13.1 = Done

Nike Women's Half Marathon - Crushed!

Anyone who is FB friends with me already knows this, but I think it's post worthy, on Sunday, me and 5 friends completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. And, it was an amazing experience.  In other news, we were not actually posting updates while we were running.  Nike did that for us.  :-)

I'll start by saying that I was somewhat strong armed into participating.  Everyone knows I enjoy a good workout. This is not news. Also running and I have become better friends over the years. We certainly aren't besties, but we aren't enemies like we used to be.  13.1 miles is a lot of running though.  More than I've ever done.

But this race was the first of its kind on the east coast and a portion of our race fees went to LLS, my charity partner for 2013.  The race was through DC and the course took you around the monuments.  I love DC and I've always wanted to run around Linc.  So, from the get, this one had appeal.

Really though, my FOMO (don't joke people, it's REAL) strong armed me into signing up for this race. See also: the finishers prize was a Tiffany necklace given to you by a soldier in a tux.  Ummm where do I sign?

Once we signed up, we weren't automatically in.  The selection was by lottery and we didn't know if we'd get in.  Well, we did. Last December, we were lucky, and I got an email saying that our team was in.  If you are thinking wow, that's not good luck, that's exactly what I was thinking. Yikes, It. Just. Got. Real.

I'm not one to back down from a challenge and once committed to something I do it.  So, I really had no choice.  With my eye on the little blue box and a guilt-free pasta dinner in DC the night before the race, training started in January.

And, readers, here's what I'll tell you...

1. The training wasn't horrible.  I did a mix of cross-training and running.  It wasn't so time consuming that I felt my life was dedicated to training. See also: we won the Super Bowl during this training time, so I was kinda busy.  You like how I work that in every chance I get? #stillnotold
2. Committing to this run in public (http://lifethoughtsquestionsanddreams.blogspot.com/2013/01/13.html) didn't afford me the opportunity to back out. So, knowing I had to do it helped motivate me.
3. I allowed myself to buy a few new pieces of workout apparel.  My 30% UA discount for the Nike Women's Half was well used.  And shopping always make me happy...even if it is for workout clothes and a new sports bra.
4. The team of girls I ran with, simply put, ROCKED.  We had a blast! So much so, that I'd do it again. That's right...I'd do it again.

As far as the race went, it was truly great. An amazing and super fun experience.  I will say that when we woke up at 5:00 am, I wasn't exactly thrilled to be awake and even less thrilled to be freezing my parts off waiting for the start.  But that quickly passed.

Once we got into our race corals, the magic happened.  We were standing in the early morning sun on Pennsylvania Avenue looking directly at the Capitol Building. Fun pump-up music was playing. We were surrounded by 14,999 other women and a few good men with the same goal in mind...finish this 13.1 together.  We raised over $6,000,000 for LLS.  That's right $6 million!!!  Runners had their inspiration for running plastered all over their bodies...we were running for different things and we were running for the same things.  So many of us were running for Boston. We were running for those affected by blood cancers. We were running for our mothers, sisters, brothers, friends, cousins or people we've never met.  We stood united listening to our National Anthem prepared to tackle a goal each of us had set months and months ago.  We were ready.

The start was slow because there were so many of us, but we plugged along dodging and weaving the crowds.  The signs along the entire race route, mostly made by men, (My faves- the first at about mile 4- read, "Do you believe in love at first sight or should I move to mile 12?" Another, "This is way better than match.com 15,000 hot girls to choose from.") were hysterical and totally entertaining. Our team had decided to split up if necessary as not to hold any of us back. About 4 miles in, me and my teammate were still side by side.  We didn't speak it, but mentally I think we both committed to finishing together. She, a seasoned marathoner, offered me words of encouragement, a couple of key check-ins and tips on going the distance. We celebrated each passing mile with smiles and a very spirited high-five.  We felt great and at about mile 8 we decided that we were going to air it out a bit about 1/2 a mile from the finish. We were finishing strong. We knew it.

And, that we did. We crossed the 12 mile marker knowing we crushed that race. When saw the finish line within eye-sight...it was still a 1/2 mile out (it looked a lot closer), and we turned it up a bit. We crossed the finish line with strength, determination and huge smiles!! It was a blast!!!

Really nice swag for this one!

We felt great! We felt successful, accomplished, empowered, loved and prideful.  We celebrated with our team, shared memories, feelings and funny sign sightings.  We have a common bond that we will always share.  A feeling of accomplishment and pride that we made history that day. It will be forever with us.  We then enjoyed the rest of the day in DC....sharing a few beers and a burger.  Girls Rule! I'm just sayin'!! 

Our ROCKING Team minus my sis and her bestie

I highly recommend this race to anyone who even has an inkling of wanting to do it.  Know you can do it. Know you will have the support of over 15,000 other women and you, too, will crush it.  Know that little blue box can be yours.  A well-deserved and well-earned memento that will remind you and others that you are a dedicated athlete with the perseverance to finish something you put your mind to. It's one of the best feelings ever.

Fun. Determination. Success. Happiness.

Join us next year, won't you?

xo~

13

It's 2013, so why not have 13 things on my 2013 "To Do" list?  I don't really believe in resolutions but rather goals and/or things to do in the New Year.  Since 13 is a great number and a year that has lots of promise, I can see no reason why not to have 13 things to do. So let's go...we are already 10 days in.

To Do in 2013

1.  Keep my car clean!!  As in on the inside and the outside. Keep Six spit-shined, more polished and way less cluttered and grimy.   Lofty goal, I realize. But I'm dreaming big here.

2.  

By May 17, 2013 - Yes, another lofty one, I realize.

 

3.  Get out and meet new and different people! Participate in networking events, training events or charitable events.  I'm going to ask questions and learn from those who are successful, happy and focused.

4.  Travel, travel and more travel!  I love it...it makes me happy and it's so good to do.  One trip is booked, California...here I come.  Vegas is almost booked and our annual trip to the Caribbean is being booked in the next 2 weeks.  Oh and let's not forget about our great away games next year. Chicago, I'll be there. Chicago friends, please expect me.  Miami, duh, it's always a great time.

5. Run a 1/2 marathon.  Booked. Training starts February 27, 2013.

6.  Practice (at least) 13 Random Acts of Kindness.  It's marked on my calendar each month.  They don't have to be huge or splashy...they just must be random and consistent...how do you like that, constantly random?  I'll document them for the year and let know what they were and how they went...you should do the same.  There can never be enough kindness.

7.  Join a philanthropic group.  I've been researching a few groups that interest me.  I'm not sure which one I will choose, but I will keep you posted. I'll take your suggestions too. If there is a cause you feel passionate about, let me know.  I feel my best when I am doing something for others.  So this one, while it may seem kind, is pretty self-serving.  I really like helping.

8.  Secure my housing situation for 2 years.  Most of you know I own a house in beautiful Owings Mills.  I'm living downtown, where I must stay living.  So in 2013, I'd like to secure my living situation for another 2 years. Moving is not an option.

9.  The reality is the time has come for me to make a decision about starting a family.  Obvi, that decision would be easier, given a certain someone to do it with.  But, that aside, single mamas do it all the time.  If you want something bad enough, you will have it.  No matter what.  I need to make that decision this year.

10.  I got some advice back in November that I should not wait so long to make decisions.  See also: Number 9.  He told me to listen to my heart and follow it even if it's hard.  I'm going to listen to that advice, because I know he was right.  I can look back at several situations and see where I knew the answer, but I waited to make a decision out of comfort or hope or desire, rather than it being the right decision for me.  In 2013, I'm going to improve my timely decision making and listen to my heart.

11.  Read more and continue to write.  I've slacked off on my reading as of late. I'm going to read at least 13 books this year. And, I will continue to try and be consistent with writing.  This blog is really for me (another selfish thing I do) and I don't want to write for the sake of writing. But I do want to use it to keep myself accountable, express my thoughts, be vulnerable, learn, grow and laugh.  By consistently writing, I'll stay on track.

12.  Be healthier.  Last year, I made a goal to recommit to fitness. I was so-so in reaching that goal.  This year, I have the same goal and will strive to do better.  See also Number 2...I'm not getting those buns and those abs eating crap food.  So, mostly, I will eat cleaner and drink more water.  I'm thinking of doing a juice cleanse.  Oi vey!  But, if I do, no worries, I'll report all the juicy details. 

13.  Be an overall better friend and better person.  Don't get me wrong, I'm OK. But I could be better. I tend to be selfish (see above) and I get busy with my own needs and desires.  I see others who are way busier than me doing so much more. They take meals to friends, they volunteer, they raise children, they coach soccer teams, they lead Brownie troops, they compete in athletic events or play social sports, they do charitable things, and they make life beautiful.  I'm going to go into more situations with the mindset of how can I help others or contribute to this....rather than the mindset of what's in it for me.

In 2013, I'm going to practice what I preach and love out loud, be brave, take chances, have fun and follow my heart and dreams.  I'm not giving up on anything I want and I hope to do somethings that will inspire others to keep going, have faith, keep hope alive, do just a little more and give back.  I will look to others with kindness and heart and I will be open minded, trusting and motivated.  I've committed to these things both to myself and now to you...whoever reads this entry. There is no turning back. My cards are on the table.

2013 is going to be a great year.  I feel it and I know it.  I'm going to start living it...time now.

I think this captures my 13 things and more...so perhaps I should have just posted this.
Thank you to the amazing person who sent this to me.  You know I love you! :-)

xo~

 

Changes...they are already a comin'.

It's January 2, 2013.  I'm probably not the only one who thinks time is flying by...way too quickly.  I don't feel older, but I am.  I like to think I like change, but (at least initially) I don't think I do.  I don't want to feel pressure to be more settled or to be somewhere I am not, but I do.  And, on this 2nd day of a brand new year, changes are already coming in full force with a vengeance.  Changes that will lead down new and different roads filled with new and different opportunities for happiness, contentment and success.

My little sister in our hearts/roomie packed up everything she owns and ventured out west at 5:00 am this morning. She's chasing her dreams. She's packed it all in in the hopes of making it big in the world of female cycling.  And, I believe she's going to be successful. She's brave, strong, a fierce competitor, a force on that bike of hers and she's doing it...going for it. She also got engaged to a wonderful man who loves and supports her desire to chase her dreams. They make a great team.  I'm superbly happy for them. And, I can't wait to participate in all that will be their most AMAZING celebrations of love, engagement and wedding. And I can't wait to cheer for her while she takes this journey.  We are all hoping her path goes to Rio in 2016.

Ray Lewis announced today that this is his last ride.  Ray Lewis.  His last ride.  He's moving on to the next phase of his life. For anyone not from Baltimore, you've probably heard of Ray Lewis. I mean, who hasn't? But for those of us who have not known a Baltimore Ravens team without Ray Lewis, we know this is huge news.  He's somehow impacted all of us with his dedication to his craft, his commitment to excellence, his no fear, never back down attitude, his ability to play at an elite level longer than anyone else ever has and his desire to be the best there ever was.  Wow. This will take some getting used to.  Sunday could be his last appearance in a Ravens uniform.  Talk about powerful. It's getting hot in here.

Two pretty big changes in just two days.  Wow!! Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

For me, I have plans for 2013 that I will share in another post, soon.  Until then, I will share that 2013 is going to be a rocking and amazing year.  I feel it in my bones.  Some say 13 is not a lucky number. Well me and T-Swifty couldn't disagree more.  13 is a great number.  And, 13 is going to my year.  Good things are happening in 2013...for me and for you.  I know it.  And, I couldn't be more ready!!

Bring it on 2013! Let's roll!

xo ~