It is the Monday before I head to NYC to begin this vacation! Here's an update on how I'm feeling!
Half Marathon training is going well. Some days I ask myself why I'm even doing this and then I remember that 13.1 sticker that I want so badly for the back of my car! LOL! All this for a damn sticker. This past Saturday I ran 9.2 miles solo! I didn't think I would push myself to do it but I did! I'll be in Paris this upcoming Saturday and the training schedule calls for 10 miles. I'm not making any promises but it would be totally AWESOME if I got in 10 miles while in Paris. That would be a blog post all on its own. LOL! Anyway, I totally suck at cross training and stretching! It's like I'm asking for an injury. I have to do better.
Blogging: Well as you can see I'm still doing it! Sometimes life gets in the way and I don't do it as frequently but I'm still blogging. I LOVE IT!
Editing: This has been a slow process. Not much progress has been made but I don't want to rush things either. When I'm reading what I have written I sometimes blush! I'm like OMG I wrote that. What type of mood was I in that day? LOL!
Hair crisis: Well I'm getting better at handling my hair after runs and what not. I love the what not part! My stylist is still the bomb so she helps me to manage it and gives tips to keep me looking sane during the week until I can get my weekly fix! I love her and I'm sure y'all will too! If you are ever in metro Atlanta, stop by Jilli's Hair Salon at 3570 Canton Road Marietta, GA! Oh, she will have you RIGHT! Okay, that was an advertising plug but seriously check her out!
Vacation: Excited! We leave tomorrow for NYC, then Wednesday night we leave for Paris, and then we will head to London on September 1st.... *sighs* Then we will head back to NYC on September 4th. So, packing was harder than I expected but I get it done! Before I became a runner and I do refer to myself as a runner now, my carry on luggage consisted of my heels. I didn't want my bag to get lost and my shoes went missing. Anyone who knows me knows I have serious shoe fetish. Now, my carry on has all my workout stuff in it. I don't want my workout stuff to get lost! So, we have a few things planned... NYC we are doing the usual sightseeing stuff and we will hit a Jazz and R&B nightclub. Paris of course will be the usual sightseeing, hit at least one club (I'm secretly hoping for two or 3), and a dinner cruise. London we have a full day of activities planned based on this attraction package that we are purchasing. So, I'm told right now that it takes $1.33 to make one Euro! *sighs* losing money!
Crush: I'm not sure it's a crush anymore! He's frustrating though! I'm sure I frustrate him too but he has me drove sometimes. I wish I could explain it but I can't. I love it but I hate it! Actually, the I love it heavily outweighs the I hate it! I find myself missing him way too much! One weekend we happened to be at the same spot (unplanned) and he was staking his claim. He's attentive and almost overprotective! It was weird but weird in a good kind of way. I didn't imagine being in a public place with him so it was different!
Sorry for the long post but until next time...Be productive, prosperous, and positive!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Almost Time... Vacation!
I'm so excited that it is almost time for my much needed and anticipated vacation. I'm amazed that I've kept my sanity this long. Last year, I was taking mini vacations throughout the year. This year, I couldn't afford to do that and travel internationally as well. I'm still not sure I can afford it but I'm doing it. As I get overly excited, I'm checking the weather for NYC, Paris, and London.
We don't have any definite plans for either place. We have a few attractions in place for London but that's about it. Of course, people continue to tell me that the food will not be the best. I'm thinking what the hell am I going to eat while I'm there. So, my very intelligent sister suggests that I eat turkey sandwiches. Really Tan turkey sandwiches? I hadn't eaten turkey in over six months but you want me to eat it while I'm on vacation. Anyway, the weather is suppose to be nice in all three places. I'm eager to taste the wines, chocolate and cheese.
Packing isn't going as planned. Mainly because I have been a tad bit under the weather but I shall get that knocked out on Saturday. I'm so excited! Of course, I plan to give you all an update upon my return. Hopefully, I can stick to my training schedule and get some miles in while I'm away. It will be cool just to say I run X miles in Paris and London...Oh and New York. LOL!
We don't have any definite plans for either place. We have a few attractions in place for London but that's about it. Of course, people continue to tell me that the food will not be the best. I'm thinking what the hell am I going to eat while I'm there. So, my very intelligent sister suggests that I eat turkey sandwiches. Really Tan turkey sandwiches? I hadn't eaten turkey in over six months but you want me to eat it while I'm on vacation. Anyway, the weather is suppose to be nice in all three places. I'm eager to taste the wines, chocolate and cheese.
Packing isn't going as planned. Mainly because I have been a tad bit under the weather but I shall get that knocked out on Saturday. I'm so excited! Of course, I plan to give you all an update upon my return. Hopefully, I can stick to my training schedule and get some miles in while I'm away. It will be cool just to say I run X miles in Paris and London...Oh and New York. LOL!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Uncomfortable Conversations...Monday Blues!
So, a lot of us try to avoid those uncomfortable conversations. Well, I know I do most of the time anyway. It's the worst thing to do, especially when you start courting someone. Establishing what's what in the beginning will help avoid assumptions and in my case hurt feelings. It's so easy for me to go with the flow most of the times. Since I'm a strong believer that actions speak louder than words, I go off what people do and not what they say most of the time. Anyway, that's not always a good thing. Establish what's what upfront and then act accordingly!
I so don't get hung up on titles. I'm like as long as you are respecting me and treating me the way I'm treating you we are good to go. But I think this is one of my many flaws. Not establishing what's what! I'm seven days away from my vacation and I'm ALL in my feelings. I should be bubbling with excitement yet I'm shaking my head as I've done it to myself once again. Moving forward, I will have the uncomfortable conversations upfront and establish the what's what!
I will blog about my half marathon training and vacation later. Monday Blues...
I so don't get hung up on titles. I'm like as long as you are respecting me and treating me the way I'm treating you we are good to go. But I think this is one of my many flaws. Not establishing what's what! I'm seven days away from my vacation and I'm ALL in my feelings. I should be bubbling with excitement yet I'm shaking my head as I've done it to myself once again. Moving forward, I will have the uncomfortable conversations upfront and establish the what's what!
I will blog about my half marathon training and vacation later. Monday Blues...
Friday, August 16, 2013
The Excitement & Nerves Are Building!
It seems as if I have a lot going on these days! I am officially registered for my first half marathon! I am excited. I've been training but I needed to make sure my body would agree with all that running before I spent my hard earned money. Honestly, I've been trying to register for a week now but the darn thing wouldn't take my discount code and I wanted my discount. I've decided for 2014 I am making a "Race Budget". Racing gets a little expensive after a while. Anyway, I am excited about being registered for the half marathon. I projected my completion time to be 2 hours and 30 minutes! I hope I'm not pushing it.
My other excitement and nerve building is this much needed vacation. We are less than two weeks away from our trip to NYC, Paris, and London. I'm excited but I'm nervous. NYC doesn't make me nervous. Being out of the country makes me nervous, I'm thinking of all the crazy things that can happen while I'm away. However, I feel like I'm preparing well. I'm sending my mom and siblings our travel arrangements. So, if they need to contact us for any reason, they will have the number to the hotels and know our flight schedules. So, I started the packing process. I really don't know what casual clothes to pack. Of course, I know what I want to wear if I go out clubbing or something but not on a day to day basis.
I'm working on other stuff. Like stuff that should make me self employed. This is exciting and nerve wrecking all at the same time. It's forcing me outside my comfort zone and it is a struggle sometimes. Yet, I'm still excited! :) In the meantime, I'm updating my resume and cover letter to float about the country.
The countdown to vacation begins now and afterwards I will begin my countdown to my VERY FIRST HALF MARATHON! Btw, marathon training is a little intense! Scheduled to do eight miles Saturday provided the rain holds off! Until next time...Peace & Blessings!
My other excitement and nerve building is this much needed vacation. We are less than two weeks away from our trip to NYC, Paris, and London. I'm excited but I'm nervous. NYC doesn't make me nervous. Being out of the country makes me nervous, I'm thinking of all the crazy things that can happen while I'm away. However, I feel like I'm preparing well. I'm sending my mom and siblings our travel arrangements. So, if they need to contact us for any reason, they will have the number to the hotels and know our flight schedules. So, I started the packing process. I really don't know what casual clothes to pack. Of course, I know what I want to wear if I go out clubbing or something but not on a day to day basis.
I'm working on other stuff. Like stuff that should make me self employed. This is exciting and nerve wrecking all at the same time. It's forcing me outside my comfort zone and it is a struggle sometimes. Yet, I'm still excited! :) In the meantime, I'm updating my resume and cover letter to float about the country.
The countdown to vacation begins now and afterwards I will begin my countdown to my VERY FIRST HALF MARATHON! Btw, marathon training is a little intense! Scheduled to do eight miles Saturday provided the rain holds off! Until next time...Peace & Blessings!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Living a healthy lifestyle! The struggles...
Living a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle. The first thing I noticed when I became more engaged in my healthy lifestyle was eating healthy is expensive. It's so much cheaper to grab something off the dollar menu or something unhealthy from the grocery store. Anyway, I was set on changing my diet. First, I got rid of the pork. Lord knows I use to love eating fried pork chop sandwiches, pulled bar b que pork sandwiches, and fried bacon. So, I ditched it! It wasn't hard and that was about eight years ago. The next thing to go was ground beef. I actually replaced it with ground turkey but letting go beef was hard. Ultimately, it meant no more pot roast, homemade hamburgers, etc. That was about six years ago. At this point my diet consisted of chicken, turkey, and fish. I'm not a big vegetable person so I rotated the veggies I did enjoy: green beans <-- acquired taste, sweet peas, corn and few other things here and there. Fruit has always been consistent in my diet. Now, I've given up chicken and turkey and I only eat fish! *sad face* This was a real struggle at first but I got over it! I wanted to see if it would make a difference with toning my stomach. I can't say that it didn't or it did. But now I'm not eager to go back to eating either so I'm just leaving it out of my diet.
The other thing I noticed about a healthy lifestyle is it requires time that we sometimes "really" don't have. Well, we could make time but it's so hard to decide between a workout and watching Scandal! It requires moving things around in our schedule. I've learned it's all about sacrifice. Everytime my alarm goes off for my early morning run, I'm thinking to myself what the hell was I was thinking. At the end of the run, I'm thinking I'm glad I didn't miss this run I feel amazing.
Living a healthy lifestyle is challenging. For many of us, it takes us out of our comfort zone. It forces use to eat differently from what we are accustomed to. It forces use to change our daily routines and engage in more physical activity. Honestly, most of our parents weren't very physically active. A healthy lifestyle often has us living outside the realm in which we were raised. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, especially when you visit home and everyone is asking you why are you working out, not eating this, yada yada. My answer was and is simple: "Because I want to be healthy and I refuse to be a diabetic, have high blood pressure, and all the other preventive diseases that plague our communities and families". I usually get a lot of eye rolling and stuff like that but who cares.
One of my Facebook friends just recently made a status that asked the all too important question of why are we so unhealthy. Not just as blacks but as Americans in general! We pride ourselves on so many things yet we struggle with healthy lifestyles!
The other thing I noticed about a healthy lifestyle is it requires time that we sometimes "really" don't have. Well, we could make time but it's so hard to decide between a workout and watching Scandal! It requires moving things around in our schedule. I've learned it's all about sacrifice. Everytime my alarm goes off for my early morning run, I'm thinking to myself what the hell was I was thinking. At the end of the run, I'm thinking I'm glad I didn't miss this run I feel amazing.
Living a healthy lifestyle is challenging. For many of us, it takes us out of our comfort zone. It forces use to eat differently from what we are accustomed to. It forces use to change our daily routines and engage in more physical activity. Honestly, most of our parents weren't very physically active. A healthy lifestyle often has us living outside the realm in which we were raised. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, especially when you visit home and everyone is asking you why are you working out, not eating this, yada yada. My answer was and is simple: "Because I want to be healthy and I refuse to be a diabetic, have high blood pressure, and all the other preventive diseases that plague our communities and families". I usually get a lot of eye rolling and stuff like that but who cares.
One of my Facebook friends just recently made a status that asked the all too important question of why are we so unhealthy. Not just as blacks but as Americans in general! We pride ourselves on so many things yet we struggle with healthy lifestyles!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Finding My Happiness - Life at 30
Some people spend their entire life without finding their happiness! Finding your happiness and having fun are two totally different things. Fun is temporary and happiness should be permanent. This isn't to say that you won't have those what the hell days but at the end of the day you will be able to find the good in it all! I'm really finding my happiness and a lot of it has to do with me being focused on what I want, like, and find joy in doing. I can't pretend like I've been unhappy but I hadn't accepted my total happiness. I was in the business of pleasing people. Worried about their opinions and what not.
Before I turned 30, I started to feel liberated. I was learning more about myself and putting me first. I'm sort of the go to person in my family most of the time. It's great until you start carrying the weight of everyone's problems on your shoulder. I needed to find a balance. I'm still the go to person but I'm no longer trying to force people to do what is logical anymore. I give my opinion and let them work the rest of it out. I rest easier at night because I'm no longer worried if this person will do this or that!
I'm enjoying life responsibly! Well, sometimes it's responsibly. Sometimes I get beside myself and have moments. Saturday wasn't a responsible kind of night but it was fun! If anyone suffers though, it will only be me. I do what makes me happy i.e. running, writing, blogging, cooking, shopping, and traveling. I'm setting goals and becoming a better person each day. I am finding my happiness because I am focusing on me!
Really quickly, let me tell y'all about the seven mile run on Saturday! It was a killer! My time slick sucked but I was able to run the entire route without stopping. This does not mean I wasn't moving as slowly as a snail at some points during the run. The route we ran on Saturday was part of the course for the actual race. Can we say hilly?! But I feel like it is something that I can totally do! Cross-training is very important the next eight weeks. I was tired but I felt awesome after the race. Pushing myself to become better! I will blog with an update of Half Marathon training later this week! Until next time, be productive and prosperous!
Before I turned 30, I started to feel liberated. I was learning more about myself and putting me first. I'm sort of the go to person in my family most of the time. It's great until you start carrying the weight of everyone's problems on your shoulder. I needed to find a balance. I'm still the go to person but I'm no longer trying to force people to do what is logical anymore. I give my opinion and let them work the rest of it out. I rest easier at night because I'm no longer worried if this person will do this or that!
I'm enjoying life responsibly! Well, sometimes it's responsibly. Sometimes I get beside myself and have moments. Saturday wasn't a responsible kind of night but it was fun! If anyone suffers though, it will only be me. I do what makes me happy i.e. running, writing, blogging, cooking, shopping, and traveling. I'm setting goals and becoming a better person each day. I am finding my happiness because I am focusing on me!
Really quickly, let me tell y'all about the seven mile run on Saturday! It was a killer! My time slick sucked but I was able to run the entire route without stopping. This does not mean I wasn't moving as slowly as a snail at some points during the run. The route we ran on Saturday was part of the course for the actual race. Can we say hilly?! But I feel like it is something that I can totally do! Cross-training is very important the next eight weeks. I was tired but I felt awesome after the race. Pushing myself to become better! I will blog with an update of Half Marathon training later this week! Until next time, be productive and prosperous!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Morning Observations
This morning has started out CRAZY! I usually run in the afternoon on Wednesdays since I have to be at work so early. Today, I decided I would run with BGR at 5 AM. My body said NO but I was determined. So, I did it! Well, it's not a good idea if you are not prepared for it. I was feeling some type of way yesterday and I had a chico stick (I love this candy), laffy taffy, and tootsie rolls. That was my first mistake. Then I took a nap once I made it home. I was up later than I would have liked. So, I was sluggish this morning. My run kicked my butt and three miles should not be kicking my butt. The humidity was awful as well. So, I rush home, shower, get dressed, and grab a snack for breakfast. What I didn't consider when I was attempting to be SHERO was after running three miles I still had to walk almost a mile to get to work. Damn it! My legs are ANGRY! Anyone in Atlanta knows downtown is hilly! I get to work and realize I don't have my phone charger which is a necessity since my battery dies so quickly and I didn't charge it last night. To make matters worst, I don't have my wallet today either. Sighs... It's gonna be a long day. Note to self: preparation is key!
So, walking to work allows me to make certain observations. Why is it that so many people (women in particular) will put their heads down to avoid speaking? I've noticed this while walking on the streets and in elevators. What's up with that? I'm not a morning person but I will say Good Morning! Most mornings I get on the elevator and I'm on by myself but the mornings when someone is getting on or already on I get pretty much the same thing. I'll say Good Morning and the person mumbles something back. Shit, I don't know if they are saying good morning back or trick don't talk to me. Or in the afternoon, I'll get on the elevator and the person immediately drops their head to keep from speaking. SMH! I still speak anyway! That's just my observation for the day! :) Enjoy HUMP DAY!
So, walking to work allows me to make certain observations. Why is it that so many people (women in particular) will put their heads down to avoid speaking? I've noticed this while walking on the streets and in elevators. What's up with that? I'm not a morning person but I will say Good Morning! Most mornings I get on the elevator and I'm on by myself but the mornings when someone is getting on or already on I get pretty much the same thing. I'll say Good Morning and the person mumbles something back. Shit, I don't know if they are saying good morning back or trick don't talk to me. Or in the afternoon, I'll get on the elevator and the person immediately drops their head to keep from speaking. SMH! I still speak anyway! That's just my observation for the day! :) Enjoy HUMP DAY!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Letting Go... Friendships... Relationships...
Before I turned 30, I vowed to end friendships and relationships that were no longer thriving. What do I mean? I mean friendships or relationships that were selfish, one-handed, or ones that I had simply outgrown. I can't pretend like I wasn't reluctant. It takes me a while to meet new people so getting rid of old "friends" wasn't at the top of my list. But as I sat around one day analyzing different relationships I realized I had outgrown a few people or a few people were just downright selfish. Either way, I didn't want to keep my circle that way.
What happens when you outgrow a friendship or relationship and you hadn't imagined outgrowing that person. My answer was to hold on to it because it was something that I had known. So, I found myself gritting my teeth as I dealt with the constant selfishness and self-centered ways of the individual(s). Well NO MORE! I am too grown to ALWAYS have to get my straightening on a friend. I shouldn't feel tense or unnecessary stress just from hanging around someone. That's not what relationships are about. All this revelation and I still didn't let the friendship go. I can't pretend that the friendship means nothing to me because it does. Hence me holding on for so long. But at 30 my happiness is my priority! I'm childless and single... What other priorities would I have besides my happiness... Well, it's not my only priority but you get my point.
What happens when you are in a one-handed relationship? What the hell is that? Well, you know the type of relationship were you are ALWAYS giving and you get nothing in return. The one where the individual can always call you for advice, help, or whatever they need BUT you can't get a damn thing out of them. Well, once again I tried to hold on to it. But that shit is for the birds too! I was able to let that one go faster than the one I had outgrown.
What happens when you have a friend that is downright selfish? First, you question how the hell y'all became friends in the beginning. S/he didn't just turn selfish overnight. WTH was I thinking? Selfish friends only think of themselves.
My point is letting go of friendships and relationships can be hard but it may be necessary for your happiness! It's really okay to love someone from a distance. Everyone isn't meant to be a permanent fixture in your life. When you let go of those things and people holding you back you will feel liberated! New! Rejuvenated!
What happens when you outgrow a friendship or relationship and you hadn't imagined outgrowing that person. My answer was to hold on to it because it was something that I had known. So, I found myself gritting my teeth as I dealt with the constant selfishness and self-centered ways of the individual(s). Well NO MORE! I am too grown to ALWAYS have to get my straightening on a friend. I shouldn't feel tense or unnecessary stress just from hanging around someone. That's not what relationships are about. All this revelation and I still didn't let the friendship go. I can't pretend that the friendship means nothing to me because it does. Hence me holding on for so long. But at 30 my happiness is my priority! I'm childless and single... What other priorities would I have besides my happiness... Well, it's not my only priority but you get my point.
What happens when you are in a one-handed relationship? What the hell is that? Well, you know the type of relationship were you are ALWAYS giving and you get nothing in return. The one where the individual can always call you for advice, help, or whatever they need BUT you can't get a damn thing out of them. Well, once again I tried to hold on to it. But that shit is for the birds too! I was able to let that one go faster than the one I had outgrown.
What happens when you have a friend that is downright selfish? First, you question how the hell y'all became friends in the beginning. S/he didn't just turn selfish overnight. WTH was I thinking? Selfish friends only think of themselves.
My point is letting go of friendships and relationships can be hard but it may be necessary for your happiness! It's really okay to love someone from a distance. Everyone isn't meant to be a permanent fixture in your life. When you let go of those things and people holding you back you will feel liberated! New! Rejuvenated!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
My Inexplicable Attraction
Okay, this is how it happened to me... I woke up one morning *thankfully* and BAM I was attracted to white men. When I say I attracted I mean like really attracted. I've always noticed if one was cute or what not but to be totally attracted and turned on by one was unusual even for my lil' fast ass! I'm not sure what has me eyeing the blond hair and blue eyes but it has been an adventure to say the least. Blond hair and blue eyes are just cliche by the way. I don't discriminate...
Then my attraction was intensified when I went out and saw HIM! LOL! I literally was like a magnet drawn to him for reasons unknown. I literally could not take my eyes off him. Thankfully, he didn't notice me staring. I would have been beyond embarrassed. Anyway, we finally made eye contact and I was a GONER! Anyone who knows me fa'real knows I like to flirt. I flirted but I didn't do my usual flirting with him. He sent a round of shots over for me & the girls. All three of us agreed he was FINE! We took our shots and watched him watch us. LOL! It was my bright idea to go on the other side of the bar where he was standing. And we sashayed over...But the two traitors I was with left me alone with this strange, SEXY WHITE MAN to go dance. Who does that? LOL! I love those two! What I found out is he's a flirt and I'm a flirt. This is all bad. He's TOXIC! I've been crushing every since... He's uncharted territory... So, I wrote a poem about it. I didn't have any other way to express my feelings... Let me know what y'all think.
Then my attraction was intensified when I went out and saw HIM! LOL! I literally was like a magnet drawn to him for reasons unknown. I literally could not take my eyes off him. Thankfully, he didn't notice me staring. I would have been beyond embarrassed. Anyway, we finally made eye contact and I was a GONER! Anyone who knows me fa'real knows I like to flirt. I flirted but I didn't do my usual flirting with him. He sent a round of shots over for me & the girls. All three of us agreed he was FINE! We took our shots and watched him watch us. LOL! It was my bright idea to go on the other side of the bar where he was standing. And we sashayed over...But the two traitors I was with left me alone with this strange, SEXY WHITE MAN to go dance. Who does that? LOL! I love those two! What I found out is he's a flirt and I'm a flirt. This is all bad. He's TOXIC! I've been crushing every since... He's uncharted territory... So, I wrote a poem about it. I didn't have any other way to express my feelings... Let me know what y'all think.
Uncharted Territory
Not my typical attraction…Yet you’re the total package
One glimpse and my desires were anew…It’s the drinks…I’ve had a few
I sit and ponder…Letting my eyes wonder
There’s something that won’t let me pull away…I’ve found my predator…And I long to be your prey
Not my typical attraction…But I’m pleased beyond satisfaction
It makes me uncomfortable to be so comfortable with you…When all of this is new
I’m with a familiar stranger…One that radiates danger
Not in the sense meant to scare…But meant to challenge and make me dare
Not my typical attraction…And not my typical reaction
I’ve gone astray…I didn’t expect to feel this way
My path is no longer clear…Yet I’m not laced with fear
I’ll do something I usually don’t do…I’m seizing the moment…And I’m doing it with you
~Xan Tucker
Juicing & Six Mile Run
Hi All,
Just as I promised, I want to talk about my juicing experience and the six mile run for my 1/2 Marathon training. First off, juicing is messy! It's a hassle to clean up after juicing. However, I feel like it is so worth it. The first juice I made consisted of kale, spinach, apple, and strawberries. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel some type of way. I will eat raw spinach but I'm so against cooked spinach. It is disgusting to me anyway. And I had never experimented with kale. I'm really not a green vegetable type of girl. I just started eating green beans and broccoli in the last few years. Anyway, the juice was delish. I wasn't expecting it to be be tasty as it was. Last night, I went a step further... My juice consisted of beets, carrots, strawberries, mango, blueberries, and blackberries! Beets are messy and will stain your hands, countertops, and anything they touch. But once again the juice was delicious. What I didn't like was the mess I had to clean up afterwards. That is the ultimate downfall to juicing. It really is messy! Now, that you know about my juicing experience lets talk about this run this morning...
So, I didn't eat properly last night. Instead of eating a real dinner like I cooked, I decided to eat a bowl of cereal. I knew better but that's what I wanted. I also didn't sleep well. For the third night in a row, I think I know what the problem is but I'm not sharing it with y'all. Anyway, I make it out to the race and things are going well until I get to 2.67 miles. Then I just feel like damn why the hell am I out here. It was starting to get hot and my legs were not cooperating. I maintained until about 4 miles. I slowed my pace and began to fall behind the group I was with. I didn't care. I just wanted to finish the run without stopping so I was fine with falling behind a little. I've never been so thankful for traffic lights in my life. Every traffic light break was needed today. Anyway at 5 miles, I found some momentum. That and the fact this was part of the route that I run a regular so I knew what to expect. Anyway, I finished strong. Completed 6.33 miles in less than 59 minutes. I was so impressed with myself. When I did my 10K last September I finished it in 69 minutes so that's a big improvement. Next week is a 7 mile run and we will actually be training on the course for the race in October. I'm nervous but I'll be there.
What I learned from today's race.
1. Eat properly the night before. Cereal was not a sufficient dinner.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I'm so happy I my hydration belt. Those few swigs of water really helped.
3. Listen to your body. I didn't want to over do it. So, when I felt the need to slow my pace I did and my time was still good.
4. Celebrate your accomplishment! Don't beat up on yourself for having to slow down or not making your time.
5. Enjoy the run! I know I did today. We ran on the Beltline and it was a different scenery!
Just as I promised, I want to talk about my juicing experience and the six mile run for my 1/2 Marathon training. First off, juicing is messy! It's a hassle to clean up after juicing. However, I feel like it is so worth it. The first juice I made consisted of kale, spinach, apple, and strawberries. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel some type of way. I will eat raw spinach but I'm so against cooked spinach. It is disgusting to me anyway. And I had never experimented with kale. I'm really not a green vegetable type of girl. I just started eating green beans and broccoli in the last few years. Anyway, the juice was delish. I wasn't expecting it to be be tasty as it was. Last night, I went a step further... My juice consisted of beets, carrots, strawberries, mango, blueberries, and blackberries! Beets are messy and will stain your hands, countertops, and anything they touch. But once again the juice was delicious. What I didn't like was the mess I had to clean up afterwards. That is the ultimate downfall to juicing. It really is messy! Now, that you know about my juicing experience lets talk about this run this morning...
So, I didn't eat properly last night. Instead of eating a real dinner like I cooked, I decided to eat a bowl of cereal. I knew better but that's what I wanted. I also didn't sleep well. For the third night in a row, I think I know what the problem is but I'm not sharing it with y'all. Anyway, I make it out to the race and things are going well until I get to 2.67 miles. Then I just feel like damn why the hell am I out here. It was starting to get hot and my legs were not cooperating. I maintained until about 4 miles. I slowed my pace and began to fall behind the group I was with. I didn't care. I just wanted to finish the run without stopping so I was fine with falling behind a little. I've never been so thankful for traffic lights in my life. Every traffic light break was needed today. Anyway at 5 miles, I found some momentum. That and the fact this was part of the route that I run a regular so I knew what to expect. Anyway, I finished strong. Completed 6.33 miles in less than 59 minutes. I was so impressed with myself. When I did my 10K last September I finished it in 69 minutes so that's a big improvement. Next week is a 7 mile run and we will actually be training on the course for the race in October. I'm nervous but I'll be there.
What I learned from today's race.
1. Eat properly the night before. Cereal was not a sufficient dinner.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I'm so happy I my hydration belt. Those few swigs of water really helped.
3. Listen to your body. I didn't want to over do it. So, when I felt the need to slow my pace I did and my time was still good.
4. Celebrate your accomplishment! Don't beat up on yourself for having to slow down or not making your time.
5. Enjoy the run! I know I did today. We ran on the Beltline and it was a different scenery!
Friday, August 2, 2013
My Life at the Moment
Lets look at the many things taking place in my life right now. I'm not complaining it could be a lot worse. Actually, it's not bad! Well not all bad. Here's my life at the moment: half marathon training, hair crisis, editing, blogging, planning & shopping for my much needed vacay to NYC, Paris, & London and crushing! <-- hella excited about it all except for this crushing thing!
Half Marathon training hasn't been too bad but I'm only in Week four of training. Check back with me when we get into Week 8. So, what does this training entail? I run 3 miles on Monday & Wednesday. I usually get another run in on Thursday. It's usually a short run 1.5 - 2 miles. Saturdays are the long runs and each Saturday we run a mile farther than the previous week. When we did our four miles it was hilly and the humidity was crazy. Last week was five miles and it was one crucial hill. I kept thinking to myself why the hell, (not hell but f**k) <-- almost unfiltered, did I sign up for this foolishness. So, you can expect a post regarding six miles. It's rough but I think it will be worth it in the end. Honestly, I just want one of those stickers for my car that says 13.1 miles and not be flaking out! LOL! Anyway, we get homework assignments from the group facilitator. Last week was to get hydration belts and those things are expensive. While I'm on vacation, I will have to run 10 miles on Saturday for my long run. I'll be running 10 miles on the streets of Paris. I hope this to be true but I will blog about my experience.
Hair Crisis - Well with all this running my hair is always in crisis mode. I go to the salon once a week yet I still manage to look like a crazed woman by the head. I'm slowly but surely learning to manage my hair. I've always had dry scalp so running does not help the issue. However, I'm learning that if I wash it between salon visits that it helps a lot. My stylist is the bomb and she works with me to make sure I have all the necessary products. I love her! If you are ever in the metro Atlanta area, check out Jilli's Hair Salon on Canton Road Marietta, GA. She specializes in natural hair too! And since I'm rocking short hair it is a lot easier. So many people have suggested that I get braids or a sew-in. I'm not that girl and it still won't help my dry scalp problem. So, I'll continue to manage the issue. One day I'm going to pull an Olivia Pope on my hair, "It's handled". Until then, I'll just manage it!
Editing - I've been spending a lot of time editing this series of novellas that I have written. It was so easy to write them and I'm so excited. But this editing has given me the blues. I don't like editing my work. I have the tendency to change things. So, I'm taking my time with editing and then I will see how I want to move forward with it all. To say I'm excited is an understatement! So, don't be surprised when you see a post about my novella series being available on E-Readers!
Blogging - Well my friends this is my third post and I'm loving blogging. And I can't wait to get into some more in-depth topics.
Planning & Shopping for NYC and Europe - I'm still trying to wrap my head around my first out of the country experience. I love to travel! I knew I would travel abroad at some point but I'm so thrilled to be going to Paris and London! I definitely can't wait to blog about that experience and share pictures with you guys. I hear the food is disgusting. This makes me really sad. OAN: I hear the wine, chocolate, and cheese are amazing. Anyway, we are planning our tours to the major attractions and I'm planning my outfits. I literally write down what I plan to take and when I plan to wear it. LOL! We won't have every single detail planned but we are still planning nonetheless! Of course, shopping will take place! NYC will be exciting as well but we only have a day and half there before we head off to Paris so there won't be much planning to do.
Crushing - Sighs! Am I too old to be crushing? And is it weird that I'm crushing on a white guy? And why doesn't this crush feel like the ones in high school. Don't get it twisted I get butterflies and all that other stuff but it seems more intense. I don't know if its because he's white or what. Crushing seems childish to me but then we all have to start somewhere. He's cool! I like him. He likes me. Well, I think he does most of the time. Sometimes, I say stuff that makes him look at me with the side eye! He needs to understand that I'm almost unfiltered. It be like that sometimes. Anyway, I'm crushing on the white guy but I feel like I'm letting my black men down. It's just a crush today anyway! LOL! I'm going to blog about interracial dating later. In the meantime, I need to figure out why I feel like I'm betraying black men because I'm inexplicably attracted to men of another race now. It seemed like it happened all of a sudden. It was like I woke up one day and started peeping out white men. Nesha thinks it was "Fifty Shades of Gray". Who knows... At any rate, these are the happenings in my life at the moment!
I may blog another topic in a few hours depending on how my work day starts out!
Half Marathon training hasn't been too bad but I'm only in Week four of training. Check back with me when we get into Week 8. So, what does this training entail? I run 3 miles on Monday & Wednesday. I usually get another run in on Thursday. It's usually a short run 1.5 - 2 miles. Saturdays are the long runs and each Saturday we run a mile farther than the previous week. When we did our four miles it was hilly and the humidity was crazy. Last week was five miles and it was one crucial hill. I kept thinking to myself why the hell, (not hell but f**k) <-- almost unfiltered, did I sign up for this foolishness. So, you can expect a post regarding six miles. It's rough but I think it will be worth it in the end. Honestly, I just want one of those stickers for my car that says 13.1 miles and not be flaking out! LOL! Anyway, we get homework assignments from the group facilitator. Last week was to get hydration belts and those things are expensive. While I'm on vacation, I will have to run 10 miles on Saturday for my long run. I'll be running 10 miles on the streets of Paris. I hope this to be true but I will blog about my experience.
Hair Crisis - Well with all this running my hair is always in crisis mode. I go to the salon once a week yet I still manage to look like a crazed woman by the head. I'm slowly but surely learning to manage my hair. I've always had dry scalp so running does not help the issue. However, I'm learning that if I wash it between salon visits that it helps a lot. My stylist is the bomb and she works with me to make sure I have all the necessary products. I love her! If you are ever in the metro Atlanta area, check out Jilli's Hair Salon on Canton Road Marietta, GA. She specializes in natural hair too! And since I'm rocking short hair it is a lot easier. So many people have suggested that I get braids or a sew-in. I'm not that girl and it still won't help my dry scalp problem. So, I'll continue to manage the issue. One day I'm going to pull an Olivia Pope on my hair, "It's handled". Until then, I'll just manage it!
Editing - I've been spending a lot of time editing this series of novellas that I have written. It was so easy to write them and I'm so excited. But this editing has given me the blues. I don't like editing my work. I have the tendency to change things. So, I'm taking my time with editing and then I will see how I want to move forward with it all. To say I'm excited is an understatement! So, don't be surprised when you see a post about my novella series being available on E-Readers!
Blogging - Well my friends this is my third post and I'm loving blogging. And I can't wait to get into some more in-depth topics.
Planning & Shopping for NYC and Europe - I'm still trying to wrap my head around my first out of the country experience. I love to travel! I knew I would travel abroad at some point but I'm so thrilled to be going to Paris and London! I definitely can't wait to blog about that experience and share pictures with you guys. I hear the food is disgusting. This makes me really sad. OAN: I hear the wine, chocolate, and cheese are amazing. Anyway, we are planning our tours to the major attractions and I'm planning my outfits. I literally write down what I plan to take and when I plan to wear it. LOL! We won't have every single detail planned but we are still planning nonetheless! Of course, shopping will take place! NYC will be exciting as well but we only have a day and half there before we head off to Paris so there won't be much planning to do.
Crushing - Sighs! Am I too old to be crushing? And is it weird that I'm crushing on a white guy? And why doesn't this crush feel like the ones in high school. Don't get it twisted I get butterflies and all that other stuff but it seems more intense. I don't know if its because he's white or what. Crushing seems childish to me but then we all have to start somewhere. He's cool! I like him. He likes me. Well, I think he does most of the time. Sometimes, I say stuff that makes him look at me with the side eye! He needs to understand that I'm almost unfiltered. It be like that sometimes. Anyway, I'm crushing on the white guy but I feel like I'm letting my black men down. It's just a crush today anyway! LOL! I'm going to blog about interracial dating later. In the meantime, I need to figure out why I feel like I'm betraying black men because I'm inexplicably attracted to men of another race now. It seemed like it happened all of a sudden. It was like I woke up one day and started peeping out white men. Nesha thinks it was "Fifty Shades of Gray". Who knows... At any rate, these are the happenings in my life at the moment!
I may blog another topic in a few hours depending on how my work day starts out!
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