Dec 30, 2011

It’s Not a Resolution, But a Commitment to Myself

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Let’s recap how 2011 went in a few words and photos, before I say my commitments for 2012 to myself.
The BBD that happened. No, not bigger better deal. THE BEST, BIGGEST DAY of my life thus far… Finn proposed!
One of our engagement photos by Jenn Hopkins Photography. Collective… awwwww
Training then commenced for the marathon. My redemption. I DNF’d Disney three years before due to my knee around mile 15. My ego and knee both hurt immensely, but I still got to see three of my girls from college finish with great smiles on their faces!
Training was great. A 3 day a week program with cross training on your own. Problem was… I got off the cross training band wagon. Opps!! The program (through Fleet Feet Savannah) was awesome. A+. Stellar. I met so many amazing people I know call friends. We see each other outside of runs and it’s always nice to see more friendly races at our local races. It didn’t even matter that I was the slowest one in the group, we were a family and family doesn’t care how fast or slow you are. They just care that you complete the journey. 
So that pretty much sums up all I have talked about this 2011. Wedding and Running. Running and Wedding. I also mixed in a lot of talk about the American Cancer Society DetermiNation, as I fundraised for them. Such an amazing cause, feel free to check them out for your next race! And make every mile count :)
Drum Roll Please….. Cue the Trumpets….

Commitments to Myself for 2012!
#1- Become a Mrs. I CAN NOT WAIT. My favorite part of the whole wedding weekend is going to be the “I DO”… we have even practiced ;) But, I am really excited to see all the details my parents and I (with input from the groom of course!) have put into the wedding. It is everything I have dreamed about since I was a little girl. Yep, I was that little girl. I am committing my life to Finn. And I couldn’t be happier about it. squeal.
#2-My race schedule and training schedule for 2012. This will take another post… probably tomorrow. But the biggest training commitment looming over my head is the Augusta Half Ironman. This is a big commitment, but I believe I am mentally ready. Now to get physically ready ;) BRING IT! And I will add cross training. Something I did not do in 2011. I am committing to myself to work the schedule and enjoy the training.
#3- I was asked to be a coach for No Boundaries! I am flattered and so pumped. Even though I may not be the fastest runner, I love to help others succeed at their goals. Just like my coaches did with me. NoBo is a program through Fleet Feet in which participants will run their first 5k at the end of three months. I am excited to team up with the program head and learn from her, as well as, channel my old swim coach days! I am committing to myself to be a great coach and listen to the athletes!
#4- I want to cook more at home and bring in the leftovers as lunches. This requires meal planning. Finn got me a sweet apron for Christmas. I feel like this will help!
What you don’t wear goggles when cutting onions?!?
#5- Have more FUN. Well… folks. It’s BACK! FUN! That little word that some people are afraid to have. This is probably one of the best traits my dad taught me. F-U-N. Goofy. Silly. Life is too short to be all nose in the air. ahem. Snot-face-like. 
I am going to have FUN with my training…. yep, wearing costumes for short (ie 5k’s… yeah no more 5 milers while holding up a hot cocoa cup… my fingers still hurt!) and cheering (when not running) like those crazy fun ladies over at Once Upon a (L)ime and Sweat Once a Day.
I am going to train with fun. Push myself with fun cross training. I have a goal to try at least six new types of workouts next year. I am really pumped about trying paddleboard yoga this summer. Yep. Just what it sounds like.
Thanks Pinterest, because I know I won’t look that awesome…
This Monday, a few of us are trying out TRX. BAM. January 2nd… and already knocking off #1 of 6 new workouts in 2012. That’s how I roll.


QOD: Do you make resolutions? What are y’alls goals?
Filed Under: Fleet Feet, Wedding ·
Dec 28, 2011

Fit Santa

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Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Not merely for the awesome presents, but because of the time spent with loved ones. Since I have been with Finn, we go up to my parents for Christmas (and Thanksgiving with his family). We make it work!
This year, we went into DC and spent the afternoon at the Museum of Natural History on December 23rd.
Anyone seen “Night at the Museum”…
As much as I begged and pleaded. He wouldn’t steal the Hope Diamond for me. #slacker.
We then went to dinner at McCormick & Schmicks. A good ole standby. I ordered a wine flight… well the bartender was busy, so the waiter poured it for me. I won’t complain.
The tuna tartare prepared table-side was a nice way to start off our dinner. I was satisfied with my selection of the dual seafood entree, but not blown away. But the side of sweet potato couscous was amazing!

We then walked the few blocks to Ford Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, to watch “A Christmas Carol”. I haven’t been to Ford in a few years to see their rendition and man oh man, have they added some spectacular special effects. Even Finn enjoyed himself thorougly.

******Christmas Eve******

The Eve of Christmas. Should really be called VR’s favorite day of the year! I woke up and did the 100 series workout in the basement. About 30 minutes of sweat before playing elf and wrapping up the rest of the presents from my dad to my mom.

My dad and I have a Christmas Eve tradition that has been going on for 18 years now. We go hang out for the morning and then go eat Cracker Barrel. And every year, I ask if they have oatmeal. And yes, I know they stop serving oatmeal at 10am. And yes, we get there at 1pm. And no, every year they don’t have it. Ugh. Maybe next year.

We then get back and quickly get ready for my parent’s annual Christmas Eve Party. My mom spends all week prepping for it. Food & drink galore! Sadly, I didn’t take any photos… but let me tell you. All of the friends that were in attendance, including myself, we all surely ate to our belly’s content!

*****Did Santa Get the Memo?*****

Yep, he sure did! He got it loud and clear! Apparently my direct connection with Santa helped. For Finn and I got a lot of running and biking items. Most of our tags were from “Fit Santa” or “Wedding Santa”. I love that Santa appreciates my healthy lifestyle. Mrs Claus (aka mama), she is a healthy eater…. still trying to get her on the fitness bandwagon. Maybe one day!! (ahem… did you read that mom??!!).

My favorite item from Christmas: our custom cards to use for Thank You’s etc for after the wedding… so gorgeous. Compression socks, Running Skirt, Nike gym bag, Burberry perfume, plus a slew of other items. Even my stocking was stockpiled of chomps and protein shake goodies! Santa and Finn, y’all did good!!

After a fun few days with my family, it was sadly time to head home. It only took us about an hour to unpack and put up all the gifts. Now I can’t wait to starting wearing all my new shirts to work and trying out all my new running gear. Nothing like new gear to keep you motivated. For say, maybe that Half Ironman in September….

Filed Under: Uncategorized ·
Dec 23, 2011

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year… Except the Drive.

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I love Christmas. Ho Ho Ho’s and Mistletoes. All that jazz. Ever since I was a little girl. See, I grew up in a house that oozed jolly from every angle. Love it.
 I just wish there was a better way to get there. ugh. 
Our drive wasn’t so bad. We left Savannah at 3pm and arrived at the parentals at 12:40am. We always try to break up the drive in halfsies. But somehow I always get screwed. I think Finn is a visionary and can tell when traffic is going to hit, so he picks which portion he wants. Reason #487 why he is cooler than I.

But I still get the prize for being the best travel buddy. I bring us healthy snacks. Larabars, fruit, and jerky. And I belt out Christmas songs while he sleeps. Oh wait, that’s annoy? sigh.

But every year that I have come home, even before my fabulous sidekick, Mom & Dad are waiting up with some sort of homemade goodie and the Christmas lights are on throughout the house. See, we have a bit of a problem. A decorating problem. No, not like the house that strobes to GaGa music or anything. We prefer to have like 6 full trees, 3 half size trees, a life-size nutcracker, and about 20 other nutcrackers. I think we’re nuts (pun intended). 

I wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Cluster-F Tree. aka all the ornaments I made when little plus some ;)

I guess I need to finish my Coach’s Oats with unsweetened almond milk, flax seeds, and agave nectar. Then it’s off to accomplish the “Home for the Holidays” Virtual 10k. I’m hoping that I don’t get pegged by a golf ball while running by…. maybe it will be motivational to run faster, maybe.

Filed Under: Run ·
Dec 18, 2011

Coach’s Oats: Through Spoken Word

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I love oats. I always have. When I got back on the health wagon, oats have been my go-to in the morning. My security blanket. But let me tell you, not all oats are created equal. Just like all men. Thankfully, I found the best of each.
Sit back. Listen to 3 or so minutes of my intelligent early morning ramblings about Coach’s Oats. I hope that my first effort at vlogging does not disappoint. And if it does, I hope that Hunter’s cameo makes up for it. I hope.
Find out more about Coach’s Oats here! They have great recipes on their website and are active on Twitter & Facebook too! Please support this small company.
On an unrelated, but just as awesome front. Heather from Running with Sass, asked her readers to email their Christmas light photos the other day. Well, lookie here… can you find me??
Have a great Sunday y’all! I am going to tackle the pile of laundry, make the 4pm spin class, and a backyard concert/oyster roast!!
Filed Under: Run ·
Dec 17, 2011

I Won….

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I won. I won. Not the race, silly. But the 2nd Annual Savannah Reindeer Run’s Costume Contest!
I love local races just as much as the next person and this race was another one for the books. Great cause (our local Rape Crisis Center), beautiful weather (umm, hello 70 degrees. Great to see you again!), and quite a few of my local running buddies ran it (yep, I am that popular the benefits of a small town race).

 I had spent all of last night working on my costume. 

I woke up early. Ate some Coach’s Oats, gathered my costume into the car without eating my hat and went to the Convention Center to meet up with quite a handful of anxious Reindeer & Elves. 
My friend, Merilee, pinned my “cocoa” portion on and I put my shoulder straps and I thought I was walking around like the cutest cup of cocoa south of the North Pole. Then the start of the race happened….
Have you ever ran 5 miles without your arms? Plus holding up a bucket complete with candy cane stirrer because it’s one of the four food groups according to Elf AND with JUMBO size real marshmallows on your hat?! Yep. I have. It wasn’t pretty. I added about 13 minutes to my 8k PR. BUT I had the most fun and being the ham that I am… I loved every stinkin’ second of people saying “Hey, Hot Cocoa. We love your costume”.
So after the race, everyone congregates into the Exhibit Hall at the Center. All those entering the contest go on stage. I gracefully walk trip up the stairs. Damn bucket. So I do my best debutante stance and waved to the crowd. All my true southern friends would have been so proud.

We waited for the results. It felt like an eternity. Or just like 30 seconds. TA-DAH!!! Hot Cocoa for the Win!

Me with my prize pack

And because I am an instant celebrity. Real celebrities want their photo with me. #proof.

Jamie Deen, Paula’s son. Get it right, y’all.
So this morning turned out great. Supported an awesome cause. And now I am geared up for next year’s race. I even have an idea for my costume AND I want one of the fast people medals. See, they make them out of the glass that the victims throw against the “anger wall”. Releasing their pain and anger. Beautiful.

QOD: How did you spend your morning? Any Holiday or New Year’s runs coming up for you?
Filed Under: Run, Savannah ·
Dec 16, 2011

Just Did It!

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This past weekend I was up in Atlanta for the wedding of our friends. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.
Josh and I
Oh wait. You thought I was talking about the wedding…. yep. That was amazing and fabulous too!
 Being that my client appointments didn’t start until Tuesday, I decided to lollygag up to G’Ville to see my new nephew. But that didn’t come without a few stops…..
 Nike Outlet in Commerce, Ga. Yep, I Did It.
So after more Fa La La La’ing and Christmas Shopping for myself, I made it up to snuggle with my handsome nephew. I swear, God knew what he was doing when he made him. I didn’t think you could package that much cuteness into one person. So after plenty of kisses, snuggles, and surprisingly not too many cries; I was on my way back to Atlanta to hang out with my friends (Joe & Josh) and get ready for work. 
************************************************
This morning started off great.  I was as bright as lemon in my new Nike gear for a run with Jake Gingerhall. 
Oh Nike. How I love thee. I have always had an affinity towards Nike. 

Nike really made it big when I was brace faced, awkward, and loving semi-hating life. My dad used to joke that he would “put swooshes all over the house and mark up the price”. I started wearing them because I thought they looked cool with my Jnco’s. Yep. I just admitted that. And no, I will not ask my mother for any photos. Now, I always tend to gravitate towards Nike in any running store, TJ Maxx-ish shopping chain, or Nike store or outlet. Nike seems to fit me perfectly. The tanks are long and don’t ride. The capris and run skirts fit perfectly. I always seem to feel slimmer in them, who doesn’t want to feel slimmer.
Funny. I didn’t have a Rudolph Nose or dreidel this morning.
This Saturday is the Reindeer Run 8k. Stay tuned for race recap and my first product review. Wahoo! Have a great night y’all. 

QOD: Is anyone running a Holiday run this weekend?
Filed Under: Run, Wedding ·
Dec 10, 2011

I wonder what an Ironman Feels Like…

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This morning kicked off with an early 5 miler WITH Finn. Yep, with Finn. That is the first time in almost three years that I have been fast enough and him patient enough to run with me. For me, it was pretty much the best morning ever.
I then quickly got ready for my work Ladies Party.
Protein Shake, anyone?
What a fun way to spend a morning. Yummy noshes, a mimosa or two, and Secret Santa gift exchange. I was just happy to draw #1, so I got the benefit of taunting helping my lovely co-workers during the exchange. “No Laurie. Don’t you want to steal Holly’s homemade wreath. You really have no use for this xyz”.
Fast forward through a quick shopping trip to pick up some more items off my Christmas list and a heavenly nap. Now I am doing laundry like a mad woman and watching the recap of the 2011 Ironman. Holy cannoli. 
I want to be half the badass they are. Finn and I are talking about a goal of 2013 to do the Augusta Half Ironman. I swam through my Junior Year in college (D3) and I can run, albeit not as badass as I would like. I need to add more cross training into my regime and I think this long term is a great way to help me get back in the pool and my tuckus in the saddle. Maybe I should have a tri or two added to the list of races for 2012? Good idea, right?!
QOD: Have you done a half Ironman?
Filed Under: Uncategorized ·
Dec 8, 2011

Happy People Don’t Shoot Their Husbands…

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“Exercise gives your endorphins. Endorphins make you happy”
 
Or if you need more convinving… follow the Brooks Running Company’s mantra:
Run Happy. Y’all. 
Now, let’s get real. When the alarm goes off at 4:30am, I am not all Reese Witherspoon. Although, in my dreams I wish I was because she did date Jake Gyllenhaal for a hot minute. sigh.
It takes every ounce of strength for me to get out of bed and get my tuckus to the gym or out on the pavement. Sometimes I have an internal debate like so:
Me: F*#%… (roll over, glance at alarm) it’s 4:30
Workout Me: Princess, get your hiney to the gym
Me: But I only got 6.75 hours of sleep, not 8
Workout Me: so, you got like 9 last night. AND you ate like 2 cookies. move it.
Me: how about I reset my alarm for 30 more minutes…..
and so on and so forth.
Once I get there, I feel great. I love to sweat. Sweat looks great on me. The post workout soreness. I crave it and it makes my day amazing. I love when my abs or arms hurt. Gosh. I love it. Why can’t I love it enough at 4:30am when I have to go to the gym with no one there to meet me?!
Training is so much easier during marathon season. When I had a group of 30 to see three days a week. But to be honest, I slacked off. I didn’t do my cross training during the season. Because no one was there to see me, to hold me accountable. I need to be my FitFluential self and get off my slacker horse and MOVE IT! I have goals that I want to accomplish and I need to work on them. Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy. I need to learn to be my own advocate and make a change. I will talk about some of my goals in another post. Don’t worry, Boston is not one of them. This is a running blog, not a comedy blog. 
 
I hate the feeling I get from not working out. Even just a few days. The same feeling I got last night after eating a few too many noshes at book club (more on a follow-up post!).  Like if you actually bought this belly buster deal and ate it all in one sitting. eww. gross. I can’t believe I actually saw some people on stalkerbook excited about buying that.
So I vow to myself, I will advocate for myself. I am the only one that can make the change. Tomorrow is a new day. Thank you, Miz Fit for your vlog tips. I am STARTing (again) tomorrow. After the marathon, I needed a reboot. Thank you for helping me reboot!
 Anyways. It’s getting late. Grandma has been in her pink PJs since 7pm and is heading to bed to rest up for 4:30am. Check out twitter tomorrow am (victoria_runs) to see if I made it to the gym…. with a smile!
Hope you like my new PJs. Actually I don’t care if you do. Because Huntman does and that’s all that matters.
QOD: Have you ever had a runner’s high?  
Maybe Charlie Sheen should take up running.

Filed Under: Run ·
Dec 3, 2011

Race Recap: 2011 Enmark Savannah Bridge Run

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I have been nervous about the Double Pump…
www.savannahbridgerun.com
Yep. As I have mentioned before, it is three times over the Talmadge Bridge. So you run both the 5k race, wait a few moments, then run the 10k race. So if you were in town for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah, it is the same bridge that you drove over to come to the expo! Yep. Huge.
So yesterday, I went to the Expo to pick up my packet and swag. And I was greeted with this bad boy.
Yep! That’s me in the Run Program. So stoked!
 Well, I hustled back to work and later met up with some girls for dinner. nom. nom. I wish I could have stayed out later and enjoyed the beauty of Savannah during the holidays. But my bed was calling for me!
*********************************************************************************
I got to the Convention Center side of the River quick and easy. They even let us runners inside, since its was in the 30′s. BRRRRRRRRR! I decided to run in my Sun Drop girl outfit, so I could only wear so many layers!
I found some friends from CREW, #RunSav, and from my old job! HEY Y’all :)
We all lined up for the 5k portion and got ready to go! Sarah and I killed it in our own regards. I had a 5k PR (35:25). It was fun and easy! Then came the 10k. Ewww… 1:24:and some change. So a total of 1:59.59 for the double pump. I was really hoping for closer to 1:50! Overall, I am really happy with my 5k time, because that was what I was nervous about since I am not the fastest person to grace the streets.

This race is always well organized from start to finish. The only downside I heard was people didn’t know where to find the ID check (for beer) at the Expo. No biggie if that’s not your thang! I made sure to have my ID packed in my fuelbelt :)

The only sip of beer I got was from my fellow training buddy’s cup, as she leaned over the stantions with it as I was coming in on the 10k! I stole a sip and kept on running! Thanks for the last minute hydration, Maureen.

But Finn got me ice, much better than beer at that point…. {thanks for being the best cheerleader!! And thanks to Wendy, too!}

Ouch! I have been having some pain in my left arch, left knee and right ankle. I did get new shoes about three weeks ago and I think they are the culprit. Ever since I got them, those areas have been hurting. And today was no exception. During the 10k portion, my ankle and knee were hurting so much. And after the race, my arch hurts to even walk. I don’t think this contributed to my time all that much. The bridge is just hard 3x over. I just wish my appendages felt better :)
I am hoping by grabbing a new pair soon I will be on the mend. I can use my current new pair for some cross training in the gym. Speaking of the gym, I must get back to yoga, yogalates, swimming, and lifting. I hope this keeps my fitness level up and my areas of concern will mend quickly! Next race I am scheduled for (but haven’t registered for yet, since its local) is the Reindeer Run 8k in two weeks.
2nd time up!
QOD: Have you ever noticed “pains” from your shoes? Or do you wear costumes when you race?
Filed Under: Run, Savannah ·
Dec 2, 2011

Yes… YOU workout

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Yes. I rock out to that jam and you can too! Just follow these 7 easy steps and y’all will be on your way to a jam’up body!

1- Find your Perfect Time of Day: I will do anything, I repeat anything, to get out of a night workout. My favorite excuse, “I don’t want to waste water on a second shower”. Yep, I keep it eco-friendly here at Victoria Runs.
 
    That being said… my alarm goes off at 4:30am and by 5:15 I am prepped (food, potty, dressed) and out the door to take on the pavement, gym or class! Find your perfect time. Do you excel at 8pm? Find a gym that has later hours or 24 hour access! Thrive at lunch? Go for a walk on your lunch break and rinse off at work. This is your life, live it!
 
2- After you find the right time, make it a habit. Studies show that it takes 66 days to make something a habit (source). Commit. Lock it down. Enjoy the ride.

3- Tell your family, friends, and non Real Life friends(aka Twitter, Facebook, Dailymile). Spread the word that your ready for a change. Use hashtags, join challenges, create a sense of support from loved ones. Create a blog if you want to create a virtual log that others can follow. The more people that know, the more that can help you! Be strong!

4- next up, find your personal buddy. For example, I am joining up with one of my friends to run side by side during her first half marathon! During her training, I will help to provide support from a distance. People are ready to help, you just have to ask. Especially your friends that thrive off endurance running.

5- join a charity program! I trained with the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program for my first full marathon (Nov 2011). The comradeship, fun team socials & group runs, plus the weekend VIP events made my experience amazing. Plus I had a reason behind my miles, I was fundraising money for a cause I am passionate about. All cancers! There are many endurance programs out there, find one that is right for you then rock it out.
6- Do something you like. Search your gym for classes you find fun. Do you like to shake your groove thang at the club…. well Zumba might be right up your alley. Like to mix sweat with the calming effects of yoga? Try yogalates! (see video below). Have you always been a swimmer, get your ass to a Master’s Swimming Session! Mix it up. Don’t become stagnant in your workouts. Your body will be bored and so will your mind.
 
 7- So you are ready to get moving. Now you gotta look HAWT! Wear some cute gear! Sorry, men…. throw on some Nike shorts and a dri-fit short and y’all always look good ;)

Ladies, wear what you feel comfortable in. The gym can be scary. I admit it… sometimes I get nervous and body compare when I am in there. BUT I feel confident when I have on my cute gym clothes. Go to the outlets or TJ Maxx type store and rack up! Get supportive bras so your boobs don’t slap your eyes black & blue. Also, please please please. Get fitted for correct shoes. Fleet Feet or other running (also great for walkers too!) do a great job at this!!

There you have it. Try these steps and you’ll be moving in now time…. just promise me, you won’t be at the beach in your speedo trying to tan your cheeks. *Check first video for reference*
 I am being #FitFluential! Are you?
Filed Under: Fleet Feet, Run ·