Enjoying the little things

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.” ― Audrey Hepburn

It's been over a week since I last posted, and what a whirlwind of a week it has been. 

I had my three week checkup with the foot doctor and was told that I was cleared for activity again.  I made a point to get to Team Adrenaline that night, I couldn't wait to work out with everyone again.  I don't know which I missed more, the work outs or the people.

We had planned a run around Findley Lake and then a stop for ice cream.  I originally planned on riding my bike, but was thrilled to be able to run it.  I ran the entire 5+ miles and felt great.  That is when I made up my mind to still run the half marathon on the 16th.

I finally got into my classroom Wednesday and Thursday and started to sort through the mess of unpacking.  In a way, having to move my classroom for a year has been a blessing.  I've been able to clean out and go through things, a task I never would have gotten to otherwise.  Even though it is work, I don't really mind it. 

I participated in a Zumbathon Thursday, two hours of Zumba with some great friends.  And Saturday we worked out at the beach to get ready for the Beast.

To say I looked forward to getting back into things would be putting it mildly.

With Tim enjoying a little time off, we've also been spending a lot of time as a family.  We made good use of his birthday gift and roasted marshmallows.

The biggest event in our house this week was M's birthday.  I still can't believe that my baby is 4!  I never believed people when they talked about how fast kids grow until I had one of my own. 

We got M the bike she had been begging for.  Her tricycle was getting a little too small for her to really enjoy it.

She is still getting used to riding her big girl bike.  So far we've only had one major crash, straight into the pine tree.  We've even made it around the block once! 

We had M's birthday party at Claytopia this year.  As much as I loved planning the big parties in the past, this party was probably one of my favorites.  It was easy, which is always nice, but still a lot of fun. 

 

 We actually had more trouble with the adult table than the kids.  Leave it to my mom and my aunt: dumping water, spilling paint

 

After, we had one tired birthday girl.

The week was capped off with a picnic with some of my Team Adrenaline friends.  There were turkeys:

 

And minion cupcakes....

 

 

And of course, there were shenanigans.

 

 

Overall this week helped me to appreciate the little things in life.  Good friends, a happy family, the ability to move without a boot again. With the beginning of school creeping closer and closer, it is my plan to enjoy these little things as much as possible before my time is again devoted to lesson planning and IEP writing.  





Day 1

"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect." -Alan Cohen

Yesterday marked quite the beginning for me.  As the first day of Challenge Erie, I began my own 10 week journey towards wellness.  It is one of those things I always said I should do, focus on me, yet never did.

Up until now, I was really good a finding excuses.  First, I had a newborn, I didn't have time to bathe let alone focus on my eating and exercise.  I told myself that if I did it before my wedding, I could do it again and didn't need to make it immediate.

Once M grew a bit, I found new excuses.  I was going back to school.  Between working, being a mom, AND being a student.  I certainly didn't have the time for being healthy!

After I started classes and got used to how busy I was, I just found more excuses.  The holidays, upcoming events, other people.  For three and a half years I waited for the "perfect conditions" and instead just made excuses, until yesterday.

Starting Challenge Erie just marked another milestone in my journey.  Although I have been working out with Team Adrenaline for a couple weeks now, starting the challenge is giving me the perfect change to focus on more than just exercise....I get to focus on me.  (And I can assure you, the conditions now are less than perfect!)

To kick it off, we spent the morning at a ropes course.  It was a fantastic way to get to know all of the other people involved.  Here I was, flying down a zipline, being caught by people I barely new.  Although normally being in that close of proximity with strangers would make me nervous, I knew everyone else was going through the same thing.  I could be comfortable, and nobody would judge.

After looking through the binder of information we were given for the Challenge, my first step was to choose what type of nutrition plan I was going to follow.  I wouldn't say that I've ever eatten "bad,"  I'm just not the healthiest all the time.  With that in mind, I decided to go for it and eliminate sugar from my diet.  Anyone who knows me, knows that this is going to be a HUGE challenge for me.  Still, I figured that this was my opportunity to make a big change and have the support and encouragement needed to do it.  Even if I failed, I could still say I tried.

So Day 1 and no sugar, I began to think I was crazy.  Still, as I write this at the end of Day 2, I'm surprised.  I haven't melted, gone into shock, or turned into dust.   Is it easy?  Absolutely not!  Especially when your husband lovingly eats cotton candy the whole way home from the grocery store.  Are the conditions perfect for me to succeed?  No, they are no different than yesterday, but now I have the motivation to change what I need to and make them perfect.  I figure any change worth making isn't easy at first.  I'll keep you updated with how this goes!  If you have any suggestions on what to eat, they'd be greatly appreciated! 

Adventure #7: Finishing the sign

Bob Dylan once said "Behind every beautiful thing, there's some kind of pain."  This weekend's adventure really helped to show me how true that really was.

This weekend's run was the last run in the series of wine runs organized by a friend of mine.  I missed the first two, but have been on the last few, and plan on completing the two missed runs within the next few weeks.  This week's run, the longest of all, was daunting.  According to the sign, it was to be 10.8 miles, we had already learned that sign had a tendency to be a bit off, so I knew it would be over 11.  Up until this point, my longest run was last week at about 10.3 miles.

We couldn't have asked for better weather.  It was gorgeous!  Sunny, a slight wind (which felt like 30 mph gusts by the end), and warm enough that people were comfortable in tank tops, but not sweltering.  I was also pretty excited because the more I have gotten to know the people that I was running with, the more I liked them.  All signs were pointing to a great run.

As we got started, I was surprised at how good I felt.  Knowing it was going to be a long one, I decided to stay back from the leaders, and keep a slower but steady pace.  Reaching the first water stop, I was surprised at how good I was feeling!

Between the two water stops, there were about 5 or 6 miles.  It seemed like 100!  It was just one long, straight road, but luckily the girls around me kept up some great conversation.  By the time we hit the second water stop, I could feel my legs tightening up quite a bit and my feet were starting to get sore.

Stopping for water a second time was probably a mistake.  Once I stopped, I started to feel how sore I really was.  I'll definitely remember this for next time!  Once we left the second water stop is where things got tough for me.  I was heading into the unknown territory of 10+ miles, and my body was screaming at me, "What the heck are you doing!" 

Through all the discomfort and pain, the one thing that kept me going were the two wonderful ladies who stuck with me.  They were beyond fantastic, reminding me to breathe, providing positive words, and helping me to make it through the last push.  In fact, by the final 50 yards, I was sprinting as hard as I could!  The feeling of reaching that parking lot was unlike any that I had during the past wine runs.  I had just done something that I never imagined I could do.  I was tired, and quite sore, but also flooded with a feeling of accomplishment.

As we headed into the winery to taste, you could tell I wasn't the only one feeling a little discomfort.  As soon as you entered the winery, you went down a flight of stairs, which we all took very slowly and strategically.  The winery itself was gorgeous, making the run even more worth it!

In all, we ended up running 11.7 miles.  It was tough, but proved to me that the half marathon I signed up for in August is not far out of reach.  Along with an incredible sense of accomplishment, I also walked away with two bottles of wine and one of the coolest tan lines ever!  In the end, it was worth the bit of pain that came along with it.

Adventure #6: Running in the Rain

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."  This past week has truly tested my dancing limits, as I have encountered more and stronger storms.  Between issues with coworkers, trying to balance grad school on top of work and home, some unpleaseant medical news, getting ready for several big events in May, end of year hecticness at school, and trying to still be an attentive wife and mother, this week left me exhausted.  By the end of the week, I had to make time to sit back and recognize that a lot of things I could not change, and I needed to make the best of things.

Throughout the week, my Wine-Running friends had started chattering about the next winery up on the sign.  According to the sign, it was 10 miles, but I knew that avoiding major roads it would end up being longer.  My last wine run had claimed the prize of being my longest run at 8.8 miles.  Could I do 10 miles?  I figured the only way I would find out would be to try.  I knew that with such a great group of people surrounding me I was in the best possible scenario: either they would cheer me through it, or support me if I couldn't make it.  Plus, after the long week I had, I needed a good run.

Going into the run, we all knew the forcast wasn't fantastic, rain was headed our way.  I figured, it's time to "dance in the rain."  Sure enough, within the first few miles of our run, droplets started falling.  However, instead of focusing on the rain, I was focusing on the thrill of running and the awesome company.

What made this run even more fun was that at different points along the way we picked up people, some people left, and overall the run had a very relaxed feel.  I didn't feel any pressure to be first or run with the pack leaders.  I was free to run at a pace that was comfortable for me, and with every step a little more of my stress washed away (with the sweat that the rain also helped rinse away!).

Around mile 8 I started truly questioning what I was doing out there.  My feet were tired, my knees were aching a bit, and I had a killer cramp in my left shoulder.  Seriously, who gets a shoulder cramp from running?  This girl.  Still, I knew that one way or another, I had to keep going.  Luckily, it was just about that time that some great support came in a fellow wine-runner.  Conversation is a great "I wanna quit" killer.

As we turned the corner to head to the winery, "the home stretch," I tried to speed up, but found that I was pretty tapped out.  It seemed like I was chasing that building forever, but finally I was there. 

As I ran into the parking lot, the only thing on my mind was the fact that I had done something I never imagined I could do.  I no longer cared about the drama at work, the things that needed done, or any of the other worries that filled my head earlier in the day.  The run had helped to clear my head.  During the run I danced in the rain, and what's better is I didn't have to do it alone.

Camaraderie

I've never been one for groups.  Throughout my "younger years" and well into my adult years I've never been the socialite.  I have a handful of close friends, but don't stray much outside of that.  It isn't because I don't like people, I just have more of a "loner" type personality.  Making it even more prevalent, is the fact that Tim is the same way.

Panama Rocks - 2005

That being said, I have become aware of the power of people this week.  Before now, I've always kept my workouts to myself.  I'm not a very "pretty" person when it comes to working out and I figure the blotchy face, frizzy hair, and sweat should be kept to myself.  Even branching out to a gym was a huge step for me.  Well that world got turned upside down this week when I attended Team Adrenaline workouts.

I will admit, I'm not one for new experiences.  It's something I've been trying to work on, but is still something that makes me feel uncomfortable.  Having already tried a workout before (I'll never look at bleachers the same way again), I had a feeling of what to expect but still walked into this week a bit nervous.



Next thing I know, I've got someone behind me telling me to keep going and that I can do it.  I don't know who it was, and doubt they even knew my name.  But in that moment, I realized the power of having a great group of people around you.  It's contagious, that type of feeling, as soon I felt the need to motivate others as well.  I can honestly say that after experiencing that, I'm not sure working out alone is the better option.

The power of people was again apparent this week as my blog approached 1000 views.  For me, this was a small milestone.  When I first started this, it was more to get my experiences out there.  I highly doubted people would actually read it.  Reaching that many people was shocking to me.  When I realized I was within 13, I reached out to those I was aquainted with and asked for support.  The response I got was overwhelming.  Within 10 hours, I got well over 100 views, skyrocketing my count to 1110 views!  I want to thank those that helped me out.  True, there is no prize for getting people to read your stuff, but the feeling that so many people to time out of their busy lives to help me out is amazing.

This week helped me realize that there are wonderful people all around me.  People who do not judge, who accept me for who I am, and who want me to succeed.  It makes me want to do the same for others.  Knowing that I have such wonderful people around, makes me even more excited for what is to come.

Running for Boston

Like most people, I was horrified to hear about the bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday.  As a runner, it hit even closer to home.  As I've gotten more involved with running, the one thing that has always kept me going is the sense of camaraderie you have with other runners.  Whether you are running one mile, or 26.2 miles, we are all out there for the same reason.  To see an event that is seen as such as accomplishment attacked in such a way impacted me deeply.

The one thing that stood out to me was how instead of running away, people ran into the unknown to help those in need.  It was if that sense of camaraderie carried over, and amid such a terrible tragedy people were going out of there way to help others.  I'm sure by now you've seen or heard about runners heading to the nearest hospital to donate blood, strangers carrying people to safety, and the extreme outpouring of thoughts and prayers.  During such a sad event, it gave me hope. 

So often we hear about the bad that is around us.  Shootings, bombings, fraud, we are surrounded with negativity.  Yet, things around us are not as bad as they may seem.  There is good in this world, as evidenced by Monday's tragedy.  It is so easy to dwell on the terrible nature of the events surrounding the Boston Marathon and other tragedies like it.  Although I admit, it hurts my heart to hear of such evil, I am warmed again by the good that it brings out in people. 

Today, a good friend decided to start her journey in running.  For the first time, she hit the pavement with me there to support her.  We didn't go far, but we were there for each other.  I couldn't help but think that today we were doing so much more than running for ourselves.  We ran today to keep the spirit alive, we ran for Boston. 

As I was thinking this I happened to look down and notice that my attire was quite appropriate for the occassion.  Given to me by a friend, I was happy to represent the 26.2.  In honor of those impacted by Monday's tragedy, I'm planning on running my own 26.2.  It may take me a few days, but I'll do it with thoughts of those who were injured or killed in the bombing.  I ask that if you are able, join me, and help keep that spirit of camaraderie alive.

Adventure #5: A Sunday "Stroll"

Have no fear my friends, I have not fallen off the planet.  I know its been a while since my last post, but it has been one crazy week!  On top of adjusting to a new student teacher, I also had PSSAs to proctor.  Normally, proctoring a test doesn't sound stressful, but my life is not "normal" therefore making this week one of the most stressful I have had in a while.  Needless to say, my students don't take well to testing, and so I spend a lot of my time being the cheerleader and reminding them that they can do it.  It stresses me out to see them so down and frustrated, and knowing that there isn't anything I can do to make it better except offer words of encouragement.  

After this week of stress, it was nice to get out and enjoy a Sunday run with one of my favorite groups of people!  This weeks run decided to explore what the city had to offer.  Previous to this, I've only run through the "country" roads, so I was excited for a change of scenery.

Starting up at the college, we followed the path down through the city and to the bay front.  Instead of dogs and grapes, we were encountered with a whole new world of scenery.  This time, we encountered lots of trucks, traffic lights, random guys with pink underwear, and a lot of dead fish.  The path was nice, and was mostly downhill.  Several intersections provided "mini-breaks" while we waited for the light to change.

Once we got down to the Bayfront, we decided to take a short detour down to the dock.  There we encountered the biggest bubbles I've ever seen!  It was quite interesting to watch this man use simple materials to make some pretty awesome bubbles.  I could've stayed at watched for quite a while, but we continued one.

At this point we had two choices, run back up to the main road, or take the skybridge.  We decided the skybridge seemed like the more appealing idea, and we were on our way.

Through the main doors of the Sheraton.

Up the stairs (we were focusing on fitness, seemed like the best choice).  

Until we realized that the door was locked at the top.  So a few of us went back down the stairs and took the elevator back up.

To let everyone else through the locked door.

Then it was through the skybridge, down the stairs and back out to the main road.  It made for yet another interesting detour.

From there it was just a short run to where the car was parked.  Running along the bay is normally quite pleasant, but because of the large fish kill this year it was a little stinky.

In all we ran about 8 miles, and I was surprised that after my week of non-exercise I did as well as I did.  I will say that I would not have done as well if it weren't for the great company that helped keep me motivated.

As I got home, I will admit that soreness was beginning to set in.  Plus, the new shoes were showing me no love.

As I soaked in my tub, I recognized just how fortunate I am to have such wonderful people around me.  I want to thank all of them for the great time today, it helped to make a kind-of yucky week so much better!

Adventure #4: A Simple Saturday Morning Bleacher Run

So far on this journey, I've had some pretty awesome adventures.  Starting with getting my gym membership (a huge accomplishment for me), and going into the Wine Run and the St. Patty's Day 5k, I've started to look forward to challenging myself in new and exciting ways.  So, when a friend of mine suggested that I try a workout with Team Adrenaline (a group she has been working with for a while that focuses on outdoor, organic fitness), I figured why not.  It was after my rough leg workout that I got worried.  After Wednesday's workout, I could barely walk let alone work out with a new group of people.   I tried to back out, she didn't buy it.  

So here I was this morning, 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday, crawling out of bed and putting on my workout clothes.  Now anyone who knows me knows that I greatly value my sleep.  It is one of my most favorite activities and I don't give it up for just any reason.  As I stared out the window at the sun coming up, I started to think I had gone crazy.

Reluctantly I rolled out of bed and got dressed, only to find I was out of Stevia, so I couldn't have my morning cup of chai.  Looking out the window, the frost on the ground was also not a welcome sight!  

Still, I climbed in the car and was on my way.  Along the way to the highschool a fox ran across the road in front of me.  I thought it odd, and so I looked it up later.  Apparently, a fox crossing your path is a sign of good luck, things were looking up!

Luckily, I got to the highschool at the same time as my friend; which is fortunate since I don't do well in new situations with new people.  Once I was introduced to everyone, I felt right at home.  These people were great!  Everyone was very welcoming.  I was told that the whole point of the workouts was to do what you can, not necessarily keep up and do what everyone else was doing.  I started to feel like this was going to be a good morning.  

After a quick warmup we got down to business.  The workout started with intervals of push ups and mountain climbers and then moved into some lower body work.  The workout's theme was "T&A" and it was definitely fitting the bill!  It was then that we moved up to the bleachers.  

Not my 'A'

Staring up at the bleachers, I will admit I was intimidated.  Good ol' jellylegs started creeping back.  Not because of overuse, but because I really didn't know if I could do it.  I will admit, it was tough.  There were several times running up and down those steps today I thought I couldn't keep going, but I did.  The atmosphere surrounding that workout was so positive, I had to keep going.  The sense of accomplishment at the end definitely was worth it!

After what seemed like 100 times up and down the bleachers (it wasn't that many but sure felt like it!)  there was just enough time for some triceps work and wall sits.  It was amazing to me how even though we were all tired and hurting, we were all smiling.

Needless to say, I'll definitely be going back to Team Adrenaline.  As part of Challenge Erie, it definitely makes me look forward to the summer!

Thanks to my friend for providing the documentation so that people can't say I made it up!

To the Guy Running Next to Me...

I like to think of myself as a pretty patient and tolerant person.  My chosen profession requires these qualities on an hourly basis.  However, there are certain things that bother me to the point where I lose all sense of patience and tolerance.  I'm finding the more I go to the gym, the more of these things I discover.

Today was no exception.  I went to the gym early, since I wasn't going to be able to go later like normal.  There were a good amount of people in there, which I don't prefer but it was tolerable.  I hopped on my treadmill, got my music going (it was working today :) ), set my timer for 45 minutes and I was off. 

Within ten minutes of me starting my workout a gentleman, a little older than myself, took the treadmill next to me.  First off, there are 8 treadmills, 7 of which were open.  Why he chose the treadmill directly next to me is beyond me.  It kinda reminded me of that see from Harold and Kumar where the guy pees on the same bush as another guy.  I am assuming he wanted to watch a particular TV, or he was planning on driving me nuts.



The second thing that bothered me about this gentleman was that fact that you could smell him before you saw him.  Within seconds of him entering the gym, the whole place was filled with his nauseating AXE-induced stench to the point that you could taste it.  Having this amount of fragrance eminating from the person next to me made it very hard to breathe.  **Bri's Gym Tip #1 - Don't douse yourself in fragrance before you go to the gym, suffocating those around you helps no one.

Once he got going, I noticed that he was watching me in the mirror, creepy!  Then, he started to copy my moves.  I bumped up my speed, he bumped up his; I slowed down, so did he.  It was to the point that he was matching me, step for step.  This was making me incredibly uncomfortable.  **Bri's Gym Tip #2 - Keep your eyes straight ahead, staring at someone through the mirror is just as creepy as straight on.

Luckily, by the time I could no longer stand it I got to start my cool down. I was quite surprised when he did not start his at the same time.  I saw this as the time to make my escape.  I finished up, switched into my boots and headed home, with the taste of AXE still in my mouth as a reminder of my "treatmill friend" (as Tim referred to him). 

I normally try to keep to myself at the gym, but that's hard to do when people are purposely seeking you out!  Has something similar ever happened to you?