2013

With the New Year always comes renewal and hope. There is a clean slate, the chance to start over and begin again. I have been reading about everyone’s various commitments over the last few days filled with intent and promise.

As we all know, the majority of these won’t end up fulfilled. Rather, they will be on 2014′s list all over again. As we kick off the New Year, I encourage you to forget the resolution mentality and instead try to think of a few small things you would like to try or start this year. From walking more to giving up soda. Joining a book club or trying to bake something from scratch. Going to see a play, skydive or take a vacation with a good friend. Having lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a long time. Sledding with your kids.

I think if you live your life without “resolutions” but instead focus on “living” and “trying new experiences”, it becomes so much more enjoyable, doable and exciting. Once you start getting outside of your comfort zone, you’ll be shocked to find that you put fewer limits on yourself.

I am all about new experiences and broadening my horizons. This year, one of my plans is to get to Trinidad to see my family and to walk around the neighborhood where my mom grew up. I also want to help redecorate and organize my mom’s house for her. I would love to jump out of a plane and to try more wines. I want to read a few great books and run a few more races. I also want to add more weight training to my life.

I probably won’t get to all of these but I plan on enjoying 2013 trying. Happy New Year to you all. What’s on your list?

 

Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon RECAP

Yesterday was my first Half Marathon. If you recall, I decided one day to train for my first 5K before my 40th birthday. Running was NOT something I ever did. EVER. At the time, I had a 3 and 6 year old. I worked full time. I was just getting into the swing of things juggling those boys and my life. I never, ever thought that one day I would be running a 1/2 marathon.

Well, this year, I started running with Black Girls Run, my running group. These women were so much fun. They were encouraging. They pushed me to keep going further. I went from 1 mile to 3 miles. From 3 miles to 5 miles. One day, I ran 7. Then, they signed me up for my first ten mile race. I conquered the Broad Street Run. I started training with a crew of ladies who were training for their first half marathons. Team 13.1 is what we started calling ourselves after the number of miles in the race.

Every morning at 5am, we trained hard. Some mornings, we ran hills. Some mornings we did boot camp. Some mornings, we did speed intervals. Once a week, we ran a long run. We did this for about 12 weeks. Finally, two weeks ago, one of the ladies asked me if I was running the 1/2 marathon with them. To tell the truth, I was scared that I couldn’t do it. It just sounded so crazy. In my head….I DON’T RUN HALF MARATHONS.

Finally, I realized the deadline had passed for me to register without paying a gazillion dollars. One of the teammates, pulled out of the event due to injury and I ended up with her race bib. Suddenly, I felt like the universe was conspiring to propel me to run this race. I drank the Kool Aid and got ready.

Saturday night, my stomach was killing me. I was so anxious. I think I got four hours of sleep.

I woke up on Sunday morning and started getting ready. When I got there, I found my training crew. We were all anxious but we had run the distance once before. We hugged each other and encouraged each other.

PRE-RACE laughs with my training crew….

During the race, we talked and felt good. We passed miles and enjoyed the race waving to friends and family all the way. We saw an elderly gentleman running in a POW-MIA shirt while holding an American flag on a long flagpole. It brought tears to my eyes. Around mile 7, one of my co-workers who had been reclaiming his health ran up and hugged me. He was running his first race too. We high fived and joked that we would see each other on the finish line.

Our running team had cheerleaders at every mile marker. They were awesome. They had signs and cheered for us by name. They were so uplifting. I cruised into mile ten feeling good.

THE BEST PEP SQUAD EVER!

Right around mile 10-all smiles

At mile 11 1/2, my body started to hit the wall. My breathing was not labored thanks to all of my swimming and endurance training. For an asthmatic, I used to worry about gasping for air but I have great breath control now. However, my legs were starting to feel it. My body started talking to me.

My knees said “Look here. Didn’t we have a talk not too long ago? Didn’t I tell you to sit your old azz down and rest? Why do you have me out here doing this?”

All of a sudden, I looked over and saw one of our coaches. This woman. WHEW. She was not running today but she knew that on training runs, we had all started to struggle at the end. She positioned herself right at that mile 11.5 marker and what did she yell out to us? “There you guys are. I have been waiting specifically for you.” Then she ran into the street and started yelling (with love) MOVE IT LADIES, THIS IS THE HOMESTRETCH. YOU ARE 2 MILES AWAY. LET”S GO! She then started to run next to us and push us. I told her I had to go slow at this point cause my legs were shot. She told me to “stop making excuses and keep moving.” LOL…gotta love it.

She ran the remaining two miles in with us before turning back to go run in with more of our team. BGR had almost 60 runners in the race. Amazing. She helped run in most of us. What an angel.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE WITH OUR COACH NEXT TO US (she is on the right with no race bib on)

What was great was that we stayed next to each other for the entire race. We all finished within seconds of each other. Here we are right after we all received our post race medals. Minutes after finishing.

POST RACE PHOTO

I really did it. It is now starting to sink in.

It was a great experience. On a personal note, I also got to compete and train for all these weeks with my sorority sisters. We love each other and pushed, coached and held each other up. We all purchased special shirts to commemorate our 13.1 miles. To find them in pink and green was perfect. We showed up to our post race brunch rocking our AKA pearls and our shirts.

TEAM AKA/TEAM 13.1

Yup, Thirteen point freaking one…your girl is a RUNNER.

God Bless America

There are horrific tragedies that occur daily, all over the world. So much is on the news sometimes, we become numb to it. In America, we walk around with freedom, relative safety and comforts. Let’s face it, we are often times far removed from the daily struggles plaguing our Global neighbors. This is, after all, the greatest country in the world.

On September 11th, we were delivered a wake up call. Terrorists attacked our country on our soil. The unthinkable happened and it happened in my hometown city.

This day is always a solemn one for me. I wake up feeling the loss. The city that I grew up in and love dearly, was attacked. Our beautiful skyline, forever changed. One of my hotels, built at the bottom of the towers was destroyed when the towers collapsed killing several of my coworkers. The images of people jumping out of the tower windows as we watched helplessly, forever burned into my mind. The brave heroes on that plane. The cry of “Let’s Roll”. The Pentagon.

On that day, while I was devastated like most of you, I was also filled with so much pride. The brave citizens of New York, my city, showed what we are made of. We rose to the occasion (as did America) and showed why we are so great. We helped each other. We united.

God only knows what the future has in store for all of us. We should rise to be great every day because it’s the right thing to do, not only when tragedy strikes.

Today, I hope you will remember all of our fallen and their families. I hope you will also remember how we helped each other, the selfless bravery of so many individuals. What makes us all great.

God Bless America…..the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Thirteen Point Freaking One Plus!

I have been running with Black Girls Run for a full year now. When I started, I could comfortably run 3 miles. I never had a desire to push myself to do more. Hell, I was training for a triathlon and my distance in the race portion was 3 miles. Why run any further than that? Who actually LIKES running?

Well, since running with BGR, something has happened to me. I have allowed myself to make friends with actual runners. Cool right? Well, not really. See what happens is they start to push you. They encourage you to go further. You start to drink the Kool-Aid and lo and behold…I found myself going from running 3 miles to completing ten miles this past May in the Broad Street Run here in Philadelphia.

Today, one of our team members decided to host a 1/2 marathon in honor of her daughter who is leaving to attend college. Yes, both mother and daughter run. How fab is that? Well, I have had it in my mind that I want to run in the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon coming up in Philly. I have been following a training schedule but have kept it quiet. See, I hate failure and I am uber competitive. I have been so scared of the distance. 13.1 miles. *sigh*

Well, I had a 10 mile run scheduled for today but got dragged into doing  decided to join in on the 1/2 marathon. Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I was up at 4am just laying there. I was sweaty and anxious. Even though it wasn’t a real race, I was concerned because my pace partners are REAL RUNNERS. I kept hoping I could keep up without falling behind. I laced up my sneakers, ate a peanut butter on wheat and headed out the door.

When I got there, everyone was so excited. The ladies warmed up with some stretches and calisthenics. As we broke off into groups, my stomach was doing flip flops. Everyone was geeked. Me? Not so much. I laced up. Took a few deep breaths and said a silent prayer. “I Can Do ALL THINGS through Christ, Who Strengthens Me.” It was time to go.

Not only did I manage to keep up, at certain points, I was the rabbit and helped set the pace for the group. At one point, they told me to slow down. LOL

Today, I did something I NEVER thought I could do. I completed my first half marathon distance. Not only did I run 13.1 miles…I finished at 13.47 miles.

I called one of my fellow tridivas and she made me smile. She reminded me that I couldn’t swim and I conquered that. I was not a runner and now, I can do a half marathon.

When I look back on how far I have come in such a short time, I am amazed at myself. However, I know I have succeeded because I worked hard, I stayed focused, I believed in myself and I had the support of my family and my fellow athletes. Who knows what new challenges lie in wait for me? I am excited to tackle them all.

I don’t do these things for any other reason than the fact that I wanted to reclaim my health and set an example for my children. There is no quick fix, it starts with baby steps. From drowning to swimming. From walking to running. Believe that you can because it’s true.

13.47 miles later and look at me…..I am ready for that next race because I too, am a REAL RUNNER.

Stuff You Find at Tarjay

So I went on a random trip to Tarjay and found a few items that I felt the need to share. I am starting my new weekly feature…STUFF YOU FIND AT TARJAY.

First up, we have these. EXHIBIT A:

What are these you may ask? SKINNY JEANS FOR BOYS…IN COLORS. Uh yeah, I blame Lil Wayne for this. Perhaps this is the hot look for your 8 year old, for me? Yeah, I am having 80′s flashbacks and just can’t with these. I don’t get men or boys in skinny stretch jeans. *sigh* I feel so old.

EXHIBIT B

Hmm….did you know there is a FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY MAGAZINE????? I swear I stopped dead in my tracks and bust out laughing. Now, I read all of the books and despite the terrible writing, enjoyed them immensely. I say power to the housewives having some mommy stimulation. However, a national magazine? Let’s look at the topics covered this month shall we? Release Your Inner Goddess? S*E*X whisperer? Men, were you aware that 93% of your women want to spice up their lives with role play?? Whew, maybe the men should be reading this stuff?

Since I live around the corner from Tarjay…expect to see more in the weeks to come. I love this stuff.

Only me.

Our widowed neighbor is away on a church retreat. Mr. 1969, is the best neighbor on the block (unless you are the Wu Tang house) so, of course, he volunteered to take care/feed her pets while she is away.

This morning, as I sit here and work on my computer banging out a report, Mr. 1969 calls me from his office “Babe, can you go feed the pets next door? I forgot.” They have a cat and a guinea pig. I can’t remember if I shared this but the last time I went over to feed her cat earlier in the summer, the cat escaped and I had to wait 30 minutes to track down and touch an animal that causes me to sneeze profusely.

I grabbed her keys and took the boys with me and headed over there. She has an alarm system on the house and a small key fob for it that looks like a remote control for a car. One of the buttons looks like a man going through a door. I clicked on it and entered the house.

One minute later, I hear the alarm saying INTRUDER, FRONT DOOR MOTION DETECTED and then the ear shattering alarm kicks in. *sigh* The phone rings and I pick it up and calmly let them know that I am here to feed the pets. They, of course, can’t track the neighbor down. They managed to shut off the alarm but had to call the police out to verify my story.

Two handsome members of Philly’s Finest rolled up, verified my photo id, checked the house and then started laughing at me. I told them it was Mr. 1969′s fault. They agreed and wrote out a nice little “faux” citation for me to give him.

How has YOUR morning been?

The Randomness

Today I rode the bus with Tali 1 to teach him his future route to school. He paid attention going and was able to show me how to return all by himself. That boy is going to do just fine. (I will be getting the phone!)

I purchased a vegan Mandarin Chick’n (no meat meals) from Whole Foods at the recommendation of a few friends. Can I tell you how tasty this is? I was so prepared not to like it but it is quite delicious. Give vegan a try people!!!

As a nerd, the other day when CNN ran the news story about the unmanned craft that crashed during test exercises in the desert….uh yeah, I firmly believe an alien ship crashed and they were covering up. You can’t convince me otherwise.

I LOVE back to school shopping especially selecting supplies, pencil cases and new clothes. I always loved it as a kid. Too bad my own kids don’t share my enthusiasm.

I am running in a 5K in a few weeks to benefit colon cancer. The catch. I have to run in underwear. I plan on wearing Wonder Woman underoos.

My friend was on an elevator with an ELDERLY gentleman and his phone rang and the ringtone was Candy by Cameo. LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love him.

I just purchased two new pair of jeans because *drumroll* all my jeans were TOO BIG FOR ME.

Tali 2 is still feisty. Some things will never change.

 

 

Juggling Act

Since the Tali’s spent most of the summer in Trinidad and summer camps in Philly close either this week or next, we were left with a three week gap of time where I have to both work from home and entertain the boys. I can’t lie, it hasn’t been easy. Mr. 1969 has done a great job of working from home 1/2 days to assist me in getting out to all of my scheduled sales calls.

I also have a great network of fellow parents who (on a day like today where I have an important meeting from noon to 2pm) will take my boys for a few hours so I can get my corporate America on. I am enjoying having them home and the break from them has made me appreciate them all the more. I guess I realized how fast they are growing up and I value being around them a little bit more.

Speaking of time flying, yesterday was our 12th anniversary! On Friday, I woke up with a bad sore throat but I was scheduled for my long run. I shook it off and hit the pavement with my BGR teammates and completed 9 miles. I came home and started feeling progressively worse. My head started hurting, I got a fever, runny nose…I had a dreaded summer cold. I collapsed around 7pm and hit the bed. Saturday morning, Mr. 1969 took the boys out and stayed out so I could sleep. I needed to feel better because we were supposed to attend a Black and White themed party that evening.

When I finally woke up, it was 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I took a shower, ate something and tried my best to get my game face on. Once the medicine hit my system, I felt so much better. We dropped the boys off at their friend’s house and off we went. We had a great sushi dinner at POD and headed off to the Aquarium. The venue was great. We took a picture in our Black and White attire in front of the sharks (who looked hungry and agitated!)

Yes, I drank one glass of wine with cold medicine. I think it made me feel better. However, please note that I am not a Doctor and I don’t play one on TV. The guest DJ was the world famous Biz Markie. Now there are few things I love more than old school music. I was standing on the sidelines, getting my two step on as the old school disco classics played.  However, when Biz gets on the mic, I start hearing the strains of Big Daddy Kane and he asks the famous party question “WHERE BROOKLYN AT?”…..I swear the cold medicine and wine combo took over.

The Philly/NJ folks had to move back cause Brooklyn had to break down the wop for them when I heard “I came in the door, I said it before….” and from there it was a plethora of dance challenges which culminated in me doing the Pee Wee Herman to Joe Ski Love (Yeah…Google that one kids.)

Needless to say, it was a crazy night full of fun and I am so glad I made it to the party. Our lives together have always centered around us making each other laugh. Nothing has changed in the last 12 years. We are still crazy. LOL

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Growing Pains

Tali 1 made it into the new school (I am still celebrating) and now comes a major life change. He is going to have to start taking THE REGULAR CITY BUS to school. Matter of fact, he needs to take two buses. One bus, then transfer to the 2nd bus.

Back in Brooklyn, I took two buses to school ever since the 3rd grade. In high school, I took the subway by myself. So ask me why the thought of my 5th grade son riding the bus alone is filling me with terror?

Today (after work) my plan is to ride the route with him so he can learn it. With this bus riding comes so many other thoughts…for example, does he need a phone?

This is a point of contention in our house. Mr. 1969 is anti phone and I am pro phone. I think a phone is necessary so if anything happens with his public transportation, he can call us. Mr. 1969 keeps asking me “Did you have a phone when you rode the bus in New York?” *sigh*

I say my baby needs at least a little cricket phone. When I rode the bus, we had payphones everywhere and I always had my dime (shut up, I’m old and it was a dime before it became a quarter!).  There are no payphones anymore. What if something happens?

Has anyone dealt with this issue with their child? Weigh in. Pro phone or Anti Phone for a ten year old.

 

Yes, I can

When I started wanting to run a 5K, I could barely run two blocks. I had asthma and more than 20 pounds on me that I could stand to lose after having my two sons. I was 38 years old and I wrote on this blog that my goal was to run a 5k race (3 miles) before I turned 40. I ended up running that 5K (and it was not easy) that same year. Since that day, I have completed numerous 5K races. I have completed an 8 mile race, a 10 mile race and two triathlons. I started here:

and am currently here…

Now I only had 20 pounds to lose and I know so many people have more than that as a goal. Losing weight is daunting. I do not profess to be any type of expert on the subject but I can share a few key things I have learned for myself.

1) You have to burn more calories than you take in. PERIOD. EVERY SINGLE DAY.

2) Excuses get you nowhere. Before you come up with a million reasons why you can’t wake up and go work out, just get up and LEAVE YOUR HOUSE. You will feel awesome once you do it.

3) Find friends who have similar goals. I started running with Black Girls Run here in Philly. They have groups of women running every day. There are no more excuses. I can always find someone to run or walk with me. 85% of the group is made up of walkers. All shapes, all sizes. Walkers turn into woggers (walk/jog combo). Woggers turn into joggers. Joggers turn into runners. The big thing is, you have to START somewhere. Just start by walking.

4) Track your calories. It is eye opening. I used my fitness pal. I downloaded the app on my phone and I tracked everything I ate. I have learned to make every calorie count and to not waste my calories on junk. If I want a beloved donut…I can only have them on a day I run or swim. FYI, It takes a 30 minute swim or run to burn off that one donut. Guess who thinks twice about donuts now?

5) I used to think I could eat whatever I wanted because I worked out. Uh….NO. Do not eat all the calories back and undo everything you did at the gym. As I learned…ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN, NOT THE GYM.

6) Lastly, There are everyday people on a fitness journey all around you. Someone around you has lost weight, is taking Zumba, started running, is learning to swim, just got the Insanity DVD, is looking for a walking buddy. Instead of looking for someone to hit up happy hour with you, approach someone you know who is doing something active and ask if you can go too. I have tried so many new activities in the last year that I never thought I would ever do. While I didn’t love all of them, I have embraced the experience. It’s great to challenge yourself. I finally stopped thinking “I can’t do that.” I have learned that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to if I work hard and believe in myself.

I saw this commercial on TV last night and it really moved me because everyone has it in them. Everyone. Don’t be afraid to start your own journey.