My 13.1

I've been running off and on for about 2-3 years.  Sometimes it's more off than on.  Over the past year, I got more serious about my fitness and really stepped up my running.  I did a few 5Ks and was regularly putting in miles on the streets and cardio and weights at the gym.

My group of friends that is into fitness and running let me know they planned to run the Atlantic City Marathon/Half Marathon on October 20, 2019.  They suggested that I give the Half Marathon a try.

So....I signed up.

In that moment, I felt panic and excitement all at once.

There was no turning back.

I downloaded a training plan, added it to my calendar and took to the streets.  I was making pretty good progress.  Since my time is on the slower side, my overall goal was just to finish before the cut-off, which was 3 hours and 30 minutes.

A few weeks prior to run, I started to have some pretty serious pain in the arch of my foot.  I did a lot of research and thought it was plantar fasciitis.  I started doing foot stretches.  I ordered myself an amazing foot bath.  I found arches that I could wear on a daily basis.  I continued to train but did not focus on speed.  I used copper ankle compression and foots love compression.  At it's worst, I wore an ankle brace.  After runs, I would ice my foot.  I ordered two new pairs of supportive running sneakers.

Thankfully, the pain started to subside and I was able to continue my training.

It still bothers me, just not as bad. I do a lot of self care to make sure it doesn't get worse.

Panic and anxiety struck as race day got closer.  Could I really make it?  Could I do it?

Then it was race day.

I felt like I was in a dream.

I woke up at the hotel.  Went to the lobby for a bagel and coffee.  I took my vitamins and ate my banana.  I drank some water.  I got dressed.  I made sure I went to the bathroom like 10 times!

Then I met up with my friends and walked around through a sea of runners, spectators and supporters.

The weather that morning was perfect.  Not hot and not cold.  The sun was even shining over the ocean.  Perfect running weather.  Perfect scenery.

We hugged.  We took pictures.  We mingled with other racers.  We stretched.  We found our race pacers.  I stood among this group of athletes wondering if I would be able to do this.

Did I train enough?  Would my foot hurt?

Just like that the race started.  I inched forward through the corral.  I passed over the official start and soon the pack of runners started stretching out.  Ahead I could see the sea of fast runners heading down the boardwalk and making their first turn to the streets of Atlantic City.  My goal for the first 6 miles was to stay with my pacer.  I just focused on my music and keeping pace.

The first 7 or 8 miles twisted and turned through the streets of Atlantic City.  There were water stops spaced throughout the race and I hydrated quickly at every single one.  It was nice seeing the wave of runners twisting and turning throughout the roads ahead.  I kept the pacer close by and eventually ran with the pacer and another runner.  It was nice to have some conversation and support.  I had a good 5K and 10K pace for myself.

Sometime before I hit the boardwalk I felt myself slowing down.  I decided I needed to follow my body.  By the time I hit the boardwalk, I just focused on listening to my music and putting one foot in front of the other.

The sun was still shining but clouds were coming in and by the time I started to hit my last 3 miles or so, it was cloudy and drizzly.

The last part of the race was mentally and physically excruciating.  We had to pass the finish line and go to a turn around and come back.  It felt like it took forever.  By that point, the rain got a little steadier.

Soon, I could see the finish line.  My family and friends cheered me on.

I MADE IT.  I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE! 3:14:44 

   

The entire day felt like a dream.  There were moments of doubt as a made my way through the course.  I stayed strong until the end.  As the rain drops came down, I hugged my children, husband and parents.  We took pictures.  I accomplished something I never thought I could because I never considered myself a runner.

Over the training for this Half Marathon and throughout the race, I learned so much about myself.  I know that I am crazy, determined, motivated and a fighter.  I just don't quit.  I put my mind to something and work the hardest to achieve it.  It's not about coming in first, it's about finishing.  It's about doing the best I can no matter what.  

This was, by far, one of my biggest accomplishments!

It felt amazing! 

I'm not a runner....

Fitness has always been a part of life for me - for better, for worse.

I was always one of the tallest/biggest girls in my class.  I was never petite.  I hated school every year where they brought the class down to the nurse's office and weighed us one by one, announcing our weight for all to hear.  It didn't matter if I was in the 90% percentile for height and weight.  I WAS THE HEAVIEST.

As time went on, and we entered middle school and high school, the other girls caught up and I wasn't the behemoth.  

Eating healthy and working out was ALWAYS something that was part of my life.  It was more like a roller coaster ride.  I would be really good for 6 months, a year or 2.  Then I would start to slide.  When the weight comes back, it is SO much harder.  You doubt yourself.  How did it happen?  Why?

I was always very active.  I enjoyed recreational sports and spent 7 summers marching in a DCA Drum Corps.  The activity is very demanding with all day rehearsals and as a horn player you learned how to control breathing while insanely marching around the field.  Not matter how hot it was, we were out there.  The show must go on!  

Drum Corps taught me to be determined.  There was no option to fail.  There was no giving up.  I was part of the team and they needed me at my absolute best.  They were my family.

Life was good as a working adult.  I could work, hit the gym and not have to worry much about my other commitments.  

...ENTER HAVING KIDS...

Somehow I thought being pregnant meant I could eat what I wanted.  6 months after my first child, I was pregnant with my 2nd.  Then 23 months after my 2nd was born, I had my 3rd.  The weight went up and down...but mostly up.  WHO HAS TIME TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU HAVE 3 KIDS TO CHASE?  Shouldn't I be losing weight just running after them?  I'm just too exhausted to even think about really working out.  I can't go to the gym because by the time I get them ready, half the day will be over.  

The years passed.  The kids got older.  I GOT OLDER!  What was my excuse?  I couldn't blame it on being pregnant anymore!  

When friends of mine would share their weight loss stories, it was like a thorn in my side.  I KNEW I SHOULD do better but I just couldn't find it in me.  I didn't want people to notice.  I didn't want people to comment.  

Eventually meeting other Moms who were into a routine of fitness helped me.  As much as they say find a workout partner, I AM A LONER.  I enjoyed their cheering and support when I went to the gym or started running, but I enjoyed the time with my own thoughts.

A few years ago, in addition to going to the gym, I started running.  I wasn't consist but I got out there.  It was hard.  It was discouraging.  I could barely run a .10 of a mile.  I didn't see results.  The inevitable roller coaster ride.  

I remember one of my first runs, I was barely at 17-18 minutes per mile and I posted it on facebook because I was proud of myself for getting out there and DOING something.  A friend made a comment that she just "walked" a trail at that speed.  I took it hard.  That motivated me to do better.  I didn't need to prove myself to anyone else.  I wanted to prove it to MYSELF.  I COULD DO THIS!!!  

As I hit my 40's I knew I had to really amp up the exercise.

I finally found a gym that I really liked and felt comfortable going to.  I learned several weight machines and routines.  I made myself a schedule to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week and did weights/cardio almost every time. 

I starting running and biking.  I even added swimming and some classes at the gym.

On August, 2, 2019, I COMPLETED MY FIRST TRIATHLON!!!

That was a pinnacle moment for me.  I COULD ACTUALLY DO IT!  I could swim, bike & run AND FINISH!!!  (AND NOT BE LAST!!!!)  I definitely got emotional crossing the finish line.

So now I am training for my first ever 1/2 Marathon.  I'm working on being comfortable with my pace.  I want to finish and feel okay.  No pressure, just fun.

The other day I decided to buy this triathlon tank top that said, "Failure is when you stop trying."  It showed up, I put it on and I took a picture and I was SHOCKED how I looked.  I actually noticed a difference in myself.  I went back and dug up a photo from almost a year ago and did a side by side.  

This is not to say, "HEY, LOOK AT ME!  LOOK AT HOW MUCH WEIGHT I LOST!"  

Nope.  Not at all.

This is about the JOURNEY.  

It's hard.  It's exhausting.  It's frustrating.  It takes time to see results.  It's hard not to compare myself to others.  It's hard not to wish I could just run faster.  It's not fun when I'm achy and sore.

I've learned that the hard motivates me to keep going.  If I fall off the bandwagon a few days, I forgive myself.  I get up and do it again.

Everyone is at a different stage in the journey.  It's about supporting each other where we are.

I 'm not a runner.  

I have learned to love running.  I'm not fast.  I go at my speed.  I've made improvements but I take it one day at a time and don't push myself.  I want to enjoy my moments out there running.  I love finding new places to run, seeing the run rise, watching the birds and wildlife.  It's my time to listen to music.  It's my time to figure out me.  It's my time to discover the meaning of life.  Yes, I like to do it alone so I can be with myself.  I guess I am a loner.  

Why did I really share this?  

To give encouragement and positive vibes.  To support you where you are.  Anyone can do anything they want.  It's about making that decision.  Taking the first step.

One of the best things I found is so many runners, cyclists and athletes have been so incredibly supportive.  They love to hear your story.  They love to give you advice.  They love to share your milestones.  It is an amazing community.

This was extremely difficult for me to share because it is a very personal experience for me.  I am extremely humble.  I'd rather celebrate everyone else's successes then my own.  

Thank you, friends, who have cheered me on!    

I want to hold myself accountable and keep moving! 

 

  

My journey with PPD....

If you know me, you'd probably be surprised to know I suffered with PPD.  

I'm an optimistic, happy and fun person.  I love to hang out with friends.  I love to laugh.  I love to make people happy.  I smile to strangers. I'll support all my friends! I'm probably the first one to like your facebook status.  I'll do something for others before I do something for myself.  

I have a song in my heart.

While the outside was OK, the inside was not.

I had 3 kids in 3.5 years so I'm not sure when it started but it manifested itself sometime after my 3rd. I began to realize something was not right.  I loved them all very much but there were many struggles I faced to get to the point where I feel somewhat normal.

I have never outright stated it anywhere.

I feel that sharing my stories and feelings can help others so my plan is to write about my experiences.

Fun Places to Eat: Johnny Rockets in Hoboken

Once again, back in my college days I was introduced to the fun and nightlife of Hoboken, New Jersey.

Thank goodness for going to Montclair!  Thank goodness for making North Jersey friends who knew the places to go!  I got to spend a lot of time in Hoboken and New York City.

One of the places we went a few times was, 

Johnny Rockets in Hoboken!

The memorable part of this location is the fact that it's a "big city" near "THE BIG CITY".  There's buildings, people and cars everywhere.  The kids were AMAZED because we are from the New Jersey suburbs and yes, I have not been brave enough to take them INTO the city.  (Baby steps for me!)

There are reasonable parking garages near Johnny Rockets.  We walked about a block to go eat.  

Even though there were a few families on the sidewalk looking through menus, there were open few booths.  We found a booth in the back. Our waitress was sweet and friendly.  They gave the kids coloring papers and crayons which they always love when we go out!  The food is standard.  Nothing to write home about.  If I'm at a burger place, I get a burger.  It was good.  My kids like burgers, grilled cheese, chicken tenders and hot dogs so they were happy with the choices.  The kids devoured every piece of their food.  My youngest, who sometimes doesn't even sit and eat, sat the entire time and ate every piece of his hot dog and fries.  My middle child ate 1 WHOLE grilled cheese sandwich and insisted she wanted more and ate ANOTHER HALF of one.

Shall I mention we wore them out at Liberty State Park prior to this? 

After we ate, the kids got balloons too!  They were SO happy!

In the state my full, exhausted kids were in, they were in no shape to walk around, although it would have been nice.  Carlo's Bakery was a few blocks away.  There were also tons of stores.  Oh....and bars! Oh yeah, we had the kids!  Maybe we'll have to get a sitter and go bar hopping next time.  Although, I don't think I would be able to think straight after 2 drinks anymore!   (Did I before!?)  I'll have to do that for a "Parent's Night Out Post!"  ;)

Overall, it was a good time, fair food and a nice experience for the kids in a city!  

Places to Go: Liberty State Park

WHAT A GREAT VIEW!

On a seasonably warm December afternoon I was looking for something memorable to do.  When I was in college, I lived in Jersey City, about a 5 minutes drive from Liberty State Park.  I took many, many walks there with my dog Melody.  I google searched it and looked at the map - it was still there!

The drive was easy and you can take EXIT 14B which takes you right into the park.

There is a large parking area right by the playground.

The playground is the middle of the park with a fantastic view!

As a parent of 3 kids, I found this park large but easy to navigate when keeping an eye on your children.  There were plenty of benches on the perimeter if you'd like to sit and watch.

The playground is GREAT.  Tons to do and all my kids were able to enjoy the different part.

There are also restrooms right by the park.

My oldest ran off to try everything.  My middle made a friend the second she stepped in the park.  My youngest took off with my husband keeping an eye on him.  They all had fun!

"WHERE ARE THE HOUSES?"

My middle child said this as we pulled up!  Can you tell we don't live near a major city?

We took a walk up to the long path by the edge of the water.  The view is incredible and there are plenty of GREAT spots to take pictures.  My kids loved watching the boats, looking at the buildings and just enjoying the scenery.  We took a walk down the path that goes along the water.

As you walk down the path, you get an excellent view of the Statue of Liberty.

My oldest, who learned about it, was THRILLED to see it!

With tired kids from playing and walking, we headed back to the car.

It was an inexpensive, memorable trip for the kids!

Someday we will have to explore the Statue of Liberty up close!

Here are some links to help you plan your trip!

LIBERTY STATE PARK

ELLIS ISLAND

STATUE OF LIBERTY

The Little Memories - Thanksgiving

My daughter skipped down the street wearing her Native American Paper Bag Vest and Feather Headdress made from oaktag.

While I wanted to battle about her wearing her jacket on a 45 degree drizzly day, was it worth it?

"Mommy!  I saw you!  I saw Grandma!  I saw my brother!  Did you like the show?  Did you hear my song?"  She was filled with joy as I answered her questions and told her how proud I was.

It's the little moments.

"I ate mashed potatoes with gravy!  It was good!"

It brings me back to my own childhood.  I remember my school teachers creating fun Feather Headdresses for us to wear.  I remember creating special projects for my parents and beaming with pride as I presented them.  I remember preparing for our yearly class productions.

Now I see that enthusiasm in my own child.

Some people might argue that those parties and productions take away from "class time", afterall, we have a test to teach to!  The kids need to know their academics!  Trust me, I see the importance of academics.  Learning isn't just about sitting in a class focusing on reading, writing and math!  Learning happens when we explore using all of our senses!  As a music teacher, this happened all the time in my classes!  We'd read about Mozart, looked at pictures, created our own, listened to his music, learned a rhythm pattern, played the rhythm pattern, use that rhythm pattern in a dance that went to a piece written by Mozart - ACTIVE LEARNING.

My daughter's Thanksgiving play - an ACTIVE LEARNING moment.  A long-lasting memory.

I am thankful that she has teachers that go the extra mile every single day.  They provide opportuntiies to learn and grew from fun and educational life experiences.  They do so much to make sure the children are safe and learn.  They teach from their heart.  Teachers that teach from the heart are true blessings.  

"Helping Hands" Mother's Day Gift

A simple and fun keepsake for Mother's Day!

Supplies:

-dish cloth or towel

-fabric paints

-plate

-baby wipes

1.  Spread out the towel and decide where you would like to put your child's handprints

2.  Choose your favorite color of paint for the handprints and squirt onto the paper plate.  You only need a thin layer.

3.  Take your child's clean and and place it in the paint, moving it around so that the bottom of the hand gets full of paint (but not thick)

4.  Stamp hand onto the towel & lift up  

(Hold hand by the wrist if they are little and immediately wipe with baby wipes!)

5.  Add the words of your choosing - like "Mommy's Helping Hands" and the Year

6.  Let your creation dry over night

7.  Display proudly in your kitchen  <3

It's cute, fun and easy!  Make one for Mother's Day today...or Father's Day....

or even Grandparents!

What a great keepsake!  :)