles and walked 2 with the dogs. I actually did have a small glass of wine with dinner and am now having 1 beer. That's it! 40 calories to spare.......
After 8 days of tracking calories, I can honestly say I feel better. I have not been overeating and I need to get myself on a scale, but I think I may have lost a lb. Weight fluctuates a little anyway so it's hard to tell, but I feel better.
The red means I went over. The green means I stayed under. Still trying to figure out if there is a way to see the net for the week, but manually adding it up, I'm actually -1, 043 calories under total for 8 days. So if you multiply 1470 by 8, it's 11, 760 calories. I've consumed 10, 717. Make sense?
I highly recommend trying this if you can. It's empowering.
As someone who has a degree in Exercise Science, I think I just liked to "pretend" I ran off everything I ate even though I knew it wasn't true. And how could I know if I wasn't keeping track? I didn't. Thus, never being able to lose my stomach or any other little bit of excess fat. It's harder to get the last few off, and I wasn't even really trying. I was only tracking the calories burned, not the ones I consumed. Which I already know is necessary. I think for me, I just wasn't motivated to try to lose a couple pounds because I wasn't AWARE of where I was in terms of net calories.
Recently, I've been studying to get the Health Fitness Specialist Certification through ACSM. What is an HFS? Straight from the source: "The HFS performs pre-exercise health risk assessments, conducts physical fitness assessments, interprets results, develops exercise prescriptions, and applies behavioral and motivational strategies to apparently healthy individuals and individuals with medically controlled diseases and health conditions to support clients in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors."
So, this was actually after I got the Livestrong app for my phone and started tracking, but one of the chapters in the review book I decided to skip to the other day was Metabolic Calculations. Regarding fat stores..."it takes 3, 500 calories to make and store 1 lb of body weight. Stated in reverse, 1 lb of body weight can provide the body with 3, 500 calories. Because walking or running 1 mile expends 100 calories, you would need to walk or run about 35 miles to lose 1lb of fat."
Oh. my. god. Doesn't that sound terrible? Well that agrees with what my app is telling me. Even with all of the MARATHON training I am doing, I have to be careful to not go over the daily calorie goal for losing 1 lb/week. After counting all of my meals, about 1 beer or glass of wine per day is all I can afford, IF I do a 4 mile run and 2 mile walk with the dogs, for example (today). If I don't, well I'm way over.
I will say this app makes it way easy to count. If you don't have a smart phone, I don't see how this is possible on a daily basis if you have any sort of life (which I don't at the moment, but still). So, kind of a dilemma when trying to get people to pay attention and be aware of their calorie intake. But it is very user friendly & has a database of almost every food you could eat. Seeing where you are throughout the day and how close you are to the limit allows you to more easily say "no, I'm not going to eat this brownie, because I want a beer later." It's easier to say no because you know exactly what it will do to the number. And no one wants to fail for the day and go over...awareness. But yes, it also allows you to track your cheating if you do feel like splurging, and keeps the cheating in perspective from day to day.
Above is the one I posted on FB the other day. This is extreme. I ran 14 miles that day. The following is more realistic:
I ate a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner (the dinner is high in calories but consisted of spinach, chicken, an orange, an avocado, some cashews and olive oil). I ran 4 miles and walked 2 with the dogs. I actually did have a small glass of wine with dinner and am now having 1 beer. That's it! 40 calories to spare.......
After 8 days of tracking calories, I can honestly say I feel better. I have not been overeating and I need to get myself on a scale, but I think I may have lost a lb. Weight fluctuates a little anyway so it's hard to tell, but I feel better.
The red means I went over. The green means I stayed under. Still trying to figure out if there is a way to see the net for the week, but manually adding it up, I'm actually -1, 043 calories under total for 8 days. So if you multiply 1470 by 8, it's 11, 760 calories. I've consumed 10, 717. Make sense?
I highly recommend trying this if you can. It's empowering.
Monday, August 13, 2012
A Glimpse of my Passion
Yesterday, I participated in a free event created by someone on Facebook. 26.2K Run For Gold. I was invited by a fellow runner/triathlete and read what it was when I got the invite, but didn't really pay too much attention to it until the date got closer. Basically, it was just someone trying to get the running community to join him to celebrate the Olympic Marathon by running 16.28 miles (26.2K). Not physically with him, but just on that day. Wherever you are. Global event. Kind of cool, I thought.
My marathon training plan only called for 14 miles, and so I really debated if I wanted to push it the extra 2.28. I was pretty pumped up to "participate" but also didn't want to push my body too hard because I haven't exactly been "ahead" in my marathon training. I'm doing good, but I wouldn't say I should just go ahead and start adding miles to the long runs. I may have put a little pressure on myself after seeing the following Motivational Running video:
I think it is amazing. It gave me chills and, not gonna lie, brought a few tears to my eyes. Maybe because it applies to everything in life.
Thankfully, the weather was a bit cooler on Sunday morning than it has been (all Summer). I got a late start because I was up pretty late after the Glow Run 5K the night before. Yay! Fun.
So, back to Sunday morning. I packed up my fuel belt, Gu packs, extra water, some grapes, Body Glide, sweat towel, sunglasses, nano, Garmin.....it's seriously a major event, haha. I decided to go to Sedgwick County Park, about 25 minutes away. I don't do this very often, for obvious reasons. But I've run every direction possible what feels like a hundred times each here in Derby. I also decided to take my iPhone again. Some requirements for the event were to have fun and take pictures. So, phone necessary :)
I basically pretended I was excited, because I wanted to be. But I'll be honest, even though I prefer to run alone, for the most part, long runs are becoming a different story. And my body did feel really sore and tired. I tried to ignore that as well. I made quite a few "stops" to drink a little water and then kept moving....stopped longer when I would get back to my car (4 mile loop) to refill the water bottles, gu up, wipe sweat from my eyes. The second leg, I ran 3 and turned around, for 6 more. Leaving me with one more loop to make 14. I did an out and back for that part (2 out and back). Even in a big park with more trees and less cars, I couldn't fathom running around it 3 straight times in the same direction. Sounded terrible. I look excited here though, no?
So, it was a little painful. But unlike the previous marathons I've trained for, for some reason I am not quite as stressed about my long runs. Don't feel like I have to go a certain pace (Hal Higdon says you shouldn't really push yourself hard for long runs....just get the miles in. Otherwise you will be exhausted the rest of the week for the rest of your runs). Yet I still feel strong and confident I am on target for the pace I want to go. Maybe I'm just "maturing" in my running and learning my body.
So on to the real exciting part. I got notifications all day of posts on the wall of the "26.2K For Gold" page. People posting their pictures and stories of where they ran, how far. People from all over the world. And then.....a post from someone that said this:
"Self-indulgent? Oh I could run with this one. No pun intended. I will a little though. As someone with a Masters in Exercise Science and Public Health certificate and who is passionate about preventive care, I feel this is an opportunity to speak my mind. I cannot even begin to explain how awesome it is that there is motivation like this out there for running, or any other physical activity that allows people to stay fit and healthy. Do runners do it because they love it and it makes them feel awesome? Yes. Do we get a little obsessed? Maybe. But if everyone was getting out there and running their butt off, or swimming, or biking...there are many options...and preventing themselves from becoming overweight and/or obese, do you know how much money our country would save in healthcare costs??? From obesity and all the diseases that go with it....type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, etc....? Yeah, imagine that, everyone taking responsibility for his or her own health. BILLIONS. We would save billions. I donate to all sorts of charities when I can, as I'm sure many people do. Sometimes for races, sometimes just because. But avoiding becoming a drain on this country is also a priority for me. And all of the people supporting this event most likely live a lifestyle doing the same, so kudos to all of them. As the above posters have clarified, this page/event is not about fundraising. It’s about the spirit of the Olympics and physical activity, and I think it’s awesome that everyone can support and push each other. My passion for running and triathlons keeps me healthy and away from the doc. Fundraising is challenging, and there are so many causes out there. When I was deployed, I organized a charity run and raised money for the Chance Phelps Foundation…dedicated to supporting and honoring our nation’s warriors; it was actually really easy to raise the money because in that environment, everyone wanted to help vets and their families. If you are having trouble with raising money, maybe work on educating more people about why your cause is more important than the thousand others out there. Because you don’t know where people are putting their money."
It has gotten 6 "Likes" so far haha. Yeah, she struck a nerve with me. For sure. I felt my blood boiling a bit as I responded. At first I thought maybe I was too harsh, but several others have responded giving her feedback, and letting her know that she should have approached her comment differently by asking for support, not making negative comments about the running community.
So, maybe I was offended on a couple levels. The part of me that wishes everyone would be more fit. The actual runner in me. The part of me that desires to give to charities when I can. I did especially like the poster who said that our sport has been "taken hostage to the point where if I mention a run/race to somebody, they ask: what charity does it benefit? Nobody asks a golfer what charity they are raising money for when they go hit a round." Haha, true! I have raised money for a charity for one of my marathons, but I see where this gets excessive.
Anyway, what I found really interesting was HOW MAD this made me. I don't want any negativity spun on such an important topic......physical activity.
My marathon training plan only called for 14 miles, and so I really debated if I wanted to push it the extra 2.28. I was pretty pumped up to "participate" but also didn't want to push my body too hard because I haven't exactly been "ahead" in my marathon training. I'm doing good, but I wouldn't say I should just go ahead and start adding miles to the long runs. I may have put a little pressure on myself after seeing the following Motivational Running video:
I think it is amazing. It gave me chills and, not gonna lie, brought a few tears to my eyes. Maybe because it applies to everything in life.
Thankfully, the weather was a bit cooler on Sunday morning than it has been (all Summer). I got a late start because I was up pretty late after the Glow Run 5K the night before. Yay! Fun.
So, back to Sunday morning. I packed up my fuel belt, Gu packs, extra water, some grapes, Body Glide, sweat towel, sunglasses, nano, Garmin.....it's seriously a major event, haha. I decided to go to Sedgwick County Park, about 25 minutes away. I don't do this very often, for obvious reasons. But I've run every direction possible what feels like a hundred times each here in Derby. I also decided to take my iPhone again. Some requirements for the event were to have fun and take pictures. So, phone necessary :)
I basically pretended I was excited, because I wanted to be. But I'll be honest, even though I prefer to run alone, for the most part, long runs are becoming a different story. And my body did feel really sore and tired. I tried to ignore that as well. I made quite a few "stops" to drink a little water and then kept moving....stopped longer when I would get back to my car (4 mile loop) to refill the water bottles, gu up, wipe sweat from my eyes. The second leg, I ran 3 and turned around, for 6 more. Leaving me with one more loop to make 14. I did an out and back for that part (2 out and back). Even in a big park with more trees and less cars, I couldn't fathom running around it 3 straight times in the same direction. Sounded terrible. I look excited here though, no?
So, it was a little painful. But unlike the previous marathons I've trained for, for some reason I am not quite as stressed about my long runs. Don't feel like I have to go a certain pace (Hal Higdon says you shouldn't really push yourself hard for long runs....just get the miles in. Otherwise you will be exhausted the rest of the week for the rest of your runs). Yet I still feel strong and confident I am on target for the pace I want to go. Maybe I'm just "maturing" in my running and learning my body.
So on to the real exciting part. I got notifications all day of posts on the wall of the "26.2K For Gold" page. People posting their pictures and stories of where they ran, how far. People from all over the world. And then.....a post from someone that said this:
To which I replied (after a few others):
"Self-indulgent? Oh I could run with this one. No pun intended. I will a little though. As someone with a Masters in Exercise Science and Public Health certificate and who is passionate about preventive care, I feel this is an opportunity to speak my mind. I cannot even begin to explain how awesome it is that there is motivation like this out there for running, or any other physical activity that allows people to stay fit and healthy. Do runners do it because they love it and it makes them feel awesome? Yes. Do we get a little obsessed? Maybe. But if everyone was getting out there and running their butt off, or swimming, or biking...there are many options...and preventing themselves from becoming overweight and/or obese, do you know how much money our country would save in healthcare costs??? From obesity and all the diseases that go with it....type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, etc....? Yeah, imagine that, everyone taking responsibility for his or her own health. BILLIONS. We would save billions. I donate to all sorts of charities when I can, as I'm sure many people do. Sometimes for races, sometimes just because. But avoiding becoming a drain on this country is also a priority for me. And all of the people supporting this event most likely live a lifestyle doing the same, so kudos to all of them. As the above posters have clarified, this page/event is not about fundraising. It’s about the spirit of the Olympics and physical activity, and I think it’s awesome that everyone can support and push each other. My passion for running and triathlons keeps me healthy and away from the doc. Fundraising is challenging, and there are so many causes out there. When I was deployed, I organized a charity run and raised money for the Chance Phelps Foundation…dedicated to supporting and honoring our nation’s warriors; it was actually really easy to raise the money because in that environment, everyone wanted to help vets and their families. If you are having trouble with raising money, maybe work on educating more people about why your cause is more important than the thousand others out there. Because you don’t know where people are putting their money."
It has gotten 6 "Likes" so far haha. Yeah, she struck a nerve with me. For sure. I felt my blood boiling a bit as I responded. At first I thought maybe I was too harsh, but several others have responded giving her feedback, and letting her know that she should have approached her comment differently by asking for support, not making negative comments about the running community.
So, maybe I was offended on a couple levels. The part of me that wishes everyone would be more fit. The actual runner in me. The part of me that desires to give to charities when I can. I did especially like the poster who said that our sport has been "taken hostage to the point where if I mention a run/race to somebody, they ask: what charity does it benefit? Nobody asks a golfer what charity they are raising money for when they go hit a round." Haha, true! I have raised money for a charity for one of my marathons, but I see where this gets excessive.
Anyway, what I found really interesting was HOW MAD this made me. I don't want any negativity spun on such an important topic......physical activity.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
McConnell AFB sighting by the former Captain Clark
I almost busted out my Reserve Captain status the other day. I was in disbelief when I saw a MSgt, a MSGT! with a princess cut blues shirt unprofessionally leaning up against the counter (almost obnoxiously, if you can picture that) at the clinic with her hand on her hip, LIFTING HER SHIRT enough that I could see her abdominal area. Um, what? She was with her daughter and trying to talk her through something, but obviously just had no regard for how she was carrying herself. I was embarrassed for her, for the Air Force. I pretty much found myself staring. I looked like an AF wife in workout clothes (I was) but I seriously wanted to pull out my I.D. and flash it in her face and ask her....what. are. you. doing?!
My blood boiled a little bit, but I see unprofessionalism all the time. It isn't just Senior enlisted. Officers too. And abundant in the airman ranks, which I would like to say isn't as surprising, but I have to wonder who are these kids' parents and what goes on at basic training??? Don't join the AF if you aren't interested in adopting professionalism, respect, and the core values. To this day, I don't get it.
*Stepping down off my soapbox*
My blood boiled a little bit, but I see unprofessionalism all the time. It isn't just Senior enlisted. Officers too. And abundant in the airman ranks, which I would like to say isn't as surprising, but I have to wonder who are these kids' parents and what goes on at basic training??? Don't join the AF if you aren't interested in adopting professionalism, respect, and the core values. To this day, I don't get it.
*Stepping down off my soapbox*
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Spent a week in 'bama
What can I say, there are other places I would have rather been "vacationing" with my husband. Pure Michigan maybe? But, the AF decided Dave was going to spend his summer in the South, and I just wanted to be wherever he was.
All I was really focusing on before the trip was seeing Dave & friends, so I wasn't expecting the whirlwind of emotions that came with being around so many friends (all still in the AF), all of his classmates (obviously all in the AF), and.....I'm not sure if I talked to one person who wasn't in the AF for those 9 days. I can confess to my blog here that I felt really lonely and isolated. SOS this, SOS that. Meanwhile, I did not get any studying done for my certification like I planned. My fault. I just wanted to spend as much time with all of our friends as possible, yet it was a constant reminder that led me to the realization that I miss the AF, in general. It's upsetting that my experience led me to the decision that it did (to leave), but the fact is that it did. One of my worst fears felt like it was coming true- regret. But I left for good reasons, and those reasons still hold true. So, forget regret.
We spent our time working out (did arms in the weightroom but haven't done them since I've been back home....waste!), maybe drinking a little bit of wine, and hanging out with friends. The trip started with the coincidence of me being on the same flight as our friend Lindsay going to visit our friend (her husband:) Adam for the weekend. He is an instructor at the base where Dave is doing his training/school. I used to work with him here at McConnell. Confused? Sometimes it's all confusing even to me.
Friday: Adam and Dave picked us up from ATL and we all got to catch up! The Pahls are fun.
Saturday: Dave and I went out to dinner at Bonefish with my old college roomie Shannon and our friend (her husband....seriously everyone is friends and everyone is married) Kayu and their adorable little princess Charlotte. It was great catching up and we had the best waiter.....
Sunday: We got to see Kelly and James. Win! No Andy :-/ Off playing Army.
Monday: I worked out while Dave was at class. Should have consulted Kelly on how to actually row the right way. I got a little bit of a workout but don't think it was quite right. Remembered that I tried rowing for a week my freshmen year of college and decided it would be too much with ROTC. TOTALLY regret that decision. But I digress. Anyway I think that workout is about all I accomplished. Then we got some Reeeeed Robin. YUM.
Tuesday: Went for a run before Dave had to be at class. I made a last-minute hair appointment to get my hair colored because it was turning weird colors. I managed to find an Aveda salon even though the first thing that came up when I googled "hair salons montgomery al" was "Montgomery Black hair salons." Ate some lunch and then did a Commissary run to get stuff to make dinner at Kelly's. It was fun using someone else's kitchen, not sure why :) We ate dinner and had another nice visit.
Wednesday, Happy 4th!: Got up early and left for FL to spend the 4th with Shannon, Kayu, Charlotte, Tomo, Abby and Cooper. Didn't make good time but had a little time at the Eglin AFB beach when we got there. Then it was a rainy afternoon that led to a dance party to the college party mixed CDs. Turns out some of the "missing" CDs in the collection are with Abby :) Tomo made an excellent dinner....cilantro rice, beans, shrimp, fish....yum. Then we went to the fireworks.
Thursday: Went to Destin for lunch to meet up with one of Shannon's hs friends. Was like a classier version of Panama City :) Pretty views from Harry T's. Drove back to Montgomery.
Friday: Got to babysit Coop-man while Abby went running with her flight and played FLEX (this little AF game is similar to dodgeball but with "special" tactics and strategy). Watched Dave play, then Kayu and Abby. Cooper got smashed with a ball but survived. We worked out and went to Kelly's for dinner. Kabobs and really yummy corn. Then we watched......you guessed it- Dateline! Enjoyed some vanilla ice cream with strawberries and blueberries (I KNOW Dave was wondering why I don't provide simple, semi-healthy desserts like that instead of crazy chocolate cakes and such) and wine and murder stories. Perfect.
Saturday: Dave and Breanne day. Slept in, worked out (we tried a kickboxing video at the gym....yikes am I uncoordinated), went to the local flea market with Kelly and James. Got recommendation to try Chris' Hot Dogs, local place that's been around 95 years. They had just gotten Oskar Blues Beer in and this guy was giving me the history. Read here:
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/07/alabama_brothers_award-winning.html
It was super good! Then we took Kelly's recommendation and ate at The Olive Room, a local place downtown offereing fine cuisine for a special night out. Got Grouper with an amazing side dish and I don't even know what it was....why do I do that?? Why don't I ask? I want it again! Tasted like grits or potatoes....oh I don't know. Mouth is watering thinking about it though.
Sunday: Ate at the Egg and I (oh yeah we did that Saturday too) and then crashed Kelly and James' day again :) Then it was time to pack up and hit Hotlanta.
Saw lots of cute kids and good friends...
Ate lots of good food...
Saw some shnazzy fireworks...
Stayed active enough to not COMPLETELY screw up the marathon training...
Spent 9 days with my husband.
All in all, a win. Unlike the day that followed.....TBC.
All I was really focusing on before the trip was seeing Dave & friends, so I wasn't expecting the whirlwind of emotions that came with being around so many friends (all still in the AF), all of his classmates (obviously all in the AF), and.....I'm not sure if I talked to one person who wasn't in the AF for those 9 days. I can confess to my blog here that I felt really lonely and isolated. SOS this, SOS that. Meanwhile, I did not get any studying done for my certification like I planned. My fault. I just wanted to spend as much time with all of our friends as possible, yet it was a constant reminder that led me to the realization that I miss the AF, in general. It's upsetting that my experience led me to the decision that it did (to leave), but the fact is that it did. One of my worst fears felt like it was coming true- regret. But I left for good reasons, and those reasons still hold true. So, forget regret.
We spent our time working out (did arms in the weightroom but haven't done them since I've been back home....waste!), maybe drinking a little bit of wine, and hanging out with friends. The trip started with the coincidence of me being on the same flight as our friend Lindsay going to visit our friend (her husband:) Adam for the weekend. He is an instructor at the base where Dave is doing his training/school. I used to work with him here at McConnell. Confused? Sometimes it's all confusing even to me.
Friday: Adam and Dave picked us up from ATL and we all got to catch up! The Pahls are fun.
Saturday: Dave and I went out to dinner at Bonefish with my old college roomie Shannon and our friend (her husband....seriously everyone is friends and everyone is married) Kayu and their adorable little princess Charlotte. It was great catching up and we had the best waiter.....
Sunday: We got to see Kelly and James. Win! No Andy :-/ Off playing Army.
Monday: I worked out while Dave was at class. Should have consulted Kelly on how to actually row the right way. I got a little bit of a workout but don't think it was quite right. Remembered that I tried rowing for a week my freshmen year of college and decided it would be too much with ROTC. TOTALLY regret that decision. But I digress. Anyway I think that workout is about all I accomplished. Then we got some Reeeeed Robin. YUM.
 |
| Red Robin... |
 |
| YUM |
Tuesday: Went for a run before Dave had to be at class. I made a last-minute hair appointment to get my hair colored because it was turning weird colors. I managed to find an Aveda salon even though the first thing that came up when I googled "hair salons montgomery al" was "Montgomery Black hair salons." Ate some lunch and then did a Commissary run to get stuff to make dinner at Kelly's. It was fun using someone else's kitchen, not sure why :) We ate dinner and had another nice visit.
 |
| Love |
 | |
| Mango salsa & guac...heaven. |
Thursday: Went to Destin for lunch to meet up with one of Shannon's hs friends. Was like a classier version of Panama City :) Pretty views from Harry T's. Drove back to Montgomery.
 |
| Smothering the kids. |
 |
| View from Harry T's |
 |
| Checking out the big Pirate ship-looking boat! |
 |
| Photo booth....saved $5 by taking my own picture |
 |
| Dave...FLEXing |
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/07/alabama_brothers_award-winning.html
It was super good! Then we took Kelly's recommendation and ate at The Olive Room, a local place downtown offereing fine cuisine for a special night out. Got Grouper with an amazing side dish and I don't even know what it was....why do I do that?? Why don't I ask? I want it again! Tasted like grits or potatoes....oh I don't know. Mouth is watering thinking about it though.
 | ||||
| Sneaking pictures of James in the car. Sweet. |
 |
| Dale's Pale Ale |
 | |
| 100x better in a glass! |
 |
| Chris' Hot Dog WAS really yummy |
 |
| Date night- The Olive Room |
 |
| Maxwell AFB |
 |
| Alabama |
Saw lots of cute kids and good friends...
Ate lots of good food...
Saw some shnazzy fireworks...
Stayed active enough to not COMPLETELY screw up the marathon training...
Spent 9 days with my husband.
All in all, a win. Unlike the day that followed.....TBC.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I live for these weekends, these times, these people
I'm getting off track with the blog again....damn you, FB.
Just spent the weekend with a bunch of wonderful family and friends and I at LEAST need to document that experience for now. It was quite the reunion weekend.
Trying to plan for this little weekend was pretty stressful, I'll be honest. We were kind of behind the eight ball with buying tickets for a couple different reasons, so once we cracked down and decided to get the tickets, it was a game of finding something affordable. For Dave flying out of Atlanta (after driving from Alabama) and me out of Wichita. But I wasn't giving up because Chris and Marina's wedding was a must. So that was that.
Things started falling in place a little more when my sister Angela suggested I stay with the family the night after the wedding instead of in a Pittsburgh hotel. I booked a flight that left Monday instead of Sunday because it was WAY cheaper (Wichita, you suck for travel plans). Dave, however, had to fly out on Sunday to be back to class on Monday. When I decided to stay with Gene and Emma (who have claimed me as a daughter:), we figured out we'd need two rentals so that we could both drive back to the airport. Last minute, Dave thought of the idea of me just driving him to the airport on Sunday, driving back to Erie, and then back to Pittsburgh on Monday (2 hour drive each way). Crazy? A little. More time with Dave, even if it's in the car? Yes. Sometimes the chaotic logistics can be fun. We're used to them.
Wake up at 3:30 a.m Saturday. Stop at Dillon's for quart-size bag for toiletries and travel-size contact solution (I'm surprised those are the only things that came up missing). Get to airport at 5:10 a.m. for a 6 a.m. take-off, usually plenty of time for ICT. Huge lines. Get through, board plane. Layover in Minneapolis. Huge breakfast and bloody Mary. Board plane for Pittsburgh. Listen to pilot say "giggity" after all his announcements, laugh. Arrive at Pittsburgh to see Dave waiting for me at my gate! :) Get rental (Chevy Aveo) and refuse $9 upgrade to an SUV just on principle! Start trip to Erie and realize that might have been a mistake as it shakes and rattles. Arrive at the Avalon hotel to find our room isn't ready yet, along with all of the Endicott rooms, haha. Have some interesting customer service interactions but finally get our room. Get ready and walk to The Union at Concourse Station. Proceed with watching beautiful, short ceremony, party and several drinks......walk to the Plymouth Tavern bar, and the rest is history. Seriously. Was really out of it. Good times with the crew.
The next morning we got up and got ready to go and ended up stopping at Gene and Emma's for the family post-wedding lunch. Dave got to visit with some crew members for a little bit before they left and then we left to take him to the airport. I spend 4 hours in the beater, little red, driving to Pittsburgh and back. I may or may not get a cheeseburger and small fry from McDonald's on my way back to Erie just because it always just makes me feel a little bit more normal after a little bit too much to drink.
When I get back, the family went to a nice local Italian restaurant where they know the Tudico name. It was so good....I got Veal Parmesan. I could eat that every day. So many good laughs...even a little glass of wine :) and we practically closed the place.
Angela, Chris, Marina and I had driven separately in the beater, so we proceeded with our U.P trip-in- one-night plan. We headed to the beach on Lake Erie to get a glimpse of the sunset. Then we headed home, where Chris demanded Gene build a fire, haha. We sat around the fire for a bit and then our exhaustion got the best of us. My sister was gracious enough to let me sleep in her room and I slept a good 9 hours......nice!
Woke up and had some coffee and breakfast and a couple hours later.....A MONDAY HOT DOG ROAST! It was so fun.
I headed back to Pittsburgh and made little red go like 80 in a 65 the whole way, Yikes. She didn't like to stop, but racing was not her thing either. Dropped the car off real quick and then....BAM. HUGE line for security. It was 4. My flight was at 4:55. Wasn't gonna happen. So I did what I could and asked the lady for some help, while sort of flashing my mil I.D., and she sent me to the first class line. I'm in.
I'm not sure what has changed, but I'm really glad that I can focus enough to read now....in general, and on the plane. I continued reading "MWF Seeking BFF," as I eyed this little scrawny 17 or 18 year old teenage boy next to me (who really smelled like one, too) who had a big, sealed yellow envelope addressed to Parris Island Recruiting. HellO, Marines. Please don't kill this kid.
I can REALLY relate to this book and Rachel Bertsche. Have to love a book that is describing how you feel exactly. Ok, guess I'm not completely crazy. Ironically, I'm at a part of the book where she is traveling, and describing how she is being more open with talking to people when normally she would run from situations where she finds herself in a convo with a stranger, and that travel is a good opportunity to meet a potential BFF. Well when I settle into the Sam Adams Brewery in ATL, this older man on the way to FL to visit his Mom (in the hospital) talks to me and we talk until I lose track of time and trot toward my gate after boarding begins (will this like mid-fifties guy be my BFF? Um, no. But there was plenty to talk about!). Luckily, like the earlier flight, it was a full flight and things were delayed and I waited for a few minutes. Ok, not sure if it was the 2 beers I had, but I talked to the girl behind me walking onto the plane. She sat behind me and then I found myself talking to her and the lady next to her, as well as the girl siting across the aisle. Meanwhile, I guess the guy next to me was listening to what we were talking about because an hour into the flight he asks "So what kind of plane does your husband fly?" Then we talked the rest of the flight. What is my point? This is not like me. And it was fun, and a good ending to a great trip.
Just spent the weekend with a bunch of wonderful family and friends and I at LEAST need to document that experience for now. It was quite the reunion weekend.
Trying to plan for this little weekend was pretty stressful, I'll be honest. We were kind of behind the eight ball with buying tickets for a couple different reasons, so once we cracked down and decided to get the tickets, it was a game of finding something affordable. For Dave flying out of Atlanta (after driving from Alabama) and me out of Wichita. But I wasn't giving up because Chris and Marina's wedding was a must. So that was that.
Things started falling in place a little more when my sister Angela suggested I stay with the family the night after the wedding instead of in a Pittsburgh hotel. I booked a flight that left Monday instead of Sunday because it was WAY cheaper (Wichita, you suck for travel plans). Dave, however, had to fly out on Sunday to be back to class on Monday. When I decided to stay with Gene and Emma (who have claimed me as a daughter:), we figured out we'd need two rentals so that we could both drive back to the airport. Last minute, Dave thought of the idea of me just driving him to the airport on Sunday, driving back to Erie, and then back to Pittsburgh on Monday (2 hour drive each way). Crazy? A little. More time with Dave, even if it's in the car? Yes. Sometimes the chaotic logistics can be fun. We're used to them.
Wake up at 3:30 a.m Saturday. Stop at Dillon's for quart-size bag for toiletries and travel-size contact solution (I'm surprised those are the only things that came up missing). Get to airport at 5:10 a.m. for a 6 a.m. take-off, usually plenty of time for ICT. Huge lines. Get through, board plane. Layover in Minneapolis. Huge breakfast and bloody Mary. Board plane for Pittsburgh. Listen to pilot say "giggity" after all his announcements, laugh. Arrive at Pittsburgh to see Dave waiting for me at my gate! :) Get rental (Chevy Aveo) and refuse $9 upgrade to an SUV just on principle! Start trip to Erie and realize that might have been a mistake as it shakes and rattles. Arrive at the Avalon hotel to find our room isn't ready yet, along with all of the Endicott rooms, haha. Have some interesting customer service interactions but finally get our room. Get ready and walk to The Union at Concourse Station. Proceed with watching beautiful, short ceremony, party and several drinks......walk to the Plymouth Tavern bar, and the rest is history. Seriously. Was really out of it. Good times with the crew.
The next morning we got up and got ready to go and ended up stopping at Gene and Emma's for the family post-wedding lunch. Dave got to visit with some crew members for a little bit before they left and then we left to take him to the airport. I spend 4 hours in the beater, little red, driving to Pittsburgh and back. I may or may not get a cheeseburger and small fry from McDonald's on my way back to Erie just because it always just makes me feel a little bit more normal after a little bit too much to drink.
When I get back, the family went to a nice local Italian restaurant where they know the Tudico name. It was so good....I got Veal Parmesan. I could eat that every day. So many good laughs...even a little glass of wine :) and we practically closed the place.
Angela, Chris, Marina and I had driven separately in the beater, so we proceeded with our U.P trip-in- one-night plan. We headed to the beach on Lake Erie to get a glimpse of the sunset. Then we headed home, where Chris demanded Gene build a fire, haha. We sat around the fire for a bit and then our exhaustion got the best of us. My sister was gracious enough to let me sleep in her room and I slept a good 9 hours......nice!
Woke up and had some coffee and breakfast and a couple hours later.....A MONDAY HOT DOG ROAST! It was so fun.
I headed back to Pittsburgh and made little red go like 80 in a 65 the whole way, Yikes. She didn't like to stop, but racing was not her thing either. Dropped the car off real quick and then....BAM. HUGE line for security. It was 4. My flight was at 4:55. Wasn't gonna happen. So I did what I could and asked the lady for some help, while sort of flashing my mil I.D., and she sent me to the first class line. I'm in.
I'm not sure what has changed, but I'm really glad that I can focus enough to read now....in general, and on the plane. I continued reading "MWF Seeking BFF," as I eyed this little scrawny 17 or 18 year old teenage boy next to me (who really smelled like one, too) who had a big, sealed yellow envelope addressed to Parris Island Recruiting. HellO, Marines. Please don't kill this kid.
I can REALLY relate to this book and Rachel Bertsche. Have to love a book that is describing how you feel exactly. Ok, guess I'm not completely crazy. Ironically, I'm at a part of the book where she is traveling, and describing how she is being more open with talking to people when normally she would run from situations where she finds herself in a convo with a stranger, and that travel is a good opportunity to meet a potential BFF. Well when I settle into the Sam Adams Brewery in ATL, this older man on the way to FL to visit his Mom (in the hospital) talks to me and we talk until I lose track of time and trot toward my gate after boarding begins (will this like mid-fifties guy be my BFF? Um, no. But there was plenty to talk about!). Luckily, like the earlier flight, it was a full flight and things were delayed and I waited for a few minutes. Ok, not sure if it was the 2 beers I had, but I talked to the girl behind me walking onto the plane. She sat behind me and then I found myself talking to her and the lady next to her, as well as the girl siting across the aisle. Meanwhile, I guess the guy next to me was listening to what we were talking about because an hour into the flight he asks "So what kind of plane does your husband fly?" Then we talked the rest of the flight. What is my point? This is not like me. And it was fun, and a good ending to a great trip.
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