Tag: writinglife

#TinkRuns2024, celebrations, challenges, fitness and nutrition

I Run 2024 – February

2chicksandapen

Month 2 is complete and I’m still reaching for new milestones. I can’t even explain how excited I am about how far I’ve come in such a short time. First in-person race completed. The Hot Chocolate 5k on 2/4/24. This seems like a lifetime ago to me and why I am so glad to have this blog to reflect on. Rain and wind in the forecast but warmer than it’s been lately. I guess it wouldn’t be exciting without battling the elements. Just one week after my virtual 5k. I originally signed up for the cool swag bag and to run with friends well before I set a running goal for 2024, but it definitely puts miles in the log book and gives me another 5k time to catalog. Great start to the month and I’m content running a 5k currently as a race day event while I still focus on my 1 mile time and just improve my running overall. Longer distance races can come in time, when I feel I’m ready and my body is prepared. 20 gym pals teamed up for this run which made it so much fun! Too many pictures to post here but so many memories. Lots of celebrating at the end and maybe some great hot chocolate.

My 5k time was 37:37 on 2/4/24. I almost forgot how slow the start of a race is with all the people and the weaving you have to do to get around the swarm of people at the start area. Definitely wasn’t a straight line to mile 1. Bloody lady after a face plant before mile one was sad. An ambulance, fire truck and police car dodging runners at a cross street. Me being one of them was new for a race day. Just a day in the city on race day I suppose. So much fun with a group of friends and a repeat from 2020 for a handful of the same people. Chocolate at the end to celebrate. Can’t complain about that. Definitely cold before and after but hot during the actual race. Cute purple skirt for a little flair, a little glitter on the face to sparkle, and a great play list to go go go. Great Sunday run-day was had by all. Ready for the next one.

Maybe I’ll work my way up to 10k or 4 miler on race day, but for month two we are sticking with the 5k and hoping to build up to that half marathon I signed up for in November 2024 with a few friends. This month I will also be faced with a new challenge. Training for the DEKA Fit competition in Knoxville, TN in early March. This is a unique competition with 10 fitness segments with running built into it. A 5k will be completed in conjunction with the 10 fitness segments. Luckily I will have a partner to divvy out the work with but this will be another test of my running and overall conditioning. More to follow on this next month. Lots of interval training this month with a few longer runs built in.

My 1 mile pace was 9:57 on 2/6/24 on the air runner. Hard to believe but no outside elements I suppose.

I ran in just one state. 

I ran 19 days in a row. This seems so crazy to me because never would I ever have expected to be this consistent when I started.

I ran over 40 miles this month. A goal I scribbled on my calendar that seems like a stretch was now a reality. I did it!

I’m at a year-to-date total of 76 miles.

I did my first longer run (4.5 miles) in a vest with water. That was new and took some getting used to. The sloshing of water was definitely a new distraction.

I ran intervals with friends a few times a week and really enjoyed settling into a rhythm. I feel like my breathing and pacing is improving. Run at an easy pace. Run for longer, slower. Simple concept. Harder to apply when you live the fastest girl in town lifestyle. Walk without dropping my heart rate too much in between intervals. I felt like I could endure for a while. I didn’t test my theory for maxing out, but maybe I will in the coming months. This seems like a good approach for me when tackling large mile runs and most likely my game plan for my big races. Continuing to work on my strength in cross training as well. Added a few sprints at the end some days too. I can definitely feel a change in my endurance now that I’ve been running more. Shoulders are thinning out a bit from the running, but I’ll never have the runner physique. 

I also focused my training on 500-meter segments to better prepare for my competition next month as well as improve my run times by focusing on interval training in a 500-meter distance chunk. Then fatiguing myself with weight bearing exercises and continuing with the run/work scenario. Slightly different form of intervals that were noted above with a run/walk scheme. Just a little training shift this month I suppose. Still progress no matter which way you look at it. Every step is forward no matter which way you look at it. Unless I’m doing backwards lunges which I loathe.

This is my birth month. 52 wise/wise ass years behind me. I was aiming to hit 52 miles by my birthday this year as a mini-milestone. I was already pleasantly surprised I went over 30 miles last month which meant I was over half way to 52. I ended up with 67.75 miles by my birthday. I actually hit 52 miles on 2/12/24 and I was over the moon excited. I was definitely pumped and felt so much accomplishment just to get here, let alone achieve the goal early. So much encouragement along the way. My fit friends texting or getting together to run. My pal who gives me motivation notes to view for each mile I complete. The list goes on. I am truly one lucky girl just having the ability to run. I know some pals who would love to run but can’t for one reason or another. For that reason, I’m motivated to move because I can.

Self-discipline is something worth writing about. Not everyone has it engrained in their soul. I can’t do this subject justice exclusively in this post, but many work at it. Some need more of a checklist to stay on track. I’m definitely self-motivated. I work and rework my plan and offer myself rewards for efforts. I celebrate milestones and I try hard not to compare myself to others. My journey is unique to me. Keeping the focus on what I can control keeps me disciplined. I can always help others. I can show others how I stay on track. What I can’t do is the work for others. That’s the difference. A self-disciplined person can work hard solo. To improve themselves. No strings attached. No comparison needed. They can make the finish line without something or someone pushing them over the line.

Another footnote for this month is I’m officially signed up for my first full marathon in Savannah, GA in November 2024. 6 friends participating along side me and a few more thinking about it. Different paces but a common goal of completing the marathon. Not too far away and the same month I have a half marathon so hopefully my body can withstand both. I guess my half marathon is now my training run for the marathon. Here we are month two into my running project and I’m signed up for my first marathon. What’s next? Here’s to making memories and achieving milestones. One step at a time.

And for those who want to know why, it’s because I can and I have the will to tackle the challenge. I’ve never set my mind to running thus running 2024 was a good goal for me to take on. Time will tell how I fared. How my overall fitness was impacted. I have hope that I can endure the grueling 26.2 miles and earn my medal. Maybe I’ll make it two marathons to hit 52 miles for my year of 52. 

Since I’ve now signed up for a few races my medal rack seems a little crowded. Retail therapy to the rescue. I now have a 2024 race bib display and medal rack mounted and waiting for each and every bib and medal I earn this year. It’s gonna be a great year of running. It’s gonna be fun to flip back throught the medals and bibs at year end to reflect on my accomplishments. I can feel the success in my soul/sole already. I’m doodling on the back of each bib with my race time and splits to see how I improve in time. A fun data point to look back on in the years ahead.

The end of February also marks the start of the CrossFit Open. An annual event that I partake in. Year 8 for me. Some years are better than others but I put my best foot forward each time. 3 weeks of testing my strength in the CrossFit world while balancing running and training for the DEKA Fit competition. Never a dull moment over here. Moving. Training. Writing. That’s my agenda for the immediate future. And for curious minds, I work full time. This means I train at 6am, nights, lunch breaks, weekends and whenever my schedule allows. The balance is also part of the challenge this year.

Balancing strength training, work, family, paddle sports and running isn’t for the weak at heart. That’s for sure. Almost forgot to mention I’m eating clean to make sure my body is fueled to endure the demands I’m putting on my body. On top of that I’m making sure to take time to get a massage and pedicure at regular intervals to keep everything in sync. I’m also not forgetting to spend time stretching. A very important step to continuing to build those miles. Busy life.

Stay tuned for what’s lurking at the end of the first quarter.

perspective

Congress

2chicksandapen

Recently I made an appointment to speak to my congressman. A first for me. I met in person in a great old office in a historic building, not too far from home on his office day. The floors squeaked when you walked on them. The doors were big and bold yet from another time period. Stairs were aged. So much history in just the architecture. My mind went crazy thinking about all that went on over the years in the building. So much fun to think about what once was there. Who might have stepped foot on those floors.

I didn’t really have an expectation with my meeting other than to be heard and see if there was anything his office could do for me given his advocacy reach. I was pleasantly surprised with his approachable demeanor and willingness to review my inquiries. That being said, I have no idea if my issues will go beyond the conference table I sat at but I did my part. I raise my concerns. I used my voice. 

As citizens of this glorious country, we have a right to access our leadership. Some routes may not lead one directly to the president but you have to start somewhere. Maybe you need a local school representative or the mayor. No matter who you need to visit, don’t hesitate. Take the chance. Make a stand. Your voice can count. For those who read our blog outside of the United States, you might not have the luxuries we do. Yet another reason we in the U. S. need to exercise our voice.

Glad to have made a step into voicing my concerns at this age / stage in my life. This may not be my last visit, but it was an interesting process to undertake. This blog is normally not a place to share or comment on political views of any kind, but I felt the vagueness of the post just reminded folks to get involved in their political scene, when the need arises.

Just a ponder post to put out there.

balance

Project 6

2chicksandapen

Recently I had some leisurely time to think about my life time clock. Where I had some voids. Where I could fill in some blanks with things I wanted to do. Some things I want to do now vs. later. Some things I hate spending time on. Where I could reshuffle or realign for maximum return on my overall time and/or productivity. It wasn’t too hard when I took out my notebook and made myself a list of actionable tasks.

Growth: I took into account some areas that I could grow and set a path to embrace the uncomfortable to favor the end result(s). This isn’t new but a reminder of sorts to stay on task for me. Nobody else tells me where or how to grow. Just me!

Travel: I put 2-3 destinations or types of trips on the soon to happen list. Passports are ready. Adventure is on the horizon. Here I may adjust my travel partners. Sometimes by choice. Sometimes based on availability. No matter where I go and with whom, I plan to live each trip to the fullest.

Fitness: I put a 5k on the books to start the process with some other events on the horizon. Chipping away at the me vs me project. When I make this a priority so many other areas of my life benefit. I have set a new goal for myself that will require a little effort. A little patience. A little flexibility. All of which results in a positive attitude.

Reflection: taking time here and there to reflect on the state of now, what’s on the horizon as well as what’s in the rear view. This process is continual and a critical part of how I live my life. Never sitting in one place for too long. Always adjusting to the new tides that roll in each day/week/month. Looking at yourself in this way requires you to see imperfections and make adjustments. A lot harder for some than others.

Accountability: I am a nerd for tracking things. Numbers, statistics, trends, and so much more. When I monitor or track performance I tend to see better results. Most of the time I hold myself accountable but I also have a trusted few that I have monitor me from a distance as a double check. Who holds you accountable in your life?

Writing: as I write here today, I think of how my time is utilized for virtual journaling. A shared space with the world yet sometimes the content is focused on the good, bad and ugly of my life. Truth bombs. Writing has purpose for me as my lens on life is different from many and why I continue to write and publish. Some writing is for purpose while other writings are for monetizing. Either way my words hold power and a it’s a role I cherish. Never underestimate the power of your words.

Reading: each day I spend some time reading. It may just be five minutes one day. It may be an article vs a book. It may be a research topic. Nonetheless I read and gain knowledge of sorts. I find this to a be a peaceful time for me. A starting point to my day. A slow roll into what can be busy and hectic days. Some do yoga to calm their mind and soul. For me the slow breathing and simple mindset used when reading is just as beneficial for me.

As I wrap up my initial post on project 6, I will let you in a little secret. Project 6 is six month journey of sorts for me. The ups/downs and everything in between for the next six months. As I wrap up my caboose prepping for college and having many last memories before the new chapter of her adult life, my role shifts. 

I have more time for me. I have more time to focus on things I want to pursue. I have the ability to choose with a shift in responsibilities. As my caboose heads out into her new world, so do I. My world is round and free flowing as should hers. Limitless opportunities for each in different stages of life. While I celebrate her I will also celebrate me as we journey slightly different paths of growth.

Project 6 will shift to project 12. Then the shift will be year 1. From there the tides may shift again. Only time will tell. Stay tuned as I craft some writings in each of these categories that touch on how I feel when I’m each of these stages or phases of life. My project folder will soon be full of content and memories. 

Stay tuned as each story unfolds. Also wishing my dad a heavenly birthday today. This post is in his honor as he provided me with so much inspiration to do me in life and I hope I do the same for my caboose.

celebrations

2-2-2(3)

2chicksandapen

Ah a day of twos on the calendar. And when I thought about writing about this day of twos I genuinely thought it was 2/2/22. Little old me had a brain fart. I forgot we are in the year 2023. That could be due to my sleep deprivation. Oopsie. Well I’m still writing about my day of twos with a 3 on the end.

A tennis match is set on this day. Rain got in the way. No outdoor fitness for me today. Too bad. Too sad. I guess I won’t go 0-2 or 2-0 in tennis today. Way too much rain today.

Today is the second day of my birth month. I already got a cool gift on day one. Can’t wait for day two of surprises. Maybe it’s no surprise today. Maybe I’ll surprise myself with a gift. That’s kind of fun to do too. February is always a fun month for me. Valentine’s Day. Birthday. Holiday thrown in for a day off. A short month. I do like the month of February. It also the only F month which also coincides with my favorite four letter F word which just so happens to be my word of the week.

A sequence of twos in the date. And three just dangling on the end of the date.

Maybe even a little bit of a lucky twos day.

Too bad it’s not Tuesday too.

For today I’m opting to write a few notes about my day of twos. For today I am focusing on happy. How to incorporate happy into every waking hour of the day. Not that I don’t choose happy other days, rather I’m choosing to document happy hour every hour today. Just because.

I didn’t know I’d start with 2am but here I am at 2:08 am on a day of twos. Odd that I was startled at such an hour. Odd that I decided to write. But here I am. Here is the proof above of the time stamp this all began. I have many items to tackle today this why I’m probably awake. Thinking and rethinking the best path or route for the day. I’m tired of course but my mind isn’t settled to rest. The delicacy of this dilemma.

I guess I will hope for two hours of deep sleep before my real waking day of two begins. I guess you will need to read on to see how the day of two unfolds. I sent my first happy gram out via text. Since I’m focusing on happy today I figured I’d use my 2 am hour to make some folks smile first thing in the morning. Task one is done for me.

I didn’t plan to be awake at 2:22 am today thus I will consider it my calling. I am not making a wish for this magical time of awareness on 2/2 it 2:22 am. My own little moment of weirdness.

How many times can I do things in two today?

I put on my two shoes before 8 am. It was cold outside this I opted for two layers of shirts. Well a long sleeve and a sweatshirt. Then I decided to take out my deck of magical profanity affirmation cards. I picked two at random and delivered them electronically to some special people in my life. Fun. Snarky. Spontaneous. Just part of the day of twos. The one below ironically had a mirrored image showing two….

My day ended up getting tanked with a lot of random issues that all piled up in the morning, in the afternoon and the rain pretty much shot my evening plans. That means less cool things to write about today. That leaves with a little wisdom to share.

Start your day off with some positivity. A note to a friend. A text. A phone call. A cup of coffee with a friend. Find the fun or happy in every hour despite the shittiness that can pop up. This way no matter what shit storm hits your desk or plate in the day, you still win because you started your day off with happiness. I also know a friend wrote hand written notes to some key friends this week. One was of particular importance. Never miss an opportunity to share your caring self. If you get the time to write a personal note, card, letter just do it. You will be one of the few who take the time to stroke a pen with a purpose. This is my two cents on this day of twos.

adventure

Here We Go Again

2chicksandapen

On the road again. And again. And for a third time because it’s a charm, right?

Northern tip of Florida is stop one from northern tip of Georgia. Just a couple of days for business trip #1. Off to coastal Georgia for a conference. A picturesque landscape but one you won’t enjoy as your schedule consists of inside time spread across a hotel campus for days. Stuffy dress up clothes. Limited outside time. Lack of normal routine. No time to get cozy. Time to head northwest to the land of orange, also known as Tennessee. Stop #3 for next set of business tasks not too far past the Honky Tonk of Nashville. But again not a fun trip just boring business to do’s. 

Three states. Three different business obligations. Seven days on the road, again. I had settled back into my routine after my summer road show of travel.  Now it’s time to hit some other spots even if all business and no pleasure. I suppose money makes the world go round; this girl is off to work to support herself.

First segment on the road was eventful. Major rain storms popped up at random limiting visibility. Minor to major accidents galore. So many cars turned the wrong way after crashes. Ambulances. Fire trucks. Police. I was complaining about delays at first then I realized the delays prevented me from being caught up in the multiple wrecks. How I came to realize I dodged some major bullets on that segment.

The drive was enough for my nerves until I was notified of a boil water advisory upon check in at the hotel. Bottled water only. I had never had this experience at a hotel. Many adjustments only to find all nearby establishments were closed for this reason. No coffee in the morning after a rough evening of travel was not on my agenda for the day. Gas station grapes and crackers for the win on this fine morning. The day didn’t get much better. Restaurants served soda from cans. No water for consumption. The frills we take for granted.

I should have made the water advisory it’s own post as there were so many situations that popped up that made for good stories. On this bright sunny morning, I am enjoying my coffee. Boiled water over 180 degrees according to the server. At this point I don’t care. I’m just happy to have my rocket fuel to start my day. The coast is calling my name at this point in time. Hoping the water is usable on stop two. Fingers crossed. 

Highlight of trip two was a good meal On the coast. Snow country boil was the name. A combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, and snow crabs. A little twist on a favorite meal thanks to the add of the snow crabs. I was extra full that night but it was all delicious.

The highlight for trip three was really a lowlight. A rude awakening of sorts. A meltdown of my mind and spirit. Too much. Too fast. Too tired. All leads to emotional weakness. I caved at the end of the day on my drive. My broken spirit was obvious. That led to overall sadness. I attribute the negative emotions to the last meeting. A shit show in my mind. A train wreck from the get go.

As I rejuvenate my spirit and my mind, I am opting for some physical fitness to get my mind going. Tennis was the sport of choice. Then after a match some crumbl cookies were in order to signify my crumbling the day before. Symbolic in one way and a splurge in another. For today I have some peace as I move forward in a slightly different direction.

Thankfully a long weekend is backing up to this 3 state road trip. Eeek. There are events on the calendar. I guess it was a good thing I flipped my calendar to see what was ahead. Preparations are a must. Hoping to catch my breath on this long weekend before the fall chaos of more travel hits. A spa day would be the perfect match for that extra day off but at the same time doing nothing but watching Netflix in my pjs will probably win.

As I think about the hectic travel schedule I take a deep breath and remind my of my fortune of being able to travel. To see new places. To meet new people. These benefits far outweigh the stress involved in traveling and twisting to get everything done. Palm trees always seem to make you feel like you are on vacation and I saw lots of palm trees in stage one of this trip and two. Maybe that’s why stage three was a dud. No palm trees. Celebrate the small wins in life. Sunshine is never really far off and eat crumbl cookies when your life feels like it’s crumbling. 

These days all seem busy but somehow we manage. Or maybe we aren’t managing at all. Maybe we are just surviving while others are thriving. As I wrote today, I’m sitting outside enjoying the cool breeze before a small storm sets in. The calm before the storm. As I’m reflecting I giggle a little knowing how many blogs I wrote this year about traveling adventures. Funny how life just fuels content most days.

Until next time, enjoy your day and thanks for keeping up with our blog.