Friday, May 24, 2013

Music Makes Me Lose Control

Happy Friday....or Saturday...or whatever day you're reading.

One thing that is a must for me and my workouts/running.......great music.
Actually if I think about it music totally gets me through anything. You know the cleaning, cooking, laundry, working, etc. The list goes on. I love all kinds of music.
I can jam out with the country boys, the polka days, even sit and listen to a classical concert but my favorite type is I guess pop/hip hop/rap. Anything that can get me moving and lifts my spirits up!

My favorites right this second are:
Will I AM - Justin Beever Fever - #That Power
Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark
Jay Z - No Church In The Wild
Fergie - A Little Party Never Killed No Body
Macklemore - Can't Hold Us
Little Mix - Wings
Afrojack - Take Over Control
Afrojack - As Your Friend
Pitbull - Feel This Moment
Krewella - Alive
Kelly Clarkson - People Like Us
Florence And The Machine - Any Song
Carly Rae Jepson - Call Me Maybe
The Weekend - D.D
Edward Maya - Stereo Love
Filter - So Happy Together
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Jay Z - Ni--az In Paris
Show Me How You Burlesque - Christina Aguliera

Just to name a few..See I told ya eclectic. Now this is just my pump me up jams a couple of them. I have a playlist of my go-to's. I don't like when my jams repeat so there's a ton on there.

But when its time to chill out and relax. I really love a good ballot. Give me a crystal clear voice, a glass of wine, and a book and my chill time is perfect!

What are some of your favorite songs to either jam to or chill to? I'm always on the look-out for some good beats! Share your fav's with me!!

And with that I'm off like a dirty shirt!!!!

..oh thank goodness he forget his shirt!!!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Out Of Breath!!


 


When you picture a moment...or if you're like me and you picture a moment, you want it to go down a certain way. What you don't realize is life isn't perfect and things will come up and screw up those pictures in your mind.
Expectations
Friday I got up and was all excited. The day was going to be here in two sleeps as my kids say it.
I had to work and then I was spending some quality time with one of my besties!! Carb load and a movie, sounds like a perfect day especially after the stressful week I had. I rested my legs all week so I would have fresh legs for Sundays Half Marathon. Off to Noodles and Company to get our eat on and then to see The Great Gatsby.
 
 


 
 
 
I have a new found love of Mr. Leonardo DiCaprio. I'm not sure if it's that he doesn't look like a 12 year old boy anymore or what, but shabang...yum yum.
I liked the movie. But I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack and since Jay-Z was the main man, well really do I have to spell it out for you. I'm a hip hap rapping girl at heart.
 
Saturday I had some photo shoots and then went to the race expo to pick up my packet and do a little shopping. I laid out all my gear so I was sure I was ready and set to go bright and early on Sunday morning.
 
 

 
It was suppose to be a balming 75 so I wasn't sure what to wear so I laid out two different options depending on what the temp was going to be at in the morning.
 
I woke up and was all excited. I decided to wear my running skirt, with my tank top. It was only 5am and it was already humid and I didn't want to pass out. I ate my normal oatmeal and got the rest of my stuff together. My ride showed up and kissed my kids and hubs good-bye and they wished me luck. They were going to be waiting at mile 6.5 to give me a boost of energy. Out the door I went. I was so excited. I live only 5 min from the race start so it was a short drive and my girl Miss Hide-a-Key was so excited as well. We met up with my girl Jen (this is Jen's first half-marathon ever) and waited at the potties while taking some pre-race pic's.
 
Hey look at our shoes...

Miss Hide-a-Key and me

Me and Jen

Three Runners

Dorks...
 
It was at this very moment that I realized "hey, I forgot my inhaler". Talk about a yikes moment. Really all I needed to truly remember was my shoes, my sports bra, and my inhaler....
So I texted my hubs and asked him to please bring it with him. I needed to run 6 miles and then I could get my lungs back. But I was so pumped that I didn't let it get me down.
 
We heard the 10 min alert and went to our pace setter zones.
 
The Boston Tragedy was a huge thing for all runners. The race organizers and medical staff volunteered at the marathon. They saw first hand what happened. The Cellcom marathon is an official qualifying race for the those hoping to get to Boston. To honor those that were touched by this tragedy each distance participant was given a bracelet to wear, and before the race started everyone hushed for 26 seconds of silence to honor Boston. We will never forget but we will stand united. It was super emotional! And with that it was time for the wheelchair division to get going and we were next.


 
The gun sounded and I started my apps and my music. I was listening to Anna Kendricks...When I'm Gone. My mind was focused and I was ready. I finally got to the start mat and I was off. I remembered keep breathing. Keep taking even breaths you can do this. You can overcome anything. Hey you lost 50 lbs. You've ran 14 miles (yeah with your inhaler), you can do this, keep moving. I kept going and I saw that first mile marker, and already I was happy, because my last half I had to stop at this point. I was good, and then all of a sudden sharp pains...What the heck. If it's what I think it is well that's not for a more week. Yes if you're a dude reading...you might want to skip the next paragraph.
 
I kept going even though I was cramping like a crazy person. I made it to mile 3 and I knew I better stop to use the bathroom. While waiting in the line I was hoping, praying that what I thought was happening wasn't. While in line team triumph came up to use the restroom. If you're not familiar with Team Triumph, they are a group of people that run with those that can't. They are teams of 4-5 people and their captain which is the person that's disabled. They are awesome. I was chatting up with them and becoming an emotional mess because really here I am worried about something stupid and here these wonderful people are running with those that can't. It amazes me. It is my goal to be one of those people that can give the dream to someone else. Oh I digress.....So made it to the bathroom and yes hello damn TOM...What the hell. All I can say is stress can really "eff" with your body. But I had to finish. So I kept going.
                                      
 
I felt good and made it to my babies at mile 6.5. I saw them and started tearing up. It was bad. I was so excited to see them and so excited to get my inhaler. At this point I couldn't get out anything more than a whisper. 3 puffs and I was off and running again. The next leg of the race was super hilly. Run up the hill and down and then guess what there's another hill, but I kept going. I stopped at every water/Gatorade station after mile 6. The temp was 75 and with 60% humidity it was super hot. I knew I needed to hydrate even if it meant stopping at every bathroom on the course. I kept going giving this all I had. Finally I turned the corner on mile 12. I got a text from my running girl asking if I had finished. See even she knew I usually ran faster. I said nope one more mile. I came up to Lambeau Field and ran the loop. I was losing steam and I came to the corner and the volunteer said go the finish line is right there... I turned the corner and I saw it "The Finish Line". I ran like I was being chased by zombies. I ran as fast as I possible could. I could hear the crowds yelling over my music and I just kept going. I made it I did it. Official Time was 3:03.
 
 
After I was done I found Heidi aka Hide-A-Key, and badass Brad. They knew something wasn't right since I'm usually tired after running but I couldn't even speak. I'd open my mouth and nothing would come out. I downed a bottle of water, and walked to the medical tent. Once in there I was given and inhaler and they took my temp, and BP. They iced me down, my BP, and temp were high, my heart rate was irregular. I had to sit and be monitored. At this point I was starting to freak out that maybe I was worse than I thought I was.  After 15 min, my breathing returned to normal, my temp came down and my heart beat became normal again. I was up and ready to get my chocolate milk and celebrate my victory!!!! 
  
All better and smiling!!
 
It wasn't my best run, but I still did it. I still ran. It's a lesson no matter how much you prepare, how much you train, the day you run you're race it may be a bad run. You may forget something. It doesn't matter. What matters is that you showed up, and you still ran.
 
 



 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

So YOU wanna be a runner...

Anytime I write or read something that starts with So you wanna be a....I think of the song..Rock Superstar by Cypress Hill...I can't help it I just do and that's they way I roll. Rock, rap, techno, dub step. Music is what gets me through the rough days, makes me dance on the happy days and brings meaning to something that seems so trivial.  Anyways back to the post at hand....


As I'm counting down the days till my 2nd half marathon....t minus 5 days till I visit the start line once again, I think about why, how, and when.
Why I started running again, how I managed to do the best fluffy girl shuffle, and when I knew I was a runner.
It was a long road...no pun intended...but eventually I knew I was a runner. I knew it when I laced up my shoes and couldn't wait to get out there.

I knew I was a runner when I experienced the first runner's high. It is a magical place in which you feel like you can run forever. Your breath, legs, body are all in sync! The last time I had this feeling was when I ran 14 miles straight and then decided that a full marathon was in my near future.

I don't care what size you are, how old you are, etc...if you want it you can! I did!

You don't have to have a specific runner's body, a specific time, you can do it. I did!

You don't have to have the fanciest runner gear, the gadgets, the fuel...you can do it. I did!
(although I will say a good pair of running shoes, gadgets and fuel do help:)

You can do this, you can do all of this BUT I will say their is one thing that you need..........................DETERMINATION. You need to find the will in your gut that will push you further than you ever thought you could. You need that fire within you to tell you it's not going to change unless you change something. It's not about the what if's it's about the why Nots!

Running is a fun thing for me but it's also filled with things that are not so fun; blisters, loss of a toe nail, shin splints, tight calves, sore achy back, the list goes on.

Runners are a different breed.

Running helps me clear my head. It brings a sense of control to the chaos that is my life. This is how it has helped me.
Now if you're starting out remember this....it does not matter how fast you are, what shape you're in, etc. What matters is that you're trying and you're doing it. What matters is that you made a conscious effort to make a change. You want something different so you're trying something different.

I see to many people that get hung up on how fast their going or how far. It takes time. Just like everything that is really worth while in life it takes time. It takes patience. Now that's not to say that you won't be jealous of the person that decides their going to be runners and their doing a 10 min mile the first time they run. (True story...my friend that hates running, does not run, started running and first day out of the gate 3 miles at 9:50 per mile. Really I've been running for a year...gaaa)
You must not compare yourself. They're will always be someone faster, stronger, but there will always be someone slower, and weaker. Be the best you can do.

Those are my tips...most important...Don't give up. Their will be days you'll want to. You'll want to say why...but don't. You'll have crappy runs, sucky runs, hard runs, but you'll have some amazing runs too. You'll wonder how in the world you were able to do what you just did. And you'll be thankful that you tried.

so true!!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Linking Up...With Queen Holly-Bee, And King G-Unit!

 
Hey y'all!!! I'm linking up with
Miss Queen Bee Holly from Where We All Can Live Like Jack and Sally and
The King of Comedy Mr Jake (G-Unit) at The Life of Jake..
I love both of these blogs and they're on my daily to read list!!!
So without further ado and because I know you're waiting to know what I'm thinking here goes.
 


 
 
Unlike my sibling(s) (that I love very much)... I try try my hardest to be on time. It's hard with 3 kids but I try my hardest. My siblings that have no children are perpetually late.. Like 30 min...
 
My best friend(s) say... I'm hilarious....this may or may not be after we've drank a bottle or box of wine.
People call me... the baby whisperer...truth reason why I do what I do for a job. I can calm a crabby toddler and swaddle a fussing infant and multitask like no other...
 
The best part of my day... is when I snuggle in bed and read kid-free for 20 min.
 
I really don't understand...
I get really annoyed... When my computer runs slow...I'm like a toddler with a cookie...I want it to work NOW!!
 
There's nothing like a... good long run. It's hard, it's rough, and I'm so happy when it's done, but my mind is clear and I can take on the rest of the world.
 
Lately, I can't get enough... MIO energy black cherry! That shit is the bomb.com!!
 
One thing I am NOT is... lazy...while I do have lazy days but I work hard for what I want and don't give up!
I spent too much money on... face wash, moisturizers, lotions, make-up. I want flawless skin but I'm blessed with sensitive, acne prone skin...GD got one thing in my life be easy.
I want to learn.... how to fit 10lbs in a 5 lb bag because that is my life in a nutshell. Too much to do and to little time.
If I ever met Jake in real life , I would... give him a great big hug and then go out and party because he seems like he's a fun guy!!
I can't stop... peeing...seriously I drink so much water.
 
Never have I ever... been told I have small boobs. Seriously I think I was born with these things and although I love them, sometimes it would be nice to not have to wear a bra 24/7 (sorry for the guys that read this) or none that read this. LOL
Reese Witherspoon... is awesome!! Even she over drinks! Sometimes it's the quiet ones you have to worry about..."I'm and American citizen, do you even know who I am, you can't do this, it's going to be national news, you're going to arrest me." Ha ha. I die...love her and even good girls get caught.














  

 
That's all she wrote buttercup!!! If you want to join in the fun than copy and paste the link and have fun...life's to short to be all uptight!!! Peace out my crazies!!
 
  
 


 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

B to the izz to the E!!

Sorry y'all or one or none that have missed me. It's been busy in the land of mommy to three.
First off my photography is picking up like a beast which means lots of photo shoots and lots of editing. Also, it was mini man's 2nd birthday, and I being the crafty queen thought it was a must that I make everything. Oh yeah...
Here are some pic's from his party. Please refrain from laughing as my friend was taking the pictures and is horrible at action shots or any shots for that matter.

My mom, me, mini and T

Mini loves his books

Such a honey

My cake décor skills.

Him blowing out the candles no shot because my lovely friend is not a photog. Love her but not her camera skills. LOL
So that was a couple two weeks ago. I can't believe that little mushy curly fro hair-do baby is 2. I just love him to pieces. And just let me say that his hair was tame. It's usually a fro if you follow me on IG.
I also did this
Yep woohooo First full marathon! Scared a little but what's the worse that could happen?
Think I need to get some ink to honor the occasion...not sure what but something.



Also did a couple runs for Boston. I haven't posted on this event because really I was too sad and depressed. The world is so full of hate and anger that it makes me sad, but what lifted my spirits was the awesome people that banded together and showed they cared. We showed that we cared wearing our "race bibs" during our regular runs that week. 26.2 miles in total (not all at once). Most of the running community is a great group of people. They will say hi to their fellow runner, give them a high five and will run all over the country to show they care. Boston you are always in our hearts!!
 
I also bought a running skirt to try since the temps are getting warmer and I'm not a fan of capri's with compression socks. So when I get to try out the skirt I'll let you know how it is.
My half is in 17 days and I'm totally stoked for it!!! I can't wait to feed off the crowds energy!!
 
I also did some Pintresting....
 





 
These were so easy to make and so good!! My kids gobbled them up.
 
So that's what's been going on in my neck of the woods.